JP6574603B2 - 3D modeling equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, and more particularly to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that produces a three-dimensional modeled object using powder as a raw material.

  Conventionally, as a method for producing a three-dimensional structure, a powder fixed lamination method (binder jetting method) for producing a three-dimensional structure using powders such as gypsum powder (gypsum powder) and resin powder (resin powder) as raw materials. It has been known.

  The three-dimensional modeling apparatus based on this powder fixed lamination method is to spray a binder, which is a liquid binder, from an inkjet head onto various powders, and solidify the powder one by one to produce a three-dimensional modeled object.

  More specifically, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus using the powder fixed lamination method, first, a powder material is spread in a modeling tank for modeling a three-dimensional modeled object to form a powder layer having a predetermined thickness.

  Next, based on the image data of the cross-sectional shape of the three-dimensional structure, a binder that cures the powder material is discharged from the discharge head (inkjet head) to the powder layer, and the powder layer is based on the image data. A cross-sectional shape is formed.

  Thereafter, a new powder layer having a predetermined thickness is formed on the powder layer on which the cross-sectional shape has been formed, and the powder layer is formed from the discharge head based on image data representing the next cross-sectional shape of the formed cross-sectional shape. A binder is discharged, and a cross-sectional shape based on the image data is formed on the new powder layer.

  Then, such a process is repeatedly performed to sequentially form cross-sectional shapes based on image data representing all cross-sectional shapes, thereby producing a three-dimensional structure.

  Here, as a three-dimensional modeling apparatus using the above-described powder fixed lamination method, conventionally, two types of three-dimensional modeling apparatuses as shown below are known.

  That is, the first type three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 is arranged to extend along the Y-axis direction in the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, for example, as shown in FIG. A discharge head 104 that can reciprocate in the Y-axis direction on the fixed Y-rail 102, and an X-rail 106 that is extended on the base 101 along the X-axis direction in the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. A modeling tank 108 that can reciprocate in the X-axis direction and whose bottom surface can be moved up and down in the Z-axis direction, and a bottom surface that is disposed adjacent to the modeling tank 108 so as to reciprocate in the X-axis direction on the X rail 106. Modeled from the storage tank 110 supported by a storage tank 110 that can move up and down in the Z-axis direction and stores a powder material to be supplied to the modeling tank 108 and a pair of roller support portions 111 that are formed on the base 101. Tank The powder material supplied to the molding tank 108 supplies 08 to the powder material laid in the molding tank 108 is configured to have a roller 112 to form a powder layer of a predetermined thickness.

  In addition, as for the positional relationship between the modeling tank 108 and the storage tank 110, the modeling tank 108 is arranged on the rear side in the X-axis direction with respect to the storage tank 110.

  In the above-described configuration, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100, the bottom surface is raised while the powder material is stored in the storage tank 110 from the initial state shown in FIG. The powder material is raised by a predetermined amount.

  Next, the storage tank 110 and the modeling tank 108 disposed on the X rail 106 are integrally moved from the rear side to the front side in the X-axis direction, so that the roller 112 relatively moves on the storage tank 110 in the X direction. A predetermined amount of the powder material raised from the storage tank 110 is supplied to the modeling tank 108 by moving from the front side in the axial direction to the rear side.

  Further, the storage tank 110 and the modeling tank 108 disposed on the X rail 106 are integrally moved from the rear side to the front side in the X axis direction, so that the roller 112 relatively moves on the modeling tank 108 in the X axis. The powder material supplied to the modeling tank 108 is spread in the modeling tank 108 to form a powder layer having a predetermined thickness. At this time, the bottom surface of the modeling tank 108 is controlled to rise to a preset position.

  After forming the powder layer in the modeling tank 108 as described above, the modeling tank 108 arranged on the X rail 106 is moved from the front side to the rear side in the X-axis direction, and a predetermined position below the discharge head 104 is set. Place at the position.

  Then, based on the image data of the cross-sectional shape of the three-dimensional structure, the modeling tank 108 arranged on the X rail 106 is moved from the front side to the rear side in the X axis direction and the ejection head 104 is moved in the Y axis direction. Meanwhile, a binder for curing the powder material is discharged from the discharge head 104 to the powder layer formed in the modeling tank 108. When the discharge of the binder is completed, the storage tank 110 and the modeling tank 108 disposed on the X rail 106 are moved from the rear side to the front side in the X-axis direction to return to the initial state shown in FIG.

  Thereby, a cross-sectional shape based on the image data is formed on the powder layer, this process is repeated, and a cross-sectional shape based on the image data representing all cross-sectional shapes is sequentially formed to produce a three-dimensional structure. .

  Note that, as in the first type 3D modeling apparatus described above, the 3D modeling apparatus in which the modeling tank moves in the X-axis direction and the discharge head moves in the Y-axis direction is generally moved back and forth on the modeling stage. It is called an expression.

  Next, a second type of three-dimensional modeling apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 2. In the present specification and drawings, the same or corresponding components are indicated by the same reference numerals, respectively. Detailed description of the operation is omitted as appropriate.

  The second type three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 is arranged to extend along the Y-axis direction in the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system and to be arranged to extend along the X-axis direction on the base portion 101. A Y rail 204 that is reciprocally movable in the X-axis direction on the rail 202 is provided, and a discharge head 104 is provided on the Y rail 204 so as to be reciprocally movable in the Y-axis direction. Thus, the third embodiment is different from the first type three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 in that the roller 112 is disposed at a position not overlapping the ejection head 104.

  In addition, the modeling tank 108 and the storage tank 110 are adjacently fixed to the base part 101 that is a fixed member, and the modeling tank 108 and the storage tank 110 move on the base part 101 in the X-axis direction. In addition, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 of the first type is different from the first-type three-dimensional modeling apparatus 100 in that the modeling tank 108 is disposed in front of the storage tank 110 in the X-axis direction.

  In the above-described configuration, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200, the bottom surface is raised while the powder material is stored in the storage tank 110 from the initial state shown in FIG. The powder material is raised by a predetermined amount.

  Next, by moving the Y rail 204 disposed on the X rail 202 from the rear side in the X axis direction to the front side, the roller 112 moves on the storage tank 110 from the rear side in the X axis direction to the front side. As a result, a predetermined amount of the powder material raised from the storage tank 110 is supplied to the modeling tank 108.

  Further, by moving the Y rail 204 arranged on the X rail 202 from the rear side in the X axis direction to the front side, the roller 112 moves on the modeling tank 108 from the rear side in the X axis direction to the front side. Thus, the powder material supplied to the modeling tank 108 is spread in the modeling tank 108 to form a powder layer having a predetermined thickness. At this time, the bottom surface of the modeling tank 108 is controlled to rise to a preset position.

  After the powder layer is formed in the modeling tank 108 as described above, the Y rail 204 arranged on the X rail 202 is moved in the X-axis direction, and the modeling tank 108 is placed at a predetermined position below the discharge head 104. To be placed.

  Then, based on the image data of the cross-sectional shape of the three-dimensional structure, while moving the Y rail 204 in the X-axis direction and moving the discharge head 104 in the Y-axis direction, the powder layer formed in the modeling tank 108 Then, a binder for curing the powder material is discharged from the discharge head 104. When the discharge of the binder is completed, the Y rail 204 is moved to the rear side in the X-axis direction to return to the initial state shown in FIG.

  Thereby, a cross-sectional shape based on the image data is formed on the powder layer, this process is repeated, and a cross-sectional shape based on the image data representing all cross-sectional shapes is sequentially formed to produce a three-dimensional structure. .

  In addition, the 3D modeling apparatus in which the discharge head moves relatively in the XY axis direction with respect to the modeling tank without moving the modeling tank, as in the above-described second type of 3D modeling apparatus, It is called a gantry type.

  By the way, in any of the conventional 3D modeling apparatuses described above, in order to check whether or not the nozzles of the ejection head are clogged and to align the ejection head, the powder layer formed in the modeling tank is used. On the other hand, a test pattern was formed by discharging a binder for curing the powder material from the discharge head. For this reason, various problems as described below have been pointed out.

  Problem 1: Since it is necessary to form a powder layer in a modeling tank in order to form a test pattern, an extra work time for forming the powder layer is required.

  Problem 2: Since the powder layer on which the test pattern is formed needs to be removed, the powder material for forming the test pattern is wasted.

  Problem 3: When it is desired to form a plurality of test patterns, the problem 1 and the problem 2 described above are repeated, so that the working time and waste of the powder material become significant.

  In view of the various problems described above, instead of forming a powder layer in the modeling tank, a paper for forming a test pattern made of paper separately in the modeling tank (in this specification, “paper for forming a test pattern” Is appropriately referred to as “test pattern forming paper”), and a method for forming a test pattern has also been proposed, but it is necessary to remove the powder material from the modeling tank and fix the test pattern forming paper. It was a new problem that took time.

  If the test pattern forming paper is placed on the flat powder layer as it is, the test pattern forming paper is floated and the risk of jamming the test pattern forming paper is increased, and the test pattern is formed from above the powder layer. There is a problem that the risk of the flatness of the powder layer being impaired when removing the forming paper is increased.

  In particular, when the liquid ejected from the ejection head is a transparent liquid such as a transparent binder (transparent binder) or transparent ink (transparent ink) that is not colored, a paper test pattern is formed. Even if the test pattern is ejected on the paper, the test pattern formed on the test pattern forming paper cannot be easily visually confirmed.

Further, in any of the above-described three-dimensional modeling apparatuses of the above-described type, during the production of a three-dimensional modeled object, when the nozzle is cleaned to eliminate clogging of the nozzle of the ejection head, the nozzle eyes There is no way to confirm whether or not clogging has been eliminated, and there has been a problem that actual modeling must be continued without confirming whether or not nozzle clogging has been eliminated.

  Note that the prior art that the applicant of the present application knows at the time of filing a patent application is not an invention related to a known literature invention, so there is no prior art document information to be described.

  The present invention has been made in view of the various problems of the conventional techniques as described above, and the object thereof is three-dimensional modeling without wasting working time and powder material. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus that can easily form a test pattern even during the production of an object, and can easily visually recognize the test pattern even when the test pattern is formed with a transparent liquid. Is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a dedicated test pattern forming unit for forming a test pattern at a position other than the modeling tank area, separately from the modeling tank. A display substrate is used as a test pattern forming sheet placed in the forming unit.

  Here, the above display substrate is known as one of functional special papers. For example, a colored layer is formed on a base substrate, and a concealing layer is formed on the colored layer. Configured.

  The display substrate can be visually recognized with the appearance of characters and pictures drawn by mediating a liquid such as water, but when the liquid such as water is dried, the characters and pictures that have been developed disappear and become invisible. .

  That is, in a display substrate configured by forming a colored layer on a base substrate and forming a concealing layer on the colored layer, fine concavities and convexities are formed on the surface of the concealing layer. If the liquid such as water is not attached, the light will be reflected and the color of the colored layer will not be visible, but if the liquid such as water is attached to the concealing layer, the light will be transmitted and the color of the colored layer will be visible. Is.

  Therefore, when a character or picture is drawn on the concealing layer with a liquid such as water, the drawn letter or picture can be visually recognized by the color of the colored layer.

  In addition, when liquid such as water adhering to the concealing layer dries, the light is reflected again, the color of the colored layer becomes invisible, and the drawn characters and pictures become invisible. When the liquid adheres, light is transmitted and the color of the colored layer can be visually recognized, and characters and pictures drawn on the concealing layer by a liquid such as water can be visually recognized by the color of the colored layer.

  For this reason, it is possible to repeatedly use the display substrate by repeatedly attaching a liquid such as water to the concealing layer of the display substrate and drying.

  Here, since most of the components of the transparent binder, which is a transparent liquid, are moisture, when the transparent binder adheres to the concealing layer of the display substrate, light is transmitted and the color of the colored layer can be visually recognized.

  Accordingly, when the test pattern is formed by discharging the transparent binder from the discharge head onto the concealing layer of the display substrate, the formed test pattern can be visually recognized by the color of the colored layer.

  And when the transparent binder adhering to the concealing layer is dried, the light is reflected again, the color of the colored layer becomes invisible and the formed test pattern becomes invisible.

  After that, when the transparent binder is again ejected from the ejection head onto the concealing layer of the display substrate to form a test pattern, the transparent binder adheres to the concealing layer so that light can be transmitted and the color of the colored layer can be visually recognized. Thus, the formed test pattern can be visually recognized by the color of the colored layer.

  In this way, it is possible to repeatedly use the display substrate by repeatedly attaching the transparent binder to the concealing layer of the display substrate and drying, and this point has been confirmed by the experiment of the present inventor. Yes.

  In addition, as such a display base material, what is marketed from Nippon Paper Papillia Co., Ltd. can be used, for example.

  That is, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present invention is a three-dimensional modeling that produces a three-dimensional structure by curing the powder material by discharging a binder from a discharge head to a powder layer made of a powder material formed in a modeling tank. In the apparatus, at least one test pattern forming portion for forming a test pattern is provided at a position other than the area of the modeling tank, and the test pattern forming paper disposed in at least one of the test pattern forming portions is a display substrate. The transparent liquid is discharged from the discharge head to the test pattern forming portion where the display base material is disposed, thereby forming a test pattern.

  In the 3D modeling apparatus according to the present invention, in the above-described 3D modeling apparatus, the modeling tank is arranged to be movable in a predetermined direction, and the test pattern forming unit moves integrally with the modeling tank. It is what I did.

  In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present invention, the modeling tank and the test pattern forming unit are arranged in a fixed system member in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus described above.

  Further, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present invention is the above-described three-dimensional modeling apparatus, wherein the test pattern forming unit includes a base unit having a flat upper surface and a predetermined gap from the base unit. And a media guide made of a plate-like body arranged on the part, wherein the media guide has a window part formed by cutting out a region excluding a region corresponding to the edge of the upper surface of the base part. And a test pattern forming sheet for forming a test pattern in the gap.

  In the 3D modeling apparatus according to the present invention, in the 3D modeling apparatus described above, the test pattern forming unit in which the display substrate is arranged as the test pattern forming sheet heats the display substrate on the platform. A Peltier element for cooling is provided.

  Further, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present invention is the above-described three-dimensional modeling apparatus, wherein the test pattern forming unit excluding the test pattern forming unit in which the display substrate is arranged as the test pattern forming paper is the test pattern forming unit. A medium excluding the display substrate is disposed as paper, and a test pattern is formed by discharging colored liquid from the ejection head to the test pattern forming portion where the medium excluding the display substrate is disposed. It is.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to easily form a test pattern without wasting work time and powder material, and even during production of a three-dimensional structure, Even when the test pattern is formed of a transparent liquid, the test pattern can be easily visually recognized.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration perspective view of a conventional three-dimensional modeling apparatus. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration perspective view of a conventional three-dimensional modeling apparatus. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration perspective view of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a perspective explanatory view showing a detailed configuration of the test pattern forming unit in the test pattern stage, and FIG. 4B is a display base in the transparent binder printing space in FIG. It is arrow A partial cross-section explanatory drawing which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the material. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration perspective view of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a modified example of a method for supplying a test pattern forming sheet to a test pattern forming unit.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration explanatory diagram of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  3 is different from the 3D modeling apparatus 100 in that the test pattern stage 12 is fixed to the right side surface 108a of the modeling tank 108. The 3D modeling apparatus 10 shown in FIG.

  The test pattern stage 12 includes a mounting portion 14 made of a plate-like body having an L-shaped cross section, and a test pattern forming portion 16 that forms a test pattern by discharging a binder using the discharge head 104.

  The mounting portion 14 has the other wall surface 14b of the plate-shaped body constituting the L-shape of the modeling tank 108 so that one wall surface 14a of the plate-shaped body constituting the L-shape is parallel to the XY plane. The right side surface 108a is fixed by a coupling means such as a bolt or an adhesive.

  The test pattern forming portion 16 is fixed on the wall surface 14a of the mounting portion 14, and the upper end portion of the test pattern forming portion 16 is designed to coincide with or substantially coincide with the upper end portion 108b of the modeling tank 108. The dimensions are set, and when the ejection head 104 is moved in the Y-axis direction and the binder is ejected, it is designed so as not to hinder the movement.

  The attachment part 14 may be any structure that can support the test pattern forming part 16 in the modeling tank 108 so that the upper end part of the test pattern forming part 16 matches or substantially matches the upper end part 108b of the modeling tank 108. FIG. It is not limited to the structure using the plate-shaped body which comprises L shape as shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10, apart from the modeling tank 108, a dedicated test pattern forming unit 16 for forming a test pattern at a position other than the area of the modeling tank 108 is provided.

  Here, FIG. 4A is a perspective explanatory view showing a detailed configuration of the test pattern forming section 16 in the test pattern stage 12, and FIG. 4B is a transparent view in FIG. 4A. A partial cross-sectional explanatory view taken along arrow A showing a state in which the display base material is arranged in the binder printing space is shown.

  The test pattern forming unit 16 includes a transparent binder printing space 30 for forming a test pattern with a transparent binder that is a transparent liquid, and a colored binder printing space for forming a test pattern with a colored binder that is a liquid colored in a desired color. 40 is connected.

  First, the transparent binder printing space 30 has a base portion 32 having a flat upper surface 32a, and a U-shaped cross-sectional plate disposed on the base portion 32 with a predetermined gap g1 from the base portion 32. It is comprised from the media guide 34 which consists of a shape body.

  In addition, the media guide 34 is formed by notching a region excluding a region corresponding to the edge of the upper surface 32a of the base portion 32 at both ends 34b bent to have a U-shaped cross section and an upper portion 34a connecting the ends 34c. A formed window 34d is provided.

  The media guide 34 has both ends 34b and 34c bent in a U-shaped cross section so that the upper surface 32a and the upper portion 34a of the base 32 are arranged with a predetermined gap g1. The side wall 32b and the side wall 32c are fixed to the base 32a.

  In the transparent binder printing space 30 of the test pattern forming unit 16, the display substrate 50 is inserted and arranged as a test pattern forming sheet from the gap g1 between the upper surface 32a and the upper portion 34a.

  Here, the size of the display substrate 50 as the test pattern forming paper described above may be the same as or substantially the same as the upper surface 32a of the base 32, or may be a long one.

  Since the display substrate 50 can be used repeatedly, even when a display substrate 50 having a size that matches or substantially matches the upper surface 32a of the base portion 32 is used, the display substrate 50 is formed each time a test pattern is formed on the display substrate 50 described later. There is no need to replace the material 50.

  However, when the long display substrate 50 is used, a new area of the display substrate 50 can be easily used when the display substrate 50 deteriorates due to use.

  Further, a Peltier element 36 for heating or cooling the display substrate 50 disposed in the gap g1 is disposed on the upper surface 32a of the base portion 32.

  Note that heating or cooling of the display substrate 50 by the Peltier element 36 is controlled by a microcomputer for operating the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10.

  Next, the colored binder printing space 40 has a base portion 42 having a flat upper surface 42a, and a U-shaped cross section disposed on the base portion 42 with a predetermined gap g2 from the base portion 42. It is comprised from the media guide 44 which consists of a plate-shaped body.

  In addition, the media guide 44 is formed by notching a region excluding a region corresponding to the edge of the upper surface 42a of the base portion 42 at both ends 44b bent in a U-shaped cross section and an upper portion 44a connecting the ends 44c. A formed window 44d is provided.

  The media guide 44 has both end portions 44b and end portions 44c bent in a U-shaped cross section so that the upper surface 42a and the upper portion 44a of the base portion 42 are disposed with a predetermined gap g2. These are fixed to both side wall portions 42b and side wall portions 42c of the base portion 42, respectively.

  In the colored binder printing space 40 of the test pattern forming section 16, various media (mediums) different from the display substrate 50 are used as test pattern forming paper between the gap g2 and the upper surface 42a and the upper portion 44a. It is inserted and arranged.

  Here, the size of the test pattern forming paper described above may be the same as or substantially the same as the upper surface 42a of the base 42, or may be a long one.

  When a test pattern forming paper having a size that coincides with or substantially coincides with the upper surface 42a of the base portion 42 is used, a process of replacing the test pattern forming paper every time a test pattern is formed on the test pattern forming paper described later is required. However, when a long test pattern forming paper is used, it is not necessary to replace the test pattern forming paper every time the test pattern is formed on the test pattern forming paper. It is sufficient to use the test pattern forming paper while shifting it so that it does not occur.

  In this specification, the term “media” refers to various recording media such as plain paper and various recording media such as resin materials such as PVC and polyester, and materials such as aluminum, iron, and wood. Material shall be included.

  Further, the ejection head 104 that can reciprocate in the Y-axis direction is configured to be movable to an upper position facing the transparent binder printing space 30 and the colored binder printing space 40 of the test pattern forming unit 30.

  In the above configuration, when the test pattern is formed with the transparent binder in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10, the test pattern is formed between the upper surface 42a and the upper portion 44a from the gap g1 in the transparent binder printing space 30 of the test pattern forming unit 16. After the display substrate 50 is inserted and arranged as a sheet, the ejection head 104 is moved onto the window 34 d of the transparent binder printing space 30.

  Then, based on the image data of the test pattern, the display substrate 50 is moved through the window 34d of the transparent binder printing space 30 while moving the modeling tank 108 in the X-axis direction and moving the discharge head 104 in the Y-axis direction. On the other hand, when the transparent binder is discharged from the discharge head 104, the discharged transparent binder passes through the window 34d and adheres to the display substrate 50, whereby a test pattern is formed.

  Here, for example, since 95% or more of the components of the transparent binder is water, the transparent binder can be visually recognized when attached to the display base material 50. Therefore, the display base material is ejected from the discharge head 104 based on the image data of the test pattern. If a transparent binder is discharged to 50, a test pattern appears on the display substrate 50 and can be visually recognized.

  When the transparent binder discharged on the display substrate 50 is dried, the test pattern developed on the display substrate 50 disappears and cannot be visually recognized. The transparent binder is removed from the discharge head 104 by a new test pattern. Can be discharged.

  That is, since most of the components of the transparent binder which is a transparent liquid are moisture, when the transparent binder adheres to the concealing layer of the display substrate 50, light is transmitted and the color of the colored layer can be visually recognized.

  Accordingly, when the test pattern is formed by discharging the transparent binder from the discharge head 104 to the concealing layer of the display substrate 50, the formed test pattern can be visually recognized by the color of the colored layer.

  And when the transparent binder adhering to the concealing layer is dried, the light is reflected again, the color of the colored layer becomes invisible and the formed test pattern becomes invisible.

  After that, when a test pattern is formed by discharging a transparent binder from the discharge head 104 to the concealing layer of the display substrate 50 again, light is transmitted due to the attachment of the transparent binder to the concealing layer and the color of the colored layer can be visually recognized. Thus, the formed test pattern can be visually recognized by the color of the colored layer.

  As described above, the display substrate 50 can be repeatedly used by repeating the adhesion of the transparent binder to the concealing layer of the display substrate 50 and the drying.

  When the display substrate 50 is cooled by the Peltier element 36 when the transparent binder is discharged to the display substrate 50, drying of the transparent binder discharged onto the display substrate 50 is suppressed, and the test pattern on the display substrate 50 is displayed. The expression time of can be lengthened.

  On the other hand, when the display substrate 50 is heated by the Peltier element 36, drying of the transparent binder discharged onto the display substrate 50 is promoted, and the test pattern development time on the display substrate 50 can be shortened.

  Therefore, by controlling the Peltier element 36 to heat or cool the display base material 50, the test pattern expression time on the display base material 50 can be adjusted appropriately.

  Next, when the test pattern is formed with the colored binder in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10, the display base material 50 and the upper surface 42 a and the upper portion 44 a are separated from the gap g 2 in the colored binder printing space 40 of the test pattern forming unit 16. After different test pattern forming papers are inserted and arranged, the ejection head 104 is moved onto the window 44 d of the colored binder printing space 40.

  Then, based on the image data of the test pattern, the test pattern forming paper is moved through the window 44d of the colored binder printing space 40 while moving the modeling tank 108 in the X-axis direction and moving the discharge head 104 in the Y-axis direction. On the other hand, when the colored binder is discharged from the discharge head 104, the discharged colored binder passes through the window portion 44d and adheres to the test pattern forming paper, whereby the test pattern is formed and can be visually confirmed.

  Next, FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration explanatory diagram of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 5 is different from the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 200 in that the test pattern stage 12 is fixed on a fixed base 101 on the right side of the storage tank 110.

  Further, in the 3D modeling apparatus 20, the test pattern stage 12 is fixed to the right side surface 108 a of the modeling tank 108 in the 3D modeling apparatus 10, whereas the fixed system on the right side of the storage tank 110 is used. The third embodiment is different from the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 in that the test pattern stage 12 is fixed on the base 101.

  In the test pattern stage 12 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 20, the configuration of the mounting portion 24 that supports the test pattern forming portion 16 is different from the configuration of the mounting portion 14 described above.

  The mounting portion 24 may be any structure that can support the test pattern forming portion 16 on the base portion 101 so that the upper end portion of the test pattern forming portion 16 matches or substantially matches the upper end portion 110a of the storage tank 110. It is not limited to the structure which supports the test pattern formation part 16 using the support rod 24a as shown in FIG.

  Also in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 20, a dedicated test pattern forming unit 16 for forming a test pattern is provided at a position other than the modeling tank 108, separately from the modeling tank 108.

  When forming a test pattern in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 20, as in the case of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10, when forming a test pattern with a transparent binder, the transparent binder printing space 30 of the test pattern forming unit 16 is used. On the other hand, when the test pattern is formed by using the colored binder, the test pattern may be formed in the colored binder printing space 40 of the test pattern forming unit 16.

  At this time, when a test pattern is formed with a transparent binder, the ejection head 104 is moved onto the window 34d of the transparent binder printing space 30, and the Y rail 204 is moved along the X axis based on the image data of the test pattern. The binder is discharged from the discharge head 104 to the display substrate 50 through the window 34d of the transparent binder printing space 30 while moving in the direction and moving the discharge head 104 in the Y-axis direction.

  On the other hand, when forming a test pattern with a colored binder, the ejection head 104 is moved onto the window 44d of the colored binder printing space 40, and the Y rail 204 is moved in the X-axis direction based on the image data of the test pattern. While moving and moving the ejection head 104 in the Y-axis direction, the binder is ejected from the ejection head 104 to the test pattern forming paper different from the display substrate 50 through the window portion 44 d of the colored binder printing space 40.

  Next, FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration explanatory diagram of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 60 shown in FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that can move back and forth on the modeling stage. A groove 62 that extends in the X-axis direction is formed on the base 101, and the groove 62 is formed in the groove 62. The modeling tank 108 and the storage tank 64 integrally connected to the modeling tank 108 are arranged to be movable in the X-axis direction.

  The positional relationship between the modeling tank 108 and the storage tank 64 is such that the storage tank 64 is arranged on the front side in the X-axis direction with respect to the modeling tank 108.

  The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 60 is supported by a pair of support portions 66 that are formed to rise on the base 101 and extends along the Y-axis direction in the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. Rails 68 are provided.

  A storage tank 70 having an openable / closable opening 70a is disposed below the central part of the storage tank support rail 68 in the Y-axis direction.

  Also in this 3D modeling apparatus 60, as in the 3D modeling apparatus 10, the test pattern stage 12 is fixed to the right side surface 108 a of the modeling tank 108.

  Since the method for attaching the test pattern stage 12 to the right side surface 108a of the modeling tank 108 is the same as that of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the above-described configuration, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 60, from the initial state shown in FIG. 6 in which the opening 70a of the storage tank 70 in which the powder material is stored and the modeling tank 108 face each other, the opening of the storage tank 70 is provided. 70a is opened and powder material is supplied to the modeling tank 108.

  Next, by moving the modeling tank 108 and the storage tank 64 from the front side in the X-axis direction to the rear side in the groove 62, the roller 112 relatively moves on the modeling tank 108 from the rear side in the X-axis direction to the front side. The powder material supplied to the modeling tank 108 is spread in the modeling tank 108 to form a powder layer having a predetermined thickness.

  At this time, the bottom surface of the modeling tank 108 is controlled to rise to a preset position.

  In addition, excess powder material that has not been used for forming the powder layer in the modeling tank 108 is moved from the rear side in the X-axis direction to the front side relative to the roller 112 from the modeling tank 108 to the storage tank 64. Thus, the groove 62 is housed in the housing tank 64 that moves from the front side to the rear side in the X-axis direction together with the modeling tank 108.

  After forming the powder layer in the modeling tank 108 as described above, the modeling tank 108 is moved in the X-axis direction in the groove 62, and the modeling tank 108 is disposed at a predetermined position below the discharge head 104.

  Then, based on the image data of the cross-sectional shape of the three-dimensional structure, the modeling tank 108 is moved from the front side in the X-axis direction to the rear side in the groove portion 62, and the discharge head 104 is moved in the Y-axis direction. A binder (any transparent binder or colored binder) that cures the powder material is discharged from the discharge head 104 to the powder layer formed in the tank 108. When the discharge of the binder is completed, the modeling tank 108 disposed in the groove 62 is moved from the rear side to the front side in the X-axis direction to return to the initial state shown in FIG.

  Thereby, a cross-sectional shape based on the image data is formed on the powder layer, this process is repeated, and a cross-sectional shape based on the image data representing all cross-sectional shapes is sequentially formed to produce a three-dimensional structure. .

  And when forming a test pattern in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 60, as in the case of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10, when forming a test pattern with a transparent binder, the transparent binder printing space of the test pattern forming unit 16 is used. When a test pattern is formed at 30 and a test pattern is formed with a colored binder, the test pattern may be formed in the colored binder printing space 40 of the test pattern forming unit 16.

  At this time, when a test pattern is formed with a transparent binder, the ejection head 104 is moved onto the window 34d of the transparent binder printing space 30, and the Y rail 204 is moved along the X axis based on the image data of the test pattern. The binder is discharged from the discharge head 104 to the display substrate 50 through the window 34d of the transparent binder printing space 30 while moving in the direction and moving the discharge head 104 in the Y-axis direction.

  On the other hand, when forming a test pattern with a colored binder, the ejection head 104 is moved onto the window 44d of the colored binder printing space 40, and the Y rail 204 is moved in the X-axis direction based on the image data of the test pattern. While moving and moving the ejection head 104 in the Y-axis direction, the binder is ejected from the ejection head 104 to the test pattern forming paper different from the display substrate 50 through the window portion 44 d of the colored binder printing space 40.

  Next, FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a modified example of the method for supplying the test pattern forming paper to the transparent binder printing space 30 and the colored binder printing space 40 of the test pattern forming unit 16.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the test pattern forming paper may be supplied to the test pattern forming unit 16 using a roll-shaped test pattern forming paper, and in this way, the frequency of replacement of the test pattern forming paper is changed. Can be significantly reduced.

  Even when a display substrate is used as the test pattern forming paper, if such a roll-shaped substrate is used, a new area of the display substrate can be easily used when the display substrate deteriorates due to use. Become.

  As described above, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10, 20, 60 according to the present invention has a transparent binder printing space of the dedicated test pattern forming unit 16 for forming a test pattern with a transparent binder in an area other than the modeling tank 108. 30 and a colored binder printing space 40 are provided.

  Thereby, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10, 20, 60 according to the present invention, it is not necessary to form a test pattern or the like on the powder layer with a transparent binder or a colored binder, and a powder layer is formed for forming the test pattern. Or waste of the powder material can be saved.

  Moreover, in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10, 20, 60 according to the present invention, even during the three-dimensional modeling, it is possible to pause the modeling and form a test pattern, Adjustment is possible and it is very cheap and convenient to use.

  That is, the test pattern forming unit in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10, 20, or 60 according to the present invention can be used for forming a test pattern as described above. It is possible to form maintenance patterns during service or manufacturing such as horizontal adjustment and bi-direction adjustment.

  The embodiment described above may be modified as shown in the following (1) to (6).

  (1) In the above-described embodiment, the test pattern forming unit 16 includes both the transparent binder printing space 30 and the colored binder printing space 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the case where only the transparent binder is discharged from the discharge head, only the transparent binder printing space 30 may be provided. When only the colored binder is discharged from the discharge head, only the colored binder printing space 40 may be provided.

  (2) In the above-described embodiment, the test pattern forming unit 16 is provided with the Peltier element 36 in the transparent binder printing space 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may make it leave to natural drying, without providing 36.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the transparent binder is used as the transparent liquid has been described. However, the transparent liquid is not limited to this, and transparent ink may be used. Good.

  (4) In the above-described embodiment, the case where a colored binder is used as the colored liquid has been described. However, the colored liquid is not limited to this, and the colored ink is used. May be used.

  (5) In the above-described embodiment, the transparent binder printing space 30 and the colored binder printing space 40 of the test pattern forming unit 16 are connected and integrally configured. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The transparent binder printing space 30 and the colored binder printing space 40 may be separated and configured separately.

  (6) You may make it combine suitably the embodiment shown above and the modification shown in said (1) thru | or (5).

  The present invention is suitable for use as a three-dimensional modeling apparatus of a powder-fixed lamination method.

  10, 20, 60, 100, 200 Three-dimensional modeling apparatus, 12 Test pattern stage, 14, 24 Mounting section, 16 Test pattern forming section, 30 Transparent binder printing space, 40 Colored binder printing space, 50 Display substrate, 204 Y rail, 104 discharge head, 106, 202 X rail, 108 modeling tank, 110 storage tank, 112 roller, g1, g2 gap

Claims (6)

In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus for producing a three-dimensional structure by curing the powder material by discharging the binder from the discharge head to the powder layer made of the powder material formed in the modeling tank,
Providing at least one test pattern forming portion for forming a test pattern at a position other than the area of the modeling tank;
The test pattern forming paper disposed in at least one of the test pattern forming portions is a display substrate,
A test pattern is formed by discharging a transparent liquid from the discharge head to the test pattern forming portion on which the display substrate is disposed ,
The modeling tank is movably arranged in a predetermined direction,
The three-dimensional modeling apparatus, wherein the test pattern forming unit moves integrally with the modeling tank . In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus for producing a three-dimensional structure by curing the powder material by discharging the binder from the discharge head to the powder layer made of the powder material formed in the modeling tank,
Providing at least one test pattern forming portion for forming a test pattern at a position other than the area of the modeling tank;
The test pattern forming paper disposed in at least one of the test pattern forming portions is a display substrate,
A test pattern is formed by discharging a transparent liquid from the discharge head to the test pattern forming portion on which the display substrate is disposed,
The three-dimensional modeling apparatus, wherein the modeling tank and the test pattern forming unit are arranged on a stationary system member . In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus for producing a three-dimensional structure by curing the powder material by discharging the binder from the discharge head to the powder layer made of the powder material formed in the modeling tank,
Providing at least one test pattern forming portion for forming a test pattern at a position other than the area of the modeling tank;
The test pattern forming paper disposed in at least one of the test pattern forming portions is a display substrate,
A test pattern is formed by discharging a transparent liquid from the discharge head to the test pattern forming portion on which the display substrate is disposed,
The test pattern forming unit excluding the test pattern forming unit in which the display base material is disposed as the test pattern forming paper, the medium excluding the display base material is disposed as the test pattern forming paper,
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus , wherein a test pattern is formed by discharging a colored liquid from the discharge head to the test pattern forming unit in which a medium excluding the display substrate is arranged . In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 3,
The test pattern forming unit includes:
A base portion having a flat upper surface;
And a media guide made of a plate-like body disposed on the base part with a predetermined gap therebetween,
The media guide has a window portion formed by cutting out a region excluding a region corresponding to the edge portion of the upper surface of the base portion,
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus, wherein a test pattern forming sheet for forming a test pattern is disposed in the gap. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 4,
The three-dimensional modeling apparatus, wherein the test pattern forming unit in which the display substrate is disposed as the test pattern forming sheet includes a Peltier element that heats or cools the display substrate on the base. In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of any one of Claim 1 or Claim 2,
The test pattern forming unit excluding the test pattern forming unit in which the display base material is disposed as the test pattern forming paper, the medium excluding the display base material is disposed as the test pattern forming paper,
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus, wherein a test pattern is formed by discharging a colored liquid from the discharge head to the test pattern forming unit in which a medium excluding the display substrate is disposed.

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