JP7085854B2 - Modeling equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a modeling apparatus.

A 3D printer is becoming widespread as a device for producing a modeled object without using a mold or the like. 3D printers using the Fused Fused Fabrication (FFF) method have become widespread for consumers. Further, there is known a technique for improving the strength of a modeled object formed by laminating a plurality of modeling material layers in the laminating direction.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for improving the adhesion between the modeling material layers by forming the next modeling material layer on the roughened modeling material layer.

However, in the prior art, the modeling material is discharged, smoothed using a roller, and then cured to roughen the cured modeling material layer, and then the next modeling material layer is formed. For this reason, in the past, smoothing may cause the shape of the end portion of the modeling material layer to collapse, and as a result, the formed model may differ from the desired shape. That is, conventionally, it has been difficult to produce a modeled object having a desired shape in which a decrease in strength in the stacking direction is suppressed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a modeled object having a desired shape in which a decrease in strength in the stacking direction is suppressed.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the modeling device is a modeling device that forms a target modeled object by laminating the modeling materials based on the modeling data, and discharges the molten modeling material into the formed modeling material layer. A discharge portion for laminating the modeling material layer and a cutting portion for cutting at least a part of the surface of the laminated body of the modeling material layer are provided. The cutting portion cuts out the target model by cutting a region where the modeling material layer is deformed after the lamination during the modeling of the laminated body and the deformation different from the shape of the target model is generated . ..

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a modeled object having a desired shape in which a decrease in strength in the stacking direction is suppressed.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a modeling device. FIG. 2 is an example of a schematic cross-sectional view of the discharge portion. FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of a heating unit and a rotating stage. FIG. 4 is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of a modeling device. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of laminating the modeling material layer. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a detailed example of laminating the modeling material layer. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of cooling by the side cooling unit. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of reheating by the heating unit. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an example of cutting a modeled object. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the target model. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the modeling process. FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing an example of a modeling device. FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing an example of a modeling device. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a modeling device. FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing an example of a modeling device. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the modeling apparatus of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification, the same reference numerals may be given to parts showing the same configuration and function, and detailed description may be omitted.

In this embodiment, a modeling apparatus for modeling a modeled object by the Fused Deposition Modeling Method (FFF) will be described as an example. The modeling device may be any device that models a three-dimensional model, and the modeling method is not limited to the Fused Deposition Modeling Method (FFF).

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of the modeling apparatus 1 of the present embodiment.

A modeling table 3 is provided inside the housing 2 of the modeling device 1. The modeling table 3 holds the modeling object M. That is, the modeled object M is modeled on the modeling table 3.

A modeling material is used for modeling the modeled object M. In this embodiment, the filament F is used as the modeling material. The filament F is a solid material in which the modeling material is formed into an elongated wire shape. The modeling material is a thermoplastic resin.

The filament F is set on a reel 4 outside the housing 2 in the modeling apparatus 1 in a wound state. The reel 4 rotates by being pulled by the rotation of the extruder 11, which is the driving means of the filament F, without exerting a large resistance force.

Further, a discharge unit 10 is provided in the housing 2. The discharge unit 10 discharges the molten modeling material and laminates the modeling material layers to form a modeled object M which is a laminated body of the modeling material layers.

FIG. 2 is an example of a schematic cross-sectional view of the discharge unit 10. The discharge unit 10 is modularized by an extruder 11, a cooling block 12, a filament guide 14, a heating block 15, a discharge nozzle 18, an image pickup module 101, a torsion rotation mechanism 102, and other parts. The filament F is supplied to the discharge unit 10 by being drawn by the extruder 11.

The image pickup module 101 captures a 360 ° image of the filament F drawn into the ejection portion 10, that is, an omnidirectional image of a portion of the filament F. FIG. 2 shows, as an example, a configuration in which the ejection unit 10 includes two image pickup modules 101. The number of image pickup modules 101 provided in the discharge unit 10 is not limited to two. For example, a 360 ° image of the filament F may be captured by one imaging module 101 by providing a reflector.

The image pickup module 101 is a camera including, for example, an image pickup optical system such as a lens and an image pickup element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Sensor) sensor.

The torsional rotation mechanism 102 regulates the direction of the filament F by rotating the filament F in a direction orthogonal to the stretching direction. The diameter measuring unit 103 measures the width between the edges of the filaments in the two directions of the X-axis and the Y-axis as the diameter from the image of the filament F taken by the image pickup module 101. The X-axis and the Y-axis are two axes orthogonal to each other. Further, the X-axis and the Y-axis are orthogonal to the Z-axis. The Z-axis coincides with the vertical direction and the stacking direction (arrow Z direction) of the modeling material layer ML.

When the diameter measuring unit 103 detects a diameter outside the predetermined standard, the diameter measuring unit 103 outputs error information. The output destination of the error information may be a display, a speaker, or another device. The diameter measuring unit 103 may be a circuit or a function realized by processing of a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

The heating block 15 has a heat source 16 such as a heater and a thermocouple 17 for controlling the temperature of the heater. The heating block 15 heats and melts the filament F, and supplies the melted filament FM, which is the melted filament F, to the discharge nozzle 18. In the following, the melting means a state in which the ratio of the liquid phase to the solid phase is higher than that before heating by the heating block 15. That is, the melting includes a state from the beginning of melting of the filament F to a state of melting and becoming a liquid, and includes both a semi-melting state and a melting state.

The cooling block 12 is provided between the heating block 15 and the extruder 11. The cooling block 12 has a cooling source 13 and cools the filament F. The cooling block 12 prevents backflow of the molten filament FM from the heating block 15, an increase in the extrusion resistance of the filament F, and clogging due to solidification of the molten filament FM. The filament F extruded toward the cooling block 12 by the extruder 11 is supplied to the heating block 15 via the filament guide 14.

A discharge nozzle 18 is provided on the downstream end surface of the heating block 15 in the stacking direction (arrow Z direction) of the modeling material layer ML. The filament F supplied to the heating block 15 is melted by the heating block 15. Then, the molten filament FM, which is the molten filament F, is ejected from the ejection nozzle 18.

In the present embodiment, the discharge nozzle 18 discharges the molten filament FM onto the modeling table 3 so as to linearly extrude the molten filament FM. The discharged molten filament FM is solidified by cooling, so that the modeling material layer ML is formed on the modeling table 3. Further, the ejection nozzle 18 repeats the operation of ejecting the molten filament FM onto the formed modeling material layer ML so as to linearly extrude the molten filament FM. By this repeated ejection, a new modeling material layer ML is sequentially laminated on the modeling material layer ML, and a modeled object M which is a laminated body of the modeling material layer ML is formed.

Return to FIG. 1 and continue the explanation. In the present embodiment, the discharge unit 10 may have two discharge nozzles. The two discharge nozzles will be referred to as a first discharge nozzle and a second discharge nozzle.

The first discharge nozzle is the discharge nozzle 18 described above, and melts and discharges the filament F, which is a modeling material constituting the modeled object M.

The second ejection nozzle melts and ejects the filament of the support material. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the second discharge nozzle is arranged behind the discharge nozzle 18 which is the first discharge nozzle. The number of discharge nozzles provided in the discharge unit 10 is not limited to two and is arbitrary.

The support material may be made of a material having thermoplasticity, and the constituent material is not limited. For example, the support material may be made of the same thermoplastic resin as the modeling material, or may be made of a different thermoplastic resin.

The support portion formed by discharging the support material is finally removed from the formed model M.

The filament of the support material (hereinafter, may be referred to as the support filament SF) and the filament F of the modeling material are each melted by the heating block 15, and the second discharge nozzle and the discharge nozzle 18 (first) corresponding to each are melted. Discharge from the discharge nozzle).

Further, the modeling apparatus 1 is provided with a heating unit 20A. The heating unit 20A is an example of the heating unit 20. The modeling device 1 may be provided with one heating unit 20A, or may be provided with a plurality of heating units 20A.

The heating unit 20A heats the heating target region R. The heating target region R is a region to be heated by the heating unit 20A.

In the present embodiment, the heating target region R is at least a part of the region on the modeling material layer ML formed on the modeling table 3. For example, in the heating target region R, the entire region on the modeling material layer ML formed immediately before is the heating target region R. The entire region refers to the entire region of the end face of the one layer of the modeling material layer ML formed immediately before, on the side (that is, the anti-vertical direction side) to which the next molten filament FM is supplied by the discharge nozzle 18. In other words, the heating target region R is located on both end faces in the stacking direction (arrow Z direction) of the modeling material layer ML, which is a laminated body of the modeling material layer ML, in the one-layer modeling material layer ML formed immediately before. An end surface (opposing surface) on the side facing the discharge nozzle 18 is shown. In this embodiment, the stacking direction (arrow Z direction) of the modeling material layer ML is assumed to coincide with the vertical direction.

The heating unit 20A is supported by the rotary stage 19. The rotary stage 19 is an example of a transport unit.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of the heating unit 20A and the rotary stage 19. The rotary stage 19 conveys the heating unit 20A so as to heat the heating target region R from a plurality of different directions. In the present embodiment, the heating unit 20A rotates about the discharge nozzle 18. The heating unit 20A rotates and moves with the rotation of the rotary stage RS.

As a result, the heating unit 20A can heat the heating target region R from a plurality of different directions.

Further, the heating unit 20A can always follow the moving direction of the discharge nozzle 18 and heat the heating target region R immediately before the molten filament FM is discharged by the discharge nozzle 18. That is, even if the moving direction of the discharge nozzle 18 changes, the heating unit 20A can heat the discharge target region as the heat target region R prior to the discharge by the discharge nozzle 18.

Further, by rotating the heating unit 20A around the heating target region R, the heating target region R can be continuously heated. Specifically, by rotating the heating unit 20A around the discharge nozzle 18, when the model M is formed by the discharge nozzle 18, the model material layer ML immediately before the molten filament FM is discharged can always be heated. It will be possible.

Return to FIG. 1 and continue the explanation. In the present embodiment, the heating unit 20A includes a laser light source 21A as the heating source 21. The laser light source 21A irradiates the laser beam. The laser beam is, for example, a semiconductor laser. The irradiation wavelength of the laser beam is, for example, 445 nm.

That is, in the present embodiment, the heating unit 20A heats the heating target region R by irradiating the laser beam. For example, the laser light source 21A irradiates the heating target region R on which the molten filament FM is discharged next on the modeling material layer ML formed on the modeling table 3 with the laser beam. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the heating unit 20A can heat the heating target region R from a distance in a non-contact manner and locally.

Further, in the present embodiment, the modeling device 1 includes a cutting portion 7. The cutting portion 7 cuts at least a part of the surface of the modeled object M, which is a laminated body of the modeled material layer ML formed on the modeling table 3.

In the present embodiment, the cutting portion 7 includes a telescopic arm portion 7A, a drill 7B, and a driving portion 7C. The drill 7B is a cutting tool for cutting the surface of the modeled object M. The telescopic arm portion 7A supports the position of the drill 7B in an adjustable manner. The drive unit 7C is a drive mechanism for adjusting the rotation of the drill 7B and the position of the drill 7B.

For example, the drill 7B supported by the telescopic arm portion 7A by the drive of the drive portion 7C cuts the surface of the modeled object M formed on the modeling table 3 (details will be described later).

The cutting portion 7 may have a mechanism and a configuration capable of cutting a modeled object M formed on the modeling table 3 which is a laminated body of the modeling material layer ML, and the mechanism and the configuration are limited to the above-mentioned form. Not done.

The discharge unit 10, the heating unit 20A, and the cutting unit 7 are held by the X-axis drive shaft 31 so as to be slidable in the X-axis direction (arrow X direction). The X-axis drive shaft 31 is a drive shaft long in one direction (arrow X-axis direction) in a plane orthogonal to the stacking direction (arrow Z direction) of the modeling material layer ML. The X-axis drive shaft 31 is provided with an X-axis drive motor 32. The discharge unit 10, the heating unit 20A, and the cutting unit 7 move in the X-axis direction by the driving force of the X-axis drive motor 32.

The X-axis drive motor 32 is held so as to be slidable along the Y-axis drive shaft 33A. The Y-axis drive shaft 33A is a long drive shaft in a direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction (arrow Y direction) in a plane orthogonal to the stacking direction (arrow Z direction) of the modeling material layer ML. The Y-axis drive shaft 33A is provided with a Y-axis drive motor 33. The discharge unit 10, the heating unit 20A, the cutting unit 7, and the X-axis drive motor 32 move in the Y-axis direction by the driving force of the Y-axis drive motor 33.

The modeling table 3 is passed through a Z-axis drive shaft 34 and a guide shaft 35 that are long in the stacking direction (arrow Z direction) of the modeling material layer ML, and is movably held along the stacking direction of the modeling material layer ML. There is. The Z-axis drive shaft 34 is provided with a Z-axis drive motor 36. The modeling table 3 moves in the stacking direction (arrow Z direction) of the modeling material layer ML by the driving force of the Z-axis drive motor 36. The modeling table 3 may be provided with a heating mechanism for heating the loaded modeled object M.

Therefore, the modeling apparatus 1 has a configuration in which an arbitrary region on the modeling material layer ML formed on the modeling table 3 can be heated by the heating unit 20A. Further, the modeling apparatus 1 is configured to be capable of discharging the molten filament FM and the molten support material into an arbitrary region on the modeling table 3. Further, the modeling apparatus 1 has a configuration in which an arbitrary portion and region of the modeled object M, which is a laminated body of a plurality of modeling material layers ML formed on the modeling table 3, can be cut by the cutting portion 7.

Further, the modeling device 1 includes a cleaning brush 37 and a dust box 38. The cleaning brush 37 cleans the vicinity of the tip of the discharge nozzle 18. For example, the cleaning brush 37 collects dust from the modeling material or the like scattered around the discharge nozzle 18 in the dust box 38.

FIG. 4 is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of the modeling apparatus 1. The modeling device 1 has a control unit 100. The control unit 100 is constructed by a CPU, a circuit, or the like. The control unit 100 is electrically connected to each unit provided in the modeling device 1.

The modeling device 1 includes an X-axis coordinate detection mechanism 105A, a Y-axis coordinate detection mechanism 105B, and a Z-axis coordinate detection mechanism K105C.

The X-axis coordinate detection mechanism 105A detects the positions of the discharge unit 10, the heating unit 20A, and the cutting unit 7 in the X-axis direction. The X-axis coordinate detection mechanism 105A transmits the X-axis direction detection result to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 controls the drive of the X-axis drive motor 32 based on the X-axis direction detection result, thereby moving the discharge unit 10, the heating unit 20A, and the cutting unit 7 to the target X-axis direction position.

The Y-axis coordinate detection mechanism 105B detects the positions of the discharge unit 10, the heating unit 20A, and the cutting unit 7 in the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis coordinate detection mechanism 105B transmits the Y-axis direction detection result to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 controls the drive of the Y-axis drive motor 33 based on the Y-axis direction detection result, thereby moving the discharge unit 10, the heating unit 20A, and the cutting unit 7 to the target Y-axis direction position.

The Z-axis coordinate detection mechanism 105C detects the position of the modeling table 3 in the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis coordinate detection mechanism 105C transmits the Z-axis direction detection result to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 moves the modeling table 3 to the target Z-axis direction position by controlling the drive of the Z-axis drive motor 36 based on the Z-axis direction detection result.

In this way, the control unit 100 controls the movement of the discharge unit 10, the heating unit 20A, the cutting unit 7, and the modeling table 3 to control the movement of the discharge unit 10, the heating unit 20A, the cutting unit 7, and the modeling table 3. Move the relative 3D position to the target 3D position.

Further, the control unit 100 includes an extruder 11, a cooling block 12, a heating block 15, a discharge nozzle 18, a laser light source 21A, a cleaning brush 37, a rotation stage RS, an image pickup module 101, a torsion rotation mechanism 102, a diameter measurement unit 103, and a temperature sensor. These drives are controlled by transmitting control signals to 104 and the drive unit 7C of the cutting unit 7.

The temperature sensor 104 measures the temperature of the heating target region R (details will be described later). The side cooling unit 39 cools the side surface of the modeled object M (details will be described later).

Next, an example of laminating the modeling material layer ML by the modeling device 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of laminating the modeling material layer ML.

In the present embodiment, the heating unit 20A heats the heating target region R in the modeling material layer ML by using the laser light L emitted from the laser light source 21A. The discharge unit 10 discharges the molten filament FM onto the heated modeling material layer ML.

Specifically, the laser light source 21A of the heating unit 20A irradiates the laser light L on the formed modeling 3 material layer ML to the heating target region R to which the molten filament FM is next discharged. By this irradiation, the heating unit 20A reheats the heating target region R on the modeling material layer ML. Reheating means that the molten filament FM is cooled and solidified, and then heated again. The temperature of reheating is not particularly limited, but is preferably a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the formed modeling material layer ML.

The temperature of the heating target region R is measured by the temperature sensor 104 (see FIG. 4). The temperature sensor 104 is an example of a measuring unit. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 104 is arranged in the vicinity of the laser light source 21A. The temperature sensor 104 outputs the temperature measurement result to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 adjusts the temperature of the heat applied to the heating target region R by controlling the laser output of the laser light source 21A based on the temperature measurement result.

That is, the heating unit 20A heats the heating target region R based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 104. Therefore, the heating unit 20A can stably heat the heating target region R so as to reach the target temperature.

By reheating the surface of the formed modeling material layer ML, the temperature of the reheated heating target region R and the molten filament FM next discharged to the heating target region R in the modeling material layer ML. By reducing the difference and mixing these constituent materials, the adhesiveness between these layers is improved. That is, the strength of the plurality of modeling material layers ML in the stacking direction (arrow Z direction) is improved.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a detailed example of laminating the modeling material layer ML. In the following, the modeling material layer ML during modeling by the discharge unit 10 is referred to as an upper layer Ln. Further, the layer immediately below the upper layer Ln is referred to as a lower layer Ln-1, and the layer immediately below the lower layer Ln-1 is referred to as a lower layer Ln-2. Further, the arrow W in FIG. 6 indicates the movement path (tool path) of the discharge unit 10. In addition, in FIG. 6, the discharged molten filament FM is schematically shown by an elliptical column so that the tool path of the discharge unit 10 can be understood. For this reason, voids are formed between the discharged molten filament FMs, but in reality, it is preferable to form the molding so that the voids are not formed.

When the upper layer Ln is formed while reheating the lower layer Ln-1, the modeling material layer ML of the upper layer Ln can be formed in a state where the modeling material layer ML of the lower layer Ln-1 is melted. In this way, by mixing these melted modeling materials among the plurality of laminated modeling material layers ML, the adhesiveness between the modeling material layer ML and the modeling material layer ML adjacent to each other in the stacking direction is improved. do. Therefore, the strength of the modeled object M, which is a laminated body of the plurality of modeling material layers ML, in the stacking direction (arrow Z direction) is improved.

Next, the side cooling unit 39 will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of cooling by the side cooling unit 39. The side surface cooling unit 39 cools the side surface of the modeled object M, that is, a surface parallel to the extension direction (in the direction of arrow Z in FIG. 1). The side cooling unit 39 may be any cooling source capable of cooling the side surface of the modeled object M. The side cooling unit 39 is, for example, a fan.

The side cooling unit 39 sends cooling air to the side surface of the modeled object M when the modeling material layer ML is formed by the discharging unit 10. By sending cooling air to the side surface of the modeled object M at the time of forming the modeling material layer ML, it is possible to prevent the outer shape of the side surface of the modeling material layer ML from collapsing and the modeling accuracy from deteriorating when the modeling material layer ML is formed. Can be done.

Return to FIG. 1 and continue the explanation. Next, the cutting of the modeled object M by the cutting portion 7 will be described.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the modeling apparatus 1 reheats the surface of the formed modeling material layer ML, and the molten filament FM, which is a molten modeling material, is melted on the heated modeling material layer ML. Is discharged to stack the modeling material layer ML. Then, by repeating the heating of the modeling material layer ML and the ejection of the molten filament FM, a modeling object M which is a laminated body of a plurality of modeling material layers ML is produced.

Here, the shape of the end portion of the modeling material layer ML may be deformed during heating by the heating portion 20A (see FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 6, the outer surface OS of the modeled object M may be deformed.

When the side cooling unit 39 cannot sufficiently suppress the deformation of the outer surface OS of the modeling object M even when the side cooling unit 39 sends cooling air to the side surface of the modeling object M at the time of forming the modeling material layer ML by the discharge unit 10. There is also.

This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of reheating by the heating unit 20A.

FIG. 8A is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing an example of a modeled object M formed by repeatedly heating the modeling material layer ML and discharging the molten filament FM. 8 (B) shows the shape of the model M shown in FIG. 8 (A) when visually recognized from a direction (for example, the Y direction) orthogonal to the stacking direction (arrow Z direction) of the model material layer ML. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the model M is produced by repeating the formation of the molten filament FM on the heated model material layer ML, the shape of the model M becomes different from the target shape. In some cases. Specifically, for example, the end portion (see region B) of the modeled object M may collapse due to reheating, and the outer shape may be deformed with respect to the target shape.

Therefore, the modeling device 1 of the present embodiment includes a cutting portion 7. The cutting portion 7 cuts at least a part of the surface of the modeled object M, which is a laminated body of the modeled material layer ML formed on the modeling table 3.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an example of cutting the modeled object M by the cutting portion 7. FIG. 9A is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing an example of a modeled object M formed by repeatedly heating the modeling material layer ML and discharging the molten filament FM. 9 (B) shows the shape of the model M shown in FIG. 8 (A) when visually recognized from a direction (for example, the Y direction) orthogonal to the stacking direction (arrow Z direction) of the model material layer ML. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 100 of the modeling device 1 receives the modeling data of the modeling object M. The modeling data is composed of image data for each modeling material layer ML constituting the modeling object M. In the following, the modeled object M represented by the modeled data will be referred to as a target modeled object MB.

The control unit 100 corrects the modeling data so as to form a laminated body MA having a slightly larger shape with respect to the target modeled object MB. The laminated body MA having a shape slightly larger than that of the target modeled object MB may be a laminated body MA having a size and shape that covers the target modeled object MB.

Then, the control unit 100 repeats the process of discharging the molten filament FM onto the heated modeling material layer ML using the corrected modeling data (hereinafter referred to as corrected modeling data) to obtain the laminated body MA. Model.

Then, the control unit 100 controls the cutting unit 7 so as to cut the laminated body MA to produce the target modeled object MB. By this cutting, the cutting portion 7 removes the deformed region (region B) in the laminated body MA to produce the target modeled object MB.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an example of the target modeled object MB after cutting by the cutting portion 7. FIG. 10A is a three-dimensional schematic diagram showing an example of the target modeled object MB formed by cutting by the cutting portion 7. FIG. 10B shows a shape when the target modeled object MB shown in FIG. 10A is visually recognized from a direction (for example, the Y direction) orthogonal to the stacking direction (arrow Z direction) of the modeling material layer ML. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example.

As shown in FIG. 10, by cutting the laminated body MA by the cutting portion 7, the deformed region (region B) is removed, and the target modeled object MB which is the modeled object M shown by the modeling data is obtained.

Further, the laminated body MA cut by the cutting portion 7 is a laminated body MA in which the strength of the plurality of modeling material layers ML in the laminated direction (arrow Z direction) is improved. Therefore, the target model MB obtained by cutting the laminated body MA by the cutting portion 7 has high strength in the stacking direction (arrow Z direction) and has a shape (that is, a target shape) indicated by the modeling data. Will be shown.

Therefore, the modeling apparatus 1 can provide the target modeled object MB having the desired shape in which the decrease in strength in the stacking direction is suppressed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the modeling device 1 includes a cutting portion 7. Therefore, the range of the heating target region R by the heating unit 20A can be the entire surface region of the modeling material layer ML. The entire region is the entire region of the facing surface facing the discharge nozzle 18 in the formed modeling material layer ML as described above. That is, since the laminated body MA is cut by the cutting portion 7 to cut out the target modeled object MB, the range of the heating target region R can be set to the entire surface area of the modeling material layer ML. Therefore, the need for precise control of the heating time range by the heating unit 20A is reduced, and the target modeled object MB having the desired shape can be easily produced in which the decrease in strength in the stacking direction is suppressed.

The modeling device 1 is not limited to the form provided with the side cooling unit 39. However, from the viewpoint of obtaining the target modeled object MB having the desired shape with higher accuracy, the modeling device 1 is preferably configured to include the side cooling unit 39. In this case, the cutting portion 7 and the side cooling portion 39 can obtain the target modeled object MB having a desired shape with higher accuracy.

Next, the procedure of the modeling process executed by the modeling apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of modeling processing executed by the modeling apparatus 1 of the present embodiment.

First, when the control unit 100 of the modeling device 1 receives the modeling data of the target modeled object MB, the control unit 100 corrects the modeling data so as to form a laminated body MA having a slightly larger shape than the target modeled object MB. Then, the control unit 100 executes the processing routine shown in FIG. 11 using the corrected modeling data. The corrected modeling data is composed of image data for each modeling material layer ML constituting the laminated body MA.

The control unit 100 of the modeling device 1 drives the X-axis drive motor 32 or the Y-axis drive motor 33 to move the discharge unit 10 in the X-axis or Y-axis direction. While the ejection unit 10 is moving, the control unit 100 ejects the molten filament FM from the ejection nozzle 18 based on the image data of the lowermost layer in the corrected modeling data. As a result, the modeling apparatus 1 forms the modeling material layer ML corresponding to the image data on the modeling table 3 (step S11).

Next, the heating unit 20A irradiates the heating target region R on the modeling material layer ML formed immediately before on the modeling table 3 with the laser beam L to heat the heating target region R (step S12). By the treatment in step S12, the heating target region R in the modeling material layer ML formed immediately before is remelted.

Next, the control unit 100 reads the image data of the modeling material layer ML laminated on the modeling material layer ML formed immediately before in the corrected modeling data. Then, the control unit 100 discharges the molten filament FM from the discharge nozzle 18 based on the image data. As a result, the modeling device 1 is formed immediately before, and the modeling material layer ML corresponding to the image data is formed on the modeling material layer ML heated by the heating unit 20A (step S13).

The control unit 100 may control so that a part of the process of step S12 and the process of step S13 are executed in parallel. In this case, for example, the ejection unit 10 starts the process of irradiating the modeling material layer ML formed immediately before with the laser beam L, and before the irradiation of the entire range of the heating target region R with the laser is completed. Discharge of the molten filament FM for the next modeling material layer ML is started.

Next, the side surface cooling unit 39 cools the side surface of the modeling material layer ML formed by the treatment of step S13 (step S14).

Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the outermost modeling material layer ML is formed in the corrected modeling data (step S15). If a negative determination is made in step S15 (step S15: No), the process returns to step S12. If an affirmative judgment is made in step S15 (step S15: Yes), the process proceeds to step S16.

Next, the control unit 100 controls the cutting unit 7 so as to cut the laminated body MA until the laminated body MA formed on the modeling table 3 becomes the target modeled object MB (step S16). For example, the control unit 100 specifies a cutting range using the corrected modeling data and the modeling data before correction, and controls the cutting unit 7 so as to cut the cutting range, thereby processing the step S16. I do. Then, this routine is terminated.

As described above, the modeling apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a heating unit 20A, a discharge unit 10, and a cutting unit 7. The heating unit 20A heats the formed modeling material layer ML. The discharge unit 10 discharges the molten filament FM (melted modeling material) onto the heated modeling material layer ML to laminate the modeling material layer ML. The cutting portion 7 cuts at least a part of the surface of the laminated body MA (modeled object M) of the modeling material layer ML.

As described above, in the modeling apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the modeling material layer ML formed by the discharged molten filament FM is heated by the heating unit 20A, and the molten filament FM is placed on the heated modeling material layer ML. It is discharged to form a modeling material layer ML.

By reheating the formed modeling material layer ML in this way, the modeling by the reheated heating target region R in the modeling material layer ML and the molten filament FM next discharged to the heating target region R is performed. The temperature difference between the material layer ML and the material layer ML becomes small, and these constituent materials are mixed with each other, so that the adhesiveness between the layers of the modeling material layer ML adjacent to the stacking direction (arrow Z direction) is improved. That is, the strength of the plurality of modeling material layers ML in the stacking direction (arrow Z direction) is improved.

Therefore, a laminated body MA (modeled object M) in which the decrease in strength in the laminating direction (arrow Z direction) is suppressed can be obtained.

Further, in the modeling apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the cutting portion 7 cuts at least a part of the surface of the laminated body MA (modeled object M). That is, the cutting portion 7 cuts at least a part of the surface of the laminated body MA in a state where the strength in the laminating direction is improved.

Therefore, by cutting the laminated body MA so that the cutting portion 7 has the shape of the target modeled object MB (the target modeled object MB having the desired shape, the decrease in strength in the stacking direction is suppressed). The model M) can be produced.

Therefore, the modeling apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can provide the target modeled object MB (modeled object M) having the desired shape in which the decrease in strength in the stacking direction (arrow Z direction) is suppressed.

Further, the transport unit (rotary stage RS) transports the heating unit 20A so as to heat the heating target region R from a plurality of different directions.

The temperature sensor 104 (measurement unit) measures the temperature of the heating target region R of the heating unit 20A. The heating unit 20A heats the heating target region R based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 104. The heating unit 20A irradiates the laser beam L.

Further, the modeling apparatus 1 of the present embodiment may include a plurality of heating units 20A. By providing the plurality of heating units 20A, the heating time by the heating units 20A can be shortened, and the modeling time of the modeled object M can be shortened.

(Modification 1)
In the above embodiment, a mode in which the heating unit 20A that irradiates the laser beam is used as the heating unit 20 has been described. However, the heating unit 20 is not limited to the form in which the heating target region R is heated by irradiating the laser beam.

For example, the heating unit 20 may be a mechanism for blowing heated air. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the modeling apparatus 1B. The modeling device 1B is the same as the modeling device 1 of the above-described embodiment except that the heating unit 20B is provided in place of the heating unit 20A (see also FIG. 1).

The heating unit 20B includes a warm air source 21B. The warm air source 21B blows warm air toward the heating target region R. The warm air source 21B may be a mechanism capable of blowing air having a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the constituent material of the heating target region R. The warm air source 21B is, for example, a heater or a fan.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the heating unit 20B can heat the heating target region R from a distance without contact.

As described above, the heating unit 20 may be the heating unit 20B that blows the heated air.

(Modification 2)
In the above-described embodiment and the above-mentioned modification 1, the mode in which the heating unit 20 heats the heating target region R without contacting the heating target region R has been described. However, the heating unit 20 may be in the form of contact-heating the heating target region R.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing an example of the modeling apparatus 1C of the present modification 2. The modeling device 1C is the same as the modeling device 1 of the above-described embodiment except that the heating unit 20C is provided in place of the heating unit 20A (see also FIG. 1).

The heating unit 20C includes a cooling block 22, a guide 24, and a contact heating source 21C. The contact heating source 21C contact-heats the heating target region R.

The contact heating source 21C includes a heating block 25 and a heating plate 28. The heating plate 28 heats and pressurizes the heating target region R of the modeling material layer ML by coming into contact with the modeling material layer ML.

The heating block 25 heats the heating plate 28. The heating block 25 includes a heat source 26 such as a heater and a thermocouple 27 for controlling the temperature of the heating plate 28.

The cooling block 22 is a mechanism for preventing heat conduction from the heating block 25. The cooling block 22 includes a cooling source 23. A guide 24 is provided between the heating block 25 and the cooling block 22.

The heating unit 20C is held so as to be slidable with respect to the X-axis drive shaft 31 (see FIG. 1) via a connecting member. The heating unit 20C is heated by the heating block 25 to a high temperature. In order to reduce the transfer of the heat to the X-axis drive motor 32, it is preferable that the transfer path including the filament guide 14 and the guide 24 have low thermal conductivity.

The end portion of the heating plate 28 on the downstream side in the stacking direction (arrow Z direction) of the modeling material layer ML is located at a position lower than the lower end of the discharge nozzle 18 by one layer of the modeling material layer ML (downstream side in the stacking direction). Have been placed. While scanning the discharge unit 10 and the heating unit 20C in the XA direction shown in FIG. 13, the molten filament FM is discharged, and at the same time, the heating plate 28 displays the modeling material layer ML immediately below the modeling material layer ML being modeled. Reheat by contact heating. As a result, the temperature difference between the modeling material layer ML being modeled and the modeling material layer ML immediately below becomes small, and the materials are mixed between the layers. Therefore, the interlayer strength of the modeled object M is improved.

As described above, the heating unit 20 may be the heating unit 20C that contact-heats the heating target region R.

(Modification 3)
The form in which the heating target region R is contact-heated is not limited to the form shown in the modification 2.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing an example of the modeling apparatus 1D of the present modification 3. The modeling device 1D is the same as the modeling device 1 of the above-described embodiment except that the heating unit 20D is provided in place of the heating unit 20A.

The heating unit 20D includes a cooling block 22, a guide 24, and a contact heating source 21D. The contact heating source 21D contact-heats the heating target region R. The cooling block 22 and the guide 24 are the same as those in the second modification.

The contact heating source 21D includes a tap nozzle 28D and a heating block 25. The heating block 25 is the same as the above-mentioned modification 2. That is, the contact heating source 21D is the same as the contact heating source 21C of the second modification except that the tap nozzle 28D is provided in place of the heating plate 28.

The tap nozzle 28D is heated by the heating block 25. The tap nozzle 28D repeatedly taps the modeled object M in the stacking direction of the modeled material layer ML by the power of a motor or the like. By this tap operation, the tap nozzle 28D heats and pressurizes the heating target region R of the modeling material layer ML. As a result, the temperature difference between the modeling material layer ML being modeled and the modeling material layer ML immediately below becomes small, and the materials are mixed between the layers. Therefore, the interlayer strength of the modeled object M is improved.

Further, the discharge unit 10 discharges the molten filament FM so as to fill the heated target region R recessed by the tap operation in the modeling material layer ML. Therefore, the shape of the outermost surface of the modeling material layer ML can be smoothed.

As described above, the heating unit 20 may be the heating unit 20D that contact-heats the heating target region R.

(Modification example 4)
The form in which the heating target region R is contact-heated is not limited to the forms shown in the second and third modifications.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing an example of the modeling apparatus 1E of the present modification 4. The modeling device 1E is the same as the modeling device 1 of the above-described embodiment except that the heating unit 20E is provided in place of the heating unit 20A.

The heating unit 20E includes a contact heating source 21E that melts and pressurizes the heating target region R. The contact heating source 21E is an example of the heating source 21. The contact heating source 21E is equipped with an ultrasonic vibration mechanism. The contact heating source 21E melts the heating target region R by transmitting the ultrasonic vibration generated by the ultrasonic vibration mechanism to the modeling material layer ML. When the vibration of ultrasonic waves is transmitted to the modeled object M, each modeled material layer ML in the modeled object M is welded and joined.

The number of contact heating sources 21E may be one or a plurality. In the case of a configuration including a plurality of contact heating sources 21E, the shape of each horn may be the same or different.

-Hardware configuration-
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 100 provided in each of the modeling device 1, the modeling device 1B, the modeling device 1C, the modeling device 1D, and the modeling device 1E.

Each of the modeling device 1, the modeling device 1B, the modeling device 1C, the modeling device 1D, and the modeling device 1E includes a CPU 250, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 260, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 270, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). ) 280 and a communication I / F (interface) 240, which are connected to each other via a bus 210.

The CPU 250 comprehensively controls the operations of the modeling device 1, the modeling device 1B, the modeling device 1C, the modeling device 1D, and the modeling device 1E. The CPU 250 uses the RAM 270 as a work area and controls the operations of the modeling device 1, the modeling device 1B, the modeling device 1C, the modeling device 1D, and the modeling device 1E by executing a program stored in the ROM 260 or the HDD 280.

The HDD 280 stores programs, data, and the like. The communication I / F 240 is an interface for communicating with other devices and devices via the network 200.

It should be noted that the program for executing the above-mentioned processing executed by each of the modeling device 1, the modeling device 1B, the modeling device 1C, the modeling device 1D, and the modeling device 1E in the above-described embodiments and modifications can be installed. Record a file in a format or executable format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versaille Disk), or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. It may be configured to be provided, or it may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, various programs may be configured to be provided by incorporating them into a ROM or the like in advance.

Further, the programs executed by each of the modeling device 1, the modeling device 1B, the modeling device 1C, the modeling device 1D, and the modeling device 1E in the above-described embodiments and modifications have a module configuration including the above-mentioned functional units. As the actual hardware, for example, when the CPU 250 (processor circuit) reads a program from the ROM 260 or the HDD 280 and executes it, each of the above-mentioned functional units is loaded on the RAM 270 (main memory) and described above. Each functional unit is generated on the RAM 270 (main memory). It should be noted that some or all of the functions of the modeling device 1, the modeling device 1B, the modeling device 1C, the modeling device 1D, and the modeling device 1E can be described by ASIC (Application Spec I / Fic Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like. It is also possible to realize it by using the dedicated hardware of.

Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, the embodiments and modifications are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above-mentioned novel embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The above-described embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1,1B, 1C, 1D, 1E Modeling device 7 Cutting part 10 Discharge part 19 Rotating stage 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E Heating part 104 Temperature sensor

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-74164

Claims (9)

It is a modeling device that models the target model by laminating the modeling materials based on the modeling data.
A discharge section that discharges the melted modeling material onto the formed modeling material layer and laminates the modeling material layer.
A cutting portion that cuts at least a part of the surface of the laminated body of the modeling material layer, and
Equipped with
The cutting portion cuts out the target model by cutting a region where the modeling material layer is deformed after the lamination during the modeling of the laminated body and the deformation different from the shape of the target model is generated . ,
Modeling equipment. It is a modeling device that models a modeled object by laminating modeling materials based on modeling data.
A control unit that holds modeling data and
A discharge section that discharges the melted modeling material onto the formed modeling material layer and laminates the modeling material layer.
A cutting portion that cuts at least a part of the surface of the laminated body of the modeling material layer, and
Equipped with
Based on the modeling data of the target model, the control unit creates corrected modeling data for laminating a laminate of a size and shape that covers the target model.
The cutting portion cuts out the target modeled object by cutting the surface of the corrected laminated body laminated using the corrected modeling data based on the cutting range set by the control unit .
The cutting range includes a region where the modeling material layer is deformed after the lamination during the modeling of the laminated body, and the deformation different from the shape of the target model is generated.
Modeling equipment. Further provided with a heating section for heating the formed modeling material layer,
The discharge unit discharges the molten modeling material onto the heated modeling material layer.
The modeling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 . A transport unit for transporting the heating unit is provided so as to heat the heating target region of the formed material layer formed from a plurality of different directions.
The modeling apparatus according to claim 3 . A measuring unit for measuring the temperature of the heating target area of the heating unit is provided.
The modeling apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the heating unit heats a heating target area based on the temperature measured by the measuring unit. The heating unit irradiates a laser beam.
The modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5 . The heating part is
Blow heated air,
The modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6 . The heating part is
Contact heating the area to be heated,
The modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5 . It is provided with a plurality of the heating portions.
The modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 8 .

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