JPH08281810A - Optically molding apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an optically molding apparatus which can accurately mold a molding in a relatively short time. CONSTITUTION: The optically molding apparatus 1 irradiates photosetting resin 12 with the light from a light source via the light transmission unit of a liquid crystal mask 26 driven based on the shape data responsive to an object shape and molds the molding of the object shape by curing the irradiated part. The optically molding apparatus 1 comprises moving means 4 for moving a light source in parallel with the mask 26, and an imaging element 27 disposed between the mask 26 and the resin 12 to image the light passed through the unit of the mask 26, wherein the light source has a substantially long light source 31 extended in parallel with the mask 26 perpendicular to the moving direction of the light source and a reflector 22 for reflecting the light from the light source toward the mask 26.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a stereolithography apparatus, and more particularly to a stereolithography apparatus for producing a molded article having a desired shape by irradiating light to cure a photocurable resin.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an optical modeling apparatus of this type, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
There is one disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 301431. This stereolithography device irradiates light from a surface light source onto a photocurable resin through a light-transmitting portion of a liquid crystal mask which is movable by a moving means and driven based on shape data according to a target shape,
It is configured to cure the irradiated portion and form a shaped article having a target shape. In this conventional stereolithography apparatus, the moving means moves the liquid crystal mask to a predetermined position, and at that position, the photocurable resin is cured by the light from the surface light source. Then, the moving means moves the liquid crystal mask to the next predetermined position, and the same process is repeated, and as a result, a modeled object having a target shape is modeled.

[0003]

However, in this conventional stereolithography apparatus, since the entire liquid crystal mask is irradiated with the light of the surface light source at a time, the entire liquid crystal mask is always exposed to heat rays. Therefore, there is a problem that the liquid crystal mask is overheated at a temperature higher than the normal operating temperature, and the modeling accuracy is lowered due to deformation or malfunction of the liquid crystal mask.

Further, since the light from the surface light source is transmitted through the light transmitting portion of the operated liquid crystal mask from all directions, the light which is obliquely transmitted through the light transmitting portion irradiates the portion which should not be originally irradiated. As a result, there is a problem that a high modeling accuracy cannot be obtained.

Further, since the surface light source diverges more than necessary and illuminates the periphery of the liquid crystal mask, it is wasteful and the light utilization efficiency of the light source is extremely low. Therefore, there is a problem that a large amount of electric power is required to maintain a predetermined illuminance on the irradiation surface of the photocurable resin.

On the other hand, as an optical modeling apparatus having high modeling accuracy and high light utilization efficiency, there is known one which irradiates a photocurable resin with a laser beam based on shape data. However, in this optical modeling apparatus, since the laser beam is applied to the photo-curing resin in a spot manner, there is a problem that it takes a long time to model one molded article.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its main object is to provide an optical molding apparatus capable of molding a molded object with high accuracy in a relatively short time. It is in.

[0008]

In order to achieve such an object, an optical modeling apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is a transparent object of a liquid crystal mask in which light from a light source unit is driven based on shape data corresponding to an intended shape. In a stereolithography apparatus that irradiates a photo-curable resin through a light section and cures the irradiated section to model an object having a desired shape, a moving unit that moves a light source section parallel to a liquid crystal mask, a liquid crystal mask and a light source. The light source section is disposed between the light-curing resin and the light-transmitting section of the liquid crystal mask. The light source section is perpendicular to the moving direction of the light source section and parallel to the liquid crystal mask. And a reflector for reflecting the light from the light source toward the liquid crystal mask.

A stereolithography apparatus according to a second aspect is the stereolithography apparatus according to the first aspect, characterized in that a heat ray attenuation filter for attenuating heat rays is disposed between the light source section and the liquid crystal mask. .

A stereolithography apparatus according to a third aspect is the stereolithography apparatus according to the second aspect, which is provided with heat-resistant glass forming a ventilation path between the heat ray attenuation filter and a blowing means for blowing air to the ventilation path. It is characterized by

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stereolithography apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, which is heat-resistant and long and which collects light from a light source to irradiate a liquid crystal mask. The first cylindrical lens is arranged parallel to the light source.

A stereolithography apparatus according to a fifth aspect is the stereolithography apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which light from a light source is condensed to illuminate a liquid crystal mask, which is heat-resistant and long. The second cylindrical lens is arranged at a right angle to the light source.

A stereolithography apparatus according to a sixth aspect is the stereolithography apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the light source is
It is characterized by being composed of a metal halide lamp.

A stereolithography apparatus according to a seventh aspect is the stereolithography apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the light source is
It is characterized in that a plurality of lamps are arranged in parallel with the liquid crystal mask.

[0015]

In the stereolithography apparatus according to the first to seventh aspects, the liquid crystal mask is driven based on the shape data, and when the liquid crystal mask operates, the photocurable resin is irradiated with light through the light transmitting portion. The irradiated photo-curable resin is cured to form a part of the object having the target shape. Next, the moving unit moves the light source unit in parallel with the liquid crystal mask, and irradiates the position with the photocurable resin in the same manner. In this way, the light source section is continuously moved to cure the photocurable resin, whereby the photocurable resin is cured without interruption, and the molded article 1 having the desired shape is obtained.
Layers are modeled. This process is repeated for the second and subsequent layers to form a three-dimensional object. In this case, since it is sufficient to partially irradiate the liquid crystal mask, it is possible to reduce the generation of heat due to the irradiation light. As a result, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the liquid crystal mask from excessively rising, and the deformation or malfunction due to heat may cause modeling. The accuracy is not reduced. Further, since the light source is substantially long, it is possible to irradiate a relatively wide area at the same time, so that a modeled object having a target shape can be formed in a shorter time than in the case of spotwise irradiation with a laser beam. Furthermore, since the reflector reflects the light from the light source toward the liquid crystal mask, unnecessary light is reduced. As a result, the light utilization efficiency is improved, and at the same time, power saving is achieved.

Further, an image forming element arranged between the liquid crystal mask and the photo-curing resin collects the light transmitted through the light-transmitting portion of the liquid crystal mask, and collects the collected light on the photo-curing resin. Image on. In this case, since the image forming element forms an image of only the light incident from within the angle of view of the image forming element and reflects the light incident from outside the angle of view, the transparent resin of the liquid crystal mask of the photo-curing resin is used. Only the part corresponding to the light part is illuminated. As a result, the boundary between the portion to be irradiated and the portion not to be irradiated becomes clear, so that the modeling accuracy is improved.

In the stereolithography apparatus according to claims 2 and 3,
The heat ray attenuation filter disposed between the light source unit and the liquid crystal mask attenuates heat rays of the light from the light source,
Since the liquid crystal mask is prevented from being deformed or malfunctioned and operates in an appropriate environment, it is possible to prevent a decrease in modeling accuracy. Further, the air path is provided between the heat ray attenuation filter and the heat resistant glass, and the air blowing means blows air toward the air passage to cool the heat ray attenuation filter on which the light of the light source is concentrated. For this reason, it is possible to further prevent deformation and malfunction of the liquid crystal mask due to radiant heat from the heat ray attenuation filter, and prevent deterioration of modeling accuracy. Moreover, since the air passage is formed in advance, the air flow is improved, and as a result, it is possible to efficiently cool the heat ray attenuation filter with a smaller air flow amount than in the case of blowing the entire device.

In the stereolithography apparatus according to claims 4 and 5,
A first cylindrical lens arranged parallel to the elongated light source,
Further, the second cylindrical lens arranged at right angles to the light source collects light diverging at right angles and parallel to the axis of the light source and irradiates the liquid crystal mask, so that the light use efficiency of the light source is increased. Is improved. In this case, since the first and second cylindrical lenses are heat resistant and thus are not deformed, the refractive index of light does not change, and as a result, the molding accuracy is not reduced. Further, since both cylindrical lenses are formed to be long, they can collect light in a wide area, and by using both together, a wide area for both light parallel and perpendicular to the light source can be obtained. Since the light can be condensed, the light utilization efficiency is further increased, and the ultraviolet curable resin can be cured in a short time.

In the stereolithography apparatus according to claim 6, the light source is
As it is composed of a metal halide lamp, by changing the amount and composition of the metal vapor inside, it is easy to use the light of the wavelength that matches the characteristics of the photo-curing resin, that is, the wavelength suitable for curing the photo-curing resin. Can be emitted. Therefore, the photocurable resin can be cured in a short time.
Further, by using a metal halide lamp, it can be used as a long light source by itself.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a stereolithography apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied. This stereolithography device 1
Is capable of producing a toy template or the like by curing an ultraviolet curable resin (photocurable resin).

The stereolithography apparatus 1 comprises a stereolithography section 2, a resin tank 3,
The light source scanning X stage 4, the first controller 5, the elevator Z stage 6, the second controller 7, the liquid crystal driving driver 8, the shutter driving unit 9, the CPU 10, and the fan (blowing unit) 11 are provided.

The stereolithography section 2, which will be described in detail later, is a resin tank 3
The ultraviolet curable resin 12 is cured by irradiating the liquid surface of the liquid ultraviolet curable resin 12 having viscosity stored therein with ultraviolet rays.

The light source scanning X-stage 4 is constructed so as to move the stereolithography section 2 in the direction of the arrow X shown in the figure, and the first controller 5 is based on the X-direction movement data output from the CPU 10. Drive the X stage 4 for light source scanning. The elevator Z stage 6 includes a stage 14 that holds a modeled object formed by a cured curable resin layer, and moves the stage 14 in the arrow Z direction shown in FIG. The second controller 7 is the CPU 10
The movement of the elevator Z stage 6 is controlled based on the Z direction movement data output from The liquid crystal driving driver 8 controls ON / OFF of each pixel of the liquid crystal mask 26, which will be described later, based on planar shape data for each layer output from the CPU 10. The shutter drive unit 9 drives the shutter 28 that blocks the irradiation light to the liquid crystal mask 26. The CPU 10 is a CAD (Computer Aided) not shown.
Design) based on the CAD data output from the device, the plane shape data corresponding to the target shape is output to the liquid crystal driving driver 8, the X direction movement data is output to the first controller 5, and the second controller 7 is output. The Z-direction movement data is output to.

Next, the stereolithography section 2 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the stereolithography unit 2 includes a metal halide lamp (light source) 21, a dichroic elliptical mirror (reflector) 22, a heat ray attenuation filter 23, a quartz plate (heat resistant glass) 25, a liquid crystal mask 26, An equal-magnification imaging element (imaging element) 27 and a shutter 28 (see FIG. 1)
And a squeegee 13.

The metal halide lamp 21 is a long high-intensity discharge lamp that functions as a light source. The metal halide lamp 21 is configured so that the wavelength of emitted light can be changed by changing the amount and composition of the metal vapor sealed inside, and it is suitable for curing the ultraviolet curable resin 12 used. Light of a wavelength can be emitted.

The dichroic elliptical mirror 22 is configured to reflect light having a wavelength in the vicinity of ultraviolet rays among the light emitted from the metal halide lamp 21 and to transmit light having a different wavelength (heat rays). The dichroic elliptical mirror 22
The vertical cross section has a shape in which a part of an ellipse is cut out. Then, the metal halide lamp 21 is arranged near one focus of the ellipse, and near the other focus.
The liquid surface of the resin tank 3 is positioned. Therefore, of the light emitted from the metal halide lamp 21, the light reflected by the dichroic elliptical mirror 22 is guided to the liquid surface side of the resin tank 3 near the other focal point. A cutout portion 22a is provided in the upper portion of the dichroic elliptical mirror 22, and hot air trapped inside the dichroic elliptical mirror 22 is exhausted from the cutout portion 22a.

The heat ray attenuation filter 23 reflects only heat rays (infrared ray components) and transmits ultraviolet rays. As a result, the heat rays are blocked, and excessive heating of the liquid crystal mask 26 and the like is prevented. A plurality of reflection fins 24, 24, ... Are provided above the heat ray attenuation filter 23.
Are erected along the axial direction of. Reflection fin 24 ...
Reflects the light diverging in the axial direction of the metal halide lamp 21 toward the heat ray attenuation filter 23 side, thereby improving the light utilization efficiency.

The quartz plate 25 constitutes an air passage 30 together with the heat ray attenuation filter 23. And the blower means 11
Sends cool air to the air passage 30 to cool the heat ray attenuation filter 23 and the like that are heated by the light emitted from the metal halide lamp 21.

The liquid crystal mask 26 has the number of pixels suitable for the modeling accuracy of the modeled object, and functions as an optical shutter. The pixels of the liquid crystal mask 26 are driven by the liquid crystal driver 8 based on the planar shape data output from the CPU 10 to form a light transmitting portion and a light shielding portion, and the light transmitting portion transmits the light of the metal halide lamp 21.

The equal-magnification imaging element 27 is constructed by arranging a plurality of cylindrical gradient index lenses in a grid pattern. Further, the equal-magnification imaging element 27 is arranged so that the size of the image projected on the imaging area is almost equal to the size of the incident image, that is, the uniform-magnification is applied. , Only the light incident from the upper surface side at a predetermined angle of view is condensed and applied to the ultraviolet curing resin 12, and the light incident from outside the predetermined angle of view is reflected.

The squeegee 13 is attached to the front and rear ends of the lower side of the modeling section 2, and when the modeling section 2 moves, it is moved in the direction of the arrow X in FIG. Make the surface flat.

Next, the operation of the optical modeling apparatus 1 will be described.

The CPU 10 stores in advance the CAD data input from the CAD device via the built-in interface circuit. Then, move the elevator Z stage 6 to Z
The Z-direction movement data for moving the stage 14 is output to the second controller 7, and the stage 14 is moved by the thickness of one layer of the ultraviolet curable resin, that is, the thickness of curing the ultraviolet curable resin 12 by one irradiation. Submerge in the resin tank 3. next,
The CPU 10 outputs movement data in the X direction to the first controller, and reciprocates the modeling unit 2 in the X direction to flatten the liquid surface of the resin layer 3 with the squeegee 13, and then C
The plane shape data based on the AD data is output to the liquid crystal driver 8. The liquid crystal driver 8 drives the liquid crystal mask 26 based on the plane shape data.

After that, the CPU 10 outputs the shutter drive data to the shutter drive unit 9 and the shutter 28
Open the metal halide lamp 21
To be able to irradiate. Next, the CPU 10 drives the fan 11 and turns on the metal halide lamp 21. As a result, the light from the metal halide lamp 21 illuminates the liquid crystal mask 26.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, a part of the light emitted from the metal halide lamp 21 passes through the heat ray attenuation filter 23 and directly illuminates the liquid crystal mask 26,
The other part is reflected by the inner wall of the metal halide lamp 22, then passes through the heat ray attenuation filter 23, and irradiates the liquid crystal mask 26. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the light diverging in the axial direction of the metal halide lamp 21 is reflected downward by the reflecting fins 24, and the heat ray attenuation filter 2
Then, the liquid crystal mask 26 is irradiated with the light passing through 3.

Of the light radiated to the liquid crystal mask 26, only the light radiated to the transparent portion of the liquid crystal mask 26 operated based on the planar shape data is incident on the upper surface of the unit magnification element 27. Since the equal-magnification imaging element 27 collects only the light that has been incident through the light-transmitting portion of the liquid crystal mask 26 and is incident at a predetermined angle of view and irradiates the ultraviolet curable resin 12, the same is included in the photocurable resin 12. Only the portion of the liquid crystal mask 26 corresponding to the light shielding portion is irradiated. As a result, the boundary between the portion to be irradiated and the portion not to be irradiated becomes clear, so that the modeling accuracy can be improved.

The light emitted from the unity magnification element 27 irradiates the ultraviolet curable resin 12 on the stage 14, whereby the ultraviolet curable resin 12 is cured and a photocurable resin layer is formed.

The CPU 10 outputs X-direction movement data to the first controller 5 so as to continuously move the stereolithography unit 2. At this time, all the other components of the stereolithography unit 2 except the liquid crystal mask 26 move integrally.
As a result, one layer of photocurable resin layer is formed.

Next, the CPU 10 closes the shutter 28 to shut off the light irradiation path so that the light from the metal halide lamp 21 does not irradiate the ultraviolet curable resin 12 in the resin tank 3. Next, the CPU 10 outputs the Z-direction movement data to the second controller 7, and further sinks the stage 14 into the resin tank 3 by one layer. Then, the CPU 10
After opening the shutter 28 to open the light irradiation path,
The series of processes described above is repeated. As a result, the second curable resin layer is formed. By repeating the above process, a three-dimensional shaped object is formed on the stage 28.

As described above, in the first embodiment, since the liquid crystal mask 26 may be partially irradiated, heat generated by the irradiation light can be reduced, and as a result, the liquid crystal mask 26 can be reduced.
Since it is possible to prevent an excessive rise in temperature, it is possible to effectively prevent deformation and malfunction of the liquid crystal mask 26,
It does not reduce the molding accuracy. Furthermore, since the dichroic elliptical mirror 22 reflects the light from the metal halide lamp 21 toward the liquid crystal mask 26, unnecessary light is reduced, and as a result, the light utilization efficiency is improved, and at the same time, power saving is achieved. The curing time of the ultraviolet curable resin 12 can be shortened. Furthermore, the heat ray attenuation filter 23
However, since the heat rays of the light from the light source are attenuated, the liquid crystal mask 26 is not overheated and operates in a more appropriate environment.

The light source is the metal halide lamp 21.
Therefore, by changing the amount and composition of the metal vapor inside, it is possible to easily obtain a light having a wavelength suitable for the characteristics of the ultraviolet curable resin 12, that is, a wavelength suitable for curing the ultraviolet curable resin 12. Can be emitted. Therefore, the ultraviolet curable resin can be cured in a short time. Further, by using the metal halide lamp 21, it can be used as a long light source by itself,
Because it is possible to irradiate a large area at a time,
Compared with the case of irradiating with a laser boom, it is possible to model a desired shape in a short time.

Further, the unity magnification element 27 can enhance the modeling accuracy of the modeled object. It should be noted that the equal-magnification imaging element 27 may be composed of a single condenser lens. Further, the heat ray attenuation filter 23 in which the light of the metal halide lamp 21 is concentrated can be intensively cooled by blowing the air to the air passage 30. Therefore, the heat ray attenuation filter 2
It is possible to prevent the deformation and malfunction of the liquid crystal mask 26 due to the radiant heat from No. 3 and to further prevent the deterioration of modeling accuracy. In addition, since the air passage 30 is formed in advance, the flow of air is improved. As a result, the heat ray attenuation filter 23 can be efficiently cooled with a smaller amount of air compared to the case of blowing the entire device.

Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a cylindrical lens (first cylindrical lens) 41 is further provided, and a multi-array cylindrical lens (second cylindrical lens) 42 is used instead of the quartz glass 25. That is, a plurality of equal-magnification elements 27 are provided. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The cylindrical lens 41 is a long heat-resistant lens having a semicircular cross section and is arranged parallel to the metal halide lamp 21. The multi-array cylindrical lens 42 is configured by arranging a plurality of cylindrical lenses each having a smaller cross-sectional area than the cylindrical lens 41 in parallel with the axial direction of the metal halide lamp 21.

According to this second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the divergence angle of the light emitted from the metal halide lamp 21 is narrowed by the cylindrical lens 41, and the light is attenuated by the heat ray attenuation filter 23 and the multi-array cylindrical lens 42. After passing through, the liquid crystal mask 26 is illuminated. In this case, the cylindrical lens 41 condenses light emitted from the metal halide lamp 21 that diverges at right angles to the axis of the metal halide lamp 21 and originally passes by the side of the liquid crystal mask 26 so as to irradiate the liquid crystal mask 26. By doing so, the illuminance of the light that illuminates the liquid crystal mask 26 is increased. This improves the light utilization efficiency of the metal halide lamp 21. Further, since the cylindrical lens 41 is heat-resistant, it does not deform, so the refractive index of light does not change, and as a result, the modeling accuracy does not decrease. Further, since the cylindrical lens 41 is formed to be long, it can collect light in a wide area,
As a result, the light utilization efficiency is increased, and the ultraviolet curable resin can be cured in a short time. In the figure, the cylindrical lens 43 having a larger lens diameter is shown by a dotted line, but in this case, the cylindrical lens 4 is used.
Since the amount of light incident on 3 increases, the light utilization efficiency of the metal halide lamp 21 is further improved.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the multi-array cylindrical lens 42 of the metal halide lamp 21 which diverges in the direction parallel to the axial direction of the metal halide lamp 21 and originally passes by the side of the liquid crystal mask 26. By converging the emitted light so as to irradiate the liquid crystal mask 26, the illuminance of the light irradiating the liquid crystal mask 26 is enhanced.
As a result, light in a wide area can be condensed in the metal halide lamp 21 in the parallel direction and the right angle direction, so that the light utilization efficiency of the metal halide lamp 21 is further improved.

Furthermore, since the three equal-magnification elements 27 are provided, a wider range of the ultraviolet curable resin 12 can be cured at one time, so that the molded article can be molded in a shorter time.

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that a multi-array cylindrical lens 44 is provided below the multi-array cylindrical lens 42 instead of the cylindrical lens (heat-resistant glass) 41. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

According to the third embodiment, since the multi-array cylindrical lenses 42 and 44 are both located under the heat ray attenuation filter 23, the temperature rise due to the irradiation light is reduced, and as a result, there is no deformation. Therefore, the refractive index of light does not change and the modeling accuracy is not reduced. Also, the second
Compared with the embodiment, more light diverging at right angles to the axial direction of the metal halide lamp 21 can be collected, so that the ultraviolet curable resin 12 can be cured more quickly.

Next, regarding the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to (b). The difference between the fourth embodiment and the second embodiment is that a honeycomb-shaped multi-array lens (heat-resistant glass) 45 as shown in FIG. 2B is provided instead of the cylindrical lens 41 and the multi-array cylindrical lens 42. Is. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

According to the fourth embodiment, the honeycomb-shaped multi-array lens 45 simultaneously collects the light emitted from the metal halide lamp 21 diverging in the axial direction of the metal halide lamp 21 and in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the metal halide lamp 21, and the liquid crystal mask 26 is formed. Since the irradiation is performed, the light utilization efficiency of the metal halide lamp 21 is improved and the ultraviolet curing resin 12 is cured more quickly, and one honeycomb-shaped multi-array lens 45 can be attached to the stereolithography unit 2 as compared with the second embodiment. Therefore, the structure is simple and the cost can be reduced.

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The fifth embodiment differs from the first to fourth embodiments described above in that instead of the metal halide lamp 21,
That is, the light guide rod 51 is used to form a substantially long light source. The same components as those in the first to fourth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. As shown in the figure, in the fifth embodiment, the light guide fibers 52, 52 for collecting and transmitting the light of the metal halide lamp (not shown) and the light emitted from the light guide fibers 52, 52, respectively, are shown. Condensing lenses 53, 53 for condensing, an optical transmission rod 51 formed of a quartz material in a long columnar shape and conducting the light emitted from the condensing lenses 53, 53, and an outer peripheral surface of the optical transmission rod 51. From the condenser lens 53 to the downward direction (the liquid crystal mask 2).
And a reflection plate 55 for reflecting the light emitted in the six directions) into the optical transmission rod 51.

A part of the upper portion of the optical transmission rod 51 is chamfered along the axial direction, the chamfered portion is formed in a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a plurality of wavy projections 56, 56 are formed on the lower portion. A diffusion sheet 57 provided with 56 ... Is attached. As shown in the figure, the diffusion sheet 57 transmits the light emitted from the condenser lens 53 and directly reaching it, and the light emitted from the condenser lens 53 and reflected by the reflection plate 55 to reach the light transmission rod 51. Reflect downward through.

The reflecting barrel 54 has a substantially cylindrical shape, covers the outer periphery of the photoconductive rod 51, and has a lower portion cut out along the axial direction with a predetermined width, and its inner surface reflects light. It has become.

According to the fifth embodiment, the lights of the metal halide lamps which have been conducted through the light guide fibers 52, 52 are condensed by the condenser lenses 53, 53 and diffused at a predetermined angle of view. The light directly entering from the condenser lens 53, or entering the light guide rod 51 after being reflected by the reflecting plate 55, and reflected by the protrusion 56 of the diffusion sheet 57 is directed inside the light guide rod 51 with respect to its axis. The light is transmitted obliquely downward and enters the cylindrical lens 41.
In this way, as a result of making light incident from both sides of the light transmission rod 51, the metal halide lamp light incident on the light transmission rod 51 irradiates the cylindrical lens 41 substantially uniformly, so that the light transmission rod 51 is substantially elongated. Function as a simple light source. Further, the reflecting barrel 54 and the reflecting mirror 55
However, since the light is reflected inside the light guide rod 51, the loss of the light emitted from the light guide fiber 52 is reduced.

Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The sixth embodiment differs from the first to fifth embodiments described above in that instead of the metal halide lamp 21,
That is, a plurality of lamps are used to form a substantially long light source. The same components as those in the first to fifth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. As shown in the figure, in the sixth embodiment, a plurality of mercury xenon lamps 62, 62 arranged in parallel on the lamp base 61 are provided.
.. and a plurality of condensing lenses 64, 64 .. which are arranged in parallel on the lens base 63 and condense light emitted from the mercury xenon lamps 62, 62 .. The light blocking mask 65 for preventing the light irradiating other than the light from illuminating the liquid crystal mask 26 side, and the condenser lenses 64, 6
.. and a diffuser 66 for diffusing the light emitted.

In the sixth embodiment, as shown in the figure, the light emitted from the mercury-xenon lamp 62 enters the condenser lenses 64, 64, ... The applied light is blocked there. The light incident on the condenser lens 64 has a predetermined angle of view and is diffuser 66.
The liquid crystal mask 26 is irradiated with the light, and after being made uniform by being diffused therein.

According to the sixth embodiment, the light emitted from the plural mercury xenon lamps 62 arranged in parallel is condensed by the condenser lens 6.
After condensing with 4 and diffusing with diffuser 66,
Since the liquid crystal mask 26 is irradiated, it can function as a substantially long light source. It should be noted that not only the mercury-xenon lamp 62 but also a metal halide lamp or a xenon lamp may be used.

Further, by arranging the unity-magnification imaging element 27 so as to change the magnification, it is possible to form a modeled object of an arbitrary size, and by arranging so as to reduce the magnification, it becomes even higher. It is also possible to obtain molding accuracy. Further, the equal-magnification imaging element 27 is not limited to the cylindrical gradient index lens, and may be a pair of plano-convex lenses or the like.

In addition, the constituent elements can be arbitrarily changed without changing the gist of the present invention.

[0061]

As described above, according to the present invention, the moving means for moving the light source section is provided, and the light source section extends substantially at right angles to the moving direction of the light source section and parallel to the liquid crystal mask. Since it has a long light source and a reflector that reflects the light from the light source toward the liquid crystal mask, it is possible to prevent excessive temperature rise of the liquid crystal mask, and as a result, prevent deformation and malfunction of the liquid crystal mask. Therefore, the molding accuracy is not reduced. Further, since the light utilization efficiency can be improved, the curing time of the ultraviolet curable resin can be shortened and the power consumption can be saved. Further, since irradiation is performed with a long light source, it is possible to irradiate a relatively wide area at the same time, so that it is possible to model an object having a target shape in a shorter time than in the case of modeling with a laser beam.

Of the light transmitted through the light-transmitting portion of the liquid crystal mask, the image forming element forms an image of only the light incident from within the angle of view of the image forming element, and the light incident from outside the angle of view. In order to reflect the light, only the portion of the photocurable resin corresponding to the light shielding portion of the liquid crystal mask is irradiated. As a result, the boundary between the portion to be irradiated and the portion not to be irradiated becomes clear, so that the modeling accuracy is improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a stereolithography apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an optical shaping unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an optical shaping unit according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a stereolithography unit according to a third embodiment. (B) is a plan view of a honeycomb-shaped multi-arrayed cylindrical lens.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a stereolithography unit according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a stereolithography unit according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a stereolithography unit according to a sixth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Stereolithography apparatus 4 X stage for light source scanning 11 Ultraviolet curing resin 21 Metal halide lamp 22 Dichroic elliptical mirror 23 Heat ray attenuation filter 25 Quartz plate 26 Liquid crystal mask 27 Equal magnification element 41 Cylindrical lens 42 Multi-array cylindrical lens 43 Cylindrical lens 44 Multi-array cylindrical Lens 45 Honeycomb-shaped multi-array cylindrical lens 51 Light guide rod 62 Mercury xenon lamp

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Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A light-curable resin is irradiated with light from a light source through a light-transmitting part of a liquid crystal mask driven based on shape data corresponding to a target shape, and the irradiated part is cured to form a target shape. In an optical modeling apparatus for modeling an object, a moving unit that moves the light source unit in parallel to the liquid crystal mask, a light transmitting unit of the liquid crystal mask, which is disposed between the liquid crystal mask and the photocurable resin. An image forming element that forms an image of light transmitted through the light source unit, wherein the light source unit is a substantially long light source that extends at a right angle to the moving direction of the light source unit and is parallel to the liquid crystal mask, An optical modeling apparatus, comprising: a reflector that reflects light from the light source toward the liquid crystal mask. 2. The stereolithography apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a heat ray attenuation filter disposed between the light source section and the liquid crystal mask, the heat ray attenuation filter being configured to attenuate heat rays. 3. The stereolithography apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a heat-resistant glass forming an air blowing path with the heat ray attenuation filter, and a blowing means for blowing air to the air blowing path. 4. A heat-resistant and elongated first cylindrical lens for condensing light from the light source and irradiating the liquid crystal mask is arranged in parallel with the light source. Three
The optical modeling apparatus according to any one of 1. 5. A heat-resistant and elongated second cylindrical lens for condensing light from the light source and irradiating the liquid crystal mask is arranged at a right angle to the light source. The optical modeling apparatus according to any one of 1 to 4. 6. The stereolithography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source is a metal halide lamp. 7. The light source comprises a plurality of lamps arranged in parallel with the liquid crystal mask.
The optical modeling apparatus according to any one of 1.