JPH09216291A - Three-dimensional matter and method and apparatus for forming the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To form a lightweight three-dimensional matter having a complicated shape, hard to be destroyed and difficult to form by conventional technique. SOLUTION: An arranging unit 10 arranges a material on each of sheet materials 1 on the basis of the cross-sectional shape data of three-dimensional matter desired to be formed which is formed by a cross section data forming apparatus 60 and the sheet materials 1 having this material arranged thereon are laminated while aligned by a sheet material laminating unit 30. The laminated sheet material 1 is pressed and heated by a hot press unit 40 and the materials arranged on the respective sheet materials are mutually bonded through the sheet materials and the parts not used in the formation of the three-dimensional matter of the sheet materials are removed by a removing unit 50 to form the three-dimensional matter.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for forming a three-dimensional object and an apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object, and more specifically, it supports a three-dimensional object forming material at a predetermined position while allowing a part of the material to pass therethrough. The present invention relates to a three-dimensional object forming method and a three-dimensional object forming apparatus capable of forming a three-dimensional object having a desired shape by using a support. The present invention also relates to a three-dimensional object, and more particularly to a three-dimensional object formed by using a support that supports a three-dimensional object forming material at a predetermined position and allows a part of the material to pass through.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is a demand for forming a three-dimensional object as a prototype or a design model. Particularly, a three-dimensional object forming method and a three-dimensional object forming material for forming a three-dimensional object from the information based on three-dimensional information of a computer such as CAD / CAM data are desired.

Conventionally, as a three-dimensional object forming method and a three-dimensional object forming apparatus of this type, a sheet material made of paper or plastic is used as a three-dimensional object forming material, and the sheets are stacked to form a three-dimensional object. One (hereinafter, referred to as prior art 1) is known (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-190929).
JP-A-6-278214, JP-A-7-19553
1, JP-A-7-195532, and JP-A-7-19.
5533). An example of such prior art 1 is as follows:
A plurality of sheet materials are adhered to each other in an overlapping state, each of the plurality of sheet materials is cut according to the cross-sectional shape of the desired three-dimensional object, and the cut sheet material is formed into a three-dimensional object. There is one that forms a three-dimensional object by removing a portion that is not used in the above (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-195531).
No.). Further, as another example of the conventional technique 1, it is desired that a plurality of sheet materials are adhered in an overlapped state and the uppermost sheet material among the plurality of sheet materials is formed by a laser beam or the like. There is one that forms a three-dimensional object by repeating the operation of cutting along the cross-sectional shape of the three-dimensional formed object and removing an unnecessary portion of the cut sheet material (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-278214).

Further, as a conventional three-dimensional object forming method and three-dimensional object forming apparatus, light is irradiated to a photocurable resin according to the cross-sectional shape of the three-dimensional object desired to be formed, and the resin is cut for each cross section. There is known one that is hardened stepwise to form a three-dimensional object (hereinafter referred to as prior art 2) (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 4).
-221624, JP-A-5-212806, and JP-A-7-68647). An example of the related art 2 is to form a three-dimensional object by irradiating a film-shaped photo-curable resin with light according to the cross-sectional shape of the three-dimensional formed object and curing the photo-curable resin. (See Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-212806).

Prior art 1 and prior art 2 shown above
According to the method, the three-dimensional object having a desired shape can be formed at first based on the shape data of the three-dimensional object by the computer.

[0006]

However, in the three-dimensional object forming method and the three-dimensional object forming apparatus according to the conventional technique 1, when a three-dimensional object having a complicated shape is formed, the three-dimensional object is in a cut state. A part of the three-dimensional object forming material that does not form a three-dimensional object (hereinafter referred to as an unnecessary part) may not be easily removed. That is, when the unnecessary portion is to be removed, the unnecessary portion may be caught by the three-dimensional object that is being formed, and the removal may be difficult. Therefore, when an attempt is made to form a three-dimensional object by this method or apparatus, there is a problem that only a three-dimensional object having a simple shape can be formed and a three-dimensional object having a complicated shape cannot be formed.

On the other hand, according to the three-dimensional object forming method and the three-dimensional object forming apparatus of the prior art 2, compared to the method and apparatus of the prior art 1, a three-dimensional object having a complicated shape can be formed. It is possible. However, according to the conventional technique 2, not only an expensive photocurable resin has to be used as a material, but also a light source that emits light for curing the photocurable resin is expensive. Therefore, according to the conventional technique 2, there is a problem that the three-dimensional object to be formed and the three-dimensional object forming device are expensive. Further, since the entire three-dimensional object is formed by curing the photocurable resin, there is a problem that it takes time for the curing and it is difficult to quickly form the three-dimensional object.

Further, focusing on the finally formed three-dimensional object, the three-dimensional object formed by the prior art 1 is
At the time of forming, it is difficult to keep the thickness of the adhesive for adhering the sheet material as the three-dimensional object forming material constant, and thus it is not always easy to accurately reproduce the desired shape, and high accuracy There is a problem that it is difficult to make a three-dimensional object. Further, the three-dimensional object formed by the conventional technique 2 is fragile and fragile because the whole is made of a photocurable resin, and the formed three-dimensional object becomes heavy and difficult to handle. There is.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the first object thereof is a three-dimensional object having a complicated shape which is difficult to form by the conventional technique. A three-dimensional object forming method capable of forming
And to provide a three-dimensional object forming apparatus. The second of the objectives thereof is to realize the three-dimensional object formation which requires the use of an expensive device and an expensive material in the conventional technique using an inexpensive device and a material. It is to provide a three-dimensional object forming method and a three-dimensional object forming apparatus which can be performed. A third object of the invention is to provide a three-dimensional object forming method and a three-dimensional object forming apparatus that can realize the formation of a three-dimensional object that takes a long time in the conventional technique in a short time. Especially.

A fourth object is to provide a three-dimensional object formed with high accuracy by solving the drawback of the conventional three-dimensional object that it is difficult to reproduce an accurate shape. At the same time, it is to provide a three-dimensional object forming method and a three-dimensional object forming apparatus for forming such a three-dimensional object. Further, the fifth of the objectives thereof is to solve the drawback of the conventional three-dimensional object that is fragile and heavy, and to provide a three-dimensional object that is hard to break and is light, together with the three-dimensional object that forms such a three-dimensional object. An object forming method and a three-dimensional object forming apparatus are provided.

[0011]

In order to solve at least one of the above-mentioned objects, the method for forming a three-dimensional object according to claim 1 supports a three-dimensional object forming material at a predetermined position while a part of the material is formed. A three-dimensional object forming method for forming a three-dimensional object using a permeable support, wherein the three-dimensional object forming material is arranged on the surface of the support based on cross-sectional shape data of the three-dimensional object. A step of superimposing a plurality of the supports in a state in which the three-dimensional object forming material is arranged, a three-dimensional object forming material supported by one image support and another support A step of joining the three-dimensional object forming materials supported by the two supports to each other by bringing the three-dimensional object forming materials supported by the supports into contact with each other; Remove part A removal step, is characterized in that it comprises a.

In the three-dimensional object forming method according to the first aspect, the three-dimensional object forming material (hereinafter, referred to as the three-dimensional object forming material based on the sectional shape data of the three-dimensional object desired to be formed in the arranging step)
Material) is placed on the surface of the support. Then, in the superposing step, the plurality of supports in which the materials are placed in the placing step are placed on top of each other. Further, in the joining step, the materials supported by the two supports are joined together by bringing the three-dimensional object forming materials supported by the respective supports into contact with each other. Here, in this method, a support that supports a material at a predetermined position while allowing a part of the material to pass is used as the support. Therefore, part of the material placed on one surface of the support in the placement step passes through the support and reaches the other surface.
Therefore, the material that has passed through this support comes into contact with the material disposed on the support that is adjacent to and overlapped with the support, and these two materials are bonded together.
Therefore, by going through each of the above steps, the materials arranged on the surfaces of the plurality of supports are bonded to each other through the supports, and the bonding of these materials makes the supports desired to be formed. Only the portion corresponding to the cross section of the three-dimensional object, that is, the portion where the material is arranged is in a joined state. Then, in the removing step, a portion where the material is not arranged, that is, a portion which does not correspond to the cross section of the three-dimensional object desired to be formed is removed from the support in such a state, and a three-dimensional object is obtained.

A three-dimensional object forming method according to a second aspect is
The three-dimensional object forming method according to claim 1, wherein the arranging step forms a latent image based on the cross-sectional shape data on the surface of the latent image carrier, and the latent image is formed. And a transfer step of transferring the three-dimensional object forming material adhered to the latent image carrier to the support. It is characterized by that.

Particularly, in the three-dimensional object forming method according to the second aspect, the arranging step of arranging the three-dimensional object on the support based on the cross-sectional shape data of the three-dimensional object is based on the data in the latent image forming step. This is realized by forming a latent image on the surface of the latent image carrier, attaching a three-dimensional object forming material to the latent image in the attaching step, and transferring the three-dimensional object forming material attached to the latent image to a transfer material. It That is, the placement of the three-dimensional object forming material on the support is realized by applying the image forming process of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Therefore,
The placement of the three-dimensional object-forming material on the support will be realized quickly and with a uniform thickness.

The three-dimensional object forming method according to claim 3 is
The three-dimensional object forming method according to claim 1, wherein the arranging step includes a spraying step of spraying a liquid, in which the three-dimensional object forming material is dispersed, on the support based on the cross-sectional shape data. It is characterized by.

Particularly, in the three-dimensional object forming method according to the third aspect, in the disposing step of disposing the three-dimensional object forming material on the support based on the cross-sectional shape data of the three-dimensional object, the material in the spraying step is dispersed. It is realized by sprinkling the resulting liquid on the support. That is, the placement of the three-dimensional object forming material on the support is realized by applying the image forming process of the inkjet printer. Therefore, the three-dimensional object can be arranged on the support quickly and with a uniform thickness.

A three-dimensional object forming method according to a fourth aspect is
The method for forming a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional object forming material is a substance made of a material that is heated and brought into contact with each other in a contacted state, and the bonding step is performed by supporting the support. It is characterized by comprising the step of heating the formed three-dimensional object forming material.

In the three-dimensional object forming method according to the fourth aspect, the joining step of joining the three-dimensional object forming material supported by one support and the three-dimensional object supported by another support includes contacting. This is realized by heating the three-dimensional object forming materials that are bonded to each other when heated in the above state (heating step). Therefore, not only the bonding force between the three-dimensional object forming materials becomes sufficient, but also the bonding force between the supports that support the material in a state where a part of the three-dimensional object forming material can pass through the supports. The joining of the materials is sufficient.

The three-dimensional object forming method according to claim 5 is
The method for forming a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, wherein as the three-dimensional object forming material, a substance made of a material that is bonded to each other by being pressed in a contact state is used, It is characterized by comprising the step of pressurizing a plurality of the supports in which the forming materials are arranged and superposed on each other.

In the three-dimensional object forming method according to the fifth aspect, the joining step of joining the three-dimensional object forming material supported by one support and the three-dimensional object supported by another support is performed by contact. It is realized by pressurizing the materials to be bonded to each other by being pressed in the above state in a contact state (pressurizing step). Therefore, not only the bonding force between the three-dimensional object forming materials becomes sufficient, but also the bonding force between the supports that support the material in a state where a part of the three-dimensional object forming material can pass through the supports. The joining of the materials is sufficient.

A three-dimensional object forming method according to claim 6 is
The method for forming a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, wherein a material made of a material that deteriorates when irradiated with ultraviolet rays is used as the support, and the removing step irradiates the support with ultraviolet light. It is characterized by consisting of.

In the three-dimensional object forming method according to the sixth aspect, the removing step of removing a portion of the support where the three-dimensional object forming material is not arranged is made of a material which is deteriorated by the irradiation of ultraviolet rays in the ultraviolet irradiation step. It is realized by irradiating a substance with ultraviolet rays. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily and quickly remove the unnecessary portion by degrading the unnecessary portion.

The three-dimensional object forming method according to claim 7 is
The method for forming a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, wherein a substance made of a material that deteriorates when irradiated with microwaves is used as the support, and the removing step uses microwaves that irradiate the support with microwaves. It is characterized by comprising a wave irradiation step.

In the three-dimensional object forming method according to the seventh aspect, the removing step of removing a portion of the support on which the three-dimensional object forming material is not arranged is made of a material which is deteriorated by irradiation with microwaves. This includes the step of irradiating the support with microwaves. By irradiating the unnecessary portion of the support with microwaves to deteriorate the portion, the unnecessary portion can be easily and quickly removed.

The three-dimensional object forming method according to claim 8 is
The three-dimensional object forming method according to claim 1, wherein a substance made of a material that melts when irradiated with microwaves is used as the support, and the removing step uses microwaves that irradiate the support with microwaves. It is characterized by comprising a wave irradiation step.

In the three-dimensional object forming method according to the eighth aspect, the removing step of removing a portion of the support on which the three-dimensional object forming material is not arranged is made of a material which is melted by being irradiated with microwaves. This includes the step of irradiating the support with microwaves. By irradiating the unnecessary portion of the support with microwaves and melting the portion, the unnecessary portion can be easily and quickly removed.

The three-dimensional object forming method according to claim 9 is
The method for forming a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, wherein a material that deteriorates when water is applied is used as the support,
It is characterized in that the removing step comprises a step of applying moisture to the support. Here, as the material that deteriorates due to the application of moisture, specifically,
Examples thereof include water-soluble materials and materials that swell by absorbing water and finally become separated.

In the method for forming a three-dimensional object according to the ninth aspect, in the removing step of removing the portion of the support on which the three-dimensional object is not arranged, the support is made of a material that deteriorates due to the addition of moisture. By applying water, the unnecessary portion of the support is deteriorated, so that the portion can be easily removed.

A three-dimensional object forming method according to a tenth aspect is the three-dimensional object forming method according to the first aspect, wherein a plurality of sheet-shaped supports having the same outer shape are used as the supports.
It is characterized in that the superimposing step comprises a step of superimposing the supports on each other so that their outer shapes match each other.

In the method for forming a three-dimensional object according to the tenth aspect, the step of superposing a plurality of the support bodies having the three-dimensional object forming material arranged on the surface thereof is a sheet-like shape having the same outer shape. It includes a step of superposing the supports according to their outer shapes, and only by superimposing the outer shapes of the respective supports without using a special device, a portion where the three-dimensional object forming material of each support is arranged,
That is, the portion corresponding to the cross section of the finally formed three-dimensional object is accurately aligned.

The three-dimensional object forming method according to claim 11 is the three-dimensional object forming method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of materials having different colors are used as the three-dimensional object forming material. It is what

In the three-dimensional object forming method according to the eleventh aspect, the three-dimensional objects having different colors are formed by using the three-dimensional object forming materials having different colors. In particular, according to this method, it is difficult to use two or more different colors in the same cross-section layer, which was difficult with the method of stacking and adhering a plurality of sheets or the method of curing the photocurable resin stepwise for each section. Can be formed into a three-dimensional object.

A three-dimensional object forming method according to a twelfth aspect is the three-dimensional object forming method according to the first aspect, wherein as the three-dimensional object forming material, a temperature which is deteriorated by heating the support is caused by heating. It is characterized by using a material whose temperature is higher than that at which it deteriorates.

In the method for forming a three-dimensional object according to the twelfth aspect, in the removing step of removing a portion of the support on which the three-dimensional object is not arranged, each support on which the three-dimensional object forming material is arranged. When heated at a temperature at which the support is deteriorated but the three-dimensional object is not deteriorated, only the part of the support where the three-dimensional object is not arranged, that is, the part not corresponding to the shape in the cross section of the three-dimensional object is deteriorated. .

According to a three-dimensional object forming apparatus of a thirteenth aspect, a three-dimensional object is formed by using a support that supports a three-dimensional object forming material at a predetermined position and allows a part of the material to pass therethrough. An object forming apparatus, wherein based on cross-sectional shape data of a three-dimensional object, an arrangement means for arranging the three-dimensional object forming material on the surface of the support, and the three-dimensional object forming material on the surface. A superimposing means for superimposing a plurality of said supports in a state, and contacting the three-dimensional object forming material supported by one image support with the three-dimensional object forming material supported by another support According to the present invention, there is provided a joining means for joining the three-dimensional object forming materials supported by both supports to each other, and a removing means for removing a portion of the support where the three-dimensional object forming material is not arranged. What to do A.

In the three-dimensional object forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, the arranging means uses the three-dimensional object forming material (hereinafter referred to as material) on the surface of the support based on the cross-sectional shape data of the three-dimensional object desired to be formed. To place. Then, the superposing means superposes the plurality of supports in which the materials are arranged by the arranging means on each other. Further, the joining means brings the materials supported by different supports into contact with each other by bringing the three-dimensional object forming materials supported by the respective supports into contact with each other. Here, in this apparatus, a support that supports a material at a predetermined position and allows a part of the material to pass is used as the support. Therefore, a part of the material placed on one surface of the support by the placement means passes through the support and reaches the other surface. For this reason, the material in a state of passing through the support comes into contact with the material arranged on the support which is superposed adjacent to the support, and the two materials are bonded. By thus joining the materials arranged on the surfaces of the plurality of supports to each other, the supports are joined only to the part corresponding to the cross section of the three-dimensional object desired to be formed, that is, the part where the materials are arranged. It becomes a state. Then, from the support in this state, the removing means removes the part where the material is not arranged, that is, the part which does not correspond to the cross section of the three-dimensional object desired to be formed, to obtain the three-dimensional object.

Further, a four-dimensional object forming apparatus according to a fourteenth aspect is the three-dimensional object forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the arranging means forms a latent image based on the sectional shape data on the surface of the latent image carrier. A latent image forming means for forming, an attaching means for attaching the three-dimensional object forming material to the latent image carrier in a state where the latent image is formed, and a three-dimensional object forming for adhering to the latent image carrier And a transfer means for transferring the material to the support.

Particularly, in the three-dimensional object forming apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, the arrangement of the three-dimensional object on the support based on the cross-sectional shape data of the three-dimensional object is performed by the latent image forming means based on the data. Formation of a latent image on the surface of the image carrier, attachment of the three-dimensional object forming material to the latent image by the attaching means, and transfer of the three-dimensional object forming material attached to the latent image to the transfer material by the transfer means. It is realized by transcription. That is, the arranging means for arranging the three-dimensional object forming material on the support is formed by applying the electrophotographic image forming apparatus including the process of forming a latent image on the surface of the latent image carrier. Therefore, the placement of the three-dimensional object forming material on the support can be realized quickly and with a uniform thickness.

Further, a three-dimensional object forming apparatus according to a fifteenth aspect is the three-dimensional object forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the arranging means disperses the three-dimensional object forming material based on the sectional shape data. It is characterized by comprising a spraying means for spraying the resulting liquid onto the support.

In the three-dimensional object forming apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, the three-dimensional object is arranged on the support on the basis of the cross-sectional shape data of the three-dimensional object. It is realized by spraying. That is, the arranging means for arranging the three-dimensional object forming material on the support is realized by the application of the image forming apparatus of the inkjet printer type. Therefore, the placement of the three-dimensional object on the support can be realized quickly and with a uniform thickness.

The three-dimensional object forming apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect is a three-dimensional object forming apparatus that supports a three-dimensional object forming material at a predetermined position and forms a three-dimensional object using a support through which a part of the material can pass. An object forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus superimposes a plurality of the supports in a state in which the three-dimensional object forming material is arranged on the basis of the cross-sectional shape data of the three-dimensional object; Bonding for joining the three-dimensional object forming materials supported by both supports to each other by bringing the three-dimensional object forming material supported by the image support into contact with the three-dimensional object forming material supported by another support It is characterized by comprising means and removing means for removing a portion of each support on which the three-dimensional object forming material is not arranged.

In the three-dimensional object forming apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, the superposing means superposes a plurality of supports on which the three-dimensional object forming material is arranged by the image forming apparatus. Further, the joining means brings the three-dimensional object forming materials supported by the respective supports into contact with each other, thereby joining the materials supported by both the supports. Further, a plurality of supports are joined to each other through a three-dimensional object forming material disposed on the surface thereof, and the support is a portion corresponding to a cross section of the three-dimensional object desired to be formed, that is, a portion where the material is disposed. Are joined together. Then, from the support in this state, the removing means removes the part where the material is not arranged, that is, the part which does not correspond to the cross section of the three-dimensional object desired to be formed, to obtain the three-dimensional object.

A three-dimensional object forming apparatus according to a seventeenth aspect is the three-dimensional object forming apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, characterized in that the three-dimensional object forming apparatus is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus.

In the three-dimensional object forming apparatus of the seventeenth aspect, since the apparatus is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus, it is usually used for image formation only when forming a three-dimensional object. The three-dimensional object forming apparatus can be attached to the existing image forming apparatus for use.

The three-dimensional object according to claim 18 is a three-dimensional object forming material which is joined to each other in a contact state,
A three-dimensional object comprising: a support that supports the three-dimensional object forming material while allowing a part of the material to pass through; the three-dimensional object forming material being joined to each other through the support. It is characterized by that.

In the three-dimensional object according to the eighteenth aspect, a portion of the three-dimensional object forming material supported by one support and passing through the support, and a three-dimensional object forming material supported by another support. And are in contact with each other and joined. That is, the three-dimensional object is formed of the support and the three-dimensional object forming material in a state of being bonded to each other via the support.

The three-dimensional object according to claim 19 is based on the cross-sectional shape data of the three-dimensional object and a support through which a part of the three-dimensional object forming material can pass while supporting the three-dimensional object forming material at a predetermined position. A three-dimensional object consisting of the three-dimensional object-forming material arranged on the surface of a support, wherein a plurality of the supports in a state in which the three-dimensional object-forming material is arranged are overlapped with each other. The three-dimensional object forming material supported by both supports is joined to each other by bringing the three-dimensional object forming material supported by the image support and the three-dimensional object forming material supported by another support into contact with each other, and It is characterized by being formed by removing a portion of the support on which the three-dimensional object forming material is not arranged.

In the three-dimensional object according to the nineteenth aspect, the three-dimensional object is formed of the support and the three-dimensional object forming material in a state of being bonded to each other via the support.

[0049]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a three-dimensional object forming apparatus will be described below. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional object forming apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. This three-dimensional object forming apparatus is an arrangement unit as an arrangement means for arranging a three-dimensional object forming material (hereinafter referred to as a material) on the basis of cross-sectional shape data of a three-dimensional object desired to be formed on a sheet material 1 as a support. 10 and
A sheet material supply unit 20 for supplying the sheet material 1 to the arranging unit 10, a sheet material laminating unit 30 as a superposition means for superposing a plurality of sheet materials 1 on which the materials are arranged, and a plurality of sheets. A heat press unit 40 as a joining unit that joins the materials arranged on the material 1 to each other, and a removal unit 50 as a removal unit that removes a portion where the material is not arranged from the sheet material 1 conveyed from the heat press unit 40. With.

As the above-mentioned sheet material 1, for example, a mesh sheet having a large number of fine holes is used as a material having a property of supporting a material at a predetermined position and allowing a part of the material to pass therethrough. By using the sheet material 1 having such a property, when a material is supplied to one surface of the sheet material 1 by the placement unit 10, a part of the material passes to the other surface of the sheet material 1. Become. Therefore, when a plurality of sheet materials 1 in which the materials are arranged are stacked in the sheet material stacking unit 40, the material remaining on the surface of the certain sheet material on which the materials are arranged and the sheet material 1 are stacked next to the sheet material. The sheet material comes into contact with the material that has passed to the surface opposite to the surface to which the material has been supplied.

As the sheet material 1, a material made of a material having a property of being deteriorated by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays is used. Accordingly, the removing unit 50 irradiates the sheet material 1 with ultraviolet rays to deteriorate a portion of the sheet material that is not used for forming a three-dimensional object, so that the portion can be easily removed. .

The above-mentioned material is a material which is bonded to each other by heating or pressurizing it in a contact state. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a laser printer or a digital copying machine (hereinafter referred to as an image forming apparatus). The toner used for can be used. For example, when a toner containing a styrene-acrylic resin or a polyester resin as a main component is used as a material, the plurality of sheet materials 1 in a state where the toner is arranged in the heat press unit 40 are heated and pressed, The materials arranged on the sheet material can be joined together. It should be noted that instead of the toner itself, the toner from which the pigment is removed may be used. Further, when it is desired to form a three-dimensional object of a specific color, a pigment mixed with the specific color can be used.

The placement unit 10 uses the cross-section data (S
The material is arranged on the surface of the sheet material 1 based on the cross-sectional shape data created from the three-dimensional information of the three-dimensional object desired to be formed by the cross-section data creation device 60 as the cross-section data creation means for creating (TL data). is there. Then, in this embodiment, the arrangement unit 10 is an optical writing device 12 as a latent image forming means for forming a latent image on the photosensitive drum 11 as a latent image carrier based on the sectional shape data.
Then, the adhering device 13 as an adhering means for adhering the material to the latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 by the optical writing means 12, and the material adhering to the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred to the sheet material 1. The transfer device 14 serves as a transfer unit.

The cross-section data creation device 60 creates cross-section shape data of a desired three-dimensional object from computer stereoscopic information such as CAD / CAM data created by the information creation unit 70 such as a graphic workstation or a PC. The cross-sectional shape data is transmitted to the optical writing device 12. This optical writing device 12
All of them are provided with a laser light source (not shown), a polygon mirror that rotates at high speed to deflect the laser light, a lens, etc., and form the latent image corresponding to the cross-sectional shape data on the photosensitive drum 11.
Optically write to. In addition, as the optical writing unit 12,
The writing unit used in the image forming apparatus can be diverted as it is.

As the adhering device 13 for adhering the material to the latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 11, the developing device used in the image forming apparatus can be used as it is or with some improvement. For example, in a developing device such as a copying machine, which is well known in the electrophotographic field, such as a configuration in which a material that has been charged in advance is attached to a latent image by an electrostatic force or a configuration in which a material is attached to a latent image by using a magnetic force. The configuration may be diverted.

As the transfer device 14, a transfer device for transferring the toner on the surface of the photoconductor used in the image forming apparatus to a recording paper can be used as it is. For example, a charging roller, a corona generating device, or the like provided on the opposite side of the sheet material 1 from the photosensitive drum 11 can be used.

The sheet supply unit 20 is configured such that a plurality of sheet materials 1 of the same shape are stored in the apparatus main body and the storage cassette 21 is detachably provided, and the sheet material 1 supplied from the cassette is transferred to the transfer apparatus 14. To the transfer position where the transfer of the material from the sheet material to the sheet material 1 is performed. The storage cassette 21 is provided with a separating device (not shown), and the separating device supplies the sheet materials 1 to the conveying path 22 one by one. In addition, if a plurality of storage cassettes are prepared and sheet materials of different sizes are stored in each cassette, the cassettes can be selectively attached to the apparatus main body according to the size of the three-dimensional object desired to be formed. Then, the sheet material 1 having the most suitable size can be used for forming a three-dimensional object. Further, if a configuration in which a plurality of storage cassettes 21a and 21b can be attached to the apparatus main body as in the illustrated example is adopted, an operator can selectively use sheet materials of different sizes without exchanging cassettes. become able to.

The sheet stacking unit 30 is for stacking a plurality of sheet materials 1 supplied from the storage cassette 21 and having materials arranged at the transfer position.
This unit accurately aligns the material-disposed portion of each sheet material, that is, the portion of each sheet material that is ultimately used to form the three-dimensional object. The sheet stacking unit 30 has a wall portion 31 against which the leading end of the sheet material 1 abuts in the traveling direction of the sheet material 1. The wall portion 31 restricts the movement of the sheet material 1 and the sheet material 1 is superposed. It will be.

The heat press unit 40 is composed of a vertically movable sheet mounting table 41 attached to a lower piston mechanism (not shown) and a pressure plate 42 attached to an upper piston mechanism (not shown). Further, inside the mounting table 41 and the pressure plate 42, a heater as a heating means is incorporated. And this unit is a mounting table 41
When the sheet materials are stacked on top of each other, the mounting mechanism 41 moves upward and the pressure plate 42 moves downward by the piston mechanisms to press and press the plurality of sheet materials 1 against each other. As a result, the materials arranged on the respective sheet materials 1 are pressed in a state of being in contact with each other, and these materials are bonded to each other. In addition, together with the vertical movement of the mounting table 41 and the pressure plate 42,
The pre-heating heater built in the mounting table 41 and the main heater built in the pressure plate 42 generate heat. As a result, the materials arranged on the respective sheet materials 1 are heated in a state where they are in contact with each other, so that the materials are bonded to each other. Further, since joining between the materials arranged on the surface of each sheet material 1 by pressure / pressure contact and heating is performed through each sheet material, the portion where the material of the sheet material is arranged, that is, the tertiary of the sheet material is The parts used to form the former are also joined together. It should be noted that instead of causing both the preheater and the main heater to generate heat, only the main heater may generate heat.

The removal unit 50 is the placement unit 1
The sheet material 1 in which the materials are arranged by 0 and are joined to each other by the heat pressing unit 40 through the materials 1
An ultraviolet irradiation means (not shown) for irradiating ultraviolet rays is provided on the. Then, the ultraviolet irradiation means irradiates the sheet materials 1 conveyed from the heat press unit 40 in the joined state with ultraviolet rays. Here, as described above, the sheet material 1 uses a material that deteriorates when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Therefore, the sheet material is deteriorated by being irradiated with the ultraviolet rays. However, since the portion of the sheet material 1 on which the material is arranged, that is, the portion used for forming the three-dimensional object is in a state of being coated with the material, the ultraviolet ray is not directly irradiated and deterioration does not occur. That is, the deterioration occurs only in the portion of the sheet material where the material is not arranged, that is, the portion which is not used for forming the three-dimensional object. Therefore,
Due to the deterioration, unnecessary portions that are not used for forming the three-dimensional object are removed and a three-dimensional object is obtained.

The operation of the three-dimensional object forming apparatus configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a process of forming a three-dimensional object in this three-dimensional object forming apparatus. In this three-dimensional object forming apparatus, as shown in FIGS. 2 (a), 2 (b1), and 2 (b2), first, the material is arranged on the sheet material 1 by the arrangement unit 10 (arrangement step). . 2B1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the material is arranged on the sheet material 1. FIG.
(B2) is a cross-sectional view showing the sheet material 1 on which materials are arranged.

In the arranging step, the cross-section data creating device 60 forms cross-section data of the three-dimensional object desired to be formed from the stereoscopic information formed by the image information unit 70 such as a PC, and the optical writing is performed based on the data. The inserting unit 12 forms a latent image on the photosensitive drum 11 (latent image forming step), the adhering device 12 attaches the material to the latent image (adhering step), and the transfer device 14 transfers the material to the sheet material 1. Transfer to. In addition,
The sheet material 1 to which the material is transferred is stored in the storage cassette 21.
a or a cassette selected from the storage cassettes 21b, and is transported to the transfer position by the transport path 22.

The sheet material 1 on which the materials are arranged is
The leading end of the sheet material stacking unit 30 collides with the wall portion 31 and the conveyance is restricted, so that the sheet material stacking unit 30 is in a state of being overlapped with each other according to its outer shape (superposition step).
Then, the materials arranged on the sheet material 1 in the superposed state are bonded to each other by the hot press unit 40 as shown in FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D (bonding step). . FIG. 2C is a perspective view showing how the sheet materials are joined together, and FIG. 2D is a sectional view showing how the sheet materials 1 are joined together. That is, the sheet 1 is pressed by the vertical movement of the sheet material mounting table 41 and the pressure plate 42 (pressurizing step), and is heated by the heater provided inside the sheet mounting table 41 and the pressure plate 42 (heating step). ) And the materials bond to each other. In this joining step, not only the gaps between the stacked sheet materials 1 are removed but the materials are joined to each other, and the sheet materials 1 supporting the materials are also joined to each other at the portions supporting the materials.

Then, as shown in FIG. 2 (e), the ultraviolet ray irradiating means in the removing unit 50 radiates ultraviolet rays to the sheet materials 1 which have been joined to each other (irradiation step). The portion not arranged is deteriorated and removed (removal step). By the above operation, a three-dimensional object formed of a material and a support, that is, a material that is joined to each other by coming into contact with each other, and a sheet as a support that supports the material and allows a part of the material to pass through A three-dimensional object composed of the material 1 is formed, and the materials are joined to each other via the sheet material. FIG. 2F shows a three-dimensional object to be completed after the removal process is completed.

In the three-dimensional object forming apparatus whose configuration and operation have been described above, the arranging means for arranging the material on the sheet material 1 is constructed by using the photosensitive drum 11 or the like, and the image forming method of the electrophotographic system is adopted. Although the arranging process was realized by applying it, instead of this, the arranging means is configured by using a spraying means for spraying a liquid in which the three-dimensional object forming material is dispersed on the sheet material, and an ink jet type image forming is performed. The method can also be applied to implement the placement process. In this case, various known inkjet image forming methods can be diverted as the spraying means, and the liquid prepared by the spraying means and having the material dispersed therein is sprayed on the sheet material 1 (spraying step). , Will be able to place the material on the sheet material. If this system is adopted, the size of the three-dimensional object forming device can be reduced as compared with a device that constitutes an arranging means by applying an electrophotographic system.

In addition, in the three-dimensional object forming apparatus whose configuration and operation are described above, the sheet material 1 as the support body is used.
Was formed of a material that deteriorates when irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the removal step of removing unnecessary portions of the sheet material 1 was realized by irradiating the sheet material 1 with ultraviolet rays. The removing step may be realized by irradiating the sheet material 1 with microwaves by forming it with a material that deteriorates when irradiated with microwaves. For example, it is possible to use a material that is heated and dried by being irradiated with microwaves and thereby becomes brittle. If this configuration is adopted, when the sheet material 1 is irradiated with microwaves in the removal step (microwave irradiation step), the portion of the sheet material to which the material is not attached deteriorates, and the removal of the portion is facilitated. Will be.

Further, instead of forming the sheet material 1 with a material that deteriorates when irradiated with microwaves, the sheet material 1 may be formed with a material that melts when irradiated with microwaves. If this configuration is adopted, when the sheet material 1 is irradiated with microwaves in the removing step (microwave irradiation step), the portion of the sheet material to which the material is not adhered is melted and the portion is removed. .

Instead of forming the sheet material 1 from a material that deteriorates when exposed to ultraviolet rays and irradiating the sheet material 1 with ultraviolet rays, a removal step of removing unnecessary portions of the sheet material 1 is realized. Then, the sheet material 1 may be formed of a material that deteriorates due to the application of water, and the removing step may be realized by applying water to the sheet material. For example, 40-C
The sheet material 11 can be formed using the above-mentioned materials that dissolve in warm water. With this configuration, when moisture is applied to the sheet material 1 in the removing step (moisture imparting step), unnecessary portions of the sheet material are dissolved in water and the portions are removed. The portion of the sheet material 1 on which the material is arranged is in a state of being coated with the material and does not deteriorate because water does not penetrate. Further, instead of the material that deteriorates due to the application of water, a material that absorbs the water and swells when the water is supplied, and finally becomes a separated state may be used.

Further, instead of forming the sheet material 1 from a material which deteriorates when irradiated with ultraviolet rays and irradiating the sheet material 1 with ultraviolet rays, a removing step for removing unnecessary portions of the sheet material 1 is realized. Then, the sheet material 1 is formed of a material whose deterioration temperature is lower than the temperature of the material deterioration material, and the removal step is performed to the sheet material 1 higher than the material deterioration of the sheet material. It may be realized by heating at a temperature lower than that of the material. If this configuration is adopted, the sheet material 1 is deteriorated and removed by the heating (heating step).

Further, instead of using a plurality of sheet materials 1 having the same outer shape as the support, for example, a roll-shaped continuous sheet may be used. When such a configuration is adopted, it is desirable to provide means for appropriately cutting the continuous sheet.

Further, in the three-dimensional object forming apparatus described above, the sheet stacking unit 30 having the wall portion 31 is used as the stacking means for stacking the plurality of sheet materials 1 in the aligned state. Alternatively, a mark may be provided at a predetermined position on the sheet material 1, and the sheet material 1 may be aligned using this mark. In addition, a hole is provided at a predetermined position of the sheet material 1,
The sheet material 1 may be aligned using this hole.

Further, in the three-dimensional object forming apparatus described above, the arrangement unit 10 as arrangement means, the sheet laminating unit 30 as superposition means, the heat press unit 40 as joining means, and the removal unit as removal means. 5
It was equipped with all 0s. However, the material is arranged on the sheet material by using the image forming apparatus without providing the arrangement means, the sheet material is superposed by the superposing means, and the material arranged on the sheet material is joined by the joining means, Further, the three-dimensional object formation may be formed so that the unnecessary portion of the sheet material is removed by the removing means. In addition to this, without providing sheet stacking means, the operator superimposes the sheet materials discharged to the discharge section of the image forming apparatus and joins the sheet materials by the joining means, thereby eliminating the need for sheets. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the portion is removed by the removing means.

Further, in a three-dimensional object forming apparatus for arranging a material on a sheet material by using the image forming apparatus without providing the arranging means, the three-dimensional object forming apparatus may be detachably attached to the image forming apparatus. good.

Further, in the three-dimensional object forming apparatus, the construction and operation of which have been described above, it is also possible to use a plurality of colors of different colors as materials. As for the configuration and method of arranging materials of different colors on the sheet material 1, the configuration of the color image forming apparatus and the color image forming method by the apparatus may be diverted.

[0075]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a sheet material is used as a three-dimensional object forming material, which is an adverse effect in a method of forming a three-dimensional object by laminating and adhering the sheet material. The problem that it is not possible to form a 3D object with a complicated shape due to the difficulty of removing a part is solved, and it becomes possible to form a 3D object with a complicated shape. . Further, it is not necessary to use an expensive material unlike the method using a photo-curable resin, and a three-dimensional object can be formed at low cost. In addition, as in the method of laminating and adhering sheet materials to form a three-dimensional object, a highly accurate three-dimensional object due to uneven thickness of the adhesive for adhering each sheet material. The problem of being unable to form is eliminated, and a highly accurate three-dimensional object can be formed. Furthermore, the three-dimensional object formed as in the method using the photocurable resin as the material is not easily broken and becomes heavy, and a three-dimensional object that is less fragile and lighter than that in the method can be formed. Like

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the three-dimensional object forming material is attached to the surface of the latent image carrier, and the three-dimensional object forming material is arranged on the support by transferring the material. It becomes possible to arrange with a uniform thickness. Therefore, the disadvantage of the conventional three-dimensional object forming method, that is, the deterioration of the molding accuracy due to the uneven thickness of the adhesive, is more remarkably solved, and the three-dimensional object with higher accuracy can be obtained. The object can be formed. Further, since the three-dimensional object forming material is quickly placed on the support, the forming speed of the three-dimensional object is increased and the object can be formed in a short time.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the liquid in which the three-dimensional object forming material is dispersed is dispersed in the support, so that the tertiary object forming material is arranged on the support, so that the material is formed with a uniform thickness. You will be able to arrange. Therefore, the disadvantage of the conventional three-dimensional object forming method, that is, the deterioration of the molding accuracy due to the uneven thickness of the adhesive, is more remarkably solved, and the three-dimensional object with higher accuracy can be obtained. The object can be formed. Further, since the three-dimensional object forming material is quickly placed on the support, the forming speed of the three-dimensional object is increased and the object can be formed in a short time.

According to the invention of claim 4, a material which is joined to each other by being heated is used as the three-dimensional object forming material, and the material is supported on one support by heating the material in the joining step. The material supported by another support is bonded. Therefore, not only between such materials,
The joining force between the supports that support the material is also sufficient, the supports are prevented from peeling off due to the insufficient joining force between the supports, and the formed three-dimensional object is broken. It can be made difficult and have sufficient strength.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, as the three-dimensional object forming material, materials that are joined to each other by being pressed are used, and the material supported by one support by pressing the materials in the joining step. And a material supported by another support. Therefore, not only between such materials,
The joining force between the supports that support the material is also sufficient, the supports are prevented from peeling off due to the insufficient joining force between the supports, and the formed three-dimensional object is hardly broken. It can have sufficient strength. The present invention also has an additional effect that bubbles are less likely to be generated in the three-dimensional object forming material.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, when removing the unnecessary portion of the support, the portion is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to deteriorate the portion and then removed. Therefore, the unnecessary portion of the support can be removed easily and quickly. As a result, the formation speed of the three-dimensional object is increased, and not only the object can be formed in a short time, but also the formation thereof is facilitated.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the unnecessary portion of the support is removed, the portion is irradiated with microwaves to deteriorate the portion and the unnecessary portion is removed. Therefore, the unnecessary portion of the support can be removed easily and quickly. Thereby, not only the three-dimensional object can be formed at a high speed and the object can be formed in a short time, but also the formation thereof becomes easy.

According to the invention of claim 8, when removing an unnecessary portion of the support, the portion is irradiated with microwaves,
Removal is performed by melting the part. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily and quickly remove the unnecessary portion of the support, the formation speed of the three-dimensional object is increased, and not only the object can be formed in a short time, but also the formation thereof is easy. Become.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the unnecessary portion of the support is removed by applying moisture to the support made of a material which deteriorates due to the application of moisture. Therefore, the unnecessary portion is removed. Will be done easily and quickly. Therefore, not only the formation speed of the three-dimensional object is increased and the object can be formed in a short time, but also the formation thereof is facilitated.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when the supports in which the three-dimensional object forming material is placed are overlapped with each other, the outer shapes of the sheet-like supports are aligned with each other. Therefore, the portion of each support corresponding to the cross section of the finally formed three-dimensional object is accurately aligned, and the deterioration of the shape reproducibility due to the positional deviation of each support is prevented. , A highly accurate three-dimensional object is formed. Further, it is possible to facilitate the formation of a three-dimensional object without using a special device for aligning the respective supports.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to form a three-dimensional object having a plurality of colors by using the three-dimensional forming materials having different colors. In the method of forming a three-dimensional object by stacking and adhering multiple sheet materials, if sheets of different colors are used, three-dimensional formation of different colors for each layer of the thickness of one sheet Things can be formed. However, it is difficult to form three-dimensional objects of different colors within the layer. Further, in the method of irradiating light according to a cross-sectional shape desired to form a photo-curable resin and curing the resin, if a photo-curable resin having a different color is used for each layer, a different color is obtained for each cross-sectional shape. It is possible to form a three-dimensional object. However, even with this method, it is difficult to form a three-dimensional object having different colors in one layer. On the other hand, in the invention of claim 11, when arranging the three-dimensional object forming material on the support, the materials of different colors are arranged so that even if the same layer has different colors. It becomes possible to form a three-dimensional object.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, in the removing step of removing the portion of the support on which the three-dimensional object is not arranged, the support for supporting the three-dimensional object forming material deteriorates but the material does not deteriorate. When heated at a temperature, only the portion of the support where the three-dimensional object is not arranged, that is, the portion which does not correspond to the shape in the cross section of the three-dimensional object is deteriorated. Therefore, it becomes easy to remove the portion.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a sheet material is used as a three-dimensional object forming material, which is an adverse effect in an apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object by laminating and adhering the sheet materials. The problem that it is difficult to form a three-dimensional object having a complicated shape due to the difficulty of removal is eliminated, and a three-dimensional object having a complicated shape can be formed. Further, it is not necessary to use an expensive material unlike an apparatus using a photocurable resin, and a three-dimensional object can be formed at low cost. Further, as in a device for forming a three-dimensional object using a sheet material, a highly accurate three-dimensional object can be formed due to the uneven thickness of the adhesive for adhering each sheet material. The adverse effect of being unable to be solved is eliminated, and a highly accurate three-dimensional object can be formed. Further, a three-dimensional object formed like a device using a photocurable resin as a material is not easily broken and becomes heavy, and a three-dimensional object that is less fragile and lighter than that in the device can be formed. Like

According to the invention of claim 14, the arranging means for arranging the three-dimensional forming substance on the support is formed by application of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a process of forming a latent image on the surface of the latent image carrier. As a result, the three-dimensional object forming material can be arranged on the support with a uniform thickness. Therefore, the disadvantage of the conventional three-dimensional object forming method, that is, the deterioration of the molding accuracy due to the uneven thickness of the adhesive, is more remarkably solved, and the three-dimensional object with higher accuracy can be obtained. The object can be formed. Further, since the three-dimensional object forming material is quickly placed on the support, the forming speed of the three-dimensional object is increased and the object can be formed in a short time.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the arranging means for arranging the three-dimensional object on the support is formed by the application of the image forming apparatus of the ink jet system. Therefore, the three-dimensional object forming material is uniformly applied on the support. Be able to arrange in thickness. Therefore, the disadvantage of the conventional three-dimensional object forming method, that is, the deterioration of the molding accuracy due to the uneven thickness of the adhesive, is more remarkably solved, and the three-dimensional object with higher accuracy can be obtained. The object can be formed.
Further, since the three-dimensional object forming material is quickly placed on the support, the forming speed of the three-dimensional object is increased and the object can be formed in a short time.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the invention, the same effect as that of the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects of the invention can be obtained. Further, since the material is arranged on the support by using the image forming apparatus, it is not necessary to provide an arrangement means or the like for the arrangement, the apparatus configuration is simplified, and the apparatus can be made small and inexpensive. .

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, since the three-dimensional object forming apparatus can be attached to the image forming apparatus and used only when the three-dimensional object is formed, the three-dimensional object is exclusively used for forming the three-dimensional object. It is not necessary to prepare the image forming apparatus of.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the three-dimensional object is formed of the support and the three-dimensional object forming material joined to each other through the support, and therefore the sheet material is formed by adhesion. The difficulty of high-precision molding due to the non-uniform thickness of the adhesive as in a three-dimensional object is eliminated, and the three-dimensional object can be made highly accurate. Further, since the three-dimensional object of the present invention is composed of the support and the three-dimensional object forming material, the disadvantage that the whole of the three-dimensional object made of the photocurable resin is heavy and fragile, and is relatively light. Be able to make it hard to break.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the invention, as in the eighteenth aspect, the thickness of the adhesive becomes non-uniform like a three-dimensional object formed by adhering sheet materials. The difficulty of high precision molding is eliminated, and the three-dimensional object can be made highly precise. Further, the disadvantage of the three-dimensional object made of a photo-curable resin as a whole, which is heavy and fragile, is solved, and a three-dimensional object that is relatively light and hard to break can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a three-dimensional object forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a three-dimensional object forming process of the same three-dimensional object forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Sheet Material (Support) 10 Arrangement Unit (Arrangement Means) 11 Photosensitive Drum (Latent Image Carrier) 12 Optical Writing Device (Latent Image Forming Means) 13 Adhesion Device (Adhesion Means) 14 Transfer Device (Transfer Means) 20 Sheet material supply unit 21 Storage cassette 22 Conveyance path 30 Sheet material laminating unit (overlapping means) 31 Wall section 40 Heat press unit (joining means) 41 Sheet material placing table 42 Pressure plate 50 Removal unit (removal means) 60 Section data creation device 70 Information creation unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification number Office reference number FI technical display location B41M 5/00 B41M 5/00 G03G 15/22 103 G03G 15/22 103Z // G03G 15/00 G03G 15/00 B29K 105: 24

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A three-dimensional object forming method for supporting a three-dimensional object forming material at a predetermined position while forming a three-dimensional object using a support through which a part of the material can pass. An arrangement step of arranging the three-dimensional object forming material on the surface of the support based on the cross-sectional shape data, and a superposition of superposing the plurality of supports in a state in which the three-dimensional object forming material is arranged. A step, and a three-dimensional object forming material supported by both supports by bringing the three-dimensional object forming material supported by one image support into contact with the three-dimensional object forming material supported by another support. A three-dimensional object forming method comprising: a joining step of joining the two to each other; and a removing step of removing a portion of each support on which the three-dimensional object forming material is not arranged. 2. The three-dimensional object forming method according to claim 1, wherein the arranging step forms a latent image based on the sectional shape data on the surface of a latent image carrier, and the latent image. In the latent image carrier in the state where is formed, an attaching step of attaching the three-dimensional object forming material, the three-dimensional object forming material attached to the latent image carrier,
And a transfer step of transferring to the support, the method for forming a three-dimensional object. 3. The three-dimensional object forming method according to claim 1, wherein the arranging step disperses a liquid in which the three-dimensional object forming material is dispersed on the support, based on the cross-sectional shape data. A three-dimensional object forming method comprising a spraying step. 4. The method for forming a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional object forming material is a substance made of a material that is bonded to each other by being heated in a contact state. A three-dimensional object forming method comprising a heating step of heating a three-dimensional object forming material supported by the support. 5. The method for forming a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, wherein as the three-dimensional object forming material, a substance made of a material that is bonded to each other by being pressed in a contact state is used. A method for forming a three-dimensional object-forming substance, comprising: a pressurizing step of pressurizing a plurality of the supports in which the three-dimensional object-forming materials are arranged and superposed on each other. 6. The method for forming a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, wherein the support is made of a substance made of a material that deteriorates by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the removing step applies ultraviolet rays to the support. A method for forming a three-dimensional object, comprising a step including an ultraviolet ray irradiation step of irradiating. 7. The method for forming a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, wherein a substance made of a material that deteriorates by being irradiated with microwaves is used as the support, and the removing step uses a micro substance on the support. A method for forming a three-dimensional object comprising a microwave irradiation step of irradiating a wave. 8. The method for forming a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, wherein a substance made of a material that melts when irradiated with microwaves is used as the support, and the removing step uses a micro substance on the support. A method for forming a three-dimensional object comprising a microwave irradiation step of irradiating a wave. 9. The method for forming a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, wherein a substance made of a material that deteriorates when moisture is applied is used as the support, and the removing step applies moisture to the support. A method for forming a three-dimensional object, which comprises a step of applying water. 10. The three-dimensional object forming method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of sheet-shaped supports having the same outer shape are used as the support, and the stacking step matches the support with the outer shape thereof. A method for forming a three-dimensional object, characterized by comprising the steps of overlapping each other. 11. The three-dimensional object forming method according to claim 1, wherein as the three-dimensional object forming material, materials of a plurality of colors having different colors are used. 12. The method for forming a three-dimensional object according to claim 1, wherein a material whose deterioration temperature by heating is higher than that by which the support is heated is used as the three-dimensional object forming material. A characteristic three-dimensional object forming method. 13. A three-dimensional object forming apparatus, which supports a three-dimensional object forming material at a predetermined position while forming a three-dimensional object by using a support through which a part of the material can pass. Arrangement means for arranging the three-dimensional object forming material on the surface of the support body based on the cross-sectional shape data, and superimposing a plurality of the support bodies in a state in which the three-dimensional object forming material is arranged on each other. And contacting the means, the three-dimensional object-forming material supported by one image support with the three-dimensional object-forming material supported by another support,
It is characterized by further comprising: joining means for joining the three-dimensional object forming materials supported by both supports to each other; and removing means for removing a portion of each support where the three-dimensional object forming material is not arranged. Three-dimensional object forming device. 14. The three-dimensional object forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the arranging unit forms a latent image on the surface of the latent image carrier based on the sectional shape data, and the latent image. In the latent image carrier in a state where is formed, an attaching means for attaching the three-dimensional object forming material, and the three-dimensional object forming material attached to the latent image carrier,
A three-dimensional object forming apparatus comprising: a transfer unit that transfers the image onto the support. 15. The three-dimensional object forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the arranging unit disperses a liquid, in which the three-dimensional object forming material is dispersed, on the support based on the cross-sectional shape data. A three-dimensional object forming apparatus comprising a spraying means. 16. A three-dimensional object forming apparatus for supporting a three-dimensional object forming material at a predetermined position while forming a three-dimensional object using a support through which a part of the material can pass. Based on the cross-sectional shape data, an image forming apparatus superimposes a plurality of the supports in which the three-dimensional object forming material is arranged, and a three-dimensional support supported by one image support. Joining means for joining the three-dimensional object forming materials supported by both supports to each other by bringing the three-dimensional object forming material supported by another support into contact with the three-dimensional object A three-dimensional object forming apparatus comprising: a removing unit that removes a portion where the object forming material is not arranged. 17. The three-dimensional object forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the three-dimensional object forming apparatus is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus. 18. A three-dimensional object comprising a three-dimensional object forming material which is joined to each other in a contact state, and a support which supports the three-dimensional object forming material and allows a part of the material to pass therethrough. A three-dimensional object, wherein the three-dimensional object forming material is bonded to each other via the support. 19. A support capable of supporting a three-dimensional object forming material at a predetermined position while allowing a part of the material to pass therethrough, and the support disposed on the surface of the support based on the cross-sectional shape data of the three-dimensional object. A three-dimensional object formed of a three-dimensional object forming material, wherein the plurality of supports in a state in which the three-dimensional object forming material is arranged are overlapped with each other, and the three-dimensional object is supported by one image support. The three-dimensional object forming material supported by both supports is joined to each other by bringing the three-dimensional object forming material supported by another support into contact with the three-dimensional object forming material of each support. A three-dimensional object characterized by being formed by removing a portion where is not arranged.