JP2014104683A - Three-dimensional contouring apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A three-dimensional modeling apparatus capable of being miniaturized is provided.
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus includes a planar stage 9 on which a three-dimensional modeling powder is placed, and a motor for moving the stage 9 up and down. A solid is formed by discharging and solidifying the modeling liquid. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus includes a removal unit 41 provided so as to be relatively movable with respect to the stage 9 along a virtual plane including the plane of the stage 9 in the raised state, and a removal unit 41 that moves relative to the stage 9. The three-dimensionally shaped object and the three-dimensionally shaped powder are moved from the side by being pushed and removed from the stage 9, and the three-dimensionally shaped object and the three-dimensionally shaped powder removed from the stage 9 are separated. The collection unit 50 includes a receiving unit 51 that receives only the three-dimensional modeled object from below, and a powder storage unit 52 that stores the three-dimensional modeling powder that has fallen from the receiving unit 51.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that forms a three-dimensional model by discharging a modeling liquid onto a three-dimensional modeling powder and solidifying the modeling liquid.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that models a three-dimensional modeled object by mixing and solidifying a three-dimensional modeling powder (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “powder”) and a modeling liquid. For example, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus discharges a modeling liquid with respect to the powder arrange | positioned flat using an inkjet head. When the powder and the modeling liquid are mixed, they are solidified to form a layer of a three-dimensional modeled object. By repeating the above steps and stacking the layers, a three-dimensional object having a shape desired by the operator is formed. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus collects uncured powder (hereinafter referred to as “uncured powder”) around the three-dimensional modeled object that remains without being solidified. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that removes uncured powder from the periphery of a three-dimensional modeled object by applying an air flow to the periphery of the three-dimensional modeled object and collects it in a collection container.

Japanese Patent No. 4125565

  In the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, an air supply source that supplies an air flow, a lid that prevents scattering of the uncured powder around the pipe, a pipe that flows the uncured powder removed by the air flow, an uncured powder A container to collect the body is required. Therefore, there is a problem that the configuration of the apparatus increases.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that can be miniaturized.

  The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present invention includes a planar stage on which a three-dimensional modeling powder is placed, and an elevating unit that raises and lowers the stage, and discharges a modeling liquid onto the three-dimensional modeling powder placed on the stage. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus for modeling a three-dimensional modeled object by solidifying, and a removal unit provided to be movable relative to the stage along a virtual plane including the plane of the stage in the raised state The moving unit that moves the removing unit relative to the stage, and the removing unit that moves relative to the moving unit move the solid modeling object and the three-dimensional modeling powder on the stage from the side. A member for separating the three-dimensional object and the three-dimensional object powder removed from the stage when removed from the stage, and receiving only the three-dimensional object from below. Parts, and, and a recovery unit having a storage portion for storing the stereolithography powder dropped from the receiving unit.

  According to the present invention, the removing unit removes the three-dimensional modeled object modeled on the stage and the three-dimensional modeled powder remaining around the three-dimensional modeled object from the stage and moves them toward the collection unit. The collection unit drops the three-dimensional modeling powder remaining around the three-dimensional modeled object from the receiving unit to the receiving unit, and the receiving unit receives only the three-dimensional modeled object, so that the three-dimensional modeled object and the three-dimensional modeling powder are obtained. And isolate. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus can remove the uncured powder from the periphery of the three-dimensional modeled object by the removing unit, the moving unit, and the collecting unit. Therefore, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus does not require a large-scale apparatus and can be downsized.

  In the present invention, a first control unit that controls the moving unit so that the removal unit is disposed in the vicinity of the raised position that is the position of the stage in the raised state, and the removal unit by the first control unit Is arranged in the vicinity of the raised position, the second control means for controlling the lifting means so that the stage rises from below to the raised position, and the stage is moved to the raised position by the second control means. And a third control unit that controls the moving unit so that the removing unit relatively moves toward the collecting unit. In the present invention, the receiving portion may have a net shape. Moreover, in this invention, the said receiving part may be provided along the said virtual plane, and the said accommodating part may be provided under the said receiving part. Moreover, in this invention, you may provide the vibration means to vibrate at least one among the said removal part and the said receiving part. Further, in the present invention, when the removing unit moves relative to the collecting unit by the third control means, and the removing unit is disposed above the collecting unit, the receiving unit is controlled to reciprocate. The fourth control means may be provided. Moreover, in this invention, the said removal part may be equipped with the plate-shaped wall part extended in the direction which cross | intersects the direction of the relative movement of the said removal part. Moreover, in this invention, the said removal part has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape which the lower surface opened, and at least any one surface among the surfaces which comprise the said rectangular parallelepiped may be transparent. Moreover, in this invention, the said removal part is arrange | positioned in the fixed position in the moving direction of a stage with respect to the housing | casing of the said three-dimensional model | molding apparatus, The said moving means moves the said stage along the said virtual plane. The removal unit may be moved relative to the stage.

1 is an external perspective view of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a modeling table 6, a powder supply mechanism 14, a removing unit 41, and a head 21. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a modeling table 6, a powder supply mechanism 14, a removing unit 41, and a head 21. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1. FIG. It is a flowchart of a three-dimensional modeling process. It is a flowchart of an uncured powder removal process. It is a figure for demonstrating a modeling process. It is a figure for demonstrating a modeling process. It is a figure for demonstrating a modeling process. It is a figure for demonstrating a removal process. It is a figure for demonstrating a removal process. It is a figure for demonstrating a removal process.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The lower left side and upper right side in FIG. 1 are the front side and the rear side of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1, respectively. The left-right direction and the up-down direction in FIG. 1 are the left-right direction and the up-down direction of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1, respectively. The right side of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 is the positive direction of the X coordinate, the rear side is the positive direction of the Y coordinate, and the upper side is the positive direction of the Z coordinate.

  The configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 can model a three-dimensional modeled object by driving the head 21 etc. which discharges modeling liquid according to three-dimensional modeling data. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 can acquire three-dimensional modeling data from a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) 100 via a network or the like. The PC 100 creates the three-dimensional modeling data based on the three-dimensional data indicating the three-dimensional shape and color of the object, and provides the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1. Note that the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 may acquire the three-dimensional modeling data based on the acquired three-dimensional data by acquiring the three-dimensional data from another device.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 mainly includes a base 2, a modeling table 6, a powder supply mechanism 14, a flattening roller 18, a head 21, a tank 31, a removal unit 41, and a powder recovery mechanism 13. Prepare. The base 2 is formed in a rectangular plate shape with the left-right direction as the longitudinal direction, and supports the entire three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1. A box-shaped housing (not shown) that covers the modeling table 6, the powder supply mechanism 14, the flattening roller 18, the head 21, the tank 31, the removal unit 41, and the powder recovery mechanism 13 is fixed to the base 2. ing. The modeling table 6 includes a stage 9 (see FIG. 2). The three-dimensional model is modeled on the stage 9. The powder supply mechanism 14 supplies the three-dimensional modeling powder onto the supply unit 12 (see FIG. 2) of the modeling table 6. The flattening roller 18 moves the 3D modeling powder placed on the supply unit 12 onto the stage 9 to flatten it, thereby forming a layer of 3D modeling powder (hereinafter referred to as “powder layer”). To do. The head 21 discharges the modeling liquid onto the powder layer formed on the stage 9. The tank 31 stores a modeling liquid to be discharged from the head 21. The removal unit 41 removes the three-dimensional modeled object and excess three-dimensional modeled powder (hereinafter referred to as “uncured powder”) remaining around the three-dimensional modeled object without solidifying from the stage 9. Used for. The powder recovery mechanism 13 sucks uncured powder accumulated in the powder container 52 (see FIG. 2) of the recovery unit 50 provided behind the modeling table 6. Each configuration will be described below. Note that the base 2 may be a part of the housing of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 (for example, the lower side).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the modeling table 6 includes a base portion 7 that supports the modeling table 6 and a frame portion 8 that is supported on the upper portion of the base portion 7. A through hole (not shown) penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed in each of the left and right sides of the base portion 7. Two rails 3 extending in the front-rear direction are provided in the approximate center of the base 2. The two rails 3 are provided at a predetermined height from the upper surface of the base 2 by a support portion 4 provided at the front end portion of the base 2 and a support portion (not shown) provided at the rear end portion. It is supported. Each of the two rails 3 passes through each of the two through holes formed in the base portion 7.

  A back-and-forth motion motor 71 (see FIG. 4) for moving the modeling table 6 back and forth is provided at the rear end of the base 2. When the longitudinal motor 71 is driven, power is transmitted to the modeling table 6 via a carriage belt (not shown), and the modeling table 6 moves in the front-rear direction along the two rails 3. The stage 9 moves in the front-rear direction in conjunction with the movement of the modeling table 6. The powder supply mechanism 14, the flattening roller 18, the head 21, and the removing unit 41 move relative to the modeling table 6 and the stage 9 in the front-rear direction and in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the stage 9.

  The forward / backward movement motor 71 may move the powder supply mechanism 14, the flattening roller 18, the head 21, and the removal unit 41. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 may move the powder supply mechanism 14, the flattening roller 18, the head 21, and the removing unit 41 relative to the modeling table 6 and the stage 9.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the shape of the frame part 8 is a rectangular parallelepiped. The frame portion 8 includes two concave portions having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view with an upper surface opened. The two recesses are arranged in the front-rear direction. The front concave portion is the stage accommodating portion 25, and the rear concave portion is the powder accommodating portion 52. The shapes of the stage storage unit 25 and the powder storage unit 52 are substantially the same. A plate-like supply unit 12 extends horizontally forward from the front upper end of the frame unit 8. The upper surface of the supply unit 12 and the upper surface of the frame unit 8 form the same plane. There is no step between the upper surface of the supply unit 12 and the upper surface of the frame unit 8. The three-dimensional shaped powder supplied by the powder supply mechanism 14 is placed on the supply unit 12. Hereinafter, a plane extending along the upper surfaces of the frame 8 and the supply unit 12 is also referred to as a virtual plane 26 (see FIG. 7 and the like).

  The stage accommodating part 25 holds the stage 9 so that it can be raised and lowered. The plan view shapes of the stage accommodating portion 25 and the stage 9 are substantially the same. The upper surface of the stage 9 is kept horizontal in the stage accommodating portion 25. In order to prevent the three-dimensionally shaped powder placed on the stage 9 from dropping below the stage accommodating portion 25, the stage accommodating portion 25 and the stage 9 are in close contact with each other without any gap.

  The stage 9 is moved up and down by the power of a stage lifting motor 72 (see FIG. 4) provided on the modeling table 6. The upper surface of the stage 9 in a state where the stage 9 is raised to the highest position is arranged on the same plane as the virtual plane 26. Hereinafter, the position of the stage 9 in a state where the upper surface is arranged in the same plane as the virtual plane 26 is referred to as a raised position. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 models a three-dimensional modeled object while gradually lowering the stage 9 from the raised position.

  In the powder container 52, surplus powder accumulated by the flattening roller 18 when the powder layer is formed and uncured powder remaining around the three-dimensional modeled object fall. A mesh-shaped receiving part 51 is provided at the opening of the powder container 52. The receiving part 51 is provided along the virtual plane 26. There is no step between the receiving portion 51 and the upper surface of the frame portion 8. The powder container 52 is disposed below the receiving part 51. The receiving part 51 supports the three-dimensional molded object modeled on the stage 9 from below. Hereinafter, the receiver 51 and the powder container 52 are also collectively referred to as a recovery unit 50.

  In addition, the shape of the receiving part 51 can be changed. For example, the receiving part 51 may be comprised with the board | plate material (punching metal) provided with the some hole. Moreover, the position where the receiving part 51 is provided can be changed. For example, the receiving part 51 may be provided slightly below the virtual plane 26. Further, the shape and size of the powder container 52 can be changed. For example, the powder container 52 may be a larger recess than the stage container 25.

  A collection path 10 for guiding uncured powder from the powder container 52 to the powder collection mechanism 13 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the rear side surface of the frame 8.

  The powder supply mechanism 14 includes a storage unit 15 and a powder supply roller 16. The upper part of the storage part 15 is formed in a box shape in which the width in the front-rear direction gradually increases upward, and stores the three-dimensional modeling powder inside. The lower part of the storage part 15 becomes an opening, and the three-dimensional modeling powder in the storage part 15 falls from the opening. The powder supply roller 16 is provided so as to be rotatable slightly above the opening at the bottom of the storage unit 15. Since there is no gap between the storage unit 15 and the powder supply roller 16, the three-dimensional shaped powder does not fall downward from the gap. The rotation axis of the powder supply roller 16 extends in the left-right direction, and is supported rotatably at the right end and the left end of the storage unit 15. The outer peripheral surface of the powder supply roller 16 is provided with a recess 17 that is long in the left-right direction and is recessed toward the rotation axis. In the recess 17, the three-dimensional modeling powder stored in the storage unit 15 is stored. Therefore, when the powder supply roller 16 is rotated by the power of the powder supply motor 74 (see FIG. 4), the three-dimensionally shaped powder accumulated in the recess 17 falls downward.

  Support frames 61 and 62 extending upward from the base 2 (see FIG. 1) fix the powder supply mechanism 14 to the base 2 on the front side. The support frame 61 is provided on the right side of the modeling table 6, and the support frame 62 is provided on the left side of the modeling table 6. The support frame 61 extends from the upper surface of the base 2 in the upward vertical direction, and has two rod-like standing portions 611 and 612 arranged in the front-rear direction and a rod-like shape provided between the upper ends of the standing portions 611 and 612. A erection unit 613. The support frame 62 extends vertically from the upper surface of the base 2 and extends in the front-rear direction. The rod-shaped erection portions 621 and 622 are arranged in the front-rear direction, and are disposed between the upper ends of the two standing portions. Part 623. The standing portions 611 and 621 sandwich and support the storage portion 15 of the powder supply mechanism 14 from both the left and right sides. As described above, the housing (not shown) of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 is fixed to the base 2. Therefore, the powder supply mechanism 14 fixed by the support frames 61 and 62 is disposed at a fixed position with respect to the housing of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1.

  The flattening roller 18 moves the three-dimensional modeling powder supplied to the supply unit 12 of the modeling table 6 to the stage 9 in the stage accommodating unit 25 to flatten the powder, thereby forming a powder layer. The rotation axis 19 of the flattening roller 18 is in a state parallel to a virtual plane 26 (see FIG. 7 and the like) extending along the upper surface of the stage 9 (that is, in a horizontal state), and the moving direction (front-rear direction) of the modeling table 6 It extends in the direction that intersects (horizontal direction). The flattening roller 18 contacts the virtual plane 26 from above. The rotary shaft 19 is connected to a flattening roller rotary motor 73 (see FIG. 4) disposed in the powder recovery mechanism 13 (see FIG. 1). When the flattening roller rotation motor 73 is driven, the flattening roller 18 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2 (counterclockwise direction when viewed from the right side). When forming the powder layer, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 moves the modeling table 6 from the rear to the front while rotating the flattening roller 18. As a result, the three-dimensional shaped powder is flattened on the stage 9 (see FIG. 1). The surplus powder accumulated on the rear side of the flattening roller 18 falls into the powder container 52 through the receiving part 51 of the recovery part 50.

  A plate-like blade 20 is fixed to the front side of the storage unit 15 of the powder supply mechanism 14. The blade 20 extends obliquely forward and downward from the front wall surface of the storage portion 15 and is in contact with the rear side of the flattening roller 18 without a gap. The three-dimensional modeling powder adhered to the flattening roller 18 is removed by the blade 20.

  The removing unit 41 removes the three-dimensional modeled object and the uncured powder from the stage 9 and moves them to the collecting unit 50 (described later). The removal unit 41 includes a box-shaped main body 42 whose lower side is opened by the opening 43. The main body portion 42 includes wall portions 421 to 425. The wall portions 421 to 424 are plate-like members extending in a direction perpendicular to the virtual plane 26 and form the side wall of the main body portion 42. The wall portions 421, 422, 423, and 424 are front, right, left, and rear side walls of the main body portion 42, respectively. The wall portions 421 and 424 extend in a direction (left-right direction) intersecting the moving direction (front-rear direction) of the modeling table 6. The wall portions 422 and 423 extend in the same direction as the moving direction (front-rear direction) of the modeling table 6. The wall portion 425 is a plate-like transparent member extending in parallel with the virtual plane 26. The wall portion 425 is connected to the upper ends of the wall portions 421 to 424 and forms the upper wall of the main body portion 42. The user can visually recognize the internal state of the main body 42 through the wall 425.

  The internal shape of the main body portion 42 is slightly larger than the shape of the stage accommodating portion 25. The opening 43 of the main body portion 42 is slightly larger than the opening of the stage accommodating portion 25.

  In the above description, only the wall portion 425 is a transparent member. However, in the present invention, at least one of the wall portions 421 to 425 may be a transparent member. Further, all of the wall portions 421 to 425 may be opaque members.

  The support frames 61 and 62 sandwich and support the main body portion 42 of the removal portion 41 from the left and right sides, respectively. A protruding portion 44 that protrudes to the right is provided on the wall portion 422 of the main body portion 42. The protruding portion 44 is fitted into a groove (not shown) extending in the vertical direction provided on the inner surface of the standing portion 612. The protrusion 44 is detachable from the groove. The user can remove the protrusion 44 at the upper end portion of the groove. The wall portion 423 of the main body portion 42 is provided with a protruding portion 45 (see FIG. 3) protruding leftward, and fits into a groove 624 provided in the standing portion 622. As shown in FIG. 3, the groove 624 provided in the standing portion 622 extends from the inner surface of the standing portion 622 to the upper end, extends in the left-right direction on the upper side surface of the standing portion 622, and extends outside the standing portion 622. The side surface extends downward from the upper end. The protrusion 45 can be attached to and detached from the groove 624. The user can remove the protrusion 45 at the lower end portion of the outer surface of the groove 624.

  The removal unit 41 moves up and down by the power of the removal unit moving motor 76 (see FIG. 4) provided in the left body 39 (see FIG. 1) of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1. When the removal unit moving motor 76 is driven, power is transmitted to the protrusions 44 and 45 via a carriage belt (not shown), and the removal unit 41 moves in the vertical direction. With the removal unit 41 moved to the lowest position, the removal unit 41 is close to the virtual plane 26 and the opening 43 is in contact with the virtual plane 26. On the other hand, the removal unit 41 is separated from the virtual plane 26 in a state where the removal unit 41 has moved upward. As described above, the housing (not shown) of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 is fixed to the base 2. Therefore, the position in the front-rear direction of the removing unit 41 fixed by the support frames 61 and 62 is fixed with respect to the housing of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1.

  A vibration motor 75 is provided on the wall 424 of the main body 42 of the removing unit 41. A weight is biased and attached to the tip of the rotary shaft of the vibration motor 75. When the vibration motor 75 is driven and the rotating shaft rotates, the vibration motor 75 vibrates because of the imbalance of the center of gravity of the weight. With the vibration of the vibration motor 75, the removal unit 41 vibrates.

  The user can detach the removing unit 41 from the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 as follows. First, the user moves the main body 42 upward. The protruding portion 44 provided on the wall portion 422 of the main body portion 42 and the protruding portion 45 provided on the wall portion 423 are a groove (not shown) on the inner side surface of the standing portion 612 and a standing portion, respectively. It moves upward along each of the grooves 624 on the inner surface of 622. Next, the user removes the protruding portion 44 from the standing portion 612 at the upper end portion of the groove (not shown) on the inner side surface of the standing portion 612. Next, the user moves to the left along the groove 624 on the upper side surface of the standing portion 622 and moves downward along the groove 624 on the outer side surface of the standing portion 622. In a state in which the protruding portion 45 is fitted in the groove 624 on the outer side surface, the opening 43 of the removing portion 41 faces upward. In this state, the user removes the protrusion 45 from the groove 624. By doing as described above, the removal unit 41 can be detached from the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 during the execution of the step of modeling the three-dimensional model. Therefore, it can prevent that the removal part 41 obstructs modeling of a three-dimensional molded item during execution of the process of modeling a three-dimensional molded item. Moreover, the removed removal part 41 can be used also as a case which accommodates a three-dimensional molded item.

  In addition, the support method of the removal part 41 can be changed. For example, the removing unit 41 may be supported by a housing (not shown) of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the head 21 discharges a modeling liquid for solidifying the three-dimensional modeling powder downward. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 discharges a colorless clear modeling liquid and a colored color modeling liquid from the head 21. A guide rail 23 for guiding the movement of the head 21 in the left-right direction is provided above the modeling table 6 and in front of the flattening roller 18. The guide rail 23 extends horizontally from the right side surface of the left body 39 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 to the right and is connected to the left side surface of the powder recovery mechanism 13. The guide rail 23 penetrates the head 21 in the left-right direction, and the head 21 can move in the left-right direction along the guide rail 23. A head moving motor 77 (see FIG. 4) for moving the head 21 is provided on the left body 39 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1. When the head moving motor 77 is driven, power is transmitted to the head 21 via a carriage belt (not shown), and the head 21 moves in the left-right direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the tank 31 stores a modeling liquid. The tank 31 is connected to the head 21 by a connection pipe 29 composed of a plurality of tubes, and supplies the modeling liquid to the head 21 through the connection pipe 29.

  The powder recovery mechanism 13 is disposed between the modeling table 6 and the right body 40. The powder recovery mechanism 13 includes a pump (not shown) for sucking uncured powder in the powder container 52 of the recovery unit 50. In addition, an operation panel 53 for receiving an operation input from the operator is provided on the front side of the right body portion 40.

  With reference to FIG. 4, the electrical configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 will be described. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 includes a CPU 50 that controls the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1. A RAM 51, a ROM 52, an operation panel 53, an external communication I / F 54, a motor drive unit 55, and a head drive unit 56 are connected to the CPU 50 via a bus 59.

  Various data such as three-dimensional modeling data received from the PC 100 are temporarily stored in the RAM 51. The ROM 52 stores a program for controlling the operation of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1, initial values, and the like. The external communication I / F 54 connects the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 to an external device such as the PC 100. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 can also acquire data from other devices (for example, a USB memory, a server, etc.) via a USB interface, the Internet, or the like. The motor drive unit 55 controls the operations of the longitudinal movement motor 71, the stage elevating motor 72, the flattening roller rotation motor 73, the powder supply motor 74, the vibration motor 75, the removal unit moving motor 76, and the head moving motor 77. To do. The head driving unit 56 is connected to the head 21 and drives a piezoelectric element provided in each ejection channel of the head 21.

  With reference to FIGS. 5 to 12, the three-dimensional modeling process executed by the CPU 50 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 will be described. The three-dimensional modeling process is started when the CPU 50 reads and executes a program stored in the ROM 52 when an instruction to start modeling a three-dimensional model is input via the operation panel 53.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 50 first executes an initialization process (S1). In the initialization process, the CPU 50 wipes the lower surface of the head 21 by a head cleaning mechanism (not shown). The CPU 50 performs suction until the modeling liquid reaches the nozzle. By the suction, the head 21 can discharge the modeling liquid. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the CPU 50 drives the longitudinal movement motor 71 to move the modeling table 6 in the front-rear direction until the supply unit 12 is disposed below the powder supply mechanism 14. The CPU 50 drives the removal unit moving motor 76 to move the removal unit 41 upward (arrow 101). The removal unit 41 is separated from the virtual plane 26. The CPU 50 erases the data stored in the RAM 51.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 50 determines whether or not three-dimensional modeling data for modeling a three-dimensional model is stored in the RAM 51 (S3). If the 3D modeling data is not received from the PC 100 and the 3D modeling data is not stored in the RAM 51 (S3: NO), the process returns to S3, and the CPU 50 repeats the process. The user inputs a three-dimensional modeling data transmission instruction from the PC 100 to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 with respect to the PC 100. The PC 100 transmits the three-dimensional modeling data to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1, and the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 receives the three-dimensional modeling data. The CPU 50 stores the solid modeling data received from the PC 100 via the external communication I / F 54 in the RAM 51.

  In addition, the procedure in which the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 receives the three-dimensional modeling data from the PC 100 can be changed. For example, the CPU 50 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 may transmit a request signal to the PC 100 via the external communication I / F 54. When the PC 100 receives a request signal from the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1, the PC 100 may transmit the three-dimensional modeling data to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1.

  When the three-dimensional modeling data is stored in the RAM 51 (S3: YES), the CPU 50 sets the minimum Z coordinate value in the three-dimensional modeling data as the coordinate position of the Z coordinate. CPU50 reads the solid modeling data in the set coordinate position Z (S5).

  The CPU 50 performs powder supply / planarization processing (S7). Details are as follows. The CPU 50 adjusts the height of the stage 9 from a position (upward position) where the upper surface is arranged in the same plane as the virtual plane 26 to a position lower than the virtual plane 26 by the thickness of the powder layer to be formed. The CPU 50 drives the powder supply motor 74 to supply the solid modeling powder to the supply unit 12. As shown in FIG. 7, the three-dimensional modeling powder 81 is placed on the supply unit 12. Next, the CPU 50 drives the flattening roller rotation motor 73 to start the rotation of the flattening roller 18 and simultaneously drives the longitudinal movement motor 71 to move the modeling table 6 from the rear to the front (in the direction of the arrow 102 (see FIG. 8)). ). As shown in FIG. 8, the flattening roller 18 moves the three-dimensionally shaped powder 81 on the supply unit 12 to the stage accommodating unit 25. The three-dimensional modeling powder 81 is placed on the stage 9. The flattening roller 18 flattens the three-dimensionally shaped powder 81 on the stage 9. A powder layer 82 is formed on the stage 9. The thickness (lamination pitch) of the powder layer 82 is equal to the distance between the virtual plane 26 and the upper surface of the stage 9.

  In addition, the formation method of the powder layer 82 can be changed. For example, the CPU 50 may rotate the flattening roller 18 by driving the flattening roller rotation motor 73 in a state where the three-dimensional modeling powder 81 is not placed on the supply unit 12. When the powder supply mechanism 14 reaches above the stage housing unit 25, the CPU 50 drives the powder supply motor 74 to supply the solid modeling powder 81 from the powder supply mechanism 14 to the inside of the stage housing unit 25. You may start. As described above, the CPU 50 may planarize the three-dimensional modeling powder 81 by the flattening roller 18 while supplying the three-dimensional modeling powder 81 to form the powder layer 82.

  The flattening roller 18 moves the three-dimensionally shaped powder (surplus powder) that has not been able to enter the stage accommodating unit 25 toward the collection unit 50. The surplus powder falls into the powder container 52 through the receiving part 51.

  As shown in FIG. 5, after forming the powder layer on the stage 9, the CPU 50 drives the forward / backward movement motor 71 until the front end portion of the stage housing portion 25 is disposed below the head 21. The modeling table 6 is moved from the front to the rear. The CPU 50 drives the head moving motor 77 to move the head 21 to the right side until the head 21 is disposed above the right side of the front end portion of the stage accommodating portion 25 (S9). Hereinafter, the positions of the head 21 and the modeling table 6 described above are referred to as “initial positions”. The CPU 50 executes the ejection control of the modeling liquid while moving the head 21 according to the three-dimensional modeling data at the set coordinate position Z, and at the same time executes the movement control of the modeling table 6 (S11). The modeling liquid of each color is discharged at a position corresponding to the three-dimensional modeling data. In the part where the modeling liquid is discharged, the adhesive contained in the three-dimensional modeling powder is dissolved, and the dissolved adhesives are bonded to each other. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, a layer including the three-dimensional structure 83 (hereinafter referred to as “modeling layer 84”) is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, CPU50 judges whether modeling of the three-dimensional molded item 83 was completed (S13). If not completed (S13: NO), the CPU 50 changes the coordinate position to the value of the Z coordinate of the next layer (one layer above the previously processed layer) (S15). The process returns to S5. CPU50 reads the solid modeling data of the following layer (S5). The CPU 50 lowers the stage 9 by the thickness of the next layer (see arrow 103, FIG. 9), and stacks the powder layer (S7). CPU50 arranges head 21 and modeling stand 6 in an initial position (S9). The CPU 50 causes the modeling liquid to be discharged from the head 21 and simultaneously moves the modeling table 6 to stack the modeling layer 84 (S11).

  When the modeling of the three-dimensional model 83 is completed (S13: YES), as illustrated in FIG. 10, a plurality of stacked modeling layers 84 including the three-dimensional model 83 and the uncured powder 85 are included in the stage housing unit 25. Placed on the stage 9.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 50 removes the uncured powder 85 from the plurality of modeling layers 84 and removes the uncured powder 85 in order to take out the three-dimensional model 83 (uncured powder removal process, (See FIG. 6) is executed (S17). The uncured powder removal process will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 50 drives the back-and-forth motion motor 71 to move the modeling table 6 rearward until the stage accommodating unit 25 is arranged below the removing unit 41 (S21, arrow 104 (see FIG. 10)). The CPU 50 drives the removal unit moving motor 76 to move the removal unit 41 downward until the opening 43 of the removal unit 41 comes into contact with the virtual plane 26 (S23). Next, the CPU 50 drives the stage lifting motor 72 to raise the stage 9 to the raised position (S25).

  As shown in FIG. 11, by moving the removal unit 41 downward (arrow 105) in S <b> 23 (see FIG. 6), the removal unit 41 moves the stage 9 in a state where the upper surface is arranged in the same plane as the virtual plane 26. It becomes the state arrange | positioned in the vicinity of a position (rising position). The opening 43 of the removing unit 41 is in contact with the virtual plane 26, and the removing unit 41 covers the stage accommodating unit 25 from above. The opening 43 is in close contact with the upper surface of the frame portion 8 without a gap. At this point, since the stage 9 is in a lowered state (see FIG. 10), immediately after the removal unit 41 is moved downward in S23, the stage 9 and the removal unit 41 are separated from each other. Next, by raising the stage 9 to the raised position in S25 (see FIG. 6) (arrow 106), the plurality of modeling layers 84 on the stage 9 are accommodated in the removal portion 41. Since both the upper surface of the stage 9 and the upper surface of the frame portion 8 are arranged along the virtual plane 26, both form the same plane. Since the removing unit 41 is slightly larger than the stage accommodating unit 25 and the opening 43 of the removing unit 41 is in close contact with the frame unit 8, the uncured powder 85 contained in the modeling layer 84 is outside the removing unit 41. Not overflowing.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 50 drives the forward / backward movement motor 71 to move the modeling table 6 forward (S27). The removal unit 41 relatively moves toward the collection unit 50 provided behind the stage housing unit 25. The modeling layer 84 in the state accommodated in the removal unit 41 is pushed backward from the side by the wall 421 in the main body 42 of the removal unit 41 to be removed from the stage 9 and toward the recovery unit 50. Moving. The CPU 50 moves the modeling table 6 forward until the removal unit 41 is disposed above the collection unit 50, and then drives the longitudinal movement motor 71 to stop the movement of the modeling table 6.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the process in which the modeling table 6 moves forward (arrow 107), in the part of the modeling layer 84 that has reached the receiving part 51 of the collecting unit 50, the uncured powder 85 is received by the receiving part 51. Falls into the lower powder container 52 and accumulates in the powder container 52 (arrow 108). On the other hand, the three-dimensionally shaped object 83 is larger than the mesh gap of the receiving part 51, so that it does not fall downward from the receiving part 51 and is placed on the upper surface of the receiving part 51. Thereby, the three-dimensional structure 83 and the uncured powder 85 are separated.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 50 drives the back-and-forth motion motor 71 in a state where the removal unit 41 is disposed above the collection unit 50 to reciprocate the modeling table 6 in the front-rear direction (see arrows 109 and FIG. 12). . As a result, the CPU 50 reciprocates the receiving portion 51 of the collecting portion 50 in the front-rear direction (S29). The CPU 50 drives the vibration motor 75 to vibrate the removal unit 41 (see arrow 110, FIG. 12). As a result, the removing unit 41 is vibrated (S31).

  As shown in FIG. 12, the uncured powder 85 remaining on the receiving portion 51 of the collecting portion 50 vibrates by reciprocating the receiving portion 51 of the collecting portion 50 of the modeling table 6 in the front-rear direction (arrow 109). To do. Similarly, when the removing unit 41 is vibrated (arrow 110), the uncured powder 85 accommodated in the removing unit 41 is also vibrated. As a result, the uncured powder 85 easily falls from the receiving portion 51 to the lower powder accommodating portion 52, so that the uncured powder 85 is satisfactorily separated from the three-dimensional structure 83, and the three-dimensional structure is formed on the receiving portion 51. The object 83 is placed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, after the completion of S29 and S31, the uncured powder removal process ends, and the process returns to the three-dimensional modeling process (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 5, the three-dimensional modeling process is completed after the uncured powder removing process (S17) is completed.

  As described above, the removing unit 41 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 removes the modeling layer 84 including the three-dimensional model 83 and the uncured powder 85 modeled on the stage 9 from the stage 9, and collects the collecting unit 50. Move towards. The collection unit 50 drops the uncured powder 85 remaining around the three-dimensional model 83 from the receiving unit 51 to the powder container 52, and only the three-dimensional model 83 is placed on the receiving unit 51. By doing so, the three-dimensional structure 83 and the uncured powder 85 are separated. Since the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 can remove the uncured powder 85 from the periphery of the three-dimensional model 83 by the removing unit 41 and the collecting unit 50, a large-scale apparatus is not necessary. For this reason, size reduction of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 is attained.

  Further, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 raises the stage 9 to the raised position in a state where the opening 43 of the removing unit 41 is in contact with the virtual plane 26, that is, in a state where the removing unit 41 is brought close to the raised position. Accordingly, the removing unit 41 can appropriately accommodate the plurality of modeling layers 84 on the stage 9 that have been raised to the raised position, and can move the modeling layer 84 toward the collecting unit 50. Since the opening 43 of the removing unit 41 and the upper surface of the frame unit 8 are in close contact with each other, the uncured powder 85 accommodated inside the removing unit 41 does not overflow outside the removing unit 41. For this reason, the uncured powder 85 on the stage 9 does not move toward the collection unit 50 and does not remain on or around the stage 9.

  Moreover, since the receiving part 51 of the collection | recovery part 50 is mesh shape, only the three-dimensional molded item 83 can be mounted reliably, and the unhardened powder 85 can be dropped to the powder accommodating part 52. FIG. Since the uncured powder 85 does not remain on the receiving portion 51, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 appropriately removes the uncured powder 85 from the periphery of the three-dimensional model 83, thereby allowing the three-dimensional model 83 and the uncured powder 85 to be removed. And can be separated well.

  In addition, since the receiving part 51 is provided along the virtual plane 26, when the removal part 41 moves relatively along the virtual plane 26, it can suppress that the removal part 41 gets caught in the receiving part 51. FIG. Therefore, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 can smoothly move the removing unit 41 relatively. Further, since the powder container 52 is provided below the receiving part 51, the uncured powder 85 dropped from the receiving part 51 can be reliably received and stored. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the uncured powder 85 falling from the receiving portion 51 from being scattered in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 and the inside of the apparatus from becoming dirty.

  Moreover, after shaping | molding the three-dimensional molded item 83, CPU50 vibrates the removal part 41 with the vibration motor 75 in the state which has arrange | positioned the removal part 41 on the collection | recovery part 50 (refer S61, FIG. 6). As a result, the uncured powder 85 remaining around the three-dimensional structure 83 easily falls downward from the receiving portion 51 toward the powder containing portion 52. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the uncured powder 85 from remaining on the receiving portion 51. Further, since the uncured powder 85 can be reliably separated from the three-dimensional structure 83, most of the uncured powder 85 can be efficiently recovered.

  In addition, the CPU 50 moves the modeling table 6 back and forth in the front-rear direction in a state where the removal unit 41 is disposed on the collection unit 50 after the three-dimensional model 83 is formed (S29, see FIG. 6). As a result, the uncured powder 85 remaining around the three-dimensional structure 83 easily falls downward from the receiving portion 51 toward the powder containing portion 52. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the uncured powder 85 from remaining on the receiving portion 51. Further, since the uncured powder 85 can be efficiently separated from the three-dimensional structure 83, the uncured powder 85 can be efficiently recovered.

  The three-dimensional modeling apparatus models the three-dimensional model 83 on the stage 9 while moving the modeling table 6 in the front-rear direction. In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus, the removal unit 41 removes the three-dimensional model 83 and the uncured powder 85 from the stage 9 by moving the modeling table 6 in the front-rear direction, and guides it to the collection unit 50. In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus, the forward / backward movement motor 71 that moves the modeling table 6 is moved by moving the removing unit 41 relative to the stage 9 by disposing the removing unit 41 at a fixed position with respect to the housing. Can also be used. Therefore, the configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 can be further simplified.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible. In the above description, the upper surface of the stage 9 is formed in the same plane as the virtual plane 26 with the stage 9 placed at the raised position. However, the upper surface of the stage 9 is slightly off the virtual plane 26 with the stage 9 placed at the raised position. You may arrange | position below.

  The moving direction of the removing unit 41 moved by the removing unit moving motor 76 is not limited to the up and down direction, and may be the left and right direction. The CPU 50 may switch between a state in which the removing unit 41 is close to the ascending position of the stage 9 and a position in which the removing unit 41 is separated from the ascending position of the stage 9 by driving the removing unit moving motor 76.

  The shape of the main body portion 42 of the removal portion 41 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped, and the wall portions 421 to 424 may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Moreover, the wall parts 421-424 may be bent. The main body portion 42 of the removing portion 41 may be formed by only the wall portions 421 to 424, and the upper portion and the lower portion may be opened. Further, the main body 42 of the removing unit 41 may be formed only by the wall portions 421 to 423. Furthermore, the main body portion 42 of the removal portion 41 may be formed only by the wall portion 421. With such a configuration, the removing unit 41 can move the modeling layer 84 on the stage 9 toward the collecting unit 50 with a minimum configuration. In this case, a pair of plate members extending upward from the upper surface of the frame portion 8 may be provided along a side extending in the front-rear direction in the opening of the stage accommodating portion 25. By providing the pair of plate members, it is possible to prevent the uncured powder 85 from overflowing to the left and right sides of the frame portion 8 in the process in which the stage 9 on which the modeling layer 84 is placed rises to the raised position. Further, the upper surface of the frame portion 8 may be inclined downward toward the rear.

  The shape of the receiving part 51 of the collection | recovery part 50 can be changed. The receiving part 51 may not have a mesh shape as long as the three-dimensional structure 83 can be supported from below so that it does not fall into the powder container 52. For example, the receiving part 51 may be a plate material provided with a slit. Further, for example, a plate material inclined toward the hole may be used. Further, for example, in the case where the shape of the three-dimensional modeled object 83 that is modeled by the three-dimensional modeled apparatus 1 is specified, a plate material provided with one hole slightly smaller than the three-dimensional modeled object 83 may be used.

  The position of the powder container 52 of the collection unit 50 can be changed. For example, an inclined plate material may be provided below the receiving portion 51, and the powder container 52 may be provided at the lower end portion of the plate material.

  In the above embodiment, the CPU 50 vibrates the removing unit 41 by driving the vibration motor 75. In contrast, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 may include a vibration motor for vibrating the receiving portion 51 instead of the vibration motor 75. The CPU 50 may vibrate the receiving portion 51 by driving the vibration motor.

  The vibration motor 75 was provided on the wall portion 424 in the main body portion 42 of the removal portion 41. On the other hand, the arrangement of the vibration motor 75 can be changed. For example, the vibration motor 75 may be provided in the powder recovery mechanism 13. The vibration motor 75 may vibrate the removal unit 41 by vibrating the support frames 61 and 62.

  In the said embodiment, CPU50 reciprocated the modeling stand 6 in the front-back direction in the state which the removal part 41 has arrange | positioned above the collection | recovery part 50 (S29, refer FIG. 6). In contrast, the CPU 50 may gradually move the modeling table 6 backward while vibrating the modeling table 6 in the front-rear direction, and relatively move the removal unit 41 toward the collection unit 50. As a result, the uncured powder 85 contained in the modeling layer 83 is gradually and appropriately dropped from the receiving portion 51 to the powder containing portion 52 in the process in which the removing portion 41 moves relative to the collecting portion 50. It becomes possible.

  The stage elevating motor 72 corresponds to the “elevating means” of the present invention. The removal unit moving motor 76 corresponds to the “moving unit” of the present invention. The CPU 50 that performs the process of S23 corresponds to the “first control means” of the present invention. The CPU 50 that performs the process of S25 corresponds to the “second control means” of the present invention. The CPU 50 that performs the process of S27 corresponds to the “third control means” of the present invention. The CPU 50 that performs the process of S29 corresponds to the “fourth control means” of the present invention. The CPU 50 that performs the process of S31 corresponds to the “vibrating means” of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 3D modeling apparatus 21 Nozzle 25 Stage accommodation part 26 Virtual plane 41 Removal part 42 Main body part 43 Opening 44, 45 Protrusion part 50 Collection | recovery part 51 Receiving part 52 Powder accommodation part 71 Back-and-forth movement motor 72 Stage raising / lowering motor 75 Vibration motor 76 Removal Part moving motor 81 3D modeling powder 83 3D model 85 Uncured powder 624 Groove

Claims (9)

3D modeling is provided by providing a planar stage on which the 3D modeling powder is placed and an elevating means for moving the stage up and down, and discharging and solidifying the modeling liquid placed on the 3D modeling powder. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus for modeling an object,
A removal unit provided to be movable relative to the stage along a virtual plane including the plane of the stage in the raised state,
A moving means for moving the removing unit relative to the stage;
The three-dimensional object and the three-dimensionally formed powder on the stage are moved from the side by moving the removing unit, which is relatively moved by the moving unit, and removed from the stage when the three-dimensional object is removed from the stage. A member that separates the three-dimensional modeled powder and the three-dimensional modeled powder, and includes a receiving unit that receives only the three-dimensional modeled product from below, and a collection unit that stores the three-dimensional modeled powder dropped from the receiving unit. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus comprising a portion. First control means for controlling the moving means so that the removing unit is arranged in the vicinity of the raised position, which is the position of the stage in the raised state;
Second control means for controlling the elevating means so that the stage ascends from below to the ascending position after the removal unit is disposed in the vicinity of the ascending position by the first control means;
And a third control means for controlling the moving means so that the removal section relatively moves toward the collecting section after the stage is raised to the raised position by the second control means. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1.   The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the receiving portion is a net shape. The receiving portion is provided along the virtual plane,
The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing portion is provided below the receiving portion.   5. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a vibration unit that vibrates at least one of the removing unit and the receiving unit.   Fourth control means for controlling the receiving part to reciprocate when the removing part is relatively moved toward the collecting part by the third control means and the removing part is disposed above the collecting part. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 2, comprising: The removing unit is
The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least a plate-like wall portion extending in a direction crossing a direction of relative movement of the removal portion. The removal portion has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open bottom surface,
The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the surfaces constituting the rectangular parallelepiped is transparent. The removal unit is disposed at a fixed position in the moving direction of the stage with respect to the housing of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus,
The moving means is
The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the removal unit is moved relative to the stage by moving the stage along the virtual plane.

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