JP3801100B2 - Photo-curing modeling apparatus, photo-curing modeling method, and photo-curing modeling system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Technical field to which the invention belongs]
The present invention relates to a photo-curing modeling apparatus, a photo-curing modeling method, and a photo-curing modeling system that perform modeling by irradiating and scanning a light surface of a photocurable resin liquid.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the photocuring modeling method, modeling is performed based on data of a cross-sectional group in which a three-dimensional model to be modeled is sliced into a plurality of layers. Usually, light is first applied to the surface of the photocurable resin liquid in a region corresponding to the lowermost cross section. Then, the photocurable resin liquid on the liquid surface portion irradiated with light is photocured, and a single cured layer of the cross section of the three-dimensional model is formed. Next, an uncured photocurable resin liquid is coated with a predetermined thickness on the surface of the cross-section cured layer. At this time, it is common to coat the cross-section cured layer by immersing it in a resin solution by a predetermined thickness. The surface is scanned with a laser beam along a predetermined pattern to cure the coated portion. The cured portion is laminated and integrated with the lower cross-section cured layer. Thereafter, a desired three-dimensional model is formed by repeating light irradiation and resin liquid coating while switching the cross section handled in the light irradiation process to an adjacent cross section. The basic structure of the photo-curing modeling method is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 56-144478 and 62-35966.
In the photo-curing modeling method, first, shape data of a three-dimensional model is input to a computer, and based on this, shape data of each cross section obtained by slicing the three-dimensional model is calculated. Further, position data and a scanning route as a reference for scanning the cross section while irradiating a laser beam are calculated for each cross section, and laser beam scanning is performed on the surface of the photocurable resin liquid according to the result.
In some cases, a two-dimensional pattern is exposed by irradiating a light beam in a lump using a light source other than laser light.
[0003]
Recent photo-curing modeling apparatuses have shortened the time until the modeled product is completed by improving the resin and improving the apparatus, improving the dimensional accuracy, and progressing rapidly in terms of functions. On the other hand, further improvements for producing a large number of shaped articles in a short time are required.
For this purpose, the optical curing modeling apparatus is required to be stable and to be absolutely reliable so as to continue operation without causing failure or failure. For that purpose, the biggest goal is to build an intelligent automated system.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Here, as to whether or not the photo-curing modeling apparatus is operating normally, it is possible to monitor the irradiation energy of the light beam, the amount of the cured resin, and the stability of the light-emitting device to determine whether there is an abnormality. However, the occurrence of failure or failure can be grasped in a state in which a certain level or more has been completed. Although the photo-curing modeling apparatus itself operates stably, there are cases where the situation where the photo-cured product is not formed into a desired shape can be grasped visually. However, these situations cannot be grasped by the photo-curing modeling apparatus itself.
In particular, even if the defective part is found after the modeled object is completed, it takes a lot of labor and time to correct the defective part.
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and is a photo-curing modeling apparatus, a photo-curing modeling method and a photo-curing modeling method capable of reducing labor and time for performing highly accurate modeling. An object is to provide a photocuring system.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The photo-curing modeling apparatus according to the present invention is a photo-curing modeling apparatus that performs modeling by irradiating light to the liquid surface of the photo-curable resin liquid, and causes the photo-curing resin liquid to undergo photo-curing. Storage means for storing position information of the area and the area that does not cause photocuring, measuring means for measuring the surface condition of the photocurable resin liquid, measurement results of the measuring means, and positions stored in the storage means And monitoring means for monitoring the occurrence of abnormality based on the information. With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce labor and time for high-precision modeling.
The measuring means is preferably a temperature sensor that detects polymerization heat generated by light irradiation to the photocurable resin liquid. By such means, it is possible to accurately grasp the state of photocuring.
Further, the measuring means may be an optical sensor that detects irregularities generated on the surface of the photocurable resin. By such means, it is possible to accurately grasp the state of photocuring.
Further, the measuring means may measure a spatial frequency characteristic generated on the surface of the photocurable resin. This spatial frequency characteristic is, for example, fluorescence coloring.
In addition, the light irradiation area is divided into a plurality of areas in advance, and identification information is attached to each divided area and stored in the storage means, and the identification information is used to identify the position where the abnormality has occurred. It may be used. Thereby, an abnormal position can be specified accurately.
[0006]
Furthermore, when it is determined by the monitoring means that an abnormality has occurred, it is desirable to take one or more measures of interrupting the operation of the photo-curing modeling apparatus, outputting an alarm, or storing abnormality information.
Moreover, when the abnormality which the area | region which should be hardened by the said monitoring means is not hardened | cured or it is inadequate is detected, it is good to irradiate light again about the part which abnormality occurred.
The photo-curing modeling system according to the present invention includes a plurality of the above-described photo-curing modeling apparatuses and a single control system for controlling these photo-curing modeling apparatuses.
On the other hand, the photo-curing modeling method according to the present invention is a photo-curing modeling method in which modeling is performed by irradiating light to the liquid surface of the photo-curable resin liquid, and the photo-curing resin liquid is photo-cured. The step of storing the position information of the region to be generated and the region not to cause photocuring in the storage means, the step of measuring the surface condition of the photocurable resin liquid, the result of the measurement, and the storage means stored in the storage means And monitoring the occurrence of an abnormal part based on the position information. By such a method, it is possible to reduce the labor for performing high-precision modeling and to shorten the time.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1 of the Invention
First, the structural example of the photocuring modeling apparatus concerning this invention is demonstrated using FIG. This photo-curing modeling apparatus includes a control data generation unit 100, a main control unit 200, a storage unit 300, a communication control unit 400, an alarm output unit 500, a monitoring unit 600, and a modeling unit 700.
The control data generation unit 100 generates control data for controlling the modeling operation in the modeling unit 700. This control data includes position information of a region that causes photocuring and a region that does not cause photocuring.
The main control unit 200 inputs the control data generated by the control data generation unit 100 and controls the modeling operation in the modeling unit 700. The main control unit 500 outputs control data to the monitoring unit 600. Furthermore, the main control unit 500 inputs an abnormality notification and outputs it to the alarm output unit 500, or transmits the abnormality notification to another control device via the external network via the communication control unit 400.
The storage unit 300 includes an internal or external storage unit such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 300 stores control data generated by the control data generation unit 100, measurement information input from the monitoring unit 600, abnormality notification information, and the like. This control data includes position information of a region that causes photocuring and a region that does not cause photocuring.
The communication control unit 400 has a function of controlling communication with an external device connected via an external network.
The alarm output unit 500 outputs an alarm in response to the abnormality notification output from the main control unit 200. The alarm output unit 500 may output the alarm in various modes such as an audio alarm, a visual alarm, and an alarm due to vibration.
[0008]
The monitoring unit 600 acquires measurement data detected by the detection element 601. Further, the monitoring unit 600 inputs control data stored in the storage unit 300 via the main control unit 200. Then, the monitoring unit 600 obtains the irradiation position information of the laser beam based on the control data, and determines whether the curing state of the photocurable resin is desired based on the irradiation position information of the laser beam and the measurement data. judge. For example, if it is determined that the photocuring is not or insufficient according to the measurement data even though the region should be photocured according to the irradiation position information of the laser beam, it is abnormal. Judge that there is. Further, even if it is a region that is not photocured according to the irradiation position information of the laser beam, even if it is determined that it is photocured according to the measurement data, it is determined to be abnormal.
In the abnormality determination in the monitoring unit 600, for example, a resin type, an uncured resin, a component of an object under a certain thickness of resin, a resin alone, a characteristic that varies depending on the state and situation of the curing reaction portion. Is analyzed.
[0009]
The detection element 601 is an element that detects a curing state generated on the surface of the photocurable resin. The detection element 601 recognizes, as a spatial frequency, light energy such as reaction heat and fluorescent color generated by irradiating light to a photocurable resin, for example. The detection element 601 is basically desired to be non-contact with the photocurable resin. For example, the detection element 601 includes a reaction heat generated when a photocurable resin is irradiated with a light beam such as a laser beam, that is, a temperature sensor that detects polymerization heat, and unevenness generated in a cured portion of the photocurable resin. In addition, an optical sensor or the like for detecting transmittance or fluorescent color development is included. The temperature sensor is, for example, a pyroelectric temperature sensor or a quantum temperature sensor. The optical sensor is, for example, a color sensor or a CCD element solid-state image sensor. When the detection element 601 is configured by an optical sensor, it may be configured with an optical member such as a lens.
[0010]
When the detection element 601 is a temperature sensor, a temperature change is detected based on the polymerization heat generated when the photocurable resin undergoes a polymerization reaction, and this temperature data is output to the monitoring unit 600 as measurement data. If the temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the monitoring unit 600 determines that the polymerization reaction is appropriately performed. On the other hand, if the temperature is lower than a predetermined value, the monitoring unit 600 determines that the polymerization reaction is not properly performed.
When the detection element 601 is an optical sensor, a change in the surface of the photocurable resin is detected, and in particular, the unevenness is detected. For example, the detection element 601 that is an optical sensor observes undulation symptoms such as shrinkage when the photocurable resin changes in a liquid state and changes when the photocurable resin changes from a liquid to a solid or leaves them as residual stress. If it is determined, the monitoring unit 600 determines that the photocurable resin is in a liquid state. The monitoring unit 600 also determines that the photocurable resin is in a liquid state even when liquid irregularities due to a volumed trap phenomenon that occurs when the periphery is a cured shape and the inside is an unreacted resin. . Here, since the size and depth of the unevenness differ depending on the balance of the surface tension of the photocurable resin, even if unevenness occurs on the surface of the photocurable resin, the shape of the unevenness varies. In particular, it is possible to determine whether the photocurable resin is in a liquid state or a solid state by recognizing a change in light energy as a spatial frequency and detecting the change. In particular, regarding the spatial frequency, since the boundary of the change has a subtle slope, the surface state can be recognized in three dimensions from the spatial frequency.
When the detection element 601 is an optical sensor, it is preferable to observe the unevenness 705a by a plurality of detection elements 601a and 602b as shown in FIG. In this case, measurement data from the plurality of detection elements 601a and 601b is analyzed by the monitoring unit 600, and the unevenness 705a is observed.
Further, the detection element 601 can move in the scanning direction together with the light emitting device 706. At this time, the detection element 601 and the light emitting device 706 may be integrated and moved by the same drive system, or may be moved by another drive system. When the detection element 601 and the light emitting device 706 are moved by different drive systems, the detection element 601 and the light emitting device 706 may not necessarily move together with the light emitting device 706, and may move independently at different positions.
[0011]
The modeling unit 700 executes modeling in accordance with control by the main control unit 200. The modeling unit 700 includes a container 701, a modeling table 703, a modeling table driving unit 704, and a light emitting device 706. The container 701 is a container for housing the photocurable resin liquid 702. The modeling table 703 is a flat table on which cured resins are sequentially deposited and placed. The modeling table 703 is driven by the modeling table driving unit 704 and moves up and down in the container 701. The modeling table driving unit 704 moves the modeling table 703 up and down based on a control signal input from the main control unit 200.
The light emitting device 706 irradiates the liquid surface of the photocurable resin liquid 702 contained in the container 701 with a laser beam 707 having a predetermined intensity based on a control signal input from the main control unit 200, and further the liquid surface thereof. Scan up and draw an arbitrary trajectory. The light emitting device 706 includes, for example, a laser oscillator that emits laser light, an acoustooptic device that transmits or blocks the laser light, a galvanometer mirror that changes the direction of the light beam, and a voltage applicator. Yes.
[0012]
Here, a modeling operation in the modeling unit 700 will be described. First, the photocurable resin liquid 702 is accommodated in the container 701. Then, the modeling table 703 is raised from the surface of the photocurable resin liquid 702 to a position having a depth of 0.05 to 0.1 mm, for example. Then, the light emitting device 706 irradiates the surface of the photocurable resin liquid 702 with a laser 707 and scans it with a galvanometer mirror. This scanning position is specified based on the control data stored in the storage unit 300. By scanning the laser 707 in this manner, the photocurable resin liquid 702 between the surface of the photocurable resin liquid 702 and the modeling table 703 is cured, and a first cured layer is formed. Next, the modeling table 703 is further lowered by 0.05 to 0.1 mm, and a second hardened layer is formed on the first hardened layer. Thereafter, the third and subsequent hard layers are sequentially deposited in the same manner. When the deposition of the final layer is completed, the modeling table 703 is raised, and the modeling object 705 is formed on the modeling table 703.
[0013]
In the photo-curing modeling apparatus according to the present invention, the photo-curing state in the photo-curing resin liquid 702 is further measured by the detection element 601. The measurement data is input to the monitoring unit 600. On the other hand, the monitoring unit 600 inputs control data stored in the storage unit 300 via the main control unit 200. The monitoring unit 600 obtains laser beam irradiation position information based on the control data, and determines whether the curing state of the photocurable resin is desired based on the laser light irradiation position information and measurement data. .
For example, the (N-1) th cured layer has the shape shown in FIG. 3A, and the Nth cured layer has the shape shown in FIG. 3B. At this time, the irradiation of the laser beam is stopped at the center so that the shape shown in FIG. Therefore, if it is photocured at the center, it is determined to be abnormal. In the case of creating the shape shown in FIG. 3B, it is necessary to photocure all over. In this case, if there is a region where photocuring is insufficient in any part of the internal region, it is determined as abnormal.
If the monitoring unit 600 determines that there is an abnormality, the monitoring unit 600 notifies the main control unit 200 that there is an abnormality. The main control unit 200 outputs an abnormality notification to the alarm output unit 500 based on the abnormality notification. The alarm output unit 500 outputs an alarm according to the abnormality notification.
In addition, when the monitoring part 600 determines with abnormality, you may make it interrupt the driving | operation of a photocuring modeling apparatus.
When the monitoring unit 600 determines that an abnormality has occurred, the information is stored in the storage unit 300 in association with the position information determined to be abnormal by the main control unit 200. In this way, the determination result by the monitoring unit 600 is stored. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the position information may be expressed by identifying information such as numbers assigned to the respective blocks by blocking the irradiation region of the laser beam. In FIG. 4, the light beam is divided into a plurality of blocks 30 along the irradiation locus 10 in the laser light irradiation region 20. Each block 30 is assigned a number from 1 to 36. In this example, the numbers assigned to each block 30 increase sequentially from 1 to 36 along the laser beam irradiation locus 10. The position information may be expressed by XY coordinate information.
[0014]
If uncured is detected in spite of the region to be cured, the next layer is not irradiated with laser light, and the abnormal region of the detected layer is irradiated again with laser light. The light emitting device 706 is controlled by the main control unit 200. Thereafter, when the detection element 601 and the monitoring unit 600 confirm that the abnormal region has been normalized, the irradiation of the laser beam to the next layer is resumed. Moreover, when an unnecessary dent arises, you may supply resin so that this dent may be filled up with a dispenser. In addition, when the area is not to be cured but is cured and an unnecessary convex portion is generated, it may be determined whether or not to continue the process. Also, the abnormal region can be normalized by adjusting the amount of resin to be coated or by controlling the mechanism for coating. When a part of the uncured photo-curing resin liquid is raised, the part may be removed by a dispenser.
[0015]
Other embodiments.
In the above-described example, an example in which one detection element or a plurality of detection elements of the same type is provided has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of detection elements of different types may be provided. In FIG. 5, a detection element 601 a is an optical sensor and detects a light change 602. The detection element 601c is a temperature sensor and detects a change 603 in temperature. By providing a plurality of different types of detection elements in this manner, it is possible to more accurately and comprehensively determine the state of photocuring.
In addition, the detection element recognizes the spatial frequency generated in response to the irradiation of the laser beam for curing the photocurable resin, but not limited to this, in order to observe the state of the photocurable resin Information regarding the curing status of the photo-curable resin may be acquired by recognizing a spatial frequency generated in response to irradiation of a separately provided laser beam. The laser beam irradiated at this time needs to have a frequency and intensity that do not cause a curing reaction in the photocurable resin. On the other hand, in order to observe the state of the photocurable resin, it is not always necessary to irradiate the laser beam.
[0016]
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of photo-curing modeling apparatuses 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d may be controlled by a single control system 800. In the case of having such a configuration, when it is difficult to normalize the abnormal part in one photo-curing modeling apparatus 1a, all of the light-curing modeling apparatuses 1b, 1c, and 1d are used to make everything from the beginning. It can also be corrected. Moreover, modeling can also be performed from the location where the abnormal part has occurred by any of these photo-curing modeling apparatuses 1b, 1c, and 1d. In addition, if these devices are made intelligent and converted to CIM, the work plate can be automatically replaced, and instructions such as re-creation can be executed remotely with a single device. Moreover, if it judges by a program, modeling can be continuously performed with a some apparatus, and stable modeling can be performed, without disturbing apparatus movement.
[0017]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a photo-curing modeling apparatus, a photo-curing modeling method, and a photo-curing system capable of reducing labor for performing highly accurate modeling and shortening time.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photo-curing modeling apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view showing another example of an inspection element in the photo-curing modeling apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a view for explaining scanning of laser light by the photo-curing modeling apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining block formation of a region in the photo-curing modeling apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a view showing another example of an inspection element in the photo-curing modeling apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photocuring system according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Contour line 2 Scan line 100 Control data generation part 200 Control part 300 Storage part 400 Communication control part 500 Alarm output part 600 Monitoring part 700 Modeling part

Claims (10)

A photo-curing modeling apparatus that performs modeling by irradiating light to the liquid surface of the photo-curable resin liquid,
Storage means for storing position information of a region that causes photocuring and a region that does not cause photocuring with respect to the photocurable resin liquid;
Measuring means for measuring the surface condition of the photocurable resin liquid;
A photo-curing modeling apparatus comprising: a monitoring unit that monitors occurrence of abnormality based on a measurement result of the measuring unit and position information stored in the storage unit.   The photo-curing modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit is a temperature sensor that detects polymerization heat generated by light irradiation to the photo-curable resin liquid.   The photo-curing modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit is an optical sensor that detects irregularities generated on the surface of the photo-curing resin.   The photo-curing modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit measures a spatial frequency characteristic generated on a surface of the photo-curing resin.   The photocuring modeling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the spatial frequency characteristic is fluorescence coloring. The light irradiation area is divided into a plurality of areas in advance, and identification information is attached to each divided area and stored in the storage means,
The photo-curing modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is used to identify a position where an abnormality has occurred.   If the monitoring means determines that an abnormality has occurred, the operation of the photo-curing modeling apparatus is interrupted, an alarm is output, or abnormality information is stored. The photo-curing modeling apparatus according to 1.   2. The light according to claim 1, wherein when the abnormality that the region to be cured is not cured or insufficient is detected by the monitoring unit, light is irradiated again on a portion where the abnormality has occurred. Photo-curing modeling device. Together they comprise a plurality of photocurable molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, photocurable molding system with a single control system for controlling these photocurable molding apparatus. A photo-curing modeling method for modeling by irradiating light on the liquid surface of the photo-curable resin liquid,
Storing in the storage means position information of a region that causes photocuring and a region that does not cause photocuring with respect to the photocurable resin liquid;
Measuring the surface condition of the photocurable resin liquid;
A photocuring modeling method comprising: a step of monitoring the occurrence of an abnormal portion based on the measurement result and the positional information stored in the storage means.

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