Layered molding device and blow nozzle

Abstract

A layered molding device of the present application has: a bottom portion having a molding region in which a molded article is layered molded; a top portion located above the bottom portion and having a non-active gas blowing portion; a side portion rising from a side end portion of the bottom portion; and a non-active gas discharge port, in a case where a direction in which the molded region faces the discharge port from the bottom portion is set as a first direction, and a direction intersecting the first direction in a direction parallel to the bottom portion is set as a second direction, a width of the blowing portion in the second direction is greater than a width of the blowing portion in the first direction, and is greater than or equal to a width of the molding region in the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a layering molding device and a blow nozzle. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-006215 discloses a layered molding apparatus comprising: a chamber having a molding space covering a molding area and filled with an inert gas of a predetermined concentration; and a smoke diffusion section mounted on the upper surface of the chamber. In this layered molding apparatus, the smoke diffusion section comprises: a frame having an opening as small as possible to avoid obstructing laser light irradiating the molding area; and an inert gas supply path that fills the frame with an inert gas of the same type as the inert gas in the molding space. Thus, the inert gas can be ejected from the opening, forming a laminar flow of inert gas along the laser irradiation path and removing smoke from the irradiation path. The opening is circular, and the inert gas is supplied to its entire periphery. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] However, in the stacking molding apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-006215, the inactive gas ejected downwards from the aforementioned opening collides with the inner surface of the chamber, generating a circulating flow. As a result, dust is captured by the circulating flow and may not be fully discharged from the chamber. When the dust removal performance within the chamber deviates, the laser is blocked by dust in the area where dust remains, preventing sufficient heating of the material powder and sometimes reducing the molding quality. Therefore, there is a problem of deviated molding quality.

[0005] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a layering molding device and a blow nozzle that can suppress the deviation of molding quality.

[0006] Solution for solving the problem

[0007] To address the aforementioned issues, the layering molding apparatus of the present invention comprises: a bottom having a molding area for layering and molding objects; a top located above the bottom and having an outlet for an inactive gas; a side portion extending from a side end of the bottom; and an outlet for the inactive gas, wherein, when a direction parallel to the bottom from the molding area toward the outlet is designated as a first direction, and a direction parallel to the bottom intersecting the first direction is designated as a second direction, the width of the outlet portion in the second direction is greater than the width of the outlet portion in the first direction, and is greater than or equal to the width of the molding area in the second direction.

[0008] The layering molding apparatus of the present invention comprises: a bottom having a molding area for layering and molding objects; a top located above the bottom and having an outlet for inactive gas; a side portion that rises from a side end of the bottom; and an outlet for the inactive gas. When a first direction is defined as the direction parallel to the bottom from the molding area toward the outlet, and a second direction is defined as the direction parallel to the bottom that intersects the first direction, the width of the outlet in the second direction is greater than the width of the outlet in the first direction, and is greater than or equal to the width of the object in the second direction.

[0009] The stacking molding apparatus of the present invention comprises: a bottom having a molding area for stacking and molding objects; a top located above the bottom and having an outlet for an inactive gas and a first laser irradiation window; a side portion erected from a side end of the bottom; and an outlet for the inactive gas, wherein, when a direction parallel to the bottom from the molding area toward the outlet is designated as a first direction and a direction parallel to the bottom intersecting the first direction is designated as a second direction, the width of the outlet in the first direction is smaller than the width of the first laser irradiation window in the first direction, and the width of the outlet in the second direction is larger than the width of the first laser irradiation window in the second direction.

[0010] The blowing nozzle of the present invention can be installed in a stacking molding device, wherein the blowing nozzle includes: a first end portion having an inlet portion for an inactive gas; and a second end portion located on the side opposite to the first end portion and having an outlet portion for the inactive gas. When one of the directions parallel to the second end portion is designated as a first direction and the direction intersecting the first direction among the directions parallel to the second end portion is designated as a second direction, the blowing nozzle has at least a flat portion along the second direction at the second end portion, and the width of the outlet portion in the second direction is greater than the width of the outlet portion in the first direction.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] The layering molding apparatus and blowing nozzle according to the present invention can suppress deviations in molding quality. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the stacking molding device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a top view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the flow of an inert gas according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a layered molding device, a variation of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a top view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a top view of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the stacking molding device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the blow nozzle according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a top view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the blow nozzle of the fourth embodiment of the present invention along the second direction.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a side view of the stacking molding device of the fifth embodiment of the present invention viewed from the first direction.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a top view of the rectifier component according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D… Layered modeling installations

[0027] 2…Laser Irradiation Section

[0028] 3…chamber

[0029] 4…Blow out part

[0030] 4a…Part 1

[0031] 4b…Part Two

[0032] 5a…Inlet (Inlet Section)

[0033] 5b…blowing outlet (opening)

[0034] 10…bottom

[0035] 11…side end

[0036] 12…workbench

[0037] 13…Styling Area

[0038] 14…Usage Area

[0039] 20…top

[0040] 21…Top Main Body

[0041] 22…Laser Irradiation Window

[0042] 23…First laser irradiation window

[0043] 24…Second laser irradiation window

[0044] 25… Blow out the opening (opening)

[0045] 26…Installation opening

[0046] 30…side

[0047] 31…First side

[0048] 32…Second side

[0049] 33…discharge outlet

[0050] 34...Flow path components

[0051] 40…blowing nozzle

[0052] 40a…Upper end (first end)

[0053] 40b…Lower end (second end)

[0054] 41…Expanded Department

[0055] 42…Export Department

[0056] 43…Flat section

[0057] 43a…First blowout nozzle body

[0058] 44…Flange

[0059] 45…Second blow-out nozzle body (flat part body)

[0060] 46…guide blades

[0061] 47…Flange

[0062] 50…Rectifier components (rectifier section)

[0063] 51…Rectifier section (section)

[0064] D1…First Direction

[0065] D2…Second Direction

[0066] G…inactive gas

[0067] L…laser

[0068] L1…Length of the outlet in the vertical direction

[0069] L2…Length of the rectifier section in the vertical direction

[0070] P1…Smoke and Dust

[0071] P2…splash

[0072] S… Shaped objects

[0073] S1…First blow-out nozzle

[0074] S2…Second blow nozzle

[0075] W1a… Width of the blow-out section in the first direction

[0076] W1b… Width of the blow-out section in the second direction

[0077] W2… Width of the shaping area in the second direction

[0078] W3… Width of the outlet in the second direction

[0079] W4… Width of the shape in the second direction

[0080] W5a… Width of the first laser illumination window in the first direction

[0081] W5b… Width of the first laser irradiation window in the second direction

[0082] W6a… Width of the inlet section in the first direction

[0083] W6b… Width of the inlet section in the second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0084] <First Implementation Method>

[0085] (Layered design installation)

[0086] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 3 The first embodiment of the stacking molding apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described.

[0087] Figure 1The layering molding device 1 shown is, for example, a so-called powder head type 3D printer. The layering molding device 1 uses material powder as raw material to layer and mold a model S. More specifically, the layering molding device 1 irradiates metal material powder with a laser L to sinter it to form a sintered layer, and then layers the sintered layers to mold the model S.

[0088] like Figure 1 As shown, the lamination molding apparatus 1 includes a laser irradiation unit 2 and a chamber 3. It should be noted that, in addition to the laser irradiation unit 2 and the chamber 3, the lamination molding apparatus 1 also includes a material supply unit (not shown), a control unit, etc. Various known devices can be used for these material supply units, control units, etc., therefore detailed descriptions are omitted here. Furthermore, in Figure 1 For ease of understanding, a simplified diagram is provided for the laser irradiation unit 2 and the chamber 3. Figure 1 For example, the outlet of the shaped object S is omitted.

[0089] The laser irradiation unit 2 includes a laser source (not shown) and an irradiation control unit (not shown). The laser source generates a laser L. The laser L only needs to be capable of sintering the material powder. The laser L is, for example, a CO2 laser, a fiber laser, or a YAG (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) laser. The laser source irradiates the generated laser L downwards. The irradiation control unit controls the irradiation of the laser L by moving the laser L two-dimensionally along a plane extending in the horizontal direction.

[0090] (cavity)

[0091] The chamber 3 is positioned below the laser irradiation unit 2. Within the chamber 3, a shaped object S is formed by stacking and molding. The chamber 3 has a bottom 10, a top 20, and a side 30.

[0092] (bottom)

[0093] The bottom 10 extends horizontally. Hereinafter, the direction parallel to the bottom 10 will be referred to as the first direction D1. The direction that intersects (e.g., is orthogonal) the first direction D1 in the direction parallel to the bottom 10 will be referred to as the second direction D2.

[0094] The bottom 10 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above (i.e., from above). The bottom 10 has four side ends 11. The four side ends 11 extend along either a first direction D1 or a second direction D2. The bottom 10 has a worktable 12 at its center. The worktable 12 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. Each edge of the worktable 12 extends along either a first direction D1 or a second direction D2. The worktable 12 is vertically movable. The upper surface of the worktable 12 is a molding area 13 for layering and molding the object S. It should be noted that the "molding area" referred to in this invention is not limited to a movable worktable, but can also be a part of the bottom 10 in a fixed position. The "molding area" referred to in this invention refers to the area in the bottom 10 where the object S is layered and molded. For example, the "molding area" refers to the area in the bottom 10 that is irradiated by laser L.

[0095] (top)

[0096] The top 20 is located above the bottom 10. The top 20 has a top body 21, one or more laser illumination windows 22, and an exhaust section 4.

[0097] (Top Main Body)

[0098] The top main body 21 divides the space vertically. The top main body 21 is formed as a plate extending horizontally. The top main body 21 covers the entirety of the shape area 13.

[0099] (Laser Irradiation Window)

[0100] like Figure 2 As shown, four laser irradiation windows 22 are provided in the center of the top main body 21. Each laser irradiation window 22 is positioned opposite the laser irradiation unit 2 in the vertical direction. The laser irradiation window 22 is equipped with a laser L (refer to...) that can irradiate the laser L output from the laser irradiation unit 2. Figure 1 The material through which the laser light passes is formed. In the case of a fiber laser or a YAG laser, the laser illumination window 22 is formed, for example, from quartz glass. Each laser illumination window 22 is formed with the same shape and size. The laser illumination window 22 is formed in the shape of a circular plate. The thickness direction of the laser illumination window 22 is aligned with the vertical direction. For example, four laser illumination windows 22 are arranged such that their center points are depicted as rectangles when viewed from above. The four laser illumination windows 22 are located inside the shaping area 13 when viewed from above.

[0101] Each of the four laser illumination windows 22 includes two first laser illumination windows 23 and two second laser illumination windows 24 arranged in the second direction D2. The two first laser illumination windows 23 are arranged in the first direction D1. The two second laser illumination windows 24 are arranged in the first direction D1. It should be noted that the configuration of the laser illumination windows 22 is not limited to the example above. For example, the first laser illumination windows 23 and the second laser illumination windows 24 are not limited to a configuration in which they are completely arranged in the second direction D2. The first laser illumination windows 23 and the second laser illumination windows 24 can also be arranged in a way that partially separates them in the second direction D2, thus offsetting them from each other in the first direction D1.

[0102] (Blow out part)

[0103] The blowing section 4 is the blowing section for the inactive gas G. The blowing section 4 is provided on the top body 21. The blowing section 4 blows the inactive gas G from the top body 21 toward the bottom 10 (i.e., downwards). The inactive gas G is a gas that does not substantially react with the material powder. Examples of inactive gas G include nitrogen, argon, and helium. In this embodiment, the blowing section 4 is an opening (blowing opening 25) in the top body 21. For example, the blowing section 4 is provided in the center of the top body 21.

[0104] like Figure 2 As shown, the blowout opening 25 is formed into a rectangular shape extending along the second direction D2 when viewed from above. In this embodiment, the width W1b of the blowout portion 4 in the second direction D2 is greater than the width W1a of the blowout portion 4 in the first direction D1, and is greater than or equal to the width W2 of the shaping area 13 in the second direction D2.

[0105] In another viewpoint, the width W1b of the blowout portion 4 in the second direction D2 is greater than or equal to the width W4 of the shape S in the second direction D2.

[0106] Alternatively, in another viewpoint, the width W1a of the blow-out portion 4 in the first direction D1 is smaller than the width W5a of the laser irradiation window 22 (e.g., the first laser irradiation window 23) in the first direction D1. The width W1b of the blow-out portion 4 in the second direction D2 is larger than the width W5b of the laser irradiation window 22 (e.g., the first laser irradiation window 23) in the second direction D2.

[0107] In this embodiment, the blowing part 4 is disposed between a plurality of laser illumination windows 22. More specifically, the blowing part 4 is located between two first laser illumination windows 23 and between two second laser illumination windows 24. In this embodiment, when viewed from above, the blowing part 4 includes a first portion 4a arranged alongside the first laser illumination windows 23 in the first direction D1, and a second portion 4b arranged alongside the second laser illumination windows 24 in the first direction D1.

[0108] Furthermore, the blowing section 4 has a third part 4c and a fourth part 4d. The third part 4c is the part located further than the first laser irradiation window 23 in the second direction D2 when viewed from above from the center C of the shaping area 13. On the other hand, the fourth part 4d is the part located further than the second laser irradiation window 24 in the second direction D2 when viewed from above from the center C of the shaping area 13.

[0109] (Side view)

[0110] return Figure 1 The side portion 30 will now be described. The side portion 30 is provided so that it stands upright from the side end 11 of the bottom 10. The side portion 30 has a pair of first side portions 31 facing each other in the first direction D1 and a pair of second side portions 32 facing each other in the second direction D2. Each pair of first side portions 31 has an outlet 33 for an inactive gas G.

[0111] (Discharge outlet)

[0112] An outlet 33 is provided at the lower part of the first side portion 31. A pair of outlets 33 are provided facing each other in the first direction D1. The pair of outlets 33 are formed with the same shape and size. The outlets 33 are rectangular shapes extending along the second direction D2. The outlets 33 open towards the shaping area 13. The outlets 33 are along the shaping area 13. The width W3 of the outlets 33 in the second direction D2 is approximately the same as the width W2 of the shaping area 13 in the second direction D2. The direction parallel to the bottom 10 and from the shaping area 13 towards the outlets 33 is consistent with the first direction D1.

[0113] (Effects)

[0114] When performing layered molding using the aforementioned layered molding apparatus 1, material powder is first laid flat in the molding area 13 to form a layer of material powder. A laser L is then irradiated onto the material powder laid in the molding area 13. The material powder is sintered by the laser L. Thus, a first sintered layer is formed in the molding area 13. Then, the worktable 12 is lowered to a thickness corresponding to one sintered layer. Material powder is laid on the first sintered layer, and a second sintered layer is formed through the same steps. This process is repeated to layer multiple sintered layers. Adjacent sintered layers are firmly bonded to each other. By bonding the multiple sintered layers, the layered molding of the object S is completed. After the layered molding of the object S, the unsintered material powder is removed.

[0115] In the case of layering and molding as described above, if the material powder is irradiated with laser L, smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 are generated from the material powder due to the heat of laser L. Smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 block laser L, thus causing a decrease in the performance of the layering and molding apparatus 1. Therefore, it is necessary to remove smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 from the chamber 3. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 3 The method for removing soot P1 and sputtering P2 is described.

[0116] (Methods for removing smoke and splashes)

[0117] like Figure 3 As shown, the blowing section 4 blows inactive gas G downward toward the shaping region 13. The flow of inactive gas G blown from the blowing section 4 is a two-dimensional flow along an imaginary plane extending in the vertical direction and is uniform in the second direction D2. The inactive gas G collides with the center of the shaping region 13. If the inactive gas G collides with the shaping region 13, it flows outward from the center of the shaping region 13 toward the outside in the first direction D1. At this time, the inactive gas G flows along the shaping region 13. The flow of inactive gas G along the shaping region 13 is uniform in both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The flow of inactive gas G along the shaping region 13 is generated in a region wider than the shaping region 13, encompassing the entire region of the shaping region 13. Then, the inactive gas G is discharged out of the chamber 3 from the outlet 33.

[0118] Through the flow of the aforementioned inactive gas G, the smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 are rapidly discharged from the outlet 33 to the outside of the chamber 3. In this way, the smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 are removed from the chamber 3.

[0119] Here, as a comparative example, consider a structure in which a circular or small oblong inactive gas G is provided on the top body 21 for expelling. In such a structure, the inactive gas G ejected downward from the expelling part collides with the shaping area 13 and flows in a manner that diffuses along the entire periphery of the shaping area 13. As a result, near the second side 32 where no outlet 33 is provided, the inactive gas G collides with the second side 32, creating a circulating flow. Consequently, soot P1 and sputtering material P2 are captured by the circulating flow, and there is a possibility that they cannot be fully discharged from the chamber 3.

[0120] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the width W1b of the blowing portion 4 in the second direction D2 is greater than the width W1a of the blowing portion 4 in the first direction D1, and is greater than or equal to the width W2 of the shaping area 13 in the second direction D2.

[0121] Therefore, in the blowing section 4, the flow of inactive gas G can be made parallel and uniform in the second direction D2. The flow of inactive gas G blown out from the blowing section 4 becomes a two-dimensional and uniform flow along an imaginary plane extending in the vertical direction. Moreover, the inactive gas G can collide with the entire area of ​​the shaping region 13 in the second direction D2. The inactive gas G that collides with the shaping region 13 flows along the shaping region 13 in the first direction D1 and is discharged from the outlet 33. The flow of inactive gas G along the shaping region 13 becomes a uniform flow. Such flow of inactive gas G suppresses the generation of a circulating flow that rolls upward from the bottom 10 along the second side 32. Therefore, inactive gas G is guided to the outlet 33 without stagnation. Thus, it is possible to suppress the capture of soot P1 and sputtering P2 by the circulating flow. By the flow of inactive gas G along the shaping region 13, soot P1 and sputtering P2 can be discharged from the outlet 33. Therefore, smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 can be removed without deviation within the shaping area 13, and the obstruction of laser L irradiating the shaped object S by smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 can be suppressed without omission within the shaping area 13. Therefore, deviations in shaping quality can be suppressed.

[0122] Furthermore, the flow of the inert gas G along the molding area 13 becomes uniform, thus enabling uniform and rapid supply and exhaust of the inert gas G in the molding area 13. Therefore, through the flow of the inert gas G, the smoke P1 and sputtering P2 can be effectively discharged.

[0123] It should be noted that interference eddies of the inactive gas G may sometimes be generated at a position further outward in the second direction D2 than the collision position of the inactive gas G. In this embodiment, the width W1b of the blowout portion 4 in the second direction D2 is greater than or equal to the width W2 of the shaping region 13 in the second direction D2. Therefore, the interference eddies can be located outside the shaping region 13. As a result, the smoke dust P1 and sputtering material P2 captured by the interference eddies can be suppressed from blocking the laser L irradiating the shaped object S.

[0124] In this embodiment, the blowing part 4 is an opening (blowing opening 25) provided in the top body 21. Therefore, the blowing part 4 can be formed by a simple process of forming the blowing opening 25 only in the top body 21. Thus, the manufacturing process of the stacking molding device 1 can be reduced.

[0125] In this embodiment, the blowing section 4 is disposed between the plurality of laser irradiation windows 22. Therefore, the laser L irradiated from the laser irradiation window 22 will not be blocked by the blowing section 4 and thus will not interfere. As a result, the blowing section 4 can be provided without changing the structure of the laser irradiation window 22.

[0126] <Modifications of the First Embodiment>

[0127] The outlet 33 for the inactive gas G can also be located at the bottom 10. In this case, the outlet 33 is positioned outside the first direction D1, relative to the molding area 13.

[0128] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the stacking molding apparatus 1 may also have a flow path member 34, which has an outlet 33. The flow path member 34 is, for example, a pipe provided on the first side 31. The flow path member 34 extends, for example, along the first side 31 in the vertical direction. Multiple flow path members 34 are provided at intervals in the second direction D2. The lower end of the flow path member 34 bends inward in the first direction D1 near the bottom 10 and opens toward the molding area 13. The lower opening of the flow path member 34 becomes the outlet 33 for the inactive gas G. The inactive gas G is introduced into the interior of the flow path member 34 from the outlet 33, flows upward through the flow path member 34, and is discharged out of the chamber 3 from the upper opening (not shown) of the flow path member 34.

[0129] It should be noted that the flow path component 34 is not limited to a pipe; for example, it can also be a fan that connects the inside and outside of the chamber 3.

[0130] <Second Implementation Method>

[0131] The following is for reference Figure 5 The stacking molding apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same components as in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted. The structure of the second embodiment, except as described below, is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0132] like Figure 5 As shown, for layered designs, sometimes a portion of the design area 13 is used. Hereinafter, the portion of the design area 13 actually used for layering the design of the object S will be designated as the usage area 14. In this embodiment, the width W1b of the blowing portion 4 in the second direction D2 is greater than the width W1a of the blowing portion 4 in the first direction D1, and is greater than or equal to the width of the usage area 14 in the design area 13 in the second direction D2. That is, the width W1b of the blowing portion 4 in the second direction D2 is greater than or equal to the width W4 of the design S in the second direction D2. In this embodiment, the width W1b of the blowing portion 4 in the second direction D2 is less than the width W2 of the design area 13 in the second direction D2.

[0133] (Effects)

[0134] In this embodiment, the width W1b of the blow-out portion 4 in the second direction D2 is greater than the width W1a of the blow-out portion 4 in the first direction D1, and is greater than or equal to the width W4 of the shape S in the second direction D2.

[0135] Therefore, in the blowing section 4, the flow of inactive gas G can be made parallel and uniform in the second direction D2. The flow of inactive gas G blown out from the blowing section 4 becomes a two-dimensional and uniform flow along an imaginary plane extending in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the inactive gas G can collide with the entire area of ​​the molded object S in the second direction D2. The inactive gas G that collides with the molded object S flows along the molding area 13 in the first direction D1 and is discharged from the outlet 33. The flow of inactive gas G along the molding area 13 becomes a uniform flow at least in the use area 14. Such flow of inactive gas G suppresses the generation of a circulating flow that rolls upward from the bottom 10 along the second side 32. Therefore, the inactive gas G is guided to the outlet 33 without stagnation. Thus, it is possible to suppress the capture of soot P1 and sputtering P2 by the circulating flow. By the flow of inactive gas G along the molding area 13, soot P1 and sputtering P2 can be discharged from the outlet 33. Therefore, it is possible to remove smoke P1 and splatter P2 without deviation, at least within the usage area 14, and to suppress the obstruction of laser L irradiating the model S by smoke P1 and splatter P2 without omission, at least within the usage area 14. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deviations in model quality.

[0136] Furthermore, the flow of the inert gas G along the shaping area 13 becomes uniform, at least within the usage area 14, thus ensuring uniform and rapid supply and exhaust of the inert gas G, at least within the usage area 14. Therefore, the flow of the inert gas G effectively removes smoke P1 and sputtering material P2.

[0137] Furthermore, the width W1b of the blowout portion 4 in the second direction D2 is greater than or equal to the width W4 of the model S in the second direction D2. Therefore, the interference eddy current can be located outside the model S, that is, outside the use area 14. As a result, the smoke P1 and sputtering P2 captured by the interference eddy current can be suppressed from blocking the laser L irradiating the model S.

[0138] <Third Implementation Method>

[0139] The following is for reference Figure 6 The stacking molding apparatus 1B according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same constituent elements as in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted. The structure of the third embodiment, except as described below, is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0140] like Figure 6As shown, the width W1a of the blowing portion 4 in the first direction D1 is smaller than the width W5a of the laser irradiation window 22 (e.g., the first laser irradiation window 23) in the first direction D1, and the width W1b of the blowing portion 4 in the second direction D2 is larger than the width W5b of the laser irradiation window 22 (e.g., the first laser irradiation window 23) in the second direction D2. In this embodiment, the width W1b of the blowing portion 4 in the second direction D2 is larger than the width W4 of the shaped object S in the second direction D2, and smaller than the width W2 of the shaped area 13 in the second direction D2.

[0141] In this embodiment, the blowing part 4, when viewed from above, includes a first part 4a that is parallel to the first laser irradiation window 23 in the first direction D1, and a second part 4b that is parallel to the second laser irradiation window 24 in the first direction D1.

[0142] Furthermore, the blowing section 4 has a third part 4c and a fourth part 4d. The third part 4c is the part located further than the first laser irradiation window 23 in the second direction D2 when viewed from above from the center C of the shaping area 13. On the other hand, the fourth part 4d is the part located further than the second laser irradiation window 24 in the second direction D2 when viewed from above from the center C of the shaping area 13.

[0143] (Effects)

[0144] In this embodiment, the width W1a of the blowing portion 4 in the first direction D1 is smaller than the width W5a of the first laser irradiation window 23 in the first direction D1. The width W1b of the blowing portion 4 in the second direction D2 is larger than the width W5b of the first laser irradiation window 23 in the second direction D2.

[0145] Therefore, in the blowing section 4, the flow of the inactive gas G can be made parallel and uniform in the second direction D2. The flow of the inactive gas G blown out from the blowing section 4 becomes a two-dimensional and uniform flow along an imaginary plane extending in the vertical direction. Moreover, since the inactive gas G can be blown out from a range wider than the width W5b of the first laser irradiation window 23 in the second direction D2, the inactive gas G can collide with a range wider than the area in the shaping region 13 that overlaps with the first laser irradiation window 23 in the second direction D2. The inactive gas G that collides with the shaping region 13 flows along the shaping region 13 in the first direction D1 and is discharged from the outlet 33. The flow of the inactive gas G along the shaping region 13 becomes a uniform flow at least in the area in the shaping region 13 that overlaps with the first laser irradiation window 23. Such a flow of the inactive gas G suppresses the generation of a circulating flow that rolls upward from the bottom 10 along the side 30. Therefore, the inactive gas G is guided to the outlet 33 without stagnation. Therefore, the capture of smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 by the circulating flow can be suppressed. By the flow of the inactive gas G along the shaping region 13, smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 can be discharged from the outlet 33. Therefore, smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 can be removed without deviation, at least in the area of ​​the shaping region 13 overlapping with the first laser irradiation window 23, and the obstruction of laser L irradiating the shaped object S by smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 by the shaped region 13 overlapping with the first laser irradiation window 23 can be suppressed without omission. Therefore, deviations in shaping quality can be suppressed.

[0146] Furthermore, the flow of the inactive gas G along the shaping region 13 is uniform, at least in the area of ​​the shaping region 13 overlapping with the first laser irradiation window 23. Therefore, the supply and exhaust of the inactive gas G are uniform and rapid, at least in the area of ​​the shaping region 13 overlapping with the first laser irradiation window 23. Thus, the flow of the inactive gas G effectively removes the smoke P1 and sputtering P2.

[0147] Furthermore, the inactive gas G can collide with a region in the second direction D2 that is wider than the region in the shaping region 13 that overlaps with the first laser irradiation window 23. Therefore, the interference eddy current can be positioned outside the region in the shaping region 13 that overlaps with the first laser irradiation window 23. This suppresses the smoke P1 and sputtering P2 trapped by the interference eddy current from blocking the laser L irradiating the shaping object S.

[0148] In this embodiment, the blowing section 4, when viewed from above, includes a first portion 4a arranged alongside the first laser irradiation window 23 in the first direction D1, and a second portion 4b arranged alongside the second laser irradiation window 24 in the first direction D1. This allows inactive gas G to be blown out over a wide area corresponding to the region where multiple laser irradiation windows 22 (the first laser irradiation window 23 and the second laser irradiation window 24) are provided. Therefore, the inactive gas G can collide with a wide area in the shaping region 13 corresponding to the multiple laser irradiation windows 22. Thus, by the flow of inactive gas G along the shaping region 13, smoke P1 and sputtering P2 can be discharged more effectively.

[0149] <Fourth Implementation Method>

[0150] The following is for reference Figures 7 to 9 The fourth embodiment of the stacking molding apparatus 1C of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same components as in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted. The structure of the fourth embodiment, except as described below, is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0151] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the top 20 has a top body 21 and a blow-out nozzle 40 extending downward from the top body 21. In this embodiment, the blow-out portion 4 is an opening (blow-out port 5b) that opens at the lower end 40b of the blow-out nozzle 40.

[0152] Specifically, a mounting opening 26 for mounting the blow nozzle 40 is formed on the top body 21. The mounting opening 26 is located in the center of the top body 21 when viewed from above. The mounting opening 26 is surrounded by four laser illumination windows 22. The mounting opening 26 is circular when viewed from above.

[0153] (Blowing out of the nozzle)

[0154] like Figure 8 As shown, the blow nozzle 40 has an upper end (first end) 40a and a lower end (second end) 40b. The lower end 40b is located on the opposite side to the upper end 40a in the axial direction (vertical direction) of the blow nozzle 40.

[0155] The blow-out nozzle 40 is formed as a cylinder with an opening at the upper end 40a and a lower end 40b. The opening at the upper end 40a of the blow-out nozzle 40 is an inlet (inlet portion) 5a for introducing inactive gas G into the interior of the blow-out nozzle 40. The inlet 5a is formed in a circular shape. The opening at the lower end 40b of the blow-out nozzle 40 is an outlet 5b for blowing out inactive gas G. The outlet 5b opens downwards. The outlet 5b is parallel to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 described above. The size of the outlet 5b will be described later.

[0156] The upper end 40a of the blow nozzle 40 is detachably mounted to the top body 21. The inlet 5a of the blow nozzle 40 communicates with the mounting opening 26 of the top body 21. That is, the blow nozzle 40 is mounted in a manner that extends downward from the top body 21.

[0157] In one view, the blow nozzle 40 has an enlargement portion 41 and an outlet portion 42. The enlargement portion 41 is a portion whose width increases as it travels downward in a second direction D2. For example, the enlargement portion 41 is formed such that its cross-sectional shape gradually changes as it travels downward from the inlet 5a. The outlet portion 42 is located below the enlargement portion 41.

[0158] The outlet section 42 extends downward in a manner where its width in the second direction D2 is fixed at a constant value. That is, the width in the second direction D2 of the outlet section 42 is not expanded. The vertical length L1 of the outlet section 42 is, for example, greater than the width W1a of the outlet 5b in the first direction D1. The outlet section 42 is a flow straightening section that changes the flow of inactive gas G, which has a flow component that flows towards the second direction D2 while passing through the expansion section 41, into a flow that flows vertically downward. In this embodiment, the outlet 5b is provided at the lower end of the outlet section 42.

[0159] The width W1a of the blow-out port 5b in the first direction D1 is smaller than the width W6a of the inlet port 5a in the first direction D1. The width W1b of the blow-out port 5b in the second direction D2 is larger than the width W6b of the inlet port 5a in the second direction D2. The width W1b of the blow-out port 5b in the second direction D2 is, for example, more than 3 times, and more specifically, more than 4 times, the width W6b of the inlet port 5a in the second direction D2.

[0160] like Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the blow-out port 5b is formed into a rectangular shape extending along the second direction D2 when viewed from above. In this embodiment, the width W1b of the blow-out port 5b in the second direction D2 is greater than the width W1a of the blow-out port 5b in the first direction D1, and is greater than or equal to the width W2 of the shaping area 13 in the second direction D2.

[0161] It should be noted that the shape and size of the blow-out port 5b are the same as those of the blow-out portion 4 (blow-out opening 25) in the first embodiment. That is, in the description of the shape and size of the blow-out port 5b, "blow-out portion 4" can be replaced with "blow-out port 5b" in the description of the shape and size of the blow-out portion 4 in the first embodiment.

[0162] return Figure 8The remaining parts of the blow nozzle 40 will now be described. In this embodiment, the blow nozzle 40 has a flat portion 43. The flat portion 43 is provided at least at the lower end portion 40b of the blow nozzle 40. In this embodiment, the flat portion 43 is provided throughout at least a portion of the enlarged portion 41 and the outlet portion 42.

[0163] The flat section 43 is formed as a flat (hollow plate) shape along the second direction D2. The flat section 43 has an internal space with a constant width in the first direction D1. The flat section 43 is a flow straightening section that adjusts the flow of the inactive gas G flowing in from the inlet 5a to a vertically downward flow when the gas has a flow component towards the first direction D1.

[0164] According to one viewpoint, the blow nozzle 40 includes a first blow nozzle S1 and a second blow nozzle S2.

[0165] The first blow-out nozzle S1 is, for example, a blow-out nozzle installed by replacing a regular nozzle provided with the layering molding apparatus 1. That is, the fixing structure of the first blow-out nozzle S1 relative to the mounting opening 26 is the same as the fixing structure of a regular nozzle. It should be noted that the first blow-out nozzle S1 may also be a regular nozzle (already provided) provided with the layering molding apparatus 1 itself.

[0166] In this embodiment, the first blow-out nozzle S1 has a first blow-out nozzle body 43a and a flange 44. The first blow-out nozzle body 43a is formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction and open at both ends in the axial direction. The upper opening of the first blow-out nozzle body 43a serves as an inlet 5a for the inactive gas G. The width of the first blow-out nozzle body 43a in the first direction D1 gradually decreases downwards. The width of the first blow-out nozzle body 43a in the second direction D2 gradually increases downwards. The lower opening of the first blow-out nozzle body 43a is formed into an elliptical shape extending in the second direction D2 when viewed from above. The flange 44 is provided on the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the first blow-out nozzle body 43a. The flange 44 extends outwards from the first blow-out nozzle body 43a.

[0167] The second blow-out nozzle S2 is an additional nozzle (extended nozzle) installed relative to the first blow-out nozzle S1. The second blow-out nozzle S2 is installed at the lower end of the first blow-out nozzle S1 and extends downward from the lower end of the first blow-out nozzle S1. The blow-out outlet 5b is provided at the lower end of the second blow-out nozzle S2.

[0168] In this embodiment, the second blowing nozzle S2 has a second blowing nozzle body (flat portion body) 45 and a plurality of guide vanes 46 (see reference). Figure 10 ) and flange 47.

[0169] The second blow-out nozzle body 45 is flat in shape, extending vertically and horizontally along the second direction D2. The second blow-out nozzle body 45 includes the enlarged portion 41, the outlet portion 42, and the flat portion 43 described above. The upper opening of the second blow-out nozzle body 45 is formed to have the same shape and size as the lower opening of the first blow-out nozzle body 43a, and communicates with the lower opening of the first blow-out nozzle body 43a.

[0170] like Figure 10 As shown, a plurality of guide vanes 46 are disposed inside the second blow-out nozzle body 45. The plurality of guide vanes 46 extend vertically and are arranged at equal intervals in the second direction D2. Each guide vane 46 extends outwards in the second direction D2 as it faces downwards. The interval between the plurality of guide vanes 46 in the second direction D2 increases as it faces downwards. However, in the lower part of the second blow-out nozzle body 45, the interval between the plurality of guide vanes 46 in the second direction D2 remains constant. That is, each guide vane 46 extends linearly in the vertical direction in the lower part of the second blow-out nozzle body 45.

[0171] Flange 47 is disposed on the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the second blow-out nozzle body 45 (see reference). Figure 8 Flange 47 extends outward from the second blow-out nozzle body 45. Flange 47 is connected from below to flange 44 of the first blow-out nozzle S1.

[0172] (Effects)

[0173] In this embodiment, the layering molding apparatus 1C includes a blow-out nozzle 40 that can be mounted on the top body 21. A blow-out outlet 5b, corresponding to the blow-out portion 4 (blow-out opening 25) of the first embodiment, is provided at the lower end of the blow-out nozzle 40. Therefore, by mounting the blow-out nozzle 40 on the top body 21, a layering molding apparatus 1C with a blow-out outlet 5b can be obtained. That is, the blow-out nozzle 40 can be modified from existing apparatuses.

[0174] In this embodiment, the width W1b of the blow-out port 5b in the second direction D2 is greater than the width W1a of the blow-out port 5b in the first direction D1, and is greater than or equal to the width W2 of the shaping area 13 in the second direction D2. Therefore, it can achieve the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0175] In this embodiment, the blow nozzle 40 has at least a flat portion 43 at its lower end along the second direction D2.

[0176] Therefore, during the flow of inactive gas G within the flat section 43, the flow of inactive gas G can be reduced. Consequently, the flow of inactive gas G blown from the outlet 5b can be made more reliably a two-dimensional and uniform flow along an imaginary plane extending in the vertical direction. Therefore, the generation of circulating flow within the chamber 3 can be more reliably suppressed, thus better suppressing the capture of smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 by the circulating flow. Therefore, the blocking of laser L irradiating the model S by smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 captured by the circulating flow can be better suppressed.

[0177] In this embodiment, the blow-out nozzle 40 has an enlarged portion 41 that widens as it travels downward in the second direction D2, and an outlet portion 42 located below the enlarged portion 41 and whose width in the second direction D2 extends downward constantly. The blow-out portion 4 is located at the lower end of the outlet portion 42.

[0178] Therefore, during the flow of the inactive gas G within the outlet 42, the flow of the inactive gas G can be directed vertically. This allows for more reliable suppression of the recirculation of the inactive gas G generated by its collision with the side portion 30 before reaching the shaping region 13. Consequently, it also better suppresses the capture of smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 by the recirculating flow. Furthermore, it better suppresses the obstruction of laser L irradiating the shaped object S by smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 captured by the recirculating flow.

[0179] In this embodiment, the blow nozzle 40 has a plurality of guide vanes 46 arranged along the second direction D2 inside.

[0180] Therefore, during the flow of the inactive gas G between the multiple guide vanes 46, the inactive gas G can be further uniformly dispersed in the second direction D2. Thus, the flow of the inactive gas G blown out from the blow-out section 4 can be made more reliably a two-dimensional and uniform flow along an imaginary plane extending in the vertical direction. Therefore, the generation of circulating flow within the chamber 3 can be more reliably suppressed, and thus the capture of smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 by the circulating flow can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, the obstruction of laser L irradiating the model S by smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 captured by the circulating flow can be more effectively suppressed.

[0181] In this embodiment, the blowing nozzle 40 includes a first blowing nozzle S1 mounted on the top body 21, and a second blowing nozzle S2 connected to the first blowing nozzle S1 and extending downward from the first blowing nozzle S1 and having the blowing portion 4.

[0182] Therefore, by simply installing the second blow-out nozzle S2 onto the first blow-out nozzle S1, a stacking molding apparatus 1C and 1D equipped with a blow-out nozzle 40 can be obtained. That is, when the first blow-out nozzle S1 is an existing nozzle already installed on the top body 21, a stacking molding apparatus 1C equipped with a blow-out nozzle 40 can be obtained simply by adding a second blow-out nozzle.

[0183] It should be noted that, in the fourth embodiment, the width W1b of the blow-out port 5b in the second direction D2 is set to be greater than the width W1a of the blow-out port 5b in the first direction D1, and greater than or equal to the width W2 of the shaping area 13 in the second direction D2, but it is not limited to this.

[0184] Alternatively, the width W1b of the blow-out port 5b in the second direction D2 can be greater than the width W1a of the blow-out port 5b in the first direction D1, and greater than or equal to the width W4 of the shape S in the second direction D2. In this case, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be achieved.

[0185] Alternatively, the width W1a of the blow-out port 5b in the first direction D1 can be smaller than the width W5a of the laser irradiation window 22 in the first direction D1, and the width W1b of the blow-out port 5b in the second direction D2 can be larger than the width W5b of the first laser irradiation window 23 in the second direction D2. In this case, the same effect as in the third embodiment can be achieved.

[0186] It should be noted that in the fourth embodiment, the mounting opening 26 of the top body 21 and the inlet 5a of the blow nozzle 40 are formed in a circular shape, but it is not limited to this and can also be formed in an elliptical shape.

[0187] It should be noted that in the fourth embodiment, the blowing nozzle 40 is provided with a first blowing nozzle S1, but it is not limited to this and may also be composed only of a second blowing nozzle S2. In this case, the blowing nozzle 40 is installed in the form of a stacked molding device that additionally provides a nozzle (existing nozzle) for blowing out inactive gas G already present on the top 20. The blowing nozzle 40 is installed in the opening at the lower end of the existing nozzle. Alternatively, the blowing nozzle 40 composed only of the second blowing nozzle S2 may also be installed in the mounting opening 26 of the top body 21 instead of the existing nozzle.

[0188] <Fifth Implementation Method>

[0189] The following is for reference Figure 11 , Figure 12The fifth embodiment of the stacking molding apparatus 1D of the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same constituent elements as in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted. The structure of the fifth embodiment other than those described below is the same as that of the fourth embodiment.

[0190] like Figure 11 As shown, the stacking molding apparatus 1D includes an additional blow nozzle 40 besides the blow nozzle 40 of the fourth embodiment, which also includes a flow rectifying member 50 (corresponding to a flow rectifying section in the technical solution). The flow rectifying member 50 is disposed inside the lower end portion 40b of the blow nozzle 40. For example, the flow rectifying member 50 is disposed inside the flat portion 43 of the blow nozzle 40. In another view, the flow rectifying member 50 is disposed inside the outlet portion 42 of the blow nozzle 40. For example, the flow rectifying member 50 is disposed inside the outlet portion 42 of the blow nozzle 40 below a plurality of guide vanes 46.

[0191] like Figure 12 As shown, the rectifier 50 internally includes a plurality of rectifier cylinders 51 (equivalent to cylinders in the technical solution). The cross-sectional shape of the plurality of rectifier cylinders 51 is a polygon (e.g., a regular hexagon) of the same size as each other. The plurality of rectifier cylinders 51 are arranged without gaps in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0192] The vertical length L2 of the rectifier section 51 is, for example, greater than the width W1a of the blow-out port 5b in the first direction D1. The vertical length L2 of the rectifier section 51 is, for example, 5 mm or more. Alternatively, in another viewpoint, the vertical length of the rectifier section 51 is more than three times the diagonal length of the regular hexagonal cross-section of the rectifier section 51.

[0193] (Effects)

[0194] In this embodiment, the stacking molding apparatus 1D includes a flow straightening member 50 disposed inside the blow nozzle 40. The flow straightening member 50 has a plurality of flow straightening cylinder portions 51 extending in the vertical direction.

[0195] Therefore, during the flow of the inactive gas G within the rectifier section 51, the components of the inactive gas G flowing in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 can be attenuated. This further suppresses the diffusion of the inactive gas G blown out from the blow-out section 4 along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Consequently, the flow velocity of the inactive gas G colliding with the shaping region 13 can be maintained at a high level, thus maintaining the removal performance of smoke P1 and sputtering P2.

[0196] Furthermore, since the components of the inactive gas G's flow in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 can be attenuated, flow along the shaping region 13 is easily formed. This allows for more reliable suppression of circulating flow within the chamber 3. Consequently, it also better suppresses the capture of smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 by the circulating flow. Furthermore, it better suppresses the blocking of laser L irradiating the shaping object S by smoke P1 and sputtering material P2 captured by the circulating flow.

[0197] It should be noted that in the fifth embodiment, the rectifier 50 is provided at the blow nozzle 40, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the rectifier 50 may also be directly connected to the blow opening 25 of the first to third embodiments.

[0198] It should be noted that, in the fifth embodiment, the rectifier 50 may be integrally formed with the blow nozzle 40, or it may be a different component from the blow nozzle 40. In the case where the rectifier 50 is a different component from the blow nozzle 40, for example, the upper end of the rectifier 50 may be fixed in a state where it is inserted into the blow portion 4 of the blow nozzle 40.

[0199] It should be noted that in the fifth embodiment, the plurality of rectifier cylinders 51 are arranged without gaps in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, but it is not limited to this. The plurality of rectifier cylinders 51 can be arranged in at least one of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0200] It should be noted that in the fifth embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the plurality of rectifier cylinders 51 is a regular hexagon, but it is not limited to this, and can also be an equilateral triangle, a regular quadrilateral, etc.

[0201] (Other implementation methods)

[0202] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the specific structure is not limited to these embodiments and may include design changes that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0203] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, the material powder is assumed to be metal, but it is not limited to this and can also be a resin material.

[0204] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, the second direction D2 is assumed to be orthogonal to the first direction D1, but it is not limited to this; it can simply be an intersection with the first direction D1. For example, the angle between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 can be slightly larger or slightly smaller than 90 degrees.

[0205] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, the bottom 10 is assumed to have a worktable 12, but it is not limited to this. Alternatively, the bottom 10 may not have a worktable 12, and the shaping area 13 of the bottom 10 may be a plane that does not rise or fall in the vertical direction.

[0206] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, the blowing part 4 is designed to be a rectangular shape extending along the second direction D2 when viewed from above, but it is not limited to this. For example, the blowing part 4 may also be an elliptical shape extending along the second direction D2.

[0207] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, the laser irradiation window 22 is set in the center of the top body 21, but it is not limited to this. Alternatively, the laser irradiation window 22 may be configured to be biased towards the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 of the top body 21.

[0208] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, four laser irradiation windows 22 are provided, but this is not a limitation. For example, only one laser irradiation window 22 may be provided. The number of laser irradiation windows 22 can be changed appropriately.

[0209] It should be noted that in the above embodiment, the laser irradiation window 22 is formed in the shape of a circular plate, but it is not limited to this. For example, the laser irradiation window 22 can also be formed in the shape of a rectangular plate, and the shape of the laser irradiation window 22 is not limited.

[0210] <Note>

[0211] The layering molding apparatus 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and the blowing nozzle 40 described in each embodiment are mastered as follows, for example.

[0212] (1) The first embodiment of the layering molding apparatus 1, 1C, 1D includes: a bottom 10 having a molding area 13 for layering and molding an object S; a top 20 located above the bottom 10 and having an outlet 4 for an inactive gas G; a side 30 erected from the side end 11 of the bottom 10; and an outlet 33 for the inactive gas G. When the direction from the molding area 13 toward the outlet 33 in the direction parallel to the bottom 10 is designated as a first direction D1, and the direction intersecting the first direction D1 in the direction parallel to the bottom 10 is designated as a second direction D2, the width W1b of the outlet 4 in the second direction D2 is greater than the width W1a of the outlet 4 in the first direction D1, and is greater than or equal to the width W2 of the molding area 13 in the second direction D2.

[0213] Therefore, in the blowing section 4, the flow of the inactive gas G can be made parallel and uniform in the second direction D2. The flow of the inactive gas G blown out from the blowing section 4 becomes a two-dimensional and uniform flow along an imaginary plane extending in the vertical direction. Moreover, the inactive gas G can collide with the entire area of ​​the shaping region 13 in the second direction D2. The inactive gas G that collides with the shaping region 13 flows along the shaping region 13 in the first direction D1 and is discharged from the outlet 33. The flow of the inactive gas G along the shaping region 13 becomes a uniform flow. By the flow of the inactive gas G along the shaping region 13, the smoke P1 and the sputtering material P2 can be discharged from the outlet 33.

[0214] (2) The second embodiment of the stacking modeling device 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D includes: a bottom 10 having a modeling area 13 for stacking modeling objects S; a top 20 located above the bottom 10 and having an outlet 4 for inactive gas G; a side 30 erected from the side end 11 of the bottom 10; and an outlet 33 for the inactive gas G. When the direction from the modeling area 13 toward the outlet 33 in the direction parallel to the bottom 10 is designated as a first direction D1, and the direction intersecting the first direction D1 in the direction parallel to the bottom 10 is designated as a second direction D2, the width W1b of the outlet 4 in the second direction D2 is greater than the width W1a of the outlet 4 in the first direction D1, and is greater than or equal to the width W2 of the modeling object S in the second direction D2.

[0215] Therefore, in the blowing section 4, the flow of the inactive gas G can be made parallel and uniform in the second direction D2. The flow of the inactive gas G blown out from the blowing section 4 becomes a two-dimensional and uniform flow along an imaginary plane extending in the vertical direction. Moreover, the inactive gas G can collide with the entire area of ​​the molded object S in the second direction D2. The inactive gas G that collides with the molded object S flows along the molding region 13 in the first direction D1 and is discharged from the outlet 33. The flow of the inactive gas G along the molding region 13 becomes a uniform flow at least in the area actually used for layering molding. By the flow of the inactive gas G along the molding region 13, soot P1 and sputtering material P2 can be discharged from the outlet 33.

[0216] (3) The third embodiment of the stacking modeling device 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D includes: a bottom 10 having a modeling area 13 for stacking modeling objects S; a top 20 located above the bottom 10 having an outlet 4 for inactive gas G and a first laser irradiation window 23; a side 30 erected from the side end 11 of the bottom 10; and an outlet 33 for the inactive gas G. When the direction from the modeling area 13 toward the outlet 33 in the direction parallel to the bottom 10 is designated as the first direction D1, and the direction intersecting the first direction D1 in the direction parallel to the bottom 10 is designated as the second direction D2, the width W1a of the outlet 4 in the first direction D1 is smaller than the width W5a of the first laser irradiation window 23 in the first direction D1, and the width W1b of the outlet 4 in the second direction D2 is larger than the width W5b of the first laser irradiation window 23 in the second direction D2.

[0217] Therefore, in the blowing section 4, the flow of the inactive gas G can be made parallel and uniform in the second direction D2. The flow of the inactive gas G blown out from the blowing section 4 becomes a two-dimensional and uniform flow along an imaginary plane extending in the vertical direction. Moreover, the inactive gas G can be blown out from a range in the second direction D2 that is wider than the width W5b of the first laser irradiation window 23 in the second direction D2, so that the inactive gas G can collide with a range in the second direction D2 that is wider than the area in the shaping region 13 that overlaps with the first laser irradiation window 23. The inactive gas G that collides with the shaping region 13 flows along the shaping region 13 in the first direction D1 and is discharged from the outlet 33. The flow of the inactive gas G along the shaping region 13 becomes a uniform flow at least in the area in the shaping region 13 that overlaps with the first laser irradiation window 23. By the flow of the inactive gas G along the shaping region 13, the smoke P1 and sputtering P2 can be discharged from the outlet 33.

[0218] (4) The fourth scheme of the stacked modeling device 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D is based on the third scheme of the stacked modeling device 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D. In addition, the top 20 has a second laser irradiation window 24. The second laser irradiation window 24 is arranged in the second direction D2 at least partly relative to the first laser irradiation window 23. When the stacked modeling device 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D is viewed from above, the blowing part 4 includes: a first part 4a, which is parallel to the first laser irradiation window 23 in the first direction D1; and a second part 4b, which is parallel to the second laser irradiation window 24 in the first direction D1.

[0219] Therefore, inactive gas G can be blown out from a wide area corresponding to the region where the first laser irradiation window 23 and the second laser irradiation window 24 are provided. Thus, inactive gas G can collide with the wide area in the shaping region 13 corresponding to the first laser irradiation window 23 and the second laser irradiation window 24.

[0220] (5) The fifth scheme of the stacked modeling device 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D can also be based on any stacked modeling device 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D in the first to fourth schemes, and at least one of the bottom 10, the side 30 and the flow path member 34 which is separately provided from the bottom 10 and the side 30 has the outlet.

[0221] (6) The sixth scheme of the stacked modeling device 1, 1A, 1B can also be based on any of the stacked modeling devices 1, 1A, 1B in the first to fifth schemes, wherein the top 20 has a top body 21 that divides the space vertically, and the blowing part 4 is an opening (blowing opening 25) provided in the top body 21.

[0222] Therefore, the blow-out part 4 can be formed by a simple process of forming an opening (blow-out opening 25) only in the top body 21.

[0223] (7) The seventh scheme of the stacked modeling device 1C, 1D can also be based on any of the stacked modeling devices 1C, 1D in the first to fifth schemes, wherein the top 20 has: a top body 21 that divides the space vertically; a blow-out nozzle 40 that extends downward from the top body 21, and the blow-out part 4 is an opening (blow-out outlet 5b) provided at the lower end of the blow-out nozzle 40.

[0224] Thus, by installing a blow-out nozzle 40 on the top body 21, it is possible to obtain a layered molding device 1C, 1D with a blow-out section 4 (blow-out port 5b).

[0225] (8) The layering molding devices 1C and 1D of the eighth scheme are based on the layering molding devices 1C and 1D of the seventh scheme. Alternatively, the blow nozzle 40 may have a flat portion 43 along the second direction D2 at least at its lower end.

[0226] Therefore, during the flow of inactive gas G within the flat section 43, the flow of inactive gas G can be reduced. Consequently, the flow of inactive gas G blown out from the outlet 5b can be made more reliably a two-dimensional and uniform flow along an imaginary plane extending in the vertical direction.

[0227] (9) The layering molding apparatus 1C and 1D of the ninth embodiment may be based on the layering molding apparatus 1C and 1D of the seventh or eighth embodiment, wherein the blowing nozzle 40 has: an enlargement portion 41, which increases in width in the second direction D2 as it moves downward; and an outlet portion 42, which is disposed below the enlargement portion 41 and whose width in the second direction D2 extends downward constantly, and the blowing portion 4 is disposed at the lower end of the outlet portion 42.

[0228] Therefore, during the flow of the inactive gas G within the outlet 42, the flow of the inactive gas G can be directed in the vertical direction. Consequently, the recirculation of the inactive gas G generated by the collision between the inactive gas G blown out from the outlet 4 and the side portion 30 before reaching the molding area 13 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0229] (10) The stacking modeling device 1C, 1D of the tenth scheme can be based on any of the stacking modeling devices 1C, 1D in the seventh to ninth schemes, and the blowing nozzle 40 may have a plurality of guide blades 46 arranged in the second direction D2 inside.

[0230] Therefore, during the flow of the inactive gas G between the multiple guide vanes 46, the inactive gas G can be uniformly distributed in the second direction D2. Thus, the flow of the inactive gas G blown out from the blow-out section 4 can be made more reliably into a two-dimensional and uniform flow along a plane extending in the vertical direction.

[0231] (11) The eleventh embodiment of the stacking molding device 1D is based on any of the seven to tenth embodiments of the stacking molding device 1D, and may also include a blow-out nozzle 40 having a rectifier (rectifier member 50), the rectifier having a plurality of cylindrical portions (rectifier cylindrical portions 51) arranged in at least one of the first direction and the second direction and extending in the vertical direction respectively.

[0232] Therefore, during the flow of the inactive gas G within the rectifier section 51, at least one component of the flow of the inactive gas G in either the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 can be attenuated. Thus, the diffusion of the inactive gas G blown out from the blow-out section 4 into either the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 can be further suppressed.

[0233] (12) The 12th scheme of the stacked modeling device 1C, 1D can be based on any of the stacked modeling devices 1C, 1D in the 7th to 11th schemes, and the blowing nozzle 40 may include: a first blowing nozzle S1, which is installed on the top body 21; and a second blowing nozzle S2, which is connected to the first blowing nozzle S1 and extends downward from the first blowing nozzle S1 and has the blowing part 4.

[0234] Therefore, by simply installing the second blow-out nozzle S2 onto the first blow-out nozzle S1, it is possible to obtain a stacking molding device 1C, 1D equipped with a blow-out nozzle 40.

[0235] (13) The blowing nozzle 40 of the thirteenth embodiment is a blowing nozzle 40 that can be installed in the stacking molding apparatus 1C, 1D, and includes: a first end (upper end 40a) which includes an inlet (inlet 5a) for an inactive gas G; and a second end (lower end 40b) which is located on the side opposite to the first end and includes a blowing part 4 (blowing outlet 5b) for the inactive gas. When one of the directions parallel to the second end is designated as the first direction D1 and the direction parallel to the second end that intersects the first direction D1 is designated as the second direction D2, the blowing nozzle 40 has at least a flat portion 43 along the second direction D2 at the second end, and the width W1b of the blowing part 4 in the second direction D2 is greater than the width W1a of the blowing part 4 in the first direction D1.

Claims

1. A layered design device, wherein, The stacked molding device includes: At the bottom, there is a design area for layering and shaping objects; The top, which is located above the bottom, has an outlet for inactive gas; The side portion, which rises from the side end of the bottom; and The outlet for the inactive gas, When the direction from the shape area towards the outlet, which is parallel to the bottom, is designated as the first direction, and the direction that intersects the first direction, which is parallel to the bottom, is designated as the second direction, then... The width of the blowing portion in the second direction is greater than the width of the blowing portion in the first direction, and is greater than or equal to the width of the shaping area in the second direction. The top includes: a top body that divides the space vertically; and a blow nozzle that extends downward from the top body. The blowing section is an opening located at the lower end of the blowing nozzle. The blow-out nozzle has an enlarged portion that widens as it travels downward in the second direction; And an outlet portion, which is located below the enlarged portion and whose width in the second direction extends downwards at a constant rate. The blowing section is located at the lower end of the outlet section.

2. A layered design device, wherein, The stacked molding device includes: At the bottom, there is a design area for layering and shaping objects; The top, which is located above the bottom, has an outlet for inactive gas; The side portion, which rises from the side end of the bottom; and The outlet for the inactive gas, When the direction from the shape area towards the outlet, which is parallel to the bottom, is designated as the first direction, and the direction that intersects the first direction, which is parallel to the bottom, is designated as the second direction, then... The width of the blown part in the second direction is greater than the width of the blown part in the first direction, and is greater than or equal to the width of the shape in the second direction. The top includes: a top body that divides the space vertically; and a blow nozzle that extends downward from the top body. The blowing section is an opening located at the lower end of the blowing nozzle. The blow-out nozzle has an enlarged portion that widens as it travels downward in the second direction; And an outlet portion, which is located below the enlarged portion and whose width in the second direction extends downwards at a constant rate. The blowing section is located at the lower end of the outlet section.

3. A layered design device, wherein, The stacked molding device includes: At the bottom, there is a design area for layering and shaping objects; The top, which is located above the bottom, has an outlet for inactive gas and a first laser irradiation window; The side portion, which rises from the side end of the bottom; and The outlet for the inactive gas, When the direction from the shape area towards the outlet, which is parallel to the bottom, is designated as the first direction, and the direction that intersects the first direction, which is parallel to the bottom, is designated as the second direction, then... The width of the blowing portion in the first direction is smaller than the width of the first laser irradiation window in the first direction, and the width of the blowing portion in the second direction is larger than the width of the first laser irradiation window in the second direction. The top includes: a top body that divides the space vertically; and a blow nozzle that extends downward from the top body. The blowing section is an opening located at the lower end of the blowing nozzle. The blow-out nozzle has an enlarged portion that widens as it travels downward in the second direction; And an outlet portion, which is located below the enlarged portion and whose width in the second direction extends downwards at a constant rate. The blowing section is located at the lower end of the outlet section.

4. The layered molding device according to claim 3, wherein, The top has a second laser illumination window, which is at least partially arranged in the second direction relative to the first laser illumination window. When viewed from above, the blow-out portion includes: a first portion that is parallel to the first laser irradiation window in the first direction; and a second portion that is parallel to the second laser irradiation window in the first direction.

5. The layering molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, At least one of the bottom, the side, and the flow path member disposed separately from the bottom and the side has the outlet.

6. A blow nozzle capable of being mounted on a stacking molding device, wherein, The blowing nozzle has the following features: The first end portion includes an inert gas inlet; and The second end, located on the opposite side to the first end, includes a blowout portion for the inactive gas. When one of the directions parallel to the second end is designated as the first direction, and the direction parallel to the second end that intersects the first direction is designated as the second direction,... The blow nozzle has at least a flat portion along the second direction at its second end. The width of the blowing portion in the second direction is greater than the width of the blowing portion in the first direction. The blow-out nozzle has an enlarged portion that widens as it travels downward in the second direction; And an outlet portion, which is located below the enlarged portion and whose width in the second direction extends downwards at a constant rate. The blowing section is located at the lower end of the outlet section.

Images