Three-dimensional modeling method and three-dimensional modeling apparatus

Abstract

A three-dimensional modeling method and a three-dimensional modeling apparatus are disclosed. In the three-dimensional modeling method and the three-dimensional modeling apparatus (10), a modeling path (66) of each layer of a plurality of layers includes an inner side modeling path (68) and an outer side modeling path (70) of an inner side wall portion (42) and an outer side wall portion (44) adjacent in an inside and outside direction for modeling an enclosed space (16). The traveling directions of the inner side modeling path (68) and the outer side modeling path (70) are toward the same direction. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the mechanical strength of a three-dimensional modeled object. In addition, it is possible to suppress deformation of the shape such as warping of the three-dimensional modeled object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a three-dimensional modeling method and a three-dimensional modeling device. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-020417 discloses a three-dimensional modeling device that shapes three-dimensional objects by material extrusion as one of the additional modeling methods. Summary of the Invention

[0003] When creating a three-dimensional object with internal space using the additive modeling method, follow these steps to create the object.

[0004] First, the 3D data of the three-dimensional object is divided into multiple layers (2D data). Next, for each of the divided layers, the modeling path and its direction of travel are determined. Then, the three-dimensional object is modeled according to the modeling path and direction of travel for each of the multiple layers.

[0005] In the additive modeling method, multiple annular walls are created for each of multiple layers, enclosing a space and adjacent to each other in the inward and outward directions. With these multiple annular walls adjacent to each other, multiple layers are stacked in the stacking direction to create a three-dimensional object. In this case, the modeling path (wall modeling path) for the outer walls is constructed by connecting the outward-facing directional components (point components). Similarly, the modeling path (wall modeling path) for the inner walls is constructed by connecting the inward-facing point components. Therefore, in the two wall modeling paths, the directions of travel are opposite to each other.

[0006] Here, when shaping two walls continuously along two wall shaping paths, shaping is performed along one of the wall shaping paths (the outgoing path), and after turning back at the connection point of the two wall shaping paths, shaping is performed along the other wall shaping path (the return path). Consequently, the interval of heat input at any point along the wall shaping path is not constant in each of the multiple layers. As a result, the mechanical strength of the shaped three-dimensional object decreases. Furthermore, the three-dimensional object suffers from shape defects such as warping.

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0008] The first aspect of the present invention is a three-dimensional modeling method. This three-dimensional modeling method uses an additional modeling method to model a three-dimensional object with an internal space. The three-dimensional modeling method includes a slicing process, a path determination process, and a modeling process. In the slicing process, the three-dimensional data of the three-dimensional object is divided into multiple layers. In the path determination process, a modeling path for modeling the three-dimensional object and a direction of travel of the modeling path are determined in each of the multiple layers. In the modeling process, the three-dimensional object is modeled according to the modeling path and the direction of travel of each of the multiple layers. The modeling path of each of the multiple layers includes multiple wall modeling paths. The wall modeling paths are used to model multiple annular walls that surround the space and are adjacent in the inward and outward directions. The direction of travel of each of the multiple wall modeling paths is in the same direction.

[0009] The second aspect of the present invention is a three-dimensional modeling device that models a three-dimensional object with an internal space using an additional modeling method. The three-dimensional modeling device has a data segmentation unit, a path determination unit, and a modeling unit. The data segmentation unit acquires three-dimensional data of the three-dimensional object and segments the acquired three-dimensional data into multiple layers. The path determination unit determines a modeling path and a direction of travel for each of the multiple layers segmented by the data segmentation unit. The modeling unit models the three-dimensional object according to the modeling path and direction of travel for each of the multiple layers determined by the path determination unit. The modeling path of each of the multiple layers includes multiple wall modeling paths. The wall modeling paths are used to model multiple annular walls that surround the space and are adjacent in the inward and outward directions. The direction of travel for each of the multiple wall modeling paths is in the same direction.

[0010] In this invention, multiple wall shaping paths face the same direction, thus, for each of the multiple layers, the interval of heat input at any location along the wall shaping path can be kept constant. Accordingly, the mechanical strength of the three-dimensional object can be improved. Furthermore, deformation of the three-dimensional object, such as warping, can be suppressed.

[0011] The above-described objectives, features, and advantages should be readily understood from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the three-dimensional modeling device involved in this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional drawing of a three-dimensional object.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the three-dimensional modeling method involved in this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram representing one layer.

[0016] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing the shape direction within a single layer.

[0017] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the seam point in a layer.

[0018] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram showing the modeling paths and directions in multiple layers.

[0019] Figure 8A This is an explanatory diagram showing the overlap between the turn-back point and the inner shaping path. Figure 8B This is an explanatory diagram showing the state where the part of the turnback point does not overlap with the inner shape path.

[0020] Figure 9 It is an explanatory diagram showing the shape path and shape direction in two adjacent layers in the stacking direction.

[0021] Figure 10 It is an explanatory diagram showing the shape path and shape direction in two adjacent layers in the stacking direction.

[0022] Figure 11 It is an explanatory diagram showing the shape path and shape direction in two adjacent layers in the stacking direction.

[0023] Figure 12 It is an explanatory diagram showing the shape path and shape direction in two adjacent layers in the stacking direction.

[0024] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram showing the modeling paths and directions in multiple layers of the first comparative example.

[0025] Figure 14 This is a partial sectional view of the three-dimensional object in the first comparative example.

[0026] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram showing the modeling path and direction in one layer of the second comparative example.

[0027] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram showing the modeling paths and directions in multiple layers of the third comparative example.

[0028] Figure 17 This is a partial sectional view of the three-dimensional object in the third comparative example.

[0029] Figure 18 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the three-dimensional model of the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 shapes a three-dimensional object 14 by layering modeling materials 12 into a desired shape.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the three-dimensional object 14 is a three-dimensional object with an internal space 16. For example, the three-dimensional object 14 is... Figure 2 The pipes and other vehicle components shown are shown. Figure 2 The three-dimensional object 14 shown is along a specified direction (layering direction) ( Figure 2 A ring-shaped object extending in the vertical direction.

[0032] The three-dimensional object 14 has an annular wall 18 and a plurality of ribs 20. A space 16 is formed inside the annular wall 18. The plurality of ribs 20 extend in a predetermined direction. The plurality of ribs 20 divide the space 16 into a plurality of subspaces 22. The plurality of ribs 20 are respectively connected to the annular wall 18. Alternatively, the three-dimensional object 14 may have at least one rib 20. Or, the three-dimensional object 14 may not have any ribs 20.

[0033] The modeling material 12 is made of filaments or granules from thermoplastic resins such as ABS. Alternatively, the modeling material 12 may be made of filaments or granules from metal. In the following description, the case where the modeling material 12 is made of ABS filaments will be explained. In addition, the shape (e.g., the diameter of the filaments or granules) and material of the modeling material 12 may be appropriately set according to the intended use of the three-dimensional model 14.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the three-dimensional modeling device 10 includes a computer 24 (data segmentation unit, path determination unit) and an additional modeling device 26 (modeling unit).

[0035] Computer 24 has memory 28 and arithmetic unit 29. The arithmetic unit 29 can be configured as a processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). That is, the arithmetic unit 29 can be configured as a processing circuitry. In computer 24, the functions of the data segmentation unit and the path determination unit are implemented by reading and executing programs stored in memory 28 from the arithmetic unit 29.

[0036] Alternatively, at least one part of the data segmentation section and the path determination section can also be implemented using integrated circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays). Alternatively, at least one part of the data segmentation section and the path determination section can also be constructed using electronic circuits that include discrete components.

[0037] The memory 28 can be composed of volatile memory (not shown) and non-volatile memory (not shown). Examples of volatile memory include RAM (Random Access Memory). This volatile memory is used as the processor's working memory, temporarily storing data required for processing or computation. Examples of non-volatile memory include ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory. This non-volatile memory is used as storage memory, storing programs, tables, maps, etc. At least a portion of the memory 28 can also be disposed in the aforementioned processor, integrated circuit, etc.

[0038] The attachment modeling device 26 is a so-called 3D printer. Specifically, the attachment modeling device 26 has a controller 30, a housing 32, a material supply source 34, a nozzle 36, and a stage 38. The attachment modeling device 26 shapes the three-dimensional object 14, for example, by means of FFF (Fused Deposition Modeling), which is one of the attachment modeling methods.

[0039] The controller 30 has a memory 39. The controller 30 controls the material supply source 34, the nozzle 36, the nozzle moving mechanism (not shown), and the platform moving mechanism (not shown) based on the data stored in the memory 39.

[0040] The housing 32 is the main body of the 3D printer. Inside the housing 32, a platform 38 is arranged roughly horizontally. The platform 38 can move along the platform via a platform moving mechanism. Figure 1 The nozzle 36 is positioned above the platform 38 within the housing 32. The nozzle 36 is arranged facing the upper surface of the platform 38. The nozzle 36 can move along the vertical direction via the nozzle moving mechanism. Figure 1 It moves horizontally. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the material supply source 34 is a spool on which the shaping material 12 is wound. The material supply source 34 supplies the shaping material 12 to the nozzle 36. Alternatively, the material supply source 34 may be a structure other than a spool.

[0041] While referring to Figures 3 to 12The operation (three-dimensional modeling method) of the three-dimensional modeling device 10 configured as described above will be explained. Here, reference will also be made as needed. Figure 1 and Figure 2 While explaining.

[0042] exist Figure 3 In step S1, computer 24 (refer to) Figure 1 ) to obtain a three-dimensional object 14 (refer to) Figure 2 The data of a three-dimensional model (3D data). 3D data is a collection of triangular-shaped data.

[0043] In the next step S2 (slicing process), the computer 24 functions as a data segmentation unit. The computer 24 segments the acquired 3D data into multiple layers. Specifically, the processing unit 29 of the computer 24 defines the predetermined direction of the three-dimensional model 14 as the stacking direction when modeling the three-dimensional model 14. Then, the processing unit 29 of the computer 24 slices the 3D data at predetermined intervals along the stacking direction. Thus, the 3D model (3D data) is segmented into multiple layers. Therefore, the multiple segments are data of the 2D model (2D data).

[0044] Figure 4 The schematic map illustrates the shape corresponding to layer 1 in the 3D model (2D model). Within the shape corresponding to layer 1, there is the annular wall 18 (see reference). Figure 2 The corresponding part is the annular wall portion 40. The annular wall portion 40 has an inner wall portion 42 (annular wall portion) and an outer wall portion 44 (annular wall portion). The inner wall portion 42 forms the inner peripheral surface of the annular wall portion 40 surrounding the space 16. The outer wall portion 44 forms the outer peripheral surface of the annular wall 18. The inner wall portion 42 and the outer wall portion 44 are adjacent in the inward and outward directions along the three-dimensional model 14. The annular wall portion 40 is formed by the inner wall portion 42 and the outer wall portion 44 being adjacent in the inward and outward directions. Therefore, when multiple layers are stacked in the stacking direction, the annular wall 18 is formed by the multiple annular wall portions 40 stacked in the stacking direction.

[0045] Furthermore, in the shape corresponding to one layer, the portion corresponding to each of the plurality of ribs 20 is a rib wall portion 46. The rib wall portion 46 has two wall portions 48 and 50. One wall portion 48 is used to form one of the two subspaces 22 that sandwich the rib wall portion 46. The other wall portion 50 is used to form the other of the two subspaces 22 that sandwich the rib wall portion 46. One rib wall portion 46 is formed by the two wall portions 48 and 50 being adjacent to each other. Therefore, when multiple layers are stacked along the stacking direction, the ribs 20 are formed by the plurality of rib wall portions 46 stacked along the stacking direction.

[0046] The arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 (see reference) Figure 1 For the two-dimensional data corresponding to layer 1, the frame-shaped region corresponding to the annular wall portion 40 is defined as frame region portion 52. The arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 defines the region in frame region portion 52 corresponding to the inner wall portion 42 as inner region portion 54. The arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 defines the region in frame region portion 52 corresponding to the outer wall portion 44 as outer region portion 56. Therefore, inner region portion 54 and outer region portion 56 are adjacent to each other.

[0047] The arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 defines the region corresponding to the rib wall portion 46 as rib region portion 58 for the two-dimensional data corresponding to layer 1. The arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 defines the regions corresponding to the two wall portions 48 and 50 of the rib wall portion 46 as two wall region portions 60 and 62. Therefore, the two wall region portions 60 and 62 are adjacent to each other.

[0048] In the next step S3 (path determination process), the computer 24 functions as the path determination unit. The computer 24 determines the modeling path and the direction of travel (modeling direction) of the modeling path for each of the multiple divided layers for modeling the three-dimensional model 14.

[0049] Specifically, in step S3, the computing unit 29 of the computer 24 first defines the shaping direction along the inner region 54, the outer region 56 and the wall regions 60 and 62. Figure 5 It is aimed at Figure 4 The two-dimensional model (two-dimensional data corresponding to layer 1) uses arrows to illustrate the direction of the shape.

[0050] like Figure 5 As shown, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 (refer to...) Figure 1 For a single layer, the shaping direction of the inner region 54 and the outer region 56 is set to the same direction. In addition, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 sets the shaping direction of the two wall regions 60 and 62 that constitute a rib region 58 to opposite directions for a single layer.

[0051] Next, as Figure 6 As shown, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 (refer to...) Figure 1 For each layer, a seam 64 is set as the starting and ending point of the modeling. Additionally, in actual modeling, the three-dimensional model 14 (refer to...) Figure 2 In the three-dimensional object 14, the part corresponding to the seam portion 64 has a slightly deformed shape in appearance. Therefore, it is preferable to designate the seam portion 64 as the part where the deformation is not noticeable in the three-dimensional object 14.

[0052] Next, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 determines a modeling path for each layer in a manner that allows for uninterrupted modeling. In this case, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 considers the inner region 54, the outer region 56, and the wall regions 60 and 62 of a layer as a group. The arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 determines a modeling path that can be drawn continuously for each group.

[0053] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing the shaping path 66 and the shaping direction for each of the three layers.

[0054] In each of the three layers, the shaping path 66 includes an inner shaping path 68 (wall shaping path), an outer shaping path 70 (wall shaping path), and a rib shaping path 72.

[0055] The inner shaping path 68 is the shaping path used to shape the inner wall portion 42. The arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 (see reference) Figure 1 By setting in Figure 5 and Figure 6 The arrows in the inner region 54 shown are connected to form Figure 7 The inner shaping path 68 is shown. In this case, the starting point 74 and the ending point 76 of the inner shaping path 68 are set near the seam portion 64 (see reference). Figure 6 The inner shaping path 68 is a loop path that starts from the starting point 74, extends along the inner area 54, and reaches the ending point 76.

[0056] The outer shaping path 70 is the shaping path used to shape the outer wall portion 44. The arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 (see reference) Figure 1 By setting in Figure 5 and Figure 6 The arrows in the outer region 56 shown connect to form the outer shaping path 70. Therefore, Figure 7 The outer shaping path 70 shown is positioned adjacent to the inner shaping path 68 on the outside of the inner shaping path 68. In this case, the starting point 78 and the ending point 80 of the outer shaping path 70 are positioned near the seam portion 64 (see reference). Figure 6 The starting point 78 and ending point 80 of the outer styling path 70 are set at positions further outward than the starting point 74 and ending point 76 of the inner styling path 68. The outer styling path 70 is a loop path that starts from the starting point 78, extends along the outer area 56, and reaches the ending point 80.

[0057] In this way, the styling direction of the inner styling path 68 and the styling direction of the outer styling path 70 are set to the same direction.

[0058] In addition, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 (see reference) Figure 1 The initial shaping path used for shaping the wall portion in the inner shaping path 68 and the outer shaping path 70 is determined as the first wall portion shaping path 82. Figure 7 The middle figure shows the case where the inner shaping path 68 is determined as the first wall shaping path 82. In this case, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 (see reference) Figure 1 A continuous design path 66 is determined by connecting the adjacent inner design paths 68 and outer design paths 70 from the first wall design path 82 outward.

[0059] Specifically, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 connects the end point 76 (first end point) of the inner modeling path 68 (which forms the wall portion first) and the starting point 78 (first starting point) of the outer modeling path 70 (which forms the wall portion later) via the connecting path 84 for adjacent inner modeling paths 68 and outer modeling paths 70. Accordingly, a modeling path 66 including the inner modeling path 68, the connecting path 84, and the outer modeling path 70 can be drawn continuously.

[0060] Furthermore, when the outer shaping path 70 is determined as the first wall shaping path 82, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 can connect the end point 80 (first end point) of the outer shaping path 70 that forms the wall first and the starting point 74 (first starting point) of the inner shaping path 68 that forms the wall later through the connection path 84.

[0061] Additionally, by making nozzle 36 (reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2 Move along the shaping path 66 to shape the three-dimensional object 14. Therefore, as... Figure 8A As shown, the inner shaping path 68 and the outer shaping path 70 actually each have a width (line width L) that fills the frame area 52. The line width L of each of the inner shaping path 68 and the outer shaping path 70 is related to the shaping material 12 (see reference). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The width corresponds to ).

[0062] Furthermore, as described below, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 (refer to...) Figure 1 ) Set a rib shaping path for one layer (refer to 72) Figure 7 Specifically, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 sets the rib path 86 and rib loop 88 that constitute the rib shaping path 72.

[0063] Rib path 86 is a shaping path corresponding to one of the two wall regions 60 and 62. Rib path 86 is a shaping path that extends from the starting point 90 (second starting point) corresponding to one end (one end) of the rib wall portion 46 in the inner shaping path 68 towards the inner side of the space 16. Rib path 86 extends to the turning point 92 corresponding to the other end (the other end) of the rib wall portion 46.

[0064] Rib loop 88 is a styling path corresponding to the other wall region 62 of the two wall regions 60 and 62. Rib loop 88 is a styling path extending from the turn-back point 92 to the end point 94 (second end point) of the inner styling path 68 corresponding to one end of the rib wall portion 46.

[0065] Therefore, rib path 86 and rib loop 88 are adjacent styling paths. Furthermore, rib path 86 and rib loop 88 are styling paths extending in opposite directions. Therefore, it is preferable that the starting point 90 of rib path 86 and the ending point 94 of rib loop 88 are set to be close to each other.

[0066] like Figure 8A As shown, the rib shaping path 72 actually has a width (line width L) that fills the rib region 58. That is, the rib exit path 86 and rib return path 88 constituting the rib shaping path 72 each have a line width L. The line width L of each of the rib exit path 86 and rib return path 88 is related to the shaping material 12 (see reference). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The width corresponds to ).

[0067] The portion at the foldback point 92 overlaps with the inner shaping path 68. Specifically, preferably, the portion at the foldback point 92 overlaps with the inner shaping path 68 by approximately L / 2. Accordingly, even after the ABS resin used as the shaping material 12 cools and shrinks after shaping the three-dimensional object 14, the annular wall 18 (annular wall portion 40) and the rib 20 (rib wall portion 46) can be connected well and reliably. Therefore, as Figure 8B As shown, when the part of the turning point 92 does not overlap with the inner shaping path 68, the annular wall 18 (annular wall portion 40) and the rib 20 (rib wall portion 46) are sometimes not connected after the three-dimensional shaping object 14.

[0068] The arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 (see reference) Figure 1 ) on one layer with multiple ribbed sections 46 (refer to) Figure 7 When multiple rib shaping paths 72 are set, it is preferable to set multiple rib shaping paths 72 as described below. That is, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 sets multiple rib shaping paths 72 in such a way that the positions of one end of the rib wall portion 46 and the other end of the rib wall portion 46 are interchanged between adjacent rib wall portions 46.

[0069] like Figure 7 As shown, in the case of a single layer with three rib wall portions 46, three rib shaping paths 72 are set. In this case, in adjacent rib shaping paths 72, the positions of the starting point 90 and the ending point 94 of the rib path 86 and the position of the turning point 92 are different from each other.

[0070] In this way, for a single layer, an uninterrupted styling path 66 is defined, including an inner styling path 68, an outer styling path 70, a rib styling path 72, and a connecting path 84.

[0071] Furthermore, the wider the rib wall portion 46, the easier it is for the temperature of the rib wall portion 46 to rise during molding. Conversely, the smaller the width of the rib wall portion 46, the easier it is for the temperature of the rib wall portion 46 to drop during molding. Therefore, in Figure 3 In step S3, preferably, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 (refer to...) Figure 1 ) with annular wall portion 40 (refer to) Figure 7 The shaping path 66 is set so that the width of the rib 46 is the same as the width of the rib wall 46. This allows the rib wall 46 to be controlled at the desired temperature during shaping. As a result, the three-dimensional object 14 (see reference 14) can be kept at a constant temperature. Figure 2 The mechanical strength and shape of the three-dimensional object 14.

[0072] Furthermore, drawing the outer shape path 70 after drawing the inner shape path 68 and the rib shape path 72 can improve the appearance quality of the three-dimensional object 14. Additionally, drawing the outer shape path 70 before the inner shape path 68 and the rib shape path 72 can improve the dimensional accuracy of the three-dimensional object 14.

[0073] The arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 defines a continuous modeling path 66 for each of the multiple layers, as described above. In this case, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 sets the rib modeling path 72 by interchangering the positions of one end and the other end of the rib wall portion 46 between two adjacent layers in the stacking direction. That is, as described above. Figure 7 As shown, when observing two adjacent layers in the stacking direction, the starting point 90 and ending point 94 of the rib path 86 and the turning point 92 of the adjacent rib shaping path 72 in the stacking direction are different from each other.

[0074] In addition, between two adjacent layers in the stacking direction, the shaping direction of the inner shaping path 68, the shaping direction of the outer shaping path 70, and the shaping direction of the connecting path 84 are all set to the same direction.

[0075] As described above, define uninterrupted modeling paths 66 for each of the multiple layers.

[0076] Figures 9-12 It means Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the changes in the shape path other than shape path 66.

[0077] exist Figure 9 In this design, four shaping paths are provided for the frame region 52. These four shaping paths are two inner shaping paths 68 and two outer shaping paths 70. The two inner shaping paths 68 are located in the inner region 54, and the two outer shaping paths 70 are located in the outer region 56. Therefore, the two inner shaping paths 68 and the two outer shaping paths 70 are adjacent in the inward-outward direction. The shaping direction of the two inner shaping paths 68 and the two outer shaping paths 70 is the same. Furthermore, the aforementioned four shaping paths are arranged within the frame region 52 to fill it.

[0078] In addition, Figure 9 In this design, two rib shaping paths 72 are provided for each of the three rib wall portions 46. One of the two rib shaping paths 72 is a shaping path facing the space 16 (subspace 22). This one rib shaping path 72 is connected to the innermost inner shaping path 68. The other rib shaping path 72 is positioned inside the first rib shaping path 72. This other rib shaping path 72 is connected to the innermost inner shaping path 68, which is adjacent to the outermost inner shaping path 68. For each of the three rib wall portions 46, the two rib shaping paths 72 are arranged inside the rib region portion 58 to fill it. In addition, for each of the three rib wall portions 46, a portion of the turn-back point 92 of one of the rib shaping paths 72 overlaps with the innermost inner shaping path 68.

[0079] Furthermore, in Figure 9 In the middle, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 (refer to...) Figure 1 The innermost inner shaping path 68 is determined as the first wall shaping path 82. In this case, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 determines an uninterrupted shaping path 66 by connecting adjacent shaping paths from the innermost inner shaping path 68 outwards. Therefore, an uninterrupted shaping path 66 is formed by connecting the end point of the wall shaping path that forms the wall first and the beginning point of the wall shaping path that forms the wall later in two adjacent shaping paths via the connecting path 84.

[0080] In addition, Figure 9 In the middle, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 (refer to...) Figure 1Alternatively, the outermost outer shape path 70 can be defined as the first wall shape path 82. In this case, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 can determine an uninterrupted shape path 66 by connecting adjacent shape paths from the outermost outer shape path 70 inward.

[0081] exist Figure 9 In the middle, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 (refer to...) Figure 1 For each layer, the positions of the starting point 90 and ending point 94 of the rib path 86 in adjacent rib shaping paths 72 are set to be different from each other. Furthermore, the calculation unit 29 of the computer 24 sets the rib shaping path 72 by exchanging the positions of one end and the other end of the rib wall portion 46 between two adjacent layers in the stacking direction. Therefore, when observing two adjacent layers in the stacking direction, the positions of the starting point 90 and ending point 94 of the rib path 86 and the turning point 92 in adjacent rib shaping paths 72 in the stacking direction are different from each other.

[0082] Figure 10 The point where the outer inner shaping path 68 of the two inner shaping paths 68 is determined as the first wall shaping path 82 is... Figure 9 Different. Figure 10 In the middle, the starting point 74 of the inner side shaping path 68 on the outer side is the starting point of the first wall shaping path 82. Figure 10 In this configuration, the innermost shaping path 68 (first wall shaping path 82) is connected in the following order: the outermost innermost shaping path 68, the outermost outermost shaping path 70 adjacent to the first wall shaping path 82, the innermost innermost shaping path 68, and the outermost outermost shaping path 70. In this case, an uninterrupted shaping path 66 can also be formed.

[0083] exist Figure 11 The middle figure shows a shaping path 66 when, in the case of three rib wall portions 46, one end of an adjacent rib wall portion 46 and the other end of an adjacent rib wall portion 46 are connected to the same location of the inner sidewall portion 42. Figure 11 In the middle, it is also possible to be with Figure 7 Similarly, an uninterrupted shaping path is formed 66. In Figure 11 In the middle, for a single layer, a shape path 66 can be formed in such a way that the turn-back point 92 of the rib shape path 72 of one side and the starting point 90 and ending point 94 of the rib shape path 72 of the other side do not coincide.

[0084] Figure 12 The diagram shows seam area 64 (reference). Figure 6 The shaping path 66 when it overlaps with the connection part of the rib wall 46 and the inner side wall 42. Figure 12 In the middle, it is also possible to be with Figure 7Similarly, an uninterrupted shaping path is formed 66. In Figure 12 In the middle, for a single layer, the rib styling path 72 can be set in such a way that the starting point 90, the turning point 92, the ending point 94, and the seam part 64 do not coincide.

[0085] As mentioned above, in Figure 3 In step S3, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 (refer to...) Figure 1 It can set the shaping path 66 and shaping direction for each of the multiple layers that are divided into three-dimensional shapes 14.

[0086] In the next step S4, the arithmetic unit 29 of the computer 24 generates a modeling path 66 (see reference) for each of the multiple segmented layers. Figure 7 and Figures 9-12 The computer 24 outputs the control code generated by the arithmetic unit 29 to the auxiliary modeling device 26. The controller 30 of the auxiliary modeling device 26 stores the input control code in the memory 39.

[0087] In the next step S5, the additional modeling device 26 shapes the three-dimensional object 14 (see reference) using the additional modeling method according to the control code stored in the memory 39. Figure 2 ).

[0088] The controller 30 drives the platform moving mechanism according to the control code stored in the memory 39. Accordingly, the platform 38 (refer to...) Figure 1 Move to the designated position.

[0089] Next, the controller 30 drives the material supply source 34 according to the control code. Accordingly, the molding material 12 is supplied from the material supply source 34 to the nozzle 36.

[0090] Next, the controller 30 drives the nozzle moving mechanism according to the control code and controls the nozzle 36. The nozzle moving mechanism moves the nozzle 36 horizontally. The nozzle 36 melts the molding material 12 supplied from the material supply source 34 and extrudes the molten molding material 12 onto the upper surface of the platform 38. Accordingly, the nozzle 36 extrudes the molding material 12 while moving horizontally. The extruded molding material 12 is layered on the upper surface of the platform 38. Accordingly, a corresponding annular wall portion 40 and rib wall portion 46 are formed (see reference). Figures 4-7 and Figures 9-12 ).

[0091] Following this, the controller 30 controls the platform moving mechanism, causing the platform 38 to descend one layer downwards. Next, the controller 30 controls the nozzle 36 and the nozzle moving mechanism. Accordingly, the nozzle 36 is moved horizontally while the molding material 12 is extruded from it. As a result, the molding material 12 is layered on the annular wall portion 40 and the rib wall portion 46 of the first layer. This forms the second layer of the annular wall portion 40 and the rib wall portion 46.

[0092] By repeatedly lowering the platform 38, moving the nozzle 36 horizontally, and extruding the molding material 12 from the nozzle 36, annular wall portions 40 and ribbed portions 46 are sequentially layered upwards on the upper surface of the platform 38. This creates a three-dimensional object 14.

[0093] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram of the styling path 66 and styling direction in the first comparative example. In the first comparative example, the styling direction of the inner styling path 68 and the styling direction of the outer styling path 70 are opposite to each other. In the first comparative example, since an uninterrupted styling path 66 is formed, a foldback 100 is formed between the end point 76 of the inner styling path 68 and the starting point 78 of the outer styling path 70.

[0094] Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the three-dimensional object 14 shaped according to the shaping path 66 of the first comparative example. As mentioned above, in the first comparative example, the inner shaping path 68 (refer to...) Figure 13 The shaping direction of the outer shaping path 70 is opposite to that of the frame area 52. Therefore, the heat input interval (heat input cycle) is uneven at any point in the frame area 52. Consequently, it is difficult to perform high-precision temperature control during shaping. As a result, it is difficult to guarantee the mechanical strength and shape of the three-dimensional model 14. Furthermore, by designing the fold-back portion 100, warping occurs in the three-dimensional model 14 at the location corresponding to the fold-back portion 100. As a result, the appearance quality of the three-dimensional model 14 deteriorates.

[0095] In contrast, in this embodiment, the inner shaping path 68 (refer to...) Figure 7 and Figures 9-12 The shaping direction of the outer shaping path 70 is the same as that of the frame area 52. This ensures uniform heat input cycles at any point in the frame area 52, enabling high-precision temperature control during shaping. As a result, the three-dimensional object 14 (refer to...) can be guaranteed to maintain its shape. Figure 2 The mechanical strength and shape of the three-dimensional object 14 are important. Furthermore, since the fold-back section 100 (see reference) is unnecessary... Figure 13 This prevents warping. As a result, the appearance quality of the three-dimensional object 14 can be improved.

[0096] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram showing the shaping path 66 and shaping direction in one layer of the second comparative example. In the second comparative example, after shaping one rib wall portion 46 along one rib shaping path 72, as shown by the dashed line, the nozzle 36 (refer to...) Figure 1 The nozzle moves horizontally to shape along the next rib shaping path 72. No shaping occurs during the movement of the nozzle 36. Consequently, the shaping time for the three-dimensional object 14 increases.

[0097] In contrast, in this embodiment, the modeling path 66 (refer to...) Figure 7 and Figures 9-12 ) without interruption, therefore, it is possible to shorten the three-dimensional model by 14 (refer to) Figure 2 The time spent on the design.

[0098] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram showing the shaping paths 66 and shaping directions in multiple layers of the third comparative example. In the third comparative example, in adjacent layers along the stacking direction, the starting point 90 and ending point 94 of the rib shaping path 72, as well as the turning point 92, are set such that one end of the rib wall portion 46 and the other end are at the same position. That is, when viewed along the stacking direction, the starting point 90 and ending point 94 of the rib shaping path 72 in adjacent layers are at the same position, and the turning point 92 is also at the same position. Accordingly, as Figure 17 As shown, in the three-dimensional object 14, the rib wall portion 46 (refer to...) Figure 16 The connection between the part and the inner wall 42 becomes a raised shape. As a result, the desired three-dimensional object 14 cannot be obtained.

[0099] In contrast, in this embodiment, for adjacent rib shaping paths 72 in the stacking direction (refer to...) Figure 7 and Figures 9-12 The starting point 90 and ending point 94 of the rib-shaped path 72 are different from the turning point 92. Therefore, as follows... Figure 18 As shown, this can prevent the connection between the rib wall portion 46 and the inner side wall portion 42 in the three-dimensional object 14 from warping.

[0100] In this embodiment, as described above, the pre-made shaping path 66 (see reference) is followed. Figure 7 and Figures 9-12 ), using the method of adding modeling elements to create three-dimensional objects 14 (refer to Figure 2Therefore, this embodiment can shape a three-dimensional object 14 using various shaping methods that involve the dissolution of the shaping material 12 during shaping. Specifically, this embodiment can also shape the three-dimensional object 14 using material jetting, direct energy deposition, stereolithography, powder bed fusion, etc. In stereolithography and powder bed fusion, the three-dimensional object 14 is shaped using pre-prepared scanning data of a laser or electron beam.

[0101] The invention that can be mastered according to the above-described embodiments is described below.

[0102] The first aspect of the present invention is a three-dimensional modeling method, which uses an additional modeling method to model a three-dimensional object (14) having an internal space (16). The three-dimensional modeling method has a slicing process (S2), a path determination process (S3), and a modeling process (S5). In the slicing process (S2), the three-dimensional data of the three-dimensional object is divided into multiple layers. In the path determination process (S3), a modeling path (66) for modeling the three-dimensional object and the direction of travel of the modeling path are determined in each of the multiple layers. In the modeling process (S5), the three-dimensional object is modeled according to the modeling path and the direction of travel of each of the multiple layers. The modeling path of each of the multiple layers includes multiple wall modeling paths (68, 70). The multiple wall modeling paths (68, 70) are used to model multiple annular walls (42, 44) that surround the space and are adjacent in the inner and outer directions. The direction of travel of each of the multiple wall modeling paths is in the same direction.

[0103] In this invention, the multiple wall shaping paths of the multiple annular wall portions used to shape the surrounding space are oriented in the same direction. Accordingly, for each of the multiple layers, the interval of heat input can be kept constant. As a result, the mechanical strength of the three-dimensional object can be improved. Furthermore, deformation of the shape, such as warping, of the three-dimensional object can be suppressed.

[0104] In the first aspect of the invention, in the path determination step, the continuously drawn modeling path is determined by connecting two adjacent wall modeling paths in each of the plurality of layers.

[0105] Therefore, since the shaping paths do not intersect, it is possible to further suppress the deformation of the shape of the three-dimensional object.

[0106] In the first aspect of the present invention, in the path determination step, the innermost or outermost wall shaping path is determined as the first wall shaping path (82) for initially shaping the wall. The continuously drawn shaping path is determined by connecting a plurality of adjacent wall shaping paths from the first wall shaping path toward the outside or inside.

[0107] Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent intersections of modeling paths. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the deformation of the shape of three-dimensional objects.

[0108] In a first aspect of the invention, the shaping path of each of the plurality of layers includes a connecting path (84) that connects the first end point (76, 80) of the wall shaping path that forms the wall first and the first starting point (74, 78) of the wall shaping path that forms the wall later in two adjacent wall shaping paths.

[0109] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the intersection of styling paths in a simple and reliable way.

[0110] In the first aspect of the present invention, the three-dimensional object has at least one rib (20), the at least one rib (20) extends along the stacking direction of the plurality of layers, dividing the space into a plurality of subspaces (22), the shaping path of each of the plurality of layers determined by the path determination process includes a rib shaping path (72) for shaping the rib wall portion (46), the rib shaping path of each of the plurality of layers has a rib destination (86) and a rib return (88), wherein the rib destination (86) extends from a predetermined second starting point (90) in the innermost wall shaping path to the rib wall portion (46). The inner side of the space extends to the turn-back point (92); the rib loop (88) extends from the turn-back point to a predetermined second endpoint (94) in the innermost wall shaping path, the rib wall is formed by the wall (60) formed by the rib path and the wall (62) formed by the rib loop being adjacent to each other, one end of the rib wall is formed by the second starting point and the second endpoint, the other end of the rib wall is formed by the turn-back point, and the positions of the ends of the rib wall and the other end of the rib wall are interchanged between two adjacent layers in the stacking direction.

[0111] Accordingly, between two adjacent layers in the stacking direction, the second starting point, the second ending point, and the turning point are interchanged. As a result, warping at the location corresponding to the turning point in the three-dimensional object can be suppressed.

[0112] In a first aspect of the invention, the three-dimensional object has at least two ribs that extend along the stacking direction, dividing the space into a plurality of subspaces, wherein in each of the plurality of layers, the positions of one end of an adjacent rib wall portion and the positions of the other end of the adjacent rib wall portion are interchanged.

[0113] In each of the multiple layers, when the second start point and second end point of each of the multiple rib shaping paths are concentrated on one side of the wall shaping path, the heat input interval on the other side of the wall shaping path becomes longer. Therefore, in each of the multiple layers, by interchanging the second start point, second end point, and turnback point between adjacent rib shaping paths, the heat input interval can be evenly distributed.

[0114] In a first aspect of the invention, a portion of the turn-back point in the rib shaping path overlaps with the innermost wall shaping path.

[0115] Therefore, even after the material cools and shrinks after the three-dimensional object is shaped, the annular wall and ribs can still be connected well and reliably.

[0116] In the first aspect of the present invention, in the additional shaping method, the three-dimensional object is shaped by layering shaping material (12) discharged from the nozzle (36), and in the shaping process, in each of the plurality of layers, the nozzle is moved along the shaping path in the direction of travel.

[0117] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the decrease in mechanical strength of three-dimensional objects caused by a drop in the temperature of the molding material. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the appearance quality of three-dimensional objects caused by a rise in the temperature of the molding material.

[0118] The second aspect of the present invention is a three-dimensional modeling device (10) that models a three-dimensional object with an internal space by means of an additional modeling method. The three-dimensional modeling device (10) has a data segmentation unit (24), a path determination unit (24), and a modeling unit (26). The data segmentation unit (24) acquires three-dimensional data of the three-dimensional object and segments the acquired three-dimensional data into multiple layers. The path determination unit (24) determines a modeling path and a direction of travel for each of the multiple layers cut out by the data segmentation unit. The modeling unit (26) models the three-dimensional object according to the modeling path and the direction of travel for each of the multiple layers determined by the path determination unit. The modeling path of each of the multiple layers includes multiple wall modeling paths. The multiple wall modeling paths are used to model multiple annular walls that surround the space and are adjacent in the inner and outer directions. The direction of travel of each of the multiple wall modeling paths is in the same direction.

[0119] In this invention, the multiple wall shaping paths of the multiple annular wall portions used to shape the surrounding space are oriented in the same direction. Accordingly, for each of the multiple layers, the interval of heat input can be kept constant. As a result, the mechanical strength of the three-dimensional object can be improved. Furthermore, deformation of the shape, such as warping, of the three-dimensional object can be suppressed.

[0120] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various structures can be adopted without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A three-dimensional modeling method, wherein the three-dimensional modeling method uses an additional modeling method to model a three-dimensional object (14) with an internal space (16), characterized in that, It has a slicing process (S2), a path determination process (S3), and a shaping process (S5), among which, In the slicing process (S2), the three-dimensional data of the three-dimensional model is divided into multiple layers; In the path determination process (S3), a shaping path (66) for shaping the three-dimensional object and the direction of travel of the shaping path are determined in each of the multiple divided layers; In the modeling process (S5), the three-dimensional object is modeled according to the modeling path and the direction of travel for each of the multiple layers. The three-dimensional object has at least one rib, which extends along the stacking direction of the multiple layers, dividing the space into multiple sub-spaces. The shaping path of each of the multiple layers includes multiple wall shaping paths (68, 70) and rib shaping paths, wherein the wall shaping paths (68, 70) are used to shape multiple annular walls (42, 44) that surround the space and are adjacent in the inward and outward directions; the rib shaping paths are used to shape solid ribbed walls. In the path determination process, the shaping path is set such that the width of the multiple annular wall portions is the same as the width of the rib wall portion, and by connecting two adjacent wall portion shaping paths in each of the multiple layers, a continuously drawn shaping path is determined. The travel direction of each of the multiple wall shaping paths is in the same direction. Each of the multiple layers has a rib-shaped path with a rib exit path and a rib return path, wherein the rib exit path extends from a predetermined second starting point in the innermost wall-shaped path toward a turning point in the space; the rib return path extends from the turning point to a predetermined second ending point in the innermost wall-shaped path. The rib wall portion is formed by the wall portion formed by the rib exit path and the wall portion formed by the rib return path being adjacent to each other. One end of the rib wall portion is formed by the second starting point and the second ending point. The other end of the rib section is formed through the aforementioned fold-back point. Between two adjacent layers in the stacking direction, the positions of one end of the rib wall portion and the other end of the rib wall portion are interchanged by swapping the positions of the second starting point, the second ending point, and the foldback point.

2. The three-dimensional modeling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the path determination process, the innermost or outermost wall shaping path is determined as the first wall shaping path (82) for initially shaping the wall. The continuously drawn shaping path is determined by connecting multiple adjacent wall shaping paths from the first wall shaping path outward or inward.

3. The three-dimensional modeling method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The shaping path of each of the plurality of layers includes a connecting path (84) that connects the first end point of the wall shaping path that forms the wall first and the first start point of the wall shaping path that forms the wall later in two adjacent wall shaping paths.

4. The three-dimensional modeling method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The three-dimensional object has at least two ribs, which extend along the stacking direction and divide the space into multiple sub-spaces. In each of the multiple layers, the positions of the ends of one side and the ends of the other side are interchanged between adjacent rib portions.

5. The three-dimensional modeling method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The portion of the turn-back point in the rib shaping path overlaps with the innermost wall shaping path.

6. The three-dimensional modeling method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the aforementioned additional shaping method, the three-dimensional object is shaped by layering the shaping material (12) discharged from the nozzle (36). In the shaping process, in each of the plurality of layers, the nozzle is moved along the shaping path in the direction of travel.

7. A three-dimensional modeling device (10), which uses an additive modeling method to model a three-dimensional object with internal space, characterized in that, It has a data segmentation section, a path determination section, and a modeling section (26), among which, The data segmentation unit acquires the three-dimensional data of the three-dimensional object and segments the acquired three-dimensional data into multiple layers; The path determination unit determines, for each of the multiple layers cut out by the data segmentation part, a modeling path for modeling the three-dimensional object and a direction of travel for the modeling path; The shaping unit (26) shapes the three-dimensional object according to the shaping path and the direction of travel of each of the plurality of layers determined by the path determining unit. The three-dimensional object has at least one rib, which extends along the stacking direction of the multiple layers, dividing the space into multiple sub-spaces. The shaping path of each of the multiple layers includes multiple wall shaping paths and rib shaping paths, wherein the wall shaping paths are used to shape multiple annular walls that surround the space and are adjacent in the inward and outward directions; the rib shaping paths are used to shape solid ribbed walls. The modeling path is set such that the width of the multiple annular wall portions is the same as the width of the rib wall portion, and the continuously drawn modeling path is determined by connecting two adjacent wall portion modeling paths in each of the multiple layers. The travel direction of each of the multiple wall shaping paths is in the same direction. Each of the multiple layers has a rib-shaped path with a rib exit path and a rib return path, wherein the rib exit path extends from a predetermined second starting point in the innermost wall-shaped path toward a turning point in the space; the rib return path extends from the turning point to a predetermined second ending point in the innermost wall-shaped path. The rib wall portion is formed by the wall portion formed by the rib exit path and the wall portion formed by the rib return path being adjacent to each other. One end of the rib wall portion is formed by the second starting point and the second ending point. The other end of the rib section is formed through the aforementioned fold-back point. Between two adjacent layers in the stacking direction, the positions of one end of the rib wall portion and the other end of the rib wall portion are interchanged by swapping the positions of the second starting point, the second ending point, and the foldback point.

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