Molding device

Abstract

To provide a molding device that enables easy demold of a solid molded object.SOLUTION: A molding device 1 includes: a molding table 20 that has a molding surface 20a and on which a solid molded object S is molded by stacking molding materials on the molding surface 20a; and a displacement mechanism 30 that displaces the molding table 20 in a displacement direction along the molding surface 20a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a modeling apparatus, and more particularly to a modeling apparatus that forms a three-dimensional object by stacking modeling materials. [Background technology]

[0002] Techniques for forming a three-dimensional object by stacking forming materials have already been developed, and the technique described in Patent Document 1 can be cited as one example.

[0003] The modeling device described in Patent Document 1 has a plurality of pores on at least the upper surface of a stage for three-dimensional modeling. Anchor portions having a hole diameter equal to or larger than the hole diameter of the pores on the upper surface are formed below the upper surface of the stage in the plurality of pores. The presence of the anchor portions provides an anchor effect in which the modeling material discharged onto the stage enters the anchor portions and hardens, preventing the hardened modeling material from slipping upward through the pores. This prevents the three-dimensional object formed on the stage from coming off the stage and warping or cracking, and improves the dimensional accuracy of the three-dimensional object. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-183930 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] After the three-dimensional object is formed, the three-dimensional object is released from the forming surface. However, in the modeling apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the three-dimensional object is firmly fixed to the modeling surface by the anchor effect, so it takes time to remove it from the mold. In particular, when the three-dimensional object is firmly fixed to the modeling surface, there is a high risk of the three-dimensional object being damaged during removal from the mold. For this reason, it takes more time to remove the three-dimensional object from the mold in order to prevent damage to the three-dimensional object. Furthermore, when a large three-dimensional object is to be demolded, the contact area of ​​the three-dimensional object with the molding surface is large, so it takes even more time.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a molding apparatus that allows a three-dimensional object to be easily demolded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above-mentioned object is achieved by the modeling device of the present invention by providing a modeling table having a modeling surface and for forming a three-dimensional object by stacking modeling material on the modeling surface, and a displacement mechanism for displacing the modeling table in a displacement direction along the modeling surface.

[0008] In the modeling apparatus of the present invention, the modeling table is displaced in the displacement direction. This causes a positional deviation in the displacement direction of the modeling surface relative to the bottom surface of the three-dimensional object. As a result, the adhesion force of the bottom surface to the modeling surface is reduced, making it easy to remove the three-dimensional object from the mold.

[0009] In addition, the modeling table may be constructed by arranging a plurality of table pieces in the displacement direction, and the displacement mechanism may cause the table pieces to be adjacent to each other in the displacement direction when modeling a three-dimensional object, and may cause the table pieces to be spaced apart from each other in the displacement direction when demolding the three-dimensional object from the modeling table. With the above-described configuration, the positional deviation in the displacement direction of the modeling surface relative to the bottom surface of the three-dimensional object occurs appropriately, and as a result, the three-dimensional object can be easily demolded.

[0010] The modeling table may have a plurality of protrusions, and the modeling surface may have an uneven shape. According to the above configuration, the modeling table has multiple convex portions, and the modeling surface has an uneven shape, so that the contact area of ​​the bottom surface of the three-dimensional object with the modeling surface is increased. This increases the adhesion force of the bottom surface to the modeling surface, making it possible to suppress warping and cracking of the three-dimensional object. On the other hand, it is expected that the strength of adhesion of the bottom surface to the modeling surface will make it difficult to demold the three-dimensional object, but as described above, the modeling device of the present invention can easily demold the three-dimensional object by displacing the modeling table in the displacement direction. In other words, according to the above configuration, the effect of the present invention of making it easy to demold a three-dimensional object can be further enhanced.

[0011] The protrusion may have a tapered shape with a cross-sectional area decreasing toward the tip, and the tip of the protrusion may have a flat surface. With the above configuration, the tip of the convex portion forms a flat surface, which increases the contact area of ​​the bottom surface of the three-dimensional object with the modeling surface, and therefore the adhesive force of the bottom surface to the modeling surface is stronger. Meanwhile, the tapered shape of the convex portion, in which the cross-sectional area decreases toward the tip, makes it easier to demold the three-dimensional object. Thus, with the above configuration, the adhesive force of the bottom surface to the modeling surface is stronger, while the adhesive force of the three-dimensional object can be more easily demolded.

[0012] The modeling apparatus may further include a pressing unit that presses down a stack formed by stacking the modeling materials. With the above-described configuration, the laminate can be pressed down by the pressing unit, so that warping, cracking, and the like of the three-dimensional object can be suppressed.

[0013] The pressing unit may have a first pressing member and a second pressing member that press the laminate, and the first pressing member and the second pressing member may extend in directions that intersect with each other along the modeling surface. With the above configuration, the laminate can be pressed down by the first pressing member and the second pressing member that intersect with each other, so that warping, cracking, and the like of the three-dimensionally shaped object can be more effectively suppressed.

[0014] Moreover, the pressing unit may further include a connector that connects the first pressing member and the second pressing member at a position where the first pressing member and the second pressing member intersect. With the above configuration, misalignment of the first and second pressing members with respect to each other is suppressed, so that the laminate can be more effectively pressed down by the first and second pressing members that intersect with each other.

[0015] The modeling apparatus may further include a moving mechanism that moves the first pressing member in a direction intersecting with the modeling surface. With the above configuration, the pressing position of the first pressing member in the direction intersecting with the modeling surface can be changed according to the thickness of the stack in the stacking direction.

[0016] Further, the second pressing member may be provided with a pressing tool that presses the laminate together with the second pressing member. With the above configuration, the laminate can be appropriately pressed by the second pressing member and the pressing tool.

[0017] The modeling apparatus may further include a heating device for heating the modeling surface. With the above-described configuration, the temperature difference in the stacked body in the stacking direction can be reduced, and as a result, warping and cracking of the three-dimensionally shaped object can be reduced. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a molding apparatus that allows a three-dimensional object to be easily demolded. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a molding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a molding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state before a modeling table is displaced in the modeling apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 13 is a diagram showing a state after the molding table has been displaced in the molding apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of region B in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of area C in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of region D in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, the present embodiment) will be described in detail below with reference to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition, the drawings show each component somewhat simplified and schematic in order to make the explanation easier to understand, and the size (dimensions) of each component and the intervals between components shown in the drawings are different from the actual ones. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the material and shape of each member used to implement the present invention can be arbitrarily set depending on the application of the present invention and the state of the art at the time of implementing the present invention.

[0021] In this specification, "orthogonal" and "vertical" include the range of error permitted in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. For example, "orthogonal" and "vertical" mean within a range of less than ±10° from strict orthogonal or vertical, and the error from strict orthogonal or vertical is preferably 5° or less, and more preferably 3° or less.

[0022] <<Overview of the molding apparatus according to this embodiment>> An overview of a molding apparatus according to this embodiment (hereinafter, molding apparatus 1) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, the modeling apparatus 1 forms a three-dimensional object S by stacking modeling materials on a modeling surface 20a. The modeling apparatus 1 includes a discharge device (not shown) that discharges the modeling material, and forms the three-dimensional object S by stacking the modeling materials discharged from the discharge device. The discharge device has a configuration substantially similar to that of a general discharge device that employs, for example, a fused deposition modeling method (FDM method). The "modeling material" is a general material used in the FDM method, and may be, for example, a metal material, a non-metal material (inorganic or organic material), or a composite material thereof. The modeling material may also be, for example, cement or mortar.

[0023] In the present invention, the laminated body formed by laminating molding materials includes both finished products and unfinished products (products in the process of being molded). In the following, the finished laminated body will be referred to as the "three-dimensional molded object S" and the unfinished laminated body will be referred to as the "laminate L." The three-dimensional object S can be any object that can be molded regardless of its size and shape, such as building materials used in buildings.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the modeling apparatus 1 includes a stand 10, a modeling table 20 having a modeling surface 20a, and two displacement mechanisms 30, in addition to the aforementioned discharge device (not shown).

[0025] In the following description, it is assumed that the modeling apparatus 1 is installed so that the modeling surface 20a is horizontal. In other words, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the modeling apparatus 1 is in a normal use state, that is, the state in which the modeling surface 20a is horizontal, and when describing the position of the modeling apparatus 1 and the orientation and extension direction of each part of the modeling apparatus 1, the position, orientation, and extension direction when the modeling apparatus 1 is in the normal use state will be described.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the base 10 is a base that supports the modeling base 20, and is formed, for example, by assembling a plurality of metal frames in a three-dimensional manner.

[0027] The modeling table 20 is a plate-like table placed on the stand 10. The modeling table 20 has a modeling surface 20a as its upper surface. The modeling surface 20a has a rectangular shape when viewed from the vertical direction. A three-dimensional object S is modeled on the modeling surface 20a by stacking modeling materials discharged by a discharge device (not shown). More specifically, the modeling table 20 is configured by arranging a plurality of table pieces 21 (two in FIG. 2) in a first direction as shown in FIG. 2. Each of the two table pieces 21 is a plate-like table piece and has a rectangular shape when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0028] In the following description, the directions (horizontal directions) along the modeling surface 20a that are perpendicular to each other are referred to as the first direction (corresponding to the displacement direction) and the second direction, where the first direction is the direction along the long side of the modeling surface 20a and the second direction is the direction along the short side of the modeling surface 20a.

[0029] The displacement mechanism 30 is a mechanism that displaces the modeling table 20 in the first direction, and is adjacent to an end of the modeling table 20 in the first direction, as shown in Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the modeling apparatus 1 includes two displacement mechanisms 30, and each of the two displacement mechanisms 30 is adjacent to both ends of the modeling table 20 in the first direction.

[0030] More specifically, the displacement mechanism 30 is a mechanism that displaces the corresponding base piece 21 in the first direction. Specifically, the first displacement mechanism 30 is adjacent to an end of one base piece 21 opposite to the other base piece 21, and displaces the one base piece 21. The second displacement mechanism 30 is adjacent to an end of the other base piece 21 opposite to the one base piece 21, and displaces the other base piece 21. In the following, an example will be shown in which one of the two displacement mechanisms 30 (the displacement mechanism 30 on the right side in FIG. 2) is used to displace one of the two table pieces 21 (the table piece 21 on the right side in FIG. 2) in the first direction. However, this is not limited to this, and it is sufficient to operate at least one of the two displacement mechanisms 30. For example, both of the two displacement mechanisms 30 may be used to displace both of the two table pieces 21 in the first direction.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 3, during modeling to form a three-dimensional object S, the displacement mechanism 30 brings the base pieces 21 adjacent to each other in the first direction. That is, during modeling, the displacement mechanism 30 brings adjacent ends of the base pieces 21 into contact with each other. On the other hand, during demolding to remove the three-dimensional object S from the modeling table 20, the displacement mechanism 30 displaces the base piece 21 (the base piece 21 on the right side in Fig. 4) in the first direction to separate the base pieces 21 from each other in the first direction, as shown in Fig. 4. That is, during demolding, the displacement mechanism 30 provides a gap between adjacent ends of the base pieces 21.

[0032] As described above, in the modeling apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the modeling table 20 is displaced in the first direction as shown in Fig. 4. This causes a positional deviation in the first direction of the modeling surface 20a relative to the bottom surface Sa of the three-dimensional object S. As a result, the adhesive force of the bottom surface Sa to the modeling surface 20a is reduced, making it easy to demold the three-dimensional object S.

[0033] In particular, in the modeling apparatus 1, the displacement mechanism 30 brings the base pieces 21 adjacent to each other in the first direction during modeling, and separates the base pieces 21 in the first direction during demolding. This appropriately generates a positional shift in the first direction of the modeling surface 20a with respect to the bottom surface Sa of the three-dimensional object S, and as a result, the three-dimensional object S can be easily demolded.

[0034] <<Detailed configuration of the molding apparatus according to this embodiment>> Next, a detailed configuration of the molding apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The modeling apparatus 1 further includes a pressing unit 40, four moving mechanisms 50, two pressing tools 60, and a heating device 70, in addition to the above-mentioned stand 10, modeling table 20, and two displacement mechanisms 30.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the modeling table 20 has a plurality of protrusions 22, and the modeling surface 20a has an uneven shape. The multiple protrusions 22 are arranged in a first direction, and each protrusion 22 extends in a second direction. The total length (length in the second direction) of each protrusion 22 is the same as the length of the short side of the modeling surface 20a, or is slightly shorter than the length of the short side. In addition, the protrusions 22 may extend in a continuous straight line in the second direction, or may extend intermittently in the second direction.

[0036] Here, in the process of forming the three-dimensional object S, the forming material is discharged at a high temperature by a discharge device (not shown), so the upper layers of the laminate L have a higher temperature. On the other hand, the lower layers of the laminate L have been cooled by the surrounding air and have a lower temperature because more time has passed since they were discharged. This generates a temperature gradient in the stacking direction of the laminate L. This causes a difference in thermal contraction within the laminate L, and a force acts on the laminate L in a direction that warps the laminate L. This force causes the bottom surface La of the laminate L to peel off from the forming surface 20a, resulting in warping of the three-dimensional object S. In this case, cracks (peel-off between layers) may also occur in the laminate L.

[0037] In contrast, in the modeling apparatus 1, the modeling table 20 has multiple protrusions 22, and the modeling surface 20a has an uneven shape, which increases the contact area of ​​the bottom surface Sa of the three-dimensional object S with the modeling table 20. This increases the adhesive force of the bottom surface Sa with respect to the modeling surface 20a, making it possible to suppress warping, cracking, and the like of the three-dimensional object S. On the other hand, it is expected that the three-dimensional object S will be difficult to demold due to the increased adhesive force of the bottom surface Sa to the modeling surface 20a, but as described above, in the modeling device 1, the three-dimensional object S can be easily demolded by displacing the modeling table 20 in the displacement direction. That is, with this configuration in which the modeling table 20 has multiple convex portions 22 and the modeling surface 20a has an uneven shape, the effect of the present invention of facilitating demolding of the three-dimensional object S can be further accentuated.

[0038] 5, the protrusion 22 has a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases toward the tip 22a of the protrusion 22. Note that the "cross-sectional area" refers to the area of ​​a cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction. Also, the tip 22a (top surface) of the protrusion 22 forms a flat surface. According to this configuration, the tip 22a of the protrusion 22 forms a flat surface, which increases the contact area of ​​the bottom surface Sa of the three-dimensional object S with the printing surface 20a, and therefore the adhesive force of the bottom surface Sa to the printing surface 20a is further strengthened. Meanwhile, the protrusion 22 has a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases toward the tip 22a, which makes it easier to demold the three-dimensional object S. In this way, with the molding apparatus 1, the adhesive force of the bottom surface Sa to the printing surface 20a is further strengthened, while the three-dimensional object S can be more easily demolded.

[0039] As described above, the displacement mechanism 30 is a mechanism that displaces the modeling table 20 in the first direction. Note that the displacement mechanism 30 is not particularly limited as long as it is a mechanism that displaces the modeling table 20 in the first direction, and a general displacement mechanism may be used.

[0040] The displacement mechanism 30 will now be described in detail with reference to an example. As shown in FIG. 6, the displacement mechanism 30 has, for example, a mounting portion 31, a shaft portion 32, a lever portion 33, and a connecting portion .

[0041] The mounting portion 31 has, for example, a block shape as shown in Fig. 6. The mounting portion 31 is attached to the stand 10 on the side of each base piece 21 opposite to the paired base piece 21. The mounting portion 31 is provided with a screw hole penetrating in the first direction. The shaft portion 32 is a shaft member having a threaded region, and the threaded region is screwed into a screw hole of the mounting portion 31. The portion of the shaft portion 32 that is not screwed into the mounting portion 31 has one end protruding from one end of the mounting portion 31 in the first direction and the other end protruding from the other end of the mounting portion 31, and these two ends protrude in opposite directions to each other in the first direction. Lever portion 33 is a lever for manual rotation, and is attached to an end (one end) of shaft portion 32 in the first direction. The connecting portion 34 is an extending member extending in the second direction, and is attached to the end (the other end) of the shaft portion 32 opposite to the side to which the lever portion 33 is fixed. In addition, the connecting portion 34 is connected to the end of the base piece 21 in the first direction.

[0042] In the displacement mechanism 30 configured as described above, by manually rotating the lever portion 33, the shaft portion 32, the lever portion 33, and the connecting portion 34 move integrally in the first direction relative to the mounting portion 31. This causes the base piece 21 to move in the first direction relative to the stand 10. In the above configuration, the other end of the shaft portion 32 is rotatably supported by a support part such as a bearing in the connecting portion 34. At least one of the shaft portion 32 and the connecting portion 34 is provided with a portion or member for causing the connecting portion 34 to follow the movement of the shaft portion 32 when the shaft portion 32 is moved in the first direction. For example, a retaining ring for preventing the shaft portion 32 from coming off may be attached to the other end of the shaft portion 32, and the retaining ring may come into contact with the connecting portion 34 when the shaft portion 32 moves in the first direction.

[0043] 1, the pressing unit 40 presses a layered body L formed by stacking shaping materials. More specifically, the pressing unit 40 presses a skirt portion P that protrudes outward from the lower end of the layered body L in a brim-like shape from above. According to this configuration, the laminate L can be pressed down by the pressing unit 40, so that the three-dimensional object S can be prevented from warping, cracking, and the like.

[0044] Another method for preventing warping and cracking of a three-dimensional object is to attach an adhesive sheet to the modeling surface. In this method, the adhesive sheet can strengthen the adhesion of the bottom surface of the three-dimensional object S to the modeling surface. However, this method requires replacing the adhesive sheet every time modeling, which is time-consuming. In addition, the adhesive sheet is often used as a disposable item, and the adhesive sheet is discarded every time modeling is performed. In addition, in order to peel off the three-dimensional object from the adhesive sheet, it is necessary to push the three-dimensional object horizontally and tilt the three-dimensional object against the modeling surface. At this time, a large moment acts on the bottom part of the three-dimensional object, especially on the part that serves as the fulcrum when tilted. This may cause the three-dimensional object to break and become damaged. In contrast, in the modeling apparatus 1, the use of the pressing unit 40 can eliminate the need for an adhesive sheet, thereby making it possible to avoid the occurrence of the various problems described above.

[0045] More specifically, the pressing unit 40 includes a first pressing member 41 and a second pressing member 42 for pressing the laminate L, and a connector 43, as shown in FIG.

[0046] The first pressing member 41 and the second pressing member 42 extend in directions that intersect with each other along the printing surface 20a. In this embodiment, the first pressing member 41 extends in the second direction, and the second pressing member 42 extends in the first direction. The first pressing member 41 and the second pressing member 42 intersect with each other (orthogonally), and the second pressing member 42 is placed on the first pressing member 41 at the intersecting position.

[0047] In this embodiment, the pressing unit 40 has two first pressing members 41. The two first pressing members 41 are arranged side by side in the first direction on the printing surface 20a. The first pressing members 41 are attached to the stand 10 so as to be movable via a moving mechanism 50, which will be described later. The arrangement positions of the respective first pressing members 41 in the first direction are set according to the arrangement position, shape, and size of the three-dimensional object S. In addition, the intervals between the first pressing members 41 in the first direction are set according to the arrangement position, shape, and size of the three-dimensional object S.

[0048] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the first pressing member 41 has a first extending portion 41a, a first hole portion 41b, and two ends 41c. The first extending portion 41a extends in the second direction and has a plate shape. The first extending portion 41a has a pressing surface for pressing the laminate L at its lower end. The first hole 41b is provided in the first extending portion 41a. The first hole 41b is a single elongated hole that penetrates the first extending portion 41a in the vertical direction and extends in the second direction. However, the first hole 41b is not limited to this, and may be configured, for example, by arranging a plurality of round holes or elongated holes in the second direction. Each end 41c is provided at an end of the first extending portion 41a in the second direction and has a plate shape. The end 41c is connected to a moving mechanism 50 described later. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the end 41c has a first extending plate portion and a second extending plate portion. The first extending plate portion extends upward from the end of the first extending portion 41a in the second direction toward the outside in the second direction. The second extending plate portion extends downward from the upper end of the first extending plate portion and is connected to a moving mechanism 50 described later.

[0049] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the pressing unit 40 has two second pressing members 42. The two second pressing members 42 are arranged side by side in the second direction on the printing surface 20a. The positions of the second pressing members 42 in the second direction are set according to the position, shape, and size of the three-dimensional object S. In addition, the distance between the second pressing members 42 in the second direction is set according to the position, shape, and size of the three-dimensional object S.

[0050] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the second pressing member 42 has a second extending portion 42a and a second hole portion 42b. The second extending portion 42a extends in the first direction and has a plate shape. The second extending portion 42a has a pressing surface at its lower end for pressing the laminate L. The pressing surfaces of the first extending portion 41a and the second extending portion 42a are located at the same level (i.e., flush with each other), for example. More specifically, the second extending portion 42a has a pressing portion including a pressing surface and two ends provided on both sides of the pressing portion in the first direction. The ends of the second extending portion 42a are placed on the first extending portion 41a. The pressing portion protrudes downward from the ends, and more specifically, protrudes by the thickness of the first extending portion 41a in the vertical direction. Therefore, the pressing surface of the pressing portion is located lower than the lower surface of the ends by the thickness of the first extending portion 41a, and is flush with the pressing surface of the first extending portion 41a.

[0051] The second hole 42b is provided in the second extending portion 42a. The second hole 42b is a single elongated hole that penetrates the second extending portion 42a in the vertical direction and extends in the first direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second hole 42b may be configured, for example, by arranging a plurality of round holes or elongated holes in the first direction. Note that, at the position where the first pressing member 41 and the second pressing member 42 intersect, the first hole 41b and the second hole 42b overlap each other.

[0052] As described above, according to the above configuration, the laminate L can be held down by the first holding member 41 and the second holding member 42 which intersect with each other, so that warping, cracking, etc. of the three-dimensional object S can be more effectively suppressed.

[0053] 2, the connector 43 connects the first holding member 41 and the second holding member 42 at positions where the first holding member 41 and the second holding member 42 intersect. In this embodiment, the connectors 43 are arranged according to the number of positions where the first holding member 41 and the second holding member 42 intersect, and specifically, four connectors 43 are arranged.

[0054] The connector 43 may restrict the second holding member 42 from rotating relative to the first holding member 41, with the position where the first holding member 41 and the second holding member 42 intersect as the center of rotation. This allows the intersecting angle (90° in FIG. 2) of the second holding member 42 relative to the first holding member 41 to be appropriately maintained.

[0055] Furthermore, the connector 43 may connect the two pressing members 41, 42 in a state in which the second pressing member 42 is movable in the second direction relative to the first pressing member 41. As a result, the second holding member 42 can be moved to a predetermined arrangement position in the second direction while sliding on the first holding member 41 without removing the connecting tool 43.

[0056] The connector 43 will now be described in detail with reference to an example. As shown in FIG. 7, the connector 43 has, for example, a plate-shaped base 43a and a plurality of (four in FIG. 7) shafts 43b protruding downward from the base 43a. The base 43a is placed on the second extending portion 42a. Of the four shafts 43b, three shafts 43b are arranged in the first direction and are inserted into the second hole portions 42b, respectively. The middle shaft 43b of the three shafts 43b arranged in the first direction is located at a position where the first hole portion 41b and the second hole portion 42b overlap each other, and is inserted into both the first hole portion 41b and the second hole portion 42b. Of the four shafts 43b, the remaining shaft 43b is arranged adjacent to the middle shaft 43b in the second direction among the three shafts 43b aligned in the first direction, and is inserted into the first hole portion 41b.

[0057] As described above, the pressing unit 40 has the connector 43, and therefore can suppress misalignment of the first pressing member 41 and the second pressing member 42 relative to the other. More specifically, it can suppress misalignment of the second pressing member 42 relative to the first pressing member 41 attached to the stand 10. This allows the laminate L to be appropriately pressed by the first pressing member 41 and the second pressing member 42 that intersect with each other, and therefore warping, cracking, and the like of the three-dimensionally shaped object S can be suppressed more effectively.

[0058] 1, the movement mechanism 50 moves the first pressing member 41 in a direction intersecting with the printing surface 20a. In this embodiment, the "direction intersecting with the printing surface" is the same as the vertical direction and the stacking direction of the laminate L. Therefore, in the following description, the "direction intersecting with the printing surface" will be described as the "vertical direction" or the "stacking direction of the laminate". The moving mechanism 50 is not particularly limited as long as it is a moving mechanism that moves the first pressing member 41 in the vertical direction. The moving mechanism 50 will be specifically described below by way of an example.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, the movement mechanism 50 has, for example, a mounting portion 51, a shaft portion 52, and a lever portion 53.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 8, the attachment portion 51 has, for example, a block shape. The mounting unit 51 is movably attached to the base 10 on the outside of the modeling table 20 in the second direction. More specifically, a metal frame extending in the first direction included in the base 10 has a groove extending in the first direction, and a nut (not shown) is disposed in the groove. This nut is movable in the first direction along the groove of the metal frame. Meanwhile, the mounting unit 51 is provided with a through hole (not shown), and after the nut is disposed at a predetermined position in the first direction, a screw (not shown) is inserted into the through hole of the mounting unit 51, and the screw and the nut are screwed together. This allows the mounting unit 51 to be movably attached to the base 10. The mounting portion 51 is also provided with a screw hole that penetrates in the vertical direction.

[0061] Shank 52 is a shaft member having a threaded region, and the threaded region is screwed into a screw hole of mounting portion 51. The portion of shaft 52 that is not screwed into mounting portion 51 has a portion that protrudes upward from mounting portion 51 and a portion that protrudes downward from mounting portion 51. The lever portion 53 is a lever for turning by hand, and is attached to the upper end portion of the shaft portion 52 . Further, an end portion 41c of the first pressing member 41 is attached to the shaft portion 52. In the moving mechanism 50 configured as described above, by turning the lever portion 53, the shaft portion 52 moves up and down relative to the mounting portion 51. As a result, the first pressing member 41 attached to the shaft portion 52 moves in the vertical direction relative to the stand 10 to which the mounting portion 51 is attached. As a result, the first pressing member 41 moves in a direction perpendicular to the modeling surface 20a.

[0062] In the above configuration, the shaft portion 52 is rotatably supported at the end portion 41c by a support part such as a bearing. At least one of the end portion 41c and the shaft portion 52 is provided with a portion or member for making the end portion 41c follow the movement of the shaft portion 52 when the shaft portion 52 is moved in the vertical direction. For example, a retaining ring for preventing the shaft portion 52 from coming off may be attached to the shaft portion 52, and the retaining ring may come into contact with the end portion 41c when the shaft portion 52 moves in the vertical direction.

[0063] With the above-described configuration, in the modeling apparatus 1, the pressing position of the first pressing member 41 in the vertical direction can be changed depending on the thickness of the stack L in the stacking direction, more specifically, the thickness of the skirt portion P of the stack L.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 2, the pressing tool 60 is disposed on the second pressing member 42, and presses the laminate L together with the second pressing member 42. As shown in FIG. 2, the presser 60 has, for example, a plate-shaped base 61 and one or more shafts 62 (three in FIG. 2) protruding downward from the base 61. The base 61 is placed on the second extending portion 42a. The three shafts 62 are arranged side by side in the first direction and inserted into the second hole portion 42b. The tip portions of the shafts 62 abut against the stack L, more specifically, against the skirt portion P. Note that, in a state in which the tip portions of the shafts 62 abut against the stack L, the lower surface of the base 61 is separated from the upper surface of the second extension portion 42a. This causes the pressing tool 60 to press the stack L by its own weight. In this manner, in the modeling apparatus 1, the second pressing member 42 and the pressing tool 60 can press the laminate L appropriately.

[0065] 1, the heating device 70 heats the printing surface 20a. A known heating device may be used as the heating device 70. The set temperature of the heating device 70 can be changed depending on the structure of the printing table 20, the shape of the printing surface 20a, the type of printing material, and the shape and size of the three-dimensional object S. As described above, the upper layers have a higher temperature and the lower layers have a lower temperature in the laminate L. This causes a difference in thermal contraction within the laminate L, and a force acts on the laminate L in a direction that warps the laminate L. In contrast, the above-described configuration can reduce the temperature difference in the stacking direction of the stacked body L. This can reduce the force acting on the stacked body L in a direction that warps the stacked body L. As a result, warping and cracking of the three-dimensional object S can be reduced.

[0066] <<Other embodiments>> Although one embodiment of the molding apparatus of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the present invention naturally includes its equivalents.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the pressing unit 40 has two first pressing members 41, but is not limited to this, and the pressing unit may have one first pressing member 41. In addition, the pressing unit 40 has two second pressing members 42, but is not limited to this, and the pressing unit may have one first pressing member 41.

[0068] In addition, in the above embodiment, the modeling apparatus 1 is described as including two displacement mechanisms 30, but is not limited thereto, and the modeling apparatus may include one displacement mechanism 30. In this case, it is sufficient that one of the two base pieces 21 is fixed to the stand 10, and the other base piece 21 can be displaced in the first direction by the displacement mechanism 30.

[0069] In addition, in the above embodiment, the normal use state of the modeling apparatus 1 is assumed, i.e., a state in which the modeling surface 20a is horizontal; however, this is not limited to this, and for example, the modeling apparatus 1 may be used in a state in which the modeling surface 20a is inclined relative to the horizontal direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1 Modeling equipment 10 Mounting stand 20 Modeling table 20a Modeling surface 21 stand piece 22 Convex 22a Tip 30 Displacement Mechanism 31,51 Mounting part 32,52 Shaft 33,53 Lever section 34 Connecting part 40 Presser unit 41 First holding member 41a 1st extension part 41b 1st hole 41c end 42 Second holding member 42a 2nd extension 42b 2nd hole 43 Connector 43a,61 base 43b,62 axis 50 Moving mechanism 60 Clamp 70 Warming equipment L laminate La,Sa bottom P Skirt part S Three-dimensional object

Claims

1. a modeling table having a modeling surface and configured to laminate a modeling material on the modeling surface to form a three-dimensional object; a displacement mechanism that displaces the modeling table in a displacement direction along the modeling surface.

2. The modeling table is configured by arranging a plurality of table pieces in the displacement direction, The molding apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the displacement mechanism brings the base pieces adjacent to each other in the displacement direction when molding the three-dimensional object, and moves the base pieces away from each other in the displacement direction when demolding the three-dimensional object from the molding table.

3. The building platform has a plurality of protrusions, The molding apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the molding surface has an uneven shape.

4. The convex portion has a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional area becomes smaller toward the tip, The molding apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the tip of the protrusion has a flat surface.

5. The molding apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a pressing unit that presses a stack formed by stacking the molding materials.

6. The pressing unit includes a first pressing member and a second pressing member that press the laminate, The molding apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the first pressing member and the second pressing member extend in directions intersecting each other along the molding surface.

7. The molding apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the pressing unit further includes a connector that connects the first pressing member and the second pressing member at a position where the first pressing member and the second pressing member intersect with each other.

8. The molding apparatus according to claim 6 , further comprising a moving mechanism that moves the first pressing member in a direction intersecting the molding surface.

9. The molding apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the second pressing member is provided with a pressing tool that presses the laminate together with the second pressing member.

10. The molding apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a heating device for heating the molding surface.

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