Correction jig for three-dimensional printed objects and method for correcting three-dimensional printed objects.

Abstract

This invention provides a correction jig for three-dimensionally printed objects and a method for correcting three-dimensionally printed objects that can easily and quickly correct the surface of the three-dimensionally printed object and improve the quality of the surface finish. [Solution] The correction jig 1 is attached to the outlet of a heating tool T that blows out hot air, and is a jig for correcting the surface of a three-dimensional object M that has been additively fabricated. The correction jig 1 comprises a mounting member 2 that is attached to the heating tool T and through which hot air passes, and a correction member 3 that is attached to the mounting member 2 and has an opposing surface 20a that faces the surface of the three-dimensional object M, and corrects the surface of the three-dimensional object M with hot air. The mounting member 2 has a base portion that is attached to the outlet Ta of the heating tool T, a holding portion that holds the correction member, and a communication hole that communicates with the outlet. The correction member 3 has a correction body portion that is held by the holding portion and a through hole that communicates with the communication hole. The opposing surface 20a of the correction body portion is curved inward so as to cover the surface of the three-dimensional object M.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a correction jig for a three-dimensional shaped object and a method for correcting a three-dimensional shaped object. In particular, it is attached to the outlet of a heating tool that blows hot air, and relates to a correction jig for a three-dimensional shaped object for correcting the surface of a three-dimensional shaped object formed by layer stacking, and a method for correcting a three-dimensional shaped object using the correction jig.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, 3D printer technology is known, in which a three-dimensional shaped object can be formed by arranging a three-dimensional shaping material three-dimensionally as a design drawing using 3D-CAD (Computer Aided Design) data created on a computer. For example, 3D printer technology based on the fused deposition modeling (FDM) method, in which a thermoplastic resin used as a three-dimensional shaping material is melted by heat and extruded from the nozzle part of an extruder, and shaped while being laminated on a work stage, is widely known.

[0003] As a method for finishing the surface of a three-dimensional shaped object, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a method of immersing the three-dimensional shape in a liquid in order to smooth the surface of the three-dimensional shaped object formed by layer stacking. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a method of cutting the surface using an end mill tool in order to correct the surface of a three-dimensional shaped object formed by layer stacking with a laser beam.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When molten 3D printing material is extruded and layered onto a work stage, blobs may form on the surface of the 3D printed object due to excessive extrusion of the 3D printing material or improper temperature control. In the method described in Patent Document 1, it was necessary to immerse the entire 3D printed object in liquid. Therefore, for large 3D printed objects, a large amount of liquid had to be prepared for immersion. Furthermore, when using end mill tools, sandpaper, or electric files as described in Patent Document 2, areas other than those where blobs occurred may also be cut or polished, making it impossible to achieve a smooth surface finish and potentially degrading the quality. In addition, if there were many blobs, cutting or polishing may take a considerable amount of time.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a correction jig for three-dimensionally manufactured objects and a method for correcting three-dimensionally manufactured objects that can easily correct the surface of the three-dimensionally manufactured object in a short time and improve the quality of the surface finish. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The aforementioned problem is solved by the present invention, which provides a correction jig for a three-dimensional molded object, which is attached to the outlet of a heating tool that blows out hot air and is used to correct the surface of a three-dimensional molded object that has been additively fabricated, comprising: a mounting member attached to the heating tool and through which hot air passes; and a correction member attached to the mounting member and having an opposing surface facing the surface of the three-dimensional molded object, for correcting the surface of the three-dimensional molded object with hot air, wherein the mounting member has a base portion attached to the outlet of the heating tool, a holding portion provided on the base portion and holding the correction member, and a communication hole formed to penetrate the base portion and communicate with the outlet, wherein the correction member has a correction body portion held by the holding portion and a through hole formed to penetrate the correction body portion and communicate with the communication hole, and the opposing surface of the correction body portion is curved inward so as to cover the surface of the three-dimensional molded object.

[0008] With the above configuration, the surface of the three-dimensional object can be melted by the hot air from the heating tool, and the shape of the surface of the three-dimensional object can be refined by the curved opposing surface. Therefore, areas where blobs have occurred can be easily corrected with pinpoint accuracy, allowing for precise surface finishing in a short amount of time. In this way, the surface of a three-dimensional object can be easily corrected in a short amount of time, improving the quality of the surface finish.

[0009] In this case, the ends of the curved opposing surfaces are preferably formed to be sharp and inserted between the stacked layers of the three-dimensional molded object. With the above configuration, excess molding material melted by hot air can be cut and removed by the sharply formed edges.

[0010] In this case, the correction body has a plurality of through holes that penetrate the opposing surface and the mounting surface opposite to the opposing surface, and the communication holes have a first communication hole formed on the back surface of the base portion that communicates with the air outlet, and a second communication hole that communicates with the first communication hole and is formed on the base surface of the base portion, and the second communication hole preferably communicates with the plurality of through holes. With the above configuration, hot air from the heating tool can be efficiently discharged through multiple through-holes.

[0011] In this configuration, the base surface has an elongated rectangular shape, the holding portion is formed at both ends in the short direction of the base portion and extends in the longitudinal direction of the base portion, the corrective member is provided on the corrective body portion and has a locking portion that is detachably locked to the holding portion, and the corrective body portion is preferably mounted on the base surface so as to be slidable along the longitudinal direction of the base portion by the locking portion being locked to the holding portion. With the above configuration, the corrective member is attached to the mounting member so that it can slide, allowing for easy attachment and detachment.

[0012] In this case, the mounting member is detachably attached to the mounting member and includes a cover member that covers a portion of the second communication hole. When the correction member and the cover member are attached to the mounting member, the cover member may cover a portion of the second communication hole. With the above configuration, the opening portion of the second communication hole that does not face the compensating member is covered by the cover member, so that hot air from the heating tool can be efficiently delivered.

[0013] In this case, a plurality of elongated second communication holes are formed on the base surface along the longitudinal direction of the base portion, and each of the plurality of second communication holes communicates with the plurality of through holes. With the above configuration, when the corrective member is slid and attached to the mounting member, the through hole and the second communication hole can be easily connected.

[0014] In this case, it is preferable that the diameter of the through-hole formed in the center of the plurality of through-holes formed on the opposing surface is larger than the diameter of the through-holes formed anywhere other than the center. With the above configuration, when a correction jig is placed opposite the surface of a three-dimensional object, the temperature of the central part where blobs are likely to form can be increased.

[0015] Furthermore, the above problem is solved by a method for correcting the surface of a three-dimensionally fabricated object using a correction jig attached to the outlet of a heating tool that blows out hot air, the method comprising: an attachment step of attaching a mounting member of the correction jig that allows hot air to pass through to the heating tool; a holding step of holding the correction member of the correction jig to the mounting member; a positioning step of positioning the opposing surface of the correction member facing the surface of the three-dimensionally fabricated object; and a correction step of blowing out the hot air from the heating tool and blowing out the hot air from a through hole formed in the opposing surface to correct the surface of the three-dimensionally fabricated object, wherein in the holding step the through hole is attached to a communication hole formed in the mounting member that communicates with the outlet, and in the positioning step the opposing surface that curves inward along the surface of the three-dimensionally fabricated object is positioned facing the surface. By the above method, the surface of the three-dimensional shaped object can be melted by the hot air of the heating tool, and the shape of the surface of the three-dimensional shaped object can be adjusted with the curved opposing surface. Therefore, since the location where the blob has occurred can be easily corrected pinpointedly, the surface can be finished accurately in a short time. In this way, the surface of the three-dimensional shaped object can be easily corrected in a short time, and the quality of the surface finish can be improved.

[0016] At this time, in the placement step, the sharp end portion of the opposing surface may be inserted into the layers where the three-dimensional shaped object is laminated, and in the correction step, the excess shaped material protruding from the end portion may be removed. By the above method, the excess shaped material melted by the hot air can be cut and removed by the sharply formed end portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the correction jig for a three-dimensional shaped object and the method for correcting a three-dimensional shaped object of the present invention, the surface of the three-dimensional shaped object can be easily corrected in a short time, and the quality of the surface finish can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a state where the surface of a three-dimensional shaped object is corrected with a correction jig. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a state where the surface of a three-dimensional shaped object is corrected with a correction jig, and is a view seen from the side. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the correction jig. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of the correction jig, and is a view seen from the front side. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view of the correction jig, and is a view seen from the back side of the base. [Figure 6] It is a front view of the correction jig. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 6. [Figure 8A]This diagram illustrates a method for correcting a three-dimensional object, showing the corrective jig in place. [Figure 8B] This diagram illustrates a method for correcting a three-dimensional object, specifically showing the state of hot air being blown from a correction jig. [Figure 8C] This diagram illustrates a method for correcting three-dimensional objects, specifically showing the object in a melted state. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the correction jig according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the correction jig according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of the correction jig according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a front view of the correction jig according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a front view of the correction jig according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a front view of the correction jig according to the sixth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] The following describes, based on Figures 1 to 14, a correction jig for three-dimensionally molded objects and a method for correcting three-dimensionally molded objects according to one embodiment of this invention (hereinafter, this embodiment). This embodiment relates to a "correction jig for three-dimensionally molded objects and a method for correcting three-dimensionally molded objects" that can easily correct the surface of a three-dimensionally molded object in a short time and improve the quality of the surface finish.

[0020] <First Embodiment> The correction jig 1 of the first embodiment will be described below using Figures 1 to 8C. In the following description, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 1, the vertical direction refers to the stacking direction of the stacked three-dimensional molded object M. The front-back direction refers to the direction in which the correction jig 1 is positioned opposite the surface of the three-dimensional molded object M. The direction in which the correction jig approaches the surface of the three-dimensional molded object is called the "front direction," and the direction in which it moves away is called the "back direction." The left-right direction is the horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical and front-back directions.

[0021] <<Correction jig for 3D printed objects>> As shown in Figure 1, the correction jig 1 is attached to the outlet Ta of the heating tool T that blows out hot air, and is a jig for correcting the surface of the additively fabricated three-dimensional object M. The three-dimensional object M is created on a work stage using a three-dimensional printing device, and is constructed in a way that multiple layers overlap.

[0022] Here, a three-dimensional molding device is a device that heat-melts thermoplastic resin, which is the material for molding a three-dimensional object M, and extrudes it from the nozzle of an extruder, building it up in layers on a work stage. Specifically, a three-dimensional molding device is a 3D printer that builds three-dimensional objects by stacking two-dimensional layers sliced ​​based on 3D-CAD data. Examples of molding materials include thermoplastic resin pellets. The pellets are heated and melted inside the extruder and then extruded from the extruder. The heated and melted pellets are then deposited on the work stage, cooled, and hardened. The 3D printing apparatus is controlled by a control device based on a predetermined operation pattern (for example, molding information such as coordinate information like G-code, speed information, and discharge volume information).

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the correction jig 1 is a jig for smoothing the surface of a three-dimensional object M by melting blobs B that have formed on the surface of the object using hot air from a heating tool T. Since the three-dimensional object M is formed by the accumulation of material extruded from an extruder, the surface of the three-dimensional object M in one layer has a shape in which the surface is curved outward when viewed from the side. The heating tool T is, for example, a heat gun, which is a tool that can blow out hot air from its nozzle Ta at a temperature sufficient to melt the surface of the three-dimensional object M (for example, around 300°C). The heating tool T can blow out hot air at approximately 300°C in about 2 to 3 seconds after being switched on.

[0024] The operator places a correction jig 1 at the location where blobs B have formed on the surface of the three-dimensional object M, and melts the surface by blowing hot air from a heating tool T onto the surface of the three-dimensional object M. Then, after the blob B melts and the surface shape is corrected by the correction jig 1, the correction jig 1 is removed and the surface of the three-dimensional object M hardens. In this way, a three-dimensional object M with a smooth surface is completed. Note that the area to be corrected by the correction jig 1 is not limited to the blob B that has formed on the surface of the three-dimensional object M, but may also be other protrusions or irregularities other than the blob B.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the correction jig 1 comprises a mounting member 2 through which hot air passes, a correction member 3 for correcting the surface of the three-dimensional molded object M, and a cover member 4 that is detachably attached to the mounting member 2. The mounting member 2 is detachably attached to the outlet Ta of the heating tool T. The correction member 3 and the cover member 4 are also detachably attached to the mounting member 2. The correction jig 1 is, for example, made of aluminum. By using aluminum, the strength of the correction jig 1 can be improved without deformation caused by high-temperature hot air. However, the correction jig 1 may also be made of a material other than aluminum (for example, copper or stainless steel).

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the correction jig 1 has a correction member 3 and a replaceable correction member 5 that can be swapped out to match the size of the three-dimensional object M (specifically, the height of one layer). In other words, the correction jig 1 is equipped with multiple correction members 3 with different heights depending on the size of the three-dimensional object M. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the height H1 of the correction member 3 is longer than the height H2 of the replaceable correction member 5. Since the replaceable correction member 5 has the same configuration as the correction member 3, the following description will refer to the correction member 3 as a representative example.

[0027] <<Mounting components>> As shown in Figure 2, the mounting member 2 is an attachment member for attaching the correction member 3 to the heating tool T, and is attached to the heating tool T. The mounting member 2 has a base portion 10 that is attached to the outlet Ta of the heating tool T, a holding portion 11 that holds the correction member 3, and a communication hole 12 that communicates with the outlet Ta.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the base portion 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is a long member in the left-right direction. Holding portions 11 are formed at the upper and lower ends of the base surface 10a, which is the front side surface of the base portion 10. In addition, a communication hole 12 is formed in the base portion 10 that penetrates in the front-rear direction. The base surface 10a has a rectangular shape that is elongated in the left-right direction, and is the surface that faces the mounting surface 20b of the correction member 3, which will be described later.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the retaining portion 11 is provided on the base portion 10 and is a locked portion to which the locking portion 21 of the correction member 3, which will be described later, is locked. The retaining portion 11 is integrally formed with the base portion 10. The retaining portion 11 is formed at both ends in the short direction of the base portion 10 and extends in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, the retaining portion 11 has an upper retaining portion 11a extending from the upper end of the base surface 10a and a lower retaining portion 11b extending from the lower end of the base portion 10.

[0030] The upper holding portion 11a extends forward from the upper end of the base surface 10a, bends, and protrudes downward. The upper locking portion 21 of the correction member 3 is locked to the upper holding portion 11a. The upper end portion 4a of the cover member 4 is also locked to the upper holding portion 11a. The lower holding portion 11b extends forward from the lower end of the base surface 10a, bends, and protrudes upward. The lower locking portion 21 of the corrective member 3 is locked to the lower holding portion 11b. The lower end portion 4b of the cover member 4 is also locked to the lower holding portion 11b.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the communication hole 12 is formed to penetrate the base portion 10 and is a hole for sending hot air from the heating tool T. The communication hole 12 has a first communication hole 12a that communicates with the outlet Ta, and a second communication hole 12b that communicates with the first communication hole 12a and is formed on the base surface 10a of the base portion 10. In other words, the communication hole 12 is formed to penetrate the base surface 10a and the base back surface 10b on the opposite side of the base surface 10a.

[0032] The first communication hole 12a is a circular hole formed on the base back surface 10b side of the base portion 10, as shown in Figure 5. The first communication hole 12a is formed in the center of the base portion 10, as shown in Figure 6. The size of the first communication hole 12a is formed to be approximately the same diameter as the outlet Ta of the heating tool T. Therefore, by fitting the first communication hole 12a into the outlet Ta of the heating tool T, the correction jig 1 can be easily attached to the heating tool T. The correction jig 1 is attached to the outlet Ta of the heating tool T, but the attachment position and method are not limited to this.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the second communication hole 12b is formed on the base surface 10a side of the base portion 10 and is a rectangular opening that is elongated in the left-right direction. The second communication hole 12b communicates with the through hole 22 of the correction member 3, which will be described later, and sends hot air from the heating tool T toward the correction member 3. The area of ​​the second communication hole 12b that does not communicate with the through hole 22 is blocked by the correction member 3 and the cover member 4.

[0034] <<Correction Member>> As shown in Figure 2, the correction member 3 blows hot air from the heating tool T onto the surface of the three-dimensional molded object M, melting the blob B along with the surface and shaping the surface. As shown in Figure 4, the correction member 3 has a correction body portion 20 held by the holding portion 11, a locking portion 21 that is detachably locked to the holding portion 11, and a through hole 22 formed to penetrate the correction body portion 20 and communicate with the communication hole 12. The correction body 20 has an opposing surface 20a that faces the surface of the three-dimensional molded object M.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the corrective body 20 is a cubic member with a shape that is recessed towards the rear on the front side. The height H1 of the corrective body 20 is approximately the same as the height of one layer of the three-dimensional molded object M. Specifically, the height H1 of the corrective body 20 is about 2 mm to 5 mm. However, the height of the correction unit 20 is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate to match the height of one level of the three-dimensional object M.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the opposing surface 20a facing the surface of the three-dimensional object M is curved inward so as to cover the surface of the three-dimensional object M. In other words, the opposing surface 20a of the correction body 20 has a curved surface with a cross-sectional shape C, corresponding to the outward curved shape of the three-dimensional object M. The upper and lower ends of the opposing surface 20a of the correction body 20 have a sharp shape that points forward. The mounting surface 20b of the correction body 20, opposite to the opposing surface 20a, is a flat surface. The ends 20c of the curved opposing surfaces 20a are sharply formed and inserted between the stacked layers of the three-dimensional object M. In other words, the upper and lower ends 20c of the opposing surfaces 20a are formed to become thinner towards the front, so as to sandwich one of the layers of the three-dimensional object M.

[0037] In this way, because the opposing surface 20a is curved inward so as to cover the surface of the three-dimensional object M, even if a part of the three-dimensional object M is corrected at a pinpoint location, the correction can be made smoothly so that it blends in with the other parts that are not corrected. Furthermore, since the upper and lower ends 20c are positioned at the same height as one layer of the three-dimensional object M, it becomes easier to position the correction jig 1 relative to the three-dimensional object M. In addition, because the sharply formed ends 20c are inserted between the stacked layers of the three-dimensional object M, it becomes easier to remove excess molding material Ma that protrudes from the sharp ends 20c, as shown in Figure 8C.

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, locking portions 21 are formed at the upper and lower ends of the mounting surface 20b of the correction body portion 20. In addition, the correction body portion 20 has a plurality of through holes 22 that penetrate the opposing surface 20a and the mounting surface 20b. The correction member 3 is attached to the mounting member 2 such that the mounting surface 20b of the correction main body 20 and the base surface 10a of the base part 10 face each other.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the locking portion 21 is provided on the correction body portion 20 and is a portion that locks onto the holding portion 11 of the mounting member 2. The locking portion 21 is integrally formed with the correction body portion 20. The locking portion 21 is formed at the upper and lower ends of the correction body portion 20 and extends in the vertical direction to lock onto the holding portion 11. More specifically, the locking portion 21 has an upper locking portion 21a extending from the upper end of the mounting surface 20b and a lower locking portion 21b extending from the lower end of the mounting surface 20b.

[0040] The upper locking portion 21a protrudes upward from the upper end of the mounting surface 20b. The upper locking portion 21a fits into a groove that extends in the left-right direction in the upper holding portion 11a. The lower locking portion 21b protrudes downward from the lower end of the mounting surface 20b. The lower locking portion 21b fits into a groove that extends in the left-right direction in the lower holding portion 11b.

[0041] In this way, the correction body 20 is mounted so as to be slidable along the longitudinal direction of the base portion 10 relative to the base surface 10a by locking portion 21 to the holding portion 11. Since the correction member 3 is mounted so as to be slidable relative to the mounting member 2, it can be easily attached and detached. The correction body 20 is held in place by the frictional force when fitted together with the holding part 11, but stoppers or protrusions may be provided to suppress misalignment of the correction body 20.

[0042] As shown in Figure 7, the through-hole 22 is formed to penetrate the correction body 20 and is a hole for sending hot air from the heating tool T. The through-hole 22 is a hole with a diameter of about 0.1 mm, formed, for example, by laser processing. Multiple through-holes 22 are each formed linearly in the front-to-back direction and communicate with the second communication hole 12b of the communication hole 12. Note that the diameter of the through-hole 22 is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6, the multiple through holes 22 are arranged towards the center in the vertical direction when viewed from the front. Specifically, 35 through holes 22 (5 rows x 7 columns) are formed on the opposing surface 20a of the correction body 20. The size, number, and location of the through-holes 22 are not limited to those specified and can be changed as appropriate.

[0044] With the above configuration, hot air from the heating tool T can be blown onto the surface of the three-dimensional object M through the through-hole 22 formed in the opposing surface 20a, thereby efficiently raising the surface temperature of the three-dimensional object M. In particular, because the surface temperature is raised by hot air, correction can be performed more precisely and in a shorter time than heating by thermal conductivity. Furthermore, by positioning the through-hole 22 opposite the surface of the three-dimensional object M, the hot air can be directed to the correction area without being dispersed. Then, the hot air from the heating tool T melts the surface of the three-dimensional object M, and the curved opposing surface 20a can be used to shape the surface of the three-dimensional object M. Therefore, the areas where blobs B have formed can be easily corrected with pinpoint accuracy, allowing for precise surface finishing in a short amount of time.

[0045] In this embodiment, the surface of the three-dimensional object M is corrected by positioning the corrective member 3 so that its opposing surface 20a faces the surface of the three-dimensional object M. At this time, the opposing surface 20a may or may not be in contact with the surface of the three-dimensional object M. By bringing the opposing surface 20a into contact with the surface of the three-dimensional object M, the shape of the curved surface can be adjusted with high precision. Alternatively, the opposing surface 20a may be pressed against the surface of the three-dimensional object M to correct the surface of the three-dimensional object M, or the opposing surface 20a may be slid in the left-right direction (i.e., along the layered surface of the three-dimensional object M) to correct the surface of the three-dimensional object M.

[0046] <<Cover component>> As shown in Figure 3, the cover member 4 covers a portion of the second communication hole 12b and is a member that prevents hot air from the heating tool T from escaping to the outside of the correction jig 1. As shown in Figure 4, the cover member 4 is a plate-shaped member that can be attached to and detached from the mounting member 2. The upper end portion 4a of the cover member 4 fits into a groove extending in the left-right direction in the upper holding portion 11a. The lower end portion 4b of the cover member 4 fits into a groove extending in the left-right direction in the lower holding portion 11b.

[0047] In this way, the cover member 4 is attached by the holding portion 11 so as to be slidable along the longitudinal direction of the base portion 10 relative to the base surface 10a. Since the cover member 4 is attached to the mounting member 2 so as to be slidable, it can be easily attached and detached. The cover member 4 is held in place by the frictional force when fitted together with the holding part 11, but stoppers or protrusions may be provided to prevent misalignment of the cover member 4.

[0048] As shown in Figure 6, the area of ​​the communication hole 12 other than the area communicating with the through hole 22 is covered by the correction member 3 and the cover member 4. More specifically, the right-hand area of ​​the second communication hole 12b is blocked by the mounting surface 20b of the correction main body 20, and the left-hand area of ​​the second communication hole 12b is blocked by the cover member 4. In other words, when the correction member 3 and the cover member 4 are attached to the mounting member 2, the cover member 4 covers a portion of the second communication hole 12b. In this way, the opening region of the second communication hole 12b that does not communicate with the through hole 22 is covered by the mounting surface 20b of the correction member 3 and the cover member 4, so that hot air from the heating tool T can be efficiently sent to the through hole 22. It is preferable that the correction member 3 and the cover member 4 be positioned so that the left end of the correction member 3 and the right end of the cover member 4 are in contact with each other. By completely sealing the second communication hole 12b, it is possible to prevent hot air from the heating tool T from escaping to the outside of the correction jig 1.

[0049] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, one correction member 3 and one cover member 4 are detachably attached to the mounting member 2. However, the size of the mounting member 2 is not limited to this; it may be configured to have only one correction member 3 attached, or to have multiple correction members 3 attached. Furthermore, although this embodiment is configured to correct the surface of a three-dimensional object M in one layer, it is also possible to stack multiple correction members 3 to simultaneously correct the surfaces of three-dimensional objects M in multiple layers.

[0050] <Correction Methods for Three-Dimensional Models> Here, we will explain the method for correcting the three-dimensional object M. The method for correcting the three-dimensional object M includes an "attachment step" of attaching the mounting member 2 of the correction jig 1, which allows hot air to pass through, to the heating tool T; a "holding step" of holding the correction member 3 of the correction jig 1 to the mounting member 2; an "positioning step" of placing the correction member 3 with its opposing surface 20a facing the surface of the three-dimensional object M; and a "correction step" of blowing hot air from the heating tool T and blowing the hot air through the through hole 22 formed in the opposing surface 20a to correct the surface of the three-dimensional object M. Note that explanations of steps other than those described above will be omitted in the method for correcting the three-dimensional object M.

[0051] In the "mounting process," as shown in Figure 2, the worker attaches the mounting member 2 of the correction jig 1 to the heating tool T. Specifically, the worker fits the first communication hole 12a of the mounting member 2 into the outlet Ta of the heating tool T. Note that the holding process may be performed before the mounting process.

[0052] In the "holding process," as shown in Figure 3, the worker holds the correction member 3 and cover member 4 of the correction jig 1 on the mounting member 2. Specifically, the worker first prepares the correction member 3 which matches the shape of the surface of the three-dimensional molded object M. Then, the worker slides the correction member 3 from the side of the base part 10 so that the locking part 21 locks into the holding part 11 and attaches it to the mounting member 2. At this time, the worker attaches the correction member 3 to the mounting member 2 so that the through hole 22 connects to the communication hole 12 formed in the mounting member 2 and communicating with the blowout port Ta. Furthermore, the worker slides the cover member 4 onto the mounting member 2 from the side of the base portion 10 so that the upper end 4a and lower end 4b of the cover member 4 are locked into the holding portion 11. At this time, the correction member 3 and the cover member 4 are attached so that the left end of the correction member 3 and the right end of the cover member 4 are in contact with each other.

[0053] In the "placement process," as shown in Figure 8A, the operator places the opposing surface 20a of the correction member 3 facing the surface of the three-dimensional object M. Specifically, the operator grips the heating tool T and places the opposing surface 20a, which is curved inward along the surface of the three-dimensional object M, on the surface of the three-dimensional object M where the blob B has formed. At this time, the operator inserts the sharply formed end 20c of the opposing surface 20a between the stacked layers of the three-dimensional object M.

[0054] In the "correction process," as shown in Figure 8B, the operator blows hot air from the heating tool T and through the through-hole 22 formed in the opposing surface 20a to correct the surface of the three-dimensional object M. Specifically, the operator turns on the switch of the heating tool T and sends out hot air from the outlet Ta. The hot air passes through the communication hole 12 and the through-hole 22 and is blown out from the opposing surface 20a toward the surface of the three-dimensional object M.

[0055] Then, as shown in Figure 8C, the surface of the three-dimensional object M is heated by the hot air, and the surface melts together with the blob B. At this time, the surface temperature rises to about 200°C in about 2 to 5 seconds. The melted surface of the three-dimensional object M is then molded by the opposing surface 20a. Since the internal temperature of the three-dimensional object M only rises to about 50 to 60°C, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the shape of the three-dimensional object M.

[0056] Furthermore, if blobs B are generated due to excessive extrusion, when the surface of the three-dimensional object M melts, excess molding material Ma will protrude upward or downward from the sharply formed end 20c. The operator removes the excess molding material Ma that protrudes from the sharply formed end 20c by pinching it with their fingers or tweezers. Thus, because the end portion 20c has a sharp shape, any excess molding material Ma that protrudes can be easily cut off.

[0057] By the method described above, hot air from the heating tool T can be blown onto the surface of the three-dimensional object M through the through hole 22 formed in the opposing surface 20a, thereby efficiently increasing the surface temperature of the three-dimensional object M. Then, the hot air from the heating tool T melts the surface of the three-dimensional object M, and the curved opposing surface 20a can be used to shape the surface of the three-dimensional object M. Therefore, the areas where blobs B have formed can be easily corrected with pinpoint accuracy, allowing for precise surface finishing in a short amount of time.

[0058] <Second Embodiment> Next, the correction jig 101 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Note that details that overlap with those of the correction jig 1 described above will be omitted. The correction jig 101 differs mainly in the configuration of the through-hole 122 of the correction member 103.

[0059] As shown in Figure 9, the through-hole 122 is formed to penetrate the correction body 120 and is a hole for sending hot air from the heating tool T. The through-hole 122 has a first through-hole 122a that communicates with the second communication hole 112b of the mounting member 102, and a plurality of second through-holes 122b that communicate with the first through-hole 122a and are formed on the opposing surface 120a.

[0060] The first through-hole 122a is a circular hole formed on the mounting surface 120b side of the correction body 120. The first through-hole 122a is formed in the center of the correction body 120. The size of the first through-hole 122a is smaller than the rectangular second communication hole 112b formed in the base 110. Multiple second through holes 122b are formed linearly in the front-to-back direction and communicate with the first through hole 122a.

[0061] Thus, since the correction body portion 120 has a first through-hole 122a that communicates with a plurality of second through-holes 122b, hot air from the heating tool T can be blown onto the surface of the three-dimensional object M from the second through-holes 122b formed on the opposing surface 120a, thereby efficiently raising the surface temperature of the three-dimensional object M.

[0062] <Third Embodiment> Next, the correction jig 201 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Note that details that overlap with the correction jigs 1 and 101 described above will be omitted. The correction jig 201 differs mainly in the configuration of the communication hole 212 of the mounting member 202.

[0063] As shown in Figure 11, the communication hole 212 is formed to penetrate the base portion 210 and has a first communication hole 212a that communicates with the outlet Ta, and a plurality of second communication holes 212b that communicate with the first communication hole 212a and are formed on the base surface 210a of the base portion 210. As shown in Figure 10, the base surface 210a has a plurality of elongated second communication holes 212b formed along the longitudinal direction of the base portion 210.

[0064] The first communication hole 212a is a circular hole formed on the base surface 210b side of the base portion 210. As shown in Figure 10, the second communication holes 212b are a plurality of elongated holes formed along the longitudinal direction of the base portion 210. The second communication holes 212b communicate with the through holes 222 of the correction member 203 and send hot air from the heating tool T toward the correction member 203. The plurality of second communication holes 212b each communicate with the plurality of through holes 222. Specifically, five second communication holes 212b are formed according to the height positions of each of the five stages of through holes 222.

[0065] As described above, since multiple second communication holes 212b are formed in the base portion 210, hot air from the heating tool T can be blown onto the surface of the three-dimensional object M from the second through holes 222b formed in the correction member 203, thereby efficiently raising the surface temperature of the three-dimensional object M. Furthermore, when the corrective member 203 is slid and attached to the mounting member 202, the second communication hole 212b extends along the direction of sliding, making it easy to align the communication hole 212 and the through hole 222 and establish communication.

[0066] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, the correction jig 301 of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12. Note that the explanation will be omitted if it overlaps with the correction jigs 1, 101, and 201 described above. The correction jig 301 differs mainly in the configuration of the through-hole 322 of the correction member 303.

[0067] The through-holes 322 are holes with a diameter of approximately 0.1 mm, formed, for example, by laser processing. Of the multiple through-holes 322 formed on the opposing surface 320a of the correction body 320, the diameter of the central through-hole 322a, which is formed in the center, is larger than the diameters of the upper and lower through-holes 322b, which are formed in locations other than the center. Thus, because the diameter of the central through-hole 322a, which is formed in the center of the multiple through-holes 322 formed on the opposing surface 320a, is large, the temperature of the central part where blobs B tend to form can be increased when the correction jig 301 is placed against the surface of the three-dimensional molded object M.

[0068] <Fifth Embodiment> Next, the correction jig 401 of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 13. Note that the explanation will be omitted if it overlaps with the correction jigs 1, 101, 201, and 301 described above. The correction jig 401 differs mainly in the configuration of the through-hole 422 of the correction member 403.

[0069] The through-holes 422 are holes with a diameter of approximately 0.1 mm, formed, for example, by laser processing. As shown in Figure 13, the multiple through-holes 422 are arranged towards the center in the vertical direction and towards the right side in the horizontal direction when viewed from the front. Specifically, 20 through-holes 422 (5 rows x 4 columns) are formed on the opposing surface 420a of the correction body 420. The through-holes 422 may also be arranged towards the left side. Thus, the through-holes 422 are positioned biased to one side in the left-right direction of the opposing surface 420a. Therefore, when the correction jig 401 is slid against the surface of the three-dimensional object M, a temperature difference is generated in the direction of the sliding movement (i.e., the left-right direction). Consequently, the surface of the three-dimensional object M can be corrected to be even smoother.

[0070] <Sixth Embodiment> Next, the correction jig 501 of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 14. Note that the explanation will be omitted if it overlaps with the correction jigs 1, 101, 201, 301, and 401 described above. The correction jig 501 differs mainly in the configuration of the through-hole 522 of the correction member 503.

[0071] The through holes 522 are holes with a diameter of approximately 0.1 mm, formed, for example, by laser processing. As shown in Figure 14, the multiple through holes 522 are arranged towards the center in the vertical direction when viewed from the front, with fewer holes on the left side. Specifically, 29 through holes 522 (5 rows x 4 columns + 3 rows x 3 columns) are formed on the opposing surface 520a of the correction body 520. Note that the number of through holes 522 on the right side may be fewer. Thus, the through-holes 522 are arranged such that their number differs in the left-right direction on the opposing surface 520a. Therefore, when the correction jig 501 is placed opposite the surface of the three-dimensional object M and slid along it, a temperature difference is generated in the direction of the sliding movement (i.e., the left-right direction). Consequently, the surface of the three-dimensional object M can be corrected to be even smoother.

[0072] In the above embodiments, the correction jig for three-dimensional molded objects and the method for correcting three-dimensional molded objects according to the present invention were mainly described. However, the embodiments described above are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and of course, equivalents thereof are included. In particular, the embodiments described above are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501 Correction jigs 2, 102, 202 Mounting parts 3, 103, 203, 303, 403, 503 Correction Members 4 Cover component 4a Upper end 4b Bottom end 5. Replacement correction member 10, 110, 210 Base section 10a, 210a base surface 10b, 210b Base back 11 Holding part 11a Upper holding part 11b Lower holding part 12, 212 communication hole 12a, 212a First continuous hole 12b, 112b, 212b Second communication hole 20, 120, 420, 520 Correction main unit 20a, 120a, 420a, 520a Opposing surfaces 20b, 120b mounting surface 20c end 21. Stop section 21a Upper stop part 21b Lower stop part Through holes: 22, 122, 222, 322, 422, 522 122a First Through Hole 122b Second Through Hole 322a Central through hole 322b Through hole B ブロブ M three-dimensional shapes Ma Shaping Materials T heating tools Ta blows out the mouth

Claims

1. A correction jig attached to the nozzle of a heating tool that blows out hot air, for correcting the surface of a three-dimensional object created by additive manufacturing, A mounting member that is attached to the aforementioned heating tool and through which hot air passes, The mounting member is attached to the mounting member and has a surface facing the surface of the three-dimensional object, and comprises a correction member for correcting the surface of the three-dimensional object with hot air, The aforementioned mounting member is A base portion attached to the outlet of the heating tool, The base portion is provided with a holding portion for holding the correction member, It has a communication hole formed to penetrate the base portion and to communicate with the air outlet, The correction member is The correction body portion is held by the holding portion, It has a through hole formed to penetrate the correction body portion and communicating with the communication hole, A correction jig for a three-dimensional object, characterized in that the opposing surface of the correction body is curved inward so as to cover the surface of the three-dimensional object.

2. The curved ends of the opposing surfaces are sharply formed and are inserted between the stacked layers of the three-dimensional object, as described in claim 1, for the correction jig for a three-dimensional object.

3. The correction body portion has a plurality of through holes that penetrate the opposing surface and the mounting surface on the opposite side of the opposing surface. The aforementioned communication hole is, A first communication hole is formed on the back surface of the base portion and communicates with the air outlet, It has a second communication hole that communicates with the first communication hole and is formed on the base surface of the base portion, The correction jig for a three-dimensional molded object according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second communication hole communicates with a plurality of the through holes.

4. The base surface has a long rectangular shape, The retaining portion is formed at both ends in the short direction of the base portion and extends in the longitudinal direction of the base portion. The correction member has a locking portion provided on the correction body portion and detachably locked to the holding portion, The correction jig for a three-dimensional molded object according to claim 3, characterized in that the correction body is mounted so as to be slidable along the longitudinal direction of the base portion with respect to the base surface by the locking portion being locked to the holding portion.

5. A cover member is provided which is detachably attached to the mounting member and covers a portion of the second communication hole, The correction jig for a three-dimensional molded object according to claim 4, characterized in that when the correction member and the cover member are attached to the mounting member, the cover member covers a part of the second communication hole.

6. Multiple elongated second communication holes are formed on the base surface along the longitudinal direction of the base portion. The correction jig for a three-dimensional molded object according to claim 4, characterized in that the plurality of second communication holes each communicate with the plurality of through holes.

7. The correction jig for a three-dimensional molded object according to claim 3, characterized in that the diameter of the through hole formed in the center of the plurality of through holes formed on the opposing surface is larger than the diameter of the through holes formed anywhere other than the center.

8. A method for correcting the surface of a three-dimensional object created by additive manufacturing, using a correction jig attached to the outlet of a heating tool that blows out hot air, The mounting step involves attaching the mounting member of the correction jig that passes hot air through to the heating tool, The mounting member is used to hold the correction member of the correction jig, A placement step of arranging the corrective member so that its opposing surface faces the surface of the three-dimensional object, The process includes a correction step of blowing hot air from the heating tool and blowing hot air from through holes formed on the opposing surface to correct the surface of the three-dimensional molded object, In the holding step, the mounting member is attached so as to communicate with the outlet, and the through hole is attached to the communication hole formed in the mounting member so as to communicate with the outlet. A method for correcting a three-dimensional object, characterized in that, in the arrangement step, the opposing surface that curves inward along the surface of the three-dimensional object is arranged facing the surface.

9. In the aforementioned placement step, the sharply formed ends of the opposing surfaces are inserted between the stacked layers of the three-dimensional molded object. The method for correcting a three-dimensional object according to claim 8, characterized in that the correction step removes excess molding material that protrudes from the end.

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