Model parts and manufacturing method for model parts

Abstract

To provide: a model component with stable quality and gradation; and a manufacturing method thereof.SOLUTION: A model component has a first layer formed of a first material of a first color, and a second layer formed of a second material of a second color different from the first color, which is the second layer covering at least a part of the first layer. In the model component, the second layer contains an area in which a thickness of at least a part is formed thinner than other parts, and the area contains such a part that the first layer is exposed on the surface of the second layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a model part and a method for manufacturing a model part. [Background technology]

[0002] When coloring parts (also called components) of assembled models, such as plastic models (registered trademark), such as the face of a toy, each part is painted by hand or spray-painted using a mask with openings in the areas to be painted (see Patent Document 1). Also, a proposal has been made to automate painting by using a coloring device equipped with multiple printers and conveyors (see Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Publication number 3-34226 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-47585 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, applying gradations in which the color gradually gets darker requires skill, and it is difficult to stabilize the quality. In addition, using a painting device for painting also requires additional capital investment and increases the size of the equipment.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a model component having a stable quality gradation and a manufacturing method thereof. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a model part having a first layer formed of a first material of a first color, and a second layer covering at least a portion of the first layer, the second layer being made of a second material of a second color different from the first color, wherein the second layer includes at least a region formed to be thinner than other portions, and the region includes a portion where the first layer is exposed on the surface of the second layer. The present invention also relates to a model part having a first layer formed of a first material of a first color and a second layer covering at least a portion of the first layer, the second layer being made of a second material of a second color, the first color being opaque and the second color being transparent, the first layer including a portion exposed on a surface of the second layer and including a periphery around the portion where the thickness of the second layer changes to increase. fruit , The third layer is formed of a third material of a third color, and the third layer has a first protrusion exposed on a surface of the first layer and covered by the second layer, and the thickness of the second layer varies at and around an end of the first protrusion. . Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a model component having a gradation of stable quality and a manufacturing method thereof. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for manufacturing a model component according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a structure of a model part corresponding to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the structure of a model part corresponding to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining another example of the structure of the model component corresponding to the second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a cross-sectional structure of a model part corresponding to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a view for explaining another example of the cross-sectional structure of the model part corresponding to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements. In each drawing, the up, down, left and right directions on the paper surface will be used in the description in the text as the up, down, left and right directions of the parts (or components) in this embodiment. In the embodiment described below, the present invention will be exemplified by polystyrene as a molding material, but is not limited to this, and does not exclude the use of other materials (polyethylene, thermoplastic resins such as ABS, thermosetting resins, metals, etc.).

[0010] [Embodiment 1] First, a method for manufacturing a model part according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 1. In S101, primary molding is performed to form a primary molding layer that constitutes the skeleton of the model part. General purpose polystyrene (GPPS) or high impact polystyrene (HIPS) can be used as the molding material (raw material) of the primary molding layer. Next, in S102, secondary molding is performed to form a secondary molding layer on the upper side of the primary molding layer so as to cover the primary molding layer. Reinforced polystyrene (KPS) can be used as the molding material of the secondary molding layer. The secondary molding layer forms the outer surface of the model part, but its thickness differs in parts, and the thinly formed part is formed so that the color of the primary molding layer formed below it can be seen through. Also, the primary molding layer is exposed on the surface of the secondary molding layer from a part of the thinly formed part.

[0011] In the above process, the molding material of the primary molding layer and the molding material of the secondary molding layer are at least different in color. The primary molding layer can be a color with a higher concentration than the secondary molding layer. For example, when the model part constitutes a part of a doll's face or body, the secondary molding layer constituting the surface is skin colored, whereas the primary molding layer can be a dark skin color, a dark orange color, a dark pink color, or the like. In this embodiment, the primary molding layer and the secondary molding layer are formed with molding materials of different colors in this way, and the secondary molding layer is formed thinly on top of it so that the primary molding layer with a different color underneath can be seen through, thereby making it possible to express a gradation.

[0012] In addition, the molding material of each molding layer can be a common material because the primary molding layer and the secondary molding layer are bonded together and integrated. In the above example, although KPS, GPPS, and HIPS have different properties, a common material, polystyrene, is used. Other than polystyrene, for example, ABS resin or polyethylene (PE) may be used in common. Also, materials of different materials may be used for some layers.

[0013] The manufacturing method of the model part consisting of at least two molding steps can be carried out, for example, by using a multi-color molding device. In each molding step, a mold corresponding to that step is used. Specifically, molding material is poured into the runner groove of the mold or the molding space (cavity) for molding each part to form a molded product, and after cooling, the molded product is removed from the mold. The molded products produced in the first molding are attached to the mold of the next molding step, and the second molding is performed. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the number of steps is two, this number of steps is merely for the purpose of explanation, and an additional molding step may be provided before the first molding or after the second molding. The molding method using the multi-color molding device itself is well known, so a more detailed description will be omitted.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the structure of a model part manufactured according to the manufacturing method of Fig. 1. Fig. 2(A) is a diagram showing an example of a model part 20 as a part of the face of a doll toy, manufactured by a two-stage molding process corresponding to this embodiment. An exposed portion of the primary molding layer expressing redness is included in the cheek area 21 below the eyes of the model part 20. The area 21 exists at the position of the left and right cheeks. The hole 22 is an insertion hole into which an eye model part is inserted, and the structure of the eye model part will be described in embodiment 2.

[0015] 2(B) is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the A-A' cross section passing through region 21 of model part 20. As shown in the cross-sectional view, secondary molding layer 202 is formed so as to cover primary molding layer 201, and the surface of secondary molding layer 202 is uneven and has a thickness that varies depending on the position. Secondary molding layer 202 is a molding layer that forms the surface of the model, and has a surface according to the desired external shape of the model. Since model part 20 is part of the face of a doll toy, the nose, cheeks, etc. are expressed by the unevenness of the surface of the secondary molding layer.

[0016] Comparing the primary molding layer 201 and the secondary molding layer 202, the primary molding layer 201 is configured to include a portion that is similar to the secondary molding layer 202 (a reduced shape of the secondary molding layer 202) and a portion that is not similar to the secondary molding layer 202. The thickness of the secondary molding layer 202 is maintained at a predetermined value in the similar shape portion of the primary molding layer 201. On the other hand, the non-similar shape portion is raised (forms a convex shape) more than the similar shape portion, and as a result, the secondary molding layer 202 is formed thinner than the predetermined value. Here, the predetermined value corresponds to the thinnest thickness of the secondary molding layer that transmits through the secondary molding layer and makes the color of the primary molding layer invisible from the outside. The thickness of the secondary molding layer 202 is particularly thin in the portion corresponding to the region 21, and a protrusion 203 is formed in the primary molding layer 201. The tip of the protrusion 203 is exposed on the surface of the secondary molding layer 202, forming a red cheek in the region 21.

[0017] It can be seen that the thickness of the secondary molding layer 202 varies depending on the location of the model part 20. For example, comparing the thicknesses D1, D2, and D3, D1>D2≈D3. Here, D1 is the thickness (corresponding to the above-mentioned predetermined thickness) in the area where the primary molding layer 201 cannot be seen through the surface of the secondary molding layer 202. Also, D2 and D3 each have the thickness of the thinnest part in the area where the primary molding layer 201 can be seen through the surface of the secondary molding layer 202. D2 and D3 may be any thickness as long as they are thinner than the predetermined thickness of D1.

[0018] In this embodiment, the values ​​of D1, D2, and D3 can be set as D1=d1 (for example, 1 mm) and D2=D3=d2 (for example, 0.5 mm), respectively. However, this is merely an example, and the values ​​of d1 and d2 may be made smaller or larger depending on the properties (transparency) of the material used. Alternatively, if it is desired to change the transparency of the base depending on the location, the thinnest value within the region may be set to a different value. For example, D2 may be 0.5 mm, and D3 may be 0.7 mm.

[0019] By forming the secondary molding layer 202 partially thin in this manner, it becomes possible to observe the color of the primary molding layer 201 located inside the secondary molding layer 202 from the outside of the model part 20. In addition, by forming protrusions 203 on the primary molding layer 201, the color of the primary molding layer can be directly exposed on the surface of the model part 20.

[0020] At this time, by adjusting the size of the tip portions of the protrusions 203 exposed on the surface of the model component 20, the number of the protrusions 203, and the arrangement of the protrusions 203, any desired color expression can be achieved on the surface of the model component 20. For example, by making the tips small and densely arranging numerous protrusions, it is possible to express blush.

[0021] 2(C) is a diagram for explaining a case where the color of the primary molding layer 201 can be observed from the outside of the model part 20 through the secondary molding layer 202. As shown in FIG. 2(C), the region 21 is formed at a position where the secondary molding layer 202 is formed to have a thin thickness. In addition, the protrusion 203 formed on the primary molding layer 201 can also be confirmed from the outside of the model part 20.

[0022] At this time, in region 21, the thickness of secondary molding layer 202 changes from the thinnest value d2 to d1, where the base is no longer visible, so that region 21 goes from being the darkest at the thinnest value, where the color of the base primary molding layer 201 is visible through, to gradually becoming lighter in color and transitioning to the color of secondary molding layer 202 itself, allowing the observer to observe a gradation on the surface of model part 20.

[0023] The appearance of the gradation can be made different by the difference in the way of changing from d2 to d1. For example, the way of changing from a dark color to a light color differs depending on whether the degree of change in thickness is made steep or gradual, so that different gradation expressions can be realized. For example, if you want to produce a dark color partially, you can make the change from d2 to d1 steep. On the other hand, if you want to transition from a dark color to a light color and then to the material color of the secondary molding layer 202, you can make the change from d2 to d1 gentle. For example, in a circular area centered at a position where the thickness is d2, if the thickness increases in the radial direction from the center and the thickness reaches d1 at a position of radius r from the center, if the radius r is increased, the change will be gentle, and if the radius r is decreased, the change will be steep.

[0024] In addition, while the value of d1 is fixed for the same molding material, the value of d2 can be variable, so the value of d2 may be changed according to the aspect of the gradation to be expressed. In the area to which gradation is to be added, if it is acceptable for the color to be expressed to be lighter than the darkest value, for example, the value of d2 can be set to 0.7 millimeters instead of 0.5 millimeters.

[0025] In addition, although the case where the color of the material used in the secondary molding is one color has been described, materials of multiple colors may be used in layers. For example, in the above embodiment, the color of the secondary molding layer forming the surface of the doll toy is flesh color, and the color of the primary molding layer is orange or pink, but a black layer may be further formed under the primary molding layer to provide shading. In this case, the way of providing shading can be adjusted by adjusting the thickness of the layer in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0026] [Embodiment 2] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the above embodiment, the first embodiment has been described in relation to the cheek area under the eyes, which is a part of the face of a doll toy. In contrast, the following embodiment will be described in relation to the structure of the eyes, which is also a part of the face.

[0027] The model toy of this embodiment is an eye structure, and is inserted into the insertion hole 22 in the face of the doll toy shown in FIG. 2(A). FIG. 3(A) is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an eye structure 30. The structure 30 has a colored transparent lens member 32 facing the front side of the model toy 20, and the inside of the structure 30 can be seen through. Glossy members 33 and 34 for expressing the gloss of the pupil are exposed from a part of the lens member 32. A pupil member 35 is arranged inside the lens member 32. The lens member 32 is formed of a transparent material, for example, an orange color, and the color intensity recognized from the outside varies depending on the thickness. For example, a thicker portion is recognized as having a darker orange color.

[0028] For example, transparent (or translucent) general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) can be used as the molding material (base material) of the lens member 32. Also, opaque polystyrene (PS) or reinforced polystyrene (KPS) can be used as the molding material of each molding layer of the gloss members 33, 34 and the pupil member 35.

[0029] 1 shown in the first embodiment, in this embodiment, in S101, each molding layer of the glossy members 33, 34 and the pupil member 35 is molded in order as a primary molding layer using opaque polystyrene (PS) or reinforced polystyrene (KPS). Since each layer uses a molding material of a different color, it is molded in a molding process for each molding material, but for simplicity, they are collectively referred to as a primary molding layer here. After that, the lens member 32 is molded as a secondary molding layer using general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) on the upper side of the primary molding layer so as to cover at least a part of the molding layer.

[0030] Figure 4 shows the individual members constituting structure 30. Figure 4(A) shows the structure of lens member 32. Lens member 32 is provided with openings 321 and 322 for exposing glossy members 33 and 34 on the surface, and is formed to have different thicknesses.

[0031] FIG. 4(B) shows the structure of glossy member 33. Glossy member 33 is configured to include portions 331 and 332 exposed on the surface of lens member 32, and other portions such as portion 333 located inside lens member 32. Portion 333 located inside lens member 32 has a shape (including a flat portion, a step, and a recess) corresponding to the shape of the inside of lens member 32, and the thickness of lens member 32 is determined by this shape. A hole 334 is provided in the center of glossy member 33 for passing pupil member 35 through. Furthermore, glossy member 33 is provided with a hole 335 for passing glossy member 34 through. Glossy member 33 can be formed of, for example, a white opaque material.

[0032] 4(C) shows the structure of the glossy member 34. The glossy member 34 is configured to include protrusions 341, 342 that penetrate the glossy member 33 and the lens member 32 and are exposed on the surface of the lens member 32, and can be made of an opaque material of a different color (e.g., yellow) from the glossy member 33.

[0033] 4(D) shows the structure of the pupil member 35. The pupil member 35 is configured to include a protrusion 351 that penetrates the hole 334 of the gloss member 33. The end of the protrusion 351 is covered by the lens member 32. The pupil member 34 may also include a member 352 that forms the outline of the eye. The pupil member 34 may be formed of an opaque material of a different color (e.g., black) from the gloss members 33 and 34.

[0034] Fig. 5(A) shows the structure 30 in a state where the members shown in Fig. 4(A) to (D) are joined together, and Fig. 5(B) is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the B-B' cross section of the structure 30 in Fig. 5(A). As shown in the cross-sectional view, the thickness of the lens member 32 varies depending on the location, which allows the expression of the shade of the color of the pupil. For example, the lens member 32 gradually becomes thinner near the end of the protrusion 351 of the pupil member 35, and accordingly the material color (orange) gradually becomes lighter and the color of the pupil member 35 gradually becomes stronger.

[0035] Also, the lens member 32 is formed thicker near the protrusion 332 exposed on the surface of the lens member 32 of the glossy member 33, while it is formed thinner near the protrusion 341 exposed on the surface of the lens member 32 of the glossy member 34. In this way, by changing the thickness of the lens member 32 also around the protrusions, it is possible to express gradation within the pupil.

[0036] 5(C) is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the CC' cross section of the structure 30 in FIG. 5(A). As shown in the cross-sectional view, it can be seen that the thickness of the lens member 32 changes continuously around the protrusion 331 of the glossy member 33 exposed on the surface of the lens member 32. Specifically, the thickness is thin around the protrusion 331 and increases toward the outside. This provides a gradation around the outline of the part of the protrusion 331 exposed on the surface of the lens member 32, so that a visual effect of blurring the outline of the part can be expected.

[0037] In this way, by varying the thickness of the lens member 32 and making it thicker (thinner) in stages or gradually, it is possible to express the shading of the eye color.

[0038] Next, the structure of the back side of lens member 32 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6(A) shows an example of the structure of the back side of lens member 32. Fig. 6(B) is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the CC' cross section of lens member 32 in Fig. 6(A). Fig. 6(C) is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the D-D' cross section of lens member 32 in Fig. 6(A). As shown in these cross-sectional views, the thickness of lens member 32 varies depending on the location, and the change in thickness may be gradual, step-like, or may be continuous and gradual.

[0039] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a model component having a stable quality gradation and a manufacturing method thereof.

Claims

1. a first layer formed of a first material of a first color; a second layer covering at least a portion of the first layer, the second layer being made of a second material of a second color different from the first color; A model part having the first color is an opaque color and the second color is a transparent color; the first layer includes a portion exposed on a surface of the second layer, and a periphery of the portion in which the thickness of the second layer increases and changes; a third layer formed of a third material of a third color; A model part, wherein the third layer has a first protrusion exposed on a surface of the first layer and covered by the second layer, and the thickness of the second layer varies at and around an end of the first protrusion.

2. The model part of claim 1 , wherein a plurality of said portions are adjacently disposed.

3. 3. The model part according to claim 1, wherein a surface of the first layer in contact with the second layer has a structure including a step or a recess, and a thickness of the second layer varies in accordance with the structure.

4. a fourth layer formed of a fourth material of a fourth color; The model part according to claim 1 , wherein the fourth layer has a second protrusion penetrating the first layer and the second layer and exposed on a surface of the second layer.

5. 5. The model part of claim 4, wherein the third color and the fourth color are opaque colors different from the first color.

6. 6. The model part according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the thickness of the second layer around the first protrusion is different from the thickness of the second layer around the second protrusion.

7. 7. The model part according to claim 1, wherein the model part is an eye part of a doll.

8. A method for manufacturing a model part, comprising the steps of: A first step of forming a first layer using a first material of a first color; a second step of molding a second layer using a second material of a second color different from the first color so as to cover at least a portion of the first layer; Including, the first color is an opaque color and the second color is a transparent color; In the second step, the second layer is shaped so that the first layer includes a portion exposed on a surface of the second layer, and the second layer includes a peripheral portion around the portion where the thickness of the second layer is increased and changed; The method further includes a third step of forming a third layer of a third material of a third color; A manufacturing method in which the third layer has a first protrusion exposed on a surface of the first layer and covered by the second layer, and the thickness of the second layer varies at and around the end of the first protrusion.

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