Thermal fusion lamination method three-dimensional object modeling device

Abstract

To provide a three-dimensional object molding apparatus using a hot-melt lamination method, which can improve molding stability and accuracy.SOLUTION: In a three-dimensional printer 100, an X-axis movement mechanism 41 includes an X-axis rack 413, an X-axis pinion gear 414, and an X-axis drive motor 415, and a Y-axis movement mechanism 42 includes a Y-axis rack 422, a Y-axis pinion gear 423, and a Y-axis drive motor 426. A resin ejector 30 is connected to the X-axis pinion gear 414. The Y-axis movement mechanism 42 is connected to the X-axis movement mechanism 41 in a Y-axis direction. The X-axis movement mechanism 41 is suspended and supported on a Z-axis by a support member 433. A controller 50 moves the resin ejector 30 in a Z-axis direction by extending and retracting the support member 433 to change a suspension height in the Z-axis direction in the X-axis movement mechanism 41 and the Y-axis movement mechanism 42.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a three-dimensional object forming apparatus using a hot melt deposition modeling method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, with regard to 3D (three-dimensional) printers, three-dimensional object forming devices using a fused deposition modeling (FDM) method have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 describes how, in order to maintain the distance (clearance) between the nozzle, which heats and melts resin and ejects it toward a table device, and the surface of the 3D model, the current value when moving the nozzle, i.e., the current value changes due to friction when the nozzle is in contact with the 3D model, and by utilizing this, the nozzle is moved in the Z-axis direction (height direction) to suppress defective modeling of the 3D model. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-54057 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described in Patent Document 1 above, the distance (clearance) between the surface of the 3D model and the nozzle is important for producing a good 3D model, and there is technology for using a sensor to maintain this distance at a specified level.

[0006] Incidentally, a belt-type structure is generally adopted as the drive unit mounted on a 3D printer, and when the size of the 3D model to be produced is large, the belt length (distance between the operating axes) also becomes large. This causes the belt to be easily affected by stretching and sagging, and there is an inconvenience that the nozzle position accuracy for the modeling command is easily deviated. In addition, in a belt-type structure, the mechanical rigidity and mechanical accuracy tend to gradually deteriorate due to the stretching and sagging of the belt caused by aging and the large backlash. This causes an inconvenience that the compatibility between the program and the operating axes becomes misaligned. As a result, there is a problem that the modeling stability and modeling accuracy are reduced.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has an object to provide a hot melt lamination type three-dimensional object forming device that can improve modeling stability and modeling accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

[0009] (1) A three-dimensional object forming apparatus of a thermal fusion lamination type according to the present invention includes a resin dispensing device which heats and melts resin and discharges it, a driving device capable of independently driving the resin dispensing device along an X-axis direction, a Y-axis direction intersecting the X-axis direction, and a Z-axis direction intersecting both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and a control device, the driving device having an X-axis moving mechanism which is movable along the X-axis direction, and a Y-axis moving mechanism which is movable along the Y-axis direction, the X-axis moving mechanism including an X-direction guide member having teeth or grooves arranged at a predetermined pitch in the X-axis direction, an X-direction moving member which is movable in the X-axis direction while meshing with the teeth or grooves of the X-direction guide member, and an X-axis driving unit which moves the X-direction moving member in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis moving mechanism including a control unit for controlling the X-direction moving member in the X-axis direction, and a control unit for controlling the X-direction moving member in the X-axis direction. the resin discharge device is connected to the X-direction moving member, the Y-axis moving mechanism connects the X-axis moving mechanism to the X-axis moving mechanism so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction, the X-axis moving mechanism is supported by a support member that is extendable and contractable in the Z-axis direction, and the control device controls the movement of the resin discharge device in the Z-axis direction by expanding and contracting the support member to change the suspension height in the Z-axis direction of the X-axis moving mechanism and the Y-axis moving mechanism.

[0010] In the three-dimensional object forming apparatus of the present invention, the X-axis moving mechanism includes an X-direction guide member having teeth or grooves arranged at a predetermined pitch in the X-axis direction, and an X-direction moving member that is movable in the X-axis direction while meshing with the teeth or grooves of the X-direction guide member. Furthermore, in the three-dimensional object forming apparatus of the present invention, the Y-axis moving mechanism includes a Y-direction guide member having teeth or grooves arranged at a predetermined pitch in the Y-axis direction, and a Y-direction moving member that is movable in the Y-axis direction while meshing with the teeth or grooves of the Y-direction guide member. Here, for example, if a moving mechanism using a belt is used as a general X-axis and Y-axis moving mechanism, it is easily affected by stretching and sagging in the X-axis and Y-axis directions of the belt, and the nozzle position accuracy of the resin discharge device is easily deviated from the modeling instruction. However, since the three-dimensional object forming apparatus of the present invention includes the above-mentioned X-axis moving mechanism and Y-axis moving mechanism, it is less likely to be affected by stretching and sagging in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and the nozzle position accuracy is less likely to be deviated from the modeling instruction. Furthermore, since the three-dimensional object formation apparatus of the present invention is equipped with the above-mentioned X-axis movement mechanism and Y-axis movement mechanism, it is possible to improve the formation stability and the formation accuracy.

[0011] Furthermore, in the three-dimensional object formation apparatus of the present invention, as described above, the X-axis movement mechanism is suspended and supported on the Z-axis by a support member that is extendable in the Z-axis direction. This allows the three-dimensional object formation apparatus of the present invention to avoid the risk of bending in the X-axis direction that may occur when the X-axis movement mechanism is made larger (longer). This allows the three-dimensional object formation apparatus of the present invention to eliminate restrictions on expanding the stroke in the X-axis direction. As a result, the three-dimensional object formation apparatus of the present invention can improve formation stability and formation accuracy.

[0012] (2) In the hot melt deposition modeling three-dimensional object formation apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the X-direction guide member has a rack or a screw shaft extending in the X-axis direction, the X-direction moving member has a pinion gear or a nut that is movable in the X-axis direction while meshing with the rack or the screw shaft of the X-direction guide member, the Y-direction guide member has a rack or a screw shaft extending in the Y-axis direction, and the Y-direction moving member has a pinion gear or a nut that is movable in the Y-axis direction while meshing with the rack or the screw shaft of the Y-direction guide member.

[0013] When a rack and a pinion gear are combined as the X-direction guide member and the Y-direction guide member, respectively, in the three-dimensional object forming apparatus of the present invention, the pinion gear can be moved with high precision relative to the rack along the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. As a result, the three-dimensional object forming apparatus of the present invention can be made to be less susceptible to deviations in the nozzle position accuracy of the resin discharging device in response to a modeling command, and as a result, it is possible to improve modeling stability and modeling accuracy.

[0014] Furthermore, when a screw shaft and a nut are combined as the X-direction guide member and the Y-direction guide member, respectively, the three-dimensional object forming apparatus of the present invention can move the nut with high precision relative to the screw shaft along the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. This makes it possible for the three-dimensional object forming apparatus of the present invention to be less susceptible to deviations in the nozzle position accuracy of the resin discharging device in response to a modeling command, and as a result, it is possible to improve modeling stability and modeling accuracy.

[0015] (3) The three-dimensional object formation apparatus of the present invention may be characterized in that the X-direction guide member is the rack, the X-direction moving member is the pinion gear, and the resin discharging device is connected to the pinion gear.

[0016] By configuring the three-dimensional object printing apparatus of the present invention in this way, the X-axis movement mechanism is geared using a rack-and-pinion system, and the X-axis movement mechanism is suspended and supported by a support member, thereby improving the mechanical rigidity and modeling accuracy, and providing a mechanism that can accommodate larger devices. As a result, even if the overall configuration of the three-dimensional object printing apparatus of the present invention is increased in size, the resin discharge device connected to the pinion gear can accurately print a 3D model.

[0017] (4) In the hot melt deposition modeling three-dimensional object fabrication apparatus according to the present invention, the support member may be an air cylinder.

[0018] With the above-described configuration, the three-dimensional object formation apparatus of the present invention can easily change the suspension height in the Z-axis direction of the X-axis movement mechanism and the Y-axis movement mechanism by extending or retracting the air cylinder while the X-axis movement mechanism is suspended and supported by the air cylinder. This allows the three-dimensional object formation apparatus of the present invention to easily move the resin dispensing device in the Z-axis direction.

[0019] (5) In the hot melt deposition modeling three-dimensional object fabrication apparatus according to the present invention, the support member may have a fixing mechanism that fixes the suspension height in the Z-axis direction at a predetermined position.

[0020] By configuring the three-dimensional object forming apparatus of the present invention in this way, the resin discharging device can be fixed at a predetermined position along the Z-axis direction, which allows the three-dimensional object forming apparatus of the present invention to accurately control the height of the resin discharging device in the Z-axis direction, thereby improving the modeling stability and modeling accuracy. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a three-dimensional object forming device using a hot melt deposition modeling method, which is capable of improving modeling stability and modeling accuracy. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side opposite to an operator. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from an operator's side. FIG. [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart showing a modeling control of a 3D modeled object in a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, a 3D object forming apparatus using a thermal fusion deposition modeling method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily drawn to exact scale. In addition, in the drawings, similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0024] The configuration of a three-dimensional object forming apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as a 3D printer 100) of a thermal fusion deposition model in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0025] (Overall composition) The basic mechanism of the 3D printer 100 is to create a 3D (three-dimensional) object as a 3D model (solid object) by layering cross-sectional shapes using 3D data created by a computer as a design drawing. In addition, the 3D printer 100 performs modeling processing using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), which melts pellet-shaped resin with heat and gradually layers the molten resin.

[0026] The 3D printer 100 includes a housing 10, a table device 20, a resin discharging device 30, a driving device 40, and a control device 50. The table device 20, the resin discharging device 30, and the driving device 40 are housed in the housing 10. The control device 50 is provided on a side portion 10a of the housing 10. The control device 50 is electrically connected to the table device 20, the resin discharging device 30, and the driving device 40.

[0027] (Table device) 1 and 2, the table device 20 is for laminating the molten resin discharged from the resin discharge device 30, and is formed in a quadrangular shape in a plan view. The surface temperature of the table device 20 is appropriately set by the control device 50 according to the type of pellet resin.

[0028] (Resin discharge device) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the resin discharge device 30 heats, melts, and discharges pellet resin. The resin discharge device 30 includes a storage section 31 and a discharge section 32. The storage section 31 stores pellet resin, which is a raw material. The storage section 31 is disposed upstream in the discharge direction of the molten resin. A supply port (not shown) through which the pellet resin is supplied is formed on the upper surface of the storage section 31.

[0029] The pellet resin stored in the storage section 31 is a pellet-shaped resin material used in normal injection molding, and any material can be selected according to the object to be molded. For example, amorphous resins such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin (ABS resin), polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, and modified polyphenylene ether, polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, crystalline resins such as polyester, polyamide, and polyvinyl alcohol, olefin-based, styrene-based, and polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers, and mixtures thereof. In addition, inorganic additives such as carbon black, carbon fiber, glass fiber, talc, mica, nanoclay, and magnesium, antioxidants, lubricants, and colorants can also be appropriately mixed.

[0030] The discharge unit 32 functions as a head (nozzle) of the 3D printer 100. The discharge unit 32 is disposed downstream in the discharge direction of the molten resin. The discharge unit 32 is capable of moving in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction (three axial directions) during the modeling process in the 3D printer 100.

[0031] (Drive unit) 1 and 2, the driving device 40 can independently drive the resin discharge device 30 along the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. Note that the Y-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0032] The driving device 40 has an X-axis moving mechanism 41, a Y-axis moving mechanism 42, and a Z-axis moving mechanism 43. The X-axis moving mechanism 41 is capable of moving the resin discharge device 30 along the X-axis direction. The Y-axis moving mechanism 42 is capable of moving the resin discharge device 30, the X-axis moving mechanism 41, and the Z-axis moving mechanism 43 along the Y-axis direction. The Z-axis moving mechanism 43 is capable of moving the resin discharge device 30, the X-axis moving mechanism 41, and the Y-axis moving mechanism 42 along the Z-axis direction.

[0033] (Y-axis movement mechanism) The Y-axis moving mechanisms 42 are disposed at both ends of the table device 20 in the X-axis direction. Each Y-axis moving mechanism 42 includes a Y-axis rack support member 421, a Y-axis rack 422, a Y-axis pinion gear 423, a Y-axis guide member 424, a support member 425 (see FIG. 2), a Y-axis drive motor 426, and a Y-axis motor shaft 427. The Y-axis moving mechanism 42 is suspended and supported on the Z-axis by a support member 433 that is expandable and contractible in the Z-axis direction, which will be described later. The Y-axis rack 422 is an example of the "Y-direction guide member" of the present invention. The Y-axis pinion gear 423 is an example of the "Y-direction moving member" of the present invention. The Y-axis drive motor 426 is an example of the "Y-axis drive unit" of the present invention.

[0034] The Y-axis rack support member 421 extends along the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis rack 422 is provided on the upper surface (the surface on the Z1 direction side) of the Y-axis rack support member 421 and extends along the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis rack 422 has teeth arranged at a predetermined pitch in the Y-axis direction.

[0035] 2, the support member 425 extends along the X-axis direction. Both ends of the support member 425 in the X-axis direction are connected to Y-axis guide members 424. The Y-axis drive motor 426 is provided with a Y-axis motor shaft 427 extending in the X-axis direction. The Y-axis drive motor 426 and the Y-axis motor shaft 427 are disposed at the lower part of the support member 425. The Y-axis drive motor 426 is attached to a motor attachment part 428 provided at the lower part of the support member 425.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, a Y-axis pinion gear 423 is connected to each end of the Y-axis motor shaft 427. The Y-axis pinion gear 423 is movable in the Y-axis direction while meshing with the teeth of the Y-axis rack 422. A Y-axis guide member 424 is provided on each end of the support member 425 in the X-axis direction. The Y-axis guide member 424 is disposed on a side surface (outer surface) of the Y-axis rack support member 421 in the X-axis direction, and is movable along the extension direction of the Y-axis rack support member 421 (Y-axis direction). That is, when the Y-axis drive motor 426 is driven, the Y-axis motor shaft 427 rotates, the Y-axis pinion gear 423 moves in the Y-axis direction relative to the Y-axis rack 422, and the support member 425 and the Y-axis guide member 424 move in the Y-axis direction.

[0037] (X-axis movement mechanism) As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the X-axis moving mechanism 41 is bridged so as to connect two Y-axis racks 422 of the Y-axis moving mechanism 42 in the X-axis direction. The X-axis moving mechanism 41 includes an X-axis rack support member 411, a motor attachment portion 412, an X-axis rack 413, an X-axis pinion gear 414, and an X-axis drive motor 415. The X-axis moving mechanism 41 is suspended and supported on the Z-axis by a support member 433 (described later) that is expandable in the Z-axis direction. The X-axis rack 413 is an example of the "X-direction guide member" of the present invention. The X-axis pinion gear 414 is an example of the "X-direction moving member" of the present invention. The X-axis drive motor 415 is an example of the "X-axis drive section" of the present invention.

[0038] The X-axis rack support member 411 extends along the X-axis direction. The X-axis rack support member 411 is disposed on the upper surface (the surface on the Z1 direction side) of the support member 425 (see FIG. 2). The X-axis rack 413 is disposed on the side of the X-axis rack support member 411 opposite the operator (the Y1 direction side). The X-axis rack 413 extends along the X-axis direction and has teeth arranged at a predetermined pitch in the X-axis direction.

[0039] A motor attachment part 412 is disposed on the upper surface (surface on the Z1 direction side) of the X-axis rack support member 411. An X-axis drive motor 415 is disposed on the upper surface (surface on the Z1 direction side) of the motor attachment part 412. The X-axis drive motor 415 rotates and drives the X-axis pinion gear 414 via a motor shaft (not shown) to move it in the X-axis direction. An X-axis pinion gear 414 is provided on the lower surface (surface on the Z2 direction side) on the side opposite to the operator (Y1 direction side) of the motor attachment part 412. The X-axis pinion gear 414 is movable in the X-axis direction while meshing with the teeth of the X-axis rack 413. As the X-axis pinion gear 414 moves in the X-axis direction, the motor attachment part 412 is movable along the X-axis direction on the X-axis rack support member 411.

[0040] 2, the resin discharge device 30 is connected to the side surface on the operator side (Y2 direction side) of the motor attachment part 412. When the X-axis drive motor 415 is driven, the rotational force of the X-axis drive motor 415 is transmitted to the X-axis pinion gear 414, and the X-axis pinion gear 414 moves on the X-axis rack 413 in the X-axis direction, so that the resin discharge device 30 can move in the X-axis direction.

[0041] (Z-axis movement mechanism) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the Z-axis movement mechanism 43 includes four support members 431, a stay 432, two support members 433, and two support members 434.

[0042] The support members 431 are provided on both ends in the Y-axis direction of the Y-axis rack support member 421. The support member 431 extends along the Z-axis direction (height direction, up-down direction). The Y-axis rack support member 421 is movable along the Z-axis direction (height direction) relative to the support member 431.

[0043] The stay 432 is provided on a side surface opposite the operator (Y1 direction side) of the support member 425. The stay 432 extends along the X-axis direction.

[0044] The support member 433 is, for example, an air cylinder, and is expandable and contractable along the Z-axis direction (height direction, up and down direction). The amount of expansion and contraction of the support member 433 can be arbitrarily adjusted by air pressure control. The support member (air cylinder) 433 is capable of changing the height in the Z-axis direction (height direction) of the X-axis moving mechanism 41 and the Y-axis moving mechanism 42 relative to the table device 20. In addition, the support member 433 has a lock-up mechanism (fixing mechanism) that fixes the hanging height in the Z-axis direction of the X-axis moving mechanism 41 and the Y-axis moving mechanism 42 at a predetermined position.

[0045] The lower ends (ends on the Z2 direction side) of the support members 433 are attached to the stays 432. The support members 433 are arranged at predetermined intervals (equidistant intervals in this embodiment) in the X-axis direction. By appropriately setting the intervals in the X-axis direction of the support members 433, it is possible to suppress deflection in the X-axis movement mechanism 41 in the X-axis direction. The amount of deflection in the X-axis movement mechanism 41 is physically measured using a pick tester or the like, and the amount of deflection is adjusted and suppressed by balancing with air pressure.

[0046] The support member 434 extends along the Y-axis direction and is disposed, for example, on the upper surface of the housing 10. An upper end (an end on the Z1 direction side) of the support member 433 is attached to the support member 434. The support member 433 is slidable in the direction in which the support member 434 extends (the Y-axis direction).

[0047] (Control device) The control device 50 controls the movement in each direction of the X-axis moving mechanism 41, the Y-axis moving mechanism 42, and the Z-axis moving mechanism 43 (particularly controls the driving of the motors) based on the 3D data created by the computer, and also controls the amount of molten resin discharged by the resin discharging device 30, thereby forming a 3D model. In addition, the control device 50 controls the support member 433 to expand and contract along the Z-axis direction as the movement control in the Z-axis direction, thereby changing the suspension height in the Z-axis direction of the X-axis moving mechanism 41 and the Y-axis moving mechanism 42, and moving the resin discharging device 30 in the Z-axis direction.

[0048] Control of the 3D printer (a thermal fusion deposition modeling three-dimensional object fabrication apparatus) 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0049] First, in step S10, 3D data created by a computer is read (program lines are read).

[0050] In step S12, it is determined whether or not there is a command for movement in the X-axis direction (X command). If it is determined in step S12 that there is a command for movement in the X-axis direction (X command) (Yes), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0051] Next, in step S14, the resin discharge device 30 is moved in the X-axis direction. That is, the X-axis drive motor 415 is driven to rotate the X-axis pinion gear 414, and the resin discharge device 30 is moved in the X-axis direction along the X-axis rack 413. Then, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0052] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the command is not for movement in the X-axis direction (X command) (No), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0053] In step S16, it is determined whether or not there is a command for movement in the Y-axis direction (Y command). If, in step S16, there is a command for movement in the Y-axis direction (Y command) (Yes), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0054] Next, in step S18, the resin discharge device 30 is moved in the Y-axis direction. That is, the Y-axis drive motor 426 is driven to rotate the Y-axis pinion gear 423, and the resin discharge device 30 is moved in the Y-axis direction along the Y-axis rack 422. At this time, the support member 433 also follows and moves in the Y-axis direction along the support member 434. Then, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the command is not for movement in the Y-axis direction (Y command) (No), the process proceeds to step S20.

[0056] In step S20, it is determined whether or not there is a command for movement in the Z-axis direction (Z command). If it is determined in step S20 that there is a command for movement in the Z-axis direction (Z command) (Yes), the process proceeds to step S22.

[0057] Next, in step S22, the resin discharge device 30 is moved in the Z-axis direction (up and down direction). That is, the lock of the lock-up mechanism of the support member 433 is released, the lifting amount is adjusted by the air balance, and it is locked at the operating end. After that, the process returns to step S10 and the process is repeated.

[0058] On the other hand, if the command is not for movement in the Z-axis direction (Z command) (No) in step S20, the process returns to step S10 and repeats the process. Note that the order of the processes in steps S12, S16, and S20 described above is merely an example, and the steps may be interchanged as appropriate, or these steps may be performed substantially simultaneously.

[0059] According to the embodiment described above, the following advantages (1) to (4) can be obtained.

[0060] (1) In the 3D printer 100 according to the above embodiment, the support member 433 is expanded and contracted to change the hanging height in the Z-axis direction in the X-axis moving mechanism 41 and the Y-axis moving mechanism 42, thereby moving the resin discharge device 30 in the Z-axis direction. According to the above embodiment, the X-axis moving mechanism 41 includes an X-axis rack 413 arranged at a predetermined pitch in the X-axis direction, and an X-axis pinion gear 414 that is movable in the X-axis direction while meshing with the teeth of the X-axis rack 413. Furthermore, the Y-axis moving mechanism 42 includes a Y-axis rack 422 with teeth arranged at a predetermined pitch in the Y-axis direction, and a Y-axis pinion gear 423 that is movable in the Y-axis direction while meshing with the teeth of the Y-axis rack 422. This makes it less susceptible to the effects of stretching and sagging in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and makes it less likely that deviations will occur in the nozzle position accuracy of the discharge unit (nozzle) 32 of the resin discharge device 30 in response to modeling instructions. Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the backlash is improved to an appropriate level, thereby making it possible to improve the modeling stability and modeling accuracy.

[0061] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, since the X-axis moving mechanism 41 is suspended and supported on the Z-axis by the support member 433 that is expandable in the Z-axis direction, it is possible to avoid the bending in the X-axis direction that may occur when the device is made larger (longer). This eliminates the restriction on the expansion of the stroke in the X-axis direction. As a result, it is possible to improve the modeling stability and modeling accuracy.

[0062] (2) In the 3D printer 100 according to the above embodiment, the resin discharging device 30 is connected to the X-axis pinion gear 414. As a result, the X-axis moving mechanism 41 is geared by a rack-and-pinion system, and the X-axis moving mechanism 41 is suspended and supported by the support member 433, thereby improving the mechanical rigidity and modeling accuracy, and providing a mechanism that can accommodate larger devices. For this reason, even if the device becomes larger, a 3D model can be accurately modeled by the resin discharging device 30 connected to the X-axis pinion gear 414.

[0063] (3) In the 3D printer 100 according to the above embodiment, an air cylinder is used as the support member 433. With this, in a state in which the X-axis moving mechanism 41 is suspended and supported by the air cylinder, the suspension height in the Z-axis direction of the X-axis moving mechanism 41 and the Y-axis moving mechanism 42 can be easily changed by extending or contracting the air cylinder. Therefore, the resin discharge device 30 can be easily moved in the Z-axis direction (height direction).

[0064] (4) In the 3D printer 100 according to the above embodiment, the support member 433 has a lock-up mechanism (fixing mechanism) that fixes the suspension height in the Z-axis direction at a predetermined position. This allows the resin discharge device 30 to be fixed at a predetermined position along the Z-axis direction. This allows the height of the resin discharge device 30 in the Z-axis direction to be controlled with high precision. As a result, modeling stability and modeling accuracy can be improved.

[0065] (Modification) The above embodiment can be modified as follows.

[0066] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a Y-axis rack was used as the Y-direction guide member and a Y-axis pinion gear was used as the Y-direction moving member, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the present invention, it is also possible to use a Y-axis screw shaft having grooves arranged at a predetermined pitch in the Y-direction as the Y-direction guide member, and a Y-axis nut that is movable in the Y-direction direction while meshing with the groove (screw shaft) of the Y-direction guide member as the Y-direction moving member.

[0067] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a rack was used as the X-direction guide member and a pinion gear was used as the X-direction moving member, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the present invention, it is also possible to use a screw shaft having grooves arranged at a predetermined pitch in the X-axis direction as the X-direction guide member, and a nut that is movable in the X-axis direction while meshing with the groove (screw shaft) of the X-direction guide member as the X-direction moving member.

[0068] In the above embodiment, an example in which an air cylinder is used as a support member is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a support member other than an air cylinder can be used as long as the X-axis moving mechanism and the Y-axis moving mechanism can be raised and lowered in the Z-axis direction (height direction).

[0069] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the support member has a lock-up mechanism (fixing mechanism) that fixes the suspension height in the Z-axis direction at a predetermined position, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, if it is possible to move the X-axis movement mechanism and the Y-axis movement mechanism to a predetermined position at the suspension height in the Z-axis direction (height direction), it is also possible to omit the fixing mechanism.

[0070] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of the application of the present invention, and it goes without saying that any other embodiments within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 30:Resin discharge device 40: Drive unit 41:X-axis movement mechanism 413: X-axis rack (X-direction guide member) 414: X-axis pinion gear (X-direction moving part) 415: X-axis drive motor (X-axis drive unit) 42:Y-axis movement mechanism 422: Y-axis rack (Y-direction guide member) 423: Y-axis pinion gear (Y-direction moving part) 426: Y-axis drive motor (Y-axis drive unit) 43:Z-axis movement mechanism 432: Support material 50: Control device 100: 3D printer (a thermal fusion lamination method three-dimensional object modeling device)

Claims

1. A resin discharge device that heats and melts resin and discharges it; a drive device capable of independently driving the resin discharge device along an X-axis direction, a Y-axis direction intersecting the X-axis direction, and a Z-axis direction intersecting both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction; a control device; the driving device has an X-axis moving mechanism that is movable along the X-axis direction and a Y-axis moving mechanism that is movable along the Y-axis direction, the X-axis movement mechanism includes an X-direction guide member having teeth or grooves arranged at a predetermined pitch in the X-axis direction, an X-direction movement member that is movable in the X-axis direction while meshing with the teeth or grooves of the X-direction guide member, and an X-axis drive unit that moves the X-direction movement member in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis movement mechanism includes a Y-direction guide member having teeth or grooves arranged at a predetermined pitch in the Y-axis direction, a Y-direction movement member that is movable in the Y-axis direction while meshing with the teeth or grooves of the Y-direction guide member, and a Y-axis drive unit that moves the Y-direction movement member in the Y-axis direction, The resin discharge device is connected to the X-direction moving member, the Y-axis moving mechanism is connected to the X-axis moving mechanism so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction; The X-axis moving mechanism is suspended and supported on the Z-axis by a support member that is expandable and contractible in the Z-axis direction, The control device controls the movement of the resin discharging device in the Z-axis direction by expanding and contracting the support member to change the hanging height in the Z-axis direction in the X-axis movement mechanism and the Y-axis movement mechanism.

2. The X-direction guide member includes a rack or a screw shaft extending in the X-axis direction, the X-direction moving member includes a pinion gear or a nut that is movable in the X-axis direction while meshing with the rack or the screw shaft of the X-direction guide member, The Y-direction guide member includes a rack or a screw shaft extending in the Y-axis direction, The thermal fusion deposition modeling three-dimensional object creation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the Y-direction moving member is provided with a pinion gear or nut that is movable in the Y-axis direction while meshing with the rack or screw shaft of the Y-direction guide member.

3. the X-direction guide member is the rack, the X-direction moving member is the pinion gear, The hot melt deposition modeling three-dimensional object manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the resin discharge device is connected to the pinion gear.

Images