Three-dimensional modeling device and three-dimensional modeling method

Abstract

To provide a three-dimensional molding device and a three-dimensional molding method that can suppress increase in size of the device while increasing the manufacturing efficiency of an object.SOLUTION: A three-dimensional molding device 1 includes: a first shaft 31 which is rotatably supported and joined to a molding tank 14 and rotates with the molding tank 14; a second shaft 32 which is inserted inside the first shaft 31 and arranged coaxially with the first shaft 31 so as to be axially movable with respect to the first shaft 31 and which is joined to the table 13 and rotates with the table 13; a first drive part 33 which imparts rotational force to one of the first shaft 31 and the second shaft 32; a second drive part 34 for axially moving the second shaft 32; and a drive force transmission part 35 which transmits the rotational force from one of the first shaft 31 and the second shaft 32 to the other to allow the relative axial movement of the second shaft 32 with respect to the first shaft 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus and a three-dimensional modeling method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as a three-dimensional modeling device and a three-dimensional modeling method, for example, as described in Japanese Patent No. 4639087, a device and a method are known in which a powder material is spread evenly on a table installed in a modeling tank, the powder material is preheated, an energy beam is irradiated onto the powder material to heat and solidify the powder material, and these steps are repeated to form a layered structure to model a three-dimensional object. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4639087 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when manufacturing a large object in such three-dimensional object modeling, the manufacturing process takes a long time. Therefore, it is conceivable to set up areas for each process around the periphery of the table, rotate the table, and simultaneously perform the processes of spreading the powder material, preheating, and beam irradiation. This would allow for efficient manufacturing of the object and shorten the manufacturing time. However, in this case, the table and the modeling tank must be rotated, and the table must be gradually moved downward as the object is modeled. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a table rotation mechanism for rotating the table, a tank rotation mechanism for rotating the modeling tank, and a table movement mechanism for moving the table up and down. Therefore, there is a concern that the device will become larger.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to develop a three-dimensional modeling apparatus and a three-dimensional modeling method that can improve the manufacturing efficiency of objects while suppressing an increase in the size of the apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A three-dimensional printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure supplies powder material onto a table installed in a modeling tank and irradiates the powder material with an energy beam to print a three-dimensional object, the three-dimensional printing apparatus comprising: a first shaft, a cylindrical shaft extending axially, rotatably supported, joined to the modeling tank, and rotating together with the modeling tank; a second shaft, inserted inside the first shaft, arranged coaxially with the first shaft, and axially movable relative to the first shaft, joined to the table, and rotating together with the table; a first drive unit that applies a rotational force to one of the first shaft and the second shaft; a second drive unit that moves the second shaft in the axial direction; and a drive force transmission unit that transmits the rotational force from one of the first shaft and the second shaft to the other and allows relative axial movement of the second shaft relative to the first shaft. With this three-dimensional printing apparatus, the first drive unit can rotate the first shaft and the second shaft, while only the second shaft can be moved in the axial direction. Therefore, the table can be rotated with a small number of drive sources to efficiently form an object, and the size of the device can be prevented from increasing.

[0007] In a three-dimensional printing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the drive force transmission unit may include a convex portion formed on one of the first shaft and the second shaft and a concave portion formed on the other of the first shaft and the second shaft, the convex portion protruding toward the concave portion and being accommodated in the concave portion, and the concave portion being a groove extending in the axial direction. In this case, by configuring the convex portion of the drive force transmission unit to be accommodated in the concave portion, it is possible to transmit a rotational force from one of the first shaft and the second shaft to the other and to allow relative axial movement of the second shaft with respect to the first shaft.

[0008] A three-dimensional printing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a three-dimensional printing method performed using a three-dimensional printing device that supplies powder material onto a table installed in a modeling tank and irradiates the powder material with an energy beam to print a three-dimensional object, the three-dimensional printing device including: a first shaft that is a cylindrical shaft extending in an axial direction and rotatably supported, joined to the modeling tank, and rotates together with the modeling tank; a second shaft that is inserted inside the first shaft, arranged coaxially with the first shaft, and is axially movable relative to the first shaft, joined to the table, and rotates together with the table; a first drive unit that applies a rotational force to one of the first shaft and the second shaft; a second drive unit that moves the second shaft in the axial direction; and a drive force transmission unit that transmits the rotational force from one of the first shaft and the second shaft to the other, allowing relative axial movement of the second shaft with respect to the first shaft. This three-dimensional printing method allows the table to be rotated to print the object, thereby efficiently printing the object. Furthermore, the first drive unit can rotate the table and the modeling tank via the first shaft and the second shaft, and the second drive unit can move the table in the axial direction by moving the first shaft in the axial direction, thereby performing modeling. This eliminates the need to provide two drive units for rotating the first shaft and the second shaft, thereby preventing the three-dimensional modeling device from becoming larger. Therefore, an object can be modeled even in a small space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, an object can be efficiently formed and an increase in the size of the device can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a three-dimensional printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the outline of the configuration of a second driving unit of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of FIG. 1. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the second driving unit taken along the line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a driving force transmission mechanism in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the driving force transmission portion taken along line VV in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a processing unit of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a three-dimensional printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1 is an apparatus that irradiates a powder material A with an energy beam to melt or sinter the powder material A and thereby print a three-dimensional object O. For example, the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1 is applicable to a powder bed type apparatus that prints a shape by irradiating an electron beam onto a spread powder material A. The powder material A is a metal powder, such as a titanium-based metal powder, an Inconel powder, or an aluminum powder. Furthermore, the powder material A is not limited to a metal powder and may be, for example, a resin powder or a powder containing carbon fiber and resin, such as CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics). Furthermore, the powder material A may be any other electrically conductive powder. The powder material in the present disclosure is not limited to electrically conductive materials. For example, when a laser is used as the energy beam, the powder material does not need to be electrically conductive.

[0013] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 includes a drive unit 3, a control unit 4, a processing unit 6, a frame 7, and a chamber 8. The frame 7 is a framework for supporting and installing the drive unit 3, the processing unit 6, and the chamber 8. For example, the frame 7 is configured by multiple flat plate members arranged vertically. Specifically, the frame 7 includes a first member 71, a second member 72, a third member 73, and a fourth member 74, each of which is flat and oriented horizontally. The first member 71 is located at the lowest position of the frame 7. The second member 72 is located above the first member 71 at a predetermined distance, the third member 73 is located above the second member 72 at a predetermined distance, and the fourth member 74 is located above the third member 73 at a predetermined distance. The second member 72, the third member 73, and the fourth member 74 are supported by pillar members or wall members extending vertically. The drive unit 3 is attached to the frame 7, and the chamber 8 is located above the frame 7. The processing unit 6 is located within the chamber 8. The structure of the frame 7 is not limited to the one described above, and may be of a different structure as long as it can support and install the drive unit 3, the processing unit 6, and the chamber 8.

[0014] The drive unit 3 is a drive mechanism that rotates and raises and lowers the table 13 and rotates the modeling tank 14. The table 13 and the modeling tank 14 are provided inside the chamber 8. The table 13 is a platform for modeling the object O, and is composed of, for example, a horizontally placed plate. The modeling tank 14 is a container for modeling, and is cylindrical with an open top, inside which the table 13 is placed.

[0015] The drive unit 3 includes a first shaft 31, a second shaft 32, a first drive unit 33, a second drive unit 34, and a drive force transmission unit 35. The first shaft 31 is a cylindrical shaft extending in the axial direction, rotatably supported by the frame 7, and joined to the modeling tank 14 to rotate together with the modeling tank 14. In other words, the first shaft 31 functions as a shaft for rotating the modeling tank 14. The first shaft 31 is provided, for example, to vertically penetrate the third member 73 and the fourth member 74, is attached to the third member 73 via a rolling bearing 311, and is rotatably supported by the frame 7.

[0016] The upper part of the first shaft 31 passes through the fourth member 74 and is joined to the modeling tank 14. For example, the upper part of the first shaft 31 is joined to the modeling tank 14 via a support member 131. The support member 131 is formed integrally with the modeling tank 14 and is a member that supports the modeling tank 14 from below. The support member 131 is, for example, a cylindrical body formed with approximately the same diameter as the modeling tank 14, and is disposed between the modeling tank 14 and the first shaft 31 to transmit the rotational force of the first shaft 31 to the modeling tank 14. Therefore, when the first shaft 31 rotates, the support member 131 and the modeling tank 14 rotate together.

[0017] The second shaft 32 is inserted through the first shaft 31 and is arranged coaxially with the first shaft 31. The second shaft 32 is provided so as to be movable in the axial direction relative to the first shaft 31, and is joined to the table 13 so as to rotate together with the table 13. For example, the second shaft 32 is supported by a plain bearing 312 provided on the inner periphery of the first shaft 31. Therefore, the second shaft 32 is supported so as to be movable in the axial direction relative to the first shaft 31.

[0018] An upper portion of the second shaft 32 is joined to the underside of the table 13. Therefore, when the second shaft 32 rotates, the table 13 rotates, and when the second shaft 32 moves in the axial direction, the table 13 also moves in the axial direction. The second shaft 32 may be joined directly to the table 13 as shown in FIG. 1 , or may be joined to the table 13 via a separate member. A lower portion of the second shaft 32 is joined to the lifting body 345 via a thrust bearing 346. The thrust bearing 346 is a bearing member that supports the second shaft 32 while allowing the second shaft 32 to rotate. The lifting body 345 is a member that constitutes a part of the second drive unit 34 and is movable in the axial direction. The second shaft 32 moves in the axial direction together with the movement of the lifting body 345.

[0019] The first drive unit 33 is a mechanism that applies a rotational force to the first shaft 31 and is attached to, for example, the third member 73 and located near the outer periphery of the first shaft 31. The first drive unit 33 is configured, for example, with a first motor 331, a reducer 332, a gearbox 333, and a gear 334. The first motor 331 is an electric motor that generates a rotational force, has a horizontal rotation axis, and is attached to the third member 73 via the reducer 332. The reducer 332 is a reduction device that reduces the rotational speed of the first motor 331 and can be one equipped with a known reduction mechanism such as a planetary reducer or a parallel-axis reducer. The reducer 332 is fixed on the third member 73. The gearbox 333 has a gear mechanism that converts the direction of the rotation axis and has a horizontal input shaft and a vertical output shaft. The input shaft of the gearbox 333 is connected to the reducer 332, and a gear 334 is attached to the output shaft. Gear 334 is a spur gear for transmitting the rotational force of first motor 331 to first shaft 31. Gear 334 meshes with gear 313 formed on the outer periphery of first shaft 31. Gear 313 is composed of a plurality of teeth formed along the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of first shaft 31. First drive unit 33 reduces the rotational force of first motor 331 using reducer 332, converts the direction of the rotation axis from horizontal to vertical using gear box 333, and rotates first shaft 31 via gear 334.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the general configuration of the second drive unit 34. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the second drive unit 34 taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the second drive unit 34 is a drive mechanism for moving the second shaft 32 in the axial direction. The second drive unit 34 includes, for example, a second motor 341, a reducer 342, a torque transmission mechanism 343, a ball screw mechanism 344, and an elevator 345. The second motor 341 is an electric motor that generates torque, has a horizontal rotation axis, and is attached to the second member 72 via the reducer 342. The reducer 342 is a reduction device that reduces the rotational speed of the second motor 341. For example, a device equipped with a known reduction mechanism such as a planetary reducer or a parallel-axis reducer can be used. The reducer 342 is fixed to the second member 72. The torque transmission mechanism 343 is a mechanism for transmitting the torque of the reducer 342 to the two ball screw mechanisms 344. The rotational force transmission mechanism 343 is provided on, for example, the second member 72, and has a first gear box 343a, two second gear boxes 343b, and two third gear boxes 343c. The first gear box 343a, the second gear box 343b, and the two third gear boxes 343c are connected by a shaft 343d, and transmit the rotational force through the shaft 343d.

[0021] The first gearbox 343a is equipped with a gear mechanism that converts the direction of the input rotation axis to vertical and outputs it in two directions, left and right, so that rotation input from the front is output in each of the left and right directions. The second gearbox 343b is equipped with a gear mechanism that converts the direction of the input rotation axis to vertical and outputs it, so that rotation input from the side is output to the rear side. The two third gearboxes 343c are respectively provided on either side of the second shaft 32 so as to sandwich the second shaft 32. The third gearboxes 343c are equipped with gear mechanisms that convert the direction of the input rotation axis to vertical and output it, so that rotation input from the front is output to the bottom side.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, a ball screw mechanism 344 is provided below the third gear box 343c. The ball screw mechanism 344 receives rotation from the torque transmission mechanism 343 and moves the lifting body 345 up and down. The ball screw mechanism 344 includes a screw shaft 344a and a nut 344b. The screw shaft 344a is joined to the third gear box 343c and is provided below the third gear box 343c, facing vertically. The lower end of the screw shaft 344a is journaled on the first member 71. A nut 344b is threadedly engaged with the screw shaft 344a. The nut 344b is attached to the lifting body 345. Therefore, when the screw shaft 344a rotates, the nut 344b and the lifting body 345 move up and down. The movement of the lifting body 345 moves the second shaft 32 in the axial direction. Note that multiple balls (not shown) are provided inside the nut 344b. As shown in FIG. 2, a guide shaft 347 is provided in the frame 7. The guide shaft 347 is a shaft for guiding the lifting body 345 in the up and down direction, and is provided, for example, between the first member 71 and the second member 72 in the axial direction. A plurality of guide shafts 347 are provided, and for example, each guide shaft 347 penetrates near each corner of the lifting body 345 and is provided as a bearing.

[0023] In this way, the ball screw mechanisms 344 are provided on both the left and right sides of the second shaft 32, so that the lifting body 345 can be supported on both the left and right sides. Therefore, even when a heavy object O is being printed, the lifting body 345, the table 13, and the object O can be reliably supported and moved smoothly. Furthermore, by arranging the second drive unit 34 on the side of the second shaft 32, the 3D printing device 1 can be configured lower and more compact than when the second drive unit 34 is arranged below the second shaft 32.

[0024] A position sensor 41 is attached to the frame 7. The position sensor 41 is a sensor for detecting the vertical (axial) position of the table 13. For example, a linear encoder is used as the position sensor 41, and includes a main scale 41a and a detection unit 41b. The main scale 41a is elongated and is provided below the second shaft 32 at its center so as to face vertically. For example, the main scale 41a is attached to the first member 71 and is provided by passing through the lifting body 345 and inserted into the second shaft 32. The detection unit 41b is attached to the lifting body 345, for example. A detection signal from the position sensor 41 is input to the control unit 4. When the lifting body 345, the second shaft 32, and the table 13 move together, the position sensor 41 detects the movement, and the position of the table 13 is detected by the control unit 4. Because the position sensor 41 is installed below the center of the second shaft 32 and the center of the table 13, the position of the table 13 can be accurately detected. Note that any type of sensor, such as an electromagnetic type or an optical type, can be used as the position sensor 41. Also, sensors other than those mentioned above can be used as the position sensor 41 as long as they can detect the position of the table 13.

[0025] 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the driving force transmission portion, and FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the driving force transmission portion taken along line VV in FIG.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4 , the driving force transmission unit 35 is a mechanism that transmits the rotational force of the first shaft 31 to the second shaft 32 and allows the second shaft 32 to move axially relative to the first shaft 31. For example, the driving force transmission unit 35 is configured with a convex portion 351 and a concave portion 352. The convex portion 351 is provided on the first shaft 31 and protrudes toward the second shaft 32 located inside. The convex portion 351 is provided, for example, at the lower end of the first shaft 31 and protrudes toward the inner periphery. The convex portion 351 is accommodated in the concave portion 352 and functions as a latch member. In addition, for example, a transmission roller 351 a is provided at the tip of the convex portion 351. The transmission roller 351 a is a roller that rotates around an axis in the protruding direction. By providing the transmission roller 351 a, sliding resistance between the convex portion 351 and the concave portion 352 can be reduced when the second shaft 32 moves axially relative to the first shaft 31, thereby enabling smooth movement of the second shaft 32. The recess 352 is a groove formed by recessing the outer circumferential surface of the second shaft 32, and is an elongated groove formed in the axial direction. The recess 352 is formed with a width and depth that can accommodate the protrusion 351.

[0027] 5, since the convex portion 351 is accommodated in the concave portion 352, when the first shaft 31 rotates, the convex portion 351 comes into contact with the inner wall of the concave portion 352, causing the second shaft 32 to rotate as well. On the other hand, when the second shaft 32 moves in the axial direction, the concave portion 352 moves in the axial direction relative to the convex portion 351, so that no moving force is transmitted from the second shaft 32 to the first shaft 31, and only the second shaft 32 is allowed to move.

[0028] In the above-described driving force transmission unit 35, the convex portion 351 is provided on the first shaft 31 side and the concave portion 352 is provided on the second shaft 32 side. However, the concave portion 352 may be provided on the first shaft 31 side and the convex portion 351 may be provided on the second shaft 32 side. Furthermore, the horizontal cross section of the inner periphery of the first shaft 31 may be non-circular, and the horizontal cross section of the outer periphery of the second shaft 32 may be non-circular, with the inner circumferential surface of the first shaft 31 functioning as the concave portion 352 and the outer circumferential surface of the second shaft 32 functioning as the convex portion 351. For example, by making the horizontal cross section of the inner periphery of the first shaft 31 rectangular and the horizontal cross section of the outer periphery of the second shaft 32 rectangular, the rotational force of the first shaft 31 may be transmitted to the second shaft 32, and relative axial movement of the second shaft 32 with respect to the first shaft 31 may be permitted.

[0029] In FIG. 1 , the processing unit 6 processes powder material A to obtain an object O. The processing of powder material A includes, for example, a supplying process of powder material A, a preheating process of powder material A (preheating process), and a modeling process of powder material A. A chamber 8 is formed above the frame 7. The interior of the chamber 8 serves as a modeling space S. The modeling space S is an airtight space that can be decompressed and that contains powder material A and is used for processing powder material A by the processing unit 6.

[0030] A table 13 and a modeling tank 14 are arranged in the modeling space S. The table 13 is a processing stage on which the modeling process is performed. The table 13 is, for example, a disk-shaped table, and a powder material A, which is the raw material of the object O, is placed on the table 13. A second shaft 32 of the drive unit 3 is connected to the table 13. Therefore, the table 13 is rotated and moved linearly along the rotation axis by the drive unit 3.

[0031] FIG. 6 shows the main components used in the modeling process. The processing unit 6 is arranged to face the table 13. For example, the processing unit 6 is arranged above the table 13 and faces the modeling surface (main surface or upper surface) 13a of the table 13. The processing unit 6 includes, for example, a feeder 61, a heater 62, and a beam source 63 as processing units. The feeder 61 performs a supply process of the powder material A. The heater 62 performs a preheating process of the powder material A. The beam source 63 performs a modeling process of the powder material A.

[0032] The feeder 61 functions as a supply unit that supplies powder material A onto the table 13. For example, the feeder 61 has a raw material tank and a leveling unit, neither of which is shown. The raw material tank stores powder material A and supplies powder material A onto the table 13. The leveling unit levels the surface of the powder material A on the table 13. Note that the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 may have a roller unit, a rod-shaped member, a brush unit, or the like, instead of the leveling unit.

[0033] The heater 62 functions as a heating unit that preheats the powder material A supplied onto the table 13, and preheats the powder material A before it is irradiated with the beam. For example, the heater 62 is disposed above the table 13 and uses radiant heat to increase the temperature of the powder material A. The heater 62 may be one that heats using other methods, such as an infrared heater.

[0034] The beam source 63 functions as a beam emission unit that emits an electron beam and irradiates the powder material A with the electron beam. For example, an electron gun is used as the beam source 63. The beam source 63 generates an electron beam according to the potential difference generated between the cathode and the anode, and adjusts the electric field to converge the electron beam and irradiate it at a desired position.

[0035] The feeder 61, the heater 62, and the beam source 63 are arranged along the rotation direction of the table 13. That is, the feeder 61, the heater 62, and the beam source 63 are provided above the table 13 along the rotation direction of the table 13. For example, when an XY coordinate system is defined with the rotation axis C as the origin, the feeder 61 is arranged along the positive Y axis of the second quadrant, the heater 62 is arranged in the second and third quadrant regions, and the beam source 63 is arranged in the first and fourth quadrant regions.

[0036] In this way, by arranging the feeder 61, heater 62, and beam source 63, which perform the modeling process, along the rotation direction of the table 13 and rotating the table 13 to perform modeling, the processes of supplying the powder material A onto the table 13, preheating the powder material A, and modeling by beam irradiation can be performed in parallel. In other words, the powder material A is supplied at the position of the feeder 61, preheated at the position of the heater 62, and beam irradiation is performed at the position of the beam source 63 to model the object O. Therefore, compared to the case where the supply of the powder material A, preheating of the powder material A, and beam irradiation are performed sequentially, the object O can be modeled more efficiently and the time required to model the object O can be shortened. This is particularly effective when modeling a large object O.

[0037] 1, the control unit 4 is an electronic control unit that controls the entire 3D printing apparatus 1, and is configured to include a computer including, for example, a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The control unit 4 controls the elevation and rotation of the table 13, the rotation of the printing tank 14, the operation of the feeder 61, the operation of the heater 62, and the operation of the beam source 63. The control unit 4 also functions as a setting unit that, for example, acquires slice data of a horizontal cross section of the object O, acquires multiple pieces of divided data by dividing the slice data in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis C, and sets the irradiation position of the electron beam for each piece of divided data.

[0038] The control unit 4 is electrically connected to the first motor 331 and the second motor 341, outputs control signals to the first motor 331 and the second motor 341, and controls the rotation of the table 13 and the modeling tank 14 through the operation of the first motor 331 and the second motor 341, and controls the lifting and lowering (movement control) of the table 13 in the axial direction.

[0039] The control unit 4 is electrically connected to the feeder 61 and outputs a control signal to the feeder 61 to control the supply of the powder material A. For example, the control unit 4 operates the feeder 61 to supply the powder material A onto the table 13 and spread the powder material A evenly.

[0040] The control unit 4 is electrically connected to the heater 62 and outputs a control signal to the heater 62 to control the preheating of the powder material A. For example, the control unit 4 operates the heater 62 to heat the powder material A on the table 13, thereby performing preheating of the powder material A. The amount of heat applied to the powder material A may be set according to the material and type of the powder material A, the rotation speed of the table 13, etc.

[0041] The control unit 4 is electrically connected to the beam source 63, and outputs a control signal to the beam source 63 to control the emission of the beam. For example, the control unit 4 activates the beam source 63 to emit an electron beam and irradiate a predetermined position of the powder material A with the electron beam. The position to be irradiated with the electron beam is the area where the object O is to be formed, and the electron beam is irradiated according to a preset irradiation position. Note that although the control unit 4 is installed inside the frame 7 in FIG. 1, it may also be installed outside the frame 7.

[0042] Next, the operation of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 according to this embodiment and the three-dimensional modeling method according to this embodiment will be described.

[0043] 1, the table 13 is moved upward and positioned above the modeling tank 14. That is, a control signal is output from the control unit 4 to the second motor 341, and the second motor 341 is driven. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the rotation speed of the second motor 341 is reduced by the reducer 342, and the rotation output of the reducer 342 is transmitted to the ball screw mechanism 344 through the rotational force transmission mechanism 343. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the screw shaft 344a is rotated, causing the nut 344b to move upward, and accordingly, the lifting body 345 and the second shaft 32 move upward. As a result, the table 13 joined to the second shaft 32 moves upward.

[0044] At this time, the second shaft 32 is joined to the first shaft 31 via the driving force transmission part 35, but the driving force transmission part 35 allows the second shaft 32 to move axially relative to the first shaft 31, so that only the second shaft 32 can be moved smoothly upward.

[0045] Then, as shown in Fig. 6, the table 13 and the modeling tank 14 are rotated around the rotation axis C. That is, a control signal is output from the control unit 4 to the first motor 331, and the first motor 331 is driven. As a result, as shown in Fig. 1, the rotation speed of the first motor 331 is reduced by the reducer 332, and the rotation output of the reducer 332 is transmitted to the gear 334 through the gear box 333. Then, the rotation of the gear 334 rotates the first shaft 31, and the modeling tank 14 joined to the first shaft 31 rotates.

[0046] Furthermore, as the first shaft 31 rotates, the second shaft 32 also rotates in the same direction at the same rotational speed. That is, as shown in Fig. 5, the rotational force of the first shaft 31 is transmitted to the second shaft 32 via the driving force transmission unit 35, causing the second shaft 32 to also rotate. Therefore, the table 13 and the modeling tank 14 rotate in the same direction at the same rotational speed.

[0047] 1, powder material A is supplied onto table 13 by feeder 61. That is, a control signal is output from control unit 4 to feeder 61 to operate feeder 61, and powder material A is supplied onto table 13 by feeder 61 and spread evenly.

[0048] Further, the heater 62 preheats the powder material A. That is, the control unit 4 outputs a control signal to the heater 62 to activate the heater 62, and the powder material A moving below the heater 62 as the table 13 rotates is heated.

[0049] Further, the beam source 63 irradiates the powder material A with an electron beam, thereby forming an object O. That is, a control signal is output from the control unit 4 to the beam source 63, which operates the beam source 63, and the electron beam is irradiated onto the powder material A below the beam source 63 as the table 13 rotates. As a result, the powder material A is melted or sintered, and the object O is formed.

[0050] The table 13 is lowered as the modeling of the object O progresses. That is, the control unit 4 outputs a control signal to the second motor 341, and the second motor 341 is activated to lower the table 13 along the axial direction. Specifically, the control unit 4 outputs a control signal to the second motor 341, and the second motor 341 is driven. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the rotation speed of the second motor 341 is reduced by the reducer 342, and the rotation output of the reducer 342 is transmitted to the ball screw mechanism 344 through the rotational force transmission mechanism 343. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the screw shaft 344a is rotated, causing the nut 344b to move downward, and accordingly, the lifting body 345 and the second shaft 32 to move downward. As a result, the table 13 joined to the second shaft 32 moves downward.

[0051] At this time, the second shaft 32 is joined to the first shaft 31 via the driving force transmission part 35, but the driving force transmission part 35 allows the second shaft 32 to move axially relative to the first shaft 31, so that only the second shaft 32 can be moved downward. The descent of the table 13 may be synchronized with the rotation of the table 13, but does not have to be completely synchronized.

[0052] In this way, the object O can be formed by rotating the table 13, simultaneously carrying out the processes of supplying the powder material A onto the table 13, preheating the powder material A, and shaping by beam irradiation, and then gradually lowering the table 13 to repeat the processes of supplying the powder material A, preheating the powder material A, and shaping by beam irradiation.

[0053] As described above, the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes the drive force transmission unit 35 that transmits a rotational force from one of the first shaft 31 and the second shaft 32 to the other and allows the second shaft 32 to move in the axial direction relative to the first shaft 31. This allows the first drive unit 33 to rotate the first shaft 31 and the second shaft 32, and moves only the second shaft 32 in the axial direction. Therefore, the table 13 can be rotated with a small number of drive sources to efficiently print the object O, and the size of the apparatus can be prevented from increasing.

[0054] In other words, since the first drive unit 33 can rotate both the first shaft 31 and the second shaft 32, there is no need to provide separate drive units for rotating the first shaft 31 and the second shaft 32. This makes it possible to prevent the device from becoming larger. Furthermore, by making the second shaft 32 rotatable and movable in the axial direction, the table 13 can be rotated and moved in the axial direction, allowing the object O to be efficiently formed on the table 13.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional printing device 1 of this embodiment, by configuring the convex portion 351 of the driving force transmission unit 35 to be housed in the concave portion 352, it is possible to transmit rotational force from one of the first shaft 31 and the second shaft 32 to the other, and to allow relative axial movement of the second shaft 32 with respect to the first shaft 31.

[0056] Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional printing method of this embodiment, the object O can be printed by rotating the table 13, thereby efficiently printing the object. Furthermore, the table 13 and the printing tank 14 can be rotated by driving the first drive unit 33 via the first shaft 31 and the second shaft 32, and the table 13 can be moved in the axial direction by driving the second drive unit 34 to move the first shaft 31 in the axial direction, thereby printing the object. This prevents the three-dimensional printing device from becoming too large, allowing for a compact configuration. Therefore, the object O can be printed even if the printing space is small.

[0057] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit of the claims.

[0058] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 has been described as having one feeder 61, one heater 62, and one beam source 63. However, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 may have a plurality of feeders 61, heaters 62, and beam sources 63. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, two feeders 61, two heaters 62, and two beam sources 63 may be provided. That is, two sets of feeders 61, heaters 62, and beam sources 63 may be provided in the circumferential direction of the table 13. In this case, the supply of powder material A, preheating of powder material A, and beam irradiation can be performed on one half of the table 13, and simultaneously the supply of powder material A, preheating of powder material A, and beam irradiation can be performed on the other half of the table 13. This allows for more efficient modeling of the object O. Alternatively, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 may have three or more feeders 61, heaters 62, and beam sources 63.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the powder material A on the table 13 is irradiated with an electron beam by one beam source 63, but beam irradiation may be performed by a plurality of beam sources 63.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, the object O is manufactured using an electron beam as an energy beam, but the object O may be manufactured using an energy beam other than an electron beam. For example, the object O may be manufactured by irradiating it with an ion beam, a laser beam, ultraviolet light, or the like. Furthermore, the object O may be manufactured by a method other than the powder bed method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1 3D printing equipment 3 Drive unit 4. Control section 6 Processing section 7 frames 8 Chambers 13 Tables 14 Modeling Tank 31 First Shaft 32 Second Shaft 33 First drive unit 34 Second drive unit 35 Driving force transmission section 61 Feeder 62 Heater 63 Beam Source 351 Convex 352 recess A Powder material C Rotation axis O object S Build space

Claims

1. 1. A three-dimensional modeling apparatus that supplies a powder material onto a table installed in a modeling tank and irradiates the powder material with an energy beam to model a three-dimensional object, a first shaft, which is a cylindrical shaft extending in an axial direction, rotatably supported, joined to the modeling tank, and rotates together with the modeling tank; a second shaft that is inserted inside the first shaft, arranged coaxially with the first shaft, and is provided so as to be movable in the axial direction relative to the first shaft, and is joined to the table and rotates together with the table; a first drive unit that applies a rotational force to one of the first shaft and the second shaft; a second drive unit for moving the second shaft in the axial direction; a driving force transmission unit that transmits the rotational force from one of the first shaft and the second shaft to the other and allows relative movement of the second shaft in the axial direction with respect to the first shaft; Equipped with The second drive unit is a lifting body joined to a lower portion of the second shaft; a ball screw mechanism for supporting the lifting body; a motor disposed laterally of the second shaft; a rotational force transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational force of the motor to the ball screw mechanism, thereby moving the lifting body together with the second shaft in the axial direction.

2. the driving force transmission portion has a convex portion formed on one of the first shaft and the second shaft, and a concave portion formed on the other of the first shaft and the second shaft; the protrusion protrudes toward the recess and is accommodated in the recess, The recess is a groove extending in the axial direction. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. A three-dimensional modeling method using a three-dimensional modeling device that supplies a powder material onto a table installed in a modeling tank and irradiates the powder material with an energy beam to model a three-dimensional object, comprising: The three-dimensional modeling device includes: a first shaft, which is a cylindrical shaft extending in an axial direction, rotatably supported, joined to the modeling tank, and rotates together with the modeling tank; a second shaft that is inserted inside the first shaft, arranged coaxially with the first shaft, and is provided so as to be movable in the axial direction relative to the first shaft, and is joined to the table and rotates together with the table; a first drive unit that applies a rotational force to one of the first shaft and the second shaft; a second drive unit for moving the second shaft in the axial direction; a driving force transmission unit that transmits the rotational force from one of the first shaft and the second shaft to the other and allows relative movement of the second shaft in the axial direction with respect to the first shaft, The second drive unit is a lifting body joined to a lower portion of the second shaft; a ball screw mechanism for supporting the lifting body; a motor disposed laterally of the second shaft; a rotational force transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational force of the motor to the ball screw mechanism to move the lifting body together with the second shaft in the axial direction, Three-dimensional modeling method.

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