Three-dimensional modeling device

Abstract

To provide a three-dimensional printing device that can stack fluid evenly while ensuring the strength of a three-dimensional object even when the movement direction of a discharge part is changed, and ultimately can stack and manufacture a three-dimensional object well. [Solution] The three-dimensional modeling device 1 comprises a discharge unit 7 that discharges a hardenable fluid R from an opening 7c, and a rotating roller 5 that can press the fluid R discharged from the discharge unit 7. The discharge unit 7 and the rotating roller 5 are moved to stack the fluid R discharged from the discharge unit 7 to produce a three-dimensional object, and in particular, the rotating roller 5 is capable of rotating by itself and is capable of rotating around the discharge unit 7.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that produces a three-dimensional object by stacking fluid while discharging it from an opening of a discharge unit. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There has been known a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that produces a three-dimensional object by stacking fluid while discharging the fluid from an opening of a discharge unit.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 is recognized to describe an additive manufacturing device 1 that includes an applicator head 43 that ejects a thermoplastic material (hereinafter referred to as "fluid") from the opening of a nozzle 51, and a bead forming roller 59 arranged in the vicinity of the applicator head 43, and that moves the applicator head 43 to stack the thermoplastic material ejected from the applicator head 43, in which the bead forming roller 59 is positioned behind the direction of movement of the nozzle 51 (see the description in paragraph "0022", Figure 5, etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-140392 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the additive manufacturing device 1 described in Patent Document 1, the bead forming roller 59 is positioned behind the movement direction of the nozzle 51, so when trying to change the movement direction of the nozzle 51, a subtle difference arises between the movement direction of the nozzle 51 (hereinafter referred to as the "discharge portion") and the movement direction of the bead forming roller 59, which creates a high possibility of unevenness occurring in the layered fluid.

[0006] On the other hand, in the layered modeling apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as a "three-dimensional modeling apparatus"), it is important to ensure the strength of the layered model (hereinafter referred to as a "three-dimensional model") that is to be stacked.

[0007] The present invention has been made in response to the above-mentioned problems associated with the conventional technology, and aims to provide a three-dimensional printing device that can stack fluid evenly while ensuring the strength of the three-dimensional object, even when the movement direction of the discharge part is changed, and ultimately can stack and manufacture three-dimensional objects well. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first aspect of the present invention provides a three-dimensional printing device that includes a discharge unit that discharges a hardenable fluid from an opening, a rotating roller that can press the fluid discharged from the discharge unit while rotating around a first rotation axis, and a rotating guide that supports the rotating roller so that the rotating roller can rotate around the first rotation axis, and that manufactures a three-dimensional model by moving the discharge unit and the rotating roller to stack the fluid discharged from the discharge unit, the rotating roller being rotatable around the discharge unit, and the rotating guide being rotated to stack the fluid. of It is characterized in that it is rotatable about a second rotation axis different from the rotation axis.

[0009] In addition, a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the three-dimensional printing apparatus of the first aspect, the distance between the center of the discharge portion and the center of the second rotation shaft of the rotating roller is longer than half the longitudinal length of the rotating roller.

[0010] In addition, a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the three-dimensional printing device of the first aspect, the rotating roller is capable of changing its height relative to the discharge section, is capable of rotating along a trajectory of the discharge section, and is capable of moving away from the fluid discharged from the discharge section when the movement direction of the discharge section and the movement direction of the rotating roller are different.

[0011] In addition, a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the three-dimensional printing device of the second aspect, the rotating roller is capable of changing its height relative to the discharge section, is capable of rotating along a trajectory of the discharge section, and is capable of moving away from the fluid discharged from the discharge section when the movement direction of the discharge section and the movement direction of the rotating roller are different.

[0012] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the third aspect, characterized in that the discharge unit stops discharging the fluid while the rotating roller is separated from the fluid.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the fourth aspect, characterized in that the discharge unit stops discharging the fluid while the rotating roller is separated from the fluid.

[0014] Furthermore, a seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the three-dimensional printing device of any of the first to sixth aspects, the rotating roller is capable of moving away from the fluid, then returning a predetermined distance and starting to press the fluid discharged from the discharge section. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to a first aspect of the present invention, in a three-dimensional printing device including a discharge unit that discharges a hardenable fluid from an opening, a rotating roller that can press the fluid discharged from the discharge unit while rotating around a first rotation axis, and a rotating guide that supports the rotating roller so that the rotating roller can rotate around the first rotation axis, the three-dimensional printing device moves the discharge unit and the rotating roller to laminate the fluid discharged from the discharge unit to manufacture a three-dimensional object, the rotating roller is rotatable around the discharge unit, and the rotating guide rotates to press the fluid discharged from the discharge unit. of Because it can rotate around a second axis of rotation different from the axis of rotation, even if the direction of movement of the discharge part is changed, the fluid can be layered evenly while ensuring the strength of the three-dimensional object, and ultimately the three-dimensional object can be layered and manufactured well.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the three-dimensional modeling device of the first aspect, the distance between the center of the discharge section and the center of the second rotation shaft of the rotating roller is made longer than half the longitudinal length of the rotating roller. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the three-dimensional modeling device of the first aspect, when the direction of movement of the discharge section is changed, the rotating roller can be rotated more freely, and ultimately three-dimensional objects can be stacked and manufactured more effectively.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the three-dimensional modeling device of the first aspect, the rotating roller is capable of changing its height relative to the discharge section, is capable of rotating along the trajectory of the discharge section, and is capable of being moved away from the fluid discharged from the discharge section when the movement direction of the discharge section and the movement direction of the rotating roller are different. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the three-dimensional modeling device of the first aspect, the fluid can be layered even more evenly while ensuring the strength of the three-dimensional object, and ultimately the three-dimensional object can be layered and manufactured even better.

[0018] Furthermore, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the three-dimensional modeling device of the second aspect, the rotating roller is capable of changing its height relative to the discharge section, is capable of rotating along the trajectory of the discharge section, and is capable of being moved away from the fluid discharged from the discharge section when the movement direction of the discharge section and the movement direction of the rotating roller are different. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the three-dimensional modeling device of the second aspect, the fluid can be layered even more evenly while ensuring the strength of the three-dimensional object, and ultimately the three-dimensional object can be layered and manufactured even better.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the three-dimensional modeling device of the third aspect, the discharge section stops discharging the fluid while the rotating roller is separated from the fluid. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the three-dimensional modeling device of the third aspect, the fluid can be stacked more evenly, and ultimately the three-dimensional object can be stacked and manufactured more efficiently.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the three-dimensional modeling device of the fourth aspect, the discharge section stops discharging the fluid while the rotating roller is separated from the fluid. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the three-dimensional modeling device of the fourth aspect, the fluid can be stacked more evenly, and ultimately the three-dimensional object can be stacked and manufactured more efficiently.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the three-dimensional modeling device of any of the first to sixth aspects, the rotating roller, after moving away from the fluid, can return a predetermined distance and begin pressing the fluid discharged from the discharge section. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the three-dimensional modeling device of any of the first to sixth aspects, the fluid can be stacked more evenly, and ultimately the three-dimensional object can be stacked and manufactured more efficiently. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall perspective view of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the coater of the first embodiment, showing a state in which a rotating roller is raised relative to a discharge portion. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the coater of the first embodiment, showing a state in which a rotating roller is lowered relative to a discharge unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main controller of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart of a three-dimensional modeling program in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart of an N-layer coating program in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 6 is a flowchart of a curved region coating program in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart of a pump rotation interrupt processing program in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 6 is a flowchart of a temperature adjustment unit interrupt processing program in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram showing the state in which the applicator is moved to the modeling table with the rotating roller raised and before the fluid is discharged from the discharge portion. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a fluid is being discharged from a discharge section with the gap between the rotating roller and the modeling table set to D1. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a fluid is being discharged from a discharge part with the gap between the rotating roller and the modeling table set to D2 (a distance smaller than D1). [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a fluid is being discharged from a discharge portion with the rotating roller raised. [Figure 16] 13 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of an operating state of the discharge unit and the rotating roller in the first stage in the curved region coating program. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of an operating state of the discharge unit and the rotating roller in a second stage in the curved region coating program. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of an operating state of the discharge unit and the rotating roller in a third stage in the curved region coating program. [Figure 19] 13 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of an operating state of the discharge unit and the rotating roller in the final stage in the curved region coating program. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a three-dimensional object is being formed while rotating rollers keep the distance between each layer constant. [Figure 21] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of a state in which a three-dimensional object is being formed while the distance between each layer is changed by the rotating rollers. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of an operating state of a discharge unit and a rotating roller in a first stage when a coater according to a second embodiment is used in a curved region coating program. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of an operating state of the discharge unit and the rotating roller in a second stage when the coater of the second embodiment is used in the curved region coating program. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of an operating state of the discharge unit and the rotating roller in a third stage when the coater of the second embodiment is used in the curved region coating program. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of an operating state of the discharge unit and the rotating roller in a fourth stage when the coater of the second embodiment is used in the curved region coating program. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of an operating state of the discharge unit and the rotating roller in a fifth stage when the coater of the second embodiment is used in the curved region coating program. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of an operating state of the discharge unit and the rotating roller in the final stage when the coater of the second embodiment is used in a curved region coating program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings used in this embodiment are exaggerated for ease of understanding, and the dimensions are different from the actual dimensions. In particular, the width of the rotating roller described later in the first embodiment is depicted as being narrow, but it should be noted in advance that in reality, the width is sufficiently wide so that the width of the fluid can be changed (see Figs. 22 to 27).

[0024] (First embodiment) First, the configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is an overall perspective view of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the three-dimensional modeling device 1 of this embodiment produces a three-dimensional object by layering a hardenable fluid R (see Figures 20 and 21) on a flat modeling table P arranged in a housing H, and is equipped with the housing H, a movable table 59 that moves in the +Y and -Y directions on the housing H, a head unit 3 having an applicator 3a that ejects and layers the fluid R onto the modeling table P and a processing machine 3b that shapes the model that has been layered on the modeling table P and hardened, a control panel 2 that controls the operation of the movable table 59 and the head unit 3, etc., an operation panel 8 through which an operator M of the three-dimensional modeling device 1 sends commands to the three-dimensional modeling device 1, and a tank 80 for storing powder before it becomes fluid R.

[0026] The fluid R used in this embodiment must be a material that has fluidity before being discharged from the discharge unit 7 (see FIG. 2) described later and can be hardened after being discharged from the discharge unit 7. For example, materials that can be used include thermoplastic resins such as ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin), ASA resin (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylic ester resin), PC-ABS resin (polycarbonate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin), PLA (polylactic acid resin), nylon 6, nylon 12, polycarbonate, polypropylene, photocurable resins, gypsum, wax, etc. Incidentally, the fluid R used in this embodiment is nylon 6 (melting point: 225° C.).

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing H has a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape formed into an approximately U-shape by three walls 79a, 79b, and 79c and a beam 79d, and the upper part of the walls 79a and 79c is provided with toothed racks 55a and 55b for moving the movable table 59 in the +Y and -Y directions.

[0028] The movable table 59 operates a Y-axis slide motor 37 (see Figure 5) arranged in the movable table 59 in response to commands from a main controller 4 (see Figure 5) arranged in the control panel 2, and moves in the +Y direction and -Y direction on racks 55a and 55b together with the head unit 3 equipped with the coater 3a and the processing machine 3b.

[0029] The moving base 59 also has a toothed rack 57 on its side for moving the head unit 3 in the +X and -X directions.

[0030] As described above, the head unit 3 is equipped with an applicator 3a that ejects and deposits the fluid R onto the modeling table P, and a processing machine 3b that shapes the fluid R that has been deposited on the modeling table P and hardened. In response to commands from a main controller 4 (see Figure 5) arranged in the control panel 2, an X-axis slide motor 35 (see Figure 5) arranged in the head unit 3 is operated to move in the +X and -X directions on a rack 57 of a movable table 59.

[0031] The processing machine 3b comprises a processing machine main body 45, a processing machine Z-axis slide motor 27 for moving the processing machine main body 45 in the +Z direction and the -Z direction, a trimmer 41 arranged at the tip of the processing machine main body 45 for shaping the object that has been stacked on the modeling table P and hardened, a processing machine rotation motor 29 (see Figure 5) arranged within the processing machine main body 45 for rotating the trimmer 41 relative to the arm 47, and a processing machine drive motor 31 for driving the trimmer 41.

[0032] Figure 2 is an overall oblique view of the coater of the first embodiment, showing the rotating roller raised relative to the discharge section, Figure 3 is an overall oblique view of the coater, showing the rotating roller lowered relative to the discharge section, and Figure 4 is a rear view of Figure 3.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the coater 3a comprises a coater main body 43, a coater Z-axis slide motor 39 for moving the coater main body 43 in the +Z direction and the -Z direction, and an ejection section 7 arranged at the tip of the coater main body 43 for ejecting fluid R onto the modeling table P.

[0034] The coater 3a is also provided with a rotating roller rotation movement motor 9 arranged within the coater body 43, which rotates the rotating roller 5 described later around the discharge section 7, a motor gear 11 connected to the motor shaft of the rotating roller rotation movement motor 9, a driven gear 13 screwed into the motor gear 11, a rotating shaft 15 formed integrally with the driven gear 13, a rotating lever 17 having one end connected to the rotating shaft 15, a rotating roller rotation movement motor 22 connected to the other end of the rotating lever 17 for rotating the rotating roller 5 itself described later, a motor gear 24 connected to the motor shaft of the rotating roller rotation movement motor 22, a driven gear 26 screwed into the motor gear 24, a rotating guide 28 rotating coaxially with the driven gear 26, and a rotating roller 5 rotatably connected to the rotating guide 28.

[0035] When the motor gear 11 connected to the motor shaft of the rotating roller rotation movement motor 9 rotates, the rotational force is transmitted to the driven gear 13, and the rotating shaft 15 formed integrally with the driven gear 13 and the rotating lever 17 whose other end is connected to the rotating shaft 15 rotate, causing the rotating roller 5 to rotate around the discharge portion 7.

[0036] On the other hand, when the motor gear 24 connected to the motor shaft of the rotating roller rotation movement motor 22 rotates, the rotational force is transmitted to the driven gear 26, and the rotating guide 28 coaxial with the driven gear 26 rotates, causing the rotating roller 5 itself to rotate.

[0037] The coater 3a also includes a rotating roller up-down movement motor 23 arranged within the coater body 43, a motor gear (not shown) connected to the motor shaft of the rotating roller up-down movement motor 23, a driven gear (not shown) that screws into the motor gear (not shown), a ball screw (not shown) that is connected coaxially with the driven gear (not shown), and a rotating shaft 15 that screws into the ball screw (not shown).

[0038] When the motor gear (not shown) fixed to the motor shaft of the rotating roller up and down movement motor 23 rotates, the rotational force is transmitted to the driven gear (not shown) and ball screw (not shown), and the rotating roller 5 moves in the +Z direction and -Z direction relative to the discharge section 7 together with the rotating shaft 15, the rotating lever 17 and the rotating guide 28.

[0039] In this embodiment, the distance P1 between the center of the discharge portion 7 and the center of the rotation axis of the rotating roller 5 is configured to be longer than the radius R1 of the rotating roller 5 (see FIG. 16). Therefore, the rotating roller 5 can rotate 360° without any restriction.

[0040] On the other hand, even if the distance P1 between the center of the discharge portion 7 and the center of the rotation axis of the rotating roller 5 is set to be less than the radius R1 of the rotating roller 5, the rotating roller 5 can rotate within a range that does not come into contact with the discharge portion 7.

[0041] As mentioned above, Figure 2 shows a state in which the rotating roller 5 is raised relative to the discharge portion 7, in which the rotating roller 5 does not come into contact with the fluid R discharged from the discharge portion 7, while Figure 3 shows a state in which the rotating roller 5 is lowered relative to the discharge portion 7, in which the rotating roller 5 comes into contact with the fluid R discharged from the discharge portion 7.

[0042] The coater 3a also includes a rotating roller temperature sensor 21 disposed on the rotating roller 5 for detecting the temperature of the rotating roller 5, and a rotating roller temperature adjustment unit 19 for adjusting the temperature of the rotating roller 5 based on the detection value of the rotating roller temperature sensor 21. As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the rotating roller temperature adjustment unit 19 is disposed inside the rotation shaft 25 of the rotating roller 5.

[0043] The discharge part 7 has a generally hollow cylindrical shape and includes a hollow cylindrical discharge part main body 7a, a hollow tapered discharge tip part 7b having a tapered tip, and an opening 7c for discharging the fluid R.

[0044] In addition, the coating machine 3a is configured to heat and melt the powder (not shown) stored in the tank 80 by a heater 36 (see Figure 5) by driving a tank side pump (not shown) arranged in a tank 80 installed outside the housing H by a tank side pump drive motor 33 (see Figure 5), and to cause the molten fluid R to flow into the inlet 51 via a tube 49, and to discharge the fluid R flowing into the coating machine 3a from the tip of the discharge section 7 by driving a head side pump (not shown) arranged in the coating machine 3a by a head side pump drive motor 34 (see Figure 5).

[0045] In addition, an inflow pressure sensor 53 for detecting the pressure of the fluid R flowing inside the tube 49 is provided near the inflow port 51.

[0046] Next, a description will be given of the control panel 2. Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the 3D printing apparatus according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a main controller of the 3D printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0047] In FIG. 5, the control panel 2 is operated by an external power source 6 and includes a main controller 4, a first driver circuit 10 electrically connected to the main controller 4 for driving the tank side pump drive motor 33, head side pump drive motor 34, X-axis slide motor 35, Y-axis slide motor 37, coater Z-axis slide motor 39, rotating roller up and down movement motor 23, rotating roller rotation movement motor 9, rotating roller rotation movement motor 22, temperature adjustment unit 19 and heater 36 of the coater 3a, and a second driver circuit 12 electrically connected to the main controller 4 for driving the processing machine Z-axis slide motor 27, processing machine rotation motor 29 and processing machine drive motor 31 of the processing machine 3b.

[0048] In addition, the main controller 4 is also electrically connected to an operation panel 8 through which an operator M of the 3D modeling device 1 sends commands to the 3D modeling device 1, a rotating roller temperature sensor 21 for detecting the temperature of the rotating roller 5, and an inflow pressure sensor 53 for detecting the pressure of the fluid R flowing inside the tube 49.

[0049] Also, in FIG. 6, the main controller 4 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 16 connected to the CPU 14 so as to enable input / output, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 18 connected to the CPU 14 so as to enable input / output.

[0050] RAM 16 includes a three-dimensional printing data table 16a that stores printing data of the three-dimensional object to be manufactured (three-dimensional data of the object, height data of the rotating roller relative to the discharge section for each stacked layer, etc.), a rotating roller height instruction value 16b that stores data for setting the height of the rotating roller 5 relative to the discharge section 7, a pump rotation instruction value 16c that stores data for setting the rotational speed of the head-side pump drive motor 34, a roller temperature sensor instruction value 16d that stores the detection value of the rotating roller temperature sensor 21, a rotating roller temperature instruction value 16e that stores data for setting the temperature of the rotating roller 5, a discharge section movement angle value 16f that stores the angle by which the discharge section 7 moves, and a rotating roller movement angle value 16g that stores the angle by which the rotating roller 5 moves.

[0051] In this embodiment, the angle at which the ejection section 7 is moving is automatically stored in the ejection section movement angle value 16f of the RAM 16 at any time, and the angle at which the rotating roller 5 is moving is automatically stored in the rotating roller movement angle value 16g of the RAM 16 at any time.

[0052] In addition, the ROM 18 includes a three-dimensional modeling program 18a that controls the operation of the entire coater 3a of this embodiment, an N-layer coating program 18b that controls the coating operation of the coater 3a for each layer, a curved region coating program 18c that controls the operation of the coater 3a when coating a curved region, a pump rotation interrupt processing program 18d for processing the rotation speed of the head side pump drive motor 34 by interrupt, and a temperature adjustment unit interrupt processing program 18e for processing the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit 19 by interrupt.

[0053] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the 3D printing apparatus 1 having the above-mentioned configuration. Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a 3D printing program in the 3D printing apparatus of the first embodiment, Fig. 8 is a flowchart of an N-layer coating program in the 3D printing apparatus, and Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a curved region coating program in the 3D printing apparatus.

[0054] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a pump rotation interrupt processing program in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a temperature adjustment unit interrupt processing program in the three-dimensional modeling apparatus.

[0055] In Figure 7, first, a user M of the three-dimensional printing device 1 turns on the power switch of the device, selects a specific three-dimensional object using the operation buttons on the operation panel 8, and presses the start button.The three-dimensional printing device 1 is then set to its initial state (S1), and acquires three-dimensional printing data regarding the printing position and printing height for each layer corresponding to the selected three-dimensional object stored in the three-dimensional printing data table 16a of the RAM 16 (S3).

[0056] In the initial state, the head unit 3 is set to the position shown in FIG. 1, and the applicator 3a and the processor 3b are set to a position retracted above the flat modeling table P on which the three-dimensional object is formed (see FIG. 1).

[0057] Then, the parameter N indicating the layer to be formed by the coater 3a is set to "1" ("1" means the first layer) (S5), the coater 3a and the processing machine 3b are moved to the coating start position (S7), and the N-layer coating program 18b is executed (S9).

[0058] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which the applicator 3a is moved to the flat modeling table P with the rotating roller 5 raised and before the fluid R is discharged from the discharge portion 7. As shown in FIG.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, in the N-layer coating program 18b, first, the height of the rotating roller 5 is set based on the three-dimensional modeling data stored in the three-dimensional modeling data table 16a (S31), and then the fluid R is discharged from the discharge section 7 to perform coating from the coating start position (S33).

[0060] In this embodiment, as described above, the rotating roller 5 is capable of moving in the +Z and -Z directions relative to the discharge section 7, so that while discharging the fluid R from the discharge section 7, the gap between the rotating roller 5 and the modeling table P can be changed in various ways to apply the fluid R to the desired thickness.

[0061] For example, Figure 13 shows a state in which the fluid R is ejected from the ejection unit 7 while the coater 3a is scanned in the +F direction with the gap between the rotating roller 5 and the modeling table P set to D1, and Figure 14 shows a state in which the fluid R is ejected from the ejection unit 7 while the coater 3a is scanned in the +F direction with the gap between the rotating roller 5 and the modeling table P set to D2 (D2 is a distance smaller than D1).

[0062] Incidentally, when the rotating roller 5 is raised so as to be away from the fluid R discharged from the discharge section 7, as shown in FIG. 15, the height of the fluid R discharged from the discharge section 7 is D3 (D3 is a distance greater than D1).

[0063] Furthermore, when the rotating roller 5 is raised away from the fluid R discharged from the discharge section 7, as described below, it is possible to eliminate unevenness in the fluid R that occurs when the movement direction of the discharge section 7 is changed, and to easily produce the desired three-dimensional object.

[0064] Furthermore, the three-dimensional modeling device 1 of this embodiment makes it possible to change the height of the rotating roller 5 relative to the discharge section 7, thereby making it possible to easily change the width and height of the fluid R discharged from the discharge section 7, and ultimately to easily produce a desired three-dimensional object.

[0065] At almost the same time that the application is performed, it is determined whether the shape to be applied is a straight region or a curved region (S35). If it is determined that the shape to be applied is a straight region (S35: No), the process returns directly to the three-dimensional modeling program 18a (S39). If it is determined that the shape to be applied is a curved region (S35: Yes), the curved region application program 18c is executed (S37).

[0066] In addition, the determination of whether the application form is a straight region or a curved region is made by comparing the movement angle value of the discharge portion 7 stored in the discharge portion movement angle value 16f of RAM 16 with the movement angle value of the rotating roller 5 stored in the rotating roller movement angle value 16g of RAM 16. If the movement angle value of the discharge portion 7 and the movement angle value of the rotating roller 5 are the same, it is determined to be a straight region, and if the movement angle value of the discharge portion 7 and the movement angle value of the rotating roller 5 are different, it is determined to be a curved region.

[0067] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of the operating state of the discharge unit and rotating roller in the first stage in the curved area coating program, Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of the operating state of the discharge unit and rotating roller in the second stage, Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of the operating state of the discharge unit and rotating roller in the third stage, and Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of the operating state of the discharge unit and rotating roller in the final stage.

[0068] In this embodiment, the right side of the drawing is a moving angle of 0°, the left side of the drawing is a moving angle of 180° (or -180°), the upper side of the drawing is a positive angle, and the upper and lower sides of the drawing are negative angles. In addition, in Figures 16 to 19, the trajectory of the discharge part 7 is illustrated as trajectory A.

[0069] In addition, in this embodiment, the discharge unit 7 and the rotating roller 5 are described as moving in a straight line (movement angle = 0°) and bending 90° (bending to movement angle = -90°) as an example, but the three-dimensional modeling device of the present invention is not limited to this form, and the discharge unit 7 and the rotating roller 5 are capable of movement in any direction.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 9, in the curved region application program 18c, first, it is determined whether or not the rotating roller 5 can follow the movement of the discharge section 7 (S41). If it is determined that the rotating roller 5 can follow the movement of the discharge section 7 (S41: Yes), the rotating roller 5 is controlled to follow the trajectory of the discharge section 7 (S43), and then the process returns to the N-layer application program 18b (S59). If it is determined that the rotating roller 5 cannot follow the movement of the discharge section 7 (S41: No), the processes of S45 to S57 described below are executed.

[0071] In this embodiment, the determination of whether the rotating roller 5 can follow the movement of the discharge section 7 is made based on whether the distance between the discharge section 7 and the rotating roller 5 exceeds the discharge section-to-rotating roller distance P1 (see Figure 16) when the movement angle value of the discharge section 7 and the movement angle value of the rotating roller 5 are different.If the distance between the discharge section 7 and the rotating roller 5 does not exceed the discharge section-to-rotating roller distance P1, it is determined that the rotating roller 5 can follow the movement of the discharge section 7, and if the distance between the discharge section 7 and the rotating roller 5 exceeds the discharge section-to-rotating roller distance P1, it is determined that the rotating roller 5 cannot follow the movement of the discharge section 7.

[0072] FIG. 16 shows the state in which the discharge unit 7 and the rotating roller 5 move from the left side of the drawing, with the discharge unit 7 at a movement angle N=0° and the rotating roller 5 at a movement angle R=0°, and the rotating roller 5 continues to move at the movement angle R=0°, while the discharge unit 7 changes its movement angle and starts moving in the direction of R=-90°. In this state, it is determined that the rotating roller 5 is capable of following the movement of the discharge unit 7 (S41: Yes), and the rotating roller 5 is controlled to follow the trajectory of the discharge unit 7 (S43), and the process returns to the N-layer coating program 18b (S59).

[0073] Figure 17 shows the rotating roller 5 continuing to move at a movement angle R = 0° and the discharge section 7 continuing to move in the direction of R = -90°. Even in this state, it is determined that the rotating roller 5 is capable of following the movement of the discharge section 7 (S41: Yes), and the rotating roller 5 is controlled to follow the trajectory of the discharge section 7, and the process returns to the N-layer coating program 18b (S59).

[0074] Furthermore, if the rotating roller 5 continues to move at a movement angle R=0° and the discharge section 7 continues to move in the direction of R=-90°, resulting in the state shown in Figure 18, it is determined that the rotating roller 5 cannot follow the movement of the discharge section 7 (S41: No), and the rotating roller 5 is raised to move away from the fluid R (S45, see Figure 15), and the movement direction of the discharge section 7 is changed to -90° (S47, see Figure 19).

[0075] Then, it is determined whether or not the discharge unit 7 and the rotating roller 5 need to return (S49), and if it is determined that the discharge unit 7 and the rotating roller 5 do not need to return (S49: No), the rotating roller 5 is lowered so as to contact the fluid R at that position (S55), the fluid R is discharged from the discharge unit 7 to start application (S57), and then the process returns to the N-layer application program 18b (S59).

[0076] On the other hand, if it is determined that the discharge unit 7 and the rotating roller 5 need to be returned (S49: Yes), the discharge of fluid R from the discharge unit 7 is stopped (S51), the discharge unit 7 and the rotating roller 5 are returned a predetermined length in a predetermined direction (S53), the rotating roller 5 is lowered so as to contact the fluid R (S55), the fluid is discharged from the discharge unit 7 to start application (S57), and then the process returns to the N-layer application program 18b (S59).

[0077] The reason for determining whether or not the discharge section 7 and the rotating roller 5 need to return is so that, when the fluid R discharged from the discharge section 7 is applied over a wide area by the rotating roller 5, the rotating roller 5 can return and press the end face of the widened fluid R, and also so that, when the bending angle of the discharge section 7 is acute, the rotating roller 5 can return and reliably press the entire fluid R in an area that cannot be pressed by simply rotating it.

[0078] In addition, in this embodiment, the discharge of the fluid R from the discharge part 7 is stopped when the discharge part 7 and the rotating roller 85 are returned a predetermined length in a predetermined direction, but the discharge of the fluid R from the discharge part 7 may be stopped when the rotating roller 85 is raised (at S45). In that case, the fluid R can be layered even more evenly, and ultimately the three-dimensional object can be manufactured by layering more satisfactorily.

[0079] When the N-layer application program 18b (S9) is terminated and the process returns to the three-dimensional modeling program 18a, it is determined whether application of the entire N layer (initially the first layer) has been completed (S11). If it is determined that application of the entire N layer has not been completed (S11: No), the N-layer application program 18b (S9) is executed until application of the entire N layer is completed. If it is determined that application of the entire N layer has been completed (S11: Yes), the N layer is increased by 1 (S13) and the height of the discharge section 7 is moved upward by one layer (S15).

[0080] Then, it is determined whether all the data of the three-dimensional object has been processed (S17), and if it is determined that all the data of the three-dimensional object has not been processed (S17: No), the processes of S7 to S17 are repeated, and if it is determined that all the data of the three-dimensional object has been processed (S17: Yes), the Nth layer is set to 1 (meaning the first layer) (S19), the head unit 3 is moved to the initial position (S21), and the process is completed (S23).

[0081] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a three-dimensional object is being formed on the modeling table P with the rotating roller 5 keeping the distance between each layer constant (distance = D4), and FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a three-dimensional object is being formed on the modeling table P with the rotating roller 5 changing the distance between each layer (distances from the first layer to the top = D5, D6, D7, D8, D9).

[0082] Next, an interrupt process that periodically operates separately and independently from the 3D modeling program 18a in the 3D modeling apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0083] First, the pump rotation interrupt process 18d for determining the rotation speed of the head side pump drive motor 34 will be described.

[0084] In the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the amount of fluid R discharged from the discharge unit 7 per unit time is determined by the rotation speed of the head-side pump drive motor 34. The rotation speed of the head-side pump drive motor 34 is determined based on the data stored in the pump rotation instruction value 16c of the RAM 16.

[0085] On the other hand, in the three-dimensional printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, since the thickness of the layer to be applied is determined by the height of the rotating roller 5 (meaning the height of the fluid to be applied within the layer, not the height from the modeling table P), the rotational speed of the head-side pump drive motor 34 is adjusted to be different depending on the height of the rotating roller 5.

[0086] In the pump rotation interrupt processing 18d, first, height data of the rotating roller 5 (not the height from the modeling table P, but the height of the fluid to be applied within the layer) is obtained from the rotating roller height instruction value 16b in the RAM 16 (S71), and based on that height data of the rotating roller 5, the rotation speed of the head-side pump drive motor 34 is calculated (S73), the calculated rotation speed is stored in the pump rotation instruction value 16c (S75), and the interrupt processing is terminated (S77).

[0087] As described above, the rotation speed of the head side pump drive motor 34 is controlled based on the data stored in the pump rotation command value 16 c of the RAM 16 .

[0088] Therefore, in the three-dimensional modeling device 1 of this embodiment, if the rotating roller 5 changes its height while the discharge section 7 is discharging the fluid R, the pump rotation interrupt process 18d allows the discharge section 7 to automatically adjust the amount of fluid R discharged, so that the fluid R can be applied without excess or deficiency, making it possible to easily produce the desired three-dimensional model.

[0089] Next, the temperature adjustment unit interrupt processing 18e that controls the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit 19 will be described.

[0090] The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the temperature of the rotating roller 5 and the temperature of the fluid R discharged from the discharge unit 7 are adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit 19, thereby improving the bonding strength between the laminated fluids. The temperature of the temperature adjustment unit 19 is determined based on the data stored in the rotating roller temperature indication value 16e of the RAM 16.

[0091] As described above, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes the rotating roller temperature sensor 21, and the temperature of the rotating roller temperature sensor 21 is constantly stored in the roller temperature sensor detection value 16d of the RAM 16.

[0092] In the temperature adjustment unit interrupt process 18e, first, the first indication value data stored in the rotating roller temperature indication value 16e of the RAM 16 is obtained (S81), and the sensor value data stored in the roller temperature sensor detection value 16d of the RAM 16 is obtained (S83).

[0093] Then, it is determined whether the sensor value data is equal to or less than the first indication value data (e.g., 230°C) (S85), and if it is determined that the sensor value data is not equal to or less than the first indication value data (e.g., 230°C) (S85: No), second indication value data smaller than the first indication value data is stored in the rotating roller temperature indication value 16b, and the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit 19 is controlled to be lowered (e.g., by 5°C) (S89).

[0094] On the other hand, if it is determined that the sensor value data is equal to or less than the first indication value data (e.g., 230°C) (S85: Yes), a third indication value data greater than the first indication value data is stored in the rotating roller temperature indication value 16b, and the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit 19 is controlled to be increased (e.g., by 5°C) (S87).

[0095] Then, it is determined whether or not layer N is the bottom layer (S91), and if it is determined that layer N is not the bottom layer (S91: No), the interrupt processing is terminated (S99), whereas if it is determined that layer N is the bottom layer (S91: Yes), it is determined whether or not to manufacture the three-dimensional object integrally with the modeling table (S93).

[0096] The reason for determining whether or not to manufacture the three-dimensional object integrally with the modeling table is that the three-dimensional printing device 1 of this embodiment is capable of handling both cases in which the manufactured three-dimensional object is used integrally with the modeling table, and cases in which the manufactured three-dimensional object is used separately from the modeling table.

[0097] In other words, the 3D printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured so that when a 3D object is manufactured at a fixed location such as the printing table P of this embodiment, the 3D object can be easily separated from the printing table P, whereas when a second printing table is placed on the printing table P of this embodiment and a 3D object is manufactured integrally with the second printing table, the 3D object is configured to be integral with the second printing table.

[0098] In addition, the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit 19 is specially controlled for the bottom layer adjacent to the modeling table because, in the bottom layer, it is necessary to take into account the bonding strength of the fluid R by taking into account the heat capacity including the modeling table in addition to the fluid R.

[0099] Then, if the three-dimensional object is to be manufactured integrally with the modeling table (S93: Yes), the instruction value data is increased and stored in the rotating roller temperature instruction value 16b, an instruction is given to increase the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit 19 (S95), and the interrupt processing is terminated (S99). If the three-dimensional object is to be manufactured separately from the modeling table (S93: No), the instruction value data is decreased and stored in the rotating roller temperature instruction value 16b, an instruction is given to decrease the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit 19 (S97), and the interrupt processing is terminated (S99).

[0100] The three-dimensional printing device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a discharge unit 7 that discharges a hardenable fluid R from an opening 7c, and a rotating roller 5 that can press the fluid R discharged from the discharge unit 7, and is intended to produce a three-dimensional object by moving the discharge unit 7 and stacking the fluid R discharged from the discharge unit 7.In particular, since the rotating roller 5 is rotatable by itself and can rotate around the discharge unit 7, even if the movement direction of the discharge unit 7 is changed, the fluid R can be stacked evenly while ensuring the strength of the three-dimensional object, and ultimately the three-dimensional object can be stacked well to produce the three-dimensional object.

[0101] Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the distance P1 between the discharge section 7 and the rotating roller 5 is made longer than the radius R1 of the rotating roller 5. Therefore, when the movement direction of the discharge section 7 is changed, the rotating roller 5 can rotate more freely, and ultimately, the three-dimensional model can be stacked and manufactured more effectively.

[0102] Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional printing device 1 of this embodiment, the rotating roller 5 is capable of changing its height relative to the discharge section 7, is capable of rotating along the trajectory of the discharge section 7, and is capable of moving away from the fluid R discharged from the discharge section 7 when the movement direction of the discharge section 7 and the movement direction of the rotating roller 5 are different. Therefore, the fluid R can be layered evenly while maintaining the strength of the three-dimensional object, and ultimately the three-dimensional object can be layered and manufactured even better.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional printing device 1 of this embodiment, the discharge section 7 stops discharging the fluid R while the rotating roller 5 is away from the fluid R, so that the fluid R can be layered even more evenly, and ultimately the three-dimensional object can be layered and manufactured more efficiently.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling device 1 of this embodiment, after moving away from the fluid R, the rotating roller 5 can return a predetermined distance and begin pressing the fluid R discharged from the discharge section 7, so that the fluid R can be layered evenly, and ultimately the three-dimensional object can be layered and manufactured more efficiently.

[0105] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the drawings used in this embodiment are also exaggerated for ease of understanding, and the dimensions are different from the actual dimensions.

[0106] The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Since the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 80 of this embodiment is similar to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 of the first embodiment except for the applicator 83a, the parts common to the first embodiment will be given the same symbols and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0107] Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of the operating state of the discharge unit and rotating roller in the first stage when the applicator of the second embodiment is used in the curved area coating program, Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of the operating state of the discharge unit and rotating roller in the second stage, and Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of the operating state of the discharge unit and rotating roller in the third stage.

[0108] In addition, Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of the operating state of the discharge unit and rotating roller in the fourth stage when the applicator of the second embodiment is used in the curved area coating program, Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of the operating state of the discharge unit and rotating roller in the fifth stage, and Figure 27 is an explanatory diagram (bottom view) showing an example of the operating state of the discharge unit and rotating roller in the final stage.

[0109] As described above, the head unit 3 is equipped with an applicator 83a that ejects and deposits the fluid R onto the modeling table P, and a processing machine 3b that shapes the fluid R that has been deposited on the modeling table P and hardened. In response to commands from a main controller 4 (see Figure 5) arranged in the control panel 2, an X-axis slide motor 35 (see Figure 5) arranged in the head unit 3 is operated to move in the +X and -X directions on the moving table 59.

[0110] 22, the coater 83a is provided with a rotating roller rotation movement motor 9 arranged within the coater body 43, which rotates a rotating roller 85 described later around the discharge section 7, a motor gear 11 connected to the motor shaft of the rotating roller rotation movement motor 9, a driven gear 13 screwed into the motor gear 11, a rotating shaft 15 formed integrally with the driven gear 13, a rotating lever 87 having one end connected to the rotating shaft 15, a rotating roller rotation movement motor 22 connected to the other end of the rotating lever 87 for rotating the rotating roller 5 itself described later, a motor gear 84 connected to the motor shaft of the rotating roller rotation movement motor 22, a driven gear 26 screwed into the motor gear 84, a rotating guide 88 rotating coaxially with the driven gear 26, and a rotating roller 85 rotatably connected to the rotating guide 88.

[0111] When the motor gear 11 connected to the motor shaft of the rotating roller rotation movement motor 9 rotates, the rotational force is transmitted to the driven gear 13, and the rotating shaft 15 formed integrally with the driven gear 13 and the rotating lever 87 whose other end is connected to the rotating shaft 15 rotate, causing the rotating roller 85 to rotate around the discharge portion 7.

[0112] On the other hand, when the motor gear 84 connected to the motor shaft of the rotating roller rotation movement motor 22 rotates, the rotational force is transmitted to the driven gear 26, and the rotating guide 88 coaxial with the driven gear 26 rotates, causing the rotating roller 85 itself to rotate.

[0113] The coater 83a also includes a rotating roller up-down movement motor 23 arranged within the coater body 43, a motor gear (not shown) connected to the motor shaft of the rotating roller up-down movement motor 23, a driven gear (not shown) that screws into the motor gear (not shown), a ball screw (not shown) that is connected coaxially with the driven gear (not shown), and a rotating shaft 15 that screws into the ball screw (not shown).

[0114] When the motor gear (not shown) fixed to the motor shaft of the rotating roller up and down movement motor 23 rotates, the rotational force is transmitted to the driven gear (not shown) and the ball screw (not shown), and the rotating roller 85 moves in the +Z direction and -Z direction relative to the discharge section 7 together with the rotating shaft 15, the rotating lever 87 and the rotating guide 88.

[0115] In this embodiment, the distance P2 between the center of the discharge portion 7 and the center of the rotation axis of the rotating roller 5 is configured to be longer than the length L1, which is half the longitudinal length of the rotating roller 85 (see FIG. 22). Therefore, the rotating roller 85 can rotate 360° without any restriction.

[0116] On the other hand, even if the distance D2 between the center of the discharge portion 7 and the center of the rotation axis of the rotating roller 85 is set to less than the length L1, which is half the longitudinal length of the rotating roller 5, the rotating roller 85 can rotate within a range that does not come into contact with the discharge portion 7.

[0117] Moreover, the coater 83a is provided with a rotating roller temperature sensor 81 arranged on the rotating roller 85 for detecting the temperature of the rotating roller 85, and a rotating roller temperature adjustment unit 89 for adjusting the temperature of the rotating roller 85 based on the detection value of the rotating roller temperature sensor 81. The rotating roller temperature adjustment unit 89 is arranged inside the rotation shaft 82 of the rotating roller 85.

[0118] The temperature of the rotating roller temperature sensor 81 is constantly stored in the roller temperature sensor detection value 16d of the RAM 16.

[0119] Next, the curving operation of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 80 having the above-described configuration will be described based on the curved region coating program of FIG.

[0120] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the right side of the drawing is a moving angle of 0°, the left side of the drawing is a moving angle of 180° (or -180°), the upper side of the drawing is a positive angle, and the upper and lower sides of the drawing are negative angles. In addition, in Fig. 22 to Fig. 27, the trajectory of the discharge part 7 is illustrated as trajectory B.

[0121] In addition, in this embodiment, the discharge unit 7 and rotating roller 85 are described as moving in a straight line (movement angle = 0°) and bending 90° (movement angle = bending to -90°) as an example, but the three-dimensional modeling device of the present invention is not limited to this form, and the discharge unit 7 and rotating roller 85 are capable of moving in any direction.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 9, in the curved region application program 18c, first, it is determined whether or not the rotating roller 85 can follow the movement of the discharge section 7 (S41). If it is determined that the rotating roller 85 can follow the movement of the discharge section 7 (S41: Yes), the rotating roller 85 is controlled to follow the trajectory of the discharge section 7 (S43), and then the process returns to the N-layer application program 18b (S59). If it is determined that the rotating roller 85 cannot follow the movement of the discharge section 7 (S41: No), the processing of S45 to S57 described below is executed.

[0123] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the determination of whether the rotating roller 85 can follow the movement of the discharge section 7 is made by checking whether the distance between the discharge section 7 and the rotating roller 85 exceeds the discharge section-rotating roller distance D2 (see Figure 22) when the movement angle value of the discharge section 7 and the movement angle value of the rotating roller 85 are different. If the distance between the discharge section 7 and the rotating roller 85 does not exceed the discharge section-rotating roller distance D2, it is determined that the rotating roller 85 can follow the movement of the discharge section 7, and if the distance between the discharge section 7 and the rotating roller 85 exceeds the discharge section-rotating roller distance D2, it is determined that the rotating roller 85 cannot follow the movement of the discharge section 7.

[0124] Figure 22 shows the discharge unit 7 and rotating roller 85 moving from the left side of the drawing, with the discharge unit 7 at a movement angle N = 0° and the rotating roller 85 at a movement angle R = 0°, and the rotating roller 85 continuing to move at the movement angle R = 0° as the discharge unit 7 begins to move in the direction of R = -90°. In this state, it is determined that the rotating roller 85 is capable of following the movement of the discharge unit 7 (S41: Yes), and the rotating roller 85 is controlled to follow the trajectory of the discharge unit 7, and the process returns to the N-layer coating program 18b (S59).

[0125] Figure 23 shows the rotating roller 85 continuing to move at a movement angle R = 0° while the discharge section 7 continues to move in the direction of R = -90°. Even in this state, it is determined that the rotating roller 85 is capable of following the movement of the discharge section 7 (S41: Yes), and the rotating roller 85 is controlled to follow the trajectory of the discharge section 7, and the process returns to the N-layer coating program 18b (S59).

[0126] Furthermore, when the rotating roller 5 continues to move at a movement angle R=0° and the discharge portion 7 continues to move in the direction of R=-90°, resulting in the state shown in Figure 24, it is determined that the rotating roller 85 cannot follow the movement of the discharge portion 7 (S41: No), and the rotating roller 85 is raised to move away from the fluid R (S45, see Figure 15), and the movement direction of the discharge portion 7 is changed to -90° (S47, see Figure 25).

[0127] Then, it is determined whether or not the discharge unit 7 and the rotating roller 85 need to return (S49), and if it is determined that the discharge unit 7 and the rotating roller 85 do not need to return (S49: No), the rotating roller 85 is lowered so as to contact the fluid R at that position (S55), the fluid R is discharged from the discharge unit 7 to begin application (S57), and then the process returns to the N-layer application program 18b (S59).

[0128] On the other hand, if it is determined that the discharge unit 7 and the rotating roller 85 need to be returned (S49: Yes), the discharge of fluid R from the discharge unit 7 is stopped (S51), and then the discharge unit 7 is returned, for example, in the N=90° direction (upper side of Figure 26) and the rotating roller 85 is returned in the R=90° direction (upper side of Figure 26) a predetermined length X1 (S53), the rotating roller 85 is lowered so as to contact the fluid R (S55), fluid R is discharged from the discharge unit 7 to start application (S57), and then the process returns to the N-layer application program 18b (S59).

[0129] The reason for determining whether or not the discharge section 7 and the rotating roller 85 need to return is, as mentioned above, to ensure that when the fluid R discharged from the discharge section 7 is applied over a wide area by the rotating roller 85, the rotating roller 85 returns to press the end face of the widened fluid R, and also to ensure that when the bending angle of the discharge section 7 is acute, the rotating roller 85 returns to press the entire fluid R in an area that cannot be pressed by simply rotating it.

[0130] In addition, in this embodiment, the discharge of the fluid R from the discharge part 7 is stopped when the discharge part 7 and the rotating roller 85 are returned a predetermined length in a predetermined direction, but the discharge of the fluid R from the discharge part 7 may be stopped when the rotating roller 5 is raised (at S45). In that case, the fluid R can be layered even more evenly, and ultimately the three-dimensional object can be manufactured by layering it more satisfactorily.

[0131] When the N-layer application program 18b (S9) is terminated and the process returns to the three-dimensional modeling program 18a, it is determined whether application of the entire N layer (initially the first layer) has been completed (S11). If it is determined that application of the entire N layer has not been completed (S11: No), the N-layer application program 18b (S9) is executed until application of the entire N layer is completed. If it is determined that application of the entire N layer has been completed (S11: Yes), the N layer is increased by 1 (S13) and the height of the discharge section 7 is moved upward by one layer (S15).

[0132] Then, it is determined whether all the data of the three-dimensional object has been processed (S17), and if it is determined that all the data of the three-dimensional object has not been processed (S17: No), the processes of S7 to S17 are repeated, and if it is determined that all the data of the three-dimensional object has been processed (S17: Yes), the Nth layer is set to 1 (meaning the first layer) (S19), the head unit 3 is moved to the initial position (S21), and the process is completed (S23).

[0133] The three-dimensional modeling device 80 of the present embodiment is equipped with a discharge unit 7 that discharges a hardenable fluid R from an opening 7c, and a rotating roller 85 that can press the fluid R discharged from the discharge unit 7, and is intended to produce a three-dimensional object by moving the discharge unit 7 and stacking the fluid R discharged from the discharge unit 7. In particular, since the rotating roller 85 is rotatable by itself and can rotate around the discharge unit 7, even if the movement direction of the discharge unit 7 is changed, the fluid R can be stacked evenly while ensuring the strength of the three-dimensional object, and ultimately the three-dimensional object can be stacked well to produce the three-dimensional object.

[0134] Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 80 of this embodiment, the distance P2 between the discharge section 7 and the rotating roller 85 is longer than the length L1, which is half the longitudinal length of the rotating roller 85. Therefore, when the direction of movement of the discharge section 7 is changed, the rotating roller 85 can rotate more freely, and ultimately, the three-dimensional modeling object can be stacked and manufactured more effectively.

[0135] Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling device 80 of this embodiment, the rotating roller 85 is capable of changing its height relative to the discharge section 7, is capable of rotating along the trajectory of the discharge section 7, and is capable of moving away from the fluid R discharged from the discharge section 7 when the movement direction of the discharge section 7 and the movement direction of the rotating roller 85 are different. Therefore, the fluid R can be layered evenly while maintaining the strength of the three-dimensional model, and ultimately the three-dimensional model can be layered and manufactured even better.

[0136] Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling device 80 of this embodiment, the discharge section 7 stops discharging the fluid R while the rotating roller 85 is away from the fluid R, so that the fluid R can be layered even more evenly, and ultimately the three-dimensional object can be layered and manufactured more efficiently.

[0137] Furthermore, according to the three-dimensional modeling device 80 of this embodiment, after moving away from the fluid R, the rotating roller 85 can return a predetermined distance and begin pressing the fluid R discharged from the discharge section 7, so that the fluid R can be layered evenly, and ultimately the three-dimensional object can be layered and manufactured more efficiently.

[0138] The above describes a three-dimensional printing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be implemented in various modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0139] For example, in the above-described embodiment of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus, the cross-sectional shape of the rotating roller is rectangular, like rotating roller 5 and rotating roller 85, but is not limited to this shape. The cross-sectional shape of the rotating roller may be an inverted crown shape in which the center is smaller than both ends, or may be a trapezoid with a flat center similar to the inverted crown shape.

[0140] However, in order to increase the width of the fluid R, it is better to make the vertical cross-sectional shape of the rotating roller rectangular like the rotating roller 5 and the rotating roller 85 . [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 1,80...3D printing equipment 2. Control panel 3 Head 3a,83a···Coating machine 3b...processing machine 4. Main Controller 5,85···Rotating roller 6...Power supply 7...Discharge part 8. Operation panel 9. Rotating roller rotation movement motor 16...RAM 17,87···Rotary lever 18. ROM 19,89...Temperature control section 21,81···Rotary roller temperature sensor 22 Rotating roller rotation movement motor 23 Rotating roller up / down movement motor 28,88···Rotary guide 39....Applicator Z-axis slide motor H... Enclosure P...Modeling table R...Fluid

Claims

1. A discharge part that discharges a hardenable fluid from an opening; A rotating roller capable of pressing the fluid discharged from the discharge portion; Equipped with A three-dimensional modeling apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional model by moving the discharge unit and the rotating roller to stack the fluid discharged from the discharge unit, The rotating roller is rotatable around the discharge portion and also around a center of the rotating roller.

2. 2. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the discharge portion and the rotating roller is longer than half a length of the rotating roller in a longitudinal direction.

3. 2. The three-dimensional printing device according to claim 1, wherein the rotating roller is capable of changing its height relative to the discharge portion, is capable of rotating along a trajectory of the discharge portion, and is capable of moving away from the fluid discharged from the discharge portion when a moving direction of the discharge portion and a moving direction of the rotating roller are different.

4. The three-dimensional printing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotating roller is capable of changing its height relative to the discharge portion, is capable of rotating along a trajectory of the discharge portion, and is capable of moving away from the fluid discharged from the discharge portion when the moving direction of the discharge portion and the moving direction of the rotating roller are different.

5. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the discharge unit stops discharging the fluid while the rotating roller is separated from the fluid.

6. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the discharge unit stops discharging the fluid while the rotating roller is separated from the fluid.

7. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the rotating roller is capable of moving away from the fluid, and then returning a predetermined distance to start pressing the fluid discharged from the discharge portion.