JP2013208757A - Synthetic modeling data generation device and synthetic modeling data generation program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a synthetic modeling data generation device which generates synthetic modeling data available for manufacturing a plurality of three-dimensional modeling objects at one time modeling, and synthetic modeling data generation programs.SOLUTION: A synthetic modeling data generation device acquires three-dimensional data indicating a three-dimensional shape of a modeling target object (S1), and then acquires the number of articles to be manufactured for each modeling object (S2). To prevent interference between respective modeling objects, a buffer area is set for each modeling data (S3), and a modeling available area is set based on a stage size (S4). For the modeling available area, the number of modeling available objects at one time modeling processing is calculated (S5). If the number of modeling available objects which is calculated in the S5 processing is not equal to or smaller than a required available number (S6:NO), the three-dimensional modeling object is arranged in the modeling available area (S7). If all the data are not arranged and there is a remaining three-dimensional modeling object (S8:NO), the remaining modeling available area is calculated (S9) and a subsequent three-dimensional modeling object is arranged in the area (S7).

Description

  The present invention relates to a synthetic modeling data creation device and a synthetic modeling data creation program for creating modeling data for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that models a three-dimensional model by discharging and solidifying a modeling liquid onto a three-dimensional modeling powder.

  Conventionally, there is known a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that models a three-dimensional model by mixing and solidifying a three-dimensional modeling powder and a modeling liquid. For example, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus discharges a modeling liquid with respect to the three-dimensional modeling powder arrange | positioned flat using an inkjet head. When the three-dimensional modeling powder and the modeling liquid are mixed, the reactants and adhesive contained in the three-dimensional modeling powder react, or the adhesive dissolves, and the reacted reactants combine or dissolve together Are combined to form a layer (hereinafter referred to as “modeling layer”). By repeating the above steps and overlaying the modeling layer, a three-dimensional modeled object having a shape desired by the operator is modeled (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-302701 A

  However, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus as described above solidifies the three-dimensional modeling powder with a certain amount of modeling liquid while laminating the three-dimensional modeling powder with a constant thickness in the stacking direction (hereinafter also referred to as “Z direction”), A three-dimensional structure is formed by laminating each layer. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes a considerably long time to manufacture one three-dimensional model. In addition, there is a problem that it takes time for the three-dimensional model to wait for the curing reaction or to dry. Also, due to the long modeling time, when making a lot of modeling objects, various conditions such as temperature and humidity are likely to fluctuate. There was also a problem that it was difficult to maintain modeling quality because it was likely to cause modeling unevenness.

  An object of the present invention is to obtain a plurality of three-dimensional data and a required number of modeling for each three-dimensional data, and to create a synthetic modeling data creation device that creates synthetic modeling data capable of manufacturing a plurality of three-dimensional models in one modeling, and It is to provide a synthetic modeling data creation program.

  In order to achieve the above object, a synthetic modeling data creation device according to the first aspect of the present invention is mounted on a stage on which a three-dimensional modeling powder that is solidified by mixing with a modeling liquid is mounted, and on the stage. A discharge unit capable of discharging the liquid droplet of the modeling liquid to the three-dimensional modeling powder; and a control unit that controls discharge of the liquid droplet by the discharge unit. A composite for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that forms a plurality of solidified modeling layers by discharging and solidifying the three-dimensional modeling powder, and forms a plurality of three-dimensional modeling objects at a time by arranging a plurality of the modeling layers. A synthetic modeling data creation device that creates modeling data, a data acquisition unit that acquires the three-dimensional data indicating the shape of the three-dimensional model to be modeled, a number acquisition unit that acquires the number of the three-dimensional model to be modeled, The stay A modelable number calculating means for calculating a modelable number that is the maximum number that can be modeled based on the three-dimensional data in one modeling process using the modelable area; and the modelable number calculating means Necessary number determination means for determining whether the calculated modeling possible number is equal to or less than a necessary number that is the number acquired by the number acquisition means; and the necessary number determination means is configured so that the modeling possible number is equal to or less than the necessary number. If determined, an array creation unit that arranges a plurality of three-dimensional models in the modelable region as many as the modelable number, and synthetic modeling data based on the array of the plurality of three-dimensional models created by the array generation unit And a synthetic modeling data creation processing means to create.

  According to the synthetic modeling data creating apparatus according to the first aspect, the three-dimensional modeling object and the number of three-dimensional modeling objects to be modeled are acquired, and the plurality of three-dimensional modeling objects are obtained in the modeling area of the stage. Since it arranges and creates new synthetic modeling data, a plurality of three-dimensional modeling objects can be created without waste by one modeling process. Therefore, the modeling efficiency of the three-dimensional model is dramatically increased, and a large number of three-dimensional models can be modeled in a short time.

  Further, based on the three-dimensional data acquired by the data acquisition unit, the buffer includes a buffer region setting unit that adds a buffer region for preventing interference between the three-dimensional objects to the three-dimensional object, and the array creation unit includes the The buffer area setting means may arrange the three-dimensional modeled object to which the buffer area is added in the modelable area. In this case, since a buffer area is formed between the three-dimensional objects, it is possible to prevent interference between adjacent three-dimensional objects during modeling. Moreover, it can prevent that the shape of a three-dimensional molded item deform | transforms by the influence of the three-dimensional molded item of adjacent arrangement | positioning at the time of modeling.

  Further, the array creating means may first arrange the three-dimensional modeled object having the same three-dimensional data in the X direction of the modelable region. In this case, since the three-dimensional model can be regularly arranged from the X direction, it is possible to prevent modeling unevenness in which the shape varies among three-dimensional models having the same shape.

  Further, the array creation means may be arranged such that the three-dimensional shaped objects having the same three-dimensional data are arranged such that the rows arranged in the X direction are arranged in the Y direction of the formable region. In this case, since the three-dimensional object can be regularly arranged in the X direction and the Y direction, the three-dimensional object having the same shape is almost completed at the same time, and there is a variation in shape between the three-dimensional objects having the same shape. Uneven modeling unevenness can be prevented.

  Further, the array creating means may be arranged so that the three-dimensional modeled objects are arranged in the X direction and the Y direction of the modelable area and stacked in the Z direction of the modelable area of the stage. . In this case, the three-dimensional object can be arranged in the Z direction, and the three-dimensional object having the same shape can be created under the same conditions in the Z direction.

  Further, the array creation means may be arranged so that the three-dimensional modeled object does not overlap in the Z direction of the modelable region. In this case, the three-dimensional object can be created by arranging it so as not to overlap in the Z direction. Since it does not hang on the three-dimensional model to be placed, it is possible to prevent the distortion of the shape in the Z direction of the three-dimensional model placed on the first stage from increasing.

  In addition, when the necessary number determination unit determines that the number of models that can be formed is greater than the number of required, the remaining calculation of the remaining modelable region in which the three-dimensional object is arranged in the modelable region by the required number You may make it provide a modeling possible area | region calculation means. In this case, since the next modeling data can be arrange | positioned to the remaining modeling possible area | region, modeling data can be efficiently arrange | positioned to a modeling possible area | region.

  In addition, when the number of modeling of the three-dimensional modeled object modeled in one modeling process is less than the necessary number, a modeling number setting unit that sets the insufficient number as the number of the three-dimensional modeled object to be newly modeled You may make it prepare. In this case, it is possible to make a three-dimensional shaped object having the same shape by one shaping process, and to make the remaining number of deficient parts by the next shaping operation.

  The synthetic modeling data creation program according to the second aspect of the present invention is a stage on which a three-dimensional modeling powder that is solidified by mixing with a modeling liquid is placed, and the three-dimensional modeling powder placed on the stage A three-dimensional shaped powder comprising: a discharge unit capable of discharging the droplet of the modeling liquid; and a control unit configured to control discharge of the droplet by the discharge unit. Synthetic modeling data for creating three-dimensional modeling apparatus for modeling a plurality of three-dimensional objects at once by forming a plurality of the solidified modeling layers by solidifying a plurality of modeling layers A data acquisition process for acquiring three-dimensional data indicating the shape of the three-dimensional object to be formed, a number acquisition process for acquiring the number of the three-dimensional object to be formed, and a modeling possible area of the stage. The modeling possible number calculation process for calculating the modeling possible number that is the maximum number that can model the three-dimensional modeled object based on the three-dimensional data by one modeling process using the modeling process, and the modeling that the modeling possible number calculation unit calculates The necessary number determination process for determining whether the possible number is equal to or less than the necessary number that is the number acquired by the number acquisition unit, and the necessary number determination unit when the possible number of modeling is determined to be equal to or less than the necessary number , An array creation process for arranging a plurality of the three-dimensional shaped objects in the shapeable region as many as the number that can be shaped, and a composition for creating new synthetic modeling data based on the arrangement of the three-dimensional shaped objects created by the array creating means A modeling data creation process is executed by a computer. According to this synthetic modeling data creation program, the three-dimensional modeling data for modeling a plurality of three-dimensional modeling objects and the number of three-dimensional modeling objects to be modeled are read, and a plurality of three-dimensional modeling objects are arranged in the modeling area of the stage to create a new synthetic modeling Since the data is created, it is possible to create a plurality of three-dimensional objects without waste in one modeling process. Therefore, the modeling efficiency of the three-dimensional model is dramatically increased, and a large number of three-dimensional models can be modeled in a short time.

1 is an external perspective view of a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a modeling table 6. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. It is the figure which looked at the internal structure of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 from the right side surface. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of a powder supply unit 15 and a flattening roller 16. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of PC100. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of the three-dimensional data 98. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of synthetic modeling data 90. FIG. It is a flowchart of the synthetic | combination data creation process which PC100 performs. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st three-dimensional molded item 200. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd three-dimensional molded item 210. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the 3rd three-dimensional molded item 220. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a modeling position of a three-dimensional modeled object arranged on a modelable region 110. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a modeling position of a three-dimensional modeled object arranged on a modelable region 110. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a modeling position of a three-dimensional modeled object arranged on a modelable region 110. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a modeling position of a three-dimensional modeled object arranged on a modelable region 110. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a modeling position of a three-dimensional modeled object arranged on a modelable region 110. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a modeling position of a three-dimensional modeled object arranged on a modelable region 110. FIG. It is a flowchart of the three-dimensional modeling process which the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 performs. 3 is a plan view showing a modeling position of a three-dimensional modeled object arranged on a modelable region 110. FIG. It is a top view of the modification which shows the modeling position of the three-dimensional molded item arranged on the modeling possible area | region 110. FIG.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings to be referred to are used for explaining technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. The lower left side, upper right side, left side, right side, upper side, and lower side of FIGS. 1 and 2 are the front side, back side, left side, right side, upper side, and lower side of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1, respectively. The left side, the right side, the upper side, the lower side, the front side of the page, and the rear side of the page in FIG. 4 are the front side, the back side, the upper side, the lower side, the right side, and the left side, respectively. 5, the left side, the right side, the upper side, the lower side, the right front side of the page, and the left rear side of the page are the front side, the back side, the upper side, the lower side, the right side, and the left side of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1, respectively. The right side of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 is the positive direction of the X coordinate, the rear side is the positive direction of the Y coordinate, and the upper side is the positive direction of the Z coordinate.

  A schematic configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 can model a plurality of three-dimensional models at a time by driving the head 20 and the like according to the synthetic modeling data 90 (see FIG. 10). A personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) 100 creates synthetic modeling data 90 for modeling a plurality of three-dimensional objects at once based on three-dimensional data 98 (see FIG. 8) indicating the three-dimensional shape of an object. And transmitted to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 via a network or the like. The PC 100 is an example of a synthetic modeling data creation device. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 models a plurality of three-dimensional models according to the synthetic modeling data 90 received from the PC 100. Note that the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 can also acquire the three-dimensional data 98 from another device and create the synthetic modeling data 90 by itself based on the acquired three-dimensional data.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 mainly includes a base 2, a modeling table 6, a powder supply unit 15, a flattening roller 16, a head 20, and a powder recovery unit 23. The base 2 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having the left-right direction (X-axis direction) as a longitudinal direction, and supports the entire three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1. The modeling table 6 includes a stage 11 on which a three-dimensional model is modeled. The powder supply unit 15 supplies the three-dimensional modeling powder onto the stage 11 of the modeling table 6. The flattening roller 16 flattens the upper surface of the three-dimensional modeled powder placed on the stage 11 to form a layer of three-dimensional modeled powder (hereinafter referred to as “powder layer”). The head 20 discharges the modeling liquid onto the powder layer formed on the stage 11. The powder collection unit 23 collects excess three-dimensionally shaped powder (hereinafter referred to as “uncured powder”) around the three-dimensionally shaped object that remains without being solidified on the stage 11. Each configuration will be described below.

  The modeling table 6 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the modeling table 6 includes a base portion 7 that supports the modeling table 6 and a frame portion 9 that is supported on the upper portion of the base portion 7. A through-hole 8 that penetrates in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) is formed in each of the left and right sides of the base portion 7. As shown in FIG. 1, two rails 3 extending in parallel in the front-rear direction are provided in the approximate center of the base 2. The two rails 3 have a predetermined height from the upper surface of the base 2 by a support part 4 provided at the front side end of the base 2 and a support part (not shown) provided at the back side end. It is supported by. Each of the two rails 3 passes through each of the two through holes 8 formed in the base portion 7 of the modeling table 6. Furthermore, a modeling table longitudinal movement motor 41 (see FIG. 6) for moving the modeling table 6 back and forth is provided at the rear side end of the base 2. When the modeling table longitudinal movement motor 41 is driven, power is transmitted to the modeling table 6 via a carriage belt (not shown), and the modeling table 6 moves in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) along the two rails 3. . That is, when the modeling table longitudinal movement motor 41 is driven, the powder supply unit 15, the flattening roller 16, and the head 20 move relative to the stage 11 of the modeling table 6 in the front-rear direction (direction parallel to the stage surface). To do.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the frame portion 9 has a substantially cubic box shape. The frame portion 9 includes a stage holding portion 10 that is a concave portion having a rectangular shape in plan view with an upper surface opened. Inside the stage holding unit 10, a stage 11 on which a three-dimensional model is modeled is held so that it can be moved up and down. The stage 11 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view so as to be in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the stage holding unit 10, and the upper surface of the stage 11 is kept horizontal. That is, the frame portion 9 is in contact with the side surface of the stage 11 and surrounds the outer periphery of the stage 11 in the elevation range. Connected to the right side surface of the frame portion 9 is a collection path 12 for guiding uncured powder from the stage holding unit 10 to the powder collection unit 23 (see FIG. 1). On the back side of the stage holding unit 10, there is provided a powder dropping port 13 that is a rectangular recess in plan view with an open upper surface. When the powder layer is formed, surplus powder accumulated by the flattening roller 16 falls on the powder dropping port 13. The surplus powder that has fallen to the powder dropping port 13 is returned by the operator into the powder supply unit 15 (see FIGS. 1, 4, and 5) located above the modeling table 6. However, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 may collect the surplus powder that has fallen into the powder dropping port 13 by suction or the like and automatically return it to the powder supply unit 15.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the stage 11 includes an upper stage 51 and a lower stage 52. The upper stage 51 is a rectangular plate-like member and is disposed horizontally. The upper stage 51 is provided with a plurality of holes 71 (see FIG. 2) penetrating in the thickness direction. The lower stage 52 is a plate-like member having substantially the same shape as the upper stage 51, and is disposed below the upper stage 51 in parallel with the upper stage 51. Similarly to the upper stage 51, the lower stage 52 is also provided with a plurality of holes (not shown). However, the upper stage 51 and the lower stage 52 are formed so that the position of the hole 71 provided in the upper stage 51 and the position of the hole provided in the lower stage 52 do not overlap in plan view. Therefore, when the three-dimensional modeling powder is placed on the upper stage 51, the three-dimensional modeling powder is deposited on the upper surface of the upper stage 51 at a position where the hole 71 is not provided. At the position where the hole 71 is provided, the three-dimensional modeling powder falls from the hole 71 to the lower stage 52. However, the hole of the lower stage 52 is not formed at the dropping point. Therefore, the three-dimensional modeling powder that has dropped from the upper stage 51 is deposited on the upper surface of the lower stage 52. As a result, the three-dimensional modeling powder is deposited on the stage 11.

  Below the lower stage 52, a tray 53 that supports the upper stage 51 and the lower stage 52 is provided. The tray 53 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view so as to cover the entire lower portion of the lower stage 52. A guide port 55 that guides uncured powder dropped from the lower stage 52 to the collection path 12 is formed at the approximate center in the front-rear direction near the right end of the tray 53. The tray 53 is inclined so that the height decreases as it approaches the guide port 55. A recovery port 65 that is an inlet of the recovery path 12 is disposed vertically below the guide port 55.

  A ball screw 57 is connected to the lower center of the tray 53. The ball screw 57 extends vertically downward from the tray 53 and is attached to a nut (not shown). A stage elevating motor 42 (see FIG. 6), which is a step motor for rotating the ball screw 57, is provided below the modeling table 6. When the stage elevating motor 42 is driven, the ball screw 57 rotates and moves up and down, and the tray 53 connected to the ball screw 57 moves up and down. As a result, the stage 11 supported by the tray 53 moves up and down. A vibration motor 46 (see FIG. 6) for vibrating the stage 11 is disposed on the modeling table 6.

  The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 positions the stage 11 at a position higher than the recovery port 65 when modeling a three-dimensional model. Specifically, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 models a three-dimensional modeled object while gradually lowering the stage 11 from the upper part of the lifting range. When the modeling of the three-dimensional model is completed, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 lowers the stage 11 to the lower end of the lifting range, and brings the guide port 55 close to the vicinity of the recovery port 65. Next, driving of the vibration motor 46 is started to vibrate the stage 11. When the stage 11 vibrates, the uncured powder on the stage 11 falls on the tray 53 and is collected through the guide port 55 and the collection port 65.

  The powder supply unit 15 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the powder supply unit 15 is formed in a box shape whose width in the front-rear direction gradually increases upward, and accommodates the three-dimensionally shaped powder therein. The powder supply part 15 is being fixed to the left side surface of the powder collection | recovery part 23 (refer FIG. 1) so that it may be located above the modeling stand 6. FIG. On the lower surface of the powder supply unit 15, a supply port (not shown) that is an opening whose longitudinal direction is the left-right direction is formed. The supply port is formed with a width equal to or greater than the width in the left-right direction of the stage 11 so that the three-dimensionally shaped powder can be supplied to the entire region extending linearly in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) on the stage 11. The supply port is provided with a shutter (not shown) that opens and closes the supply port. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 supplies the three-dimensional modeling powder onto the stage 11 by controlling the opening and closing of the shutter by the powder supply motor 44 (see FIG. 6).

  The flattening roller 16 will be described. The flattening roller 16 is provided to flatten the upper surface of the three-dimensional modeling powder supplied on the stage 11 to form a powder layer. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rotating shaft 17 of the flattening roller 16 extends in a direction (left-right direction) intersecting the moving direction of the modeling table 6 in a state parallel to the upper surface of the stage 11. The rotation shaft 17 is connected to a roller rotation motor 43 (see FIG. 6) disposed in the powder recovery unit 23 (see FIG. 1). When the roller rotation motor 43 is driven, the flattening roller 16 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 (the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the right side). When forming the powder layer, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 moves the modeling table 6 from the rear to the front while rotating the flattening roller 16 with the shutter of the powder supply unit 15 opened (negative Y-axis). Move in the direction). As a result, the upper surface of the three-dimensionally shaped powder placed on the stage 11 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) is flattened by the flattening roller 16. The surplus powder accumulated on the back side of the flattening roller 16 falls to the powder drop opening 13 formed on the back side of the modeling table 6.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a plate-like blade 18 is fixed to the front surface of the powder supply unit 15. The blade 18 is provided to remove the three-dimensional modeling powder attached to the flattening roller 16. The blade 18 extends obliquely downward and forward from the front wall surface of the powder supply unit 15 and is in contact with the back side of the flattening roller 16 without a gap. As shown in FIG. 5, the position P where the blade 18 contacts in the flattening roller 16 is adjusted to a height equal to or lower than the height H of the rotating shaft 17. Therefore, the three-dimensionally shaped powder is easily peeled off from the surface of the flattening roller 16 without being deposited between the blade 18 and the flattening roller 16. Further, the plate surface of the blade 18 blocks between the space on the front side and the space on the back side of the flattening roller 16. Therefore, the blade 18 can prevent the three-dimensionally shaped powder on the back side of the flattening roller 16 from scattering to the front side. Therefore, the upper surface of the powder layer formed by the flattening roller 16 is kept flat. The possibility that the scattered three-dimensional shaped powder adheres to the head 20 is also reduced.

  The head 20 will be described. Although not shown, the head 20 includes a cyan head, a magenta head, a yellow head, a black head, and a clear head. Each of the cyan modeling liquid, the magenta modeling liquid, the yellow modeling liquid, the black modeling liquid, and the clear modeling liquid (colorless modeling liquid) was accommodated in the left body portion 25 (see FIG. 1) of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1. Multiple tanks are installed. Each of the heads of each color included in the head 20 is connected to a tank containing a modeling liquid of a corresponding color by a flexible tube (not shown). The head 20 discharges the modeling liquid of each color onto the powder layer under the control of the CPU 30 (see FIG. 6). The head 20 may be any one including a clear head for modeling liquid and a head for coloring. For example, the head 20 includes a total of four heads: a cyan head, a magenta head, a yellow head, and a clear head. May be. In this case, the printing black head can be replaced with a clear head, and cost reduction due to mass production can be expected.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a guide rail 21 for guiding the movement of the head 20 in the left-right direction is provided above the modeling table 6 and in front of the powder supply unit 15. The guide rail 21 extends horizontally straight from the right side surface of the left body portion 25 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 to the right side, and is connected to the left side surface of the powder recovery unit 23. The guide rail 21 penetrates the head 20 in the left-right direction, and the head 20 can move left and right along the guide rail 21. A head moving motor 45 (see FIG. 6) for moving the head 20 is provided on the left body portion 25 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1. When the head moving motor 45 is driven, power is transmitted to the head 20 via a carriage belt (not shown), and the head 20 moves in the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the powder recovery unit 23 is disposed between the modeling table 6 and the right body unit 26. The powder recovery unit 23 includes a powder suction pump 48 (see FIG. 6) for sucking uncured powder in the stage holding unit 10 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) of the modeling table 6. When the powder suction pump 48 starts suction, the uncured powder in the stage holding unit 10 passes through the recovery path 12 (see FIGS. 2, 3, and 5) and the powder recovery unit 23, and the powder supply unit. Returned to 15.

  An operation panel 27 is provided in front of the right body portion 26 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1. The operation panel 27 has various operation keys and a display unit. The operator inputs an operation instruction to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 by operating the operation key while looking at the display unit.

  The electrical configuration of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 includes a CPU 30 that controls the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1. A RAM 31, a ROM 32, a motor drive unit 33, a head drive unit 35, a powder suction pump 48, an operation panel 27, and an external communication I / F 37 are connected to the CPU 30 via a bus 39.

  Various data such as the composite modeling data 90 received from the PC 100 are temporarily stored in the RAM 31. The ROM 32 stores a control program for controlling the operation of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1, an initial value, and the like. The motor drive unit 33 controls the operations of the modeling table back-and-forth movement motor 41, the stage elevating motor 42, the roller rotation motor 43, the powder supply motor 44, the head moving motor 45, and the vibration motor 46. The head driving unit 35 is connected to the head 20 and drives a piezoelectric element provided in each ejection channel of the head 20. The external communication I / F 37 connects the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 to an external device such as the PC 100. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 can also acquire data from other devices (for example, a USB memory, a server, etc.) via a USB interface, the Internet, or the like.

  The electrical configuration of the PC 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The PC 100 includes a CPU 80 that controls the PC 100. The CPU 80 includes a RAM 81, a ROM 82, a hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as “HDD”) 83, a display control unit 84, an operation processing unit 85, a CD-ROM drive 86, and an external communication I / F 87 via a bus 89. It is connected.

  The RAM 81 temporarily stores various information. The ROM 82 stores a program such as BIOS executed by the CPU 80. The HDD 83 is a non-volatile storage device that stores a synthetic modeling data creation program, three-dimensional data 98 (see FIG. 8), synthetic modeling data 90 (see FIG. 9), and the like. The display control unit 84 controls the display on the monitor 91. The operation processing unit 85 is connected to a keyboard 92 and a mouse 93 for a user to perform an operation input, and detects the operation input. A CD-ROM 94 that is a storage medium is inserted into the CD-ROM drive 86. Data stored in the CD-ROM 94 is read by the CD-ROM drive 86. The PC 100 acquires the composite modeling data creation program and the like according to the present invention via the CD-ROM 94 or the Internet, and stores them in the HDD 83. The external communication I / F 87 connects the PC 100 to an external device such as the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1.

  With reference to FIG. 8, the data structure of the three-dimensional data 98 will be described. The three-dimensional data 98 is data indicating the three-dimensional shape of the object. The three-dimensional data 98 in the present embodiment indicates the outer shape of the object and the color of the outer surface. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the three-dimensional data in the present embodiment includes outline coordinate data and color data. The outer coordinate data is coordinate information indicating the position of the outer shape of the object. The color data indicates the color of the outer surface of the object at the position indicated by the coordinate information with RGB values. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the solid data does not include information inside the object. Note that the three-dimensional data 98 shown in FIG. 8 is merely an example. The inside may be printed with colorless ink. The three-dimensional data 98 may be in a data format (for example, STL format) created by CAD software, a data format (for example, VRML format, OBJ format, 3DS format, PLY format) created by CG software, or the like. Good.

  Next, the data structure of the synthetic modeling data 90 will be described with reference to FIG. The synthetic modeling data 90 is data for controlling the operation of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 acquires the synthetic modeling data 90, stores it in the RAM 31, and operates each unit according to the stored synthetic modeling data 90. As shown in FIG. 9, the synthetic modeling data 90 is created for each of a plurality of layers (powder layer and modeling layer) to be stacked. The data of each layer is given the stacking order N from the first layer formed. The data of each layer includes discharge data and thickness data.

  The ejection data is data for driving the modeling table longitudinal movement motor 41, the head moving motor 45, and the head 20 (see FIG. 6), and controls ejection of the modeling liquid from the head 20. Specifically, the ejection data includes information on coordinates (X, Y) and information indicating whether or not each color of the modeling liquid is ejected to the dots indicated by the coordinates information. In FIG. 9, “1” indicates ejection, “0” indicates non-ejection, and “−” indicates that none of the modeling liquid is ejected (dots outside the modeling range).

  The thickness data is data of a stacking pitch for driving the stage elevating motor 42 (see FIG. 6). When forming the powder layer, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 adjusts the thickness of the powder layer in the Z-axis direction by adjusting the descending amount of the stage 11 according to the thickness data. That is, the thickness (lamination pitch) of the powder layer and the modeling layer is determined by the thickness data. Note that the synthetic modeling data 90 shown in FIG. 9 is an example for creating a three-dimensional model, and the content of the data changes depending on the shape, color, and the like of the three-dimensional model.

  With reference to FIG. 10, the synthetic modeling data creation process executed by the PC 100 will be described. A composite modeling data creation program is stored in the HDD 83 of the PC 100. When an instruction for creating the synthetic modeling data 90 is input, the CPU 80 of the PC 100 executes a synthetic modeling data creation process shown in FIG. 10 according to the synthetic modeling data creation program. In the following description, a case in which the first three-dimensional structure 200 shown in FIG. 11, the second three-dimensional structure 210 shown in FIG. 12, and the third three-dimensional structure 220 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the synthetic modeling data creation process, first, three-dimensional data 98 (see FIG. 8) indicating the three-dimensional shape of the object designated by the user is acquired (S1). Specifically, the solid data received from the outside in advance and stored in the HDD 83 or the solid data stored in the CD-ROM 94 is read out and acquired and stored in the RAM 81 (S1). In the present embodiment, as an example, the cylindrical first three-dimensional structure 200 shown in FIG. 11, the horizontally long rectangular parallelepiped second three-dimensional structure 210 shown in FIG. 12, and the prismatic third three-dimensional structure 220 shown in FIG. A plurality of models are formed. Therefore, in S1, the three-dimensional data indicating the three-dimensional shapes of the first three-dimensional structure 200, the second three-dimensional structure 210, and the third three-dimensional structure 220 are acquired in order. The arrangement in the modeling possible area 110 described later is also performed in the order of the first three-dimensional model 200, the second three-dimensional model 210, and the third three-dimensional model 220 in the order of acquisition of the three-dimensional data 98.

  Next, the production quantity (number) of each shaped object is acquired (S2). In the present embodiment, the user inputs the production quantity of each three-dimensional modeled object from the keyboard 92 (see FIG. 7) of the PC 100. The first three-dimensional object 200 is N1 (as an example, six), the second three-dimensional object 210 is N2 (as an example, three), and the third three-dimensional object 220 is N3 (as an example, three). It shall be modeled.

  Next, a buffer area is set in each modeling data to prevent interference between the modeling objects (S3). In this process, if the maximum values in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction of the three-dimensional data indicating the three-dimensional shape acquired in S1 are (X, Y, Z), the buffer area data stored in advance in the HDD (X1, y1, z1) is added (S3). The data (x1, y1, z1) of the buffer region is a distance obtained in advance by experiment so as not to affect the modeling of the adjacent three-dimensional object even if a plurality of three-dimensional objects are arranged. By the process of S3, the three-dimensional data in which the buffer area is set becomes a rectangular parallelepiped block having (X + x1, Y + y1, Z + z1) as the maximum value. A three-dimensional object is arranged in the center of the rectangular parallelepiped block, and a buffer area is formed between the block and the three-dimensional object. Here, as an example, the outer shape of the buffer region of the first three-dimensional structure 200 is a rectangular parallelepiped block made of D1 (X1, Y1, Z1). Further, as will be described later, the outer shape of the buffer area of the second three-dimensional structure 210 is a rectangular parallelepiped block made of D2 (X2, Y2, Z2), and the outer shape of the buffer area of the third three-dimensional structure 220 is D3 (X3, X3). A rectangular parallelepiped block consisting of Y3, Z3).

  Next, the modeling possible area is set (S4). In this process, the maximum formable area of the stage 11 is initially set as the formable area 110 (S4), and after the calculation process of S9 described later, the remaining formable area calculated in S9 is set as the current formable area. (S9). In the process of S4, since the data of the maximum moldable area of the stage 11 is stored in the HDD in advance according to the size of the stage 11, the data of the maximum moldable area is first acquired from the HDD (S4). . As an example, the modelable area 110 (X0, Y0, Z0) is set. This formable area 110 (X0, Y0, Z0) is the maximum formable area 110 (the range surrounded by the origin 111, the position 112, the position 119, and the position 120) of the stage 11 shown in FIG. In addition, the value of X0 is the maximum length that can be formed in the X direction in one modeling process using the stage 11, and the value of Y0 is the Y direction in one modeling process using the stage 11. The value of Z0 is the maximum height that can be shaped in the Z direction in one modeling process using the stage 11.

Next, the number of objects that can be modeled by one modeling process is calculated (S5). Here, it is calculated how many D1 (X1, Y1, Z1) outer shapes of the buffer area of the first three-dimensional structure 200 can be arranged in the moldable area 110 (X0, Y0, Z0) (S5). Specifically, in the X direction, X0 / X1 = M1x (pieces) (decimal truncation), in the Y direction, Y0 / Y1 = M1y (pieces) (decimal truncation), and in the Z direction, Z0 / Z1 = M1z (pieces) (decimal rounding down). Therefore, the number of the first three-dimensional model 200 that can be modeled in the modelable region 110 (X0, Y0, Z0) is M1x × M1y × M1z (pieces). As an example, the shapeable region 110 (X0 = 45 cm, Y0 = 75 cm, Z0 = 30 cm) is used, and the outer shape of the buffer region of the first three-dimensional structure 200 is D1 (X1 = 15 cm, Y1 = 15 cm, Z1 = 20 cm). .
M1x = 45/15 = 3
M1y = 75/15 = 5
M1z = 30/20 = 1 (fractional truncation).
Accordingly, the number of first three-dimensional objects 200 that can be modeled in the modelable region 110 (X0, Y0, Z0) is 3 × 5 × 1 = 15 (S5).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the number that can be formed calculated in the process of S5 is equal to or less than the required number (S6). The required number of first three-dimensional objects 200 input in S2 is 6, and the number 15 that can be formed by one modeling process is not less than 6 (S6: NO), and then arranged Is determined (S7). This arrangement determination (S7) determines, for example, the arrangement of the first three-dimensional structure 200 (including the buffer area) from the origin 111 of the modelable area 110 in the X direction. When arranged in the X direction, the rows of the first three-dimensional structures 200 arranged in the X direction are arranged in the Y direction of the modelable region 110. First, as shown in FIG. 14, three are arranged in the X direction. Since the required number is 6, as shown in FIG. 15, the remaining three are arranged from the position 113 moved in the Y direction from the origin 111 toward the maximum position 114 in the X direction. By the process of S7, the first three-dimensional structure 200 is arranged in a range surrounded by the origin 111, the position 112, the position 115, and the position 116 (S7). 14 to 19, the Z direction is a direction orthogonal to the paper surface.

  Next, it is determined whether all data are arranged (S8). Here, since the data arrangement of the second three-dimensional structure 210 and the third three-dimensional structure 220 still remains (S8: NO), the remaining formable area is calculated (S9).

  In the process of S9, the remaining modelable area 110 after the arrangement of the first three-dimensional model 200 is calculated. The remaining area in which the six first three-dimensional objects 200 are arranged is an area in a range surrounded by the position 115, the position 116, the position 119, and the position 120 shown in FIG. This remaining formable area is a range obtained by excluding the range surrounded by the origin 111, the position 112, the position 115, and the position 116 from the first formable area 110 (X0 = 45 cm, Y0 = 75 cm, Z0 = 30 cm). The X direction (between position 115 and position 116) is 45 cm, the Y direction (between position 115 and position 119) is 45 cm, and the Z direction is 30 cm (S9).

  As shown in FIG. 16, when the entire range surrounded by the position 113, the position 114, the position 115, and the position 116 is not filled, for example, the range surrounded by the origin 111, the position 112, the position 113, and the position 114 Three three-dimensional objects 200 are arranged, and only two first three-dimensional objects 200 are arranged in a range surrounded by the position 113, the position 114, the position 115, and the position 116, and the positions 114 and 116 are separated by one. Even in the case, the remaining formable area 110 is an area surrounded by the position 115, the position 116, the position 119, and the position 120 shown in FIG. By performing such processing, the arithmetic processing is simplified.

  Next, the process returns to S3, and a buffer area is set in the three-dimensional data of the second three-dimensional structure 210 to prevent interference in the same manner as described above (S3). The outer shape of the buffer area of the second three-dimensional structure 210 after setting the buffer area is a rectangular parallelepiped block made of D2 (X2, Y2, Z2).

  Next, the modeling possible area is set (S4). In this process, the remaining modelable area calculated in S9 is set as the current modelable area (S9). Specifically, the modelable area 110 is an area in a range surrounded by the position 115, the position 116, the position 119, and the position 120 shown in FIG. The modelable region 110 is set as X0 = 45 cm, Y0 = 45 cm, and Z0 = 30 cm (S4).

Next, the number that can be formed of the second three-dimensional structure 210 is calculated in a region surrounded by the positions 115, 116, 119, and 120 shown in FIG. 15 (S5). Specifically, X0 / X2 = M2x (pieces) (decimal truncation) in the X direction, Y0 / Y2 = M2y (pieces) (decimal truncation) in the Y direction, and Z0 / Z2 = in the Z direction. M2z (pieces) (fractional truncation). Therefore, the number that can be formed by the second three-dimensional structure 210 in the region surrounded by the position 115, the position 116, the position 119, and the position 120 illustrated in FIG. 15 is M2x × M2y × M2z (pieces). As an example, the outer shape of the buffer region of the second three-dimensional structure 210 is D2 (X2 = 15 cm, Y2 = 24 cm, Z1 = 15 cm).
M2x = 45/15 = 3
M2y = 45/24 = 1 (rounded down)
M2z = 30/15 = 2.
Accordingly, the number of second 3D objects 210 that can be formed in the area surrounded by the positions 115, 116, 119, and 120 shown in FIG. 15 is 3 × 1 × 2 = 6 (S5). .

  Next, it is determined whether or not the number that can be formed calculated in the process of S5 is equal to or less than the required number (S6). The required number of the second three-dimensional model 210 input in S2 is 3, and the number of 6 that can be modeled by one modeling process is not less than 3 (S6: NO). Is determined (S7). This arrangement determination (S7) is performed by the second three-dimensional structure 210 (buffer) from the position 115 of the formable area 110 in the range surrounded by the position 115, the position 116, the position 117, and the position 118 shown in FIG. (Including area) is determined. The distance between the position 115 and the position 116 is 45 cm, and three second three-dimensional structures 210 are arranged in the X direction to finish the arrangement (S7).

  Next, it is determined whether all data are arranged (S8). Here, since the data array of the third three-dimensional structure 220 still remains (S8: NO), the remaining formable area is calculated (S9).

  In the process of S9, the remaining modelable area 110 after the arrangement of the second three-dimensional model 210 is calculated in the process of S7. The remaining modelable area 110 in which six first three-dimensional objects 200 and three second three-dimensional objects 210 are arranged is an area surrounded by a position 117, a position 118, a position 119, and a position 120 shown in FIG. It is. In this remaining formable area 110, the X direction (between position 117 and position 118) is 45 cm, the Y direction (between position 117 and position 119) is Y0 = 21 cm, and the Z direction is 30 cm (S9).

  Next, returning to S3, a buffer area is set in the three-dimensional data of the third three-dimensional structure 220 to prevent interference in the same manner as described above (S3). The outer shape of the buffer area of the third three-dimensional structure 220 after setting the buffer area is a rectangular parallelepiped block made of D3 (X3, Y3, Z3).

  Next, the modeling possible area is set (S4). In this process, the remaining modelable area calculated in S9 is set as the current modelable area 110 (S9). Specifically, the modelable area 110 is an area in a range surrounded by a position 117, a position 118, a position 119, and a position 120 shown in FIG. The modelable region 110 is set as X0 = 45 cm, Y0 = 21 cm, and Z0 = 30 cm (S4).

Next, the number of third three-dimensionally shaped objects 220 that can be formed is calculated in a region surrounded by the positions 117, 118, 119, and 120 shown in FIG. 17 (S5). Specifically, in the X direction, X0 / X3 = M3x (pieces) (decimal truncation), in the Y direction, Y0 / Y3 = M3y (pieces) (decimal truncation), and in the Z direction, Z0 / Z3 = M3z (pieces) (rounded down). Accordingly, the number of third three-dimensional objects 220 that can be formed in the region surrounded by the positions 117, 118, 119, and 120 shown in FIG. 17 is M3x × M3y × M3z (pieces). As an example, the outer shape of the buffer region of the third three-dimensional structure 220 is D3 (X3 = 15 cm, Y3 = 15 cm, Z3 = 20 cm).
M2x = 45/15 = 3
M2y = 21/15 = 1 (decimal number rounded down)
M2z = 30/20 = 1 (fractional truncation).
Therefore, the number of the third three-dimensional object 220 that can be formed in the region surrounded by the positions 117, 118, 119, and 120 shown in FIG. 17 is 3 × 1 × 1 = 3 (S5). .

  Next, it is determined whether or not the number that can be formed calculated in the process of S5 is equal to or less than the required number (S6). The required number of the second three-dimensional model 210 input in S2 is 3, and the number of 6 that can be modeled by one modeling process is not less than 3 (S6: NO). Is determined (S7). This arrangement determination (S7) is performed by moving the third three-dimensional structure 220 (buffer) from the position 117 of the formable area 110 in the range surrounded by the positions 117, 118, 119, and 120 shown in FIG. (Including area) is determined. The distance between the position 117 and the position 118 is 45 cm, and three third three-dimensional structures 220 are arranged in the X direction to finish the arrangement (S7).

  Next, it is determined whether all data are arranged (S8). Here, since the arrangement of all data from the first three-dimensional structure 200 to the third three-dimensional structure 220 has been completed (S8: YES), the process proceeds to S10.

  Next, in the process of S10, the first three-dimensional model 200 to the third three-dimensional model 220 are included in the maximum modelable area 110 of the stage 11 as shown in FIG. An array layout of each of the three-dimensional data is performed (S10). In this arrangement layout, the arrangement is performed in the X direction from the origin 111 of the largest formable area 110. When it is full in the X direction, next, the arrangement is performed in the X direction from the position 113 that is the position moved from the origin 111 in the Y direction. This operation is repeated, and as shown in FIG. 18, an array layout of all the data of each three-dimensional data of the first three-dimensional structure 200 to the third three-dimensional structure 220 is performed in the maximum formable area 110 (S10). Each data is arranged in the center of the buffer area.

  Next, the stage 11 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 is lowered, and the arrangement layout of all data is arranged in the process of S10 according to the stacking pitch (thickness data) that is the thickness for forming the three-dimensional modeled object in the Z direction. New synthetic modeling data of the entire modeling possible area 110 is created (S11). Note that the stacking pitch is set in advance and stored in the HDD 83. The synthetic modeling data shown in FIG. 9 is created by the synthetic modeling data creation processing in S11. In the process of S11, the three-dimensional modeled object arranged in the maximum modelable area 110 is divided into a plurality of layers according to the stacking pitch (thickness data) based on the composite three-dimensional data created in S10, and the stacking is performed. Synthetic modeling data 90 (see FIG. 9) of all layers is created for every order N (S11). In the present embodiment, as an example, the stacking pitch (thickness data) is assumed to be “300 μm” and constant.

  When the three-dimensional modeling data of all layers is created and the synthetic modeling data 90 is completed (S11), the created synthetic modeling data 90 is output to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 (S12). The three-dimensional modeling data output in S12 is input to the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 in the process of S41 (see FIG. 20) of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1.

  In the determination process of S6 of the synthetic modeling data creation process shown in FIG. 10, for example, when the number of models that can be modeled calculated in S5 is equal to or less than the required number of the first three-dimensional model 200 (S6: YES), Even if it arranges to the upper limit number which can arrange the 1st solid modeling thing 200 in modeling possible field 110, it may not be sufficient for the required number inputted by S2, or it may be the same number as a required number. For example, when the production quantity (required number) of the first three-dimensional structure 200 acquired in S <b> 2 is 25, the number of the first three-dimensional structure 200 that can be formed in the modeling area 110 is 15 at a time. Since there is, it is determined YES in S6. Accordingly, since there is no remaining modelable area, the process proceeds to S10, and as shown in FIG. 19, an array layout for 15 first three-dimensional objects 200 is performed on the entire maximum modelable area 110 (S10). ). Next, the processes of S11 and S12 are performed as described above.

  Subsequently, it progresses to S13 and it is judged whether there exists any remaining in the number of modeling (S13). For example, as in the above example, when the required number of modeling of the first three-dimensional model 200 is 25 and the number of models that can be modeled is 15 at one time, there are 10 remaining, so it is determined that there is a remaining modeling number (S13: YES) Next, since 15 first three-dimensional objects 200 have already been formed, the required number of first three-dimensional objects 200 is corrected to 10 by subtracting 15 objects formed from 25 objects. Further, the modelable area 110 is set to the maximum (the range surrounded by the origin 111, the position 112, the position 119, and the position 120) (S14). Subsequently, it returns to S3 and repeats the process of S3-S13. If it is determined in the process of S13 that all the required numbers of the first three-dimensional model 200 to the third three-dimensional model 220 have been modeled and there is no remaining model number (S13: NO), the CPU 80 of the PC 100 performs the process. finish.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 20, the three-dimensional modeling process which the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 performs is demonstrated. As described above, the ROM 32 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 stores a control program for controlling the operation of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1. CPU30 of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1 will perform the three-dimensional modeling process shown in FIG. 20 according to a control program, if the start instruction | indication of modeling is input.

  First, initialization processing is executed (S41). In the initialization process, the lower surface of the head 20 is wiped by a head cleaning mechanism (not shown), and suction is performed until the modeling liquid reaches the nozzle. By the suction, the head 20 can discharge the modeling liquid. Further, the height of the upper surface of the stage 11 is moved to the vicinity of the upper end portion of the modeling table 6 to form a powder layer that serves as a foundation for performing the three-dimensional modeling. Specifically, the height of the upper surface of the stage 11 is adjusted to about 3 to 10 mm below the upper end of the modeling table 6, and the supply and flattening of the three-dimensional modeling powder are repeated, so that the height is about 3 to 10 mm. A flattened powder layer having a thickness is formed as a base. By forming a powder layer as a base in advance, the upper surface of the powder layer laminated on the upper part can be an accurate flat surface. In the initialization process, data stored in the RAM 31 is temporarily deleted.

  It is determined whether or not the synthetic modeling data 90 (see FIG. 9) output in S12 (see FIG. 10) of the PC 100 is input (S42). If the synthetic modeling data 90 is not input (S42: NO), the determination of S42 is repeated. When the synthetic modeling data 90 is input (S42: YES), the layer in the stacking order N for specifying the processing target layer among the plurality of layers (powder layer and modeling layer) is the first layer to be created. Is set to “1” (S43).

  The Nth layer data in the synthetic modeling data 90 is read (S44). The stage elevating motor 42 is driven, and the height of the upper surface of the stage 11 is lowered by the thickness (stacking pitch) (300 μm in this embodiment) indicated by the Nth layer thickness data (S45). The solid modeling powder is supplied to the stage 11 to flatten the upper surface and form a powder layer (S46). Specifically, the powder supply motor 44 is driven to start the supply of the three-dimensionally shaped powder onto the stage 11. The roller rotation motor 43 is driven to rotate the flattening roller 16. The modeling table longitudinal movement motor 41 is driven, and the modeling table 6 is moved forward. When the powder layer is formed, the modeling table longitudinal movement motor 41 and the head moving motor 45 are driven, and the head 20 is relatively moved to the initial position of the molding region. In accordance with the ejection data of the Nth layer, the relative movement and ejection control of the head 20 are executed, and the modeling liquid is ejected from the head 20 (S47). By the processing of S44 to S47, the Nth modeling layer is formed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not modeling of the three-dimensional model is completed (S48). If not completed (S48: NO), the stacking order N for specifying the layer to be processed is incremented ("1" is added), and the layer above is set as the layer to be processed (S49). ). The process returns to S44, and the next powder layer and modeling layer are formed (S44 to S47). In a specific example, by repeating S44 to S49, the modeling layers are stacked in the stacking direction, and a plurality of three-dimensional models are created at a time. In the example illustrated in FIG. 18, six first three-dimensional objects 200, three second three-dimensional objects 210, and three third three-dimensional objects 220 are created at a time. When the modeling of the three-dimensional model is completed (S48: YES), the stage 11 is lowered, the vibration motor 46 and the powder suction pump 48 are driven, and the uncured powder is collected (S50). The three-dimensional modeling process ends.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the PC 100 as the synthetic modeling data creation apparatus arranges a plurality of three-dimensional modeling objects having the same shape or three-dimensional modeling objects having different shapes in the modeling area 110 of the stage 11. Since the data is created, it is possible to create a plurality of three-dimensional objects without waste in one modeling process. Therefore, the modeling efficiency of the three-dimensional model is dramatically increased, and a large number of three-dimensional models can be modeled in a short time.

  In the above embodiment, the PC 100 is an example of the “synthetic modeling data creation device” of the present invention. The synthetic modeling data creation processing program shown in FIG. 10 is an example of a “synthetic modeling data creation program”. The head 20 is an example of “ejection means”. The CPU 30 that performs the processing of S47 (see FIG. 20) is an example of the “control unit” in the present invention. The CPU 80 that performs the processing of S1 (see FIG. 10) is an example of the “data acquisition unit” in the present invention. The CPU 80 that performs the process of S2 (see FIG. 10) is an example of the “number acquisition unit” in the present invention. The CPU 80 that performs the process of S5 (see FIG. 10) is an example of the “modelable number calculating means” of the present invention. The CPU 80 that performs the process of S6 (see FIG. 10) is an example of the “necessary number determination means” of the present invention. The CPU 80 that performs the process of S10 (see FIG. 10) is an example of the “array creation unit” in the present invention. The CPU 80 that performs the processing of S11 (see FIG. 10) is an example of the “synthetic modeling data creation processing means” of the present invention. The CPU 80 that performs the process of S3 (see FIG. 10) is an example of the “buffer area setting means” in the present invention. The CPU 80 that performs the process of S9 (see FIG. 10) is an example of the “remaining shapeable area calculating unit” of the present invention.

  Further, the process of S1 (see FIG. 10) is an example of the “data acquisition process” of the present invention. The process of S2 (see FIG. 10) is an example of the “number acquisition process” in the present invention. The process of S5 (see FIG. 10) is an example of the “modelable number calculation process” of the present invention. The process of S6 (see FIG. 10) is an example of the “necessary number determination process” of the present invention. The process of S10 (see FIG. 10) is an example of the “array creation process” in the present invention. The process of S11 (see FIG. 10) is an example of the “synthetic modeling data creation process” of the present invention.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, A various change is possible. For example, in the process of S9 of the synthetic modeling data creation process shown in FIG. 10, when it is calculated that the remaining modelable area 110 is free in the Z direction (second stage), in the process of S4, The upper part (second stage) can be set as the remaining formable area 110. In this case, you may arrange | position so that the three-dimensional molded item of the same shape (same three-dimensional data) may be piled up in a Z direction. Moreover, you may make it the three-dimensional molded item of the same shape (same three-dimensional data) not overlap in a Z direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, in the Z direction, the first three-dimensional structure 200A placed on the second stage and the first three-dimensional structure 200 placed on the first stage are arranged so as not to overlap. As this arrangement method, the second stage may be configured such that the arrangement pitch of the three-dimensionally shaped object in the X direction and the Y direction is shifted by 1/2 with respect to the first stage. Since the weight of the first three-dimensional structure 200A placed on the second stage is not applied to the first three-dimensional structure 200 placed on the first stage by adopting such an arrangement, the first stage It can prevent that the distortion of the shape in the Z direction of the 1st three-dimensional molded item 200 mounted becomes large.

  Further, when it is sufficient to form five first three-dimensional objects 200 instead of six, as shown in FIG. 22, the range surrounded by the position 113, the position 114, the position 115, and the position 116 is in the middle. The first three-dimensional structure 200 may be arranged so as to avoid the region. In this case, since the two first three-dimensional shaped objects 200 are arranged symmetrically in the X direction, they can be shaped under the same conditions and dried uniformly. Therefore, the identity of the shape increases.

  Further, when there is a margin in the modelable area 110, more than the required number of three-dimensional models may be created. In this case, it is possible to select the necessary number of the three-dimensional shaped objects created more than the necessary number. Further, the PC 100 may be integrated with the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 1.

  Further, when a plurality of shaped objects are arranged in multiple stages in the Z direction, many shaped objects may be arranged in the lower layer. In this case, it is possible to prevent the shape distortion in the Z direction of the three-dimensional structure placed on the lower layer from increasing. Furthermore, you may make it arrange | position the three-dimensional molded item of a shape containing a fine structure in an upper layer in a Z direction. In this case, since the weight of the upper layer is not applied to the three-dimensional structure including the fine structure, an error in the size of the three-dimensional structure including the fine structure can be prevented. Moreover, when modeling a colorless three-dimensional molded item and a colored three-dimensional modeled object at once, you may make it arrange | position a colored three-dimensional molded item to the back of a Y direction. In this case, when the color layer is peeled off during modeling, the peeled color layer does not affect other shaped objects.

1 3D modeling apparatus 11 Stage 16 Flattening rollers 30, 80 CPU
42 Stage lifting motor 90 Synthetic modeling data 98 Three-dimensional data 100 PC
110 Modelable area 200, 210, 220 Three-dimensional model

Claims (9)

A stage on which a three-dimensional modeling powder that is solidified by mixing with a modeling liquid is placed; and a discharge unit that can eject droplets of the modeling liquid on the three-dimensional modeling powder placed on the stage; Control means for controlling the ejection of the droplets by the ejection means, and a plurality of the solidified modeling layers are formed by solidifying the solid modeling powder by ejecting the droplets by the ejection means. And it is the synthetic modeling data creation device which creates the synthetic modeling data for the three-dimensional modeling apparatus that models a plurality of three-dimensional modeling objects at a time by arranging a plurality of the modeling layers,
Data acquisition means for acquiring three-dimensional data indicating the shape of the three-dimensional object to be formed;
Number acquisition means for acquiring the number of three-dimensional objects to be modeled;
A modelable number calculating means for calculating a modelable number that is the maximum number that can model the three-dimensional modeled object based on the three-dimensional data in one modeling process using the modelable area of the stage;
Necessary number judging means for judging whether or not the shapeable number calculated by the shapeable number calculating means is equal to or less than a necessary number that is the number obtained by the number obtaining means;
When the required number determining means determines that the possible number is less than or equal to the required number, an array creating means for arranging a plurality of three-dimensional objects in the shapeable area by the number that can be formed; and
A synthetic modeling data creation device comprising: synthetic modeling data creation processing means for creating synthetic modeling data based on an array of the plurality of three-dimensional modeling objects created by the array creation means. Based on the three-dimensional data acquired by the data acquisition means, comprising buffer area setting means for adding a buffer area for preventing interference between the three-dimensional objects to the three-dimensional object,
The synthetic modeling data creation device according to claim 1, wherein the array creation unit arranges the three-dimensional modeled object to which the buffer region setting unit has added the buffer region in the modelable region.   3. The composite modeling data generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the array generation unit first arranges a three-dimensional modeled object having the same three-dimensional data in the X direction of the modelable region.   4. The composite modeling data according to claim 3, wherein the array creation unit arranges the three-dimensional modeled object of the same three-dimensional data so that a row arranged in the X direction is arranged in the Y direction of the modelable region. Creation device.   5. The arrangement creation means, wherein the three-dimensional shaped objects are arranged so that the three-dimensional shaped objects arranged in the X direction and the Y direction of the modelable area are stacked in the Z direction of the modelable area. The described synthetic modeling data creation device.   The synthetic modeling data creation device according to claim 1, wherein the array creation unit arranges the three-dimensional modeled object so as not to overlap in the Z direction of the modelable region.   When the required number determining means determines that the number of models that can be formed is greater than the number of required, the remaining modelable area that calculates the remaining modelable area in which the three-dimensional object is arranged in the modelable area by the required number The synthetic modeling data creation device according to claim 1, further comprising an area calculation unit.   When the number of modeling of the three-dimensional modeled object modeled by one modeling process is less than the required number, a modeling number setting unit is provided for setting the insufficient number as the number of the three-dimensional modeled object to be newly modeled. The synthetic modeling data creation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A stage on which a three-dimensional modeling powder that is solidified by mixing with a modeling liquid is placed; and a discharge unit that can eject droplets of the modeling liquid on the three-dimensional modeling powder placed on the stage; Control means for controlling the ejection of the droplets by the ejection means, and a plurality of the solidified modeling layers are formed by solidifying the solid modeling powder by ejecting the droplets by the ejection means. A synthetic modeling data creation program for creating synthetic modeling data for a three-dimensional modeling apparatus that models a plurality of three-dimensional models at once by arranging a plurality of the modeling layers,
A data acquisition process for acquiring three-dimensional data indicating the shape of the three-dimensional object to be formed;
Number acquisition processing for acquiring the number of three-dimensional objects to be modeled;
A modelable number calculation process for calculating a modelable number that is the maximum number that can model the three-dimensional modeled object based on the three-dimensional data in one modeling process using the modelable area of the stage;
A necessary number determination process for determining whether or not the shapeable number calculated by the shapeable number calculation unit is equal to or less than a necessary number that is the number acquired by the number acquisition unit;
When the required number determination means determines that the modeling possible number is equal to or less than the required number, an array creation process for arranging a plurality of the three-dimensional modeling objects in the modeling possible area by the modeling possible number; and
A synthetic modeling data creation program for causing a computer to execute a synthetic modeling data creation process for creating new synthetic modeling data based on the arrangement of the three-dimensional model created by the array creation unit.

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