JP6618763B2 - 3D modeling data generation device and 3D modeling system provided with the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a three-dimensional modeling data generation device and a three-dimensional modeling system including the same.

  Conventionally, a three-dimensional modeling apparatus for creating a three-dimensional modeled object is known. In the 3D modeling apparatus, based on data obtained by slicing an obtained 3D model with a predetermined thickness, cross-sectional shapes corresponding to the data are sequentially formed and stacked, thereby obtaining a desired 3D model. Model.

  As a modeling method of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus, powder layered modeling, heat melting layered modeling, optical modeling, and the like are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a three-dimensional modeling apparatus using a powder layered modeling method in which a powder material accommodated in a modeling tank is consolidated into a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the slice data and stacked in the height direction. . In such a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, the three-dimensional model is embedded in an unsolidified powder material when modeling is completed. For this reason, the user needs to dig out a desired three-dimensional structure from unsolidified powder material.

JP 2006-137173 A

  The three-dimensional structure immediately after the formation is finished has a tendency that the liquid component such as the binder is not completely dried and is brittle and easily broken. For this reason, the three-dimensional structure needs to be sufficiently dried, for example, by blowing warm air into the modeling tank or after taking it out of the modeling tank and putting it in a dryer.

  However, in the method of drying the modeled object by blowing warm air into the modeling tank, the next modeling operation cannot be performed until the drying is finished, and the work efficiency may be reduced. Also, in the method of taking out the model from the modeling tank and drying it, it is necessary to dig out the model from the powder material that has not been solidified, but the user must determine exactly where the model is buried in the powder material. I can't figure it out. For this reason, there is a risk that it takes time to take out the modeled object, or the modeled object is accidentally damaged by searching for a dark cloud in the powder material. Furthermore, for example, depending on the shape of the three-dimensional structure, there is a risk of deformation due to its own weight while drying with a dryer.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and the object thereof is to reduce the risk of breakage when taking out a three-dimensional structure from a three-dimensional structure apparatus and to efficiently manufacture a three-dimensional structure. An object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional modeling data generation device that enables this, and a three-dimensional modeling system including the same.

  The three-dimensional modeling data generation apparatus according to the present invention generates three-dimensional modeling data used for a powder additive manufacturing three-dimensional modeling apparatus. The three-dimensional modeling data generation device is configured to store the target modeling based on the storage unit that stores data of a three-dimensional target modeling object model representing the three-dimensional modeling target to be modeled, and the data stored in the storage unit. A bottom part disposed below the object model, and a side wall part that extends upward from the bottom part and surrounds the periphery of the target object model, and is separated from the target object model. A support model generating unit that generates data of the arranged three-dimensional support model; and an output unit that outputs the target model object model and the support model data as the three-dimensional modeling data.

  According to the three-dimensional modeling data generation device, it is possible to create three-dimensional modeling data that can model a support together with a desired modeled object. The support that is modeled based on this data has a bottom part located below the modeled object and a side wall part that surrounds the modeled object. The part surrounded by the bottom part and the side wall part of the support accommodates a modeled article that has just been modeled (in a highly brittle state) and an unsolidified powder material in the vicinity thereof. For this reason, if a user lifts a support after completion | finish of modeling, these can be taken out from a modeling tank as an integrated object. Moreover, since it can take out from a modeling tank and this can be dried in a place different from a modeling tank, the next modeling can be started without waiting for drying to finish. Furthermore, since the unsolidified powder material is closely spread in the vicinity of the modeled object at the time of drying, the self-weight deformation of the modeled object is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to reduce the risk of breakage and deformation of the shaped object and efficiently produce the shaped object.

  A three-dimensional modeling system according to the present invention includes the three-dimensional modeling data generation device and the three-dimensional modeling device. According to this three-dimensional modeling system, it is possible to reduce the risk of damage to the modeled object and to efficiently manufacture the modeled object. Therefore, user workability and convenience can be improved.

  According to the present invention, a three-dimensional modeling data generation device for generating three-dimensional modeling data capable of efficiently manufacturing a three-dimensional modeled object while reducing the risk of breakage of the modeled three-dimensional modeled object, and A three-dimensional modeling system provided with this can be provided.

It is sectional drawing of the three-dimensional modeling system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the three-dimensional modeling data generation device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of the three-dimensional modeling data produced | generated with a three-dimensional modeling data production | generation apparatus, (a) has shown the top view, (b) has each shown sectional drawing. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the usage method of the support which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (a) takes out a three-dimensional molded item from a three-dimensional modeling apparatus, (b) dries a three-dimensional molded item Each case is shown. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example in the case of taking out a three-dimensional structure from a support.

  Hereinafter, a 3D modeling system including a 3D modeling data generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. It should be noted that the embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, members / parts having the same action are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

  Here, first, the three-dimensional modeling system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a three-dimensional modeling system 10 according to an embodiment. The three-dimensional modeling system 10 is a device for modeling a desired three-dimensional modeled object 181 together with a support 182. The three-dimensional modeling system 10 includes a three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10A and a three-dimensional modeling data generation apparatus 100. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10A according to the embodiment. Note that symbols F, Re, L, R, Up, and Dn in the drawings indicate front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower, respectively. However, these are only directions for convenience of explanation, and do not limit the installation mode of the three-dimensional modeling system 10 at all.

  Next, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10A will be described. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10A is an apparatus that models a full-color three-dimensional modeled object by forming and laminating many powder material layers 18A. Here, the support 182 corresponding to the three-dimensional structure is formed together with the desired three-dimensional structure 181. The support 182 is for reducing the risk of breakage of the three-dimensional structure 181 and enhancing workability during the three-dimensional structure. Further, in the three-dimensional structure 181 having a shape that is easily affected by its own weight, the deformation of its own weight can be more effectively suppressed. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 </ b> A includes a modeling unit 31, a powder material supply unit 41, a binder supply head 12, and a control device 16. In this embodiment, an ink head 14 is further provided.

  The modeling unit 31 includes a modeling tank 33, a modeling table 32, and a table lifting device 34. The powder material 19 is accommodated in the modeling tank 33. The powder material 19 is supplied from the powder material supply unit 41. The powder material 19 is spread in the modeling tank 33 with a predetermined thickness width (for example, 0.1 mm) based on the slice data. The powder material 19 constitutes a powder material layer 18A by being hardened with a binder. Examples of the powder material include gypsum, ceramics (for example, metal oxides such as silica and alumina), metals, plastics, and the like. The surface of the powder material 19 may be preliminarily provided with a material that starts, promotes, or assists binding between particles. Examples include various binders (for example, water-soluble resins), curing agents, polymerization initiators, and the like.

  The modeling table 32 is configured to move up and down in the modeling tank 33 in the vertical direction. The modeling table 32 is connected to a table lifting device 34. The table elevating device 34 is for moving the modeling table 32 in the vertical direction. Although it does not specifically limit as the table raising / lowering apparatus 34, The cylinder mechanism is employ | adopted here.

  When the powder material 19 is hardened and one powder material layer 18A is formed on the modeling table 32, the table elevating device 34 moves (lowers) the modeling table 32 downward with a predetermined width. The descending width of the modeling table 32 is determined in advance based on the thickness width of the slice data. The powder material 19 is spread in the space generated by the lowering of the modeling table 32. By repeating this in sequence, the powder material layer 18A is stacked in the height direction of the modeling table 32 to form a desired three-dimensional modeled object 181.

  The powder material supply unit 41 is for supplying the powder material 19 to the modeling unit 31. The powder material supply unit 41 includes a powder material supply tank 43, a powder material supply table 42, a table elevating device 44, and a powder material supply roller 15. A powder material 19 is accommodated in the powder material supply tank 43. The powder material supply table 42 is configured to move up and down in the powder material supply tank 43 in the vertical direction. The powder material supply table 42 is connected to a table lifting device 44. The table elevating device 44 is for moving the powder material supply table 42 in the vertical direction. Although it does not specifically limit as the table raising / lowering apparatus 44, The cylinder mechanism is employ | adopted here.

  The powder material supply roller 15 is a member for supplying the powder material 19 accommodated in the powder material supply tank 43 to the modeling tank 33. The powder material supply roller 15 is configured to be movable in the left-right direction on the surfaces of the powder material supply tank 43 and the modeling tank 33 by a motor (not shown). The powder material supply roller 15 is positioned on a roller mounting portion 45 provided at one end portion (left end in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the powder material supply portion 41 when not in use. When the powder material supply table 42 is moved upward by the table elevating device 44, the powder material supply roller 15 moves from the roller mounting portion 45 in a predetermined direction (right direction in FIGS. 1 and 2). Accordingly, a predetermined amount of the powder material 19 accommodated in the powder material supply tank 43 is pushed by the powder material supply roller 15 and supplied to the modeling tank 33. Usually, the powder material 19 is supplied more than the amount accommodated in the modeling layer 33. As the powder material supply roller 15 moves on the modeling tank 33, the surface of the modeling tank 33 is leveled. In this way, the powder material 19 is uniformly spread within the modeling tank 33 with a predetermined thickness width. The powder material 19 that could not be stored in the modeling tank 33 is stored in an excess powder storage tank 35 adjacent to the modeling tank 33. When the powder material supply roller 15 moves to the end on the side away from the powder material supply unit 41, the powder material supply roller 15 rotates in the reverse direction (left direction in FIGS. 1 and 2) and returns to the roller mounting unit 45.

  When the powder material 19 is supplied from the powder material supply tank 43 to the modeling tank 33, the table lifting device 44 moves (lifts) the powder material supply table 42 upward with a predetermined width. The rising width of the powder material supply table 42 is determined in advance corresponding to the falling width of the modeling table 32. In the present embodiment, the rising width of the powder material supply table 42 is set larger than the lowering of the modeling table 32.

  The binder supply head 12 is for spraying the binder on the powder material 19 in the modeling tank 33. The binder supply head 12 is connected to a driving device (not shown) and is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) and the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) with respect to the modeling tank 33. The binder supply head 12 includes a nozzle 12A that discharges the binder. The nozzle 12A communicates with a binder storage tank (not shown). The binder is not particularly limited as long as it is a material capable of fixing between particles of the powder material 19. Further, when a water-soluble binder is attached to the surface of the powder material 19, a liquid mainly composed of water such as an aqueous pigment ink may be used. The binder supply head 12 sprays the binder based on the slice data. Thereby, in the area | region where the binder was sprayed, for example, the resin adhering to the surface of the powder material 19 is melted, so that the powder material 19 is hardened and the powder material layer 18A is formed.

  The ink head 14 is for spraying colored ink onto the powder material layer 18A solidified with the binder. The ink head 14 sprays ink onto the powder material layer 18A based on the color data included in the slice data. The ink head 14 is connected to a drive device (not shown) and is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) and the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) with respect to the modeling tank 33. The ink head 14 includes a nozzle 14A that ejects ink. The nozzle 14A communicates with a plurality of ink storage tanks (not shown). In this embodiment, the binder supply head 12 and the ink head 14 are coaxially arranged and integrally formed, but they may be separate.

  The overall operation of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 </ b> A is controlled by the control device 16. The control device 16 is connected to the binder supply head 12, the ink head 14, the powder material supply roller 15, the table elevating devices 34 and 44, and the three-dimensional modeling data generation device 100. The control device 16 drives the table elevating device 34 to move the modeling table 32 upward or downward (Z-axis direction). The control device 16 drives the table elevating device 44 to move the powder material supply table 42 upward or downward (Z-axis direction). The control device 16 controls the discharge of the binder from the binder supply head 12 and the movement of the binder supply head 12 in the XY axis direction. The control device 16 controls the ejection of ink from the ink head 14 and the movement of the ink head 14 in the XY axis direction. The control device 16 controls the movement of the powder material supply roller 15 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

  The control device 16 receives 3D modeling data from the 3D modeling data generation device 100. The three-dimensional modeling data includes data of the three-dimensional modeled object 181 that is a modeling target and data of the support 182 corresponding to the three-dimensional modeled object 181. Slice data is created from the input 3D modeling data. The slice data is created so as to slice the three-dimensional modeling data in a predetermined direction at a predetermined interval. The slicing direction can be a horizontal direction or a vertical direction. The formation of the powder material layer 18A by the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10A described above is performed based on this slice data. The configuration of the control device 16 is not particularly limited. In one example, the control device 16 is a computer, and a central processing unit (CPU) that executes instructions of the control program, a ROM (read only memory) that stores a program executed by the CPU, and a program are expanded. A random access memory (RAM) used as a working area, and a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data.

  Next, the three-dimensional modeling data generation apparatus 100 will be described. The 3D modeling data generation device 100 is for creating 3D modeling data used in the 3D modeling device 10A. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the three-dimensional modeling data generation apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. The three-dimensional modeling data generation apparatus 100 includes a storage unit 50, a support model generation unit 52, and an output unit 58. In the present embodiment, a color determination unit 56 is further provided. 4A and 4B are examples of the three-dimensional modeling data generated by the three-dimensional modeling data generation device 100. FIG. 4A is a plan view and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view.

  The configuration of the three-dimensional modeling data generation device 100 is not particularly limited. For example, the three-dimensional modeling data generation apparatus 100 is a computer and is configured to control its operation by a CPU. The computer may include a ROM, a RAM, a recording medium, and the like. In addition, the 3D modeling data generation apparatus 100 may be a separate body from the 3D modeling apparatus 10A, or may be incorporated in the 3D modeling apparatus 10A.

  The three-dimensional modeling data generation apparatus 100 may be a computer program (software) that causes a CPU of a computer to operate as the three-dimensional modeling data generation apparatus 100. The computer program is a program code (execution program, intermediate code program, source program) for operating the three-dimensional modeling data generation apparatus 100 so that it can be read by a computer. Such a program code may be recorded on a recording medium. As a recording medium, a semiconductor recording medium (for example, ROM, nonvolatile memory card), an optical recording medium (for example, DVD, MO, MD, CD, BD), a magnetic recording medium (for example, magnetic tape, flexible disk, IC card) And the like.

  The program code can also be supplied via a communication network. In this case, a computer data signal (embedded in a carrier wave) of the program code transmitted electronically is also an aspect of the invention disclosed herein. Examples of the communication network include the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, satellite communication network, telephone line network, virtual private network, CATV communication network, and mobile communication network. Transmission media constituting the communication network include wired (for example, USB, power line carrier, IEEE 1394, ADSL line, telephone line, cable TV line), wireless (for example, 802.11 wireless, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial wave) Digital network, Bluetooth (registered trademark)), infrared (for example, IrDA, remote control), etc. are exemplified.

  The storage unit 50 stores attribute data (hereinafter, referred to as a target model object) 61 of a three-dimensional model 181 to be modeled by the three-dimensional model system 10. The target object model 61 is read into the storage unit 50 from a storage medium or another computer (not shown) by a user operation, for example. The target object model 61 includes at least three-dimensional spatial data regarding the shape and size. The spatial data is represented by, for example, STL (STereo Lithography) data. The object model 61 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B has a hollow hemispherical shape, and its cross section is a semicircular arc. In the present embodiment, the target object model 61 further includes color data. The color data is expressed by RGB values, for example.

  The support model generation unit 52 includes a main calculation unit 53. The main arithmetic unit 53 generates support attribute data (hereinafter referred to as a support model) 62 based on the data of the target object model 61 stored in the storage unit 50. The main calculation unit 53 generates a support model 62 that also takes into account the shape and size of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10A (specifically, the modeling tank 33 and the modeling table 32) used for modeling. The main arithmetic unit 53 generates, for example, the same number of support models 62 as the target object model 61 or the number of support models 62 (for example, one). Note that the type and format of information included in the support model 62 may be the same as that of the target object model 61 described above.

  The support model 62 is a take-out auxiliary member for taking out the target object model 61 from the modeling tank 33 and drying it. The support model 62 is formed at a position separated from the target model model 61. The support model 62 has a bottom part 62b located below the target model object 61 and a side wall part 62s extending upward from the bottom part 62b. In this embodiment, a mesh member 62 a is further provided above the bottom 62 b and below the bottom surface of the target model 61. The lower surface of the side wall part 62s and the peripheral edge of the bottom part 62b, and the peripheral edge of the side wall part 62s and the peripheral edge of the mesh member 62a are connected to each other, and the support model 62 has an integral shape.

  The support model 62 is also formed nonporous. As a result, when the support model 62 is lifted upward, what is accommodated in the space surrounded by the bottom 62b and the side wall 62s is prevented from falling off. That is, the support model 62 is generated as a “removal container” that takes out the three-dimensional structure 181 together with the unsolidified powder material existing in the vicinity thereof. Here, the support model 62 is formed in a bowl shape having a square shape in plan view and an inverted trapezoidal shape in cross section. The support model 62 may have, for example, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, or a polygonal shape other than a quadrangle in plan view. The entire support model 62 may have a cylindrical shape, a conical shape, a polygonal column shape, a polygonal pyramid shape, or the like.

  The bottom part 62 b of the support model 62 is a part that supports the target object model 61. The bottom 62b is formed at a position spaced from the target model 61. The shape, size, and thickness of the bottom are determined in consideration of the shape, size, weight, and the like of the target model 61. For example, the surface on the side facing the target object model 61 of the bottom 62 b may be formed larger than the outer periphery of the lower surface of the target object model 61. That is, the surface on the side facing the target object model 61 at the bottom is formed wider than the outer peripheral area (area surrounded by the outer periphery) of the lower surface of the target object model 61. In addition, the bottom 62b is formed with sufficient density and thickness so that the bottom 62b can be lifted in a state where the target model 61 is supported. The shape, size, thickness, and the like of the bottom can be determined based on a conventionally known program.

  The bottom 62b is the bottom surface of the container that houses the target model 61. Here, the bottom 62b is formed in a nonporous and flat plate shape. The bottom 62b may be, for example, a wave shape or a curved shape. Preferably, the bottom 62b is formed flat so that it can stand on its own without requiring a support member when placed on a placing table such as a table. For example, the bottom 62b is formed in a symmetrical shape in the front-rear and left-right directions. The area of the bottom portion 62b is preferably wider than the maximum cross-sectional area in the cross-sectional direction orthogonal to the height direction of the target object model 61. Thereby, stable independence is realized. Here, the bottom 62b has a quadrangular shape. The bottom 62b may be, for example, a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon other than a rectangle. Further, for example, for the purpose of improving the self-supporting property, a protrusion or the like may be formed on the lower surface of the bottom 62b as necessary.

  The support model 62 shown here has a mesh member 62a in addition to the bottom 62b and the side wall 62s. The mesh member 62 a is formed at a position separated from the target model model 61. The mesh member 62a is porous. The mesh member 62a is formed between the bottom 62b and the target object model 61 in the height direction. That is, the mesh member 62a is formed on the side closer to the target model object 61 than the bottom 62b. Here, the mesh member 62a is disposed substantially parallel to the bottom 62b. The outer peripheral area of the mesh member 62a is typically equal to or smaller than the area of the bottom 62b. Here, the mesh member 62a has a quadrangular shape. The mesh member 62a may be, for example, a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon other than a rectangle. The mesh member 62a and the bottom portion 62b may have the same shape or may be different.

The mesh member 62a has a plurality of through holes 65 so that the powder material 19 can pass therethrough. The through hole 65 penetrates the height direction. The through-hole 65 is formed larger than a preset particle size of the powder material 19 (for example, a volume-based average particle size D ₅₀ or a cumulative 95% particle size D ₉₅ ). The through hole 65 is preferably formed 10 times or more, for example, 100 times or more larger than the particle diameter of the powder material 19. The through hole 65 is formed smaller than the target model object 61. The number of through holes 65 may be 2 or more, for example, 10 or more, or 100 or more. The through-hole 65 may be formed in the entire mesh member 62a, and may be formed only in a part of the mesh member 62a in consideration of, for example, load resistance strength. The through hole 65 is partitioned by a plurality of linear bodies 66. The cross-sectional shape of the linear body 66 can be, for example, a circle, an ellipse, a quadrangle, a rhombus, or the like.

  A side wall 62s is formed above the bottom 62b. The side wall part 62 s is formed so as to surround the target model object 61. Here, the side wall part 62 s is formed so as to surround the front, left side, rear side, and right side of the target model 61. However, the side wall part 62s does not necessarily have to surround the entire periphery of the target model object 61, and may surround a part thereof. The side wall part 62s is formed at a position separated from the target model object 61. The shape, size, and thickness of the side wall 62s are determined in consideration of the shape and size of the target model 61. For example, in any cross section orthogonal to the height direction, it is formed larger than the outer periphery of the target object model 61. The shape, size, and thickness of the side wall 62s can be determined based on a conventionally known program. For example, for the purpose of improving convenience when taking out the support 182, a handle portion or the like may be formed on the side wall portion 62s as necessary.

  The side wall 62s is connected to the bottom 62b and the mesh member 62a at a predetermined taper angle. The side wall portion 62s is formed in a tapered shape (conical shape) whose diameter decreases toward the bottom. The side wall 62s may have a tapered shape with a diameter decreasing toward the upper side. Alternatively, the side wall part 62s may be connected to the bottom part 62b and / or the mesh member 62a at a substantially right angle. The maximum height 62h of the side wall 62s (the distance in the vertical direction from the lower surface of the bottom 62b; the same applies hereinafter) may be equal to or greater than the maximum height 61h of the target object model 61. Here, the maximum height 62 h of the side wall 62 s is higher than the maximum height 61 h of the target model 61. Thereby, the upper end 62t in the height direction of the side wall 62s is formed at a position higher than the upper end 61t in the height direction of the target model 61. The height 62h of the side wall 62s may be lower than the height 61h of the target model 61.

  A cut-out portion 62n is formed at a connecting portion between the bottom portion 62b and the side wall portion 62s. The notch 62n has a smaller thickness than the bottom 62b and the side wall 62s. Therefore, when the support 182 has finished its function as a take-out auxiliary member, the support 182 is relatively easily broken starting from the notch 62n, and the obtained three-dimensional structure 181 can be easily taken out. Can do.

  In a preferred aspect, the support model generation unit 52 includes a structure analysis unit 54 in addition to the main calculation unit 53. The structure analysis unit 54 confirms the load bearing strength of the created support model 62. For example, when the support 182 supports the three-dimensional structure 181, not only the load of the support 182 itself but also the load of the three-dimensional structure 181 and the unsolidified powder material 19 in the vicinity thereof is applied from above. In view of this situation, it is preferable to perform a structural analysis of the support model 62 in advance and evaluate the load resistance strength. If the load bearing strength is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the shape, size, thickness, etc. of the support model 62 are adjusted again. The predetermined value of the load bearing strength can be an arbitrary value set in advance.

  In a preferred aspect, the support model generation unit 52 further includes a contact determination unit 55. The contact determination unit 55 confirms whether the target object model 61 and the support model 62 are in a separated position. And when both overlap or are in contact, it adjusts again so that the target model object 61 and the support model 62 may be arranged in the separated position. For example, the support model 62 is vertically moved downward in the height direction. The contact determination unit 55 also checks whether the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10A and the support model 62 are in a separated position. And when both overlap or are in contact, the shape, size, thickness, etc. of the support model 62 are adjusted again. Further, for example, when it is determined that the above adjustment is impossible in consideration of the size of the modeling tank 33 and the modeling table 32, the formation of the support model 62 can be performed again.

  The color determination unit 56 determines the color data of the support model 62 based on the color data of the target object model 61 stored in the storage unit 50. In one example, a color different from the powder material 19 (for example, other than white) is selected and applied to the support model 62. In another example, a color that is not used in the target object model 61 is selected and applied to the support model 62. Alternatively, the color used in the target model object 61 may be prohibited from being used in the support model 62. Further, the color determination unit 56 may be set to color the entire support model 62 or may be set to color only a part of the support model 62. Here, coloring is applied to the upper portion of the side wall 62s in the height direction to form a colored portion 62c.

  As described above, the support model 62 corresponding to the target object model 61 is generated. Then, the three-dimensional modeling data is configured by combining the target model model 61 and the generated support model 62. The 3D modeling data is sent from the output unit 58 of the 3D modeling data generation apparatus 100 to the 3D modeling apparatus 10A. The three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10A performs modeling of the desired three-dimensional model 181 and the support 182 that assists in taking out the three-dimensional model 181 based on the three-dimensional modeling data.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when the modeling is completed, the three-dimensional model 181 is buried in the unsolidified powder material 19 in the modeling tank 33 together with the support 182. The support 182 has a bottom portion located below the three-dimensional structure 181 and a side wall portion surrounding the periphery of the three-dimensional structure 181. The support 182 functions as a “removal container” for the three-dimensional structure 181. That is, when the user takes out the desired three-dimensional structure 181, the support 182 is held by holding the side wall portion of the support 182 or scooping up the side wall portion with the auxiliary tool 20 as shown in FIG. Is moved above the modeling tank 33. As the auxiliary tool 20, a spatula, a scoop, a tongue, etc. can be considered. Then, the three-dimensional structure 181 and the unsolidified powder material 19 in the vicinity thereof are pulled up from the modeling tank 33 while being supported by the support 182. For this reason, the user can take out the three-dimensional structure 181 from the modeling tank 33 without directly touching the three-dimensional structure 181 immediately after being formed (in a highly brittle state). Therefore, according to the technique disclosed here, the risk of breakage when taking out the three-dimensional structure 181 from the three-dimensional structure forming apparatus 10A is reduced.

  The support 182 including the three-dimensional structure 181 and the unsolidified powder material 19 is dried at a predetermined temperature and time by hot air irradiation or a dryer. Thereby, liquid components, such as a binder contained in the three-dimensional structure 181 are suitably removed, and the shape stability of the three-dimensional structure 181 is enhanced. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the unsolidified powder material 19 is closely spread in the vicinity of the three-dimensional structure 181 during drying. For this reason, even if it is the shape (for example, which has an overhang part) 181 of the shape which is easy to receive to the influence of own weight, the deformation | transformation and damage by own weight are suppressed suitably. Therefore, according to the technique disclosed here, a predetermined shape can be suitably maintained against its own weight, and a three-dimensional structure 181 with high dimensional accuracy in the direction of gravity can be obtained. Further, by drying the three-dimensional structure 181 at a place different from the modeling tank 33, the next modeling can be started without waiting for the completion of drying. For this reason, according to the technique disclosed here, the operating rate of 10 A of 3D modeling apparatuses can be raised, and the 3D modeling thing 181 can be manufactured efficiently from the next to the next.

  After the drying, the three-dimensional structure 181 is taken out from the support 182. As described above, the three-dimensional structure 181 after drying has higher hardness and strength than those immediately after modeling, and has relatively improved shape stability. Therefore, the user can firmly take out the three-dimensional structure 181 from the support 182. The support 182 is lighter than the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10A and has a high degree of freedom of movement. Further, the support 182 is not the three-dimensional structure 181 that is originally obtained. Therefore, when taking out the three-dimensional structure 181, for example, the support 182 can be turned over or a part of the support 182 can be broken. Therefore, workability when taking out the three-dimensional structure 181 from the support 182 can be improved.

  In one example, first, the support 182 shown in FIG. 5B is dried, and then light force is applied from the lower surface of the bottom 182b of the support 182. Then, the bottom portion 182 b is removed, and the mesh member 182 a becomes the lowermost surface of the support 182. FIG. 6 shows the support 182 'with the bottom 182b removed. The support 182 ′ functions as a so-called “sieving”. That is, the unsolidified powder material 19 is naturally removed from the through-holes 65 of the mesh member 62a and sieved off. Further, the powder material 19 slightly remaining on the support 182 'is also well removed by, for example, shaking the support 182' from side to side. Therefore, the three-dimensional structure 181 and the unsolidified powder material 19 can be easily separated.

  As described above, according to the 3D modeling data generation apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, a container (case) -like support capable of accommodating the 3D model 181 and the unsolidified powder material 19 together with the desired 3D model 181. 3D modeling data capable of modeling 182 can be generated. In the three-dimensional modeling system 10 of the present embodiment, the risk of damage to the three-dimensional modeled object 181 can be reduced and the operating rate of the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10A can be increased.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, the bottom 62b of the support model 62 is formed flat. Thereby, as shown in FIG.5 (b), the mounting stability of the support 182 is improved and the stable self-supporting state can be maintained. Therefore, the freedom degree of the mounting place at the time of drying increases. Moreover, the convenience of a user can be improved by not requiring a support member in the case of mounting.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, the side wall portion 62s of the support model 62 is formed in a tapered shape with a diameter decreasing toward the lower side. Thereby, when modeling is complete | finished, the support 182 can be lifted in the stable state, and it becomes easy to take out the support 182 from the modeling tank 33. FIG.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, the upper end 62t in the height direction of the side wall 62s of the support model 62 is formed at a position higher than the upper end 61t in the height direction of the target model 61. Yes. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper portion 182 t of the support 182 is disposed on the surface layer portion of the unsolidified powder material 19 when the modeling is completed. Therefore, the support 182 buried in the powder material 19 can be easily found.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, a mesh member 62 a is formed between the bottom 62 b and the target object model 61 in the height direction of the support model 62. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, the convenience in the case of de-powder can be improved. Furthermore, since the user does not need to directly contact the three-dimensional structure 181 when de-powder, for example, the damage of the three-dimensional structure 181 is better suppressed as compared with the case where de-powder is performed using a brush or a blower. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, a notch 62n is formed at a portion where the bottom 62b and the side wall 62s of the support model 62 are connected. Thereby, when the support 182 finishes its role and takes out the three-dimensional structure 181 from the support 182, the support 182 can be broken and removed relatively easily. Therefore, user workability can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the support model generation unit 52 includes a structural analysis unit 54 that performs structural analysis in a state where the target model object 61 is supported by the support model 62. Thereby, the support 182 with high load resistance can be accurately shaped.

  In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, a colored portion 62 c having a color different from that of the upper portion of the powder material 19 and the target object model 61 is formed on the upper portion of the side wall portion 62 s of the support model 62. . This makes it easier to distinguish the support 182 in the unsolidified powder material 19. Therefore, the support 182 can be easily found.

  The 3D modeling system 10 and the 3D modeling data generation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment have been described above. However, the three-dimensional modeling system and the three-dimensional modeling data generation device according to the present invention are not limited to this. For example, in the three-dimensional modeling system 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 </ b> A includes the ink head 14, and the three-dimensional modeling data generation apparatus 100 includes the color determination unit 56. However, the three-dimensional modeling apparatus 10 </ b> A may not include the ink head 14. In addition, the three-dimensional modeling data generation apparatus 100 may not include the color determination unit 56. In this case, the three-dimensional structure 181 and the support 182 are configured by the color of the powder material 19 itself.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 3D modeling system 10A 3D modeling apparatus 50 Memory | storage part 52 Support model production | generation part 53 Main operation part 54 Structure analysis part 55 Contact determination part 56 Color determination part 58 Output part 100 3D modeling data generation apparatus 181 3D modeling object 182 support

Claims (10)

A three-dimensional modeling data generation device that generates three-dimensional modeling data used in a three-dimensional modeling device of a method in which a powder material is hardened with a predetermined thickness and stacked in a height direction,
A storage unit that stores data of a three-dimensional object model representing a three-dimensional object to be modeled;
Based on the data stored in the storage unit, a bottom part arranged below the target model object, and a side wall part extending upward from the bottom part and surrounding the target model model And a mesh member provided between the bottom and the target object model in the height direction, and a three-dimensional support model disposed at a position separated from the target object model A support model generation unit that generates the data of
An output unit that outputs the data of the target model and the support model as the three-dimensional modeling data;
A three-dimensional modeling data generation device. A three-dimensional modeling data generation device that generates three-dimensional modeling data used in a three-dimensional modeling device of a method of laminating a powder material with a predetermined thickness and laminating in a height direction,
A storage unit that stores data of a three-dimensional object model representing a three-dimensional object to be modeled;
Based on the data stored in the storage unit, a bottom part arranged below the target model object, and a side wall part extending upward from the bottom part and surrounding the target model model And a notch portion provided in a portion where the bottom portion and the side wall portion are connected to each other, and generates data of a three-dimensional support model arranged at a position separated from the target object model A support model generator,
An output unit that outputs the data of the target model and the support model as the three-dimensional modeling data;
A three-dimensional modeling data generation device. It said bottom is formed flat, three-dimensional modeling data generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The said side wall part is a three-dimensional modeling data generation apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 3 currently formed in the taper shape which diameters reduce toward the downward direction. Wherein the height direction upper end of the side wall portion, the are formed in the height direction position higher than the upper end of the target shaped object model, three-dimensional modeling data according to any one of claims 1 4 Generator. The three-dimensional modeling data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the support model generation unit includes a structure analysis unit that performs a structure analysis in a state where the target modeling object model is supported by the support model. . The three-dimensional modeling data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein a colored portion having a color different from that of the upper portion of the powder material and the target modeling object model is formed on the upper portion of the side wall portion. . A three-dimensional modeling system comprising the three-dimensional modeling data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a three-dimensional modeling device. A computer program for causing a computer to function as a three-dimensional modeling data generation device that generates three-dimensional modeling data used in a three-dimensional modeling device of a method in which powder materials are hardened with a predetermined thickness and stacked in a height direction. And
The computer,
Storage means for storing data of a three-dimensional object model representing a three-dimensional object to be modeled;
Based on the data stored in the storage means, a bottom part disposed below the target model object, and a side wall part extending upward from the bottom part so as to surround the target model model And a mesh member provided between the bottom and the target object model in the height direction, and a three-dimensional support model disposed at a position separated from the target object model Support model generation means for generating the data, and
Output means for outputting data of the object model object and the support model as the three-dimensional modeling data;
Computer program to function as. A computer program for causing a computer to function as a three-dimensional modeling data generation apparatus that generates three-dimensional modeling data used in a three-dimensional modeling apparatus of a method in which a powder material is hardened with a predetermined thickness and stacked in a height direction. And
The computer,
Storage means for storing data of a three-dimensional object model representing a three-dimensional object to be modeled;
Based on the data stored in the storage means, a bottom part disposed below the target model object, and a side wall part extending upward from the bottom part so as to surround the target model model And a notch portion provided in a portion where the bottom portion and the side wall portion are connected to each other, and generates data of a three-dimensional support model arranged at a position separated from the target object model Support model generation means, and
Output means for outputting data of the object model object and the support model as the three-dimensional modeling data;
Computer program to function as.

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