U.S. patent application number 14/931861 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-12 for apparatus for modeling three-dimensional object and method for modeling three-dimensional object.
The applicant listed for this patent is GRAPHIC CREATION Co., Ltd., MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to HIROFUMI HARA, AKIRA IKEDA.
Application Number | 20160129644 14/931861 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55911533 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160129644 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HARA; HIROFUMI ; et
al. |
May 12, 2016 |
APPARATUS FOR MODELING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT AND METHOD FOR
MODELING THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT
Abstract
Provided is an apparatus for modeling a three-dimensional object
configured to model a three-dimensional object by a fused
deposition modeling, including a plurality of material resin supply
units configured to supply filaments to be used as a modeling
material, respectively, a mixed resin ejection unit configured to
eject a mixed resin, which is obtained by mixing the filaments to
be supplied from the supply units, and a control unit configured to
control amounts of the filaments to be supplied from each of the
supply units to the ejection unit. The supply units are configured
to supply the filaments of different colors to the ejection unit,
respectively, and the control unit is configured to control the
amounts of the filaments to be supplied from each of the supply
units to the ejection unit, thereby adjusting a color of the mixed
resin that is to be ejected by the ejection unit.
Inventors: |
HARA; HIROFUMI; (NAGANO,
JP) ; IKEDA; AKIRA; (NAGANO, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
GRAPHIC CREATION Co., Ltd. |
NAGANO
NAGANO |
|
JP
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
55911533 |
Appl. No.: |
14/931861 |
Filed: |
November 4, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
264/176.1 ;
425/145 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B33Y 50/02 20141201;
B29C 64/106 20170801; B33Y 10/00 20141201; B33Y 40/00 20141201;
B33Y 30/00 20141201; B29C 64/118 20170801; B29C 64/393
20170801 |
International
Class: |
B29C 67/00 20060101
B29C067/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 11, 2014 |
JP |
2014-228916 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object configured
to form a three-dimensional object by a fused deposition modeling
method, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of material resin
supply units configured to supply a material resin, which is a
resin to be used as a modeling material, respectively; a mixed
resin ejection unit configured to eject a mixed resin, which is a
resin obtained by mixing the material resins to be supplied from
the plurality of material resin supply units; and a resin supply
control unit configured to control amounts of the material resins
to be supplied from each of the plurality of material resin supply
units to the mixed resin ejection unit, wherein the plurality of
material resin supply units is configured to supply the material
resins of different colors to the mixed resin ejection unit,
respectively; and wherein the resin supply control unit is
configured to control the amounts of the material resins to be
supplied from each of the plurality of material resin supply units
to the mixed resin ejection unit, thereby adjusting a color of the
mixed resin that is to be ejected by the mixed resin ejection
unit.
2. The apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object according
to claim 1, wherein the material resin is a thermoplastic resin,
the mixed resin ejection unit comprises: a heater unit configured
to heat the material resins to be supplied from each of the
material resin supply units; a resin mixing unit configured to mix
the material resins heated by the heater unit, thereby generating
the mixed resin; and a nozzle configured to eject the mixed resin
generated at the resin mixing unit, and the mixed resin is ejected
from the nozzle, thereby foiming the three-dimensional object.
3. The apparatus for foaming a three-dimensional object according
to claim 1, wherein the resin supply control unit is configured to
control the amounts of the material resins to be supplied to the
mixed resin ejection unit, so that a total amount of the material
resins to be supplied from the plurality of material resin supply
units to the mixed resin ejection unit is matched with a preset
supply amount.
4. The apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object according
to claim 2, wherein the resin supply control unit is configured to
control the amounts of the material resins to be supplied to the
mixed resin ejection unit, so that a total amount of the material
resins to be supplied from the plurality of material resin supply
units to the mixed resin ejection unit is matched with a preset
supply amount.
5. The apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object according
to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises the plurality of
material resin supply units configured to supply the material
resins of respective colors of at least yellow, magenta, cyan and
black.
6. The apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object according
to claim 5, further comprising: the material resin supply unit
configured to supply the material resin of a white color.
7. The apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object according
to claim 5, further comprising: the material resin supply unit
configured to supply the material resin of a clear color.
8. The apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object according
to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of material resin supply
units has a resin extrusion device configured to extrude the
material resin towards the mixed resin ejection unit by a roller,
and wherein the resin supply control unit is configured to control
rotation numbers of the rollers of the resin extrusion devices of
the plurality of material resin supply units, thereby controlling
the amounts of the material resins to be supplied from each of the
plurality of material resin supply units to the mixed resin
ejection unit.
9. The apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object according
to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of material resin supply
units has a resin extrusion device configured to extrude the
material resin towards the mixed resin ejection unit by a roller,
and wherein the resin supply control unit is configured to control
rotation numbers of the rollers of the resin extrusion devices of
the plurality of material resin supply units, thereby controlling
the amounts of the material resins to be supplied from each of the
plurality of material resin supply units to the mixed resin
ejection unit.
10. The apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object according
to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of material resin supply
units has a resin extrusion device configured to extrude the
material resin towards the mixed resin ejection unit by a roller,
and wherein the resin supply control unit is configured to control
rotation numbers of the rollers of the resin extrusion devices of
the plurality of material resin supply units, thereby controlling
the amounts of the material resins to be supplied from each of the
plurality of material resin supply units to the mixed resin
ejection unit.
11. The apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object according
to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of material resin supply
units has a resin extrusion device configured to extrude the
material resin towards the mixed resin ejection unit by a roller,
and wherein the resin supply control unit is configured to control
rotation numbers of the rollers of the resin extrusion devices of
the plurality of material resin supply units, thereby controlling
the amounts of the material resins to be supplied from each of the
plurality of material resin supply units to the mixed resin
ejection unit.
12. A method for forming a three-dimensional object by a fused
deposition modeling method, the method using: a plurality of
material resin supply units configured to supply a material resin,
which is a resin to be used as a modeling material, respectively;
and a mixed resin ejection unit configured to eject a mixed resin,
which is a resin obtained by mixing the material resins to be
supplied from the plurality of material resin supply units, the
plurality of material resin supply units being configured to supply
the material resins of different colors to the mixed resin ejection
unit, respectively, the method comprising: controlling amounts of
the material resins to be supplied from each of the plurality of
material resin supply units to the mixed resin ejection unit,
thereby adjusting a color of the mixed resin that is to be ejected
by the mixed resin ejection unit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 2014-228916, filed on Nov. 11, 2014, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein for all purpose by this
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The disclosure relates to an apparatus for modeling a
three-dimensional object and a method for modeling a
three-dimensional object.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART
[0003] In the related art, a method for modeling a
three-dimensional object by a fused deposition modeling method
(FDM) has been known (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1).
The fused deposition modeling method is a modeling method developed
by a Stratasys company of U.S.A. in the late 1980s, in which the
modeling is performed by fusing, extruding and depositing windings
of a thermoplastic resin referred to as a filament at high
temperatures of about 200.degree. C.
[0004] [Patent Literature 1] U.S. Pat. No. 8,815,141.
SUMMARY
[0005] In the related art, as the filament that is used in the
fused deposition modeling method, filaments having a variety of
colors are used. However, according to the fused deposition
modeling method, the modeling is generally performed using only a
filament of preselected one color because of a configuration of an
apparatus. For this reason, when modeling a three-dimensional
object for which a coloring is performed with two or more colors,
it is necessary to once stop an operation of the apparatus during
the modeling and to replace the filament with a filament of another
color.
[0006] However, much labors and time are required to replace the
filaments. Also, when replacing the filaments during the modeling,
the modeling precision may be deteriorated due to the break of the
operation. For this reason, when performing the modeling by the
fused deposition modeling method, the colors to be colored are
generally limited. As a result, when performing the modeling by the
fused deposition modeling method, if a coloring is required, it is
general to polish a three-dimensional object after the modeling and
then to perform the coloring.
[0007] In recent years, as utilities of an apparatus (for example,
3D printer) for modeling a three-dimensional object are expanded,
it is required to perform the coloring during the modeling, not
after the modeling, in many cases. Regarding the utility, it is
considered to perform the modeling with color inks by using inkjet
heads, for example.
[0008] In this case, however, it is necessary to use a plurality of
inkjet heads, each of which has a plurality of (for example, 100 or
more) precise nozzles formed therein, in conformity to the number
of colors to be used in the coloring. For this reason, the cost of
the apparatus considerably increases, as compared to the apparatus
configured to perform the modeling by the fused deposition modeling
method, for example.
[0009] For this reason, a configuration capable of more
appropriately modeling a colored three-dimensional object is
needed. More specifically, for example, a configuration capable of
more appropriately modeling a colored three-dimensional object by
the fused deposition modeling method capable of performing the
modeling at relatively low cost is needed. Therefore, the
disclosure provides an apparatus for modeling a three-dimensional
object and a method for modeling a three-dimensional object capable
of solving the above problems.
[0010] The inventors first considered performing the modeling by
the fused deposition modeling method by using a plurality of
filaments of which colors are respectively different. Also, the
inventors considered mounting a plurality of heating extrusion
apparatuses configured to extrude the filaments, in conformity to
the number of colors to be used, as a configuration of an apparatus
for modeling a three-dimensional object.
[0011] As a result of the intensive studies, however, the inventors
found that it is difficult to appropriately perform the coloring
just by adopting the plurality of heating extrusion apparatuses.
More specifically, for example, when the plurality of heating
extrusion apparatuses is simply used, it is possible to switch the
colors within a range of the number of filaments to be used. In
this case, however, it is difficult to appropriately express an
intermediate color obtained by mixing a plurality of colors, for
example. For this reason, when expressing a variety of colors to a
certain level or higher, it is required to use a very large number
of filaments. In this case, the cost of the apparatus considerably
increases. Also, according to this configuration, since the heating
extrusion apparatus being used is replaced upon the switch of the
colors, the modeling precision may be deteriorated due to a
difference of ejection characteristics, for example.
[0012] Regarding this, the inventors further intensively studied
and considered mixing and adjusting resins of a plurality of colors
to a desired color in advance, not using the plurality of heating
extrusion apparatuses, and extruding the adjusted resin to perform
the modeling. According to this configuration, it is possible to
more appropriately express the more diverse colors. Also, since the
ejection characteristics are not changed upon the switch of the
colors, the modeling precision is not deteriorated due to the
switch of the colors. That is, the disclosure has following
configurations.
[0013] (Configuration 1) There is provided an apparatus for
modeling a three-dimensional object configured to model a
three-dimensional object by a fused deposition modeling method. The
apparatus includes a plurality of material resin supply units
configured to supply a material resin, which is a resin to be used
as a modeling material, respectively; a mixed resin ejection unit
configured to eject a mixed resin, which is a resin obtained by
mixing the material resins to be supplied from the plurality of
material resin supply units, and a resin supply control unit
configured to control amounts of the material resins to be supplied
from each of the plurality of material resin supply units to the
mixed resin ejection unit. The plurality of material resin supply
units is configured to supply the material resins of different
colors to the mixed resin ejection unit, respectively. The resin
supply control unit is configured to control the amounts of the
material resins to be supplied from each of the plurality of
material resin supply units to the mixed resin ejection unit,
thereby adjusting a color of the mixed resin that is to be ejected
by the mixed resin ejection unit.
[0014] According to the above configuration, it is possible to
appropriately model the three-dimensional object at low cost by
performing the modeling by the fused deposition modeling method,
for example. Also, it is possible to appropriately model the
colored three-dimensional object by using the plurality of types of
material resins of which colors are respectively different. Also,
in this case, it is possible to appropriately express a variety of
colors by mixing the plurality of types of material resins before
the ejection, without being limited to the colors of the material
resins. Also, it is possible to change the color while continuing
to eject the mixed resin obtained by mixing the material resins.
For this reason, the modeling precision is not deteriorated due to
the switch of the colors. Therefore, according to the above
configuration, it is possible to appropriately model the colored
three-dimensional object at low cost.
[0015] Here, the material resin that is to be supplied by each
material resin supply unit is a thread-shaped or fine line-shaped
resin, for example. As the material resin, a well-known filament
that is used in the fused deposition modeling method may be used.
Also, regarding the operation of the mixed resin ejection unit, the
description "ejection of the mixed resin" means an ejection
operation that is to be performed when modeling a three-dimensional
object by the fused deposition modeling method.
[0016] Also, the mixed resin ejection unit is configured to mix the
material resins while heating the material resins supplied from
each of the material resin supply units to about 200.degree. C.,
for example. The mixed resin ejection unit is configured to eject
the mixed resin obtained by the mixing from the nozzle, thereby
performing the modeling by the fused deposition modeling method. As
the mixed resin ejection unit, a mixing nozzle may be used, for
example.
[0017] (Configuration 2) The material resin is a thermoplastic
resin. The mixed resin ejection unit includes a heater unit
configured to heat the material resins to be supplied from each of
the material resin supply units, a resin mixing unit configured to
mix the material resins heated by the heater unit, thereby
generating the mixed resin, and a nozzle configured to eject the
mixed resin generated at the resin mixing unit. The mixed resin
ejection unit is configured to eject the mixed resin from the
nozzle, thereby modeling the three-dimensional object.
[0018] According to the above configuration, it is possible to
appropriately mix the material resins in the mixed resin ejection
unit. Also, the mixed resin, which is obtained by the mixing with
being heated, is ejected, so that it is possible to appropriately
model the three-dimensional object by the mixed resin having a
desired color.
[0019] (Configuration 3) The resin supply control unit is
configured to control the amounts of the material resins to be
supplied to the mixed resin ejection unit so that a total amount of
the material resins to be supplied from the plurality of material
resin supply units to the mixed resin ejection unit is matched with
a preset supply amount.
[0020] According to the above configuration, it is possible to more
appropriately mix the material resins in the mixed resin ejection
unit, for example. Also, in this configuration, the mixed resin
ejection unit is configured to eject the mixed resin from the
nozzle at an ejection amount corresponding to the supplied material
resins. In this case, the ejection amount from the nozzle is an
ejection amount per unit time. For this reason, according to the
above configuration, it is also possible to stabilize the ejection
amount from the nozzle to a constant amount corresponding to the
supply amounts of the material resins. Thereby, it is also possible
to model the three-dimensional object with higher precision, for
example.
[0021] In the meantime, when the supply amount of the material
resin from any one material resin supply unit is increased, for
example, the resin supply control unit decreases the supply amounts
of the material resins from the other material resin supply units,
in correspondence to the increase. Also, the supply amount of the
material resin from any one material resin supply unit is
decreased, for example, the resin supply control unit increases the
supply amounts of the material resins from the other material resin
supply units, in correspondence to the decrease. According to this
configuration, for example, it is possible to appropriately set a
total amount of the material resins to be supplied to the mixed
resin ejection unit to a predetermined supply amount.
[0022] (Configuration 4) The apparatus includes the plurality of
material resin supply units configured to supply the material
resins of respective colors of at least yellow, magenta, cyan and
black. According to this configuration, for example, it is possible
to more appropriately perform the coloring with diverse colors.
More specifically, in this case, it is considered to perform the
full-color coloring, for example. According to this configuration,
it is possible to appropriately provide an apparatus (full-color
modeling machine) configured to perform a full-color modeling at
low cost.
[0023] (Configuration 5) The material resin supply unit configured
to supply the material resin of a white color is further provided.
According to this configuration, for example, it is possible to
more appropriately perform the coloring with diverse colors. The
material resin of a white color may be used to express a light
color, for example.
[0024] (Configuration 6) The material resin supply unit configured
to supply the material resin of a clear color is further provided.
According to this configuration, it is possible to further express
a transparent color, in addition to the colors to be expressed by
the material resins of respective colors of yellow, magenta, cyan,
and black. For this reason, according to this configuration, for
example, it is possible to more appropriately perform the coloring
with more diverse colors.
[0025] (Configuration 7) Each of the plurality of material resin
supply units has a resin extrusion device configured to extrude the
material resin towards the mixed resin ejection unit by a roller.
The resin supply control unit is configured to control rotation
numbers of the rollers of the resin extrusion devices of the
plurality of material resin supply units, thereby controlling the
amounts of the material resins to be supplied from each of the
plurality of material resin supply units to the mixed resin
ejection unit.
[0026] According to the above configuration, for example, it is
possible to more appropriately mix the material resins. Thereby, it
is also possible to more appropriately model the colored
three-dimensional object. Also, the resin supply control unit is
configured to control the rotation numbers of the rollers of the
respective resin extrusion devices, in accordance with color
information indicating a color of the mixed resin to be ejected
from the nozzle at each timing, for example. In this case, the
resin supply control unit is configured to acquire the color
information on the basis of data representing a three-dimensional
object to be modeled, for example.
[0027] Also, the resin supply control unit is configured to control
the rotation numbers of the rollers of the resin extrusion devices,
taking into consideration a time difference between the timing at
which the material resins are mixed and the timing at which the
mixed resin is ejected from the nozzle. In this case, the time
difference is a time difference that is to be determined depending
on a capacity of the mixed resin ejection unit, for example. Also,
the resin supply control unit may be configured to once stop the
ejection, in conformity to the timing at which the color of the
mixed resin to be ejected from the nozzle of the mixed resin
ejection unit is changed, for example. By this configuration, it is
possible to more appropriately change the color, for example.
[0028] (Configuration 8) There is provided a method for modeling a
three-dimensional object by a fused deposition modeling method. The
method uses a plurality of material resin supply units configured
to supply a material resin, which is a resin to be used as a
modeling material, respectively, and a mixed resin ejection unit
configured to eject a mixed resin, which is a resin obtained by
mixing the material resins to be supplied from the plurality of
material resin supply units. The plurality of material resin supply
units is configured to supply the material resins of different
colors to the mixed resin ejection unit, respectively. The method
includes controlling amounts of the material resins to be supplied
from each of the plurality of material resin supply units to the
mixed resin ejection unit, thereby adjusting a color of the mixed
resin that is to be ejected by the mixed resin ejection unit.
According to this configuration, it is possible to accomplish the
same effects as the configuration 1, for example.
[0029] According to the disclosure, it is possible to appropriately
model the colored three-dimensional object.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 depicts an example of an apparatus 10 for modeling a
three-dimensional object according to an illustrative embodiment of
the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Hereinafter, an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure
will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 depicts an
example of an apparatus 10 for modeling a three-dimensional object
according to an illustrative embodiment of the disclosure. In this
illustrative embodiment, the apparatus 10 for modeling a
three-dimensional object is an apparatus for modeling a
three-dimensional object configured to model a three-dimensional
object by a fused deposition modeling method. In this case, the
fused deposition modeling method is a method of extruding resins,
which are fused by the heating, from nozzles and depositing the
same to model a three-dimensional object.
[0032] More specifically, the apparatus 10 for modeling a
three-dimensional object is configured to perform the modeling by
using a filament, which is a thread-shaped or fine line-shaped
resin, as a material resin that is a resin to be used as a modeling
material. Also, the apparatus 10 for modeling a three-dimensional
object is configured to model a colored three-dimensional object by
using a plurality of types of filaments of which colors are
respectively different. Also, the apparatus 10 for modeling a
three-dimensional object of this illustrative embodiment may have
the same or similar features as or to a well-known apparatus
configured to perform the modeling by the fused deposition modeling
method, except for configurations to be described later.
[0033] Also, in this illustrative embodiment, the apparatus 10 for
modeling a three-dimensional object has a plurality of material
resin supply units 14, a mixed resin ejection unit 12, a scanning
driving unit 16, a stand unit 18, and a control unit 20. The
plurality of material resin supply units 14 is supply units
configured to supply filaments 52, which are an example of the
material resin. In this illustrative embodiment, each of the
plurality of material resin supply units 14 is configured to supply
the filaments 52 of different colors to the mixed resin ejection
unit 12, respectively.
[0034] Also, more specifically, in this illustrative embodiment,
the plurality of material resin supply units 14 is configured to
supply the filaments 52 of respective colors of Y (yellow), M
(magenta), C (cyan), K (black), W (white) and CL (clear) to the
mixed resin ejection unit 12, respectively. The CL (clear) color is
an achromatic transparent color. Also, the respective colors of
YMCK are used as solid colors when mixing with the W color or CL
color. Also, in a modified embodiment of the configuration of the
apparatus 10 for modeling a three-dimensional object, a material
resin supply unit 14 configured to supply a filament 52 of a color
except for the above colors may be further provided. Also, a part
of the material resin supply units 14 may be omitted depending on a
quality required for the three-dimensional object 50. For example,
the material resin supply unit 14 as regards at least one of W and
CL colors may be omitted.
[0035] Also, in this illustrative embodiment, each of the material
resin supply units 14 has a filament feeding unit 112 and a
filament extrusion roller 114. The filament feeding unit 112 is a
unit configured to sequentially feed the filament 52 in accordance
with an operation of the filament extrusion roller 114. More
specifically, the filament feeding unit 112 may be a holder having
the filament 52 wound into a winding shape.
[0036] The filament extrusion roller 114 is an example of the resin
extrusion device, and is configured to sequentially feed the
filament 52 from the filament feeding unit 112 towards the mixed
resin ejection unit 12 in accordance with an instruction of the
control unit 20. Also, in this illustrative embodiment, the
filament extrusion roller 114 has a configuration of extruding the
filament 52 by a roller contacting the filament 52, is arranged at
a more upstream side (primary side) on a supply path of the
filament 52 than the mixed resin ejection unit 12, and is
configured to sequentially feed the filament 52 towards the mixed
resin ejection unit 12 by rotating the roller in a direction shown
with an arrow in FIG. 1. By the above configuration, in this
illustrative embodiment, each of the plurality of material resin
supply units 14 extrudes the filaments 52 of respective colors
towards the mixed resin ejection unit 12 in accordance with the
instruction of the control unit 20, respectively.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, in this illustrative embodiment, each
material resin supply unit 14 is configured to press the filament
52 of each color into the mixed resin ejection unit 12 through a
separate path. Also, each material resin supply unit 14 preferably
has a tube for passing the filament 52 towards the mixed resin
ejection unit 12, for example. According to this configuration, it
is possible to more appropriately supply the filament 52 through
the tube.
[0038] Also, in this illustrative embodiment, the filament 52 of
each color is a thermoplastic resin. As the filament 52, it is
possible to favorably use a resin that is to be fused at
temperatures of about 200.degree. C., for example. Also, as the
filament 52 of each color, it is possible to favorably use a
well-known filament that is to be used in the fused deposition
modeling method, for example.
[0039] The mixed resin ejection unit 12 is an ejection unit
configured to eject the fused resin to a position at which the
three-dimensional object 50 is to be formed. In this case, the
position at which the three-dimensional object 50 is to be formed
is a position at which the resin is to be extruded upon the
modeling by the fused deposition modeling method, for example.
[0040] Also, in this illustrative embodiment, the mixed resin
ejection unit 12 has a heater unit 102 and a mixing nozzle 104. The
heater unit 102 is a heating unit configured to heat the filaments
52 supplied from the respective material resin supply units 14, and
is configured to receive and heat the filaments 52 supplied from
the plurality of material resin supply units 14, thereby fusing the
respective filaments 52. In this case, the heater unit 102 is
configured to heat the filaments 52 to about 200.degree. C. (for
example, about 180.degree. C. to 250.degree. C.), depending on the
fusing temperatures of the filaments 52, for example. Also, the
heater unit 102 is configured to sequentially receive the filaments
52 from the plurality of material resin supply units 14 and to
sequentially send out the resins obtained by fusing the filaments
52 to the mixing nozzle 104.
[0041] The mixing nozzle 104 is a member configured to mix and
eject the resins supplied from the heater unit 102. As the mixing
nozzle 104, a well-known small mixing nozzle can be favorably used,
for example. Also, in this illustrative embodiment, the mixing
nozzle 104 has a resin mixing unit 202 and a nozzle 204. The resin
mixing unit 202 is a part configured to receive the resins heated
by the heater unit 102. Also, in this illustrative embodiment, the
resin mixing unit 202 is configured so that a diameter thereof
gradually decreases towards the tip nozzle 204. For this reason,
the resins supplied from the heater unit 102 are gradually mixed in
the resin mixing unit 202 on a path facing towards the nozzle 204.
Also, the resin mixing unit 202 is configured to thereby generate a
mixed resin, which is the resin obtained by mixing the filaments 52
heated by the heater unit 102.
[0042] Also, the nozzle 204 is an opening of the resin mixing unit
202 provided at a position facing the three-dimensional object 50,
and is configured to eject the mixed resin towards a position at
which the three-dimensional object 50 is to be formed. Thereby, the
mixed resin ejection unit 12 is configured to heat the filaments 52
in the heater unit 102, which are supplied from the plurality of
material resin supply units 14. Also, the mixed resin ejection unit
12 is configured to mix the heated and fused filaments 52 in the
mixing nozzle 104 just before ejecting the mixed resin from the
nozzle 204 towards the three-dimensional object 50 (just before the
ejection). Then, the mixed resin ejection unit 12 is configured to
eject the mixed resin generated by the mixing from the nozzle 204
of the mixing nozzle 104. Also, in this case, the mixed resin
ejected from the nozzle 204 with being fused is cooled and
solidified by the surrounding air.
[0043] The scanning driving unit 16 is a driving unit configured to
move the mixed resin ejection unit 12 relative to the
three-dimensional object 50, and is configured to enable the mixed
resin ejection unit 12 to perfoiiii the scanning of ejecting the
fused mixed resin and moving relative to the three-dimensional
object 50, thereby enabling the mixed resin ejection unit 12 to
eject the mixed resin to respective parts of the three-dimensional
object 50. In this case, the scanning driving unit 16 is configured
to move at least one of the mixed resin ejection unit 12 and the
stand unit 18, thereby enabling the mixed resin ejection unit 12 to
perform the scanning.
[0044] More specifically, the scanning driving unit 16 is
configured to enable the mixed resin ejection unit 12 to perform
the scanning in a predetermined XY plane, in accordance with an
instruction of the control unit 20, for example. The XY plane is a
plane parallel with an upper surface of the stand unit 18, for
example. Thereby, the scanning driving unit 16 enables the mixed
resin ejection unit 12 to form one layer of a plurality of layers
to be deposited so as to configure the three-dimensional object
50.
[0045] Also, the scanning driving unit 16 is configured to move the
mixed resin ejection unit 12 relative to the three-dimensional
object 50 in a direction of separating from the three-dimensional
object 50 in a Z direction perpendicular to the XY plane, in
accordance with an instruction of the control unit 20, for example,
whenever the mixed resin ejection unit 12 forms one layer. Thereby,
a distance between the three-dimensional object 50 and the mixed
resin ejection unit 12 is adjusted to a distance for forming a next
layer. By repeating the above operations, the scanning driving unit
16 enables the mixed resin ejection unit 12 to perform the scanning
for forming a plurality of layers in conformity to a shape of the
three-dimensional object 50 to be modeled.
[0046] The stand unit 18 is a stand-shaped member configured to
hold the three-dimensional object 50 being modeled. In this
illustrative embodiment, the stand unit 18 is configured to hold
the three-dimensional object 50 being modeled by placing the
three-dimensional object 50 on an upper surface thereof facing the
mixed resin ejection unit 12.
[0047] The control unit 20 is a central processing unit (CPU) of
the apparatus 10 for modeling a three-dimensional object, for
example, and is configured to control operations of the respective
units of the apparatus 10 for modeling a three-dimensional object,
thereby enabling the apparatus 10 for modeling a three-dimensional
object to model the three-dimensional object 50. Also, in this
illustrative embodiment, the control unit 20 is configured to
operate as a resin supply control unit, too, in accordance with a
program such as the firmware, for example. In this case, the resin
supply control unit has a configuration for controlling amounts of
the filaments 52 that are to be supplied from each of the plurality
of material resin supply units 14 to the mixed resin ejection unit
12.
[0048] More specifically, in this illustrative embodiment, the
control unit 20 is configured to control amounts of the filaments
52 that are to be supplied from each of the plurality of material
resin supply units 14 to the mixed resin ejection unit 12, thereby
adjusting a color of the mixed resin that is to be ejected by the
mixed resin ejection unit 12. In this case, for example, the
control unit 20 is configured to control rotation numbers of the
filament extrusion rollers 114 of the respective material resin
supply units 14, thereby controlling the amounts of the filaments
52 that are to be supplied from each of the plurality of material
resin supply units 14 to the mixed resin ejection unit 12. The
rotation number of the filament extrusion roller 114 means a
rotation number of the roller configured to extrude the filament 52
in the filament extrusion roller 114.
[0049] According to the illustrative embodiment, the modeling is
performed by the fused deposition modeling method, for example, so
that it is possible to appropriately model (3D model) the
three-dimensional object 50 at low cost. Also, it is possible to
appropriately model the colored three-dimensional object 50 by
using a plurality of types of the filaments 52 of which colors are
respectively different.
[0050] Also, in this illustrative embodiment, it is possible to
appropriately mix the plurality of types of the filaments 52 before
the ejection by using the mixed resin ejection unit 12. Also, the
mixed resin obtained by the mixing is ejected, so that it is
possible to appropriately model the three-dimensional object by
using the mixed resin adjusted to a desired color. For this reason,
according to the illustrative embodiment, for example, it is
possible to appropriately express a variety of colors as regards
the color of the three-dimensional object 50, without being limited
to the colors of the filaments 52.
[0051] Also, as described above, in this illustrative embodiment,
the control unit 20 is configured to control the amounts of the
filaments 52 that are to be supplied from each of the plurality of
material resin supply units 14 to the mixed resin ejection unit 12.
In this case, for example, it is possible to change the color while
continuing to eject the mixed resin from the nozzle 204.
[0052] More specifically, in this case, the control unit 20 is
configured to control the rotation numbers of the filament
extrusion rollers 114 of the respective material resin supply units
14, in accordance with color information indicating a color of the
mixed resin to be ejected from the nozzle 204 at each timing, for
example. Thereby, the control unit controls a pressing amount that
each filament extrusion roller 114 presses the filament 52, in
accordance with the color information.
[0053] According to the above configuration, it is possible to
appropriately change the color of the mixed resin to be ejected.
Also, in this case, since it is possible to change the color while
continuing to eject the mixed resin, it is possible to prevent the
modeling precision from being deteriorated due to the switch of the
colors. For this reason, according to this illustrative embodiment,
for example, it is possible to more appropriately model the
three-dimensional object 50 colored with the diverse colors at low
cost.
[0054] In the meantime, the control unit 20 is preferably
configured to control the rotation numbers of the filament
extrusion rollers 114, taking into consideration a time difference
between the timing at which the filaments 52 are mixed and the
timing at which the mixed resin is ejected from the nozzle 204. In
this case, the time difference is a time difference that is to be
determined depending on a capacity of the mixed resin ejection unit
12, for example.
[0055] Also, the control unit 20 may once stop the ejection in
conformity to the timing at which the color of the mixed resin to
be ejected from the nozzle 204 of the mixed resin ejection unit 12
is changed. Also in this case, since it is possible to perform the
modeling by using the same mixed resin ejection unit 12 before and
after the change of the color, it is possible to perform the
modeling with higher precision, as compared to a configuration
where the nozzle being used is also changed when the color is
changed, for example. For this reason, also in this case, it is
possible to more appropriately change the color, for example.
[0056] Here, in order to model the three-dimensional object 50 with
higher precision, it is preferably to keep an ejection amount (an
ejection amount per unit time) of the mixed resin, which is to be
ejected from the nozzle 204 of the mixed resin ejection unit 12, to
a constant ejection amount. To this end, it is also preferably to
constantly keep a supply amount (a supply amount per unit time) of
the filaments 52 that are to be supplied to the mixed resin
ejection unit 12.
[0057] For this reason, in this illustrative embodiment, the
control unit 20 is configured to control a total amount of the
filaments 52, which are to be supplied from the plurality of
material resin supply units 14 to the mixed resin ejection unit 12,
in conformity to a preset supply amount. More specifically, when
the supply and the like of the filament 52 from any one material
resin supply unit 14 to the mixed resin ejection unit 12 is
increased, for example, the control unit 20 decreases the supply
amounts of the filaments 52 from the other material resin supply
units 14, in correspondence to the increase. Also, when the supply
amount of the filament 52 from any one material resin supply unit
14 is decreased, for example, the control unit 20 increases the
supply amounts of the filaments 52 from the other material resin
supply units 14, in correspondence to the decrease.
[0058] By the above configuration, for example, it is possible to
appropriately keep the total amount of the filaments 52, which are
to be supplied to the mixed resin ejection unit 12, to a constant
amount. Thereby, it is also possible to more stabilize the ejection
amount of the mixed resin from the nozzle of the mixed resin
ejection unit 12.
[0059] Subsequently, the effects accomplished by the illustrative
embodiment are described in more detail. As described above,
according to the illustrative embodiment, it is possible to
appropriately perform the modeling of the three-dimensional object
50 with high precision, for example. Also, it is possible to
appropriately color the three-dimensional object 50 with the
various colors by using the plurality of types of the filaments 52
having different colors. Also, in this case, for example, it is
considered to perform the full-color coloring by using the
filaments 52 of the respective colors of YMCK. Also, in this
illustrative embodiment, the modeling is performed by the fused
deposition modeling method, so that it is possible to appropriately
suppress the cost of the apparatus, as compared to a configuration
where a plurality of inkjet heads is used to perform the modeling,
for example. For this reason, according to the illustrative
embodiment, it is possible to appropriately provide an apparatus
(full-color modeling machine) configured to perform a full-color
modeling at low cost.
[0060] Also, in this illustrative embodiment, the filaments 52 of
the white and clear colors are further used, in addition to the
filaments 52 of the respective colors of YMCK. In this case, the
filament of the white color 52 may be used to express a light color
of each color, for example. Also, the filament of the white color
52 may be used to model a part for which the coloring is not
performed or an inner area configuring an inside of the
three-dimensional object 50, for example. Also, the filament 52 of
the clear color may be used to express a transparent color. Also,
the filament 52 of the clear color may be used to model a part for
which the coloring is not performed or to form a transparent layer
covering a surface of the three-dimensional object 50, for example.
Also, for example, the filament 52 of the clear color may be used
to model an inner area of the three-dimensional object 50. It is
also considered to express a transparent color and a
non-transparent color as regards each color by using the filaments
52 of the respective colors of YMCK and the filament 52 of the
clear color.
[0061] According to this illustrative embodiment, the filament 52
except for the respective colors of YMCK is further used, so that
it is possible to more appropriately color the three-dimensional
object 50 with the more diverse colors. Also, as described above,
in this illustrative embodiment, the filaments 52 are mixed in the
mixing nozzle 104 just before the ejection from the nozzle 204. For
this reason, according to the illustrative embodiment, for example,
it is possible to appropriately change the color of the mixed resin
to be ejected from the nozzle 204 with high readiness. Thereby, for
example, it is possible to more appropriately model the
three-dimensional object 50 having a high design quality. In this
case, more specifically, it is considered to make a gradation
expression by a plurality of colors, for example. Also, it is
considered to make a drawing such as a preset drawing pattern with
a resolution corresponding to the ejection precision of the nozzle
204.
[0062] Also, according to the illustrative embodiment, it is
possible to make a color matching more easily and appropriately.
More specifically, for example, as a method of modeling a
three-dimensional object colored with a method different from the
illustrative embodiment, a method of modeling a three-dimensional
object colored using a binder in which a pigment is mixed with a
white plaster or a resin is considered, for example. However, in
this case, a color reproduction area is narrowed, so that the
three-dimensional object is whitely expressed as a whole.
[0063] Also, as other methods of modeling a colored
three-dimensional object, it is considered to color only a surface
of the three-dimensional object with a color ink and the like, for
example. In this case, however, the resolutions are different
between a planar surface and an upright surface, so that it is very
difficult to make a color matching.
[0064] In contrast, according to this illustrative embodiment, it
is possible to sufficiently widen the color reproduction area by
mixing the filaments 52 of multiple colors to express a variety of
colors. Also, since the modeling is performed using the mixed resin
in which the filaments 52 of multiple colors are mixed in advance,
it is possible to appropriately obtain the same color, regardless
of the planar surface and the upright surface. For this reason,
according to this illustrative embodiment, it is possible to make
the color matching more easily and appropriately. Thereby, it is
also possible to more appropriately model the colored
three-dimensional object 50.
[0065] Also, in this illustrative embodiment, the three-dimensional
object is modeled by the fused deposition modeling method, so that
it is possible to deposit the plurality of layers configuring the
three-dimensional object 50. Thereby, it is also possible to
appropriately increase the modeling speed. Also, in this case, the
depositing speed of depositing the plurality of layers depends on
the diameter of the nozzle 204 configured to eject the fused mixed
resin. The diameter of the nozzle 204 can be appropriately changed
by replacing the mixing nozzle 104, for example.
[0066] For this reason, in this illustrative embodiment, it is
possible to perform the modeling at the various conditions by
changing the diameter of the nozzle 204 and appropriately setting
the supply amount of the material resin. More specifically, for
example, when the nozzle 204 is made to have a small diameter, the
modeling speed decreases but the higher-definition full-color
modeling can be performed. Also, for example, when the nozzle 204
is made to have a large diameter, the modeling definition is
lowered but the modeling speed increases. For this reason,
according to this illustrative embodiment, it is possible to more
appropriately model the colored three-dimensional object 50,
depending on the quality and the like needed for the
three-dimensional object 50. Also in this case, regarding the
setting of the supply amount of the material resin, when the supply
amount of the material resin from any one material resin supply
unit 14 is increased, for example, the supply amounts of the
material resins from the other material resin supply units 14 are
preferably decreased, in correspondence to the increase. Also, when
the supply amount of the material resin from any one material resin
supply unit 14 is decreased, for example, the supply amounts of the
material resins from the other material resin supply units 14 are
preferably increased, in correspondence to the decrease. By this
configuration, it is possible to appropriately set the total amount
of the material resins to be supplied to the mixed resin ejection
unit 12 to a predetermined supply amount.
[0067] Although the illustrative embodiment of the disclosure has
been described, the technical scope of the disclosure is not
limited to the illustrative embodiment. It is obvious to one
skilled in the art that the illustrative embodiment can be
variously changed or improved. It is clear from the claims that the
changes or improvements can also be included in the technical scope
of the disclosure.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0068] The disclosure can be appropriately applied to the apparatus
for modeling a three-dimensional object, for example.
* * * * *