JP2017013352A - Molding apparatus and molding method - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to appropriately increase the modeling speed of a three-dimensional object. A modeling apparatus for modeling a three-dimensional object by a layered modeling method, which includes an inkjet head 200, a modeling table 16, a main scanning drive unit that causes the inkjet head 200 to perform a main scanning operation, and an inkjet that performs a sub scanning operation. A sub-scanning drive unit 18 to be performed by the head 200 and a stacking direction driving unit that changes the distance between the inkjet head 200 and the modeling table 16 are provided, and the sub-scanning driving unit follows a part of the main scanning operation. The inkjet head 200 is moved relative to the modeling table 16 in one direction in the sub-scanning direction, and the modeling table is moved in the other direction in the sub-scanning direction following at least some other main scanning operations. The inkjet head 200 is moved relative to 16. [Selection] Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a modeling apparatus and a modeling method.

  Conventionally, ink jet printers that perform printing by an ink jet method have been widely used (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). In recent years, as a configuration of a modeling apparatus (3D printer) for modeling a three-dimensional object, a method (inkjet modeling method) performed using an inkjet head has been studied. In this case, for example, a three-dimensional object is formed by an additive manufacturing method by stacking a plurality of ink layers formed by an inkjet head.

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  In the case of modeling a three-dimensional object by the layered modeling method, it is necessary to form a large number of ink layers. However, in recent years, a configuration capable of performing modeling at higher speed is desired due to the spread of applications of 3D printers and the like. Then, an object of this invention is to provide the modeling apparatus and modeling method which can solve said subject.

  In the case of modeling a three-dimensional object by the layered modeling method, in order to increase the speed of modeling, for example, it is also conceivable to increase the speed of each operation performed during modeling (for example, the moving speed of an inkjet head). . In this case, however, the accuracy of modeling usually decreases, and it becomes difficult to model a three-dimensional object with high accuracy. Therefore, it is desired to increase the modeling speed by a more appropriate method.

  The inventor of the present application has earnestly studied a method that can increase the speed of modeling. Then, attention has been paid to characteristics peculiar to the case of modeling a three-dimensional object by the additive manufacturing method, and the configuration of the present invention that can further increase the speed of modeling has been achieved.

  More specifically, in the case of modeling a three-dimensional object by the layered modeling method, the same or similar operation as that of a printing apparatus (2D printer) that prints a two-dimensional image is usually performed for the formation of each ink layer. In this case, for example, the main scanning operation and the sub-scanning operation by the inkjet head are repeated to form one ink layer.

  Here, when printing a two-dimensional image, it is usually necessary to form only one ink layer, so the sub-scanning operation is performed by moving the medium (medium) or inkjet head in a predetermined direction. For this reason, the direction in which the inkjet head is moved relative to the medium during the sub-scanning operation is usually fixed.

  In contrast, when modeling a three-dimensional object, a large number of ink layers are stacked. Therefore, the inventor of the present application considered that the direction of relative movement of the ink jet head during the sub-scanning operation is different for each ink layer, for example. Further, depending on the specific operation of forming the ink layer, for example, it is conceivable to change the direction of relative movement of the inkjet head during the operation of forming one ink layer.

  Furthermore, the inventor of the present application can make a three-dimensional object appropriately even when a specific experiment or the like is performed and the direction in which the inkjet head is relatively moved during the sub-scanning operation is bidirectional as described above. confirmed. Moreover, based on these knowledge, it generalized as follows and specified the structure of invention. That is, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration.

  (Configuration 1) A modeling apparatus that models a three-dimensional object by the layered modeling method, which is an inkjet head that discharges ink droplets by an inkjet method, and a table-shaped member that supports the three-dimensional object being modeled, and is opposed to the inkjet head. And a first direction scanning drive that causes the inkjet head to perform a first direction scan that moves relative to the modeling table in a first direction set in advance while discharging ink droplets. A direction in which a plurality of layers are stacked in the additive manufacturing method, and a second direction scanning drive unit that moves the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The distance between the inkjet head and the modeling table is changed by moving at least one of the modeling table and the inkjet head in the stacking direction orthogonal to the first direction. The second direction scanning drive unit moves the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in one direction in the second direction following the partial first direction scanning. Then, following at least some other first direction scanning, the inkjet head is moved relative to the modeling table in the other direction in the second direction.

  If comprised in this way, by making an inkjet head perform a 1st direction scan by a 1st direction scanning drive part, and moving an inkjet head relatively with respect to a modeling stand by a 2nd direction scan drive part, for example, Each ink layer (two-dimensional slice layer) constituting the three-dimensional object can be appropriately formed. In addition, a plurality of ink layers can be appropriately stacked by appropriately changing the distance between the inkjet head and the modeling table by the stacking direction driving unit. Therefore, if constituted in this way, a solid thing can be appropriately modeled with a layered modeling method, for example.

  Further, in this case, the direction in which the inkjet head is relatively moved by the second direction scanning drive unit is not limited to one direction, but is set to one direction and the other direction, for example, the inkjet head in the second direction. With respect to relative movement, useless time required for returning to the initial position can be saved. In addition, this makes it possible to shorten the time required for modeling and appropriately increase the modeling speed.

  In this configuration, the first direction is, for example, a preset main scanning direction. In this case, the first direction scanning is a main scanning operation. The main scanning operation is, for example, an operation of ejecting ink droplets while moving in a preset main scanning direction. Further, the second direction may be a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. As for the operation of the second direction scanning drive unit, the operation of moving the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in one direction or the other direction is performed in the operation of forming one ink layer. Scanning in two directions (for example, sub-scanning operation) may be performed.

  The modeling apparatus may perform the operation of forming one ink layer by a multi-pass method. In this case, forming one ink layer by the multi-pass method means, for example, in the operation of forming one ink layer, a plurality of main scanning operations on the inkjet head with respect to the same position of the three-dimensional object being modeled It is to let you do. In addition, to cause the inkjet head to perform a plurality of main scanning operations on the same position is, for example, to cause the inkjet head to perform a plurality of main scanning operations with a sub-scanning operation interposed therebetween.

  Further, the inkjet head, for example, ejects ink droplets of ink that is cured according to predetermined conditions. More specifically, as such an ink, an ultraviolet curable ink that is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays can be suitably used. In this case, it is preferable that the modeling apparatus further includes, for example, an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays.

  The ink jet head may have a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a nozzle row direction that is not parallel to the first direction. In this case, the first direction may be, for example, a direction orthogonal to the nozzle row direction. In addition, the first direction may be a direction intersecting with the nozzle row direction at an angle other than orthogonal. The stacking direction is, for example, a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the nozzle row direction. The modeling apparatus may include a plurality of inkjet heads.

  The first direction scanning drive unit may cause the inkjet head to perform the first direction scanning in one direction in the first direction and the first direction scanning in the other direction in the first direction. If comprised in this way, modeling of a solid object can be performed at higher speed by performing a 1st direction scan bidirectionally, for example.

  (Configuration 2) The modeling apparatus models a three-dimensional object based on modeling data indicating a position at which an ink droplet is to be ejected by an inkjet head, and the second direction scanning drive unit performs the first direction scanning a preset number of times. In each operation of moving the inkjet head relative to the modeling table to form one ink layer, the first direction scanning drive unit performs a plurality of first direction scans on the inkjet head. Based on the modeling data, the position in the second direction in which the inkjet head is arranged when at least the first first direction scan is performed among the plurality of first direction scans performed when the one ink layer is formed. In order to form one ink layer, the ink droplets are set in accordance with the end of the position where the ink droplets should be ejected.

  If comprised in this way, the 1st direction scanning of several times can be performed more appropriately according to the area | region which should form an ink layer, for example. Also. Accordingly, the number of times of performing the first direction scanning necessary for forming the ink layer can be appropriately reduced, and the modeling speed can be increased more appropriately.

  In this configuration, in the second direction, the ink droplet discharge start position in one direction and the other direction (for example, the recording start end in each sub-scanning operation in the predetermined forward direction and the backward direction) is set for each ink. This is a configuration that matches the start end of the data corresponding to the layer (the start end of each of the forward and return data for the slice layer). In addition, in the first scanning in the first direction, a position in the second direction where the ink jet head is arranged (hereinafter referred to as an initial scanning position) is a position where ink droplets should be ejected to form one ink layer. For example, the setting of the scanning initial position is such that the position of the end of the position where the ink droplet should be ejected is within the scanning range of the first first-direction scanning. In this case, for example, it is preferable to set the scanning initial position so that the number of times of performing the first direction scanning necessary for forming the ink layer is minimized. More specifically, for example, it is conceivable to set the initial scanning position so that the end of the inkjet head at the initial scanning position and the end of the position where ink droplets should be ejected coincide. In this case, the end of the inkjet head at the initial scanning position is an end that becomes the rear side when moving in the second direction. Further, the end position of the ink jet head at the initial scanning position and the end position of the position where the ink droplet should be ejected may be matched with a predetermined margin. In addition, when a support layer that supports a three-dimensional object being formed is formed around the three-dimensional object, the end of the position where the ink droplet should be ejected is the end when the region that forms the support layer is considered Is preferred.

  (Configuration 3) As at least a part of the operation of forming one ink layer, the first direction scanning drive unit causes the inkjet head to perform a plurality of first direction scans, and the plurality of first directions. In the interval between scanning, the second direction scanning drive unit sets the direction of movement in the second direction to the same direction, moves the inkjet head relative to the modeling table, and moves in the second direction. Of the plurality of first direction scans performed while the direction of movement is set to the same direction, at least the first first direction scan, the position in the second direction in which the ink jet head is arranged is formed. Based on the data, in order to form one ink layer, the ink droplets are set according to the end of the position where the ink droplets should be ejected.

  If comprised in this way, a scanning initial position can be set more appropriately, for example. Moreover, thereby, the modeling speed can be increased more appropriately.

  (Configuration 4) When the operation of moving the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in the second direction is the second direction scanning, the second direction scanning drive unit performs at least a part of the second continuous scan. During the two-way scanning, in the second direction scanning in the latter of the two times, in the direction opposite to the direction in which the inkjet head is moved relative to the modeling table, relative to the modeling table The inkjet head is temporarily moved.

  When the relative movement of the inkjet head in the second direction is performed bidirectionally, for example, an error may occur in the movement amount of the inkjet head due to the influence of backlash. On the other hand, with this configuration, for example, by moving the inkjet head temporarily in the opposite direction before the relative movement in the second direction scanning, backlash is avoided and the influence of backlash is appropriately suppressed. be able to. This also makes it possible to more appropriately model a three-dimensional object with higher accuracy even when the relative movement of the inkjet head in the second direction is performed in both directions.

  The operation of temporarily moving the inkjet head in the opposite direction is preferably performed at least at the timing of switching the relative movement direction of the inkjet head and before the second direction scan after switching. Further, the operation of temporarily moving the inkjet head in the opposite direction may be performed by the second direction scanning each time.

  (Configuration 5) When the operation of moving the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in the second direction is the second direction scanning, the second direction driving unit moves the modeling table in one direction in the second direction. A second direction scan in one direction that moves the inkjet head relative to the second direction, and a second direction scan in the other direction that moves the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in the other direction in the second direction. The modeling apparatus, as the inkjet head, ejects ink droplets that are inkjet heads that eject ink droplets for coloring, and ink droplets that are used for modeling areas that are not colored in a three-dimensional object. A modeling material head that is an inkjet head, and when performing a first direction scan with a second direction scan in one direction in between, When the direction driving unit ejects ink droplets to both the coloring head and the modeling material head and performs the first direction scanning with the second direction scanning in the other direction in between, the first direction driving unit is Of the coloring head and the modeling material head, only the modeling material head is caused to eject ink droplets.

  When the inkjet head is moved bidirectionally in the second direction scanning, it may be considered that there is a difference in how ink droplets land depending on the direction of the movement. For example, when there is a difference in the way ink droplets land in coloring ink, the expressed color may be affected.

  On the other hand, when configured in this way, the ink droplets are ejected to the coloring head only at the time of the first direction scanning with the second direction scanning in one direction in between, thereby landing the ink droplets for coloring. The position accuracy can be appropriately increased. Further, with respect to the modeling material head, the modeling speed can be appropriately increased by ejecting ink droplets when performing any of the two-way second direction scanning. Therefore, when configured in this way, for example, when modeling a three-dimensional object colored using coloring ink, it is possible to increase the modeling speed more appropriately while increasing the accuracy of coloring. .

  (Configuration 6) The ink jet head further includes a flattening unit that flattens an ink layer formed by the ink jet head, and the ink jet head has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a nozzle row direction that is not parallel to the first direction. The first direction scanning drive unit moves the ink jet head in at least one direction in the first direction and forms one ink layer in the first direction scanning. The first direction scan for moving the ink jet head in one direction is performed a plurality of times for the same position, and the flattening means moves together with the ink jet head in the first direction scan in one direction to move the ink layer. In the stacking direction driving unit, one ink layer is formed with respect to the head-to-table distance, which is the distance between the inkjet head and the modeling table. In addition, it is increased by a predetermined thickness of the ink layer as compared to before the start of the formation of the one ink layer, and the direction of one direction performed in the operation of forming the one ink layer is increased. In each of at least some of the plurality of times of the first direction scanning, the distance between the head bases in the first direction scanning performed later is set larger than the distance between the head bases in the first direction scanning performed first.

  With this configuration, for example, the ink layer can be formed with higher accuracy by flattening the ink layer with the flattening means. Thereby, a solid object can be modeled with higher accuracy.

  Here, in this configuration, for example, each time the first direction scan is performed, it is conceivable that the ink dots formed by the first direction scan are cured. In this case, the flattening means flattens the ink layer, for example, by removing a part of the uncured ink.

  As the flattening means, a roller or the like that scrapes off uncured ink can be suitably used. In this case, the roller flattens the surface of the ink, for example, in the operation of forming one ink layer. In addition, the flattening of the ink layer may be, for example, removing ink in a portion exceeding a thickness set in advance as the thickness of one ink layer. Further, in this case, in the first direction scanning for performing the planarization, it is conceivable to perform the planarization in a state where the ink dots formed in the first direction scanning previously performed are already cured. However, in this case, in the flattening operation, when the flattening means such as a roller comes into contact with the already hardened ink dots, for example, the hardened ink is scraped, and excess waste or the like (for example, a shaving-like shape) ).

  On the other hand, when configured as described above, for example, in the operation of forming one ink layer, the distance between the head units during the first direction scanning in which the ink layer is flattened is gradually increased. Can do. Therefore, with this configuration, for example, in the flattening operation, it is possible to appropriately prevent the ink dots formed during the previous first direction scanning operation from coming into contact with the flattening means. In addition, thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent generation of excess residue and perform more appropriate planarization.

  In this case, for example, by preventing generation of debris, it is possible to more appropriately prevent ink from adhering to the flattening means. More specifically, for example, when a roller is used as the flattening means and the ink picked up by the roller is removed by a blade or the like, if excess debris is generated, the debris accumulates on the blade or the like and the ink can be removed appropriately. There is a risk of disappearing. On the other hand, if comprised in this way, adhesion of the ink to a roller or a blade can be prevented appropriately, for example. Thereby, for example, the flow of excess ink collected by flattening can be improved, and the ink processing can be stabilized. In addition, clogging and the like in the ink recovery path can be appropriately prevented.

  In addition, when the ink dots formed in the previous first direction scan and the flattening means come into contact with each other, for example, extra vibration or the like may occur, and the flattening result may be affected. For example, when a roller is used as the flattening means, if the roller vibrates, there is a possibility that extra unevenness may occur on the surface of the ink after flattening. On the other hand, in the case of such a configuration, for example, by preventing contact between the ink dots formed in the first scanning in the first direction and the flattening means, it is possible to appropriately prevent such unevenness from occurring. it can.

  In this case, for example, the surface of the three-dimensional object can be smoothed by changing the head-to-table distance little by little for each first direction scan for at least some of the first direction scans. More specifically, for example, even when the surface of a three-dimensional object has a gentle slope shape, it is possible to prevent the formation of a conspicuous stepped contour or the like, and to more appropriately perform modeling with a smooth surface.

  (Structure 7) In the operation of forming one ink layer, the first direction scanning drive unit performs, for each position of the ink layer, the first direction scanning for a predetermined number of passes on the inkjet head. In the operation of forming one ink layer, the second direction scanning drive unit passes the length of the nozzle row in the second direction every time the first direction scanning is performed a preset number of times. The inkjet head is moved in the second direction relative to the modeling table by the path width that is the width divided by the number.

  With this configuration, for example, the main scanning is performed on the ink jet head by a method (large pitch pass method) in which the first direction is the main scanning direction and the feed amount of the ink jet head in the second direction is set to a predetermined path width. The operation can be appropriately performed. Further, by performing the operation of moving the inkjet head in the second direction relative to the modeling table between the main scanning operations, for example, the width of the three-dimensional object in the second direction is the nozzle row of the inkjet head. Even when the length is larger than the length, the three-dimensional object can be appropriately shaped by driving the ink jet head by the serial method.

  In this configuration, the second direction scanning drive unit preferably changes the direction of relative movement of the ink jet, for example, for each ink layer. For example, when forming the two continuous ink layers, if the direction of relative movement of the inkjet when forming the lower ink layer is set to one direction in the second direction, the upper ink layer is formed. It is conceivable that the direction of relative movement of the inkjet at the time is the other direction in the second direction. If comprised in this way, the direction of the relative movement of the inkjet in a 2nd direction can be changed appropriately, for example. In addition, for example, each time the first direction scan is performed once, the second direction scanning drive unit may move the inkjet head in the second direction relative to the modeling table by the path width. The pass width may be a width substantially equal to the width obtained by dividing the length of the nozzle row by the number of passes.

  (Configuration 8) In the operation of forming one ink layer, for each position of the ink layer, the first direction scanning drive unit performs first direction scanning for a plurality of preset passes on the inkjet head. In the operation of forming one ink layer, the second direction scanning drive unit passes the length of the nozzle row in the second direction every time the first direction scanning is performed a preset number of times. The inkjet head is moved in the second direction relative to the modeling table by a second direction movement distance that is a distance smaller than the width divided by the number, and the second direction movement distance is adjacent in the nozzle row. This is a distance obtained by adding an integral multiple of the nozzle pitch second direction component, which is the distance in the second direction between the nozzles, and a distance less than the nozzle pitch second direction component.

  With this configuration, for example, the main scanning operation is appropriately applied to the ink jet head by a method (small pitch pass method) in which the first direction is the main scanning direction and the feed amount of the ink jet head in the second direction is a small distance. Can be done. Further, for example, the number of necessary main scanning operations can be reduced and the modeling speed can be increased as compared with the case where modeling is performed by the large pitch pass method.

  Further, in this case, for a plurality of first direction scans (main scanning operations) performed on the same position of the ink layer, not only an integer multiple of the nozzle pitch second direction component but also the nozzle pitch second direction component. Further, by shifting the position in the second direction by a small distance, a high resolution corresponding to a distance smaller than the nozzle pitch second direction component can be realized with respect to the resolution in the second direction. Therefore, if constituted in this way, modeling of a solid thing with high resolution can be performed appropriately, for example.

  The integer multiple of the nozzle pitch second direction component is, for example, the product of the nozzle pitch second direction component and an integer greater than or equal to zero. In this configuration, it is preferable that the second direction scanning drive unit changes the direction of relative movement of the inkjet, for example, for each ink layer. If comprised in this way, the direction of the relative movement of the inkjet in a 2nd direction can be changed appropriately, for example.

  In this case, for example, if the width of the three-dimensional object to be modeled is smaller than the length of the nozzle row of the inkjet head, it is conceivable that ink droplets are simultaneously ejected from the nozzle row over the entire width of the three-dimensional object. With this configuration, for example, multi-pass modeling can be performed appropriately in the same manner as when a line-type inkjet head is used.

  The width of the three-dimensional object may be larger than the length of the nozzle row of the inkjet head. In this case, for example, after performing the main scanning operation for the number of passes on the area corresponding to the length of the nozzle row, the distance relative to the modeling table in the second direction is the distance corresponding to the length of the nozzle row. It is conceivable to move the inkjet head. Further, it is conceivable that after the ink jet head is moved, the main scanning operation is performed for the number of passes. If comprised in this way, even when the size of the solid object to be modeled is large, it is possible to appropriately model the three-dimensional object.

  (Configuration 9) In an operation of forming a single ink layer, the image forming apparatus further includes a second direction scanning drive unit that moves the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. For each position of the ink layer, the first direction scanning drive unit causes the inkjet head to perform the first direction scanning for a plurality of preset passes, and in the operation of forming one ink layer, The bi-directional scanning drive unit moves the inkjet head in the second direction relative to the modeling table by a distance corresponding to the length of the nozzle row in the second direction each time one first direction scan is performed. , And the first direction scanning is performed on the entire region where one ink layer is to be formed, and then the first direction scanning drive unit is configured to move the ink jet head to each position of the ink layer. Second, the first scan in the first direction To.

  With this configuration, for example, the main scanning operation is performed on the inkjet head by a method in which the same main scanning operation is sequentially performed on the entire surface of the ink layer (the entire sequential pass method) with the first direction as the main scanning direction. Can be performed appropriately. Further, for example, the number of necessary main scanning operations can be reduced and the modeling speed can be increased as compared with the case where modeling is performed by the large pitch pass method.

  In this configuration, the second-direction scanning drive unit performs the same first-time scanning on the entire region where one ink layer is to be formed, for example, with respect to the direction of relative movement of the inkjet ( It is preferable to change every pass). If comprised in this way, the direction of the relative movement of the inkjet in a 2nd direction can be changed appropriately, for example.

  Further, the distance for moving the inkjet head in the second direction may be a distance that is substantially equal to the length of the nozzle row in the second direction. When the number of passes is 3 or more, the first direction scanning (main scanning operation) for each of the third and subsequent times is performed after the previous first direction scanning is performed on the entire ink layer. Is preferred. If comprised in this way, modeling by the whole surface sequential pass system can be performed more appropriately.

  In addition, regarding the operation of the second direction scanning drive unit, the movement of the inkjet head every time one first direction scanning is performed means, for example, the same first direction scanning (for example, the first first direction). During the operation of performing scanning, second scanning in the first direction, etc.) on each position, the inkjet head is moved each time the first scanning in the first time is performed. Therefore, after the first direction scan of a certain time (for example, the first time) is performed on the entire region, the second time (for example, the second time) of starting the first direction scan, It is also conceivable that the inkjet head is not moved in the direction.

  (Configuration 10) A modeling method for modeling a three-dimensional object by the layered modeling method, which is an inkjet head that ejects ink droplets by an inkjet method, and a table-shaped member that supports the three-dimensional object being modeled, and is opposed to the inkjet head. The inkjet head is caused to perform a first direction scan that moves relative to the modeling table in a first direction set in advance while discharging ink droplets using the modeling table disposed at the position. The inkjet head is moved relative to the modeling table in a second direction orthogonal to the direction of the direction, and a plurality of layers are stacked in the additive manufacturing method, and the modeling is performed in the stacking direction orthogonal to the first direction. By moving at least one of the table and the inkjet head, the distance between the inkjet head and the modeling table is changed, and following a part of the first direction scanning, The inkjet head is moved relative to the modeling table in one direction in two directions, and the modeling table is moved in the other direction in the second direction following at least some other first direction scanning. The ink jet head is moved relative to the ink jet head. If comprised in this way, the effect similar to the structure 1 can be acquired, for example.

  According to the present invention, for example, the modeling speed of a three-dimensional object can be appropriately increased.

It is a figure showing an example of modeling apparatus 10 concerning one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows an example of the configuration of the main part of the modeling apparatus 10. FIG. 1B shows an example of a more detailed configuration of the discharge unit 12. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation | movement which models the solid object 50 in this example. FIG. 2A shows an example of an operation for forming an ink layer constituting the three-dimensional object 50. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of how ink tods are formed in each main scanning operation for the same region. It is a figure explaining the various systems which perform operation | movement of a multipath system. Fig.3 (a) shows an example of a structure of the inkjet head 200 used for modeling. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation for forming an ink layer by a multi-pass method of a large pitch pass method. It is a figure explaining the various systems which perform operation | movement of a multipath system. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation of forming an ink layer by a multi-pass method of a small pitch pass method. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation of forming an ink layer by the multi-pass method of the entire sequential pass method. It is a figure explaining in more detail the bidirectional sub-scanning operation. Fig.5 (a) shows an example of the structure of the inkjet head 200 used by the operation | movement demonstrated below, and the structure of the solid object 50 to shape | mold. FIG. 5B shows an example of the operation when the direction of movement of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation is bidirectional. It is a figure explaining in more detail the bidirectional sub-scanning operation. 6A and 6B show an example of the operation when the direction of movement of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation is bidirectional. It is a figure explaining in more detail operation | movement of a small pitch pass system. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the inkjet head 200. FIG. 7B shows an example of the state of ink dots formed in the main scanning operation and the sub-scanning operation (X scanning) performed between the main scanning operations in the small pitch pass system operation. It is a figure explaining in more detail operation | movement of a small pitch pass system. In the operation of the entire sequential pass method, the state of the ink dots formed in the main scanning operation performed on each position to form one ink layer and the sub-scanning operation (X scanning) performed between the main scanning operations. ). In the operation of the entire sequential pass method, the state of the ink dots formed in the main scanning operation performed on each position to form one ink layer and the sub-scanning operation (X scanning) performed between the main scanning operations. ). It is a figure explaining the scanning to the lamination direction which changes the distance between head stands. FIG. 11A shows an example of scanning in the stacking direction. FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating another example of scanning in the stacking direction.

  Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of a modeling apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows an example of the configuration of the main part of the modeling apparatus 10.

  In this example, the modeling apparatus 10 is an apparatus (three-dimensional object modeling apparatus) that models the three-dimensional object 50 by the layered modeling method. In this case, the additive manufacturing method is, for example, a method of forming the three-dimensional object 50 by stacking a plurality of layers. The three-dimensional object 50 is, for example, a three-dimensional structure.

  Except for the points described below, the modeling apparatus 10 may have the same or similar configuration as a known modeling apparatus. The modeling apparatus 10 may be an apparatus in which a part of the configuration of a known inkjet printer is changed, for example. For example, the modeling apparatus 10 may be an apparatus in which a part of an inkjet printer for two-dimensional image printing using ultraviolet curable ink (UV ink) is changed. In addition to the illustrated configuration, the modeling apparatus 10 may further include various configurations necessary for modeling or coloring the three-dimensional object 50, for example.

  In this example, the modeling apparatus 10 includes a discharge unit 12, a main scanning driving unit 14, a modeling table 16, a sub scanning driving unit 18, a stacking direction driving unit 20, and a control unit 22. The discharge unit 12 is a portion that discharges droplets (ink droplets) that are the material of the three-dimensional object 50, and discharges and cures ink droplets of ink that is cured in accordance with predetermined conditions, whereby the three-dimensional object 50 is removed. Each layer to be formed is formed by being overlapped.

  In this example, as the ink, for example, an ultraviolet curable ink that is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays is used. In this case, the ink is, for example, a liquid ejected from an inkjet head. In addition, the inkjet head is an ejection head that ejects droplets by an inkjet method, for example. Further, the discharge unit 12 cures the layer of the ultraviolet curable ink by irradiating the ultraviolet ray with the ultraviolet light source.

  Further, when modeling the three-dimensional object 50, the discharge unit 12 may form a support layer around the three-dimensional object 50. In this case, the support layer is, for example, a laminated structure that supports the three-dimensional object 50 by surrounding the outer periphery of the three-dimensional object 50 being modeled, and is dissolved and removed by, for example, water after the modeling of the three-dimensional object 50 is completed. A more specific configuration and operation of the discharge unit 12 will be described in more detail later.

  The main scanning driving unit 14 is a driving unit that causes the ejection unit 12 to perform a main scanning operation (Y scanning). In this case, causing the ejection unit 12 to perform the main scanning operation means, for example, causing the inkjet head included in the ejection unit 12 to perform the main scanning operation. The main scanning operation is, for example, an operation of ejecting ink droplets while moving in a preset main scanning direction (Y direction in the drawing). In this example, the main scanning drive unit 14 is an example of a first direction scanning drive unit. In this case, for example, the first direction scanning drive unit causes the inkjet head to perform a first direction scanning that moves relative to the modeling table 16 in a first direction set in advance while discharging ink droplets. It is a drive part.

  In this example, the main scanning drive unit 14 includes a carriage 102 and a guide rail 104. The carriage 102 is a holding unit that holds the discharge unit 12 so as to face the modeling table 16. In this case, holding the discharge unit 12 so as to face the modeling table 16 is, for example, holding the discharge unit 12 so that the discharge direction of the ink droplets is a direction toward the modeling table 16. In the main scanning operation, the carriage 102 moves along the guide rail 104 while holding the discharge unit 12. The guide rail 104 is a rail-like member that guides the movement of the carriage 102 and moves the carriage 102 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 22 during the main scanning operation.

  The movement of the discharge unit 12 in the main scanning operation may be a relative movement with respect to the three-dimensional object 50. Therefore, in the modification of the configuration of the modeling apparatus 10, for example, the position of the discharge unit 12 may be fixed, and the modeling table 16 may be moved, for example, to move the three-dimensional object 50 side.

  The modeling table 16 is a table-like member that supports the three-dimensional object 50 being modeled. The modeling table 16 is disposed at a position facing the inkjet head in the discharge unit 12 and places the three-dimensional object 50 being modeled on the upper surface. In this example, the modeling table 16 has a configuration in which at least the upper surface can move in the vertical direction (Z direction in the drawing), and is driven by the stacking direction driving unit 20 to form the three-dimensional object 50. Move the top surface as you progress. Moreover, by this, the distance between the head bases, which is the distance between the inkjet head in the discharge unit 12 and the modeling table 16, is changed as appropriate, and the surface between the modeling surface in the three-dimensional object 50 during modeling and the discharge unit 12 is changed. Adjust the distance (gap). In this case, the inter-head table distance may be more specifically, for example, the distance between the nozzle surface on which the nozzle is formed in the inkjet head and the upper surface of the modeling table 16. Further, the surface to be shaped of the three-dimensional object 50 is a surface on which the next ink layer is formed by the discharge unit 12, for example.

  The sub-scanning drive unit 18 is a drive unit that causes the ejection unit 12 to perform a sub-scanning operation (X scanning). In this case, causing the ejection unit 12 to perform the sub-scanning operation means, for example, causing the inkjet head included in the ejection unit 12 to perform the sub-scanning operation. The sub-scanning operation is, for example, an operation that moves relative to the modeling table 16 in the sub-scanning direction (X direction in the drawing) orthogonal to the main scanning direction. In this example, the sub-scanning drive unit 18 is an example of a second direction scanning drive unit. In this case, the second direction scanning drive unit is, for example, a drive unit that moves the inkjet head relative to the modeling table 16 in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The sub-scanning direction is an example of the second direction. The sub-scanning operation is an example of the second direction scanning.

  More specifically, the sub-scanning drive unit 18 causes the inkjet head to perform a sub-scanning operation by, for example, fixing the position of the ejection unit 12 in the sub-scanning direction and moving the modeling table 16. The sub-scanning drive unit 18 may cause the inkjet head to perform a sub-scanning operation by moving the ejection unit 12 while fixing the position of the modeling table 16 in the sub-scanning direction.

  The stacking direction driving unit 20 is a driving unit that moves at least one of the ejection unit 12 or the modeling table 16 in a stacking direction (Z direction in the drawing) orthogonal to the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. In this case, the lamination direction is, for example, a direction in which a plurality of layers are laminated in the additive manufacturing method. Moreover, moving the discharge unit 12 in the stacking direction means, for example, moving the ink jet head in the discharge unit 12 in the stacking direction. Moving the modeling table 16 in the stacking direction means, for example, moving the position of at least the upper surface of the modeling table 16. In addition, the stacking direction driving unit 20 moves the at least one of the ejection unit 12 or the modeling table 16 in the stacking direction, thereby causing the inkjet head to perform scanning in the Z direction (Z scanning) and changing the distance between the head units. Let

  More specifically, in the configuration shown in the drawing, the stacking direction driving unit 20 moves the modeling table 16 while fixing the position of the discharge unit 12 in the stacking direction, for example. Further, the stacking direction driving unit 20 may move the discharge unit 12 while fixing the position of the modeling table 16 in the stacking direction.

  The control unit 22 is, for example, a CPU of the modeling apparatus 10, and controls the modeling operation of the three-dimensional object 50 by controlling each unit of the modeling apparatus 10. It is preferable that the control part 22 controls each part of the modeling apparatus 10 based on the shape information, the color image information, etc. of the solid object 50 which should be modeled, for example. According to this example, the three-dimensional object 50 can be appropriately shaped. A more specific operation for modeling the three-dimensional object 50 will be described in more detail later.

  Next, a more specific configuration and operation of the discharge unit 12 will be described. FIG. 1B shows an example of a more detailed configuration of the discharge unit 12. In this example, the discharge unit 12 includes a plurality of colored ink heads 202y, 202m, 202c, 202k (hereinafter referred to as colored ink heads 202y-k), a modeling material head 204, a white ink head 206, a clear ink. It has an ink head 208, a support material head 210, a plurality of ultraviolet light sources 220, and a flattening roller unit 222.

  The colored ink heads 202y to 202k, the modeling material head 204, the white ink head 206, the clear ink head 208, and the support material head 210 are ink jet heads that eject ink droplets by an ink jet method. In this example, the colored ink heads 202 y to 202 k, the modeling material head 204, the white ink head 206, the clear ink head 208, and the support material head 210, for example, receive ink droplets of ultraviolet curable ink. It is an inkjet head that discharges and is arranged side by side in the main scanning direction (Y direction) with the same position in the sub-scanning direction (X direction).

  As the colored ink heads 202y to 202k, the modeling material head 204, the white ink head 206, the clear ink head 208, and the support material head 210, for example, a known inkjet head can be suitably used. . In addition, these inkjet heads have a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in the sub-scanning direction on the surface facing the modeling table 16. Thereby, the nozzle of each inkjet head discharges ink droplets in the direction toward the modeling table 16. The nozzle direction in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged is a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. Further, in a modified example of the configuration of the inkjet head, it may be possible to use a configuration in which the main scanning direction and the nozzle row direction intersect at an angle other than orthogonal.

  In addition, the arrangement of the colored ink heads 202y to 202k, the modeling material head 204, the white ink head 206, the clear ink head 208, and the support material head 210 is not limited to the illustrated configuration, and various changes may be made. May be. For example, some of the inkjet heads may be arranged so that the positions in the sub-scanning direction are shifted from other inkjet heads. In addition, the discharge unit 12 may further include, for example, an ink jet head for each color, R (red), G (green), B (blue), orange, or the like.

  The colored ink heads 202y to 202k are ink jet heads that respectively discharge ink droplets of colored inks of different colors. In this example, the colored ink heads 202y to 202k eject ink droplets of ultraviolet curable inks of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). In this example, the colored ink heads 202y to 202k are examples of coloring heads that are inkjet heads that discharge colored ink droplets.

  The modeling material head 204 is an inkjet head that ejects ink droplets of ink used for modeling inside the three-dimensional object 50. For example, the modeling material head 204 ejects ink droplets of ink used for modeling in a region that is not colored in the three-dimensional object 50. In this example, the modeling material head 204 ejects ink droplets of modeling ink (model material MO) of a predetermined color. The modeling ink may be, for example, an ink dedicated to modeling. In this example, the modeling ink is an ink having a color different from each color of the CMYK ink. For example, white ink or clear ink may be used as the modeling ink.

  The white ink head 206 is an inkjet head that ejects ink droplets of white (W) ink. The clear ink head 208 is an ink jet head that discharges ink droplets of clear ink. In this case, the clear ink is a clear color ink that is a transparent color (T).

  The support material head 210 is an ink jet head that ejects ink droplets containing the material of the support layer. In this example, it is preferable to use a water-soluble material that can be dissolved in water after the three-dimensional object 50 is formed as the material for the support layer. Further, in this case, since the material is removed after modeling, it is preferable to use a material that has a lower degree of curing by ultraviolet rays than the material constituting the three-dimensional object 50 and is easily decomposed. Moreover, as a material of a support layer, the well-known material for support layers can be used suitably, for example.

  The plurality of ultraviolet light sources 220 are an example of an ultraviolet irradiation unit, and generate ultraviolet rays that cure the ultraviolet curable ink. As the ultraviolet light source 220, for example, UVLED (ultraviolet LED) or the like can be suitably used. It is also conceivable to use a metal halide lamp, a mercury lamp, or the like as the ultraviolet light source 220.

  In this example, each of the plurality of ultraviolet light sources 220 includes a colored ink head 202y-k, a modeling material head 204, a white ink head 206, a clear ink head 208, and a support material head 210. The discharge unit 12 is disposed on one end side and the other end side in the main scanning direction so as to be sandwiched. More specifically, for example, one ultraviolet light source 220 denoted by reference numeral UV1 in the drawing is disposed on one end side of the discharge unit 12. In addition, one ultraviolet light source 220 indicated by reference numeral UV2 in the drawing is disposed on the other end side of the discharge unit 12.

  The flattening roller unit 222 has a configuration for flattening the ultraviolet curable ink layer formed during the modeling of the three-dimensional object 50. In this example, the flattening roller unit 222 includes the colored ink heads 202y to 202k, the modeling material head 204, the white ink head 206, the clear ink head 208, and the support material head 210, and the other side. It arrange | positions between the ultraviolet light sources 220 (UV2). Thereby, the flattening roller unit 222 is arranged in the sub-scanning direction with respect to the arrangement of the colored ink heads 202y to 202k, the modeling material head 204, the white ink head 206, the clear ink head 208, and the support material head 210. The positions are aligned and arranged in the main scanning direction.

  In this example, the flattening roller unit 222 includes a flattening roller 302, a blade 304, and an ink collection unit 306. The flattening roller 302 is an example of a flattening means for flattening the ink layer formed by the ink jet head. For example, in the main scanning operation, the ink layer is flattened by being in contact with the surface of the ink layer. To do. The blade 304 is a blade member that peels off the ink scraped off by the flattening roller 302 from the flattening roller 302. The ink collection unit 306 is a collection unit that collects the ink that the blade 304 has peeled off from the flattening roller 302. With the above configuration, the discharge unit 12 performs an operation of modeling the three-dimensional object 50 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 22.

  Next, more specific operations and the like for modeling the three-dimensional object 50 in this example will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 shows an example of an operation for modeling the three-dimensional object 50 in this example. In this example, the modeling apparatus 10 performs modeling of the three-dimensional object 50 by a multi-pass method, for example. In this case, modeling with the multi-pass method means, for example, forming each ink layer constituting the three-dimensional object 50 by the multi-pass method. In addition, forming each ink layer by the multi-pass method means that, for example, in the operation of forming one ink layer, the ink jet head is scanned a plurality of times with respect to the same position of the three-dimensional object 50 being modeled. It is to perform the operation. In addition, to cause the inkjet head to perform a plurality of main scanning operations on the same position is, for example, to cause the inkjet head to perform a plurality of main scanning operations with a sub-scanning operation interposed therebetween.

  The method of forming the ink layer by the multipass method is more specifically, for example, the same as or similar to the case of printing by the multipass method in a printing apparatus (2D printer) that prints a two-dimensional image. It is possible to do it. Moreover, when modeling a three-dimensional object with the modeling apparatus 10, it is possible to use various other methods as a specific method of forming an ink layer by a multi-pass method.

  Here, for convenience of explanation, first, a case will be described in which a multi-pass operation is performed by a method (large pitch pass method) in which the feed amount in the sub-scan operation is set to a predetermined pass width. In this case, the feed amount in the sub-scanning operation is a relative movement amount of the inkjet head (colored ink heads 202y to 202k, etc.) with respect to the modeling table 16 (see FIG. 1) in one sub-scanning operation. The operation of the multi-pass method other than the large pitch pass method will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 2A shows an example of an operation for forming an ink layer constituting the three-dimensional object 50. 2A, for convenience of illustration, a plurality of inkjet heads (colored ink heads 202y to 202k, modeling material head 204, white ink head 206, clear ink head) in the discharge unit 12 (see FIG. 1). 208 and the support material head 210) are shown as the inkjet head 200. Although not shown, the other ink jet heads in the discharge unit 12 move relative to the modeling table 16 together with the ink jet head shown as the ink jet head 200, thereby performing a main scanning operation, a sub scanning operation, and the like. Do.

  In the case of forming an ink layer by the large pitch pass method, in the operation of forming one ink layer, the main scanning drive unit 14 (see FIG. 1) performs a plurality of preset positions for each position of the ink layer. The inkjet head 200 is caused to perform the main scanning operation for the number of passes. The sub-scanning drive unit 18 (see FIG. 1) moves the inkjet head 200 relative to the modeling table 16 by a predetermined pass width every time a predetermined number of main scanning operations are performed. Let In this case, for example, the pass width is set to a width obtained by dividing the length of the nozzle row in the sub-scanning direction by the number of passes. The length of the nozzle row is, for example, the length of the nozzle row in the inkjet head 200 that performs the sub-scanning operation.

  2A shows an example of the operation of the inkjet head 200 in the case where the number of passes is four and the ink layer is formed by the large pitch pass method. In order to simplify the description, only the main scanning operation in one direction (right side in the drawing) in the main scanning direction is performed, and the sub scanning operation is performed every time the main scanning operation is performed. An illustration was made. In this case, after each main scanning operation, at least before performing the next main scanning operation, the ink jet head 200 is moved in the main scanning direction in the opposite direction to that in the main scanning operation, and the ink jet head 200 is moved to the original direction. Return to the position.

  More specifically, in this case, for example, first, the main scanning operation is performed with the position in the sub-scanning direction being the position of the inkjet head 200 denoted by reference symbol A, whereby the region indicated by the arrow 402a in the three-dimensional object 50 is performed. The main scanning operation is performed. As a result, the first main scanning operation is performed on the region 404a in the drawing.

  Thereafter, a sub-scanning operation is performed, and the position of the ink-jet head 200 in the sub-scanning direction is changed to the position of the ink-jet head 200 denoted by reference numeral B. Then, by performing the main scanning operation at this position, the main scanning operation is performed on the region indicated by the arrow 402b in the three-dimensional object 50. Accordingly, the second main scanning operation for the region 404a and the first main scanning operation for the region 404b are performed.

  Thereafter, a sub-scanning operation is performed, and the position of the ink-jet head 200 in the sub-scanning direction is changed to the position of the ink-jet head 200 denoted by reference symbol C. Then, by performing the main scanning operation at this position, the main scanning operation is performed on the region indicated by the arrow 402c in the three-dimensional object 50. Accordingly, the third main scanning operation for the region 404a, the second main scanning operation for the region 404b, and the first main scanning operation for the region 404c are performed.

  Thereafter, a sub-scanning operation is performed, and the position of the ink-jet head 200 in the sub-scanning direction is changed to the position of the ink-jet head 200 denoted by reference symbol D. Then, by performing the main scanning operation at this position, the main scanning operation is performed on the region indicated by the arrow 402d in the three-dimensional object 50. Accordingly, the fourth main scanning operation for the region 404a, the third main scanning operation for the region 404b, the second main scanning operation for the region 404c, and the first main scanning operation for the region 404d are performed. .

  With the above operation, four main scanning operations for the region 404a are completed, and an ink layer having a preset thickness is formed. Further, by repeating the subsequent main scanning operation and sub-scanning operation in the same manner, an ink layer having the same thickness is formed in other regions.

  If constituted in this way, modeling of solid thing 50 by a multipass method can be performed appropriately, for example. In this case, for example, even when the width of the three-dimensional object 50 in the sub-scanning direction is larger than the length of the nozzle row, the three-dimensional object can be appropriately shaped by driving the inkjet head 200 by the serial method.

  In this configuration, the pass width is not limited to the same as the width obtained by dividing the length of the nozzle row by the number of passes, but is substantially the same as the width obtained by dividing the length of the nozzle row by the number of passes. It may be of equal width. In this case, “substantially equal width” means that, for example, the pass width and the nozzle row are excluded except for adjustments set according to operational convenience, various design intentions, and allowable error amounts. The length is equal to the width divided by the number of passes. More specifically, for example, in each main scanning operation to the same position, when the ink droplet landing position in the sub-scanning direction is shifted within a range less than the nozzle pitch, both of them are excluded except for the deviation amount. Are equal.

  FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of how the ink tods are formed in each main scanning operation for the same region. The ink droplet landing position in the sub-scanning direction is determined by the nozzle pitch in each main scanning operation. An example of how the ink tods are arranged in the case of shifting within a range less than the range will be described. In the drawing, a line indicated as 1-pass printing indicates ink dots formed in the main scanning direction and arranged in the main scanning direction. A line indicated as two-pass printing indicates ink dots formed side by side in the main scanning direction in the second main scanning operation. A line indicated as three-pass printing indicates ink dots formed side by side in the main scanning direction in the third main scanning operation. A line indicated as four-pass printing indicates ink dots formed side by side in the main scanning direction in the fourth main scanning operation.

  With this configuration, for example, the modeling resolution in the sub-scanning direction can be set to a resolution higher than the nozzle interval (nozzle pitch) in one nozzle row. Moreover, thereby, modeling with high resolution can be performed appropriately.

  As described above, according to this example, for example, the main scanning drive unit 14 causes the inkjet head 200 to perform a main scanning operation, and the sub-scanning driving unit 18 moves the inkjet head 200 relative to the modeling table 16. By doing so, each ink layer (two-dimensional slice layer) constituting the three-dimensional object 50 can be appropriately formed. In this case, as described with reference to FIG. 1, a plurality of ink layers are appropriately stacked by appropriately changing the distance between the inkjet head 200 and the modeling table 16 by the stacking direction driving unit 20. be able to. Thereby, the three-dimensional object 50 can be appropriately modeled by the layered modeling method.

  Here, FIG. 2 shows the operation in the case where one ink layer is formed by the multi-pass method in the large pitch pass method as described above. In this case, during the formation of one ink layer, the direction of relative movement of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation is set to one direction in the sub-scanning direction.

  However, in this example, a plurality of ink layers are formed by layered modeling. In this case, the sub-scan driving unit 18 changes the direction of relative movement of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation, for example, for each ink layer. More specifically, for example, when forming the two continuous ink layers, when the relative movement direction of the inkjet head 200 when forming the lower ink layer is set to one direction in the sub-scanning direction, It is conceivable that the direction of relative movement of the inkjet head 200 during the formation of the ink layer is the other direction in the sub-scanning direction.

  When configured in this way, the direction in which the inkjet head 200 is relatively moved by the sub-scanning drive unit 18 can be bidirectional in one direction and the other direction. This also eliminates wasted time required for the operation of returning the ink jet head 200 to the initial position, for example, with respect to the relative movement of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning direction. Therefore, if constituted in this way, time required for modeling can be shortened and modeling speed can be accelerated appropriately, for example. In this case, for example, the moving speed of the inkjet head 200 during the main scanning operation or the sub-scanning operation may be similar to that of the conventional configuration, for example. For this reason, it is considered that a decrease in modeling accuracy due to an increase in modeling speed is unlikely to occur.

  Further, more specific control of the main scanning operation and the sub-scanning operation is preferably performed based on modeling data indicating the position where the ink droplets should be ejected by the inkjet head 200. The direction of relative movement of the inkjet head 200 during the sub-scanning operation, such specific control, and the like will be described in more detail later. In addition, when the operation of the sub-scanning drive unit 18 is shown in a more general manner, the inkjet head 200 is moved relative to the modeling table 16 in one direction in the sub-scanning direction following a part of the main scanning operation. It can be said that this is an operation of moving the inkjet head 200 relative to the modeling table 16 in the other direction in the sub-scanning direction following the other main scanning operation.

  Further, in FIG. 2A and the like, the case where the direction of movement of the inkjet head 200 is set to only one direction has been described in order to simplify the description of the main scanning operation. However, in the operation described below, the direction of the main scanning operation may be bidirectional in one direction and the other direction in the main scanning direction. In this case, the main scanning drive unit 14 causes the inkjet head 200 to perform a main scanning operation in one direction in the main scanning direction and a main scanning operation in the other direction. If constituted in this way, modeling of solid thing 50 can be performed at higher speed, for example.

  Subsequently, the operation of the multipath method will be described in more detail. In the above description, the large pitch path method has been described as an example of the operation of the multipath method. However, it is also possible to use a system other than the large pitch path system as the multi-path system operation.

  FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are diagrams for explaining various methods for performing the multi-pass method. Using an inkjet head 200 with a nozzle array resolution of 150 dpi, the number of passes is 4, and the resolution (density) is 600 dpi. ) Shows an example of the operation when an ink layer is formed. Except as described below, the configuration and operation of the modeling apparatus 10 are the same as or similar to those described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  Fig.3 (a) shows an example of a structure of the inkjet head 200 used for modeling. In the illustrated configuration, the inkjet head 200 has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a nozzle row direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction. The plurality of nozzles are arranged at a constant interval (nozzle pitch P) of 1/150 inch. Therefore, the length of the nozzle row is (total number of nozzles−1) × 1/150 inch.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation for forming an ink layer by a multi-pass method of a large pitch pass method. As described above, the large pitch pass method is, for example, when the number of passes is n, the feed amount in the sub-scanning operation is 1 / n (= Lh / n) of the nozzle row length Lh. ). FIG. 3B shows the case where the number of passes is four. Therefore, in this case, the feed amount in the sub-scanning operation is 1/4 (= Lh / 4) of the length Lh of the nozzle row.

  Further, in this figure, the circled numbers shown beside each region obtained by dividing the nozzle row of the inkjet head 200 into four are numbers for distinguishing each region in the nozzle row. Further, the diagram shown on the right side of the inkjet head 200 is a diagram showing an example of an operation that repeats the main scanning operation and the sub-scanning operation, and the N-th main scanning operation (first pass) to the N-th main scanning operation (first pass). About (NPass), the relationship between each area | region of the solid object in modeling and the area | region in the nozzle row which discharges an ink drop with respect to the area | region is shown. In this case, the area | region in a nozzle row is an area | region distinguished and shown by the number of the said encirclement. In addition, the description described on the upper side of the figure shows the operation performed at the time of each main scanning operation and before and after the main scanning operation. Further, the right side of the figure shows the relationship between the number of times of performing the main scanning operation and the length of the region where the formation of the ink layer is completed as the completed row length.

  By performing the operation as shown in the drawing, the ink layer can be appropriately formed by the multi-pass method of the large pitch pass method. Moreover, a solid thing can be modeled appropriately by laminating and forming a plurality of layers. Further, as described with reference to FIG. 2, when the ink layer is formed by the multi-pass method of the large pitch pass method, the sub-scanning drive unit 18 determines the relative movement direction of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation. For example, it is changed for each ink layer.

  FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation of forming an ink layer by a multi-pass method of a small pitch pass method. The small pitch pass method is a method in which, for example, when the number of passes is n, the feed amount in the sub-scanning operation is smaller than 1 / n (= Lh / n) of the nozzle row length Lh. In addition, for the small pitch pass method, the main scanning operation is not performed by forming a single ink layer with a constant feed amount of the sub-scanning operation as in the large pitch pass method, but sandwiching the sub-scanning operation with a smaller feed amount. It can be said that this is an operation for forming one ink layer by repeating the operation for a predetermined number of passes and the subsequent sub-scanning operation with a predetermined feed amount corresponding to the length of the nozzle row. In FIG. 4A, more specifically, when the sub-scanning operation with a smaller feed amount is performed, the feed amount is smaller than the nozzle pitch P and an integral multiple of P / n. An example is shown.

  Further, in this figure, symbols such as circled numbers, explanatory characters, and the like indicate the same or similar items as in FIG. By performing the operation as shown in the drawing, the ink layer can be appropriately formed by the multi-pass method of the small pitch pass method. Moreover, a solid thing can be modeled appropriately by laminating and forming a plurality of layers. Further, in this case, as can be seen from the comparison of the completed row lengths, for example, the ink layer can be formed with a smaller number of main scanning operations than in the case of modeling with the large pitch pass method. Thereby, for example, the modeling speed can be further increased.

  Here, when the small pitch pass method is shown in a more general manner, every time a predetermined number of main scanning operations are performed, the sub-scanning drive unit 18 (see FIG. 1) performs nozzle row alignment in the sub-scanning direction. It can be said that the inkjet head is moved in the sub-scanning direction relative to the modeling table 16 by a sub-scanning direction moving distance that is a distance smaller than the width obtained by dividing the length by the number of passes. In this case, the movement distance in the sub-scanning direction is an integer multiple of the nozzle pitch sub-scanning direction component, which is the distance in the sub-scanning direction between adjacent nozzles in the nozzle row, and a distance less than the nozzle pitch sub-scanning direction component. It can be said that it is the added distance. The integer multiple of the nozzle pitch second direction component is, for example, the product of the nozzle pitch sub-scanning direction component and an integer of 0 or more. If comprised in this way, the high resolution corresponding to a distance smaller than a nozzle pitch subscanning direction component can be appropriately implement | achieved about the resolution in a subscanning direction, for example.

  Further, in FIG. 4A, as an example of the operation of the small pitch pass method, the case where the width of the three-dimensional object to be modeled (length in the sub-scanning direction) is larger than the length (Lh) of the nozzle row, It is shown. Therefore, in this case, every time the main scanning operation is performed four times, the sub-scanning operation is performed with the distance equal to the length Lh of the nozzle row as the feed amount. In a more generalized case, for example, after performing a main scanning operation for the number of passes on a region corresponding to the length Lh of the nozzle row, the sub-scanning is performed by a distance corresponding to the length Lh of the nozzle row. It can be said that the inkjet head 200 is moved relative to the modeling table 16 in the direction. Further, in this case, after the inkjet head 200 is moved, the main scanning operation for the number of passes is further performed. If comprised in this way, even when the size of a solid object is large, for example, modeling of a solid object can be performed appropriately.

  However, for example, when the width of the three-dimensional object is smaller than the length Lh of the nozzle array, ink droplets are simultaneously ejected from the nozzle array over the entire width of the three-dimensional object without performing such a large distance sub-scanning operation. It is also possible. With this configuration, for example, multi-pass modeling can be performed appropriately in the same manner as when a line-type inkjet head is used. Moreover, thereby, for example, a three-dimensional object can be modeled at a higher speed.

  In addition, when performing the operation of the small pitch pass method, the direction of relative movement of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation can be changed for each ink layer as in the case of the large pitch pass method, for example. In particular, regarding the sub-scanning operation in which the feed amount is a distance equal to the length Lh of the nozzle row, it is preferable to change the direction of relative movement of the inkjet head 200 for each ink layer. Further, for example, the sub-scanning operation with a small feed amount for performing the main scanning operation for the number of passes may be performed bi-directionally in the operation of forming one ink layer.

  FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation of forming an ink layer by the multi-pass method of the entire sequential pass method. The full-surface sequential pass method is a method in which, for example, the same main scanning operation is sequentially performed on the entire surface of the ink layer. In this case, the same main scanning operation means, for example, the same main scanning operation among the main scanning performed a plurality of times at the same position in the operation of forming one ink layer. .

  Further, in this figure, symbols such as circled numbers, explanatory characters, and the like indicate the same or similar items as in FIG. By performing the operation as shown in the drawing, the ink layer can be appropriately formed by the multi-pass method of the whole surface sequential pass method. Moreover, a solid thing can be modeled appropriately by laminating and forming a plurality of layers. Further, in this case, as can be seen from the comparison of the completed row lengths, for example, the ink layer can be formed with a smaller number of main scanning operations than in the case of modeling with the large pitch pass method. Thereby, for example, the modeling speed can be further increased.

  Here, when the overall sequential pass method is shown in a more general manner, for example, in the operation of forming one ink layer, the sub-scanning drive unit 18 performs sub-scanning driving unit 18 every time a main scanning operation is performed. It can be said that this is an operation of moving the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning direction relative to the modeling table 16 by a distance corresponding to the length of the nozzle row in the scanning direction. In this case, for example, after the first main scanning operation is performed on the entire region where one ink layer is to be formed, the ink jet head 200 is subjected to the second main scanning operation for each position of the ink layer. A scanning operation is performed.

  In this case, the distance for moving the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning direction in the sub-scanning operation is, for example, a distance equal to the length of the nozzle row in the sub-scanning direction. When the number of passes is 3 or more, the main scanning operation for each of the third and subsequent times is performed, for example, after the previous main scanning operation is performed on the entire ink layer. If comprised in this way, modeling by the whole surface sequential pass system can be performed more appropriately.

  Here, when the ink layer is formed by the full-surface sequential pass method, the sub-scanning drive unit 18 determines the relative movement direction of the inkjet head 200, for example, for the entire region where one ink layer is to be formed. It changes every time the same main scanning operation is performed (for each pass). In this case, the distance by which the inkjet head 200 is moved in the sub-scanning direction in the sub-scanning operation may be a distance that is substantially equal to the length of the nozzle row in the sub-scanning direction.

  In addition, regarding the operation of the sub-scanning drive unit 18, the relative movement of the inkjet head 200 each time one main scanning operation is performed is, for example, the same main scanning operation (for example, the first time or the second time). When the main scanning operation is performed for each position during the operation of performing the main scanning operation) on each position, the inkjet head 200 is relatively moved. Therefore, after performing the main scanning operation for a certain time (for example, the first time) on the entire region, the ink is jetted in the sub-scanning direction at the timing when the main scanning operation for the next time (for example, the second time) is started. It is also conceivable that the head 200 is not moved relatively.

  As described above, various methods can be used as specific operations of the multipath method. Further, in this example, when the modeling is performed by any type of multi-pass method, the relative movement of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation is performed in both directions in one direction and the other direction. Therefore, the direction of relative movement of the inkjet head 200 during the sub-scanning operation, specific control, and the like will be described in more detail below.

  5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the bidirectional sub-scanning operation in more detail. In this case, the bidirectional sub-scanning operation means, for example, that the direction of relative movement of the inkjet head 200 during the sub-scanning operation is bidirectional in one direction and the other direction in the sub-scanning direction.

  Fig.5 (a) shows an example of the structure of the inkjet head 200 used by the operation | movement demonstrated below, and the structure of the solid object 50 to shape | mold. This inkjet head 200 may be the same or similar inkjet head as the inkjet head used in each configuration described with reference to FIGS.

  In the illustrated case, the length Lh of the nozzle row in the inkjet head 200 is 64 mm. Therefore, when the number of passes is four, the length (Lh / 4) obtained by dividing the length of the nozzle row by the number of passes is 16 mm. Further, the three-dimensional object 50 to be modeled in the illustrated case is an inverted cup-shaped three-dimensional object, and is formed on the modeling table 16 with the portion serving as the opening facing downward. Further, in this case, a support layer is formed in a region inside the cup. Further, in this case, the position indicated as the cross section A is a position corresponding to the modeling cross section illustrated in FIGS. 5B, 6 </ b> A, and 6 </ b> B. Moreover, this modeling cross section has a circular shape with a diameter of 120 mm. FIGS. 5B, 6A, and 6B are diagrams showing an example of the operation when the direction of movement of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation is bi-directional. The direction of movement of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation performed after each main scanning operation in the case where the ink layer is formed by each of the small pitch pass method and the full-surface sequential pass method is shown. In the following description, the direction of movement may be the direction of relative movement.

  More specifically, for example, in FIG. 5B, regarding the operation in the large pitch pass method, the operation of forming the two continuous ink layers is the 1st to 11th main forming the respective ink layers. The direction of the sub-scanning operation performed between scanning operations is indicated by arrows with numerals. In this case, as the operation of forming each ink layer, the main scanning operation is performed a plurality of times by combining the end of the modeling data for controlling the modeling and the start position of the main scanning operation.

  For example, when forming one ink layer, the moving direction of the ink-jet head 200 during the sub-scanning operation is set to one direction (forward direction), and the same as described with reference to FIG. Similarly, an ink layer is formed. For example, in the illustrated case, the main scanning operation is started from the left end position of the modeling data. Each time the main scanning operation is performed, the inkjet head 200 is moved in one direction (right side in the drawing) in the sub-scanning direction by 16 mm, which is a distance obtained by dividing the length of the nozzle row by the number of passes. Similarly, the main scanning operation and the sub-scanning operation are repeated, and the main scanning operation is performed 11 times to complete the first ink layer.

  After that, the ink head 200 is moved in the sub-scanning operation in the other direction (return direction), and the ink layer is formed in the same or similar manner as described with reference to FIG. Form. In this case, the main scanning operation is started from the right end position of the modeling data. Also in this case, each time the main scanning operation is performed, the inkjet head 200 is moved to the other direction (left side in the drawing) in the sub-scanning direction by 16 mm. Accordingly, for example, the second ink layer is completed by performing the main scanning operation 11 times.

  Here, when the operation in the large pitch path method is performed, as described above, for example, the direction of movement of the inkjet head 200 during the sub-scanning operation is reversed for each ink layer. Therefore, in this case, the direction of movement of the inkjet head 200 during the sub-scanning operation is set so as to be opposite between the two successive ink layers.

  In this case, the initial scanning position at which the main scanning operation is started by starting the main scanning operation from the position of the modeling data end (each of the right end and the left end) as well as performing the sub-scanning operation in both directions. For example, the number of necessary main scanning operations can be appropriately set. Moreover, thereby, the modeling speed can be increased more appropriately.

  Further, when the setting of the initial scanning position is shown in a more general manner, for example, when at least the first main scanning operation is performed among a plurality of main scanning operations performed when forming one ink layer. It can be said that the position in the sub-scanning direction where the inkjet head 200 is arranged is set according to the end of the position where ink droplets should be ejected to form one ink layer based on the modeling data. Such an operation is performed, for example, at least a first main scanning operation among a plurality of main scanning operations performed while the moving direction of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning direction is set to the same direction. In this case, the position in the sub-scanning direction where the inkjet head 200 is arranged is considered to be an operation for setting an ink droplet to the end of the position where the ink droplet should be ejected to form one ink layer based on the modeling data. You can also.

  When configured in this way, for example, the initial scanning position can be set for each ink layer, and the number of main scanning operations necessary to form the ink layer can be appropriately reduced. Accordingly, for example, a plurality of main scanning operations can be performed more appropriately in accordance with a region where an ink layer is to be formed. Therefore, with this configuration, the time required for modeling can be appropriately shortened by starting the modeling operation from the end of the modeling data in the sub-scanning direction for the bi-directional (forward path and return path) sub-scanning operation. Moreover, thereby, for example, the modeling speed can be increased more appropriately.

  In this configuration, in the sub-scanning direction, the ink droplet discharge start position in one direction and the other direction (for example, the recording start end in each sub-scanning operation in the predetermined forward direction and the backward direction) This is a configuration that matches the start end of the data corresponding to the layer (the start end of each data in the forward path and the return path in the slice layer). In addition, the initial scan position is set in accordance with the end of the position where the ink droplets should be ejected in order to form one ink layer. The initial scanning position is set so as to be within the scanning range of the scanning operation.

  In this case, for example, as described above, it is preferable to set the scanning initial position so that the number of main scanning operations necessary for forming the ink layer is minimized. More specifically, for example, it is conceivable to set the initial scanning position so that the end of the inkjet head 200 at the initial scanning position and the end of the position where ink droplets should be ejected coincide. In this case, the end of the inkjet head 200 at the initial scanning position is an end that becomes the rear side when moving in the sub-scanning direction. Further, the positions of the end of the inkjet head 200 at the initial scanning position and the end of the position where the ink droplet should be ejected may be matched with a predetermined margin. In addition, when the support layer that supports the three-dimensional object 50 being formed is formed around the three-dimensional object 50, the end of the position where the ink droplet should be ejected is the end when the region where the support layer is formed is considered. It is preferable to do.

  Further, in FIG. 6A, regarding the operation in the small pitch pass method, the numbers of the directions of the sub-scanning operations performed between the main scanning operations for the number of passes (four times) successively performed on the same region are shown. It is indicated by an arrow with. In this case, at the time of forming one ink layer, the moving direction of the inkjet head 200 during the sub-scanning operation is set to one direction (forward direction) and is the same as the case described with reference to FIG. Similarly, an ink layer is formed. Also in this case, each ink layer is formed by combining the end of the modeling data for controlling the modeling and the start position of the main scanning operation.

  More specifically, in this case, the main scanning operation is started from the position of the left end of the modeling data, and four main scanning operations corresponding to the number of passes are performed while sandwiching the sub scanning operation with a small pitch between them. Thereafter, the inkjet head 200 is moved in one direction (right side in the figure) in the sub-scanning direction by 64 mm corresponding to the length of the nozzle row. In the illustrated case, by repeating such an operation twice, an ink layer can be formed in a range of 128 mm, which is an area twice the length of the nozzle row. Therefore, in this case, the first ink layer is completed by performing the above operation twice.

  After that, the ink head 200 is moved in the sub-scanning operation in the other direction (return direction), and the ink layer is formed in the same or similar manner as described with reference to FIG. Form. In this case, the main scanning operation is started from the right end position of the modeling data.

  More specifically, in this case, the main scanning operation is started from the right end position of the modeling data, and four main scanning operations corresponding to the number of passes are performed while sandwiching the sub scanning operation with a small pitch therebetween. Thereafter, the inkjet head 200 is moved in the other direction (left side in the figure) in the sub-scanning direction by 64 mm corresponding to the length of the nozzle row. Also in this case, similarly to the first layer, the second ink layer is completed by performing the above operation twice. In addition to the above, the operation shown in FIG. 6A may be the same as or similar to the operation shown in FIG.

  If comprised in this way, modeling by a small pitch pass system can be performed appropriately, for example. Also in this case, in the case of performing the sub-scanning operation in each direction, it is possible to appropriately increase the modeling speed by setting the scanning initial position according to the end of the modeling data.

  Further, in FIG. 6B, regarding the operation in the full-surface sequential pass method, the direction of the sub-scanning operation performed between the main scanning operations for the number of passes (4 times) continuously performed on the same region is as follows. Shown with arrows with numbers. In this case, the direction of movement of the inkjet head 200 during the sub-scanning operation is changed every time the main scanning operation is performed on the entire surface (every pass), not every ink layer. Also in this case, each ink layer is formed by combining the end of the modeling data for controlling the modeling and the start position of the main scanning operation.

  More specifically, in this case, the main scanning operation is started from the position of the left end of the modeling data, and is the same as or similar to the case described with reference to FIG. The main scanning operation (first pass) is performed. In this case, each time one main scanning operation is performed, the inkjet head 200 is moved in one direction (right side in the drawing) in the sub-scanning direction by 64 mm corresponding to the length of the nozzle row. In the illustrated case, by repeating this operation twice, the first main scanning operation can be performed over a range of 128 mm, which is an area twice the length of the nozzle row. This completes the first main scanning operation over the entire surface of the ink layer.

  Thereafter, the moving direction of the inkjet head 200 during the sub-scanning operation is set to the other direction (return path direction), and the second main scanning operation (second pass) is performed on the entire surface of the ink layer. In this case, each operation may be performed in the same or similar manner as the first pass except for the moving direction of the inkjet head 200 during the sub-scanning operation. This completes the second main scanning operation over the entire surface of the ink layer.

  Thereafter, the movement direction of the inkjet head 200 during the sub-scanning operation is sequentially reversed to perform the same or similar operation as the first pass and the second pass. This completes the third and fourth main scanning operations (third and fourth pass operations) on the entire surface of the ink layer. In addition to the above, the operation illustrated in FIG. 6B may be performed in the same or similar manner as the operations illustrated in FIG. 5B and FIG.

  If comprised in this way, modeling by the whole surface sequential pass system can be performed appropriately, for example. Also in this case, in the case of performing the sub-scanning operation in each direction, it is possible to appropriately increase the modeling speed by setting the scanning initial position according to the end of the modeling data.

  Here, among the specific multipass methods described above, the large pitch pass method is the same as the multipass method widely used in, for example, a printing apparatus (2D printer) that prints a two-dimensional image. Or it can be considered as a similar system. However, it can be said that the small pitch pass method and the full sequential pass method are not general methods compared to the large pitch pass method. Therefore, the operations of the small pitch pass method and the full sequential pass method will be described in more detail below.

  7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the small pitch path method in more detail. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the inkjet head 200. The illustrated inkjet head 200 is an inkjet head having the same or similar configuration as the inkjet head 200 in the configuration described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, and has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged at a resolution of 150 dpi.

  FIGS. 7B and 8 show the state of ink dots formed in the first to sixth main scanning operations (Y scanning: first pass printing to sixth pass printing) and the main pitch operation for the small pitch pass operation. An example of a sub-scanning operation (X scanning) performed between scanning operations is shown. FIGS. 7B and 8 show an example of the operation when the number of passes is four. Further, for convenience of illustration, the dot pattern of ink formed in each main scanning operation is shown with a different shade pattern. In FIGS. 7B and 8, the sub-scanning operation with a small feed amount for performing the main scanning operation for the number of passes is performed in both directions in the operation of forming one ink layer. Is illustrated.

  More specifically, in the illustrated case, first, the first main scanning operation (first pass recording) is performed from the state in which the position of the end of the modeling data and the initial scanning position are matched, Ink droplets are ejected from a nozzle to a required position. This also forms ink dots on the already formed ink layer in the three-dimensional object. Thereafter, the sub-scanning operation is performed in which the feed amount is set to half the nozzle pitch and the inkjet head 200 is relatively moved to the right side in the drawing.

  Further, following this sub-scanning operation, a second main scanning operation (second pass recording) is performed, and the position of the ink in the sub-scanning direction is shifted with respect to the ink dots formed in the first main scanning operation. Forming dots. Thereafter, the feed amount is set to ¼ of the nozzle pitch, and the sub-scanning operation for moving the inkjet head 200 relative to the left side in the drawing is performed, contrary to the previous sub-scanning operation.

  Following this sub-scanning operation, the third main scanning operation (third pass recording) is performed, and the position in the sub-scanning direction is shifted with respect to the ink dots formed in the first and second main scanning operations. Ink dots are formed. Further, after that, the feed amount is set to ½ of the nozzle pitch, and the sub-scanning operation for moving the ink-jet head 200 to the right side in the drawing is performed contrary to the previous sub-scanning operation.

  Following this sub-scanning operation, the fourth main scanning operation (fourth pass printing) is performed, and the position in the sub-scanning direction is shifted with respect to the ink dots formed in the first to third main scanning operations. , Forming ink dots. As a result, the main scanning operation corresponding to the number of passes is completed for the region whose width in the sub-scanning direction is the length of the nozzle row, and the operation for forming this region is completed.

  In the small pitch pass method, after the operation for forming this region is completed, the operation for forming the next region is performed. More specifically, after performing the fourth main scanning operation, the feed amount is set to be the same as the length of the nozzle row, and the sub scanning operation is performed. In this case, for example, as illustrated, the inkjet head 200 is relatively moved to the right side in the drawing.

  Following this sub-scanning operation, the fifth main scanning operation (fifth pass printing) is performed. In the illustrated case, this main scanning operation is the first main scanning operation for this region. Therefore, the operations after the fifth main scanning operation can be performed in the same or similar manner as the operations after the first main scanning operation except for the position in the sub-scanning direction. For example, after the fifth main scanning operation, for example, the feed amount is set to half of the nozzle pitch, and the sub scanning operation for moving the inkjet head 200 to the right side in the drawing is performed.

  Following this sub-scanning operation, the sixth main-scanning operation is performed in the same or the same manner as the second and subsequent main-scanning operations except for the position in the sub-scanning direction. After that, the above operation is repeated within the range where the modeling data is present.

  If comprised in this way, it can form appropriately by the small pitch pass system about each ink layer which comprises a solid object, for example. In addition, a three-dimensional object can be appropriately formed by stacking a plurality of ink layers by sequentially shifting the position in the stacking direction by the stacking direction driving unit 20 (see FIG. 1).

  Further, in this case, by making the direction of movement of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation bi-directional, the modeling speed of the three-dimensional object can be appropriately increased as described above. In this case, more specifically, for example, for the sub-scanning operation in which the feed amount is set to be the same as the length of the nozzle row, it is preferable to make the direction opposite for each ink layer, for example. If comprised in this way, the modeling speed of a solid object can be appropriately accelerated, for example.

  Further, as apparent from the figure, in the above operation, the position of the ink dot formed in the second main scanning operation in the sub-scanning direction is immediately adjacent to the ink dot formed in the first main scanning operation. In this position, a gap in which ink dots formed in the subsequent main scanning operation are formed is opened. For example, when an ink dot is formed by two main scanning operations at a position immediately adjacent to the ink dot formed by the first main scanning operation, only one side in the sub-scanning direction is already formed. This is because a new ink dot is formed in contact with the ink dot. In this case, for example, the symmetry of the shape of the ink dots formed may be lost, and the accuracy of modeling may be affected.

  On the other hand, when the ink dots are formed as described above, the ink dots formed in the second main scanning operation can be appropriately formed in a shape having higher symmetry. Further, in this case, with respect to the ink dots formed in the third and fourth main scanning operations, new ink dots are formed with ink dots already formed on both sides in the sub-scanning direction. Therefore, symmetry is not lost. Therefore, if constituted in this way, modeling of a solid thing can be performed appropriately with higher accuracy, for example.

  In the above description, the feed amount when performing the sub-scanning operation with a small feed amount has been described as being less than the nozzle pitch, such as 1/4 or 1/2 of the nozzle pitch. However, the feed amount in this case may be larger than the nozzle pitch. More specifically, for example, a feed amount obtained by adding a distance that is an integral multiple of the nozzle pitch (for example, about 1 to 3 times) to a distance less than the nozzle pitch, such as 1/4 or 1/2 of the nozzle pitch. It may be used. Even in such a configuration, the operation in the small pitch path method can be appropriately performed. In this case, in each ink layer, adjacent ink dots in the sub-scanning direction are formed by different nozzles. Therefore, for example, even when there is a defective nozzle or the like in which the ejection characteristics are abnormal, the influence can be appropriately reduced.

  9 and 10 show the first to fourth main scanning operations (Y scan: first pass recording to fourth pass) performed for each position in order to form one ink layer in the entire sequential pass method. An example of a state of ink dots formed in pass recording) and a sub-scanning operation (X scanning) performed between main scanning operations is shown. Also in this case, as in the case described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, an example of the operation when the number of passes is four is shown. Further, for convenience of illustration, the dot pattern of ink formed in each main scanning operation is shown with a different shade pattern. Also in this case, the inkjet head 200 having the configuration shown in FIG.

  More specifically, in the illustrated case, first, the first main scanning operation (first pass recording) is performed from the state in which the position of the end of the modeling data and the initial scanning position are matched, Ink droplets are ejected from a nozzle to a required position. This also forms ink dots on the already formed ink layer in the three-dimensional object. 9 and 10 show a case where the first main scanning operation is started from the left end region in the drawing. Therefore, after that, the feed amount is set to be the same as the length of the nozzle row, and a sub-scanning operation is performed in which the inkjet head 200 is relatively moved to the right side in the drawing.

  Following this sub-scanning operation, the first main scanning operation for the next area is performed. Thereafter, depending on the length in the sub-scanning direction of the region in which the ink layer is to be formed (modeling size in the X direction), a sub-scanning operation corresponding to the length of the nozzle row in the right direction in the figure, The scanning operation is repeated, and the first main scanning operation is performed on the entire surface.

  Subsequently, the second main scanning operation (second pass printing) is started from the right end region in the drawing. In this case, the second main scanning operation is performed from the state in which the end position of the modeling data is matched with the initial scanning position, and ink dots are formed between the ink dots formed by the first main scanning operation. To do. Thereafter, the feed amount is set to be the same as the length of the nozzle row, and a sub-scanning operation is performed in which the inkjet head 200 is relatively moved to the left side in the drawing.

  Further, following this sub-scanning operation, the second main scanning operation for the next region is performed. After that, the sub-scanning operation for the length of the nozzle row in the left direction in the drawing and the main scanning operation are repeated according to the length in the sub-scanning direction of the region where the ink layer is to be formed, For the second time.

  Subsequently, the third main scanning operation (third pass printing) is started from the left end region in the drawing. In this case, the third main scanning operation is performed from the state where the end position of the modeling data is matched with the initial scanning position, and the ink is formed between the ink dots formed in the first and second main scanning operations. Form dots. Thereafter, the feed amount is set to be the same as the length of the nozzle row, and a sub-scanning operation is performed in which the inkjet head 200 is relatively moved to the right side in the drawing.

  Following this sub-scanning operation, the third main scanning operation for the next region is performed. Thereafter, depending on the length of the region in which the ink layer is to be formed in the sub-scanning direction, the sub-scanning operation for the length of the nozzle row in the right direction in the drawing and the main scanning operation are repeated, The third main scanning operation is performed for the above.

  Subsequently, the fourth main scanning operation (fourth pass printing) is started from the right end region in the drawing. In this case, the fourth main scanning operation is performed from the state in which the position of the end of the modeling data is matched with the initial scanning position, and between the ink dots formed in the first to third main scanning operations (for example, the first time Ink dots are formed between the ink dots formed by the fourth main scanning operation). Thereafter, the feed amount is set to be the same as the length of the nozzle row, and a sub-scanning operation is performed in which the inkjet head 200 is relatively moved to the left side in the drawing.

  Following this sub-scanning operation, the fourth main scanning operation for the next region is performed. After that, the sub-scanning operation for the length of the nozzle row in the left direction in the drawing and the main scanning operation are repeated according to the length in the sub-scanning direction of the region where the ink layer is to be formed, The fourth main scanning operation is performed.

  If comprised in this way, it can form appropriately by the whole surface sequential pass system about each ink layer which comprises a solid object, for example. In addition, a three-dimensional object can be appropriately formed by stacking a plurality of ink layers by sequentially shifting the position in the stacking direction by the stacking direction driving unit 20 (see FIG. 1).

  Also in this case, as described above, the modeling speed of the three-dimensional object can be appropriately increased by making the direction of movement of the inkjet head 200 in the sub-scanning operation bidirectional. Further, by setting the position of the ink dot formed in the second main scanning operation in the sub-scanning direction to a position separated from the ink dot formed in the first main scanning operation, the ink dot having high symmetry is obtained. The accuracy of modeling can be increased appropriately.

  Subsequently, various modifications of the configuration and operation of the modeling apparatus 10 will be described. In the above, the case where the ink dots formed in each main scanning operation in the multi-pass method are arranged in a continuous line shape in the modeling data mainly as described with reference to FIG. 2, for example. explained. However, regarding the arrangement of the ink dots formed by the main scanning operation each time, it is conceivable to use various configurations completed with a set number of passes (for example, 4 passes). In this case, for example, it is possible to use various known masks used in a printing apparatus that prints a two-dimensional image.

  Also, various modifications can be made to the components described above. For example, when performing a bidirectional sub-scanning operation as in each of the configurations described above, the amount of movement of the inkjet head can be adjusted by switching the relative movement direction (feeding direction) of the inkjet head during the sub-scanning operation. An error may occur. As a result, there may be a difference in modeling accuracy. More specifically, for example, it is conceivable that unevenness of accuracy occurs due to backlash at the timing of switching the direction of the feed direction.

  Therefore, when performing a bidirectional sub-scanning operation, it is preferable that the ink jet head is once moved in the reverse direction before the relative movement, and thereafter the sub-scanning operation is performed. In this case, for example, when performing modeling by any method, the ink jet head is once relatively moved in the reverse direction before performing the sub-scanning operation in one direction and the other direction (sub-scanning operation in the forward path and the backward path). It is preferable to perform the sub-scanning operation in one or the other direction after (scanning).

  Further, when such a configuration is shown in a more generalized manner, the operation of the sub-scanning drive unit 18 (see FIG. 1) is at least partially performed between two consecutive sub-scanning operations. In the subsequent sub-scanning operation, the inkjet head is temporarily moved relative to the modeling table 16 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the inkjet head is moved relative to the modeling table 16 (see FIG. 1). It can be said that this is an operation to move to. If comprised in this way, the influence of a backlash, etc. can be suppressed appropriately. Thereby, a solid thing can be modeled more appropriately with higher accuracy.

  It should be noted that the distance for moving the inkjet head in the opposite direction is preferably set as appropriate in accordance with the purpose of suppressing the influence of backlash, for example. In addition, the distance for moving the inkjet head in the opposite direction is preferably set to a distance that is smaller than the moving amount of the inkjet head in the next sub-scanning operation, for example. In the next sub-scanning operation, it is preferable to move the inkjet head including the distance the inkjet head is moved in the opposite direction. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to set a distance obtained by adding a distance obtained by moving the inkjet head in the opposite direction to the feed amount in each configuration described with reference to FIGS.

  The operation of temporarily moving the inkjet head in the opposite direction is preferably performed at least at the timing of switching the relative movement direction of the inkjet head and before performing the sub-scanning operation after switching. Further, the operation of temporarily moving the inkjet head in the opposite direction may be performed during each sub-scanning operation.

  Further, the influence of backlash tends to be a problem particularly when the feed amount in the sub-scanning operation is small. Therefore, for example, in the case of using the small pitch pass method, when performing the sub-scanning operation with a small feed amount, it is particularly preferable to perform the operation of temporarily moving the inkjet head in the opposite direction. With this configuration, the sub-scanning operation with an accuracy less than the nozzle pitch can be appropriately performed with higher accuracy.

In addition, when performing the sub-scanning operation in both directions, the modeling accuracy may be reduced due to various factors as compared with the case where the direction of the sub-scanning operation is limited to one direction. For example, when a colored three-dimensional object is formed using the colored ink heads 202y to 202k (see FIG. 1), it may be considered that a difference in the ink droplet landing method occurs depending on the direction of the sub-scanning operation. As a result, the expressed color may be affected.

  For this reason, even when the sub-scanning operation is performed in both directions, it may be considered that a part of the three-dimensional object is formed with only one direction of the sub-scanning operation. In this case, more specifically, for example, the direction of the sub-scanning operation performed when forming a colored region (colored region) in the three-dimensional object may be set to only one direction. If comprised in this way, it can form appropriately with a high precision about the colored area | region where a higher precision is calculated | required, for example. Also in this case, the entire modeling speed can be appropriately increased by forming a part other than the colored area (modeled area not colored) by performing a bidirectional sub-scanning operation.

  Further, when such a configuration is shown in a more generalized manner, for example, when a main scanning operation is performed with a sub-scanning operation in one direction interposed between the sub-scanning operations in one direction and the other. When the main scanning operation is performed by ejecting ink droplets to both the colored ink heads 202y to 202k and the modeling material head 204 (see FIG. 1) and interposing the sub scanning operation in the other direction, It can be said that the ink droplets are ejected only to the modeling material head 204 among the heads 202y to 202k and the modeling material head 204. If comprised in this way, the precision of the landing position of the ink droplet discharged by the heads 202y-k for colored inks can be improved appropriately, for example. Further, regarding the modeling material head 204, the modeling speed can be appropriately increased by ejecting ink droplets when performing any of the bidirectional sub-scanning operations. Therefore, if comprised in this way, when modeling a colored solid thing, the speed of modeling can be speeded up more appropriately, for example.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the colored ink heads 202y to 202k and the modeling material head 204, more inkjet heads (white ink head 206, clear ink head 208, and support material head) are used. The head 210) is used. About these inkjet heads, it is preferable that ink droplets be ejected when performing any of the bidirectional sub-scanning operations, similarly to the modeling material head 204.

  In addition, as described in relation to FIG. 1 and the like, in this example, the modeling apparatus 10 performs scanning in the stacking direction (Z direction) of the ink layers in addition to the main scanning operation and the sub scanning operation. . More specifically, as the scanning in the stacking direction, the position of the upper surface of the modeling table 16 is changed by the stacking direction driving unit 20 (see FIG. 1) in accordance with the progress of the modeling of the three-dimensional object 50. In this case, for example, each time an ink layer is formed, a head base that is a distance between the inkjet head and the modeling base by a thickness set in advance as the thickness of the single ink layer. Increase the distance.

  In this example, the ink layer is flattened using the flattening roller 302 (see FIG. 1) in the flattening roller unit 222. In this case, flattening the ink layer means, for example, removing the ink in a portion exceeding a thickness preset as the thickness of one ink layer. More specifically, for example, in the main scanning operation performed in a direction in which the flattening roller unit 222 is located behind the ink jet head, the height of the ink layer set in advance (in the stacking direction) In position), the ink layer is flattened. In such a case, it may be possible to set the distance between the heads in consideration of the flattening operation.

  More specifically, when an ink layer is formed using an inkjet head, for example, each time the main scanning operation is performed, the ink dots formed by the main scanning operation may be cured. Further, when flattening is performed by the flattening roller 302, the flattening roller 302 flattens the surface of the ink by scraping off the uncured ink during the operation of forming one ink layer. . Further, in this case, in the main scanning operation for performing the flattening, the flattening is performed in a state where the ink dots formed in the previously performed main scanning operation are already cured. However, in this case, in the flattening operation, for example, when the flattening roller 302 and the already cured ink dots come into contact with each other, for example, the cured ink may be scraped off, and there is a possibility of generating excess debris.

  Therefore, it is more preferable to set the distance between the heads so that such a problem does not occur. As such a setting, for example, in the operation of forming one ink layer, in the case where the main scanning operation for performing the flattening is performed a plurality of times on the same region, each time the flattening is performed, the interval between the heads is changed. It is conceivable to gradually increase the distance. More specifically, for example, when the number of passes is four and an ink layer is formed and flattening is performed in each main scanning operation, the height of the ink dots is increased during the first main scanning operation (first pass recording). When flattening with a thickness of 25 μm, the distance between the heads is set to 25 μm. In the next main scanning operation (second pass recording), the distance between the heads is slightly increased to 26 μm. In the next main scanning operation (third pass recording), the distance between the heads is further increased to 27 μm. In the next main scanning operation (fourth pass recording), the distance between the heads is further increased to 28 μm. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately prevent the flattening roller 302 from coming into contact with the cured ink dots. In addition, thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent generation of excess residue and perform more appropriate planarization. In addition, with regard to such a configuration, for example, in the case where one ink layer is formed by the multi-pass method, the ink thickness (ink ink) is greater in the later main scanning operation than in the previous main scanning operation. It can also be considered that the scanning amount (Z scanning value) by the stacking direction driving unit 20 is changed so that the height of the dots is increased.

  Here, the operation for changing the distance between the heads in this way will be described in more detail. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining scanning in the stacking direction in which the distance between the heads is changed. FIG. 11A shows an example of scanning in the stacking direction.

  In the case shown in FIG. 11A, as in the case described with reference to FIG. 2, the main scanning operation is performed only in one direction in the main scanning direction. Further, at the timing indicated as carriage return in the drawing, only the movement of returning the ink jet head to the original position is performed without ejecting ink droplets.

  In this case, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the ink layer is flattened during the main scanning operation by the flattening roller unit 222 (see FIG. 1) in the discharge unit 12. More specifically, in the case shown in FIG. 11A, flattening by the flattening roller unit 222 is performed simultaneously with each main scanning operation (1 pass printing to 4 pass printing).

  Thereby, in the main scanning operation, the main scanning driving unit 14 (see FIG. 1) moves the inkjet head in one direction in the main scanning direction. In the operation of forming one ink layer, the main scanning operation of moving the inkjet head in one direction is performed a plurality of times for the same position of the three-dimensional object being modeled. Further, the flattening roller 302 in the flattening roller unit 222 moves together with the ink jet head in the main scanning operation in one direction to flatten the ink layer. Each time one ink layer is formed, the stacking direction driving unit 20 (see FIG. 1) lowers the modeling table 16 by the thickness of the ink layer. As a result, the stacking direction driving unit 20 has the ink layer in the ejection unit 12 as compared to before the start of the formation of the one ink layer with respect to the distance between the head bases, which is the distance between the inkjet head and the modeling base 16. Increase by the thickness of.

  Further, regarding the setting of the height of the modeling table 16 during the main scanning operation, the modeling table 16 is slightly lowered every time the main scanning operation is performed a preset number of times in the operation of forming one ink layer. An operation (operation of a step method between paths) is performed. In addition, as a result, in each of a plurality of main scanning operations in one direction performed in the operation of forming one ink layer, the distance between the head units in the main scanning operation to be performed later is performed first. The distance is larger than the distance between the heads during the scanning operation. In other words, in this example, the head-to-head distance is gradually changed with a step while performing a plurality of main scanning operations to form one ink layer.

  In this case, it is preferable that the amount of movement when the modeling table 16 is slightly lowered is smaller than the thickness of one ink layer. That is, with respect to a plurality of main scanning operations in one direction performed in the operation of forming one ink layer, the sub-scanning drive unit 18 is smaller than the thickness of the ink layer with respect to the distance between the heads. It is preferable to make them different from each other by a distance. More specifically, in the case shown in FIG. 11A, every time one main scanning operation is performed, the sub-scanning drive unit 18 sets the distance between the head units at the next main scanning operation to 2 μm. Set only larger. If comprised in this way, a level | step difference can be appropriately attached to the change of the distance between head stands, and it can change gradually. Thereby, for example, the head-to-head distance can be changed more appropriately within a range where flattening is possible.

  Further, in this case, at the timing of moving the inkjet head without discharging ink droplets (when the carriage returns), the distance between the inkjet head and the modeling table 16 is widened (the escape state when returning), Move the inkjet head. If comprised in this way, useless contact etc. between an inkjet head and a three-dimensional object can be avoided appropriately. It is conceivable that the distance of escape when returning is, for example, about 150 μm.

  In addition, after the formation of one ink layer is completed, the modeling table 16 is lowered by the thickness of the one ink layer (for example, 25 μm), and the distance between the head units is adjusted in accordance with the operation of forming the next ink layer. Adjust the distance. Further, in this case, lowering the modeling table 16 by the thickness of one ink layer means, for example, when performing the first main scanning operation (one-pass recording) performed when forming each layer as shown in the figure. The height of the modeling table 16 is changed by the thickness of one ink layer.

  When configured in this manner, for example, the distance between the head units during the main scanning operation for forming one ink layer can be gradually increased, for example, every time the main scanning operation is performed. Therefore, for example, in the flattening operation, it is possible to appropriately prevent the ink dots formed during the previous main scanning operation from coming into contact with the flattening roller 302. In addition, thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent generation of excess residue and perform more appropriate planarization.

  Further, in this case, by preventing the generation of debris or the like, for example, the adhesion of ink to the flattening roller 302 can be more appropriately prevented. More specifically, for example, when the flattening roller 302 is used as the flattening means and the ink scraped up by the flattening roller 302 is removed by the blade 304 (see FIG. 1), There is a possibility that debris will accumulate in the ink and the ink cannot be removed properly. On the other hand, if constituted in this way, adhesion of ink to flattening roller 302 or blade 304 can be prevented appropriately, for example. Thereby, for example, the flow of excess ink collected by flattening can be improved, and the ink processing can be stabilized. In addition, clogging and the like in the ink recovery path can be appropriately prevented.

  Further, when the ink dots formed in the previous main scanning operation and the flattening roller 302 come into contact with each other, for example, extra vibration or the like may occur, and the flattening result may be affected. For example, when flattening is performed by the flattening roller 302, if the flattening roller 302 vibrates, there is a possibility that extra unevenness or the like may occur on the surface of the ink after flattening. On the other hand, when comprised in this way, generation | occurrence | production of such an unevenness | corrugation etc. can also be prevented appropriately, for example.

  In this case, for example, the surface of the three-dimensional object can be smoothed by changing the distance between the heads little by little for each main scanning operation. More specifically, for example, even when the surface of a three-dimensional object has a gentle slope shape, it is possible to prevent the formation of a conspicuous stepped contour or the like, and to more appropriately perform modeling with a smooth surface.

  Note that the amount of change in the head-to-table distance that is changed each time the main scanning operation is performed is not limited to 2 μm, and is preferably set as appropriate according to the required accuracy, the configuration of the apparatus, and the like. About this variation | change_quantity, it is preferable to set according to the kind etc. of the ink used in order to form the layer of the ink of 1 layer, and a layer simultaneously within 1 layer, for example. Further, in order to prevent the contact between the flattening roller 302 and the cured ink dots and perform appropriate flattening, for example, the amount of change in the head-to-table distance that is changed each time the main scanning operation is performed is, for example, The thickness is preferably about 0.5 to 5 μm.

  In addition, the operation of increasing the distance between the head units is not necessarily performed every time the main scanning operation is performed. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to increase the distance between the heads every time a preset main scanning operation is performed. For example, among the plurality of main scanning operations for performing flattening, the distance between the head units at the time of the main scanning operation to be performed later is larger than the distance between the head units performed first for at least some of the main scanning operations. It is possible to do. More specifically, for example, when the number of passes is four as in the case described with reference to FIG. 11A, after the second main scanning operation (two-pass printing) is performed. Only the distance between the heads may be changed. In this case, the head-to-head distance is the same during the first and second main scanning operations. In the third and fourth main scanning operations, the distance between the heads is made the same. In this case, the distance between the heads is preferably set to about 5 μm, for example.

  In addition, the direction of the main scanning operation is not limited to one direction in the main scanning direction, but may be performed in both forward and backward directions. In this case, scanning in the stacking direction may be performed in accordance with the direction in which the main scanning operation is performed.

  FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating another example of scanning in the stacking direction, and illustrates an example of scanning in the stacking direction when a bidirectional main scanning operation is performed. Except as described below, the scanning in the stacking direction shown in FIG. 11B is the same as or similar to the scanning in the stacking direction shown in FIG.

  In this case, in the operation of forming one ink layer, the modeling table 16 is used for a plurality of main scanning operations in one direction (for example, main scanning operation corresponding to 1-pass printing and 3-pass printing in the drawing). The height of the molding table 16 is slightly lowered every time the main scanning operation is performed. In this case, the plurality of main scanning operations in one direction are, for example, main scanning operations in which flattening is performed by the flattening roller 302 of the flattening roller unit 222. Also in this case, for the multiple main scanning operations in the other direction (for example, the main scanning operation corresponding to 2-pass printing and 4-pass printing in the figure), the modeling table 16 is moved by the amount of escape at the time of return. The main scanning operation may be performed at the same height in the lowered state.

  When configured in this way, for example, a three-dimensional object can be modeled at higher speed by performing the main scanning operation in both directions. Also in such a configuration, the distance between the heads in the main scanning operation in one direction for forming one ink layer can be gradually increased, for example, every time the main scanning operation is performed. . Therefore, with this configuration, for example, in the flattening operation, it is possible to appropriately prevent the ink dots formed during the previous main scanning operation from coming into contact with the flattening roller 302. This also makes it possible to appropriately and sufficiently flatten the ink layer. Furthermore, in this case, flattening is not performed during the main scanning operation in the other direction, and the configuration and control of the modeling apparatus 10 can be appropriately simplified, for example, by setting the head table distance to the same distance. .

  Here, when the configuration described with reference to FIG. 1 is used, for example, as described above, flattening is performed only during the main scanning operation in one direction. However, in the modification of the configuration and operation of the modeling apparatus 10, for example, a bidirectional main scanning operation is performed and not only during the main scanning operation in one direction but also during the main scanning operation in the other direction. May also be performed. In this case, for example, the discharge unit 12 (see FIG. 1) having the flattening roller unit 222 on one side and the other side in the main scanning direction is used, and the flattening roller of the flattening roller unit 222 that is on the rear side during the main scanning operation. It is conceivable to perform planarization by 302. In this case, it is preferable to lower the modeling table 16 every time the main scanning operation is performed and gradually increase the distance between the heads regardless of the direction in which the inkjet head is moved during the main scanning operation.

  Even in such a configuration, each time the main scanning operation is performed, the distance between the heads is gradually increased so that, for example, the ink dots formed during the previous main scanning operation come into contact with the flattening roller 302. Can be prevented appropriately. In addition, thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent generation of excess residue and perform more appropriate planarization.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above embodiment. It is apparent from the description of the scope of claims that embodiments with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be suitably used for, for example, a modeling apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Modeling apparatus, 12 ... Discharge unit, 14 ... Main scanning drive part, 16 ... Modeling stand, 18 ... Sub-scanning drive part, 20 ... Stacking direction drive part, 22. ..Control unit, 50 ... Solid object, 102 ... Carriage, 104 ... Guide rail, 200 ... Inkjet head, 202 ... Colored ink head, 204 ... Modeling material head, 206 ... White ink head, 208 ... Clear ink head, 210 ... Support material head, 220 ... Ultraviolet light source, 222 ... Flattening roller unit, 302 ... Flattening roller 304 ... Blade, 306 ... Ink recovery unit, 402 ... Arrow, 404 ... Area

Claims (10)

A modeling apparatus for modeling a three-dimensional object by the additive manufacturing method,
An inkjet head that ejects ink droplets by an inkjet method;
A table-shaped member that supports the three-dimensional object being modeled, and a modeling table disposed at a position facing the inkjet head;
A first direction scanning drive unit that causes the inkjet head to perform a first direction scanning that moves relative to the modeling table in a first direction set in advance while discharging ink droplets;
A second direction scanning drive unit that moves the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction;
In the additive manufacturing method, a plurality of layers are stacked, and the inkjet head and the modeling are moved by moving at least one of the modeling table and the inkjet head in a stacking direction orthogonal to the first direction. A stacking direction drive unit that changes the distance between the table and
The second direction scanning drive unit includes:
Following a part of the first direction scanning, the inkjet head is moved relative to the modeling table in one direction in the second direction,
And the modeling apparatus which moves the said inkjet head relatively with respect to the said modeling stand in the other direction in the said 2nd direction following at least one part of said 1st direction scan. The modeling apparatus models the three-dimensional object based on modeling data indicating a position where ink droplets should be ejected by the inkjet head,
The second direction scanning drive unit moves the inkjet head relative to the modeling table every time the first direction scanning is performed a preset number of times.
In the operation of forming one ink layer, the first direction scanning driving unit causes the inkjet head to perform the first direction scanning a plurality of times.
Of the plurality of times of the first direction scanning performed at the time of forming the one ink layer, the modeling is performed at a position in the second direction where the ink jet head is disposed when at least the first direction scanning is performed. The modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the modeling apparatus is set according to an end of a position where an ink droplet is to be ejected to form the one ink layer based on the data. As at least a part of the operation of forming the one ink layer, the first direction scanning driving unit causes the inkjet head to perform the first direction scanning a plurality of times, and the plurality of times the first direction. Between the direction scanning is performed, the second direction scanning drive unit sets the direction of movement in the second direction to the same direction, and moves the inkjet head relative to the modeling table,
The inkjet head is arranged when at least the first first direction scanning is performed among a plurality of times of the first direction scanning performed while the direction of movement in the second direction is set to the same direction. The position in the second direction is set according to an end of a position where an ink droplet should be ejected to form the one ink layer based on the modeling data. Modeling equipment. When the operation of moving the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in the second direction is a second direction scan,
The second direction scanning drive unit is relatively relative to the modeling table in the second direction scanning of the latter two of the two times during at least a part of two consecutive second direction scannings. The modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inkjet head is temporarily moved relative to the modeling table in a direction opposite to a direction in which the inkjet head is moved. . When the operation of moving the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in the second direction is a second direction scan,
The second direction driving unit includes:
The second direction scanning in one direction for moving the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in one direction in the second direction;
Causing the inkjet head to perform the second direction scanning in the other direction in which the inkjet head is moved relative to the modeling table in the other direction in the second direction;
The modeling apparatus as the inkjet head,
A coloring head that is an inkjet head that discharges ink droplets for coloring;
A modeling material head that is an inkjet head that ejects ink droplets of ink used for modeling an area that is not colored in the three-dimensional object;
When performing the first direction scan with the second direction scan in the one direction in between, the first direction drive unit causes both the coloring head and the modeling material head to eject ink droplets. ,
When performing the first direction scan with the second direction scan in the other direction in between, the first direction drive unit is for the modeling material among the coloring head and the modeling material head. The modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein only the head ejects ink droplets. A flattening means for flattening a layer of ink formed by the inkjet head;
The inkjet head has a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a nozzle row direction non-parallel to the first direction,
The first direction scanning drive unit includes:
In the first direction scanning, the inkjet head is moved in at least one direction in the first direction,
And in the operation of forming one ink layer, the first direction scanning for moving the inkjet head in the one direction is performed a plurality of times for the same position of the three-dimensional object being modeled,
In the first direction scanning in the one direction, the flattening means moves together with the inkjet head to flatten an ink layer,
The stacking direction drive unit is
The distance between the head bases, which is the distance between the inkjet head and the modeling base, is set in advance each time the one ink layer is formed, compared to before the start of the one ink layer formation. Increase the thickness of the ink layer,
In addition, in each of the plurality of first direction scans in at least a part of the one direction performed in the operation of forming the one ink layer, the head base at the time of the first direction scan performed later 6. The modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the heads is set to be larger than a distance between the head units at the time of the first direction scanning performed first. In the operation of forming one ink layer, for each position of the ink layer, the first direction scanning driving unit performs the first direction scanning for a plurality of preset passes on the inkjet head. Let
In the operation of forming the one ink layer, the second direction scanning driving unit performs the length of the nozzle row in the second direction every time the first direction scanning is performed a preset number of times. The ink jet head is moved in the second direction relative to the modeling table by a path width that is a width obtained by dividing the number by the number of passes. The modeling apparatus of description. In the operation of forming one ink layer, for each position of the ink layer, the first direction scanning driving unit performs the first direction scanning for a plurality of preset passes on the inkjet head. Let
In the operation of forming the one ink layer, the second direction scanning driving unit performs the length of the nozzle row in the second direction every time the first direction scanning is performed a preset number of times. The inkjet head is moved in the second direction relative to the modeling table by a second direction movement distance that is a distance smaller than the width divided by the number of passes,
The moving distance in the second direction is
A distance obtained by adding an integral multiple of a nozzle pitch second direction component that is a distance in the second direction between adjacent nozzles in the nozzle row and a distance less than the nozzle pitch second direction component. The modeling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A second direction scanning drive unit that moves the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction;
In the operation of forming one ink layer, for each position of the ink layer, the first direction scanning driving unit performs the first direction scanning for a plurality of preset passes on the inkjet head. Let
In the operation of forming the one ink layer, the second direction scanning drive unit is a distance corresponding to the length of the nozzle row in the second direction every time the first direction scanning is performed. Only moving the inkjet head in the second direction relative to the modeling table,
After the first scanning in the first direction is performed on the entire region where the one ink layer is to be formed, the first direction scanning driving unit performs the ink jetting on each position of the ink layer. The modeling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the head is caused to perform the second scanning in the first direction. A modeling method for modeling a three-dimensional object by the additive manufacturing method,
An inkjet head that ejects ink droplets by an inkjet method;
It is a table-shaped member that supports the three-dimensional object being modeled, and a modeling table disposed at a position facing the inkjet head,
Causing the inkjet head to perform a first direction scan that moves relative to the modeling table in a first direction set in advance while discharging ink droplets;
Moving the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction;
In the additive manufacturing method, a plurality of layers are stacked, and the inkjet head and the modeling are moved by moving at least one of the modeling table and the inkjet head in a stacking direction orthogonal to the first direction. Change the distance between the base and
Following a part of the first direction scanning, the inkjet head is moved relative to the modeling table in one direction in the second direction,
And the modeling method characterized by moving the inkjet head relative to the modeling table in the other direction in the second direction following at least a part of the first direction scan.

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