Additive and subtractive machining apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to a five-axis additive and subtractive machining device and a control method thereof, comprising a five-axis additive and subtractive machining machine (100) and a laser head protection device (200), the five-axis additive and subtractive machining machine (100) comprising a three-dimensional printing shaft (140), a main shaft (150) and a rotary table (131), the three-dimensional printing shaft (140) being provided with a laser head (141), the laser head protection device (200) comprising a mounting block (220) and a protective cover (210) for covering the laser head (141), the protective cover (210) being connected to the mounting block (220) through the cooperation of a clamping groove (212) and a clamping convex edge (221), the protective cover (210) being connectable to or detachable from the mounting block (220), and the upper plane of the protective cover (210) being provided with a magnet (211) for connecting the three-dimensional printing shaft (140). The method comprises: additive machining and subtractive machining of a part, and detaching the protective cover (210) from the laser head (141) before additive machining and covering the protective cover (210) on the laser head (141) during subtractive machining. The present application continuously switches between additive machining and subtractive machining, and is provided with a laser head protection device which is convenient to disassemble and install, thereby being beneficial to solving the machining problem of complex-shaped parts such as special-shaped metal parts, and improving machining precision and machining efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to additive and subtractive manufacturing equipment and its control method, belonging to the field of automated manufacturing technology. Background Technology

[0002] Industrial manufacturing is a pillar of a nation, directly reflecting its productivity level. With the rapid development of process technology, the demand for integrated, high-performance, and high-reliability applications has become an important development direction for the manufacturing industry. The demand for integrated equipment is increasing, and the structure of its key components is becoming more and more complex. High-performance, difficult-to-machine metal integrated key component manufacturing technology is considered the foundation and core technology of advanced industrial high-end equipment manufacturing in aerospace, nuclear power, petrochemical, shipbuilding and other industries.

[0003] For industrial manufacturing, the processing is the process of transforming raw materials into final industrial products. Classified by manufacturing technology, it can be divided into "equal material manufacturing," "subtractive manufacturing," and "additive manufacturing." Equal material manufacturing, represented by mold injection molding and casting, has a long history and rich experience. Subtractive manufacturing, centered on machining, and additive manufacturing, represented by 3D printing, have shorter histories and contain unresolved issues regarding part forming. Furthermore, traditional manufacturing equipment mostly employs single-process forming methods. Manufacturing large, integrated, high-performance metal parts using single forming methods requires specialized large-scale casting, forging, and welding equipment and molds. This results in significant technical difficulties, long processing cycles, low material utilization, and unstable part performance.

[0004] In the high-end equipment manufacturing industry, for the processing of the inner and outer surfaces of some complex-shaped parts (such as irregularly shaped metal tubes), simple additive or subtractive processing is no longer sufficient, leading to the development of additive and subtractive processing equipment. However, the processing quality, speed, and accuracy of existing additive and subtractive processing equipment need improvement. Reasons for this include: some equipment requires changing the processing head or performing complex head repositioning when switching between additive and subtractive processing; and some equipment is prone to interference during processing, such as head collisions or contamination. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an additive / subtractive machining equipment and its control method, aiming to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes an additive / subtractive machining equipment and its control method, which, through continuous switching between additive and subtractive machining, helps solve the machining difficulties of complex-shaped parts. Furthermore, by incorporating a laser head protection device, the probability of the laser head being contaminated is reduced, thereby improving machining accuracy.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention relates, in one aspect, to additive and subtractive manufacturing equipment, including:

[0007] A five-axis additive and subtractive machining machine includes a three-dimensional printing axis for additive machining, a spindle for subtractive machining, and a turntable for placing workpieces. The three-dimensional printing axis is equipped with a laser head.

[0008] A laser head protection device includes a mounting block and a protective cover for covering the laser head; the mounting block is provided with a locking protrusion and a locking ring, the locking protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the locking ring, and the locking ring is provided with a cover inlet; the outer periphery of the protective cover is provided with a locking groove.

[0009] The protective cover is connected to the mounting block via the locking groove and the locking protrusion. The protective cover is connected to or detached from the mounting block via the cover inlet and the 3D printing shaft. The upper surface of the protective cover is provided with a magnet for connecting the 3D printing shaft.

[0010] Furthermore, the mounting block includes a ball-head plunger; the ball-head plunger protrudes from the inner wall of the mounting block to abut against the protective cover.

[0011] Furthermore, the mounting block is provided with a base plate, which partially covers the lower opening of the locking ring; both sides of the mounting block and the base plate are provided with mounting channels for installing the ball plunger.

[0012] Furthermore, the protective cover is provided with a first cover body and a second cover body from top to bottom. The outer circumferential diameter of the first cover body is larger than the inner circumferential diameter of the locking ring, and the outer circumferential diameter of the second cover body is smaller than or equal to the inner circumferential diameter of the locking ring.

[0013] Furthermore, the laser head protection device also includes a protective cover, which includes a housing and a fixing plate. The housing is provided with an extension opening, and the fixing plate is disposed inside the housing. The mounting block is movably disposed on the fixing plate so that the protective cover can extend or retract into the housing through the extension opening.

[0014] Furthermore, the housing includes a sealing plate for covering the protrusion, the sealing plate being disposed on the side of the mounting block facing the protrusion.

[0015] Furthermore, the fixing plate is provided with a proximity switch for detecting the position of the mounting block; the mounting block is provided with a positioning plate for triggering the proximity switch, and the positioning plate is located on the side of the mounting block facing away from the protrusion.

[0016] Furthermore, the five-axis additive and subtractive machining machine includes a base and a gantry frame. The gantry frame is mounted on the base, the three-dimensional printing axis and the main spindle are movably mounted on the crossbeam of the gantry frame, and the turntable is movably mounted on the base and positioned between the two columns of the gantry frame.

[0017] Furthermore, both the 3D printing axis and the main spindle are mounted on the gantry and can be moved horizontally synchronously via a translation slide.

[0018] Furthermore, the 3D printing axis and the main axis are respectively mounted on the translation slide via two lifting slides, wherein the two lifting slides can move independently.

[0019] Furthermore, the lifting slide is mounted on the translation slide in a way that allows it to move up and down via a lifting guide rail.

[0020] Furthermore, the turntable is mounted on a telescopic slide, which is movably mounted on the base via a telescopic guide rail, which is positioned between the two columns of the gantry frame.

[0021] Another aspect of the technical solution of the present invention relates to an additive / subtractive manufacturing equipment, applied to the additive / subtractive manufacturing equipment of the above embodiments, and the method according to the present invention includes the following steps:

[0022] S100: Obtain the additive manufacturing instruction for the current part; determine whether the laser head is currently covered by the protective cover; if so, move the 3D printing axis to make the locking protrusion embed into the locking groove, and then move the 3D printing axis upward to make the protective cover disengage from the laser head;

[0023] S200, by moving the three-dimensional printing axis on the X-axis and / or Z-axis, moving the turntable on the Y-axis, and rotating the turntable on the A-axis and / or B-axis, the laser head completes the additive processing of the current part of the part;

[0024] S300: Obtain the subtractive processing instruction for the current part; determine whether the laser head is currently covered by the protective cover; if not, move the 3D printing axis to make the laser head reach above the protective cover, move the 3D printing axis downward to make the protective cover cover the laser head through the magnet, and then move the 3D printing axis horizontally to make the protective cover detach from the mounting block;

[0025] S400, by moving the three-dimensional printing axis on the X-axis and / or Z-axis, moving the turntable on the Y-axis, and rotating the turntable on the A-axis and / or B-axis, the tool of the spindle completes the subtractive machining of the current part of the part.

[0026] S500, Repeat steps S100 to S400 to perform additive and subtractive machining on the next part until the machining instructions for the entire part are completed.

[0027] Furthermore, step S200 includes the following steps:

[0028] The spindle and the 3D printing axis are moved horizontally in sync so that the laser head reaches above the turntable; the tool of the spindle retracts upward and the laser head extends downward to perform additive manufacturing.

[0029] Furthermore, step S400 includes the following steps:

[0030] The spindle and the 3D printing axis are moved horizontally in sync so that the tool of the spindle reaches above the turntable; the tool of the spindle extends downward and the laser head extends upward to perform subtractive processing.

[0031] Furthermore, in step S400, the cutting tool of the spindle performs subtractive processing on the inner or outer side of the current part.

[0032] Another aspect of the technical solution of the present invention relates to a control method for additive and subtractive manufacturing equipment, used for processing irregularly shaped metal parts with internal cavities, and applied to the additive and subtractive manufacturing equipment of the above embodiments of the present invention; the method includes the following steps:

[0033] Step A: Initialize or locate the position of the irregularly shaped metal part;

[0034] Step B: Determine whether the laser head is currently covered by the protective cover; if so, move the 3D printing axis to detach the protective cover from the laser head;

[0035] Step C: Drive the main shaft to retract upwards, drive the three-axis movement of the 3D printing axis and coordinate with the rotation of the A-axis and / or B-axis of the turntable, and perform five-axis linkage additive processing on the irregular metal part through the laser head;

[0036] Step D: Determine whether the additive manufacturing instruction has been executed. If so, move the 3D printing axis so that the protective cover covers the laser head.

[0037] Step E: Determine whether to execute the subtractive processing command. If yes, drive the 3D printing axis to retract upwards, drive the three-axis movement of the spindle and coordinate with the rotation of the A-axis and / or B-axis of the turntable, and perform five-axis linkage subtractive processing on the inner and outer sides of the irregular metal part through the tool.

[0038] Step F: Determine whether the additive manufacturing instruction has been executed. If so, repeat steps B to E until the workpiece machining instruction is completed.

[0039] Furthermore, the irregularly shaped metal part includes a first workpiece body, a second workpiece body, and a third workpiece body, all having internal cavities, connected in sequence. The first workpiece body and the third workpiece body are straight through bodies, and the second workpiece body is a curved through body.

[0040] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows.

[0041] The additive and subtractive machining equipment and its control method of this invention are equipped with a 3D printing axis, a spindle, and a rotary table, enabling continuous switching between additive and subtractive machining. This helps solve the problem of integrated machining of complex-shaped parts. The integrated part forming method avoids multiple clamping and positioning of the parts, improving machining accuracy and efficiency, and meeting the needs of high-performance component machining. The 3D printing axis and spindle can move horizontally synchronously and independently vertically, and are equipped with a laser head protection device. This reduces interference between additive and subtractive machining, increases the switching rate of machining modes, and reduces the difficulty of system control. The laser head protection device protects the laser head during subtractive machining, preventing contamination by cutting fluid, debris, etc., thus improving machining quality. The laser head protection device uses magnetic attraction to quickly detach from or cover the laser head, and also employs a locking protrusion and locking groove to quickly detach the protective cover or connect the mounting block. This meets the needs of frequent switching of machining modes during additive and subtractive machining, ensuring both machining speed and improved machining quality. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a first structural schematic diagram of an additive and subtractive material processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a second structural schematic diagram of the additive and subtractive material processing equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a five-axis additive and subtractive machining machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mounting block according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 6 This is a top view schematic diagram of a laser head protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a laser head protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 8 This is a control flowchart based on the method of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an example part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 10 This is a first schematic diagram of additive manufacturing of an example part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of subtractive processing of an example part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 12 This is a second schematic diagram of additive manufacturing of an example part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure label:

[0055] 100 Five-axis additive and subtractive machining center; 111 Base; 112 Gantry frame; 130 Worktable; 131 Turntable; 140 3D printing axis; 141 Laser head; 142 Positioning pin; 150 Spindle; 161 Lifting slide; 162 Lifting guide rail; 171 Translation slide; 172 Translation guide rail; 181 Telescopic slide; 182 Telescopic guide rail;

[0056] 200 Laser head protection device; 210 Protective cover; 211 Magnet; 212 Locking groove; 213 Recess; 214 Positioning hole; 215 First cover; 216 Second cover; 220 Mounting block; 221 Locking protrusion; 222 Locking ring; 223 Base plate; 224 Ball plunger; 225 Positioning plate; 230 Protective cover; 231 Housing; 232 Fixing plate; 233 Sealing plate; 240 Telescopic actuator; 250 Proximity switch; 251 Switch bracket;

[0057] 300 Irregularly shaped metal part; 310 First workpiece body; 320 Second workpiece body; 330 Intermediate connecting part; 340 Third workpiece body. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The following will provide a clear and complete description of the concept, specific structure, and technical effects of the present invention in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings, so as to fully understand the purpose, solution, and effects of the present invention. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0059] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, when a feature is referred to as "fixed" or "connected" to another feature, it can be directly fixed or connected to the other feature, or indirectly fixed or connected to the other feature. Furthermore, the descriptions of "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" used in this invention are only relative to the relative positional relationships of the various components of the invention in the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and not for limiting the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any combination of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0061] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this disclosure to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish elements of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element may also be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may also be referred to as a first element.

[0062] See Figures 1 to 9 The technical solution of this invention is an additive and subtractive machining equipment, including a five-axis additive and subtractive machining machine 100 and a laser head protection device 200. The five-axis additive and subtractive machining machine 100 is equipped with a spindle 150 and a 3D printing axis 140. The spindle 150 is equipped with a cutting tool for subtractive machining, used for subtractive machining on the inner / outer side of the part. The 3D printing axis 140 is equipped with a laser head 141 for additive machining, used for additive machining of the part. During additive machining, the spindle 150 can be independently retracted upwards to reduce interference with the laser head 141. During subtractive machining, the laser head 141 can be independently retracted upwards to reduce interference with the spindle 150. Simultaneously, the laser head protection device 200 protects the laser head 141 to prevent cutting fluid, debris, etc., from contaminating it. This integrates additive and subtractive machining on a single platform, combining a five-axis linkage motion platform, laser cladding technology, and high-efficiency milling technology, which is beneficial for solving the integrated machining needs of complex-shaped parts.

[0063] In one embodiment, see Figure 2 and Figure 3The five-axis additive and subtractive machining center 100 adopts a gantry structure. The bed includes a base 111 and a gantry frame 112. The gantry frame 112 is mounted on the base 111 and includes a crossbeam and two columns. One end of each column is connected to both ends of the crossbeam, forming a U-shaped channel. The other ends of both columns are connected to the base 111. The 3D printing axis 140 and the spindle 150 are synchronously and horizontally movable on the side of the crossbeam of the gantry frame 112, meaning they can move synchronously in the X-axis direction. Both the 3D printing axis 140 and the spindle 150 are independently movable up and down on the gantry frame 112, meaning they can move independently in the Z-axis direction. A rotary table 131 is movably mounted on the base 111, positioned between the two columns, and below the crossbeam, meaning it can move in the Y-axis direction. The worktable 130 is mounted on the turntable 131 and can rotate with the turntable 131, thereby enabling the worktable 130 to move along the A-axis and / or the B-axis.

[0064] Specifically, when additive manufacturing is required, the spindle 150 retracts and rises, the 3D printing axis 140 moves up and down in conjunction with the translation of the 3D printing axis 140 on the gantry 112, the translation of the worktable 130 on the base 111, and the rotation of the turntable 131, to print parts of different shapes. When subtractive manufacturing is required, the 3D printing axis 140 retracts and rises, the spindle 150 moves up and down in conjunction with the translation of the 3D printing axis 140 on the gantry 112, the translation of the worktable 130 on the base 111, and the rotation of the turntable 131, using tools mounted on the spindle 150 to perform subtractive manufacturing such as cutting or milling on the inner / outer sides of the printed parts. The five-axis additive and subtractive manufacturing machine 100 of this embodiment of the invention, through continuous switching between additive and subtractive manufacturing, performs internal and / or external processing on irregularly shaped parts composed of multiple layers of space to meet the processing requirements of integrated forming, thereby helping to solve the problem of integrated processing of complex-shaped parts.

[0065] It should be noted that, in some specific embodiments of the present invention, a laser meltblown head is provided on the 3D printing axis 140. By outputting metal powder and under the action of a laser, the metal powder is directly printed onto the worktable 130 and formed into a certain shape, which can realize the production of products without initial parts. Furthermore, the metal powder can be a single metal material, or a mixture of two or more metal materials, which is beneficial to meet the integrated forming requirements when parts are composed of multiple materials stacked or mixed.

[0066] It should be noted that the five-axis additive and subtractive machining machine 100 of this invention can not only be applied to the integrated forming of parts, but also to the subtractive or additive machining of parts that are defective during the part processing, such as excessive additive allowance or excessive subtractive cutting. This can improve the machining accuracy and pass rate of the parts, while avoiding re-clamping and positioning, which is beneficial to improving the machining efficiency.

[0067] In one application example, see Figure 3 The translation guide rail 172 (i.e., the guide rail in the X-axis direction) is set on the crossbeam of the gantry 112. Two lifting guide rails 162 (i.e., the guide rails in the Z-axis direction) are slidably set on the translation guide rail 172 via the translation slide 171. One of the lifting guide rails 162 is equipped with a spindle 150 to realize the raising and lowering of the tool, and the other lifting guide rail 162 is equipped with a 3D printing axis 140 to realize the raising and lowering of the laser head 141. That is, by setting two Z-axis, the spindle 150 can move up and down in cooperation with the lifting guide rail 162 and one of the lifting slides 161, and the 3D printing axis 140 can move up and down in cooperation with the lifting guide rail 162 and the other lifting slide 161, so as to realize the independent raising and lowering of the spindle 150 and the 3D printing axis 140, reducing the probability of mutual interference. Telescopic guide rail 182 is mounted on base 111 and positioned between two columns of gantry frame 112. Turntable 131 is mounted on telescopic guide rail 182 (i.e., guide rail in the Y-axis direction) via telescopic slide 181, and turntable 131 is slidably mounted in the central channel. Turntable 131 is rotatably mounted on telescopic slide 181, and turntable 131 is provided with a worktable 130 for placing parts.

[0068] In one application embodiment, the base 111 is provided with a plurality of chip removal grooves, and the telescopic guide rail 182 is disposed between two chip removal grooves. Here, it is illustrated by the example of two telescopic guide rails 182, and the number of chip removal grooves is set to three, with one chip removal groove disposed between the two telescopic guide rails 182, and the other two chip removal grooves disposed on the other side of the two telescopic guide rails 182 respectively.

[0069] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 and Figure 3 The five-axis additive and subtractive machining center 100 has a laser head protection device 200 on its side. The laser head protection device 200 includes a mounting block 220 and a protective cover 210, with the protective cover 210 mounted on the mounting block 220. See also... Figure 4 and Figure 5The protective cover 210 has a locking groove 212 on its outer periphery, and the mounting block 220 has a locking ring 222 with an inlet. The inner wall of the locking ring 222 has a locking protrusion 221. Two locking protrusions 221 are respectively located on opposite sides of the locking ring 222 and on opposite sides of the inlet, arranged symmetrically. Both the locking protrusions 221 and the locking groove 212 are horizontally positioned, with the inlet facing the laser head 141. The protective cover 210 has a cavity for accommodating the laser head 141 and an upward-facing cover opening. The outer periphery of the protective cover 210 has a locking groove 212 that matches the locking protrusion 221. The protective cover 210 is engaged with the locking ring 222 through the engagement of the locking protrusion 221 and the locking groove 212, and the protective cover 210 can be engaged or disengaged from the mounting block 220 through the inlet. A magnet 211 is provided on the upper side of the protective cover 210. Specifically, a mounting cavity is provided on the upper side of the protective cover 210, and the magnet 211 is fixed in the mounting cavity. Further, the upper surface of the magnet 211 is flush with the upper surface of the protective cover 210. Further, in some specific embodiments of the present invention, the number of magnets 211 is set to four, and the four magnets 211 are evenly distributed on the upper surface of the protective cover 210.

[0070] See Figure 1 and Figure 6 After the 3D printing spindle 140 completes additive manufacturing, the laser head 141 moves towards the mounting block 220. When the laser head 141 reaches above the protective cover 210, it descends and enters the cavity of the protective cover 210 through the inlet. The magnet 211 attracts the 3D printing spindle 140, connecting the protective cover 210 to it. Then, the 3D printing spindle 140 moves the protective cover 210 horizontally, causing the locking protrusion 221 to move along the locking groove 211, thereby detaching the protective cover 210 from the mounting block 220. After the protective cover 210 covers the laser head 141, the spindle 150 performs subtractive manufacturing, which helps prevent contamination of the laser head 141. When additive manufacturing is required after subtractive processing, the 3D printing axis 140 moves the protective cover 210 horizontally, causing it to engage with the locking ring 222, i.e., the locking protrusion 221 is embedded in the locking groove 212. Then, the laser head 141 moves upward, while the protective cover 210 maintains its original height under the action of the locking protrusion 221 and the locking groove 212, thereby detaching the protective cover 210 from the 3D printing axis 140 and exposing the laser head 141 for additive manufacturing. In this embodiment of the invention, the laser head protection device 200 uses a magnet 211 to cooperate with the mounting block 220, enabling rapid installation and removal of the protective cover 210 on the 3D printing axis 140, which can meet the needs of frequent switching between additive and subtractive processing steps on the additive manufacturing machine.

[0071] In one application example, see Figure 5 The inner wall of the mounting block 220 is provided with a ball-head plunger 224 that abuts against the protective cover 210, thereby positioning the protective cover 210 and applying a pre-tightening force. In some specific embodiments of the present invention, the number of ball-head plungers 224 is set to three, one of which abuts against the lower side of the protective cover 210, and the other two ball-head plungers 224 are symmetrically mounted on both sides of the inner wall of the block 220 to abut against the outer periphery of the protective cover 210.

[0072] Specifically, a base plate 223 is provided on the lower side of the mounting block 220, and the base plate 223 partially covers the lower opening of the retaining ring 222. The base plate 223, retaining ring 222, and retaining protrusion 221 are all provided with mounting channels for mounting the ball plunger 224. Correspondingly, the outer periphery of the protective cover 210 is provided with a recess 213 that matches the top of the ball plunger 224. The upper end of the ball plunger 224 protrudes from the inner ring of the retaining ring 222 to embed into the recess 213 and abut against the outer periphery of the protective cover 210, thereby applying a pre-tightening force and positioning the protective cover 210. See also... Figure 3 The upper end of the ball plunger 224 inside the base plate 223 protrudes below the inner ring of the retaining ring 222, embedding itself in the recess 213 on the lower side of the protective cover 210 and abutting against the lower side of the protective cover 210. Simultaneously, the mounting channel of the retaining ring 222 connects to the mounting channel of the retaining protrusion 221. One ball plunger 224 passes through both the retaining ring 222 and the retaining protrusion 221 on the same side. Two ball plungers 224 are symmetrically arranged, embedding themselves in the recesses 213 on both sides of the protective cover 210 and abutting against the outer periphery of the protective cover 210. It should be noted that the recess 213 is an inwardly conical shape, with its tip facing horizontally / vertically to match the shape of the top of the ball plunger 224.

[0073] In one application example, see Figure 4 The protective cover 210 consists of a first cover body 215 and a second cover body 216 arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The first cover body 215 has a ring-like structure, and the second cover body 216 has a hollow cylindrical structure. The cylindrical opening of the second cover body 216 communicates with the inner ring of the first cover body 215, thereby forming a cavity to accommodate the laser head 141. Furthermore, the diameter of the upper inner wall of the second cover body 216 is the same as the inner ring diameter of the first cover body 215, and the inner wall of the second cover body 216 extends from top to bottom towards the center of the protective cover 210. The outer circumferential diameter of the cylindrical part of the second cover body 216 is less than or equal to the inner ring diameter of the locking ring 222, and the outer circumferential diameter of the ring of the first cover body 215 is greater than the inner ring diameter of the locking ring 222. This allows the protective cover 210 to be embedded in the inner ring of the locking ring 222 and secured to the mounting block 220 with the opening facing upwards. Furthermore, the lower side of the first cover 215 is a slope, which slopes downwards towards the center of the protective cover 210.

[0074] In one application example, see Figure 1 A positioning pin 142 is provided on the lower side of the 3D printing shaft 140, and a positioning hole 214 matching the positioning pin 142 is provided on the upper surface of the protective cover 210, thereby facilitating the positioning of the protective cover 210 during the cover-up process. Further, a cooling plate is connected to the lower surface of the 3D printing shaft 140, and a through hole is provided in the middle of the cooling plate. The laser head 141 protrudes from the cooling plate through the through hole, and the positioning pin 142 is provided on the lower surface of the cooling plate. When the 3D printing shaft 140 reaches above the protective cover 210, the 3D printing shaft 140 drives the cooling plate and laser head 141 to descend, and the positioning pin 142 enters the positioning hole 214 to position the connection between the protective cover 210 and the cooling plate. Further, in some specific embodiments of the present invention, the number of positioning pins 142 and positioning holes 214 is set to two, with two positioning pins 142 symmetrically arranged on the cooling plate and two positioning holes 214 symmetrically arranged on the protective cover 210.

[0075] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 and Figure 6 The laser head protection device 200 is equipped with a protective cover 230, which includes a housing 231 and a sealing plate 233. One side wall of the housing 231 has an opening, and the sealing plate 233 can be opened and closed to cover the opening. A fixing plate 232 is provided inside the housing 231. A mounting block 220 is movably mounted on the fixing plate 232 via a cover slider and a cover guide rail, allowing the protective cover 210 to extend or retract into the housing 231. The sealing plate 233 is connected to the side of the mounting block 220 and can move with the mounting block 220, thereby connecting / detaching from the housing 231 to cover / open the opening. See also... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The fixing plate 232 has an L-shaped structure. The vertical plate of the fixing plate 232 is connected to the inner wall of the box body 231 away from the protrusion. The cover slider is set on the horizontal plate of the fixing plate 232, and the cover slide rail is movably set on the cover slider. The mounting block 220 is set on the cover slide rail, and the sealing plate 233 is connected to the mounting block 220 on the side facing the protrusion.

[0076] In one application example, see Figure 7 The laser protective cover includes a telescopic actuator 240, which causes the mounting block 220 to extend or retract into the housing 231. It should be noted that the telescopic actuator 240 in this embodiment can be a telescopic cylinder, a telescopic motor, etc. Here, a telescopic cylinder is used as an example; see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3The telescopic cylinder is placed horizontally and is directly connected to the fixed plate 232 via the mounting plate. The telescopic shaft of the telescopic cylinder is connected to the mounting block 220 via the cylinder guide plate. Furthermore, the cylinder guide plate is L-shaped, with its horizontal plate connected to the bottom surface of the mounting block 220 and its vertical plate connected to the telescopic shaft of the telescopic cylinder.

[0077] In one application example, see Figure 7 The laser head protection device 200 is equipped with a proximity switch 250 for detecting the moving position of the mounting block 220. The proximity switch 250 is mounted on the horizontal plate of the fixing plate 232 via a switch bracket 251. The telescopic cylinder stops pushing the mounting block 220 to move based on the trigger signal from the proximity switch 250. Furthermore, there are two proximity switches 250. One proximity switch is located on the side of the fixing plate 232 away from the protrusion, used to detect the position of the mounting block 220 when it is retracted into the housing 231. The other proximity switch 250 is located on the side of the fixing plate 232 near the protrusion, used to detect the position of the mounting block 220 when it is extended out of the housing 231.

[0078] In one application example, see Figure 7 The mounting block 220 is equipped with a positioning plate 225 for triggering the proximity switch 250. The positioning plate 225 is positioned on the side of the mounting block 220 opposite to the protrusion. The positioning plate 225 includes an L-shaped connecting plate and a square trigger plate. The horizontal plate of the L-shaped connecting plate is connected to the side of the mounting block 220, and the lower end of the vertical plate of the L-shaped connecting plate is connected to the side end of the square trigger plate. The square trigger plate is horizontally positioned on the side of the L-shaped connecting plate opposite to the protrusion. When the square trigger plate reaches above the proximity switch 250, it triggers a signal feedback from the proximity switch 250.

[0079] In one application example, see Figure 6 The protrusion opening faces the 3D printing axis 140 and is positioned in the direction of movement of the 3D printing axis 140. When the 3D printing axis 140 is performing additive printing, the protective cover 210 retracts into the housing 231, and the sealing plate 233 covers the protrusion. After the 3D printing axis 140 completes the current additive printing, the telescopic cylinder pushes the mounting block 220 to move towards the protrusion. The sealing plate 233 is disengaged from the housing 231 by the mounting block 220, and the protective cover 210 extends outside the cover 230. When the positioning plate 225 triggers the proximity switch 250, the telescopic driver 240 stops working, and the mounting block 220 stops moving outward. After the 3D printing axis 140 moves the laser head 141 above the protective cover 210, it moves the protective cover 210 down, so that the protective cover 210 sucks on the cooling plate and covers the laser head 141. Then, the 3D printing axis 140 moves away from the inlet, so that the protective cover 210 disengages from the mounting block 220. After the protective cover 210 is placed over the laser head 141, the spindle 150 is subjected to subtractive processing.

[0080] When additive manufacturing is required after subtractive processing, the 3D printing axis 140 moves towards the inlet, causing the locking protrusion 221 to embed into the locking groove 212. After reaching a certain position, the ball plunger 224 enters the recess 213 of the protective cover 210, and the ball plunger 224 abuts against the protective cover 210. The 3D printing axis 140 drives the laser head 141 to move upward, thereby causing the protective cover 210 to detach from the laser head 141, and the laser head 141 to protrude for additive manufacturing. The telescopic actuator 240 drives the mounting block 220 to retract into the housing 231. When the positioning plate 225 triggers the proximity switch 250, the telescopic actuator 240 stops working, thereby stopping the movement of the mounting block 220. The protective cover 210 is inside the housing 231, and the sealing plate 233 covers the protrusion.

[0081] In one application embodiment, the protrusion is oriented perpendicular to the X-axis movement direction of the 3D printing axis 140, and the protrusion is oriented in the same direction as the extension / retraction of the mounting block 220. The mounting block 220 is positioned on the front or rear side of the 3D printing axis 140, rather than on the X-axis movement direction of the 3D printing axis 140. When subtractive processing is required, the mounting block 220 causes the protective cover 210 to extend out of the housing 231. When the 3D printing axis 140 moves along the Y-axis direction to above the mounting block 220, and then moves downwards to attract the magnet 211 to the 3D printing axis 140, the mounting block 220 retracts into the housing 231. Under the action of the magnet 211, the protective cover 210 covers the laser head 141, and the protective cover 210 does not retract with the mounting block 220. When additive manufacturing is required, the mounting block 220 extends out of the housing 231, and the 3D printing axis 140 drives the protective cover 210 to move along the Y-axis direction. After the locking protrusion 221 is embedded in the locking groove 212, the 3D printing axis 140 drives the laser head 141 to move upward, while the protective cover 210 is fixed on the mounting block 220. This causes the protective cover 210 to detach from the 3D printing axis 140, the laser head 141 to protrude, and the mounting block 220 drives the protective cover 210 to retract into the housing 231.

[0082] See Figure 1 and Figure 8 In some embodiments, the control method for the additive and subtractive manufacturing equipment according to the present invention, applied to the additive and subtractive manufacturing equipment of the present invention, includes at least the following steps:

[0083] S100: Obtain the additive manufacturing instruction for the current part; determine whether the current laser head 141 is covered by the protective cover 210; if so, move the 3D printing axis 140 to make the locking protrusion 221 embed into the locking groove 212, and then move the 3D printing axis 140 upward to make the protective cover 210 disengage from the laser head 141;

[0084] S200, by moving the 3D printing axis 140 in the X-axis and / or Z-axis, moving the turntable 131 in the Y-axis, and rotating the turntable 131 in the A-axis and / or B-axis, the laser head 141 completes the additive processing of the current part of the part.

[0085] S300: Obtain the subtractive processing instruction for the current part; determine whether the laser head 141 is covered by the protective cover 210; if not, move the 3D printing axis 140 so that the laser head 141 reaches above the protective cover 210, move the 3D printing axis 140 downward so that the protective cover 210 covers the laser head 141 through the magnet 211, and then move the 3D printing axis 140 horizontally so that the protective cover 210 is detached from the mounting block 220;

[0086] S400, by moving the 3D printing axis 140 in the X-axis and / or Z-axis, moving the turntable 131 in the Y-axis, and rotating the turntable 131 in the A-axis and / or B-axis, the tool of the spindle 150 completes the subtractive machining of the current part.

[0087] S500, Repeat steps S100 to S400 to perform additive and subtractive machining on the next part until the machining instructions for the entire part are completed.

[0088] The additive and subtractive machining equipment of this invention is equipped with a 3D printing axis 140 for additive machining and a spindle 150 for subtractive machining, allowing for switching between the 3D printing axis 140 and the spindle 150 for part processing, thereby facilitating the processing of parts with various complex shapes. Simultaneously, a laser head protection device 200 is provided to protect the laser head 141 during subtractive machining, preventing contamination and improving processing quality. Furthermore, the switching between additive and subtractive machining facilitates the machining of the inner or outer sides of the part by the spindle 150 tool.

[0089] In some embodiments, the 3D printing axis 140 and the spindle 150 can move synchronously on the X-axis and independently on the Z-axis. Thus, during additive manufacturing, the spindle 150 and the 3D printing axis 140 can be moved horizontally synchronously so that the laser head 141 reaches above the turntable 131; the tool of the spindle 150 retracts upwards, and the laser head 141 extends downwards for additive manufacturing. Similarly, during subtractive manufacturing, the spindle 150 and the 3D printing axis 140 can be moved horizontally synchronously so that the tool of the spindle 150 reaches above the turntable 131; the tool of the spindle 150 extends downwards, and the laser head 141 retracts upwards for subtractive manufacturing. This configuration facilitates switching of the processing head, making system control more convenient and improving processing speed.

[0090] The following is an illustration using a specific embodiment, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. The example is the processing of a shaped metal part 300 with an internal cavity that requires internal machining.

[0091] See Figure 9 The shaped metal part 300, which is to be machined into a specific shape, includes a first workpiece body 310, a second workpiece body 320, and a third workpiece body 340, all having internal cavities, connected sequentially. The first workpiece body 310 and the third workpiece body 340 can be straight bodies (e.g., straight pipes), and the second workpiece body 320 is a curved body (e.g., an arc-shaped pipe). Further, see... Figure 9 In some specific embodiments of the present invention, the second workpiece body 320 is provided with an upper arc body and a lower arc body, with the intermediate connecting part 330 as the dividing point. The openings of the upper arc body and the lower arc body are not aligned. For traditional processing and forming methods, the upper arc body and the lower arc body need to be formed and processed separately before the intermediate connecting part 330 is processed to splice the upper arc body and the lower arc body together.

[0092] Therefore, traditional single-processing methods cannot perform integrated machining of the second workpiece 320, and it is also difficult to perform subtractive finishing on the inner / outer sides of the relatively long first workpiece 310 and third workpiece 340 (the tube length is greater than the tool length). This invention first melts metal powder with a laser beam to form a moving molten pool, which then solidifies, depositing layers to form a three-dimensional solid metal part. Then, CNC milling is used to perform finishing on the inner or outer sides of the part, thereby achieving the required precision.

[0093] Specifically, see Figures 10 to 12 The laser head 141 can first form a short section of workpiece, then perform precision machining on the inner and outer walls of the newly formed section of workpiece, and then perform the forming process of the next section of tube on the above-mentioned short section of workpiece, and so on until the integrated processing of the entire part is completed.

[0094] Accordingly, the control method for the processing equipment according to the present invention includes the following steps:

[0095] Step A: Initialize / position the first workpiece body 310 / second workpiece body 320 / third workpiece body 340;

[0096] Step B: Determine whether the current laser head 141 is covered by the protective cover 210;

[0097] If so, the telescopic actuator 240 moves the cover slider along the cover guide rail to extend the mounting block 220 out of the housing 231 and to disengage the sealing plate 233 from the housing 231; upon receiving a feedback signal from the proximity switch 250, the telescopic actuator 240 is stopped; the 3D printing axis 140 is driven to move up and down and / or horizontally to match the position of the protective cover 210 with the mounting block 220; the 3D printing axis 140 is driven to move along the translation guide rail 172 toward the mounting block 220 to engage the protective cover 210 with the mounting block 220, and then the 3D printing axis 140 is driven to move upward to disengage the protective cover 210 from the 3D printing axis 140; the telescopic actuator 240 moves the cover slider along the cover guide rail to retract the mounting block 220 and the protective cover 210 into the housing 231; upon receiving a feedback signal from the proximity switch 250, the telescopic actuator 240 is stopped to allow the sealing plate 233 to cover the protrusion of the housing 231.

[0098] Step C: Drive the spindle 150 to retract upwards, drive the three-axis movement of the 3D printing axis 140 and coordinate with the rotation of the A-axis and / or B-axis of the turntable 131, and perform five-axis linkage additive manufacturing on the first workpiece 310 / second workpiece 320 / third workpiece 340 through the laser head 141 (see...). Figure 10 );

[0099] Step D: Determine whether the additive manufacturing command has been executed. If so, use the telescopic actuator 240 to move the cover slider along the cover guide rail, so that the mounting block 220 extends out of the housing 231 and the sealing plate 233 detaches from the housing 231; after receiving the feedback signal from the proximity switch 250, stop the telescopic actuator 240; drive the 3D printing axis 140 to move up and down and / or horizontally, so that the laser head 141 matches the position of the mounting block 220; drive the 3D printing axis 140 along the translation guide rail 172 towards... The laser head 141 is moved closer to the mounting block 220 so that it reaches above the protective cover 210. Then, the 3D printing axis 140 is driven to move downward so that the laser head 141 extends into the protective cover 210. The 3D printing axis 140 is then driven to move along the translation guide 172 away from the mounting block 220 so that the protective cover 210 moves with the laser head 141 and detaches from the mounting block 220 under the action of the magnet 211. This allows the protective cover 210 to cover the laser head 141 and move with the 3D printing axis 140 (see [link]). Figure 11 The telescopic driver 240 moves the cover slider along the cover guide rail so that the mounting block 220 retracts into the box 231. When the proximity switch 250 receives a feedback signal, the telescopic driver 240 stops working so that the sealing plate 233 covers the protrusion of the box 231.

[0100] Step E: Drive the 3D printing axis 140 to retract upwards, drive the three-axis movement of the spindle 150 and coordinate with the rotation of the A-axis and / or B-axis of the turntable 131, and perform five-axis linkage subtractive machining on the inner / outer sides of the first workpiece 310 / second workpiece 320 / third workpiece 340 through the tool (see...). Figure 11 );

[0101] Step F: Determine whether the additive manufacturing instruction has been executed. If so, repeat steps B to E until the workpiece machining instruction is completed.

[0102] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure, as long as they achieve the same technical effects, should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure and fall under the protection scope of the present invention. Within the protection scope of the present invention, the technical solutions and / or implementation methods can have various modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A material addition and subtraction processing equipment, characterized in that, include: A five-axis additive and subtractive machining machine (100) includes a three-dimensional printing axis (140) for additive machining, a spindle (150) for subtractive machining, and a turntable (131) for placing workpieces. The three-dimensional printing axis (140) is equipped with a laser head (141). During additive machining, the spindle (150) is allowed to retract upwards independently, and during subtractive machining, the laser head (141) is allowed to retract upwards independently. A laser head protection device (200) includes a mounting block (220) and a protective cover (210) for covering the laser head (141); the mounting block (220) is provided with a locking protrusion (221) and a locking ring (222), the locking protrusion (221) is provided on the inner wall of the locking ring (222), and the locking ring (222) is provided with a cover inlet; the outer periphery of the protective cover (210) is provided with a locking groove (212). The protective cover (210) is connected to the mounting block (220) through the locking groove (212) and the locking protrusion (221). The protective cover (210) is connected to or detached from the mounting block (220) through the cover inlet and the three-dimensional printing shaft (140). The upper surface of the protective cover (210) is provided with a magnet (211) for connecting the three-dimensional printing shaft (140); wherein, the upper side of the protective cover (210) is provided with a mounting cavity, the magnet (211) is fixed in the mounting cavity, and the upper surface of the magnet (211) is flush with the upper surface of the protective cover (210).

2. The additive and subtractive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting block (220) includes a ball plunger (224); the ball plunger (224) protrudes from the inner wall of the mounting block (220) to abut against the protective cover (210).

3. The additive and subtractive manufacturing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting block (220) is provided with a base plate (223), which partially covers the lower opening of the locking ring (222); both sides of the mounting block (220) and the base plate (223) are provided with mounting channels for installing the ball head plunger (224).

4. The additive and subtractive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protective cover (210) is provided with a first cover body (215) and a second cover body (216) from top to bottom. The outer diameter of the first cover body (215) is greater than the inner diameter of the locking ring (222), and the outer diameter of the second cover body (216) is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the locking ring (222).

5. The additive and subtractive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The laser head protection device (200) also includes a protective cover (230), which includes a housing (231) and a fixing plate (232). The housing (231) is provided with an extension opening, and the fixing plate (232) is disposed inside the housing (231). The mounting block (220) is movably disposed on the fixing plate (232) so that the protective cover (210) can extend or retract into the housing (231) through the extension opening.

6. The additive and subtractive manufacturing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The housing (231) includes a sealing plate (233) for covering the protrusion, the sealing plate (233) being disposed on the side of the mounting block (220) facing the protrusion.

7. The additive and subtractive manufacturing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fixing plate (232) is provided with a proximity switch (250) for detecting the position of the mounting block (220); the mounting block (220) is provided with a positioning plate (225) for triggering the proximity switch (250), and the positioning plate (225) is located on the side of the mounting block (220) facing away from the protrusion.

8. The additive and subtractive manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The five-axis additive and subtractive machining center (100) includes a base (111) and a gantry (112). The gantry (112) is mounted on the base (111). The three-dimensional printing axis (140) and the spindle (150) are movably mounted on the crossbeam of the gantry (112). The turntable (131) is movably mounted on the base (111) and is located between the two columns of the gantry (112).

9. The additive and subtractive manufacturing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The 3D printing axis (140) and the main axis (150) are both mounted on the gantry (112) and can be moved horizontally synchronously via a translation slide (171).

10. The additive and subtractive manufacturing equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The 3D printing axis (140) and the main axis (150) are respectively set on the translation slide (171) via two lifting slides (161), wherein the two lifting slides (161) can move independently; the lifting slides (161) are set on the translation slide (171) via lifting guide rails (162).

11. The additive and subtractive manufacturing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The turntable (131) is mounted on the telescopic slide (181), which is movably mounted on the base (111) via a telescopic guide rail (182). The telescopic guide rail (182) is located between the two columns of the gantry frame (112).

12. A control method for an additive / subtractive manufacturing equipment, applied to the additive / subtractive manufacturing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising the following steps: S100: Obtain the additive manufacturing instruction for the current part; determine whether the laser head (141) is currently covered by the protective cover (210); if so, move the 3D printing axis (140) so that the locking protrusion (221) is embedded in the locking groove (212), and then move the 3D printing axis (140) upward so that the protective cover (210) is disengaged from the laser head (141). S200, by moving the three-dimensional printing axis (140) in the X-axis and / or Z-axis, moving the turntable (131) in the Y-axis, and rotating the turntable (131) in the A-axis and / or B-axis, the laser head (141) completes the additive processing of the current part of the part. S300: Obtain the subtractive processing instruction for the current part; determine whether the laser head (141) is currently covered by the protective cover (210); if not, move the 3D printing axis (140) so that the laser head (141) reaches above the protective cover (210), move the 3D printing axis (140) downward so that the protective cover (210) covers the laser head (141) through the magnet (211), and then move the 3D printing axis (140) horizontally so that the protective cover (210) is removed from the mounting block (220). S400, by moving the three-dimensional printing axis (140) in the X-axis and / or Z-axis, moving the turntable (131) in the Y-axis, and rotating the turntable (131) in the A-axis and / or B-axis, the tool of the spindle (150) completes the subtractive machining of the current part of the part. S500, Repeat steps S100 to S400 to perform additive and subtractive machining on the next part until the machining instructions for the entire part are completed.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Step S200 includes the following steps: The spindle (150) and the 3D printing axis (140) are moved horizontally in sync so that the laser head (141) reaches above the turntable (131); the tool of the spindle (150) retracts upward and the laser head (141) extends downward to perform additive manufacturing.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Step S400 includes the following steps: The spindle (150) and the 3D printing axis (140) are moved horizontally in sync so that the tool of the spindle (150) reaches above the turntable (131); the tool of the spindle (150) extends downward and the laser head (141) retracts upward to perform subtractive processing.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, In step S400, the cutting tool of the spindle (150) performs subtractive processing on the inner or outer side of the current part.

16. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Step S200 further includes the following steps: Determine whether the additive manufacturing instruction for the current part has been completed; if so, move the 3D printing axis (140) so that the protective cover (210) covers the laser head (141) through the magnet (211).

17. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Step S500 further includes the following steps: when the machining instructions for the entire part are completed, the three-dimensional printing axis (140) is moved so that the protective cover (210) covers the laser head (141).

18. A control method for an additive / subtractive machining equipment, used for machining irregularly shaped metal parts (300) with internal cavities, applied to the additive / subtractive machining equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 11; the method includes the following steps: Step A: Initialize or locate the position of the irregularly shaped metal part (300); Step B: Determine whether the laser head (141) is currently covered by the protective cover (210); if so, move the 3D printing axis (140) to remove the protective cover (210) from the laser head (141). Step C: Drive the spindle (150) to retract upwards, drive the three-axis movement of the three-dimensional printing axis (140) and cooperate with the rotation of the A-axis and / or B-axis of the turntable (131), and perform five-axis linkage additive processing on the irregular metal part (300) through the laser head (141); Step D: Determine whether the additive manufacturing instruction has been executed. If yes, move the 3D printing axis (140) so that the protective cover (210) covers the laser head (141). Step E: Determine whether to execute the subtractive processing command. If yes, drive the 3D printing axis (140) to retract upwards, drive the three-axis movement of the spindle (150) and cooperate with the rotation of the A-axis and / or B-axis of the turntable (131), and perform five-axis linkage subtractive processing on the inner and outer sides of the irregular metal part (300) through the tool. Step F: Determine whether the additive manufacturing instruction has been executed. If so, repeat steps B to E until the workpiece machining instruction is completed.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The irregular metal part (300) includes a first workpiece body (310), a second workpiece body (320) and a third workpiece body (340) connected in sequence, each having an inner cavity. The first workpiece body (310) and the third workpiece body (340) are straight bodies, and the second workpiece body (320) is a curved body.

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