Additive manufacturing apparatus and method of controlling the same

Abstract

The invention relates to additive manufacturing equipment and a control method thereof.The additive manufacturing equipment comprises a forming bin (11), a feeding bin (12) and a discharging bin (13), and a bin opening (111) is formed in the top of the forming bin (11); the optical unit (12) is in butt joint with the bin opening and is configured to be used for generating an irradiation beam and enabling the irradiation beam to penetrate through the bin opening (111) to irradiate the powder materials applied to the construction platform (112) layer by layer so as to stack the constructed objects; the moving unit (13) is connected with the optical unit (12) and used for driving the optical unit (12) to move so that the optical unit (12) can be separated from the bin opening (111) and at least part of the bin opening (111) can be exposed, and therefore the objects can be taken out through the bin opening (111).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology, and in particular to an additive manufacturing device and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Common additive manufacturing equipment (3D printing equipment) in the prior art usually adopts a fixed optical path and structure, and realizes the removal of printed objects through a lateral opening. In this structure, a lateral removal port is usually provided in the molding chamber, and the structure of the optical unit and the molding chamber is usually an integrated design, so that the finished product needs to be removed from the side after printing is completed.

[0003] This structure has the following defects: the traditional method of removing the molding chamber relies on the lateral opening, and the height of the printed object is often limited by the height of the lateral opening. This makes it difficult to achieve high-layer stacking structures when printing taller objects. The fixed integrated structure of the optical unit and the molding chamber can easily lead to interference between the optical unit and the printed object during the object removal process. The lateral removal method may also cause disturbance of the powder material in the molding opening area.

[0004] In addition, when printing taller objects, a taller molding chamber is required, which makes it easy for air flow disturbances to form in the molding chamber, thus affecting the printing effect. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to ensure that the maximum height of the printed object is not limited by the height of the lateral opening of the forming chamber, the present application provides, on the one hand, an additive manufacturing device, including: a forming chamber, a chamber opening is opened on the top; an optical unit, which is connected to the chamber opening and is configured to generate an irradiation beam, and make the irradiation beam pass through the chamber opening to irradiate the powder material applied layer by layer on the building platform to build the object in layer by layer; and a motion unit, which is connected to the optical unit and is used to drive the optical unit to move so as to disengage from the chamber opening and expose the chamber opening at least partially, so as to remove the object through the chamber opening.

[0006] Preferably, the motion unit comprises a lifting module, which is connected to the optical unit and is configured to drive the optical unit to move in a direction perpendicular to the building platform.

[0007] Preferably, the motion unit comprises a translation module, which is connected to the optical unit and configured to drive the optical unit to move in a horizontal direction.

[0008] Preferably, the additive manufacturing equipment further comprises a lifting unit, which is connected to the building platform and is configured to drive the building platform to move in the Z-axis direction so that the building platform is lifted out of the molding chamber through the chamber opening.

[0009] Preferably, the optical unit is sealed and docked with the port.

[0010] Preferably, the height of the molding bin is smaller than the length and / or width.

[0011] Preferably, the height of the molding bin is at least less than half of its length and / or width.

[0012] Preferably, the optical unit is detachably connected to the motion unit.

[0013] Preferably, the optical unit comprises at least an irradiation beam emitter, a irradiation beam deflector and a irradiation beam focuser.

[0014] Preferably, at least a portion of the top of the molding bin is constructed as an inclined surface, and the inclined surface is used to install a monitoring component to monitor the object building process in the molding bin.

[0015] Preferably, it also includes at least one layer of partition, which is constructed in the molding bin and has a slot, and the slot corresponds to the bin opening in the vertical direction; the optical unit can be docked with the slot; the motion unit is also used to drive the optical unit to move so that it can dock with and detach from the slot.

[0016] Preferably, the at least one layer of partition includes a first partition and a second partition located below the first partition, the notch is arranged on the first partition, and the space below the second partition is formed as a construction space.

[0017] Preferably, part of the molding bin is configured to be relatively rotatable and openable, so that after opening and closing, the molding bin is at least partially exposed, so that objects can be taken out from the exposed portion.

[0018] On the other hand, the present application provides a control method for additive manufacturing, wherein the additive manufacturing equipment includes a molding chamber, an optical unit and a motion unit, wherein a chamber opening is provided on the top of the molding chamber, and the optical unit is docked with the chamber opening and connected with the motion unit; the method includes:

[0019] During additive manufacturing, the motion unit is controlled to drive the optical unit to move to dock with the porthole, so that the irradiation beam generated by the optical unit passes through the porthole to irradiate the powder material applied layer by layer on the building platform to build the object in layers; and

[0020] After additive manufacturing, the motion unit is controlled to drive the optical unit to move so as to separate the optical unit from the port and expose the port at least partially, so as to take out the object through the port.

[0021] Preferably, the additive manufacturing device further comprises a lifting unit connected to the building platform, wherein before controlling the motion unit to drive the optical unit to move so as to detach it from the port, the method further comprises:

[0022] The lifting unit is controlled to drive the building platform to move in the Z-axis direction so that the building platform is lifted out of the molding chamber through the chamber opening.

[0023] Preferably, the additive manufacturing device further comprises a partition, the partition is constructed in the molding chamber and has a slot, the slot and the chamber opening correspond to each other in a vertical direction; wherein the method further comprises:

[0024] During additive manufacturing, controlling the motion unit to drive the optical unit to move to dock with the slot, so that the irradiation beam generated by the optical unit passes through the slot to irradiate the powder material applied layer by layer on the building platform to build the object in layers; and

[0025] After additive manufacturing, the motion unit is controlled to drive the optical unit to move so that the optical unit is disengaged from the slot and the port in sequence and the port is at least partially exposed, so as to take out the object through the port.

[0026] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary only and are not restrictive of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without paying any creative work.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an additive manufacturing device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the coverage of the warehouse opening and the building platform provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the shape of the hatch and the building platform provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of an optical unit provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of another optical unit provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of another optical unit provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the lifting trajectory of the motion unit provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the motion trajectory of the optical unit in the porthole provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of the independent arrangement of the motion unit and the molding chamber provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Fig.10 It is a structural schematic diagram of a lifting module provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Fig.11 is a structural schematic diagram of a translation module provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-axis robotic arm provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram of the engagement between an optical unit and a bay opening provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Fig.14 It is a schematic diagram of another engagement between an optical unit and a bay opening provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Fig.15 It is a schematic diagram of another engagement between an optical unit and a bay opening provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Fig.16 It is a schematic diagram of sealing between an optical unit and a port provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Fig.17 is a schematic diagram of a lifting trajectory of a lifting unit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Fig.18 This is a schematic diagram of picking up items after construction is completed provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Fig.19 It is a flowchart of the construction and retrieval of an additive manufacturing device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Fig. 20 This is a schematic diagram of a partition structure provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Fig.21 This is a schematic diagram of a partition installation provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Fig. 22 This is a schematic diagram of a partition lifting provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Fig.23 This is a schematic diagram of another partition structure provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Fig.24 It is a flow chart of construction and retrieval using a partition provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Fig.25 is a schematic structural diagram of a powder supply unit and a powder recovery unit provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Fig.26 This is a schematic diagram of a detachable connection between an optical unit and a motion unit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Fig. 27 is a rotation schematic diagram of a rotating part provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Fig.28 It is a structural schematic diagram of the top of the molding bin provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Fig.29 This is a monitoring schematic diagram of a monitoring component provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Fig.30 This is a schematic structural diagram of a four-slope combination of a molding bin provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Fig.31 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an elliptical dome of a forming bin provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Fig.32 It is a schematic diagram of the cover body and the molding chamber opening being closed according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Fig.33 This is a schematic diagram of the application structure of a partition provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Fig.34 It is a schematic structural diagram of a molding bin with filler provided in one embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Embodiments of the present application are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present application, and should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present application, the additive manufacturing device 1 presents the following Figure 1 The additive manufacturing device 1 comprises a molding chamber 11, an optical unit 12, a motion unit 13 and other components.

[0064] A bay opening 111 is provided at the top of the molding chamber 11, and a building platform 112 is provided inside the molding chamber 11. The building platform 112 corresponds to the bay opening 111 in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, the bay opening 111 is located above the building platform 112, and the bay opening 111 can completely cover the building platform 112 in a direction perpendicular to the building platform 112, that is, in the Z-axis direction, the bay opening 111 covers the building platform 112, and the coverage range is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the building platform 112 is easily lifted out of the port 111 to disassemble the building platform 112 ; for ease of description, the directions perpendicular to the building platform 112 described below are all described in terms of the Z-axis direction.

[0065] For example, the shape of the port 111 may correspond to or may not correspond to the shape of the building platform 112. Figure 3 As shown in (a), the building platform 112 is constructed as a circle, and the port 111 can be constructed as a circle with a radius greater than the radius of the building platform 112; or as Figure 3 In the shape shown in (b), the building platform 112 is constructed into a circle, and the port 111 can be constructed into a square with its length and width both larger than the radius of the building platform 112.

[0066] The optical unit 12 is configured to generate an irradiation beam (such as a laser beam or an electron beam) and to make the above-mentioned port 111 transparent, so that the irradiation beam irradiates the powder material applied layer by layer on the building platform 112 to build the object layer by layer. It can be understood that the irradiation beam can sinter or melt the powder material. In the process of additive manufacturing (3D printing), the irradiation beam moves along a preset trajectory to build a three-dimensional object layer by layer.

[0067] Reference Figure 4 , the optical unit 12 is mainly composed of components such as an irradiation beam emitter 121 and an irradiation beam deflector 122. Among them, the irradiation beam emitter 121 can use a high-power laser as a light source, and its wavelength can be optimized according to the photosensitivity of the powder material. The irradiation beam deflector can include a galvanometer 122a or other components that can realize irradiation beam deflection, such as an acousto-optic deflector and an electro-optic deflector. In this example, a galvanometer 122a is used, and the galvanometer 122a is configured to control the direction of irradiation of the irradiation beam. By adjusting the angle of the galvanometer 122a, the position of the irradiation beam is changed, so that the powder material is irradiated layer by layer according to a preset path to achieve melting or sintering.

[0068] For example, Figure 4As shown, the optical unit 12 may be a combination of an irradiation beam emitter 121 and a galvanometer 122a, and the trajectory of the optical path is shown. It is conceivable that the optical unit 12 may be any optical path system in the prior art that can realize additive manufacturing.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, in order to ensure high brightness and low divergence angle of the output radiation beam, an optical element such as a collimator 123 may be further configured on the output end path of the radiation beam emitter 12. The radiation beam is collimated by the collimator 123 so that the output is a parallel or quasi-parallel radiation beam.

[0070] Reference Figure 6 The optical unit 12 may further include an irradiation beam focuser 124, which may be a field lens 124a, which is configured to shape and focus the irradiation beam, and which may adjust the cross-sectional shape of the irradiation beam and focus the deflected irradiation beam onto the powder layer on the building platform 112, so as to form a suitable focal spot within the building area.

[0071] For example, Figure 6 As shown, the optical unit 12 can also adopt a combination of an irradiation beam emitter 121, a galvanometer 122a and a field lens 124a. It is conceivable that the optical unit 12 can be any optical path system in the prior art that can realize additive manufacturing. During the construction process, the irradiation beam emitter 121 first generates an irradiation beam; then, the irradiation beam passes through the galvanometer 122a and irradiates each point in the construction interval on the construction platform 112 through high-speed scanning; finally, the irradiation beam is focused to a predetermined focus through the field lens 124a to ensure that each layer of powder material is solidified.

[0072] The motion unit 13 is connected to the optical unit 12 and is configured to drive the optical unit 12 to detach from the hatch 111 at the top of the molding chamber 11. When the optical unit 12 detaches from the hatch 111, at least a portion of the hatch 111 is exposed so that the object can be taken out through the hatch 111. It can be understood that the exposed portion of the hatch 111 at least enables the object and the building platform 112 to be taken out smoothly through the hatch 111, and the specific shape and size of the exposed portion need to be set in combination with the actual printed object.

[0073] Figure 7A schematic diagram of the lifting and lowering of the lifting module 131 is shown. According to one embodiment of the present application, the motion unit 13 includes a lifting module 131, which is connected to the optical unit 12 and is configured to drive the optical unit 12 to move in the Z-axis direction. The lifting and lowering of the optical path is achieved through the lifting module 131 to reduce the height of the additive manufacturing device 1. As a result, on the one hand, the building platform 112 can be lifted out of the warehouse opening 111 more quickly, and on the other hand, the air flow disturbance during the building process in the molding warehouse can be reduced. On the other hand, the distance from the optical path to the powder layer is reduced to reduce the energy loss of the irradiation beam. Before the construction starts, if the optical unit 12 is higher than the height of the warehouse opening 111, the lifting module 131 drives the optical unit 12 to descend along the Z-axis to lower the height of the optical unit 12, so that the optical unit 12 is docked with the warehouse opening 111, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 After the construction is completed, the lifting module 131 drives the optical unit 12 to rise along the Z axis to increase the height of the optical unit 12, so that the optical unit 12 is separated from the port 111, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 The solid line part is shown.

[0074] Exemplarily, the port 111 may extend upward to form a chimney shape, which may be a column or a frustum, and the optical path may be set in a lifting form, and the optical unit 12 may be adjusted to a desired height according to the printing scene; Figure 8 The trajectory of the optical unit 12 moving in the bay opening 111 is shown. It can be understood that in the path where the lifting module 131 drives the optical unit 12 to move in the bay opening 111, the optical unit 12 and the bay opening 111 can be constructed to always maintain a docking (sealed) state.

[0075] For example, the lifting module 131 can be arranged on the top of the molding chamber 11 or can be independent of the molding chamber 11. If it is arranged on the top of the chamber, the specific position of the lifting module 131 should avoid blocking the objects from being taken out of the chamber opening 111. Figure 1 As shown, the lifting module 131 is installed on one side of the chamber opening 111. If it is independent of the molding chamber 11, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown, the two can be set on the same work platform, or other methods can be used to ensure that the lifting direction (Z axis) of the lifting module 131 is perpendicular to the building platform 112 in the molding chamber 11. The independent setting of the two facilitates the modular configuration of the additive manufacturing equipment, and is also conducive to subsequent maintenance and replacement.

[0076] It should be noted that the height of the optical unit 12 is relative to the height of the hatch 111 , that is, when the height of the hatch 111 remains unchanged, the height of the optical unit 12 is adjusted by the lifting module 131 .

[0077] It is understandable that the height of the output end of the optical unit 12 is actually adjusted by the lifting module 131 to achieve the docking and separation of the output end of the optical unit 12 with the port 111. Of course, in practical applications, since most forms of the optical unit 12 are constructed as a whole, the height of the entire optical unit 12 is usually adjusted.

[0078] In one example, Fig.10 A lifting module 131 driven by a linear motor 1314 is shown. The lifting module 131 includes a linear screw 1311 extending along the Z-axis direction. Guide shafts 1312 are arranged on both sides of the screw 1311. A slide 1313 is arranged on the guide shaft 1312 and the screw 1311. The slide 1313 is driven by a motor 1314 (servo motor 1314 or stepper motor 1314). The optical unit 12 is installed on the slide 1313. The slide 1313 can drive the optical unit 12 to move along the extension direction of the screw 1311 and the guide shaft 1312.

[0079] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present application, the motion unit 13 includes a translation module 132, which is connected to the optical unit 12 and is configured to drive the optical unit 12 to move in the horizontal direction. Before the construction begins, if the optical unit 12 is separated from the bayonet 111, the translation module 132 drives the optical unit 12 to move in the horizontal direction to the bayonet 111, so that the optical unit 12 is docked with the bayonet 111; after the construction is completed, the translation module 132 drives the optical unit 12 to move in the horizontal direction to a position away from the bayonet 111, so that the optical unit 12 is separated from the bayonet 111.

[0080] It can be understood that, in this example, the height of the optical unit 12 is pre-configured so that it can dock with the bay opening 111 when moving horizontally; in addition, the horizontal direction may include the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, so the translation module 132 drives the optical unit 12 to move along the X-axis direction and / or the Y-axis direction according to the relative position of the optical unit 12 and the bay opening 111.

[0081] In one example, Fig.11The structure of a translation module 132 is shown. The translation module 132 includes an X-axis guide rail 1321 and a Y-axis guide rail 1322. The X-axis guide rail 1321 adopts a high-precision ball screw 1311 or a linear slide rail and is set along a horizontal plane to realize the movement of the optical unit 12 in the X direction. An X-axis slider is arranged on the X-axis screw 1311. The X-axis slider and the X-axis screw 1311 are closely matched to ensure that there is no clearance during the movement. The X-axis slider is driven by a stepper motor 1314 or a servo motor 1314, and the ball screw is driven to drive the X-axis slider to move along the X-axis screw 1311; the Y-axis screw 1311 is installed on the X-axis slider to form an orthogonal installation to ensure that the Y-axis movement is independent of the X-axis. The Y-axis slider is arranged on the Y-axis screw 1311, and the optical unit 12 is installed on the Y-axis slider. The driving method of the Y-axis slider is the same as that of the X-axis slider.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the present application, the motion unit 13 may simultaneously include the lifting module 131 and the translation module 132 in the above example, and the lifting module 131 and the translation module 132 cooperatively drive the optical unit 12 to move, thereby realizing the movement of the optical unit 12 in multiple axes (X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis).

[0083] In one example, a modular layered design is adopted for the translation module 132 and the lifting module 131. The translation module 132 is installed at the top of the lifting module 131. The lifting module 131 serves as the Z-axis motion structure of the translation module 132 and the optical unit 12 as a whole, driving the overall lifting movement. The translation module 132 drives the movement of the optical unit 12 in the XY plane. The XY translation and Z-axis lifting are independent of each other, which is convenient for separate control.

[0084] Reference Fig.12 In one example, the lifting module 131 and the translation module 132 can be integrated into a multi-axis robotic arm 133, which can simultaneously realize the movement of the optical unit 12 in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions. The multi-axis integration can make the overall structure of the motion unit 13 more compact, which is convenient for the miniaturization and high integration of the additive manufacturing equipment 1.

[0085] In the above-mentioned embodiment including the docking of the optical unit 12 and the bay opening 111 , for the convenience of explanation, the part where the optical unit 12 and the bay opening 111 are docked is defined as a docking part.

[0086] Exemplarily, the docking component may be a radiation beam deflector. During the docking process, the motion unit 13 drives the optical unit 12 to move until the radiation beam deflector docks with the port 111. Figure 13-14 In order to achieve a better docking effect, a first engaging member 125 is provided on the radiation beam deflector and / or a second engaging member 126 is provided on the port 111; Fig.13In the example of , a first engaging member 125 is provided on the irradiation beam deflector, and the first engaging member is used to dock with the port 111; Fig.14 In the example, a second clamping member 126 is provided on the bay opening 111, and the second clamping member 126 is used to dock with the irradiation beam deflector; in another example, a first clamping member 125 is provided on the irradiation beam deflector, and a second clamping member 126 is provided on the bay opening 111, and the irradiation beam deflector can be docked with the bay opening 111 by docking the first clamping member 125 with the second clamping member 126.

[0087] Exemplarily, if the optical unit 12 further includes an irradiation beam focuser, the docking component may be an irradiation beam deflector or an irradiation beam focuser. For example, if the docking component is an irradiation beam deflector, during the docking process, Fig.15 As shown, the irradiation beam focuser enters the molding chamber 11, and accordingly, the docking method of the irradiation beam deflector and the chamber opening 111 refers to the above example and is not repeated here; if the docking component is the irradiation beam focuser, a third clamping piece is arranged on the irradiation beam focuser and / or a fourth clamping piece is arranged on the chamber opening 111. In one example, a third clamping piece is arranged on the irradiation beam focuser, and the third clamping piece is used to dock with the chamber opening 111; in another example, a fourth clamping piece is arranged on the chamber opening 111, and the fourth clamping piece is used to dock with the irradiation beam focuser; in another example, a third clamping piece is arranged on the irradiation beam focuser, and a fourth clamping piece is arranged on the chamber opening 111, and the irradiation beam focuser can be docked with the chamber opening 111 by docking the third clamping piece with the fourth clamping piece.

[0088] According to an embodiment of the present application, the optical unit 12 is sealed and docked with the bay opening 111. To achieve a sealing effect, a sealing member is provided at the docking position of the optical unit 12 and the bay opening 111, and a seal is formed when the optical unit 12 and the bay opening 111 are docked.

[0089] Fig.16 A sealing structure is shown. Exemplarily, the sealing member can be a sealing gasket 127, a groove is provided on the optical unit 12, and the sealing gasket 127 is placed in the groove, and when the optical unit 12 is pressed down and docked with the port 111, the sealing gasket 127 is compressed to form a tight elastic seal.

[0090] Exemplarily, a groove is formed on the bay opening 111 , and a sealing gasket 127 is placed in the groove. When the optical unit 12 is pressed down and docked with the bay opening 111 , the sealing gasket 127 is compressed to form a seal.

[0091] Exemplarily, grooves are provided on both the optical unit 12 and the bay opening 111 , and a sealing gasket 127 is placed in the groove. When the optical unit 12 is pressed down and docked with the bay opening 111 , the sealing gasket 127 is compressed to form a seal.

[0092] Fig.17 The lifting schematic diagram of the lifting unit 14 is shown. According to one embodiment of the present application, the additive manufacturing device 1 also includes a lifting unit 14, which is connected to the building platform 112 and is configured to drive the building platform 112 to move in the Z-axis direction. During the construction process, the lifting unit 14 drives the building platform 112 to descend in the Z-axis direction, and the irradiation beam irradiates the first layer of powder material of the building platform 112. As the printing progresses, when the first layer is printed, the lifting unit 14 drives the building platform 112 to descend. The descending height is the layer thickness formed by the printing of the first layer of powder material. The lifting unit 14 and the building platform 112 are correspondingly lowered layer by layer as the printing is performed layer by layer. When the construction is completed, the lifting unit 14 and the building platform 112 are lowered to the minimum height, and then the lifting unit 14 drives the building platform 112 to rise in the Z-axis direction. During this process, the printed object also rises synchronously until the object and the building platform 112 are lifted out of the molding bin 11 through the bin opening 111, and then the object and the building platform 112 are taken out. Exemplarily, Fig.18 A schematic diagram of taking out is shown. After the construction is completed, the lifting unit 14 drives the building platform 112 to rise along the Z-axis direction, so that at least a part of the object is lifted out of the molding chamber 11 through the chamber opening 111, and then the object and the building platform 112 are taken out of the molding chamber 11 manually or by other grabbing units. The grabbing unit can be a robotic arm. Of course, a more convenient way to facilitate manual picking is to lift the building platform 112 completely out of the molding chamber 11, so that the operator can directly disassemble the building platform 112.

[0093] According to some of the components provided in the above embodiment, Fig.19 Provided is a construction and removal process of an additive manufacturing device 1, wherein a motion unit 13 drives an optical unit 12 to dock with a port 111; a layer of powder material is evenly laid on a construction platform 112 to form a powder layer to be irradiated, and the optical unit 12 generates an irradiation beam that passes through the port 111 and irradiates the powder material applied layer by layer on the construction platform 112 to build an object in layers, ensuring that each layer of powder material is solidified to form a base for the next layer; Fig.19 In (a), the lifting unit 14 drives the building platform 112 to descend layer by layer in the Z-axis direction so that the newly laid powder material is located above the solidified layer, wherein the distance that the building platform 112 descends layer by layer is the same as the thickness of the solidified layer; the process of laying powder, irradiating, and descending is repeated until the building is completed; refer to Fig.19 In (b), the motion unit 13 drives the optical unit 12 to disengage from the bayonet 111 and expose the bayonet 111 at least partially; Fig.19 In (c), the lifting unit 14 drives the building platform 112 to rise in the Z-axis direction so that the building platform 112 is lifted out of the molding chamber 11 through the chamber opening 111; and the building platform 112 and the object are taken out.

[0094] A control method of an additive manufacturing device 1 corresponding to the above embodiment is: Fig.19 During construction, the control unit 13 drives the optical unit 12 to move to dock with the port 111, so that the irradiation beam generated by the optical unit 12 can pass through the port 111 to irradiate the powder material applied layer by layer on the building platform 112 to build the object in layers. After the construction is completed, the control unit 13 drives the optical unit 12 to move so that it is separated from the port 111 and the port 111 is at least partially exposed. The control unit 14 drives the building platform 112 to rise so that the building platform 112 is lifted out of the molding chamber 11 through the port 111, and the building platform 112 and the object are taken out. The detachable combination of the top port 111 and the optical unit 12 enables the object to be taken out directly from the top port 111 of the molding chamber 11, which eliminates the limitation of the height of the object to be built by the side opening, and is suitable for taking out objects of large size or high aspect ratio.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the present application, the height of the molding bin 11 is smaller than the length and / or width to construct a flat bin structure. The flat structure of the molding bin 11 can reduce airflow disturbance in the bin to optimize the wind field on the one hand; on the other hand, it can reduce the height of the additive manufacturing device 1 and is suitable for low equipment space.

[0096] Exemplarily, the height of the molding bin 11 is at least less than half of the length and / or width to optimize the aspect ratio of the molding bin 11, making it longer in the length direction and significantly shorter in the height direction.

[0097] In one example, the length of the forming bin 11 is twice the width and the height is half the width to construct a flat structure. The forming bin 11 has a significant aspect ratio, that is, its length is much greater than its width, making the overall structure flatter and suitable for constructing slender objects, such as aviation structures, guide rails, and tubular components.

[0098] In one example, the length of the forming bin 11 is close to its width, and the height is half of the length or width, so as to construct a flattened structure. The forming bin 11 is suitable for relatively large flat objects.

[0099] It is understandable that the structure of the forming bin 11 is not limited to the length-width-height ratio provided in the above example, and it can be any ratio to construct the flattened forming bin 11 .

[0100] Reference Fig. 20According to an embodiment of the present application, at least one layer of partition 118 is provided in the molding chamber 11, and the partition 118 is configured to separate the construction space in the molding chamber 11. It can be understood that the construction space after the separation is the space between the partition 118 and the uppermost powder layer, and the object is constructed in the construction space. A notch 1181 is provided on the partition 118, and the notch 1181 corresponds to the chamber opening 111 in the Z-axis direction. In some examples, the motion unit 13 drives the optical unit 12 to dock with the chamber opening 111 and then prints. In other examples, the motion unit 13 drives the optical unit 12 to pass through the chamber opening 111 and then continue to descend to dock with the notch 1181 for printing. By providing the partition 118 in the molding chamber 11, the height of the construction space can be further reduced, and the construction space can be further flattened, thereby reducing the airflow disturbance in the construction space.

[0101] In the additive manufacturing process, such as the additive manufacturing process represented by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), a directional airflow is introduced on the side of the building platform 112 to control the airflow environment in the molten pool area, reduce the deposition of metal vapor and spatter, and adjust the cooling rate of the molten pool to reduce heat accumulation and residual stress. However, when the height of the molding bin 11 is too high, the internal space becomes larger, which easily leads to complex circulation and turbulence of the airflow in the bin, thereby destroying the original directional airflow environment. Specifically, the higher molding bin 11 easily causes the directional airflow to diffuse, reflect or collide before reaching the building area, thereby forming local turbulence, affecting the stable heating of the molten pool by the laser during the scanning process, and easily causing metal vapor and spatter particles to circulate repeatedly in the building space, interfering with the uniform laying of the powder, and ultimately reducing the molding accuracy and surface quality of the parts. The present application compresses the height of the molding bin 11 to make the airflow path in the building space more compact, reduce the residence time and turbulence of the air in the bin, and effectively suppress the airflow disturbance. In this way, the directional airflow from the wind field can act more accurately on the laser scanning area, quickly remove metal smoke and spatter, and maintain the thermal distribution of the molten pool area stable, ultimately improving the utilization efficiency of laser energy, enhancing the stability of the molten pool, and improving the microstructure and mechanical properties of parts.

[0102] It should be understood that the molding chamber 11 usually needs to be filled with inert gas (such as argon, nitrogen) to form a stable, low-oxygen environment, thereby effectively reducing oxidation and other adverse chemical reactions of metals or other printing materials during the construction process. For this reason, the additive manufacturing equipment is usually also equipped with a gas supply unit (such as an argon gas cylinder) for replacing the original air in the molding chamber 11 by continuously injecting inert gas before building the object. Fig. 20This arrangement actually reduces the construction environment from the entire molding chamber 11 to the area below the partition 118. This solution also has the effect of optimizing the scrubbing efficiency: during the scrubbing stage, the gas supply unit only needs to inject the scrubbing gas into the space below the partition 118 to achieve the scrubbing process. Since only the smaller area below the partition 118 is scrubbed, the space required for scrubbing is effectively reduced, the scrubbing efficiency is improved, and the uniformity of the airflow during the scrubbing process can be ensured, which will not have an adverse effect on the object construction process.

[0103] For example, Fig.21 As shown, a mounting member 1182 for inserting or erecting a partition 118 is installed on the inner wall of the molding bin 11, and multiple groups of mounting members 1182 can be installed at different heights to form a multi-layer partition 118. When in use, according to printing requirements, at least one group of mounting members 1182 is selected to install the partition 118. In one example, the height of the mounting member 1182 is adjustable to make the height of the partition 118 adjustable. The mounting member 1182 facilitates the removal of the partition 118. In actual applications, the height of the partition 118 in the molding bin 11 is at least higher than the powder spreading module 1133 (such as a scraper or a roller), as long as it does not affect the normal powder spreading of the powder spreading module 1133.

[0104] For example, Fig. 22 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the lifting of the partition 118. A lifter 1183 for adjusting the height of the partition 118 is provided in the molding bin 11. The partition 118 is mounted on the lifter 1183. The lifter 1183 can lift the partition 118 to any desired height in the molding bin 11. The lifter 1183 can be driven by a linear motor or other lifting methods. The lifter 1183 can be set on the inner wall or bottom of the molding bin 11. The height of the partition 118 can be remotely adjusted through the lifter 1183 to improve the convenience of adjustment. In actual applications, refer to Fig.23 , at least a part of the partition 118 is higher than the height of the powder laying module 1133, that is, at least one end of the partition 118 is constructed as a bending portion 1184, and the powder laying module 1133 can be at least partially hidden in the bending portion 1184. After the powder laying module 1133 finishes laying powder for each layer, it moves to a position corresponding to the bending portion 1184, and the lifter 1183 drives the partition 118 to descend so that the bending portion 1184 covers the powder laying module 1133, thereby further reducing the height of the construction space; when the powder laying module 1133 is laying powder, the lifter 1183 drives the partition 118 to rise so that the powder laying module 1133 can pass smoothly under the partition 118.

[0105] For example, the partition 118 can be configured to be fully transparent or partially transparent so that the monitoring component 116 can monitor the building platform 112 and the objects thereon through the partition 118. The monitoring component 116 can also be directly mounted on the partition 118.

[0106] In some embodiments, the partition 118 can also be constructed to have a vertical height different from that in the construction stage and the scrubbing stage, that is, a first height in the construction stage and a second height in the scrubbing stage, wherein the first height is greater than the second height. In this embodiment, the optical unit 12 docks with the slot 1181 through the port 111, and forms an integral structure with the partition 118, so that the partition 118 and the optical unit 12 can be synchronously moved in the vertical direction. Specifically, in the construction stage, in order to make the construction environment have a larger height, so as to meet the requirements of the beam scanning the powder bed in a larger angle range (for example, when building a large-format object), the control device controls the lifter 1183 so that the partition 118 can move along the inner wall of the molding chamber 11 and rise to a preset first height. At this time, the partition 118 moves synchronously with the optical unit 12, so that the installation position of the optical unit 12 is consistent with the docking position of the partition 118, thereby providing sufficient scanning height and field of view for large-format construction. In the scrubbing stage, in order to achieve a more efficient gas scrubbing effect, the partition 118 can be lowered from the first height to the preset second height. At this time, since the docking relationship between the partition 118 and the optical unit 12 remains stable, the entire scrubbing area is limited to a lower height range, that is, the area below the partition 118. By lowering the height of the scrubbing area, the scrubbing volume in the molding chamber 11 is significantly reduced, and the scrubbing gas can quickly fill the scrubbing area in a shorter time, thereby achieving a fast and uniform scrubbing process. In this way, through the highly adjustable setting scheme, the requirements of large-format scanning and complex component manufacturing can be met during the construction stage, and the scrubbing efficiency can be improved by reducing the working area during the scrubbing stage.

[0107] Fig.33 This is a schematic diagram of the application structure of a partition provided in one embodiment of the present application. The partition is divided into two independent parts, namely a first partition 118A and a second partition 118B. In this embodiment, 118A is arranged in the upper part of the molding bin 11, and the second partition 118B is located below the first partition 118A. A notch 1181 is provided on the first partition 118A, through which the optical unit 12 can be inserted from the bin opening 111 at the top of the molding bin 11 and docked with the first partition 118A to achieve normal operation in the construction phase. Since the optical unit 12 and the first partition 118A form a docking relationship through the notch 1181, the construction environment is mainly located in the area below the first partition 118A.

[0108] During the scrubbing phase, the construction environment is further compressed in the space below the second partition 118B (eg Fig.33In the scrubbing stage, by controlling the gas supply unit, it is only necessary to inject the cleaning gas into the space below the second partition 118B to realize the scrubbing process. Since the volume of the scrubbing area is effectively compressed, the cleaning gas can fill the area in a very short time, thereby improving the scrubbing efficiency. Moreover, due to the small size of the space, it is also easier to achieve uniform distribution of the airflow, thereby avoiding local dead corners or uneven airflow in traditional overall scrubbing. In order to ensure that the beam can still effectively irradiate the building platform during the scrubbing stage, the second partition 118B is provided with a transparent area at least in the vertical direction corresponding to the building platform, so that the optical unit 12 can penetrate the area to irradiate the powder bed on the building platform, even if the building space is compressed during the scrubbing process. The volume of the space below the second partition 118B can be set, that is, the volume of the construction environment can be set. For example, the second partition 118B can move along the inner wall of the molding chamber 11 during the gas washing stage (such as driven by air pressure difference: the gas supply unit continuously injects cleaning gas into area A at a predetermined flow rate and output pressure, causing the air pressure in the space of area A to rise rapidly, while the air pressure outside area A is relatively low. This air pressure difference forms a net force on both sides of the second partition 118B, causing it to be driven upward. When the net force exceeds the static friction and other resistances of the second partition 118B, the second partition 118B begins to move automatically along a predetermined trajectory and gradually expands the volume of area A). The gas supply unit is configured to control the cleaning gas to gradually expand the volume of the space below the second partition 118B as the second partition 118B moves.

[0109] The movement of the second partition 118B can adjust the volume of the scrubbing area, and its movement parameters (such as speed and distance) can also be preset and controlled according to actual process requirements, so that the scrubbing gas can be gradually expanded to achieve step-by-step and uniform scrubbing. It can be seen that through the synergistic effect of the first partition 118A and the second partition 118B, the normal docking and efficient operation of the optical unit 12 in the construction stage can be achieved, and the construction environment can be effectively compressed in the scrubbing stage, thereby improving the scrubbing efficiency and the uniformity of the gas flow.

[0110] It should be understood that in some of the examples described above, the construction space of the molding bin is compressed by the setting of the partition, and thus the scrubbing space is also compressed accordingly, that is, the scrubbing space that was originally required for the entire molding bin is compressed into the space below the partition. However, during the actual scrubbing operation, due to the limitations of the mechanical structure, it is difficult to achieve complete sealing of the scrubbing space. Therefore, when scrubbing the scrubbing space, the filled scrubbing gas is easily leaked into the non-scrubbing space 120b above the partition. For this reason, the additive manufacturing equipment of the present application also includes at least one filler, which has an expandable state and is constructed in the non-scrubbing space of the molding bin for expansion and filling.

[0111] Fig.34 A schematic diagram of the structure of the molding bin 11 with filler 130 is shown. Fig.34 based on Fig. 20 The example is modified, that is, a filler 130 is added on the basis of the original structure; Fig.34 , the optical unit 12 can be docked with the notch 1181 on the partition 118 through the port 111 to compress the construction area of ​​the object (i.e., the scrubbing space 120a) below the partition 118; and a non-scrubbing space 120b is formed above the partition 118. During the scrubbing stage, gas is filled into the filler (e.g., filler 130) in the non-scrubbing space 120b through the inflation device to cause it to expand rapidly. The expanded filler can occupy most of the volume of the non-scrubbing space 120b, ensuring that even if there is a certain degree of gas leakage during the scrubbing stage, since the non-scrubbing space 120b is mainly filled with the filler 130, its impact on the atmosphere in the scrubbing area can be ignored.

[0112] It should be understood that the present application does not limit the number of fillers, and one or more fillers can be provided according to the specific equipment structure and the scrubbing requirements; at the same time, the present application does not limit the specific form of the filler, as long as the filler can expand and occupy the volume of the non-scrubbing space after being inflated. For example, the filler can be an air bag, expandable foam or other structures with similar expansion performance to achieve the expected space occupation effect.

[0113] Exemplarily, the partition 118 may be sealedly connected to the inner wall of the molding bin 11 .

[0114] According to one embodiment of the present application, Fig.24 A construction and retrieval method using a partition 118 is shown. Before construction, the partition 118 is adjusted to the required height according to the printing requirements. During construction, refer to Fig.24 In (a), the motion unit 13 is controlled to drive the optical unit 12 to pass through the port 111 and continue to descend until it docks with the notch 1181 on the partition 118, so that the irradiation beam generated by the optical unit 12 passes through the notch 1181 to irradiate the powder material applied layer by layer on the building platform 112 to build the object in layers; after the construction is completed, refer to Fig.24 (b) in the figure, controlling the motion unit 13 to drive the optical unit 12 to rise upward so that the optical unit 12 is disengaged from the notch 1181 and the bay opening 111 in sequence and the bay opening 111 is at least partially exposed; Fig.24 In (c), the lifting unit 14 drives the building platform 112 to rise in the Z-axis direction so that the building platform 112 is lifted out of the molding chamber 11 through the slot 1181 and the chamber opening 111 in sequence; and then the building platform 112 and the object are taken out.

[0115] For example, Fig.25As shown, the molding bin 11 is also provided with a powder supply unit 113 and a powder recovery unit 114, the powder supply unit 113 is configured to provide and lay powder materials on the building platform 112, and the powder recovery unit 114 is configured to recycle unused powder materials. Among them, the powder supply unit 113 at least includes a powder storage area 1131, a powder supply module 1132 and a powder laying module 1133, and the powder laying module 1133 can be a scraper or a roller. The powder supply module 1132 can be a lifting device, and the lifting device can be configured to drive the powder storage area 1131 to rise so as to cause a part of the powder material to overflow on the processing plane. The powder laying module 1133 is configured to be movable along the processing plane to transport the powder material overflowing on the processing plane and evenly lay it on the building platform 112 to form a powder layer. Of course, in actual applications, the setting of the powder cylinder is not a mandatory option. For example, in other embodiments, the powder supply unit can also apply the powder material from top to bottom to the building platform 112 by feeding powder from above.

[0116] According to an embodiment of the present application, the optical unit 12 and the motion unit 13 are detachably connected to facilitate maintenance, replacement or adjustment of the optical unit 12 .

[0117] For example, Fig.26 As shown, the detachable connection between the optical unit 12 and the motion unit 13 is achieved by a quick-release buckle. At least one lock buckle 128 is provided on the optical unit 12, and correspondingly, at least one slot 129 is provided on the motion unit 13. The lock buckle 128 is fixedly connected to the slot 129 by rotating or pressing after insertion to fix the optical unit 12 on the motion unit 13.

[0118] Exemplarily, the positions of the lock 128 and the slot can be interchanged, that is, the slot 129 is opened on the optical unit 12, and the lock 128 is set on the motion unit 13. The lock 128 is fixedly connected to the slot 129 by rotating or pressing after removal to fix the optical unit 12 on the motion unit 13.

[0119] Exemplarily, at least one lock 128 and at least one slot 129 are provided on the optical unit 12, and correspondingly, at least one slot and at least one lock 128 are provided on the motion unit 13. The lock 128 is fixedly connected to the slot 129 by rotating or pressing after insertion to fix the optical unit 12 on the motion unit 13.

[0120] It is understandable that the locking and unlocking methods of the lock buckle 128 and the slot 129 can be any method in the prior art.

[0121] Exemplarily, strong magnets or electromagnets are respectively arranged at the connection positions of the optical unit 12 and the motion unit 13, so that the optical unit 12 and the motion unit 13 can be detachably connected by magnetic attraction. This can also reduce fatigue damage of the mechanical buckle; wherein, the magnetic attraction can be contacted by power off or manual force, which is convenient for disassembly.

[0122] Exemplarily, the optical unit 12 is provided with a flange or other component with bolt holes, and the motion unit 13 is provided with a flange or other component with corresponding bolt holes, and the two flanges are connected by bolts and nuts to achieve stable installation of the optical unit 12 and the motion unit 13. When disassembling, the optical unit 12 can be removed by loosening the bolts. Bolt connection is suitable for the construction scenario of low-frequency replacement of the optical unit 12.

[0123] According to an embodiment of the present application, part of the forming bin 11 is constructed to be relatively rotatable and openable, so that after opening and closing, the forming bin is at least partially exposed, so that objects can be taken out from the exposed portion.

[0124] For example, Fig. 27 The schematic diagram of the rotation of the rotating part 119 is shown. The molding chamber 11 includes at least one rotating part 119 and a fixed part 1110. The rotating part 119 is connected to the fixed part 1110 through a rotating shaft 1111. The axis of the rotating shaft 1111 is arranged horizontally. After the rotating part 119 rotates, it can be separated from and closed with the fixed part 1110, and the connection position between the rotating part 119 and the fixed part 1110 is sealed when closed. It is conceivable that the rotating shaft 1111 can be driven manually or electrically. The rotating part 119 can be opened on the side and top of the molding chamber 11. It is understandable that in other examples, the rotating part 119 can be opened separately on the side or top of the molding chamber 11. The rotating part 119 includes at least a part of the top of the molding chamber 11. The chamber opening can be opened in whole or in part on the rotating part 119. Of course, the chamber opening can also be opened at any position on the top of the molding chamber 11 corresponding to the building platform 112. The method of using the rotating part 119 is that after the construction is completed, the driving shaft 1111 drives the rotating part 119 to rotate so that the rotating part 119 and the fixed part 1110 are separated, so that the internal space of the molding chamber 11 is exposed and the object can be taken out.

[0125] According to an embodiment of the present application, at least a portion of the top of the forming bin 11 is constructed as a slope 115 , and the slope 115 is convenient for installing a monitoring component 116 to monitor the object building process in the forming bin 11 .

[0126] Exemplarily, a portion of the top of the molding bin 11 is configured as a slope 115. Fig.28 (a) shows that the top of the molding bin 11 is entirely constructed as a slope 115. Fig.28(b) in the figure shows that a portion of the top of the molding bin 11 is configured as a slope 115, and the slope 115 may have an inclination angle of about 10° to about 45°, but is not limited thereto. For example, the slope 115 may have an inclination angle of about 10° to about 25°, about 20°, about 25° to about 45°, Fig.29 The installation position of the monitoring component 116 is shown. The monitoring component 116 can be installed in whole or in part on the inclined surface 115, and the top can be constructed in whole or in part as a transparent window. The transparent window can be located on the inclined surface 115, and the monitoring component 116 can be aligned with the building platform 112 and the objects thereon through the transparent window.

[0127] It is understandable that the above-mentioned transparent window can be installed with transparent material or directly hollowed out to allow part of the monitoring component 116 to transmit and receive signals.

[0128] In one example, the inclined surface 115 can be configured as a mounting bracket with an adjustable angle, which is used to mount the monitoring component 116 and can adjust the monitoring angle of the monitoring component 116 to meet different monitoring requirements. It is understood that the monitoring angle does not exceed the coverage of the transparent window.

[0129] In one example, the monitoring component 116 can be one or more of a camera, an infrared thermal imager, and a displacement sensor, but is not limited thereto, and can also be an environmental detection sensor and a vibration sensor. The camera can focus on the building area to collect images and videos of the building process in real time to observe the powder laying, curing, and stacking status. The infrared thermal imager is configured to sense infrared radiation emitted from the surface of the object to monitor the temperature distribution inside the molding chamber 11 to prevent local overheating or temperature abnormalities, and ensure that the curing or sintering process is uniform and stable. The displacement sensor is configured to emit laser or structured light and receive light signals reflected back from the surface of the object.

[0130] In one example, the transparent window can be high temperature resistant glass or transparent polymer to clearly observe the building process. The transparent window can cover all or part of the top of the molding bin 11, and the monitoring component 116 can be directly installed on the transparent window or on the bin top outside the transparent window.

[0131] Exemplarily, a portion of the top of the molding bin 11 is constructed as a combination of multiple inclined planes 115, for example, two or three inclined planes 115 intersect. When two inclined planes 115 are combined, the inclination angles of the two inclined planes 115 may be the same or different; when there are three or more inclined planes 115 combined, the inclination angles of the inclined planes 115 may be all the same, partly the same, or all different. Fig.30A top view of a warehouse roof composed of four inclined planes 115 is shown, including four inclined planes 115115a, 115b, 115c and 115d. The inclination angle of any inclined plane 115 can be about 10° to about 45°, but is not limited thereto. For example, the inclination angle of any inclined plane 115 can be about 10° to about 25°, about 20°, about 25° to about 45°, and the monitoring component 116 can be fully or partially installed on any inclined plane 115, and the top can be fully or partially constructed as a transparent window, which can be located on the inclined plane 115, and the monitoring component 116 can be aligned with the building platform 112 and the objects thereon through the transparent window.

[0132] Exemplarily, a portion of the top of the molding bin 11 is constructed as a dome, and its cross section is semicircular. The semicircular dome can disperse the force and enhance the overall rigidity, and is suitable for reinforced manufacturing equipment that needs to run for a long time. The dome can be a parabolic dome or an elliptical dome or a combination of multiple domes, wherein the parabolic dome is a parabolic curved surface with a higher center and a gradually lower edge, and the parabolic dome can disperse the external load; Fig.31 An elliptical dome structure is shown, in which the elliptical dome presents a long elliptical curved surface along the long axis direction. The elliptical dome makes the internal space of the forming bin 11 evenly distributed, and is suitable for constructing large-area objects; each segment of the multi-segment dome can be divided into zones, for example, the middle segment is higher and the edge segments are flat.

[0133] The top of the above-mentioned forming bin 11 is constructed as a special-shaped structure. Different special-shaped structures can provide a better installation position and angle for the monitoring component 116 to make the monitoring equipment closer to the building area, so that the monitoring component 116 can capture subtle changes in the building process; at the same time, the inclination angle or curvature of the special-shaped structure can match the incident angle requirement of the monitoring component 116 to reduce the glare caused by light reflection, thereby improving the optical incident effect of the monitoring component 116; the imaging quality and accuracy of the monitoring component 116 are improved by the special-shaped structure.

[0134] Exemplarily, an openable and closable cover 117 is also provided on the top of the molding chamber 11, and the cover 117 is used to open or close the chamber opening 111. The cover 117 can be hinged, sliding, or electrically switched, and can be fully or partially opened to ensure that the building platform 112 and the object can be taken out of the chamber opening 111.

[0135] In one example, a seal may be provided on the cover plate 117 and / or the port 111. When not in use, closing the cover plate 117 and the port 111 may prevent leakage of powder material in the molding chamber 11. Fig.32 shown.

[0136] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "exemplary" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0137] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and are not to be construed as limitations on the present application. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and vary the above embodiments within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An additive manufacturing device, comprising: A forming bin with a bin opening on the top; an optical unit docked with the port and configured to generate an irradiation beam and allow the irradiation beam to pass through the port to irradiate the powder material applied layer by layer on the building platform to build the object in layers; and The moving unit is connected to the optical unit and is used to drive the optical unit to move so as to separate the optical unit from the port and to expose the port at least partially, so as to take out the object through the port.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the motion unit comprises: The lifting module is connected to the optical unit and is configured to drive the optical unit to move in a direction perpendicular to the building platform.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the motion unit comprises: The translation module is connected to the optical unit and is configured to drive the optical unit to move in a horizontal direction.

4. The device according to claim 1 further includes a lifting unit, which is connected to the building platform and is configured to drive the building platform to move in the Z-axis direction so that the building platform is lifted out of the molding chamber through the chamber opening.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the height of the forming bin is smaller than the length and / or width.

6. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the height of the forming bin is at least less than half of the length and / or width.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the top of the forming bin is at least partially constructed as an inclined surface, and the inclined surface is used to install a monitoring component to monitor the object building process in the forming bin.

8. The device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one layer of partition, wherein the partition is constructed in the forming bin and has a slot, wherein the slot corresponds to the bin opening in a vertical direction; The optical unit can be docked with the slot; The moving unit is further used to drive the optical unit to move so as to dock with and disengage from the slot.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the at least one layer of partitions includes a first partition and a second partition located below the first partition, the slot is provided on the first partition, and the space below the second partition is formed as a construction space.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein parts of the forming bin are configured to be relatively rotatable and openable, so that after opening and closing, the forming bin is at least partially exposed, so as to remove the object from the exposed portion.

11. A control method for an additive manufacturing device, the additive manufacturing device comprising a molding chamber, an optical unit and a motion unit, the molding chamber having a chamber opening on the top, the optical unit docking with the chamber opening and connected with the motion unit; the method comprising: During additive manufacturing, the motion unit is controlled to drive the optical unit to move to dock with the porthole, so that the irradiation beam generated by the optical unit passes through the porthole to irradiate the powder material applied layer by layer on the building platform to build the object in layers; as well as After additive manufacturing, the motion unit is controlled to drive the optical unit to move so as to separate the optical unit from the port and expose the port at least partially, so as to take out the object through the port.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the additive manufacturing device further comprises a lifting unit connected to the building platform, wherein after controlling the motion unit to drive the optical unit to move so as to separate the optical unit from the port, the method further comprises: The lifting unit is controlled to drive the building platform to move in the Z-axis direction so that the building platform is lifted out of the molding chamber through the chamber opening.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the additive manufacturing equipment further comprises a partition, wherein the partition is constructed in the molding chamber and has a slot, wherein the slot corresponds to the chamber opening in a vertical direction; The method further comprises: During additive manufacturing, the motion unit is controlled to drive the optical unit to move to dock with the slot, so that the irradiation beam generated by the optical unit passes through the slot to irradiate the powder material applied layer by layer on the building platform to build the object in layers; as well as After additive manufacturing, the motion unit is controlled to drive the optical unit to move so that the optical unit is disengaged from the slot and the port in sequence and the port is at least partially exposed, so as to take out the object through the port.

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