Photocuring 3D printer

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of 3D printing, and provides a photocuring 3D printer and a printing method thereof and a computer program product, and the photocuring 3D printer comprises a material disc used for bearing a printing material; the optical system is used for emitting light to solidify the printing material, and the optical system comprises a plurality of light-emitting assemblies, and each light-emitting assembly is used for limiting an illumination subarea; the LCD screen is used for limiting a plurality of display partitions; the printing method comprises the following steps: acquiring a target pattern of a to-be-cured layer of a target object; determining at least one target illumination partition and at least one target display partition associated with the target pattern; wherein the light projection range of the at least one target illumination subarea at least covers the at least one target display subarea. According to the embodiment of the invention, the contrast ratio of the photocuring 3D printer based on the LCD technology can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of 3D printing, and particularly relates to a stereolithography 3D printer, its printing method, and a computer program product. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of 3D printing technology, various types of 3D printing devices have gradually been widely used in people's lives. For example, stereolithography 3D printers based on Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology or Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology.

[0003] When a 3D printer with LED lights and a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) is in use, all the LED lights are turned on, and the angle of the mirrors of the digital micromirror device is adjusted to achieve the adjustment of the light intensity in the target area.

[0004] When a 3D printer with LED lights and an LCD screen is in use, all the LED lights are turned on, and mask adjustment is achieved through the LCD screen.

[0005] The above-mentioned technologies turn on all the LED lights at startup, which is not conducive to energy conservation. In addition, in actual use, even if the LCD screen is adjusted so that light is not allowed to pass through in a predetermined area, due to limitations such as the influence of LCD materials, some light irradiates the predetermined area with a weak light intensity, which may undesirably cure the resin in the predetermined area.

[0006] The aforementioned two printers expose one pattern at a time to achieve surface exposure. This also poses a challenge to the light intensity uniformity of the projected light in the predetermined area. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, an embodiment of this application provides a method for manufacturing a target object using a 3D printing device, which is characterized by including: obtaining the pattern of the first layer of the target object; determining at least one target display partition of the LCD screen associated with the pattern; determining at least one target light-emitting component associated with the pattern; projecting light through the target light-emitting component onto the target display partition to cure the printing material to obtain the first layer, wherein the light projection area of the target light-emitting component at least covers the target display partition.

[0008] In some embodiments, the number of the target light-emitting components is equal to the number of the target display partitions.

[0009] In some embodiments, the number of the target light-emitting components is greater than the number of the target display partitions.

[0010] In some embodiments, the target light-emitting component includes:

[0011] - A first group of light-emitting components associated with the target display partition; and

[0012] - A second group of light-emitting components adjacent to the first group of light-emitting components.

[0013] In some embodiments, a single target light-emitting component is associated with a single target display partition.

[0014] In some embodiments, the light projection area projected by a single target light-emitting component at least covers a single target display partition.

[0015] In some embodiments, the light projection area projected by a single target light-emitting component includes: a single target display partition; and a part of at least one display partition adjacent to the single target display partition.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the light projection area of the at least one target light-emitting component is any one of the following: a triangle, a parallelogram, a regular pentagon, a regular hexagon, a regular octagon, a regular decagon.

[0017] In some embodiments, determining at least one target light-emitting component associated with the pattern includes:

[0018] - Directly determining at least one target light-emitting component associated with the pattern based on the pattern; or

[0019] - Determining at least one target light-emitting component associated with the target display partition based on at least one target display partition associated with the pattern.

[0020] In some embodiments, directly determining at least one target light-emitting component associated with the pattern based on the pattern includes:

[0021] - Providing a base mask associated with a single light-emitting component of the LCD screen and having a gray scale of 0;

[0022] - Performing a Boolean OR operation on the base mask and the pattern;

[0023] - When the gray scale obtained by the Boolean OR operation is greater than 0, determining the single light-emitting component as the target light-emitting component to be activated.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method further includes: establishing a database, and determining the at least one target display partition and the at least one target light-emitting component based on the database, wherein at least one of the following is stored in the database:

[0025] - A first data set, which includes the mapping relationship between the pixel points of the slice pattern and the pixel points of the LCD screen;

[0026] - A second data set, which includes the mapping relationship between the pixel points of the LCD screen and the light-emitting components; or

[0027] - A third data set, which includes the mapping relationship between the pixel points of the slice pattern, the pixel points of the LCD screen, and the light-emitting components.

[0028] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0029] - Obtaining the pattern of the second layer of the target object;

[0030] - Determining at least one target display partition of the LCD screen associated with the pattern of the second layer;

[0031] - Determining at least one target light-emitting component associated with the pattern of the second layer; and

[0032] - Projecting light onto the target display partition through the target light-emitting component to cure the printing material to obtain the second layer.

[0033] The present application also provides an operation method for a stereolithography 3D printing device, the stereolithography 3D printing device including: a carrying device for carrying the printing material; an optical system for emitting light to cure the printing material, the optical system including: a plurality of light-emitting components, each of the light-emitting components defining an illumination partition; and an LCD screen that defines a plurality of display partitions; the operation method including: obtaining a target pattern of a layer to be cured of a target object; determining at least one target illumination partition and at least one target display partition associated with the target pattern, wherein the light projection range of the at least one target illumination partition at least covers the at least one target display partition.

[0034] In some embodiments, the operation method further includes aligning a single illumination partition with a single display partition.

[0035] In some embodiments, the area of a single illumination partition is greater than or equal to the area of a single display partition. Description of the Drawings

[0036] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0037] Figure 1One of the optical path schematic diagrams of the optical system provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0038] Figures 2A - 2B Energy distribution schematic diagram of the spot formed after the light rays emitted by the optical components provided by some embodiments of the present application pass through the collimating component;

[0039] Figure 3 Energy distribution curves of the light rays emitted by multiple optical components before and after fusion on the target plane in the embodiments of the present application;

[0040] Figure 4 Optical path schematic diagram of the optical system provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0041] Figure 5 Optical path schematic diagram of the optical system provided by other embodiments of the present application;

[0042] Figures 6A - 6B Light intensity distribution diagrams of the light rays emitted by the optical components provided by the embodiments of the present application before and after passing through the diffuser;

[0043] Figures 7A - 7B Light intensity distribution curve of the combination of multiple spots provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0044] Figures 8A - 8C Schematic diagram of the optical system with a mask provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0045] Figures 9A - 9D Schematic diagram of the optical system with a mask provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0046] Figures 10A - 10F Schematic diagram of the layout method of the light-emitting component or the collimating lens provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0047] Figure 11 Optical path schematic diagram of the optical system with a light-shielding element provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0048] Figures 12A - 12E Schematic diagram of the structure of the optical module provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0049] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the structure of the light-shielding element provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0050] Figure 14 Illustrates a light-curing 3D printing device according to some embodiments;

[0051] Figure 15 Illustrates a light-curing 3D printing device according to some embodiments;

[0052] Figure 16It is a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0053] Figure 17 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0054] Figure 18 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0055] Figure 19 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0056] Figure 20 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0057] Figure 21 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0058] Figure 22 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the current amplification circuit provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0059] Figure 23 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the current amplification circuit provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0060] Figure 24 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the power supply circuit in the optical system provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0061] Figure 25 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the DC-DC buck circuit provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0062] Figure 26 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0063] Figure 27 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0064] Figure 28 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0065] Figure 29 Shows an optical system according to some embodiments;

[0066] Figure 30 Shows an LCD screen with multiple regions according to some embodiments;

[0067] Figure 31 Shows an image of a single region of an LCD screen according to some embodiments;

[0068] Figure 32Shows the grayscale distribution of the image of the entire LCD screen according to some embodiments;

[0069] Figure 33 Shows the mask for Figure 32 the screen;

[0070] Figure 34 Shows the grayscale distribution of the image after applying the mask;

[0071] Figure 35 Shows the current curve of the screen light intensity - light emitting component according to some embodiments;

[0072] Figure 36 Shows the light emitting component according to some embodiments;

[0073] Figure 37 Shows the grayscale distribution of the images of all the light emitting components of the light emitting module according to some embodiments;

[0074] Figure 38 Shows the light intensity - PWM curve of the light emitting component according to some embodiments;

[0075] Figure 39 Shows the grayscale distribution of the image of the adjusted light emitting component;

[0076] Figure 40 Is a schematic diagram of a 3D printing device according to some embodiments;

[0077] Figure 41 Is a schematic diagram of a printing method according to some embodiments;

[0078] Figures 42A - 42C Is a schematic diagram of a lighting partition according to some embodiments;

[0079] Figure 43 Is a schematic diagram of a lighting image according to some embodiments;

[0080] Figure 44 Is a schematic diagram of a lighting area according to some embodiments;

[0081] Figures 45A - 45D Shows an embodiment of determining the pattern of the slice layer and the associated light emitting components;

[0082] Figure 46 Shows an embodiment for the projection area of a hexagon;

[0083] Figure 47 Shows another embodiment for the projection area of a hexagon;

[0084] Figure 48 Shows a schematic diagram of a 3D printing device according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation Modes

[0085] In the following description, specific details such as specific system architectures and technologies are presented for the purpose of illustration rather than limitation, so as to thoroughly understand the embodiments of the present application. However, those skilled in the art should clearly understand that the present application can also be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other cases, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, devices, circuits, and methods are omitted to avoid unnecessary details from interfering with the description of the present application.

[0086] In addition, in the description of the specification and the appended claims of the present application, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for distinguishing descriptions and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0087] The reference to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" etc. described in the specification of the present application means that specific features, structures, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment are included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, statements such as "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other some embodiments", "in still other embodiments", etc. that appear in different places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways. The terms "comprising", "including", "having" and their variants all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways. "Plurality" means "two" or "more than two".

[0088] Please refer to Figure 1 , the optical system provided by the embodiment of the present application includes a light-emitting component 101, a collimating component 102, and a controller. The light-emitting component 101 is configured to emit light. There are multiple light-emitting components 101 and collimating components 102, and each light-emitting component 101 is configured with a collimating component 102. The collimating component 102 is used to collimate the light emitted by the corresponding light-emitting component 101. The controller is electrically connected to each light-emitting component 101 and can independently control the startup or shutdown of each light-emitting component 101, or control the light-emitting intensity of the light-emitting component 101.

[0089] The light from the light-emitting component 101 passes through the collimating component 102 and irradiates on the target plane 104 to form an illumination area. The illumination areas of two adjacent light-emitting components 101 at least partially overlap to form an overlapping area, and the light intensity of the overlapping area is 80% - 120% of the light intensity of the non-overlapping area in the illumination area, preferably 85% - 115%, preferably 90% - 110%, preferably 95% - 105%, such as 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100%, 101%, 102%, 103%, 104%, 105%.

[0090] The light spot formed by each light-emitting component 101 on the target plane 104 is divided into a central region S201 and a peripheral region S202, and the light intensity of the central region S201 is greater than that of the peripheral region S202. Among them, the light intensity of the central region S201 is basically uniform, and the light intensity of the peripheral region S202 gradually decreases along the direction away from the central region. Taking the example that a single light-emitting component 101 forms a quadrilateral light spot on the target plane 104, refer to Figure 2A , the light intensity of the light spot is strong and uniform within the central region S201, and gradually decreases to zero along the direction away from the central region in the peripheral region S202, and the light intensity distribution is generally an isosceles trapezoid.

[0091] In related designs, bright spots or dark spots are likely to appear in the combined light spots formed by multiple light-emitting components 101, resulting in uneven light spots. Refer to Figure 2B , the light spots formed by two adjacent light-emitting components 101 on the target plane 104 have an overlapping region S210, and the overlapping region S210 is formed by the overlapping of the peripheral regions S202 of the two light spots, for example.

[0092] To avoid bright spots or dark spots, the light intensity of the peripheral region S202 is enhanced through overlapping and is basically the same as the light intensity of the central region S201. In one example, after a light-emitting component 101 emits light, other light-emitting components adjacent to the light-emitting component 101 are controlled to emit light, so that the light intensity of the peripheral region of the light spot of the light-emitting component 101 on the target plane is increased due to the adjacent light-emitting components 101, so that the light intensity of the overlapping region S210 of the light spot is basically the same as the light intensity of the central region S201.

[0093] In one example, the first light-emitting component 101 forms a first illumination region on the target plane 104, and the second light-emitting component 101 adjacent to the first light-emitting component 101 forms a second illumination region on the target plane 104. The first illumination region and the second illumination region form an overlapping region on the target plane 104, and the light intensity of the overlapping region is the sum of the illumination light intensity of the first light-emitting component in the overlapping region and the illumination light intensity of the second light-emitting component in the overlapping region. The light intensity of the non-overlapping region in the first illumination region is the illumination light intensity of the first light-emitting component at the central region of the first illumination region. The light intensity of the non-overlapping region in the second illumination region is the illumination light intensity of the second light-emitting component at the central region of the second illumination region.

[0094] In one example, the light intensity of the non-overlapping area in the first illumination area is the same as the light intensity of the non-overlapping area in the second illumination area. The light intensity of the overlapping area is 80% to 120% of the light intensity of the non-overlapping area in the first illumination area, and is also 80% to 120% of the light intensity of the non-overlapping area in the second illumination area. Thus, the first illumination area and the second illumination area are merged to form a uniform light spot. For example, the light intensity (light power density) of the non-overlapping area in the first illumination area is 30mW / cm 2 The light intensity in the non-overlapping area of the second illumination area is 30mW / cm 2 The light intensity in the overlapping area of the first or second illumination area is 28mW / cm 2 , 29mW / cm 2 、30mW / cm 2 、31mW / cm 2 、32mW / cm 2 .

[0095] In one example, the light intensity of the non-overlapping area in the first illumination area is different from the light intensity of the non-overlapping area in the second illumination area. The light intensity of the overlapping area is 80% to 120% of the light intensity of the non-overlapping area in the first illumination area, and is also 80% to 120% of the light intensity of the non-overlapping area in the second illumination area. Thus, the first illumination area and the second illumination area are merged to form a uniform light spot. For example, the light intensity of the non-overlapping area in the first illumination area is 30mW / cm 2 The light intensity in the non-overlapping area of the second illumination area is 35mW / cm 2 The light intensity in the overlapping area of the first or second illumination area is 30mW / cm 2 、31mW / cm 2 、32mW / cm 2 、33mW / cm 2 、35mW / cm 2 .

[0096] The light emitted by the light-emitting component 101 is ultraviolet light or visible light of a specific wavelength and energy, and the light can act on the printed material to achieve a curing effect. In one embodiment, each light-emitting component 101 has only one LED. In another embodiment, the light-emitting component 101 includes two, three, or more LEDs. In the case where the light-emitting component 101 includes multiple LEDs, the wavelengths of light emitted by the multiple LEDs in the same light-emitting component 101 can be the same or different. The structures of the multiple light-emitting components 101 can be the same or different. For example, some of the multiple light-emitting components 101 include only one LED, and some of the multiple light-emitting components 101 include multiple LEDs. Alternatively, each light-emitting component 101 includes multiple LEDs.

[0097] The "LED" in this document includes various types of LEDs, such as Mini Led and Micro Led. The chip size of the LEDs in this document is, for example, 20μm to 500μm, for example, 40μm to 400μm, for example, 50μm to 200μm.

[0098] In some embodiments, the target plane 104 is an LCD screen.

[0099] In some embodiments, the target plane 104 is a film of a tray containing printing material.

[0100] In some embodiments, the target plane 104 is a mask.

[0101] In some embodiments, the target plane 104 is a plane between a light-emitting component and an LCD screen.

[0102] In some embodiments, the target plane 104 is the liquid surface of the printing material contained in the tray. For example, the light emitted by the light-emitting component 101 directly or indirectly irradiates the liquid surface (upper surface) of the printing material.

[0103] Based on the pattern of the slice layer to be cured of the object, the controller controls at least one of all the light-emitting components 101 to emit light. All the light-emitting components of the optical system are independently controlled. For example, the controller can control 10, 20, or 50 light-emitting components among all the light-emitting components 101 to emit light simultaneously, rather than having to start or turn off all the light-emitting components at the same time.

[0104] In some embodiments, through the design of the installation spacing between two adjacent light-emitting components, the light intensity in the overlapping area of the light spots of two adjacent light-emitting components on the target plane is 80% to 120% of the light intensity in the non-overlapping area. For example, the light intensity in the overlapping area is 90%, 100%, or 110% of the light intensity in the non-overlapping area of the first area.

[0105] For the optical system provided in this application, multiple light-emitting components 101 are independently controlled by the controller. When printing, the controller controls the corresponding one or more light-emitting components 101 to emit light. Compared with the existing light-emitting components that are all on or all off, it can save energy. In addition, in a 3D printer with an LCD screen, the LCD screen used as a mask may allow unwanted light to pass through (for example, when the gray level is set to 0). Although the light intensity of the passing light is weakened, this is also disadvantageous. Some of the light-emitting components 101 of the optical system in this application emit light during operation, while the remaining light-emitting components 101 do not emit light, basically avoiding unwanted light from passing through the mask or the LCD screen and improving the contrast.

[0106] There are 100 to 15,000 light-emitting components 101 installed on the mounting plate. For example, 1,000 light-emitting components 101 are installed on the mounting plate. The overlapping area of two adjacent light-emitting components 101 on the target plane 104 is associated with the mounting dimensions of these two light-emitting components 101.

[0107] For a type of light-curing 3D printing device, the area for exposure is limited by the device size, so the area of the mounting plate (on which multiple light-emitting components are installed) is also limited. Those skilled in the art can understand that on a mounting plate of the same area, a larger number of light-emitting components 101, such as 2,000, can be installed, or a smaller number of light-emitting components 101, such as 180, can be installed. Different numbers of light-emitting components 101 are suitable for different mounting dimensions (such as mounting pitch) and structural designs. In addition, different numbers of light-emitting components 101 are suitable for different types (such as different sizes) of LEDs.

[0108] In some embodiments, multiple (such as 200) light-emitting components 101 are installed on the mounting plate, and the arrangement of these light-emitting components 101 allows the light spots of two adjacent light-emitting components 101 on the target plane 104 to have an overlapping area, such as overlapping only in the edge area of the light spots.

[0109] In some embodiments, multiple (such as 1,000) light-emitting components 101 are installed on the mounting plate, and these light-emitting components 101 are compact. Limited by this compact arrangement and the propagation distance of the light emitted by the light-emitting components, the optical distance between adjacent light-emitting components 101 is inevitable. In other words, the light spots of two adjacent light-emitting components 101 on the target plane 104 have an overlapping area, such as overlapping in a part of the central area and the edge area of the light spot, which makes the light intensity of at least a part of the overlapping area always undesirably greater than that of the non-overlapping area. At least to avoid this defect, the present application makes the area / length of the overlapping area of two adjacent light spots account for half of the area / length of a single light spot (for example, refer to Figure 4 ), which will be described in detail later.

[0110] In some embodiments, the light intensity of the light spot formed after the light emitted by each light-emitting component passes through the collimating component is roughly arranged in an isosceles trapezoid. Refer to Figure 3 , and the light intensity of the light spot formed after the light emitted by three light-emitting components is fused on the target plane is higher in the overlapping area than in the non-overlapping area. In some embodiments, the light intensity in the overlapping area may also be lower than that in the non-overlapping area.

[0111] Refer to Figure 4, the optical system includes a light-emitting component 401, a collimating component 402, and a compound eye array (or diffuser) 403. The compound eye array 403 is disposed on a side of the collimating component 402 away from the light-emitting component 401 for diffusing the light passing through the collimating component 402. The light passing through the compound eye array 403 forms a plurality of light spots on the target plane 404, and adjacent light spots have an overlapping area.

[0112] Refer to Figure 6A the left light spot image. For example, the light spot formed by the light emitted from a single light-emitting component 401 before passing through the compound eye array 403 after passing through the collimating component 402 is a regular hexagon, and the light intensity in the central area of the light spot is relatively strong, while the light intensity in the edge area of the light spot is relatively weak. Refer to Figure 6A the right light spot image. For example, after the light emitted from a single light-emitting component 401 passes through the collimating component 402 and the compound eye array 403 in sequence, it diffuses around, the area of the central area maintaining the original light intensity shrinks, the area of the edge area expands, and the total area of this light spot expands.

[0113] Taking the light of each light-emitting component 401 forming a regular hexagon light spot on the target plane as an example, refer to Figure 6B the left illumination area. The light spots of multiple light-emitting components 401 before entering the compound eye array 403 are formed by splicing multiple regular hexagons. At this time, there is an obvious difference in the light intensity between the overlapping area (in the edge area of the regular hexagon) and the non-overlapping area (in the central area of the regular hexagon), resulting in bright spots during printing. Refer to Figure 6B the right illumination area. The light intensity in most areas (central area) of the combined light spots formed on the target plane 404 after the light emitted by multiple light-emitting components 401 is adjusted by the compound eye array 403 is basically the same.

[0114] Refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6A , thus, when multiple light-emitting components 401 emit light, after the light emitted by each light-emitting component 401 passes through the collimating component 402 and the compound eye array 403 for adjustment, it will diffuse more into the illumination area of adjacent light-emitting components 401. At the same time, the light emitted by adjacent light-emitting components 401 will also diffuse more into the illumination area of this light-emitting component 401. Thus, the size of the overlapping area is increased, and through the superposition of the light of adjacent multiple light-emitting components 401, uniform distribution of light energy is achieved. The central axis distance between two adjacent light-emitting components 401 is d, and after the light emitted by each light-emitting component 401 passes through the corresponding collimating component 402 and is diffused by the compound eye array 403, a light spot with a diameter of D is formed on the target plane 404. Among them, D > d.

[0115] In some embodiments, the central axis of the light-emitting component 401 refers to the geometric center of the LED.

[0116] InFigure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, three light-emitting components 401 are arranged along a predetermined direction such that the light emitted by the middle light-emitting component 401 approaches or reaches the central axes of the light-emitting components 401 on both sides after passing through the collimating component 402 and the fly-eye array 403. Similarly, for each light-emitting component in the light-emitting components 401 on both sides, the light emitted therefrom approaches or reaches the central axis of the middle light-emitting component 401 after passing through the collimating component 402 and the fly-eye array 403. Those skilled in the art can understand that along the predetermined direction in which the light-emitting components 401 are arranged, the length of the overlapping region between the light spot formed by the middle light-emitting component 401 and the light spot formed by an adjacent single light-emitting component 401 is equal to the length of the non-overlapping region. In other words, along the predetermined direction in which the light-emitting components 401 are arranged, the length of the overlapping region between the light spot formed by the middle light-emitting component 401 and the light spot formed by an adjacent single light-emitting component 401 is equal to half of the length of the light spot. As Figure 4 shown, D = 2d, and the light intensity of the overlapping region of the light spot is determined by two light-emitting components 401.

[0117] In Figure 5 the illustrated embodiment, eight light-emitting components 411 are arranged along a predetermined direction such that the light emitted by the third light-emitting component 411 approaches or reaches the central axes of the first and fifth light-emitting components 411 after passing through the collimating component 412 and the fly-eye array 413. Similarly, the light emitted by the fourth light-emitting component 411 approaches or reaches the central axes of the second and sixth light-emitting components 411 after passing through the collimating component 412 and the fly-eye array 413. Similarly, the light emitted by the fifth light-emitting component 411 ultimately approaches or reaches the central axes of the third and seventh light-emitting components 411. The light emitted by the sixth light-emitting component 411 ultimately approaches or reaches the central axes of the fourth and eighth light-emitting components 411. Those skilled in the art can understand that along the predetermined direction in which the light-emitting components are arranged, the length of the overlapping region between the light spot formed by the middle light-emitting component and the light spot formed by an adjacent single light-emitting component is equal to one-fourth of the length of the light spot. As Figure 5 shown, D = 4d, and the light intensity of the overlapping region of the light spot is determined by four light-emitting components.

[0118] Similarly, D = 2*d*n. Where D is the length / diameter of the light spot formed after the light emitted by a single light-emitting component is collimated and diffused; d is the distance between the central axes of two adjacent light-emitting components; and n is an integer, such as 1, 2, 3, 4.

[0119] In Figure 4 and Figure 5 the illustrated embodiment, a first light-emitting component and a second light-emitting component adjacent to the first light-emitting component along a predetermined direction are arranged. The illumination area of the first light-emitting component and the illumination area of the second light-emitting component partially overlap and have an overlapping region.

[0120] In Figure 4 along the aforementioned predetermined direction, the length of the overlapping region is half of the length of the illumination region of the first light-emitting component or the second light-emitting component. Due to the arrangement of the diffuser, when only the first light-emitting component and the second light-emitting component are activated, the total light intensity of the overlapping region is 80% - 120% of the light intensity of the non-overlapping region of the illumination region of the first light-emitting component or the second light-emitting component.

[0121] In Figure 5 along the aforementioned predetermined direction, the length of the overlapping region is three-quarters of the length of the illumination region of the first light-emitting component or the second light-emitting component. Due to the arrangement of the diffuser, the spot size becomes larger and the light intensity uniformity of a single spot becomes lower. When only the first light-emitting component and the second light-emitting component are activated, the total light intensity of the overlapping region is, for example, 180% - 300% of the light intensity of the non-overlapping region of the illumination region of the first light-emitting component or the second light-emitting component. When eight light-emitting components adjacent along the predetermined direction are activated, the light intensity of the overlapping region simultaneously affected by four light-emitting components is substantially uniform.

[0122] For example, the light intensity of the non-overlapping region of the illumination region of the first light-emitting component is 30 mW / cm 2 , and the light intensity of the overlapping region of the illumination region of the first light-emitting component (i.e., the overlapping region of the illumination region of the second light-emitting component) is 60 mW / cm 2 , and the light intensity of the non-overlapping region of the illumination region of the second light-emitting component is 30 mW / cm 2 .

[0123] It can be understood that if three or more light-emitting components adjacent along the predetermined direction are activated simultaneously, all of the illumination regions of one or more of these light-emitting components overlap partially with the other light-emitting components. For example, the illumination region of one light-emitting component overlaps simultaneously with two adjacent illumination regions (see Figure 4 ), or the illumination region of one light-emitting component overlaps simultaneously with three adjacent illumination regions (see Figure 5 ).

[0124] Referring to Figure 7A , the light intensity distribution of the spot after the light rays emitted by the light-emitting component 401 pass through the collimating component 402 and the fly-eye array 403 is parabolic (i.e., high light intensity in the middle and low light intensity at the edges). The light rays emitted by three light-emitting components 401 pass through the collimating component 402 and the fly-eye array 403 in sequence and then fuse on the target plane 404, and the fused spot is approximately an isosceles trapezoid. In other words, the light intensity of most regions of the area irradiated by the light-emitting component is uniform. Referring to Figure 7B, the light emitted by a single light-emitting component 401 has a larger spot size after passing through the collimating component 402 and the fly-eye array 403, and the light emitted by the three light-emitting components 401 is fused on the target plane 404 after passing through the collimating component 402 and the fly-eye array 403 in sequence. Different from Figure 7A , Figure 7B , the area irradiated by the light-emitting component is affected by at most three light-emitting components, while Figure 7A , the area irradiated by the light-emitting component is affected by at most two light-emitting components.

[0125] Combined with Figures 4 - 5 and Figures 7A - 7B , adjusting the distance between the fly-eye array 403 and the target plane 404 can control the size and light intensity of the spot formed on the target plane 404.

[0126] For some embodiments with limited installation size, Figures 4 - 5 the shown solution is advantageous, which fully utilizes the coverage rate of the overlapping area to achieve uniform light intensity instead of avoiding the occurrence of overlapping areas.

[0127] In one embodiment of the present application, only one of the rear type and the front type of each cell of the fly-eye array 403 is a convex surface. In another embodiment of the present application, both the rear type and the front type of each cell of the fly-eye array 403 are convex surfaces.

[0128] In one embodiment of the present application, the cells of the fly-eye array 403 are distributed in a honeycomb arrangement. In addition, the cells of the fly-eye array 403 can also be arranged in a matrix or a spiral. As long as the size of each cell in the fly-eye array 403 is smaller than the size of each cell in the collimating component 402.

[0129] In another embodiment of the present application, the collimation angle of the collimating component 402 (the angle of the light emitted by the light-emitting component after collimation relative to the central axis of the light-emitting component) is -10° to 10°, preferably -5° to 5°, more preferably -2° to 2°. For example, 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 8, the optical system is configured with a first mask 805 to permanently reduce the light intensity of a part of the light emitted by the light-emitting component 801. Refer to Figure 8A, The optical system includes a light-emitting component 801, a collimating component 802, a first mask 805, and a controller. The light-emitting component 801 is configured to emit light. There are multiple light-emitting components 801 and collimating components 802, and each light-emitting component 801 is configured with a collimating component 802. The collimating component 802 is used to collimate the light emitted by the corresponding light-emitting component 801. The first mask 805 is located between the collimating component 802 and the target plane 804. The controller is electrically connected to each light-emitting component 801 and can individually control each light-emitting component 801.

[0131] Refer to Figure 8B , The optical system includes a light-emitting component 801, a collimating component 802, a first mask 805, a compound eye array 803, and a controller. The light-emitting component 801 is configured to emit light. There are multiple light-emitting components 801 and collimating components 802, and each light-emitting component 801 is configured with a collimating component 802. The collimating component 802 is used to collimate the light emitted by the corresponding light-emitting component 801. The first mask 805 is located between the collimating component 802 and the compound eye array 803. The compound eye array 803 is arranged on the side of the collimating component 802 away from the light-emitting component 801, and the compound eye array 803 is used to diffuse the light passing through the collimating component 802. The light emerging from the compound eye array 803 forms an illumination area on the target plane 804. The controller is electrically connected to each light-emitting component 801 and can individually control each light-emitting component 801.

[0132] Refer to Figure 8C , In some embodiments, the first mask 805 includes a frosted area 822 and a transparent area 821. The transparent area 821 is correspondingly arranged with the non-overlapping area of the light-emitting component 801, and the frosted area 822 is correspondingly arranged with the overlapping area to reduce the light intensity of the overlapping area.

[0133] The first mask 805 is configured to permanently reduce the light intensity of the light emitted by multiple light-emitting components 801. The frosted area 822 reduces the intensity of the light while the light passes through, and the transparent area 821 allows the light to pass through smoothly. Specifically, the energy distribution curve of the light emitted by the light-emitting component 801 is an isosceles trapezoid after passing through the collimating component 802, and the waist area of the isosceles trapezoid is modulated by the frosted area 822 of the first mask 805.

[0134] Refer to FIG. 9. The optical system includes a second mask 906, and the second mask 906 is configured to selectively reduce the light emitted by multiple light-emitting components 901. In one embodiment, refer to Figure 9A, the optical system includes a light-emitting component 901, a collimating component 902, a second mask 906, and a controller. The light-emitting component 901 is configured to emit light. There are multiple light-emitting components 901 and multiple collimating components 902, and each light-emitting component 901 is configured with a collimating component 902. The collimating component 902 is used to collimate the light emitted by the corresponding light-emitting component 901. The light passing through the collimating component 902 irradiates on the second mask 906. The second mask 906 is a mask structure disposed in front of the target plane 904, and after the light passes through the second mask 906, an illumination area is formed on the target plane 904. The controller is electrically connected to each light-emitting component 901 and can independently control each light-emitting component 901. In addition, the second mask 906 can be the target plane 904, and the light directly forms an illumination area on the second mask 906 after passing through the collimating component.

[0135] Refer to Figure 9B , the optical system includes a light-emitting component 901, a collimating component 902, a compound eye array 903, a second mask 906, and a controller. The light-emitting component 901 is configured to emit light. There are multiple light-emitting components 901 and multiple collimating components 902, and each light-emitting component 901 is configured with a collimating component 902. The collimating component 902 is used to collimate the light emitted by the corresponding light-emitting component 901. The compound eye array 903 is disposed on the side of the collimating component 902 away from the light-emitting component 901, and the compound eye array 903 is used to diffuse the light passing through the collimating component 902. The second mask 906 is a mask structure in front of the target plane 904, and the light passing through the compound eye array 903 irradiates on the second mask 906 and then forms an illumination area on the target plane 904. The controller is electrically connected to each light-emitting component 901 and can independently control each light-emitting component 901. Alternatively, the second mask 906 can be the target plane 904.

[0136] See Figure 9C , the optical system includes a light-emitting component 901, a collimating component 902, a first mask 905, a second mask 906, and a controller. The light-emitting component 901 is configured to emit light. There are multiple light-emitting components 901 and multiple collimating components 902, and each light-emitting component 901 is configured with a collimating component 902. The collimating component 902 is used to collimate the light emitted by the corresponding light-emitting component 901. The second mask 906 is the target plane 904, and the light passing through the collimating component 902 first passes through the first mask 905 and the light intensity is permanently reduced and then irradiates on the second mask 906. The controller is electrically connected to each light-emitting component 901 and can independently control each light-emitting component 901.

[0137] Refer to Figure 9D, The optical system includes a light-emitting component 901, a collimating component 902, a first mask 905, a compound eye array 903, a second mask 906, and a controller. The light-emitting component 901 is configured to emit light. There are multiple light-emitting components 901 and multiple collimating components 902, and each light-emitting component 901 is configured with a collimating component 902. The collimating component 902 is used to collimate the light emitted by the corresponding light-emitting component 901. The compound eye array 903 is disposed on the side of the collimating component 902 away from the light-emitting component 901, and the compound eye array 903 is used to diffuse the light passing through the collimating component 902. The first mask 905 is disposed between the collimating component 902 and the compound eye array 903. The second mask 906 is disposed on the side of the compound eye array 903 away from the collimating component 902. Optionally, the second mask 906 is a mask structure in front of the target plane 904. The light passing through the compound eye array 903 irradiates on the second mask 906, and after passing through the second mask 906, it irradiates on the target plane 904 to form an illumination area. The controller is electrically connected to each light-emitting component 901 and can independently control each light-emitting component 901. In addition, the second mask 906 can also directly serve as the target plane, and the light passing through the compound eye array 903 directly forms a printed image on the second mask 906.

[0138] The second mask 906 only allows the light in a specific area to pass through, and can selectively reduce the intensity of the local light, so as to form a specific pattern and cure the printing material.

[0139] The arrangement of the light-emitting components and the splicing of the collimating lenses in the collimating component in the present application will be introduced below with reference to FIG. 10.

[0140] The arrangement of multiple light-emitting components 1001 can be matrix, honeycomb or spiral, or can be randomly arranged. The shape of each collimating lens in the collimating component can be geometric shapes such as square, circular, regular hexagon, etc. The array pattern of each lens in the compound eye array is the same as the array pattern of each collimating lens in the collimating component. Refer to Figure 10A , Multiple light-emitting components 1001 are arranged in the form of a square array, the collimating lens 1011 is rectangular, and the light-emitting center of the light-emitting component 1001 coincides with the center of the collimating lens 1011.

[0141] Refer to Figure 10B , Multiple light-emitting components 1001 are arranged in a square array, the collimating lens 1021 is circular, multiple circular collimating lenses 1021 are arranged in the form of a square array, and the light-emitting center of the light-emitting component 1001 is located at the center of the circular collimating lens 1021.

[0142] Refer to Figure 10C and Figure 10D , Multiple light-emitting components 1001 are arranged in a staggered manner in multiple rows and columns. Refer to Figure 10C, the collimating lens includes a square lens 1041 and an octagonal lens 1031, and the square lens 1041 is located in the gap formed after the octagonal lenses 1031 are spliced. Refer to Figure 10D , the collimating lens is a circular lens, and the larger circular lenses 1051 are arranged in a square array, and smaller circular lenses 1061 are embedded in the splicing gaps of the circular lenses 1051. Refer to Figure 10E , multiple regular hexagonal collimating lenses 1071 are spliced. Refer to Figure 10F , multiple circular collimating lenses 1081 are randomly arranged, and the light-emitting center of the light-emitting component 1001 is coaxially arranged with the center of the collimating lens 1081.

[0143] Refer to Figure 11 , the optical system includes a light-emitting component 1101, a light-shielding element 1107, a collimating component 1102 and a fly-eye array 1103. The light-shielding element 1107 (such as a grille) is arranged between the light-emitting component 1101 and the collimating component 1102. The light-shielding element 1107 includes a plurality of channels, and the plurality of channels are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of light-emitting components 1101, so that each channel allows only the light emitted by the corresponding light-emitting component 1101 to pass through. The light passing through the channels sequentially passes through the collimating component 1102 and the fly-eye array 1103 and irradiates on the target plane 1104 to form an illumination area. The light intensity in the overlapping area among the plurality of light-emitting components 1101 is 80% - 120% of the light intensity in the non-overlapping area.

[0144] The central axis of the channel is coaxial with the central axis of the light-emitting component 1101. Each light-emitting component 1101 uses the light-shielding element 1107 to ensure the expected light projection shape. For example, a plurality of regular hexagonal channels are provided in the light-shielding element 1107, and the light emitted by the light-emitting component 1101 forms a regular hexagonal light projection area after passing through the channels. In addition, the channels can also be geometric shapes such as triangles, parallelograms (rectangles), isosceles trapezoids, regular octagons, and regular decagons.

[0145] For the optical system provided by the embodiments of the present application, by arranging the light-shielding element 1107 between the light-emitting component 1101 and the collimating section, the interference between the light from a single light-emitting component 1101 and the light from an adjacent light-emitting component 1101 can be reduced.

[0146] Each light-emitting component 1101 includes at least one LED. The optical system further includes a dead pixel detection device for detecting whether the LED is damaged. The controller controls each light-emitting component 1101 according to the detection information of the dead pixel detection device. In one embodiment, if the dead pixel detection device detects that the LED is damaged, the controller controls the movement of the exposure area on the LCD screen, and replaces the damaged light-emitting component 1101 by lighting the undamaged light-emitting components 1101. In another embodiment, if the dead pixel detection device detects that the LED is damaged, the controller controls the movement of multiple light-emitting components 1101 so that the light-emitting components 1101 corresponding to the exposure area on the LCD screen are all undamaged light-emitting components 1101. In yet another embodiment, if the dead pixel detection device detects that the LED is damaged, the controller controls the light-emitting components 1101 adjacent to the damaged LED to increase the light intensity.

[0147] In another embodiment of the present application, the light-emitting component includes multiple LEDs, and the light rays emitted by the multiple LEDs in the same light-emitting component have the same wavelength band. By providing two, three or more LEDs in each light-emitting component, when one of the LEDs is damaged, it is ensured that the light-emitting component can still be used normally, avoiding the light intensity of the display area corresponding to the light-emitting component being basically zero after a single LED is damaged.

[0148] In another embodiment of the present application, the light-emitting component includes a first LED and a second LED. The first LED is used for light rays in a first wavelength band, and the second LED is used for emitting light rays in a second wavelength band, and the first wavelength band is different from the second wavelength band.

[0149] Taking the light-emitting component emitting ultraviolet light as an example, ultraviolet light includes long-wave ultraviolet (UVA), medium-wave ultraviolet (UVB) and short-wave ultraviolet (UVC). The wavelength range of UVA is 315nm - 400nm, the wavelength range of UVB is 280nm - 315nm, and the wavelength range of UVC is 100nm - 280nm. The first LED and the second LED emit ultraviolet light in different wavelength bands. For example, the central wavelength of the light rays emitted by the first LED is 385nm, belonging to long-wave ultraviolet; the central wavelength of the light rays emitted by the second LED is 205nm, belonging to short-wave ultraviolet. The combination of the two realizes mixed light and improves the printing effect.

[0150] For the optical system provided by the present application, the light-emitting component includes a first LED and a second LED, and the light rays emitted by the first LED and the second LED have different wavelength bands, which can adapt to the printing requirements of multiple wavelength bands and print more efficiently and accurately.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 12, an optical module provided by the present application is introduced. This optical module is used to implement the functions of the above optical system. Referring to FIG. 12, it includes a mounting plate 1201, a collimating lens array 1203, a grating or light-shielding element 1202, and a controller. The light-shielding element 1202 is located between the mounting plate 1201 and the collimating lens array 1203. The mounting plate 1201 includes a plurality of light-emitting components, and each light-emitting component can emit light. The light-shielding element 1202 has a plurality of channels, and the plurality of channels are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of light-emitting components. The plurality of collimating components 1102 in the collimating lens array 1203 are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of light-emitting components. The controller is electrically connected to the plurality of light-emitting components and can individually control the on / off of each light-emitting component.

[0152] The light emitted by the light-emitting component passes through the channel and is collimated by the collimating lens array 1203. The central axis of the light-emitting component is coaxial with the central axis of the channel. Part of the light emitted by the light-emitting component is projected onto the collimating lens array 1203 through the channel, and the other light is blocked, making the boundary of the light source projected onto the collimating lens array 1203 clearer. Moreover, by setting the light-shielding element 1202, the area of the light spot projected onto the collimating lens array 1203 can be adjusted, so that the area of the overlapping region between two adjacent light spots is controllable, which helps to adjust the light intensity in the overlapping region. Optionally, the cross-section of the channel is rectangular, and the light-emitting center of the light-emitting component is located at the center of the rectangle. With the help of the channel, a rectangular light-emitting surface can be obtained. Alternatively, referring to Figure 13 , a plurality of channels 1301 are provided on the light-shielding element 1302. The cross-section of the channel 1301 is a regular hexagon, and the light-emitting center of the light-emitting component is located at the center of the regular hexagon. With the help of the channel 1301, a regular hexagon light-emitting surface can be obtained. In addition, the cross-section of the channel can also be triangular, regular octagonal, etc. In this regard, the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations.

[0153] In the optical module provided by this embodiment, a light-shielding element 1202 is arranged between the mounting plate 1201 and the collimating lens array 1203. With the help of the light-shielding element 1202, the collimating lens array 1203 is supported, and crosstalk between the light-emitting components is prevented by a plurality of channels arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of light-emitting components, making the boundary of the light source clearer and making the area of the overlapping region of the light spots passing through the collimating components controllable, which helps to improve the exposure quality.

[0154] Referring to Figure 12A , 12B, 12C and 12D, the compound eye lens array 1204 is disposed on a side of the collimating lens array 1203 away from the light-shielding element 1202. The radiator 1205 is disposed on a side of the light-emitting component away from the collimating lens array 1203 for cooling the light-emitting component. Specifically, the radiator 1205 includes a plate body and heat dissipation fins disposed on one side of the plate body. A side of the plate body facing away from the heat dissipation fins is attached to the mounting plate 1201. A heat dissipation gap is formed between adjacent heat dissipation fins. By providing the heat dissipation fins, the contact area between the radiator 1205 and the air is increased, and the heat dissipation efficiency is improved. Optionally, the plate body and the heat dissipation fins are of an integral structure and are made of a material with good heat conduction performance, so as to accelerate the discharge of heat and avoid the influence of heat accumulation on the service life of the optical component.

[0155] Refer to Figure 12E , a transfer board 1206 is mounted on a side of the mounting plate 1201. The transfer board 1206 is electrically connected to the mounting plate 1201 to supply power to each light-emitting component. A circuit is provided on the transfer board 1206. Refer to Figure 12A , 12B and 12C, the transfer board 1206 is parallel to the stacking direction of the mounting plate 1201, the light-shielding element 1202, the collimating lens array 1203, and the compound eye lens array 1204, and is disposed on a side of the mounting plate 1201. The transfer board 1206 is connected to an external power supply device to supply power to each light-emitting component. The controller is electrically connected to the transfer board 1206, and each light-emitting component is controlled through the circuit provided on the transfer board 1206.

[0156] Figure 14 FIG. shows a light-curing 3D printing device according to some embodiments. The light-curing 3D printing device (or additive manufacturing system) includes a driving assembly 1410 and a forming platform 1420. A solid layer is cured layer by layer on the forming platform 1420 to form a printed object, and the driving assembly 1410 can drive the forming platform 1420 to move in the vertical direction based on an instruction from a controller (not shown). The light-curing 3D printing device further includes a carrying device 1430, which is in the form of, for example, a trough, a box, a container, or a plate, and can carry or hold photosensitive materials with different viscosities. When the carrying device 1430 is, for example, a container, the carrying device 1430 includes an elastic and at least partially transparent film 1432. When the forming platform 1420 moves close to the film and stays at a predetermined position, light is provided to cure the photosensitive material to form a current cured layer, and the current cured layer adheres to both the forming platform 1420 and the film 1432 simultaneously. To continue forming the next cured layer, the forming platform 1420 and the current cured layer adhered thereto move away from the film 1432 to release the adhesion between the current cured layer and the film. After the forming platform 1420 (and the current cured layer) is peeled off from the film 1432, the forming platform 🏃‍♂️ moves close to the film to prepare for forming the next cured layer. The light-curing 3D printing device further includes an optical system, and the optical system is used to provide uniform optical radiation in a predetermined area of the film.Figure 14 The optical system shown includes an LCD screen 1440 and an optical module 1450. The optical module 1450 is, for example, the optical module described above, which can independently control the opening and closing of each light-emitting component and can also adjust the light intensity of each light-emitting component (e.g., by adjusting the drive current or PWM). The LCD screen 1440 is configured to selectively allow light to pass through. Alternatively, the optical system of some light-curing 3D printing devices includes a DMD component.

[0157] Figure 15 A light-curing 3D printing device according to still other embodiments is shown. The light-curing 3D printing device (or additive manufacturing system) includes a drive component 1510 and a forming platform 1520. Solid layers are cured layer by layer on the forming platform 1520 to form a printed object, and the drive component 1510 can drive the forming platform 1520 to move in the vertical direction based on the instructions of a controller (not shown). The light-curing 3D printing device further includes a carrying device 1530, which is in the form of, for example, a trough, a box, or a container and can carry or hold photosensitive materials with different viscosities. The carrying device 1530 contains a liquid material, and the forming platform 1520 is immersed in the liquid material. When the forming platform 1520 moves close to the liquid surface 1532 of the liquid material and stays at a predetermined position, light is provided to cure the photosensitive material to form the current cured layer, and the current cured layer adheres to the forming platform 1520. To continue forming the next cured layer, the forming platform 1520 moves away from the liquid surface 1532. Thereafter, wait for the liquid surface to level naturally or use a squeegee (not shown) to level the liquid surface 1532 to ensure a flat surface for the next cured layer. The light-curing 3D printing device further includes an optical system for providing uniform optical radiation in a predetermined area of the film. Figure 15 The optical system shown includes an LCD screen 1540 and an optical module 1550. The optical module 1550 is, for example, the optical module described above, which can independently control the opening and closing of each light-emitting component and can also adjust the light intensity of each light-emitting component (e.g., by adjusting the drive current or PWM). The LCD screen 1540 is configured to selectively allow light to pass through. Alternatively, the optical system of some light-curing 3D printing devices includes a DMD component.

[0158] This application also provides a light-curing 3D printing device, including a material tray and an optical system, wherein the optical system is the optical system of any of the above-described embodiments. The material tray is used to carry the printing material. The light emitted by the optical system cures the printing material.

[0159] The printing material is a photosensitive resin material. The light-curing 3D printing device includes the optical system, the material tray, and the forming platform as described above. Among them, the optical system may include the optical module as described above. The forming platform is connected to a lifting mechanism, and under the action of the lifting mechanism, the forming platform can approach or move away from the material tray.

[0160] As Figure 16 shown, a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system of the light-curing 3D printer provided by the embodiment of the present application is exemplarily shown. The optical system 1600 includes a plurality of light-emitting components 1601, and each light-emitting component 1601 includes an LED. The controller 1602 of the optical system 1600 includes a plurality of channels CH1, CH2, …, CHm1, and each channel is used to provide a driving current, and the controller 1602 can independently control each light-emitting component 1601. In Figure 16 it, each LED is electrically connected to at least two (such as 2, 3, 4 or more) channels and is connected to the first driving voltage V1.

[0161] The total number A1 of the light-emitting components 1601 depends, for example, on the forming size of the light-curing 3D printer and the area of the illumination partition of a single light-emitting component 1601. A1 is, for example, any number from 100 to 15000, such as 100, 170, 200 or 15000.

[0162] In some embodiments, n channels are set for the light-emitting component 1601, where n≥2. The number of channels for different light-emitting components may be different. For example, 3 channels are set for the first light-emitting component, and 5 channels are set for the second light-emitting component.

[0163] In some embodiments, the channels set for the light-emitting component 1601 are redundant. For example, 6 channels are set for the light-emitting component. During normal operation, only 4 channels are used, and the remaining 2 channels are spare. When any normal channel fails, the LED electrically connected to the failed channel can be connected to the spare channel.

[0164] In some embodiments, the maximum number of channels to which a single light-emitting component or a single LED is electrically connected is B1, the driving current of each channel is I, and the maximum power of a single light-emitting component or a single LED is P, and P = U1×(I×B1).

[0165] In actual use, a single LED is electrically connected to a part of the channels, for example, n channels (n < B1) are connected, and at this time the power of the LED is P = U1×(I×n).

[0166] Figure 16 In the corresponding embodiment, by configuring each LED to be electrically connected to at least two channels of the controller 1602, the driving current required for independent control of a single UV LED can be provided by combining the driving currents of at least two channels, meeting the desired radiation power of the UV LED.

[0167] For example, the driving current allowed for a single channel of a commercially available UV LED's single driving chip is 40 mA to 80 mA. After passing through a circuit arrangement such as Figure 14 , the driving current flowing through a single UV LED can be 160 mA to 400 mA. By increasing the driving current flowing through a single UV LED, the luminous power of the UV LED is increased.

[0168] As Figure 17 shown, a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system of the light-curing 3D printer provided by the embodiment of the present application is exemplarily shown. The optical system 1700 includes a plurality of light-emitting components 1701, and each light-emitting component 1701 includes a plurality of LEDs. The controller 1702 of the optical system 1700 includes a plurality of channels CH1, CH2, …, CHm2, and each channel is used to provide a path of driving current, and the controller 1702 is used to independently control each light-emitting component 1701.

[0169] In Figure 17 , each LED is electrically connected to at least two (such as 2, 3, 4 or more) channels and is connected to the first driving voltage V1.

[0170] The total number A2 of the light-emitting components 1701 depends, for example, on the forming size of the light-curing 3D printer and the area of the lighting partition of a single light-emitting component 1701. A2 is, for example, any number from 100 to 15000, such as 100, 170, 200 or 15000.

[0171] In some embodiments, n channels are provided for the light-emitting component 1701, where n ≥ 2. The number of channels for different light-emitting components may be different. For example, 3 channels are provided for each LED in the first light-emitting component, and 5 channels are provided for each LED in the second light-emitting component.

[0172] In some embodiments, the channels provided for the light-emitting component 1701 are redundant. For example, 6 channels are provided for each LED in the light-emitting component. During normal operation, each LED in the light-emitting component only uses 4 channels, and the remaining 2 channels are spare. When any normal channel fails, the LED connected to the failed channel can be connected to the spare channel.

[0173] In some embodiments, the maximum number of channels to which a single LED is electrically connected is B2, the driving current of each channel is I, and the maximum power of a single LED is P, and P = U2 × (I × B2).

[0174] During actual use, a single LED is electrically connected to a part of the channels, for example, connected to n channels (n < B2). At this time, the power of the LED is P = U2 × (I × n).

[0175] In some embodiments, the number of LEDs included in different light-emitting components may be the same or different, and can be configured according to actual needs. For example, 2 LEDs are configured for the first light-emitting component, and 3 LEDs are configured for the second light-emitting component.

[0176] In some embodiments, the maximum number of channels to which different LEDs are electrically connected may be the same or different, and can be configured according to actual needs. For example, the maximum number of channels to which the first LED is electrically connected is B21, and the maximum number of channels to which the second LED is electrically connected is B22. Figure 17 In the corresponding embodiment, by configuring each LED to be electrically connected to at least two channels of the controller 1702, the driving currents of at least two channels can be combined to provide the relatively high driving current required for independent control of a single UV LED, meeting the desired radiation power of the UV LED.

[0177] For example, the driving current allowed by a single channel of a commercially available single driving chip for a UVLED is 40 mA to 80 mA. After, for example Figure 15 such a circuit arrangement, the driving current flowing through a single UV LED can be 160 mA to 400 mA. By increasing the driving current flowing through a single UV LED, the luminous power of the UV LED is increased.

[0178] As Figure 18 shown, a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system of the light-curing 3D printer provided by the embodiment of the present application is exemplarily shown. The optical system 1800 includes a plurality of light-emitting components 1801, and each light-emitting component 1801 includes an LED. The controller 1802 of the optical system 1800 includes a plurality of channels CH1, CH2,..., CHm3, and each channel is used to provide a driving current path. The controller 1802 is used to independently control each light-emitting component 1801.

[0179] In Figure 18 , each LED is electrically connected to a current amplification circuit 1803, and each current amplification circuit 1803 is electrically connected to a channel and is connected to the second driving voltage V2.

[0180] The total number A3 of the light-emitting components 1801, for example, depends on the forming size of the light-curing 3D printer. The area of the illumination partition of a single light-emitting component 1601 is, for example, any number among 100 to 15000, such as 100, 170, 200, or 15000.

[0181] In some embodiments, n current amplification circuits 1803 are provided for the light-emitting component 1801, where n≥1. The number of current amplification circuits for different light-emitting components may be different. For example, 1 current amplification circuit 1803 is provided for the first light-emitting component, and 2 current amplification circuits 1803 are provided for the second light-emitting component.

[0182] In some embodiments, the channels provided for the current amplification circuit 1803 are redundant. For example, 2 channels are provided for the current amplification circuit. During normal operation, only 1 channel is used, and the remaining 1 channel is spare. When any normal channel fails, the current amplification circuit electrically connected to the failed channel can be connected to the spare channel. In some embodiments, the maximum current amplification factor of the current amplification circuit 1803 is E3, the driving current of each channel is I, and the maximum power of a single LED is P, where P = U2×(I×E3).

[0183] During actual use, the current amplification factor of the current amplification circuit 1803 can be adjusted. For example, the current amplification factor is E31 (E31 < E3), and at this time the power of the LED is P = U2×(I×E31).

[0184] In some embodiments, the maximum current amplification factors of the current amplification circuits electrically connected to different LEDs can be the same or different, and can be configured according to actual needs. For example, the maximum current amplification factor of the current amplification circuit electrically connected to the first LED is E32, and the maximum current amplification factor of the current amplification circuit electrically connected to the second LED is E33. Figure 18 In the corresponding embodiments, by enabling each LED to be electrically connected to at least one current amplification circuit 1803 and enabling each current amplification circuit to be electrically connected to at least one channel, the driving current can be amplified by the current amplification circuit to provide the relatively high driving current required for independent control of a single UV LED, meeting the desired radiation power of the UV LED.

[0185] For example, the driving current allowed for a single channel of a commercially available single driving chip of a UV LED is 40 mA to 80 mA. After, for example, Figure 18 such a circuit arrangement, the driving current flowing through a single UV LED can be 160 mA to 400 mA. By amplifying the driving current flowing through a single UV LED by the current amplification circuit, the light-emitting power of the UV LED is increased.

[0186] Such as Figure 19As shown, a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system of the light-curing 3D printer provided by an embodiment of the present application is exemplarily shown. The optical system 1900 includes a plurality of light-emitting components 1901, and each light-emitting component 1901 includes a plurality of LEDs. A controller 1902 of the optical system 1900, the controller 1902 includes a plurality of channels CH1, CH2, …, CHm4, each channel is used to provide a driving current, and the controller 1902 is used to independently control each light-emitting component 1901.

[0187] In Figure 19 it, each LED is electrically connected to a current amplification circuit 1903, and each current amplification circuit 1903 is electrically connected to a channel and accesses a second driving voltage V2.

[0188] The total number A4 of the light-emitting components 1901 depends, for example, on the forming size of the light-curing 3D printer. The area of the illumination partition of a single light-emitting component 1901 is any number in, for example, 100 to 15000, such as 100, 170, 200, or 15000.

[0189] In some embodiments, n current amplification circuits are provided for the light-emitting components, where n≥1. The number of current amplification circuits for different light-emitting components may be different. For example, 2 current amplification circuits are provided for the first light-emitting component, and 3 current amplification circuits are provided for the second light-emitting component.

[0190] In some embodiments, the channels provided for the current amplification circuit 1903 are redundant. For example, 3 channels are provided for the current amplification circuit. During normal operation, only 1 channel is used, and the remaining 2 channels are standby channels. When any normal channel fails, the current amplification circuit electrically connected to the failed channel can be connected to the standby channel.

[0191] In some embodiments, the maximum current amplification multiple of each current amplification circuit 1903 is E4, the driving current of each channel is I, and the maximum power of a single LED is P, P = U2×(I×E4).

[0192] During actual use, the current amplification multiple of the current amplification circuit 1903 can be adjusted. For example, the current amplification multiple is E41 (E41 < E4), and at this time the power of the LED is P = U2×(I×E41).

[0193] In some embodiments, the maximum current amplification factors of the current amplification circuits to which different LEDs are electrically connected may be the same or different, and can be configured according to actual needs. For example, the maximum current amplification factor of the current amplification circuit to which the first LED is electrically connected is E42, the maximum current amplification factor of the current amplification circuit to which the second LED is electrically connected is E43, and the maximum current amplification factor of the current amplification circuit to which the third LED is electrically connected is E44.

[0194] Figure 19 In the corresponding embodiments, by electrically connecting each LED to a current amplification circuit 1903 and electrically connecting each current amplification circuit to a channel, the driving current can be amplified by the current amplification circuit to provide the relatively high driving current required for independent control of a single UV LED, meeting the desired radiation power of the UV LED.

[0195] For example, the driving current allowed for a single channel of a single driving chip of a commercially available UV LED is 40 mA to 80 mA. After, for example, Figure 19 such a circuit arrangement, the driving current flowing through a single UV LED can be 160 mA to 400 mA. By amplifying the driving current flowing through a single UV LED by the current amplification circuit, the luminous power of the UV LED is increased.

[0196] In an application, the magnitude U1 of the first driving voltage V1 and the magnitude U2 of the second driving voltage V2 may be the same or different, and can be configured according to actual needs. For example, U1 = U2 = 4V.

[0197] As Figure 20 shown, a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system of the light-curing 3D printer provided by the embodiments of the present application is exemplarily shown. The optical system 2000 includes a plurality of light-emitting components 2001, and each light-emitting component 2001 includes an LED. The controller 2002 of the optical system 2000 includes a plurality of channels CH1, CH2,..., CHm5, and each channel is used to provide a path of driving current, and the controller 2002 can independently control each light-emitting component 2001.

[0198] In Figure 20 each LED includes a plurality of diced sub-LED wafers 20011, 20012, 20013, the plurality of sub-LED wafers are connected in series, and are electrically connected to a channel of the controller 2002 and connected to a third driving voltage V3.

[0199] The total number A5 of the light-emitting components 2001 depends, for example, on the forming size of the light-curing 3D printer and the area of the lighting partition of a single light-emitting component 1801. A5 is, for example, any number among 100 to 15000, such as 100, 170, 200, or 15000.

[0200] In some embodiments, n channels are provided for the light-emitting component 2001, where n≥2. The number of channels for different light-emitting components may be different. For example, 3 channels are provided for the first light-emitting component, and 5 channels are provided for the second light-emitting component.

[0201] In some embodiments, the channels provided for the light-emitting component 2001 are redundant. For example, 6 channels are provided for the light-emitting component. During normal operation, only 4 channels are used, and the remaining 2 channels are spare. When any normal channel fails, the LEDs electrically connected to the failed channel can be connected to the spare channel.

[0202] In some embodiments, the maximum number of channels electrically connected to a single light-emitting component or a single LED is B1, and the driving current of each channel is I. Then the maximum power of a single light-emitting component or a single LED is P, and P = U3×(I×B1).

[0203] During actual use, a single LED is electrically connected to a part of the channels, for example, n channels (n < B1). At this time, the power of the LED is P = U3×(I×n).

[0204] Figure 20 In the corresponding embodiment, by making each LED include multiple diced sub-LED wafers connected in series, without changing the luminous power of a single LED, the driving current required for a single LED is reduced and the driving voltage required for a single LED is increased. By making the multiple series-connected sub-LED wafers electrically connected to at least one channel of the controller and connected to a higher driving voltage (i.e., the third driving voltage V3), without increasing the driving current of a single channel, the required driving current can be provided when independently controlling a single UV LED and the higher driving voltage required for the multiple series-connected sub-LED wafers can be satisfied, meeting the desired radiation power of the UV LED.

[0205] For example, the driving current allowed for a single channel of a single driving chip of a commercially available UV LED is 40 mA to 80 mA, and the driving voltage of a single UV LED is 4V. After, for example Figure 20 such circuit arrangement, the driving current allowed for a single channel of a single driving chip can remain unchanged. By increasing the driving voltage of a single UV LED, the luminous power of this UV LED is increased.

[0206] Such as Figure 21As shown, a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system of the light-curing 3D printer provided by an embodiment of the present application is exemplarily shown. The optical system 2100 includes a plurality of light-emitting components 2101, and each light-emitting component 2101 includes a plurality of LEDs. The controller 2102 includes a plurality of channels CH1, CH2, …, CHm6, and each channel is used to provide a driving current, and the controller 2102 can independently control each light-emitting component 2101.

[0207] In Figure 21 it, each LED includes a plurality of diced sub-LED wafers connected in series, and is electrically connected to one channel of the controller 2102 and accesses the third driving voltage V3.

[0208] The total number A6 of the light-emitting components 2101 depends, for example, on the forming size of the light-curing 3D printer and the area of the lighting partition of a single light-emitting component 2101. A6 is, for example, any number from 100 to 15000, such as 100, 170, 200, or 15000.

[0209] In some embodiments, n channels are set for the light-emitting component 2101, where n≥2. The number of channels for different light-emitting components may be different. For example, 3 channels are set for the first light-emitting component, and 5 channels are set for the second light-emitting component.

[0210] In some embodiments, the channels set for the light-emitting component 2101 are redundant. For example, 6 channels are set for the light-emitting component. During normal operation, only 4 channels are used, and the remaining 2 channels are spare. When any normal channel fails, the LEDs electrically connected to the failed channel can be connected to the spare channel.

[0211] In some embodiments, the maximum number of channels to which a single light-emitting component or a single LED is electrically connected is B2, the driving current of each channel is I, and the maximum power of a single light-emitting component or a single LED is P, P = U3×(I×B2).

[0212] During actual use, a single LED is electrically connected to a part of the channels, for example, n channels (n < B2), and at this time the power of the LED is P = U3×(I×n).

[0213] In some embodiments, the number of LEDs included in different light-emitting components may be the same or different, and can be configured according to actual needs. For example, 2 LEDs are configured for the first light-emitting component, and 3 LEDs are configured for the second light-emitting component.

[0214] In some embodiments, the maximum number of channels to which different LEDs are electrically connected can be the same or different, and can be configured according to actual needs. For example, the maximum number of channels to which the first LED is electrically connected is B21, and the maximum number of channels to which the second LED is electrically connected is B22.

[0215] Figure 21 In the corresponding embodiments, by making each LED include a plurality of diced sub-LED wafers connected in series, while the luminous power of a single LED remains unchanged, the drive current required for a single LED is reduced and the drive voltage required for a single LED is increased. By connecting the plurality of series-connected sub-LED wafers to at least one channel of the controller and applying a high drive voltage (i.e., the third drive voltage V3), without increasing the drive current of a single channel, the required drive current can be provided when independently controlling a single UV LED and the relatively high drive voltage required for the plurality of series-connected sub-LED wafers can be satisfied, meeting the desired radiation power of the UV LED. For example, the drive current allowed for a single channel of a commercially available single drive chip for a UVLED is 40 mA to 80 mA, and the drive voltage of a single UV LED is 4 V. After, for example Figure 21 such a circuit arrangement, the drive current allowed for a single channel of a single drive chip can remain unchanged. By increasing the drive voltage of a single UV LED, the luminous power of the UVLED is increased.

[0216] In some embodiments, the magnitude U3 of the third drive voltage V3 is greater than the magnitude U1 of the first drive voltage V1 and the magnitude U2 of the second drive voltage V2, i.e., U3 > U1 and U3 > U2. When the requirement for the maximum luminous power P of a single LED remains unchanged and the maximum drive current I that each channel of the controller can provide remains unchanged, U3 = U1 × B2 = U2 × E4. Considering that there may be power losses for the plurality of series-connected sub-LED wafers relative to an undiced single LED, U3 can be set to be greater than U1 × B2, where U1 × B2 = U2 × E4. In some embodiments, in the same optical system, each LED can adopt any one of the above configurations, and different LEDs can adopt different configurations, i.e., multiple different configurations can coexist in the same optical system, and can be selected according to actual requirements such as cost, process complexity, volume, etc., with high configuration flexibility.

[0217] In the above embodiments, the maximum luminous power P of the LED and the maximum drive current I that each channel of the controller can provide are respectively the inherent operating performance parameters of the LED and the controller, which are determined by the types and performances of the LED and the controller selected by the user.

[0218] In some embodiments, each light-emitting component includes a plurality of LEDs that emit ultraviolet light. The plurality of LEDs that emit ultraviolet light include a first LED and a second LED, wherein the light-emitting band of the first LED is different from that of the second LED. Alternatively, each light-emitting component includes a plurality of LEDs that emit ultraviolet light. The plurality of LEDs that emit ultraviolet light include a first LED and a second LED, wherein the light-emitting band of the first LED is the same as that of the second LED.

[0219] In the embodiments of the present application, by configuring a plurality of LEDs with different light-emitting wavelengths within the illumination area defined by the same light-emitting component, the optical system can project patterns of multiple bands onto the printing material in a time-sharing or simultaneous manner, which can meet the printing requirements of different materials or different processes, and can switch the light-emitting wavelength of the optical system without replacing the light-emitting board.

[0220] In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs with the same light-emitting wavelength include a main LED and at least one corresponding standby LED.

[0221] In some embodiments, by configuring a plurality of LEDs with the same light-emitting wavelength within the illumination area defined by the same light-emitting component, using one of the LEDs as the main LED and the remaining LEDs as the corresponding standby LEDs, when the main LED or some of the standby LEDs are detected as dead pixels, the remaining standby LEDs can be lit to ensure the continuity of illumination.

[0222] In an application, any light-emitting component may include a main LED with the same light-emitting wavelength and at least one corresponding standby LED. The light-emitting wavelength of the main LED and the corresponding at least one standby LED may be in the ultraviolet band or the blue light band. The ultraviolet band and the blue light band can be set according to actual needs. For example, the central wavelength of the ultraviolet band can be 405 nm or 385 nm.

[0223] As Figure 22 shown, a schematic structural diagram of the current amplification circuit provided by the embodiments of the present application is exemplarily shown. Among them, the current amplification circuit 2200 includes a first resistor unit 2201, a second resistor unit 2202, and a transistor unit 2203;

[0224] The first end of the first resistor unit 2201 is electrically connected to the input end of the transistor unit 2203 and is connected to the second driving voltage V2, and the second end of the first resistor unit 2201 is electrically connected to the first end of the second resistor unit 2202 and is connected to the driving current Iset;

[0225] The second end of the second resistor unit 2202 is electrically connected to the controlled end of the transistor unit 2203;

[0226] The output end of the transistor unit 2203 is electrically connected to an LED.

[0227] In an application, both the first resistor unit 2201 and the second resistor unit 2202 can be implemented by one resistor or multiple resistors connected in series. The transistor unit 2203 can be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field-effect transistor (FET). Among them, the BJT transistor can be a PNP transistor or an NPN transistor, and the FET transistor can be an N-channel junction field-effect transistor (JFET), a P-channel JFET, an N-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), a P-channel MOSFET, an enhancement-mode MOSFET, or a depletion-mode MOSFET.

[0228] As Figure 23 shown, an exemplary second structural schematic diagram of the current amplification circuit provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown. Among them, the first resistor unit 2301 includes a first resistor R1, the second resistor unit 2302 includes a second resistor R2, and the transistor unit 2303 includes a PNP transistor Q1. The emitter, base, and collector of the PNP transistor Q1 respectively constitute the input terminal, controlled terminal, and output terminal of the transistor unit 2303.

[0229] As Figure 24 shown, an exemplary structural schematic diagram of the power supply circuit in the optical system provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown. Among them, the power supply circuit 2400 includes multiple buck circuits 2401, 2402, 2403, such as DC-DC (direct current to direct current) buck circuits. The multiple DC-DC buck circuits 2401, 2402, 2403 are respectively used to convert the input power supply voltage Vin into drive voltages Vout1, Vout2,..., Vout3.

[0230] In an application, since all the LEDs in the optical system are essentially in parallel and the required total current is relatively high, if only one or a few DC-DC buck circuits are used to provide the drive voltage, it is easy for the line to overheat due to the excessive current that a single DC-DC buck circuit needs to bear. Therefore, multiple DC-DC buck circuits need to be set up to share the large current to achieve overcurrent protection and overheat protection. In addition, since the DC-DC buck circuit also has a bucking function, it can achieve overvoltage protection. The total number of DC-DC buck circuits can be set according to the current-carrying capacity of the DC-DC buck circuit, and is at least two, that is, n≥2.

[0231] In an application, each DC-DC buck circuit can be implemented by a DC-DC buck chip, and different DC-DC buck circuits can use the same or different types of DC-DC buck chips.

[0232] In an application, the magnitude of the power supply voltage Vin can be configured as any voltage greater than the driving voltages required by the LEDs in the optical system according to actual needs. For example, the magnitude of the power supply voltage Vin can be 24V.

[0233] In an application, according to the configuration modes adopted by the LEDs in the optical system, the driving voltages Vout1, Vout2, and Vout3 output by the multiple buck circuits 2401, 2402, and 2403 can include at least one of the first driving voltage V1, the second driving voltage V2, and the third driving voltage V3. For example, in the case of adopting the configuration mode in the optical system 1600 or 1700, Vout1 = Vout2 = Vout3 = V1. For example, in the case of adopting the configuration mode in the optical system 1800 or 1900, Vout1 = Vout2 = Vout3 = V2. For example, in the case of adopting the configuration mode in the optical system 2000 or 2100, Vout1 = Vout2 = Vout3 = V3.

[0234] As Figure 25 shown, a schematic structural diagram of the buck circuit provided by an embodiment of the present application is exemplarily shown. The buck circuit 2500 includes a buck circuit 2501 (such as a DC-DC buck circuit) and a voltage regulating circuit 2502;

[0235] The buck circuit part is composed of an input capacitor, a power supply controller chip 2503, a high-side switch transistor, a low-side switch transistor, an inductor, and an output capacitor, and is connected in the structure of a Buck buck topology;

[0236] The input end of the input capacitor and the input end VIN of the power supply controller chip 2503 are connected to the power supply voltage Vin, and the output end of the input capacitor is grounded;

[0237] The high-side pin HO of the power supply controller chip 2503 is electrically connected to the controlled end of the high-side switch transistor, the voltage output pin LX of the power supply controller chip 2503 is electrically connected to the output end of the high-side switch transistor, one end of the inductor, and the input end of the low-side switch transistor, the low-side pin LO of the power supply controller chip 2503 is electrically connected to the controlled end of the low-side switch transistor, the feedback pin FB of the DC-DC power supply controller chip 2503 is electrically connected to the second end of the resistor R2 and the first end of the resistor R4, and the ground pin GND of the power supply controller chip 2503 is grounded;

[0238] The input end of the high-side switch transistor is connected to the power supply voltage Vin;

[0239] The output terminal of the low-voltage side switching tube is grounded;

[0240] The second end of the inductor is electrically connected to the input end of the output capacitor and the first end of the resistor R1 to provide the driving voltage Vout;

[0241] The output terminal of the output capacitor is grounded;

[0242] The second end of the resistor R1, the first end of the resistor R2, and the first end of the resistor R4 are electrically connected, and the second end of the resistor R3 is grounded;

[0243] The voltage regulating circuit 2502 is composed of a PWM / DAC voltage regulating unit 2504 and a processor 2505;

[0244] The input end of the PWM / DAC voltage regulating unit 2504 is electrically connected to the processor 2505, and the output end Vset of the PWM / DAC voltage regulating unit 2504 is electrically connected to the second end of the resistor R4.

[0245] Since the voltage at the feedback pin FB of the DC-DC power controller chip 2503 remains basically unchanged, generally 0.6V or 0.8V, etc., depending on the internal voltage reference, and Vout and Vfb generally have a fixed multiple relationship through the voltage division relationship of two resistors in series, the output Vout is constant. Calculate the adjustable range of Vout based on the LED voltage parameter information, and determine the values of R1, R2, R3, and R4 according to the voltage change range of the introduced DAC / PWM voltage regulating unit 2304, so as to dynamically adjust the multiple relationship between Vout and Vfb, and finally adjust the magnitude of Vout.

[0246] In the application, the buck circuit 2500 is any one of multiple buck circuits 2501, 2102, 2203, that is, Vout is equal to any one of Vout1, Vout2, Vout5.

[0247] In the embodiment of the present application, by using multiple DC-DC buck circuits to convert a larger power supply voltage into smaller driving voltages required for each LED in the optical system, the functions of overheat protection, overcurrent protection, and overvoltage protection can be achieved while providing the driving voltage.

[0248] Such as Figure 26 As shown, an exemplary circuit schematic diagram of the optical system of the light-curing 3D printer provided by the embodiment of the present application is shown, where the optical system 2600 includes a processor 2603 electrically connected to a controller 2601 and a power supply circuit 2602;

[0249] A controller 2601, configured to control the drive current Iset of each channel according to instructions given by a processor 2603. When the drive voltage Vout associated with any channel is lower than a corresponding first preset voltage, it indicates that the drive current Iset of this channel is too large at this time and the drive voltage Vout output by the power supply circuit 2602 is too low, and a corresponding low-voltage warning signal needs to be output to the processor 2603. When the drive voltage Vout associated with any channel is higher than a corresponding second preset voltage, it indicates that the drive current Iset of this channel is too small at this time and the drive voltage Vout output by the power supply circuit 2602 is too high, and a corresponding high-voltage warning signal needs to be output to the processor 2603;

[0250] A processor 2603, configured to control the pulse-width modulation (PWM) voltage regulation signal or digital-to-analog converter (DAC) voltage regulation signal output to the power supply circuit 2602 according to each low-voltage warning signal to increase the drive voltage Vout output by the power supply circuit 2602, and control the PWM voltage regulation signal or DAC voltage regulation signal output to the power supply circuit 2602 according to each high-voltage warning signal to decrease the drive voltage Vout output by the power supply circuit 2602.

[0251] In an application, the controller 2601 can be Figures 16 - 21 any one of the controllers in Figure 26 Figure 0000659 exemplarily shows the drive current Iset of any one channel in the controller 2601 and the drive voltage Vout output by the power supply circuit 2602. Vout can be any one of Vout1, Vout2, and Vout3.

[0252] It should be understood that, based on Figures 16 - 21 the configuration of each channel in any one of the controllers in

[0253] each channel is not directly connected to the drive voltage Vout, but is connected to the drive voltage Vout through an LED, a current amplification circuit, or a plurality of sub-LED wafers connected in series; among them, there is no signal input to the redundant channel, and the drive current Iset of the redundant channel = 0A.

[0254] In an application, while keeping the magnitude of the driving voltage Vout unchanged, the processor 2603 can control the magnitude of the driving current Iset output by each channel of the controller 2601 through a software control method to adjust the light-emitting power of the corresponding LED. The software control method is implemented based on a computer program running in the processor 2603. The user can perform human-machine interaction with the processor 2603 through any human-machine interaction method to adjust the light-emitting power of each LED, and the processor 2603 can also automatically control the light-emitting power of each LED according to the printing requirements.

[0255] As Figure 27 shown, a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system of the light-curing 3D printer provided by an embodiment of the present application is exemplarily shown. The optical system 2700 includes a processor 2702 electrically connected to a controller 2701;

[0256] The controller 2701 is configured to determine whether each channel is short-circuited or open-circuited according to the driving current Iset of each channel, and output a corresponding short-circuit signal to the processor 2702 when any channel is short-circuited, and output a corresponding open-circuit signal to the processor 2702 when any channel is open-circuited;

[0257] The processor 2702 is configured to locate the LED electrically connected to the corresponding channel as a bad pixel according to the short-circuit signal or the open-circuit signal to implement bad pixel detection.

[0258] In an application, the controller 2701 can determine that a channel is short-circuited when the driving current Iset of any non-redundant channel > I + ΔI, and determine that a channel is open-circuited when the driving current Iset of any non-redundant channel = 0A, where ΔI is the maximum error allowed by the maximum driving current I that the channel can provide.

[0259] In an application, when receiving a short-circuit signal or an open-circuit signal, the processor 2702 can locate the position of the LED electrically connected to the corresponding channel and mark it as a bad pixel to implement bad pixel detection.

[0260] In one embodiment, the processor 2702 is further configured to enable a corresponding spare LED when any primary LED is located as a bad pixel;

[0261] When at least one spare LED includes multiple spare LEDs and some of the spare LEDs are located as bad pixels, enable one remaining spare LED.

[0262] In an application, when at least one light-emitting component includes multiple LEDs with the same emission wavelength, and these multiple LEDs with the same emission wavelength include a primary LED and at least one corresponding backup LED, the processor 2702 can, when any primary LED is positioned as a dead pixel, control the controller 2701 to provide a drive current Iset to a corresponding backup LED to enable (i.e., light up) the corresponding backup LED; when at least one backup LED includes multiple backup LEDs, if the activated backup LED is also defined as a dead pixel, the processor 2702 controls the controller 2701 to provide a drive current Iset to the next backup LED to enable the next backup LED, and so on, until any primary LED and all its corresponding backup LEDs are detected as dead pixels, a corresponding dead pixel alarm signal can be sent through any human-machine interaction device connected by electricity to remind the user. The user can choose to replace the light-emitting panel or replace or repair the dead pixel.

[0263] As Figure 28 shown, a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system of the light-curing 3D printer provided by an embodiment of the present application is exemplarily shown. The optical system 2800 includes:

[0264] A light-emitting panel 2801, and multiple light-emitting components are arranged in an array on the light-emitting panel 2801;

[0265] A processor 2802, electrically connected to the controller 2603, and the processor 2802 is used for:

[0266] In the direct current (DC) dimming mode, control the controller 2803 to output analog current signals of different magnitudes to each LED, obtain the light intensity of each LED under the analog current signals of different magnitudes based on the light intensity acquisition device 2804, and fit the power-current relationship between the power of the light-emitting panel 2801 and the magnitude of the analog current signal according to the analog current signals of different magnitudes and the light intensity of each LED under the analog current signals of different magnitudes;

[0267] In the PWM dimming mode, control the controller 2803 to output PWM signals with different duty cycles to each LED, and obtain the light intensity of each LED under the PWM signals with different duty cycles based on the light intensity acquisition device 2804;

[0268] According to the power-current relationship, the PWM signals with different duty cycles, and the light intensity of each LED under the PWM signals with different duty cycles, obtain the power of each LED under the PWM signals corresponding to different light intensities, so as to obtain the PWM value-power relationship between the power of each LED and the duty cycle of the PWM signal;

[0269] In the hybrid dimming mode, according to the target power and the PWM value-power relationship between the power of each LED and the duty cycle of the PWM signal, the controller 2803 is controlled to output the magnitude of the analog current signal to the light-emitting panel 2801 and the duty cycle of the PWM signal of each LED, so as to adjust the light intensity of the light-emitting panel 2801 and keep the light intensity of each LED consistent.

[0270] In applications, the light intensity acquisition device 2804 can be an image capture device (e.g., a camera or any device with a camera) or a contact probe (e.g., a photometer).

[0271] In applications, the processor 2802 can first draw the light intensity-current curve (i.e., the PI curve) of a single LED according to the analog current signals of different magnitudes and the light intensity of a single LED under the analog current signals of different magnitudes. For example, if the light-emitting panel 2801 includes A LEDs, then A PI curves need to be drawn; and then, based on the fitting of the A PI curves, the power-current relationship between the power of the light-emitting panel 2801 and the magnitude of the analog current signal is obtained. The processor 2802 can also first draw the light intensity-current curves of multiple LEDs according to the analog current signals of different magnitudes and the light intensity of multiple LEDs under the analog current signals of different magnitudes. For example, if the light-emitting panel 2801 includes B groups of LEDs, and each group of LEDs includes multiple LEDs, then B PI curves need to be drawn; and then, based on the fitting of the B PI curves, the power-current relationship between the power of the light-emitting panel 2801 and the magnitude of the analog current signal is obtained.

[0272] In applications, the processor 2802 can establish the corresponding relationship between the PWM signals of different duty cycles and the light intensity of each LED under the PWM signals of different duty cycles, and store the corresponding relationship in the memory. The corresponding relationship can specifically exist in the form of a corresponding relationship table. Based on this corresponding relationship, when the processor 2802 needs to adjust the light intensity of multiple LEDs to a consistent preset light intensity, it can determine the duty cycle of the PWM signal required for each LED under the preset light intensity according to the preset light intensity and the corresponding relationship, and drive each LED based on the duty cycle of the PWM signal required for each LED under the preset light intensity, so as to adjust the light intensity of multiple LEDs to be consistent and achieve the calibration of the light intensity difference between different LEDs.

[0273] In an application, the processor in each of the above embodiments may be a central processing unit (CPU), and the processor may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0274] In an application, the memory may be an internal storage unit of the processor in some embodiments, for example, a memory. The memory may also be an external storage device electrically connected to the processor in other embodiments, for example, a plug-in hard disk, a smart media card (SMC), a secure digital (SD) card, a flash card, etc. Further, the memory may also include both an internal storage unit and an external storage device. The memory is used to store an operating system, application programs, a boot loader, data, and other programs, such as program codes of computer programs. The memory may also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or is to be output.

[0275] The optical system of the present application is applied to a light-curing 3D printing device or an additive manufacturing system. The light-curing 3D printing device includes a driving component and a forming platform. On the forming platform, solid layers are cured layer by layer to form a printed object, and the driving component can drive the forming platform to move in the vertical direction based on the instructions of a controller. The light-curing 3D printing device further includes a carrying device, which is in the form of, for example, a trough, a box, a container or a plate, and can carry or hold photosensitive materials with different viscosities. When the carrying device is a container, for example, the carrying device includes an elastic and at least partially transparent film. When the forming platform moves close to the film and stays at a predetermined position, light is provided to cure the photosensitive material to form the current cured layer, and the current cured layer adheres to both the forming platform and the film at the same time. To continue forming the next cured layer, the forming platform and the current cured layer adhered thereto move away from the film to release the adhesion between the current cured layer and the film. After the forming platform (and the current cured layer) is peeled off from the film, the forming platform moves close to the film to prepare for forming the next cured layer. The light-curing 3D printing device further includes an optical system, and the optical system is used to provide uniform optical radiation in a predetermined area of the film. An optical system includes an LCD screen and an optical module. The optical module can independently control the opening and closing of each light-emitting component, and can also adjust the light intensity of each light-emitting component (for example, by adjusting the driving current or PWM). The LCD screen is configured to selectively allow light to pass through. Alternatively, the optical system of some light-curing 3D printing devices includes a DMD component.

[0276] The optical system of the present application can also be applied to the light-curing 3D printing device of some other embodiments. The light-curing 3D printing device (or additive manufacturing system) includes a driving component and a forming platform. On the forming platform, solid layers are cured layer by layer to form a printed object, and the driving component can drive the forming platform to move in the vertical direction based on the instructions of a controller (not shown). The light-curing 3D printing device further includes a carrying device, which is in the form of, for example, a trough, a box or a container, and can carry or hold photosensitive materials with different viscosities. The carrying device contains a liquid material, and the forming platform is immersed in the liquid material. When the forming platform moves close to the liquid surface of the liquid material and stays at a predetermined position, light is provided to cure the photosensitive material to form the current cured layer, and the current cured layer adheres to the forming platform. To continue forming the next cured layer, the forming platform moves away from the liquid surface. Thereafter, wait for the liquid surface to level naturally or use a squeegee (not shown) to level the liquid surface, so as to ensure a flat surface for the next cured layer. The light-curing 3D printing device further includes an optical system, and the optical system is used to provide uniform optical radiation in a predetermined area of the film. The optical system includes an LCD screen and an optical module. The optical module is, for example, the optical module described above, which can independently control the opening and closing of each light-emitting component, and can also adjust the light intensity of each light-emitting component (for example, by adjusting the driving current or PWM). The LCD screen is configured to selectively allow light to pass through. Alternatively, the optical system of some light-curing 3D printing devices includes a DMD component.

[0277] An optical system for a 3D printer provided according to some embodiments of the present application includes an optical module and an LCD screen. The optical module includes a plurality of light-emitting components, and each light-emitting component can be controlled to be independently turned on or off or to adjust the power. The light emitted by the light-emitting components reaches the LCD screen and selectively passes through the LCD screen due to the setting of the LCD screen.

[0278] The inventors recognized that the light-emitting properties of each UV LED of the plurality of light-emitting components of the optical module are not exactly the same. For example, under the same driving voltage and driving current, the error in the light intensity or light power density of different 10 UV LEDs is, for example, 1% to 5%. In addition, there are also errors in the performance of the plurality of liquid crystals of the LCD screen under the same optical radiation.

[0279] At least to improve the uniformity of the radiation of the optical system, the present application provides some solutions. For example, the present application detects the light intensity distribution of the optical system on the LCD screen and performs compensation or adjustment to achieve uniform light intensity output of the optical system. In other embodiments, the present application respectively detects the light intensity distribution of the optical system at the optical module and the LCD screen and respectively performs compensation or adjustment to achieve uniform light intensity output of the optical system.

[0280] In some embodiments, the LCD screen is calibrated. Figure 29 The illustrated optical system includes a light source 2910 and an LCD screen 2930, and the light source 2910 projects light onto the LCD screen 2930. The light source 2910 is, for example, the optical module of the present application or other light sources that provide substantially uniform radiation.

[0281] It can be understood that if the light source 2910 provides uniform radiation, the intensity of the light passing through the LCD screen 2930 is uniform. In fact, the intensity of the light passing through the LCD screen 2930 is not uniform, for example, because one or more liquid crystals of the LCD screen 2930 are unqualified or damaged. An image acquisition device 2950 (such as a camera or a video camera) is used to capture a predetermined pattern, and then the gray values of multiple regions of the image are obtained. The gray value of each region can represent the light intensity of that region.

[0282] In some embodiments, the non-uniform gray levels of multiple regions of the image indicate that the light with uniform light intensity has non-uniform light intensity after passing through the current LCD screen. At this time, a mask can be applied on the LCD screen to adjust or compensate the light intensity of the light passing through one or more regions of the LCD screen.

[0283] Multiple ways can be used to obtain the gray-scale image of the screen.

[0284] In some embodiments, the image acquisition device is used to capture all regions of the screen.

[0285] In some embodiments, a partial area of the screen is photographed using an image acquisition device, and then the photographing is repeated at least once.

[0286] In some embodiments, some areas of the screen are photographed only once.

[0287] In some embodiments, some areas of the screen are photographed repeatedly at least twice.

[0288] Figure 30 An LCD screen divided into multiple areas is shown. In Figure 30 In the illustrated embodiment, the LCD screen has 16 areas.

[0289] The area of the photographing area 3030 of the image acquisition device is advantageously larger than that of a single area 3010, which reduces, for example, the optical error of the image acquisition device.

[0290] The image acquisition device acquires the light intensity distribution of the light passing through the screen, for example, by photographing 16 times.

[0291] In some embodiments, the image acquisition device photographs the image of a single area 3010 each time. After repeating 16 times, the images of all areas of the LCD screen are obtained.

[0292] Alternatively, the image photographed by the image acquisition device covers a single area 3010, and two images partially overlap, so that a single bright point is photographed twice. After repeating 16 times, the images of all areas of the LCD screen are obtained.

[0293] Figure 31 An image of a single area of the LCD screen is shown. By setting the light-emitting component and / or the LCD screen, multiple points 3240 in a single area 3110 are illuminated. It can be understood that a single point 3140 has different pixel sizes. For example, a single point 3240 includes 2x2 pixels, 4x4 pixels, 8x10 pixels, 12x12 pixels. Fewer pixels in a single point are beneficial to increasing the image acquisition efficiency or calibration efficiency of the LCD screen, while more pixels in a single point are beneficial to increasing the image acquisition accuracy or calibration accuracy of the LCD screen.

[0294] After acquiring the images of multiple areas of the LCD screen, they can be combined or merged to obtain the image of the entire screen. The gray levels of different areas in the image can represent the light intensities of different areas of the LCD screen.

[0295] Figure 32The grayscale distribution of the image of the entire screen is shown. The grayscale of screen 3210 is 156 in one area, 138 in an adjacent area, and 128 in the remaining areas. It can be understood that the grayscales of multiple areas of screen 3210 are inconsistent. Therefore, the light intensity of the light passing through multiple areas of screen 3210 is uneven on screen 3210.

[0296] Figure 33 Shows a mask for the Figure 32 screen, Figure 34 and shows the grayscale distribution of the image after the mask is applied. Mask 3310 is applied to screen 3210 to weaken the light intensity of at least one area of screen 3210 with a higher light intensity. After the mask is applied to the screen, the light intensity of the light passing through the screen is uniform in multiple areas of the screen, as Figure 34 shown.

[0297] When multiple light-emitting components of the optical module can be independently controlled, the light-emitting intensity of the light-emitting components can be adjusted to achieve light intensity adjustment at the LCD screen.

[0298] In Figure 32 the illustrated embodiment, the grayscales of the areas with grayscales of 156 and 138 are greater than the grayscales of the remaining areas. The light intensity of these two areas can be reduced so that the grayscale values of all areas of the obtained grayscale image are basically 128. For example, reduce the light intensity of the light-emitting component that projects light to this area. Specifically, by reducing the drive current or PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) of the light-emitting component.

[0299] Alternatively, the light intensity of some areas can be increased so that the grayscale values of all areas of the obtained grayscale image are basically 156. For example, increase the light intensity of the light-emitting component that projects light to these areas. Specifically, by increasing the drive current or PWM of the light-emitting component.

[0300] In some embodiments, the light intensity performance of a single area of the test screen under different drive currents or PWMs of the light-emitting component is tested, and a mapping table or curve graph is made based on the results of multiple tests.

[0301] Figure 35 Shows the screen light intensity - current curve of the light-emitting component according to some embodiments. This curve is obtained by fitting multiple test data, for example. When the drive current of the light-emitting component is Ia, the light intensity of the screen is Pa. When the drive current of the light-emitting component is Ib, the light intensity of the screen is Pb.

[0302] In some embodiments, when it is desired to reduce the light intensity of the screen from Pb to Pa, the drive current of the light-emitting component can be adjusted to Ia.

[0303] In some embodiments, when the light intensity of the desired screen rises from Pa to Pb, the drive current of the light-emitting component can be adjusted to Ib.

[0304] It can be understood that when using an optical module or optical system capable of independently controlling multiple light-emitting components, the drive current or PWM of at least one light-emitting component among all the light-emitting components is changed to change the light intensity of this at least one light-emitting component, and thus change the light intensity of the display area of the screen associated with this at least one light-emitting component.

[0305] In some embodiments, light intensity uniformity calibration is performed on the optical module or the light-emitting component. For example, an image acquisition device (camera or video camera) is used to photograph at least two light-emitting components

[0306] Figure 36 The light-emitting components divided into multiple groups are shown. In Figure 36 In the illustrated embodiment, the LCD screen has 9 groups. Each group has at least one light-emitting component, such as 1, 2, 3, 4. Each light-emitting component includes at least one LED, such as a single LED or multiple LEDs. The wavelength bands of the light emitted by the multiple LEDs can be the same or different.

[0307] The area of the shooting area 3630 of the image acquisition device is advantageously larger than the area of the light-emitting components of a single group 3610, which reduces the optical error of the image acquisition device, for example.

[0308] The image acquisition device acquires the light intensity distribution of the emitted light through, for example, 9 shootings.

[0309] In some embodiments, the image acquisition device shoots an image of a single group 3610 each time. After repeating 9 times, images of all the light-emitting components are obtained.

[0310] Alternatively, the image acquired by the image acquisition device covers a single group 3610, and two images partially overlap so that a single bright spot is photographed twice. After repeating 9 times, images of all the light-emitting components are obtained.

[0311] Alternatively, the image acquired by the image acquisition device at one time covers the light-emitting components of all the groups.

[0312] Figure 37 The gray-scale distribution of the images of all the light-emitting components is shown. The gray scale of the light-emitting component 3710 is 230 in one area, 210 in another area, and 220 in the remaining areas. The gray scales of multiple areas are inconsistent, for example, due to the different light-emitting performances of the UVLEDs of different light-emitting components.

[0313] It is possible to adjust the driving current or PWM of the light-emitting component to adjust the light intensity of the light-emitting component. For example, increasing the driving current to obtain increased light intensity, or decreasing the PWM to obtain decreased light intensity.

[0314] Figure 38 Shows the light intensity - PWM curve of the light-emitting component according to some embodiments. This curve is obtained by fitting data from multiple tests, for example. When the PWM of the light-emitting component is PWM1, the light intensity of the screen is P1. When the PWM of the light-emitting component is PWM2, the light intensity of the screen is P2.

[0315] In some embodiments, when it is desired to reduce the light intensity of the screen from P2 to P1, the PWM of the light-emitting component can be adjusted to PWM1.

[0316] In some embodiments, when it is desired to increase the light intensity of the screen from P1 to P2, the PWM of the light-emitting component can be adjusted to PWM2.

[0317] Figure 39 Shows the gray-scale distribution of the image of the adjusted light-emitting component. The gray scale of the images of all the light-emitting components 3710 is 220. For example, by adjusting the driving current or PWM of one or more light-emitting components, the light intensity of the light-emitting component is increased or decreased.

[0318] In some embodiments, first, the light intensity uniformity of the light-emitting components of the light-emitting module is adjusted (for example, by adjusting the driving current or PWM) to make the light intensity emitted by the light-emitting components uniform. Then, under the radiation of the adjusted light-emitting components, the light intensity uniformity of the light passing through the LCD screen is adjusted, for example, by applying a mask.

[0319] In some embodiments, under a reference light source (which emits light with uniform light intensity), the light intensity uniformity of the light passing through the LCD screen is adjusted, for example, by applying a mask. Independently, the light intensity uniformity of the light-emitting components of the light-emitting module is adjusted (for example, by adjusting the driving current or PWM) to make the light intensity emitted by the light-emitting components uniform.

[0320] It can be understood that when using an optical module or optical system capable of independently controlling multiple light-emitting components, the driving current or PWM of at least one light-emitting component among all the light-emitting components is changed to change the light intensity of this at least one light-emitting component, and thus change the light intensity of the display area of the screen associated with this at least one light-emitting component.

[0321] In some embodiments, optical calibration is also performed on the image capturing device so that the gray scales of the images obtained by the image capturing device under a reference light source (emitting light with uniform light intensity) are consistent.

[0322] In some embodiments, when obtaining the light intensity performance of light passing through an LCD screen, for example, an optical probe is alternatively used to detect the light intensity distribution instead of using an image capturing device to obtain the grayscale distribution.

[0323] As Figure 40 shown, a schematic diagram of a light-curing 3D printer provided by some embodiments of the present application is exemplarily shown. Among them, the light-curing 3D printer 4000 includes a material tray 4001 and an optical system. The material tray 4001 is used to carry or accommodate printing materials, and the optical system is used to emit and transmit light to cure the printing materials in the material tray 4001. The optical system includes: a light-emitting plate or a light-emitting module 4002 provided with a plurality of light-emitting components, each light-emitting component being used to define an illumination partition 4003; and an LCD screen 4004, which is used to define a plurality of display partitions.

[0324] Each light-emitting component 4002 includes one or more LEDs. The total number of light-emitting components 4002 can be configured according to actual needs. The total number of illumination partitions 4003 is the same as the total number of light-emitting components 4002. For example, any number from 100 to 15000, such as 120, 170, 200, 500, 1000, 1032, 2000, 5000, 8000, or 10000. The more the number of illumination partitions 4003, the higher the light-emitting control accuracy of the light-curing 3D printer 27 and the higher the achievable contrast.

[0325] In some embodiments, the slice layer to be cured requires light to pass through a predetermined number of display partitions to form a solid layer with a predetermined pattern. The same number of light-emitting components (or rather, providing the same number of illumination partitions) is activated to achieve exposure. For example, when curing a certain layer, it is necessary to make light pass through 50 consecutive or discrete display partitions. At this time, 50 illumination partitions corresponding in position are provided, and the light provided by a single illumination partition passes through a single display partition.

[0326] In some embodiments, the slice layer to be cured requires light to pass through a predetermined number of display partitions to form a solid layer with a predetermined pattern. More than the predetermined number of light-emitting components (or rather, providing more than the predetermined number of illumination partitions) is activated to achieve exposure. For example, when curing a certain layer, it is necessary to make light pass through 50 consecutive or discrete display partitions. At this time, 60 illumination partitions corresponding in position are provided, and the light provided by these illumination partitions irradiates 60 display partitions. However, due to the mask adjustment strategy of the LCD screen, the light basically only passes through 50 display partitions.

[0327] In an application, each lighting partition 4003 corresponds to one or more display partitions. Alternatively, one or more lighting partitions 4003 correspond to one display partition. The specific correspondence can be configured according to actual needs. As long as it is ensured that the light projection range of each lighting partition 4003 on the LCD screen covers at least one or more display partitions corresponding thereto, or the light projection range of one or more lighting partitions 4003 on the LCD screen covers at least one display partition corresponding thereto.

[0328] In an application, the total number of display partitions is determined by the quantity correspondence between the lighting partitions 4003 and the display partitions. For example, if each lighting partition 4003 corresponds to one display partition, the total number of display partitions is the same as the total number of lighting partitions 4003.

[0329] The number of liquid crystal pixels included in a single display partition, for example, is equal to the total number of liquid crystal pixels included in the LCD screen (i.e., the resolution) divided by the total number of display partitions.

[0330] In an application, the size (i.e., cross-sectional area) of the LCD screen 4004 and the total size (i.e., cross-sectional area) of the plurality of light-emitting components 4002 can be configured according to actual needs. For example, the cross-sectional area of the LCD screen 4004 is greater than or equal to the total cross-sectional area of the plurality of light-emitting components 4002.

[0331] As Figure 41 shown, a schematic diagram of the printing method provided by an embodiment of the present application is exemplarily shown. The printing method includes step 4101: obtaining a target pattern of a target object's layer to be cured; and step 4102: determining at least one target lighting partition and at least one target display partition associated with the target pattern.

[0332] In step 4101, a 3D digital model of the target object can be sliced and analyzed to obtain the pattern (i.e., the target pattern) of each slice layer (i.e., the layer to be cured) of the target object.

[0333] In some embodiments, before forming a single slice layer, information about the single slice layer, such as a pattern or a contour, is obtained or received.

[0334] In some embodiments, before forming the initial slice layer of the 3D digital model, information about all slice layers of the 3D digital model, such as a pattern or a contour, is obtained or received. For example, the information of all slice layers has been stored in a memory. When forming any slice layer, the target pattern of the corresponding single slice layer is read.

[0335] In some embodiments, in the step of forming a single layer to be cured, a target pattern associated with the layer to be cured is determined, and a target illumination partition and a target display partition associated with the target pattern are determined. Then, the light-emitting components associated with the target display partition are controlled to emit light, and the LCD screen is controlled to transmit light in the target display partition to form a cured layer with the target pattern.

[0336] In some embodiments, before the printing process, the target patterns of some layers, and the target illumination partitions and target display partitions associated with the target patterns of these layers are determined.

[0337] In an application, the light projection range of at least one target illumination partition associated with the target pattern on the LCD screen needs to cover at least one target display partition associated with the target pattern. In other words, the light projection range needs to be equal to or greater than the area of at least one target display partition associated with the target pattern.

[0338] It can be understood that when the light projection range is equal to the area of at least one target display partition associated with the target pattern, it is ensured that the target display partition of the LCD screen is irradiated to cure the layer with the target pattern.

[0339] When the light projection range is greater than the area of at least one target display partition associated with the target pattern, the LCD screen is adjusted so that the light only passes through the target display partition. This can ensure that the target display partition of the LCD screen is irradiated to cure the layer with the target pattern. It can be understood that the light projection range at this time does not cover all the display partitions of the LCD screen. For example, the light projection range is 100.01% - 200.00% of the total area of the target display partition, such as 105% - 150%, such as 110% - 120%.

[0340] In some embodiments, when the light projection range is greater than the area of at least one target display partition associated with the target pattern, the LCD screen is adjusted so that the light passes through the target display partition. This makes the light intensity of the light passing through the target display partition substantially uniform. It can be understood that if the light projection range is equal to the total area of at least one target display partition associated with the target pattern, there is a risk that the light intensity at the edge of the target pattern is lower than the light intensity in other areas of the target pattern.

[0341] In an application, when each illumination partition corresponds to one display partition, the number of illumination partitions in at least one target illumination partition can be greater than or equal to the number of display partitions in at least one target display partition. The light projection shape (light spot) of each illumination partition on the LCD screen can be set according to actual needs, and can be but is not limited to any one of the following: triangle, rectangle, regular pentagon, regular hexagon, regular octagon, regular decagon.

[0342] In some embodiments, when each lighting zone corresponds to a display zone, and the number of lighting zones in at least one target lighting zone is greater than the number of display zones in at least one target display zone, the at least one target lighting zone includes: a first group of lighting zones corresponding to the at least one target display zone; and a second group of lighting zones adjacent to the first group of lighting zones.

[0343] In some embodiments, a single target lighting zone in the first group of lighting zones corresponds to each target display zone. For example, when the number of display zones in the at least one target display zone is m, the first group of lighting zones includes m corresponding lighting zones.

[0344] In some embodiments, the second group of lighting zones includes a plurality of other lighting zones adjacent to each lighting zone in the first group of lighting zones. For example, when the first group of lighting zones includes m lighting zones and each lighting zone is adjacent to n lighting zones, the second lighting zone includes at most m×n lighting zones. Those skilled in the art can understand that a single lighting zone in the second lighting zone may be adjacent to a plurality of lighting zones in the first group of lighting zones at the same time, so the number of lighting zones included in the second lighting zone can be less than m×n.

[0345] As Figures 42A - 42C shown, a schematic structural diagram of the first group of lighting zones provided in the embodiments of the present application and the second group of lighting zones adjacent thereto is exemplarily shown, wherein Figure 42A exemplarily shown are 13 target lighting zones with a triangular light projection shape. The first group of lighting zones includes 1 lighting zone 4201, 3 lighting zones 4202 adjacent to the lighting zone 4201, and 9 lighting zones 4203.

[0346] In some embodiments, provide Figure 42A the shown lighting zone 4201 (or light up the lighting zone 4201), and provide a single display zone corresponding to the function of the lighting zone 4201 (or allow light to pass through the display zone), so that the printing material is exposed and cured at the display zone.

[0347] In some embodiments, alternatively provide Figure 42AThe lighting partitions 4201 and 4202 are shown (or the lighting partitions 4201 and 4202 are lit), and a single display partition corresponding to the function of the lighting partition 4201 is provided (or light is allowed to pass through the display partition), so that the printed material is exposed and cured at the single display partition. It can be understood that the light spot formed by the single lighting partition on the LCD screen has a middle area with higher light intensity and an edge area with lower light intensity. If only the lighting partition 4201 is provided, the light intensity distribution of the corresponding single display partition may be uneven. When the lighting partition 4201 and the adjacent lighting partition 4202 are provided, the light intensity distribution of the single display partition corresponding to the lighting partition 4201 is uniform (refer to the previous adjustment of the light intensity uniformity of the light module). At the same time, by adjusting the light transmittance of the LCD screen, only one display partition is exposed and irradiated with the same light intensity.

[0348] Figure 42B Nine target lighting partitions with rectangular projection shapes are exemplarily shown. The first group of lighting partitions includes one lighting partition 4204 and eight lighting partitions 4205 adjacent to the lighting partition 4204 .

[0349] In some embodiments, providing Figure 42B The illustrated lighting zone 4204 (or the lighting zone 3104 is lit) provides a single display zone corresponding to the function of the lighting zone 4204 (or allows light to pass through the display zone), so that the printed material is exposed and cured at the display zone.

[0350] In some embodiments, instead of providing Figure 42B The lighting partitions 4204 and 4205 shown (or the lighting partitions 4204 and 4205 are lit), and a single display partition corresponding to the function of the lighting partition 4204 is provided (or light is allowed to pass through the display partition), so that the printed material is exposed and cured at the single display partition. It can be understood that the light spot formed by the single lighting partition on the LCD screen has a middle area with higher light intensity and an edge area with lower light intensity. If only the lighting partition 4204 is provided, the light intensity distribution of the corresponding single display partition may be uneven. When the lighting partition 4204 and the lighting partition 4205 adjacent to it are provided, the light intensity distribution of the single display partition corresponding to the lighting partition 4204 is uniform (refer to the previous adjustment of the light intensity uniformity of the light module). At the same time, by adjusting the light transmittance of the LCD screen, only one display partition is exposed and irradiated with the same light intensity.

[0351] Figure 42C As an example, seven target lighting partitions having a regular hexagonal light projection shape are shown. The first group of lighting partitions includes one lighting partition 4206 and six lighting partitions 4207 adjacent to the lighting partition 4206 .

[0352] In Figure 42C the illustrated embodiment, it is desired to provide a display partition corresponding to the lighting partition 4206. In one scheme, the lighting partition 4206 is provided. In an alternative scheme, the lighting partition 4206 and the adjacent lighting partition 4207 are provided.

[0353] To achieve the alignment of the lighting partition and the display partition, their positions are calibrated. In some 3D printers, the light-emitting components and the LCD screen are spaced apart along the direction of light propagation. In some embodiments, the lighting areas of the multiple light-emitting components cover (greater than or equal to) all the display areas of the LCD screen, which means that the cross-sectional area of the light-emitting plate on which the multiple light-emitting components are mounted is larger than the area of the LCD screen.

[0354] In some embodiments, the light-emitting plate is centered with the LCD screen to reduce the position deviation caused by the installation of the light-emitting plate or the LCD screen.

[0355] In some embodiments, to form a cured layer with a predetermined pattern, a predetermined position and a predetermined number of display areas of the LCD screen are provided, and a predetermined position and a predetermined number of lighting areas also need to be provided, and these display areas and lighting areas are associated. For example, a data set is stored in a database, and each data set includes, for example, a single display area and a single lighting area; when the data set is called, the display area and the lighting area corresponding to the data set are allowed to be provided. Alternatively, a data set is stored in the database, and each data set includes, for example, a single display area and multiple lighting areas; when the data set is called, the display area and the lighting area corresponding to the data set are allowed to be provided.

[0356] In some embodiments, the mapping relationship between the pixel points of the sliced pattern and the pixel points of the LCD screen is stored in the database.

[0357] In some embodiments, the mapping relationship between the pixel points of the LCD screen and the light-emitting components is stored in the database.

[0358] In some embodiments, the mapping relationship between the pixel points of the sliced pattern, the pixel points of the LCD screen, and the light-emitting components is stored in the database.

[0359] As Figure 43 shown, an exemplary lighting image provided by an embodiment of the present application is illustrated. The lighting image 4300 includes a plurality of arranged lighting partitions 4301, and the light spot shape of each lighting partition 4301 is a regular hexagon, and the light projection radius is represented as d. The light spot shape, the number of rows, and the number of columns of the lighting partitions 4301 in the lighting image 4300 are exemplary.

[0360] Each lighting zone 4301 is associated with a single light-emitting component. In some embodiments, all the lighting zones 4301 of the lighting image are numbered. For example, for the lighting zones of 20 rows and 20 columns, they are numbered as 1, 2, 3, 4, ..., 397, 398, 399, 400. Similarly, for the light-emitting components of 20 rows and 20 columns, they are numbered as 1, 2, 3, 4, ..., 397, 398, ...... 399, 400. After the light-emitting panel on which these light-emitting components are installed is aligned with the LCD screen, the multiple display areas of the LCD screen can be numbered as 1, 2, 3, 4, ..., 397, 398, 399, 400. The coordinates of the lighting zone 4301 in the lighting image 4300 are the coordinates of the corresponding light projection shape in the lighting image 4301.

[0361] When forming the cured layer with a predetermined pattern, the predetermined pattern completely covers some display areas and partially covers some display areas, and these display areas that are completely covered and partially covered are all determined as the display areas that need to be irradiated by light. For example, the predetermined pattern completely covers the display areas numbered 3 to 20 and partially covers the display areas numbered 21 to 30. At this time, the target display areas are determined as the display areas numbered 3 to 30. Correspondingly, the target lighting areas are provided at the predetermined positions. For example, the display areas numbered 3 to 30 are determined as the target lighting areas, or the display areas numbered 3 to 30 and the adjacent display areas thereto are determined as the target lighting areas.

[0362] Now the adjacent lighting areas or display areas are introduced. Refer to Figures 42A - 42C and Figure 43 , a single triangular display area has 3 adjacent triangular display areas; a single rectangular display area has 8 adjacent rectangular display areas; a single regular hexagonal display area has 6 adjacent regular hexagonal display areas.

[0363] Figure 44 A part of multiple regular hexagonal lighting areas or display areas is shown. Taking the lighting areas as an example, a part of 1000 lighting areas is shown, such as numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 43, 44, 45, 85, 86. The lighting area numbered "1" is adjacent to the lighting areas numbered "2" and "43". The lighting area numbered "3" is adjacent to the lighting areas numbered "2", "4", "44" and "45". The lighting area numbered "46" is adjacent to the lighting areas numbered "4", "5", "45", "47", "88" and "89".

[0364] When establishing a data set of the relationship between the lighting area and the display area in the database, a match can be established for a single lighting area and a single display area. For example, the lighting area numbered "4" and the display area numbered "4". In the database, it is, for example, the character "(LA4):(DA4)".

[0365] Alternatively, a match is established for a single display area and multiple adjacent lighting areas. For example, the display area numbered "4" and the lighting areas numbered "3", "4", and "5". In the database, it is, for example, the character "(LA4):(DA3, DA4, DA5)". Or it is the display area numbered "4" and the lighting areas numbered "3", "4", "5", "45", and "46". In the database, it is, for example, the character "(LA4):(DA3, DA4, DA5, DA45, DA46)".

[0366] In some of the foregoing embodiments, the establishment of the connection between the light-emitting component (or lighting partition) and the display partition of the LCD screen and the storage of the mapping are described. Now, the connection between the pattern of the slice layer and the light-emitting component to be used is introduced.

[0367] In some embodiments, a base mask associated with a single light-emitting component and having a gray level of 0 is provided. The base mask is used to perform a Boolean addition calculation with the pattern of the slice layer to be cured. If the resulting gray level is not 0, then the light-emitting component needs to be activated. Similarly, a base mask associated with another single light-emitting component and having a gray level of 0 is provided. The base mask is used to perform a Boolean addition calculation with the pattern of the slice layer to be cured. If the resulting gray level is 0, then the other light-emitting component does not need to be activated. This step is repeated to traverse all the light-emitting components, thereby determining the light-emitting components that need to be activated (i.e., the target light-emitting components).

[0368] Figures 45A - 45D An embodiment of determining the pattern of the slice layer and the light-emitting component associated therewith is shown. As Figure 45A shown, the image includes the pattern 4510 of the slice layer and the non-projection area 4530. The pattern 4510 of the slice layer is rectangular (as shown by the dashed line). The gray level of the pattern 4510 is, for example, 1 to 255, such as 50, 128. The gray level of the non-projection area 4530 is 0, and it is basically not expected that light radiates to the non-projection area 4530 with a gray level of 0.

[0369] In Figure 45B , a base mask associated with the light-emitting component and having a gray level of 0 is provided. The gray levels of the hexagonal regions 4551, 4552, 4553 associated with the single light-emitting component of the base mask are 0. Apply the Figure 45B base mask to the Figure 45A image, and the gray level distribution of the resulting new image is as Figure 45CAs shown, the grayscale of the hexagonal regions 4551 and 4553 is not 0, while the grayscale of the hexagonal region 4552 is 0.

[0370] Figure 45D Shows the distribution of the determined target light-emitting components according to some embodiments. Among all the light-emitting components of the optical system, when preparing to project light to cure the slice layer with the pattern 4510, the light-emitting component 4570 (shown by the dark gray area) is not activated, while the light-emitting component 4580 (shown by the bright area) is activated as the target light-emitting area.

[0371] In other embodiments, Figure 45D A part of the light-emitting component 4570 is also activated as the target light-emitting area for curing the slice layer with the pattern 4510. For example, the light-emitting components in the light-emitting component 4570 that are adjacent to or spaced some distance from the light-emitting component 4580.

[0372] When calculating the grayscale of the base mask and the image, the calculation efficiency is affected by the shape of a single area of the base mask (matching the spot shape of a single light-emitting component). For example, when the shape of a single area of the base mask is rectangular, if any side of the rectangle intersects with the slice layer pattern, it is considered that this area of the base mask needs to be marked (i.e., the light-emitting component needs to be used). When the shape of a single area of the base mask is hexagonal, if any side of the hexagon intersects with the slice layer pattern, it is considered that this area of the base mask needs to be marked (i.e., the light-emitting component needs to be used). The number of sides of the hexagon is greater than that of the rectangle, so the amount of calculation is larger.

[0373] Figure 46 Shows an embodiment for the projection area of the hexagon. In Figure 46 a rectangle 4630 is built into the hexagon 4610. When calculating the intersection with the slice layer pattern, the rectangle 4630 is used instead of the hexagon 4610, thereby reducing the amount of calculation. The built-in rectangle 4630 intersects (has intersections) with the hexagon 4610, for example, or is spaced from the hexagon 4610. Alternatively, the built-in rectangle 4630 is replaced with a triangle or a pentagon.

[0374] Figure 47 Shows another embodiment for the projection area of the hexagon. In Figure 47 a rectangle 4730 is provided outside the hexagon 4710. When calculating the intersection with the slice layer pattern, the rectangle 4730 is used instead of the hexagon 4710, thereby reducing the amount of calculation. The external rectangle 4730 intersects (has intersections) with the hexagon 4710, for example, or is spaced from the hexagon 4710. Alternatively, the external rectangle 4730 is replaced with a triangle or a pentagon.

[0375] As Figure 48As shown, a schematic structural diagram of a second light-curing 3D printer provided by an embodiment of the present application is exemplarily shown. Among them, the light-curing 3D printer 4800 includes: at least one processor 4801( Figure 48 only one processor is shown), a memory 4802, and a computer program 4803 stored in the memory 4802 and executable on at least one processor 4801. When the processor 4801 executes the computer program 4803, it implements the steps of the above calculation, for example.

[0376] In an application, the processor can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU). The processor can also be other general-purpose processors, Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0377] In an application, the memory can be an internal storage unit of the light-curing 3D printer in some embodiments, such as the hard disk or memory of the light-curing 3D printer. The memory can also be an external storage device of the light-curing 3D printer in other embodiments. For example, a plug-in hard disk, a Smart Media Card (SMC), a Secure Digital (SD) card, a Flash Card, etc. equipped on the light-curing 3D printer. Further, the memory can also include both the internal storage unit of the light-curing 3D printer and the external storage device. The memory is used to store an operating system, application programs, a Boot Loader, data, and other programs, such as the program code of the computer program. The memory can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0378] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that: they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements for some of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and should all be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a target object using a 3D printing device, characterized in that, Including: - Obtaining the pattern of the first layer of the target object; - Determining at least one target display partition of the LCD screen associated with the pattern; - Determining at least one target light-emitting component associated with the pattern; - Projecting light onto the target display partition through the target light-emitting component to cure the printing material to obtain the first layer, wherein the light-projection area of the target light-emitting component at least covers the target display partition.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the number of the target light-emitting components is equal to the number of the target display partitions.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the number of the target light-emitting components is greater than the number of the target display partitions.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the target light-emitting component includes: - The first group of light-emitting components associated with the target display partition; and - The second group of light-emitting components adjacent to the first group of light-emitting components.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein a single target light-emitting component is associated with a single target display partition.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the light-projection area projected by a single target light-emitting component at least covers a single target display partition.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the light-projection area projected by a single target light-emitting component includes: - A single target display partition; and - A part of at least one display partition adjacent to the single target display partition.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the light-projection area of the at least one target light-emitting component is any one of the following: triangle, parallelogram, regular pentagon, regular hexagon, regular octagon, regular decagon.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining at least one target light-emitting component associated with the pattern includes: - Directly determining at least one target light-emitting component associated with the pattern based on the pattern; or - Determining at least one target light-emitting component associated with the target display partition based on at least one target display partition associated with the pattern.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein directly determining at least one target light-emitting component associated with the pattern based on the pattern includes: - Providing a base mask associated with a single light-emitting component of the LCD screen and having a gray level of 0; - Performing a Boolean OR operation on the base mask and the pattern; - When the gray level obtained by the Boolean OR operation is greater than 0, determining the single light-emitting component as the target light-emitting component to be activated.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Establishing a database and determining the at least one target display partition and the at least one target light-emitting component based on the database, wherein the database stores at least one of the following: - The first data set, which includes the mapping relationship between the pixel points of the sliced pattern and the pixel points of the LCD screen; - The second data set, which includes the mapping relationship between the pixel points of the LCD screen and the light-emitting components; or - The third data set, which includes the mapping relationship between the pixel points of the sliced pattern, the pixel points of the LCD screen, and the light-emitting components.

12. The method according to claim 1, further including: - Obtain the pattern of the second layer of the target object; - Determine at least one target display partition of the LCD screen associated with the pattern of the second layer; - Determine at least one target light-emitting component associated with the pattern of the second layer; and - Project light onto the target display partition through the target light-emitting component to cure the printing material to obtain the second layer.

13. An operation method of a light-curing 3D printing device, characterized in that, The light-curing 3D printing device includes: - A carrying device for carrying the printing material; - An optical system for emitting light to cure the printing material, the optical system includes: - A plurality of light-emitting components, each light-emitting component defining an illumination partition; and - An LCD screen that defines a plurality of display partitions; The operation method includes: - Obtain the target pattern of the layer to be cured of the target object; - Determine at least one target illumination partition and at least one target display partition associated with the target pattern, wherein the light projection range of the at least one target illumination partition at least covers the at least one target display partition.

14. The operating method according to claim 13 further includes: Align a single illumination partition with a single display partition.

15. The operating method according to claim 14, wherein, The area of a single illumination partition is greater than or equal to the area of a single display partition.

16. The operating method according to claim 13 further includes: Before obtaining the target pattern of the layer to be cured of the target object, calibrate and compensate the optical system so that the light intensity of the light emitted by the optical system is substantially uniform.

17. The operation method according to claim 16, wherein the compensation includes at least one of the following: - Adjust the drive current of the light-emitting component; - Adjust the PWM of the light-emitting component; - Provide a mask associated with the display partition; or - Adjust the mask associated with the display partition.

Images