Photocuring 3D printer and optical system and operation method thereof

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of 3D printing, and provides a photocuring 3D printer and an optical system and an operation method thereof, the optical system comprises a plurality of light-emitting assemblies, and each light-emitting assembly comprises one or more LEDs emitting ultraviolet light; the controller comprises a plurality of channels, each channel is used for providing a path of driving current, and the controller is configured to independently control each light-emitting assembly; an LED of the light-emitting assembly is configured to be electrically connected with at least two channels and connected with a first driving voltage. The current amplification circuit is electrically connected with the channel of the controller and is connected with a second driving voltage; or a plurality of cut sub-LED wafers are included, and the plurality of sub-LED wafers are connected in series and are electrically connected with the channel of the controller, and third driving voltage is accessed to the sub-LED wafers. According to the embodiment of the invention, the independent control of a single LED can be realized, and the controllability and flexibility of a light source are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of 3D printing, and particularly relates to a stereolithography 3D printer, its optical system, and operation method. 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 (LCD printers) based on Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology or Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology usually adopt an integrated light source design (for example, LCD printers use Chip on Board (COB) light sources), and cannot independently control a single Light Emitting Diode (LED), resulting in poor controllability and flexibility of the light source.

[0003] In display fields such as TVs, LED arrays with zonal control have emerged. In the field of 3D printing, the LED arrays used for TVs cannot be directly applied. LED arrays used for TVs usually use LEDs that emit white light. However, stereolithography 3D printing usually uses ultraviolet light, and the intensity of ultraviolet light needs to be able to cure the resin within a predetermined time (for example, 2 s).

[0004] Therefore, an LED array suitable for stereolithography 3D printing is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a stereolithography 3D printer, its optical system, and operation method, which can independently control a single LED and improve the controllability and flexibility of the light source.

[0006] The first aspect of the embodiments of this application provides an optical system of a stereolithography 3D printer, including:

[0007] A plurality of light-emitting components, each of the light-emitting components including one or more LEDs that emit ultraviolet light; and

[0008] A controller, the controller including a plurality of channels, each of the channels being configured to provide a driving current, and the controller being configured to independently control each of the light-emitting components;

[0009] Wherein, the LEDs of the light-emitting components are configured to:

[0010] Be electrically connected to at least two of the channels and connected to a first driving voltage;

[0011] An electrically connected current amplification circuit, the current amplification circuit being electrically connected to the channel of the controller and accessing a second driving voltage; or

[0012] Comprising a plurality of sub-LED wafers that are cut, the plurality of sub-LED wafers being connected in series, and being electrically connected to the channel of the controller and accessing a third driving voltage.

[0013] In some embodiments, the current amplification circuit includes a first resistor unit, a second resistor unit, and a transistor unit;

[0014] A first end of the first resistor unit is electrically connected to an input end of the transistor unit and accesses a second driving voltage, and a second end of the first resistor unit is electrically connected to a first end of the second resistor unit and accesses a driving current;

[0015] A second end of the second resistor unit is electrically connected to a controlled end of the transistor unit;

[0016] An output end of the transistor unit is electrically connected to an LED.

[0017] In some embodiments, the third driving voltage is greater than the first driving voltage and the second driving voltage.

[0018] In some embodiments, the optical system further includes a power supply circuit, the power supply circuit including a plurality of buck circuits, each buck circuit being configured to convert an accessed power supply voltage into a driving voltage, the driving voltage being the first driving voltage, the second driving voltage, or the third driving voltage.

[0019] In some embodiments, the buck circuit includes a DC-DC buck circuit and a voltage regulating circuit.

[0020] In some embodiments, the optical system further includes a processor. When the driving voltage associated with a channel is lower than a first preset voltage, the controller outputs a low voltage warning signal to the processor, and the processor is configured to increase the driving voltage of the LED associated with the channel based on the low voltage warning signal; and / or

[0021] When the driving voltage associated with a channel is higher than a second preset voltage, the controller outputs a high voltage warning signal to the processor, and the processor is configured to decrease the driving voltage of the LED associated with the channel based on the high voltage warning signal.

[0022] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to:

[0023] When determining that the channel is short-circuited according to the driving current voltage of the channel, output a short-circuit signal; and / or

[0024] When it is determined that the channel is open circuit according to the drive current of the channel, an open circuit signal is output.

[0025] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to adjust the current or PWM of the light-emitting component.

[0026] In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs emitting ultraviolet light include:

[0027] A first LED and a second LED, wherein the light-emitting band of the first LED is different from that of the second LED; or

[0028] 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.

[0029] A second aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides a light-curing 3D printer, including:

[0030] A forming platform, which is configured to adhere at least one cured layer;

[0031] A carrying device, which is configured to carry printing materials;

[0032] A driving component, which is configured to drive the forming platform to move closer to or away from the carrying device; and

[0033] The optical system of the first aspect, and the ultraviolet light emitted by the optical system is configured to cure the printing materials to form the cured layer.

[0034] A third aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides an operation method of the light-curing 3D printer of the second aspect, including:

[0035] Using the first plurality of light-emitting components of the optical system to emit light, projecting ultraviolet light onto the printing materials in the carrying device to form a first cured layer with a first profile; then

[0036] Using the second plurality of light-emitting components of the optical system to emit light, projecting ultraviolet light onto the printing materials in the carrying device to form a second cured layer with a second profile,

[0037] wherein the first plurality of light-emitting components are different from the second plurality of light-emitting components.

[0038] The optical system of the light-curing 3D printer provided in the first aspect of the embodiments of the present application can improve the controllability and flexibility of the light source. By configuring each LED to be electrically connected to at least two channels of the controller, the driving currents of at least two channels can be combined to provide the high driving current required for a single LED when independently controlling the single LED. By electrically connecting each LED to a current amplification circuit and electrically connecting each current amplification circuit to a channel, the driving current can be amplified by the current amplification circuit to provide the high driving current required for a single LED when independently controlling the single LED. By cutting each LED into multiple 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 electrically connecting the multiple sub-LED wafers connected in series to a channel and accessing a high driving voltage, the driving current required for a single LED can be provided when independently controlling the single LED without increasing the driving current of a single channel, and the high driving voltage required for the multiple sub-LED wafers connected in series can be satisfied. Each LED in the optical system can be configured in any one of the above ways, and different LEDs can adopt different configurations, that is, multiple different configurations can exist simultaneously in the optical system, and can be selected according to actual requirements such as cost, process complexity, and volume, with high configuration flexibility.

[0039] It can be understood that the beneficial effects of the second aspect above can be referred to the relevant descriptions in the first aspect above, and will not be elaborated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] 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 be obtained based on these drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 It is one of the optical path schematic diagrams of the optical system provided in the embodiments of the present application;

[0042] Figure 2A - 2B It is the energy distribution schematic diagram of the light spot formed after the light emitted by the optical component provided in some embodiments of the present application passes through the collimating component;

[0043] Figure 3 It is the energy distribution curve before and after the light emitted by multiple optical components passed through in the embodiments of the present application is fused on the target plane;

[0044] Figure 4 It is the optical path schematic diagram of the optical system provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0045] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the optical path of the optical system provided by some other embodiments of the present application;

[0046] Figure 6A - 6B It is a light intensity distribution diagram before and after the light emitted by the optical component provided by the embodiment of the present application passes through the diffuser;

[0047] Figure 7A - 7B It is the light intensity distribution curve of the combination of multiple light spots provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0048] Figure 8A - 8C It is a schematic diagram of the optical system with a mask provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0049] Figure 9A - 9D It is a schematic diagram of the optical system with a mask provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0050] Figure 10A - 10F It is a schematic diagram of the layout method of the light-emitting component or the collimating lens provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0051] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram of the optical path of the optical system with a light-shielding element provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 12A - 12E It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical module provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the light-shielding element provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 14 It shows a light-curing 3D printing device according to some embodiments;

[0055] Figure 15 It shows a light-curing 3D printing device according to some embodiments;

[0056] Figure 16 It is a schematic diagram of the circuit of the optical system provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 17 It is a schematic diagram of the circuit of the optical system provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 18 It is a schematic diagram of the circuit of the optical system provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 19 It is a schematic diagram of the circuit of the optical system provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 20It is a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 21 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 22 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the current amplification circuit provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 23 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the current amplification circuit provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 24 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the power supply circuit in the optical system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 25 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the DC-DC buck circuit provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 26 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 27 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 28 It is a circuit schematic diagram of the optical system provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0069] In the following description, for the purpose of illustration rather than limitation, specific details such as specific system structures and technologies are presented 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.

[0070] In addition, in the description of the specification of the present application and the appended claims, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for distinguishing descriptions and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0071] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" etc. described in the specification of this application mean that specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment are included in one or more embodiments of this 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 all 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".

[0072] Please refer to Figure 1 , the optical system provided by the embodiment of this 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 individually control the startup or shutdown of each light-emitting component 101, or control the light-emitting intensity of the light-emitting component 101.

[0073] 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%.

[0074] The light spot formed by each light-emitting component 101 on the target plane 104 is divided into a central area S201 and an edge area S202, and the light intensity of the central area S201 is greater than that of the edge area S202. Among them, the light intensity of the central area S201 is basically uniform, and the light intensity of the edge area S202 gradually decreases along the direction away from the central area. Taking the example of a single light-emitting component 101 forming a quadrilateral light spot on the target plane 104, please refer to Figure 2A , the light intensity of the light spot is strong and uniform within the central area S201, and gradually decreases to zero along the direction away from the central area in the edge area S202, and the light intensity distribution is generally in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid.

[0075] In related designs, bright spots or dark spots are likely to appear in the combined light spot formed by multiple light-emitting components 101, resulting in uneven light spots. Please refer toFigure 2B For adjacent two light-emitting components 101, the light spots formed on the target plane 104 have an overlapping area S210. The overlapping area S210 is formed by the overlapping of the edge areas S202 of two light spots, for example.

[0076] To avoid bright spots or dark spots, the light intensity of the edge area S202 is enhanced through overlapping, and is basically the same as the light intensity of the central area S201. In one example, after one light-emitting component 101 emits light, other light-emitting components 101 adjacent to this light-emitting component 101 are controlled to emit light, so that the light intensity of the edge area of the light spot of this 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 area S210 of the light spot is basically the same as the light intensity of the central area S201.

[0077] In one example, the first light-emitting component 101 forms a first illumination area on the target plane 104, and the second light-emitting component 101 adjacent to the first light-emitting component 101 forms a second illumination area on the target plane 104. The first illumination area and the second illumination area form an overlapping area on the target plane 104. The light intensity of the overlapping area is the sum of the illumination light intensity of the first light-emitting component in the overlapping area and the illumination light intensity of the second light-emitting component in the overlapping area. The light intensity of the non-overlapping area in the first illumination area is the illumination light intensity of the first light-emitting component at the central area of the first illumination area. The light intensity of the non-overlapping area in the second illumination area is the illumination light intensity of the second light-emitting component at the central area of the second illumination area.

[0078] 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% - 120% of the light intensity of the non-overlapping area in the first illumination area, and is also 80% - 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 fused 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 30 mW / cm 2 and the light intensity of the non-overlapping area in the second illumination area is 30 mW / cm 2 and the light intensity of the overlapping area of the first or second illumination area is 28 mW / cm 2 , 29 mW / cm 2 , 30 mW / cm 2 , 31 mW / cm 2 , 32 mW / cm 2 .

[0079] In one example, the light intensity of the non-overlapping region in the first illumination area is different from that of the non-overlapping region in the second illumination area. The light intensity of the overlapping region is 80% - 120% of the light intensity of the non-overlapping region in the first illumination area and is also 80% - 120% of the light intensity of the non-overlapping region in the second illumination area. Thus, the first illumination area and the second illumination area are fused to form a uniform light spot. For example, the light intensity of the non-overlapping region in the first illumination area is 30 mW / cm 2 , and the light intensity of the non-overlapping region in the second illumination area is 35 mW / cm 2 . The light intensity of the overlapping region in the first or second illumination area is 30 mW / cm 2 , 31 mW / cm 2 , 32 mW / cm 2 , 33 mW / cm 2 , 35 mW / cm 2 .

[0080] The light emitted by the light-emitting component 101 is ultraviolet light or visible light with a specific wavelength and energy, and the light can act on the printing 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. When the light-emitting component 101 includes multiple LEDs, the light bands 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 only include one LED, and some of the multiple light-emitting components 101 include multiple LEDs. Or, each light-emitting component 101 includes multiple LEDs.

[0081] The "LED" in this article includes various types of LEDs, such as Mini Led and Micro Led. The chip size of the LED in this article is, for example, 20 μm - 500 μm, for example, 40 μm - 400 μm, for example, 50 μm - 200 μm.

[0082] In some embodiments, the target plane 104 is an LCD screen.

[0083] In some embodiments, the target plane 104 is the film of a tray containing printing material.

[0084] In some embodiments, the target plane 104 is a mask.

[0085] In some embodiments, the target plane 104 is the plane between the light-emitting component and the LCD screen.

[0086] In some embodiments, the target plane 104 is the liquid surface of the printing material accommodated 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.

[0087] 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 simultaneously.

[0088] 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.

[0089] For the optical system provided in this application, multiple light-emitting components 101 are independently controlled by the controller. During 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 serving 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 of 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] For a certain type of light-curing 3D printing device, the area for exposure is limited by the device size. Therefore, 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 the mounting spacing) and structural designs. In addition, different numbers of light-emitting components 101 are suitable for different types (such as different sizes) of LEDs.

[0092] In some embodiments, a plurality of (e.g., 200) light-emitting components 101 are mounted on the mounting plate. 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, for example, only overlapping in the edge area of the light spot.

[0093] In some embodiments, a plurality of (e.g., 1000) light-emitting components 101 are mounted 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 mixing distance (optical distance) of 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, for example, 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 occupy half of the area / length of a single light spot (e.g., refer to Figure 4 ), which will be described in detail later.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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 arranged on the 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.

[0096] Refer to Figure 6A for the left light spot image. For example, the light spot formed by the light emitted by 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 stronger, and the light intensity in the edge area of the light spot is weaker. Refer to Figure 6A for the right light spot image. For example, after the light emitted by 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.

[0097] Taking the example that the light of each light-emitting component 401 forms a regular hexagon spot on the target plane, refer to Figure 6B In the left illumination area, the 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 (at the edge area of the regular hexagon) and the non-overlapping area (at the center area of the regular hexagon), which leads to bright spots during printing. Refer to Figure 6B In the right illumination area, the light intensity of most areas (center area) of the combined spot formed on the target plane 404 by the light emitted by multiple light-emitting components 401 after being adjusted by the compound eye array 403 is basically the same.

[0098] Refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6A Accordingly, when multiple light-emitting components 401 emit light, the light emitted by each light-emitting component 401 will be more diffused into the illumination area of adjacent light-emitting components 401 after being adjusted by the collimating component 402 and the compound eye array 403, and at the same time, the light emitted by adjacent light-emitting components 401 will also be more diffused into the illumination area of this light-emitting component 401. Accordingly, the size of the overlapping area is increased, and the uniform distribution of light energy is achieved through the superposition of the light of adjacent multiple light-emitting components 401. The center 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 spot with a diameter of D is formed on the target plane 404. Among them, D>d.

[0099] In some embodiments, the central axis of the light-emitting component 401 refers to the geometric center of the LED.

[0100] In Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, three light-emitting components 401 are arranged in a predetermined direction, so 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 compound eye array 403. Similarly, the light emitted by each of the light-emitting components 401 on both sides approaches or reaches the central axis of the middle light-emitting component 401 after passing through the collimating component 402 and the compound eye array 403. Those skilled in the art can understand that along the predetermined direction of the arrangement of the light-emitting components 401, the length of the overlapping area between the spot formed by the middle light-emitting component 401 and the spot formed by an adjacent single light-emitting component 401 is equal to the length of the non-overlapping area. In other words, along the predetermined direction of the arrangement of the light-emitting components 401, the length of the overlapping area between the spot formed by the middle light-emitting component 401 and the spot formed by an adjacent single light-emitting component 401 is equal to half of the length of the spot. As Figure 4 shown, D = 2d, and the light intensity of the overlapping area of the spot is determined by two light-emitting components 401.

[0101] InFigure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, eight light-emitting components 411 are arranged in 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 the 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.

[0102] 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; n is an integer, such as 1, 2, 3, 4.

[0103] 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 in 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.

[0104] In Figure 4 it, along the aforementioned predetermined direction, the length of the overlapping region is half of the length of the illumination area 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 area of the first light-emitting component or the second light-emitting component.

[0105] In Figure 5 it, along the aforementioned predetermined direction, the length of the overlapping region is three-fourths of the length of the illumination area of the first light-emitting component or the second light-emitting component. Due to the arrangement of the diffuser, the light spot size becomes larger and the light intensity uniformity of a single light 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 area of the first light-emitting component or the second light-emitting component. When eight light-emitting components adjacent in a predetermined direction are activated, the light intensity of the overlapping region simultaneously affected by four light-emitting components is substantially uniform.

[0106] For example, the light intensity of the non-overlapping area of the illumination area of the first light-emitting component is 30 mW / cm 2 , and the light intensity of the overlapping area of the illumination area of the first light-emitting component (i.e., the overlapping area of the illumination area of the second light-emitting component) is 60 mW / cm 2 , and the light intensity of the non-overlapping area of the illumination area of the second light-emitting component is 30 mW / cm 2 .

[0107] It can be understood that if three or more adjacent light-emitting components along a predetermined direction are started simultaneously, then all of the illumination areas of one or more of these light-emitting components partially overlap with other light-emitting components. For example, the illumination area of one light-emitting component overlaps with two adjacent illumination areas simultaneously (see Figure 4 ), or the illumination area of one light-emitting component overlaps with three adjacent illumination areas simultaneously (see Figure 5 ).

[0108] Refer to Figure 7A , the light intensity distribution of the light spot after the light emitted by the light-emitting component 401 passes 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 emitted by three light-emitting components 401 passes through the collimating component 402 and the fly-eye array 403 in sequence and then fuses on the target plane 404. The fused light spot is approximately an isosceles trapezoid. In other words, the light intensity of most areas of the area irradiated by the light-emitting component is uniform. Refer to Figure 7B , the light spot size of the light emitted by a single light-emitting component 401 is larger after passing through the collimating component 402 and the fly-eye array 403, and the light emitted by three light-emitting components 401 passes through the collimating component 402 and the fly-eye array 403 in sequence and then fuses on the target plane 404. Different from Figure 7A , Figure 7B the area irradiated by the light-emitting component in Figure 7A is affected by at most three light-emitting components, while the area irradiated by the light-emitting component in

[0109] Combined with Figure 4 - 5 and Figure 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 light spot formed on the target plane 404.

[0110] For some embodiments with limited installation size, Figure 4 - 5 the shown solution is advantageous, which makes full use of the coverage rate of the overlapping area to achieve uniform light intensity, rather than avoiding the occurrence of overlapping areas.

[0111] In one embodiment of the present application, only one of the back surface type and the front surface type of each cell of the compound eye array 403 is a convex surface. In another embodiment of the present application, both the back surface type and the front surface type of each cell of the compound eye array 403 are convex surfaces.

[0112] In one embodiment of the present application, the cells of the compound eye array 403 are distributed in a honeycomb arrangement. In addition, the cells of the compound eye array 403 can also be arranged in a matrix or a spiral. As long as the size of each cell in the compound eye array 403 is smaller than the size of each cell in the collimating component 402.

[0113] 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 being collimated 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°.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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 disposed 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] The first mask 805 is configured to permanently reduce the light intensity of the light emitted by the plurality of 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.

[0118] Referring 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 the plurality of light-emitting components 901. In one embodiment, referring 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 a plurality of light-emitting components 901 and 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 arranged in front of the target plane 904, and the light forms an illumination area on the target plane 904 after passing through the second mask 906. 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 forms an illumination area directly on the second mask 906 after passing through the collimating component.

[0119] Referring 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 a plurality of light-emitting components 901 and 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 arranged 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.

[0120] SeeFigure 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 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. The light passing through the collimating component 902 first passes through the first mask 905 and is permanently reduced in light intensity and then irradiates on the second mask 906. The controller is electrically connected to each light-emitting component 901 and can individually control each light-emitting component 901.

[0121] 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 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 individually 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.

[0122] The second mask 906 only allows the light in a specific area to pass through, can selectively reduce the intensity of local light, so as to form a specific pattern and cure the printing material.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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 mode of each lens in the compound eye array is the same as the array mode of each collimating lens in the collimating component. Refer to Figure 10A, a plurality of 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.

[0125] Refer to Figure 10B , a plurality of light-emitting components 1001 are arranged in a square array, the collimating lens 1021 is circular, a plurality of 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.

[0126] Refer to Figure 10C and Figure 10D , a plurality of light-emitting components 1001 are arranged in a multi-row and multi-column staggered manner. 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 [[ID=!5]] Figure 10D , the collimating lens is a circular lens, 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 , a plurality of regular hexagonal collimating lenses 1071 are spliced. Refer to Figure 10F , a plurality of 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.

[0127] 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 grating) 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 of the plurality of light-emitting components 1101 is 80% - 120% of the light intensity in the non-overlapping area.

[0128] 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, rectangles, regular octagons, and regular decagons.

[0129] The optical system provided by the embodiment of the present application can reduce the interference between the light from a single light-emitting component 1101 and the light from an adjacent light-emitting component 1101 by arranging a light-shielding element 1107 between the light-emitting component 1101 and the collimation interval.

[0130] 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 exposure area on the LCD screen to move, and replaces the damaged light-emitting component 1101 by lighting the undamaged light-emitting component 1101. In another embodiment, if the dead pixel detection device detects that the LED is damaged, the controller controls multiple light-emitting components 1101 to move 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 component 1101 adjacent to the damaged LED to increase the light intensity.

[0131] 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 arranging 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.

[0132] 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 of a first wavelength band, and the second LED is used for emitting light rays of a second wavelength band, and the first wavelength band is different from the second wavelength band.

[0133] 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 of different wavelength bands. For example, the central wavelength of the light emitted by the first LED is 385nm, belonging to long-wave ultraviolet; the central wavelength of the light 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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 a 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, and the controller is electrically connected to the plurality of light-emitting components and can independently control the on / off of each light-emitting component.

[0136] The light emitted by the light-emitting component is collimated by the collimating lens array 1203 after passing through the channel. 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 from 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 regulated, so that the area of the overlapping region between two adjacent light spots is controllable, which helps to regulate 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 hexagonal light-emitting surface can be obtained. In addition, the cross-section of the channel can also be a triangle, a regular octagon, etc. In this regard, the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations.

[0137] For the optical module provided in this embodiment, a light-shielding element 1202 is provided between the mounting plate 1201 and the collimating lens array 1203. The collimating lens array 1203 is supported by the light-shielding element 1202, 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 component controllable, which helps to improve the exposure quality.

[0138] Referring to Figure 12A 、 12B, 12C and 12D, the compound eye lens array 1204 is arranged on the side of the collimating lens array 1203 away from the shading element 1202. The heat sink 1205 is arranged on the side of the light-emitting component away from the collimating lens array 1203, and is used to cool the light-emitting component. Specifically, the heat sink 1205 includes a plate body and heat dissipation fins arranged on one side of the plate body. The side of the plate body away from the heat dissipation fins is fitted with the mounting plate 1201. A heat dissipation gap is formed between adjacent heat dissipation fins, and the contact area between the heat sink 1205 and the air is increased by providing the heat dissipation fins, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency. Optionally, the plate body and the heat dissipation fins are an integrated structure and are made of a material with good thermal conductivity to accelerate the discharge of heat and avoid heat accumulation affecting the service life of the optical component.

[0139] See Figure 12E , an adapter board 1206 is installed beside the mounting board 1201, and the adapter board 1206 is electrically connected to the mounting board 1201 to provide power to each light emitting component. The adapter board 1206 is provided with a circuit. Figure 12A 、 12B 12C, adapter plate 1206 is parallel to the stacking direction of mounting plate 1201, shading element 1202, collimating lens array 1203, and fly-eye lens array 1204, and is positioned next to mounting plate 1201. Adapter plate 1206 is connected to an external power supply to power each light-emitting component. A controller is electrically connected to adapter plate 1206 and controls each light-emitting component via circuitry configured on adapter plate 1206.

[0140] Figure 14 A photocurable 3D printing device according to some embodiments is shown. The photocurable 3D printing device (or additive manufacturing system) includes a drive assembly 1410 and a build platform 1420. The build platform 1420 solidifies layers one by one to form a printed object. The drive assembly 1410 is capable of driving the build platform 1420 in a vertical direction based on instructions from a controller (not shown). The photocurable 3D printing device also includes a carrier 1430, which is in the form of, for example, a trough, box, container, or plate, capable of carrying or supporting photosensitive materials of varying viscosities. When the carrier 1430 is, for example, a container, the carrier 1430 includes a resilient and at least partially transparent film 1432. When the build platform 1420 moves toward the film and remains at a predetermined position, light is applied to cure the photosensitive material to form a current cured layer, which adheres to both the build platform 1420 and the film 1432. To continue forming the next cured layer, the build platform 1420 and the current cured layer adhered thereto are moved away from the film 1432 to release the adhesion between the current cured layer and the film. After the build platform 1420 (and the current solidified layer) is peeled off from the film 1432, the build platform 1420 moves closer to the film to prepare for forming the next solidified layer. The light-curing 3D printing device also includes an optical system for providing uniform optical radiation to 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 the optical module described above, for example, 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 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.

[0141] 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, which adheres to the forming platform z0. 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 the optical module described above, for example, 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 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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 described above. Among them, the optical system may include the optical module 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.

[0144] As Figure 16 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 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 , 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.

[0145] 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 among 100 to 15000, such as 100, 170, 200 or 15000.

[0146] In some embodiments, n channels are provided 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 provided for the first light-emitting component, and 5 channels are provided for the second light-emitting component.

[0147] In some embodiments, the channels provided for the light-emitting component 1601 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 LED connected to the failed channel can be connected to the spare channel.

[0148] 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, P = U1×(I×B1).

[0149] During actual use, a single LED is electrically connected to a part of the channels, for example, n channels (n < B1), and at this time the power of the LED is P = U1×(I×n).

[0150] Figure 16 In the corresponding embodiment, by configuring each LED to be electrically connected to at least two channels of the controller 1602, a higher driving current required for independently controlling 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.

[0151] 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 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.

[0152] 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. The controller 1702 is used to independently control each light-emitting component 1701.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] In some embodiments, n channels are set 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 set for each LED in the first light-emitting component, and 5 channels are set for each LED in the second light-emitting component.

[0156] In some embodiments, the channels set for the light-emitting component 1701 are redundant. For example, 6 channels are set 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.

[0157] 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, P = U2×(I×B2).

[0158] 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).

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] For example, the driving current allowed by a single channel of a commercially available single driving chip for a UV LED 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.

[0162] 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 path of driving current. The controller 1802 is used to independently control each light-emitting component 1801.

[0163] In Figure 18 it, each LED is electrically connected to a current amplification circuit 1803, and each current amplification circuit 1803 is electrically connected to a channel and accesses a second driving voltage V2.

[0164] 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 any number in, for example, 100 to 15000, such as 100, 170, 200, or 15000.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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 reserved. When any normal channel fails, the current amplification circuit electrically connected to the failed channel can be connected to the reserved 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).

[0167] 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). At this time, the power of the LED is P = U2×(I×E31).

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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 circuit arrangements, 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.

[0170] Such as Figure 19As 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 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.

[0171] In Figure 19 , 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.

[0172] 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 lighting partition of a single light-emitting component 1901 is any number in, for example, 100 to 15000, such as 100, 170, 200, or 15000.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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. When any normal channel fails, the current amplification circuit electrically connected to the failed channel can be connected to the standby channel.

[0175] 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).

[0176] 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).

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] For example, the driving current allowed by 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.

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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.

[0182] In Figure 20 it, 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.

[0183] 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 illumination 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.

[0184] 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.

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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).

[0187] 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).

[0188] Figure 20 In the corresponding embodiments, by making each LED include a plurality of cut sub-LED wafers connected in series, while the luminous power of a single LED remains unchanged, the driving current required for a single LED is reduced, and the driving voltage required for a single LED is increased. By making the plurality of 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 plurality of series-connected sub-LED wafers can be satisfied, meeting the desired radiation power of the UV LED.

[0189] For example, the driving current allowed by a single channel of a commercially available single driving chip for a 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 by 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.

[0190] Such as Figure 21As 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 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.

[0191] In Figure 21 , each LED includes a plurality of sub-LED wafers that are cut, the plurality of sub-LED wafers are connected in series, and are electrically connected to one channel of the controller 2102 and access the third driving voltage V3.

[0192] 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 illumination partition of a single light-emitting component 2101. A6 is, for example, any number among 100 to 15000, such as 100, 170, 200, or 15000.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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.

[0195] 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, and P = U3×(I×B2).

[0196] 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).

[0197] 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.

[0198] 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.

[0199] 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 driving current required for a single LED is reduced and the driving voltage required for a single LED is increased. By connecting the plurality of serially connected sub-LED wafers to at least one channel of the controller and applying a high 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 relatively high driving voltage required for the plurality of serially connected sub-LED wafers can be satisfied, meeting the desired radiant power of the UV LED. For example, the driving current allowed for a single channel of a commercially available single driving chip for a UVLED is 40 mA to 80 mA, and the driving voltage of a single UV LED is 4V. After, for example Figure 21 such a 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 UVLED is increased.

[0200] In some embodiments, the magnitude U3 of the third driving voltage V3 is greater than the magnitude U1 of the first driving voltage V1 and the magnitude U2 of the second driving voltage V2, that is, U3 > U1 and U3 > U2. When the requirement for the maximum luminous power P of a single LED remains unchanged and the maximum driving current I that each channel of the controller can provide remains unchanged, U3 = U1 × B2 = U2 × E4. Considering that there may be power losses in the plurality of serially connected sub-LED wafers compared 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, that is, multiple different configurations can exist simultaneously in the same optical system, and can be selected according to actual requirements such as cost, process complexity, volume, etc., with high configuration flexibility.

[0201] In the above embodiments, the maximum luminous power P of the LED and the maximum driving 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.

[0202] In some embodiments, each light-emitting component includes a plurality of LEDs that emit ultraviolet light. The plurality of LEDs that emit ultraviolet light includes a first LED and a second LED, where 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 includes a first LED and a second LED, where the light-emitting band of the first LED is the same as that of the second LED.

[0203] 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 the light-emitting wavelength of the optical system can be switched without replacing the light-emitting board.

[0204] In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs with the same light-emitting wavelength includes a main LED and at least one corresponding spare LED.

[0205] 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 spare LEDs, when the main LED or some of the spare LEDs are detected as dead pixels, the remaining spare LEDs can be lit to ensure the continuity of illumination.

[0206] In an application, any light-emitting component may include a main LED with the same light-emitting wavelength and at least one corresponding spare LED. The light-emitting wavelength of the main LED and the at least one corresponding spare 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.

[0207] 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;

[0208] 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;

[0209] The second end of the second resistor unit 2202 is electrically connected to the controlled end of the transistor unit 2203;

[0210] The output end of the transistor unit 2203 is electrically connected to an LED.

[0211] 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.

[0212] As Figure 23 shown, an exemplary second structural schematic diagram of the current amplification circuit provided by the 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.

[0213] As Figure 24 shown, an exemplary structural schematic diagram of the power supply circuit in the optical system provided by the 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.

[0214] 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 voltage step-down function, overvoltage protection can be achieved. 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.

[0215] In applications, 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.

[0216] In applications, the magnitude of the power supply voltage Vin can be configured according to actual needs to be any voltage greater than the driving voltages required by the LEDs in the optical system. For example, the magnitude of the power supply voltage Vin can be 24V.

[0217] In applications, according to the configuration methods adopted by the LEDs in the optical system, the driving voltages Vout1, Vout2, and Vout3 correspondingly 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 method in the optical system 1600 or 1700, Vout1 = Vout2 = Vout3 = V1. For example, in the case of adopting the configuration method in the optical system 1800 or 1900, Vout1 = Vout2 = Vout3 = V2. For example, in the case of adopting the configuration method in the optical system 2000 or 2100, Vout1 = Vout2 = Vout3 = V3.

[0218] 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;

[0219] The buck circuit part is composed of an input capacitor, a power supply controller chip 2503, a high-side switch tube, a low-side switch tube, an inductor, and an output capacitor, and is connected in a structure of a Buck buck topology;

[0220] 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;

[0221] The high-side pin HO of the power supply controller chip 2503 is electrically connected to the controlled end of the high-side switch tube, the voltage output pin LX of the power supply controller chip 2503 is electrically connected to the output end of the high-side switch tube, one end of the inductor, and the input end of the low-side switch tube, the low-side pin LO of the power supply controller chip 2503 is electrically connected to the controlled end of the low-side switch tube, 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 end GND of the power supply controller chip 2503 is grounded;

[0222] The input end of the high-side switch tube is connected to the power supply voltage Vin;

[0223] The output terminal of the low-voltage side switching tube is grounded;

[0224] The second terminal of the inductor is electrically connected to the input terminal of the output capacitor and the first terminal of resistor R1 to provide the driving voltage Vout;

[0225] The output terminal of the output capacitor is grounded;

[0226] The second terminal of resistor R1, the first terminal of resistor R2, and the first terminal of resistor R4 are electrically connected, and the second terminal of resistor R3 is grounded;

[0227] The voltage regulation circuit 2502 is composed of a PWM / DAC voltage regulation unit 2504 and a processor 2505;

[0228] The input terminal of the PWM / DAC voltage regulation unit 2504 is electrically connected to the processor 2505, and the output terminal Vset of the PWM / DAC voltage regulation unit 2504 is electrically connected to the second terminal of resistor R4.

[0229] Since the voltage at the feedback pin FB of the DC-DC power controller chip 2503 remains basically constant, 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 of two resistors in series, the output Vout is constant. Calculate the range that Vout needs to be adjusted according to 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 regulation unit 2304, so as to dynamically adjust the multiple relationship between Vout and Vfb and finally adjust the magnitude of Vout.

[0230] 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.

[0231] In the embodiments 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, it is possible to achieve overheat protection, overcurrent protection, and overvoltage protection functions while providing the driving voltage.

[0232] Such as Figure 26 As shown, an exemplary circuit schematic diagram of the optical system of the light-curing 3D printer provided by the embodiments 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;

[0233] A controller 2601 is 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 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 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;

[0234] The processor 2603 is 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 reduce the drive voltage Vout output by the power supply circuit 2602.

[0235] In an application, the controller 2601 can be Figures 16 - 21 any one of the controllers in Figure 26 Exemplarily shown in is 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.

[0236] It should be understood that based on Figures 16 - 21 the configuration of each channel in any one of the controllers, 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, the redundant channel has no signal input, and the drive current Iset of the redundant channel = 0A.

[0237] In an application, the drive voltage Vout that the power supply circuit 2602 needs to output can be calculated in advance according to the drive current Iset of each channel and the equivalent resistance values of each load (i.e., LED, current amplification circuit, a plurality of sub-LED wafers connected in series, loss resistance of wires, etc.) under the configuration of this channel, based on Ohm's law.

[0238] 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-computer interaction with the processor 2603 through any human-computer 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.

[0239] 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;

[0240] 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;

[0241] 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.

[0242] 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.

[0243] 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.

[0244] 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;

[0245] 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.

[0246] 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 defective 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 defective 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 in the case where any primary LED and all its corresponding backup LEDs are detected as defective pixels, a corresponding defective 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 defective pixel.

[0247] 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:

[0248] A light-emitting panel 2801, on which multiple light-emitting components are arranged in an array;

[0249] A processor 2802, electrically connected to the controller 2603, and the processor 2802 is used for:

[0250] In the direct current (DC) dimming mode, controlling the controller 2803 to output analog current signals of different magnitudes to each LED, obtaining the light intensity of each LED under the analog current signals of different magnitudes based on the light intensity acquisition device 2804, and fitting to obtain 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;

[0251] In the PWM dimming mode, controlling the controller 2803 to output PWM signals with different duty cycles to each LED, and obtaining the light intensity of each LED under the PWM signals with different duty cycles based on the light intensity acquisition device 2804;

[0252] 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, obtaining the power of each LED under the PWM signals corresponding to different light intensities to obtain the PWM value-power relationship between the power of each LED and the duty cycle of the PWM signal;

[0253] 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, control the magnitude of the analog current signal output by the controller 2803 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.

[0254] In an application, the light intensity acquisition device 2804 can be an image capture device (for example, a camera or any device with a camera) or a contact probe (for example, a photometer).

[0255] In an application, the processor 2802 can first plot 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 plotted; then, based on the fitting of the A PI curves, obtain the power-current relationship between the power of the light-emitting panel 2801 and the magnitude of the analog current signal. The processor 2802 can also first plot 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 plotted; then, based on the fitting of the B PI curves, obtain the power-current relationship between the power of the light-emitting panel 2801 and the magnitude of the analog current signal.

[0256] In an application, the processor 2802 can establish the correspondence 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 this correspondence in the memory. The correspondence can specifically exist in the form of a correspondence table. Based on this correspondence, 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 correspondence, 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.

[0257] 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.

[0258] 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.

[0259] 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 a current cured layer, and the current cured layer adheres to both the forming platform and the film at the same time. In order 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 on / off 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.

[0260] The optical system of the present application can also be applied to the light-curing 3D printing devices 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 a current cured layer, and the current cured layer adheres to the forming platform. In order 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 on / off 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.

[0261] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of the respective embodiments have their own focuses. For the parts not detailed or recorded in a certain embodiment, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0262] Those of ordinary skill in the art can realize that the modules and algorithm steps of the examples described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are executed in a hardware or software manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals can use different methods for each specific application to implement the described functions, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0263] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, not to limit them; although this 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 on some of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be included in the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An optical system of a photocuring 3D printer, characterized in that Comprising: A plurality of light-emitting components, each of the light-emitting components including one or more LEDs that emit ultraviolet light; And A controller, the controller including a plurality of channels, each of the channels configured to provide a driving current path, the controller being configured to independently control each of the light-emitting components; Wherein, the LEDs of the light-emitting components are configured as any one of the following: Electrically connected to at least two of the channels and connected to a first driving voltage; Electrically connected to a current amplification circuit, the current amplification circuit being electrically connected to the channels of the controller and connected to a second driving voltage; or Including a plurality of diced sub-LED wafers, the plurality of diced sub-LED wafers being connected in series, and being electrically connected to the channels of the controller and connected to a third driving voltage.

2. The optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The current amplification circuit includes a first resistor unit, a second resistor unit, and a transistor unit; A first end of the first resistor unit is electrically connected to an input end of the transistor unit and connected to a second driving voltage, and a second end of the first resistor unit is electrically connected to a first end of the second resistor unit and connected to a driving current; A second end of the second resistor unit is electrically connected to a controlled end of the transistor unit; An output end of the transistor unit is electrically connected to an LED.

3. The optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third driving voltage is greater than the first driving voltage and the second driving voltage.

4. The optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a power supply circuit, the power supply circuit including a plurality of buck circuits, each buck circuit configured to convert an input power supply voltage into a driving voltage, the driving voltage being the first driving voltage, the second driving voltage, or the third driving voltage.

5. The optical system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The buck circuit includes a DC-DC buck circuit and a voltage regulating circuit.

6. The optical system according to any one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that, It further includes a processor, when the driving voltage associated with a channel is lower than a first preset voltage, the controller outputs a low-voltage warning signal to the processor, the processor being configured to increase the driving voltage of the LED associated with the channel based on the low-voltage warning signal; and / or When the driving voltage associated with a channel is higher than a second preset voltage, the controller outputs a high-voltage warning signal to the processor, the processor being configured to decrease the driving voltage of the LED associated with the channel based on the high-voltage warning signal.

7. The optical system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The controller is configured to: When it is determined that the channel is short-circuited according to the driving current voltage of the channel, output a short-circuit signal; and / or When it is determined that the channel is open-circuited according to the driving current of the channel, output an open-circuit signal.

8. The optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to adjust the current or PWM of the light-emitting component.

9. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of LEDs that emit ultraviolet light include: A first LED and a second LED, wherein the emission wavelength band of the first LED is different from that of the second LED; or A first LED and a second LED, wherein the emission wavelength band of the first LED is the same as that of the second LED.

10. A photocuring 3D printer, characterized in that, Comprising: A forming platform, which is configured to adhere at least one curing layer; A loading device, which is configured to load printing material; A driving component, which is configured to drive the forming platform to move closer to or away from the loading device; And The optical system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the ultraviolet light emitted by the optical system being configured to cure the printing material to form the curing layer.

11. An operating method of the light-curing 3D printer according to claim 10, characterized in that, Comprising: The first plurality of light-emitting components of the optical system emit light, projecting ultraviolet light onto the printing material in the carrier device to form a first cured layer having a first profile; Then The second plurality of light-emitting components of the optical system emit light, projecting ultraviolet light onto the printing material in the carrier device to form a second cured layer having a second profile, wherein the first plurality of light-emitting components are different from the second plurality of light-emitting components.

Images