Light path protection device, light path protection method and additive manufacturing equipment

Abstract

Disclosed herein are an optical path protection device (1), an optical path protection method, and an additive manufacturing apparatus. The light path protection device (1) comprises a rotary protection window (10) and one or more airflow units (11), and the rotary protection window (10) is arranged at the output end of a light path unit (2) of the additive manufacturing equipment and used for driving a protection lens (104) to rotate according to preset rotation parameters so as to isolate splashes and avoid attachment of the splashes; and the one or more airflow units (11) are arranged between the rotary protection window (10) and the forming chamber (3) and used for outputting one or more layers of protection airflow with preset strength to a preset angle, so that a protection gas film with preset thickness is formed in the area of the protection lens (104). The optical path protection device (1) can provide a dynamic self-cleaning function and a stable protection air curtain for the protection lens (104) so as to isolate splashes, smoke dust and molten particles and prevent the splashes, the smoke dust and the molten particles from adhering to pollute the protection lens (104).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology, and more specifically to an optical path protection device, an optical path protection method, and additive manufacturing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In metal additive manufacturing equipment, high-power laser beams or electron beams are typically used as the energy input source. The energy beam is guided to the forming area through an optical path unit to selectively melt, sinter, or clad the laid metal powder, thereby forming the part structure layer by layer. In order to ensure the focusing quality of the energy beam, additive manufacturing equipment usually has an optical path unit at the energy output end, which includes a collimating lens, a galvanometer, a field lens, and a protective window at its front end to isolate the internal optical components from the direct impact of dust and high-temperature particles.

[0003] However, during the interaction between the high-energy beam and the metal powder, a large number of high-speed splashing particles, metal vapors, oxide fumes and molten droplets are generated due to the instantaneous high temperature, high pressure and strong evaporation effect. These substances are randomly ejected at high speed and are very easy to adhere to and contaminate or damage the protective lens of the protective window.

[0004] When spatter adheres to the surface of the protective lens, it will cause a decrease in the energy beam transmittance and a reduction in energy transmission efficiency, thereby reducing the actual energy density of the forming area and causing quality problems such as discontinuous forming and unstable molten pool. At the same time, the contamination layer will absorb some energy, causing the local temperature of the protective lens to rise and form a thermal gradient, which will cause thermal stress concentration, leading to ablation, cracking or peeling of the lens film. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an optical path protection device, an optical path protection method, and an additive manufacturing equipment. Through the controlled rotation of the protective window and the synergistic effect of the layered air film, it can provide a dynamic self-cleaning function and a stable protective air curtain for the protective lens, thereby isolating splashes, dust, and molten particles and preventing them from adhering and contaminating the protective lens.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides an optical path protection device for additive manufacturing, comprising: a rotating protective window disposed at the output end of the optical path unit of an additive manufacturing equipment, for driving a protective lens to rotate according to preset rotation parameters, thereby isolating spatter and preventing spatter from adhering; and one or more airflow units disposed between the rotating protective window and the forming chamber, for outputting one or more layers of protective airflow with preset intensity to a preset angle, thereby forming a protective air film of preset thickness in the area of ​​the protective lens.

[0007] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the rotating protective window includes: a protective window body disposed at the output end of the optical path unit and provided with one or more air film vents, the air film vents being arranged in a ring, radial, or matrix configuration; a protective lens coaxially disposed within the protective window body for isolating splashes; and a first driving member connected to the protective lens for driving the protective lens to rotate according to a first rotation parameter.

[0008] In one alternative of the first aspect, the one or more air film vents are connected to the atmosphere protection system of the additive manufacturing equipment for outputting inert gas to the protective lens and / or in a preset direction to form a lens air film layer, thereby preventing splashes from adhering to the protective lens and sealing the gap between the protective lens and the protective window.

[0009] In one alternative of the first aspect, the one or more airflow units are provided with one or more protective air ports, which are connected to a compressed air source or an atmosphere protection system of an additive manufacturing equipment, for outputting protective airflow and coupling the direction of the protective airflow with the rotation direction of the protective lens to form a dynamic pressure protective layer of a preset thickness.

[0010] In one alternative of the first aspect, when multiple protective air vents are used, at least some of the protective air vents are connected to a compressed air source or an atmosphere protection system of the additive manufacturing equipment for outputting a protective airflow; at least some of the protective air vents are configured as accommodating cavities for collecting splashes.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the one or more airflow units include: a fixed part; a rotating part disposed within the fixed part and provided with one or more protective air ports, the one or more protective air ports being connected to a compressed air source or an atmosphere protection system of an additive manufacturing equipment for outputting protective airflow to a preset angle; and a second driving member connected to the rotating part for driving the rotating part to rotate according to a second rotation parameter.

[0012] In one alternative of the first aspect, the rotating part adopts the same or different rotation direction and rotation parameters as the protective lens; wherein, when multiple airflow units are used, the rotating part of each airflow unit adopts the same or different rotation direction and rotation parameters.

[0013] In one alternative of the first aspect, when multiple protective air vents are used, at least some of the protective air vents are configured as receiving cavities to form a particulate inhalation zone for adsorbing and containing splashes when the rotating part rotates.

[0014] In one alternative of the first aspect, the accommodating cavity is configured as a spiral groove to form an adsorption airflow when the rotating part rotates, thereby adsorbing and accommodating splashes.

[0015] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, the one or more airflow units further include: a protective section disposed on the fixed section and provided with a plurality of protective plates; and a third driving section connected to the protective plates for controlling the contraction or expansion of the protective plates according to the energy beam switching state, scanning trajectory, or real-time forming area position, thereby reducing the exposed area of ​​the protective lens and reducing the area affected by splashes.

[0016] In one alternative of the first aspect, when multiple airflow units are used, the protective portion of each airflow unit forms the same or different opening sizes.

[0017] In a second aspect, this application provides an additive manufacturing apparatus that uses the optical path protection device according to any one of the first aspects.

[0018] Thirdly, this application provides a method for optical path protection in additive manufacturing using the optical path protection device according to any one of the first aspects or the additive manufacturing equipment according to the second aspect. The method includes: controlling the rotation of a protective lens of a rotating protective window and dynamically adjusting the rotation parameters of the protective lens according to real-time acquired additive manufacturing process parameters, the additive manufacturing process parameters including at least one of sputtering state, energy beam power, scanning speed, and forming area temperature; and adjusting one or more airflow units to a preset angle and outputting one or more layers of protective airflow with a preset intensity according to the additive manufacturing process parameters, thereby forming a protective air film of a preset thickness.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment of the third aspect, when controlling the rotation of the protective lens of the rotating protective window, the method further includes: outputting inert gas to the protective lens and / or a preset direction to form a lens gas film layer, thereby preventing splashes from adhering and sealing the gap between the protective lens and the rotating protective window with an air seal.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment of the third aspect, when adjusting one or more airflow units to a preset angle and outputting one or more layers of protective airflow with a preset intensity, the method includes: controlling the one or more airflow units to rotate and outputting one or more layers of protective airflow with a preset intensity to a preset angle; wherein the one or more airflow units adopt the same or different rotation direction and rotation parameters as the protective lens.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment of the third aspect, when adjusting one or more airflow units to a preset angle and outputting one or more layers of protective airflow with a preset intensity, the method further includes: controlling the output ends of the one or more airflow units to contract or expand according to the energy beam switch state, scanning trajectory, or real-time forming area position, thereby reducing the exposed area of ​​the protective lens; wherein, when multiple airflow units are used, the output ends of each airflow unit are controlled to form the same or different opening sizes.

[0022] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application and to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the present application.

[0024] Figure 1 This is an installation schematic diagram of an exemplary optical path protection device according to some embodiments of this application.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary device for a single radial jet protective air inlet according to some embodiments of this application.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary device for multiple radial jet protective air inlets according to some embodiments of this application.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary device for a single axial jet protective air inlet according to some embodiments of this application.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary device for multiple axial jet protective air inlets according to some embodiments of this application.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of an exemplary rotating protective window and airflow unit according to some embodiments of this application.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary apparatus of multiple inclined jet protective air ports and multiple radial jet film air ports according to some embodiments of this application.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary device for a single radial jet film air inlet according to some embodiments of this application.

[0032] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary device for a single axially ejected film air inlet according to some embodiments of this application.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary apparatus for multiple axially ejected film air ports according to some embodiments of this application.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of an exemplary rotating part structure receiving cavity according to some embodiments of this application.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an exemplary rotating part constructing a spiral groove receiving cavity according to some embodiments of this application.

[0036] Figure 13 This is an exemplary expanded schematic diagram of a protective section according to some embodiments of this application.

[0037] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the contraction of an exemplary protective section according to some embodiments of this application.

[0038] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a protective section with different opening sizes, according to some embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, the description of these embodiments is intended to make this application more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to provide a deeper understanding of embodiments of this application.

[0040] Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is a manufacturing process that creates complex structural parts by depositing materials layer by layer. This technology is widely used in aerospace, medical devices, mold manufacturing, and energy equipment.

[0041] In metal additive manufacturing, high-energy-density laser beams or electron beams are typically used as heat sources. The energy beams are precisely guided to the surface of the powder layer through the optical path unit 2, selectively melting, sintering, or cladding the metal powder, thereby achieving the layer-by-layer deposition and forming of the metal powder.

[0042] Currently, the optical path unit 2 of additive manufacturing equipment typically consists of optical components such as a collimating lens, a galvanometer, a field lens, and a protective window at its front end.

[0043] Collimating lenses are used to convert divergent energy beams from light sources (such as lasers or electron guns) into parallel beams, thereby reducing energy diffusion and spot drift during long-distance transmission and ensuring subsequent focusing accuracy.

[0044] Galvanometers typically employ a high-precision servo motor-driven reflector structure, enabling dual-axis deflection scanning of the energy beam at a microsecond-level response speed. They irradiate the forming area point-by-point or line-by-line according to a set scanning path, thereby achieving forming control of complex contours.

[0045] The field lens (also known as the scanning lens) is located after the galvanometer. Its main function is to refocus the energy beam deflected by the galvanometer onto the forming plane to ensure that the size and energy density of the focused spot at each position in the scanning area are basically constant.

[0046] The protective window is equipped with a protective lens, which is usually made of optical materials with high light transmittance and high thermal shock resistance. It is used to isolate high-temperature fumes, metal splashes, and molten droplets in the forming chamber, preventing them from directly entering the optical path unit 2 and causing contamination or damage.

[0047] Furthermore, when necessary, a beam expander will be installed in the optical path unit 2 to expand the diameter of the energy beam and reduce the divergence angle of the energy beam, thereby optimizing the uniformity of the focused spot and the energy distribution and improving the forming quality.

[0048] However, during the interaction between metal powder and high-energy beam, a large number of high-speed splashing particles, metal vapor, oxide dust and molten droplets are generated due to the instantaneous high temperature, high pressure and strong evaporation effect. These splashes are very easy to adhere to the protective lens of the protective window and affect the energy beam scanning operation.

[0049] Therefore, for reference Figures 1 to 5 As shown, Figure 1 This application shows an exemplary optical path protection device installation diagram according to some embodiments. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary device for a single radial jet protective inlet, according to some embodiments of this application, is shown. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an exemplary device with multiple radial jet protective ports, according to some embodiments of this application, is shown. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an exemplary device for a single axial jet protective air inlet, according to some embodiments of this application, is shown. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an exemplary device for multiple axial jet protective air inlets according to some embodiments of this application is shown. To address the above-mentioned problems, this application provides a light path protection device 1 for additive manufacturing, which includes at least a rotating protective window 10 and one or more airflow units 11.

[0050] Specifically, the rotating protective window 10 is located at the output end of the optical path unit 2 of the additive manufacturing equipment, and the protective lens built into the rotating protective window 10 adopts a rotating design. This is used to mitigate the contamination of the protective lens by splashes during the additive manufacturing process and to improve the cleaning efficiency of the protective lens after contamination. Specifically, the rotating protective window 10 includes a protective window body 100, a protective lens, and a first driving member 102. The protective window body 100 is fixedly installed at the energy beam input end of the forming chamber 3, and the protective lens is surrounded by a lens frame 101. The first driving member 102 can be of any form as long as it can drive an object to rotate. The driving structure includes, but is not limited to, servo motors, rotary cylinders, etc. For example, in this application, a servo motor can be referred to. The servo motor, together with the lens frame 101 and the protective window 100, forms the existing hollow rotating platform structure. The servo motor drives the lens frame 101 to rotate the protective lens within the protective window 100. The rotation speed, rotation direction, and rotation time of the protective lens are set by the designer according to actual needs. The outer contour of the protective window 100 can be polygonal or circular, but the inner contour of the protective window 100 is circular so that the protective lens and its lens frame 101 can rotate.

[0051] Specifically, one or more airflow units 11 are disposed between the rotating protective window 10 and the energy beam input end of the forming chamber 3, for outputting one or more layers of protective airflow with a preset intensity to a preset angle, thereby forming a protective air film of a preset thickness in the protective lens area.

[0052] refer to Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6A perspective view of an exemplary rotating protective window and airflow unit according to some embodiments of this application is shown. The one or more airflow units 11 can also be designed as rotating jets. Specifically, the one or more airflow units 11 include a fixed part 111, a rotating part 112, and a second driving member 113. The fixed part 111 is disposed between the rotating protective window 10 and the energy beam input end of the forming chamber 3, and it adopts a fixed, non-rotating housing. The rotating part 112 is disposed within the fixed part 111 and has one or more protective air ports 110, which also adopt a rotating housing. The one or more protective air ports 110 are cavity-type and connected to a compressed air source or the atmosphere protection system of an additive manufacturing equipment for outputting protective airflow at a preset angle. The second driving member 113 is connected to the rotating part 112 and is used to drive the rotating part 112 to rotate according to a second rotation parameter. The second driving component 113 can be any type of driving structure capable of driving an object to rotate, including but not limited to servo motors, rotary cylinders, etc. For example, in this application, a servo motor can be referenced. The servo motor, together with the frame 101 and the protective window 100, forms the existing hollow rotating platform structure. The servo motor drives the frame 101 to rotate the protective lens within the protective window 100. The rotation speed, rotation direction, and rotation time of the protective lens are set by the designer according to actual needs. The outer contour of the fixing part 111 can be polygonal or circular, but the inner contour of the fixing part 111 is circular so that the rotating part 112 can rotate.

[0053] The preset angle is adjusted by the designer according to actual needs. If it is a single airflow unit 11, it is configured to spray inert gas toward the lens frame 101 of the protective lens. After the inert gas is sprayed onto the surface of the lens frame 101, it spreads on the surface of the protective lens to form an attached lens gas film layer. At the same time, as the inert gas is continuously sprayed toward the lens frame 101, a high-pressure gas-tight area is also formed in the corresponding area to prevent splashes from entering the gap between the lens frame 101 of the protective lens and the protective window 100. At the same time, the airtightness is maintained during rotation without being affected by rotation. Alternatively, it is configured to output inert gas toward the radial direction of the protective lens, so as to directly form an attached lens gas film layer on the outer side of the protective lens. As the inert gas is continuously sprayed toward the radial direction of the protective lens, it moves to the inner side of the protective window 100 and spreads to form a gas-tight area to prevent splashes from entering the gap between the lens frame 101 of the protective lens and the protective window 100.

[0054] The preset intensity is set by the designer based on the spatter image data, energy beam power, scanning speed, scanning path, forming area temperature, and forming chamber 3 airflow data obtained by the sensors of the additive manufacturing equipment. It can be set as fixed parameters before each energy beam scan, or it can be dynamically adjusted based on the aforementioned sensor data. For example, if the spatter image data, energy beam power, scanning speed, forming area temperature, and / or forming chamber 3 airflow data are detected to be increased, it is determined that the spatter intensity has increased, and the inert gas jet flow rate is increased, while the rotation speed of the protective lens is also increased; conversely, the inert gas jet flow rate and the rotation speed of the protective lens are reduced.

[0055] If the protective vent 110 is a single unit, its shape can be either hole-shaped or groove-shaped. When the protective vent 110 is hole-shaped, its cross-section can be circular or polygonal. The protective vent 110 is connected to the atmosphere protection system of the additive manufacturing equipment through an internal flow channel to output inert gas to the protective lens or the radial direction of the protective lens to form a lens gas film layer, thereby preventing splashes from adhering to the protective lens. The preset direction can be the radial direction of the protective lens, and the inert gas includes, but is not limited to, argon, helium, and other inert gases commonly used in existing additive manufacturing equipment.

[0056] If multiple protective air vents 110 are provided, the shape of the protective air vents 110 can be either hole-shaped or groove-shaped, or some of the protective air vents 110 can be hole-shaped and some can be groove-shaped. The multiple protective air vents 110 are connected to the atmosphere protection system of the additive manufacturing equipment through internal flow channels. They are used to output inert gas to the protective lens and / or the radial direction of the protective lens and / or the angle designed by the designer (e.g., the tilt angle in the range of 20° to 80°, so as to form a lateral protective airflow layer and prevent splashes from passing through the airflow unit 11 area) to form a lens gas film layer, thereby preventing splashes from adhering to the protective lens. At the same time, due to the continuous action of the inert gas, the airflow environment can be stabilized and the local heat deposition of the protective lens can be reduced.

[0057] Among them, the perforated protective air inlet 110 can form a fixed-point, highly directional jet stream, and the grooved protective air inlet 110 can form a uniform air curtain.

[0058] Specifically, during the additive manufacturing process, the atmosphere protection system continuously supplies inert gas to the protective gas port 110, that is:

[0059] If inert gas is output radially to the protective lens, the protective vent 110 will spray the inert gas radially toward the protective lens, directly forming a protective gas film layer on the outer layer of the protective lens. Due to continuous radial spraying, the inert gas moves to the inner side of the fixing part 111 and disperses to form a gas-sealed area, preventing splashes from entering the gap between the frame 101 of the protective lens and the protective window 100. (Reference) Figure 2 and Figure 3 The protective air inlet 110a with a single radial injection is shown, or the protective air inlet 110b with multiple radial injections is shown.

[0060] If inert gas is output towards the protective lens, the protective vent 110 will spray the inert gas towards the lens frame 101 of the protective lens. After the inert gas is sprayed onto the surface of the lens frame 101, it spreads out and forms an attached lens gas film layer on the surface of the protective lens. At the same time, as the inert gas is continuously sprayed onto the lens frame 101, a high-pressure airtight area is also formed in the corresponding area, thereby preventing splashes from entering the gap between the lens frame 101 of the protective lens and the protective window 100, and maintaining airtightness during rotation without being affected by rotation; Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The protective air inlet 110c with a single radial injection, or the protective air inlet 110d with multiple radial injections, are shown.

[0061] If the protective vent 110 outputs inert gas at angles of 20° to 80°, such as 45° or 60°, a specific angle of isolation gas film layer is directly formed within the area of ​​the fixing part 111. Splashes entering this isolation gas film layer are directly blown away, preventing them from passing through the area of ​​the fixing part 111 and touching the protective lens. Furthermore, due to the continuous spraying of inert gas, the gas moves to the inner side of the fixing part 111 and disperses to form a gas-sealed area, preventing splashes from entering the gap between the frame 101 of the protective lens and the protective window 100. (Reference) Figure 7 The protective air inlets 110e are shown, which spray at multiple angles.

[0062] If inert gas is output to the protective lens, in the radial direction of the protective lens, and also output at an angle of 20° to 80°, the protective effect of the protective gas film layer, the gas-tight area, and the isolation gas film layer will be increased. At the same time, the airflow driven by the rotation will deflect the splashes. In actual installation, the protective gas port 110 that sprays inert gas should be set on a separate side, and other protective gas ports 110 should not be equipped with inert gas output function to prevent the gas output in the opposite direction from forming turbulence and interfering with the protective effect.

[0063] In some examples of this application, if multiple protective air ports 110 are provided, only some of the multiple protective air ports 110 can be connected to the atmosphere protection system of the additive manufacturing equipment, while the other protective air ports 110 are left unused, in order to increase the gas flow effect.

[0064] Therefore, the protection process in one embodiment of this application is as follows:

[0065] Upon receiving the processing instructions from the additive manufacturing equipment, the first drive unit 102 drives the frame 101 of the protective lens to rotate according to the set rotation direction and rotation parameters, and drives the protective lens to rotate synchronously. While the protective lens is rotating, the protective vent 110 continuously outputs inert gas to form a protective gas film layer and prevent splashes from entering the gap between the frame 101 of the protective lens and the protective window 100. At the same time, based on real-time splash image data, energy beam power, scanning speed, forming area temperature and / or forming chamber 3 air field data, the inert gas jet flow rate, the rotation parameters of the protective lens and the rotation parameters of the protective vent 110 are adjusted. When adjusting the rotation parameters of the protective lens, it is necessary to adjust them gradually and slowly to avoid excessive differential speed causing oscillation.

[0066] Therefore, based on real-time splash image data, energy beam power, scanning speed, forming area temperature, and / or forming chamber 3 airflow data, the process of adjusting the inert gas jet velocity, protective lens rotation parameters, and protective vent 110 rotation parameters is as follows:

[0067] High-speed visible light cameras, infrared cameras, or spectral sensors installed in additive manufacturing equipment are used to collect image data of the splatter, obtain the actual energy beam power, scanning speed, and air field data of the forming chamber 3 of the additive manufacturing equipment, and infrared thermal imagers and temperature sensors installed in the additive manufacturing equipment are used to collect temperature data of the forming area.

[0068] Based on the splash image data, the approximate density of the splashes is identified. When the splash density is greater than a set threshold, the inert gas jet velocity is increased, the rotation speed of the protective lens is accelerated, and the rotation speed of the rotating part 112 is accelerated; conversely, the inert gas jet velocity is reduced, the rotation speed of the protective lens is slowed down, and the rotation speed of the rotating part 112 is slowed down.

[0069] When the energy beam power increases and / or the scanning speed increases and / or the temperature of the forming area increases and / or the wind field intensity of the forming chamber 3 increases, the inert gas jet velocity increases, the rotation speed of the protective lens increases, and the rotation speed of the rotating part 112 increases; conversely, the inert gas jet velocity decreases, the rotation speed of the protective lens decreases, and the rotation speed of the rotating part 112 decreases.

[0070] Specifically, the aforementioned one or more airflow units 11 can be used in conjunction with the rotating protective window 10, i.e., the rotating protective window 10 is responsible for rotation and one or more airflow units 11 are responsible for spraying inert gas to form an air film, or the rotating protective window 10 is responsible for rotation and one or more airflow units 11 are responsible for rotation and spraying inert gas to form an air film.

[0071] Alternatively, one or more airflow units 11 and the rotating protective window 10 can be set to jet mode, and the inert gas outlets of one or more airflow units 11 and the inert gas outlets of the rotating protective window 10 can be staggered to form a stronger air film layer and avoid the existence of weak areas in the air film.

[0072] Alternatively, one or more airflow units 11 and the rotating protective window 10 can both be configured in a rotating jet mode, and the inert gas outlets of one or more airflow units 11 and the inert gas outlets of the rotating protective window 10 can be staggered to form a stronger air film layer and avoid weak areas in the air film. At the same time, the rotation direction and rotation parameters of the one or more airflow units 11 can be set to be different from those of the rotating protective window 10, and weak areas in the air film layer can be further avoided through the staggered stacked air film layer. Alternatively, the rotation direction and rotation parameters of the one or more airflow units 11 can be set to be the same as those of the rotating protective window 10, and the protective effect can be further increased through the unidirectional stacked air film layer.

[0073] Similarly, the specific settings, rotation direction, and rotation parameters of one or more airflow units 11 and rotating protective windows 10 are set and modified by the designer according to the actual application.

[0074] refer to Figures 7 to 10 As shown, Figure 7 The diagram illustrates an exemplary apparatus of multiple inclined jet protective air ports and multiple radial jet film air ports according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an exemplary device for a single radial injection film gas port, according to some embodiments of this application, is shown. Figure 9 A schematic diagram of an exemplary device for a single axially ejected film gas inlet, according to some embodiments of this application, is shown. Figure 10 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary device for multiple axially ejected film air vents according to some embodiments of this application. In some embodiments of this application, the protective window 100 of the rotating protective window 10 has one or more film air vents 103. The film air vents 103 are arranged in at least one of the following patterns: annular, radial, and matrix. The specific arrangement can be set by the designer according to the spot size, optical path structure, and flow field guidance requirements of the additive manufacturing equipment.

[0075] If the air film vent 103 is a single unit, the shape of the air film vent 103 can be either hole-shaped or groove-shaped. When the air film vent 103 is hole-shaped, the cross-section of the air film vent 103 can be circular or polygonal. The air film vent 103 is connected to the atmosphere protection system of the additive manufacturing equipment through an internal flow channel, and is used to output inert gas to the protective lens or a preset direction to form a lens air film layer, thereby preventing splashes from adhering to the protective lens and sealing the gap between the protective lens and the protective window 100.

[0076] If multiple air film vents 103 are provided, the shape of the air film vents 103 can be either hole-shaped or groove-shaped, or some air film vents 103 can be hole-shaped and some air film vents 103 can be groove-shaped. The multiple air film vents 103 are connected to the atmosphere protection system of the additive manufacturing equipment through internal flow channels, and are used to output inert gas to the protective lens and / or a preset direction to form a lens air film layer, thereby preventing splashes from adhering to the protective lens and sealing the gap between the protective lens and the protective window 100. At the same time, due to the continuous action of the inert gas, the airflow environment on the surface of the protective lens can be stabilized and local heat deposition can be reduced.

[0077] Among them, the perforated air film vent 103 can form a fixed-point, highly directional jet stream, and the grooved air film vent 103 can form a uniform air curtain.

[0078] Specifically, during the additive manufacturing process, the atmosphere protection system continuously supplies inert gas to the film gas inlet 103, that is:

[0079] If inert gas is radially output to the protective lens, the gas film port 103 will spray the inert gas radially toward the protective lens, directly forming an attached lens gas film layer on the outer side of the protective lens. Due to continuous radial spraying, the inert gas moves to the inner side of the protective window 100 and disperses to form a gas-sealed area, preventing splashes from entering the gap between the lens frame 101 and the protective window 100. (Reference) Figure 7 and Figure 8 The diagram shows multiple radially injected film air ports 103b, or a single radially injected film air port 103b.

[0080] If inert gas is supplied to the protective lens, the gas film port 103 will spray the inert gas toward the lens frame 101 of the protective lens. After the inert gas is sprayed onto the surface of the lens frame 101, it spreads out on the surface of the protective lens to form an attached lens gas film layer. At the same time, as the inert gas is continuously sprayed onto the lens frame 101, a high-pressure airtight area is also formed in the corresponding area, thereby preventing splashes from entering the gap between the lens frame 101 of the protective lens and the protective window 100, and maintaining the airtightness during rotation without being affected by rotation; Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 The single axially ejected film air port 103c or multiple axially ejected film air ports 103d are shown.

[0081] If inert gas is output to the protective lens in both directions and radially, the protective effect of the lens's gas film layer and gas-sealed area is increased. At the same time, the airflow driven by the rotation deflects the splashes to the outside. Furthermore, the gas film port 103 for spraying inert gas is set on a separate side, while other gas film ports 103 are not equipped with inert gas output functions to prevent the gas output in the opposite direction from forming turbulence that interferes with the lens's gas film layer and gas-sealed area.

[0082] In some examples of this application, if multiple air film vents 103 are provided, only some of the multiple air film vents 103 can be connected to the atmosphere protection system of the additive manufacturing equipment, while the other air film vents 103 are left unused, in order to increase the gas flow effect.

[0083] In actual implementation, when the air film port 103 and the protective port 110 simultaneously output inert gas, the protective port 110 couples the direction of the output inert gas with the output direction of the air film port 103. The protective air film layer of the protective port 110 is superimposed with the lens air film layer of the air film port 103 to form a dynamic pressure protective layer of a preset thickness. The preset thickness is at least equal to the diameter of the air film port 103 and the protective port 110.

[0084] refer to Figure 11 As shown, Figure 11 A perspective view of an exemplary rotating part constructing a receiving cavity is shown in some embodiments of this application. In some embodiments of this application, when multiple protective air ports 110 are used, at least some of the protective air ports 110 are connected to a compressed air source or an atmosphere protection system of an additive manufacturing equipment for outputting a protective airflow; at least some of the protective air ports 110 are constructed as receiving cavities 114 for forming a particulate intake zone that adsorbs and contains splashes when the rotating part 112 rotates.

[0085] Specifically, when multiple protective air ports 110 are used, the protective air ports 110 are divided into protective air port I and protective air port II. Protective air port I is connected to the compressed air source or the atmosphere protection system of the additive manufacturing equipment and is located on one side of the rotating part 112. Protective air port II is constructed as a receiving cavity 114 and is located on the other side of the rotating part 112. Protective air port I and protective air port II are arranged opposite each other. In this way, during the additive manufacturing process, the airflow ejected from protective air port I can blow the isolated splashes to the opposite side and finally enter the receiving cavity 114 of protective air port II.

[0086] The protective air vent II is configured as a receiving cavity 114 and its inner wall is made of high temperature resistant and wear resistant material. When the airflow ejected from the protective air vent I blows the splashes toward the receiving cavity 114, the splashes accumulate, settle and are stored in the receiving cavity 114. Furthermore, due to the rotation effect of the rotating part 112, the splashes collected in the receiving cavity 114 are always kept inside the receiving cavity 114 under the action of centrifugal force.

[0087] The number of protective air vents I and protective air vents II can be the same, that is, the protective air vents I are arranged around one side of the rotating part 112, and the same number of protective air vents II are arranged around the other side of the rotating part 112, and each protective air vent I corresponds to one protective air vent II; the number of protective air vents I and protective air vents II can be different, for example, the number of protective air vents I is greater than the number of protective air vents II, or the number of protective air vents I is less than the number of protective air vents II.

[0088] refer to Figure 12 As shown, Figure 12 A perspective view of an exemplary rotating part constructing a spiral groove receiving cavity according to some embodiments of this application is shown. In some examples of this application, the receiving cavity 114 is constructed as a spiral groove 115 to form an adsorption airflow when the rotating part 112 rotates, thereby adsorbing and containing splashes.

[0089] The cavity 114 contains a plurality of spiral grooves 115 arranged along the circumferential direction. The groove walls of the spiral grooves 115 are inclined or arc-shaped to guide the rotating airflow.

[0090] Specifically, when the rotating part 112 rotates, it drives the spiral groove 115 to select synchronously. The pressure difference caused by the rotation and the tangential airflow form an adsorption airflow, which draws the splashes into the receiving cavity 114. At the same time, due to continuous suction, a stable circulation is formed in the spiral groove 115, which causes the incoming splashes to slide to the bottom of the groove. Furthermore, the spiral groove 115 can prevent the splashes from escaping from the receiving cavity 114 into the optical path area.

[0091] refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, Figure 13A schematic diagram illustrating an expansion of an exemplary protective section according to some embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the retraction of an exemplary protective section according to some embodiments of this application is shown. In some embodiments of this application, the one or more airflow units 11 further include a protective section 116 and a third driving section. The protective section 116 is disposed on the fixing section 111 and is provided with a plurality of protective plates 120. The third driving section is connected to the protective plates 120 and is used to control the retraction or expansion of the protective plates 120 according to the energy beam switching state, scanning trajectory, or real-time forming area position, thereby reducing the exposed area of ​​the protective lens and reducing the area affected by splashes.

[0092] Specifically, if a single airflow unit 11 is provided, the protective part 116 is provided on one side of the fixing part 111 located in the forming area; if multiple airflow units 11 are provided, each airflow unit 11 is arranged in an array along the axial direction of the fixing part 111, and each protective part 116 in the middle is located between the airflow units 11, the outermost protective part 116 is provided on one side of the outermost fixing part 111 located in the forming area, and the innermost protective part 116 is provided between the fixing part 111 and the protective window 100.

[0093] The protective section 116 employs a ring-shaped or polygonal mounting frame and multiple protective plates 120. The number of protective plates 120 is determined by the designer based on actual needs and cost, for example, 6 to 16. The protective plates 120 can be made of heat-resistant metal or high-rigidity composite materials to withstand the impact of splashing objects and heat radiation. The third driving component 117, as long as it can drive the protective plates 120 of the protective section 116 to contract or expand, can be any form of driving structure, including but not limited to servo motors, drive cylinders, etc. For example, in this application, reference can be made to... The drive cylinder and linkage mechanism 118 are used to cooperate with the protective plate 120 to form an iris structure, thereby driving the protective plate 120 to contract or expand within the protective part 116 to form a circular or polygonal opening 119 with a set circumference size to allow the energy beam to pass through. The set circumference size is set by the designer according to actual needs. By setting the protective plate 120, the protective lens is exposed only at the required location to allow the energy beam to pass through, while other areas are blocked by the protective plate 120 to reduce the area of ​​splashing debris.

[0094] In some examples of this application, when multiple airflow units 11 are used, the protective portion 116 of each airflow unit 11 forms the same opening 119 size.

[0095] Specifically, when there are multiple airflow units 11, each airflow unit 11 is arranged in an array along the axial direction of the fixing part 111, and the protective part 116 of each airflow unit 11 is also arranged in an array along the axial direction of the fixing part 111, forming multiple layers of protective parts 116. The outermost protective part 116 is located on the side of the outermost layer of the fixing part 111 that is close to the forming area, the middle protective part 116 is located between different airflow units 11, and the innermost protective part 116 is located between the fixing part 111 and the protective window 100.

[0096] refer to Figure 15 As shown, Figure 15 A schematic diagram of an exemplary protective section with different opening sizes is shown for some embodiments of this application. In some examples of this application, when multiple airflow units 11 are used, the protective section 116 of each airflow unit 11 forms a different opening 119 size.

[0097] Specifically, when there are multiple airflow units 11, each airflow unit 11 is arranged in an array along the axial direction of the fixing part 111, and the protective part 116 of each airflow unit 11 is also arranged in an array along the axial direction of the fixing part 111, forming multiple layers of protective parts 116. The outermost protective part 116 is located on the side of the outermost layer of the fixing part 111 that is close to the forming area, the middle protective part 116 is located between different airflow units 11, and the innermost protective part 116 is located between the fixing part 111 and the protective window 100. Furthermore, the protective sheet 120 of each layer of protective part 116 is individually controlled, so that each layer of protective part 116 forms an opening 119 with a different set perimeter size.

[0098] For example, the innermost protective part 116 has a larger opening 119 to accommodate the energy beam passing through, the middle protective part 116 has a medium opening 119, and the outermost protective part 116 has the smallest opening 119. This ensures that the energy beam passes through while preventing splashes from passing through the protective part 116 and attaching to the protective lens, thereby achieving a similar effect to a variable focus aperture, limiting the axial propagation of splashes and enhancing the protective capability of the local area of ​​the protective lens. At the same time, the arrangement of the protective part 116 can also control the local airflow around the energy beam.

[0099] In some examples of this application, when multiple airflow units 11 are used, each airflow unit 11 may also be provided with different numbers, thicknesses and shapes of protective plates 120. For example, the outer protective plates 120 are numerous and thin, used to quickly follow the trajectory of the energy beam; the middle protective plates 120 are of moderate number, to enhance anti-splash capability; the inner protective plates 120 are thick and small in size, used to precisely open the opening 119 and prevent splashes from passing through the attached protective lens.

[0100] Therefore, the process of controlling the protective part 116 according to the energy beam switch state is as follows:

[0101] When the energy beam is in the off state, a closing command is sent to the third drive unit. The third drive unit drives the linkage mechanism 118 to pull each protective plate 120 to retract towards the center. As a result, the circumference of the opening 119 of the protective plate 116 is reduced to a minimum (e.g., 0.5mm–2mm), forming only a safety gap, thereby maximizing the shielding and protection of the lens and preventing the deposition of splashes.

[0102] When the energy beam is activated, an energy beam switch signal is detected. The third drive unit drives the linkage mechanism 118 to push each protective plate 120 to expand outward. As a result, the perimeter of the opening 119 of the protective part 116 expands to the set perimeter size, forming the opening 119 required by the energy beam, ensuring that the energy beam can pass through smoothly.

[0103] Therefore, the process of controlling the protective part 116 according to the scanning trajectory or the real-time forming area position is as follows:

[0104] The system acquires the real-time coordinate signal output by the galvanometer control system of the additive manufacturing equipment and generates the energy beam coordinate position based on the real-time coordinate signal and the current forming layer path file.

[0105] During the scanning process, the energy beam can move to any position in the forming area, and the protective sheet 120 automatically adjusts the size of the opening 119 according to the position of the landing point.

[0106] For example, when scanning to the corner or outer side of the forming area, the third drive unit drives the linkage mechanism 118 to push each protective plate 120 to expand outward, forming a large opening 119 required for the side scanning of the energy beam, ensuring that the energy beam passes through smoothly; when scanning the center area of ​​the forming area, the third drive unit drives the linkage mechanism 118 to pull each protective plate 120 to contract towards the center, forming a small opening 119 required for the center scanning of the energy beam, ensuring that the energy beam passes through smoothly.

[0107] During the scanning process, the scanning speed of the energy beam needs to be adapted. For example, when the energy beam scans at high speed, the size of the opening 119 is enlarged to avoid obstruction; when the energy beam scans at low speed or is in a dwelling process, the size of the opening 119 is reduced to protect the lens to the greatest extent.

[0108] In some embodiments of this application, this application also relates to an optical path protection method using the above-described optical path protection device 1, the method comprising:

[0109] Upon receiving the processing instruction from the additive manufacturing equipment, the first drive unit 102 drives the lens frame 101 of the protective lens to rotate according to the set rotation direction and rotation parameters, and drives the protective lens to rotate synchronously.

[0110] While the protective lens rotates, the protective vent 110 continuously outputs inert gas to form a protective gas film layer and prevent splashes from entering the gap between the protective lens frame 101 and the protective window 100.

[0111] Meanwhile, based on real-time splash image data, energy beam power, scanning speed, forming area temperature and / or forming chamber 3 wind field data, the inert gas jet flow rate, protective lens rotation parameters and protective vent 110 rotation parameters are adjusted.

[0112] In some examples of this application, when controlling the rotation of the protective lens of the rotating protective window 10, the method further includes:

[0113] One or more air film nozzles 103 are controlled to spray inert gas toward the lens frame 101 of the protective lens. After the inert gas is sprayed onto the surface of the lens frame 101, it spreads on the surface of the protective lens to form an attached lens air film layer. At the same time, as the inert gas is continuously sprayed onto the lens frame 101, a high-pressure airtight area is also formed in the corresponding area, thereby preventing splashes from entering the gap between the lens frame 101 of the protective lens and the protective window 100, and maintaining the airtightness during rotation without being affected by rotation.

[0114] In some examples of this application, when controlling the rotation of the protective lens of the rotating protective window 10, the method further includes:

[0115] One or more air film vents 103 are controlled to spray inert gas radially toward the protective lens, directly forming an attached lens air film layer on the outer side of the protective lens. Due to the continuous radial spraying toward the protective lens, the inert gas moves to the inner side of the protective window 100 and disperses to form a gas sealing area, preventing splashes from entering the gap between the protective lens frame 101 and the protective window 100.

[0116] In some examples of this application, when adjusting one or more airflow units 11 to a preset angle and outputting one or more layers of protective airflow with a preset intensity, the method includes:

[0117] The second driving member 113 drives the rotating part 112 to rotate and sprays it towards the lens frame 101 of the protective lens through one or more protective air ports 110. After the inert gas is sprayed onto the surface of the lens frame 101, it spreads on the surface of the protective lens to form an attached lens gas film layer. At the same time, as the inert gas is continuously sprayed onto the lens frame 101, a high-pressure gas-sealed area is also formed in the corresponding area to prevent splashes from entering the gap between the lens frame 101 of the protective lens and the protective window 100.

[0118] In some examples of this application, when adjusting one or more airflow units 11 to a preset angle and outputting one or more layers of protective airflow with a preset intensity, the method includes:

[0119] The second driving member 113 drives the rotating part 112 to rotate and sprays it radially onto the protective lens through one or more protective air ports 110, directly forming a protective gas film layer on the outer layer of the protective lens. Due to the continuous radial spraying onto the protective lens, the inert gas moves to the inside of the fixing part 111 and disperses to form a gas sealing area, preventing splashes from entering the gap between the frame 101 of the protective lens and the protective window 100.

[0120] In some examples of this application, when adjusting one or more airflow units 11 to a preset angle and outputting one or more layers of protective airflow with a preset intensity, the method includes:

[0121] The second driving member 113 drives the rotating part 112 to rotate and outputs it through one or more protective air ports 110 at angles of 20° to 80°, such as 45°, 60°, etc., directly forming an isolation air film layer at a specific angle in the area of ​​the fixed part 111. After the splashing material enters the isolation air film layer, it is directly blown away, preventing the splashing material from passing through the area of ​​the fixed part 111 and touching the protective lens. Furthermore, due to the continuous spraying of inert gas, the inert gas moves to the inside of the fixed part 111 and disperses to form a gas-sealed area, preventing splashing material from entering the gap between the lens frame 101 and the protective window 100 of the protective lens.

[0122] In some examples of this application, when adjusting one or more airflow units 11 to a preset angle and outputting one or more layers of protective airflow with a preset intensity, the method includes:

[0123] The second driving component 113 drives the rotating part 112 to rotate and outputs inert gas to the protective lens through multiple protective air ports 110. Inert gas is output to the protective lens radially and also output to the lens at angles of 20° to 80°. This increases the protective effect of the protective air film layer, the airtight area, and the isolation air film layer. At the same time, the rotation drives the airflow to deflect the splashes. In actual installation, the protective air port 110 that sprays inert gas should be set on a separate side, and the other protective air ports 110 should not be equipped with inert gas output function to prevent the gas output in the opposite direction from forming turbulence and interfering with the protective effect.

[0124] In each of the above examples, the rotating part 112 adopts the same or different rotation direction and rotation parameters as the protective lens.

[0125] In some examples of this application, when adjusting one or more airflow units 11 to a preset angle and outputting one or more layers of protective airflow with a preset intensity, the method further includes:

[0126] Based on the energy beam switching status, scanning trajectory, or real-time forming area position, the third drive member 117 drives the protective sheet 120 of the protective part 116 to contract or expand, thereby reducing the exposed area of ​​the protective lens; wherein, when multiple airflow units 11 are used, the protective sheet 120 of the protective part 116 is controlled to form the same or different opening 119 sizes.

[0127] Other embodiments of this application will readily conceive of by those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and this application is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope.

[0128] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0129] 1. Optical path protection device

[0130] 2. Optical path unit

[0131] 3. Molding chamber

[0132] 10. Rotating protective window

[0133] 11. Airflow Unit

[0134] 100. Protect the form

[0135] 101. Picture frames

[0136] 102. First driving component

[0137] 103. Air film inlet

[0138] 104. Protective Lens

[0139] 110. Protective air vent

[0140] 111. Fixing part

[0141] 112. Rotating part

[0142] 113. Second drive component

[0143] 114. Receptacle

[0144] 115. Spiral groove

[0145] 116. Protection Department

[0146] 117. Third drive unit

[0147] 118. Linkage Mechanism

[0148] 119. Opening

[0149] 120. Protective film

[0150] 103a. Single radially injected film gas inlet

[0151] 103b, Multiple radially injected film air inlets

[0152] 103c, Single axially injected film gas inlet

[0153] 103d, multiple axially injected film gas inlets

[0154] 110a. Single radial injection protective air inlet

[0155] 110b, Multiple radial injection protective air inlets

[0156] 110c, single axial injection protective air inlet

[0157] 110d, multiple axially sprayed protective air inlets

[0158] 110e, protective air inlets with multiple tilt angles for spraying.

Claims

1. A light path protection device for additive manufacturing, characterized in that The application relates to a rotating protective window for an additive manufacturing device, comprising: a rotating protective window arranged at the output end of a light path unit of the additive manufacturing device, used for driving a protective lens to rotate according to preset rotating parameters, so as to isolate splashes and avoid the attachment of the splashes; one or more air flow units arranged between the rotating protective window and a forming chamber, used for outputting one or more layers of protective air flow with preset intensity to a preset angle, so as to form a protective air film with preset thickness in the area of the protective lens. The rotating protective window comprises:

2. The optical path protection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a protective window body arranged at the output end of the light path unit and provided with one or more air film air ports arranged in a ring shape, a radial arrangement or a matrix shape; a protective lens coaxially arranged in the protective window body, used for isolating splashes; a first driving member connected with the protective lens, used for driving the protective lens to rotate according to first rotating parameters. The one or more air film air ports are connected with an atmosphere protection system of the additive manufacturing device, used for outputting inert gas to the protective lens and / or a preset direction to form a lens air film layer, so as to avoid the attachment of splashes to the protective lens and to air-tightly seal the gap between the protective lens and the protective window body.

3. The optical path protection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The one or more air flow units are provided with one or more protective air ports connected with a compressed air source or the atmosphere protection system of the additive manufacturing device, used for outputting protective air flow and coupling the direction of the protective air flow with the rotating direction of the protective lens to form a dynamic pressure protection layer with preset thickness.

4. The optical path protection apparatus according to claim 1 or 3, wherein When a plurality of protective air ports are used, at least part of the protective air ports are connected with the compressed air source or the atmosphere protection system of the additive manufacturing device, used for outputting protective air flow; and at least part of the protective air ports are constructed as accommodation cavities, used for collecting splashes.

5. The optical path protection apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The one or more air flow units comprise: a fixed part; 6. The optical path protection apparatus according to claim 1 or 3, wherein a rotating part arranged in the fixed part and provided with one or more protective air ports connected with a compressed air source or the atmosphere protection system of the additive manufacturing device, used for outputting protective air flow to a preset angle; a second driving member connected with the rotating part, used for driving the rotating part to rotate according to second rotating parameters. The rotating part adopts the same or different rotating direction and rotating parameters as the protective lens; when a plurality of air flow units are used, the rotating part of each air flow unit adopts the same or different rotating direction and rotating parameters. When a plurality of protective air ports are used, at least part of the protective air ports are constructed as accommodation cavities, used for forming a particle suction interval for adsorbing and accommodating splashes when the rotating part rotates.

7. The optical path protection apparatus according to claim 6, wherein The accommodation cavities are constructed as spiral grooves, used for forming adsorbing air flow when the rotating part rotates, so as to adsorb and accommodate splashes. The one or more air flow units further comprise:

8. The optical path protection apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a protective part arranged on the fixed part and provided with a plurality of protective sheets; a third driving part connected with the protective sheets, used for controlling the protective sheets to shrink or expand according to the switching state of an energy beam, a scanning track or the real-time forming area position, so as to reduce the exposed area of the protective lens and reduce the action area of splashes.

9. The optical path protection apparatus according to claim 8, wherein ​ 10. The optical path protection apparatus according to claim 6, wherein ​ ​ ​ 11. The optical path protection apparatus according to claim 10, wherein When multiple airflow units are used, the shielding part of each airflow unit forms the same or different opening sizes.

12. An additive manufacturing device equipped with the light path shielding device of any one of claims 1-11.

13. A light path protection method for additive manufacturing, characterized in that, The method using the light path shielding device of any one of claims 1-11 or the additive manufacturing device of claim 12, the method comprising: controlling the rotation of the protective lens of the rotating protective window and dynamically adjusting the rotation parameters of the protective lens according to the real-time collected additive manufacturing process parameters, the additive manufacturing process parameters including at least one of spatter sputtering state, energy beam power, scanning speed, forming area temperature; and, adjusting one or more airflow units to a preset angle according to the additive manufacturing process parameters and outputting one or more layers of protective airflow with a preset intensity to form a protective airflow film with a preset thickness.

14. The optical path protection method according to claim 13, wherein, When controlling the rotation of the protective lens of the rotating protective window, the method further comprises: outputting an inert gas to the protective lens and / or a preset direction to form a lens airflow film layer, thereby avoiding spatter adhesion and air-tightly sealing the gap between the protective lens and the rotating protective window.

15. The optical path protection method according to claim 13, wherein, When adjusting one or more airflow units to a preset angle and outputting one or more layers of protective airflow with a preset intensity, the method comprises: controlling the rotation of the one or more airflow units and outputting one or more layers of protective airflow with a preset intensity to a preset angle; wherein, the one or more airflow units use the same or different rotation directions and rotation parameters as the protective lens.

16. The optical path protection method according to claim 13, wherein, When adjusting one or more airflow units to a preset angle and outputting one or more layers of protective airflow with a preset intensity, the method further comprises: controlling the output end of the one or more airflow units to contract or expand according to the energy beam switching state, scanning trajectory, or real-time forming area position, thereby reducing the exposed area of the protective lens; wherein, when multiple airflow units are used, the output end of each airflow unit is controlled to form the same or different opening sizes.

Images