Laser component protection structure and additive manufacturing equipment

Abstract

This invention provides a laser component protection structure, including a connecting chamber (10), a rotating frame (20), and a lens assembly (30). The connecting chamber forms a connecting cavity (11), a laser inlet (12), a connecting port (14), and a lens inlet / outlet (16). The laser beam from the laser component can pass through the laser inlet and the connecting port. The rotating frame is rotatably mounted on the connecting chamber. The lens assembly includes a protective lens (34), which is movably mounted on the rotating frame along one inlet / outlet direction. The lens assembly can move relative to the rotating frame to allow the protective lens to enter the connecting cavity from the outside of the connecting chamber. The rotating frame can rotate and drive the lens assembly inside the connecting cavity to abut against the connecting chamber to close the laser inlet. This laser component protection structure allows for convenient cleaning of the protective lens. This invention also provides an additive manufacturing apparatus with this laser component protection structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of additive manufacturing, and in particular to a laser component protection structure for additive manufacturing equipment, and an additive manufacturing equipment having the laser component protection structure. Background Technology

[0002] Additive manufacturing equipment, also known as 3D printers, has become a hot topic due to its advantages such as space saving and material saving. Currently, additive manufacturing equipment can be broadly classified into three types: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and powder molding. Powder molding additive manufacturing equipment can be further subdivided into Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM). For selective laser sintering additive manufacturing equipment, the basic working principle is as follows: First, a powder spreading mechanism spreads a layer of powder on the forming platform. Then, a laser sintersects the powder according to the desired cross-sectional pattern. After sintering, the forming platform lowers a certain height, allowing another layer of powder to be spread on top. This process is repeated layer by layer to print the desired three-dimensional object.

[0003] Existing laser sintering additive manufacturing equipment uses a protective lens to separate the laser component from the chamber containing the forming stage, thus preventing powder contamination or damage to the laser component during the printing process without obstructing the laser beam. However, the protective lens needs to be cleaned promptly after powder adheres to it, and because it is located inside the additive manufacturing equipment, this cleaning process is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a laser component protection structure that allows for easy cleaning of the protective lens.

[0005] Another objective of this invention is to provide an additive manufacturing apparatus that can conveniently clean and protect lenses.

[0006] This invention provides a protective structure for a laser assembly, including a connecting chamber, a rotating frame, and a lens assembly. The connecting chamber forms a connecting cavity, and also includes a laser inlet, a connecting port, and a lens inlet / outlet communicating with the connecting cavity. The laser inlet and connecting port are arranged opposite each other along a first direction. The connecting chamber is used to mount the laser assembly, and the laser emitted by the laser assembly can sequentially pass through the laser inlet and the connecting port. The lens inlet / outlet is formed on one side of the connecting chamber along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. The rotating frame is rotatably mounted on the connecting chamber, and the rotation axis of the rotating frame is parallel to a third direction, which is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The lens assembly includes a protective lens, which is movably mounted on the rotating frame along an inlet / outlet direction perpendicular to the third direction. The lens assembly can move relative to the rotating frame, allowing the protective lens to enter the connecting cavity from outside the connecting chamber through the lens inlet / outlet. The rotating frame can rotate and drive the lens assembly inside the connecting cavity to abut against the connecting chamber to close the laser inlet, and the laser emitted by the laser assembly can penetrate the protective lens.

[0007] The laser component protection structure provided by this utility model includes a rotatable rotating frame and a movable lens assembly. During cleaning, the protective lens can be moved outside the additive manufacturing equipment, greatly facilitating cleaning. After cleaning, the protective lens can be moved and, in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating frame, seal the laser entrance, protecting the laser component. The rotatable rotating frame reduces friction between the lens assembly and the connecting chamber during lens assembly movement, saving effort during operation and preventing damage caused by friction.

[0008] In another illustrative embodiment of the laser component protection structure, the lens assembly further includes a sealing strip that surrounds the edge of the protective lens, and the lens assembly abuts against the connecting chamber via the sealing strip. This improves the sealing performance.

[0009] In another illustrative embodiment of the laser component protection structure, the structure further includes two tracks disposed on the rotating frame and positioned along a third direction on both sides of the connecting compartment, with the lens assembly connected to the two tracks. This structure allows the lens assembly to slide smoothly relative to the rotating frame.

[0010] In another illustrative embodiment of the laser component protection structure, the lens assembly further includes a lens holder connected to two tracks, with the edge of the protective lens fixed to the lens holder.

[0011] In another illustrative embodiment of the laser component protection structure, the laser component protection structure further includes a handle assembly fixed to the lens holder. The handle assembly facilitates gripping to drive the lens assembly and the rotating frame to move. This facilitates operation.

[0012] In another illustrative embodiment of the laser assembly protection structure, the structure further includes a locking device that prevents the lens assembly from moving relative to the connecting chamber when it abuts against the chamber. This maintains the position of the rotating frame and the lens assembly to improve sealing.

[0013] In another illustrative embodiment of the laser component protection structure, the locking device includes a locking bracket and a rotating member. The locking bracket is directly or indirectly fixed to the connecting compartment. The rotating member is rotatably disposed on the locking bracket about an axis parallel to a first direction between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the lens assembly abuts against the connecting compartment, the rotating member can rotate to the locked position to prevent the handle assembly from moving relative to the connecting compartment. This improves the sealing performance.

[0014] In another illustrative embodiment of the laser component protection structure, a notch is formed on the handle assembly. The rotating member includes a locking shaft and a locking part. The locking shaft is rotatably mounted on a locking bracket about an axis parallel to a first direction. The locking part is disposed on the circumferential surface of the locking shaft. When the rotating member is in the unlocked position, the locking part can pass through the notch, allowing the handle assembly to move relative to the connecting compartment in a second direction. When the lens assembly abuts against the connecting compartment and the rotating member rotates to the locked position, the locking part can prevent the handle assembly from moving relative to the connecting compartment. This facilitates manufacturing.

[0015] In another illustrative embodiment of the laser component protection structure, when the lens assembly abuts against the connecting chamber, the protective lens is perpendicular to the first direction. This improves the quality of the incident laser.

[0016] This invention also provides an additive manufacturing apparatus, including the aforementioned laser component protection structure. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The following figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a laser component protection structure.

[0019] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the protective structure for the laser assembly.

[0020] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the laser component protection structure in another usage state.

[0021] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the laser component protection structure in another usage state.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the protective structure for the laser assembly.

[0023] Figure 6 This is another partial structural diagram of the laser component protection structure.

[0024] Label Explanation

[0025] 10 Connecting Warehouse

[0026] 11 Connecting Chambers

[0027] 12 Laser entrance ports

[0028] 14 Connection Ports

[0029] 16 Lens entrance / exit

[0030] 20 Rotating Frame

[0031] 30 Lens Components

[0032] 32 Lens Frame

[0033] 34 Protective Lenses

[0034] 35 Sealing strip

[0035] 36 Handle Components

[0036] 361 gap

[0037] 40 orbits

[0038] 50 Locking device

[0039] 51 Rotating component

[0040] 511 Locking Axis

[0041] 512 Locking Unit

[0042] 52 Locking Bracket

[0043] 60 laser components

[0044] 70 work pods

[0045] X First Direction

[0046] Y Second Direction

[0047] Z Third Direction

[0048] R is the axis of rotation. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this utility model, specific embodiments of the present utility model are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate components with the same or similar structures but the same function.

[0050] In this document, “illustrative” means “serving as an example, illustration or description”, and any illustration or implementation described herein as “illustrative” should not be construed as a more preferred or advantageous technical solution.

[0051] In this document, "first," "second," and "third," etc., do not indicate their importance or order, but are only used to distinguish them from each other to facilitate the description of the document.

[0052] To keep the drawings simple, each drawing only schematically shows the parts related to this utility model, and they do not represent the actual structure of the product.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a laser component protection structure. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The laser component protection structure includes a connecting compartment 10, a rotating frame 20, and a lens assembly 30.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the protective structure for the laser assembly. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The connecting chamber 10 forms a connecting cavity 11. The connecting chamber 10 also forms a laser inlet 12, a connection port 14, and a lens inlet / outlet 16 communicating with the connecting cavity 11. The laser inlet 12 and the connection port 14 are arranged opposite each other along a first direction X. The connecting chamber 10 is used to mount the laser assembly 60 and connect the working chamber 70. The forming stage of the additive manufacturing equipment is located inside the working chamber 70. The laser emitted by the laser assembly 60 can pass sequentially through the laser inlet 12 and the connection port 14 and irradiate the forming stage. The lens inlet / outlet 16 is formed on one side of the connecting chamber 10 along a second direction Y, which is perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0055] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the laser component protection structure in another usage state. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the laser assembly protection structure in a further usage configuration. (Refer to...) Figures 2 to 4 The rotating frame 20 is rotatably mounted on the connecting chamber 10, and the rotation axis R of the rotating frame 20 is parallel to a third direction Z, which is perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0056] Lens assembly 30 includes a protective lens 34. (See reference...) Figure 2 and Figure 3The lens assembly 30 is movably disposed on the rotating frame 20 along an inlet / outlet direction perpendicular to the third direction Z. The lens assembly 30 is movable relative to the rotating frame 20, allowing the protective lens 34 to enter the connecting chamber 11 from the outside of the connecting compartment 10 through the lens inlet / outlet 16. (Refer to...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The rotating frame 20 can rotate and drive the lens assembly 30 in the connecting chamber 11 to abut against the connecting compartment 10 to close the laser inlet 12, and the laser emitted by the laser assembly 60 can penetrate the protective lens 34.

[0057] The laser component protection structure provided by this utility model includes a rotatable rotating frame 20 and a movable lens assembly 30. During cleaning, the protective lens 34 can be moved outside the additive manufacturing equipment, making cleaning very convenient. After cleaning, the protective lens 34 can be moved and, in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating frame 20, close the laser entrance port 12, protecting the laser component 60. The rotatable rotating frame 20 reduces friction between the lens assembly 30 and the connecting chamber 10 during movement, saving effort during operation and preventing damage caused by friction.

[0058] In the illustrative embodiment, refer to Figure 1 The laser component protection structure also includes two tracks 40, which are disposed on the rotating frame 20 and located on both sides of the connecting chamber 10 along the third direction Z. The lens assembly 30 also includes a lens holder 32, which connects the two tracks 40, and the edge of the protective lens 34 is fixed to the lens holder 32. The lens holder 32 can more safely support the protective lens 34, and the protective lens 34 can slide smoothly relative to the rotating frame 20 with the help of the two tracks 40. However, it is not limited to this; in other illustrative embodiments, the lens assembly 30 may also be movably disposed on the rotating frame 20 in other ways.

[0059] In the illustrative embodiment, refer to Figures 1 to 4 The lens assembly 30 also includes a sealing strip 35, which surrounds the edge of the protective lens 34. The lens assembly 30 abuts against the connecting chamber 10 via the sealing strip 35. The sealing strip 35 can be subjected to external force and undergo elastic deformation, thereby improving the sealing performance.

[0060] In the illustrative embodiment, refer to Figure 1 The laser assembly protection structure also includes a handle assembly 36, which is fixed to the lens holder 32. The handle assembly 36 facilitates gripping to drive the movement of the lens assembly 30 and the rotating frame 20, thereby simplifying operation.

[0061] In an illustrative embodiment, the laser component protection structure also includes a locking device 50. Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the protective structure for the laser assembly. Figure 6 This is another partial structural diagram of the laser assembly protection structure. (Refer to...) Figure 5 and Figure 6 The locking device 50 includes a locking bracket 52 and a rotating member 51. The locking bracket 52 is directly or indirectly fixed to the connecting chamber 10. The rotating member 51 is positioned about an axis parallel to the first direction X. Figure 5 The locking position shown and a lock position as shown Figure 6 The locking bracket 52 is rotatably positioned between the shown unlocked positions. When the lens assembly 30 abuts against the connecting compartment 10, the rotating member 51 can rotate to the locked position to prevent the handle assembly 36 from moving relative to the connecting compartment 10. This maintains the position of the rotating bracket 20 and the lens assembly 30 to improve sealing. However, this is not a limitation; in other illustrative embodiments, the locking device 50 can be any other structure that achieves the same function.

[0062] In the illustrative embodiment, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The handle assembly 36 has a notch 361 formed therein. The rotating member 51 includes a locking shaft 511 and a locking part 512. The locking shaft 511 is rotatably mounted on the locking bracket 52 about an axis parallel to the first direction X, and the locking part 512 is disposed on the circumferential surface of the locking shaft 511. When the rotating member 51 is in the unlocked position, the locking part 512 can pass through the notch 361, allowing the handle assembly 36 to move relative to the connecting compartment 10 in the second direction Y. When the lens assembly 30 abuts against the connecting compartment 10 and the rotating member 51 rotates to the locked position, the locking part 512 can prevent the handle assembly 36 from moving relative to the connecting compartment 10. This allows for locking of the handle assembly 36 with a simple structure, facilitating manufacturing.

[0063] This invention also provides an additive manufacturing apparatus, including the aforementioned laser component protection structure.

[0064] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to various embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0065] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. All equivalent implementation schemes or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model, such as combinations, divisions or repetitions of features, should be included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A laser assembly protection structure, characterized by, include: A connecting compartment (10) is formed having a connecting chamber (11). The connecting compartment (10) also forms a laser inlet (12), a connecting port (14), and a lens inlet (16) communicating with the connecting chamber (11). The laser inlet (12) and the connecting port (14) are arranged opposite to each other along a first direction (X). The connecting compartment (10) is used to install a laser assembly, and the laser emitted by the laser assembly can pass through the laser inlet (12) and the connecting port (14) in sequence. The lens inlet (16) is formed on one side of the connecting compartment (10) along a second direction (Y), which is perpendicular to the first direction (X). A rotating frame (20) is rotatably disposed in the connecting compartment (10), and the axis of rotation of the rotating frame (20) is parallel to a third direction (Z), which is perpendicular to the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y); and A lens assembly (30) includes a protective lens (34). The lens assembly (30) is movably disposed on the rotating frame (20) in an inlet / outlet direction perpendicular to the third direction (Z). The lens assembly (30) is movable relative to the rotating frame (20) so that the protective lens (34) enters the connecting chamber (11) from the outside of the connecting compartment (10) through the lens inlet / outlet (16). The rotating frame (20) is rotatable and drives the lens assembly (30) in the connecting chamber (11) to abut against the connecting compartment (10) to close the laser inlet (12). The laser emitted by the laser assembly is able to penetrate the protective lens (34).

2. The laser assembly protection structure of claim 1, wherein, The lens assembly (30) also includes a sealing strip (35) which is disposed around the edge of the protective lens (34), and the lens assembly (30) abuts against the connecting compartment (10) through the sealing strip (35).

3. The laser assembly protection structure of claim 1, wherein, The laser component protection structure also includes two tracks (40), which are disposed on the rotating frame (20) and are disposed on both sides of the connecting compartment (10) along the third direction (Z). The lens assembly (30) is connected to the two tracks (40).

4. The laser assembly protection structure of claim 3, wherein, The lens assembly (30) also includes a lens holder (32) that connects the two tracks (40), and the edge of the protective lens (34) is fixed to the lens holder (32).

5. The laser assembly protection structure of claim 4, wherein, The laser component protection structure also includes a handle assembly (36) fixed to the lens holder (32), which facilitates gripping to drive the lens assembly (30) and the rotating frame (20) to move.

6. The laser assembly protection structure of claim 5, wherein, The laser component protection structure also includes a locking device (50) that prevents the lens assembly (30) from moving relative to the connection chamber (10) when the lens assembly (30) abuts against the connection chamber (10).

7. The laser component protection structure as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The locking device (50) includes: A locking bracket (52) is directly or indirectly fixed to the connecting compartment (10); and A rotating member (51) is rotatably disposed on the locking bracket (52) about an axis parallel to the first direction (X) between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the lens assembly (30) abuts against the connecting compartment (10), the rotating member (51) can rotate to the locked position to prevent the handle assembly (36) from moving relative to the connecting compartment (10).

8. The laser component protection structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that, A notch (361) is formed on the handle assembly (36). The rotating member (51) includes a locking shaft (511) and a locking part (512). The locking shaft (511) is rotatably disposed on the locking bracket (52) about an axis parallel to the first direction (X). The locking part (512) is disposed on the circumferential surface of the locking shaft (511). When the rotating member (51) is in the unlocked position, the locking part (512) can pass through the notch (361) so that the handle assembly (36) can move relative to the connecting compartment (10) along the second direction (Y). When the lens assembly (30) abuts against the connecting compartment (10) and the rotating member (51) rotates to the locked position, the locking part (512) can block the movement of the handle assembly (36) relative to the connecting compartment (10).

9. The laser component protection structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the lens assembly (30) abuts against the connecting compartment (10), the protective lens (34) is perpendicular to the first direction (X).

10. Additive manufacturing equipment, characterized in that, The laser component protection structure includes any one of claims 1 to 9.

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