Gas flow equalization device and additive manufacturing apparatus having the same
By designing an airflow equalization device in additive manufacturing equipment, multi-stage uniformity and precise guidance of airflow are achieved, solving the problem of poor airflow uniformity and improving the forming quality and powder bed stability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SUZHOU DEWOO3D TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing additive manufacturing equipment suffers from poor airflow uniformity and the formation of turbulent zones in its airflow control structure, making it difficult to effectively disperse splashes and metal vapors, thus affecting the forming quality.
Design an airflow equalization device, including an equalization section and a guide section, to reduce turbulence and backflow through multi-stage homogenization and precise airflow guidance, thereby ensuring the uniformity of airflow on the printing surface.
It significantly improves the uniformity of airflow velocity, reduces uneven deposition of splashes, and ensures the stability and forming quality of the powder bed.
Smart Images
Figure CN224463701U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of airflow guidance technology, and more specifically to an airflow equalization device and additive manufacturing equipment equipped with the device. Background Technology
[0002] In additive manufacturing processes utilizing powder, such as laser powder bed melting (LPBF), electron beam melting (EBM), and selective laser melting (SLM), a high-energy beam scans, melts, and solidifies the material layer by layer on a metal powder bed to achieve the integral forming of complex metal components. During processing, the large amount of spatter (such as metal vapor and droplets) generated by the high-temperature molten pool and rapid scanning of the energy beam can easily accumulate around the component. If not removed in time, this will seriously affect the forming quality, leading to problems such as powder contamination, forming defects, and abnormal microstructure. To avoid these problems, additive manufacturing equipment is usually equipped with an inert gas protection system, such as nitrogen or argon, to create a stable airflow field to disperse spatter, dilute metal vapor, and effectively suppress powder oxidation reactions, thereby ensuring the stability of the forming process.
[0003] Currently, the airflow control structures commonly used in existing additive manufacturing equipment are mostly simple linear air ducts or symmetrical air outlet designs. Although they can achieve basic gas circulation, in actual operation, the existing air field is difficult to achieve uniformity of overall speed in the large-format printing area, and local high or low wind speed areas are prone to appear, which in turn causes uneven deposition of spatter. Utility Model Content
[0004] This application provides an airflow equalization device and an additive manufacturing apparatus equipped with the device, which can improve the velocity uniformity of airflow on the printing surface, significantly reduce turbulence and backflow, and avoid uneven deposition of splatter.
[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides an airflow equalization device for additive manufacturing equipment. The device includes: an equalization section disposed in the downstream region of the airflow inlet of the additive manufacturing equipment and having multiple equalization spaces, the equalization section being used to homogenize the airflow introduced by the airflow inlet; and one or more guide sections forming a guide interval, the one or more guide sections being used to guide the airflow passing through the equalization section to a target direction through the guide interval.
[0006] In one alternative of the first aspect, multiple flow equalization sections are disposed in the downstream region of the airflow inlet to form a multi-level flow equalization region, wherein the multiple flow equalization sections are used to perform multi-level homogenization processing on the airflow introduced by the airflow inlet.
[0007] In one alternative of the first aspect, the plurality of flow equalization spaces pass through the flow equalization section and are arranged in an array along the length direction of the flow equalization section.
[0008] In one alternative of the first aspect, the single flow guide is provided with one or more flow guide vanes, the one or more flow guide vanes forming multiple flow guide intervals, the multiple flow guide intervals being used to guide the airflow passing through the multiple flow equalization spaces to one or more target directions.
[0009] In one alternative of the first aspect, the plurality of guide vanes are arranged in an array with equal or unequal spacing along the first preset direction or the second preset direction.
[0010] In one alternative of the first aspect, the plurality of flow guides are provided with at least one flow guide vane, and the plurality of flow guides are used to guide the airflow passing through the plurality of flow equalization spaces to the target direction through the flow guide interval.
[0011] In one alternative of the first aspect, the plurality of guide sections are arranged in an array with equal or unequal spacing along the first preset direction or the second preset direction.
[0012] In one alternative embodiment of the first aspect, it further includes: one or more rotating parts connected to one or more guide vanes for driving the one or more guide vanes to rotate along a preset rotation direction.
[0013] In one alternative of the first aspect, each rotating part is connected to at least one guide vane for driving the connected guide vane to rotate along a preset rotation direction and closing the guide section when it rotates to a preset angle.
[0014] In one alternative of the first aspect, each rotating part is provided with the same or different rotation directions and / or rotation angles.
[0015] Secondly, this application provides an additive manufacturing apparatus, including the aforementioned airflow equalization device.
[0016] 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
[0017] 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.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary airflow equalization device according to some embodiments of this application.
[0019] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the airflow velocity simulation results of an exemplary airflow equalization device according to some embodiments of this application.
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary single-guide vane airflow equalization device according to some embodiments of this application.
[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary multi-guide vane airflow equalization device according to some embodiments of this application.
[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary first structure with multiple layers of flow equalization sections arranged at intervals according to some embodiments of this application.
[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary multi-layer flow equalization section and its fitted arrangement according to some embodiments of this application.
[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary second structure with multiple layers of flow equalization sections arranged at intervals according to some embodiments of this application.
[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary single-flow guide frame with multiple flow guides arranged in a first preset direction according to some embodiments of this application.
[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary single-flow guide frame with multiple flow guides arranged in a second preset direction according to some embodiments of this application.
[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an exemplary multi-flow guide frame single flow guide piece according to some embodiments of this application.
[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary multi-flow guide frame and multi-flow guide plate according to some embodiments of this application.
[0029] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary multi-flow-guiding frame layered arrangement according to some embodiments of this application.
[0030] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a first arrangement of an exemplary rotating part according to some embodiments of this application.
[0031] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a second arrangement of an exemplary rotating part according to some embodiments of this application.
[0032] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a third arrangement of an exemplary rotating part according to some embodiments of this application.
[0033] Explanation of reference numerals on the accompanying drawings:
[0034] 1. Airflow equalization device; 2. Airflow inlet; 3. Airflow; 10. Flow equalization section; 11. Flow guide section; 12. Rotating section; 10-1. First level; 10-2. Second level; 11-1. Flow guide frame; 11-2. First layer; 11-3. Second layer; 101. Flow equalization space; 111. Flow guide interval; 112. Flow guide plate. Detailed Implementation
[0035] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, they are provided to make this application more complete and comprehensive, 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 give a full understanding of embodiments of this application.
[0036] Metal additive manufacturing technologies such as Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), Electron Beam Melting (EBM), and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) all employ a layer-by-layer powder deposition and localized high-energy beam melting process, demonstrating enormous technological potential and application prospects in aerospace, medical devices, and mold manufacturing. Because these processes involve the rapid melting and solidification of metal powder under high temperature and high-energy beam irradiation, the intense disturbance of the molten pool during forming can cause spatter particles to be ejected outwards. If not removed promptly, these particles will deposit on the powder bed or optical path, affecting the quality of subsequent interlayer layers. Furthermore, melting is accompanied by the instantaneous release of a large amount of metal vapor. The retention of vapor in the gas flow field not only interferes with laser transmission but also leads to surface deposition and microstructural defects in the component. Simultaneously, unmelted powder exposed to high temperatures is prone to oxidation, thus affecting product performance.
[0037] Therefore, current additive manufacturing equipment is generally equipped with an inert gas protection system. Commonly used inert gases include nitrogen and argon. Its main functions include diluting metal vapors, dispersing splashes, and inhibiting high-temperature oxidation. That is, the airflow can guide these vapors and splashes to be discharged outwards, while the inert gas environment can significantly reduce the oxygen content and inhibit metal oxidation reactions.
[0038] Currently, the inert gas protection system commonly equipped with this type of additive manufacturing equipment typically includes a gas source, airflow inlet, airflow outlet, and filter. The gas source usually includes inert gases such as nitrogen and argon. The airflow inlet uniformly introduces the gas into the forming chamber, the airflow outlet promptly discharges contaminated gas, and the filter captures splashes and metal particles.
[0039] However, although inert gas protection systems have been widely used in this type of additive manufacturing equipment, existing airflow control structures still have many shortcomings: on the one hand, the airflow uniformity is poor, making it difficult to achieve a consistent wind speed distribution across the entire forming area, which easily leads to the formation of turbulent gas zones, resulting in spatter residue and metal vapor accumulation; on the other hand, the control of airflow direction is relatively passive and cannot be adjusted according to different powder materials, spatter height, or energy beam power, lacking controllability.
[0040] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary airflow equalization device according to some embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 2 This application illustrates a schematic diagram of airflow field velocity simulation results for an exemplary airflow equalization device according to some embodiments of the present application. The present application designs an airflow equalization device 1, comprising at least an equalization section 10 and a guide section 11. The equalization section 10 is located downstream of the airflow inlet 2 of the additive manufacturing equipment and has multiple equalization spaces 101. The equalization section 10 is used to homogenize the airflow 3 introduced by the airflow inlet 2, thereby achieving a uniform velocity distribution after the airflow 3 is ejected, avoiding localized excessively fast or slow airflow. The one or more guide sections 11 form a guide interval 111, which guides the airflow 3 passing through the equalization section 10 to the target direction through the guide interval 111, reducing turbulence and backflow phenomena of the airflow 3.
[0041] Specifically, the flow equalization section 10 can be of any shape, as long as it can uniformly distribute the airflow 3, including but not limited to plates, blocks, strips, honeycomb core materials, grids, etc. Furthermore, the flow equalization space 101 provided in the flow equalization section 10 can be a channel such as holes or slots. The specific shape and thickness of the flow equalization section 10, as well as the shape and depth of the flow equalization space 101, are set by the operator according to actual needs. For example, the flow equalization section 10 can refer to a circular hole flow equalization plate designed based on semi-free jet theory, after being processed as follows... Figure 2The fluid dynamics simulation optimization shown uniformizes the airflow 3 introduced by the airflow inlet 2, thereby achieving a uniform velocity distribution after the airflow 3 is ejected, avoiding local excessive speed or slowness of the airflow 3. The one or more guide parts 11 can be any type of guide structure that can guide the airflow direction, including but not limited to guide vanes 112, frame-built guide fan blades, guide channels, etc. The specific settings are determined by the operators according to actual needs. In this embodiment, the guide part 11 can be set as a guide vane 112 and placed in the downstream area of the flow equalization part 10. The guide part 11 divides the space in its area into a guide interval 111, thereby guiding the airflow 3 passing through the flow equalization part 10 to the target direction through the guide interval 111 and reducing the turbulence and backflow of the airflow 3.
[0042] In actual implementation, a single-layer flow equalization section 10 can be used to form a single-stage homogenization treatment of airflow 3, or multiple layers of flow equalization section 10 can be used to form a multi-stage homogenization treatment of airflow 3. Each layer of flow equalization section 10 can be attached to each other, or arranged according to the spacing designed by the operator. The multiple flow equalization spaces 101 can penetrate the flow equalization section 10 and be arranged in an array along the length direction of the flow equalization section 10. A single flow guide 11 can be used, with the flow guide 11 configured as a single flow guide vane 112. Alternatively, a single flow guide 11 can be used, with multiple flow guide vanes 112 set within the frame of the flow guide 11. Multiple flow guide 11s can also be used, with each flow guide 11 configured as a flow guide vane 112. Furthermore, multiple flow guide 11s can be used, with multiple flow guide vanes 112 set within the frame of each flow guide 11. Each flow guide vane 112 can be arranged in parallel, with the spacing between the vanes 112 set according to the specific airflow guidance requirements. The vanes 112 can be set at a certain angle (e.g., 10° to 85° with the horizontal plane), thereby allowing the airflow 3 to flow in the direction set by the operator, reducing dead zones. The number of flow guide intervals 111 is at least one more than the number of flow guide vanes 112. That is, if a single flow guide vane 112 exists, the single vane 112 divides the space into two flow guide intervals 111.
[0043] Therefore, in some embodiments of this application, the processing procedure of the airflow equalization device 1 is as follows:
[0044] The inert gas protection system of the additive manufacturing equipment introduces the airflow 3 from the airflow inlet 2. The airflow 3 is homogenized through multiple flow equalization spaces 101 of the flow equalization section 10. After homogenization, the airflow 3 leaves the flow equalization section 10 and enters the area where the flow guide section 11 is located. Then, the flow guide section 11, which is arranged according to the guidance requirements, guides the airflow 3 that has passed through the flow equalization section 10 through the flow guide interval 111 to the target direction, thereby reducing the turbulence and backflow of the airflow 3.
[0045] By adopting the above technical solution, by using the flow equalization section 10 with multiple flow equalization spaces 101, the speed uniformity of the airflow 3 on the printing processing surface can be improved. By using the flow guide section 11, the direction of the airflow after being homogenized by the flow equalization section 10 can be effectively guided and stabilized, ensuring that the airflow 3 is stably directed towards the air intake, thereby improving the stability of the powder bed.
[0046] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figures 3 to 4 As shown, Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an exemplary single-guide vane airflow equalization device according to some embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an exemplary multi-guide vane airflow equalization device according to some embodiments of this application is shown. Based on the above embodiments, this application provides a plurality of flow equalization sections 10, which are disposed in the downstream region of the airflow inlet 2 of the additive manufacturing equipment and form a multi-stage flow equalization region. The plurality of flow equalization sections 10 are used to perform multi-stage homogenization processing on the airflow 3 introduced by the airflow inlet 2.
[0047] Specifically, the number of the multiple flow equalization sections 10 can be flexibly set by the operators according to the actual equipment volume, airflow speed 3 and cost constraints, with a reference setting of 2 to 4; the multiple flow equalization sections 10 can maintain a distance of 0mm to 300mm between each other, arranged in parallel with each other, installed in the air duct structure of the equipment and located downstream of the airflow inlet 2; the flow equalization sections 10 can adopt a drawer-type or slot-type installation method, which is convenient for replacement and cleaning.
[0048] In actual implementation, at least two flow equalization sections 10 are provided in the embodiments of this application, and each flow equalization section 10 can be set to the same style or different styles; the size of each flow equalization section 10 can be the same or different; each flow equalization section 10 can be attached to each other or set at a specified interval, or some flow equalization sections 10 can be attached to each other and others set at a set distance.
[0049] refer to Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5This illustration shows a first structural schematic diagram of an exemplary multi-layered flow equalization section arranged at intervals according to some embodiments of this application. For example, the plurality of flow equalization sections 10 are configured as two identical first-level 10-1 and second-level 10-2, wherein the first-level 10-1 and second-level 10-2 employ circular-hole flow equalization plates, and the first-level 10-1 and second-level 10-2 are spaced at a predetermined distance, typically 20mm to 100mm, which can be adjusted according to the equipment volume, airflow velocity, and flow field simulation results. The spaced area can serve as a buffer zone for the airflow 3, allowing for a sufficient transition between the two flow equalization stages, thereby improving the overall rectification effect. The first-level 10-1 performs initial diffusion to reduce the velocity gradient of the high-speed turbulent inlet flow, and the second-level 10-2 further rectifyes the airflow 3 passing through the first-level 10-1, ensuring a consistent airflow direction and reducing lateral flow disturbance. The holes in the circular flow equalization plate of the first layer 10-1 and the holes in the circular flow equalization plate of the second layer 10-2 can be coaxial or staggered.
[0050] refer to Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This diagram illustrates an exemplary multi-layer flow equalization section and its fitted arrangement according to some embodiments of this application. For example, the plurality of flow equalization sections 10 are configured as two identical first-level 10-1 and second-level 10-2 layers with different thicknesses. Both the first-level 10-1 and the second-level 10-2 employ circular perforated flow equalization plates, and are fitted together. The first-level 10-1 uses a thinner circular perforated flow equalization plate to initially diffuse and rectify the high-speed turbulence at the airflow inlet 2, thereby reducing the velocity gradient of the airflow 3 and alleviating flow instability. The second-level 10-2 uses a thicker circular perforated flow equalization plate to further guide the airflow 3 after processing by the first-level 10-1 to form a more stable and uniform laminar flow field. The holes in the circular flow equalization plate of the first layer 10-1 and the holes in the circular flow equalization plate of the second layer 10-2 can be coaxial or staggered.
[0051] refer to Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7This illustration shows an exemplary second structural diagram of a multi-layered flow equalization section arranged at intervals according to some embodiments of this application. For example, the plurality of flow equalization sections 10 may be configured as two different styles: a first layer 10-1 and a second layer 10-2. The first layer 10-1 uses a perforated flow equalization plate, and the second layer 10-2 uses a honeycomb plate. The first layer 10-1 and the second layer 10-2 are spaced at a predetermined distance, typically 20mm to 100mm, and can be adjusted based on the device volume, airflow velocity, and flow field simulation results. The spaced area can serve as a buffer zone for the airflow, allowing for a sufficient transition between the two flow equalization stages, thereby improving the overall rectification effect.
[0052] Therefore, in some embodiments of this application, the processing procedure of the airflow equalization device 1 is as follows:
[0053] The inert gas protection system of the additive manufacturing equipment introduces the airflow 3 from the airflow inlet 2. The airflow 3 undergoes preliminary homogenization treatment through the flow equalization section 10 of the first level 10-1, and then undergoes further homogenization treatment through the flow equalization section 10 of the second level 10-2 to form a stable and uniform laminar flow. The homogenized airflow 3 enters the area where the guide section 11 is located. Then, the guide section 11, which is arranged according to the guidance requirements, guides the airflow 3 that has passed through the flow equalization section 10 to the target direction through the guide section 111.
[0054] By adopting the above technical solution and setting up a multi-stage flow equalization section 10, a progressively uniform flow field can be formed, reducing the impact of eddies and local high-speed airflow 3, and further ensuring the stability of the powder bed.
[0055] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, Figure 8 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary single-flow guide frame with multiple flow guide vanes arranged in a first preset direction, according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 9 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary single-flow guide frame with multiple flow guide vanes arranged in a second preset direction, according to some embodiments of this application. Based on any one or more of the above embodiments, the single flow guide section 11 provided in this application is provided with one or more flow guide vanes 112, which form multiple flow guide intervals 111. These multiple flow guide intervals 111 are used to guide the airflow 3 passing through the multiple flow equalization spaces 101 to one or more target directions.
[0056] Specifically, if a single flow guide 11 and a single flow guide vane 112 are provided, the flow guide 11 can be configured as a rectangular or trapezoidal flow guide frame 11-1, and a single flow guide vane 112 can be placed within the flow guide frame 11-1. The single flow guide vane 112 divides the space within the flow guide frame 11-1 into two flow guide intervals 111, thereby guiding the airflow 3 that has passed through multiple flow equalization spaces 101 to the target direction. (Reference) Figure 8 As shown, if a single flow guide 11 is provided with multiple flow guide vanes 112, the flow guide 11 can be set as a flow guide frame 11-1 and multiple flow guide vanes 112 can be provided in the flow guide frame 11-1. The space in the flow guide frame 11-1 can be divided into at least two flow guide intervals 111 by using multiple flow guide vanes 112, thereby guiding the airflow 3 that has passed through multiple flow equalization spaces 101 to a single target direction or multiple target directions.
[0057] In practical implementation, the guide vanes 112 can be configured as sheet-like or plate-like structures, made of metal or high-temperature composite materials. The multiple guide vanes 112 are arranged in an array with equal or unequal spacing along a first or second preset direction. Equal spacing of the multiple guide vanes 112 is suitable for uniform distribution of airflow 3, while unequal spacing is suitable for strengthening key areas or correcting boundary flow fields. If the multiple guide vanes 112 are arranged along the first preset direction, the space where the guide frame 11-1 is located is divided into reference... Figure 8 The single-layer multi-zone arrangement is shown; if multiple guide vanes 112 are arranged along the second preset direction, the space where the guide frame 11-1 is located is divided into reference zones. Figure 9 The multi-layer, multi-zone layout is shown; specifically, the first preset direction and the second preset direction are set by the operators according to actual needs. In this application, the first preset direction refers to the Y-axis direction, and the second preset direction refers to the X-axis direction.
[0058] In some examples of this application, see reference Figures 10 to 12 As shown, Figure 10 This application shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an exemplary multi-flow guide frame single flow guide plate according to some embodiments. Figure 11 This application shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an exemplary multi-flow guide frame with multiple flow guide plates according to some embodiments. Figure 12 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary multi-flow guide frame with a layered arrangement according to some embodiments of this application. The multiple flow guide sections 11 provided in this application are each provided with at least one flow guide vane 112. These multiple flow guide sections 11 form multiple flow guide intervals 111, which are used to guide the airflow 3 passing through the multiple flow equalization spaces 101 to one or more target directions.
[0059] Specifically, refer to Figure 10As shown, if multiple flow guide sections 11 and a single flow guide vane 112 are provided, the multiple flow guide sections 11 can be configured as rectangular or trapezoidal flow guide frames 11-1, and a single flow guide vane 112 can be provided in each flow guide frame 11-1. The single flow guide vane 112 divides the space within its respective flow guide frame 11-1 into two flow guide intervals 111. Multiple flow guide frames 11-1 form multiple flow guide intervals 111, thereby guiding the airflow 3 passing through multiple flow equalization spaces 101 to the target direction. (Reference) Figure 11 As shown, if multiple flow guides 11 and multiple flow guide vanes 112 are provided, each flow guide 11 can be set as a rectangular or trapezoidal flow guide frame 11-1 and multiple flow guide vanes 112 can be provided in each flow guide frame 11-1. The space within the flow guide frame 11-1 is divided into at least two flow guide intervals 111 by the multiple flow guide vanes 112. The multiple flow guide frames 11-1 form multiple flow guide intervals 111, thereby guiding the airflow 3 that has passed through multiple flow equalization spaces 101 to a single target direction or multiple target directions.
[0060] In practical implementation, the guide vanes 112 can be configured as sheet-like structures, made of metal or high-temperature composite materials. The multiple guide vanes 112 of the multiple guide sections 11 are arranged in an array with equal or unequal spacing along a first preset direction or a second preset direction. Equal spacing of the multiple guide vanes 112 is suitable for uniform distribution of airflow 3, while unequal spacing is suitable for strengthening key areas or correcting boundary flow fields. If the multiple guide vanes 112 of the multiple guide sections 11 are arranged along the first preset direction, the space in which they are located is divided into reference... Figure 11 The single-layer multi-zone arrangement is shown; if the multiple guide vanes 112 of the multiple guide sections 11 are arranged along the second preset direction, the space is divided into reference zones. Figure 12 The multi-layer, multi-zone arrangement shown is divided into a first layer 11-2 and a second layer 11-3 of the flow guide 11; specifically, the first preset direction and the second preset direction are set by the operator according to actual needs. In this application, the first preset direction refers to the Y-axis direction and the second preset direction refers to the X-axis direction.
[0061] Therefore, in some embodiments of this application, the processing procedure of the airflow equalization device 1 is as follows:
[0062] The inert gas protection system of the additive manufacturing equipment introduces the airflow 3 from the airflow inlet 2. The airflow 3 is homogenized by a single or multi-layer flow equalization section 10 to form a stable and uniform laminar flow. The homogenized airflow 3 enters the area where the flow guide section 11 is located. Then, the flow guide frame 11-1 and the flow guide plate 112 arranged according to the guidance requirements guide the airflow 3 that has passed through the flow equalization section 10 to the target direction.
[0063] By adopting the above technical solution and setting multiple airflow guides 11, multi-zone and multi-level airflow 3 can be formed to achieve precise control of the airflow direction and avoid the formation of backflow vortices and local overheating areas in the printing processing area.
[0064] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figures 13 to 15 As shown, Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a first arrangement of an exemplary rotating part according to some embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a second arrangement of an exemplary rotating part according to some embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 15 A third schematic diagram of an exemplary rotating part according to some embodiments of this application is shown. Based on any one or more of the above embodiments, this application further provides one or more rotating parts 12, which are connected to one or more guide vanes 112 for driving one or more guide vanes 112 to rotate in a preset rotation direction around their own axis.
[0065] Specifically, the rotating part 12 can be any type of drive unit that can drive the guide vane 112 to rotate, including but not limited to rotary motors, rotary cylinders, etc. In this application, the rotating part 12 is a rotary motor, a small servo motor or a stepper motor, and is connected to the connecting shaft at the bottom of the guide vane 112 through the output shaft to realize the angle adjustment of the guide vane 112 to adapt to the changing requirements of the splash height during the printing of different powder materials. The preset rotation direction can be clockwise or counterclockwise. The rotation angle of the guide vane 112 is set by the operator according to actual needs. For example, the rotation angle range of the guide vane 112 can be set to 0° to 90°. At 0°, the guide vane 112 is basically parallel to the airflow direction, and the airflow 3 can pass freely. At 1° to 89°, partial guidance or deflection is formed. At 90°, complete blockage is achieved. The guide vane 112 closes the guidance interval 111 to block the airflow 3 at a specific position, thereby achieving precise control of the blowing height and meeting the diverse needs of different materials and printing process conditions.
[0066] In practical implementation, a single rotating part 12 can be set and connected to all the guide vanes 112 via a synchronous connecting rod or gear chain. When the single rotating part 12 rotates, the angles of all the guide vanes 112 are adjusted synchronously, achieving uniform angle adjustment of the entire guide area. Multiple rotating parts 12 can also be set, as shown in the reference. Figure 14As shown, each rotating part 12 is connected to a set of guide vanes 112. Each rotating part 12 can be controlled independently or synchronously to achieve differentiated angle adjustment of different guide zones 111. That is, multiple guide zones are formed by multiple rotating parts 12, and the angle of the guide vanes 112 connected in each guide zone is adjusted by multiple rotating parts 12. Multiple rotating parts 12 can also be set, see reference. Figure 15 As shown, each rotating part 12 is equipped with an independent guide vane 112, and the angle of each guide vane 112 can be set individually as needed.
[0067] Therefore, in some embodiments of this application, the processing procedure of the airflow equalization device 1 is as follows:
[0068] According to actual needs, the operator uses the rotating part 12 to rotate and adjust the guide vane 112 of the guide part 11 to a set angle. The inert gas protection system of the additive manufacturing equipment introduces the airflow 3 from the airflow inlet 2. The airflow 3 is homogenized by a single or multiple flow equalization part 10 to form a stable and uniform laminar flow. The homogenized airflow 3 enters the area where the guide part 11 is located, and then the airflow 3 passing through the flow equalization part 10 is guided to the target direction by rotating and adjusting the guide vane 112 to a set angle.
[0069] Therefore, this application also designs an additive manufacturing apparatus having the airflow equalization device 1 of any one or more of the above embodiments.
[0070] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An airflow equalization device for additive manufacturing equipment, characterized in that, The device includes: A flow equalization section is provided in the downstream region of the airflow inlet of the additive manufacturing equipment and has multiple flow equalization spaces. The flow equalization section is used to homogenize the airflow introduced by the airflow inlet. One or more flow guides form a flow guide interval, the one or more flow guides being used to guide the airflow passing through the flow equalization section to the target direction via the flow guide interval.
2. The airflow equalization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple flow equalization sections are set in the downstream region of the airflow inlet to form a multi-level flow equalization region. The multiple flow equalization sections are used to perform multi-level homogenization processing on the airflow introduced by the airflow inlet.
3. The airflow equalization device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plurality of flow equalization spaces penetrate the flow equalization section and are arranged in an array along the length of the flow equalization section.
4. The airflow equalization device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A single flow guide is provided with one or more flow guide vanes, which form multiple flow guide intervals. These multiple flow guide intervals are used to guide the airflow passing through the multiple flow equalization spaces to one or more target directions.
5. The airflow equalization device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The multiple guide vanes are arranged in an array with equal or unequal spacing along a first preset direction or a second preset direction.
6. The airflow equalization device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plurality of flow guides are provided with at least one flow guide vane, and the plurality of flow guides are used to guide the airflow passing through the plurality of flow equalization spaces to the target direction through the flow guide interval.
7. The airflow equalization device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The multiple guide sections are arranged in an array with equal or unequal spacing along a first preset direction or a second preset direction.
8. The airflow equalization device according to claim 5 or 7, characterized in that, Also includes: One or more rotating parts are connected to one or more guide vanes for driving the one or more guide vanes to rotate in a preset rotation direction.
9. The airflow equalization device according to claim 8, characterized in that, Each rotating part is connected to at least one guide vane, which drives the connected guide vane to rotate along a preset rotation direction and closes the guide section when it rotates to a preset angle.
10. The airflow equalization device according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each rotating part is provided with the same or different rotation direction and / or rotation angle.
11. An additive manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that, The device comprises the airflow equalization device according to any one of claims 1-10.