WO2024017561A1

WO2024017561A1 - Beam-guiding device for guiding an energy beam and manufacturing device for additively manufacturing components from a powder material and having such a beam-guiding device

Info

Publication number: WO2024017561A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/067097
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philipp Wagenblast; Matthias Allenberg-Rabe
Original assignee: Trumpf Laser- Und Systemtechnik Gmbh
Priority date: 2022-07-18
Filing date: 2023-06-23
Publication date: 2024-01-25
Also published as: DE102022117909A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a beam-guiding device (13) for guiding an energy beam (7) along a beam path (19), with at least one first beam-deflecting element (21), which can be moved between a first functional position and a second functional position, wherein the first beam-deflecting element (21) in the first functional position is arranged at a deflecting position (15) in the beam path (19) and is set up to deflect the energy beam (7) onto a target beam axis (A), and in the second functional position to allow the energy beam (7) to propagate further along the beam path (19), and with a plurality of second beam-deflecting elements (23), which in at least one functional state of the beam-guiding device (13) are arranged in the beam path (19) and are set up so that the energy beam (7) coming from the deflecting position (15) in the second functional position of the first beam-deflecting element (21) is thereby guided along the beam path (19) back to the deflecting position (15) and onto the target beam axis (A).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Beam guiding device for guiding an energy beam and manufacturing device for the additive manufacturing of components from a powder material with such a beam guiding device

The invention relates to a beam guidance device for guiding an energy beam and a manufacturing device for the additive manufacturing of components from a powder material with such a beam guidance device.

In a manufacturing device of the type discussed here, it can be advantageous to guide the energy beam along different paths, for example in order to use different variants of the energy beam, in particular different beam modifications with different beam properties, in particular in order to achieve certain component properties or increased productivity locally based on the material and geometry achieve. It is possible for a beam guidance device for this purpose to comprise a beam modification element for modifying the energy beam, for example a beam shaping element for shaping in particular a cross section of the energy beam. If the energy beam is to be guided along different paths, for example so that the beam modification element only interacts with the energy beam in certain functional states of the beam guiding device, complex structures with optomechanical components are typically provided in order to direct the energy beam either along the different paths, for example through the beam modification element or bypassing it of the beam modification element. In particular, several beam switches can be provided in order to implement the function described. Such a design is expensive, requires a lot of effort in production and adjustment, and has a robustness that can be improved due to the large number of complex components. Alternatively, it would be possible to represent a plurality of different beam guidance or beam modifications of the energy beam using separate beam guidance devices, but this would require an even greater expenditure of time, in particular for production and adjustment, as well as costs. The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a beam guiding device for guiding an energy beam and a manufacturing device for the additive manufacturing of components from a powder material with such a beam guiding device, the disadvantages mentioned being at least reduced, preferably avoided.

The object is achieved by providing the present technical teaching, in particular the teaching of the independent claims and the embodiments disclosed in the dependent claims and the description.

The object is achieved in particular by creating a beam guiding device for guiding an energy beam, in particular a laser beam, along a beam path, which has at least one first beam deflection element which is displaceable between a first functional position and a second functional position. The first beam deflection element is arranged in the beam path at a deflection position in the first functional position and is set up to deflect the energy beam - in particular away from the beam path - onto a target beam axis, and to allow the energy beam to propagate further along the beam path in the second functional position . The beam guidance device also has a plurality of second beam deflection elements, which are arranged in the beam path in at least one functional state of the beam guidance device and are set up to return the energy beam coming from the deflection position in the second functional position of the first beam deflection element along the beam path - in particular along a first beam path section to the deflection position and to the target beam axis. Advantageously, in this way, the energy beam can either be deflected onto the target beam axis by the first beam deflection element - in particular directly or via at least one further deflection - or can be guided further along the beam path, that is to say along another path, to the target beam axis. Only a single switchable or movable element is required to display the different beam paths. The structure is therefore simple, inexpensive to implement and easy to adjust. At the same time, it is extremely robust due to the avoidance of a large number of complex, switchable elements. In particular, in the second functional position of the first beam deflection element, the energy beam is returned in a ring shape to the deflection position and thus, as a result, to the target beam axis, in particular in such a way that after deflection by the second beam deflection elements it again hits exactly the imaginary point of impact of the first beam deflection element. This enables precise switching between the two functional positions and thus also between different ones Functional states of the beam guidance device without losing the adjustment of the energy beam to the target beam axis. A beam modification element can be arranged along the beam path in the propagation direction behind the first beam deflection element, so that by switching the first beam deflection element between the first functional position and the second functional position it can be selected whether the energy beam interacts with the beam modification element or not. In particular, the energy beam does not interact with the beam modification element in the first functional position of the first beam deflection element, whereas it interacts with the beam modification element in the second functional position of the first beam deflection element.

The beam guiding device is in particular set up to guide the energy beam along the beam path in a device for the additive manufacturing of components from a powder material.

The first beam deflection element is in particular a beam switching element or a beam switch. In general, in particular, every beam deflection element described in the context of the present technical teaching that can be moved between two functional positions - or switched synonymously - is a beam switching element or a beam switch.

In particular, the first beam deflection element is set up not to deflect the energy beam, in particular not directly, onto the target beam axis in the second functional position. In particular, the energy beam is guided onto the target beam axis indirectly, in particular in a ring, by the second beam deflection elements.

It is possible for the energy beam to be deflected directly onto the target beam axis by the first beam deflection element in its first functional position. In another embodiment, the energy beam is deflected by the first beam deflecting element in the first functional position onto at least one additional beam deflecting element - hereinafter also referred to as the fourth beam deflecting element - whereby it is in turn deflected onto the target beam axis by the at least one additional beam deflecting element. The at least one additional beam deflection element can in turn be switchable and thus in particular designed as a further first beam deflection element, in which case it can then be arranged in particular at a further deflection position. It can then deflect the energy beam to the target beam axis, in particular in a first functional position, and return it in a second functional position along a further beam path section - in particular in a ring shape can be propagated to the further deflection position, wherein a further beam modification element can be arranged in the further beam path section.

It is possible for the energy beam to propagate in a constant plane guided by the first beam deflection element and/or the second beam deflection elements; that is, it is only guided in two dimensions or along two Cartesian coordinates. In other words, the entire beam path lies in a single plane. Alternatively, it is possible for the energy beam to propagate at least in some areas along a third Cartesian coordinate. The beam path can therefore extend in particular in three dimensions.

In one embodiment, the second beam deflection elements are all designed as passive beam guidance elements. This means in particular that none of the second beam deflection elements can be switched or - synonymously - moved between different functional positions. In another embodiment, however, at least one of the second beam deflection elements can be designed to be displaceable, that is to say switchable, between two different functional positions, in particular as a beam switching element or beam switch. Second beam deflection elements designed as passive beam guidance elements are preferably arranged in the beam path in every functional state of the beam guidance device, so in particular they are not selectively moved into the beam path or shifted out of the beam path. An embodiment in which all second beam deflection elements are designed as passive beam guiding elements is therefore structurally very simple, inexpensive and robust.

In the context of the present technical teaching, the term “functional position” refers in particular to a spatial position or to an internal state of a beam deflection element. In the context of the present technical teaching, the fact that a beam deflection element is arranged in a functional position means in particular that the beam deflection element has the corresponding functional position. With regard to the functional positions of a beam deflection element, the terms “arrange” and “displace” do not necessarily refer to a spatial displacement, but in particular to switching between the different functional positions; In particular, they can therefore only refer to the change in an internal state without a change in the spatial position; However, in certain embodiments they can also include a spatial shift or even exclusively include a change in the spatial position. In the context of the present technical teaching, the term “functional state” refers in particular to a state of the beam guidance device, which is characterized in particular by a specific propagation path for the energy beam. In particular, the beam guidance device can be arranged in a first functional state when the first beam deflection element is arranged in the first functional position. In particular, a second functional state of the beam guidance device is assigned to the second functional position of the first beam deflection element. In particular, the first and/or second functional position of the first beam deflection element - as explained below - can be assigned further functional states of the beam guidance device. Accordingly, it is possible in particular for the beam guidance device to be arranged in the second functional state when the first beam deflection element is arranged in the second functional position. In particular, if the second beam deflection elements are all designed as passive beam guidance elements, the beam guidance device is arranged in the second functional state when the first beam deflection element is arranged in the second functional position.

Additive or generative manufacturing of a component is understood to mean, in particular, a powder bed-based method for producing a component, in particular a manufacturing method that is selected from a group consisting of selective laser sintering, laser metal fusion - LMF), a direct metal laser melting (DMLM), a laser net shaping manufacturing (LNSM), and a laser engineered net shaping (LENS). The manufacturing device is therefore in particular set up to carry out at least one of the aforementioned additive or generative manufacturing processes.

The energy beam is in particular an optical working beam, in particular a laser beam. The energy beam can be continuous or pulsed, in particular continuous laser radiation or pulsed laser radiation.

According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the first beam deflection element is arranged outside the beam path in the second functional position. In particular, in the second functional position, the first beam deflection element is not arranged at the deflection position, in particular not in the beam path. In this embodiment, the first beam deflection element can therefore be moved either into the beam path or out of the beam path. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the first beam deflection element can be designed very simply and cost-effectively, in particular as a mirror.

Alternatively, it is provided that the first beam deflection element is set up in the second functional position to at least partially transmit the energy beam. In particular, in this embodiment, the first beam deflection element is switched transparent in the second functional position at the deflection position. In particular, the first beam deflection element thus remains in the second functional position at the deflection position. In particular, the second beam deflection element is not displaced. Advantageously, in this embodiment there is no need for a mechanism that selectively shifts the first beam deflection element into and out of the beam path, but rather only a particularly more robust mechanism for controlling or switching an internal state of the first beam deflection element, in particular in order to change its transmission properties. However, this requires a more complex design of the first beam deflection element with changeable, in particular switchable, transmission properties.

According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that at least one first beam modification element is arranged along the beam path - in particular in the propagation direction behind the first beam deflection element. Thus, by switching the first beam deflection element, that is to say by displacing it between the first functional position and the second functional position, it can advantageously be selected whether the energy beam interacts with the first beam modification element or not. Thus, at least one beam property of the energy beam can be changed in a targeted manner by switching the first beam deflection element. In particular, the energy beam does not interact with the first beam modification element when the first beam deflection element is arranged in its first functional position, wherein the energy beam interacts with the first beam modification element when the first beam deflection element is arranged in its second functional position.

In particular, the first beam modification element is a beam shaping element.

According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that at least one second - switchable - beam deflection element of the plurality of second beam deflection elements can be moved between a first functional position and a second functional position. The at least one second beam deflection element is set up in the first functional position to direct the energy beam to guide along the first beam path section of the beam path. In addition, the at least one second beam deflection element is set up in the second functional position so that the energy beam can propagate along a second beam path section. By switching the at least one second beam deflection element between the first functional position and the second functional position, it can thus be selected whether the energy beam propagates along the first beam path section or along the second beam path section. Additional functions can thus be implemented, in particular for modifying the energy beam.

In particular, the at least one second beam deflection element is designed as a beam switching element or beam switch.

In one embodiment, two second beam deflection elements or more than two second beam deflection elements can be displaced between a respective first functional position and a respective second functional position, that is to say in particular designed as beam switching elements or beam diverters. In one embodiment, it is possible that in order to guide the energy beam along the second beam path section, in particular instead of the first beam path section, two switchable second beam deflection elements must be switched - in particular synchronously.

In particular, the beam guidance device is arranged in a second functional state when the first beam deflection element is in its second functional position and at the same time the at least one switchable second beam deflection element is in its first functional position. In particular, the beam guidance device is arranged in a third functional state when the first beam deflection element is in its second functional position and at the same time the at least one switchable second beam deflection element is in its second functional position. As previously stated, each functional state of the beam guidance device is assigned its own propagation path for the energy beam.

In particular, further second beam deflection elements are arranged along the second beam path section in order to guide the energy beam along the second beam path section. The embodiment described here can in particular be cascaded - through the use of further switchable second beam deflection elements - in order to be able to realize a plurality of beam path sections and thus in particular a plurality of modifications for the energy beam. In one embodiment, the beam guidance device is set up such that the energy beam can propagate along the second beam path section in the second functional position of the second beam deflection element, bypassing the first beam path section. If, for example, a first beam modification element is arranged in the first beam path section and a second beam modification element is arranged in the second beam path section, in this embodiment it is advantageous to switch between the first beam modification element and the second beam modification element.

In another embodiment, the beam guidance device is set up such that the energy beam can propagate along the second beam path section and additionally along the first beam path section in the second functional position of the second beam deflection element. If, for example, a first beam modification element is arranged in the first beam path section and a second beam modification element is arranged in the second beam path section, in this embodiment advantageously only the first beam modification element interacts with the energy beam in the first functional position of the second beam deflection element, with both in the second functional position of the second beam deflection element The first beam modification element and the second beam modification element interact with the energy beam.

According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the at least one first beam modification element is arranged in the first beam path section, with at least one second beam modification element being arranged in the second beam path section. In particular, the previously described functions and modifications of the energy beam can advantageously be realized in this way.

According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the beam guidance device has at least a third beam deflection element which can be displaced between a first functional position and a second functional position. The at least one third beam deflection element is set up to allow the energy beam to propagate along the beam path in the first functional position, bypassing a third beam path section, and to guide the energy beam along the third beam path section in the second functional position. In one embodiment, it is possible that in order to guide the energy beam along the third beam path section, in particular instead of the first or second beam path section, two switchable third beam deflection elements must be switched - in particular synchronously. In particular, the at least one third beam deflection element - in particular in contrast to the previously described beam deflection elements - is designed so that it does not deflect the propagation of the energy beam in its first functional position, while it deflects the energy beam in its second functional position. In particular, the at least one third beam deflection element is designed in one embodiment as a beam switching element, which is switched into the beam path to implement an additional propagation path or an additional function. In particular, it is moved into the beam path in its second functional position, whereas in its first functional position it is moved out of the beam path or is arranged outside the beam path. Alternatively, the at least one third beam deflection element is designed in another embodiment as a beam switching element which at least partially transmits the energy beam in the first functional position while it deflects, in particular reflects, it in its second functional position.

The first functional position of the at least one third beam deflection element is assigned - in particular depending on the functional position of the first beam deflection element and the second beam deflection element - in particular to the second functional state and/or the third functional state of the beam guidance device. The second functional position of the at least one third beam deflection element is in particular assigned to a fourth functional state of the beam guidance device. In particular, the beam guidance device is arranged in the fourth functional state when the first beam deflection element and the third beam deflection element, and optionally also the at least one switchable second beam deflection element, are each in their second functional position.

In particular, the third beam deflection element is set up to guide the energy beam along the third beam path section in the second functional position, bypassing the first beam path section and/or the second beam path section.

In one embodiment, at least one third beam modification element is arranged in the third beam path section. In particular, in this way, an additional function or further beam modification can be provided for the energy beam.

According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that at least one beam path section of the beam path is designed as a free beam path. In one embodiment, it is possible for the beam path to be designed overall as a free beam path. In particular, the target beam axis is also designed as a free beam path. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that at least one beam path section of the beam path is designed as a fiber section. In one embodiment, it is possible for the beam path to be designed overall as a fiber section. In particular, the target beam axis is also designed as a fiber section. However, it is also possible for the beam path to have both at least one section designed as a free beam path and at least one section designed as a fiber path.

According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that at least one of the beam deflection elements of the beam guiding device, in particular selected from the at least one first beam deflection element, the at least one second beam deflection element and the at least one third beam deflection element, is designed as a mirror. This represents a particularly simple and at the same time functional design of a beam deflection element.

In one embodiment, at least one of the - in particular switchable - beam deflection elements, in particular selected from the at least one first beam deflection element, the at least one second beam deflection element and the at least one third beam deflection element, is designed as a pivotable or rotatable mirror.

According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that at least one of the beam modification elements of the beam guidance device is set up to influence a beam diameter, an intensity distribution, a polarization and/or a temporal modulation of the energy beam.

In particular, the at least one beam modification element is selected from a group consisting of: a beam shaping element, in particular designed to generate a round, in particular rotationally symmetrical, or a non-rotationally symmetrical, in particular elliptical cross-sectional shape of the energy beam; a beam splitter; a beam offset element configured to effect a lateral or axial offset of the energy beam; a polarization modification element configured to change or define a polarization state of the energy beam; a frequency conversion element; and a modulation element, in particular designed to impose an additional modulation on the energy beam. In the context of the present technical teaching, an axial offset of the energy beam is understood to mean, in particular, a change in a focal position of the energy beam.

The possibility of switching between different modifications of the energy beam is particularly advantageous if a specific modification or property of the energy beam is associated with a loss in performance that cannot be accepted generally, that is, not for all operating conditions or processes to be carried out in a manufacturing device. For example, if at least 1 kW of power is required for a first process, it may be possible - in particular depending on a nominal power of a beam generating device for generating the energy beam - to dispense with a specific modification of the energy beam for this process, while this modification may be required for a second process, where, for example, 20% power losses can be accepted.

In one embodiment, the at least one beam modification element is selected from a group consisting of a lens, a telescope, and a polarization filter.

According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the beam guidance device has the first beam deflection element as a first beam deflection element and also at least a fourth beam deflection element, which is set up to direct the energy beam from the deflection position as a first deflection position to the target at least in a first functional position. To deflect the beam axis when the first first beam deflection element is in its first functional position, preferably at least a fourth beam deflection element of the at least one fourth beam deflection element being designed as a second first beam deflection element and being set up such that the energy beam is in a second functional position of the second first beam deflection element along a fourth Beam path section can propagate. In particular, the second first beam deflection element is arranged at a second deflection position, and the energy beam is returned - in particular annularly - to the second deflection position in the second functional position of the second first beam deflection element, in particular again by a plurality of second beam deflection elements arranged along the fourth beam path section.

In particular, the beam guidance device has the plurality of second beam deflection elements, which are arranged and set up to guide the energy beam along the first beam path section in the second functional position of the first first beam deflection element. In particular, the beam guidance device is set up in such a way that the energy beam is deflected to the target beam axis when the first first beam deflection element and the second first beam deflection element are each in their first functional position, without propagating along the first beam path section or along the fourth beam path section. This corresponds to the first functional state of the beam guidance device. On the other hand, if the first first beam deflection element is in its second functional position and at the same time the second first beam deflection element is in its first functional position, the energy beam propagates along the first beam path section, whereby it is then deflected by the second first beam deflection element to the target beam axis, without being along the fourth beam path section to propagate. This corresponds to the second functional state of the beam guidance device. If the first first beam deflection element is in its first functional position and at the same time the second first beam deflection element is in its second functional position, the energy beam propagates along the fourth beam path section without propagating along the first beam path section. This corresponds to a fifth functional state of the beam guidance device. If both the first first beam deflection element and the second first beam deflection element are each arranged in their second functional position, the energy beam propagates both along the first beam path section and along the fourth beam path section. This corresponds to a sixth functional state of the beam guidance device. Thus, in the embodiment described here, it can advantageously be selected whether the energy beam is directed to the target beam axis, bypassing the first beam path section and the fourth beam path section, or whether the energy beam propagates only along the first beam path section or only along the fourth beam path section, or whether the energy beam propagates both along the first beam path section and along the fourth beam path section. An and/or link between the first beam path section and the fourth beam path section is thus achieved. If a beam modification element is arranged in the first beam path section and in the fourth beam path section, any selection can be made between the beam modification elements or a combination of the beam modification elements can be implemented.

The object is also achieved by creating a manufacturing device for the additive manufacturing of components from a powder material, which has a beam generating device, the beam generating device being set up to generate an energy beam. The manufacturing device also has a scanner device that is set up to locally selectively irradiate a work area with the energy beam using the energy beam to produce a component from the powder material arranged in the work area. Furthermore, the manufacturing device has a beam guiding device according to the invention or a beam guiding device according to one or more of the previously described embodiments, wherein the beam guiding device is arranged relative to the beam generating device in such a way that the energy beam generated by the beam generating device propagates from the beam generating device to the deflection position during operation of the manufacturing device, and wherein the beam guiding device is arranged relative to the scanner device such that the target beam axis coincides with an entrance beam axis of the scanner device. In connection with the production device, there are in particular the advantages that have already been explained previously in connection with the beam guidance device. Furthermore, the energy beam is thus advantageously always guided precisely into the scanner device, regardless of which propagation path it takes, and in particular regardless of which beam modification elements it may interact with.

In particular, during operation of the production device, the energy beam propagates over at least one free beam path and/or at least one fiber path from the beam generating device to the deflection position.

The scanner device preferably has at least one scanner, in particular a galvanometer scanner, piezo scanner, polygon scanner, MEMS scanner, and/or a working head or processing head that can be displaced relative to the work area. The scanner devices proposed here are particularly suitable for displacing the energy beam within the working area between a plurality of irradiation positions.

A working head or processing head that can be displaced relative to the working area is understood here in particular to mean an integrated component of the manufacturing device, which has at least one radiation outlet for at least one energy beam, the integrated component, that is to say the working head, as a whole along at least one direction of displacement, preferably along two perpendicular to one another displacement directions, can be moved relative to the work area. Such a working head can in particular be designed in a portal design or be guided by a robot. In particular, the working head can be designed as a robot hand of a robot. The beam generating device is preferably designed as a laser. The energy beam is thus advantageously generated as an intensive beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation, in particular coherent light. In this respect, irradiation preferably means exposure.

The manufacturing device is preferably set up for selective laser sintering. Alternatively or additionally, the manufacturing device is set up for selective laser melting. These configurations of the manufacturing device have proven to be particularly advantageous.

A metallic or ceramic powder in particular can preferably be used as the powder material.

According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the manufacturing device has a control device, the control device being operatively connected to the beam guidance device and set up to select and/or set a functional state of the beam guidance device. In particular, the control device is operatively connected to at least one switchable beam deflection element, in particular to the first beam deflection element and optionally with at least one switchable second, third and/or fourth beam deflection element, and is set up to switch the respective beam deflection element into its different functional positions.

In particular, the control device is set up to switch the functional state of the beam guidance device. In particular, the control device is set up to switch the functional position of at least one switchable beam deflection element.

The control device is preferably selected from a group consisting of a computer, in particular a personal computer (PC), a plug-in card or control card, and an FPGA board. In a preferred embodiment, the control device is an RTC5 or RTC6 control card from SCANLAB GmbH, in particular in the embodiment currently available on the date determining the seniority of the present property right.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Show it

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of a manufacturing device with a first exemplary embodiment of a beam guidance device in a first functional state; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the first exemplary embodiment of the beam guidance device in a second functional state;

3a, b each show a schematic representation of two embodiments of a second exemplary embodiment of a manufacturing device with a second exemplary embodiment of a beam guiding device;

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a third exemplary embodiment of a manufacturing device with a third exemplary embodiment of a beam guidance device, and

Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a manufacturing device with a fourth exemplary embodiment of a beam guidance device.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of a manufacturing device 1 for the additive manufacturing of components 3 from a powder material with a first exemplary embodiment of a beam guiding device 13 for guiding an energy beam 7, in particular a laser beam, along a beam path 19, the beam guiding device 13 being in one first functional state is shown.

The manufacturing device 1 has a beam generating device 5, in particular a laser, which is set up to generate the energy beam 7. In addition, the manufacturing device 1 has a scanner device 9, which is set up to locally selectively irradiate a work area 11 with the energy beam 7, in order to produce a component 3 from the powder material arranged in the work area 11 using the energy beam 7. The manufacturing device 1 further has the beam guiding device 13, the beam guiding device 13 being arranged relative to the beam generating device 5 in such a way that the energy beam 7 generated by the beam generating device 5 during operation of the manufacturing device 1 from the beam generating device 5 to a deflection position 15 of the beam guiding device 13 propagated. The beam guidance device 13 is arranged relative to the scanner device 9 in such a way that the target beam axis A coincides with an entry beam axis E of the scanner device 9. The manufacturing device 1 also has a control device 17, which is operatively connected to the beam guidance device 13 and is set up to select and/or set, in particular to switch, a functional state of the beam guidance device 13.

The beam guidance device 13 has at least one first beam deflection element 21, which can be switched between a first functional position and a second functional position. The first beam deflection element 21 is shown in its first functional position in FIG. 1 and is arranged in the beam path 19 at the deflection position 15. In the first functional position, it is set up to deflect the energy beam 7 - in particular away from the beam path 19 - onto the target beam axis A and thus onto the entry beam axis E of the scanner device 9.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the first exemplary embodiment of the beam guidance device 13 in a second functional scope.

Identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numbers in all figures, so that reference is made to the previous description.

In Figure 2, the first beam deflection element 21 is shown in its second functional position, in which it is set up to allow the energy beam 7 to propagate further along the beam path 19. The beam guidance device 13 has a plurality of second beam deflection elements 23, which are arranged in at least one functional state of the beam guidance device 13 in the beam path 19 and are set up to direct the energy beam 7 coming from the deflection position 15 along the beam path 19 in the second functional position of the first beam deflection element 21. in particular along a first beam path section 19.1 - back to the deflection position 15 and to the target beam axis A and thus at the same time to the entry beam axis E of the scanner device 9.

Regardless of the functional position of the first beam deflection element 21, the energy beam 7 is advantageously guided precisely onto the same entrance beam axis E of the scanner device 9.

It is possible for the first beam deflection element 21 to be arranged outside the beam path 19 in the second functional position. Alternatively, the first beam deflection element 21 is set up to at least partially transmit the energy beam 7. Preferably, at least one first beam modification element 25, in particular a beam shaping element, is arranged along the beam path 19.

3a shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a second embodiment of the manufacturing device 1 with a second embodiment of the beam guidance device 13.

In the second exemplary embodiment, at least one second beam deflection element 23 of the plurality of second beam deflection elements 23 can be switched between a first functional position and a second functional position, wherein the at least one second beam deflection element 23 is set up in the first functional position to direct the energy beam 7 along a first beam path section 19.1 of the Beam path 19 to guide, and wherein the at least one second beam deflection element 23 is set up in the second functional position so that the energy beam 7 can propagate along a second beam path section 19.2.

In particular, further second beam deflection elements 23 are arranged along the second beam path section 19.2 in order to guide the energy beam 7 along the second beam path section 19.2. This configuration can be cascaded, which is shown in particular by points at the upper edge of FIG. 3, which indicate a corresponding continuation of the outlined structure with further switchable second beam deflection elements 23.

In particular, in the exemplary embodiment shown here, two second beam deflection elements 23 - one at the beginning and one at the end of the respective beam path section 19.1, 19.2 - can always be switched together between a first functional position and a second functional position in order to select between the different beam path sections 19.1, 19.2.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the beam guidance device 13 is set up in such a way that the energy beam 7 can propagate along the second beam path section 19.2 in the second functional position of the second beam deflection elements 23, bypassing the first beam path section 19.1. The at least one first beam modification element 25 is preferably arranged in the first beam path section 19.1, with at least one second beam modification element 27 being arranged in the second beam path section 19.2. In this embodiment, it is therefore advantageous to choose between the first Beam modification element 25 and the second beam modification element 27 can be switched. An exclusive OR link is thus realized between the first beam modification element 25 and the second beam modification element 27.

3b shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the second exemplary embodiment of the manufacturing device 1 with the second exemplary embodiment of the beam guiding device 13.

In this second embodiment, at least one third beam deflection element 29 is additionally provided, which can be switched between a first functional position and a second functional position, the at least one third beam deflection element 29 being set up to direct the energy beam 7 in its first functional position, bypassing a third beam path section 19.3 to propagate along the beam path 19, and in its second functional position - in particular bypassing the first beam path section 19.1 and / or the second beam path section 19.2 - to guide it along the third beam path section 19.3. At least one third beam modification element 31 is preferably arranged in the third beam path section 19.3.

In the second exemplary embodiment according to Figures 3a, b, it can thus be selected whether the energy beam 7 interacts with the first beam modification element 25, or with the second beam modification element 27, or - additionally according to the second embodiment - with the third beam modification element 31. In particular, an exclusive or-link between the beam modification elements 25, 27, 31 is realized.

Regardless of the specific exemplary embodiment or the specific design of the beam guidance device 13, at least one beam path section 19.1, 19.2, 19.3 of the beam path 19 is preferably designed as a free beam path or as a fiber section. A combination of at least one free beam section and at least one fiber section is possible, but it is also possible for all beam path sections 19.1, 19.2, 19.3 to be designed either as free beam sections or as fiber sections. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the beam deflection elements 21, 23, 29 of the beam guiding device 13 is designed as a mirror, in particular as a pivotable or rotatable mirror. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the beam modification elements 25, 27, 31 of the beam guidance device 13 is preferably set up to have a beam diameter Intensity distribution, polarization and / or a temporal modulation of the energy beam 7 to influence.

4 shows a schematic representation of a third exemplary embodiment of the manufacturing device 1 with a third exemplary embodiment of the beam guiding device 13.

In this third exemplary embodiment, the beam guiding device 13 is set up in such a way that the energy beam 7 can propagate along the second beam path section 19.2 and additionally along the first beam path section 19.1 in the second functional position of the switchable second beam deflection element 23 shown in dashed lines. Preferably, the first beam modification element 25 is arranged in the first beam path section 19.1 and the second beam modification element 27 is arranged in the second beam path section 19.2. Thus, by controlling the first beam deflection element 21 and the switchable second beam deflection element 23, it can be selected whether the energy beam 7 is irradiated with none of the beam modification elements 25, 27, or only with the first beam modification element 25, or with both the first beam modification element 25 and the second beam modification element 27 interacts. An AND connection is therefore realized between the two beam modification elements 25, 27.

5 shows a schematic representation of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the manufacturing device 1 with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the beam guiding device 13.

In the fourth initial example, the beam guiding device 13 has the first beam deflecting element 21 as a first beam deflecting element 21.1 and also at least a fourth beam deflecting element 33. The fourth beam deflection element 33 is set up to deflect the energy beam 7 coming from the deflection position 15 as a first deflection position 15.1 onto the target beam axis A, at least in a first functional position, when the first first beam deflection element 21.1 is in its first functional position. At least a fourth beam deflection element 33 of the at least one fourth beam deflection element 33 is switchable and designed as a second first beam deflection element 21.2 and set up in such a way that the energy beam 7 can propagate along a fourth beam path section 19.4 in a second functional position of the second first beam deflection element 21.2. In particular, the second first beam deflection element 21.2 is arranged at a second deflection position 15.2, and the energy beam 7 is in the second functional position of the second first beam deflection element 21.2 - in particular annularly - to the second deflection position 15.2 returned, in particular again by a plurality of second beam deflection elements 23 arranged along the fourth beam path section 19.4.

In particular, the beam guiding device 13 also has the plurality of second beam deflection elements 23, which are arranged and set up to guide the energy beam 7 along the first beam path section 19.1 in the second functional position of the first beam deflection element 21.2.

In particular, the beam guidance device 13 is set up in such a way that the energy beam 7 is deflected to the target beam axis A when the first first beam deflection element 21.1 and the second first beam deflection element 21.2 are each in their first functional position, whereby it is neither along the first beam path section 19.1 still propagated along the fourth beam path section 19.4. If the first first beam deflection element 21.1 is in its second functional position and at the same time the second first beam deflection element 21.2 is in its first functional position, the energy beam 7 propagates along the first beam path section 19.1, whereby it is then deflected by the second first beam deflection element 21.2 to the target beam axis A, without propagating along the fourth beam path section 19.4. If the first first beam deflection element 21.1 is in its first functional position and at the same time the second first beam deflection element 21.2 is in its second functional position, the energy beam 7 propagates along the fourth beam path section 19.4 without propagating along the first beam path section 19.1. If both the first first beam deflection element 21.1 and the second first beam deflection element 21.2 are each in their second functional position, the energy beam 7 propagates both along the first beam path section 19.1 and along the fourth beam path section 19.4. Thus, in the fourth exemplary embodiment, it can advantageously be selected by controlling the first first beam deflection element 21.1 and the second first beam deflection element 21.2 whether the energy beam 7 is directed to the target beam axis A bypassing both the first beam path section 19.1 and the fourth beam path section 19.4, or whether the energy beam 7 propagates only along the first beam path section 19.1 or only along the fourth beam path section 19.4, or whether the energy beam 7 propagates both along the first beam path section 19.1 and along the fourth beam path section 19.4. An and/or link is thus realized between the first beam path section 19.1 and the fourth beam path section 19.4.

The first beam modification element 25 is preferably arranged in the first beam path section 19.1, and a fourth beam modification element is in the fourth beam path section 19.4 35 arranged. In this way, any selection can be made between the first beam modification element 25 and the fourth beam modification element 35, or a combination of the beam modification elements 25, 35, in particular a combination and/or combination between the beam modification elements 25, 35, can be implemented. The different exemplary embodiments shown here can be combined and/or cascaded with one another in various ways in order to obtain different functionalities or combinations of beam modification elements 25, 27, 31, 35 and thus modifications of the energy beam 7.

Claims

EXPECTATIONS

1. Beam guiding device (13) for guiding an energy beam (7) along a beam path (19), with at least one first beam deflection element (21) which can be moved between a first functional position and a second functional position, the first beam deflection element (21) being in the The first functional position in the beam path (19) is arranged at a deflection position (15) and is set up to deflect the energy beam (7) onto a target beam axis (A), and to further direct the energy beam (7) along the beam path in the second functional position (19) to propagate, and with a plurality of second beam deflection elements (23), which are arranged in at least one functional state of the beam guiding device (13) in the beam path (19) and are set up to be in the second functional position of the first beam deflection element (21) Energy beam (7) coming from the deflection position (15) along the beam path (19) back to the deflection position (15) and onto the target beam axis (A).

2. Beam guidance device (13) according to claim 1, wherein the first beam deflection element (21) is arranged in the second functional position outside the beam path (19), or is set up to at least partially transmit the energy beam (7).

3. Beam guidance device (13) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one first beam modification element (25), in particular beam shaping element, is arranged along the beam path (19).

4. Beam guidance device (13) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a second beam deflection element (23) of the plurality of second beam deflection elements (23) can be displaced between a first functional position and a second functional position, the at least one second beam deflection element (23) being in the first Functional position is set up to guide the energy beam (7) along a first beam path section (19.1) of the beam path (19), and wherein the at least one second beam deflection element (23) is set up in the second functional position so that the energy beam (7) - in particular bypassing the first beam path section (19.1) or additionally along the first beam path section (19.1) - can propagate along a second beam path section (19.2).

5. Beam guidance device according to claims 3 and 4, wherein the at least one first beam modification element (25) is arranged in the first beam path section (19.1), at least one second beam modification element (27) being arranged in the second beam path section (19.2).

6. Beam guidance device according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one third beam deflection element (29) which can be moved between a first functional position and a second functional position, the at least one third beam deflection element (29) being set up to direct the energy beam (7) in the first functional position, bypassing a third beam path section (19.3) along the beam path (19), and the energy beam (7) in the second functional position - in particular bypassing the first beam path section (19.1) and / or the second beam path section (19.2) - along the third beam path section (19.3), preferably at least one third beam modification element (31) being arranged in the third beam path section (19.3).

7. Beam guidance device (13) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one beam path section (19.1, 19.2, 19.3) of the beam path (19) is designed as a free beam path or as a fiber section.

8. Beam guidance device (13) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the beam deflection elements (21, 23, 29, 33) of the beam guidance device (13) is designed as a mirror, in particular as a pivotable or rotatable mirror.

9. Beam guidance device (13) according to one of claims 3 to 8, wherein at least one of the beam modification elements (25, 27, 31, 35) of the beam guidance device (13) is set up to have a beam diameter, an intensity distribution, a polarization and / or a temporal To influence modulation of the energy beam (7).

10. Beam guidance device (13) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the beam guidance device (13) has the first beam deflection element (21) as a first first beam deflection element (21.1) and also at least a fourth beam deflection element (33) which is set up to at least in a first functional position to deflect the energy beam (7) from the deflection position (15) as a first deflection position (15.1) to the target beam axis (A) when the first first beam deflection element (21.1) is in its first Functional position, wherein preferably at least a fourth beam deflection element (33) of the at least one fourth beam deflection element (33) is designed as a second first beam deflection element (21.2) and is set up such that the energy beam (7) is in a second functional position of the second first beam deflection element (21.2 ) can propagate along a fourth beam path section (19.4).

11. Manufacturing device (1) for the additive manufacturing of components (3) from a powder material, with a beam generating device (5) which is set up to generate an energy beam (7), a scanner device (9) which is set up to create a work area ( 11) locally selectively irradiate with the energy beam (7) in order to produce a component (3) from the powder material arranged in the work area (11) by means of the energy beam (7), and with a beam guidance device (13) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the beam guiding device (13) is arranged relative to the beam generating device (5) in such a way that the energy beam (7) generated by the beam generating device (5) is moved from the beam generating device (5) to the deflection position (15) during operation of the manufacturing device (1). ) propagated, and wherein the beam guidance device (13) is arranged relative to the scanner device (9) in such a way that the target beam axis (A) coincides with an entry beam axis (E) of the scanner device (9).

12. Manufacturing device according to claim 11, with a control device (17), which is operatively connected to the beam guidance device (13) and set up to select and / or set, in particular to switch, a functional state of the beam guidance device (13).