Inclination protection device for powder material bottle

Abstract

The invention relates to a tilt protection device (1) for a machine for producing shaped bodies by stacking layers of powder material, comprising: a hold-down device (11) for holding a bottle (2) of powder material, which is coupled to a filling connection (3) of the machine; and a device coupled to the pressing device (11) for generating a holding force. The pressing device (11) is arranged in a first position (Z1) in a first state in order to couple or uncouple the powder material bottle (2) to or from the filling connection (3). The pressing device (2) is arranged in the second position (Z2) in the second state in order to transmit the holding force to the powder material bottle (2) coupled to the filling connection (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tilt protection device for a machine for producing a shaped body by stacking layers of powder material. Specifically, when filling the material powder container of the machine, it is intended to prevent the material powder bottle from tipping over or falling down. Background Art

[0002] Machines for selective laser melting (SLM) produce components (shaped bodies) in layers of powdered material. In this case, the powdered material is applied to a substrate, for example, in a thin layer and then completely remelted locally by means of laser radiation. During solidification, a solid material layer is formed. Subsequently, the substrate is reduced by the amount of the layer thickness and a powder layer is applied again. The process is repeated until the component is completely layered. The finished component is then cleaned of excess powder and further processed as required.

[0003] Furthermore, there are laser processing machines for additive manufacturing which have a powder nozzle which delivers powder material in a targeted manner to a processing location where it melts at the focus of the laser beam in order to thus produce a shaped body in an additive manner.

[0004] For example, a generic device for producing a mould by depositing layers of powder material is disclosed in European Patent No. EP 2 052 845 B1.

[0005] The present application relates to a tilt protection device for a machine, in which a shaped body is additively constructed by melting a material powder, in particular by means of laser radiation. In particular, the material powder can be a metal powder or a plastic powder. In general, the term "additive manufacturing machine" is used below for such a machine.

[0006] Powder materials for additive manufacturing machines are usually stored in powder material tanks, which must be refilled when the powder material is consumed. The powder material tank is filled, for example, via a filling opening or a filling interface. A powder container or a powder material bottle can be placed on such a filling interface for filling. A typical powder container can have a mass of up to about 25 kg in a fully filled state. In addition, it is common for the filling interface to be at a height of about 2 m, whereby the filling process may pose a risk of injury to the worker responsible for filling.

[0007] The term "powder material bottle" used in this application is for the sake of simplicity of description and is not intended to limit the shape of the powder container to the shape of a bottle. The term "powder material bottle" also includes powder containers of other shapes or powder containers that are not bottle-shaped, such as wide-necked barrels, etc.

[0008] In the present application, a "worker" is particularly understood to mean a person who interacts with the powder container with the filling interface for filling the primary tank.

[0009] Particularly, there is the risk that the powder container tipped over and / or fell down during the filling process, whereby workers may be injured. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the container from tipping over and / or falling down to reduce the risk of injury to workers. Summary of the invention

[0010] These problems known from the prior art are overcome according to the invention by a tilt protection device according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are subject matter of the dependent claims, the drawings and the following description of exemplary embodiments.

[0011] The tilt protection device includes a clamping device for holding a powder material bottle (powder container), which is connected to the filling interface of the machine. The "connected" state may refer to a state in which the powder material bottle is only placed or attached to the filling interface but is not yet fixedly connected. Holding the powder material bottle by the clamping device can prevent the powder material bottle from tipping over or falling down before being fixedly tightened. Therefore, the risk of injuring workers can be reduced. In addition, the worker has both hands free to reliably produce the connection between the powder container and the filling interface.

[0012] The pressing device is connected to a device for generating a holding force. The holding force is used to hold the powder material bottle. The holding force can be generated by a spring or a weight.

[0013] The clamping device is arranged at the first position in the first state so that the powder material bottle can be connected or separated with the filling interface. In other words, for example, by shifting the clamping device and / or rotating the clamping device, the clamping device can be brought to the first position. If the clamping device is located in the first position, the powder material bottle can be inserted or removed without being hindered by the clamping device. In other words, the distance between the clamping device in the first position and the filling interface is preferably greater than the maximum length of the powder material bottle.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping device can be fixed in the first position. For this purpose, a latch mechanism or the like can be provided, which can be released, for example, by a lever. The latch mechanism can be part of a kinematic component, for example, as described below.

[0015] In the second state, the pressing device is arranged at a second position. In this position, the pressing device contacts the powder material bottle connected to the filling interface so that the retaining force generated is transmitted to the powder material bottle.

[0016] The device for generating the holding force may have a kinematic component that guides the movement of the clamping device. The movement may include rotational and / or translational movement. For example, the kinematic component guides the linear displacement of the clamping device along an axis or the rotation around an axis.

[0017] The device for generating a holding force generates a holding force, by which the powder container is prevented from tipping over or falling down when not connected to the filling interface. The holding force can be generated, for example, by a spring, which is stretched or compressed according to the linear displacement of the clamping device, thereby generating a reaction force proportional to the linear displacement. The reaction force counteracts the linear displacement of the clamping device starting from the starting position (first position).

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, instead of a spring, a weight may be used which generates a holding force by a corresponding weight. The advantage here is that the weight is always the same regardless of the position of the hold-down device.

[0019] If no powder material bottle is connected to the filling interface, the clamping device can be positioned in a first position. The first position can also be referred to as a starting position. Preferably, the clamping device can be displaced from the starting position in only one direction, for example parallel to gravity.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the hold-down device is movable in a region between a first position and a maximum deflection referred to as a third position.

[0021] When a spring is used, the spring force according to a preferred embodiment may be equal to zero in the third position or the spring force is preferably very small.

[0022] From the third position, the clamping device can preferably be displaced opposite to the component of the holding force parallel to the gravity. The direction of displacement is defined as the positive direction here. The positive direction can be referred to as the positive Z direction, for example. The direction of the holding force acts in the negative direction accordingly. In a preferred embodiment, the direction of the holding force is parallel to the gravity.

[0023] When receiving the powder material bottle, the clamping device is preferably moved in the positive direction along the axis opposite to the retaining force. The maximum deflection achieved during the insertion of the powder material bottle may correspond to the first position. The maximum deflection may depend on the geometry of the powder material bottle, such as its length.

[0024] When a spring is used, the spring is preferably a compression spring. This has the advantage that the maximum deflection during displacement of the kinematic component can be limited by the spring without the risk of damaging the spring due to over-tensioning.

[0025] After the powder material bottle is coupled to the filling interface, the clamping device can be displaced from the first position (e.g., in the negative Z direction along the axis) to a second position. In the second position, the clamping device applies a holding force generated by a device for generating a holding force (e.g., a spring or a weight) to the powder material bottle, and thus prevents the powder material bottle from tipping over or falling.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the compacting device comprises a receiving seat for a powder material bottle, which, due to its geometry, can hold a plurality of different powder material containers having different geometries and can prevent them from tipping over. For this purpose, for example, the geometry is designed so that it tapers in the positive direction from its lower opening, so that powder containers with different diameters can be held by contacting the compacting device at one point of the taper according to their size. For example, a hollow cone or a hollow pyramid, which can preferably be rotationally symmetrical, is recommended as the geometry.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the receiving seat can have the shape of a hollow cone. This shape can be advantageously adapted to powder material bottles with different diameters.

[0028] The kinematic component may preferably have a stopper which may limit the displacement of the holding down device or the rotation of the holding down device. The stopper may have an effect such that the holding down device may be displaced from the second position only in the direction of the second position, ie in the negative direction.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, the stop can be designed so that it limits the displacement of the clamping device in such a way that a minimum distance between the clamping device and the filling interface can be ensured, which can, on the one hand, prevent a collision between the filling interface and the clamping device and, on the other hand, facilitate the insertion of the powder material bottle.

[0030] The kinematic component may preferably have one or more bearings for guiding the shaft. The shaft may be designed, for example, rod-like or rail-like. The bearings preferably predetermine the displacement direction and may prevent tilting during displacement of the kinematic component.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the bearing is, for example, a plain bearing or a ball bearing. Such bearings can ensure a secure and low-friction guidance of the kinematic components during displacement.

[0032] The powder material container of the machine for producing a formed body by stacking powder material layers according to the present invention comprises a powder material tank for storing powder material and a filling interface for filling the powder material tank with powder material. According to the present invention, the powder material container has a tilt protection device according to one of the aspects described herein.

[0033] The powder material container may be part of a machine for producing shaped bodies, such as an SLM machine or another additive manufacturing machine, or may be coupled to such a machine as a separate module in order to supply the machine with powder material.

[0034] The filling interface can have a pipe section connected to the powder material tank, the pipe section serving as a pipeline for filling the powder material tank. The pipe section preferably has a closable valve.

[0035] The filling interface may have a closable coupling for coupling the powder material bottle. The powder material bottle may be inserted into the filling interface, and a secure connection between the filling interface and the powder material bottle may be produced by closing the coupling. After coupling, for example, the valve on the filling interface and the valve on the powder material bottle may be opened to allow the powder material to flow out of the powder material bottle and into the powder material tank.

[0036] The machine for producing a shaped body by stacking layers of powder material according to the present invention has the powder material container as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Further advantageous embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are shown in the drawings but to which the invention is not limited.

[0038] Schematically shown:

[0039] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a tilt protection device according to the invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 2 Shows the status of the powder material bottle during the connection process.

[0041] Figure 3 A coupled powder material bottle with a small diameter is shown, which is held by the tilt guard according to the invention.

[0042] Figure 4 A coupled powder material bottle with a large diameter is shown, which is held by the tilt guard according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components.

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a tilt protection device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The tilt protection device 1 may be installed, for example, in a powder material chamber of an additive manufacturing machine to prevent a powder material bottle 2 from tipping over and / or falling down.

[0045] The tilt protection device 1 comprises a holding down device 11 which is coupled to a device 12 for generating a holding force, the device 12 for generating a holding force having a kinematic component. The kinematic component comprises a shaft 14 which can be moved along the axis by means of two bearings 15. Figure 1 The vertical orientation shown in the exemplary embodiments should be understood as an example rather than a limitation.

[0046] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the device 12 for generating a holding force comprises a spring 13 which, when deflected, generates a spring force which becomes a holding force.

[0047] The shaft 14 has at the upper end an L-shaped arm 16 which carries the pressing device 11. At the lower end, the shaft 14 is coupled to a spring 13 which during displacement of the shaft 14 generates a corresponding reaction force. Figure 1 The hold-down device 11 is shown in a starting position, referred to as the third position Z3. In this third position Z3, the arm 16 rests on a stop 17 which prevents further downward movement.

[0048] In alternative embodiments, weights may be used instead of or in addition to the springs 13 in order to generate the holding force.

[0049] The illustrated pressing device 11 has the shape of a rotationally symmetrical hollow cone, so that it is adapted to receive the bottoms of powder material bottles 2 of different sizes. In other alternative embodiments, for example, the receiving seat of the pressing device 11 may also have the shape of a hollow pyramid.

[0050] Refer to the following Figures 1 to 3 The process of coupling the powder material bottle 2 to the filling interface 3 of the powder material container of the additive manufacturing machine is described by way of example.

[0051] Figure 1 The initial state in which the powder material bottle 2 has not yet been connected to the filling interface 3 is shown. In this case, the clamping device 11 is located at the third position Z3. The spring 13 is relaxed or has a slight prestress. The L-shaped arm 16 of the kinematic component 12 rests on the stop 17. In the embodiment shown, the kinematic component 12 is additionally pulled downward by gravity.

[0052] The powder material bottle 2 comprises an interface 21 for coupling to the filling interface 3. In addition, the powder material bottle 2 has a valve 22 which can be opened by rotation so as to allow the powder material to flow out of the powder material bottle 2.

[0053] The filling interface 3 comprises a pipe section 31 connected to the powder material container. A valve 32 which can be opened or closed by rotation is arranged on the pipe section 31. In addition, the filling interface 3 has a coupling 33 which is used to be connected to the interface 21 of the powder material bottle 2. The coupling 33 can be opened or closed via a screw 34.

[0054] In the first step, the worker manually pivots the powder material bottle 2 into the tilt protection device 1, such as Figure 1 As shown by the arrow in , the bottom of the powder material bottle 2 is brought into contact with the pressing device 11. The upwardly pointing bottom of the powder material bottle 2 is pressed against the pressing device 11, whereby the kinematic system 12 is displaced upward. The spring 13 is compressed by the displacement.

[0055] Figure 2 The state after the first step is shown. The spring 13 is compressed here. The hold-down device 11 is in a position referred to as the first position Z1. The L-shaped arm 16 has an indefinite distance from the stop 17. The compressed spring 13 limits the displacement path of the kinematic component 12. The shaft 14 of the tilt protection device 1 is guided during the displacement by two bearings 15, which can be designed, for example, as plain bearings or ball bearings.

[0056] In the next step, the worker Figure 2 In the state shown in FIG. 1 , the powder material bottle 2 is coaxially aligned relative to the filling interface 3 , so that the interface 21 of the powder material bottle 2 can be inserted into the coupling piece 33 .

[0057] Subsequently, the worker can connect the powder material bottle 2 to the filling interface 3. For this purpose, the worker places the powder material bottle 2 with the interface 22 on the filling interface 3. The kinematic system 14 is displaced downward again, wherein the spring 13 relaxes the distance between Z1 and Z2. When the powder material bottle 2 approaches the filling interface 3, the pressing device 11 can preferably remain in continuous contact with the powder material bottle 2.

[0058] exist Figure 3 In the state shown (second state), the pressing device 11 is located at a position called the second position Z2, which is located between the first position Z1 and the third position Z3 and depends on the size of the powder material bottle 2. Here, the L-shaped arm 16 has not yet rested on the stopper 17.

[0059] Figure 3 Also shown is the Z axis indicating the positive direction of displacement. Thus, the displacement from Z1 to Z2 occurs in the negative Z direction. Furthermore, positions Z1 and Z2 are shown for comparison with Z3.

[0060] When lowering from the first position Z1 to the second position Z2, the spring 13 is relaxed by the corresponding distance between Z1 and Z2. However, the spring 13 continues to generate sufficient holding force at the position Z2 to prevent the powder material bottle 2 from tipping over. Once the powder material bottle 2 is inserted into the coupling 33 together with the interface 22, the worker can release the powder material bottle 2. The powder material bottle 2 is now held at its bottom by the tilt guard 1.

[0061] In this state, the worker has both hands free to fixedly tighten the coupling 33 by means of the screw 34. Subsequently, the two valves 22 and the valve 32 on the powder material bottle 2 and the filling interface 3 can be opened so that the powder material can flow into the powder material container.

[0062] In an alternative embodiment, the clamping device can be locked in the first position Z1. For this purpose, the kinematic component can have a latching mechanism, which can be released, for example, by a lever. The insertion sequence of the powder material bottle 2 is performed here in a similar manner to that described above.

[0063] First, the worker can lock the clamping device in the first position Z1 as the starting position (the first state, similar to Figure 2 ). The powder material bottle 2 can then be connected to the filling interface 3 without actively pressing the clamping device 11 upwards.

[0064] The latch mechanism is then released and the hold-down device 2 is moved downwards (in the negative Z direction) to a second position (second state, see Figure 3 ), in which second position the receiving seat of the clamping device 11 contacts the bottom of the powder material bottle 2 and holds the powder material bottle due to the generated holding force.

[0065] The embodiment shown in the figures may also allow a rotational movement of the clamping device about the axis 14. For example, it may be advantageous to rotate the clamping device 11 about the axis 14 in order to couple a large powder material bottle 2 to the filling interface 3.

[0066] Figure 4 Shows the corresponding Figure 3 Another example of a state with a powder material bottle 2', the powder material bottle 2' has a larger Figure 3 The larger diameter of the powder material bottle 2 ′. Due to the hollow cone shape of the receiving seat of the pressing device 11 , the larger bottom of the powder material bottle 2 ′ can also be held by the pressing device 11 .

[0067] also, Figure 4 Powder material bottle 2' than Figure 3The powder material bottle 2 in the embodiment is shorter, so that the resulting position Z2' is located below the position Z2 and is therefore closer to the position Z3. The kinematic component 12 thus allows the tilt guard 1 to be used with powder material bottles of different lengths.

[0068] It should be noted here that these figures show the clamping device 11 in cross-section. Preferably, the receiving seat of the clamping device 11 is rotationally symmetrical so that, in particular, the round bottle bottom of the powder material bottle 2 can contact the receiving seat of the clamping device 11 along its edge. Therefore, the clamping device 11 can receive and hold powder material bottles 2 with different diameter sizes.

[0069] Thus, a plurality of different powder material bottles can be used with the tilt protection device 1. On the one hand, the receptacle of the hold-down device 11 can receive different diameters, and on the other hand, the kinematic component 12 can be adapted to different lengths.

[0070] The inner side of the receiving seat may preferably be coated with rubber or another material in order to increase the adhesion between the powder material bottle 2 and the receiving seat, so that the powder material bottle 2 can be prevented from sliding in the receiving seat.

[0071] For the sake of clarity, Figures 2 to 4 Shown in Figure 1 All reference numerals are used herein.

[0072] The features disclosed in the above description, the claims and the drawings can be essential for the implementation of different embodiments of the invention both individually and in any desired combination.

Claims

1. A tilt protection device (1) for a machine for producing shaped bodies by depositing layers of powder material, comprising: a clamping device (11) for holding a powder material bottle (2), the powder material bottle (2) being connected to a filling interface (3) of the machine; and A device (12) for generating a holding force, the device (12) for generating a holding force being coupled to the pressing device (11), wherein: The pressing device (11) is arranged at a first position (Z1) in a first state so as to enable the powder material bottle (2) to be connected to or disconnected from the filling interface (3); and The pressing device (2) is arranged in a second position (Z2) in a second state so as to transmit the holding force to the powder material bottle (2) connected to the filling interface (3).

2. The tilt protection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The compacting device (11) has a receiving seat, which is configured to hold powder material bottles (2) having different sizes and / or geometries.

3. The tilt protection device (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The receptacle has the shape of a hollow cone, a hollow truncated cone, a hollow pyramid or a hollow truncated pyramid.

4. The tilt protection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The device (12) for generating a holding force has a spring (13).

5. The tilt protection device (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The spring (13) is a compression spring.

6. The tilt protection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The device (12) for generating a holding force has a weight.

7. The tilt protection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The device (12) for generating a holding force has a kinematic component configured to guide a linear movement of the pressing device (11) along an axis (14) and / or a rotational movement around the axis (14).

8. The tilt protection device (1) according to claim 7, wherein: The kinematic component has a stop (17) in order to limit the linear and / or rotational movement of the hold-down device (11).

9. The tilt protection device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The kinematic component has one or more bearings and / or guides (15) for guiding the shaft (14).

10. The tilt protection device (1) according to claim 9, wherein: The bearing (15) is a sliding bearing or a ball bearing.

11. A powder material container for a machine for producing a shaped body by stacking layers of powder material, comprising: A powder material tank, wherein the powder material tank is used to store powder material; A filling interface (3), the filling interface (3) being used to fill the powder material tank with powder material; and A tilt protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The powder material container according to claim 11, wherein: The filling interface (3) has a pipe section (31) connected to the powder material tank.

13. The powder material container according to claim 12, wherein: The line section (31) has a closable valve (32).

14. The powder material container according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: The filling interface (3) has a closable coupling piece (33) for coupling with a powder material bottle (2).

15. A machine for producing shaped bodies by depositing layers of powdered material, characterized in that The machine has a powder material container according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

Images