Flow device for a device for the generative production of a three-dimensional object, device with such a flow device and method for producing a three-dimensional object using a device and a corresponding flow device

Abstract

Flow device (9) for a device (1) for the generative production of a three-dimensional object (2) by successive layer-by-layer selective solidification of building material layers made of solidifiable building material (3) by means of at least one laser beam (5), wherein the device (1) comprises at least one device (4) for generating at least one laser beam (5) for the layer-by-layer selective solidification of individual building material layers from solidifiable building material (3) and a detection device (12) with movably mounted detection elements (12a) for detecting flow information describing at least one physical parameter and / or at least one chemical parameter of the fluid flow (10), wherein the flow device (9) is designed to generate a fluid flow (10) flowing through a process chamber (8) of the device (1) at least in sections, wherein the flow device (9) is assigned a plurality of diffuser elements (15) for generating a uniform or even flow profile of the fluid flow (10), each of which has a plurality of flow openings (16) which are arranged and / or formed in a honeycomb manner, wherein one or more arranged or formed wall elements (20) extend between respective diffuser elements (15), which are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another and / or relative to at least one diffuser element (15) in at least one degree of freedom of movement; characterized by a control device (13) which is designed to regulate or control the fluid flow (10) which can be generated or is generated via the flow device (9).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a flow device for a device for the generative production of a three-dimensional object by successive layer-by-layer selective solidification of building material layers made of solidifiable building material by means of at least one energy beam, comprising at least one device for generating at least one energy beam for the layer-by-layer selective solidification of individual building material layers made of solidifiable building material, a device with such a flow device and a method for producing a three-dimensional object using a device and a corresponding flow device.

[0002] Devices for the additive production of a three-dimensional object by successive, layer-by-layer selective solidification of building material layers made of solidifiable building material by means of at least one energy beam, comprising at least one device for generating at least one energy beam for the layer-by-layer selective solidification of individual building material layers made of solidifiable building material, are known for the additive production of three-dimensional objects. Using corresponding devices, three-dimensional objects are additively constructed by successive, layer-by-layer selective solidification of building material layers made of solidifiable building material applied in a construction plane in respective cross-sectional areas of the respective objects to be produced, by means of an energy or laser beam.

[0003] It is also known to equip corresponding devices with flow devices for generating a fluid flow that flows at least partially through a process chamber of the device. Fluid flows generated via corresponding flow devices serve, in particular, to remove the process gases generated during the selective solidification of individual building material layers during generative construction processes, such as smoke or fumes, from the process chamber.

[0004] There is a need to further develop the operation of corresponding flow devices with a view to an improved, i.e. in particular demand-adaptable, generation of corresponding fluid flows.

[0005] DE 10 2010 026 139 A1 discloses a method for producing a component and such a component.

[0006] DE 10 2014 205 875 A1 discloses a device and a method for producing a three-dimensional object layer by layer.

[0007] WO 2014 / 199 150 A1 discloses an apparatus and a method for producing a three-dimensional object layer by layer.

[0008] DE 10 2010 052 206 A1 discloses a device for producing a three-dimensional object layer by layer.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of providing an improved flow device and / or apparatus for the generative production of three-dimensional objects.

[0010] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to particular embodiments of these subject matter.

[0011] The device described herein generally serves for the additive or generative production of at least one three-dimensional object, i.e., for example, a technical component or a group of technical components, by successively and selectively solidifying individual building material layers from a solidifiable building material using at least one energy beam generated by at least one energy beam generating device. The energy beam can be a laser beam; accordingly, the device can be a device for performing selective laser melting (SLM) or selective laser sintering (SLS) processes.

[0012] The successive, selective solidification of the building material layers to be solidified is carried out based on object-specific construction data. Corresponding construction data generally describes the geometric design of the three-dimensional object to be produced using additive manufacturing (hereinafter referred to as the "object"). Corresponding construction data can, for example, be or contain CAD data of the object to be produced.

[0013] The device comprises the functional components typically required for carrying out generative construction processes, ie in particular an energy beam generating device which is designed to generate at least one energy beam for the successive layer-by-layer selective solidification of individual building material layers from a solidifiable building material, ie in particular a powdered metal, plastic and / or ceramic material, and a coating device which is designed to form building material layers to be solidified in a building plane.

[0014] A build plane can be the surface of a support element of a support device, typically mounted for movement (in the vertical direction), or a layer of building material that has already been selectively consolidated. Generally, layers of building material that are to be selectively consolidated or have already been selectively consolidated are formed in a build plane.

[0015] The device comprises a flow device which is designed to generate a fluid flow flowing at least partially through a construction or process chamber of the device in which generative construction processes are carried out. The flow device serves in particular to remove the process gases produced during the selective solidification of construction material layers during generative construction processes, i.e. in particular smoke or fume gases, from the process chamber of the device in a corresponding fluid flow. The flow device can be designed, for example, as a blower device or at least comprise such a device to generate a corresponding fluid flow. The fluid flow which can be generated by the flow device can therefore be, for example, a blower flow.

[0016] The fluid flow is formed by at least one flow fluid; the flow fluid forming the fluid flow is typically an inert gas (mixture), e.g., based on argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc. Accordingly, a corresponding fluid flow is typically an inert gas flow.

[0017] It is conceivable that the device further comprises a suction device configured to suction a fluid flow to be discharged from the process chamber. The suction device can therefore be configured to generate a suction flow.

[0018] The device further comprises a detection device configured to detect flow information indicating or describing at least one physical parameter and / or at least one chemical parameter of the fluid flow. Based on the flow information detected by the detection device, various physical and / or chemical information about the fluid flow can thus be obtained.

[0019] As mentioned, the flow information describes different physical and / or chemical parameters of the fluid flow. The flow information can describe, as physical parameters of the fluid flow or of the flow fluid, in particular the density, pressure, temperature of the fluid flow and various flow parameters, i.e. in particular the type of flow (to assess whether the flow is laminar or turbulent), the flow velocity, the flow profile related to a specific flow (cross-sectional) area. The physical parameters can be described by the flow information directly or indirectly, i.e. via an intermediate variable that can be converted into the respective variable to be described. Conclusions can be drawn from the physical parameters, for example, about the efficiency of the removal of process gases generated during generative building processes from the process chamber of the device.An increasing density or temperature of the fluid flow or flow fluid along its flow path can, for example, indicate the accumulation of corresponding process gases in the flow fluid and thus an efficient removal of these from the process chamber.

[0020] The flow information can, as chemical parameters of the fluid flow or the flow fluid, in particular describe the proportional chemical composition of the fluid flow or the flow fluid. The chemical parameters can be described by the flow information directly or indirectly, i.e. via an intermediate variable that can be converted into the respective variable to be described. The chemical parameters can also be used to draw conclusions about the efficiency of the removal of the process gases generated during generative construction processes from the process chamber of the device. A proportional chemical composition of the fluid flow or the flow fluid that changes along its flow path in the form of an increase in the proportion of corresponding process gas components can, for example, indicate the accumulation of corresponding process gases in the fluid flow or in the flow fluid and thus an efficient removal of these from the process chamber.

[0021] In any case, by recording the flow information, a quantitative and / or qualitative assessment of the removal of corresponding process gases from the process chamber is possible. As will become clear below, based on this assessment, various fluid flow parameters can be manually, partially, or fully automatically adjusted, as needed, or the operation of the flow device, including the operation of an extraction device if present. In particular, a control loop can be implemented via which the removal of corresponding process gases from the process chamber is regulated or controlled with respect to a predeterminable or predefined control variable.

[0022] The device can comprise an output device for outputting visualization information that visualizes the flow information acquired via the acquisition device. Acquired flow information can thus be output via a corresponding output device, which is designed, for example, as a display or at least comprises such a display, and displayed to a user of the device. The visualization information can contain a graphic, in particular colored, image of individual, several, or all of the acquired physical and / or chemical parameters. Changes in individual, several, or all of the acquired physical and / or chemical parameters can be represented graphically, in particular in color. The representation of changes in acquired physical and / or chemical parameters can be implemented in a similar way to a “rain radar” known from weather forecasts; a visualization can, for example,in such a way that the (flow of) fluid flow through the process chamber is represented, if necessary with graphically highlighted variable process gas content.

[0023] The detection device is equipped with suitable, in particular (measuring) probe-like, detection elements with regard to the physical and / or chemical parameters of the fluid flow to be detected. With regard to the detectable or to-be-detected parameters, the corresponding detection elements are generally known measuring elements or groups or arrangements of measuring elements; the temperature of a flowing fluid can be detected, for example, using known temperature measuring elements, while the flow velocity of the flowing fluid can be detected, for example, using known mechanically, optically, or electromagnetically acting detection elements, e.g., as part of a flow measuring device, a laser Doppler anemometry device, a radar device, an ultrasound device, etc.

[0024] The parameters recorded via respective recording elements can be transmitted in data form to a data processing or control device associated with the recording device and there, for example, processed in data form in order to be able to feed them to a corresponding control or regulation circuit and use them in this circuit.

[0025] Corresponding detection elements are typically arranged in the process chamber. Depending on the functional or structural design, the detection elements can be integrated directly into the fluid flow, at least in sections, so that the fluid flow directly surrounds them, at least in sections.

[0026] Individual, multiple, or all of the detection elements can be mounted so as to be movable in at least one degree of freedom of movement. Individual, multiple, or all of the detection elements can be mounted so as to be movable, for example, between a first position within the process chamber, which position can be an operating position in which detection of corresponding fluid flow parameters is possible, and at least one further position within the process chamber, which can (likewise) be an operating position in which detection of corresponding fluid flow parameters is possible, or a non-operating position in which detection of corresponding fluid flow parameters is not possible.Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for individual, several or all of the detection elements to be movably mounted between a first position within the process chamber, which position may be an operating position in which detection of corresponding parameters of the fluid flow is possible, and a further position outside the process chamber, which position may be a non-operating position in which detection of corresponding parameters of the fluid flow is not possible. By means of a movable mounting of corresponding detection elements, it is possible to detect corresponding parameters of the fluid flow or of the flow fluid at different locations within the process chamber. In this way, for example, a spatially and / or time-resolved detection or assessment of corresponding parameters, i.e. in particular also spatially and / or time-resolved changes in the respectively detected parameters, can be represented.

[0027] Movements of a sensing element can include both translational and rotational degrees of freedom. Combined movements with different degrees of freedom are of course possible. To implement movements of a sensing element guided along a specific trajectory, a suitable guide device, e.g., comprising roller- and / or rail-like guide elements, can be provided. The movable mounting of a sensing element can be realized by a motion drive, e.g., an (electric) motor drive, by means of which the sensing element can be moved in at least one degree of freedom.

[0028] Conveniently, at least one movably mounted detection element can be movable together with at least one further functional component of the device, which is mounted so as to be movable in at least one degree of freedom of movement. A direct or indirect movement coupling, i.e., realized with the interposition of at least one further component, exists between the movably mounted detection element and the movably mounted functional component of the device. The movement coupling typically results in a uniform movement of the respective detection element and the functional component. A corresponding functional component can be, for example, a coating device mounted so as to be movable relative to a construction plane to be coated.

[0029] The flow device is assigned several diffuser elements to generate a uniform or even, particularly laminar, flow profile of the fluid flow. A corresponding diffuser element has several flow openings through which a flow fluid can flow. Individual, several, or all of the flow openings can be designed and / or arranged in a honeycomb pattern. A honeycomb pattern and / or arrangement of corresponding flow openings has a positive effect on generating a uniform or even, particularly laminar, flow profile of the fluid flow.

[0030] Regardless of the specific structural design of a diffuser element, it can be movably mounted in at least one degree of freedom. Movements of a diffuser element can include both translational and rotational degrees of freedom. Combined movements in different degrees of freedom are naturally possible. To implement movements of a diffuser element guided along a specific trajectory, a suitable guide device, e.g., comprising roller- and / or rail-like guide elements, can be provided. The movable mounting of a diffuser element can be realized by a motion drive, e.g., an (electric) motor-driven drive, by means of which the diffuser element can be moved in at least one degree of freedom.

[0031] A movably mounted diffuser element can be movably mounted, in particular, between a position within the process chamber, which position is an operating position in which a homogenization of the fluid flow through the diffuser element is possible, and a position outside the process chamber, which position is a non-operating position in which a homogenization of the fluid flow through the diffuser element is not possible. A movement between a corresponding operating position within the process chamber and a corresponding non-operating position outside the process chamber can be realized, for example, by a displaceable mounting of a diffuser element; the diffuser element can be moved between the operating position and the non-operating position by being pushed into the process chamber or pulled out of the process chamber.

[0032] The diffuser elements can be arranged in series, one behind the other. A flow chamber is formed between two directly adjacent diffuser elements. By appropriately spacing the respective diffuser elements, flow chambers of different dimensions can be created. By dimensioning the corresponding flow chambers, various flow parameters, in particular the type of flow, of the fluid flow can be influenced.

[0033] At least one diffuser element can be mounted so as to be movable relative to at least one other diffuser element in at least one degree of freedom, whereby the flow space formed between immediately adjacent diffuser elements can be varied in its dimensions, in particular in its volume. As mentioned, various flow parameters, ie, in particular the type of flow, of the fluid flow can be influenced by the dimensioning of corresponding flow spaces.

[0034] It was mentioned that movements of a diffuser element can include both translational and rotational degrees of freedom.

[0035] Naturally, combined movements with different degrees of freedom of movement are possible. The movable mounting of a diffuser element can, as mentioned, be realized by a motion drive, e.g. an (electric)motor-driven, by means of which the diffuser element can be moved in at least one degree of freedom of movement. To realize movements of a diffuser element guided along a specific path of movement, as mentioned, a suitable guide device, e.g. comprising roller and / or rail-like guide elements, can be provided. In particular, in the case of a diffuser element having a plate-like or plate-shaped basic geometric shape, it is conceivable for this to be rotatable or pivotable about a vertical axis.to be pivotally mounted so that it can be rotated or pivoted between an operating position in which corresponding flow openings are aligned in the flow direction of the fluid flow and a homogenization of the fluid flow is possible, and a non-operating position in which corresponding flow openings are not aligned in the flow direction of the fluid flow and a homogenization of the fluid flow is not possible.

[0036] Flow spaces formed between two directly adjacent diffuser elements can, in principle, have any (spatial) geometric shape. The (spatial) geometric shape of a particular flow space is another variable for influencing various flow parameters of the fluid flow.

[0037] A respective flow space is delimited (in addition to corresponding diffuser elements arranged directly adjacent to each other) by at least one wall element extending between two directly adjacent diffuser elements. To further spatially delimit respective flow spaces, wall elements arranged or formed extending between respective diffuser elements can be provided. Corresponding wall elements are mounted so as to be movable relative to each other and / or relative to at least one diffuser element in at least one degree of freedom.

[0038] Movements of a wall element can include both translational and rotational degrees of freedom. Naturally, combined movements with different degrees of freedom are possible. The movable mounting of a wall element can be realized by a motion drive, e.g., an (electric) motor, by means of which the wall element can be moved in at least one degree of freedom. To realize movements of a wall element guided along a specific movement path, a suitable guide device, e.g., comprising roller- and / or rail-like guide elements, can be provided.

[0039] Tilting or pivoting movements of a wall element around a horizontal tilting or pivoting axis can be particularly useful, as this allows for the creation of funnel-shaped flow spaces. Various flow parameters of the fluid flow, particularly the type of flow and the flow velocity, can be specifically influenced by these funnel-shaped flow spaces.

[0040] The device comprises a regulating and / or control device which is designed to regulate or control the fluid flow that can be generated or is generated via the flow device. The control device is designed in particular to regulate or control the operation of the flow device, i.e. in particular to regulate or control at least one flow parameter and / or the proportional composition of the flow fluid, and / or to regulate or control movements of movably mounted diffuser elements and / or to control movements of movably mounted wall elements depending on the detected flow information. Of course, the control device can also be designed to control the operation of a corresponding suction device, if present.

[0041] The invention further relates to a method for the additive production of at least one three-dimensional object by successively and selectively solidifying individual building material layers from solidifiable building material using an energy beam. The method is characterized in that a device as described is used for the additive production of the at least one object. According to the method, corresponding flow information is acquired by means of a corresponding acquisition device. All statements relating to the device apply analogously to the method.

[0042] The invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments in the drawing figures. In the drawings: Fig. 1 - 5 each show a schematic diagram of a device according to an embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. The device 1 serves for the generative production of three-dimensional objects 2, i.e., e.g., technical components or technical component groups, by successive, layer-by-layer, selective solidification of building material layers made of a solidifiable building material 3, i.e., e.g., a metal powder, by means of at least one energy beam 5 generated by an energy beam generating device 4. The successive, layer-by-layer, selective solidification of respective building material layers to be solidified takes place in such a way that energy beams 5 generated by the energy beam generating device 4 are selectively directed onto regions of the respective building material layers to be solidified, corresponding to the respective layer-related cross-sectional geometries of the object 2 to be produced.

[0044] The device 1 can be designed as an electric laser melting device or as a selective laser sintering device. Accordingly, the energy beam generating device 4 can be a laser beam generating device, and an energy beam 5 can be a laser beam. A laser beam generating device can comprise one or more laser diodes for each generating a laser beam. The laser diodes can be arranged inside or outside a process chamber 8 of the device 1. Laser diodes arranged outside the process chamber 8 are to be optically coupled to suitable optical elements, in particular in the form of focusing optics, within the process chamber 8, e.g., via a light guide.

[0045] Respective building material layers to be solidified are formed by means of a coating device 7 which is movably mounted in the process chamber 8 of the device 1, as indicated by the horizontal double arrow 6.

[0046] The device 1 comprises a flow device 9, which is designed to generate a fluid flow (see arrows 10) flowing through the process chamber 8. The flow device 9 serves in particular to remove the process gases generated during the selective solidification of building material layers during generative construction processes, i.e. in particular smoke or fume gases, from the process chamber 8 in a corresponding fluid flow 10. Since the flow fluid forming the fluid flow 10 is typically an inert gas (mixture), the flow device 9 also serves in particular to create or maintain an inert atmosphere within the process chamber 8.

[0047] The flow device 9 can be designed, for example, as a blower device or at least comprise such a device to generate a corresponding fluid flow 10. The fluid flow 10 that can be generated by the flow device 9 can therefore be, for example, a blower flow.

[0048] The flow device 10 is assigned a diffuser element 15 for generating a uniform or homogenized, in particular laminar, flow profile of the fluid flow 10. The diffuser element 15 has a plurality of flow openings 16. Although not shown everywhere in the figures for reasons of clarity, each diffuser element 15 is provided with corresponding flow openings 16. The flow openings 16 can be arranged and / or formed in a honeycomb pattern (cf. Fig. 4).

[0049] The diffuser element 15 can be movably mounted in at least one degree of freedom of movement. Movements of the diffuser element 15 can include both translational and rotational degrees of freedom of movement. Combined movements in different degrees of freedom of movement are possible. To implement movements of the diffuser element 15 guided along a specific movement path, a suitable guide device (not shown), e.g., comprising roller- and / or rail-like guide elements (not shown), can be provided. The movable mounting of the diffuser element 15 can be realized by a motion drive (not shown), e.g., an (electric)motor-driven drive, by means of which the diffuser element 15 can be moved in at least one degree of freedom of movement.

[0050] A movably mounted diffuser element 15 can be movably mounted between a position within the process chamber 8, which position is an operating position in which a homogenization of the fluid flow 10 through the diffuser element 15 is possible, and a position inside or outside the process chamber 8, which position is a non-operating position in which a homogenization of the fluid flow 10 through the diffuser element 15 is not possible. A movement between an operating position within the process chamber 8 and a non-operating position outside the process chamber 8 can be realized, for example, by a displaceable mounting of the diffuser element 15; the diffuser element 15 can be moved between the operating position and the non-operating position by being pushed into the process chamber 8 or pulled out of the process chamber 8.For this purpose, the process chamber 8 can be provided with a sealable opening (not shown) through which the diffuser element 15 can be moved into and out of the process chamber 8.

[0051] A movably mounted diffuser element 15 can be movable together with at least one further functional component of the device 1, such as the coating device 7, which is movably mounted in at least one degree of freedom. In this case, there is a direct or indirect movement coupling between the movably mounted diffuser element 15 and the movably mounted functional component, ie, a coupling realized with the interposition of at least one further component.

[0052] Opposite the flow device 9 in a horizontal plane, a suction device 11 can optionally be arranged, which is configured to suction the fluid flow 10 to be discharged from the process chamber 8. The suction device 11 is therefore configured to generate a suction flow.

[0053] In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, the flow device 9 or the optional suction device 11 is arranged outside the process chamber 8. The flow device 9 is connected to the process chamber 8 via suitable conduit elements (not shown) in order to generate the fluid flow 10 within the process chamber 8, which flows through it at least in sections. The suction device 11 is also connected to the process chamber 8 via suitable conduit elements (not shown) in order to generate the suction flow. The flow device 9 and / or the suction device 11 could, in principle, also be arranged within the process chamber 8.

[0054] The device 1 further comprises a detection device 12, which is configured to detect flow information indicating or describing at least one physical parameter and / or at least one chemical parameter of the fluid flow 10. Based on the detected flow information, various physical and / or chemical information about the fluid flow 10 can thus be obtained.

[0055] The flow information can describe, as physical parameters of the fluid flow 10 or the flow fluid, in particular the density, pressure, temperature of the fluid flow 10 or the flow fluid as well as various flow parameters, i.e. in particular the type of flow (to assess whether the flow is laminar or turbulent), the flow velocity, the flow profile related to a specific flow (cross-sectional) area. The physical parameters can be used to draw conclusions about the efficiency of the removal of the process gases generated during generative construction processes from the process chamber 8. An increasing density or temperature of the fluid flow 10 or the flow fluid along its flow path can, for example, indicate the accumulation of corresponding process gases in the flow fluid and thus an efficient removal of these from the process chamber 8.

[0056] The flow information, as chemical parameters of the fluid flow 10 or the flow fluid, can describe, in particular, the proportional chemical composition of the fluid flow 10 or the flow fluid. The chemical parameters can also be used to draw conclusions about the efficiency of the removal of the process gases generated during generative construction processes from the process chamber 8. A variable proportional chemical composition of the fluid flow 10 or the flow fluid in the form of an increase in the proportion of corresponding process gas components can, for example, indicate the accumulation of corresponding process gases in the fluid flow 10 or in the flow fluid and thus an efficient removal of these from the process chamber 8.

[0057] The detection device 12 is equipped with suitable, in particular (measuring) probe-like, detection elements 12a with regard to the physical and / or chemical parameters of the fluid flow to be detected. With regard to the detectable or to-be-detected parameters, the corresponding detection elements 12a are generally known measuring elements or measuring element groups or arrangements; the temperature of the fluid flow 10 or the flowing fluid can be detected, for example, by means of known temperature measuring elements, and the flow velocity of the fluid flow 10 or the flowing fluid can be detected, for example, by means of known mechanical or optical detection elements 12a, e.g., as part of a flow measuring device, a laser Doppler anemometry device, a radar device, an ultrasound device, etc.

[0058] In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, the detection elements 12a are arranged in the process chamber 8. Depending on the functional or structural design, the detection elements 12a can be connected directly into the fluid flow 10, at least in sections, so that the fluid flow 10 flows directly around them, at least in sections.

[0059] According to the invention, the detection elements 12a are mounted so as to be movable in at least one degree of freedom of movement. The detection elements 12a can be mounted so as to be movable, for example, between a first position within the process chamber 8, which position can be an operating position in which detection of corresponding parameters of the fluid flow 10 is possible, and at least one further position within the process chamber 8, which can (likewise) be an operating position in which detection of corresponding parameters of the fluid flow 10 is possible, or a non-operating position in which detection of corresponding parameters of the fluid flow 10 is not possible.Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the detection elements 12a to be movably mounted between a first position within the process chamber 8, which position may be an operating position in which detection of corresponding parameters of the fluid flow 10 is possible, and a further position outside the process chamber 8, which position may be a non-operating position in which detection of corresponding parameters of the fluid flow 10 is not possible. By means of a movable mounting of the detection elements 12a, it is possible to detect corresponding parameters of the fluid flow 10 or of the flow fluid at different locations within the process chamber 8. In this way, for example, a spatially and / or time-resolved detection or assessment of corresponding parameters, i.e. in particular also spatially and / or time-resolved changes in the respectively detected parameters, can be represented.

[0060] Analogous to a movably mounted diffuser element 15, a movably mounted detection element 12a can also be movable together with at least one further functional component of the device 1, such as the coating device 7, which is movably mounted in at least one degree of freedom. In this case, there is a direct or indirect motion coupling, i.e., realized with the interposition of at least one further component, between the movably mounted detection element 12a and the movably mounted functional component.

[0061] In any case, the detection device 12 enables a quantitative and / or qualitative assessment of the discharge of corresponding process gases from the process chamber 8. Based on the flow information, a manual, partially, or fully automated adjustment of various parameters of the fluid flow 10 or an adjustment of the operation of the flow device 9, and possibly also the operation of the extraction device 11, if present, can be carried out as needed. In particular, a control or regulation circuit can be implemented via which the discharge of corresponding process gases from the process chamber 8 is regulated or controlled with respect to a predeterminable or predefined control or regulation variable.

[0062] The implementation of a corresponding control or regulation circuit takes place via a control device 13 communicating with the detection device 12. The control device 13 comprises suitable control means (not shown) implemented in hardware and / or software, e.g. control algorithms, by means of which a corresponding processing of the flow information and a generation of corresponding control information on the basis of which the discharge of corresponding process gases from the process chamber 8 is regulated or controlled with regard to a predeterminable or predefined control or regulation variable is possible.

[0063] The control device 13 is connected in terms of data to an output device 14 for outputting visualization information that visualizes the acquired flow information. The corresponding visualization information can be generated in the control device 13 or in the output device 14, which are each equipped with suitable hardware and / or software means for this purpose. Acquired flow information can be output via the output device 14, which is designed, for example, as a display or comprises such a display, and displayed to a user of the device 1. The visualization information can contain a graphic, in particular color, image of acquired physical and / or chemical parameters. Changes in acquired physical and / or chemical parameters can be represented graphically, in particular in color.The representation of changes in recorded physical and / or chemical parameters can be implemented in a similar way to a "rain or weather radar" known from weather forecasts. A visualization can generally be achieved, for example, by displaying the (flow of) fluid flow 10 through the process chamber 8, optionally with the varying process gas component graphically highlighted.

[0064] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a device 1 according to a further embodiment. In contrast to the device shown in Fig. 1 shown embodiment are in the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, several diffuser elements 15 are present. The diffuser elements 15 are arranged in series, one behind the other. A flow chamber 17 is formed between two immediately adjacent diffuser elements 15. By appropriately spacing the diffuser elements 15, differently dimensioned flow chambers 17 can be formed. The dimensioning of the flow chambers 17 can influence various flow parameters, i.e., in particular, the type of flow, of the fluid flow 10.

[0065] The Fig. 3, Fig. 4 show a schematic diagram of a device 1 according to a further embodiment. In the Fig. 3, Fig. The exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4 shows that at least one diffuser element 15 can be movably mounted relative to at least one other diffuser element 15 in at least one degree of freedom, whereby the flow space 17 formed between immediately adjacent diffuser elements 15 can be varied in its dimensions, in particular in its volume. As mentioned, various flow parameters, ie, in particular the type of flow, of the fluid flow 10 can be influenced by the dimensioning of a flow space 17.

[0066] Based on the Fig. 3, it is evident that movements of a diffuser element 15 can comprise both translational and rotational degrees of freedom of movement. Combined movements in different degrees of freedom of movement are possible. The movable mounting of a diffuser element 15 can, as mentioned, be realized by a, e.g., (electric)motor-driven, movement drive, by means of which the diffuser element 15 can be moved in at least one degree of freedom of movement. To realize movements of a diffuser element 15 guided along a specific movement path, as mentioned, a suitable guide device (not shown), e.g., comprising roller and / or rail-like guide elements (not shown), can be provided. In particular for the Fig. 3, Fig. In the case of diffuser elements 15 having a plate-like or plate-shaped basic geometric shape shown in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, it is conceivable to mount a diffuser element 15 so as to be rotatable or pivotable about a vertical axis, so that it can be moved between an operating position (cf. Fig. 3), in which corresponding flow openings 16 are aligned in the flow direction of the fluid flow 10 and a homogenization of the fluid flow 10 is possible, and a non-operating position (cf. Fig. 4), in which corresponding flow openings 16 are not aligned in the flow direction of the fluid flow 10 and a homogenization of the fluid flow 10 is not possible, is rotatable or pivotable. In the Fig. 3, Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the right diffuser element 15 is mounted so as to be rotatable or pivotable about a vertical axis.

[0067] Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a device 1 according to a further embodiment. Fig. 5, it can be seen that a flow space 17, in addition to corresponding diffuser elements 15 arranged directly adjacent to one another, can also be delimited by wall elements 20 extending (essentially horizontally) between two directly adjacent diffuser elements 15. Corresponding wall elements 20 arranged or formed extending between respective diffuser elements 15 serve to further spatially delimit the respective flow spaces 17.

[0068] The wall elements 20 can be mounted in at least one degree of freedom of movement relative to each other and / or relative to at least one diffuser element 15. In the Fig.5, the wall elements 20 are mounted so as to be tiltable or pivotable about a horizontal tilting or pivoting axis. For this purpose, the wall elements 20 are hinged so as to be tiltable or pivotable at articulation points 21 of a diffuser element 15, i.e. the left-hand one. The wall elements 20 can be guided vertically on the diffuser element 15 arranged downstream of this diffuser element 15. As shown in dashed lines, funnel-shaped flow spaces 17 can be formed by corresponding tilting or pivoting movements of the conversion element 20. Various flow parameters of the fluid flow 10, in particular the type of flow and the flow velocity, can be specifically influenced via flow spaces 17 that widen or contract in a funnel shape.

[0069] For all embodiments, the control device 13 can also be configured to regulate or control movements of movably mounted diffuser elements 15 and / or to control movements of movably mounted detection elements 12a and / or to control movements of movably mounted wall elements 20, in particular depending on the detected flow information.

[0070] With the devices 1 shown in the figures, a method for the additive production of at least one object 2 can be implemented by successively selectively solidifying individual building material layers from solidifiable building material 3 using an energy beam 5. The method is characterized in particular by the fact that corresponding flow information is acquired by means of the detection device 12. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 device 2 objects 3 Building materials 4 Energy beam generating device 5 Energy Beam 6 double arrow 7 Coating device 8 Process Chamber 9 Flow device 10 Arrow (fluid flow) 11 Extraction device 12 Recording device 12a Detection element 13 Control device 14 Output device 15 Diffuser element 16 Flow opening 17 Flow space 18 Double arrow 19 Double arrow 20 wall element 21 Pivot point

Claims

[1] Flow device (9) for a device (1) for the generative production of a three-dimensional object (2) by successive layer-by-layer selective solidification of building material layers made of solidifiable building material (3) by means of at least one laser beam (5), wherein the device (1) comprises at least one device (4) for generating at least one laser beam (5) for the layer-by-layer selective solidification of individual building material layers from solidifiable building material (3) and a detection device (12) with movably mounted detection elements (12a) for detecting flow information describing at least one physical parameter and / or at least one chemical parameter of the fluid flow (10), wherein the flow device (9) is designed to generate a fluid flow (10) flowing through a process chamber (8) of the device (1) at least in sections, wherein the flow device (9) is assigned a plurality of diffuser elements (15) for generating a uniform or even flow profile of the fluid flow (10), each of which has a plurality of flow openings (16) which are arranged and / or formed in a honeycomb manner, wherein one or more arranged or formed wall elements (20) extend between respective diffuser elements (15), which are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another and / or relative to at least one diffuser element (15) in at least one degree of freedom of movement; characterized by a control device (13) which is designed to regulate or control the fluid flow (10) which can be generated or is generated via the flow device (9). [2] Flow device (9) according to claim 1, wherein the detection device (12) comprises at least one probe-like detection element (12a) which can be arranged or is arranged in the process chamber (8). [3] Flow device (9) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one detection element (12a) is mounted so as to be movable in at least one degree of freedom of movement between a first position within the process chamber (8) and at least one further position within the process chamber (8) and / or a further position outside the process chamber (8). [4] Flow device (9) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one movably mounted detection element (12a) is movable together with at least one further functional component of the device (1), in particular a coating device (7), which is movably mounted in at least one degree of freedom of movement. [5] Flow device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one diffuser element (15) is movably mounted in at least one degree of freedom of movement. [6] Flow device (9) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one diffuser element (15) is movably mounted between a position inside the process chamber (8), which position is an operating position in which a homogenization of the fluid flow (10) through the diffuser element (15) is possible, and a position outside or inside the process chamber (8), which position is a non-operating position in which a homogenization of the fluid flow (10) through the diffuser element (15) is not possible. [7] Flow device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one diffuser element (15) is mounted so as to be movable in at least one degree of freedom of movement relative to at least one further diffuser element (15), whereby the flow space (17) formed between immediately adjacent diffuser elements (15) can be changed in its volume. [8] Flow device (9) according to claim 7, characterized by in that the flow space (17) is delimited by wall elements (20) extending between two immediately adjacent diffuser elements (15), wherein the wall elements (20) are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another and / or relative to at least one diffuser element (15) in at least one degree of freedom of movement. [9] Flow device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an output device (14) for, in particular optically, outputting at least one visualization information visualizing the flow information detected via the detection device (12). [10] Device (1) for the generative production of a three-dimensional object (2) by successive layer-by-layer selective solidification of building material layers made of solidifiable building material (3) by means of at least one laser beam (5), comprising at least one device (4) for generating at least one laser beam (5) for the layer-by-layer selective solidification of individual building material layers made of solidifiable building material (3), a detection device (12) for detecting flow information describing at least one physical parameter and / or at least one chemical parameter of the fluid flow (10), and a flow device (9) according to one of the preceding claims. [11] Method for the generative production of at least one three-dimensional object (2) by successive layer-by-layer selective solidification of individual building material layers from solidifiable building material (3) by means of an energy beam (5), characterized bythat for the generative production of the at least one three-dimensional object (2) a device (1) according to claim 10 with a flow device (9) according to one of claims 1 to 9 is used.

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