METHOD FOR CELL-CONFORMAL DIVISION OF A LATTICE STRUCTURE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method, in particular a computer-implemented method, for dividing a virtual three-dimensional overall model of a body into at least two virtual partial models. Devices and methods for producing a three-dimensional object are widely known in the prior art. For example, WO 2006 / 122645 A discloses a device and method for producing a three-dimensional object by solidifying layers of a powdered material. The layers are applied to the surface of a build area using a coater.

[0002] Such methods generally have the disadvantage that the build area is limited and thus only bodies of a limited size can be produced. To overcome this disadvantage, it is known to divide larger bodies into smaller sub-bodies, which are printed individually and later joined together. Dividing them can weaken lattice structures. This can have a negative impact on the mechanical properties of the body to be printed. Furthermore, inaccuracies in the sub-bodies can arise during subsequent joining, meaning they cannot be joined together optimally. In addition, joining is usually time-consuming and / or costly. A method for dividing a model into several sub-models is known from the publication US 2014 / 0052415 A1.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0004] The problem underlying the invention is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims and the drawings.

[0005] A method, in particular a computer-implemented method, is proposed for dividing a virtual three-dimensional overall model of a body into at least two virtual submodels. In the method, a virtual three-dimensional dividing surface is created for the overall model of the body, which has a three-dimensional cell-conforming shape. The term "cell-conforming" is understood to mean a shape that follows the geometry, shape, outer surface, and / or contour of unit cells. In the method, the overall model of the body is created with a lattice structure formed from a plurality of cells. In this case, the unit cells are preferably replaced by the lattice structure. The overall model is then divided into two submodels along the cell-conforming dividing surface.The division occurs in such a way that common struts of the lattice structure, which are each part of at least one cell of one sub-model and also part of at least one neighboring cell of the other sub-model, are divided by means of the cell-conforming separation surface in such a way that the corresponding cells remain whole and / or closed. The cells are therefore not broken up. Instead, all of their struts are retained. The sub-models thus each have self-contained lattice structures. Advantageously, this can achieve very high stability of the sub-models and the overall model. Furthermore, the sub-models and the overall model can be formed very easily thanks to this cell-conforming division, since no increased accumulation of material is necessary in the joining area between the two sub-models.Furthermore, corresponding surfaces are created so that the submodels can be positioned precisely to one another and guided together.

[0006] It is advantageous if the common struts are divided longitudinally. This ensures that the cells are not broken open, but instead remain intact and / or closed. Advantageously, however, very high stability can be achieved.

[0007] It is also advantageous if the common struts are divided in such a way that the parts of each common strut extend seamlessly and / or continuously between two nodes of the corresponding cell. However, the adjacent cells remain intact and / or closed.

[0008] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one of the common struts is divided in such a way that the respective parts are symmetrical or asymmetrical to each other.

[0009] Before creating the parting surface, a three-dimensional virtual base body is provided. This represents the geometric dimensions of the overall model to be created. In this regard, it is further advantageous if at least one cutting surface, in particular a flat, curved, and / or bent surface, is subsequently defined, which divides the base body. It is also advantageous if, in particular, a volume of the base body is subsequently filled with a plurality of entire unit cells. The unit cells essentially comprise a surface, edges, and a center point.

[0010] It is advantageous if the three-dimensional cell-conforming shape of the interface is created by an algorithm and / or using a cell surface of at least some of the entire unit cells located in the area of the interface. As a result, the shape of the interface is essentially modeled on the surface of the unit cells adjacent to the interface.

[0011] In an advantageous development of the invention, to create the three-dimensional cell-conforming shape of the separating surface, at least the entire unit cells located in the region of the cutting surface are assigned to one of the two sides of the cutting surface. Thus, each of the two sides of the cutting surface is advantageously assigned a respective unit cell group, which has a three-dimensional cell-conforming abutting surface in the region of the cutting surface.

[0012] It is advantageous if the entire unit cells are each assigned to one of the two sides of the intersection surface via their center point. Accordingly, the entire unit cells are preferably assigned to the side of the intersection surface on which their center point is located. It is particularly advantageous if the shape of the separation surface is created correspondingly and / or based on the three-dimensional cell-conformal abutment surface of one of the two unit cell groups, so that the separation surface preferably has a shape that corresponds to the cell surface of the unit cells forming the abutment surface.

[0013] When creating the lattice structure, it is advantageous if the unit cells are intersected with an outer surface of the base body, in particular to form a surface lattice structure.

[0014] To create the lattice structure of the overall model, the unit cells are replaced with struts that extend along the edges of the unit cells. The struts represent bodies with a volume. These struts can then be divided in a cell-conforming manner, so that the corresponding cells remain whole and / or closed. All struts of a cell thus continue to extend continuously and / or uninterruptedly between the cell's nodes.

[0015] In an advantageous development of the invention, the method comprises at least one of the following steps: Aligning at least one external dimension of the virtual three-dimensional overall model of the body with at least one corresponding internal dimension of a limited manufacturing area of an additive manufacturing device in at least one spatial direction; dividing the overall model into the at least two virtual three-dimensional partial models if the external dimension of the overall model exceeds the corresponding internal dimension of the manufacturing area; forming at least one connecting element that movably connects the at least two partial models to one another such that they can be moved relative to one another from a manufacturing position in which corresponding joining surfaces of the partial models are spaced apart from one another into a joining position in which the corresponding joining surfaces of the partial models abut one another; and / or creating a virtual three-dimensional manufacturing model in the manufacturing position of the partial models.The production model is essentially the overall model that has been divided into at least two sub-models, the sub-models of which are connected to one another via at least one connecting element and are in the production position relative to one another.

[0016] It is advantageous if at least one of the above method steps is carried out by a user with a computing unit, in particular a computer program stored thereon and / or an artificial intelligence, and / or by such a computing unit.

[0017] Furthermore, a computing unit for dividing a virtual three-dimensional overall model of a body into at least two virtual partial models is proposed, in particular with a computer program and / or artificial intelligence stored thereon. The computing unit is designed to execute at least some of the method steps of a method according to the preceding description, wherein the aforementioned features can be present individually or in any combination.

[0018] A computer program and / or artificial intelligence is also proposed which, when executed by a computing unit, causes the computing unit to carry out at least some of the method steps of a method for dividing a virtual three-dimensional overall model of a body into at least two virtual partial models according to the preceding description, wherein the features mentioned can be present individually or in any combination.

[0019] Furthermore, a computer-readable storage medium is proposed with a virtual three-dimensional overall model of a body, at least partially stored thereon, which is divided into at least two virtual partial models, which was produced using a method, a computing unit, a computer program and / or an artificial intelligence according to the preceding description, wherein the features mentioned can be present individually or in any combination.

[0020] A manufacturing method for producing a body is proposed, in which a virtual three-dimensional overall model of the body, which is divided into at least two virtual partial models, and / or a virtual three-dimensional production model in the production position of the partial models is produced using a method according to the preceding description, wherein the aforementioned features can be present individually or in any combination. Subsequently, production data for an additive manufacturing device are created based on the divided, virtual, three-dimensional overall model and / or production model. Finally, the body is manufactured using the additive manufacturing device based on the production data. The additive manufacturing device is preferably a 3D printer.

[0021] It is advantageous if partial bodies are manufactured on the basis of the partial models, wherein at least one of the partial bodies is manufactured in an additive manufacturing process, wherein the at least two partial bodies are exposed to a solvent atmosphere in a chamber so that a surface of the partial bodies is smoothed, and that the at least two partial bodies are placed in the chamber in such a way that they touch at least one joining surface and thus a material connection between the at least two partial bodies is created at the at least one joining surface by the solvent atmosphere.

[0022] A body is proposed which is produced by a manufacturing method according to the preceding description, wherein the features mentioned can be present individually or in any combination.

[0023] Furthermore, a device with a computing unit for creating a virtual three-dimensional overall model of a body and / or with an additive manufacturing device for producing the body is proposed. The computing unit is designed to execute at least some of the method steps of a method for creating a virtual three-dimensional overall model of the body according to the preceding description, wherein the aforementioned features can be present individually or in any combination.

[0024] In addition to or as an alternative to the above devices and methods, the following methods and devices are proposed, which can be combined with the above devices and / or methods as desired. A method, in particular a computer-implemented method, is proposed for creating a virtual three-dimensional manufacturing model of a body. A virtual three-dimensional manufacturing model is understood to be a model that is used for the manufacture and / or production of the body, in particular by means of a device with an additive manufacturing device.

[0025] In the method, at least one external dimension of a virtual three-dimensional overall model of the body is compared with at least one corresponding internal dimension of a limited production area of an additive manufacturing device in at least one spatial direction. The virtual three-dimensional overall model can be, for example, a CAD model. The overall model represents the virtual image of the body to be manufactured. The overall model of the body can be created manually by a user and / or determined automatically by a computing unit.

[0026] The manufacturing area is understood to be the area in which the body can subsequently be manufactured, at least partially. The respective internal dimensions of the manufacturing area in each spatial direction limit the maximum manufacturable external dimensions of the overall model in this spatial direction. Preferably, each of the external dimensions of the virtual three-dimensional overall model of the body is compared with each of the corresponding internal dimensions of the limited manufacturing area of the additive manufacturing device in the respective spatial directions, i.e., in the longitudinal, transverse, and vertical directions. This ensures that the body can be manufactured within the limited manufacturing area.

[0027] If the outer dimensions of the overall model exceed the corresponding inner dimensions of the production area, the overall model is divided into at least two virtual three-dimensional partial models. This division can be carried out according to a method and / or a device according to the preceding description, wherein the aforementioned features can be present individually or in any combination. Subsequently, at least one connecting element is formed which movably connects the at least two partial models to one another in such a way that they can be moved relative to one another from a production position in which corresponding joining surfaces of the partial models are spaced apart from one another, into a joining position in which the corresponding joining surfaces of the partial models abut one another.

[0028] The manufacturing position is understood to be the position in which the at least two partial models, with their connecting element, can be placed within the manufacturing area and manufactured using the manufacturing device. The partial models are virtual three-dimensional models of parts of the body. The joining position, on the other hand, is understood to be the position in which the at least two partial models are in contact with one another via their joining surfaces, so that together they form at least one external dimension of the overall model. The joining surfaces are the surfaces that establish the connection between the at least two partial models in the joining position.

[0029] The virtual three-dimensional manufacturing model is then created in the manufacturing position of the submodels. The virtual three-dimensional manufacturing model of the submodels can then be used for subsequent additive manufacturing within the limited manufacturing area of the additive manufacturing device. Advantageously, the manufacturing model of the body in the joining position includes the overall model and the connecting element.

[0030] The process has the advantage that the entire model can be manufactured within the limited production area, even though at least one of its external dimensions extends beyond the corresponding internal dimension of the limited production area. The entire model is therefore too large for the production area in at least one spatial direction. The connecting element connects the at least two submodels so that they can be printed independently of one another in the production position and moved into the joining position after production. This allows the production of entire models or bodies that extend beyond the limited production area.

[0031] The at least one connecting element also ensures that the joining surfaces of the respective submodels are in contact with one another in the joining position. The respective submodels are manufactured together, in particular one after the other and / or one above the other, in the production area. The at least one connecting element connects the submodels to one another in such a way that they can be manufactured in a corresponding and dimensionally stable manner, even in the event of changes in the production parameters, for example, due to temperature fluctuations.

[0032] It is advantageous if the connecting element is designed such that it connects the at least two partial models to one another in a rotationally and / or translationally movable manner, in particular in a foldable and / or displaceable manner relative to one another, wherein the connecting element is preferably designed as a connecting joint, in particular a rotary joint and / or sliding joint. The at least two partial models can be folded and / or displaced from the production position into the joining position and / or vice versa. The connecting joint thus creates a simple and functional connection between the at least two partial models. The connecting element can be designed as a joint, for example as a separable and / or inseparable hinge. If the hinge is designed to be separable, each of the partial models has a hinge section which are separably connected to one another.If the hinge is designed to be inseparable, it can, for example, be arranged as a film hinge as a thin section between the at least two sub-models. If the connecting element is manufactured together with the sub-models, it can be made of the same and / or a different material than the sub-models.

[0033] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one locking element is provided, by means of which two corresponding partial models can be locked relative to one another in their joining position. The at least one locking element can thus prevent the at least two corresponding partial models from being moved from the joining position back into the production position. Furthermore, the locking element and the associated retention of the partial models in the joining position of the at least two corresponding partial models can facilitate the joining of parts of the body to form the body following production.

[0034] It is also advantageous if at least one external dimension of at least one of the partial models in the production position and / or of the production model is compared with the at least one corresponding internal dimension of the delimited production area in at least one of the spatial directions. This ensures that the at least one partial model in the production position and / or the production model is arranged, in particular, exclusively within the delimited production area and can thus be manufactured.

[0035] Advantageously, the at least one partial model is then divided into at least two sub-part models if the external dimension of the aligned partial model and / or the production model exceeds the corresponding internal dimension of the production area. At least one connecting element and / or locking element can then be formed between the at least two sub-part models and / or the virtual production model can be created in the production position of the partial models and sub-part models. Thus, if the external dimension is exceeded, at least one of the partial models can be further divided across the at least one corresponding internal dimension of the limited production area. The at least one connecting element arranged on the sub-part models ensures that the at least two sub-part models can be moved from the production position to the joining position and / or vice versa.

[0036] In an advantageous further development, the overall model, the partial model, and / or the sub-part model are divided in such a way that their outer dimensions are smaller than the corresponding inner dimensions of the production area. This ensures that the production model can be manufactured within the limited production area. Furthermore, unnecessary further division of the overall model, the partial model, and / or the sub-part model can be avoided if their outer dimensions already fall below the corresponding inner dimensions of the production area.

[0037] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one external dimension of the virtual three-dimensional overall model of the body, of the at least one partial model and / or of the production model is recorded in at least one spatial direction. It is also advantageous if the at least one internal dimension of the delimited production area of the additive manufacturing device is entered and / or determined in at least one spatial direction. At least one of the aforementioned steps of recording the external dimension, entering and / or determining the internal dimension can be performed manually by a user and / or determined automatically by a computing unit. This ensures that the at least one external dimension and / or internal dimension is available for carrying out the method.

[0038] It is also advantageous if at least some of the process steps, especially the alignment and splitting, are performed iteratively until the manufacturing model fully fits the production area. This ensures that, following the iterative process, the manufacturing model can be manufactured using the production device. The iterative process represents a very simple variant for making the manufacturing model manufacturable.

[0039] Advantageously, after comparing the at least one external dimension with the at least one internal dimension and / or before dividing into at least two partial models and / or sub-part models, at least two of the external dimensions of the overall model and / or the partial model are exchanged with at least two of the internal dimensions of the production area. By exchanging at least two of the external dimensions with at least two of the internal dimensions, the overall model and / or the partial model is rotated in the production area. If at least one further external dimension of the overall model exceeds a corresponding further internal dimension of the production area in one of the spatial directions, at least one method step, in particular the comparing and dividing, can be saved by the exchange. Additionally or alternatively, the swapping, in particular together with the comparing and / or dividing, can be carried out iteratively until the production model fits completely into the production area.

[0040] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, after comparing the at least one external dimension with the at least one internal dimension and before dividing into at least two partial models and / or sub-part models, at least one external dimension of the production model resulting from the division is compared with the internal dimension of the production area. During division and subsequent formation of the connecting element, at least one of the external dimensions is reduced in one of the spatial directions, whereby another external dimension is enlarged in another spatial direction. By comparing the resulting external dimension of the production model with the internal dimension of the production area, it can be estimated before division whether all external dimensions fit within the internal dimensions and thus whether the production model can be manufactured in the production device. This makes it possible to avoid unnecessary process steps.

[0041] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one of the method steps is carried out by a user with a computing unit, in particular a computer program stored thereon and / or an artificial intelligence, and / or by such a computing unit. In addition or alternatively to the iterative process described above, the manufacturing model can be designed to be manufacturable quickly and / or with as few process steps as possible with the aid of artificial intelligence. The artificial intelligence can intervene in the process sequence in such a way that as few process steps as possible are carried out and / or the process steps are carried out with the least effort. In addition, unnecessary division of the overall model, the partial model and / or the sub-part model can be avoided.

[0042] Also proposed is a computing unit for creating a virtual three-dimensional production model of a body, in particular with a computer program and / or artificial intelligence stored thereon. The computing unit is designed to carry out at least some of the method steps of a method for creating a virtual three-dimensional production model of a body according to the preceding description, wherein the aforementioned features can be present individually or in any combination. For detecting, inputting, and / or determining the at least one external dimension and / or internal dimension, the computing unit can have an input interface. Thus, data, in particular geometric data of the body and / or the production device, can be entered into the computing unit from external input devices and / or from a user.Additionally or alternatively, the computing unit may have an output interface for outputting the manufacturing data to a manufacturing device and / or to a computer-readable storage medium.

[0043] Furthermore, a computer program and / or an artificial intelligence is proposed which, when executed by a computing unit, causes the computing unit to carry out at least some of the method steps of a method for creating a virtual three-dimensional production model of a body according to the preceding description, wherein the features mentioned can be present individually or in any combination.

[0044] Furthermore, a computer-readable storage medium, in particular a data storage device, with a virtual three-dimensional production model stored thereon is proposed, which was produced using a method, a computing unit, a computer program, and / or artificial intelligence according to the preceding description, wherein the aforementioned features can be present individually or in any combination. A computer-readable storage medium is understood to mean a medium that stores the production model and / or can be read in a device described below. The computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk, a cloud, and / or an optical storage device.

[0045] Furthermore, a manufacturing method for producing a body is proposed. In the manufacturing method, a virtual three-dimensional production model of the body is created using a method according to the above description, wherein the aforementioned features can be present individually or in any combination.

[0046] Manufacturing data for an additive manufacturing device, in particular a 3D printing device, is then created using the virtual three-dimensional manufacturing model. The manufacturing data is formed from the manufacturing model and can contain additional information about manufacturing. The body is then manufactured in a limited manufacturing area of the additive manufacturing device using the manufacturing data. The body is manufactured in multiple parts in the form of several parts that are movably connected to one another via at least one connecting element and are located in a manufacturing position in which corresponding joining surfaces of the parts are spaced apart from one another. The interconnected parts of the body replicate the virtual three-dimensional partial models in their manufactured form.The at least two parts of the body are connected to one another by means of the connecting element in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner such that they can move relative to one another. The connecting element is advantageously designed as a connecting joint.

[0047] It is advantageous if parts of the body are moved from the manufacturing position into a joining position in which the corresponding joining surfaces of the parts lie against each other.

[0048] Furthermore, it is advantageous if parts of the body are locked in the joining position, in particular via at least one locking element manufactured with the additive manufacturing device. The locking element can thus prevent the at least two parts of the body from being moved from the joining position back into the manufacturing position. The at least one locking element can be, for example, a clip and / or a snap-in element.

[0049] In addition, the locking element and the associated holding of the partial models in the joining position of at least two corresponding partial models can facilitate the joining of parts of the body to form the body following production.

[0050] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the body is exposed to a solvent atmosphere in the joining position, so that a surface of the body is smoothed and / or the at least two parts of the body are joined together in a materially bonded manner in the region of their abutting joining surfaces.

[0051] It is also advantageous if, especially after joining the body parts together, the connecting element and / or the locking element are at least partially removed. This allows the body to be brought into its originally intended shape, depicted in the overall model.

[0052] It is also advantageous if the body is manufactured using a powder-based 3D printing process. Powder-based 3D printing processes often have a limited production area. Additionally or alternatively, the effective range of a powder application unit and / or an irradiation unit can be limited to this production area. This process therefore makes it easier to manufacture large bodies using such printing processes. With such a powder-based 3D printing process, powder materials made of plastic, metal, glass, ceramic and / or composite materials can be used. If plastic is used as the powder material, the 3D printing process is referred to as SLS. It is advantageous if the body is manufactured from an elastomer, particularly TPU.

[0053] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the parts is manufactured with a lattice structure. If at least one of the parts of the body has lattice bars of the lattice structure on at least one of the joining surfaces, the connecting element and / or the locking element can be arranged on these lattice bars. Likewise, the parts of the body can be joined together in the region of the lattice bars at their joining surfaces.

[0054] Furthermore, a body, in particular a component, is proposed. The body is manufactured using a manufacturing method according to the preceding description, wherein the aforementioned features can be present individually or in any combination.

[0055] Furthermore, a device is proposed. The device advantageously comprises a computing unit for creating a virtual three-dimensional production model of a body. Additionally or alternatively, the device comprises an additive manufacturing device for producing the body. Additionally or alternatively, the device comprises a chamber for smoothing a surface of the body and / or for bonding two parts of the body using a solvent atmosphere.

[0056] The computing unit is preferably configured to execute at least some of the method steps of a method for creating a virtual three-dimensional production model of a body according to the preceding description, wherein the aforementioned features may be present individually or in any combination. Additionally or alternatively, the additive manufacturing device and / or the chamber are configured to execute at least some of the method steps of a manufacturing method for producing a body according to the preceding description, wherein the aforementioned features may be present individually or in any combination.

[0057] In addition or as an alternative to the above methods and / or devices, it is advantageous if, in a method for producing a composite body from at least two partial bodies produced in an additive manufacturing process, the at least two partial bodies are exposed to a solvent atmosphere in a chamber so that a surface of the partial bodies is smoothed. It is advantageous if the at least two partial bodies are placed in the chamber in such a way that they touch at at least one joining surface and thus a material-to-material connection between the at least two partial bodies is created at the at least one joining surface by the solvent atmosphere. The at least two partial bodies can have been produced according to the preceding description using an overall model of the body that has been divided into at least two virtual partial models in a cell-conforming manner.Additionally or alternatively, these may have been manufactured based on a production model of a production position according to the previous description. The above-mentioned features may be present individually or in any combination.

[0058] The solvent atmosphere at least partially breaks chemical bonds on the surface of the sub-bodies. This allows the molecules on the surface to rearrange or be removed, which on the one hand reduces the roughness of the surface. On the other hand, this creates a material-to-material bond between the sub-bodies at the joining surface. A separate step of joining the sub-bodies can thus be eliminated. In this way, a sub-body produced using an additive manufacturing process can, for example, be joined to at least one sub-body produced using an injection molding process and / or to at least one other sub-body produced using an additive manufacturing process.

[0059] It is conceivable that the partial bodies are first placed in the chamber and then the solvent atmosphere is introduced into the chamber. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the partial bodies are introduced into a chamber provided with a solvent atmosphere. The solvent atmosphere is, for example, an aerosol, in particular a mist, i.e., a mixture of an atomized solvent and, for example, air. Alternatively, it is conceivable to use solvent vapor in its pure form or as a gas mixture, also with, for example, air.

[0060] The chamber can be heated to a temperature of 25 to 100 °C, for example, to accelerate the reaction. However, the process preferably takes place at room temperature. The solvent atmosphere can be created, for example, by spraying a solvent or by atomizing the solvent, for example, using an ultrasonic atomizer. Targeted evaporation of the solvent is also conceivable.

[0061] Due to the health risks and potential explosion hazards, the chamber is preferably hermetically sealed during the presence of the solvent atmosphere. It is conceivable that the solvent atmosphere could be evacuated before the chamber is opened at the end of the process.

[0062] It is advantageous if the at least two partial bodies are joined together in a form-fitting manner at the at least one joining surface. This improves the subsequent cohesion of the at least two partial bodies. Furthermore, it is easier to produce a homogeneous composite body in this way. The form-fitting connection can be achieved, for example, by forming the joining surface between the partial bodies from boundary surfaces of unit cells of a lattice structure of the partial bodies.

[0063] If the sub-assemblies each have a lattice structure, the sub-assemblies touch each other, for example, along the lattice bars of the lattice structure. These lattice bars can, for example, form the edges of unit cells of the lattice structure. The described form-fitting connection can refer to the parallel alignment of the lattice bars. A plurality of joining surfaces can consist of a plurality of lattice bars aligned in parallel pairs.

[0064] It is particularly advantageous if at least one of the sub-assemblies is produced using a powder-based 3D printing process. Unlike other 3D printing processes, this process allows the sub-assemblies to be printed without an additional support structure. This eliminates the need for subsequent removal of a support structure.

[0065] In powder-based 3D printing processes, the objects to be printed are built up layer by layer from a powder. This usually begins with the bottom layer, with a binder, for example, applied to a powder layer to specifically harden and bond the powder. The next powder layer is then applied and also treated with the binder. It is also possible to harden and bond the powder by selectively heating it.

[0066] The printed body is always surrounded by a loose powder environment that protects and supports it. After this process, the body typically has a rough surface, which is then smoothed in the solvent atmosphere during the process. Of course, both or all of the at least two sub-bodies can be produced using the powder-based 3D printing process.

[0067] It is also advantageous if at least one of the two partial bodies is manufactured with a lattice structure. The lattice structure allows a large volume to be filled with minimal material. The elasticity of the partial body can also be precisely controlled using the lattice structure. This is particularly advantageous for upholstery. Ideally, the joining surface of the partial bodies is no longer recognizable in the assembled body, at least due to inhomogeneous elasticity. Both or all of the at least two partial bodies can be manufactured with a lattice structure. In this case, the lattice structure of the partial bodies preferably matches.

[0068] It is advantageous if the at least two partial bodies are placed in the solvent atmosphere in such a way that they touch one another at a plurality of joining surfaces, wherein the plurality of joining surfaces corresponds to a plurality of boundary surfaces of the unit cells of the structure of the partial bodies. This ensures that the structures of the partial bodies complement one another to form the most uniform structure possible for the assembled body. This improves the homogeneity, particularly with regard to the elasticity of the body. The described structure can be any structure made up of a plurality of identical unit cells, i.e. the smallest space-filling components. In particular, the structure is a lattice structure. The boundary surfaces separate the individual unit cells from one another. They do not necessarily have to be filled with material. For example, interconnected lattice bars can also form the edges of a boundary surface.

[0069] Preferably, this aspect is already taken into account during the design phase or during the subdivision of the body into sub-bodies prior to production. For example, the lattice structure of the body is divided into sub-bodies along the boundary surfaces of the unit cells of the structure (so-called "cell-conformal cutting").

[0070] It is also advantageous if the partial bodies are joined together in such a way that a uniform lattice structure of the assembled body is created. As already described, this can improve the homogeneity of the body, especially with regard to its elasticity.

[0071] Especially when the body represents upholstery or part of upholstery with which a subsequent user has direct contact, inhomogeneities in elasticity can be uncomfortable for the user and thus detrimental to the commercial success of the body. This must be avoided.

[0072] It is advantageous if the at least two partial bodies are manufactured with at least one connecting element, in particular a connecting joint. Additionally or alternatively, it is advantageous if the at least two partial bodies are folded together via the connecting element, so that the two partial bodies rest against one another with their corresponding joining surfaces. This ensures error-free assembly of the partial bodies along the at least one joining surface. In particular, the freedom of movement of the partial bodies relative to one another can be restricted by one or more joints in such a way that the partial bodies can only be assembled into the body in one way. In particular, "folding" the partial bodies together to form the body is conceivable. The connecting joint(s) can also be manufactured using the additive manufacturing process. If necessary, the joint(s) canThe joints can be removed again after the partial bodies have been connected to the body.

[0073] In the case of a particularly wide body that exceeds the width of the printing device, it is conceivable to divide the body into at least two sub-bodies that can be printed one above the other, which may be connected by the described connecting joint(s). In particular, two connecting joints may be provided.

[0074] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least two partial bodies are made of a thermoplastic, in particular polyamide 12 (PA12), and / or an elastomer, in particular TPU. On the one hand, this facilitates the production of the partial bodies. On the other hand, after joining the partial bodies, an elastically deformable but dimensionally stable body is created, for example, which can be used in particular as padding.

[0075] Examples of elastomers include vulcanizates of natural or silicone rubber. The abbreviation TPU stands for thermoplastic polyurethane. Polyurethanes are plastics or synthetic resins resulting from a polyaddition reaction of dialcohols or polyols with polyisocyanates. Upholstery or thermal insulation materials, in particular, can be advantageously manufactured from foamed TPU. The thermoplastic properties are particularly advantageous in the manufacture of products made from these materials.

[0076] Particular advantages are achieved when the solvent atmosphere contains chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide, hexafluoroisopropanol, pyridine, and / or benzyl alcohol. These solvents are particularly capable of dissolving TPU and are therefore suitable for smoothing the surface of the component parts in an atmosphere and creating a cohesive bond between the component parts. It is conceivable to use a mixture of different solvents in the solvent atmosphere. As already described, an aerosol and / or vapor can be produced from these solvents to create the solvent atmosphere.

[0077] The assembled body is composed of at least two partial bodies, at least one of the partial bodies being manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. It is characterized in that it is manufactured according to a method as previously described. As already described, the body has the advantage that the partial bodies are joined together while the surface of the partial bodies is being smoothed, thus eliminating an additional joining step during the manufacture of the body. Furthermore, the body can have a size that exceeds the printing range of a printing device for an additive manufacturing process. It is conceivable for the body to be composed of a plurality of partial bodies.

[0078] The body has, for example, a lattice structure, wherein the lattice structure is preferably homogeneous across the entire extent of the body. For example, motifs of the lattice structure are repeated at regular intervals. The body is made, for example, of an elastomer, in particular of TPU. The body is designed, in particular, as padding or part of a padding with homogeneous elasticity.

[0079] Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. They show: Figure 1 a schematic representation of a device with a computing unit, an additive manufacturing device, a body to be produced and a storage medium, Figure 2 a perspective view of a basic body with a cut surface, Figure 3 a perspective view of a basic body filled with unit cells, Figure 4an assignment of unit cell centers to one side of the cutting surface, Figure 5 an assignment of the unit cells to one side of the cutting surface, Figure 6 a perspective view of a three-dimensional cell-conformal separation surface, Figure 7 a perspective view of an overall model with a lattice structure formed from a large number of cells, Figure 8 a first submodel with the cell-conformal dividing surface, Figure 9 a detailed sectional view of the two separated submodels in the area of the parting surface, Figure 10 a perspective view of the overall model divided into two submodels, Figures 11 and 12 schematic representations of the process for creating a virtual three-dimensional manufacturing model of a body, Figure 13 a schematic representation of a device with a computing unit and an additive manufacturing device during the production of a body, Figure 14a schematic representation of a body in joining position in a chamber for smoothing and / or for material bonding, Figure 15 a two-dimensional scheme of partial bodies before joining and Figure 16 a two-dimensional scheme of the production of the body by cohesive joining of the partial bodies using a solvent atmosphere.

[0080] In the following description of the figures, the same reference numerals are used for identical and / or at least comparable features in the various figures. The individual features, their design, and / or mode of operation are usually only explained in detail when first mentioned. If individual features are not explained in detail again, their design and / or mode of operation correspond to the design and mode of operation of the features with the same or identical function already described.

[0081] Figure 1shows a schematic representation of a device 1 with a computing unit 2, an additive manufacturing device 3 and a body 4 to be produced. The body 4 to be produced is understood to be the body 4 that is to be produced with the aid of the manufacturing method and / or the additive manufacturing device 3. With the aid of the computing unit 2, a virtual three-dimensional overall model 5 is designed and / or created based on the body 4 to be produced. The overall model 5 and the body 4 to be produced each have the same external dimensions AM in the three spatial directions, i.e. in the longitudinal direction LR, transverse direction QR and vertical direction HR. The manufacturing device 3 has a limited manufacturing area 6. For this purpose, the manufacturing area 6 spans a limited internal dimension IM in each of the three spatial directions, i.e. in the longitudinal direction LR, transverse direction QR and vertical direction HR.This may require that the overall model 5 be divided so that it can be manufactured, in particular printed, in the limited production area 6.

[0082] The computing unit 2 can have at least one input interface 7 for recording, inputting and / or determining the at least one external dimension AM and / or internal dimension IM. By means of the input interface 7, geometric data 8 of the body 4 to be manufactured and / or of the manufacturing device 3 can be recorded, inputted and / or determined automatically and / or with the assistance of a user. Based on this geometric data 8, the overall model 5 can be created. Additionally or alternatively, a digital image of the manufacturing device 3 and / or the internal dimension IM can be entered and / or stored in the computing unit 2. Additionally or alternatively, the computing unit 2, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, can have an output interface 9 for outputting manufacturing data 10 to the manufacturing device 3 and / or to a computer-readable storage medium 11. These manufacturing data 10 can be created with the aid of the computing unit 2.

[0083] In the Figures 2 to 10 A method, in particular a computer-implemented method, for dividing the virtual three-dimensional overall model 5 is illustrated. As mentioned above, it may be necessary for the overall model 5 to be divided into at least two submodels 13 so that they can be manufactured in a limited production area 6 of the production device 3, in particular a 3D printer.

[0084] For this purpose, Figure 2First, a three-dimensional virtual base body 22 is provided. This can be done manually by a user in a corresponding program. Alternatively, the geometric data 8 of the base body 22 can also be imported via an interface. The base body 22 represents the basic geometry of the body 4 to be pressed. Subsequently, at least one cutting surface 23 is defined that divides the base body 22. The exact position and / or geometry of the cutting surface 23 can be defined manually by a user or automatically by the computing unit 2. The cutting surface 23 can be flat, curved and / or kinked. Alternatively or additionally, the cutting surface can also have a free-form geometry. Furthermore, the cutting surface can be composed of several different and / or identical sections.

[0085] Subsequently, in a subsequent step, Figure 3the base body 22, in particular its volume, is filled with a plurality of unit cells 24. Preferably, the volume of the base body 22 is completely filled with such unit cells 24. For reasons of clarity, Figure 3 only two of these unit cells are provided with a reference symbol. The base body 22 can be filled with a single type of unit cell 24. Alternatively, different types and kinds of unit cells 24 can be used, which differ from one another in their external shape. Each of these unit cells 24 comprises a plurality of edges 25, which define the external shape of the respective unit cell 24. The external shape of the respective unit cell 24 is further formed by a corresponding cell surface 26. Furthermore, each of these unit cells 24 comprises a center point 27 (cf. Figure 4 ).

[0086] An essential step in the process is that a Figure 6The virtual dividing surface 28 shown is created for the overall model 5 of the body 4, wherein the dividing surface 28 has a three-dimensional cell-conforming shape. The term "cell-conforming" refers to a shape of the dividing surface 28 that runs along the outer surface of several of these unit cells 24 and thus does not divide any of the unit cells 24. Essentially, the dividing surface 28 therefore runs along the edges 25 and / or cell surfaces 26 of the adjacent unit cells 24.

[0087] The three-dimensional cell-conforming shape of the separation surface 28 is preferably created by an algorithm that is stored on the computing unit 2. The three-dimensional cell-conforming shape of the separation surface 28 is created based on the cell surface 26 and / or the edges 25 of the unit cells 24 adjacent to the cutting surface 23. For this purpose, Figure 4First, an assignment of the unit cells 24 relative to the cutting surface 23. Accordingly, the cutting surface 23 comprises a first side 29 and an opposite second side 30. At least the entire unit cells 24 located in the region of the cutting surface 23 are each assigned to one of the two sides 29, 30 of the cutting surface 23. Preferably, a corresponding assignment is made at least for those unit cells 24 that are intersected by the cutting surface 23. In particular, however, all unit cells 24 with which the base body 22 was filled are assigned to one side 29, 30 of the cutting surface 23.

[0088] As from Figures 4 and 5 As can be seen, the assignment of the unit cells 24 is carried out via their respective centers 27. Thus, the entire unit cells 24 are assigned to the side 29, 30 of the cutting surface 23 on which their center 27 is located. To visualize the assignment, Figures 4 and 5all center points 27 of those unit cells 24 assigned to the first side 29 are shown as points and all center points 27 of those unit cells 24 assigned to the second side 30 are shown as circles.

[0089] According to Figure 5 At the end of this process step, each of the two sides 29, 30 of the cutting surface 23 is assigned a respective unit cell group 31, 32. Alternatively, an assignment can also be made for only one of the two sides 29, 30 of the cutting surface 23. The two unit cell groups 31, 32 have a three-dimensional cell-conforming abutment surface 33 in the area of the cutting surface 23. At this abutment surface 33, the two unit cell groups 31, 32 lie flush against one another. Representation is conditional in Figure 5 only the outer contour of this abutting surface 33 is visible.

[0090] The Figure 6The separating surface 28 shown is now created based on at least one of the two unit cell groups 31, 32. Accordingly, in a further method step, the shape of the separating surface 28 is created correspondingly and / or based on the three-dimensional cell-conforming abutment surface 33 of at least one of the two unit groups 31, 32. As can be seen from Figure 6 As can be seen, the separating surface 28 thus has a cell-conforming shape that corresponds to the edges 25 and / or the cell surface 26 of those unit cells 24 that form the abutting surface 33 of the two unit groups 31, 32. The separating surface 28 thus has edges 25 and / or cell surfaces 26 of the unit cells 24 adjacent to it, which determine its shape and / or geometry.

[0091] Before, during or after the creation of the virtual three-dimensional parting surface 28, the Figure 3shown basic body 22, which has been filled with a plurality of whole and / or closed unit cells 24, which in Figure 7 The overall model 5 of the body 4 shown is created. The overall model 5 has a plurality of cells 34, which together form a grid structure 35. The overall model 5 of the body 4 is a volume model. For this purpose, the Figure 3 The unit cells 24 shown are replaced with struts 36, which themselves have a volume. The struts 36 extend along the edges 25 of the unit cells 24 and form the cells 34 corresponding to the unit cells 24, which in turn form the lattice structure 35.

[0092] The Figure 7 The overall model 5 shown with its grid structure 35 can comprise a surface grid structure 37, which forms an outer surface of the grid structure 35. To create the surface grid structure 37, the Figure 3shown unit cells 24 with a Figure 2 shown outer surface 38 of the base body 22.

[0093] The lattice structure 35 of the Figure 7 The overall model 5 shown can now be used with and / or along the Figure 6 shown separating surface 28 into the partial models 13a, 13b shown in Figure 10. Figure 8 shows one of the two partial models 13a with the cell-conformal dividing surface 28. As can be seen from Figure 8 As can be seen, the cells 34 are closed in the area of the separating surface 28. None of the struts 36 of these cells 34 are severed.

[0094] Figure 9shows the cell-conform division of the overall model 5 into the two submodels 13a, 13b in a detailed section. Thus, the first submodel 13a has first cells 34a and the second submodel 13b has second cells 34b. Both the first rows 34a and the second cells 34b are closed. The adjacent first cells 34a of the first submodel 13a and the second cells 34b of the second submodel 13b share a common strut 36, which are referred to below as common struts 39. As can be seen from Figure 9As can be seen, these common struts 39 of the lattice structure 35 are divided by the cell-conforming separation surface 28 in such a way that the corresponding cells 34 remain whole and / or closed. Accordingly, the common struts 39 are not divided by the cell-conforming separation surface 28 in their transverse direction, but in their respective longitudinal direction. As a result, the parts 40, 41 of a respective common strut 39 each extend seamlessly and / or continuously between two nodes 42, 43 of the respective corresponding cell 34. The corresponding cells 34a, 34b thus remain whole and / or closed. This ensures a very high stability of the lattice structure 35. In the Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the common struts 39 are divided axially symmetrically. Alternatively, however, an asymmetric division can also be made, so that the two parts 40, 41 are designed differently from one another.

[0095] Figure 10 shows the overall model 5 with its submodels 13a, 13b. Due to the cell-conform division, both submodels 13a, 13b now have corresponding joining surfaces 14a, 14b. Each of these corresponding joining surfaces 14a, 14b is formed from parts 40, 41 of the common struts 39. When these two submodels 13a, 13b are joined, a complete common strut 39 is created from the two corresponding parts 40, 41.

[0096] The Figures 11 and 12 show an exemplary process flow of a method for creating a virtual three-dimensional production model 12 of a body 4. This can follow the above method for dividing the overall model 5, wherein the above features can be present individually or in any combination. The process flow described here can be carried out completely or partially in the computing unit 2 of the Figure 1be executed. In Figure 11 The overall model 5 and the limited production area 6 are shown. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the external dimension AM of the overall model 5 exceeds the corresponding internal dimension IM of the production area 6, at least in the longitudinal direction LR. Additionally or alternatively, the external dimension AM of the overall model 5 can exceed the corresponding internal dimension IM of the production area 6 in another spatial direction, for example in the transverse direction QR. This can be adjusted in an additional and / or in the same process step.

[0097] Figure 12 shows a subsequent process step of Figure 11 following process step. The overall model 5 of the embodiment of the Figure 11was divided into two partial models 13. It is also conceivable that the overall model 5 is divided into several partial models 13. Each of the partial models 13 now has a joining surface 14, which can be used for joining in a later manufacturing process. In addition, a connecting element 15, which connects the two partial models 13 to one another, was formed. By means of the connecting element 15, the two partial models 13 are movably connected to one another in such a way that they can be moved relative to one another from a manufacturing position shown here, in which the corresponding joining surfaces 14 of the partial models 13 are spaced apart from one another, into a joining position in which the corresponding joining surfaces 14 of the partial models 13 abut one another. A body 4 in the joining position is, for example, in Figure 14shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting element 15 is designed as a connecting joint, by means of which the two partial models 13 can be pivoted relative to one another.

[0098] In addition to the two submodels 13, Figure 12two sub-part models 16 are shown, wherein one of the two sub-models 13 is one of the sub-part models 16. Additionally or alternatively, the other sub-model 13 can be divided into sub-part models 16. It is also conceivable that at least one of the sub-models 13 is divided into several sub-part models 16. An additional optional iteration step of the method was carried out here. In this optional iteration step, at least one of the external dimensions AM of the sub-models 13 in the production position was compared with the corresponding internal dimension IM of the production area 6. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the external dimension AM is compared with the corresponding internal dimension IM in the transverse direction QR.Since the external dimension AM of one of the partial models 13 in the production position exceeds the internal dimension IM of the production area 6 in the transverse direction QR, this partial model 13 was divided into two sub-partial models 16 and moved into the production position with the aid of an additional connecting element 15'. In the production position, in the illustrated embodiment, the two partial models 13 and the sub-partial models 16 are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction HR.

[0099] In addition, at least one locking element 17 is advantageously arranged on at least one of the partial models 13 and / or sub-part models 16. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a part of the locking element 17 is arranged on each of the two partial models 13. The locking element 17 is designed as a locking lug and receptacle for the locking lug. The locking element 17 can lock the two corresponding partial models 13 in the joining position, in which the two joining surfaces 14 abut one another. A body 4 in the joining position is, for example, in Figure 14 shown. It is also conceivable that the locking element 17 is integrated into the connecting element 15. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the sub-models 16 can have the locking element 17.

[0100] In the example shown, the Figure 12The production model 12 is thus created. The production model 12 comprises the two partial models 13, the two sub-part models 16, the connecting elements 15, 15' and the locking element 17. The outer dimension AM of the production model 12 is smaller than the inner dimension IM of the production area 6 in each of the spatial directions LR, QR, HR and can therefore be manufactured and / or produced with the production device 3 of Figure 1. For this purpose, in particular by means of the computing unit 2 of the device 1 of the embodiment of the Figure 1 , the production data 10 is created from the production model 12 and sent to the production device 3. This process step is described in the Figure 13 shown.

[0101] In Figure 13A schematic representation of a device 1 with a computing unit 2 and an additive manufacturing device 3 is shown during the production of a body 4. The computing unit 2 has already created the production model 12, in particular according to the previous description. For this purpose, the computing unit 2 can have a computer program and / or artificial intelligence that executes at least some of the method steps of the method for creating the virtual three-dimensional production model 12 of the body 4.

[0102] The production model 12 is designed similarly to the exemplary embodiment in Figure 12. The production data 10 are then created from the production model 12 and transmitted to the production device 3 via the output interface 9. The production device 3 has already created the first layers of the body 4. The body 4 is manufactured in several parts in the form of several parts 18 that are movably connected to one another via the at least one connecting element 15. The parts 18 are in the production position in the exemplary embodiment shown. Since the exemplary embodiment shown involves a powder-based 3D printing process, the production device 3 has a powder application unit 19 for applying a material powder and an irradiation unit 20 for solidifying the material powder. For the sake of clarity, the unsolidified powder surrounding the body 4 is not shown.

[0103] In the Figure 14 A schematic representation of a body 4 in the joining position in a chamber 21 for smoothing and / or for material bonding is shown. The body 4 has been produced using a method and / or a device 1 according to the preceding embodiments of Figures 1 to 13. Likewise, the chamber 21 can be part of the device 1. Likewise, the manufacturing device 3 of the Figures 1 and 13 train Chamber 21.

[0104] Following the manufacturing process shown in Figure 13, the parts 18 of the body 4 were moved from the manufacturing position to the joining position by means of the connecting element 15. Since the connecting element 15 in the illustrated embodiment is a pivot joint, the two parts 18 of the body 4 were pivoted into the joining position. The two corresponding joining surfaces 14 are located in this joining position. Furthermore, as shown here, the locking element 17 can engage in such a way that the two parts 18 cannot be moved back into the manufacturing position.

[0105] In the joined position, the body 4 can be exposed to a solvent atmosphere that can be created in the chamber 21. This allows the surface of the body 4 to be smoothed and / or the parts 18 of the body 4 to be firmly bonded to one another in the region of their abutting joining surfaces 14. Once the two parts 18 have been firmly bonded to one another in the region of the joining surfaces 14, the connecting element 15 and / or the locking element 17 can optionally be subsequently removed. This allows protruding elements to be removed from the body 4. Additionally or alternatively, the connecting element 15 can be designed as a film hinge. Such a connecting element 15 can be designed such that it does not protrude from the body 4.

[0106] Figure 15shows, in a two-dimensional diagram, two partial bodies 44 that are joined together to form the body 4. The partial bodies 44 can each be produced from a virtual partial model 13a, 13b according to the preceding description, wherein the aforementioned features can be present individually or in any combination. Additionally or alternatively, the partial bodies 44 can be designed as a production model 12 according to the preceding description, wherein the partial bodies 44 are connected to one another via at least one connecting element 15 and / or are located in a reduced production position relative to one another.

[0107] The two-dimensional representation serves to illustrate the principle. Normally, the body 4 will have a three-dimensional shape, as described above. As shown in the Figure 15As shown, the two partial bodies 44 have a matching lattice structure 35, which is preferably divided in a cell-conform manner according to the previous description. The lattice structures 35 have a plurality of cells 34. A combination of different lattice motifs as the smallest unit of the lattice is also conceivable.

[0108] The partial bodies 44 are limited in such a way that only whole and / or closed cells 34 are present in the lattice structure 35. In other words, the partial bodies 44 are limited by boundary surfaces 45 of the cells 34. Likewise, a respective joining surface 14 of the partial bodies 44, at which the partial bodies 44 touch during the process (see also Figure 16 ), formed by a plurality of boundary surfaces 45 of the cells 34.

[0109] Figure 16shows a two-dimensional diagram of the method for producing the composite body 4. The at least two partial bodies 44 produced in an additive manufacturing process, in particular according to the previous description, are placed in a chamber 46 such that they touch each other at their corresponding joining surfaces 14. A solvent atmosphere 47 is present in the chamber 46. The solvent atmosphere 47, on the one hand, smoothes a surface of the partial bodies 44, in particular of the lattice structure 35. On the other hand, a material-to-material connection is created between the partial bodies 44 at the abutting corresponding joining surfaces 14, whereby the composite body 4 is produced. Due to the coordinated shape of the partial bodies 44 by the boundary surfaces 45 of the cells 34, the partial bodies 44 can be connected in a form-fitting manner.

[0110] The assembled body 4, in particular, has a continuous and homogeneous lattice structure 35. Ideally, the corresponding joining surfaces 14 are no longer visible after completion of the process. The solvent atmosphere 47 can be created in the ways already described. For safety reasons, the chamber 46 is hermetically sealed, for example, during the presence of the solvent atmosphere 47. The partial bodies 44 can, for example, be placed in the chamber 46 on supports (not shown) or suspended from hooks (not shown).

[0111] The present invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiments. Modifications within the scope of the patent claims are possible, as are combinations of features, even if they are illustrated and described in different embodiments. List of reference symbols

[0112] 1 Device 2 Computing unit 3 Manufacturing device 4 Body 5 Overall model 6 Manufacturing area 7 Input interface 8 Geometric data 9 Output interface 10 Manufacturing data 11 Storage medium 12 Manufacturing model 13 Partial model 14 Joining surface 15, 15' Connecting element 16 Sub-part model 17 Locking element 18 Parts 19 Powder application unit 20 Irradiation unit 21 Chamber 22 Base body 23 Cutting surface 24 Unit cell 25 Edges 26 Cell surface 27 Center point 28 Separation surface 29 First side of the cutting surface 30 Second side of the cutting surface 31 First unit cell group 32 Second unit cell group 33 Impact surface 34 Cells 35 Lattice structure 36 Strut 37 Surface lattice structure 38Outer surface of the base body 39Common struts 40First part of the divided common strut 41Second part of the divided common strut 42First node 43Second node 44Partial body 45Boundary surface 46Chamber 47Solvent atmosphere AMExternal dimension IMInternal dimension LRLongitudinal direction QRTransverse direction HRVertical direction

Claims

1. Computer-implemented method for dividing a virtual three-dimensional overall model (5) of a body (4), representing a virtual image of a body to be manufactured, into at least two virtual partial models (13a, 13b), so that the body (4) can be manufactured in a limited production area (6) of an additive manufacturing device (3), comprising the following steps: - Providing a three-dimensional virtual base body (22) and filling the base body (22) with a plurality of unit cells (24), wherein each of said unit cells (24) comprises multiple edges (25) and a cell surface (26) defining the outer shape of the respective unit cell (24); - Creating a virtual separating surface (28) for the overall model (5) of the body (4), which has a three-dimensional cell-conforming shape, i.e., a shape that follows the geometry, shape, outer surface and / or contour of the unit cells (24); - Creating the overall model (5) of the body (4) with a lattice structure (35) formed from a plurality of cells (34), wherein the unit cells (24) are replaced by struts (36) extending along the edges (25) of the unit cells (24) and representing bodies with a volume; and - Dividing the overall model (5) along the cell-conforming separating surface (28) into two partial models (13a, 13b), wherein common struts (39) of the lattice structure (35), which are each part of at least one cell (34) of one partial model (13a) and part of at least one adjacent cell (34) of the other partial model (13b) are divided by means of the cell-conforming separating surface (28) in such a way that the corresponding cells (34a, 34b) remain closed.

2. Computer-implemented method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the common struts (39) are divided in their respective longitudinal direction wherein the common struts (39) are divided in such a way that the parts (40, 41) of the respective common strut (39) each extend without gaps and / or continuously between two nodes (42, 43) of the respective corresponding cell (34); and / or wherein at least one of the common struts (39) is divided in such a way that the respective parts (40, 41) are symmetrical or asymmetrical to one another.

3. Computer-implemented method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: - Defining at least one cut surface (23) dividing the base body (22), in particular a flat, curved and / or kinked cut surface.

4. Computer-implemented method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the three-dimensional cell-conforming shape of the separating surface (28) is determined by an algorithm and / or by means of a cell surface (26) of at least some of the whole unit cells (24) located in the region of the cut surface (23).

5. Computer-implemented method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in order to create the three-dimensional cell-conforming shape of the separating surface (28), at least the whole unit cells (24) located in the region of the cut surface (23) are assigned on each of the two sides (29, 30) to the cut surface (23) so that each of the two sides (29, 30) of the cut surface (23) is assigned to a respective unit cell group (31, 32) which has a three-dimensional cell-conforming abutment surface (33) in the region of the cut surface (23).

6. Computer-implemented method according to claim 5, characterized in that the whole unit cells (24) are assigned to one of the two sides (29, 30) of the cut surface (23) via their center point (27), wherein the whole unit cells (24) are preferably assigned to the side (29, 30) of the cut surface (23) on which its center point (27) is located.

7. Computer-implemented method according to one or more of the preceding claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the shape of the separating surface (28) is created correspondingly and / or on the basis of the three-dimensional cell-conforming abutment surface (33) of one of the two unit cell groups (31, 32).

8. Computer-implemented method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the unit cells (24) are intersected with an outer surface (38) of the base body (22), in particular to form a surface lattice structure (37).

9. Computer-implemented method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method has at least one of the following steps: - Matching at least one external dimension (AM) of the virtual three-dimensional overall model (5) of the body (4) with at least one corresponding internal dimension (IM) of a limited production area (6) of an additive manufacturing device (3) in at least one spatial direction (LR, QR, HR); - Dividing the overall model (5) into the at least two virtual three-dimensional partial models (13a, 13b) when the external dimension (AM) of the overall model (5) exceeds the corresponding internal dimension (IM) of the production area (6); - Forming at least one connecting element (15, 15'), which connects the at least two partial models (13a, 13b) to one another in such a movable manner that they move relative to one another from a production position in which corresponding joining surfaces (14) of the partial models (13a, 13b) are spaced apart to a joining position in which the corresponding joining surfaces (14) of the partial models (13a, 13b) abut one another; and / or - Creating a virtual three-dimensional production model (12) in the production position of the partial models (13a, 13b).

10. Computing unit (2) for dividing a virtual three-dimensional overall model (5) of a body (4) into at least two virtual partial models (13a, 13b), characterized in that the computing unit (2) is designed to carry out the method according to one or more of the preceding claims.

11. Computer program which, when executed by a computing unit (2), causes said computing unit to carry out computer-implemented method for dividing a virtual three-dimensional overall model (5) of a body (4) into at least two virtual partial models (13a, 13b) according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 9.

12. Computer-readable storage medium (11) with a virtual three-dimensional overall model (5) of a body (4) representing a virtual image of a body to be manufactured stored thereon, which was manufactured with a computer-implemented method according to claim 1, that has a lattice structure (35) formed from a plurality of cells (34), wherein struts (36) of the cells (34) represent bodies with a volume, and that is divided into at least two virtual partial models (13a, 13b), so that the body (4) can be manufactured in a limited production area (6) of an additive manufacturing device (3), wherein adjacent to one another first cells (34a) of the first partial model (13a) and second cells (34b) of the second partial model (13b) share common struts (36), which are referred to as common struts (39), wherein the common struts (39) of the lattice structure (35) of the overall model (5), which are each part of at least one cell (34) of one partial model (13a) and part of at least one adjacent cell (34) of the other partial model (13b) are divided in such a way that the corresponding cells (34a, 34b) remain closed.

13. Production method for producing a body (4), comprising the following steps: - Creating a virtual three-dimensional overall model (5) of the body (4), with a computer-implemented method according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 9, which is divided into at least two virtual partial models (13a, 13b), - Creating production data (10) for an additive production device (3) based on the divided, virtual, three-dimensional overall model (5); and - Producing the body (4) with the additive production device (3) based on the production data (10).

14. Body (4), produced by a production method according to claim 13, which represents a real image of a virtual three-dimensional overall model (5) produced by a computer-implemented method according to claim 1, having a lattice structure (35) formed from a plurality of cells (34), wherein the struts (36) of the cells (24) and representing bodies with a volume and that is divided into at least two virtual partial models (13a, 13b), so that the body (4) can be manufactured in a limited production area (6) of an additive manufacturing device (3), wherein adjacent to one another first cells (34a) of the first partial model (13a) and second cells (34b) of the second partial model (13b) share common struts (36), which are referred to as common struts (39), wherein the common struts (39) of the lattice structure (35) of the overall model (5), which are each part of at least one cell (34) of one partial model (13a) and part of at least one adjacent cell (34) of the other partial model (13b) are divided in such a way that the corresponding cells (34a, 34b) remain closed.

15. Device (1) with a computing unit (2) for creating a virtual three-dimensional overall model (5) of a body (4), and / or with an additive production device (3) for producing the body (4), characterized in that the computing unit (2) is designed according to claim 10.