Screening device for a manufacturing device and manufacturing device for additively manufacturing components from a bulk material

Abstract

The invention relates to a screening device (1), designed for use in a manufacturing device (5) for additively manufacturing components from a bulk material, comprising a screening module (3), wherein the screening module (3) has - a support frame (7), - a screen (9) arranged on the support frame (7), - a drive device (13) which is designed to cause the screen (9) to vibrate, and - an energy supply device (15) which is operatively connected to the drive device (13) and is designed to supply the drive device (13) with energy, and wherein the screening module (3) is designed to be inserted into the manufacturing device (5) and removed from the manufacturing device (5).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Sieving device for a manufacturing device and manufacturing device for the additive manufacturing of components from a bulk material

[0003] The invention relates to a sieving device for a manufacturing device and a manufacturing device for the additive manufacturing of components from a bulk material with such a sieving device.

[0004] In the additive manufacturing of components from bulk materials, unmelted bulk material is regularly generated both during the process itself and afterward, during the removal of unsolidified bulk material (the so-called depowdering process) from the manufactured components. This material can be reused after processing. However, both the bulk material generated during the process and the bulk material generated during depowdering require, in particular, the separation of the reusable bulk material from process waste such as welding beads, lumps, soot, or granules of molten bulk material. These granules can arise, for example, from splashing of molten bulk material from the melt pool or similar causes. Furthermore, it can be beneficial to sieve new or used bulk material, for example, to remove any oversized particles or foreign matter.The aforementioned separation and treatment of new or used bulk material can be carried out by sieving the material with a sieve of suitable mesh size. It is also possible to sieve the bulk material generated during the process, as well as any bulk material produced during depowdering, in a separate room after the process is complete; however, this is disadvantageous due to the additional space required and the comparatively complex process chain, which is also associated with noise and dust generation. Furthermore, the sieving then takes place in a non-inert environment. There is also a need for a way to efficiently monitor the integrity and functionality of a sieve intended for the use described here and / or to clean it as needed.It is also possible in principle to integrate a sieve permanently into a manufacturing device, but this also proves to be complex, expensive and inflexible, especially if sieving is also to be carried out outside the manufacturing device, in which case an additional sieve must be provided.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a sieving device for a manufacturing device and a manufacturing device for the additive manufacturing of components from a bulk material with such a sieving device, wherein the aforementioned disadvantages are at least reduced, preferably avoided.

[0006] The problem is solved by providing the present technical teaching, in particular the teaching of the independent claims as well as the embodiments disclosed in the dependent claims and the description.

[0007] The problem is solved in particular by creating a sieving device that is set up for use in a manufacturing device for the additive manufacturing of components from a bulk material, wherein the sieving device has a sieve module, the sieve module having a support frame, a sieve arranged on the support frame, a drive device set up to vibrate the sieve, and a power supply device operatively connected to the drive device and set up to supply the drive device with energy, and wherein the sieve module is set up to be inserted into and removed from the manufacturing device.This approach advantageously provides a sieving device with a comparatively small and cost-effective, flexibly manageable sieve module that can be used directly within a production device during the manufacturing process, thus in an inert environment. However, it can also be used at any other location outside the production device, particularly for depowdering or processing bulk material generated during depowdering. Since the sieve module has its own drive unit and power supply, it can be used flexibly both inside and outside of a production device, and independently of it. At the same time, the sieve module is not a passive device, but is designed to actively vibrate the sieve, thereby actively promoting and accelerating the sieving process. This enables highly effective sieving of the bulk material.In the context of this technical teaching, a bulk material is understood to be, in particular, a free-flowing or pourable material, especially a powdery, granular, or lumpy mixture that is in a pourable form and suitable for additive manufacturing. In one embodiment, the bulk material is selected from a group consisting of a powder material, granules, and a combination of the aforementioned bulk materials. Preferably, the bulk material is a powder material or granules. The bulk material may, in particular, comprise metal, ceramic, or plastic particles.

[0008] In the context of this technical teaching, the sieve of the sieve module is understood in particular to be a sieve fabric that can be arranged on the support frame, and in particular is arranged on it.

[0009] In one embodiment, the sieve module has a module housing in which at least one device, selected from the power supply device and the drive device, preferably both devices, is arranged. The support frame is preferably arranged on the module housing, in particular mechanically connected to the module housing or formed integrally with the module housing.

[0010] The sieve module is designed to be handled as a single unit, comprising all the aforementioned components: the support frame, the sieve, the drive unit, the power supply unit, and optionally the module housing. In particular, the components are integrally arranged in such a way that they remain connected and do not fall apart when the sieve module is grasped and / or moved by one of the components, especially the module housing. Preferably, the sieve module can be moved by a single user with one hand.

[0011] In one embodiment, the support frame comprises or consists of a fiber-reinforced plastic. In another embodiment, the fiber-reinforced plastic is a carbon- or glass-fiber-reinforced plastic. Alternatively or additionally, the support frame comprises or consists of metal.

[0012] The sieve is held, in particular, by the support frame, preferably attached to the support frame. In one embodiment, the drive device is configured to set the sieve into vibration directly. Alternatively, the drive device is configured to set the sieve into vibration indirectly via the support frame.

[0013] In the context of the present technical teaching, the fact that the drive device is set up to set the sieve into vibration means in particular that the drive device is set up to excite the sieve to vibrate.

[0014] The power supply device can be configured, in particular, as a transmission interface for the transmission of energy or as an energy storage device. Specifically, the power supply device can be configured as a transmission interface for the transmission of electrical energy or as an electrical energy storage device.

[0015] The sieve module is specifically designed to be selectively inserted into and removed from the manufacturing device.

[0016] In one embodiment, the sieve module is configured to be inserted into and removed from a recess or container, in particular a recess of the manufacturing device that opens into the container. Specifically, the sieve module is configured to be selectively inserted into and removed from it.

[0017] The container can be, for example, an overflow container or a storage container, with the recess being a correspondingly assigned recess.

[0018] In particular, the sieve module is designed to be inserted into and removed from an overflow container or an overflow recess of the production device that opens into the overflow container. Specifically, the sieve module is designed to be selectively inserted into and removed from it.

[0019] In the context of this technical teaching, an overflow container – also referred to as a residual material container – is understood to be, in particular, a container into which excess bulk material – possibly together with process waste – can be conveyed during a coating process or bulk material located at the edge of a working area of ​​the manufacturing device. It is possible for such an overflow container to be arranged next to the working area, with a bulk material slide provided for coating, hereinafter referred to as a powder slide, being moved to distribute the bulk material over the working area and to convey the excess bulk material to the overflow container, thereby conveying the excess bulk material – possibly together with the process waste – into the overflow container.In particular, the manufacturing device may have three areas arranged side by side: a bulk material supply, especially a bulk material supply container, the working area, and the overflow container. For the coating process, the powder slide is then moved from the bulk material supply, through the working area, to the overflow container.

[0020] If the screening module is installed in the overflow container or overflow recess, the bulk material conveyed there can be advantageously screened and thus processed using the screening module. Any process waste present, however, cannot pass through the screen into the overflow container.

[0021] According to a further development of the invention, the support frame has an insert structure designed such that the support frame with the insert structure can be inserted into the recess or container of the production device and held in place there. Advantageously, the sieve module can thus be used directly in the production device, particularly in the area of ​​an overflow or residual material section.

[0022] The overflow recess is, in particular, an opening in the previously described overflow container that opens towards a working plane of the manufacturing device. The working plane is the plane on which the work area is also located – specifically next to the overflow container and thus simultaneously next to the overflow recess – and over which the powder slide is moved.

[0023] In particular, the insert structure is designed to fit the recess or container in such a way that the support frame with the insert structure can be inserted into the recess or container and held there.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the support frame is provided with a circumferential sealing structure designed to seal the support frame against the recess or container. This advantageously seals the recess or container from adjacent areas of the work area, ensuring that only bulk material can pass through the screen into the recess or container. Specifically, the sealing structure is designed to fit the recess or container in such a way as to seal the support frame against it.

[0025] In one embodiment, the sealing structure is designed and adapted to a circumferential chamfer of the recess or container in such a way that it can seal against the circumferential chamfer.

[0026] The sealing structure can be designed, for example, as a sealing lip, sealing ring or as another, in particular compressible, circumferential structure.

[0027] In particular, the support frame has the insert structure and the sealing structure, preferably having the circumferential sealing structure on the insert structure.

[0028] The sieve module can also be advantageously mounted on other containers or recesses of the production device, for example, on a storage container or in a corresponding storage recess. If, for instance, the storage container is rather small, the working area can initially be fed from the storage container, with the sieve module positioned on the overflow container. Once the storage container is empty, the sieve module can be transferred from the overflow container to the storage container, and the working area can then be fed with sieved powder from the overflow container, while the storage container serves as the overflow container. In this way, even larger production jobs can be advantageously carried out with smaller production devices.

[0029] According to a further development of the invention, the support frame has a drain opening that is arranged adjacent to the screen and separated from it. Advantageously, process waste can be conveyed over the screen into the drain opening in this way and thus disposed of separately from the bulk material. The process waste is carried across the screen, particularly by the vibrations of the screen, and thus reaches and enters the drain opening.

[0030] According to a further development of the invention, a surface of the sieve is inclined towards the discharge opening. Advantageously, the inclination of the sieve surface towards the discharge opening supports the vibration-induced migration of the process waste towards and into the discharge opening, so that the process waste can be disposed of very effectively and separated from the bulk material.

[0031] In the context of this technical teaching, the fact that the surface of the sieve is inclined towards the outlet opening means, in particular, that the surface – when the sieve module is arranged as intended – slopes geodetically towards the outlet opening, i.e., it has an inclination or negative gradient in the direction of the outlet opening. Thus, the process waste is advantageously drawn to and into the outlet opening by vibration and gravity.

[0032] In one embodiment, the inclination of the surface of the sieve is from 2° to 6°, in particular from 3° to 5°.

[0033] According to a further development of the invention, the support frame has a holding structure for arranging at least one collection container on the holding structure. In this way, bulk material and / or process waste – particularly in separate collection containers – can be collected directly at the screen module and optionally removed from the production device together with the screen module. For this purpose, the holding structure is preferably designed such that the at least one collection container can be removed, i.e., handled together with the screen module, and is preferably attached to the holding structure.

[0034] The holding structure can be designed in particular to arrange, and in particular to attach, at least one collection container having a flexible cover, in particular a bag - for example in the style of a plastic garbage bag or a garbage bag - or a sack to the holding structure.

[0035] In one embodiment, the holding structure is configured to accommodate exactly one collection container in the area of ​​the sieve. In this case, the collection container serves to collect the sieved bulk material. The collection container is preferably arranged, at least partially, within the container, particularly an overflow container, and especially suspended within it.

[0036] In another embodiment, the holding structure is configured to accommodate exactly one collection container in the area of ​​the discharge opening. In this case, the collection container serves to collect the process waste, separate from the bulk material. The bulk material advantageously enters the container already provided on the production device, in particular the overflow container, which is typically designed precisely for this purpose – except that the process waste has already been removed. Preferably, however, the collection container can also be arranged, at least partially, within the container, in particular the overflow container, and especially suspended within it; the bulk material and the process waste are, however, separated from each other by the preferably flexible casing of the collection container. The collection container can be easily disposed of, in particular like a garbage bag.

[0037] In yet another embodiment, the holding structure is configured to accommodate a first collection container in the area of ​​the screen and a second collection container in the area of ​​the discharge opening. The first collection container then serves to collect the screened bulk material, and the second collection container serves to collect the process waste, separate from the bulk material. Both collection containers are preferably arranged, at least partially, within the container, particularly an overflow container, and in particular, are suspended within it; however, the bulk material and the process waste are separated from each other by the preferably flexible shells of both collection containers. The second collection container can be easily disposed of, particularly like a garbage bag.

[0038] According to a further development of the invention, the drive device includes a drive unit. The drive unit is specifically designed to generate vibrations. In one embodiment, the drive unit comprises at least one piezoelectric actuator or is designed as a piezoelectric actuator. In another embodiment, the drive unit is designed as a vibration drive, specifically as at least one electric motor connected to an unbalanced rotor drive, similar to a mobile phone vibration mechanism. The drive unit can also be designed for acoustic excitation, for example, as a loudspeaker, or for electromagnetic excitation.

[0039] In one embodiment, the drive device has a transmission structure operatively connected to the screen, which is configured to transmit vibrations from the drive of the drive device to the screen. Advantageously, the drive can be arranged at a distance from the screen or the support frame in this way. Depending on the design of the transmission structure, the vibration generated by the drive can also be influenced by the transmission structure, for example, amplified, damped, or its frequency response can be changed, so that, beyond the mere design of the drive, there is a possibility of adjusting the vibration excitation by means of a suitable design of the transmission structure.

[0040] In one embodiment, the transmission structure is directly connected to the sieve, wherein the sieve can be mechanically connected to the transmission structure or - preferably with mechanical preload - placed on the transmission structure.

[0041] In another embodiment, the transmission structure is operatively connected to the sieve via the support frame.

[0042] The transmission structure preferably comprises at least one transmission element. In one embodiment, the transmission element can be configured as a transmission finger, specifically an elongated transmission rod. In another embodiment, the transmission structure comprises two transmission elements, particularly transmission fingers, arranged in a V-shape. However, the transmission element can also be ring-shaped or have more than two transmission fingers.

[0043] According to a further development of the invention, the power supply device includes an energy storage device. Alternatively, the power supply device is designed as an energy storage device. Advantageously, the sieve module can thus be operated autonomously and is not dependent on an external energy source. In one embodiment, the energy storage device is an electrical energy storage device – preferably rechargeable – in particular a battery, a supercapacitor, or an accumulator.

[0044] According to a further development of the invention, the sieve module is provided with a control device configured to control the drive device. Advantageously, this makes it possible to operate the sieve module effectively and efficiently at different times and / or in different modes. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to operate the sieve module in a pre-programmed and / or parameterizable manner.

[0045] Preferably, the control device is arranged within the module housing. Alternatively or additionally, the sieve module and the control device can be handled as a single unit. In one embodiment, the control device is configured for clocked, and in particular pulse-width modulated, operation of the drive device. On and off times for clocked operation can preferably be parameterized, or they can be predefined. Alternatively or additionally, a frequency or a clocking interval can be parameterized, or it can be predefined. Advantageously, the sieve is not continuously excited to vibration, which in particular saves energy and increases the operating time of the power supply device.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the control device is set up for event-controlled operation of the drive device, in particular depending on powder material coming onto the sieve.

[0047] In one embodiment, the control device is configured to detect a screening request, that is, a request to carry out a screening process and thus to screen bulk material, and to activate the drive device when - and preferably as long as - the screening request is detected.

[0048] The sieving requirement may consist in particular of bulk material reaching the sieve, and / or the sieving requirement may be related to a coating process, in particular to an approach of the powder slide to the sieve module or a removal of the powder slide from the sieve module.

[0049] In one embodiment, the control device is operatively connected to a demand detection sensor of the sieve module or the manufacturing device, which is configured to detect the sieving demand. The demand detection sensor can be configured, in particular, to detect whether bulk material is or is being placed on the sieve, and / or to detect a movement of the powder slide – also referred to as slide movement – ​​especially to detect whether the powder slide is approaching or moving away from the sieve module. The demand detection sensor can also be configured to detect whether the powder slide is at a predetermined distance from the sieve module.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the control device has a timer function. This allows, in particular, the duration for which the sieve module should operate to be specified, especially to ensure that the sieve module is not operated beyond the duration of a single production process. This also advantageously saves energy and increases the operating time of the power supply device. A time setting, especially the duration, for the timer function can preferably be parameterized or predefined.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the control device includes a delay function for starting the operation of the drive unit. This advantageously prevents the sieve module from beginning to vibrate immediately after being inserted into the production fixture and switched on or started. Typically, a certain setup time is required before the production fixture can begin the actual manufacturing process, for example, for evacuation or creating a protective gas atmosphere in the work area, during which time the sieve module is no longer accessible. This also advantageously saves energy and increases the operating time of the power supply unit. The start delay can preferably be parameterized – in particular, at least approximately to the setup time of the production fixture – or it can be predefined.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, the control device has a plurality of control modes, each assigned to a specific bulk material. Advantageously, at least one operating parameter of the screen module can be adapted to the specific bulk material used in this way, wherein the at least one operating parameter is selected in particular from a group consisting of a duration of the on-time in pulsed operation, a vibration amplitude, and a combination of these operating parameters.

[0053] In this process, at least one operating parameter is preferably adapted to a gravimetric property of the bulk material, in particular its density. In one embodiment, for a bulk material with a lower density, a longer start-up time – preferably with a correspondingly shorter off-time to maintain a constant cycle time – and / or a lower vibration amplitude, in particular a longer start-up time and a lower vibration amplitude, are selected. For a bulk material with a higher density, a shorter start-up time – preferably with a correspondingly longer off-time to maintain a constant cycle time – and / or a higher vibration amplitude, in particular a shorter start-up time and a higher vibration amplitude, are preferably selected.In particular, the reduced vibration amplitude chosen for lower-density bulk materials advantageously prevents them from being stirred up and / or atomized, thus avoiding contamination of the area surrounding the screen module. Conversely, higher-density bulk materials are screened very efficiently at a higher vibration amplitude, and corresponding process waste is conveyed away very efficiently across the screen surface, especially without requiring a long start-up time, which in turn saves energy.

[0054] The various control modes are selectable, in particular by a user or by a control system of a manufacturing device that is interconnected with the control device.

[0055] In one embodiment, the various control modes are pre-programmed, in particular stored in the control device.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, the control device has a cleaning mode. The filter module can be cleaned particularly effectively in this cleaning mode, especially in the maintenance module described in more detail below.

[0057] The cleaning mode can be selected, in particular by the user or by the control of a manufacturing device connected to the control device.

[0058] In one embodiment, the cleaning mode is pre-programmed, in particular stored in the control device.

[0059] In one embodiment, the cleaning mode is a further control mode; in particular, the cleaning mode comprises a specific control of the drive device, especially a specific setting of the at least one operating parameter selected from the group consisting of the duration of the on-time in pulsed operation, the vibration amplitude, and a combination of these operating parameters. In the cleaning mode, the screen can also be excited to vibrate continuously, i.e., without pulses.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, the control device has an input device for manual operation. Advantageously, this allows the control device to be operated very easily by a user, particularly for switching the sieve module on and off, and optionally for selecting a control mode and / or cleaning mode.

[0061] In one embodiment, the input device is arranged on the module housing. In one configuration, the input device is designed as a simple keypad. However, it is also possible for the input device to be designed as a touch-sensitive display, in particular a touchscreen, as a voice input device, or in another suitable manner. The input device can also include a display, in particular a screen, in addition to a keypad.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the control device has an interface for connecting to an external control device. The interface can be wired or wireless. In one embodiment, the interface is wireless, in particular as a Bluetooth, WLAN or Wi-Fi interface, or as an infrared interface.

[0063] The interface can be configured, in particular, to connect the control device to an external mobile or stationary computing device, especially a desktop PC or a mobile device such as a tablet or mobile phone, and especially to connect to an application (app) running on the external computing device. Alternatively or additionally, the interface can be configured, in particular, to connect to the control system of a manufacturing device; advantageously, in this case, the sieve module can be controlled directly by the manufacturing device in which it is used, and in particular, it can communicate with the manufacturing device.

[0064] In one embodiment, the various modes, in particular the control modes and / or the cleaning mode, can be selected by a user or by a control system of a manufacturing device operatively connected to the control device. The user can select a mode, in particular by means of the input device or via an external control device such as an application (app) running on a mobile device or a desktop PC. The manufacturing device can then select a mode, in particular via its interface.

[0065] According to a further development of the invention, the control device is configured to actuate the drive device during a coating process, specifically during the coating process of the production device. In this way, the sieve can advantageously be set into vibration only when bulk material actually reaches the sieve, which in turn has an energy-saving effect and a beneficial impact on the operating time of the energy storage device. Furthermore, this results in favorable, synchronous control with the operation of the production device.

[0066] Such synchronous control can be achieved, for example, by the manufacturing device communicating with the control device of the sieve module via the interface.

[0067] In one embodiment, the control device is configured to control the drive device based on the instantaneous position or movement of a powder slide in the manufacturing device—and thus, in particular, during the coating process. This achieves the aforementioned advantages in a particularly effective manner. Specifically, it results in a control of the drive device that is exceptionally well synchronized with the operation of the manufacturing device. In one embodiment, the instantaneous slide position can be communicated from the manufacturing device to the control device of the sieve module via the interface.Alternatively or additionally, the sieve module can have a sensor – in particular a demand detection sensor – configured to detect the slide position and / or slide movement, or to detect when the powder slide is located near the sieve module, is approaching the sieve module, or is moving away from the sieve module. The sensor is preferably selected from a group consisting of a capacitive proximity switch, a distance sensor (in particular optical), a tactilely actuated switch, and a combination of at least two of the aforementioned sensors.

[0068] According to a further development of the invention, the sieve module is provided to have at least one environmental sensor, preferably a temperature sensor. Advantageously, the sieve module can thus fulfill an additional function and detect at least one environmental parameter, such as the ambient temperature, in its environment, particularly within the manufacturing device. The environmental sensor is preferably operatively connected to the control device.

[0069] According to a further development of the invention, the sieving device also has a maintenance module, wherein the maintenance module comprises: a maintenance container, and a first module receptacle, configured for arranging the sieving module on the first module receptacle such that the support frame is held at least partially in the maintenance container when the sieving module is arranged on the first module receptacle.

[0070] The maintenance module makes it advantageous to clean the sieve module in a simple, effective, and efficient manner. The maintenance module is, in particular, a cleaning module.

[0071] The maintenance container is preferably a cleaning container designed for cleaning the sieve module, in particular the sieve. For this purpose, a cleaning blower can be assigned to the cleaning container to blow out the sieve, or the cleaning container can simply be designed to collect particles shaken off the sieve during operation of the drive device.

[0072] In one embodiment, the maintenance container is designed as a liquid container for receiving a cleaning fluid.

[0073] The maintenance module is designed separately from the screening module and can be handled independently. This allows the screening module to be moved to the maintenance module as needed, particularly to be positioned at the first module mount for cleaning, and conversely, to be moved away from the maintenance module as needed, especially to use it independently for its primary function of screening bulk materials.

[0074] The first module mount is specifically designed such that the support frame with the sieve is held in the maintenance container when the sieve module is arranged at the first module mount.

[0075] The maintenance module is specifically designed for cleaning the sieve. However, it is also possible to store and keep the sieve module within the maintenance module.

[0076] In particular, it is possible to store and keep the sieve module in the maintenance container, especially if no cleaning fluid is placed in the maintenance container or the fluid container is empty.

[0077] When the sieve module with the sieve is immersed in the maintenance container, the sieve can be cleaned in the maintenance container, particularly of powder residues and / or process waste. This is especially true if the sieve is simultaneously vibrated by the drive device or subjected to an airflow, particularly in cleaning mode. If the sieve module, particularly with the sieve, is immersed in the liquid container filled with the cleaning fluid—and thus preferably completely immersed in the cleaning fluid—the sieve can be cleaned in the liquid container, especially if the sieve is simultaneously vibrated by the drive device, particularly in cleaning mode.

[0078] Water with a cleaning additive, particularly one containing surfactants, such as dishwashing liquid or detergent, can be used as a cleaning fluid. Alternatively, another hydrophilic or lipophilic solvent can be used, such as methanol, isopropanol, hexane, white spirit, or the like.

[0079] In one embodiment, a first heating device is associated with the liquid container, which is configured to heat or warm the liquid container, in particular the cleaning liquid arranged in the liquid container, especially to a temperature of, for example, 40°C to 60°C. Advantageously, this allows the sieve to expand during the cleaning process, so that it can be cleaned more easily and thoroughly, whereby blockages can be removed more easily from the temporarily enlarged mesh size of the sieve fabric caused by thermal expansion.

[0080] In one embodiment, the maintenance module includes a maintenance module control device. The maintenance module control device can have a charging interface through which the electrical energy storage device of the sieve module can be charged. Preferably, the charging process can be controlled via the maintenance module control device. Alternatively or additionally, the maintenance module control device is operatively connected to the first heating device to control the first heating device.

[0081] According to a further development of the invention, the maintenance module additionally comprises a drying container and a second module receptacle, which is configured for arranging the sieve module on the second module receptacle such that the support frame is held at least partially in the drying container when the sieve module is arranged on the second module receptacle. The drying container makes it easy and convenient to dry the sieve module, in particular the support frame and especially the sieve, after cleaning.

[0082] The sieve module can also be stored and kept in the drying container.

[0083] The second module mount is specifically designed such that the support frame with the sieve is held in the drying container when the sieve module is arranged on the second module mount.

[0084] The drying container is, in particular, an empty volume; the screen module can drip dry within it. In one embodiment, a drying fan is associated with the drying container to generate an airflow. This advantageously accelerates the drying of the screen module. Alternatively or additionally, a second heating device is associated with the drying container. This also advantageously accelerates the drying of the screen module. Preferably, the second heating device is associated with the drying fan, so that a hot or warm airflow can be generated within the drying container. This particularly accelerates the drying of the screen module.

[0085] In one embodiment, the liquid container and the drying container are arranged side by side on the maintenance module. This allows the sieve module to be transferred advantageously and very quickly from the liquid container to the drying container. The liquid container and the drying container are preferably integrally arranged on the maintenance module, so that they can be handled as a single unit. In particular, the maintenance module has a housing in which the liquid container and, preferably separated by a partition, the drying container are arranged.

[0086] In particular, the first and second module mounts are arranged side by side on the maintenance module, preferably integrally.

[0087] According to a further development of the invention, the sieving device also includes a quality control module, wherein the quality control module comprises: a detection space to which a detection device for detecting the sieve arranged in the detection space is assigned, and a third module receptacle, configured for arranging the sieve module on the third module receptacle such that the support frame is held at least partially in the detection space when the sieve module is arranged on the third module receptacle.

[0088] The quality control module makes it advantageously possible to check the integrity and functionality of the sieve module, in particular the sieve and / or the support frame, in a simple and quick manner; alternatively or additionally, the quality control module can be used to determine whether the sieve module needs to be cleaned.

[0089] In one embodiment, the detection device is arranged in the detection space.

[0090] The quality control module is designed separately from the screening module and can be handled independently. This allows the screening module to be moved to the quality control module as needed, and in particular to be positioned at the third module mount, for testing purposes. Conversely, the screening module can also be moved away from the quality control module as needed, especially to use it independently for its primary function of screening bulk materials.

[0091] The third module mount is specifically designed such that the support frame with the sieve is held in the detection space when the sieve module is arranged on the third module mount.

[0092] In one embodiment, the quality control module is designed separately from the maintenance module. This allows these two modules to be handled independently of each other.

[0093] In another embodiment, the quality control module is integrally formed with the maintenance module. In particular, it is possible that the quality control module is integrated into the maintenance module housing of the maintenance module. Conversely, the maintenance module can also be integrated into a quality control module housing of the quality control module. In an embodiment in which the quality control module is integrally formed with the maintenance module, the drying container is simultaneously designed as a detection chamber. In particular, it is possible that the detection device is associated with the drying container, and especially that it is arranged within the drying container.

[0094] In one embodiment, the detection device is selected from a group consisting of an optical detection device, in particular a camera – preferably high-resolution and optionally equipped for capturing black and white images – a tactile detection device, an electrical detection device, and a combination of at least two of the aforementioned detection devices.

[0095] Using an optical detection device, it is particularly easy and safe to recognize, especially through image recognition, whether, for example, the support frame is intact or the sieve is damaged or dirty.

[0096] Using a tactile detection device, it is particularly possible to detect the mechanical tension of the sieve on the support frame and to draw conclusions about the integrity of the sieve from this. The resistance of the support frame can also be detected, allowing verification of whether the support frame is intact or, for example, broken.

[0097] An electrical detection device can be used to detect, in particular, the electrical resistance or, more generally, the impedance of the sieve, from which conclusions can also be drawn about the integrity and / or degree of contamination of the sieve.

[0098] In one embodiment, the quality control module includes a control device that is operatively connected to the acquisition device and configured to evaluate data acquired by the acquisition device. Alternatively or additionally, the quality control module includes a control interface configured for data transmission to an external mobile or stationary computing device, for example, the control device of the sieve module, or a desktop PC or mobile device such as a tablet or smartphone, in particular for connection to an application (app) running on the external computing device. The control interface can also be configured for data transmission to a control device of a production device.In one embodiment, the quality control module, in particular the control device, can have a simple color display, in particular a traffic light display or color light, which is set up to indicate a status of the sieve module, for example such that a yellow light illuminates when the sieve needs to be cleaned, a red light illuminates when the sieve needs to be replaced, and a green light illuminates when no action is required.

[0099] In one embodiment, the control device of the sieve module is configured to evaluate the data acquired by the acquisition device. Alternatively or additionally, the control device of the manufacturing device is configured to evaluate the data acquired by the acquisition device.

[0100] At least one module receptacle, selected from the first, second, and third module receptacles, can be configured to attach the sieve module to the first module receptacle, for example, by clipping it on; alternatively, the at least one module receptacle can be configured to place the sieve module on or against the first module receptacle—in particular, loosely. Preferably, all module receptacles are configured in the same way, either to attach the sieve module or to place the sieve module on it.

[0101] In one embodiment, the sieving device comprises a plurality of different sieve modules, in particular with sieves of different sizes, shapes – for example, round or rectangular – and / or mesh sizes, especially for use with various manufacturing devices, containers, and / or bulk materials. Preferably, the sieving device comprises the plurality of different sieve modules and exactly one maintenance module and exactly one quality control module.

[0102] The problem is also solved by creating a manufacturing device for the additive manufacturing of components from a bulk material, which has at least one sieving device according to the invention or a sieving device according to one or more of the embodiments described above. In connection with the manufacturing device, the advantages that have already been explained in connection with the sieving device arise in particular. In one embodiment, the sieving module of the sieving device is arranged on or in a recess or container of the manufacturing device.

[0103] In one embodiment, the sieve module of the sieving device is arranged on or in an overflow container or overflow recess of the manufacturing device. However, it can also be arranged, for example, on or in a storage container, a storage recess, or another container or recess of the manufacturing device.

[0104] In one embodiment, the manufacturing device has a plurality of different sieving devices or a plurality of different sieving modules, in particular with sieves of different sizes, shapes - for example round or square - and / or mesh sizes, especially for use with different bulk materials and / or containers of the manufacturing device.

[0105] The manufacturing device preferably also includes at least one beam generation device configured to generate at least one energy beam, and at least one scanner device configured to selectively irradiate a working area of ​​the manufacturing device with the at least one energy beam in order to produce at least one component from the bulk material arranged in the working area using the at least one energy beam. Furthermore, the manufacturing device includes a manufacturing device control device, which is preferably operatively connected to at least the scanner device and configured to control the scanner device and the manufacturing device.

[0106] The manufacturing device can also be used outside of a manufacturing process, essentially as a "sieving device," particularly for sieving used, contaminated, or even new bulk material. This is achieved by placing the sieving module on a first container—for example, the overflow container—of the manufacturing device and placing the bulk material to be sieved in a second container—for example, the storage container. Especially after inerting a chamber of the manufacturing device, the bulk material can then be transported from the second container to the first container and sieved—preferably under inert conditions—without a manufacturing process. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for a separate device for sieving the powder material.

[0107] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a sieving device with an embodiment of a sieve module;

[0108] Figure 2 shows the sieve module in an embodiment of a manufacturing device;

[0109] Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of a further module of the sieve device;

[0110] Figure 4 shows the sieve module in the first embodiment of the further module;

[0111] Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the further module of the sieve device;

[0112] Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of a sieve device with a second embodiment of a sieve module;

[0113] Figure 7 shows the sieve device according to the second embodiment in a sectional view; and

[0114] Figure 8 shows the sieve device according to the second embodiment in a further sectional view.

[0115] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a sieving device 1 with an embodiment of a sieve module 3.

[0116] The sieving device is designed for use in a manufacturing device 5 shown in Figure 2 for the additive manufacturing of components from a bulk material, but can also be used outside the manufacturing device 5 or independently of it.

[0117] The sieve module 3 has a support frame 7, a sieve 9 arranged on the support frame 7 - in particular a sieve mesh 11 A drive device 13 and a power supply device 15, shown only schematically, are depicted. The drive device 13 is configured to vibrate the sieve 9, and the power supply device 15 is operatively connected to the drive device 13 and configured to supply the drive device 13 with energy. The sieve module 3 is configured to be inserted into and removed from the manufacturing device 5.

[0118] In the embodiment shown here, the sieve module 3 has a module housing 17 in which at least one device, selected from the power supply device 15 and the drive device 13, is arranged. The support frame 7 is preferably arranged on the module housing 17, in particular mechanically connected to the module housing 17 or formed integrally with the module housing 17.

[0119] The sieve module 3 is preferably handled as a single unit together with the support frame 7, the sieve 9, the drive device 13, the power supply device 15, and the module housing 17. Preferably, the sieve module 3 can be moved by a user with one hand.

[0120] In the embodiment shown here, the drive device 13 is configured to directly vibrate the sieve 9. For this purpose, the drive device 13 comprises a drive – preferably designed as a piezo actuator or vibration drive – not shown separately, and a transmission structure 19 operatively connected to the sieve 7, which is configured to transmit vibrations from the drive to the sieve 9. The transmission structure 19 preferably includes a transmission element 21 designed as a transmission finger.

[0121] In the embodiment shown here, the energy supply device 15 is designed as a preferably rechargeable electrical energy storage device, in particular as a battery or accumulator.

[0122] The support frame 7 preferably has an insert structure 23 configured such that the support frame 7 with the insert structure 23 can be inserted into an overflow recess 25 of the manufacturing device 1 as shown in Figure 2 and held in the overflow recess 25. Alternatively or additionally, the support frame 7 has a circumferential sealing structure 27 configured to seal the support frame 7 at the overflow recess 25.

[0123] In the embodiment shown here, the support frame 7 has a drain opening 29 which is arranged adjacent to and free of the sieve 9. Preferably, a surface of the sieve 9 is inclined towards the drain opening 29, in particular with an angle of inclination of 2° to 6°, more specifically 3° to 5°, i.e., the surface slopes down in the direction of the drain opening 29.

[0124] Preferably, the support frame 7 has a retaining structure 31 for arranging at least one collection container on the retaining structure 31, in particular to arrange, and especially to attach, a collection container having a flexible cover, especially a bag – for example, in the manner of a plastic garbage bag or a garbage bag – or a pouch, to the retaining structure 31. Preferably, the retaining structure 31 is configured for arranging exactly one collection container in the area of ​​the drain opening 29.

[0125] Preferably, the sieve module 3 has a control device 33, arranged particularly in the module housing 17, which is configured to control the drive device 13. The control device 33 preferably has an input device 37 for manual operation, also arranged particularly on the module housing 17 and preferably designed as a keypad 35. Additionally, the input device 37 can have a display 39. Alternatively or additionally, the control device 33 can have a wired or wireless interface for connection to an external control device.

[0126] Fig. 2 shows the sieve module 3 in an embodiment of the manufacturing device 5.

[0127] Identical and functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures, so that reference is made to the preceding description in each case.

[0128] The sieve module 3 is inserted into the overflow recess 25, which opens into an overflow container of the manufacturing device 5 (not shown), and can be removed from it, in particular to be operated independently of the manufacturing device 5, for example for sieving bulk material outside the manufacturing device 5, or in particular with a further module 41 of the sieve device 1 shown in Figure 3.

[0129] The manufacturing device 5 has three areas arranged side by side: a bulk material reservoir 43, a working area 45, and the area of ​​the overflow recess 25 with the overflow container (not shown). A powder slide 47 is preferably moved from the bulk material reservoir 43, across the working area 45, to the overflow recess 25 for a coating process.

[0130] The control device 33 is preferably configured to control the drive device 13 during the coating process. Such synchronous control can be achieved, for example, by the manufacturing device 5 communicating with the control device 33 via the interface. The control device 33 can also be configured to control the drive device 13 depending on the instantaneous position of the powder slide 47. For this purpose, the sieve module 3 can have a sensor, for example, a capacitive proximity switch, an optical rangefinder, or a tactilely actuated switch, which is configured to detect the slide position or simply to detect when the powder slide 47 is located near the sieve module 3.

[0131] The manufacturing device 5 can have a plurality of different sieving devices 1 or a plurality of different sieve modules 3, in particular with sieves 9 of different size, shape - for example round or square - and / or mesh size, in particular for use with different bulk materials and / or containers of the manufacturing device 5.

[0132] Furthermore, the manufacturing device 1 preferably comprises – in a manner not shown here – at least one beam generation device configured to generate at least one energy beam, and at least one scanner device configured to locally and selectively irradiate the working area 45 with the at least one energy beam in order to produce at least one component from the bulk material arranged in the working area 45 by means of the at least one energy beam. The manufacturing device 1 further comprises a manufacturing device control device, which is preferably operatively connected to at least the scanner device and configured to control the scanner device and the manufacturing device 1.

[0133] Fig. 3 shows a first embodiment of the further module 41 of the sieve device 1.

[0134] The further module 41 has a module space 49 and a module receptacle 51, which is designed for the arrangement of the sieve module 3 on the module receptacle 51 such that the support frame 7 is held at least partially - in particular with the sieve 9 - in the module space 49 when the sieve module 3 is arranged on the module receptacle 51.

[0135] The module receptacle 51 can be configured to attach the sieve module 3 to the module receptacle 51, for example by clipping it on; alternatively, the module receptacle 51 can be configured to place the sieve module 3 on the module receptacle 51 or, in particular, onto the module receptacle 51 - especially loosely.

[0136] The further module 41 is designed separately from the sieve module 3, and in particular can be handled independently of the sieve module 3. The further module 41 can be designed as a maintenance module 53, in particular configured for cleaning the sieve 9. In this case, the module space 49 is designed as a maintenance container 55, preferably configured as a liquid container, which is configured to hold a cleaning fluid, and the module receptacle 51 is in particular a first module receptacle 57.

[0137] The further module 41 can also be configured as a quality control module 59. In this case, the module space 51 is a detection space 61, to which a detection device 63 (shown only schematically here) for detecting the sieve 9 arranged in the detection space 61 is assigned, if the sieve 9 is arranged in the detection space 61. The module receptacle 51 is then, in particular, a third module receptacle 65 – in contrast to a second module receptacle 64 of the maintenance module 53 described below, referred to as a third module receptacle. The detection device 63 is preferably selected from a group consisting of an optical detection device, in particular a camera (preferably high-resolution), a tactile detection device, an electrical detection device, and a combination of at least two of the aforementioned detection devices.

[0138] Preferably, the quality control module also includes a control device 67 which is operatively connected to the acquisition device 63 and is configured to evaluate data acquired by the acquisition device 63.

[0139] The screening device 1 can have a plurality of different screening modules 3, in particular with screens 9 of different sizes, shapes – for example, round or square – and / or mesh sizes, especially for use with different bulk materials, containers, and / or production equipment. Preferably, the screening device 1 has the plurality of different screening modules 3 and exactly one maintenance module 53 and exactly one quality control module 59.

[0140] Fig. 4 shows the sieve module 3 in the first embodiment of the further module 41, in particular arranged on the module receptacle 51.

[0141] Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of the further module 41 of the sieving device 1. Here, the further module 41 is designed as a maintenance module 53, which additionally comprises a drying container 69 and the second module receptacle 64 associated with the drying container 69. The sieving module 3 can be dried using the drying container 69.

[0142] The maintenance container 55 and the drying container 69 are integrally arranged side by side on the maintenance module 53. In this way, the sieve module 3 can advantageously be transferred very quickly from the maintenance container 55 to the drying container 69. In particular, the maintenance module 53 has a maintenance module housing 71 in which, on the one hand, the maintenance container 55 and, on the other hand – preferably separated by an intermediate wall 73 – the drying container 69 are arranged.

[0143] In particular, the first and second module mounts 57, 64 are also arranged side by side on the maintenance module 53, preferably integrally, here especially facing away from each other.

[0144] The quality control module 59 can be designed integrally with the maintenance module 53, as indicated here by the bracketed reference numerals, in which case the drying container 69 is preferably also designed as the detection chamber 61.

[0145] Figures 6, 7 and 8 show a second embodiment of a sieve device 1 with a second embodiment of a sieve module 3. The reference numerals from the first embodiment of a sieve device 1 have been largely adopted, since the functions are the same.

[0146] The second embodiment of the sieving device 1 also shows a hopper 80, which places the incoming bulk material centrally on the sieve 9, thus ensuring uniform sieving of the bulk material. The hopper 80 is removable, for example, for cleaning purposes or for replacement in case of damage or the like. The holes provided in the hopper 80 can be used for this purpose by inserting a removal device into them.

[0147] Furthermore, the sieve device 1 has a perforated plate 8, which is arranged above the sieve 9 in the direction of flow of the bulk material. The perforated plate 8 serves to protect the fragile sieve 9 from external influences, e.g., from the operator. For example, a vacuum cleaner or similar device may be used when cleaning the process chamber, which could damage the sieve 9.

[0148] In addition, a suspension arrangement 84 is arranged laterally in the sieve module 3, which ensures that vibrations are not transmitted to the rest of the manufacturing device 5 during operation and would thus influence the process.

[0149] A container 82 is arranged below the sieve module 3, in which the sieved bulk material or

[0150] Powder is collected. This container 82 can be removed and reinserted into the production device 5 as a bulk material supply 43.

Claims

REQUIREMENTS 1. Sieve device (1), configured for use in a manufacturing device (5) for the additive manufacturing of components from a bulk material, comprising a sieve module (3), wherein the sieve module (3) comprises a support frame (7), a sieve (9) arranged on the support frame (7), a drive device (13) configured to vibrate the sieve (9), and a power supply device (15) operatively connected to the drive device (13) and configured to supply the drive device (13) with energy, and wherein the sieve module (3) is configured to be inserted into and removed from the manufacturing device (5).

2. Sieve device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the support frame (7) has an insert structure (23) which is configured such that the support frame (7) with the insert structure (23) can be inserted into a recess or container, in particular an overflow recess (25), of the manufacturing device (5) and held in the recess or container, and / or a circumferential sealing structure (27) which is configured to seal the support frame (7) against the recess or container.

3. Sieve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame (7) has a drain opening (29) which is arranged adjacent to the sieve (9) and is free from the sieve (9).

4. Sieve device (1) according to claim 3, wherein a surface of the sieve (9) is inclined towards the drain opening (29).

5. Sieve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame (7) has a holding structure (31) for arranging at least one collection container on the holding structure (31), in particular in the area of ​​the drain opening.

6. Sieve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive device (13) has a drive and optionally a transmission structure (19) operatively connected to the sieve (9) for transmitting vibrations from the drive of the drive device (13) to the sieve (9).

7. Sieve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the power supply device (15) has an energy storage device or is designed as an energy storage device.

8. Sieve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sieve module (3) has a control device (33) configured to control the drive device (13), wherein the control device (33) is optionally configured for clocked and / or event-controlled operation of the drive device (13), and / or has a timer function, and / or has a delay function for a start delay of the operation of the drive device (13), and / or has a plurality of control modes each assigned to a specific bulk material, and / or has a cleaning mode, and / or has an input device (35) for manual operation, and / or has an interface - in particular wireless - for connection with an external control device.

9. Sieving device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the control device (33) is configured to control the drive device (13) during a coating process of the manufacturing device (5), preferably depending on an instantaneous slide position of a powder slide (47) of the manufacturing device (5).

10. Sieve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sieve module (3) has an environmental sensor.

11. Sieving device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sieving device (1) further comprises a maintenance module (53), the maintenance module (53) comprising: a maintenance container (55), and a first module receptacle (57) designed to arrange the sieve module (3) on the first module receptacle (57) such that the support frame (7) is held at least partially in the maintenance container (55) when the sieve module (3) is arranged on the first module receptacle (57).

12. Sieving device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the maintenance module (53) additionally comprises a drying container (69) and a second module receptacle (64) which is configured to arrange the sieve module (3) on the second module receptacle (64) such that the support frame (7) is held at least partially in the drying container (69) when the sieve module (3) is arranged on the second module receptacle (64).

13. Sieving device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sieving device (1) further comprises a quality control module (59), the quality control module (59) comprising: a detection chamber (61) to which a detection device (63) for detecting the sieve (9) arranged in the detection chamber (61) is assigned, and a third module receptacle (65) configured for arranging the sieve module (3) on the third module receptacle (65) such that the support frame (7) is held at least partially in the detection chamber (61) when the sieve module (3) is arranged on the third module receptacle (65).

14. Manufacturing device (5) for additive manufacturing of components from a bulk material, comprising at least one sieving device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein optionally the sieving module (3) of the sieving device (1) is arranged on or in a recess or container, in particular an overflow recess (25) or an overflow container of the manufacturing device (5).

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