DE102012024266A1 - Cleaning device for removing powder attached to components or models - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning device (100) for removing powder adhering to components (14) which have been produced from solidified powder using the layer construction method. According to the invention it is provided that it contains the following: a) a housing (10), b) a rotary valve (25) which is arranged in the housing (10) and which contains a rotary cell (5) which can be rotated relative to the housing (10), c) at least one sieve surface (7, 8) which is rotatable with the bucket wheel (5) and delimits cells (18) of the bucket wheel sluice and has sieve openings, d) means (9) for rotating the bucket wheel (5) of the bucket wheel sluice (25) together with the screen surface (7, 8) in different rotational positions relative to the housing (10), through which cells (18) of the cellular wheel (5) d1) according to a rotational position (A) both with a component-guiding opening in the housing (10) designed Insertion opening (1) as well as a first powder discharge opening (3) designed as a powder-carrying opening in the housing (10), and d2) according to a further rotary position (C) with a further component designed as a component-guiding opening in the housing (10) -Exhaust opening (2) for performing de s component (14) cleaned of adhering powder can be brought into connection from the housing (10), and e) means for generating at least one suction or compressed air flow through which at least one of the rotary positions (A) of the cellular wheel (5) Powder-afflicted component (14) is introduced through the component insertion opening (1) into a cell (18) of the rotary valve (25) and at least part of the powder adhering to the component (14) is removed from the component (14) and through the Sieve openings of the sieve surface (7, 8) can be transported through into the first powder discharge opening (3).

Description

The present invention relates to a cleaning device for removing adhering powder to components or models, which have been prepared in the layer-building process of solidified powder.

By means of layer-building methods, three-dimensional objects, components or models can be produced with the aid of computer data in which thin layers of loose powder material are repeatedly applied to a powder bed and each individual layer is selectively solidified into a component cross-section. The individual powder layers can both vertically on horizontal platforms ( US 2008/0001331 ) or at a certain angle, which is smaller than the specific angle of repose, on horizontally moving beds ( WO 2011 127 897 A2 ) are applied. The bonding mechanism can be carried out chemically, for example, by applying very fine droplets of adhesive with precision to specific areas of the powder layers using printing technology ( DE69333169T2 ). In addition, there is the possibility of selectively melting or sintering loose powder with high-energy radiation ( DE4400523C2 ).

In the most widely used methods, the building process takes place in a building container with a vertically displaceable building platform as the floor ( US6375874B1 ). Here, the construction platform is brought into the highest possible position at the beginning of the construction process and there applied a first layer of loose particulate material. After selective consolidation of this layer to a component cross section, the construction platform is lowered by one layer thickness. Subsequently, a layer of loose particulate material is again applied and in turn selectively solidified to a component cross-section. These steps are repeated until the desired three-dimensional part or model body is completely created.

During the construction process, the construction container increasingly filled with powder material. Part of the loose powder is bonded to the desired part or model by the consolidation operations, while the remaining unbound and unconsolidated particulate material or powder supports the component or model against sagging and warping.

After completion of the layering process, the component or model consisting of solidified particles or powder must be freed from particles which are not solidified but which adhere to the component or model. This process is called unpacking the part or model. The goal is to reuse or recycle the unbonded powder removed from the part or model for a build process.

To remove the non-solidified but adhering to the component or model powder, for example, a conventional vacuum cleaner for manual suction can be used. If the unpacking of the component or model takes place manually, high time losses and costs arise, which is unergonomic. In addition, the unconsolidated powder can affect the health of the workers, for example, by unwanted inhalation.

Therefore, it is desirable to automate the unpacking. From the generic DE 10 2011 002 954 A1 is a device for cleaning of components, which were prepared by laser sintering known. The device includes a rotatable around its axial axis filter device with a sheath in which a plurality of openings is arranged. The components to be liberated from unbonded powder are introduced by means of a mechanical feed device into an inner region of the filter device, wherein the filter device is then rotated about its axial axis so that the unbonded powder is due to the components rubbing against one another in the filter device or due to centrifugal forces detached from the component and can be fed through the openings through a collecting device. Due to the non-directional movements of the components, in particular by repeated impacts on the sheathing in the course of the rotation of the filter device, however, damage to the components can occur, which are to be avoided.

task

The invention is based on the object to further develop a cleaning device of the type mentioned in such a way that the intended for the purification of unbound powder components or models are cleaned as gently and without damage.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention is based on the idea that a cell of a rotary valve in the course of its rotation with different stationary component or powder-carrying openings of a housing in connection or out of connection device by pending in these openings suction or compressed air streams components into the cell , Powder particles out of the cell and optionally also to transport the component itself out of the cell. The individual process steps are therefore dependent from an overlap of a cell of the cell wheel with these openings in the housing.

• a) Ein Gehäuse,
• b) eine in dem Gehäuse angeordnete Zellenradschleuse, welche ein relativ zum Gehäuse rotierbares Zellenrad beinhaltet,
• c) wenigstens eine mit. dem Zellenrad rotierbare, Zellen der Zellenradschleuse begrenzende und Sieböffnungen aufweisende Siebfläche,
• d) Mittel zum Rotieren des Zellenrads der Zellenradschleuse zusammen mit der Siebfläche in verschiedene Drehpositionen relativ zum Gehäuse, durch welche Zellen des Zellenrads d1) gemäß einer Drehposition sowohl mit einer als bauteilführende Öffnung im Gehäuse ausgebildeten Bauteil-Einführöffnung als auch mit einer ersten, als pulverführende Öffnung im Gehäuse ausgebildeten Pulver-Abführöffnung (3), und d2) gemäß einer weiteren Drehposition mit einer weiteren, als bauteilführende Öffnung im Gehäuse ausgebildeten Bauteil-Ausführöffnung zum Ausführen des von anhaftendem Pulver gereinigten Bauteils aus dem Gehäuse in Verbindung bringbar ist, und
• e) Mittel zum Erzeugen wenigstens eines Saug- oder Druckluftstroms, durch welche in der einen Drehposition des Zellenrads wenigstens ein mit Pulver behaftetes Bauteil durch die Bauteil-Einführöffnung hindurch in eine Zelle der Zellenradschleuse eingebracht und wenigstens ein Teil des an dem Bauteil anhaftenden Pulvers von dem Bauteil entfernt und durch die Sieböffnungen der Siebfläche hindurch in die erste Pulver-Abführöffnung transportierbar ist.

According to the invention, the cleaning device includes:

• a) a housing,
• b) a rotary valve disposed in the housing, which includes a cell wheel rotatable relative to the housing,
• c) at least one with. Rotatable cell wheel, cells of the rotary valve limiting and screen openings having Siebfläche,
• d) means for rotating the cell wheel of the rotary valve together with the screen surface in different rotational positions relative to the housing, through which cells of the feeder d1) according to a rotational position both with a component-leading opening in the housing component insertion opening and with a first, as powder-leading Opening formed in the housing powder discharge opening ( 3 ), and d2) according to a further rotational position with a further, designed as a component-leading opening in the housing component-Ausführöffnung for carrying out the cleaned of adhering powder component from the housing in combination, and
• e) means for generating at least one suction or compressed air flow through which introduced in the one rotational position of the cellular at least one powdered component through the component insertion opening into a cell of the rotary valve and at least a portion of the adhering to the component powder of the Removed component and can be transported through the screen openings of the screen surface into the first powder discharge opening.

In other words, in the one rotational position of the cellular wheel, at least one component is introduced by means of a suction or compressed air flow of the means for generating at least one suction or compressed air flow through the component insertion opening in a cell of the cell and forced against the screen surface and at least one part of the adhering to the at least one component powder removed from the at least one component and transported away through the screen openings of the screen surface into the first powder discharge opening.

The compressed by the suction or compressed air flow to the screen surface component is therefore fixed to the screen surface and rotates with this or the cellular wheel, whereby relative movements between the at least one component and the feeder or the screen surface are avoided and the risk of damage to the Component sinks.

Preferably, one and the same suction or compressed air flow therefore ensures the transport of the at least one component into the cell and for blowing off unbound powder or particulate material from the at least one component and for its transport through the screen surface into the first powder discharge opening in Casing.

An airflow source is therefore designed or designed such that the suction or compressed air flow generated by it is able to apply flow forces which at least one component pass through the component insertion opening into the cell, push against a screening surface delimiting the cell and at least a part of the adhering one Can clean off powder.

Through this multi-functionality of the suction or compressed air flow, the cleaning device can be operated with low energy consumption. In particular, the first powder discharge opening can communicate with a powder collecting container in which the powder dissolved by the components is collected for recycling.

Preferably, a suction air flow is used, which is present in the first powder discharge opening, for example by a suction pump connected there. Since the first powder discharge opening in the one rotational position about. the at least one screen surface communicates with the component insertion opening, the suction air flow is likewise present in the component insertion opening and can therefore suck in components located in the region of the component insertion opening into the cell of the cell wheel. Such a suction air therefore exerts suction forces on the at least one component or on the powder particles by means of a pressure gradient. An alternatively used compressed air flow would exert pressure forces on the component or the powder particles due to a reverse pressure gradient. The person skilled in the art is aware of how he can generate such pressure gradient at the openings in the housing.

After a rotation of the cell wheel of the rotary valve and thus the at least one cleaned component receiving cell in the further rotational position of this cell gets out of communication with the first powder discharge opening and in connection with the component-exporting opening for executing the at least one component from the housing. The forces necessary for this purpose can either in turn preferably originate from one and the same suction or compressed air flow of the means for generating at least one suction or compressed air flow or from the gravity of the at least one component itself or by a combination of both.

According to the invention, therefore, at least one component with adhering to it particles or powder from the construction field is sucked into the cell, for example, and there of unbound powder separated. The powder released from the component remains in the suction air or compressed air stream and can be supplied via the first powder discharge opening to a reprocessing device such as sieves or mixing stations or directly to another construction process.

Therefore, the present invention operates according to a method in which a cell receiving the at least one component in the course of a preferably continuous rotation of the cell wheel with different openings in the housing in connection or out of communication to the at least one component through preferably in the openings themselves transporting suction or compressed air streams into the cell, cleaning it and optionally also removing it from the cell of the cell wheel.

In order not to interrupt the suction or compressed air streams or only briefly, the method described preferably takes place in parallel in several cells of the rotary valve, which are then brought in and out of communication with the described openings by the rotation of the feeder.

Advantageous developments of the claimed in claim 1 invention are described by the dependent claims.

Particularly preferably, in one rotational position the at least one component is introduced into the cell through the component insertion opening, the removal of at least part of the powder adhering to the at least one component from the at least one component and the transport of the removed powder through the screen openings Sieve surface through in the first powder discharge opening by one and the same suction or compressed air flow. This allows a high degree of ergonomics of the cleaning process.

According to a further development, in the further rotational position, the at least one component cleaned from adhering powder can be removed from the housing by means of its gravitational force and / or by means of a suction or compressed air flow of the means for producing at least one suction or compressed air flow.

Preferably, the means for generating at least one suction or compressed air flow are designed such that at least one suction air flow is applied which exerts a sucking effect on the at least one component accommodated in the cell and in that the at least one suction air flow in the one rotational position preferably over the first powder discharge opening from the side facing away from the at least one component side of the screen surface and in the further rotational position preferably acts on the at least one component via the component-discharge opening of the at least one component facing side of the screen surface forth.

According to another preferred measure, a cell receiving the at least one component is separated from the component insertion opening in the further rotational position.

The means for generating the at least one suction or compressed air flow are preferably designed such that the at least one suction or compressed air flow can be introduced via the component-guiding or powder-conducting openings in the housing into a cell accommodating the at least one component. In other words, the suction or pressure forces preferably act exclusively on the component-leading or powder-carrying openings in the housing, without own openings would have to be provided, which introduce only a suction or compressed air flow into the cell, without at least one component and / or powder is transported with.

According to a particularly preferable development, a cell of the cell wheel receiving the at least one component can be brought by the means for rotating the cell wheel into a rotational position arranged between the one and the further rotational position and in conjunction with a second powder discharge opening of the housing designed as a powder-carrying opening , and in the rotational position arranged between the one and the further rotational position by the means for generating at least one suction or compressed air flow, a remainder of the powder still adhering to the component is removed from the component and can be transported through the sieve surface into the second powder discharge opening ,

After rotation of the cell wheel of the rotary valve and thus a largely purified component receiving cell in the arranged between the one and the other rotational position rotational position this cell gets out of communication with the component insertion opening and with the first powder discharge opening in the housing but in conjunction with the second powder discharge opening. Then, for example, again a suction air flow of the means for generating at least one suction or compressed air flow for blowing off any remaining residue of unbonded powder from the component and the removal via the second powder discharge opening in the powder collection container. Thus, the blowing off of powder, which has already taken place in one rotational position, is repeated by the at least one component, which brings about a particularly thorough cleaning. This step is therefore particularly advantageous when unbound powder heavily contaminated components.

In this case, a cell receiving the at least one component is separated from the component insertion opening and from the first powder discharge opening in the rotational position arranged between the one and the further rotational position.

According to a further development, the component-guiding and / or the powder-carrying openings in the housing can each be arranged coaxially or radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotary valve. In particular, the center axis of the component delivery opening is preferably arranged vertically or has at least one vertical component, so that gravity can carry out or support the removal of components from the cell alone.

Particularly preferably, the means for rotating the cell wheel of the cell lock permanently rotationally drive the cellular wheel. For this purpose, a control device may be provided which continuously activates the means for rotating the cell wheel of the cell sluice. This creates a continuous process by which a high number of components can be economically decompressed.

Depending on the design, the screen surface can be perpendicular to a rotational axis of the rotary valve or be formed by an at least partially cylindrical screen surface, whose central axis is arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation of the rotary valve.

According to a particularly preferable measure, a plurality of screen surfaces can be arranged serially in the direction of flow of the suction or compressed air stream, the screen hole diameter decreasing in the throughflow order of the screen surfaces for separating components of different sizes and / or for separating powder particles of different sizes and those in the flow sequence Although the screen surface last screen surface is powder-permeable, but not throughout the entire structure. With the use in the air flow serially successively arranged screen surfaces with decreasing Sieblochdurchmessern therefore components and powder particles of different sizes. separated from each other and optionally supplied to different collection containers.

In this case, the plurality of sieve surfaces subdividing components accommodating cells into a plurality of chambers, wherein at least one of these chambers in the course of rotation of the cell wheel with at least one component and / or powder-conducting opening in the housing in connection or disconnected. Components and / or powder particles of different sizes can then be transported out of the cell via the component- and / or powder-carrying openings.

In order for the process to function as efficiently as possible, component-receiving cells of the rotary valve are designed in such a way that they are otherwise sealed in the housing with the exception of the rotational position-dependent connection to component- and / or powder-conducting openings.

Overall, therefore, preferably in the first powder discharge opening from the at least one component receiving cell directed suction air flow is generated, which then also acts in the component supply port to suck the at least one component in the cell and at least a portion of the unbound Clean powder. Furthermore, in the second powder discharge opening, a suction air flow directed from the cell accommodating at least one component is also generated in order to detach and remove residual powder from the at least one component. Finally, optionally, a suction air flow directed from the cell receiving the at least one component can also be generated in the component delivery opening in order to transport the at least one component out of the cell. For this purpose, for example, a suction air flow generated by a suction air device can be connected simultaneously to the first powder discharge opening, optionally to the second powder discharge opening and optionally also to the component discharge opening.

Furthermore, the at least one screen surface with the screen openings preferably made of flexible material, so as not to damage the components.

Advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the description and the drawings. The advantages of features and of combinations of several features mentioned in the introduction to the description are merely exemplary and can come into effect alternatively or cumulatively, without the advantages having to be achieved by embodiments according to the invention. Further features are the drawings - in particular the illustrated geometries and the relative dimensions of several components to each other and their relative arrangement and operative connection - refer. The combination of features of different embodiments of the invention or of features of different claims is also possible deviating from the chosen relationships of the claims and is hereby stimulated. This also applies to those features which are shown in separate drawings or are mentioned in their description. These features can also be combined with features of different claims. Likewise, in the claims listed features for further embodiments of the invention can be omitted.

drawing

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawing. In the drawing show

1 an overview of the cleaning process with a cleaning device according to the invention;

2a to 2e a preferred embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention, wherein

2a is a bottom view of the cleaning device,

2 B a side view of the cleaning device is

2c is a plan view of the cleaning device,

2d a sectional view of the cleaning device of 1b with all connections, both at the top and bottom as well as the direction of rotation of the cell wheel are shown,

2e is a perspective, partially broken view of the cleaning device;

3a to 3e a further embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention, wherein

3a is a bottom view of the cleaning device,

3b a side view of the cleaning device is

3c is a top view of the cleaning device from above,

3d a sectional view of the cleaning device of 2 B with all connections, both at the top and bottom as well as the direction of rotation of the cell wheel are shown,

3e is a perspective, partially broken view of the cleaning device;

4a to 4e a further embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention, wherein

4a is a bottom view of the cleaning device,

4b a side view of the cleaning device is

4c is a top view of the cleaning device from above,

4d a sectional view of the cleaning device of 3b with all connections, both at the top and bottom as well as the direction of rotation of the cell wheel are shown,

4e a perspective, partially broken view of the cleaning device is.

5 a perspective view of another embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention;

6 a perspective view of another embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention.

Description of the embodiments

1 is an overview of a cleaning process, in which in the layer construction process made of solidified powder components 14 be cleaned of adherent, non-solidified or bonded powder particles to "unpack". These components 14 are for example on a building platform 15 a construction container 16 in which the components 15 have been prepared in the manner described in the introduction.

The construction container 16 is immediately below a component insertion opening 1 a cleaning device 100 arranged according to the invention. As you can see, the components are 14 via the component insertion opening 1 in the cleaning device 100 introduced, in particular from the building container 16 sucked. To adjust the level position of the straight into the cleaning device 100 to be introduced components 14 to the level position of the component insertion opening 1 can the build platform 15 for example, be raised. Alternatively, but also the cleaning device 100 opposite the build platform 15 or opposite the construction container 16 be raised or lowered, in particular via a linear axis system such as a portal. The cleaning device 100 is then according to the straight in the construction container 16 present level of components 14 moved vertically downwards so that the component insertion opening 1 always on the very highest level of the components 14 lies.

After cleaning in the cleaning device 100 arrive the unpacked components 14 via a component discharge opening 2 of the cleaning device 100 for example, on a conveyor 17 for further processing or storage.

In the figures, a continuous arrow line at the component insertion opening 1 the insertion of components 14 with adhering powder particles in the cleaning device 100 and the dotted arrow lines indicate the execution of the unpacked components, ie the components cleaned of adhering powder 14 The dashed arrow lines symbolize the execution of cleaned powder particles from the cleaning device 100 over powder discharge openings 3 . 4 ,

In the 2a to 2e shown preferred embodiment of a cleaning device 100 according to the invention includes a relative to a stationary housing 10 with cylindrical wall 6 rotating cell wheel 5 a Zelleradschleuse 25 , The cell wheel 5 has, for example, five cells 18 on, which radially outward through the wall 6 of the housing, up and down through a top plate 19 and a bottom plate 20 of the housing 10 and in the circumferential direction in each case by cell wings 21 are limited, in particular 2e shows. To seal the cells 18 To ensure the cell wings slide 21 the cellular wheel 5 close to the wall 6 of the housing 10 along. The direction of rotation of the cell wheel 5 is symbolized in the figures by a curved arrow.

The cell wheel 5 is by a motor, for example, preferably by an electric motor, for example, continuously, ie at a constant speed relative to the stationary housing 10 driven. The motor 9 is controlled by an electronic control device, not shown here. Instead of an electric motor 9 could be the bucket wheel 5 also be driven pneumatically, for example, by an existing here anyway and later explained suction or compressed air flow.

The cleaning device 100 is shown in the position of use, ie, that the parts shown below actually arranged below and above parts are actually arranged at the top.

In the axial direction of a cellular wheel axis of rotation 22 , so here in the vertical direction are here, for example, two screen discs or screen surfaces 7 . 8th arranged one behind the other, which each of the cells in a lower chamber 23 and an upper chamber 24 divide.

The two screen discs 7 . 8th are with the cellular wheel 5 rotatably connected and, for example, have different screen hole diameter, with an upper screen disc 7 for smaller powder particles permeable sieve holes and a lower sieve disc 8th In contrast, larger powder particles permeable, but for the components to be cleaned 14 impermeable sieve holes. Alternatively, only a single strainer could be used 7 or 8th be present, which is generally permeable to powder particles, but for the components to be cleaned 14 impermeable sieve holes. Then there is only one chamber available.

At the circular disk-shaped top plate 19 are a first powder discharge opening 3 and a second powder discharge opening 4 each formed as a nozzle, to which, for example, a not shown here Sauglufteinrichtung is connected to the two powder discharge openings 3 . 4 generates a suction air flow. This results in a pressure gradient, which in the interior of the housing, in particular in the cells of the feeder 5 connected to the powder discharge openings 3 . 4 depending on the rotational position of the bucket 5 be related to the housing 10 or with respect to the respective powder discharge opening 3 . 4 connected cell 18 generate suction forces directed outwards.

At the bottom plate of the housing 10 is the component insertion opening 1 arranged, through which at least one component 14 and preferably several components 14 with adherent, not connected by the construction process powder particles in the housing 10 be introduced ( 1 ). The dimensions of the component insertion opening 1 depend on the dimension and number of in the case 10 to be introduced components 14 and can be adapted as needed. The component insertion opening 1 is approximately coaxial with the first powder discharge opening 3 in the headstock 19 of the housing 10 arranged. Instead of only one can also have several such component insertion openings 1 to be available.

The component insertion opening 1 and the first powder discharge opening 3 are arranged so that they in a first rotational position (A) of the bucket 5 simultaneously with a cell 18 can be in fluid communication. Therefore, if in the first powder discharge opening 3 a suction air flow is present, then this suction air flow is due to the air-permeable screen discs 7 . 8th also at the component insertion opening 1 and ensures that components 14 with adhesive powder from the construction container 16 via the component insertion opening 1 into the lower chamber 23 the with the component insertion opening 1 and the first powder discharge opening 3 by rotation of the cell wheel 5 connected cell 18 can be sucked.

So if the cell wheel 5 together with the sieve discs 7 . 8th Rotationally driven, so are components 14 with adhesive powder in the cell 18 sucked; in a first rotational position (A) just in the region of the component insertion opening 1 located ( 2d ). Through the continuous rotation process thus get components 14 with adherent powder in all cells 18 the cellular wheel 5 or in their lower chambers 23 ,

By the suction air flow, the components 14 with adhering powder against the lower screen disc 8th that for components 14 is not permeable, pushed and held or fixed there. Through the suction air flow and the resulting generated back pressure on the captured components 14 Already the largest part of the adhesive powder of the components 14 cleaned and can because of the relatively large Siebduckmessers the lower screen disc 8th through them and into the upper chamber 24 the cell in question 18 enter. Larger particles or soiling of the cleaned-off powder then become due to the smaller Sieblochdurchmessers the upper sieve disk 7 in the upper chamber 24 while smaller and reusable particles may pass through it to continue being driven by the suction air flow through the first powder discharge port 3 to get into a collection container, not shown here.

This is the introduction or suction of the components 14 with adhering powder in a cell 18 the cellular wheel 5 at least partially cleaning or blowing off the powder and also discharging the cleaned powder from the cleaning device 100 in a single step, in a single (first) rotational position (A) of the bucket 5 and by a flow of air from a single source of airflow. This air flow source is designed or designed so that the air flow generated by it is able to apply flow forces, which at least one component 154 through the component insertion opening 1 in a cell 18 spend against a cell 18 limiting sieve surface or screen disc 8th push and at least a part of the adhering powder can clean. Here are preferred several components 14 sucked into the cell until, for example, the lower chamber 23 a cell 18 with components 14 is filled up.

Due to the serial arrangement of several screen discs 7 . 8th with decreasing Sieblochdurchmesser along the Saugluftstroms the powder is prepared at the same time for reuse, by contamination in the powder or powder agglomerations here on the upper screen disk 7 be deposited.

If then the cellular wheel 5 in a second rotational position (B) continues to turn, gets the now pre-cleaned components 14 receiving cell 18 except connection to the component insertion opening 1 and with the first powder discharge opening 3 , whereby the prevailing suction air flow is first canceled. However, this cell gets 18 then, for example, immediately in conjunction or in the area of a second powder discharge opening 4 , in which also a suction air flow is present. The one in the line 18 recorded components 14 they become the cell in question through the two 18 in the circumferential direction delimiting cell wings 21 during the rotation of the cell wheel 5 taken along and thereby lead only a relative movement relative to the bottom plate 20 of the housing 10 off while the screen disc 8th with the cell wheel 5 rotates.

This is how the components become 14 , if residual powder still adheres to them, completely freed from the newly acting suction air flow by the powder, which then likewise by means of the suction air flow through the second powder discharge opening 4 is transported into the collection container. The at the two powder discharge openings 3 . 4 The upcoming suction air stream preferably originates from the same suction air device.

Then, when a third rotational position (C) is reached, in which the now completely cleaned components 14 receiving cell 18 above the component discharge opening 2 in the bottom plate 20 of the housing 10 is located, so are the components 14 due to its gravity and / or with the help of a to the component discharge opening 2 applied suction air flow from the cell 18 or the housing 10 on the conveyor 17 according to 1 applied.

In the embodiments of the cleaning device shown in the further figures, identical or analogously acting components and assemblies are identified by the same reference numerals.

In contrast to the embodiment of 2 will be at the in 6 shown embodiment on the lower screen disc 8th omitted, so that only one chamber is present, in which the sucked components 14 then on the upper screen disc 7 with sieve holes with a smaller sieve hole diameter, which is only powdery but not component-permeable. After cleaning off the components 14 By means of the suction air flow then all (smaller and larger) powder particles pass through the sieve disk 7 through into the powder discharge opening 3 and from there to the collection container. The suction and cleaning of the components 14 takes place as before in the first rotational position (A) and in a single cell 18 , Compared to the embodiment of 2 is also due to further suction of powder through a second powder discharge port 4 waived. The application of the cleaned components 14 in turn takes place in turn in a further, downstream rotational position (C) by means of the component discharge opening 2 analogous to the embodiment of 2 ,

Another embodiment of a cleaning device 100 is in the 3a to 3e shown. Here are the cleaned components 14 radially out of the chambers 23 . 24 the cells 18 sucked to the outside. The sieve hole diameter of the sieve holes of the lower sieve disk is 8th for smaller components 14 permeable with adherent powder, while the upper sieve disc 7 Has sieve holes with a Sieblochdurchmesser passing parts 14 generally prevents but powder particles in the powder discharge openings 3 . 4 lets happen.

This is a sighting of different large components 14 possible by adding larger components 14 in the lower chamber 23 the cell in question 18 and smaller components 14 in the upper chamber 24 the cell in question 18 be deposited. The spreading out of the two chambers 23 . 24 then takes place through two component discharge openings 11 . 12 each of which is at the level of the relevant chamber 23 . 24 is arranged. As a gravity assisted spreading of the cleaned components 14 omitted here, is to the two component discharge openings 1 . 12 a suction air flow is applied, which in turn preferably originates from the same suction air device as it also for the suction of the components 14 and the suction of the powder is used. Otherwise, the process steps are suction of the components 14 , Cleaning the components 14 and vacuuming cleaned powder in the first rotational position (A), further cleaning the components 14 and sucking cleaned powder in the second rotational position (B) and discharging the cleaned components 14 in the third rotational position (C) as described above. At the headstock 19 is also a false air hole 13 available.

Show an embodiment for greater throughput 4a to 4e , Here are the screen surfaces 7 . 8th designed as cylinder jacket surfaces, wherein an inner screen surface 8th an inner chamber 23 limited with a circular cross-section radially outward. This inner chamber 23 a cell 18 is in the third rotational position (C) of the bucket 5 with one in the bottom plate 20 of the housing 10 arranged component discharge opening 11 in connection. Between the inner screen surface 8th and an outer screen surface 7 becomes an annular chamber 24 formed with an annular cross-section, in the rotational position (C) with a further component discharge opening 12 get in touch. Furthermore, in the first rotational position (A) is the inner chamber 23 with the in the bottom plate 20 arranged component insertion opening 1 as well as with the first powder discharge opening 3 in connection, in particular from 4d evident. The sieve hole diameter of the sieve holes of the screen surfaces now formed as cylinder jacket surfaces 7 . 8th decreases from the inside to the outside, so that the radially inner screen surface 8th Sieblöcher with larger screen hole diameter than the screen holes of the radially outer screen surface 7 ,

The components to be cleaned 14 be through the component insertion opening 1 in the first rotational position (A) in a cell 18 sucked. The sieve hole diameter of the sieve holes of the inner sieve surface 8th is chosen so that smaller components 14 the inner screen surface 8th pass and into the outer chamber 24 can reach until they reach the outer screen surface 7 are held with a smaller screen hole diameter of the sieve holes and cleaned there. In contrast, remain larger components 14 on the inner screen surface 8th hang and be cleaned there. These larger components 14 therefore initially remain in each case in an inner chamber 23 a cell 18 , The driving force in each case is that in the first powder discharge opening 3 pending and thus also in the inner chamber 23 as well as in the outer chamber 24 acting suction air flow.

In contrast, the powder particles can both screen surfaces 7 . 8th happen and arrive due to the acting in the first rotational position (A) suction air flow over the first powder discharge opening 3 in the collection container. In the second rotational position (B) powder particles are in turn via the second powder discharge opening 4 sucked into the sump.

In the third rotational position (C), the cleaned components 14 over in the bottom plate 20 and on the radius with the respective chamber 23 . 24 arranged component discharge openings 11 . 12 from the cell in question 18 applied, in particular gravity-assisted.

In a modification of the embodiment of 4 is determined according to the in 5 shown embodiment on the inner screen surface 8th dispensed so that components in the first rotational position (A) on the outer screen surface 7 hang in there, be cleaned there and in the third rotational position (C) in the in the bottom plate of the housing 10 arranged component discharge opening 2 can reach. There was also waived on the other. Cleaning step according to the second rotational position (B), so that here through the cylindrical screen surface 7 through sucked, cleaned powder through the on the cylindrical wall 6 of the housing 10 angegeotdnete first powder discharge opening 3 is dissipated.

It is clear that instead of a suction air flow, a compressed air flow for applying pneumatic forces to the components or the powder can be used.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Component-feed

2

Component discharge opening

3

first powder discharge opening

4

second powder discharge opening

5

feeder

6

wall

7

Screen area

8th

Screen area

9

engine

10

casing

11

Component discharge opening

12

Component discharge opening

13

False air hole

14

components

15

building platform

16

building container

17

Conveyor

18

cell

19

headstock

20

baseplate

21

cells wings

22

Cell wheel axis of rotation

23

chamber

24

chamber

25

Zelleradschleuse

100

cleaning device

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2008/0001331 [0002]
• WO 2011127897 A2 [0002]
• DE 69333169 T2 [0002]
• DE 4400523 C2 [0002]
• US 6375874 B1 [0003]
• DE 102011002954 A1 [0007]

Claims (14)

Cleaning device ( 100 ) for removing components ( 14 ) adhering powder which have been produced in a layered process from solidified powder, characterized in that it comprises: a) a housing ( 10 ), b) one in the housing ( 10 ) arranged rotary valve ( 25 ), which are relative to the housing ( 10 ) rotatable cellular wheel ( 5 ), c) at least one with the cellular wheel ( 5 ) rotatable cells ( 18 ) of the rotary valve ( 25 ) limiting and sieve openings having Siebfläche ( 7 . 8th ), d) means ( 9 ) for rotating the cellular wheel ( 5 ) of the rotary valve ( 25 ) together with the sieve surface ( 7 . 8th ) in different rotational positions relative to the housing ( 10 ) through which cells ( 18 ) of the cellular wheel ( 5 ) d1) according to a rotational position (A) both with a component-carrying opening in the housing ( 10 ) formed component insertion opening ( 1 ) as well as with a first, as a powder-carrying opening in the housing ( 10 ) formed powder discharge opening ( 3 ), and d2) according to a further rotational position (C) with a further, as component-carrying opening in the housing ( 10 ) formed component-Ausführöffnung ( 2 ) for carrying out the component cleaned of adhering powder ( 14 ) out of the housing ( 10 ), and e) means for generating at least one suction or compressed air flow through which in one rotational position (A) of the cellular wheel ( 5 ) at least one powdery component ( 14 ) through the component insertion opening ( 1 ) into a cell ( 18 ) of the rotary valve ( 25 ) and at least a part of the on the component ( 14 ) adhering powder from the component ( 14 ) and through the screen openings of the screen surface ( 7 . 8th ) into the first powder discharge opening ( 3 ) is transportable. Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that in one rotational position (A) the insertion of the at least one component ( 14 ) through the component insertion opening ( 1 ) in the cell, removing at least a part of the at least one component ( 14 ) adhering powder from the at least one component ( 14 ) and the transport of the removed powder through the sieve openings of the sieve surface ( 7 . 8th ) into the first powder discharge opening ( 3 ) by one and the same suction or compressed air flow. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the further rotational position (C) the component cleaned of adhering powder ( 14 ) out of the housing ( 10 ) is removable by means of its gravity and / or by means of a suction or compressed air flow of the means for generating at least one suction or compressed air flow. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for generating at least one suction or compressed air flow are designed such that at least one suction air flow is applied which has a suction effect on the at least one, in the cell ( 18 ) received component ( 14 ) and that the at least one suction air flow in the one rotational position (A) of the at least one component ( 14 ) facing away from the screen surface ( 7 . 8th ) and in the further rotational position (C) of the at least one component ( 14 ) facing side of the screen surface ( 7 . 8th ) on the at least one component ( 14 ) acts. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the further rotational position (C) the at least one component ( 14 ) receiving cell ( 18 ) from the component insertion opening ( 1 ) is separated. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that cells ( 18 ) of the cellular wheel ( 25 ) by the means ( 9 ) for rotating the cellular wheel ( 5 ) in one between the one and the further rotational position (A, C) arranged rotational position (B) and in conjunction with a second, as a powder-conducting opening in the housing ( 10 ) formed powder discharge opening ( 4 ) can be brought, and in the between the one and the further rotational position (A, C) arranged rotational position (B) by the means for generating at least one suction or compressed air flow on the component ( 14 ) possibly still remaining remainder of the powder from the component ( 14 ) removable and through the at least one screen surface ( 7 . 8th ) through into the second powder discharge opening ( 4 ) is transportable. Cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that in the between the one and the further rotational position (A, C) arranged rotational position (B), the at least one component ( 14 ) receiving cell ( 18 ) from the component insertion opening ( 1 ) is separated. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for generating the at least one suction or compressed air flow are designed such that the at least one suction or compressed air flow over at least one component-carrying openings ( 1 . 2 ) and / or via at least one powder-carrying openings ( 3 . 4 ) in the housing ( 10 ) into the cells ( 18 ) can be introduced. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized that the component-carrying openings ( 1 . 2 ) and the powder-carrying openings ( 3 . 4 ) in the housing ( 10 ) coaxial or radial with respect to a rotation axis ( 22 ) of the Zelleradschleuse ( 25 ) are arranged. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means ( 9 ) for rotating the cellular wheel ( 5 ) the cell lock ( 25 ) the cellular wheel ( 5 ) permanently rotatory drive. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one screen surface ( 7 . 8th ) perpendicular to the axis of rotation ( 22 ) of the rotary valve ( 25 ) or by an at least partially cylindrical screen surface ( 7 . 8th ) whose central axis is coaxial with the axis of rotation ( 22 ) of the rotary valve ( 25 ) is arranged. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that seen in the flow direction of the suction or compressed air flow multiple screen surfaces ( 7 . 8th ) are arranged in series, wherein for the separation of components of different sizes and / or for the separation of powder particles of different sizes of the Sieblochdurchmesser in the Durchströmungsreihenfolge the Siebflächen ( 7 . 8th ) and in the flow order of the screen surfaces ( 7 . 8th ) last screen area ( 7 ) Although powder throughout, but not consistent. Cleaning device according to claim 13, characterized in that the plurality of screen surfaces ( 7 . 8th ) the cells ( 18 ) into several chambers ( 23 . 24 ), whereby at least one of these chambers ( 23 . 24 ) in the course of the rotation of the cellular wheel ( 5 ) with a component-carrying and / or with a powder-carrying opening ( 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 ) in the housing ( 10 ) or disconnects. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that components ( 14 ) receiving cells ( 18 ) of the rotary valve ( 25 ) are designed such that they except the rotational position-dependent connections to component and / or powder-carrying openings ( 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 ) in the housing ( 10 ) are sealed.

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