DE102024111138A1 - Depowdering device and build chamber for additive manufacturing of components from a powder material - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a depowdering device (1) for depowdering components (2) produced from a powder material by additive manufacturing, comprising
- a construction chamber holder (3) which is designed such that a construction chamber (5) of an additive manufacturing device can be attached to the construction chamber holder (3),
- a substrate plate holder (7) which is designed such that a substrate plate (9) of the construction chamber (5) can be fastened to the substrate plate holder (7), wherein
- at least one first receptacle, selected from the construction chamber receptacle (3) and the substrate plate receptacle (7), is displaceable relative to a second receptacle, selected from the substrate plate receptacle (7) and the construction chamber receptacle (3), such that the substrate plate (9) fastened to the substrate plate receptacle (7) on an underside (11) of a construction chamber housing (13) of the construction chamber (5) can be removed from the construction chamber housing (13) fastened to the construction chamber receptacle (3) by displacing at least the first receptacle, and with
- a first displacement device (15) which is arranged and configured to displace the substrate plate holder (7) with the substrate plate (9) fastened thereto between a mounting position in which the substrate plate (9) can be fastened to and detached from the substrate plate holder (7), and a depowdering position.

Description

The invention relates to a depowdering device for depowdering components produced from a powder material by additive manufacturing and to a construction chamber for the additive manufacturing of such components from a powder material.

In the additive manufacturing of components from a powder material, the components are built layer by layer, powder material layer by powder material layer, in a build chamber, with a substrate plate within the build chamber being continuously shifted downwards by one layer thickness to apply the new powder material layer. At the end of the manufacturing process, the powder volume in the build chamber results from the sum of the applied powder material layers, whereby this powder material includes loose powder in which the manufactured components are embedded. The components must be exposed in a next step, which is generally referred to as "depowdering" or "depowder removal." For this purpose, two concepts are generally available – hereinafter referred to as "depowder removal concepts" – which can be used alternatively or in combination with one another: firstly, emptying the build chamber, in which the loose powder material is essentially emptied and/or tipped out; secondly, the manual removal of the loose powder material from the components using a depowder removal tool such as a depowder removal lance and/or a brush. Depowdering is typically not carried out in the production device itself, but in at least one separate depowdering station. Two different, dedicated depowdering stations are regularly used when combining the two previously described depowdering concepts of emptying the build chamber on the one hand and removing the loose powder material using a depowdering tool on the other. Therefore, the build chamber must be moved at least once, possibly even twice. This, as well as the depowdering itself, presents logistical difficulties and problems with regard to the contamination of an environment with loose powder material and, in particular, problems with regard to the occupational safety of the people involved, as the fine-grained powder material is typically respirable. Transferring the build chamber between the various stations and handling it within the stations proves to be difficult, especially with large and/or heavy build chambers. There is therefore a fundamental need, especially for larger and/or heavier build chambers, to optimize the depowdering procedure, particularly with regard to logistics and the efficiency of the process, and especially with regard to environmental contamination and occupational safety.

The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a depowdering device for depowdering components produced from a powder material by additive manufacturing and a construction chamber for the additive manufacturing of such components from a powder material, wherein the aforementioned disadvantages are at least reduced, preferably avoided.

The object is achieved 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.

The object is achieved in particular by providing a depowdering device for depowdering components produced from a powder material by means of additive manufacturing, which device has a build chamber receptacle, wherein the build chamber receptacle is configured such that a build chamber of an additive manufacturing device can be fastened to the build chamber receptacle. The depowdering device also has a substrate plate receptacle configured such that a substrate plate of the build chamber can be fastened to the substrate plate receptacle. At least one first receptacle, selected from the build chamber receptacle and the substrate plate receptacle, is displaceable relative to a second receptacle, selected from the substrate plate receptacle and the build chamber receptacle, such that the substrate plate fastened to the substrate plate receptacle on an underside of a build chamber housing of the build chamber can be removed from the build chamber housing fastened to the build chamber receptacle by displacing at least the first receptacle. Finally, the depowdering device comprises a first displacement device arranged and configured to displace the substrate plate holder with the substrate plate attached thereto between a mounting position, in which the substrate plate can be attached to and detached from the substrate plate holder, and a depowdering position. Advantageously, the depowdering device makes it possible to easily remove and handle the substrate plate from the build chamber housing, particularly in the case of large and heavy build chambers, and to separate the manufactured components from loose powder material, in particular by displacing the substrate plate by means of the first displacement device into the depowdering position, in which the loose powder material can fall off the components, preferably being tipped over. The relative displacement between the first and second mounts makes it possible to easily move the substrate plate downwards out of the build chamber housing, especially in large and heavy build chambers. Even during this displacement, loose powder material can escape through a gap created between the build chamber housing and the substrate plate, exposing the components and making them accessible for further processing. The depowder removal device thus represents a way to carry out the depowder removal process in a logistically simple yet effective manner.

In one embodiment, the build chamber holder, as the first holder, is displaceable relative to the substrate plate holder, as the second holder, such that the substrate plate attached to the substrate plate holder on the underside of the build chamber housing can be removed from the build chamber housing, which is attached to the build chamber holder, by displacing the build chamber holder. It is possible for the substrate plate holder to remain spatially fixed, so that only the build chamber holder is displaced.

In another embodiment, the substrate plate holder, as the first holder, is displaceable relative to the build chamber holder, as the second holder, such that the substrate plate attached to the substrate plate holder on the underside of the build chamber housing can be removed from the build chamber housing, which is attached to the build chamber holder, by displacing the substrate plate holder. It is possible for the build chamber holder to remain spatially fixed, so that only the substrate plate holder is displaced.

In yet another embodiment, the substrate plate holder and the build chamber holder are both displaceable relative to each other such that the substrate plate attached to the substrate plate holder on the underside of the build chamber housing can be removed from the build chamber housing attached to the build chamber holder by means of this relative displacement. In particular, it is possible for both the build chamber holder and the substrate plate holder to be actively displaced to effect the relative displacement.

In one embodiment, the first receptacle is displaced relative to the second receptacle vertically, in particular such that the build chamber housing is displaced geodetically upwards and/or the substrate plate is displaced geodetically downwards. In this way, the substrate plate is removed from the build chamber housing downwards, as viewed from the latter. A gap is created between a lower edge of the build chamber housing and the substrate plate, which progressively increases during further displacement, allowing loose powder material to escape through this gap.

Alternatively or additionally, the first receptacle is displaced linearly relative to the second receptacle. This represents a particularly simple design for the displacement, which ensures, in particular, that components arranged on the substrate plate do not collide with the edge of the build chamber housing.

In particular, the build chamber mount is configured such that the build chamber housing can be attached directly to the build chamber mount, while the substrate plate is not attached directly to the build chamber mount—but, as long as the substrate plate is connected to the build chamber housing, only indirectly via the attachment of the build chamber housing. Rather, the substrate plate is attached directly to the substrate plate mount.

In one embodiment, the first displacement device is arranged and configured to displace the substrate plate holder, with the substrate plate attached thereto and removed from the build chamber housing, between the mounting position and the depowdering position. This means, in particular, that the first displacement device is configured to displace the substrate plate holder from the mounting position to the depowdering position after it has been completely removed from the build chamber housing.

In particular, the substrate plate is first attached to the substrate plate holder in the mounting position, then removed from the build chamber housing and subsequently moved to the depowdering position by means of the first displacement device.

In one embodiment, the first displacement device comprises the substrate plate holder, wherein the substrate plate can be fastened to the substrate plate holder when the first displacement device is arranged with the substrate plate holder in the assembly position. In particular, it is possible for the substrate plate holder to be firmly connected to the first displacement device or to be formed integrally with the first displacement device.

The depowdering device proposed here is particularly designed for use with construction chambers having a powder volume of 450 l to 1000 l, in particular of 500 l to 900 1, in particular from 700 1 to 800 1, in particular 750 1.

The build chamber, in particular the build chamber housing and also the substrate plate, has a designated vertical direction such that a preferred direction for the arrangement of the build chamber in a manufacturing device for the additive manufacturing of components exists in the build chamber, wherein the designated vertical direction of the build chamber is aligned along the geodetic vertical direction or vertical - in particular oriented parallel thereto - when the build chamber is arranged as intended in the manufacturing device. Accordingly, the build chamber receptacle and the substrate plate receptacle of the depowdering device are preferably designed such that the designated vertical direction of the build chamber housing and the substrate plate is aligned along the geodetic vertical direction and in particular oriented parallel thereto when the build chamber housing is attached to the build chamber receptacle and the substrate plate is attached to the substrate plate receptacle arranged in the assembly position.

In one embodiment, the substrate plate holder comprises a first fastening device which is configured to fasten the substrate plate to the substrate plate holder.

The first fastening device preferably has first counter-fastening elements that are configured and matched to first fastening elements of the substrate plate in order to cooperate with the first fastening elements to fasten the substrate plate to the substrate plate holder. The first fastening elements and the first counter-fastening elements are preferably designed as a zero-point clamping system. This advantageously allows a precisely defined position and alignment of the substrate plate on the substrate plate holder to be achieved. In particular, the first fastening elements can be designed as clamping bolts, preferably as clamping bolts configured for zero-point clamping. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate plate has four clamping bolts.

Alternatively or additionally, the construction chamber holder has a second fastening device which is designed to fasten the construction chamber, in particular the construction chamber housing, to the construction chamber holder.

The second fastening device preferably has second counter-fastening elements that are configured and coordinated with second fastening elements of the build chamber to interact with the second fastening elements to fasten the build chamber, in particular the build chamber housing, to the build chamber receptacle. The second fastening elements and the second counter-fastening elements are preferably designed as a zero-point clamping system. This advantageously allows a precisely defined position and orientation of the build chamber housing in the depowdering device to be achieved. In particular, the second fastening elements can be designed as clamping bolts, preferably as clamping bolts configured for zero-point clamping. In a preferred embodiment, the build chamber housing has four clamping bolts.

According to a further development of the invention, the build chamber receptacle—in particular as the first receptacle—has a fastening flange that is preferably vertically displaceable between a rest position and a transfer position, which is configured to fasten the build chamber, in particular the build chamber housing, to the fastening flange. The fastening flange preferably has the second counter-fastening elements.

In one embodiment, the build chamber, in particular the build chamber housing, can be fastened to the fastening flange in the rest position, wherein the substrate plate can be fastened to the substrate plate holder in the transfer position. The displacement of the fastening flange between the rest position and the transfer position therefore serves in particular to fasten the substrate plate to the substrate plate holder. In one embodiment, the substrate plate is subsequently detached from the build chamber housing in the transfer position, wherein the relative displacement between the substrate plate holder and the build chamber holder is subsequently brought about by the fastening flange being moved from the transfer position back into the rest position. In particular, the build chamber housing is simultaneously lifted geodetically upwards and the substrate plate is thus removed downwards from the build chamber housing.

In one embodiment, the fastening flange can be secured, in particular locked, at least in the rest position, in particular in such a way that it cannot move from the rest position into the transfer position without active intervention, i.e., without actively releasing the securing or locking mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening flange can be secured, in particular locked, in the transfer position.

In one embodiment, the fastening flange is designed for gas-tight fastening of the construction chamber, in particular the construction chamber housing, on the mounting flange. This advantageously allows the interior of the build chamber housing and, at the same time—after the substrate plate has been removed—also a depowdering chamber surrounding the substrate plate to be sealed from the surroundings of the depowdering device.

According to a further development of the invention, the substrate plate holder is arranged in the depowdering chamber. This advantageously makes it possible to handle the substrate plate in a protected environment and to carry out the depowdering at least largely without contamination of the environment and with improved occupational safety for the personnel involved.

In one embodiment, the first displacement device is additionally arranged in the depowdering chamber. This ensures a particularly high level of protection for the depowdering chamber.

In one embodiment, the depowdering chamber has an insertion opening through which the build chamber can be at least partially inserted into the depowdering chamber. Preferably, the depowdering chamber is geodetically open at the top through the insertion opening, and the mounting flange is arranged below the insertion opening, so that the build chamber housing can be arranged on the mounting flange through the insertion opening and secured thereto.

In one embodiment, the powder removal chamber can be sealed gas-tight. In one configuration, the powder removal chamber can be sealed gas-tight by means of the build chamber housing, which is arranged in particular in the insertion opening.

Alternatively or in addition to the feed opening, the depowder removal chamber may have a door that can be opened or, in particular, closed gas-tight. The door is preferably arranged on the side of the depowder removal chamber.

In one embodiment, the depowdering device comprises an inerting device arranged and configured to inerte the interior of the depowdering chamber, in particular to create a vacuum and/or a protective gas atmosphere therein. For this purpose, the inerting device may, in particular, comprise a vacuum pump and/or a protective gas supply. Suitable protective gases include, in particular, noble gases such as helium or argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or other inert gases, or at least gases that are inert or at least unreactive with respect to certain chemical reactions that are to be excluded.

In one embodiment, the inerting device is configured to monitor, preferably maintain, a predetermined residual gas concentration or a predetermined maximum residual gas concentration, in particular a predetermined oxygen partial pressure or a predetermined maximum oxygen partial pressure, in the depowdering chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the inerting device is configured to monitor, preferably maintain, a predetermined pressure range or a predetermined maximum pressure in the depowdering chamber.

Alternatively or additionally, the inerting device is configured to displace a volume of the depowdering chamber before flooding with protective gas; in particular, the inerting device may comprise a suitable pumping device, in particular a bellows, for this purpose.

According to a further development of the invention, the depowdering chamber comprises a hopper device configured such that loose powder material can be removed from the depowdering chamber via the hopper device. Advantageously, the loose powder material can be emptied into the hopper device and removed via the hopper device without being discharged into the environment and the associated contamination or exposure to people.

In one embodiment, the hopper device is formed in one piece or integrally with the depowdering chamber or is fastened to the depowdering chamber and open to its interior. In one embodiment, the hopper device can be formed with the depowdering chamber as a welded assembly, in particular welded to the depowdering chamber. Alternatively, the hopper device can also be formed in several parts with the depowdering chamber and fastened to it in a suitable manner, in particular with a suitable seal. In particular, the hopper device is arranged geodetically at the bottom of the depowdering chamber. The hopper device preferably forms an underside of the depowdering chamber.

In particular, when the substrate plate is moved from the assembly position to the depowdering position by means of the first transfer device, the loose powder material is tipped into the hopper device. Furthermore, the powder material that trickles out through the gap formed between the build chamber housing and the substrate plate also enters the hopper device.

In one embodiment, the depowdering device comprises a discharge device by means of which the powder material which has entered the hopper device can be conveyed away, wherein the discharge device is preferably designed as a blowing and/or suction device which is configured to generate a gas stream by which the powder material is entrained and discharged from the hopper device - in particular via a line connected thereto, preferably a hose.

According to a further development of the invention, the fastening flange has a connection surface facing the, in particular, open introduction opening of the depowdering chamber, wherein the fastening flange is configured for the—in particular gas-tight—attachment of the build chamber housing to the connection surface. The fastening flange has—in particular in the connection surface—a through-opening, wherein the through-opening and the first displacement device are arranged and configured such that the first displacement device can pass through the through-opening when the first displacement device is in the assembly position and the fastening flange is in the transfer position. As already explained above, the build chamber housing can thus first be easily attached to the fastening flange in the rest position, after which the latter can be lowered into the transfer position. In the transfer position, the first displacement device—in particular with the substrate plate holder—passes through the through-opening, so that the substrate plate can then be attached to the substrate plate holder. The substrate plate can then be detached from the build chamber housing, which, together with the mounting flange, can be moved back up into the rest position, with the substrate plate being removed downward from the build chamber housing. The first displacement device can then be activated to move the substrate plate holder, with the attached substrate plate, into the depowdering position.

According to a further development of the invention, a bellows is arranged between the connecting surface of the mounting flange and an edge of the insertion opening. This advantageously allows the interior of the depowder removal chamber to be sealed gas-tight: While the interior of the depowder removal chamber is open to the interior of the build chamber housing through the passage opening, the build chamber housing, which is preferably attached gas-tight to the mounting flange, seals its own interior and the interior of the depowder removal chamber, which continues to be sealed by the bellows. Thus, the insertion opening can remain open, while the interior of the depowder removal chamber is still isolated from the environment.

In particular, the bellows is attached circumferentially along a closed circumferential line, on the one hand to the mounting flange and on the other hand to an edge of the insertion opening. In particular, the bellows is designed to be gas-tight and is attached gas-tight to the mounting flange and on the other hand to the edge of the insertion opening.

In one embodiment, the bellows is designed to be elastic.

According to a further development of the invention, the mounting flange is preloaded into the rest position. Advantageously, the mounting flange can always remain in the rest position when no build chamber is arranged on the depowder removal device, thus being available at any time for arranging a build chamber on the depowder removal device.

In one embodiment, the preload is adjusted such that the mounting flange can be forced from the rest position into the transfer position by the weight of a build chamber attached to the mounting flange, counter to the preload. In this case, preferably, no additional forces are required to move the mounting flange into the transfer position. Conversely, the preload advantageously assists the lifting of the build chamber housing from the transfer position.

In one embodiment, the bellows is configured to apply the preload that forces the fastening flange into the rest position; in particular, the bellows can be elastically configured for this purpose and/or have elastic properties. Alternatively or additionally, at least one preload element is arranged between the fastening flange and the edge of the insertion opening, by which the preload is at least partially applied or generated. The at least one preload element can be arranged outside or inside the bellows.

According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the first displacement device is rotatable about a - preferably horizontal - first axis of rotation between the assembly position and the depowdering position.

From the mounting position, the substrate plate can be rotated about the first axis of rotation by means of the first displacement device in particular in such a way or pivoted so that the vertical direction of the substrate plate is aligned obliquely or even antiparallel to the geodetic vertical direction, such that loose powder can be tipped off the inclined or inverted substrate plate.

In one embodiment, the first displacement device is configured to rotate the substrate plate holder between the mounting position and the depowdering position by at least 120°, in particular by at least 150°, in particular by at least 180°, about the first axis of rotation.

According to a further development of the invention, the depowdering chamber has a glove port. This advantageously enables additional, manual depowdering of the components arranged on the substrate plate, so that both depowdering concepts can be used in combination with one another in the same depowdering chamber. This advantageously further reduces the logistical effort required for depowdering, simultaneously reduces the risk of environmental contamination and greatly increases occupational safety for the persons involved. In particular, the build chamber only needs to be moved once from the production device to a single depowdering station, namely the depowdering device proposed here, in order to cumulatively implement both depowdering concepts and thus achieve optimized depowdering with simultaneously optimized logistics as well as increased occupational safety and a reduced risk of contamination. Furthermore, the glove port allows, in particular, manual manipulation of the substrate plate and/or the components arranged thereon in the inert atmosphere of the glove box without breaking the inerting.

It is possible that the glove opening can also be used to attach the substrate plate to the substrate plate holder.

In one embodiment, the powder removal chamber is designed as a glove box. In the context of the present technical teaching, a glove box is understood, in particular, to be a volume enclosed by walls that are at least partially transparent, wherein at least one wall of the glove box has a glove opening through which a person can reach into the interior of the glove box and manipulate objects arranged therein with at least one hand, preferably with both hands over two gloves, while being protected and isolated from the environment by means of at least one glove tightly mounted on the wall. Such a glove box is also referred to as a glove box.

In one embodiment, at least one depowdering tool is arranged in the depowdering chamber. Advantageously, both depowdering concepts described above can be implemented in the same depowdering device and, in particular, in the same depowdering station.

In one embodiment, a gas-flow-driven depowdering lance—preferably manually guided—is arranged as the at least one depowdering tool in the depowdering chamber. This represents a particularly efficient design of the depowdering tool. Alternatively or additionally, a brush is arranged in the depowdering chamber as the at least one depowdering tool. It is also possible for the depowdering lance to additionally have a brush function or to be additionally designed as a brush.

In one embodiment, the depowdering lance is designed as a suction lance and configured to suck powder material from the components. In another embodiment, the depowdering lance is designed as a pressure lance or gas gun and configured to blow powder material off the components.

In one embodiment, at least two depowdering lances are arranged in the depowdering chamber, in particular a first depowdering lance designed as a suction lance and a second depowdering lance designed as a pressure lance or gas gun. Alternatively or additionally, a depowdering lance designed as a combined suction and pressure lance, thus combining both functions, is arranged in the depowdering chamber.

According to a further development of the invention, the substrate plate holder, with the substrate plate attached thereto, is rotatable, in particular rotatably mounted, about a second axis of rotation. This advantageously simplifies depowdering—in particular by means of the depowdering tool—by allowing access to various sides of the substrate plate, particularly from the glove-engagement position, by rotating it about the second axis of rotation. The substrate plate holder can preferably be rotated by at least 180°—in particular in both directions of rotation—and preferably by at least 360° about the second axis of rotation, so that it is accessible from all sides from the glove-engagement position.

In one embodiment, the depowdering device comprises a second displacement device arranged and configured to rotate the substrate plate holder with the substrate plate attached thereto about the second axis of rotation.

In one embodiment, the first displacement device and the second displacement device are arranged in a chain such that one displacement device, selected from the first displacement device and the second displacement device, acts on the other displacement device, selected from the second displacement device and the first displacement device, which means in particular that one displacement device also displaces the other displacement device when it causes a displacement. In one embodiment, the second displacement device is configured to rotate the first displacement device about the second axis of rotation; in the process, the substrate plate holder arranged on the first displacement device is advantageously also rotated at the same time. Alternatively or additionally, the second displacement device is arranged on the first displacement device and configured to rotate the substrate plate holder relative to the first displacement device about the second axis of rotation; In this embodiment, it is possible for the second displacement device to be displaced by the first displacement device when the substrate plate holder is displaced between the mounting position and the depowdering position by means of the first displacement device, in particular rotated about the first axis of rotation.

The second axis of rotation is preferably perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. Alternatively or additionally, the second axis of rotation is preferably aligned vertically—at least in the mounting position—i.e., along the geodetic vertical direction.

According to a further development of the invention, the depowdering device comprises at least one vibration device configured to excite the substrate plate—particularly in the depowdering position—to vibrate. This advantageously supports the depowdering process very effectively, particularly through vibration-induced shaking off of the loose powder material.

In one embodiment, the vibration device can be configured to be releasably attached to the substrate plate holder or the substrate plate; alternatively or additionally, the vibration device can be arranged on the first displacement device. In one embodiment, a first vibration device is provided that can be releasably attached to the substrate plate holder or the substrate plate, with a second vibration device arranged on the first displacement device.

In one embodiment, the at least one vibration device is designed as a ball vibrator. In this case, in particular, the vibration device is preferably arranged on the first displacement device, in particular permanently attached.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one vibration device is configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one vibration device is configured to generate vibrations in a frequency range from 1 Hz to 50 kHz, preferably from 1 Hz to 15 kHz or from 30 kHz to 38 kHz. In one embodiment, the first vibration device is configured to generate vibrations in a frequency range from 30 kHz to 38 kHz, and the second vibration device, which is preferably designed as a ball vibrator, is configured to generate vibrations in a frequency range from 1 Hz to 15 kHz.

In one embodiment, at least one displacement device, selected from the first displacement device and the second displacement device, is designed as a hydraulic or pneumatic displacement device. This advantageously contributes to explosion protection of the depowder removal device, since a hydraulic or pneumatic design of the displacement device prevents sparks from occurring, which could potentially lead to ignition and thus deflagration or explosion of the powder material.

In one embodiment, all displacement devices of the depowdering device are designed as hydraulic or pneumatic displacement devices.

In particular, preferably no displacement device of the depowdering device is designed as an electrical displacement device.

In one embodiment, the first displacement device comprises a pivoting gear. This enables particularly efficient displacement of the substrate plate holder between the mounting position and the depowder removal position. Preferably, the pivoting gear also enables the substrate plate holder to be stopped or held at any angular position between the mounting position and the depowder removal position.

The object is also achieved by creating a build chamber for the additive manufacturing of components from a powder material in the build chamber, wherein the build chamber has a build chamber housing and a substrate plate displaceably arranged in the build chamber housing, wherein the build chamber also has a locking device that is configured to hold the substrate plate in a locking position on the build chamber housing and to release it in a release position - in particular towards an underside of the build chamber housing. In connection with the build chamber, in particular those advantages arise that were already explained above in connection with the depowdering device. In one embodiment, the build chamber is configured for use with a depowdering device according to the invention or a depowdering device according to one or more of the previously described embodiments.

The substrate plate is arranged in particular in an exchangeable manner on the construction chamber housing.

In one embodiment, the build chamber housing alone has the locking device. In another embodiment, the substrate plate alone has the locking device. In a further embodiment, it is possible for the build chamber housing and the substrate plate to each have parts of the locking device that interact with each other in the locking position, which interact in the locking position such that the substrate plate is held to the build chamber housing.

In one embodiment, the build chamber has at least one sealing element arranged on the build chamber housing and/or on the substrate plate and configured to seal the substrate plate against the build chamber housing, wherein at the same time the chamber volume is sealed in the region of the transition between the substrate plate and the build chamber housing. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one sealing element is arranged on the substrate plate and configured such that it seals the substrate plate against the build chamber housing even when the substrate plate is displaced relative to the build chamber housing, so that the chamber volume is sealed in this region even when the substrate plate is displaced relative to the build chamber housing.

In one embodiment, the build chamber has a build chamber lid, with which the build chamber can be closed—in particular in a gas-tight manner—particularly for transport between the production device and the depowdering device. In a production device, the build chamber lid can be removed to build components on the substrate plate using at least one energy beam in a powder-bed-based process. In the depowdering device, the build chamber lid preferably remains continuously on the build chamber housing, in particular to seal its interior and, at the same time, the interior of the depowdering chamber from the external environment.

According to a further development of the invention, the locking device comprises movable retaining pins which, in the locking position, protrude into the interior of the build chamber housing such that the substrate plate can rest on the retaining pins. In the release position, the retaining pins are retracted from the interior such that the substrate plate can be removed downwards from the build chamber housing past the retracted retaining pins. The retaining pins are preferably preloaded into the locking position.

According to a further development of the invention, the locking device comprises at least one actuating bar operable from outside the build chamber, which is operatively connected to the retaining bolts and configured to displace the retaining bolts between the locking position and the release position upon actuation of the actuating bar. The actuating bar is preferably displaceable linearly, in particular on one side of the build chamber in the direction of the associated side edge, between the locking position and the release position. Preferably, the actuating bar is pretensioned into the locking position, whereby the retaining bolts are simultaneously - indirectly - pretensioned into the locking position. In one embodiment, actuating bars operable from outside the build chamber are arranged on two sides of the build chamber housing opposite one another perpendicular to the intended geodetic vertical direction. Each actuating bar is operatively connected to retaining bolts and configured to displace the retaining bolts assigned to it between the locking position and the release position.

According to a further development of the invention, the substrate plate comprises first fastening elements configured to fasten the substrate plate to the substrate plate holder. The first fastening elements are preferably configured and matched to the first counter-fastening elements of the first fastening device of the substrate plate holder in order to cooperate with the first counter-fastening elements to fasten the substrate plate to the substrate plate holder. The first fastening elements and the first counter-fastening elements are preferably designed as a zero-point clamping system. This advantageously allows a precisely defined position and alignment of the substrate plate on the first displacement device to be achieved.

According to a further development of the invention, the build chamber housing comprises second fastening elements configured to fasten the build chamber housing to the build chamber receptacle. The second fastening elements are preferably configured and matched to the second counter-fastening elements of the second fastening device of the build chamber receptacle in order to cooperate with the second counter-fastening elements to fasten the build chamber to the build chamber receptacle. The second fastening elements and the second counter-fastening elements are preferably designed as a zero-point clamping system. This advantageously allows a precisely defined position and alignment of the build chamber housing in the depowdering device to be achieved.

1. a) Befestigen eines Baukammergehäuses einer Baukammer, insbesondere einer erfindungsgemäßen Baukammer oder einer Baukammer nach einer oder mehreren der zuvor beschriebenen Ausführungsformen, an einer Baukammeraufnahme einer Entpulverungsvorrichtung, insbesondere einer erfindungsgemäßen Entpulverungsvorrichtung oder einer Entpulverungsvorrichtung nach einer oder mehreren der zuvor beschriebenen Ausführungsformen,
2. b) Befestigen einer Substratplatte der Baukammer an einer Substratplattenaufnahme der Entpulverungsvorrichtung,
3. c) Lösen der Substratplatte von dem Baukammergehäuse an einer Unterseite der Baukammer und Entfernen der Substratplatte aus dem Baukammergehäuse an der Unterseite,
4. d) Verlagern der Substratplatte in eine Entpulverungsposition,
5. e) optional weiteres Entfernen von Pulvermaterial, insbesondere mittels eines Entpulverungswerkzeugs, und
6. f) Entnehmen der Substratplatte aus der Entpulverungsvorrichtung.

The invention also includes a method for depowdering components produced from a powder material by additive manufacturing, comprising the following steps:

1. a) fastening a construction chamber housing of a construction chamber, in particular a construction chamber according to the invention or a construction chamber according to one or more of the previously described embodiments, to a construction chamber receptacle of a depowdering device, in particular a depowdering device according to the invention or a depowdering device according to one or more of the previously described embodiments,
2. b) Attaching a substrate plate of the build chamber to a substrate plate holder of the depowdering device,
3. c) Detaching the substrate plate from the build chamber housing at a bottom of the build chamber and removing the substrate plate from the build chamber housing at the bottom,
4. d) Moving the substrate plate to a depowdering position,
5. e) optionally further removal of powder material, in particular by means of a de-powdering tool, and
6. f) Removing the substrate plate from the depowdering device.

In connection with the process, the advantages that have already been described in connection with the build chamber or the depowdering device arise in particular.

In one embodiment, the construction chamber holder is lowered vertically, i.e. geodetically downwards, from a rest position into a transfer position between step a) and step b) in a further step a1), and the substrate plate of the construction chamber holder in step b) is fastened to the substrate plate holder in the transfer position, wherein the substrate plate holder is in an assembly position.

In one embodiment, the substrate plate is removed from the build chamber housing at the bottom in step c) by moving the build chamber holder with the build chamber housing attached to it vertically - geodetically upwards - back into the rest position.

In one embodiment, the substrate plate holder with the substrate plate attached thereto is rotated in step d) from the mounting position about a first rotation axis into the depowdering position.

In one embodiment, the substrate plate holder is rotated about the first rotation axis between step d) and step f) back from the depowdering position to the assembly position. In step f), the substrate plate is released from the substrate plate holder in the assembly position and removed from the assembly position from the depowdering device.

It is possible for the substrate plate to be removed via a through-opening of a mounting flange of the build chamber holder and an insertion opening of a depowder removal chamber in which the substrate plate holder is located. Alternatively, it is possible for the substrate plate to be removed through a door of the depowder removal chamber, particularly one located on the side.

Preferably, in the optional step e), a brush and/or a gas-driven depowdering lance, in particular a suction lance and/or a pressure lance or gas gun, is used as at least one depowdering tool. It is possible for more than one depowdering tool to be used in step e); in particular, depowdering tools of different designs can also be used.

In one embodiment, the depowdering chamber is rendered inert before step c), in particular after step a) or after step b), wherein in particular a protective gas atmosphere sphere and/or a vacuum is created in the depowdering chamber.

Preferably, before or during step f), the inerted atmosphere in the depowdering chamber is broken or removed, so that an ambient atmosphere prevails in the depowdering chamber. This can be done, in particular, by detaching the build chamber housing from the build chamber mount and removing the build chamber housing from the depowdering device.

The description of the method, on the one hand, and the depowdering device, on the other hand, are to be understood as complementary to one another. Features of the depowdering device that were explained explicitly or implicitly in connection with the method are preferably features of an embodiment of the depowdering device, either individually or in combination with one another. Method steps that were explained explicitly or implicitly in connection with the depowdering device are preferably steps of an embodiment of the method, either individually or in combination with one another.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Entpulverungsvorrichtung in einer ersten Funktionsstellung;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung der Entpulverungsvorrichtung gemäß 1 in einer zweiten Funktionsstellung;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung der Entpulverungsvorrichtung gemäß 1 in einer dritten Funktionsstellung;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung der Entpulverungsvorrichtung gemäß 1 in einer vierten Funktionsstellung;
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung der Entpulverungsvorrichtung gemäß 1 in einer fünften Funktionsstellung;
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung der Entpulverungsvorrichtung gemäß 1 in einer sechsten Funktionsstellung;
• 7 eine schematische Darstellung der Entpulverungsvorrichtung gemäß 1 in einer siebten Funktionsstellung;
• 8 eine schematische Darstellung der Entpulverungsvorrichtung gemäß 1 in einer achten Funktionsstellung;
• 9 eine schematische Darstellung der Entpulverungsvorrichtung gemäß 1 in einer neunten Funktionsstellung;
• 10 eine schematische Darstellung der Entpulverungsvorrichtung gemäß 1 in einer zehnten Funktionsstellung;
• 11 eine schematische Darstellung der Entpulverungsvorrichtung gemäß 1 in einer elften Funktionsstellung;
• 12 eine schematische Darstellung der Entpulverungsvorrichtung gemäß 1 in einer zwölften Funktionsstellung;
• 13 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Baukammer zur additiven Fertigung von Bauteilen aus einem Pulvermaterial in der Baukammer;
• 14 eine erste Detaildarstellung der Baukammer gemäß 13, und
• 15 eine zweite Detaildarstellung der Baukammer 5 gemäß 13.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, which show:

• 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a depowdering device in a first functional position;
• 2 a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to 1 in a second functional position;
• 3 a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to 1 in a third functional position;
• 4 a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to 1 in a fourth functional position;
• 5 a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to 1 in a fifth functional position;
• 6 a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to 1 in a sixth functional position;
• 7 a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to 1 in a seventh functional position;
• 8 a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to 1 in an eighth functional position;
• 9 a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to 1 in a ninth functional position;
• 10 a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to 1 in a tenth functional position;
• 11 a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to 1 in an eleventh functional position;
• 12 a schematic representation of the depowdering device according to 1 in a twelfth functional position;
• 13 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a build chamber for the additive manufacturing of components from a powder material in the build chamber;
• 14 a first detailed representation of the construction chamber according to 13 , and
• 15 a second detailed view of the construction chamber 5 according to 13 .

1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a depowdering device 1 for depowdering components 2 produced from a powder material by additive manufacturing in a first functional position.

The depowdering device 1 has a build chamber holder 3, which is configured such that a build chamber 5 of an additive manufacturing device can be attached to the build chamber holder 3. The depowdering device 1 also has a substrate plate holder 7, which is configured such that a substrate plate 9 of the build chamber 5 can be attached to the substrate plate holder 7. At least one first holder, selected from the substrate plate holder 7 and the build chamber holder 3, is displaceable relative to a second holder, selected from the build chamber holder 3 and the substrate plate holder 7, such that the substrate plate 9 attached to the substrate plate holder 7 on an underside 11 of a build chamber housing 13 of the build chamber 5 - and thus simultaneously the underside 11 of the build chamber 5 - can be removed from the build chamber housing 13 attached to the build chamber holder 3 by displacing at least the first holder. Finally, the depowdering device 1 comprises a first displacement device 15 which is arranged and set up to move the substrate plate holder 7 with the substrate plate 9 fastened thereto between a 1 shown mounting position, in which the substrate plate 9 can be attached to the substrate plate holder 7 and detached from the substrate plate holder 7, and one in 8 shown depowdering position.

In the embodiment shown here, the construction chamber holder 3 is the first The substrate plate holder 7 is displaceable relative to the substrate plate holder 7 as the second holder such that the substrate plate 9, which is fastened to the substrate plate holder 7 on the underside 11 of the build chamber housing 13, can be removed from the build chamber housing 13, which is fastened to the build chamber holder 3, by displacing the build chamber holder 3. The substrate plate holder 7 remains spatially fixed, so that only the build chamber holder 3 is displaced.

The displacement of the build chamber holder 3 occurs vertically, in particular in such a way that the build chamber housing 13 is displaced linearly upwards. The substrate plate 9 is thus removed downwards from the build chamber housing 13.

The construction chamber holder 3 preferably has a fastening flange 17 which can be displaced vertically between a rest position and a transfer position and which is designed to fasten the construction chamber housing 13 to the fastening flange 17.

The substrate plate holder 7 is preferably arranged in a depowdering chamber 19. In particular, the first displacement device 15 is arranged in the depowdering chamber 19.

The depowdering chamber 19 preferably has an insertion opening 21 through which the build chamber 5 can be at least partially introduced into the depowdering chamber 19. Preferably, the depowdering chamber 19 is geodetically open to the environment at the top through the insertion opening 21, and the fastening flange 17 is arranged below the insertion opening 21, so that the build chamber housing 13 can be arranged on the fastening flange 17 through the insertion opening 21 and fastened thereto.

Preferably, the depowdering chamber 19 can be closed in a gas-tight manner by means of the construction chamber housing 13 arranged in the introduction opening 21 and fastened to the fastening flange 17.

The depowdering device 1 preferably has an inerting device (not shown here), which is arranged and configured to inerte the interior of the depowdering chamber 19, in particular to create a vacuum and/or a protective gas atmosphere therein. For this purpose, the inerting device can, in particular, have a vacuum pump and/or a protective gas supply. Suitable protective gases include, in particular, noble gases such as helium or argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or other inert gases, or at least gases that are inert or at least unreactive with respect to certain chemical reactions that are to be excluded.

Further preferably, the depowdering chamber 19 has a hopper device 23 designed such that loose powder material can be removed from the depowdering chamber 19 via the hopper device 23. In particular, the hopper device 23 is arranged geodetically at the bottom of the depowdering chamber 19. Preferably, the hopper device 23 forms an underside of the depowdering chamber 19.

The depowdering device 1 preferably has a discharge device 25, by means of which the powder material that has entered the hopper device 23 can be conveyed away, wherein the discharge device 25 is preferably designed as a blowing and/or suction device that is configured to generate a gas flow through which the powder material is entrained and discharged from the hopper device 23 - in particular via a line 27 connected thereto, preferably a hose.

The fastening flange 17 preferably has a connection surface 29 facing the open introduction opening 21, wherein the fastening flange 17 is designed for the - in particular gas-tight - fastening of the construction chamber housing 13 to the connection surface 29. Furthermore, the fastening flange 17 has a passage opening 31, wherein the passage opening 31 and the first displacement device 15 are arranged and designed such that the first displacement device 15 can reach through the passage opening 31 when the first displacement device 15 is arranged in the assembly position and the fastening flange 17 is arranged in the transfer position.

Between the connection surface 29 and an edge of the introduction opening 21, a bellows 33 is preferably arranged, in particular along a closed circumferential line, which can close the interior of the depowdering chamber 19 in a gas-tight manner when the construction chamber housing 13 is fastened to the fastening flange 17 in a gas-tight manner.

Preferably, the fastening flange 17 is preloaded into the rest position. The bellows 33 can be configured to apply the preload; in particular, the bellows 33 can be elastically configured for this purpose and/or have elastic properties. Alternatively or additionally, at least one preload element (not shown here) is arranged between the fastening flange 17 and the edge of the insertion opening 21, by means of which the preload is at least partially applied or generated.

The fastening flange 17 is preferably fixable in the rest position, in particular lockable, in particular in such a way that it cannot move from the rest position into the transfer position without active intervention, i.e. not without actively releasing the fixation or locking.

The depowdering chamber 19 can have a glove opening (not shown here), which in particular enables additional, manual depowdering of the components 2 arranged on the substrate plate 9. The glove opening can also be used to attach the substrate plate 9 to the substrate plate holder 7. In particular, the depowdering chamber 19 can be designed as a glove box.

In 1 It is shown how the construction chamber 5 can be moved to the depowdering device 1 by means of a lifting device 35 and positioned over the insertion opening 21. A crane or a forklift can be used for this purpose.

2 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to 1 in a second functional position.

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

In 2 It is shown how the build chamber 5 can be lowered through the insertion opening 21 onto the fastening flange 17 arranged in the rest position, with the build chamber housing 13 then being fastened to the fastening flange 17—in particular in a gas-tight manner. The gas-tight fastening allows the interior of the build chamber housing 13 and, at the same time—after the substrate plate 9 has been removed—also the depowdering chamber 19 surrounding the substrate plate 9 to be sealed from the environment of the depowdering device 1.

After the gas-tight fastening of the construction chamber housing 13 to the fastening flange 17, the depowdering chamber 19 is preferably inerted, i.e. its interior is provided with a protective atmosphere of vacuum and/or protective gas.

3 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to 1 in a third functional position.

In 3 It is shown how the fastening flange 17 is moved downwards from the rest position into the transfer position, whereby the bellows 33 is simultaneously stretched.

4 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to 1 in a fourth functional position.

In 4 The fastening flange 17 is shown in the transfer position. In the transfer position, the substrate plate 9 is fastened to the substrate plate holder 7. In particular, the first displacement device 15 in the transfer position passes through the passage opening 31 with the substrate plate holder 7, so that the substrate plate 9 can be easily fastened to the substrate plate holder 7. Thereafter, the substrate plate 9 is preferably released from the construction chamber housing 13, in particular by actuating a 13 illustrated locking device 39 of the construction chamber housing 13.

5 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to 1 in a fifth functional position.

In 5 It shows how the mounting flange 17 is moved from the transfer position back to the rest position. At the same time, the build chamber housing 13 is geodetically lifted upwards, thus removing the substrate plate 9 downwards from the build chamber housing 13.

This creates a gap between a lower edge of the build chamber housing 13 and the substrate plate 9, which gap progressively increases during further displacement, whereby loose powder material can escape through this gap into the depowdering chamber 19 and in particular into the funnel device 23.

6 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to 1 in a sixth functional position.

In 6 The mounting flange 17 is again arranged in the rest position and is preferably locked there. The build chamber housing 13 initially remains attached to the mounting flange 17—in particular, in a gas-tight manner—during the further depowdering steps, particularly in order not to disrupt the protective atmosphere in the depowdering chamber 19.

7 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to 1 in a seventh functional position.

Now the first displacement device 15 is activated to move the substrate plate holder 7 with the attached substrate plate 9 into the depowdering position.

The first displacement device 15 is preferably rotatable about a first horizontal axis of rotation D1—preferably horizontal, here perpendicular to the image plane—between the assembly position and the depowdering position. In this way, loose powder can be tipped from the tilted or inverted substrate plate 9 into the hopper device 23.

8 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to 1 in an eighth functional position.

Preferably, the first displacement device 15 is configured to rotate the substrate plate holder 7 between the mounting position and the depowdering position by at least 120°, in particular by at least 150°, in particular - as shown here - by at least 180°, about the first axis of rotation D1.

The depowdering device 1 can comprise at least one vibration device configured to excite the substrate plate 9 to vibrate, particularly in the depowdering position. This advantageously supports the depowdering very effectively, particularly through vibration-induced shaking of the loose powder material into the hopper device 23.

9 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to 1 in a ninth functional position.

Here, the substrate plate holder 9 with the substrate plate 7 attached thereto is rotated back into the assembly position, wherein the components 2 arranged on the substrate plate 7 can now preferably be further depowdered - in particular manually - for which purpose a depowdering tool (not shown), in particular a depowdering lance, can preferably be used.

It is possible for the substrate plate holder 7, with the substrate plate 9 attached thereto, to be rotatable about a second, vertical axis of rotation D2. This advantageously simplifies depowdering—in particular by means of the depowdering tool, for example a brush and/or a depowdering lance—by making various sides of the substrate plate 9 accessible, in particular from the position of the glove grip.

Preferably, the depowdering device 1 has a second displacement device (not shown here) which is arranged and configured to rotate the substrate plate holder 7 about the second axis of rotation D2.

Preferably, the first displacement device 15 and/or the second displacement device is designed as a hydraulic or pneumatic displacement device, which advantageously contributes to explosion protection of the depowdering device 1.

10 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to 1 in a tenth functional position.

In this tenth functional position, the build chamber housing 13 is released from the mounting flange 17 and removed from the depowder removal device 1, and in particular, removed from it. At the same time, the protective atmosphere in the depowder removal chamber 19 is broken.

11 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to 1 in an eleventh functional position.

In 11 It is shown how a removal tool 37 is inserted through the insertion opening 21 and fastened to the substrate plate 9, whereupon the latter can be detached from the substrate plate holder 7.

12 shows a schematic representation of the depowdering device 1 according to 1 in a twelfth functional position.

In 12 is shown, the substrate plate 9 is removed through the insertion opening 21 by means of the removal tool 37. For this purpose, a crane or a forklift truck, for example, can be used. It is possible for a seal carrier 38, on which the substrate plate 9 rests in the build chamber 5 and which is clamped between the substrate plate holder 7 and the substrate plate 9 when the substrate plate 9 is attached to the substrate plate holder 7, to initially remain on the substrate plate holder 7. The seal carrier 38 can then be subsequently removed from the depowdering chamber 19, either also via the insertion opening 21 or through a door of the depowdering chamber 19 - in particular one arranged laterally.

13 shows a representation of an embodiment of a construction chamber 5 for the additive manufacturing of components 2 from a powder material in the construction chamber 5.

The construction chamber 5 preferably has a powder volume of 450 l to 1000 l, in particular from 500 1 to 900 1, in particular from 700 1 to 800 1, in particular 750 1.

The build chamber 5 comprises the build chamber housing 13 and the substrate plate 9 (not shown here), as well as the locking device 39, which is designed to hold the substrate plate 9 in a locking position on the build chamber housing 13 and to release it in a release position. The substrate plate 9 is thus arranged, in particular, in a replaceable manner on the build chamber housing 13. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, only the build chamber housing 13 has the locking device 39. Furthermore, the build chamber housing 13 preferably has the seal carrier 38 (not shown here) as well as a 14 illustrated - particularly inflatable - gas seal 40.

The build chamber further comprises a build chamber lid 41, with which the build chamber 5 can be closed—in particular, gas-tight—particularly for transport between a production device and the depowdering device 1. In the production device, the build chamber lid 41 can be removed in order to build the components 2 on the substrate plate 9 using at least one energy beam in a powder-bed-based process. In the depowdering device 1, however, the build chamber lid 41 preferably remains continuously on the build chamber housing 13, in particular to seal its interior and, at the same time, the interior of the depowdering chamber 19 from the external environment.

14 shows a first detailed view of the construction chamber 5 according to 13 , whereby the viewer's gaze is directed towards the underside 11 of the build chamber housing 13.

When inflated, the gas seal 40 seals the interior of the build chamber housing 13. To inflate the gas seal 40 under pressure, a non-return valve (not specifically shown) may be provided in a flange 42 of the build chamber housing 13.

The locking device 39 has movable retaining bolts 43 which, in the locked position, protrude into the interior of the build chamber housing 13 such that the substrate plate 9—preferably mediated via the seal carrier 38 (not shown)—can rest on the retaining bolts 43. Thus, in particular, the seal carrier 38 rests on the retaining bolts 43, and the substrate plate 9 rests on the seal carrier 38. For the sake of clarity, only one of the retaining bolts 43 is provided with the corresponding reference numeral here. In the release position, however, the retaining bolts 43 are retracted from the interior such that the substrate plate 9 (not shown)—and in particular also the seal carrier 38—can be removed downwards from the build chamber housing 13 past the retracted retaining bolts 43. For this purpose, the pressure is preferably released from the inflated gas seal 40 so that the substrate plate 9 and the seal carrier 38 can be removed past the gas seal 40. The retaining bolts 43 are preferably pre-tensioned into the locking position.

The locking device 39 preferably also has two actuating bars 45 that can be actuated from outside the build chamber 5, which are operatively connected to the respectively associated retaining bolts 43 and are configured to displace the retaining bolts 43 between the locking position and the release position upon actuation of the actuating bars 45. The actuating bars are displaceable linearly, in particular on opposite sides of the build chamber 5 in the direction of a respectively associated side edge 47, between the locking position and the release position. In particular, the actuating bars 45 are preloaded into the locking position, whereby the retaining bolts 43 are simultaneously preloaded into the locking position.

15 shows a second detailed view of the construction chamber 5 according to 13 .

In particular, a section through one of the actuating bars 45 is shown here, wherein two coil springs 49 can be seen, by means of which the actuating bar 45 is pretensioned into the locking position.

Claims (12)

Depowdering device (1) for depowdering components (2) produced from a powder material by means of additive manufacturing, comprising - a build chamber holder (3) which is designed such that a build chamber (5) of an additive manufacturing device can be fastened to the build chamber holder (3), - a substrate plate holder (7) which is designed such that a substrate plate (9) of the build chamber (5) can be fastened to the substrate plate holder (7), wherein - at least one first holder, selected from the build chamber holder (3) and the substrate plate holder (7), is displaceable relative to a second holder, selected from the substrate plate holder (7) and the build chamber holder (3), such that the substrate plate (9) fastened to the substrate plate holder (7) can be removed from the build chamber housing (13) fastened to the build chamber holder (3) on an underside (11) of a build chamber housing (13) of the build chamber (5) by means of displacement at least the first receptacle can be removed, and with - a first displacement device (15) which is arranged and set up to displace the substrate plate receptacle (7) with the substrate plate (9) fastened thereto between a mounting position in which the substrate plate (9) can be fastened to the substrate plate receptacle (7) and detached from the substrate plate receptacle (7), and a depowdering position. Depowdering device (1) according to Claim 1 , wherein the construction chamber receptacle (3) has a fastening flange (17) which can be displaced between a rest position and a transfer position and which is designed for - preferably gas-tight - fastening of the construction chamber (5) to the fastening flange (17). Depowdering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate plate holder (7), and optionally the first displacement device (15), are arranged in a depowdering chamber (19) - preferably sealable in a gas-tight manner. Depowdering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening flange (17) has a connection surface (29) facing an open introduction opening (21) of the depowdering chamber (19), wherein the fastening flange (17) is designed for the particularly gas-tight fastening of the construction chamber housing (13) to the connection surface (29), wherein the fastening flange (17) has a passage opening (31), wherein the passage opening (31) and the first displacement device (15) are arranged and designed such that the first displacement device (15) can reach through the passage opening (31) when the first displacement device (15) is arranged in the assembly position and the fastening flange (17) is arranged in the transfer position. Depowdering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a bellows (33) is arranged between the connecting surface (29) of the fastening flange (17) and an edge of the introduction opening (21). Depowdering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening flange (17) is pretensioned into the rest position. Depowdering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first displacement device (15) is rotatable about a - preferably horizontal - first axis of rotation (D1) between the mounting position and the depowdering position. Depowdering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the depowdering chamber (19) has a glove opening. Depowdering device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate plate holder (7) with the substrate plate (9) attached thereto is rotatable about a second axis of rotation (D2). Construction chamber (5) for the additive manufacturing of components (2) from a powder material in the construction chamber (5), comprising a construction chamber housing (13) and a substrate plate (9) displaceably arranged in the construction chamber housing (13), wherein the construction chamber (5) has a locking device (39) which is designed to hold the substrate plate (9) in a locking position on the construction chamber housing (13) and to release it in a release position, wherein the construction chamber (5) is preferably designed for use with a depowdering device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 . Construction Chamber (5) after Claim 10 , wherein the locking device (39) has displaceable retaining bolts (43) which, in the locking position, protrude into an interior of the build chamber housing (13) in such a way that the substrate plate (9) can rest on the retaining bolts (43), wherein the retaining bolts (43) are retracted from the interior in the release position in such a way that the substrate plate (9) can be removed from the build chamber housing (13) past the retracted retaining bolts (43). Construction Chamber (5) after Claim 11 , wherein the locking device (39) has at least one actuating bar (45) which can be actuated from outside the construction chamber (5), which is operatively connected to the retaining bolts (43) and is designed to displace the retaining bolts (43) between the locking position and the release position upon actuation of the actuating bar (45).