Removal of part of a particle collection device
AssigneeEOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
InventorsUlrich Kleinhans, Philip Stroebel, Christoph Schmutzler, Marbod Kindermann
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Abstract
Disclosed is a method for the removal of a part of a particle collecting device. The part is loaded with at least highly flammable particles and is removed from a process gas cleaning device of an additive manufacturing device by providing an inert gas which substantially encloses the particles, then removing the part of the particle collecting device from the process gas cleaning device, wherein the particles remain enclosed in the inert gas.
Claims20
A method for the removal of a first filter unit of a particle collecting device of a powder bed based additive manufacturing apparatus, the first filter unit receiving highly flammable particles entrained in a process gas feed from a build chamber, the method comprising the following steps:
- a) providing a container within which the first filter unit is located during use of the additive manufacturing apparatus;
- b) providing an inert gas supply to an interior space formed within the first filter unit and generating a positive pressure within the interior space relative to an outside to the first filter unit;
- and
- c) removing the first filter unit from the container so that the particles attached to the first filter unit remain enclosed in the inert gas within the filter interior space through a flushing action with the inert gas during removal.
An inerting device for a first filter unit of a process gas cleaning device of a powder bed based additive manufacturing apparatus, the first filter unit receiving highly flammable particles entrained in a process gas feed from a build chamber, the particles being highly flammable, the first filter unit including a filter housing with enclosing sidewalls, a top to the sidewalls and a bottom to the sidewalls, the filter housing constituting a container within which the first filter unit is located in an interior of the container, the first filter unit having a top opening and filter sidewalls extending from around the top opening defining a filter interior space, the inerting device comprising:
- a connecting piece adapted to be fitted on the top opening in a gas tight fit, the fit being effected using at least one handle rotatably mounted on a connecting piece exterior, the handle having a stem extending through the connecting piece from the exterior through the connecting piece to a connecting piece side that is in the filter interior space when the connecting piece is emplaced, the stem having an element that engages with filter sidewalls to fix the connecting piece in place on the top opening;
- and
- an inert gas inlet in the connecting piece for an inert gas supply connectable to the inert gas inlet,
- wherein the first filter unit is removable from the container using the at least one handle with the connecting piece emplaced, a volume of inert gas being admitted to a first filter interior space and encompassing the first filter element therein through outgassing from the interior space during removal of the filter from the container.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.