Lamella Block with Laterally Offset Lamellae

Abstract

A lamella block is provided for a calibrating device for calibrating an extruded profile, wherein the lamella block includes a carrier structure and a lamella structure, and wherein the lamella structure has a plurality of lamellae, which are spaced apart from each other by grooves and arranged in a longitudinal direction (L) of the carrier structure. Neighboring lamellae of the lamella block are arranged laterally offset to each other in the longitudinal direction (L). Also provided is a method for manufacturing the lamella block mentioned above, as well as a calibrating device, which includes a plurality of the lamella blocks mentioned above. Further provided is a system for additively manufacturing the lamella block mentioned above, a corresponding computer program and a corresponding dataset.

Claims

1.-16. (canceled)

17. A lamella block (100, 200, 300) for a calibrating device for calibrating an extruded profile, wherein the lamella block (100, 200, 300) comprises a carrier structure (120) and a lamella structure (110), and wherein the lamella structure (110) has a plurality of lamellae (112), which are spaced apart from each other by grooves (114) and arranged in a longitudinal direction (L) of the carrier structure (120), wherein neighboring lamellae (112) are arranged laterally offset to each other in the longitudinal direction (L), wherein each lamella (112) has a contact surface (113) on an interior side of the lamella block (100, 200, 300), wherein offsetting the lamellae (112) relative to each other causes the contact surfaces (113) of the lamellae (112) to describe a diagonal or wavy progression in relation to the longitudinal direction (L) of the carrier structure (120).

18. The lamella block (100, 200, 300) according to claim 17, wherein each lamella (112) has a cross section transverse to the longitudinal direction (L) of the carrier structure (120), wherein the cross sections of at least some of the lamellae (112) are inherently symmetrical.

19. The lamella block (100, 200, 300) according to claim 17, wherein, in a state where the lamella block (100, 200, 300) is built into a calibrating device, the longitudinal direction (L) of the carrier structure (120) corresponds to the feed direction of the extruded profile.

20. The lamella block (100, 200, 300) according to claim 17, wherein the carrier structure (120) and the lamellae (112) are fabricated out of the same material or out of different materials.

21. The lamella block (100, 200, 300) according to claim 17, wherein the lamella block (100, 200, 300) is integrally designed.

22. The lamella block (100, 200, 300) according to claim 17, wherein the lamella block (100, 200, 300) is manufactured by means of 3D printing or by means of an additive manufacturing process.

23. A calibrating device for calibrating extruded profiles, comprising a plurality of lamella blocks (100, 200, 300) according to claim 17, wherein the lamella blocks (100, 200, 300) are arranged relative to each other to form a calibrating opening.

24. The calibrating device according to claim 23, wherein the calibrating device comprises a plurality of activating devices, wherein each activating device is coupled with a respective lamella block (100, 200, 300), so as to individually activate each lamella block (100, 200, 300).

25. A method (800) for manufacturing a lamella block (100, 200, 300) according to claim 17, comprising the step (S830) of manufacturing the lamella block (100, 200, 300) by means of 3D printing or by means of additive manufacturing.

26. The method according to claim 25, further comprising the step (S810) of calculating 3D lamella block geometry, and the step (S820) of converting the calculated 3D geometry data into corresponding control commands for 3D printing or additive manufacturing.

27. A method for manufacturing a lamella block (100, 200, 300), involving the following steps: Generating a dataset, which images the lamella block (100, 200, 300) according to claim 17; Storing the dataset on a storage device or a server; and Inputting the dataset into a processing device or a computer, which actuates an additive manufacturing device so that the latter fabricates the lamella block (100, 200, 300) imaged in the dataset.

28. A computer program, comprising datasets, which while the datasets are being read in by a processing device or a computer, prompts the latter to actuate an additive manufacturing device in such a way that the additive manufacturing device fabricates the lamella block (100, 200, 300) with the features according to claim 17.

29. A computer-readable data carrier, which stores the computer program according to claim 28.

Description

[0029] Additional advantages, details and aspects of the present invention are discussed based on the drawings below. Shown on:

[0030] FIG. 1 is a 3D view of a lamella block for a calibrating device according to prior art;

[0031] FIG. 2a-2c are views of another lamella block for a calibrating device according to prior art;

[0032] FIG. 3 is a calibrating device according to prior art;

[0033] FIG. 4a-4b are schematic views of several intermeshing lamella blocks;

[0034] FIG. 5a-5c are views of a lamella block according to the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 6 is a view of another lamella block according to the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 7 is a view of yet another lamella block according to the present invention; and

[0037] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a lamella block according to the invention.

[0038] FIGS. 1 to 4b were already discussed at the outset in conjunction with prior art. Let reference be made to the description there.

[0039] In conjunction with FIGS. 5a to 5c, an example of a lamella block 100 according to the invention for a calibrating device will now be described in more detail.

[0040] FIG. 5a shows a 3D view of a lamella block 100. The lamella block 100 comprises a carrier structure (back structure) 120 and a lamella structure 110. The carrier structure 120 acts as a carrier for the lamella structure 110.

[0041] The lamella block 100 can further have a coupling device (not shown on FIG. 5a). The coupling device is provided for coupling with an activating device of a calibrating device. The activating device is likewise not visible on FIG. 5a. According to one implementation, the coupling device can have two or more threaded holes spaced apart from each other. The threaded holes can be integrated into the carrier structure.

[0042] The carrier structure 120 is designed as a massive body. The carrier structure 120 has a rectangular profile in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Instead of the massive configuration, the lamella block 100 can also have several carrier rods, to which the lamellae 112 are fastened (see FIG. 1).

[0043] The lamella structure 110 of the lamella block 100 according to the invention will now be described in more detail. The lamella structure 110 comprises a plurality of lamellae 112, which are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L of the lamella block 100. Neighboring lamellae 112 are separated from each other by corresponding grooves 114. In the embodiment shown on FIG. 5a, each lamella 112 has a triangular cross sectional profile relative to the longitudinal direction L. Each lamella 112 has a contact surface 113 on its side facing away from the carrier structure 120 (interior side). The contact surfaces 113 are defined by respective lateral lamella ends 116 of each lamella 112 in terms of their length (expansion transverse to the longitudinal direction L). The contact surfaces 13 of the lamellae 112 are those surfaces of the lamella structure 110 that come into contact with the outer surface of the profile to be calibrated during a calibration, and shape the latter. The contact surfaces 113 can preferably correspond with the contour of the profile to be calibrated. For example, the contact surfaces 113 can be slightly curved in design. The curvature of the contact surfaces 113 can be tailored to the outer surface (outer wall) of a pipe profile. Depending on the application, the contact surfaces 113 of the lamellae 112 can also be flat, or have some other type of curvature. Likewise, the lamella block 100 can also have a lamella shape that can deviate from the triangular shaped cross sectional profile described here.

[0044] The arrangement of the individual lamellae 112 within the lamella structure 110 will be described in more detail below. The lamellae 112 are arranged laterally offset to each other. This results in a fanned arrangement of the lamellae 112 in the longitudinal direction L of the carrier structure 120. If the lamella block is built into a calibrating device, the longitudinal direction L of the carrier structure 120 corresponds to the extruding direction (feeding direction) of the profile to be calibrated (that has been extruded). By laterally offsetting the lamellae 112 relative to each other, the lamellae ends 116 of the lamellae 112 of a lamella block 100 are made to run inclinedly relative to the feed direction of the profile, for example.

[0045] FIG. 5b shows a normal view of the inside of the lamella block 100 according to FIG. 5a. Offsetting the lamellae 112 relative to each other will now once again be described in greater detail based on FIG. 5b. As described above, each lamella 112 has a contact surface 113 on the inside of the lamella block 100. The contact surfaces 113 of the lamellae 112 can each be equally long (i.e., expanded transverse to the longitudinal direction L of the carrier structure). Alternatively, the contact surfaces 113 can also have varying lengths (each limited by the respective lamella ends 116). The lamellae 112 can be displaced relative to each other in such a way that the contact surfaces 113 describe a diagonal or inclined progression in relation to the longitudinal direction L of the carrier structure 120. Analogously, the respective lamella ends 116 also run diagonally or inclinedly relative to the longitudinal direction L of the carrier structure 120.

[0046] FIG. 5c shows a projection of the lamella block 100 depicted on FIGS. 5a and 5b transverse to the longitudinal direction L of the carrier structure 120 of the lamella block 100. How the lamellae 112 are offset or fanned relative to each other becomes visible from the perspective shown on FIG. 5c. The lamella block 100 has a first lamella 112a at its one (front) end, and a last lamella 112n at its other (rear) end. The lamella block 100 has a plurality of additional lamellae 112 in between. Let it be noted that the number of lamellae 112 selected on FIG. 5c is only exemplary, and, in order to provide a simplified illustration, does not correspond to the number of lamellae 112 according to FIGS. 5a and 5b. The lamella 112a along with at least several other of the lamellae 112, 112n have an asymmetrical cross section in relation to a plane of symmetry 180 of the lamella block 100. The plane of symmetry 180 of the lamella block 100 runs perpendicular to the contact surfaces 113 of the lamellae 112, and in a longitudinal direction L centrally through the carrier structure 120. The geometric configuration of the lamellae 112a, 112, 112n results in a fanning of lamellae 112a, 112, 112n relative to the longitudinal direction L of the carrier structure 120.

[0047] According to the variant shown on FIGS. 5a to 5c, the first lamella 112a is offset by the same amount as the last lamella 112n of the lamella block 100. The lateral offset can be determined by an angle 183, 185 between surface normals 182, 184 of the contact surface of the respective lamella 112a, 112n and the plane of symmetry 180. The surface normals 182, 184 are each centrally located on the respective contact surface.

[0048] Additional examples of lamella blocks according to the invention will be described in more detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0049] FIG. 6 shows a normal view of the inside of a lamella block 200 according to the invention. Just like the lamella block 100 according to FIGS. 5a to 5c, the lamella block 200 has a carrier structure 120 and a lamella structure 110. The lamella structure 110 comprises a plurality of lamellae 112, which are spaced apart from each other by grooves 114. Reference is made to the corresponding description above. For simplification purposes, those features of the lamella block 200 which are structurally and functionally similar or identical to features of the lamella block 100 were provided with the same reference numbers. The geometry of the contact surfaces 113 of the lamella block 200 can be the same as the geometry of the contact surfaces 113 of the lamella block 100. Alternatively, the geometry of the contact surfaces 113 of the lamella block 200 can differ from the contact surface geometry of the lamella block 100.

[0050] The lamella block 200 differs from the lamella block 100 in terms of how the lamellae 112 are arranged relative to the carrier structure 120. As opposed to the lamella block 100, the amount by which the first lamella 112a is laterally offset differs from the amount by which the last lamella 112n is laterally offset. Analogously to the variant according to FIGS. 5a to 5c, the respective lamella ends 116 of the lamella block 200 run inclinedly relative to the longitudinal direction L of the carrier structure 120.

[0051] FIG. 7 shows another example of a lamella block 300 according to the invention. For simplification purposes, those features of the lamella block 200 which are structurally and functionally similar or identical to features of the lamella block 100 were once again provided with the same reference numbers. The lamella block 300 once again differs from the lamella blocks 100 and 200 in terms of how much the lamellae 112 are offset relative to each other. The contact surfaces 113 of the lamella block, and analogously the lamella ends 116, have a wavy progression in the longitudinal direction L of the carrier structure 120.

[0052] It goes without saying that the lamella blocks 100, 200, 300 shown on FIGS. 5a to 5c, as well as on FIGS. 6 and 7, are exemplary. Other variants in the geometric configuration of the lamellae 112 and/or in the arrangement of the lamellae on the carrier structure 120 are also conceivable. In particular, the contact surfaces 113 or the lamella ends 116 of a lamella block according to the present invention can also describe a zigzag or other kind of progression.

[0053] The carrier structure of each lamella block 100, 200, 300 of a calibrating device can run parallel to a central axis of the calibrating device (or in the feed direction of the profile). The arrangement of lamella blocks 100, 200, 300 relative to each other in a calibrating device essentially corresponds to the arrangement as described on FIG. 3 in conjunction with prior art. As opposed to prior art, however, the lamella ends of the lamella of each lamella block of a calibrating device according to the invention do not run along a straight line along the feed direction of the profile to be calibrated.

[0054] Specifically, according to the present invention, the lamellae of each lamella block of a calibrating device are offset relative to each other in such a way that the lamella ends of the lamellae of each of the lamella blocks 100, 200, 300 preferably run inclinedly and/or so as to define wavy or zigzag paths to the central axis of the calibrating device. As a consequence, it can be ensured that the tracks generated by the lamella ends on the outer surface (outer wall) of the profile to be calibrated are smoothed out or covered while being fed through the calibrating opening of the calibrating device. The calibrating basket need not be rotated for this purpose.

[0055] As further evident from FIGS. 5a to 5c, as well as 6 and 7, the carrier structure 120 of the lamella blocks 100, 200, 300 is integrally designed together with the lamella structure 110. A generative or additive manufacturing process can be used to achieve the geometry of the lamella blocks 100, 200, 300 described above. This type of manufacturing process is shown on FIG. 8, and will be described in more detail below.

[0056] Use is thus made of a 3D printing process. In a first step S810, 3D geometry data (CAD data) are here calculated based upon the simulation described above, which simulates a suitable topology of the lamella structure 110. The 3D geometry data describe the geometry of the lamella block 100, 200, 300 (in particular the offset lamella arrangement). In a second step S820, the calculated 3D geometry data are converted into control commands for 3D printing. Based on the generated control commands, the lamella block 100, 200, 300 is then built up layer by layer in a third step S830 by means of a 3D printing process (e.g., laser sintering, laser melting). A metal material or a polymer material can be used as the material for 3D printing.

[0057] As an alternative to manufacturing via 3D printing, it is also conceivable that the lamella block 100, 200, 300 be manufactured out of a workpiece (for example through milling, drilling, cutting) or by means of a casting process. In another alternative, the lamellae 112 of a lamella block 100, 200, 300 according to the invention can be separately manufactured, and threaded along carrier rods analogously to the known embodiment depicted on FIG. 1, so as to produce the lamella block.