DE202022101080U1 - Holding device, extrusion device, printing station and heating station, as well as a system for the generative production of components - Google Patents

Abstract

Holding device (54), in particular for a system for the generative production of components, preferably for a system for the three-dimensional printing of components
a base element (55) which has a central receiving recess (56) in which a component, in particular the head of an extrusion device (1), can be positioned, and
Holding elements (57) which are arranged in the base element (55) and between a release position in which the holding elements are moved out of the receiving recess (56) far enough for a component to be inserted into or removed from the receiving recess (56). , and a holding position in which the holding elements (57) protrude so far into the receiving recess (56) that a component inserted into the receiving recess (56) is held in a non-positive and/or positive manner.

Description

The present invention relates to a holding device, in particular for a system for the generative production of components, preferably for a system for the three-dimensional printing of components. Furthermore, the invention relates to an extrusion device, in particular for a system for the generative production of components, preferably for a system for the three-dimensional printing of components. In addition, the invention relates to a printing station and a heating station for a system for the generative production of components, in particular for the three-dimensional printing of components, and such a system.

The three-dimensional printing of components is becoming increasingly important in many industrial applications. A major advantage of the generative creation of components using 3D printing is that components can be produced with practically any shape, which is not easily possible with conventional manufacturing processes. Especially for applications in the field of mold making, components are made of plastic using 3D printing. Devices for the defined discharge of material, e.g. extrusion devices, are often used for this purpose, which have a nozzle at a front end for the defined discharge of material. Such extrusion devices usually have a tubular extruder housing with an extruder screw mounted rotatably in this housing. At the rear end there is usually a feed device into which, for example, starting material in granular form can be introduced. This is conveyed by the extruder screw in the direction of the front end and at the same time compressed and/or heated from the outside, so that it can exit through the nozzle in a viscous aggregate state.

For the production of components, it may be necessary to use different nozzles, especially if the size of the exiting material or the material itself is to be varied. For this purpose, there are various changing systems on the market, in which corresponding devices for dispensing material, for example extrusion devices, can be optionally attached to a printing station. Only a mechanically stable and at the same time precise attachment of an extrusion device to a printing station leads to a high-quality manufacturing process of a component.

Against this background, the object of the present invention is to create a holding device and an extrusion device that enable a precise and at the same time stable attachment of a component, in particular an extrusion device, to a printing station or to a heating station.

This object is achieved with a holding device of the type mentioned at the outset in that it has a base element which has a central receiving recess in which a component, in particular the head of an extrusion device, can be positioned, and holding elements which are arranged in the base element and between a Release position in which the holding elements are moved so far out of the receiving recess that a component can be inserted into or removed from the receiving recess and a holding position in which the holding elements protrude so far into the receiving recess that a component inserted into the receiving recess is force - And / or is held in a form-fitting manner, are movable. This configuration is based on the idea of designing a holding device in such a way that holding elements either engage in a form-fitting manner on a component to be attached, in particular the head of an extrusion device, or fix it in a force-fitting manner.

The holding elements are preferably designed as balls. In particular, a total of four holding elements can be provided, two of which are arranged on opposite sides of the receiving recess. In other words, on two opposite sides of a component, two holding elements can be brought into engagement in a positive and/or non-positive manner. In this way, a high level of stability against twisting of the extrusion device about its longitudinal axis is achieved, since a total of four holding elements can be brought into engagement.

The base member may have attachment means by which the base member can be attached or is attached to a body of a printing station or a heating station or a storage station.

The receiving recess formed on the base member may be open on two sides of the base member. As a result, a head of an extrusion device can be introduced into the holding device in a simple manner. In concrete terms, the base element can be essentially cuboid and the receiving recess can be open to a front side and to an adjacent side. In particular, the receiving recess can be open to a side facing away from the respective base body when the base element is attached to a base body. The receiving recess can have a cuboid basic shape.

In a further embodiment, the base element can have a positioning recess for positioning an extrusion device inserted into the receiving recess. This can be formed on a rear side of the receiving recess. Accordingly, the forward-facing base surface of the receiving recess can form a stop surface against which a corresponding end face of a component, in particular an extruder device, can be brought into contact in order to clearly position the component together with the holding elements in the longitudinal direction. The positioning recess can have a hexagonal basic shape, in which case the corners can be rounded in particular. The positioning recess preferably completely penetrates the base element towards the rear in the longitudinal direction.

In order to move the holding elements between the release position and the holding position, the holding device can comprise an actuating element which can be moved, in particular displaced, relative to the base element. The actuating element can preferably be displaced transversely to a longitudinal direction relative to the base element.

Specifically, a pneumatic cylinder can be provided in order to move the actuating element relative to the base element, with a housing of the pneumatic cylinder preferably being firmly connected to the base element.

The actuating element can be designed in several parts and can comprise a rear actuating yoke and a front support element on which the pneumatic cylinder acts. The support element is preferably screwed to the actuating yoke.

In a further embodiment, the actuating element can be C-shaped, with the two C-legs encompassing the base element and on both C-legs an inwardly projecting link guide is formed, which cooperates with the holding elements in such a way that a movement of the actuating element relative to the Base element is converted into a movement of the holding elements in the direction of the release position or in the direction of the holding position. In other words, a translational movement of the actuating element transversely to the longitudinal direction is converted into a translational movement of the holding elements into or out of the receiving recess via such a link guide, which can be in direct contact with the holding elements, which are preferably spherical. To this end, the link guide can specifically engage from the outside in guide slots of the base element, into which the holding elements protrude from the inside of the C-legs.

The object on which the invention is based is also achieved by an extrusion device which has an opening at a front end for the defined discharge of material, with an extruder head, in particular cuboid-shaped, being provided at a rear end, on which holding recesses are formed, in which corresponding holding elements have a holding device are non-positively and / or positively engaged. In other words, retaining recesses are provided on the extruder head corresponding to the retaining elements of the retaining device, which are preferably designed as balls, so that a detachable connection can be established between the retaining device and the extrusion device by engaging the retaining elements in the retaining recesses.

In a preferred embodiment of the extrusion device, two holding recesses are provided on opposite sides of the extruder head. Due to the two holding recesses arranged on opposite sides, in each of which a holding element can be engaged, a particularly stable and easily detachable attachment to the holding device is realized.

In a further embodiment, the holding recesses can be designed to be open towards the front. Specifically, the retaining recesses may be formed by grooves extending rearwardly into the extruder head from a front end thereof and having a circular cross-section. The grooves preferably do not run continuously, but instead end in an end section within the respective side surface of the extruder head. This can preferably have a hollow contour corresponding to a segment of a sphere. The spherical end portion and ball retaining elements locate the head of the extruder longitudinally and exert a rearward force on the extruder when the retaining elements are engaged in the end portion. The holding recesses are preferably designed such that the extruder head is pressed with its rear end face against the rear surface of the receiving recess of the base element of the holding device when the holding elements are engaged in the corresponding holding recesses. In other words, the extruder head can be braced between the end regions of the grooves and the rear surface of the receiving recess, so that a flat contact and a stable positioning in the longitudinal direction of the extruder head in the base element is realized.

In a further embodiment, the extrusion device can have a tubular, elongate extruder housing which defines a longitudinal axis, and an extruder screw which extends inside the extruder housing and is rotatably mounted in the extruder housing. Such an extruder screw is used to convey material from a rear end of the extruder to the opening for the defined discharge of material. The extruder screw can have a central shaft body and a spiral profile projecting outwards from this body. The spiral profile can have a continuous gradient over its entire length. Alternatively, the gradient can vary over the length; in particular, sections with different gradients can be provided. The diameter of the shaft body can also vary over the length, so that the distance between the shaft body and the inner wall of the extruder housing changes over the length. In particular, the distance can decrease towards the front, so that the conveyed material is compressed.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the extrusion device, which has a tubular, elongate extruder housing that defines a longitudinal axis, and an extruder screw that extends inside the extruder housing and is rotatably mounted in the extruder housing, can be characterized in that a feed device for feeding in materiali is provided in the extrusion device, which has a feed housing which protrudes radially to the longitudinal axis from the extruder housing and has a feed opening for material, which is open in particular towards the rear can. The corresponding feed opening can be arranged coaxially to a corresponding opening of a printing station when the extrusion device is located at the printing station. In this way, material can be continuously fed to the extrusion device in an automated manner.

In a further embodiment, the feed housing can have a storage space which is connected to the interior of the extruder housing via a through-opening in order to continuously feed material into the interior of the extruder housing. This configuration is based on the consideration that a storage space can accommodate a certain supply of material, so that a printing process does not have to be interrupted even if the supply of material to the supply device is interrupted.

For the defined discharge of material, each extrusion device can have a nozzle at a front end of the extruder housing, the nozzle being in particular detachably fastened to the extruder housing, preferably screwed into it. A nozzle, which is arranged at a front end of the extruder housing, can thus form the opening for the defined discharge of material.

The nozzle can have an annular collar whose outside diameter is in particular larger than the outside diameter of the extruder housing. This configuration is based on the consideration that such an annular collar can engage in corresponding fixing means in order to stably support the extrusion device in its front end area.

In addition, the extruder head can have a rear drive opening from which coupling means protrude in order to couple the extruder screw in a rotationally fixed manner to a drive of a printing station, the drive opening preferably being arranged coaxially with the axis of rotation of the extruder screw. The extruder screw can also be connected directly to the coupling means in a rotationally fixed manner. The coupling means can be common coupling elements which can establish a connection to a drive of the printing station in a positive and/or non-positive manner. Specifically, it can be one half of a gear coupling or a claw coupling, which is preferably connected to the extruder screw in a torque-proof manner.

To position the extrusion device on a holding device of a printing station or on a holding device of a heating station or on a holding device of a transport unit, a positioning projection, in particular a positioning projection with a substantially hexagonal base, can be formed on the rear of the extruder head. In other words, a positioning projection can protrude from the rear end face of the extruder head and can be engaged in a corresponding recess of a holding device. In this way, the extrusion device can be clearly positioned on such a holding device on the extruder head side. A positioning projection with an essentially hexagonal base area, in which case the corners can in particular be rounded, and a complementary recess on a holding device also prevent incorrect attachment of the extrusion device, ie attachment twisted about the longitudinal axis.

In order to monitor the temperature prevailing in the extruder device, recesses can be formed in the extruder housing which temperature sensors of the heater(s) can be engaged. These recesses are preferably designed as radial blind holes. In a specific embodiment, a plurality of recesses can be spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction.

The object on which the invention is based is also achieved by a printing station for a system for the generative production of components, in particular for the three-dimensional printing of components, the printing station being designed in such a way that an extrusion device for the defined dispensing of material can be detachably attached to it, to generatively produce a component, the printing station having a holding device held on a base body as described above. The printing station can have a heating device for tempering an attached extrusion device.

The printing station can be moved relative to a component to be produced. This means that, for example, the component to be produced is produced on a stationary workpiece table and all relative movements are carried out by the printing station. It is also conceivable that individual degrees of freedom of movement are carried out by a workpiece table or a workpiece holder and other degrees of freedom by the printing station. It is equally conceivable that only one workpiece table or one workpiece holder is moved relative to a stationary printing station. A movable printing station can specifically be designed as a portal system. This means that the printing station can be moved along a number of translational axes.

The printing station can also have drive means for driving the extruder screw of an extrusion device, the drive means preferably comprising an electric motor. Furthermore, the printing station can have coupling means in order to couple the drive means to the extruder screw of an extruding device in a torque-proof manner. In addition, the printing station can comprise feed means, for example in the form of a feed funnel, which are designed and suitable for continuously feeding material for producing a component to an extrusion device attached to the printing station.

Furthermore, the object on which the invention is based is achieved by a heating station for a system for the generative production of components, in particular for the three-dimensional printing of components, to which an extrusion device for the defined dispensing of material can be detachably attached, and the heating station has a heating device for heating an attached Having extrusion device, wherein the heating station comprises a holding device held on a base body as described above.

The heating device of the printing station and/or the heating device of the heating station can each comprise two heating jaws, which are held on a base body of the printing station or the heating station and can in particular be moved towards and away from each other in a translatory manner between an open position in which the heating jaws are so wide are spaced apart so that an extrusion device can be placed between the heating jaws, and a closed position in which the heating jaws enclose a longitudinally defining receiving space for an extrusion device. The heating device is preferably arranged on the front side of the respective holding device. In other words, the heating devices of the printing station or the heating station can be designed in such a way that two heating jaws can enclose and heat up an extrusion device arranged between them. In a specific embodiment, both heating jaws can be movable relative to the base body, in particular symmetrically to one another. This means that in the open position of the heater jaws an extruder can be placed between them and both heater jaws are moved towards the extruder until they reach their closed position. At the same time, the extrusion device is fixed by the heating jaws, particularly at the printing station. This rules out any movement radially to the longitudinal direction.

The heating device of the printing station and the heating device(s) of the heating station(s) can be configured identically or differently. The receiving space is preferably designed in such a way that it completely encloses the extrusion device over a central longitudinal section in the radial direction. This means that a nozzle at a front end of an extruder and an extruder head at a rear end of an extruder can protrude from the receiving space. The receiving space preferably has an essentially circular-cylindrical basic shape. The heating jaws can also have insulation so that only a small amount of heat is lost to the outside.

In concrete terms, each heating jaw can carry a plurality of heating elements which are arranged in such a way that, when the heating jaws are in the closed position, they lie flat against an extrusion device arranged in the receiving space. Thus, it can be provided that the heat from the heating jaws, specifically the heating elements, through surface contact with an extru the device, in particular an extruder housing, is transferred.

Several heating elements can be arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction in each heating jaw. In this way it is achieved that heat is transferred from the heating jaws to an extrusion device over almost the entire length of an extrusion device, in particular over the area in which an extruder screw is located, preferably in the area between a feed opening and a nozzle. This enables a constant temperature or a desired temperature profile to be achieved over the length of an attached extruder. The heating elements of the two heating jaws are preferably arranged in pairs opposite one another. This means that each heating element of one heating jaw is opposite a heating element in the other heating jaw in the same position in the longitudinal direction.

In order to realize a flat contact with an extrusion device positioned between the heating jaws, in particular on the extruder housing, provision can be made for the heating elements to be mounted in heating element recesses in the heating jaws so that they can move into and out of the receiving space. Such a movable mounting means that the heating elements can lie flat on the extruder device and thus a favorable heat transfer can be achieved. Furthermore, dimensional tolerances, such as can occur on various extrusion devices, can be compensated for by such a movable bearing. The heating element recesses can be designed as depressions in the heating jaws.

In a specific embodiment, spring elements can be provided which press the heating elements inwards into the receiving space, so that a flat contact of the heating elements with an extrusion device arranged in the receiving space is ensured. The spring elements can be supported against the heating jaws, in particular the base of the heating element recesses, and against the heating elements, in particular a support body of the heating elements.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one, in particular each heating element can have several heating segments rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis of rotation, which each have a concave heating surface facing the receiving space, which can be brought flatly into contact with an extrusion device. In other words, each heating element comprises a plurality of movable heating segments, which can nestle against the outer contour of the extrusion device due to the movable mounting.

Each heating segment can be provided with an in particular electrically heatable heating cartridge, which is preferably inserted into a longitudinal bore of the respective heating segment. Each heating segment can thus have a cavity in which a heating cartridge is inserted. Electrically heatable heating cartridges are particularly easy to adjust in terms of their temperature and output and are therefore the preferred choice.

In order to realize the rotatable mounting of the heating segments, each heating element can have a front and a rear mounting plate, between which the heating segments are rotatably mounted. In concrete terms, each heating element can engage with a front and a rear projection in a corresponding bearing bore of the front and rear bearing plate. The bearing hole can completely penetrate the bearing plate. As a result, a rotatable mounting of the heating segments is implemented in a simple manner. Furthermore, the rear bearing plate or the front bearing plate can adjoin a feed plate in which feed slots for electrical lines to the heating cartridges are provided. The feed slots preferably extend away from the receiving space, starting from the axis of rotation of the respective heating segment. In this way, electrical lines that are required to power the cartridge heaters can be routed to the cartridge heaters in a simple manner.

The heating elements can be limited at the front by a base plate and at the rear by a cover plate. The base plate or the cover plate can rest against the edges of the heating element cutouts, so that the heating elements are positioned in the longitudinal direction in the heating element cutouts.

In a further embodiment, the rear bearing plate and the front bearing plate can be fixed to a support body, in particular screwed to the support body, which is inserted into the heating element recess of the respective heating jaw. The support body can extend in the transverse direction over the entire heating element and thus position the heating element in the heating element recess transverse to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the supporting body can be arranged in the longitudinal direction between the front mounting plate and the rear mounting plate, with the front and the rear mounting plate preferably lying flat against the supporting body. Toward the receiving space, the supporting body can have a U-shaped recess in which the heating segments are arranged.

Springs can be arranged on the side of the support body facing away from the receiving space, via which the support body is supported against the heating element recess. As a result, a spring force is transmitted to the heating segments via the supporting body and the bearing plates, so that these are pressed with their concave heating surface against an extruding device used in order to transfer the heat to it.

A cooling element can be arranged in each case on a rear end region of the heating jaws, which cooling element is designed in such a way that it lies flat against the extrusion device when the heating jaws are in the closed position. This configuration is based on the idea of using a cooling element in the rear end area of the heating jaws to provide thermal decoupling between the area of the extrusion device in which the material is conveyed and heated and the rear end area in which there may be coupling means, bearing means for the extruder screw and sealing means, sealing elements or the like are located. In other words, a front area of the heating jaws is used as a heating area and a rear area as a cooling area. This can prevent damage to components. It is provided that a cooling surface of the cooling element can be brought into direct contact with the extrusion device. In a specific embodiment, the cooling element can have a flow channel for cooling water.

In order to monitor the temperature in an extrusion device positioned between the heating jaws, each heating jaw can be provided with temperature sensors which protrude into the receiving space. Specifically, a temperature sensor can be provided in each case in the longitudinal direction between two heating elements. If the heating jaws are in their closed position and enclose an extrusion device, these temperature sensors can engage in corresponding recesses in the extrusion device, so that a direct touching measurement of the temperature of the extruder housing is possible, from which the temperature of the material inside the extruder housing can be deduced . The temperature sensors can contain a resistance thermometer and/or a thermocouple.

In order to fix a front end of an extrusion device in the closed position of the heating jaws, fixing means can be provided at a front end of the heating jaws. In concrete terms, a fixing element can be arranged at the front end of each heating jaw, which has a semicircular recess directed inwards towards the receiving space, in which a corresponding annular collar of an extrusion device, in particular a nozzle, can be engaged in order to support an extrusion device in its front end region . By supporting the front end area close to the nozzle, an exact positioning and stable fixing of an attached extrusion device can be achieved, particularly at the printing station.

The object on which the invention is based is also achieved by a system for the generative production of components, in particular for the three-dimensional printing of components, with a printing station as described above and at least one heating station as described above. This embodiment is based on the idea of providing a heating station in addition to a printing station, to which an extrusion device can be attached. This allows the extruder to be preheated outside of the print station before the extruder is attached to the printing station and used to create a component. In this way, lengthy heating-up at the printing station and thus a temporary plant standstill when changing the extrusion device in the printing station can be avoided. Different extrusion devices can thus be used in a simple manner one after the other when producing a component, without long downtimes occurring when changing.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the system comprises at least one extrusion device as described above. This refinement is based on the consideration that the system contains a plurality of extrusion devices which are provided for different materials or for dispensing material in different dimensions. Optionally, one of these extruders can be attached to the printing station when it is used directly to create a component.

In a further embodiment of the system according to the invention, a transport device can be provided in order to transport an extrusion device between the printing station and a heating station. In other words, provision is made for automatically transporting an extrusion device with a corresponding transport device, for example if it is to be removed from a heating station preheated and attached to a printing station. In concrete terms, the transport device can be designed to move an extrusion device attached to it along a number of axes, in particular to move translationally in three directions and/or to rotate about an axis. Such a transport device can, for example, comprise a multi-armed robot. This can be done with a corresponding Be equipped with position and / or path control.

The system can also include at least one storage station, at which extruders that are not needed at the moment and also do not have to be heated up, ie that have to be prepared for a printing process, can be stored. Such a storage station may include a holding device as previously described to securely hold an extrusion device.

Furthermore, control means can be provided in order to control the individual components of the system. These can include separate controls for the heating device, the transport device and the printing station, as well as possible storage stations. Furthermore, the respective components can be coupled via a common central system controller. In this way, the entire system can be monitored from a central control station. For example, the data provided by the temperature sensors of the heating devices can be monitored centrally and the corresponding heating outputs of the heating elements can be adjusted if necessary. This enables easy control of the entire system.

• 1 ein System zum dreidimensionalen Drucken von Bauteilen gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 2 eine Extrudiervorrichtung des Systems aus 1 in perspektivischer Darstellung;
• 3 die Extrudiervorrichtung aus 2 in einer Längsschnittansicht;
• 4 die Extrudiervorrichtung aus 2 in einer Explosionsdarstellung;
• 5 die Druckstation des Systems von 1 mit eingesetzter Extrudiervorrichtung in perspektivischer Darstellung;
• 6 die Druckstation aus 5 ohne eingesetzte Extrudiervorrichtung mit geöffneten Heizbacken in perspektivischer Darstellung;
• 7 die Druckstation aus 5 in einer Explosionsdarstellung;
• 8 eine Heizstation des Systems aus 1 mit einer eingesetzten Extrudiervorrichtung in perspektivischer Darstellung;
• 9 die Heizstation aus 8 mit geöffneten Heizbacken;
• 10 eine Heizbacke der Heizvorrichtung der Druckstation bzw. der Heizstationen in perspektivischer Darstellung;
• 11 die Heizbacke aus 10 in Explosionsdarstellung;
• 12 die Transporteinrichtung des Systems aus 1 mit einer daran gehaltenen Extrudiervorrichtung in perspektivischer Darstellung;
• 13 die Transporteinrichtung aus 12 in einer anderen perspektivischen Darstellung;
• 14 die Transporteinrichtung aus 12 in Explosionsdarstellung;
• 15 eine Lagerungsstation des Systems aus 1 in perspektivischer Darstellung;
• 16 die Lagerungsstation aus 15 in Explosionsdarstellung;
• 17 die Druckstation des Systems in detaillierter Ausgestaltung in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;
• 18 die Heizbacke der Heizvorrichtung der Druckstation bzw. der Heizstation in detaillierter Ausgestaltung in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;
• 19 die Heizbacke aus 18 in Explosionsdarstellung;
• 20 das Heizelement der Heizvorrichtung der Druckstation bzw. der Heizstation in detaillierter Ausgestaltung in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;
• 21 das Heizelement aus 20 in Explosionsdarstellung;
• 22 eine Halteeinrichtung und eine Extrudiereinheit in detaillierter Ausgestaltung in perspektivischer Darstellung; und
• 23 die Halteeinrichtung aus 22 in Explosionsdarstellung.

For the further development of the invention, reference is made to the dependent claims and to the description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. Show in the drawing:

• 1 a system for three-dimensional printing of components according to the present invention;
• 2 an extrusion device of the system 1 in perspective view;
• 3 the extrusion device 2 in a longitudinal sectional view;
• 4 the extrusion device 2 in an exploded view;
• 5 the printing station of the system from 1 with inserted extrusion device in a perspective view;
• 6 the printing station off 5 without inserted extrusion device with open heating jaws in a perspective view;
• 7 the printing station off 5 in an exploded view;
• 8th a heating station of the system 1 with an inserted extrusion device in a perspective view;
• 9 the heating station off 8th with open heating jaws;
• 10 a perspective view of a heating jaw of the heating device of the printing station or heating stations;
• 11 the heating jaw off 10 in exploded view;
• 12 the transport device of the system 1 with an extruder held thereon in a perspective view;
• 13 the transport device 12 in another perspective view;
• 14 the transport device 12 in exploded view;
• 15 a storage station of the system 1 in perspective view;
• 16 the storage station 15 in exploded view;
• 17 the printing station of the system in a detailed configuration in a perspective view;
• 18 the heating jaw of the heating device of the printing station or the heating station in a detailed configuration in a perspective view;
• 19 the heating jaw off 18 in exploded view;
• 20 the heating element of the heating device of the printing station or the heating station in a detailed configuration in a perspective view;
• 21 the heating element off 20 in exploded view;
• 22 a holding device and an extrusion unit in a detailed configuration in a perspective view; and
• 23 the holding device 22 in exploded view.

The 1 FIG. 12 shows schematically a system for three-dimensional printing of components according to the present invention. The system comprises a number of stations, at each of which an extruding device 1 can optionally be detachably removed.

Specifically, the system includes a printing station 2, which in the 1 is shown on the right. The printing station 2 is used for the generative production of a component and is designed in such a way that, for the defined dispensing of material, an extrusion device 1 can be detachably attached to it in order to generatively produce a component.

Furthermore, the system comprises two heating stations 3 which are arranged separately from the printing station 2 and which are designed and suitable for receiving and preheating an extrusion device 1 when this is not attached to the printing station 2 . Thus, an extrusion device 1 can be attached to the heating station 3 and preheated before it is attached to the printing station 2 in order to generate a component there.

The system also includes two storage stations 4, which in the 1 are arranged to the left of the two heating stations 3 . An extrusion device 1 can be detachably attached to each of the storage stations 4, in particular if the respective extrusion device 1 is not required for a longer period of time. Finally, the system includes a transport device 5, by means of which an extrusion device 1 can be transported between the various stations 2, 3, 4.

That in the 1 The system shown also includes a total of three extrusion devices 1 for defined dispensing of material. One of the three extrusion devices 1 is detachably attached to one of the two storage stations 1 and another extruder device 1 is detachably attached to a heating station 3 . In addition, a third extrusion device 1 is detachably held on the transport device 5 .

The basic structure of the extrusion devices 1 is in the 2 until 4 shown, a detailed representation of an extrusion device can be found in 22 . Each extrusion device 1 has a tubular, elongate extruder housing 6 which defines a longitudinal axis X. A nozzle 7 for dispensing material is screwed into the front end of the extruder housing 6 . The extruder housing 6 has a cuboid extruder head 8 on the back.

The extruder device 1 also has a rotatably mounted extruder screw 9 extending inside the extruder housing 6 . As in particular in the 3 and 4 As can be seen, the extruder screw 9 has an inner shaft body 10 and a spiral profile 11 arranged on the outside of the shaft body 10. The diameter of the shaft body 10 increases slightly from the rear end to the front end, whereas the depth of the spiral profile 11 decreases correspondingly. By rotating the extruder screw 9 relative to the extruder housing 6, material can be conveyed from the rear end to the front end of the extruder device 1, it being simultaneously compressed by the increasing diameter of the shaft body 10.

In a rear end area, the extrusion device 1 has a feed device for feeding in material. In concrete terms, the feed device comprises a feed housing 12 which protrudes radially from the extruder housing 6 with respect to the longitudinal axis X and has a feed opening 13 for material which is open to the rear. The feed housing 12 forms a storage space 14 which is connected to the interior of the extruder housing 6 via a through-opening 15 so that material can be fed continuously into the interior of the extruder housing 6 .

The extruder screw 9 is rotatably mounted in the extruder head 8 . At the rear, the extruder head has a drive opening 16, from which one half 17a of a toothed coupling 17 protrudes. With this half of the gear coupling 17, the extruder screw 9 is rotatably connected.

Furthermore, a positioning projection 18 with a substantially hexagonal base area is provided on the rear of the extruder head 8 . The corners of the hexagonal base are rounded.

In the 5 until 7 the basic structure of the printing station 2 is shown. The printing station 2 has a base body 19 which can be screwed laterally to a fixed bracket or to a portal system for moving the printing station 2 .

Furthermore, the printing station 2 comprises a receptacle for an extrusion device, as well as a heating device 20 for tempering an attached extrusion device 1.

In the in the 5 shown arrangement, an extruder 1 is attached to the printing station 2. The printing station 2 comprises feed means, in the present case in the form of a feed funnel 20, which is arranged coaxially to the feed opening 13, so that material can be fed continuously to the extruding device 1.

Furthermore, drive means are provided in order to set the extruder screw 9 of an extruder device 1 used in a rotary motion. For this is as in 7 is clearly visible, a drive motor 21 is provided, which is presently designed as a speed-controlled electric motor. The axis of rotation of the drive motor 21 runs parallel to the longitudinal axis X of an extrusion device 1 used. Specifically, the drive motor 21 is flanged to a drive housing 22 , which in turn is fastened to the base body 19 . The second half of the toothed coupling 17 is rotatably mounted in the drive housing 22 coaxially to the extruder screw 9 of an extruder device 1 used. The drive motor 21 and the second half 17b of Gear coupling 17 are coupled to one another in a torque-proof manner. This can be done, for example, via a belt drive or a gear train. In this way, the rotational movement of the drive motor 21 can be transmitted to the extruder screw 9 of an extruding device 1 used.

The basic structure of a heating station 3 is in the 8th and 9 shown. The heating station 3 also has a base body 23 which can be screwed to a support or to a wall, for example. The heating station 3 serves to receive and preheat an extruding device 1 as long as it is not attached to the printing station 2. In this way, a preheated extruder 1 can be removed from the heating station 3 and attached to the printing station 2 when needed there.

Both the printing station 2 and both heating stations 3 each have a heating device 24. The heating devices 24 of the printing station 2 and the heating station 3 are of identical design in the present case.

Each heating device 24 comprises two heating jaws 25a, 25b, which are held on the respective base body 19 of the printing station 2 or the base body 23 of the respective heating stations 3. The two heating jaws 25a, 25b can be moved towards and away from one another between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, such as that shown in 6 and in 9 is shown, the two heating jaws 25a, 25b are so far apart that an extrusion device 1 can be placed between the two heating jaws 25a, 25b. In their closed position, for example in 8th and 5 is shown, the heating jaws 25a, 25b enclose a receiving space for an extrusion device 1. Specifically, the heating jaws 25a, 25b surround the extrusion device 1 in a central section between the extruder head 8 or the feed housing 12 and the nozzle 7.

The basic structure of the heating jaws 25a, 25b is in the 10 and 11 shown. Each heating jaw 25a, 25b carries a plurality of heating elements 26 which are arranged in such a way that, when the heating jaws 25a, 25b are in the closed position, they lie flat against an extrusion device 1 arranged in the receiving space. In concrete terms, a plurality of heating elements 26 are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction in each heating jaw 25a, 25b. At the same time, the heating elements 26 of the two heating jaws 25a, 25b are arranged in pairs opposite one another.

In order to ensure a flat contact with an extrusion device 1 inserted into the receiving space, the heating elements 26 are mounted in heating element recesses 27 of the heating jaws 25a, 25b so that they can move into and out of the receiving space.

A cooling element 28 is arranged in each case in a rear end region of the heating jaws 25a, 25b. This is designed in such a way that it lies flat against the extrusion device 1 when the heating jaws 25a, 25b are in the closed position. In this way, when an extrusion device 1 is used, thermal decoupling takes place between a front area of the extrusion device 1 and a rear end area, in which drive elements, seals, etc. can be located.

Fixing means are provided at a front end of the heating jaws 25a, 25b in order to fix a front end of an extrusion device 1 in the closed position of the heating jaws 25a, 25b. Specifically, a fixing element 29 is attached to the front end of each heating jaw 25a, 25b. This shows in the in the 10 and 11 The arrangement shown has a semi-circular recess 30 directed toward the receiving space. The nozzle 7 of the extrusion device 1 has a corresponding annular collar 31 which can be engaged in the recess 30 in order to support an extrusion device 1 in its front end area. As a result, a particularly stable attachment of the extrusion device 1 in a heating station 3 or in the printing station 2 can be realized.

The specific design of the heating jaws 25a, 25b and the heating elements 26 and the cooling element 28 can den 18 until 21 be removed. The heating jaws 25a, 25b have a heating jaw housing 32 which is designed as a sheet metal construction. A cover plate 33 is provided inward towards the receiving space. The heating jaw housing 32 has a plurality of heating element recesses 27 in the longitudinal direction, in each of which a heating element 26 is inserted.

In the 20 and 21 the design of the heating elements 26 is shown in detail. Each heating element 26 has five heating segments 34 mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation running in the longitudinal direction. These each have a concave heating surface 35 pointing towards the receiving space, which can be brought into surface contact with an extruding device 1 . Each heating segment 34 has a longitudinal bore 36 into which an electrically heatable cartridge heater 37 is inserted.

Furthermore, each heating element 26 has a front bearing plate 38 and a rear bearing plate 39, between which the heating segments 34 are rotatably mounted. In concrete terms, each one works Heating element 34 with a front projection 40 and a rear projection 41 in the corresponding bearing bore 42 of the front and rear bearing plates 38, 39 a.

In the present case, the rear storage plate 39 adjoins a feed plate 43 in which feed slots 44 for electrical lines 45 to the heating cartridges 37 run. Starting from the axis of rotation of the respective heating segment 34, the feed slots 44 extend away from the receiving space and parallel to one another.

Each heating element 26 is delimited at the front by a base plate 46 and at the rear by a cover plate 47 . The storage plates 38, 39, the feed plate 43 and the base plate 46 and the cover plate 47 are screwed to a support body 48 with a substantially semi-circular through-hole 49. In this way, each heating element 26 forms a structural unit.

Springs 50 are arranged on the side of the support body 48 facing away from the receiving space, via which the support body 48 is supported against the base of the heating element recess 27 . In this way, the heating element 26 is pressed with a defined force against an extrusion device 1 inserted into the receiving space, so that a planar contact of the heating segments 34 via their heating surface 35 on the extruder housing 6 of an inserted extrusion device 1 is ensured.

A cooling element 28 is provided on a rear end area of each of the heating jaws 25a, 25b, which has a flow channel for cooling water.

A sensor element 51 for measuring a temperature is arranged between the cooling element 28 and the adjacent heating element 26 and between the heating elements 26 in each case. This includes a temperature sensor 52 which protrudes into the receiving space in order to measure the temperature of an extrusion device 1 used. For this purpose, recesses designed as radial blind bores 53 are provided in the extruder housing 6 of the extruding devices 1 to accommodate the respective temperature sensor 52 .

Both the printing station 2 and each heating station 3 and each storage station 4 also have a holding device 54 in order to fix the rear end region, in particular the head 8, of an extruding device 1 in a detachable manner. The exact structure of the holding device 54 is in the 22 and 23 shown.

The holding device 54 has a stationary cuboid base element 55 which has a central receiving recess 56 for the extruder head 8 of an extruder device 1 . The receiving recess 56 is open on two sides of the base member 55, in this case on a front side and on an adjacent side.

Furthermore, the holding device 54 has a total of four holding elements 57 designed as balls. The holding elements 57 are each arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the receiving recess 56 in the base element 55 . For this purpose, a total of four through-holes 58 are formed in the base element 55, which extend outwards from two sides of the receiving recess 56. The through bores 58 taper inwards, i.e. towards the receiving recess 56, in order to prevent the retaining elements 57, which are designed as balls, from being able to exit completely into the receiving recess 56.

The holding elements 57 are movable between a release position and a holding position. In their release position, the holding elements 57 are moved so far out of the receiving recess 56 that an extrusion device 1 can be inserted into the receiving recess 56 or removed from it. In the holding position, the holding elements 57 protrude so far into the receiving recess 56 that an extrusion device 1 inserted into this is held in a form-fitting manner. For this purpose, holding recesses 59 are formed on the extruder head 8 of the extruding device 1 . The holding elements 57 can be positively engaged in these. In a specific embodiment, the holding recesses 59 are open to the front and are formed by grooves 60, which have a cross section corresponding to a segment of a circle. The grooves 60 extend rearward from a front end of the extruder head 8 . They end within the respective side surface of the extruder head 8 in an end section 61 which has a hollow contour corresponding to a segment of a sphere.

The base element 55 of the holding device 54 has a positioning recess 62 for positioning an extrusion device 1 inserted into the receiving recess 56. In the present case, this is formed on the back of the receiving recess 56, has an essentially hexagonal cross section and completely penetrates the base element 55 towards the rear. The positioning projection 18 of the extruding device 1 can be inserted into this positioning recess 62 .

The holding device 54 also includes an actuating element 63, which in the present case has a multi-part design and a rear actuating yoke 64 and a front piece element 65 includes. The actuating yoke 64 is screwed to the support element 65 .

The actuating member 63 is slidable relative to the base member 55 to move the holding members 57 between their release position and their holding position. The holding device also includes a pneumatic cylinder 66 which is provided to move the actuating element 63 relative to the base element 55 . For this purpose, the piston of the pneumatic cylinder 66 is firmly connected to the base element 63 , specifically to the support element 65 .

Specifically, the actuating element 63 is C-shaped. The two C-legs 67a, 67b enclose the base element 55. On both C-legs 67a, 67b in each case an inwardly projecting link guide 68 is formed. This engages in corresponding guide slots 69 which pass through the through bores 58 and into which the retaining elements 57 protrude.

In this way, the actuating element 63 cooperates with the holding elements 57 such that a movement of the actuating element 63 relative to the base element 55 is converted into a movement of the holding elements 57 in the direction of the release position or in the direction of the holding position. The corresponding bevels 70 of the link guide 68 are there - as in 23 can be seen - shaped so that a movement of the actuating element 63 relative to the base member 55 to the bottom right in the 22 and 23 the holding elements 57 are moved to their holding position, whereas a movement to the top left in the 22 and 23 the holding elements 57 are moved to their release positions.

The 12 until 14 show the basic structure of the transport device 5. The transport device 5 is used to transport an extrusion device 1 between the various stations 3, 4 and the printing station 2. For this purpose, the transport device 5 is designed to move an extruding device 1 attached to it along a number of axes. The various axes are indicated by arrows in 12 shown. Thus, an attached extrusion device 1 can be translated in all three directions; it is also provided to carry out a rotational movement about a longitudinal axis.

Appropriate gripping means are provided for holding the extrusion device 1 on the transport device 5 . In the in the 12 until 14 The arrangement shown has the transport device 5 an upper gripping device 71 and a lower gripping device 72 which is attached to a base body 73 of the transport device 5. The upper gripping device 71 grips the extruder device 1 on the feed housing 12 , whereas the lower gripping device 72 grips a middle region of the extruder housing 6 . In this way, safe transport can be realized.

In the 15 and 16 Finally, the basic structure of a storage station 4 is shown. This is used to safely store extrusion devices 1 that are not needed for a long period of time. For this purpose, the storage station 4 also has a base body 74 which can be screwed to the side of a support or a wall. A holding device 54 in the configuration already described above is also arranged on the base body, so that an extruding device 1 that is not currently in use can be detachably attached to the storage station 4 .

The system also includes control means not shown in the figures. These can include, for example, a central system control and/or decentralized control units at the heating stations 3, the printing station 2 and the transport device 5.

If an extruding device 1 arranged in the printing station 2 is to be changed during a printing process, the extruding device 1 to be newly attached to the printing station 2 can first be removed from the storage station 4 . Specifically, the transport device 5 is positioned in front of the storage station 4 so that the upper gripping device 71 and the lower gripping device 72 can grip the extrusion device 1 .

As soon as the extrusion device 1 is attached to the transport device 5, the holding device 54 of the storage station 4 can be controlled. In concrete terms, the actuating element 63 is moved relative to the base element 55 by means of the pneumatic cylinder 66, so that the holding elements 57 are moved from their holding position to their release position via the link guide 68. In this way the extrusion device 1 can be separated from the storage station 4 .

The transport device 5 is then positioned in front of a heating station 3 in such a way that the holding device 54 of the heating station 3 can grip the extrusion device 1 . For this purpose, the extruder device 1 is positioned between the heating jaws 25a, 25b, which are in their open position, so that the positioning projection 18 of the extruder head 8 is engaged in the positioning recess 62 of the base element 55. For gripping, the actuating element 63 of the holding device 54 of the heating station 3 is then moved relative to the base element 55, so that the holding elements designed as balls 57 are moved into their holding position and come into engagement with the holding recesses 59 of the extrusion device 1. The design of the end sections 61 of the grooves 60 applies a force in the rearward direction to the extruder device 1, so that the extruder head 8 is clamped between the holding elements 57 and the base of the receiving recess 56, which forms a stop surface for the extruder head 8.

In a next step, the upper gripping device 71 and the lower gripping device 72 of the transport device 5 are disengaged from the extruding device 1 before the transport device 5 is moved away from the heating station 3 .

The heating jaws 25a, 25b are then moved toward one another so that they assume their closed position. The heating jaws 25a, 25b completely enclose the extrusion device 1 in a central longitudinal area.

When the heating jaws 25a, 25b are brought into their closed position, the heating segments 34 move about their respective axis of rotation in such a way that their heating surface 35 comes into flat contact with the extruder housing 6. At the same time, the springs 50 press the heating segments 34 against the extruder housing 6, so that a flat contact is ensured.

The extrusion device 1 can now be heated to a specific operating temperature between the two heating jaws 25a, 25b. For this purpose, the heating cartridges 37, which are located in corresponding longitudinal bores 36 of the heating segments 34, are supplied with electrical power, so that their temperature increases. At the same time, the cooling element 28 arranged at the rear in the heating jaws is supplied with cooling water, so that damage to the rear end area of the extruder device 1 as a result of high temperatures can be ruled out, since thermal decoupling takes place.

When the heating jaws 25a, 25b are moved towards one another, the temperature sensors 52 automatically engage in the corresponding blind bores 53 in the extruder housing 6. This allows the temperature of the extruder housing 6 and thus indirectly the temperature inside the extruder housing 6 to be detected.

When a certain temperature level is reached, the extruding device 1 can be removed from the heating station 3 and inserted into the printing station 2 . For this purpose, the heating jaws 25a, 25b are first moved from their closed position to their open position, so that the upper gripping device 71 and the lower gripping device 72 of the transport device 5 can grip the extrusion device 1. The holding elements 57 of the holding device 54 of the heating station 3 are then brought into their release position, as has already been described in connection with the storage station 4 .

The transport device 5 with the extruder device 1 attached to it can now be moved in front of the printing station 2 . Extruding device 1 can now be attached to printing station 2 in the same way as described above when attaching extruding device 1 to heating station 3 . Specifically, this means that first the holding elements 57 of the holding device 54 of the printing station 2 are brought into their holding position, so that the extruding device 1 is already held at the printing station 2 at its rear end.

Then the upper gripping device 71 and the lower gripping device 72 of the transport device 5 are released before the transport device 5 is moved away from the printing station 2 . Thereafter, the heating jaws 25a, 25b of the heating device of the printing station 2 can be brought into their closed position, so that the heating surfaces 35 come into contact with the extruder housing 6 in the same manner as already described. When the heating jaws 25a, 25b reach their closed position, the annular collar 31 of the nozzle 7 simultaneously comes into engagement with recesses 30 of the two fixing elements 29. In this way, the extruding device 1 is also supported at the front end.

Printing can now be continued. The heating elements 26, which are arranged in the heating jaws 25a, 25b of the printing station 2, regulate the temperature of the extrusion device 1, so that the corresponding operating temperature is maintained. At the same time, the cooling element 28 leads to a thermal decoupling of the rear end area of the extruder device 1.

The system according to the invention shown can significantly reduce downtimes when changing the extrusion device 1 in the printing station 2, since the extrusion device 1 is already heated to its operating temperature in the heating station 3 before it is attached to the printing station 2, so that time-consuming heating in the Printing station 2 is omitted.

Reference List

1

extrusion device

2

printing station

3

heating station

4

storage station

5

transport device

6

extruder body

7

jet

8th

extruder head

9

extruder screw

10

shaft body

11

spiral profile

12

feeder housing

13

feed opening

14

pantry

15

passage opening

16

drive opening

17

gear coupling

17a, 17b

half of the gear coupling

18

positioning projection

19

body

20

feed hopper

21

drive motor

22

drive housing

23

body

24

heating device

25a, 25b

heating jaw

26

heating element

27

heating element recess

28

cooling element

29

fixing element

30

recess

31

ring collar

32

heating jaw housing

33

cover plate

34

heating segment

35

heating surface

36

longitudinal bore

37

cartridge heater

38

front storage panel

39

rear storage plate

40

front protrusion

41

rear protrusion

42

bearing bore

43

feed plate

44

feed slot

45

electrical line

46

base plate

47

cover plate

48

supporting body

49

through hole

50

feathers

51

sensor element

52

temperature sensor

53

blind hole

54

holding device

55

base element

56

recording recess

57

holding element

58

through hole

59

holding recess

60

groove

61

end section

62

positioning recess

63

actuator

64

operating yoke

65

support element

66

pneumatic cylinder

67a, 67b

C leg

68

link guide

69

guide slot

70

oblique

71

upper gripping device

72

lower gripping device

73

body

74

body

Claims (29)

Holding device (54), in particular for a system for the generative production of components, preferably for a system for the three-dimensional printing of components, with a base element (55) which has a central receiving recess (56), in which a component, in particular the head of a Extrusion device (1) is positionable, and holding elements (57) which are arranged in the base element (55) and between a release position in which the holding elements are moved far enough out of the receiving recess (56) that a component can be inserted into or removed from the receiving recess (56), and a holding position in which the holding elements (57) far enough into the receiving recess (56) so that a component inserted into the receiving recess (56) is held in a non-positive and/or positive manner. Holding device (54) after claim 1 , characterized in that the holding elements (57) are designed as balls. Holding device (54) after claim 1 or claim 2 , characterized in that a total of four holding elements (57) are provided, two of which are arranged on opposite sides of the receiving recess (56). Holding device (54) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving recess (56) is open on two sides of the base element (55). Holding device (54) after claim 4 , characterized in that the base element (55) is substantially cuboid and the receiving recess (56) is open to a front side and an adjacent side. Holding device (54) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base element (55) has a positioning recess for positioning a component inserted into the receiving recess (56), which is preferably formed on a rear side of the receiving recess (56). Holding device (54) after claim 6 , characterized in that the positioning recess has a substantially hexagonal cross-section and/or completely penetrates the base element (55) towards the rear. Holding device (54) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device (54) comprises an actuating element (63) which can be moved, in particular displaced, relative to the base element (55) in order to move the holding elements (57) between their release position and their move holding position. Holding device (54) after claim 8 , characterized in that a pneumatic cylinder (66) is provided to move the actuating element (63) relative to the base element (55), wherein a housing of the pneumatic cylinder (66) is preferably fixedly attached to the base element (55). Holding device (54) according to one of Claims 8 or 9 , characterized in that the actuating element (63) is C-shaped, with the two C-legs (67a, 67b) encompassing the base element (55) and on both C-legs (67a, 67b) in each case an inwardly projecting link guide (68) which cooperates with the holding elements (57) in such a way that a movement of the actuating element (63) relative to the base element (55) is converted into a movement of the holding elements (57) in the direction of the release positions or in the direction of the holding position. Holding device (54) after claim 10 , characterized in that the link guide (68) engages on the outside in guide slots (69) of the base element (55), into which the holding elements (57) protrude. Extrusion device (1), in particular for a system for generatively producing components, preferably for a system for three-dimensional printing of components, the extrusion device (1) having an opening at a front end for the defined discharge of material and at a rear end an opening, in particular cuboid Extruder head (8) is provided, characterized in that holding recesses (59) are formed on the extruder head (8), in which corresponding holding elements (57) of a holding device (54) can be brought into force and/or positive engagement. Extrusion device (1) after claim 12 , characterized in that two holding recesses (59) are formed on opposite sides of the extruder head (8). Extrusion devices (1) after Claim 13 , characterized in that the holding recesses (59) are open to the front. Extrusion device (1) after Claim 13 or 14 , characterized in that the retaining recesses (59) are formed by grooves (60) which, starting from a front end of the extruder head (8), extend backwards into the latter and preferably have a circular cross-section. Extrusion device (1) after claim 15 , characterized in that the grooves (60) within the respective side surface of the extruder head (8) in an end portion (61) end, which preferably has a contour corresponding to a segment of a sphere. Extrusion device (1) according to one of Claims 12 until 16 , characterized in that on the back of the extruder head (8) a positioning projection, in particular a positioning projection with a substantially hexagonal base, is formed in order to position the extrusion device (1) on a holding device (54). Extrusion device (1) according to one of Claims 12 until 16 , characterized in that the extrusion device (1) has a tubular, elongate extruder housing (6) which defines a longitudinal axis, and an extruder screw (9) which extends inside the extruder housing (6) and is rotatably mounted in the extruder housing (6). Extrusion device (1), in particular for a system for the generative production of components, preferably for a system for the three-dimensional printing of components, the extrusion device (1) having an opening at a front end for the defined discharge of material, in particular according to one of Claims 12 until 18 , wherein the extrusion device (1) has a tubular, elongate extruder housing (6) which defines a longitudinal axis, and an extruder screw (9) which extends inside the extruder housing (6) and is rotatably mounted in the extruder housing (6), characterized in that a Feeding device for feeding materials into the extrusion device (1) is provided, which has a feed housing (12) which projects radially to the longitudinal axis from the extruder housing (6) and has a feed opening (13) for material, which is open in particular to the rear. Extrusion device (1) after claim 19 , characterized in that the feed housing (12) has a storage space (14) which is connected to the interior of the extruder housing (6) at a through opening (15) in order to continuously feed material into the interior of the extruder housing (6). extrusion device claim 19 or 20 , characterized in that at the rear end of the extruder housing (6) an in particular cuboid extruder head (8) is provided. Extrusion device (1) according to one of Claims 12 until 21 , characterized in that the extrusion device (1) has a nozzle (7) for dispensing material at a front end of the extruder housing (6), the nozzle (7) being fastened in particular to the extruder housing (6), preferably being screwed into it . Extrusion device (1) after Claim 22 , characterized in that the nozzle (7) has an annular collar (31) whose outside diameter is in particular larger than the outside diameter of the extruder housing (6). Extrusion device (1) according to one of claims 18 until 23 , the extruder housing (6) having an in particular cuboid extruder head (8) on the rear, characterized in that the extruder head (8) has a rear drive opening (16) from which coupling means protrude in order to rotate an extruder screw (9) with a drive of a To couple the printing unit, wherein the drive opening (16) is preferably arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation of the extruder screw (9). Extrusion device (1) according to one of Claims 12 until 24 , characterized in that in the extruder housing (6) recesses, which are designed in particular as radial blind holes, are provided for accommodating temperature sensors (52). Printing station (2) for a system for the generative production of components, in particular for the three-dimensional printing of components, the printing station (2) being designed in such a way that an extrusion device (1) for the defined discharge of material can be detachably attached to it in order to To generate a component generatively, characterized in that the printing station (2) has a holding device (54) held on a base body (19, 23) according to one of Claims 1 until 11 includes. Heating station (3) for a system for the generative production of components, in particular for the three-dimensional printing of components, an extrusion device (1) for the defined dispensing of material being detachably attachable to the heating station (3), and the heating station (3) having a heating device (24 ) for heating an attached extrusion device (1), characterized in that the heating station (3) has a base body (19, 23) held holding device (54) according to one of Claims 1 until 11 includes. System for the generative production of components, in particular for the three-dimensional printing of components, with a printing station (2). Claim 26 and at least one heating station (3). Claim 27 . system after claim 28 , characterized in that the system further at least at least one extrusion device (1) according to one of Claims 12 until 25 includes.

Images