EP3374109A1

EP3374109A1 - Device for storage of modular functional units

Info

Publication number: EP3374109A1
Application number: EP16801155.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Frank Herzog
Original assignee: CL Schutzrechtsverwaltung GmbH
Current assignee: CL Schutzrechtsverwaltung GmbH
Priority date: 2015-11-13
Filing date: 2016-11-10
Publication date: 2018-09-19
Also published as: WO2017081132A1; CN107427922A; DE102015119698B4; CN107427922B; JP2020073720A; JP6903590B2; JP6930806B2; JP2018522134A; US20180326711A1; DE102015119698A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for storage of modular functional units (2) to be used in the context of additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects, comprising - a storage unit (7) with multiple storage sections (9), each of which is configured for storing at least one modular functional unit (2), and - a handling unit (8) that is assigned or can be assigned to the storage unit (7) in order to handle at least one modular functional unit (2), which is configured for inserting at least one modular functional unit (2) into a determined storage section (9) and/or for removing at least one modular functional unit (2) which is arranged in a determined storage section (9) from the or a determined storage section (9).

Description

Device for storing module-like functional units

The invention relates to a device for the storage of modular-type functional units to be used or used in the context of the generative production of three-dimensional objects.

In the context of the implementation of generative building processes for the generative production of three-dimensional objects, the use of modular functional units is known. Corresponding functional units each take over one or more task (s) or function (s) intended for a generative construction process. An example of such a module-like functional unit is a structural module which comprises a movable, in particular height-adjustable, structural or carrier plate mounted relative to a base body of the structural module, on which generative construction of a three-dimensional object takes place in the context of carrying out generative building processes.

Corresponding module-like functional units are separate, d. H. in particular independently of a device for carrying out generative building processes, can be handled and, to that extent, can also be stored separately (between). For (intermediate) storage of corresponding functional units storage devices are known in which corresponding functional units (between) can be stored.

There is a need for further development of corresponding storage devices with regard to a simple and reliable storage and handling of corresponding functional units.

The invention is thus based on the object of specifying an improved device for the storage of modular-type functional units to be used or used in the context of the generative production of three-dimensional objects.

The object is achieved by a device according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to particular embodiments of the device.

The device described herein is for storage, i. H. in particular the temporary storage of modular-type functional units to be used or used in the context of the generative production of three-dimensional objects. The device can be called or considered as a storage device.

A functional unit is generally understood to mean an associated module-like module, in particular a cuboid-shaped geometric shape, which, in the context of the generative production of three-dimensional objects, undertakes one or more tasks or functions or functions intended for a generative construction process. The modular structure of a corresponding functional unit allows a separate Handling of the functional unit; This includes, in particular, handling of the functional unit independently of the other components of the storage device, respectively - handling of the functional unit independently of various components of such a system, ie, in particular of a system for generative production associated with the system, in combination with the storage device with a system for the generative production of three-dimensional objects three-dimensional objects, to understand.

Below, three possible embodiments of corresponding functional units are enumerated by way of example. The following list is not exhaustive:

According to a first exemplary embodiment, a functional unit may be formed as a structural module. Such a building module comprises at least one movable, in particular height-adjustable, relative to a base body of the building module mounted construction or support plate on which a generative structure of at least one three-dimensional object can take place. In the context of the generative production of three-dimensional objects, a building module serves in particular for supporting a three-dimensional object to be produced generatively while carrying out a generative construction process.

According to a second exemplary embodiment, a functional unit may be designed as a dosing module. Such a dosing module comprises at least one, typically chamber-like, receiving space adapted for receiving building material to be consolidated in the course of a generative production of a three-dimensional object, and optionally a dosing device for dosing a specific amount of building material to be solidified in the framework of a generative production of a three-dimensional object from the receiving space , In the context of the generative production of three-dimensional objects, a dosing module serves, in particular, for providing (metering) a certain amount of building material to be solidified, which is distributed uniformly over a building level of a device for the generative production of three-dimensional objects by means of a coater with formation of a defined building material layer.

According to a third exemplary embodiment, a functional unit may be designed as an overflow module. Such an overflow module comprises at least one, typically chamber-like, receiving space adapted to receive building material which has not been solidified in the context of a generative production of a three-dimensional object. In the context of the generative production of three-dimensional objects, the overflow module serves, in particular, to receive non-consolidated building material to be removed or removed from a construction or process chamber of a device for generative production.

A building material is preferably a metal powder, ie, for example, a powder of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, a powder of an iron alloy (steel), a powder of titanium or a titanium alloy, etc. However, it is conceivable that it at one Building material to a plastic powder, ie, for example, a powder of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or a ceramic powder, that is, for example, a powder of alumina, is.

The storage device comprises as central components at least one storage device and at least one handling device that can be assigned or assigned to the storage device.

The storage device serves for the actual storage of corresponding functional units. For this purpose, the storage device comprises a plurality of storage compartments, which are each set up for storage of at least one functional unit. By a respective storage compartment a storage space for storage of at least one corresponding functional unit is spatially limited.

The storage device may have a shelf-like structure with arranged in several rows and / or columns storage compartments. A certain number and arrangement corresponding rows and / or column-like arranged storage compartments can form a shelf element. Several corresponding shelf elements can be arranged side by side and / or one above the other in a specific arrangement in order to make the storage device as compact as possible and to optimally utilize the storage or storage capacity of the storage device. For this purpose, several shelf elements z. B. rondellartig along a circular arc next to each other.

Individual, several or all storage compartments can be spatially defined by walls. In particular walls are in particular horizontally or vertically aligned or extending walls. At least one wall may be movable in at least one degree of freedom of movement, i. H. in particular slidably mounted relative to at least one further wall, so that a spatially limited by the at least one movable wall and the at least one further wall spatially limited storage compartment by moving the at least one movably mounted wall relative to at least one further wall in its spatial dimensions is. In this way, the variability of the bearing device can be increased. In addition, a further possibility is created to utilize the storage or storage capacity of the storage facility as optimally as possible.

The handling device is used to handle one or more functional units. The handling device is for this purpose partially or fully automated or partially or fully automated for handling at least one functional unit. The handling of corresponding functional units comprises, in particular, insertion or arrangement and alignment of at least one functional unit in a specific storage compartment and / or removal of at least one functional unit arranged in a specific storage compartment from or generally a specific storage compartment. The handling device can be designed as a gripping device comprising at least one handling or gripper element or at least comprise one. A corresponding gripper element is typically movably mounted in at least one degree of freedom of movement. Freedom of movement of a gripper element can be translational and / or rotational degrees of freedom of movement. In principle, combined movements of a gripper element in at least two different degrees of freedom of movement, ie, for example, combined translational and rotational movements, are possible.

A gripper device can concretely z. B. comprise at least one lift-like along a first, typically vertical, movement axis (translation axis) movably mounted gripper element. The gripper element can be movably mounted in at least one further, typically horizontal, movement axis (translation axis). In principle, a corresponding gripper device can be implemented as a robot (industrial robot). Such a robot typically includes a plurality of robot arms movably mounted in at least one degree of freedom of movement. At least one robot arm comprises at least one gripper element movably mounted in at least one degree of freedom of movement.

In principle, the entire handling device can (also) be mounted movably (relative to the bearing device) in at least one degree of freedom of movement. Alternatively, the handling device can also stationary, d. H. immovable relative to the storage device to be stored.

A possible development of the storage device provides that at least one storage compartment a detection device is assigned or assigned. A detection device typically comprises at least one hard- and / or software-implemented detection element. By means of a detection device equipped by means of respectively suitable detection elements implemented in hardware and / or software, different detection parameters can be detected, which significantly increases the functionality and practicability of the bearing device. All detection parameters detected by a corresponding detection device can be transmitted to at least one communication partner via a possibly wireless, data or communication network. H. z. B. a central control device of a plant for the generative production of three-dimensional objects, transferred.

The or a detection device can, for. B. be set up to detect a arranged in the respective storage compartment functional unit. It is therefore possible to detect via a correspondingly established detection device whether a functional unit is mounted in a specific storage compartment. In the case of a functional unit detected in a specific storage compartment, it may further be possible to detect which type of functional unit it is concrete. Consequently, it can be detected which storage capacity of the storage facility is free or occupied and which functional unit (s) are in which storage compartments. The detection of a arranged in a particular storage compartment functional unit or their nature may, for. B. optically, ie in particular by means of an optical scanning process, or mechanically, ie in particular by means of a detection of the weight acting on the bearing device of the functional unit, take place.

The or a (further) detection device can, for. B. (also) for detecting at least one state parameter, in particular the operability, at least one functional element of a arranged in the respective storage compartment functional unit to be established. Accordingly, certain state parameters, ie. H. in particular the functionality, certain functional elements detectable. For the example of a building module z. B. detectable whether the proper functioning of the movably mounted building board is given. For this purpose, the detection device z. B. transmit suitable control information to a coupled with the movably mounted construction panel drive and z. B. perform a local and / or temporally resolved detection (monitoring) of movement of the building board under the drive conditions determined by the control information. The detected movement of the building board allows conclusions about the functionality of the movable mounting of the building board.

The or another detection device can, for. B. (also) to detect at least one, in particular physical, state parameter within a, in particular at least partially filled with building material, receiving space of a arranged in the respective storage compartment functional unit. About a suitably equipped detection means are therefore certain, d. H. in particular physical, state parameters, d. H. z. As atmosphere, pressure, humidity, temperature, etc., within functional unit-side recording spaces detectable. For the example of a metering or overflow module is therefore z. B. detected, which (r) atmosphere, pressure, humidity, temperature, etc. is given within the respective receiving space. The detected state parameters within a receiving space allow in particular conclusions on the quality or processability or reusability of the building material located in the functional unit. The detection of corresponding state parameters can by means of suitable, for. B. Meßsondenartig trained, detection elements take place, which detect corresponding state parameters via a function-side interface provided for this purpose. A functional unit-side interface can, for. B. be realized by an access to and / or in a functional unit-side receiving space.

The or another detection device can, for. B. (also) for detecting a level of a building material, which may be arranged in a receiving space of a arranged in the respective storage compartment functional unit. About a suitably furnished Detection device are therefore detectable levels of a located in a functional unit-side receiving space building material. For the example of a dosing or overflow module, it is therefore possible to detect which level is given within the respective receiving space. The detected levels allow in particular conclusions about the need for filling or emptying of the dosing or overflow module. The detection of corresponding levels can also by means of suitable, for. B. Meßsondenartig trained, detection elements take place, which detect corresponding levels via a dedicated functional unit-side interface. A functional unit-side interface can also here z. B. be realized by an access to and / or in a functional unit-side receiving space.

Finally, the or another detection device z. B. (also) for detecting a, in particular physical, state parameter of a building material, which is received in a receiving space of a arranged in the respective storage compartment functional unit to be established. About a correspondingly configured detection means are therefore generally certain, d. H. in particular physical, state parameters, d. H. z. As density, humidity, temperature, etc., of a building material located within a functional unit-side receiving space detectable. For the example of a metering or overflow module is therefore z. B. detectable, which density, humidity, temperature, etc. is given for a building material. The detected state parameters within a receiving space allow in particular conclusions on the quality or processability or reusability of the building material located in the functional unit. The detection of corresponding state parameters can in turn by means of suitable, for. B. Meßsondenartig trained, detection elements take place, which detect corresponding state parameters via a function-side interface provided for this purpose. A functional unit-side interface can in turn z. B. be realized by an access to and / or in a functional unit-side receiving space.

In view of the acquisition parameters that can be detected via correspondingly established detection devices, the bearing device can furthermore comprise certain devices or at least be connected to those with data, via which certain measures can be taken depending on the respectively acquired detection parameter, in order, for. B. influence on the quality or processability or reusability of building material located in a functional unit-side receiving space.

For example, at least one storage compartment can be assigned or assigned a tempering device, which for tempering at least one, in particular at least partially filled with building material, receiving space of a arranged in the respective storage compartment functional unit and / or for temperature control of a building material, which in a receiving space in the respective storage compartment arranged functional unit is recorded, is set up. The respective temperature, which is typically to understand a warming, z. B. via a (direct) temperature control of the functional unit and / or via a control (activation) functional unit side provided temperature control, ie heating elements, for example. For a temperature control of the functional unit, the tempering device can be suitably connected via suitable connection means or interfaces to a temperature-controlled tempering fluid z. B. bring in a functional unit-side Temperierkanalstruktur. For controlling (activating) temperature control means provided on the functional unit side, the temperature control unit can transmit control information, which also includes a simple electrical supply, to suitable temperature control means provided on the respective functional unit side via suitable connecting means or interfaces.

Furthermore, at least one storage compartment can be assigned or assigned an inerting device, which is set up for inerting at least one, in particular at least partially filled with building material, receiving space of a functional unit arranged in the respective storage compartment. For inerting a receiving space, the inerting device via suitable connection means or interfaces and with these coupled or coupled suction not inert gases or gas mixtures such. As air, aspirate from the receiving space and / or with these coupled or coupled blower inert gases or gas mixtures such. As argon, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc., bring in the receiving space.

Furthermore, at least one storage compartment can be assigned to or assigned a filling device which is set up to fill at least one receiving space of a functional unit arranged in the respective storage compartment with building material, and / or an emptying device can be assigned or assigned, which for emptying into at least one receiving space of a the respective storage compartment arranged functional unit befindlichem building material is set up. For a filling of a receiving space, for example a receiving space of a dosing module, a filling device can introduce building material into the receiving space via suitable connection means or interfaces and conveyors coupled or coupled thereto. For emptying a receiving space, for example a receiving space of an overflow module, an emptying device can aspirate building material from the receiving space via suitable connecting means or interfaces and with these coupling or coupled suction devices.

At least one storage compartment can be assigned or assigned a securing device which is set up for securing the position of a functional unit arranged in a storage compartment. A corresponding securing device enables a positionally stable or stable bearing of a functional unit arranged in a storage compartment and thus increases the safety of the storage facility. The securing device can be at least one, in particular mechanically and / or magnetically acting, Securing element, for. Example in the form of a mechanical pin, protrusion, etc. or a magnetizable or magnetic magnetic element, which acts in a security state such on the functional unit to be secured, that the functional unit is arranged fixed in position in the respective storage compartment. Of course, functional unit side corresponding, in particular mechanical or magnetic, counter-securing elements, for. B. in the form of receptacles for mechanical locking pins or magnetizable or magnetic magnetic elements, may be provided.

To control the operation of at least one of the aforementioned devices, d. H. a tempering device, an inerting device, a filling device, an emptying device or a safety device, the bearing device may comprise a control device. The control device is in particular configured to control the operation of individual, several or all of the said devices. The control can be carried out on the basis of at least one acquisition parameter acquired via a detection device. For example, a control of the operation of a tempering device in dependence on a detected temperature of a building material carried out to temper the building material accordingly. In a corresponding manner, a control of the operation z. B. a Inertisierungseinnchtung depending on a detected atmosphere and / or a detected pressure within a functional unit-side receiving space done in order to inactivate the receiving space accordingly.

The invention further relates to a system for the generative production of three-dimensional objects. The plant comprises at least one, d. H. optionally several, as described storage device (s) of in the context of the generative production of three-dimensional objects to be used module-like functional units and at least one, d. H. optionally a plurality of device (s) for the generative production of three-dimensional objects by successively layer-wise selective solidification of building material layers of solidifiable building material by means of at least one energy. Laser beam. The latter devices comprise at least one device for generating at least one energy or laser beam for layer-wise selective solidification of individual building material layers of solidifiable building material. The latter devices may be selective laser melting devices (SLM devices) or selective laser sintering devices (SLS devices). All designs in connection with the storage device apply analogously to the system.

Concerning the arrangement or integration of the storage device within the system, it is possible that at least one device for storing in the context of the generative production of three-dimensional objects to be used module-like functional units of at least one device for the generative production of three-dimensional objects upstream or downstream. Specifically, a storage device z. B. a preparation station (handling station) for the preparation of a generative construction process or a Post-processing station (handling or unpacking) for post-processing of a generative construction process, ie in particular for "unpacking" a generatively produced three-dimensional object to be assigned.

If the installation comprises several separate storage devices, transport facilities, ie. H. z. B., possibly inertizable, tunnel-like transport or rail systems, be provided to transport functional units, if necessary, between separate storage devices back and forth.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to embodiments in the drawing figures. Showing:

Fig. 1-3 each a schematic diagram of a storage device for storage of modular

Functional units; and

4 is a schematic diagram of a system comprising such a bearing device for the generative production of three-dimensional objects.

FIGS. 1, 2 each show a basic illustration of a bearing device 1 for mounting module-like functional units 2. The storage device 1 is used for storage, d. H. in particular the intermediate storage, of modular elements to be used or used in the context of the generative production of three-dimensional objects, typically cuboidal or -shaped functional units 2.

In a functional unit 2, it may be z. B. to act a structural module 2a. A building module 2a comprises at least one building panel 3 (see FIG. 2) which is movable, in particular height-adjustable, mounted relative to a base body of the building module 2a, on which a generative structure of a three-dimensional object can take place. In the context of the generative production of three-dimensional objects, a building module 2 a serves in particular for supporting a three-dimensional object to be produced generatively during the execution of a generative construction process.

A functional unit 2 can also be a dosing module 2b. A dosing module 2b comprises at least one, typically chamber-like, receiving space 5, which is set up to receive building material 4 to be solidified in the course of a generative production of a three-dimensional object, and optionally a dosing device (not shown) for dosing a certain amount during generative production of a three-dimensional object In the context of the generative production of three-dimensional objects, a dosing module 2b serves in particular for providing (metering) a certain amount of building material 4 to be solidified, which is produced by means of a coating device is distributed uniformly over a building level of a device 6 for the generative production of three-dimensional objects to form a defined layer of building material.

A functional unit 2 may also be an overflow module 2c. An overflow module 2c comprises a typically chamber-like receiving space 5, which is designed to hold building material 4 which has not solidified as part of a generative production of a three-dimensional object. The overflow module 2c is used in the generative production of three-dimensional objects, in particular non-solidified components from a construction or process chamber a building material 4 to be removed or removed from a device 1 for generative production.

The storage device 1 comprises as central components at least one storage device 7 and at least one handling device 8 that can be assigned or assigned to the storage device 7.

The storage device 7 is used for the actual storage of corresponding functional units 2. For this purpose, the storage device comprises a plurality of storage compartments 9, which are each set up for storage of at least one functional unit 2.

It can be seen from FIGS. 1, 2 that the bearing device 7 can have a shelf-like structure with bearing compartments 9 arranged in a plurality of rows and / or columns. A certain number and arrangement corresponding rows and / or column-like arranged storage compartments 9 may form a shelf element 10. Several corresponding shelf elements 10 may be arranged side by side and / or one above the other in a specific arrangement in order to make the storage device 7 as compact as possible and to optimally utilize the storage or storage capacity of the storage device 7. For this purpose, a plurality of shelf elements 10 may be arranged in a rondelike manner along a circular arc next to each other (see Fig. 2).

The respective storage compartments 9 are spatially defined by walls 1 1. In the embodiments shown in the figures corresponding walls 1 1 are aligned horizontally or vertically or extending. Single, multiple or all walls 1 1 can - as indicated in Fig. 1 by the double arrows within the storage device 7 - in at least one degree of freedom of movement, ie in particular displaceable, be mounted relative to at least one further wall 1 1, so that a by a movably mounted wall 1 1 and the at least one further wall 1 1 spatially limited storage compartment 9 by movement of a movably mounted wall 1 1 relative to a further wall 1 1 in its spatial dimensions is variable. In this way, the variability of the bearing device 7 can be increased. In addition, a further possibility is created to utilize the storage or storage capacity of the storage device 7 as optimally as possible. The handling device 8 is used to handle one or more functional units 2 and is for this purpose partially or fully automated or partially or fully automated for handling at least one functional unit 2 set. The handling of corresponding functional units 2 comprises inserting or arranging and aligning at least one functional unit 2 into a specific storage compartment 9 and / or removing at least one functional unit 2 arranged in a specific storage compartment 9 from or generally a specific storage compartment 9.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, the handling device 8 is designed as a gripper device 13 comprising a handling or gripper element 12. The gripper element 12 is - as indicated in Fig. 1 by the double arrows in the handling device 8 - movably mounted in several degrees of freedom of movement. Freedom of movement of the gripper element 12 are translational and / or rotational degrees of freedom of movement, combined movements of the gripper element 12 in at least two different degrees of freedom of movement, d. H. z. B. combined translational and rotational movements are possible. The gripper device 13 could also be implemented as a robot (industrial robot) which comprises a plurality of robot arms movably mounted in at least one degree of freedom of movement, wherein at least one robot arm comprises at least one gripper element 12 movably mounted in at least one degree of freedom of movement.

Based on FIG. 3, which shows an exemplary detail of a bearing device 7 in the form of a schematic diagram, it can be seen that respective bearing compartments 9 can be assigned a detection device 14. The detection device 14 includes hardware and / or software implemented detection elements (not shown), via which can be detected different detection parameters. All detection parameters detected by the detection device 14 can be transmitted to at least one communication partner via an optionally wireless, data or communication network (not shown). H. z. B. a central control device of a system 15 for the generative production of three-dimensional objects (see Fig. 4) are transmitted.

The detection device 14 can in principle be designed to detect a functional unit 2 arranged in a respective storage compartment 9. It is therefore possible to detect via the detection device 14 whether a functional unit 2 is mounted in a specific bearing compartment 9. In the case of a functional unit 2 detected in a specific storage compartment 9, it is furthermore possible to detect what type of functional unit 2 (ie, for example, structural module 2 a, dosing module 2 b, overflow module 2 c) is concrete. Consequently, it can be detected which storage capacity of the storage device 7 is free or occupied and which functional unit (s) 2 are located in which storage compartments 9. The detection of a arranged in a particular storage compartment 9 functional unit, respectively, the nature of their z. B. optically, ie in particular by means of an optical scanning process, or mechanically, ie in particular by means of a detection of the force acting on the bearing device 7 weight the functional unit 2, take place.

The or a (further) detection device 14 can be set up to detect at least one state parameter, in particular the functionality, of at least one functional element of a functional unit 2 arranged in the respective bearing compartment 9. For the example of a building module 2a z. B. detectable whether the proper functioning of the movably mounted building board 3 is given. For this purpose, the detection device 14 can transmit suitable control information to a drive (not shown) coupled to the movably mounted construction board 3 and, for example, B. perform a local and / or temporally resolved detection (monitoring) of a movement of the building board 3 under the drive conditions determined by the control information. The detected movement of the building board 3 allows conclusions about the functionality of the movable mounting of the building board. 3

The or another detection device 14 may be configured to detect at least one, in particular physical, state parameter within a receiving space 5 of a functional unit 2 arranged in the respective storage compartment 9, in particular at least partially filled with building material 4. For the example of a metering or overflow module 2b, 2c is therefore z. B. detected, which (r) atmosphere, pressure, humidity, temperature, etc. is given within the respective receiving space 5. The detected state parameters within the receiving space 5 in particular make it possible to draw conclusions about the quality or processability or reusability of the building material 4 located in the functional unit 2. The detection of corresponding state parameters can be achieved by means of suitable, e.g. B. Meßsondenartig trained, detection elements take place, which detect corresponding state parameters via a function-side interface provided for this purpose. A functional unit-side interface can, for. B. by an access option (not shown) and / or realized in a functional unit-side receiving space 5.

The or another detection device 14 may be configured to detect a fill level of a building material 4 which is arranged in a receiving space 5 of a functional unit 2 arranged in the respective storage compartment 9. For the example of a dosing or overflow module 2b, 2c, it is therefore possible to detect which filling level is present within the respective receiving space 5. The detected fill levels in particular allow conclusions about the need for filling or emptying of the dosing or overflow module 2b, 2c. The detection of corresponding levels can also by means of suitable, for. B. Meßsondenartig trained, detection elements take place, which detect corresponding levels via a dedicated functional unit-side interface. A functional unit-side interface can also here z. B. be realized by an access option and / or in a functional unit-side receiving space 5. Finally, the or a further detection device 14 for detecting a, in particular physical, state parameter of a building material 4, which is accommodated in a receiving space 5 of a functional unit 2 arranged in the respective storage compartment 9, can be set up. For the example of a metering or overflow module 2b, 2c is therefore z. B. detectable, which density, humidity, temperature, etc. is given for a building material 4. The detected state parameters within a receiving space 5 in particular make it possible to draw conclusions about the quality or processability or reusability of the building material 4 located in the functional unit 2. The detection of corresponding state parameters can in turn be achieved by means of suitable, e.g. B. Meßsondenartig trained, detection elements take place, which detect corresponding state parameters via a function-side interface provided for this purpose. A functional unit-side interface can in turn z. B. be realized by an access option and / or in a functional unit-side receiving space 5.

The storage device 7 may include certain devices or at least be connected in terms of data in terms of which, depending on the respective detected detection parameter can take certain measures to z. B. influence on the quality or processability or reusability of in a functional unit 2 or in a functional unit-side receiving space 5 located building material 4 to take.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the storage compartments 9 as a corresponding means u.a. associated with a temperature control 16, which for temperature control of a, in particular at least partially filled with building material 4, receiving space 5 arranged in the respective storage compartment 9 functional unit 2 and / or for temperature control of a building material 4, which arranged in a receiving space 5 a in the respective storage compartment 9 Function unit 2 is included, is set up. The respective temperature control, which is typically to be understood as heating, can be controlled by (direct) temperature control of the functional unit 2 and / or by control (activation) of temperature control means (not shown) provided on the functional unit side. H. z. B. heating elements done. For a temperature control of the functional unit 2, the tempering device 16 via suitable connection means or interfaces a correspondingly tempered tempering z. B. bring in a functional unit-side Temperierkanalstruktur. For controlling (activating) temperature control means provided on the functional unit side, the temperature control unit can transmit control information, which also includes a simple electrical supply, to suitable temperature control means provided on the respective functional unit side via suitable connecting means or interfaces.

Furthermore, the bearing compartments 9 are assigned an inerting device 17, which is set up for inerting at least one, in particular at least partially filled with building material 4, receiving space 5 of a functional unit 2 arranged in the respective storage compartment 9. For inerting a receiving space 5, the inerting device 17 can be connected via suitable connection means or interfaces (not shown). and with these coupled or coupled suction devices (not shown) not inert gases or gas mixtures, such as. As air, aspirate from the receiving space 5 and / or with these coupled or coupled blower devices (not shown) inert gases or gas mixtures, such as. As argon, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc., bring in the receiving space 5.

Further, the storage compartments 9 is associated with a filling device 18 which is adapted to fill at least one receiving space 5 of a arranged in the respective storage compartment 9 functional unit 2 with building material 4, and associated with an emptying device 19, which for emptying into at least one receiving space 5 in the respective storage compartment 9 arranged functional unit 2 befindlichem building material 4 is set up. For filling a receiving space 5, for example a receiving space of a dosing module 2 b, the filling device 18 can introduce building material 4 into the receiving space 5 via suitable connecting means or interfaces (not shown) and conveyors (not shown) which can be coupled or coupled thereto. For emptying a receiving space 5, for example a receiving space 5 of an overflow module 2c, an emptying device 19 can aspirate building material 4 out of the receiving space 5 via suitable connection means or interfaces (not shown) and with these coupled or coupled suction devices (not shown).

The storage compartments 9 are also associated with securing device 20, which is set up for positionally secure securing of a functional unit 2 arranged in a storage compartment 9. A corresponding securing device 20 enables a positionally stable or stable mounting of a functional unit 2 arranged in a storage compartment 9, thus increasing the safety of the storage facility 7. The securing facility 20 may comprise at least one, in particular mechanically and / or magnetically acting, securing element (not shown), z. Example in the form of a mechanical pin, projection, etc., or a magnetizable or magnetic magnetic element, which acts in a securing state in such a manner to be secured to the functional unit 2, that the functional unit 2 positionally fixed in the respective storage compartment 9 is arranged. Function unit side, corresponding, in particular mechanical or magnetic, counter-securing elements (not shown), for. B. in the form of receptacles for mechanical locking pins or magnetizable or magnetic magnetic elements, may be provided.

For controlling the operation of the abovementioned devices, ie the tempering device 16, the inerting device 17, the filling device 18, the emptying device 19 or the securing device 20, the bearing device 1 may comprise a control device 21. The control device 21 is in particular configured to control the operation of individual, several or all of the devices mentioned. The control can be carried out on the basis of at least one detection parameter detected by the detection device 14. For example, a controller of the Operation of the tempering 16 in response to a detected temperature of a building material 4 done to temper the building material 4 accordingly. In a corresponding manner, a control of the operation z. B. the inerting device 17 as a function of a detected atmosphere and / or a detected pressure within a functional unit-side receiving space 5, in order to inactivate the receiving space 5 accordingly.

4 shows a schematic representation of a system 15 for the generative production of three-dimensional objects. The plant comprises at least one, d. H. optionally several, as described storage device (s) 1 for storing in the context of the generative production of three-dimensional objects to be used module-like functional units 2 and at least one, d. H. optionally several, device (s) 6 for the generative production of three-dimensional objects by successive layerwise selective solidification of building material layers of solidifiable building material 4 by means of at least one energy or laser beam. The latter devices 6 comprise at least one means for generating at least one energy or laser beam (not shown) for layerwise selective solidification of individual building material layers of solidifiable building material 4. The latter devices 6 may be selective laser melting devices (SLM devices) or selective laser sintering devices (SLS devices) act.

As far as the arrangement or integration of the storage device 1 within the system 15 is concerned, it is possible, as shown in FIG. 4, for it to be connected upstream or downstream of a device 6 for the generative production of three-dimensional objects. Specifically, a storage device 1 z. A preparatory station 22 (handling station) for preparing a generative construction process or a post-processing station 23 (handling or unpacking station) for postprocessing a generative construction process, d. H. in particular for "unpacking" a generatively produced three-dimensional object, upstream or downstream.

If the system 15 comprises a plurality of separate storage devices 1, transportation devices (not shown), ie, optionally inertizable, tunnel-like transport systems 24, can be provided between separate storage devices 1 to transport functional units 2 between separate storage devices 1 as required. REFERENCE LIST Storage device

functional unit

a structural module

b dosing module

c overflow module

building board

building materials

accommodation space

contraption

Storage facility

handling device

storage compartment

0 shelf element

1 wall

2 gripper element

3 gripper device

4 detection device

5 attachment

6 tempering device

7 inerting device

8 filling device

9 emptying device

0 safety device

1 control device

2 pre-processing station

3 post-processing station

4 transport system

Claims

PAT EN TAN SPRU

1 . Device (1) for storing module-like functional units (2) to be used in the context of the generative production of three-dimensional objects, characterized by

- A storage device (7) with a plurality of storage compartments (9), which are each adapted to support at least one module-like functional unit (2), and one of the storage device (7) assignable or associated handling device (8) for handling at least one modular functional unit (2) which is arranged for inserting at least one module-like functional unit (2) into a specific storage compartment (9) and / or for removing at least one module-like functional unit (2) arranged in a specific storage compartment (9) from the or a specific storage compartment (9).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Handling device (8) as a at least one gripper element (12) comprising gripping means (13) is formed or at least includes such.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the

Bearing device (7) has a shelf-like structure with arranged in several rows and / or columns or formed bearing compartments (9).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

a functional unit (2) as a building module (2a), which comprises a movable, in particular height-adjustable, construction panel (2) mounted relative to a base body of the building module (2a), on which a generative construction of a three-dimensional object takes place; or

a functional unit (2) is designed as an overflow module (2b), which comprises a receiving space (5) which is provided for receiving building material (4) which is not solidified in the course of a generative production of a three-dimensional object, or

a functional unit (2) as a dosing module (2c), which has a receiving space (5) arranged to receive building material (4) to be solidified in the course of a generative production of a three-dimensional object and a dosing device for dosing a specific amount within the framework of a generative Production of a three-dimensional object to be consolidated building material (4) from the receiving space (5) comprises, is formed.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one storage compartment (9) a detection device (14) is assigned or assigned, which

- For detecting a in the respective storage compartment (9) arranged functional unit (2) and / or

- For detecting at least one state parameter, in particular the operability, at least one functional element of a in the respective storage compartment (9) arranged functional unit (2) and / or

- For detecting at least one, in particular physical, state parameter within a, in particular at least partially filled with building material (4), receiving space (5) in the respective storage compartment (9) arranged functional unit (2) and / or

- For detecting a level of a building material (4), which is accommodated in a receiving space (5) of a in the respective storage compartment (9) arranged functional unit (2), and / or

- For detecting at least one state parameter of a building material (4), which is in a receiving space (5) of a in the respective storage compartment (9) arranged functional unit (2) is arranged.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one bearing compartment (9) a tempering device (16) is assigned or assigned, which for tempering at least one, in particular at least partially filled with building material (4), receiving space (5) in the respective storage compartment (9) arranged functional unit (2) and / or for temperature control of a building material (4), which in a receiving space (5) in the respective storage compartment (9) arranged functional unit (2) is arranged.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one storage compartment (9) an inerting device (17) is assigned or assigned, which for inerting at least one, in particular at least partially filled with building material (4), receiving space (5) in the respective storage compartment (9) arranged functional unit (2) is arranged.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one bearing compartment (9) a filling device (18) is assigned or assigned, which for filling at least one receiving space (5) of a in the respective storage compartment (9) arranged functional unit (2 ) is furnished with building material (4), and / or

at least one storage compartment (9) an emptying device (19) is assigned or assigned, which for emptying in at least one receiving space (5) of a in the respective storage compartment (9) arranged functional unit (2) is arranged building material (4).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one bearing compartment (9) a securing device (20) can be assigned or is assigned, which is arranged for the fixed position securing a in a storage compartment (9) arranged functional unit (2), wherein the securing means (20) comprises at least one, in particular mechanically and / or magnetically acting, securing element.

10. The device according to at least one of claims 5 to 9, characterized by a control device (21) for controlling the operation of the tempering device (16) and / or the inerting device (17) and / or the filling device (18) and / or the emptying device ( 19) and / or the securing device (20 = in dependence on at least one detection result of the detection device (14).

1 1. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that individual, several or all storage compartments (9) by walls (1 1) are spatially defined, wherein at least one wall (1 1) movable relative to at least one further wall (1 1) stored is so that a by the at least one movably mounted wall (1 1) and at least one further wall (1 1) spatially limited storage compartment (9) by moving the at least one movably mounted wall (1 1) relative to at least one further wall ( 1 1) is variable in its spatial dimensions.

12. Plant (15) for the generative production of three-dimensional objects, comprising:

at least one device (1) for the storage of modular-type functional units (2) to be used in the context of the generative production of three-dimensional objects according to one of the preceding claims,

at least one apparatus (6) for the generative production of three-dimensional objects by successive layerwise selective solidification of building material layers of solidifiable building material (4) by means of at least one energy beam, comprising at least one device for generating at least one energy beam for layerwise selective solidification of individual building material layers of solidifiable building material (4 ).

13. Plant according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one device (1) for storing in the context of the generative production of three-dimensional objects to be used module-like functional units (2) at least one device (6) for the generative production of three-dimensional objects upstream or downstream ,

14. Plant according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of separate devices (1), wherein between separate devices (1), optionally inertizable, transport means are provided, so that functional units (2) as needed between the separate devices (1) can be transported back and forth.