EP3697557A1

EP3697557A1 - Tool changing in generative production

Info

Publication number: EP3697557A1
Application number: EP18785608.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Markus Pieger; Felix Linder
Original assignee: Trumpf Laser und Systemtechnik GmbH
Current assignee: Trumpf Laser und Systemtechnik GmbH
Priority date: 2017-10-17
Filing date: 2018-10-11
Publication date: 2020-08-26
Also published as: US11679450B2; CN111315508A; DE102017124177A1; WO2019076727A1; CN111315508B; US20200269373A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for generative production, which device comprises a housing (7) that provides a production chamber (9) for generative production, a linear drive (31), arranged in the production chamber (9), having a main body (31A) that can be moved along a movement axis (L) of the linear drive (31) in the production chamber (9), and a tool holder (33) for carrying a tool unit (43). The tool holder (33) is fastened to the main body (31A) so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis (R1) and is moved together with the main body (31A) along the movement axis (L) of the linear drive (31). The tool holder (33) also comprises a clamping device which has an unclamped operating state for receiving and removing the tool unit (45B) and a clamped operating state for fixing the received tool unit (45B). Furthermore, the device for generative production comprises a tool store (37) which is arranged in the production chamber (9) and provides a plurality of tool spaces (69) for tool units (45).

Description

TOOL CHANGE IN GENERATIVE MANUFACTURING

The present invention relates to a device for in particular laser-based additive manufacturing. Furthermore, it relates to the provision of tools that are used in particular for the preparation of correspondingly leveled powder surfaces for a subsequent manufacturing process.

The laser-based additive manufacturing of - in particular metallic or ceramic - workpieces is based on a solidification of a present on a building platform in powder form starting material by the irradiation with laser light. This concept - also known as selective laser melting (SLM), powder bed fusion and laser metal fusion (LMF) - is used in machines for (metallic) 3D printing, so-called additive manufacturing systems. An exemplary machine for the additive production of three-dimensional components by means of SLM is disclosed in the European Patent Application EP 2 732 890 A2 of Sisma SpA. The advantages of generative manufacturing are generally a simple production of complex and customizable parts. In this case, in particular defined structures in the interior and / or power flow optimized structures can be realized. The process of laser-based additive manufacturing takes place in a construction chamber on a work surface in a production room. On a building platform fresh powder for the layer-wise production of a 3D component with a coater tool is applied. The coater tool (often in the form of a slider, wiper, squeegee, or brush) is hereafter generally referred to as a job tool. During the manufacturing process, it may be necessary to replace the coater tool. For example, DE 4 325 573 C2 discloses wiper blades for applying the powder layers, which are exchanged depending on the application situation. Furthermore, DE 10 2006 056422 B3 discloses the use of rotatably held wiper blades. A manual replacement of the coater tool is disadvantageous for the production, since due to high temperatures in the production space (eg, greater than 350 ° C), for example, the risk of injury to the operator due to burns or by interrupting the manufacturing process, a component delay can occur. Accordingly, automated and semi-automated change mechanisms are known, but some require complex replacement procedures, as disclosed by way of example in EP 3,168,033 AI. Furthermore, mechanisms are known which relate to the process of powder application. DE 20 2009 016 400 Ul, for example, discloses a liftable powder smoothing bar. Furthermore, EP 2 732 889 A1 discloses a production machine in which a powder slide can be moved back around an axis into an initial position without influencing the powder bed. Furthermore, DE 10 2015 222 207 AI discloses a machine tool system, the one for subtractive machining operations with z. Cutting or milling tools, which can be moniterted in a spindle, and is designed for additive machining operations in combination with a belt-based conveying system of powder. Furthermore, US 2016/0095959 AI discloses a modular manufacturing system.

One aspect of this disclosure is based on the task of integrating an autonomous change of job tools into a generative manufacturing plant. Another object is to provide an associated change system that can be provided in the production space of a previously described generative manufacturing plant.

At least one of these objects is achieved by a method for receiving a tool unit according to claim 1, a method for depositing a tool unit according to claim 8 and by a device for additive manufacturing according to claim 12. Further developments are specified in the subclaims.

In one aspect, a method for receiving a tool unit of a device for additive manufacturing in a tool holder comprises the following steps. In this case, the device for generative production has a linear drive with a base body and the tool holder is fastened rotatably on the base body about a rotation axis. The tool holder is further movable with the main body along a movement axis of the linear drive in a production space of the device for additive manufacturing. The device for additive manufacturing further has a tool storage in the production space, which provides a plurality of tool places for tool units, wherein the tool unit to be accommodated is provided on one of the tool places. In this case, the tool holder has a clamping device, which has a relaxed operating state for receiving and removing the tool unit and a tensioned operating state for fixing the recorded tool unit. In particular For example, the tool holder with the main body can be movable along a movement axis of the linear drive via a working surface which is arranged in a production space of the device for generative production, wherein the working surface has a platform area and a lower limit of a tool unit accommodated in a tool holder substantially can be moved over the platform area at the height of the work surface.

The steps include: activating the relaxed operating state of the tool holder; moving the tool holder to the tool place with the provided tool unit by performing a linear movement along the movement axis and a pivoting movement about the rotation axis; activating the cocked operating state of the tool holder and lifting the provided tool unit out of the tool space. In some embodiments, the tool holder rotates as a pivoting arm with a linear motion and pivotal movement over the moving movement about the rotation axis of the tool unit zoom in until it touches a stop surface of the tool holder. In particular, the tool place is approached from below (eg when the tool unit is placed on pins at the tool place).

In some embodiments, activating the tensioned operating state via a linear actuator of the tool holder can cause a positive and / or non-positive fixation of the tool unit. For a positive and / or non-positive fixing, clamping wedges of the tool holder can be spring-loaded by releasing a pneumatic system.

In some embodiments, an exact position of the tool unit in the tool holder can be achieved by a force and form fit of the clamping wedges and / or a frictional connection of at least one blade against a stop surface of the tool holder.

In some embodiments, lifting out by continuing the pivoting movement may cause the tool unit to become detached from pins of the tooling station. In some embodiments, the tool holder with the tool unit clamped can be moved out of the tool storage into the manufacturing space.

In a further aspect, a method for depositing a tool unit of a generative manufacturing apparatus as described above into a tool storage includes the steps of moving the tool holder with the clamped tool unit to the tool station by linear movement along the movement axis and pivotal movement about the tool Rotation axis are performed; activating the relaxed operating state of the tool holder and moving out the tool holder without tool unit from the tool storage.

In this case, the tool holder as a pivoting arm with a linear movement and

Rotational movement overlying the pivoting movement about the rotation axis to the unoccupied tool position, preferably until the tool unit engages in pins of the tool station. In this case, the tool space can be approached in particular from above.

Activation of the relaxed operating state can be achieved via (at least) one linear actuator of the tool holder by releasing a positive and / or non-positive fixation of the tool unit.

In a further aspect, an apparatus for additive manufacturing comprises: a housing which provides a production space for the additive manufacturing, a linear drive arranged in the production space with a base body which is movable along a movement axis of the linear drive in the production space, and a tool holder for carrying a tool unit. The tool holder is rotatably mounted on the base body about a rotation axis and is moved along with the base body along the axis of movement of the linear drive. The tool holder further includes a jig that has a relaxed operating condition for receiving and removing the tool unit and a cocked operating condition for fixing the received tool unit. The apparatus further includes a tool storage disposed in the manufacturing space and providing a plurality of tool unit tool locations, wherein at least one of the tool locations is linearly moved along the axis of movement and pivotal about the axis of rotation from the tool holder for receiving or is approachable for storing a tool unit. In particular, the tool holder with the base body along the axis of movement of the linear drive can be moved over the work surface, so that a lower boundary of a recorded in a tool holder tool unit with the linear drive (essentially at the height of the working surface over the platform area is movable, in particular to define a level of the surface of the powder layer.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a controller configured to perform one of the methods described above.

In some embodiments, at least one of the tool units may include a tool holder and a powder handling application tool clamped in the tool holder. Furthermore, at least one of the tool units may comprise a special tool with a pneumatically or electrically operated rotational and / or linear drive axle. Thus, the clamping device of the tool holder, for example, have an electric and / or pneumatic actuator and at least one compression spring for adjusting the operating conditions.

Furthermore, at least one of the tool places may have pins for engaging in recesses in the tool unit.

The embodiments disclosed herein may have the following advantages: A tool change can be carried out autonomously by the use of an existing machine axis. Compared to manual tool changes, an automated changeover can ensure that the tool change can take place in a timely and fast manner so that there is no component distortion due to the interruption of the construction process. In particular, an opening of the production space is not necessary and the concepts disclosed here can be used at high building platform temperatures. In general, the concepts disclosed here can be implemented with a cost-effective and space-saving design of mechanics and sensor technology. Thus, the concepts disclosed herein require no additional space below the build platform, do not unnecessarily restrict the space and thus avoid construction costs. Herein, concepts are disclosed that allow to at least partially improve aspects of the prior art. In particular, further features and their expediencies emerge from the following description of embodiments with reference to the figures. From the figures show:

1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary generative manufacturing apparatus,

FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the generative production apparatus of FIG. 1 parallel to the XY plane through the production space, FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the generative production apparatus from FIG. 1, parallel to the XZ plane through the production space, as indicated in FIG. 2, FIG.

4A and FIG. 4B are side views of an exemplary tool holder with a job tool partially in section and

5 shows schematic illustrations a) to j) for illustrating a tool replacement process.

Aspects described herein are based, in part, on the recognition that an existing rotary axis can be used in a tool replacement operation in which a tool unit is unloaded with a job tool in a magazine and a new tool unit is received.

In this case, it was further recognized that special tool units can be changed in with the tool change concept proposed here, in addition to pure job tool units. Generally, the tool changer proposed herein may substitute a variety of different tooling units. Exemplary tool units include

Order tools with z. B. carbon fiber brush or X-shaped lip and special tools such. B. cleaning tools with a brush for a final cleaning of the process chamber base area, tools for filling a gap between the working piston and cylinder with metal powder and repair tools for removing weld spatter (eg a tool with grinding shaft).

In connection with the figures 1 to 3 a generative manufacturing device is described in general. Subsequently, an exemplary tool holder and tool exchange operation will be described in conjunction with FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5. Figures 1 to 3 show an exemplary generative manufacturing apparatus 1 for the additive production of a three-dimensional component 3 of a powdery material (generally powder 5) in a perspective view and in schematic sectional views. For the manufacturing process, reference is made to the above-mentioned EP 2 732 890 A2.

The manufacturing device 1 comprises a housing 7, which provides a production space 9. Through a door 11 A in a front wall 11, there is access to the production room 9. The housing 7 further includes a Schutzgasabsaugsystem with z. For example, outlet openings 13A for the flow of the production space 9 with inert gas, as well as suction 13B. An irradiation system 15, for example, mounted above the housing is designed to generate, for example, laser light which melts the powder 5 into material layers of a 3D component 3. The manufacturing process takes place on a work surface 27, which forms the bottom of the production space 9 and has a platform area 17A, a storage area 25A and optionally a powder collection area 29A. The manufacturing process takes place on a building platform 17, which in the platform area 17A z. B. is located centrally in front of the door 11A. The construction platform 17 rests on a carrier 19 which can be moved in a height in a construction cylinder 21 (in the ± Z direction in FIG. 3). The storage area 25A serves to provide fresh powder 5A, which is transferred to the building platform area 23A with an application tool 23 in order to produce the 3D component 3 in layers. With regard to an exemplary embodiment of a job tool, reference is made to FIGS. 4A and 4B. On the construction platform 17, a powder bed filled with, for example, metallic or ceramic powder for irradiation with the laser light is prepared from above. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the application tool 23 serves to distribute the powder 5 in the X direction during the manufacturing process. During coating, a lower region of the application tool 23 passes over the working surface 27, takes powder with it and thereby fills areas which are e.g. B. respect. The work surface are lowered. In these areas, the lower portion of the application tool 23 defines the level of the powder surface. In the application method described, for example, brushes, steel or ceramic blades, and elastomer elastic lips are used as the dispensing tool for dispensing the powder. That is, the lower region of the application tool 23 can, for example, be formed as a blade, carbon fiber brush, X-shaped rubber lip or as Spaltfüllbürste. The level of the powder surface, in particular within the construction cylinder 21, corresponds to the surface of the powder bed in the production process and the layer last applied during the production process. The level is defined by the lower limit of the application tool 23 and is usually substantially at the level of the work surface 27th

In summary, in the coating process, fresh powder 5 A, which is provided in a storage cylinder 25 provided in the storage area 25 A, is displaced via the working surface 27 into the platform area 17 A with the applicator tool 23, where it is distributed in the area of the lowered building platform 17 and accordingly forms a new surface layer. Unnecessary powder is, for example, pushed into a collecting cylinder 29 provided in the powder collecting area 29A. In some coating methods and intermediate steps, a decoating can also be carried out. During stripping, the application tool 23 can remove a layer of powder from the previously lifted building platform by brushing over and analogously form a fresh surface.

As shown by way of example in FIGS. 1 to 3, the storage area 25A, the platform area 17A and the powder collecting area 29A are arranged next to one another in the X direction and the application tool 23 can be linearly displaced in the X direction.

For a linear displacement of the application tool 23 in the X direction, the production device 1 comprises a linear drive 31 in the rear part of the housing 7. The linear drive 31 is based, for example, on a recirculating ball guide or a belt drive for a linear reciprocation of a main body 31 A, on which a tool holder 33 via a rotatably mounted hollow shaft (not explicitly shown) is mounted. At a lower end of the tool holder 33, the application tool 23 is attached. In the figures 1 to 3, an axis of rotation Rl of the hollow shaft is exemplified. The hollow shaft / rotation axis Rl protrudes into the production space 9 and is used in the tool change concept described here by way of example. The rear part of the housing with the linear drive 31 and the production space 9 are separated from each other, wherein a narrow slot is covered by a movably mounted metal or textile belt 35, which is indicated schematically in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the production device 1 has a tool storage 37 and optionally a camera (not shown). The tool store 37 provides tool units for tool exchange. In particular, the camera is aligned with the platform area 17A and can provide image data of the surface of the powder bed for evaluating the quality of the powder surface.

In summary, the manufacturing process comprises repeatedly lowering the build platform 17 in the build cylinder 21, building up a fresh powder layer on the build platform 17, and fusing the powder layer in the area in which the 3D part 3 is to be created. Fig. 3 shows the partially completed 3D component 3, which is embedded in unfused powder 5. Typically, fabrication takes place at elevated temperatures, which may be in the range of 300 ° C and more through a heating system for heating the powder and through the welding process. As mentioned in the beginning, a defined surface of the powder bed is desired (for example a horizontal, precisely aligned, plane alignment of a powder surface). This is achieved with the appropriately aligned application tool 23. Usually before the application of the new powder layer, the construction platform of the building chamber is lowered by one layer thickness (so-called Z-increment), so that the application tool 23 can be moved back over the previously coated powder layer to fresh powder 5 A from the supply for a new powder layer on the build platform 17 to distribute. Here, the previously coated surface can be lowered slightly, so that the powder layer is not damaged. For processing, the construction platform 17 is then moved back to the starting position.

Alternatively, instead of lowering the construction platform 17, the application tool 23 can be pivoted about a higher pivot point so that it is lifted off the powder bed on the way back to the powder supply. This is done by way of example with the hollow shaft via a pivoting of the application tool 23 about the rotation axis Rl. Accordingly, the build platform 17 does not have to be lowered before the return of the application unit, which improves the life of the piston seals and accelerates the overall process.

The rotation axis Rl runs along the upper end of the tool holder 33, so that the application tool 23 is rotatably mounted. A servo geared motor 32 with electromagnetic shear brake can be provided on the main body 31A. The rotatably mounted shaft is connected at its rear end via a gear pair with the servo geared motor 32. At the front end of the shaft, the tool holder 33 is attached. The servo geared motor 32 can effect a controllably feasible pivoting movement of the application tool 23 about the rotation axis Rl. In particular, it permits a rotation of the application tool 23 about the rotation axis R 1 within an angular range or even a free positioning by 360 °. For example, the rotation axis R1 lies on the linear movement axis L of the recirculating ball guide (or, for example, the belt guide). However, damage to the application tool 23, in particular the tool edge interacting with the powder, can occur during the production process. This happens z. B. due to inadvertent growing during production interference contours, sharp metal splash or the like. This tool wear can be detected via a dark field illumination and image processing, for example with the camera. The need for a tool change can thus be signaled to an operator, and the tool unit can be replaced before a faulty coating occurs, so that in general the rejects of unusually generated components is reduced. Furthermore, replacement may be routinely made at predetermined time intervals. In order not to endanger the quality of the component, the tool change is preferably carried out directly after detecting a wear of the application tool 23. As mentioned in the beginning, a manual replacement can cause unplanned delays, which, in conjunction with an axis stop triggered on the machine side, pose the risk of thermal distortion of the already produced part of the workpiece. There may be a visible defect in the position in the workpiece, which corresponds to the processing break during tool change. This is particularly critical for a heated production room, as here usually the cooling gradient is stronger than in a non-heated production room.

Hereinafter, in connection with the figures 4 to 6, a concept for quickly changing a machining tool such. B. a job tool for forming the surface layer disclosed. This makes it possible to automatically clamp special tools in addition to application tools, which are provided in the tool storage 37 within the production space 9. The tool change is controlled by a control unit 39. The control unit 39 may be part of the control system of the manufacturing apparatus 1 or may be provided as an independent unit specific to the tool change. In Fig. 3, the control unit 39 is indicated schematically by dashed lines and connected via data links 41 with the tool holder 33 and the tool storage unit 37.

The underlying system for the tool change is designed such that the exchange can be made with closed production room 9. It is based on the combination of a rotational movement of a tool unit about the rotation axis Rl and a linear movement by means of the linear drive 31 along the movement axis L.

For the automated tool change explained below, the already mentioned arrangement of the application tool 23 is used, in which the application tool 23 is rotatably mounted, for example, near or on the linear movement axis L of the linear drive 31 via the tool holder 33 acting as a swivel arm.

Figures 4A and 4B show the tool holder 33 with a tool holder 43, in which a job tool 23 is clamped. The tool holder 43 and the application tool 23 represent a replaceable tool unit 45 (also referred to as a tool). It can be seen in Fig. 4A, a partially shown in section support member 46 with an axle receiving portion 46A for receiving the hollow shaft and a pivot portion 46B, on which the tool unit 45 is attached. In Fig. 4A, the rotation axis Rl in the axle receiving portion 46A is indicated. The tool holder 33 further comprises one or more, for example, two, linear actuators 47 which are secured to the pivot member portion 46B with screws 48. In conjunction with a clamping device allows the linear actuator 47 / the linear actuators z. B. two displaceable clamping wedges 49 of the clamping device to fix or to solve. The clamping wedges 49 are arranged side by side at the distal end of the pivot member portion 46 B and screwed to guide shafts 51. The guide shafts 51 extend through sliding bearings 53 in the pivot member 46B and can be displaced by the linear actuator 47 / the linear actuators (double arrow 55). On each clamping wedge 49 acts a clamping force on, for example, two symmetrically arranged next to the respective clamping wedge compression springs 57. The clamping force of the compression springs 57 acts of the pneumatically or electric motor driven Linear Actuator 47 / the linear actuators. The linear actuator (s) 47 are designed in such a way that the tool holder 33 can receive a tool unit 45 from the tool storage 37 in a positive-locking and non-positive manner. The tool unit 45 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is a passive tool unit, which has by way of example a blade or brush as an application tool 23 for applying and distributing powder. In further embodiments, active tool units, such as. B. a milling tool or a grinding shaft, are received by the tool holder 33. For example, rotating tool units can be used to eliminate the aforementioned interference contours-such as sharp-edged metal spatters-that can inadvertently grow up in the manufacturing process. For operating active tool units, the tool holder 33 z. B. have an interface for transmitting a low voltage up to 40V, for example. Furthermore, an electric drive can be arranged for example in the hollow shaft of the rotating tool.

The respective tool units preferably have tool receivers 43 which provide features for the correct orientation of the tool, in particular of the application tool 23, in the tool holder 33.

For this purpose, each tool holder 43 is equipped with, for example, two or more hard blades 59 which, in conjunction with one (or one) hard stop surface 61 of the tool holder 33, effect a positionally correct indexing (essentially a desired orientation) of the tool unit 45 with respect to the tool holder 33 , A blade tensioning mechanism 59A, which allows a corresponding precise adjustment, in particular lateral force-free clamping, of the blades 59, is indicated in FIG. 4B. The hard blades 59 index the receiving unit frictionally on the stop surface as a reference surface of the tool holder 43. For example, the hard blades serve as an end stop in the Z direction. Under the hard counter surface may be one or more thin exchangeable precision sheets that can be added or removed when adjusting the alignment / straightness. The blade can be executed as a sharp and hard wedge or it can be selected a similar geometry with the smallest possible facial area.

The tool holder 43 is preferably constructed with two shells. By way of example, two jaws 63 A, 63 B form a C-shaped frame with a recess 65 into which the Clamping wedges 49 intervene. This allows a non-positive fixation of the tool holder 43, and thus of the application tool 23, to the tool holder 33. b

For fastening the application tool 23, the tool holder 43 has a negative form of the application tool 23, for example a negative mold of a wedge. The application tool 23 is clamped in the tool holder 43 via a positive and positive fit. In Fig. 4A, the jaws 63 A, 63 B are screwed, for example. It is important that a reference position of the application tool 23 is ensured in the manufacturing apparatus 1 by a correspondingly correct assembly of the application tool 23, as will be explained by way of example below.

Thus, the tool holder 43 can be inserted and clamped in a device which is functionally similar to the tool holder 33 is formed. By way of example, the device has indexing features (for example the wedges described) for engaging in the tool holder and corresponding actuators for the positive and non-positive holding of the tool holder 43. The device also has clamping wedges and a clamping device. These index the receiving unit frictionally on an end face of the device and positively against the reference surface of the device. The positive connection is z. B. between the two sharp, hardened blades 59 and a hardened face.

In the case of the tool holder 43 shown by way of example, the application tool 23 has been inserted into the open tool holder 43, here the accessible negative mold. It is aligned flush with a reference plane of the device and applied for example against the lower leg of the C-shaped frame. It follows the non-positive connection of the application tool 23, z. B. via screws 62, in the tool holder, where it is kept pressed. The fixation in the device can now be solved and the tool unit 45 are removed with aligned application tool. In this case, for example, the tool lower edge of the application tool 23 is aligned exactly parallel to the surface at the upper end of the tool holder 43, which is formed by the cutting edges of the two blades. This procedure is repeated with all tool units that are to be prepared in the tool memory 37. The underlying device can for example be associated with the manufacturing device 1 or used as a separate resource. The procedure described guarantees that the tool edges of all tools equipped have the same reference relative to the stop surface of the tool holder. A replacement of a new job tool 23 can be done so safely with respect to a specified reference level.

For tool exchange, as shown by way of example in FIGS. 2 and 5, the tool store 37 can be provided on an inner wall of the production space 9 in the region of the powder collecting area 29A. The tool storage 37 is exemplified in the figures of FIG. 5 in the form of a half-shell, the z. B. extends around a center R2. On this half shell 69 z. As further interchangeable tool units 45 equipped with job tools 23 or special tools, such as the aforementioned special tools for cleaning the process chamber, for the first time filling gaps between platform 17 and cylinder 21 (with powder) and to eliminate the inadvertently growing in the process interference contours and sharp Me- tallspritzern. In some embodiments, the half shell may be rotatable about the center R2. However, a rotatable half-shell, in particular, is not necessary if a sufficiently wide angular movement of the axis of rotation of the tool holder 33 is provided, which allows to approach each of the tool seats 69 without it z. B. requires a further rotational movement of the half shell.

The available space is enough z. B. for the setup of several tool units 45. In FIG. 5, by way of example, six tool units 45 are shown. Each tool station 69 has a support surface and two (indexing) pins that can engage in associated receptacles 71 (see FIG. 4B) in the jaws 63 A, 63 B to define the position of the tool unit 45 in space. If one of the six tool units 45 has been mounted, there are thus five further exchange tool places and an empty space in the tool holder 33 for depositing the already-indexed tool unit. Instead of the half-shell-shaped arrangement of the tool storage could alternatively be used a chain storage configuration (paternoster system-like) or a storage on a vertical linear slide, for example. According to the invention, it is proposed to carry out the changing operation by a combined movement along the feed axis (movement axis L) of the application unit and about the pivot axis (rotation axis R1). For example, the movements along the feed axis and about the pivot axis are controlled by a superimposed NC control. The movement is carried out partially simultaneously, so that there can be no collision between the tool holder 33 and tool unit 45 or tool holder 23.

The picking up of a tool will be described below with reference to the figures a) to j) of Fig. 5, wherein the tool holder 33 must be free. Accordingly, the recording was z. B. advance that previously a free tool space in the tool memory 37 approached and there was a no longer needed or worn tool unit 45 A was deposited (not shown). Such a deposition process substantially corresponds to the reverse recording process, as will be described below.

For receiving a (fresh) tool unit 45B, first the indexing clamping wedges 49 z. B. pneumatically relaxed (Figure A)). To pick up the tool unit 45B, it is approached from below and lifted out of the rest position. The tool holder 33 moves as a pivoting arm with a superimposed movement counterclockwise about the rotation axis Rl to the tool unit 45B zoom up to this, the end face of the

Tool holder 33 touched (Figures b) to e)). Subsequently, via the linear actuator 47 / the linear actuators of the tool holder 33, a positive and non-positive fixing of the tool unit 45B by the clamping wedges of the indexing are spring-loaded by releasing the pneumatic (Figure e)). The exact position of the tool unit in the tool holder 33 is due to the positive and positive fit of the clamping wedges 49 and the

Frictional connection of the two blades 59 is achieved against the reference surface of the tool holder 33. By a further turn to the left, the indexed tool unit is released from the tool storage 37 (Figures f) and g)) and driven by a superimposed movement from the tool storage 37 into the production space 9 (Figures h) and i)). There, it can be adjusted, for example, about the axis of rotation Rl such that the lower edge of the tooling 23 is just above the working surface 27 (Figure j)). A placement of a tool unit is done in the example described with a clockwise rotation, the recording of a new tool unit is carried out as described with a left-hand rotation of the tool holder 33. In the above-mentioned use of a z. B. vertical linear slide for the provision of tool locations, the alignment of the tool holder 33 via the rotation axis Rl in the horizontal, in which case the linear slide drove from above to a tool place, taken from a tool unit 45 and stored on the tool holder 33 or in the one Tool unit 45 is stored.

In some embodiments, the linear drive 31, and thus the tool holder 33, additionally be changed in height with respect to the work surface 27, so that the movement to the starting position of the application tool on the storage cylinder 25, for example, in a raised position of the linear actuator 31 can take place.

It is explicitly pointed out that all features disclosed in the description and / or the claims are considered separate and independent of each other for the purpose of original disclosure as well as for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention independently of the feature combinations in the embodiments and / or the claims should. It is explicitly stated that all range indications or indications of groups of units disclose every possible intermediate value or every possible subgroup of units for the purpose of the original disclosure as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed invention, in particular also as the limit of a range indication.

Claims

claims

1. A method for receiving a tool unit (45B) of a device for additive production in a tool holder (33),

wherein the device for generative manufacturing a linear drive (31) with a

Base body (31A), the tool holder (33) on the base body (31A) rotatably mounted about a rotation axis (Rl) and the tool holder (33) with the base body (31A) along a movement axis (L) of the linear drive (31) via a working surface (27) arranged in a production space (9) of the device for generative production, wherein the working surface (27) has a platform area (17A) and a lower limit of a tool unit accommodated in a tool holder (33) Essentially on the height of the work surface (27) over the platform area (17A) is movable,

wherein the device for generative manufacturing further comprises a tool storage (37) in the production space (9), the plurality of tool places (69) for tool units

(45), wherein on one of the tool stations (69) the tool unit (45 B) is provided, and

wherein the tool holder (33) has a clamping device, which has a relaxed operating state for receiving and removing the tool unit (45B) and a tensioned operating state for fixing the received tool unit (45B), wherein in the tensioned operating state a stop surface (61) of the tool holder (33 ) is contacted by the tool unit (45B) for positional indexing, comprising the steps of:

Activating the relaxed operating state of the tool holder (33),

Moving the tool holder (33) to the tool station (69) with the provided tool unit (45B) by performing a linear movement along the movement axis (L) and a pivoting movement about the rotation axis (Rl),

Activating the cocked operating state of the tool holder (33) so that the abutment surface (61) of the tool holder (33) is contacted by the tool unit (45B), and lifting the provided tool unit (45B) out of the tool place (69).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the tool holder (33) as a pivoting arm with a linear movement and pivotal movement superimposed movement around the axis of rotation (Rl) to the tool unit (45 B) drove until it has a stop surface (61) the tool holder (33) touched, and in particular the tool space (69) is approached from below.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein activating the tensioned Betriebszu- state via a linear actuator (47) of the tool holder (33) causes a positive and / or non-positive fixation of the tool unit (45B).

4. The method of claim 3, wherein for the positive and / or non-positive fixing clamping wedges (49) of the tool holder (33) are spring-biased by releasing a pneumatic.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an exact position of the tool unit (45) in the tool holder (33) by a positive and positive fit of the clamping wedges (49) and / or a frictional connection of at least one blade (59) against a stop surface ( 61) of the tool holder (33) is achieved.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting by a continuation of the pivoting movement causes a loosening of the tool unit (45) of pins of the tool place (69).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising

Moving the tool holder (33) with a clamped tool unit (45) from the tool storage (37) in the production space (9). 8. A method for depositing a tool unit (45B) of a device for additive production in a tool store (37),

wherein the device for generative production has a linear drive (31) with a base body (31A), the tool holder (33) is rotatably mounted on the base body (31A) about a rotation axis (Rl) and the tool holder (33) is attached to the base body (31 A) along a movement axis (L) of the linear drive (31) via a working surface (27) which is movable in a production space (9) of the device for generative production, wherein the working surface (27) has a platform portion (17A) and a lower Limitation of a tool unit accommodated in a tool holder (33) can be moved over the platform area (17A) substantially at the level of the work surface (27), wherein the tool storage (37) is arranged in the production space (9) and provides a plurality of tool places (69) for tool units (45), one of the tool places (69) being unoccupied, and

wherein the tool holder (33) comprises a jig having a relaxed operating state for picking up and removing the tool unit (45B) and a cocked operating state for fixing the picked tool unit (45B), comprising the steps of:

Moving the tool holder (33) with the clamped tool unit (45B) to the tool place (69) by performing a linear movement along the movement axis (L) and a pivoting movement about the rotation axis (Rl),

Activating the relaxed operating state of the tool holder (33), whereby the tool unit (45B) is placed on the empty tool space of the tool stations (69), and

Moving out of the tool holder (33) without tool unit (45 B) from the tool storage (37).

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the tool holder (33) as a pivoting arm with a linear movement and pivotal movement superimposed movement around the axis of rotation (Rl) to the unoccupied tool space (69) moves up, preferably until the tool- ing unit (45 B) in pins of the tool place (69) engages, and wherein in particular the tool place (69) is approached from above.

10. The method according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein activating the relaxed operating state via a linear actuator (47) of the tool holder (33) solves a positive and / or non-positive fixation of the tool unit (45B).

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising

Receiving a tool unit (45B) according to a method according to one of claims 1 to 7.

12. Device for generative production with

a housing (7) which provides a manufacturing space (9) for the additive manufacturing, wherein the production space (9) has a working surface (27) with a platform area (17A) in which a height-movable construction platform (17) for providing a powder layer for a generative manufacturing process is arranged,

a linear drive (31) arranged in the production space (9) with a main body (31A) which is movable along a movement axis (L) of the linear drive (31) in the production space (9),

a tool holder (33) for carrying a tool unit (43), wherein the tool holder (33) is rotatably mounted on the base body (31A) about a rotation axis (R1) and with the base body (31A) along the movement axis (L) of the linear drive ( 31) is moved over the work surface (27) so that a lower boundary of a tool holder (33) accommodated tool unit with the linear drive (31) substantially at the height of the working surface (27) on the platform portion (17A) is movable to Specifically, to define a level of the surface of the powder layer, and wherein the tool holder (33) has a jig having a relaxed operating state for receiving and removing the tool unit (45B) and a cocked operating state for fixing the received tool unit (45B), and a Tool storage (37), which is arranged in the production space (9) and a plurality of tool places (69) for tool units (45), wherein at least one of the tool stations (69) can be approached using a linear movement along the movement axis (L) and a pivoting movement about the rotation axis (Rl) from the tool holder (33) for receiving or depositing a tool unit (45, 45B) is.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising

a control unit (39) adapted to carry out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. Device according to one of claims 12 or 13, wherein at least one of the tool units (45) comprises a tool holder (43) and in the tool holder (43) clamped application tool (23) for powder handling and / or at least one of the tool units (45 ) comprises a special tool with a pneumatically or electrically operated rotational and / or linear drive axle.

15. Device according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the clamping device of the tool holder (33) has an electric and / or pneumatic actuator and at least one compression spring (57) for adjusting the operating conditions.

16. Device according to one of claims 12 to 15, wherein at least one of the tool places (69) pins for engaging in recesses (65) in the tool unit (45).