EP3703889A1

EP3703889A1 - Cover assembly for a machine, machine and method for producing three-dimensional components

Info

Publication number: EP3703889A1
Application number: EP18785958.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Uwe Huber; Markus Pieger; Björn Ullmann
Original assignee: Trumpf Laser und Systemtechnik GmbH
Current assignee: Trumpf Laser und Systemtechnik GmbH
Priority date: 2017-11-03
Filing date: 2018-10-12
Publication date: 2020-09-09
Also published as: CN111295257A; US20200254526A1; CN111295257B; DE102017125748A1; US11660675B2; WO2019086231A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cover assembly for a machine (11), as well as a machine and a method for producing a three-dimensional component (12) by selectively solidifying a powder-form build-up material (29) by means of a beam (16) acting on the build-up material (29), comprising a build cylinder cover (51) which sealingly closes an opening (41) of the build cylinder (24) for a changing of a build cylinder (24), and comprising a process chamber cover (53) associated with the build cylinder cover (52), which are detachably connected to one another via an interface (54), wherein the build cylinder cover (52) and the process chamber cover (53) are formed as a manipulatable unit for a changing of the build cylinder (24) and are detachably connected to one another via an interface (54) (Fig. 10).

Description

Lid arrangement for a machine and machine and
Method for producing three-dimensional components
The invention relates to a lid assembly for a machine for the production of three-dimensional components by selective solidification and a machine for the production of three-dimensional components by selectively solidifying a layered building material by means of a beam acting on the building material and a method for changing a building cylinder in a machine for manufacturing of three-dimensional components by selectively solidifying the powdery building material by means of the beam acting on the building material.
DE 10 2015 005 780 A1 discloses a device for producing three-dimensional objects by successively solidifying layers of a radiation-hardenable building material at the locations corresponding to the respective cross-section of the object. This device comprises a process chamber, which is enclosed by a housing. The process chamber is a building container and an application device for applying layers of the building material provided on a support device in the building container. The construction container is associated with an opening in the process chamber floor. This building container is removable as a separate swap body or within a removable module of the device. For this purpose, the building container is provided with an inert gas-tight lid device. The cover device is designed as a sliding cover, which is provided below the process chamber floor. By a sliding movement, the opening of the building container is closed. Alternatively, the lid device may be formed as a rolling cover, which corresponds in function to the sliding cover. Also, the sliding cover to the closure of the building container and arranged below the process chamber floor rolling cover for closing the opening may be provided in the process chamber bottom.
From EP 2 732 889 A2, a machine is known for the production of three-dimensional components by selective solidification of a layered, in particular pulverulent, building material. This machine comprises a machine frame and a beam source arranged on the machine frame, such as a laser source. This beam source emits a beam which is deflected or guided via a beam deflection device onto a working plane of a working surface in a process chamber. Below the working level, a first and second construction cylinder is provided. Each construction cylinder includes a substrate plate movable up and down to provide the three-dimensional component thereon. Adjacent to the building cylinder, a storage chamber is provided through which powdered building material is provided. The construction cylinders opposite a collecting chamber is provided. By a contracting and leveling powdered building material is fed to the one or more Bauzylindern. The construction material that is not required is transferred into the collecting chamber by means of the application and leveling device.
The three-dimensional component is preferably produced by laser melting or laser sintering. When changing a building cylinder, a lid is positioned on the opening of the building cylinder to avoid contamination of the environment with the non-solid building material and an interaction with atmospheric oxygen.
DE 20 2013 009 787 U1 discloses a machine for producing three-dimensional components by selective solidification of a build-up material applied in layers, in particular pulverulent, by means of a jet acting on the building material. After production of the component, the construction cylinder is closed within the process chamber with a lid. The lid is moved with a Deckelpositionieranordnung from a position laterally of the building cylinder on the top of the building cylinder and closed the building cylinder. Subsequently, the sealed relative to the ambient atmosphere of the construction cylinder is led out of the process chamber in a change station.
By removing the entire construction cylinder with the lid positioned thereon out of the process chamber, the process gas exits the process chamber. In addition, contamination of the building material in the environment can occur. By such a change of the construction cylinder, the design of the machine with several adjacently arranged construction cylinders is disadvantageous.
The invention has for its object to propose a cover assembly for a machine for the production of three-dimensional components for a change of a building cylinder in a process chamber through which a simple and quick change of construction cylinders is possible. Furthermore, the invention has for its object to propose a machine for the production of three-dimensional components, which protects both the loose construction material in the construction cylinder and the process chamber from interactions with atmospheric oxygen at a Bauzylinderwechsel. The invention is also based on the object to propose a method for changing a construction cylinder in a machine for the production of three-dimensional components, which can be carried out in a simple manner and safely.
The object underlying the invention is achieved by a cover assembly for a change of a building cylinder in a machine for the production of three-dimensional components by selectively solidifying a powdery building material by means of a beam acting on the building material, which comprises a construction cylinder cover and a process chamber lid, which by an interface are releasably connected together. The process chamber lid and the construction cylinder cover are designed as a manageable unit for the change of the construction cylinder. By means of this cover arrangement it is made possible that, when the construction cylinder is changed in a process chamber, both a closure of an opening of the construction cylinder and a closure of an opening in a working surface of the process chamber are made possible. Due to the configuration as a manageable unit, the cover assembly can be positioned with the process chamber lid and the construction cylinder cover to open the process chamber, so that subsequently when changing the construction cylinder both the opening of the construction cylinder and the opening of the process chamber can be closed. As a result, an interaction with atmospheric oxygen is prevented, and it can thus be counteracted oxidation of the building material. At the same time the environment is protected in a change of the building cylinder from an outlet of the non-solidified and hot building material.
It is preferably provided that between the process chamber lid and the construction cylinder cover a positive interface is provided and preferably this positive interface is formed by at least one connecting element, which aligns the process chamber lid to the construction chamber lid, in particular centrally. As a result, the process chamber cover and the construction cylinder cover are aligned in a defined position to each other, so that an exact positioning of the cover assembly for opening the process chamber allows and both the process chamber lid and the construction cylinder cover are aligned.
Advantageously, the process chamber lid loosely rests on the construction cylinder cover. This arrangement is a structurally simple embodiment and still allows a closure of the opening of the construction cylinder and subsequently the opening of the process chamber lid at a removal of the construction cylinder from the process chamber.
The construction cylinder cover preferably has a conical peripheral surface, which terminates with a radially projecting annular collar. Preferably, above the annular collar, the receptacle, in particular the circumferential groove, provided for the arrangement of the construction cylinder cover with the process chamber lid resting thereon in the carrier. The conical peripheral surface has the advantage that a simple centering of the manageable unit made of construction cylinder cover and process chamber lid for opening the construction cylinder is possible. In addition, this can act as a sealing surface. It is preferably provided that the annular collar rests sealingly on the upper opening edge of the building cylinder. Also, the annular collar and the peripheral surface together form a seal.
Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the process chamber lid of the lid assembly has a circumferential sealing surface, which is followed by a shoulder. As a result, a simple structural design of the process chamber lid is given, which rests automatically in a closed position after positioning in an opening of the working surface of the process chamber. Due to the peripheral sealing surface, in particular cylindrical sealing surface, a seal associated with the opening of the process chamber can rest against the process chamber lid and seal the process chamber, so that the production of a three-dimensional component is made possible during the change of a building cylinder in at least one further adjacent building cylinder. Outflow of a process gas from the process chamber is thereby prevented.
Advantageously, it is provided that the process chamber lid and the construction cylinder cover are received by a movable carrier. This allows a simple movement of the lid assembly on the working surface of the process chamber for positioning the lid assembly for opening the process chamber.
Preferably, the movable carrier on a chassis through which the lid assembly is movable on the working surface of the process chamber.
Such a movable carrier can preferably be moved with an application and leveling device within the process chamber. On the carrier, a connection point can be provided, which can be coupled to the order and leveling device. In particular, this coupling point can be designed as a so-called zero-point clamping system, whereby a defined connection of the carrier takes place at the order and leveling device, so that an exact positioning of the carrier for opening the process chamber is made possible.
Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the carrier has a base plate which comprises an open-edged, U-shaped recess, and the construction cylinder cover has a receptacle, in particular a circumferential groove, through which the structural cylinder is detachably received on the base plate. By a lateral movement of the carrier to the construction cylinder cover a simple decoupling of the construction cylinder cover together with the process chamber cover made by the carrier as soon as the opening of the construction cylinder engages the construction cylinder cover.
The lid assembly may be handled by a gripping device according to an alternative embodiment to the carrier. This gripping device comprises at least two, preferably three grippers, which engage in the circumferential groove on the construction cylinder cover to handle the construction cylinder cover and process chamber lid together.
The grippers of the gripping device are preferably driven by a common drive. For example, a belt drive may be provided to jointly control the spatially separated from each other aligned gripper. Advantageously, two opposing or for example three in an isosceles triangle positioned mutually arranged gripper are provided. Preferably, a pivoting movement of a gripping element of the respective gripper is driven by the common drive to transfer the gripping elements in an engaged position in the circumferential groove. Alternatively, a further engagement movement of the respective gripping element of the gripper may be provided to engage in the circumferential groove on the construction cylinder cover.
Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the gripping device can be moved in the process chamber parallel to the working plane and / or at a height to the working plane. As a result, the cover assembly can be transferred into the respective stowage position or working position for changing a building cylinder.
The object underlying the invention is further solved by a machine for the production of three-dimensional components by selectively solidifying the layers applied, in particular powdered building material by means of acting on the building material jet, wherein for a change of the construction cylinder to the process chamber, a cover assembly according to one of the preceding Embodiments is provided, wherein the lid assembly is arranged in the process chamber. As a result, a process environment during the construction cylinder change can be protected from escaping and possibly still hot unconsolidated building material and an interaction with atmospheric oxygen.
It is preferably provided that the cover arrangement can be positioned in the process chamber with the application and leveling device for opening the process chamber. As a result, no additional handling facilities or changing stations are required. Rather, the motion components already present in the machine, in particular linear axes, can be used for positioning the lid arrangement.
Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the cover assembly comprises a construction cylinder cover for closing an opening of the construction cylinder and a process chamber lid for closing the opening in the working surface of the process chamber. As a result, in the case of a machine having a plurality of construction cylinders assigned to the process chamber, during the changeover from a construction cylinder in an adjacent construction cylinder, the production of a three-dimensional part can be carried out. This allows a reduction in cycle times and an increase in productivity.
Furthermore, it is preferably provided that arranged below the working surface and the opening of the process chamber associated with a lifting seal, which is preferably acted upon by pressure and sealingly engages the structural cylinder or the process chamber lid. As a result, a secure seal can be provided both during a work process for producing a three-dimensional component and during a change operation of the construction cylinder.
Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a parking position for the lid assembly is provided in the process chamber. This parking position is preferably aligned with a common longitudinal central axis of at least two openings in the process chamber. As a result, a simple movement movement along a linear axis is sufficient in order to move the cover arrangement according to requirements to one of the openings in the process chamber for a change of the construction cylinder.
The object underlying the invention is further achieved by a method for changing a construction cylinder in a machine for producing a three-dimensional component by selectively solidifying a layered applied, in particular powdered, building material by means of a beam acting on the building material, in which a cover assembly according to one of previously described embodiments is positioned in a working position for opening a process chamber, which is associated with the cylinder to be changed and in which the building cylinder is raised in the direction of the process chamber and the opening of the building cylinder is closed by the construction cylinder cover and the building cylinder after closing by the construction cylinder cover lowered in the opposite direction to the process chamber and the opening of the process chamber is closed by the process chamber lid. By means of this cover arrangement, a stroke movement of the construction cylinder along a stroke axis is sufficient to successively close the opening of the construction cylinder and the opening of the process chamber. This lifting axis for carrying out the lifting movement is already present in the machine, so that no additional movable axes are required.
Furthermore, it is preferably provided that during the stroke movement of the construction cylinder out of the process chamber, the process chamber lid is released automatically from the construction chamber cover. For this purpose, the positive interface with at least one connecting element is preferably provided. This positive interface takes the process chamber lid by its gravity on the construction cylinder cover, in particular centrically aligned on.
Furthermore, it is preferably provided that before the positioning of the cover assembly for opening the process chamber of the to be changed construction cylinder, the substrate plate is retracted with the component in the to be changed structural cylinder. As a result, the component is positioned within the construction cylinder. A subsequent positioning of the lid assembly by a movement over the opening of the process chamber can be performed freely.
Furthermore, it is preferably provided that an opening of the process chamber at least partially surrounding Ringabsaugvorrichtung is activated during the lifting movement of the building cylinder to the opening arrangement of the process chamber positioned lid assembly or after the lifting movement. As a result, the building material present in the edge region of the opening of the process chamber can be removed. This Ringabsaugvorrichtung preferably has fluid nozzles, which are applied alternately or simultaneously with pressure and negative pressure to remove the thereby dissolving building material.
Furthermore, it is preferably provided that after lifting the cylinder in the process chamber and closing the cylinder by the Bauzylinderdeckel the position of the construction cylinder held and the carrier of the lid assembly is moved out of its working position until the Bauzylinderdeckel and the resting thereon process chamber lid from the carrier , Thus, for positioning the cover assembly for a construction cylinder change, a movement movement along one axis can suffice, and for the closing of the construction cylinder and the process chamber, a further movement movement in a further axis. Thus, only traversing movements in two axes, which are aligned in particular perpendicular to each other, required, which already have the previous machines.
The construction cylinder is preferably led out after closing with the construction cylinder cover by a lifting movement, in particular lowering movement, from the process chamber and moved below the work surface. During this lifting movement, in particular downward movement, the opening of the process chamber is closed by the process chamber lid. Thus, the opening of the process chamber can be closed simultaneously during a movement to exchange the construction cylinder.
Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that, after the lifting movement of the construction cylinder out of the process chamber, a lifting seal abutting the construction cylinder is opened until the process chamber lid closes the opening of the process chamber and then the lifting seal is activated again, so that it bears against the process chamber lid and the Sealing opening of the process chamber.
When changing the construction cylinder is preferably provided that at least during the lifting movement of the construction cylinder from the process chamber out the process chamber with an overpressure, in particular of between 20 mbar to 50 mbar, is applied. This prevents air oxygen entry into the process chamber to prevent undesirable oxidation, particularly hot metal vapor deposits, on the process chamber walls of materials such as aluminum and titanium. The process chamber is preferably charged with an inert gas.
In a change position of the construction cylinder, in which the construction cylinder is lowered and separated from the process chamber lid, the closed and provided with a component construction cylinder is removed from the machine and a new closed with a construction cover cylinder supplied to the change position to perform a subsequent work process. This makes it possible that during a movement of the construction cylinder into a working position, in which the construction cylinder adjoins the opening of the process chamber, the construction cylinder cover receives the process chamber lid and then turn the Bauzylinderdeckel and the resting thereon process chamber lid can be received by the carrier. By a movement of the carrier on the work surface, the U-shaped recess of the base plate of the carrier engages in the groove on the construction cylinder cover. The carrier with the lids received therein can subsequently be moved into a stowed position within the process chamber and subsequently a build-up process can be carried out in the newly inserted construction cylinder.
The invention and further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof are described in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings and explained. The features to be taken from the description and the drawings can be applied individually according to the invention individually or in combination in any combination. Show it:
FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a machine for producing three-dimensional components,
FIG. 2 shows a schematic detail view of a construction cylinder during a working process for producing a three-dimensional component,
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a cover arrangement,
FIG. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of the cover arrangement according to FIG. 3,
FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a carrier of the lid arrangement according to FIG. 3,
6 to 11 are schematic sectional views of successive steps for closing the construction cylinder and an opening of the process chamber for a subsequent change of the construction cylinder in the machine according to Figure 1,
FIG. 12 shows a schematic side view to illustrate the change of the construction cylinders,
Figure 13 is a schematically enlarged detail view of a resting on the building cylinder construction cylinder cover, and
Figure 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment for positioning the lid assembly to open the process chamber.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a machine 11 for producing a three-dimensional component 12 by sequential solidification of layers of a powdered building material 29. This machine 11 comprises a machine frame 14 and a beam source 15 arranged on the machine frame 14, for example in the form of a laser source. This beam source 15 emits a beam 16, which is deflected and guided via a beam deflection device 18 onto a working plane 20 of a working surface 21 in a process chamber 22. The beam deflection device 18 may be in the form of one or more controllable mirrors, in particular in the form of a scanner. Below the working plane 20, a construction cylinder 24 is provided with a substrate plate 25 which is movable within the construction cylinder 24 in order to create the three-dimensional component 12 based thereon. Adjacent to the building cylinder 24, a storage chamber 27 is provided, through which powdered building material 29 is provided. This opposite to the building cylinder 24, a collecting chamber 28 is provided. By means of an application and leveling device 30, powdery building material 29 is supplied to the building cylinder 24 starting from a right starting position shown in FIG. Unnecessary building material 29 is transferred by means of the application and leveling device 30 into the collecting chamber 28 (left end position), so that this in turn can be processed and reused.
The building material 29 is preferably made of a metal or ceramic powder. Other materials suitable and used for laser melting and laser sintering can also be used. The process chamber 22 is preferably hermetically sealed off. This is filled for the production of the three-dimensional component 12 with inert gas or an inert gas to prevent the melting of the building material 29 oxidation.
In Figure 2, the building cylinder 24 is enlarged and shown in more detail. The construction cylinder 24 comprises a cylindrical wall 31, within which the substrate plate 25 is movable up and down with a lifting device 32, wherein only a piston rod 33 and a piston 34 acting on the substrate plate 25 are represented by this lifting device 32. The substrate plate 25 and the piston 34 are detachably connected together by a clamping system. The construction cylinder 24 is received replaceable by a bracket 36. By an indexing 37 of the building cylinder 24 is aligned and fixed to the bracket 36. This indexing 37 is releasable to change the construction cylinder 24th
Between the substrate plate 25 and the piston 34, a gas seal 38 and a powder seal 39 is preferably provided to seal the structural cylinder 24 downwards. An opening 41 of the construction cylinder 24, in a working position for producing the component 12, in particular, is flush with the working surface 21 of the process chamber 22. On the outer circumference of the opening 41 engages below the working plane 20 to a lifting seal 42. By this lifting seal 42 is an opening 46 in the process chamber 22 to the building cylinder 24, in particular to the wall 31 of the construction cylinder 24, both gas-tight and powder-tight finished. This lift seal 42 is activated in a sealing arrangement. For example, this is pressurized by means of a medium. This lifting seal 42 has an enlarged inner circumference in a deactivated state. This allows a retraction of the construction cylinder 24 down.
To increase the productivity of such a machine 11, the component 12 is not removed individually from the machine 11. Rather, the building cylinder 24 is taken out with the therein provided component 12 and the component 12 surrounding and not solidified building material 29 from the machine 11 to then insert an empty construction cylinder 24 in the machine 11, so that after this change operation immediately with a new component 12 can be done in the new substitute building cylinder 24. Also, during the changing process in a neighboring construction cylinder 24, a component 12 can be produced.
For this change of the construction cylinder 24 or the removal of the construction cylinder 24 with the component 12 and the still hot building material 29, a cover assembly 51 is provided, which is shown in perspective in Figure 3. A schematic sectional view along the line III-III in Figure 3 is shown in Figure 4, from which the construction of the cover assembly 51 with a construction cylinder cover 52 and a process chamber cover 53 can be seen. In this sectional view, a carrier 57 of the lid assembly 51 is not shown. FIG. 5 shows a schematic arrangement from above on a process chamber cover 53 with a construction cylinder cover 52, which are received by the support 57.
The process chamber lid 53 rests on the construction cylinder cover 52. The process chamber lid 53 is connected by a positive interface 54 with the construction cylinder cover 52. This positive interface 54 may be formed, for example, by two complementary connecting elements 55, 56. This may be, for example, a conical projection 55, which engages in a depression 56. Preferably, the orientation of the process chamber lid 53 to the construction cylinder cover 52 with respect to the longitudinal center axes given by the positive interface 54. In particular, the two covers 52, 53 are aligned symmetrically with respect to one another and lie in a common central axis.
The construction cylinder cover 52 and the process chamber lid 53 are provided together on a support 57. This carrier 57 comprises for receiving a base plate 58. This base plate 58 has an open-edged U-shaped recess 59. This open-edged U-shaped recess 59 is used for releasably receiving the construction cylinder cover 52. This has a circumferential groove 61 which engages the U-shaped recess 59 of the base plate 58. The U-shaped recess 59 has a filling region 60 which is wider in width than the encircling U-shaped groove 61 in order to allow an independent centering of the construction cylinder cover 52 for the correct position in the open-edged U-shaped recess 59.
The carrier 57 further comprises a chassis 63. The chassis 63 may, for example, comprise two axles which are aligned parallel to one another and receive rollers. The open-edged U-shaped recess 59 is aligned in the direction of travel of the carrier 57.
The construction cylinder cover 52 has a peripheral surface 65, in particular cylindrical or conical peripheral surface 65, which is bounded by a radially outwardly projecting annular collar 66. The conical peripheral surface 65 opposite the annular collar 66 associated with the circumferential groove 61.
On an outer side of the carrier 57 or an outer side of a cover plate 71, a connection point 64 may be provided. This connection point 64 serves to couple the cover assembly 51 to the application and leveling device 30 in order to control a movement of the cover assembly 51 from a parking position into a working position aligned with the opening 46 of the process chamber 22.
On the construction cylinder cover 52 of the process chamber lid 53 is located, the circumferential sealing surface 67 has a same radial extent as the circumferential groove 61 or protrudes from this. The circumferential sealing surface 67 of the process chamber lid 53 is delimited by a shoulder 68, which forms a bearing surface when the process chamber lid 53 is positioned in the opening 46 of the working surface 21.
The carrier 57 further includes the cover plate 71, which is positioned above the U-shaped open-edged recess 59. The distance of the cover plate 71 to the base plate 58 corresponds to the distance or is slightly larger than the distance of the circumferential groove 61 on the construction cylinder cover 52 and an upper side of the process chamber lid 53rd
The mode of operation of the cover assembly 51 according to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 will be explained in more detail in the case of a change of the construction cylinder 24 to the process chamber 22 with reference to FIGS. 6 to 12.
Starting from an arrangement of the substrate plate 25 in the construction cylinder 24 according to FIG. 2, the substrate plate 25 is first moved into the construction cylinder 24 in preparation for the change of the construction cylinder 24. Such a lowered position of the substrate plate 25 is shown in FIG. During or after the lowering movement of the substrate plate 25, the application and leveling device 30 is coupled to the lid assembly 51. For this purpose, a connection point 64 shown schematically can be provided. Subsequently, the cover assembly 51 is positioned from a stowed position in the process chamber 22 to the opening 46 of the process chamber 22 by a linear movement of the order and leveling device 30. This is shown in FIG.
The construction cylinder 24 is slightly lowered in the activated lifting seal 42. At the same time, an overpressure in the process chamber 22 prevail. In addition, an annular suction device 47 surrounding the opening 46 and shown in more detail in FIG. 7 can be activated in order to fluidize still adhering building material 29 in the edge region of the opening 46. This Ringabsaugvorrichtung 47 can be formed by a plurality of channels, which pass under the lifting seal 42 in a radially encircling annular channel 48. The supplied medium is then blown radially in accordance with arrow 49 over the opening edge of the construction cylinder 24 in its interior. Subsequently, the Ringabsaugvorrichtung 47 is deactivated.
The construction cylinder 24 is lifted by the lifting device 32 and retracted into the process chamber 22 according to FIG. The opening 41 of the construction cylinder 24 receives the construction cylinder cover 52. By the construction cylinder 24 of the construction cylinder cover 52 and the process chamber lid 53 is fixed while the carrier 57 is moved laterally, so that the cover 52, 53 due to the U-shaped recess 59 in the base plate 58 free from the carrier 57.
Subsequently, the construction cylinder 24, in particular simultaneously with the substrate plate 25, lowered, as shown in Figure 9. Previously, the lift seal 42 is deactivated. In a first phase of the lifting movement out of the process chamber 22, the process chamber lid 53 closes the opening 46 of the process chamber 22. The lift seal 42 is activated, whereby the opening 46 of the process chamber 22 is sealed. The taking of this position shown in Figure 10 can in turn be monitored by at least one sensor element. Subsequently, a further lifting movement of the building cylinder 24 and the console 36 is driven to the process chamber lid 53 of the construction cylinder cover 52 due to the positive interface 54 to solve. The carrier 57 can meanwhile be moved to a stowed position within the process chamber 22.
In a further change phase according to FIG. 11, the indexing 37 on the bracket 36 of the lifting device 32 is released. Subsequently, the piston 34 of the lifting device 32 can be further lowered, so that the piston 34 is released relative to the substrate plate 25. The console 36 is held in a change position, so that the building cylinder 24 can be removed with a handling device of the console 46. In this case, the construction cylinder 24 is closed. The hot component 12 and the heated building material 29 remain in the construction cylinder 24th
This removal of the construction cylinder 24 from the machine 11 and a simultaneous feeding of an empty or new construction cylinder 24 is shown in FIG. After placing the empty building cylinder 24 on the console 36, the above-described steps are performed in reverse order to provide the building cylinder 24 for a subsequent work process for producing a three-dimensional component 12.
FIG. 13 shows a diagrammatically enlarged detailed view of a construction cylinder cover 52 resting on the construction cylinder 24. The construction cylinder cover 52 may be provided by the peripheral surface 65, which is preferably conical, self-centering at the upper opening edge of the wall 31 of the construction cylinder 24. The relative to the peripheral surface 65 radially projecting annular collar 66 may rest on one end face of the wall 31 of the construction cylinder 24 and form a seal. In particular, a layer of a sealing and heat-resistant material may be provided on the annular collar 66. The annular collar 66 forms with the end face of the wall 31 of the construction cylinder 24 an axial seal 69 or an edge seal. Also, the peripheral surface 65 may be additionally formed as a conical peripheral surface and also have a sealing effect.
In Figure 14, an alternative embodiment of the lid assembly 51 is shown. In this embodiment, it is provided that instead of the movable carrier 57, a gripping device 81 is provided. This gripping device 81 may be provided fixed in the process chamber 22. Alternatively, this gripping device 81 can be moved within the process chamber 22 by means of the linear axis of the application and leveling device 30. This gripping device 81 preferably comprises three grippers 83, which comprise bar-shaped gripping elements 85, which are provided for engagement in the circumferential groove 61 of the building cylinder 52. The grippers 83 are preferably aligned at the same distance from the lid assembly 51, so that, for example, three grippers 83 a secure receiving the lid assembly 51 is given. The grippers 83 are aligned, for example, in an isosceles triangle to each other. For the common driving of the gripping elements 85, a drive 87, for example a belt, rope, chain or toothed belt drive, can be provided, which comprises a motor 84. As a result, gripping elements 85 can be transferred simultaneously into a gripping position in which they engage in the circumferential groove 61 or led out after positioning of the construction cylinder cover 52 in the opening 41 of the construction cylinder 24 from the circumferential groove 61.
The procedure and procedure for changing a construction cylinder 24 is analogous to the above-described Figures 6 to 12. If this gripping device 81 is disposed above the process chamber 22, only one movement of the gripping device 81 in the vertical direction on the building cylinder 24 and back away instead of. In this case, the cover assembly 51 is lifted off from the working surface 21 in a stowing position such that the application and leveling device 30 can be moved completely over the opening 22 of the working plane 20 on the working surface 21.

Claims

Lid assembly for a machine (11) for producing a three-dimensional component (12) by selectively solidifying a powdery building material (29) by means of a jet (16) acting on the building material (29),

- With a construction cylinder cover (52) sealingly closes an opening (41) of the construction cylinder (24) for a change of a building cylinder (24), and

- with a construction cylinder cover (52) associated process chamber lid (53), which are detachably connected to each other by an interface (54),

characterized,

- That the construction cylinder cover (52) and the process chamber lid (53) are formed as a manageable unit for a change of the construction cylinder (24).
Lid assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the interface (54) between the construction cylinder cover (52) and process chamber lid (53) is positively formed and the process chamber lid (53) and the Bauzylinderdeckel (52) by complementary connecting elements (55, 56) to each other, in particular centric to each other, are aligned.
Lid arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the process chamber lid (53) rests loosely on the construction cylinder cover (52).
Lid assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the construction cylinder cover (52) has a peripheral surface (65) which is closed with a radially outwardly extending annular collar (66) and above the annular collar (66) the circumferential groove (61). is provided.
Lid arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the process chamber cover (53) has a peripheral sealing surface (67), in particular a cylindrical sealing surface (67), which is adjoined by a shoulder (68).
Lid arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the process chamber cover (53) and the construction cylinder cover (52) are mounted in a movable carrier (57).
Lid assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the carrier (57) has a chassis (63) through which the construction cylinder cover (52) and process chamber lid (53) on a working surface (21) of the process chamber (22) are movable.
Lid assembly according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that on the support (57) a connection point (64) is provided, which is connectable to a gripper of a contracting and leveling device (30) and the carrier (57) by the order and Leveling device (30) is positioned to be changed to the construction cylinder (24).
Cover assembly according to claim 6 to 8, characterized in that the carrier (57) has a base plate (58) with a U-shaped, open-edged recess (59) through which the construction cylinder cover (52) with the circumferential groove (61) on the Base plate (58) releasably received in the U-shaped, open-edged recess (59) and can be led out of this.
Lid arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the process chamber cover (53) and the construction cylinder cover (52) with a gripping device (81) are manageable.
Lid assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the gripping device (81) at least two grippers (83), preferably three grippers (83), each comprising at least one gripping element (85) which in the circumferential groove (61) of the construction cylinder cover (52) intervene.
Gripping device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the grippers (83) can be actuated by a common drive (87) from a gripping position into a rest position.
Lid assembly according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the gripping elements (85) of the at least two grippers (83) by a rotational movement to engage in the circumferential groove (61) of the construction cylinder cover (52) by the drive (87) are controllable ,
Lid arrangement according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the gripping device (81) in the process chamber (22) parallel and / or variable in height to the working plane (20) is movable.
Machine for producing three-dimensional components (12) by selectively consolidating a build-up material (29) applied in layers by means of a jet (16) acting on the building material (29),

- With at least one process chamber (22), which has at least one aligned in an X- / Y-plane working surface (21), the at least one building cylinder (24) is assigned interchangeable, in which a substrate plate (25) is driven movable and on which the three-dimensional component (12) is produced,

- With a beam source (15) for generating the beam (16) and at least one beam deflection device (18) through which the at least one beam (16) is deflected onto the building material to be solidified (29) in the construction cylinder (24),

- With an order and leveling device (30) which is movable above the working surface (21) for applying the building material (29) relative to at least one building cylinder (24),

- with a lifting device (32) which moves the building cylinder (24) at least into a working plane (20) of the working surface (21) to an opening (46) of the process chamber (22) and comprises a piston (34), the substrate plate ( 25) in the building cylinder (24) moves movable,

characterized,

- That a cover assembly (51) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 in the process chamber (22) is provided.
Machine according to claim 15, characterized in that the cover arrangement (51) in the process chamber (22) with the application and leveling device (30) to the opening (46) of the process chamber (22) is movable.
A machine according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the lid assembly (51) comprises a building cylinder cover (52) for closing an opening (41) of the building cylinder (24) and a process chamber lid (53) for closing the opening (46) in the work surface (Fig. 21) of the process chamber (22).
Machine according to claim 15 to 17, characterized in that below the working surface (21) and the opening (46) of the process chamber (22) associated with a lifting seal (42) is provided, which is acted upon by pressure and sealingly on a wall (31). the construction cylinder (24) or on the process chamber lid (53) attacks.
Machine according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that a bearing point of the cover assembly (51) in a common longitudinal central axis of at least two openings (46) in the process chamber (22) for the arrangement of construction cylinders (24) is provided.
Method for changing a construction cylinder (24) in a machine (11) for producing a three-dimensional component (12) by selectively solidifying a build-up material (29) applied in layers by means of a jet (16) acting on the building material (29),

in which a construction cylinder cover (52) is placed on the opening (41) of the construction cylinder (24) to change the construction cylinder (24) in the process chamber (22) and the construction cylinder (24) is removed from the process chamber (22),

characterized,

in that a cover arrangement (51) according to one of claims 1 to 14 is positioned in a working position to an opening (46) of the process chamber (22), to which the construction cylinder (24) to be changed is assigned,

- that the building cylinder (24) is raised in the direction of the process chamber (22) and the opening (41) of the construction cylinder (24) by the construction cylinder cover (52) is closed,

- That the building cylinder (24) opposite to the process chamber (22) is lowered and the opening (46) of the process chamber (22) with the process chamber lid (53) is closed.
A method according to claim 20, characterized in that prior to positioning the lid assembly (51) for opening the process chamber (22), the substrate plate (25) with the component (12) is retracted into the building cylinder (24).
A method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that during the lifting movement of the building cylinder (24) on the cover assembly (51) or after the lifting movement of the opening (46) of the process chamber (22) at least partially surrounding Ringabsaugvorrichtung (47) is activated , which fluid nozzles or an annular channel (48), which are alternately acted upon by a pressure and a negative pressure.
Method according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that after lifting the construction cylinder (24) and closing the construction cylinder (24) by the construction cylinder cover (52) the position of the construction cylinder (24) is held and the support (57) is moved out of the working position until the Bauzylinderdeckel (52) and the process chamber lid (53) with respect to the carrier (57) free.
Method according to one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the construction cylinder (24) with the construction cylinder cover (52) positioned thereon is guided out of the process chamber (22) by a lifting movement and moved below the working surface (21) and the opening (46 ) of the process chamber (22) through the process chamber lid (53) is closed.
Method according to one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that during the lifting movement of the construction cylinder (24) out of the process chamber (22) out of the construction cylinder (24) adjacent the stroke seal (42) is opened until the process chamber lid (53) Closing opening (46) of the process chamber (22) and after closing the opening (46) of the process chamber (22), the lifting seal (42) is closed, so that this sealingly against the process chamber lid (53).
A method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that at least during the lifting movement of the construction cylinder (24) from the process chamber (22), the process chamber (22) with an overpressure, in particular from 20 mbar to 50 mbar, is applied.
Method according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that in a change position, in which the building cylinder (24) relative to the working surface (21) lowered and the process chamber lid (53) is separated, the closed building cylinder (24) with the therein contained Removed component (12) and a new, in particular empty construction cylinder (24), with a construction cylinder cover (52) disposed thereon, is supplied for a subsequent work process.