Construction chamber for a machine and machine for producing a three-dimensional component

Abstract

The invention relates to a construction chamber and a machine for producing three-dimensional components. Construction chamber for a machine (11) for producing a three-dimensional component (12) by selectively solidifying a construction material applied in layers by means of a jet (16) acting on the construction material, having a construction cylinder (31) in which a substrate plate (25) can be moved up and down along a construction cylinder wall (32), having an opening (33) provided at the upper end of the construction cylinder (31) for introducing construction material into the construction cylinder (31), and having a drive unit (41), which controls the substrate plate (25) within the construction cylinder so that it can move up and down, wherein a closed circumferential wall (26) is formed, which surrounds the construction cylinder (31), and wherein the drive unit (41) is provided within the closed circumferential wall (26).

Description

[0001] Construction chamber for a machine and machine for producing a three-dimensional component

[0002] The invention relates to a build chamber for a machine for producing a three-dimensional component by selectively solidifying a build material applied in layers by means of a beam acting on the build material, and to such a machine.

[0003] EP 1 037 739 B2 discloses a machine for producing a three-dimensional component by selectively solidifying a build material applied layer by layer by means of a jet acting on the build material. This build chamber comprises a build cylinder with a build cylinder wall, within which a substrate plate can be moved up and down. To control the lifting movement of the substrate plate, a drive device with a guide is provided outside the build cylinder, along which a support arm can be moved up and down. This support arm extends through a slot in the build cylinder into the interior of the build cylinder in order to engage underneath the substrate plate and move it up and down. The slot in the build cylinder wall is closed by a removable band.

[0004] Furthermore, WO 2020 / 120888 A1 discloses a build chamber for a machine for producing a three-dimensional component. Within the build cylinder, a substrate plate is guided for up and down movement. A drive device is provided outside a build cylinder wall of the build cylinder and laterally to the outer circumference of the build cylinder. This drive device comprises three guide rods distributed around the circumference of the build cylinder, on which guide carriages are guided for up and down movement. The guide carriages are moved up and down by means of a threaded rod. Support arm sections are provided on the guide carriage, which extend through slots in the build cylinder wall into the interior of the build cylinder to accommodate the substrate plate and move it up and down. These slots are closed by a detachable band depending on the stroke position of the guide carriage.The invention is based on the object of proposing a construction chamber for a machine and a machine for producing a three-dimensional component by selectively solidifying a build-up material applied in layers by means of a beam acting on the build-up material, which comprises a small build-up dimension and at the same time enables a reduction of interfaces to the environment.

[0005] This object is achieved by a build chamber for a machine for producing a three-dimensional component by selectively solidifying a build material applied in layers by means of a beam acting on the build material, with a build cylinder in which a substrate plate is guided so as to be movable up and down along a build cylinder wall, which comprises an opening at the upper end for introducing build material into the build cylinder, and with a drive device which controls the substrate plate so as to be movable up and down within the build cylinder, wherein a closed peripheral wall is formed which surrounds the build cylinder and wherein the drive device is provided within the closed peripheral wall.This design of the build chamber makes it possible, on the one hand, to reduce the overall height of such a build chamber, which is essentially determined by the height of the build cylinder, and, on the other hand, due to the closed peripheral wall surrounding the build cylinder on the outside, there is a reduction in interfaces to the build space in the build cylinder, through which the inner volume of the build cylinder can come into contact with the environment for the exchange of oxygen, so that oxidation of the build material is reduced.

[0006] Advantageously, the peripheral wall surrounding the construction cylinder is connected, preferably permanently connected, to the construction cylinder. The height of the peripheral wall preferably extends at least partially, in particular completely, along the height of the construction cylinder. This allows the construction cylinder to be hermetically sealed, at least with respect to its outer circumference, by the peripheral wall.

[0007] The drive device for moving the substrate plate up and down is preferably provided in a lowermost position flush with or within a lower end of the build cylinder. As a result, the overall height of the build chamber can be limited by the required height of the build cylinder. According to a first embodiment of the build chamber, the drive device is arranged within the build cylinder wall of the build cylinder. Alternatively, the drive device can extend at least partially, preferably completely, between the peripheral wall and the build cylinder wall. Both embodiments have the advantage that the closed peripheral wall surrounding the build cylinder can be maintained.

[0008] According to a first embodiment, the drive device comprises two separately controllable lifting elements, each comprising a clamping element, which can be controlled independently of one another and sequentially for clamping and releasing. This allows a step-by-step lifting movement of the drive device for lowering the substrate plate during the manufacturing process of the three-dimensional component to be controlled. A similar lifting of the substrate plate for removal from the build cylinder is also controllable.

[0009] Preferably, the clamping element is provided between the lifting element and the construction cylinder wall of the construction cylinder, and the respective lifting element is held clamped to the construction cylinder wall by the action of the clamping element. This represents a space-saving arrangement. Furthermore, it allows the construction cylinder wall to be completely closed.

[0010] To control a lifting movement of this first embodiment of the drive device, it is preferably provided that the first lifting element is clamped in the construction cylinder by the tensioning element, and the second lifting element can be controlled with a lifting movement. At the end of the lifting movement of the second lifting element, its tensioning element can be actuated for clamping in the construction cylinder. Subsequently, the tensioning element of the first lifting element is released, and the first lifting element can be controlled with a lifting movement. Through this step-by-step, sequential control, the drive device can perform a secure lifting movement both upwards and downwards within the construction cylinder.

[0011] To control the lifting movement, the drive device advantageously comprises a gear which is provided between the first and second lifting elements. This in turn enables a compact arrangement. The gear for controlling the relative movement between the first and second lifting elements or the lifting movement comprises a thread pair, wherein a ring with an internal thread is provided on the first lifting element, and the second lifting element is coupled to a toothed ring which has an external thread and preferably the toothed ring comprises internal teeth through which the toothed ring can be driven by a motor. This gear, which can also be a fine thread, can be used to precisely control a lifting path which can, for example, even be in the micrometer range.

[0012] Advantageously, the first and second lifting elements have an annular contour, with the first lifting element forming a C-shaped cross-section with an upper and lower lifting segment, and the second lifting element being provided in between, which is guided for up-and-down movement between the upper and lower lifting segments of the first lifting element. This represents a compact, nested arrangement, which also allows the installation height of the drive device to be kept low.

[0013] The first and second lifting elements of the drive device advantageously have an outer peripheral surface that, at least in sections, corresponds to the contour of an inner peripheral surface of the construction cylinder wall. The clamping element can be designed as a clamping band surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the lifting elements. This allows for a large-area clamping with a high holding force.

[0014] The outer edges of the clamping band are firmly connected to the respective lifting element, forming an inner annular surface that can be subjected to pressure from a medium. The inner annular surface can be pressed outward in a bulging manner, enabling clamping to the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder wall.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the motor of the drive device can be positioned within the first and second lifting elements. The annular arrangement allows for free space to be created inside the first and second lifting elements. This, in turn, enables a compact design. Furthermore, the control of the lifting elements can be simplified, since the motor moves with the up and down movement of the drive device. Advantageously, a substrate plate holder is provided above the drive device, which enables an interface for the exchangeable mounting of the substrate plate.This interface has the advantage that, for example, preheated substrate plates can be provided for a subsequent construction process and positioned on the drive device so that a new construction process for producing a three-dimensional component can be started immediately afterwards.

[0016] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the stroke length of the drive device can be controlled by the number of revolutions of the motor, which drives the gear mechanism acting between the lifting elements, and the drive movement of the motor can be converted into a lifting movement by the gear mechanism. This also allows lifting movements of the lifting elements to be controlled that are smaller than the maximum lifting height between the first and second lifting elements.

[0017] According to a further alternative embodiment of the drive device, the drive device comprises at least three lifting rods, and each lifting rod is provided with a support arm that is guided for up and down movement along the lifting rod. These lifting rods for the up and down movement of the support arms are preferably provided between the construction cylinder wall of the construction cylinder and the closed peripheral wall.

[0018] The construction cylinder wall preferably includes a longitudinal slot associated with each lifting rod, so that the up-and-down movable support arms extend through the longitudinal slot into the interior of the construction cylinder. The outer peripheral wall surrounding the construction cylinder allows the interior of the construction cylinder to be sealed off from the environment relative to the outer peripheral wall. This also prevents contact with the environment and thus oxygen exchange.

[0019] In particular, it is provided that the longitudinal slot in the wall of the construction cylinder can be closed by a locking mechanism with a detachable strap that follows the lifting movement of the support arm. This can also reduce or prevent contamination of the space between the wall of the construction cylinder and the peripheral wall with building material.

[0020] In this embodiment, the build cylinder preferably has a base that extends to the peripheral wall. As a result, the build chamber is open only with respect to the upper opening facing the work plane for supplying the build material, and is otherwise closed.

[0021] In this alternative drive device, it is preferably provided that the lifting rod is designed as a cylindrical guide rod, and at least two clamping sleeves are provided between the lifting rod and the support arm, wherein the first clamping sleeve can be clamped against the lifting rod and the second clamping sleeve can be clamped against the peripheral wall or a guide inserted between the peripheral wall and the construction cylinder wall. These clamping sleeves can be controlled independently and sequentially for clamping and releasing. This allows a lifting movement analogous to the first embodiment to be achieved.

[0022] In this alternative embodiment, it is preferably provided that a piston chamber is provided for each lifting rod in the base in an area between the construction cylinder and the peripheral wall. In this piston chamber, a piston fixedly mounted on the lifting rod is guided for up and down movement, and the piston receptacle is closed with a closure. The height of the piston chamber limits the maximum lifting movement for a support arm. However, such a piston chamber enables simple control of the lifting movement, for example, using a pressure medium, in particular compressed air. Alternatively, hydraulic pressurization can also be provided.

[0023] One end of the lifting rod preferably extends below the base of the construction cylinder, where an adjusting device for controlling the lifting movement is provided. This arrangement has the advantage that the additional lifting rods distributed around the circumference can be simultaneously adjusted in terms of their stroke and are easily accessible from the outside.

[0024] The adjusting device for controlling the stroke advantageously comprises a stroke adjustment nut, which engages an adjustment section of the lifting rod and can be adjusted in height by means of a thread. The stroke adjustment nut has external teeth. This external toothing can be provided for joint control of the stroke adjusting device.

[0025] Preferably, all adjusting devices for adjusting the stroke of the lifting rod are controlled synchronously by a belt or gear. This ensures that the same conditions are maintained for all drive devices for the controlled lifting movement. Furthermore, in this alternative embodiment, a bearing can be provided at the upper end of the lifting rod between the construction cylinder wall and the peripheral wall, through which the lifting rods are guided so that they can be moved up and down and are secured against rotation within a guide. This allows, on the one hand, a lifting movement of the lifting rods to be controlled, and, on the other hand, the synchronous adjustment of the lifting distance can be controlled by the adjusting device provided at the lower end of the lifting rod.

[0026] In the alternative embodiment of the drive device, the lifting movement can be provided as follows: For a lifting movement of the support arm along the lifting rod designed as a guide rod, the piston of the lifting rod is arranged in a lower position in the piston chamber. The clamping sleeve, which engages the peripheral wall of the guide, is then released. The clamping sleeve engaging the lifting rod is tensioned. Pressure is then applied to the piston chamber and the lifting rod with the support arm is moved vertically upwards according to the set stroke. The clamping sleeve is then tensioned against the peripheral wall or guide and the clamping between the clamping sleeve and the lifting rod is released. The lifting rod can thus be moved into the lower position, particularly after the piston chamber has been depressurized.Subsequently, the clamping sleeve to the lifting rod is re-tensioned, and the clamping sleeve to the peripheral wall or guide is depressurized, allowing a new lifting cycle to be initiated. A lowering movement of the substrate plate in the build cylinder can be performed in a similar manner.

[0027] According to a further alternative embodiment of the drive device, the lifting rod is formed by a threaded spindle instead of a guide rod, and a spindle nut is provided between the threaded spindle and the support arm. In this embodiment, an up or down movement of the support arm can be controlled by rotatably driving the threaded spindle. In this embodiment, the pitch of the threaded spindle can be selected such that it includes a self-locking feature, thus providing protection against falling in the event of an operational malfunction, such as a power failure.

[0028] In this further alternative embodiment, it is preferably provided that a pinion is provided at the lower end of the threaded spindle, preferably in the floor of the construction chamber, and each threaded spindle is coupled by a common toothed ring which can be controlled by a motor, or that each threaded spindle can be controlled separately by a motor.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the build chamber, a cooling arrangement can be provided between the peripheral wall and the wall of the build cylinder. This can reduce the heating of the environment outside the build chamber.

[0030] According to a further preferred embodiment of the build chamber, a preferably detachable closure is provided on the underside of the closed peripheral wall, which closure is connected to the closed peripheral wall in a media-tight, in particular gas-tight, manner. This closure, which can also be trough-shaped or lid-shaped, closes off the underside of the peripheral wall surrounding the build cylinder. This provides oxygen protection, thus enabling a hermetic seal of the build chamber.

[0031] The object underlying the invention is further achieved by a machine for producing three-dimensional components by selectively solidifying a build material applied in layers by means of a beam acting on the build material, which machine comprises at least one process chamber having at least one work surface aligned in an X / Y plane, to which a build chamber is assigned, in which a substrate plate is movably controlled by a drive device and on which the three-dimensional component is produced, as well as with a beam source for generating the beam and at least one deflection device by which the at least one beam is guided and deflected onto the build material to be solidified in the build cylinder, as well as with an application and leveling device which is movable above the work surface for applying the build material relative to the build chamber,The build chamber is designed according to one of the previously described embodiments. Such a machine has the advantage that the overall height is reduced due to the compact design of the build chamber. Furthermore, an improvement in build quality can be achieved, since the closed peripheral wall surrounding the build cylinder provides additional sealing of the build cylinder from the environment to reduce or prevent oxygen from entering the build chamber. The invention, as well as further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof, are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. The features evident from the description and the drawings can be used individually or in any combination according to the invention. They show:

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a machine for producing three-dimensional components,

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a build chamber for the machine according to Figure 1,

[0034] Figure 3 is a perspective sectional view of a drive device of the construction chamber according to Figure 2,

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a first step for a lifting movement of the drive device according to Figure 3,

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of a further step for a lifting movement of the drive device according to Figure 3,

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic sectional view of a final step for a lifting movement of the drive device according to Figure 3,

[0038] Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the drive device to Figure 3,

[0039] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the construction chamber to Figure 2,

[0040] Figure 9 is a schematic sectional view of the construction chamber according to Figure 8,

[0041] Figure 10 is a schematic view of a step of a lifting movement of the drive arrangement according to Figure 9,

[0042] Figure 11 is a schematic sectional view of a further step of the lifting movement of the drive device according to Figure 9, Figure 12 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of the construction chamber to Figure 8,

[0043] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the drive device according to Figure 12,

[0044] Figure 14 is a schematic sectional view of a locking mechanism for a detachable band for a longitudinal slot in the building cylinder, and

[0045] Figure 15 is a schematic side view of the construction chamber with a cooling arrangement, and

[0046] Figure 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a construction cylinder with a closure.

[0047] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a machine 11 for producing a three-dimensional component 12 by successively solidifying layers of a powdered building material. This machine 11 comprises a machine frame 14 and a beam source 15, for example in the form of a laser source, arranged on the machine frame 14. 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 work surface 21 in a process chamber 22. The beam deflection device 18 can be designed in the form of one or more controllable mirrors, in particular in the form of a scanner. Provided below the working plane 20 is a build chamber 24 with a substrate plate 25, which is movable within the build cylinder 31 in order to create the three-dimensional component 12 based thereon.Adjacent to the build chamber 24, a storage chamber 27 is provided through which powdered building material is provided. Opposite the build chamber 24, a collecting chamber 28 is provided. Powdered building material is fed to the build cylinder 31 by an application and leveling device 30, starting from a right-hand starting position shown in Figure 1. Unused building material is transferred by the application and leveling device 30 into the collecting chamber 28 (left end position) so that it can be processed and reused. The application and leveling device 30 can comprise one or more brushes, strips, rubber lips, or the like. These can be adjusted in height for support on the work surface 20, so that a quantity of powdered building material provided from the storage chamber 27 can be transferred into the build chamber 24 for the subsequent solidification process.

[0048] The build material preferably consists 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. It is filled with a protective gas or an inert gas for the production of the three-dimensional component 12 to prevent oxidation during the melting of the build material.

[0049] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the build chamber 24. The build chamber 24 comprises a build cylinder 31 with a build cylinder wall 32. The build cylinder 31 has an opening 33 at its upper end, which is aligned with the work surface 21. The build cylinder 31 is surrounded by a peripheral wall 25. This peripheral wall 25 is completely closed. A floor 34 is provided at the lower end of the build chamber 24. This floor 34 is advantageously completely closed except for an opening 36 (Figure 7). The build chamber 24 can consist of several segments 37, which are arranged one above the other and can be connected to one another. This enables a flexible design of different heights for the build chamber 24. According to the exemplary embodiment, the build cylinder wall 32 also forms the peripheral wall 25 of the build chamber 24. Alternatively, a gap can also be provided in between.Furthermore, it can alternatively be provided that a construction chamber 24 is formed with a continuous peripheral wall 26, as shown in Figure 16.

[0050] A drive device 41 is provided in the build cylinder 31. This drive device 41 allows the substrate plate 25 to be moved up and down within the build cylinder 31. For clarity, the connection to the substrate plate 25 and the substrate plate 25 are not shown in Figure 2, but rather in Figure 7, for example. The drive device 41 is arranged entirely within the build chamber 24 or the peripheral wall 26 of the build chamber 24, in particular within the build cylinder 31.

[0051] Figure 3 shows a perspective sectional view of the drive device 41 according to Figure 2. The drive device 41 comprises a first lifting element 42 and a second lifting element 43. The first and second lifting elements 42, 43 are annular, wherein the outer contour of the lifting elements 42, 43 is adapted to the format of the construction cylinder 31. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figures 2 and 3, the construction cylinder 31 is square with rounded corners. This construction cylinder 31 can also be circular, so that the outer contour of the lifting elements 42, 43 is adapted accordingly (Figure 7). The first lifting element 42 is, for example, constructed in three parts and comprises an upper and lower lifting segment 44, 46, which are preferably firmly connected by a ring 47. A circumferential groove-shaped recess 48 is provided in each of the upper and lower lifting segments 44, 46.The second lifting element 43 can be moved up and down between the upper and lower lifting segments 44, 46, the second lifting element having projections 49 that engage in the recesses 48. A plurality of radially inwardly projecting stops 15 are provided in the second lifting element 43. A toothed ring 52, with an internal thread on the ring 47, forms a gear 50, by which a lifting movement of the first lifting element 42 or second lifting element 43 can be controlled. The toothed ring 52 rests with an upper annular surface 53 on the undersides of the stops 51. The toothed ring 52 comprises an internal toothing, to which a motor 55 or a gear 56 with a motor 55 can be directly connected (see Figure 7).

[0052] A clamping element 58 is provided circumferentially on the outer circumference of the first lifting element 42 or on each lifting segment 44, 46. This clamping element 58 is preferably designed as a metal band. Its edges are firmly connected to the outer surface of the lifting segment 44, 46. A compressed air channel (not shown in detail) allows the clamping element 58 to be pressurized with compressed air, so that it assumes a bulbous contour and clamps itself against the construction cylinder wall 32 of the construction cylinder 31. The second lifting element 43 has a clamping element 59. This clamping element 59 corresponds in structure to the clamping element 58.

[0053] A lifting movement of this drive device 41 is shown schematically in Figures 4 to 6, to which reference is made below. The first lifting element 42 is shown in simplified form in a C-shaped contour, wherein the upper and lower legs correspond to the lifting segment 44, 46 and the intermediate section corresponds to the ring 47. The second lifting element 42 is shown in between. The first lifting element 42 is fixed to the construction cylinder 31 according to Figure 4 by applying pressure to the clamping element 58. Subsequently, the toothed ring 52 is driven by the motor 55, whereby the second lifting element 43 moves upward due to the thread and moves the second lifting element 43 vertically upward via the stops 51. The lifting path can be controlled via the number of revolutions of the motor 55.The maximum stroke is limited by the distance between the lifting segments 44, 46 and the second lifting element 43, in particular the distance between the projections 49 and the recesses 48.

[0054] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 5, the clamping element 59 of the second lifting element 43 is acted upon, and the first clamping element 58 is released. At this point, the drive device 41 is still at the same height as in Figure 4.

[0055] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 6, the first lifting element 41 is activated for a lifting movement. At the end of the lifting movement, the first clamping element 58 is actuated, and the drive device 41 is fixed in the construction cylinder 31 via the clamping element 58. The additional clamping element 59 of the second lifting element 43 is released. The activated stroke of the drive device 41 is thus completed. The previously described steps can then be repeated.

[0056] Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the drive device 41 according to Figure 2. In this embodiment, the drive device 41, in particular the lifting elements 42, 43, comprises a circular-cylindrical outer peripheral surface. The structure and operation of this drive device 41 correspond to those shown in Figures 2 to 6.

[0057] A substrate plate holder 61 is attached to the first lifting element 42 of the drive device 41. This substrate plate holder 61 has a quick-release interface 62 for the replaceable mounting of the substrate plate 25. Due to its annular design, the drive device 41 allows the supply line for the motor 55 and for heating the heating elements in the substrate plate holder 61 to be located inside.

[0058] The lifting movement of the drive device 41 according to Figure 7 corresponds to the lifting movement described in Figures 4 to 6.

[0059] Figure 8 shows a perspective design of an alternative build chamber 24 to Figure 2. This build chamber 24 corresponds to the embodiment according to Figure 2 with regard to the structure of the segments 37. However, an alternative drive device 41 is provided. This alternative drive device 41 is shown in a schematic sectional view according to Figure 9. The build chamber 24 has a rectangular, in particular square, cross-section. The drive device 41 is positioned in the respective corner region of the build chamber 24 according to Figure 9. A guide 65, in particular a slotted guide tube, is provided in the corner region between the build cylinder wall 32 of the build cylinder 31 and the peripheral wall 26 of the build chamber 24. In the wall sections between the corner regions, a cooling arrangement 91 can be provided between the build cylinder wall 32 and the peripheral wall 36 of the build chamber 24, as shown below in Figure 15.

[0060] The drive device 41 comprises a lifting rod 66, which in this embodiment is designed as a guide rod. At the lower end of the lifting rod 66, a piston 67 is firmly connected to the lifting rod 66. This piston 67 is provided in a piston chamber 68 in the bottom 34 of the construction chamber 24. The piston chamber 68 is closed by a closure 69. The lifting rod 66 is guided downwards through the closure 69 and has an adjustment section 71. This adjustment section 71 is designed as an external thread. This

[0061] Adjustment section 71 accommodates an externally toothed stroke adjustment nut 72. A toothed ring or toothed belt engages the stroke adjustment nut 72, allowing all stroke adjustment nuts 72 of the drive device 41 to be adjusted simultaneously. This stroke adjustment nut 72 adjusts their distance from the closure 69 and thus the length of the stroke. The maximum stroke is limited by the possible travel of the piston 67 in the piston chamber 68.

[0062] A bearing 73 is provided at the opposite end of the lifting rod 66, or at the upper end of the lifting rod 66. This bearing 73 secures the lifting rod 66 against rotation relative to the guide 65 and allows it to be axially displaced within the guide 65.

[0063] The lifting rod 66 accommodates a support arm 74, which can be moved along the lifting rod 66. This support arm 74 extends through a longitudinal slot 84 in the build cylinder wall 32 of the build cylinder 31 into the interior of the build cylinder 31. The substrate plate 25 rests on the support arms 74 of the drive device 41. Between the support arm 74 and the lifting rod 66, a first and second clamping sleeve 76, 77 are provided. These clamping sleeves 76, 77 can be subjected to a medium and thus generate a clamping force. They are preferably pressurized with compressed air. For example, the first clamping sleeve 76 creates a clamping connection with the guide 75, i.e., an outward clamping connection. The second clamping sleeve 77 can create a clamping connection with the lifting rod 66, i.e., an inward clamping connection. Both the first and the second clamping sleeve 76, 77 can be positioned above or below the other.In Figures 10 and 11, the drive device 41 according to Figure 9 is shown schematically to explain a lifting movement.

[0064] The lifting rod 66 is in a lower position in Figure 10, meaning that the piston 67 rests on the closure 69. Subsequently, a clamping action occurs via the clamping sleeve 76, so that the support arm 74 is fixed to the lifting rod 66. Subsequently, the lifting rod 66 is subjected to a stroke, as shown in Figure 10.

[0065] At the end of the stroke of the lifting rod 66, pressure is applied to the second clamping sleeve 77 as shown in Figure 11, so that the support arm 74 is held in place by the second clamping sleeve 77 via the guide 65. Subsequently, the clamping of the first clamping sleeve 76 is released, allowing the lifting rod to return to a lower or starting position as shown in Figure 10. The lifting movement of the support arm 74 and thus of the substrate plate 25 has thus been completed. The same applies to a lowering movement.

[0066] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the build chamber 24. The shape of the build chamber 24 as well as its structure with respect to several segments 37 are retained. A gear with a connection 81 for a motor is shown on the floor 34 of the build chamber 24. This gear connection 81 drives a gear ring 82 or a sun gear, as shown in Figure 13.

[0067] Figure 13 shows the drive device 41 of the build chamber 24 according to Figure 12. Lifting rods 66 are again provided in the respective corner areas, wherein these lifting rods 66 are designed as threaded spindles. Instead of the clamping sleeves 76, 77 according to the embodiment in Figure 9, threaded sleeves are provided here, which are connected to the support arm 74.

[0068] By initiating a rotary movement via the toothed ring 82, all threaded spindles are driven synchronously in order to adjust the height of the support arms 74 or to move the substrate plate 25 up and down.

[0069] In the embodiments according to Figures 8 to 13, the construction cylinder wall 32 of the construction cylinder 31 includes the longitudinal slot 84 for positioning the support arm 74 inside the construction cylinder 31. Figure 14 shows a locking mechanism 85. This locking mechanism 85 comprises a detachable band 86, which has deflection rollers 87, 88 between the substrate plate 25 and the underlying support arm 74, through which the detachable band 86 opens or closes the longitudinal slot 84 in the construction cylinder 31 in accordance with the lifting movement of the support arm 74.

[0070] Figure 15 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of the construction cylinder 31 according to Figure 12. Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the construction cylinder 24 according to Figure 15. Between the corner regions in which the respective drive device 41 is provided, a cooling arrangement 91 can be provided between the construction cylinder wall 32 of the construction cylinder 31 and the peripheral wall 26 of the construction cylinder 24. A closure 94 is provided on an underside of the peripheral wall 26 of the construction cylinder 24. The closure 94 is detachably fastened in the peripheral wall 26. A flange connection is preferably provided. A seal is preferably provided between the closure 94 and a lower section of the peripheral wall 26 or an underside of the peripheral wall 26. By means of this closure 94, in particular with the seal arranged therebetween, the peripheral wall 26 can also be hermetically sealed at the bottom.This provides oxygen protection so that no oxygen can enter the build cylinder 31 via the underside of the build chamber 24. This counteracts oxidation of the build material in the process chamber.

[0071] The closure 94 can be trough-shaped or lid-shaped. At least one closable maintenance opening 98 can be provided in a side wall 96 and / or a base 97 of the closure 94. Such a maintenance opening 98 can serve to remove contaminants from the base 97. Such a maintenance opening 98 can also be used to feed various supply and / or media lines to the construction cylinder 31. Such maintenance openings 98 are also sealed off from the environment in a media-tight manner. Furthermore, it can be additionally provided that a supply opening is provided in the closure 94 for supplying an inert gas. This supply opening can be connected to a supply line into the process chamber 22 for supplying inert gas.

[0072] What is common to all the above-described embodiments is that the construction chamber 24 has an outer closed peripheral wall 26 and the drive device 41 for moving the substrate plate 25 up and down extends within this peripheral wall 26 of the construction chamber 24 or can be moved up and down.

Claims

Claims Construction chamber for a machine (11) for producing a three-dimensional component (12) by selectively solidifying a build-up material applied in layers by means of a beam (16) acting on the build-up material, with a build-up cylinder (31) in which a substrate plate (25) is guided so as to be movable up and down along a build-up cylinder wall (32), with an opening (33) provided at the upper end of the build-up cylinder (31) for introducing build-up material into the build-up cylinder (31), and with a drive device (41) which controls the substrate plate (25) so as to be movable up and down within the build-up cylinder, characterized in that - that a closed peripheral wall (26) is formed which surrounds the construction cylinder (31), and - that the drive device (41) is provided within the closed peripheral wall (26). Construction chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that the peripheral wall (26) surrounding the construction cylinder (31) on the outside is connected to the construction cylinder (31) and preferably extends at least partially, in particular completely, along the height of the construction cylinder (31). Construction chamber according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drive device (41) is provided flush in a lowest working position or within a lower end of the construction cylinder (31). Construction chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive device (41) is arranged within the construction cylinder wall (32) of the construction cylinder (31) or that the drive device (41) is arranged at least partially, preferably completely, between the peripheral wall (26) and the construction cylinder wall (32). Construction chamber according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive device (41) has two separately controllable lifting elements (42, 43), each comprising a clamping element (58, 59), which can be controlled independently of one another and sequentially for clamping and releasing. Drive device according to claim 5, characterized in that the clamping element (58, 59) is provided between the lifting element (42, 43) and the construction cylinder wall (32) of the construction cylinder (31), and the lifting element (42, 43) is held clamped to the construction cylinder wall (32) of the construction cylinder (31) by the action of the clamping element (58, 59).Construction chamber according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the first lifting element (42) is held in the construction cylinder (31) by the clamping element (58) and the second lifting element (43) can be controlled with a lifting movement and, at the end of the lifting movement of the second lifting element (43), this clamping element (59) can be acted upon for clamping and that the clamping element (58) of the first lifting element (42) is released and the first lifting element (42) can be controlled with a lifting movement. Construction chamber according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that a gear (50) is provided between the first and second lifting elements (42, 43). Construction chamber according to claim 8, characterized in that the gear (50) is a threaded pair, wherein on the first... Lifting element (42) is provided with a ring (47) having an internal thread, and the second lifting element (43) is coupled to a toothed ring (52) having an external thread, and preferably the toothed ring (52) has internal teeth, by means of which the toothed ring (52) can be driven by a motor (55). Construction chamber according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the first and second lifting elements (42, 43) have an annular contour of an inner circumferential surface, wherein the first lifting element (42) has a C-shaped cross-section with an upper and lower lifting segment (44, 46) and the second lifting element (43) is provided in between and is guided so as to be movable up and down between the upper and lower lifting segments (44, 46). Construction chamber according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the first and second lifting elements (42, 43) each have at least one outer circumferential surface which corresponds at least in sections to the contour of an inner circumferential surface of the construction cylinder wall (42) of the construction cylinder (21), and in that the tensioning element (58, 59) is designed as a tensioning band surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the lifting elements (42, 43). Construction chamber according to claim 11, characterized in that the outer circumferential edges of the tensioning band are firmly connected to the respective lifting element (42, 43), and an inner annular surface of the tensioning band can be subjected to pressure from a medium.The build chamber according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that the motor (55) can be positioned within the first and second lifting elements (42, 43). The build chamber according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a substrate plate holder (61) is provided above the drive device (41), which has an interface (62) for the exchangeable reception of the substrate plate (25). The build chamber according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the size of the lifting path of the drive device (41) can be controlled by the number of revolutions of the motor (55), which controls the gear (50), and the drive movement of the motor (55) can be converted into a lifting movement by the gear (50).Construction chamber according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the drive device (41) comprises at least three lifting rods (66), and a support arm (74) is provided on each lifting rod (66), which can be moved up and down along the lifting rod (66). Construction chamber according to claim 16, characterized in that a longitudinal slot (84) is provided in the construction cylinder wall (32) of the construction cylinder (31). through which the support arm (74) extends into the interior of the construction cylinder (31). Construction chamber according to claim 17, characterized in that a locking mechanism (85) is provided which closes the longitudinal slot (84) and has a detachable strap (86) which follows the support arm (74) in accordance with the lifting movement. Construction chamber according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that a base (34) is provided on the construction cylinder (31), which extends as far as the peripheral wall (26).Construction chamber according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the lifting rod (66) is designed as a cylindrical guide rod and at least two clamping sleeves (76, 77) are provided between the lifting rod (66) and the support arm (74), wherein the first clamping sleeve (76) can be clamped against the lifting rod (66) and the second clamping sleeve (77) can be clamped against the peripheral wall (26) or a preferably slotted guide (65) inserted between the peripheral wall (26) and the construction cylinder wall (32) of the construction cylinder (31). Construction chamber according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that in the base (34) between the construction cylinder (31) and the peripheral wall (26) a piston chamber (68) is provided for each lifting rod (66), in which a piston (67) fixedly arranged on the lifting rod (66) is guided so as to be movable up and down, and that the piston receptacle (68) is closed by a closure (69).Construction chamber according to claims 19 to 21, characterized in that one end of the lifting rod (66) extends below the floor (34) and has an adjusting device (70) for controlling the lifting travel. Construction chamber according to claim 22, characterized in that this adjusting device (70) is formed by a stroke adjustment nut (72) which engages an adjusting section (71) of the lifting rod (66), wherein the stroke adjustment nut (72) has external teeth. Construction chamber according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that all adjusting devices (70) of the lifting rods (66) are simultaneously driven by a belt. or a gearwheel can be controlled synchronously to adjust the size of the stroke. Construction chamber according to one of claims 19 to 24, characterized in that a bearing (73) is provided at the upper end of the lifting rods (66), by means of which the lifting rods (66) are guided so as to be movable up and down within the guide (65) and are secured against rotation.Construction chamber according to one of claims 16 to 25, characterized in that for a lifting movement of the support arm (74) on the lifting rod (66) designed as a guide rod, the piston (67) of the lifting rod (66) is provided in a lower position in the piston chamber (68), and the clamping sleeve (77) engaging the peripheral wall of the guide (65) is released and the clamping sleeve (76) engaging the lifting rod (66) is tensioned, that subsequently the piston chamber (68) is pressurized and the lifting rod (66) with the support arm is moved vertically upwards according to the set stroke, that subsequently the clamping sleeve (77) is tensioned relative to the peripheral wall (26) or guide (65) and then the clamping sleeve (76) relative to the lifting rod (66) is released, that the lifting rod (66) can be transferred to the lower position and subsequently the clamping sleeve (76) relative to the lifting rod (66) is tensioned again and the clamping sleeve (77) to the peripheral wall (26) or to the guide (65) is depressurized.Construction chamber according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the lifting rod (66) of the drive device (41) is designed as a threaded spindle, and a spindle nut is provided between the threaded spindle and the support arm (74). Construction chamber according to claim 27, characterized in that a toothed pinion is provided on each threaded spindle at the lower end of the threaded spindle in the base (34), and each threaded spindle is coupled by a toothed ring (72) that can be driven by a motor, or that a motor is provided on each threaded spindle. Construction chamber according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cooling arrangement (91) is provided between the peripheral wall (26) and the construction cylinder wall (32) of the construction cylinder (31). A construction chamber according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a preferably releasable closure (94), in particular a trough-shaped or lid-shaped closure (94), is provided on an underside or a lower section of the closed peripheral wall (26), which is connected to the closed peripheral wall (26) in a media-tight manner. A machine for producing three-dimensional components (12) by selectively solidifying a build material applied in layers by means of a beam (16) acting on the build material, comprising at least one process chamber (22) having at least one work surface (21) aligned in an X / Y plane, to which a build chamber (24) is assigned, in which a substrate plate (25) is movably controlled by a drive device (41) and on which the three-dimensional component (12) is produced, comprising a beam source (15) for generating the beam (16) and at least one deflection device (18).by means of which the at least one jet (16) is guided and deflected onto the building material to be solidified in the building cylinder (24), with an application and levelling device (30) which is movable above the working surface (21) for applying the building material relative to the building chamber (24), characterized in that the building chamber (24) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 30.,

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