Apparatus for manufacturing and / or processing an article and method for manufacturing and / or processing an article

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing and / or processing articles, in which tools are attached both to a work holding means and to one or more stationary holding means, each of which can be connected to a control interface for electrical connection with at least one control unit, respectively. The present invention further relates to a corresponding method.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a corresponding method for manufacturing and / or processing an article. [Background technology]

[0002] The manufacture of articles, for example machine parts, has traditionally often been achieved by machining or other subtractive processes. Typically, a blank is used, from which unnecessary parts are removed. However, in recent years, additive manufacturing methods have proven to be advantageous in many applications, in particular being more flexible and requiring less material. Likewise, when manufacturing printed circuit boards, i.e., when populating printed circuit boards with electronic components, many further manufacturing techniques have proven to be useful. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for manufacturing and / or processing an article, which is configured alternatively or better than known configurations. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a corresponding method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] This is achieved according to the invention by means of an apparatus and a method as set out in the respective main claims.

[0005] Advantageous configurations can be found, for example, in the respective dependent claims, the contents of which are expressly referred to and incorporated into the contents of the description.

[0006] The invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing and / or processing an article. The apparatus comprises a work holding means, to which a tool can be removably attached. The apparatus comprises a manipulator, to which the work holding means is attached and which is capable of variably positioning the work holding means. The apparatus comprises one or more stationary holding means, to which a tool can be removably attached in each stationary holding means. The apparatus comprises one or more control interfaces for electrical connection with at least one control unit, respectively. Both the work holding means and the at least one stationary holding means expediently have one or more connections for connection with the work holding means and with a tool attached to the work holding means and with the at least one stationary holding means, respectively, the connections of the work holding means and the at least one stationary holding means being electrically connected to the at least one control interface.

[0007] With such an arrangement, the tool can be held in the stationary holding means while it is not needed and can be accommodated by the working holding means while it is used, in both cases the control and / or supply of the tool being possible by a control unit connected to the control interface. The operation of the arrangement can thus be significantly simplified. In particular, direct lines to the tool, e.g. flexible lines permanently attached to the tool, can be omitted. This facilitates the exchange of the tool and the use of new tools and increases the radius of use of the tool.

[0008] The device may in particular comprise or be configured as a 3D printer.

[0009] The production of an article may in particular be understood as the creation of an article itself. This may be carried out, for example, within the scope of additive manufacturing. In this case, material is applied, for example by means of a tool, in such a way that an article, a part of an article or a component to be further processed is created. The processing of an article may in particular be understood as the modification of an already existing article by material removal or by coating with material. The article may for example be a printed circuit board, on which various electrical and / or electronic components are attached or further processing is carried out. However, other articles are also possible.

[0010] The work-holding means is in particular a holding means to which the tool is attached when it is now in use. By means of the manipulator, the work-holding means can be moved so that it can be moved to the required place. For example, the work-holding means can be brought in the vicinity of the article to be processed or manufactured. The manipulator can for example allow a three-dimensional positioning of the work-holding means. The manipulator can also allow a two-dimensional or one-dimensional positioning. Multidimensional positioning is also possible, for example four-, five- or six-dimensional positioning. In this case, for example, one or more rotation axes can be controlled in addition, for example one, two or three rotation axes. The manipulator can be specifically targeted and controllable to position the work-holding means precisely.

[0011] The stationary holding means can in particular be designed to hold the respective tool when it is not currently needed. This also allows an automatic tool change, in particular, since the device itself can hold all the tools foreseen in its stationary holding means, which can be accommodated by the working holding means when needed. In the stationary holding means, the tools can also be electrically contact-connected, so that, for example, a warm-up phase can be carried out in the stationary holding means, data can be exchanged, control can be carried out or the tools can be provided with new consumable material. The control interface is in particular an interface that can be connected to the respective control unit. For example, the control interface can be an insert space for an insert card, and accordingly the control unit can in particular be an insert card that can be inserted into the control interface. To form an electrical connection between the control unit and the control interface, the control interface can for example have contacts and the control unit can have complementary contacts to this. However, other configurations are also possible. The control interface can also form a respective fixed, for example hard-wired, connection to the control unit. In the case of a control interface, this case may be referred to as a fixedly connected contact, or, if the control unit can be removed without mechanically breaking the connection, as an open contact.

[0012] The connection may be, for example, a contact that can form an electrical connection between the tool and the respective holding means. There may be one or more contacts in the working holding means and, in addition, there may be one or more contacts in the respective stationary holding means that are also formed and that can therefore contact the tool in the same way as they are contacted by the contacts of the working holding means. However, different types of contacts may also be provided in the working and stationary holding means. In particular, fewer contacts may be used in the stationary holding means than in the working holding means, for example if not all functionality is required in the stationary holding means.

[0013] Basically, there is at least one working holding means and at least one stationary holding means, but it is self-evident that there can also be several stationary holding means. It is also possible that several working holding means are present, which can, for example, be adapted to different observation tasks in each case. Furthermore, it is self-evident that basically, at least one of the several stationary holding means has one or several connections, respectively, for connection to a tool attached to it, and that there can also be other stationary holding means which do not have such connections or have a different type of connection. Basically, several or all of the stationary holding means can have corresponding connections.

[0014] The device, in the device forms described so far, is configured to interact with one or more tools and one or more control units, i.e. the tools and / or the control unit do not necessarily have to be components of the device, but the tools and / or the control unit may be components of the device.

[0015] One, several or all of the connections of the stationary means may each have a line emerging therefrom, which is electrically connected to a respective contact of one, several or each of the control interfaces, such that a direct supply of power and / or data communication and / or signal communication from the control interface or from a control unit connected to the control interface to the respective connection may be achieved.

[0016] One, several or all of the connections of the work-holding means may each have a line emerging therefrom, which is electrically connected to a contact of one, several or each of the control interfaces, which allows an appropriate supply to the tool by the contacts of the work-holding means.

[0017] In particular, it may be provided that for one or more connections of the stationary holding means, a corresponding connection of the working holding means is connected to the same control interface and / or to the same contact of the control interface. Such connections may be configured to be switchable. A functionality may thereby be controlled or provided equally in the stationary holding means and in the working holding means.

[0018] By connection is to be understood an element that is especially designed for the exchange of electrical energy, data or fluids or other substances with the tool. Pure detectors for detecting the presence of a tool are not considered as connections.

[0019] The control interfaces may in particular be designed homogeneously with respect to one another, which allows for a modular and easy exchange of the control units. In particular the control interfaces may for example be arranged in an enclosure, which forms a mechanical protection for the control interfaces and the control units. However, heterogeneous control interfaces may also be used in the device.

[0020] According to one configuration, the device may comprise a compressed air supply and / or a negative pressure supply for the work holding means. The compressed air supply and / or the negative pressure supply may be operable, in particular, from a central control unit and / or from a control unit connected to the control interface. Such a configuration allows the supply of compressed air and / or negative pressure to the tool. Here, compressed air can for example refer to an air flow under pressure, whereas the negative pressure can be set by a line with a pressure below atmospheric pressure. This can for example be performed by a vacuum pump or other pump. The compressed air can for example be set by a compressor. The central control unit may in particular be a control unit present in addition to the control unit connected to the control interface. The central control unit may in particular be responsible for central functions, for example the control of the compressed air supply and / or the negative pressure supply as just mentioned and / or the control of the manipulator or other components of the device. The central control unit may, for example, be configured as a plug-in card or may be configured as a computer, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic controller (SPSS = speicherprogrammierbare Steuerung), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC = application specific integrated circuit) or as another programmable or hard-wired unit. The same applies otherwise to the configuration of the control unit.

[0021] Compressed air and / or negative pressure can be used in particular for tool changes, e.g. the tool can be held by negative pressure or moved by compressed air. Air-operated or vacuum-operated components may be provided in the tool, which can be supplied as just described. For example, compressed air can drive turbines or other elements in the tool that drive drills or other processing units. Negative pressure can be used, for example, to suck another component or a part to be processed onto the tool.

[0022] According to one configuration, the device comprises one or more power supplies for the working and / or stationary holding means. The power supplies may be operationally controllable, in particular from a central control unit and / or from one or more control units connected to the control interface. This allows a central power supply for the tool, so that such a power supply does not have to be provided via the control interface. Alternatively or additionally, such a power supply may be implemented via the control interface. A power supply as just described has the advantage that it can essentially be implemented independently and can typically be configured for higher power. In one exemplary configuration, 230V / 10A can be transmitted simultaneously via the four contacts, respectively. In total, this means that up to 230V / 20A (with guaranteed inflow and outflow) is possible, which corresponds to a power of up to 4kW. It may be, for example, a high-power supply. With the power provided, for example heating elements, electric motors, relays, actuators or lamps can be operated in the tool. With regard to the central control unit, see the above description.

[0023] The apparatus may, according to one configuration, comprise at least one multiplexer arranged to selectively connect one of the plurality of power supplies to one or more connections of the working and / or stationary holding means, such that, as required, a suitable power supply may be selected from the plurality and power may be provided at a suitable location to the working and / or one or more of the stationary holding means.

[0024] Each control interface, or only one of the control interfaces or even some of them, can in particular have one or more electrical contacts, each contact being electrically connected to one or more connections and electrically connectable to the control unit. The connections are in this case in particular the connections already mentioned above. The contacts can be configured, for example, as tabs or surfaces and are in particular electrically conductive. The contacts of the control interfaces can be configured, for example, as plug connectors according to DIN 41612, which can be plugged into one another.

[0025] In particular, some or all of the connection parts may be configured as electrical contacts or connectors. Electrical contacts may be, for example, conductive parts of the surface, which are connected to a line. A complementary conductive part of, for example, a tool may contact this conductive part of the surface and thus form an electrical connection. The connector may be configured, for example, in such a way that a locking and / or contact connection of complementary, protruding and / or engaged components is possible. Some or all of the connection parts may be configured as spring contacts.

[0026] In particular, each stationary holding means may have one or more connections respectively for connection with a tool attached to the stationary holding means. However, additional stationary holding means may be provided which, for example, do not have a connection for connection with a control interface but may nevertheless have one or more connections for the identification of a tool. However, stationary holding means may also be provided which do not have a connection for connection with a tool.

[0027] In particular, the control interface may be configured as a plug-in space for a control unit in the form of an electrical plug-in card, which allows a simple construction and in particular also an easy exchange of the plug-in card. The control interface and / or the plug-in space may in particular be arranged in an enclosure or other enclosed housing, whereby they may be protected against mechanical damage, dust and also against unauthorized exchange or manipulation.

[0028] The workholding means may be positionable automatically, in particular by a manipulator, and / or electrically or electronically controllably, which allows for accurate positioning of the workholding means and thus of the tool attached to the workholding means, for example a three-dimensional coordinate system being used to position the workholding means, or alternatively a cylindrical or spherical coordinate system may be used.

[0029] The manipulator may in particular be formed as a gantry device. This may mean, for example, that the beam can be moved along a holding means in the x direction, which in turn can be moved in the z direction, i.e. in the height direction. Along the beam, the work holding means may for example be moved in the y direction. The mentioned directions (x, y, z) may in particular be perpendicular to one another. In particular, the xy plane may define a horizontal plane.

[0030] The workholding means may be positionable in three dimensions, in particular by means of a manipulator, which allows a particularly high degree of flexibility, but positioning possibilities in two or one dimensions as well as in four, five or six dimensions are also possible.

[0031] The tool or tools can be or can be connected to the control interface or control unit, in particular only via the connection of the working holding means and one or more stationary holding means. This can mean in particular that there are no additional connections, in particular electrical and / or pneumatic connections, to the respective tool. In arrangements known in the prior art, flexible lines are often used to supply the tool, and in particular whether the tool is currently in use or is present in the stationary holding means. Flexible lines are thus always connected to the tool in arrangements known in the prior art, limiting the movement range and exchangeability of the tool. In the case of the device described here, this can advantageously be omitted, so that the tool is more easily exchangeable and the working radius is extended.

[0032] The working holding means may in particular be configured to hold the tool by application of a spring force and release by application of compressed air. This has proven to be an advantageous configuration, for example a spring can provide the lock, which can be released by compressed air. In particular one or more zero point clamps can be used.

[0033] One, some or all of the stationary holding means may each have one or more rails onto which the respective tool can for example be inserted from above. The tool can for example rest on the bottom of the stationary holding means.

[0034] The stationary retaining means may in particular be arranged adjacent to one another along a line, which may for example be straight or curved, which allows for a simple construction.

[0035] The connections may in particular be connected to the respective control interfaces for transmitting data and / or electrical energy between the tool and the control unit. Data may in particular be transmitted bidirectionally or only unidirectionally, so that for example the tool can be controlled, for example to obtain commands, update software or read out measured values ​​or other data. The electrical energy may in particular be used to drive components, for example electric motors, magnets, lights or heating elements.

[0036] The device may in particular comprise a central control unit. This central control unit may for example be the central control unit already mentioned above. The central control unit may in particular be connected to one, some or all of the control interfaces. This allows communication between the central control unit and the respective control units connected to the control interfaces. The central control unit may be connected to one, some or all of the control units. This may be implemented for example by a CAN bus or other bus system. The central control unit may in particular be configured to control the manipulator. This allows a central control of the manipulator, so that each control unit does not have to be able to control the manipulator. This in particular increases the modularity, since for example each control unit can be assigned to one tool or to several tools.

[0037] The device may in particular comprise one or several tools, which are attached to the workholding means or to a respective stationary holding means. This should be understood in particular functionally, i.e. each tool is attached to the workholding means or to a respective stationary holding means, where typically not more than one tool is attached at the same time to the workholding means or to the respective stationary holding means. The device may in particular comprise one or several control units, each control unit being connected to a respective control interface for controlling one or several tools. This allows for a particularly high modularity, in particular since each tool can have an assigned control unit, for example a plug-in card, which can for example be sold together with the respective tool. This also allows for modularity according to customer requirements, since the device itself can be configured in such a way that various tools can be fitted to the device and each customer only has the tools and assigned control units that he or she actually needs.

[0038] In particular one, some or all of the tools may have an electronic tool ID. The tools may in particular be configured to transmit their electronic tool ID via at least one connection to a central control unit or to at least one control unit connected to a control interface. This allows the tools to be identified. The tools may be configured to transmit their electronic tool ID to a detection module. This detection module may be configured to perform detection of the tools in the work holding means and / or in one, some or all stationary holding means. It may for example be configured to identify the type or a particular tool. The tool ID may for example be formed to include an ID for the type of tool. The tool ID may include a unique ID of a particular tool, for example in the form of a serial number. The ID may be transmitted both via the stationary holding means and via the work holding means. This allows the identification of tools in both types of holding means.

[0039] In the following, different tools are described. One or more tools may be taken from this list. For example, tools for additive manufacturing, milling tools, scanning tools, metering tools, mounting tools, laser engraving tools, gluing tools and / or rotary cutters may be present. Other tools may also be used.

[0040] Below, for some tools, a table is shown with their typical functionality and possible connections, which in particular relate to the formation of the assigned control unit. It should be mentioned that what is shown here is typical or preferred, but other functionality, connections and values ​​can also be used. [Table 1]

[0041] The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing and / or processing an article, comprising the steps of: - mounting at least one tool on the stationary holding means, the tool being electrically connected by at least one connection of the stationary holding means to a control unit assigned to the tool while the tool is mounted on the stationary holding means; - separating the tool from the stationary holding means and then attaching the tool to a work holding means, the tool being electrically connected by at least one connection of the work holding means to a control unit assigned to the tool while attached to the work holding means; positioning the tool by a manipulator to which the work holding means is attached, while an article is manufactured and / or processed by the tool; The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing and / or processing an article, comprising:

[0042] In this way, it can be ensured that each tool is always attached to the work holding means or to one of the stationary holding means and connected via the respective holding means to the assigned control unit. This makes it possible to control a tool by the respective control unit, regardless of where the tool is currently located. Nevertheless, permanent connections, for example in the form of flexible lines, can be omitted.

[0043] The method may in particular be carried out by means of an apparatus as described herein. With respect to this apparatus, all the configurations and variants described herein may be applied. It is self-evident that all features given with respect to the apparatus are also applicable to the method. The same is true in the opposite direction.

[0044] The control unit assigned to a tool may in particular be one control unit from the plurality of control units, in particular each tool from the plurality of tools may each be assigned exactly one control unit.

[0045] It is self-evident that the methods described herein can also be implemented when the tools are not connected to a control unit via the respective holding means or their connections. For example, the methods can be implemented by tools that require a connection to a control unit or by tools that do not require such a connection. In particular, the device may also be configured for use with tools that implement the methods described, but that do not require any connection to a control unit, for example.

[0046] The tool may for example only be connected to the control unit by the connection of the stationary and / or working holding means, whereby in particular flexible lines or other direct connections to the tool may be omitted, which increases flexibility and facilitates exchangeability.

[0047] Those skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages from the following detailed description of the embodiments, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus for manufacturing and / or processing an article. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is another detailed view of the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an electrical circuit diagram of the device of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] 1 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus 100 for manufacturing and / or processing articles. The apparatus 100 comprises a frame 110 which, in the configuration shown, can stand on any base by means of a total of four legs 112, of which three are visible in FIG.

[0050] The frame 110 supports, inter alia, a processing surface 120, onto which an article to be processed can be lowered. It is also possible to generate articles de novo, for example within the scope of 3D printing.

[0051] A gantry 130 is further attached to the frame 110. The gantry 130 can move along the short side of the frame 110, specifically, by a first electric motor 132 attached to the rear of the frame 110. As just described, the direction along which the gantry 130 can move can be referred to as the y direction.

[0052] A line guide (not shown) may be arranged next to the gantry 130. Via the line guide, lines (not shown in detail) are guided between the frame 110 and the gantry 130. Lines of this kind may be used, for example, for the current supply, the compressed air or vacuum supply, as well as for data and / or signal exchange.

[0053] The gantry 130 here is formed with a first rail 134 and a second rail 136. The first rail 134 and the second rail 136 extend horizontally in the direction of the long side of the frame 110, which direction may be referred to as the x-direction. The rails 134, 136 are configured in this example to be concealed, i.e. the rails 134, 136 are concealed by flexible covering elements, for example hair.

[0054] A module holder 140 is attached to the gantry 130, in particular so that it can slide in the x-direction along the just-mentioned rails 134, 136. A second electric motor 142 is used for this purpose. A third electric motor 144 is additionally provided, by means of which the module holder 140 can be moved vertically, i.e. in the z-direction. The module holder 140 can thus be positioned freely in space, altogether in three dimensions. The limits of this positioning are possibly preset by given geometric conditions of the elements mentioned.

[0055] Arranged on the module holder 140 is a workholding means 200, which will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 2. The workholding means 200 can be fitted with tools for manufacturing and / or processing articles, as will be described in more detail further below.

[0056] The apparatus 100 further comprises a total of five stationary support means 300, which are used to store the respective tools when the tools are not currently required for manufacturing and / or processing an article. The stationary support means 300 are arranged directly next to each other as shown and are described in more detail further below with reference to FIG.

[0057] The gantry 130 and the module holder 140 together may be considered as the manipulator 116. The manipulator 116 is capable of moving and positioning the work holding means 200.

[0058] The leftmost stationary holding means 300 is not occupied by a tool in this example.

[0059] The second stationary holding means 300 from the left houses in this example the mounting tool 150, which typically has a motor with a hollow shaft, into which a vacuum can be applied. This vacuum allows the component to be held and positioned. The hollow shaft can be rotated by the motor. This allows the positioning and alignment of the component, for example a processor or other microelectronic or electrical component, which can then be used to mount the board, for example.

[0060] In the third stationary holding means 300 seen from the left, in this example, there is a metering tool 151, which comprises, for example, a cartridge, a tube, a spindle and an electric motor. By means of the electric motor, the spindle can be driven to pump the material stored in the cartridge, for example a soldering paste or a sealing means, and to eject it from below, so that this material can be applied onto the article to be processed.

[0061] In the fourth stationary holding means 300 from the left is the 3D measurement scanning tool 152, which has movable pins on its underside, by which the article can be scanned, and the movement of the pins caused by contact with the article can be captured, so that highly accurate information about the surface of the article can be obtained.

[0062] In the stationary holding means 300 arranged at the far right, there is in this example a milling tool 153, which has a milling cutter on the underside, which can be rotated by an electric motor. The milling tool 153 also has a suction part in order to directly suck up any milling chips that may arise. For this purpose, a suction shoe, not shown in more detail, may be provided, which may have bristles so that the milling chips do not flow to the sides. The suction shoe may be mounted in a floating manner, so that it can, for example automatically, adapt to the height and / or the contour of the article to be processed.

[0063] It is self-evident that the tools 150, 151, 152, 153 are only shown diagrammatically and broadly described here, other tools can also be used, for example 3D printing tools that emit material for 3D printing.

[0064] 2 shows the already mentioned workholding means 200 in greater detail. On the upper side, in this case first of all a slot-shaped suction 210 is provided, by means of which, for example, milling chips can be sucked in, as already mentioned further above in connection with the milling tool 153. Further below, a first zero point clamp 220 and a second zero point clamp 225 are provided, by means of which one of the already mentioned tools, or also another tool, can be mechanically attached to the workholding means 200 in a suitable manner.

[0065] On the upper side below the suction 210, laterally, there is provided a vacuum connection 230 and a compressed air connection 235, by which a vacuum and compressed air can be provided. The reverse arrangement is also possible. It may be possible to determine whether and where compressed air and / or vacuum should be applied during operation. Vacuum is understood in this case to mean in particular a pressure below atmospheric pressure, which can be generated, for example, by a suitable pump. Compressed air is understood in particular to mean air having a pressure above atmospheric pressure, which can also be generated by a suitable pump.

[0066] Between both zero point clamps 220, 225 is a high power current supply connection 240, which allows the attached tool to be supplied with higher currents and / or voltages than may be rated for other supply lines present.

[0067] Immediately to the left and right of the high power current supply connection 240 are countersunk holes 250, 255 for mounting screws.

[0068] Further outside the countersinks 250, 255, in this example, four first low-voltage connections 260 and four second low-voltage connections 265 are provided. These low-voltage connections 260, 265 are configured as spring contacts and can transmit voltages of up to 36 V.

[0069] Furthermore, outside these low-voltage connections 260, 265, respectively, there are provided in this example ten first universal connections 270 and ten second universal connections 275. These universal connections 270, 275 are also configured as spring-loaded contacts and can be used, for example, to transmit signals, data or analog signals, for example small currents or voltages.

[0070] It is self-evident that the configurations described in this specification are merely examples and should not be interpreted as being limiting in any way unless the corresponding features are incorporated into the independent claims, and the right to do so is of course reserved.

[0071] 3 shows the stationary holding means 300 in greater detail, without any tools currently installed. It can be seen that in the stationary holding means 300, on the underside, a total of ten universal connections 310 are provided, which are used to transmit data, analog signals, other signals, currents or voltages to and from the tools. These universal connections 310 can also be used to recognize the tools. Furthermore, in this example, four voltage supply connections 320 are provided, which are used for the voltage and current supply of the accommodated tools.

[0072] On the sides of the stationary holding means 300 there are provided a lower rail 330 and an upper rail 340. These rails 330, 340 are used to hold the tool accommodated in the stationary holding means 300. For this purpose, there is a respective cavity in the tool, so that the tool can be pushed horizontally onto the rail and then lowered, so that it is then held in the occupied state by the rails 330, 340. The tool can then be released from the zero point clamps 220, 225 already mentioned above, and the working holding means 200 can be released and used for another task.

[0073] 4 shows, purely diagrammatically, a circuit diagram of the device 100, whereby the gantry 130 is shown diagrammatically with the module holder 140 attached thereto and its workholding means 200. Furthermore, a tool 150 is shown diagrammatically, which is attached to the workholding means 200 and can thus be used for processing an article. Of the stationary holding means 300 shown, a total of four are shown, which are used to provide a diagrammatic explanation of their functionality and structure. Of the stationary holding means 300 shown, three have a connection to a control interface, as will be explained further below, and one stationary holding means 300 (the leftmost one) does not have such a connection.

[0074] The work-holding means 200 is connected as shown via a multiplexer 410 to a power supply 400, which is connected to a control unit as further explained below. This allows a high power to be provided, which can be output, for example, via the high power current supply connection 240 already mentioned further above. Via the multiplexer 410 further power supplies can also be connected and used. These further power supplies are not shown.

[0075] There are a number of control interfaces 500, 510, four of which are shown in the example diagrammatically. It is self-evident that in principle any number of control interfaces 500, 510 can be used, which allows a correspondingly large number of functionalities and a high degree of variability. Of these control interfaces, one top control interface 510 is provided. Each of the control interfaces 500 and the top control interface 510 are formed in the example as plug-in spaces for plug-in cards, so that the control interfaces 500, 510 can be simply fitted with plug-in cards. The control interfaces 500, 510 have contacts 520, which are only shown in a simplified manner, by means of which a respective electrical connection to the plug-in card present in the control interfaces 500, 510 can be made. The contacts 520 are connected to the working holding means 200 and to the stationary holding means 300, as explained below and shown in FIG. 4.

[0076] As shown, in this example, three lines 530 extend from the work holding means 200. These lines 530 branch off from the left side of the uppermost control interface 500, below the topmost control interface 510 in the illustration of Fig. 4, and are thereby connected to each of the control interfaces 500 and to the topmost control interface 510. It will be appreciated that the three lines 530 shown here are merely exemplary, and that essentially any number of such lines 530 can be used.

[0077] The three stationary holding means 300 shown on the far right also each have three lines 540. Again, it should be noted that any number of lines may be used here. These lines 540 also connect to all the control interfaces 500 and to the topmost control interface 510, respectively.

[0078] The mentioned lines 530, 540 allow currents, voltages, signals, analog signals and / or data to be exchanged between the work-holding means 200, the control interface 500 and the top-level control interface 510, and also between the mentioned stationary-holding means 300, the control interface 500 and the top-level control interface 510. The already mentioned contacts 520 to which the respective lines 530, 540 are connected allow corresponding exchange of plug-in cards accommodated in the control interface 500 and in the top-level control interface 510. The plug-in cards, which will be described in more detail further below, can thereby be used for the control of a tool accommodated in the work-holding means 200 and / or in one of the stationary-holding means 300.

[0079] In order to recognize whether a tool is present in the workholding means 200 and / or the stationary holding means 300, a detection module 570 and a central control unit 560 are provided. The central control unit 560 is directly connected to the workholding means 200 in order to detect whether a tool is attached to the workholding means 200. By additional exchange of data, for example obtaining the unique ID or model ID of the respective tool, it is also possible to deduce which tool it is.

[0080] Furthermore, a CAN bus 550 is provided, which is connected both to the central control unit 560 and to a detection module 570. The detection module 570 is connected to all stationary holding means 300 and can accordingly detect whether the respective tool is present in the stationary holding means 300. A unique identification and / or type identification can also be performed as just described for the work holding means 200. Via the CAN bus 550, a corresponding feedback can be provided to the central control unit 560. The central control unit 560 is thus also informed which tool is present in the stationary holding means 300.

[0081] A respective control unit 600 is accommodated in each control interface 500. The control unit 600 is configured as a plug-in card so that it can be contact-connected directly to the contacts 520 of the control interface 500. A top-level control unit 700 is accommodated in the top-level control interface 510, which is basically designed identically to the control unit 600. All the following descriptions of the control unit 600 apply correspondingly to the top-level control unit 700, with the proviso that the signs are increased by the value 100 for the top-level control unit 700. The top-level control interface 510 and the top-level control unit 700 are so named because they are arranged at the top in FIG. 4. The top-level control unit 700 is characterized in particular in that it can control the power supply 400. The central control unit 560 is not a control unit in the sense of the separately described control units 600, 700 which are typically assigned to the tools, but rather provides central functionality for the different tools and for control of the entire apparatus 100.

[0082] Each control unit 600 in this example includes a microprocessor 610, a tool control 620, a switch control 630, and a number of switches 640. The switches 640 are shown only in a simplified manner. This simplified illustration is for ease of viewing the drawings only. Correspondingly, the top control unit 700 also includes a microprocessor 710, a tool control 720, a switch control 730, and a number of switches 740.

[0083] The microprocessor 610 controls the basic functions of each control unit 600. The tool control 620 provides specific functions for each tool, which may be for example the provision of current, voltage or data as well as the reception and evaluation of data. The tool control 620 is connected to the contacts 520 of the respective control interface 500 via switches 640 as shown. The switches 640 are switched by the switch control 630 in such a way that the respective control unit 600 is connected at a given time to only one of the holding means 200, 300. Each control unit 600 is thus connected to the working holding means 200 or to exactly one stationary holding means 300 of the several stationary holding means 300. Thereby, one specific tool can be controlled. All switches 640 forming a connection to the desired holding means 200, 300 are closed. All other switches 640 are open. In an alternative configuration, not shown, the switches may be arranged outside the control unit 600, 700, for example in the control interface 500, 510.

[0084] To ensure proper operation, in particular a correct allocation between the respective tools and the control units 600, 700, all control units 600, 700 are connected to a central control unit 560. The central control unit 560 informs the control units 600, 700 via the respective connections which tool is coupled to which holding means 200, 300, so that the control units 600, 700 respectively formed for controlling this tool can switch the switches 640, 740 accordingly.

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 600 and the top-level control unit 700 are also connected to the already mentioned CAN bus 550. This allows a universal data exchange. In particular, the control units 600, 700 can each be configured for the control of one or several specific tools.

[0086] The central control unit 560 is responsible for common control tasks for all or a number of tools and is configured to control all functionality of the device 100, including, for example, the already mentioned electric motors 132, 142, 144, and to coordinate the functionality of the control units 600, 700. The control units 600, 700 can issue requests for the provision of special power via the power supply 400, for example via the CAN bus 550, to the central control unit 560, which in this case controls the operation of the power supply 400 accordingly via the top-level control unit 700, since the power supply 400 is connected to the top-level control unit 700.

[0087] The illustrated configuration allows each tool provided on the work holding means 200 and on each stationary holding means 300 to be directly connected to the respective assigned control unit 600, 700. The functionality of each tool provided on each of the holding means 200, 300 can thus be controlled by the respective control unit 600, 700. This in particular avoids a permanent connection to the tools, which greatly facilitates the workflow and increases the flexibility. At the same time, a particularly high flexibility in the use of the tools and the control units 600, 700 is also guaranteed. The user can purchase and stock exactly the tools he requires for his special purpose of use and insert the specific control unit 600, 700 for this purpose into the control interface 500, 510. The provision of functionality that is not required at all is thus avoided. Furthermore, a simple exchange of the individual control units 600, 700 is also possible, so that, for example, a new version can be used or a defective control unit 600, 700 can be replaced.

[0088] The mentioned steps of the method according to the invention may be performed in the order shown. The steps may, however, be performed in another order, as long as this is technically meaningful. The method according to the invention may, in one of its configurations, for example with a certain arrangement of steps, be performed such that no other steps are performed. In principle, however, further steps may be performed, including steps not mentioned.

[0089] Additionally, in the claims and the specification, features may be described in combinations, for example for ease of understanding, even though these features may be used independently of one another. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that such features may be used independently of one another or may be combined with other features or feature combinations.

[0090] References in the dependent claims may indicate preferred combinations of respective features but do not exclude other combinations of features.

[0091] In order to improve readability, the reference numbers for the connections of the working and stationary holding means have been omitted in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 100 devices 110 Frame 112 legs 116 Manipulator 120 Processed surface 130 Gantry 132 First electric motor 134 First Rail 136 Second Rail 140 Module Holder 142 Second electric motor 144 Third Electric Motor 150 Installation Tool 151 Measuring Tools 152 3D Measurement Scanning Tool 153 Milling Tools 200 Work holding means 210 Suction part 220 First Zero Point Clamp 225 Second Zero Point Clamp 230 Vacuum connection 235 Compressed Air Connection 240 High Power Current Supply Connection 250 countersink 255 Countersink 260 First low voltage connection 265 Second low voltage connection 270 First Universal Connection 275 Second Universal Connection 300 Stationary holding means 310 Universal Connection 320 Voltage supply connection 330 Lower Rail 340 Upper Rail 400 Power supply section 410 Multiplexer 500 Control Interface 510 Top-level control interface 520 Contacts 530 Line 540 Line 550 CAN bus 560 Central Control Unit 570 Detection Module 600 Control Unit 610 Microprocessor 620 Tool control section 630 Switch control section 640 Switch 700 Top-of-the-line control unit 710 Microprocessor 720 Tool control section 730 Switch control section 740 Switch

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for manufacturing and / or processing an article, comprising: a work holding means (200) to which tools (150, 151, 152, 153) can be detachably attached; a manipulator (116) to which the work holding means (200) is attached and which is capable of variably positioning the work holding means (200); one or more stationary holding means (300), each of which can have a tool (150, 151, 152, 153) removably attached thereto; one or more control interfaces (500, 510) for electrical connection with at least one control unit (600, 700) respectively; Equipped with The work holding means (200) and the at least one stationary holding means (300) each have one or more connection parts for connection with tools (150, 151, 152, 153) attached to the work holding means (200) and the stationary holding means (300), respectively, and the connection parts of the work holding means (200) and the at least one stationary holding means (300) are electrically connected to at least one control interface (500, 510).

2. a line (540) emerging from one, some or all of the connections of said stationary holding means (300), said line (540) being electrically connected to a contact (520) of one, some or each of the control interfaces (500, 510); a line (530) emerging from one, some or all of the connections of said work holding means (200), said line (530) being electrically connected to a contact (520) of one, some or each of the control interfaces (500, 510); At least one of The apparatus (100) of claim 1.

3. A compressed air supply and / or a negative pressure supply for the work holding means (200) is provided, the compressed air supply and / or the negative pressure supply are operable from a central control unit (560) and / or from control units (600, 700) connected to the control interfaces (500, 510); 3. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. one or more power supplies (400) for said working holding means (200) and / or for said stationary holding means (300), the power supply (400) is operationally controllable from a central control unit (560) and / or from one or more control units (600, 700) connected to the control interfaces (500, 510); 3. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

5. 5. The apparatus (100) of claim 4, comprising at least one multiplexer (410) configured to selectively connect one power supply of a plurality of power supplies (400) to one or more connections of the working holding means (200) and / or the stationary holding means (300).

6. Each control interface (500, 510) has one or more electrical contacts (520), each contact (520) being electrically connected to one or more connectors and electrically connectable to a control unit (600, 700); some or all of the connections are configured as electrical contacts or connectors; 3. The apparatus (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus (100) is at least one of:

7. The apparatus (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the manipulator (116) is configured as a gantry apparatus.

8. 3. The apparatus (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the tools (150, 151, 152, 153) can be connected to the control interface (500, 510) or control unit (600, 700) only by the connection between the work holding means (200) and one of the stationary holding means (300), or by the connection between multiple stationary holding means (300).

9. The work holding means (200) is configured to hold the tool (150, 151, 152, 153) by using spring force and to release it by using compressed air; one, some or all of the stationary holding means (300) have one or more rails (330, 340) onto which the tools (150, 151, 152, 153) can be inserted from above and the tools (150, 151, 152, 153) can be placed on the bottom of the stationary holding means (300); 3. The apparatus (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus (100) is at least one of:

10. 3. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection is connected to the respective control interface (500, 510) for transmitting data and / or electrical energy between the tool (150, 151, 152, 153) and a control unit (600, 700).

11. one or more tools (150, 151, 152, 153) attached to said work holding means (200) or to one stationary holding means (300) respectively; one or more control units (600, 700); Equipped with Each control unit (600, 700) is connected to a respective control interface (500, 510) to control one or more tools (150, 151, 152, 153).

3. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

12. One, some or all of the tools (150, 151, 152, 153) have an electronic tool ID; and the tools (150, 151, 152, 153) are configured to transmit their electronic tool IDs via at least one connection to a central control unit (560) and / or to at least one control unit (600, 700) connected to a control interface (500, 510) and / or to a detection module (570); At least one tool (150, 151, 152, 153) or a plurality of tools (150, 151, 152, 153) is an additive manufacturing tool, a milling tool (153), a scanning tool (152), a metering tool (151), a mounting tool (150), a laser engraving tool, a bonding tool or a rotary cutter; 12. The apparatus (100) of claim 11, wherein the at least one of

13. 1. A method of manufacturing and / or processing an article, comprising: - mounting at least one tool (150, 151, 152, 153) on a stationary holding means (300), said tool (150, 151, 152, 153) being electrically connected by at least one connection of said stationary holding means (300) to a control unit (600, 700) assigned to said tool (150, 151, 152, 153) while it is mounted on said stationary holding means (300); - separating the tools (150, 151, 152, 153) from the stationary holding means (300) and then attaching the tools (150, 151, 152, 153) to a work holding means (200), the tools (150, 151, 152, 153) being electrically connected to the control unit (600, 700) assigned to the tools (150, 151, 152, 153) by at least one connection of the work holding means (200) while attached to the work holding means (200); positioning said tool (150, 151, 152, 153) by a manipulator (116) to which said workholding means (200) is attached, while said article is manufactured and / or processed by said tool (150, 151, 152, 153); A method of manufacturing and / or processing an article, comprising:

14. 14. The method of claim 13, performed by the device (100) of claim 1 or 2.

15. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the tools (150, 151, 152, 153) are connected to the control unit (600, 700) only by the connections of the stationary holding means (300) and / or the working holding means (200).

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