System for the extrusion-based additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects

Abstract

A system (10) for the extrusion-based additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects.

Description

[0001] System for extrusion-based additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects

[0002] The invention relates to a system for the extrusion-based additive production of three-dimensional objects, comprising a first region having at least one construction surface on which one or more three-dimensional objects can be additively built by means of an extrusion unit.

[0003] Corresponding systems for the extrusion-based additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects are basically known from the state of the art.

[0004] In particular, large-format systems for the extrusion-based additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects are addressed. These systems are configured to process a granular extrusion material, such as a granular thermoplastic material, by means of a mounted extrusion unit that can be moved by a suitable handling system, such as a robot. A corresponding extrusion unit is configured to melt or plasticize a corresponding extrusion material and apply it to a build surface. For this purpose, it typically has an extruder screw arranged in an extruder cylinder and at least one nozzle-like or nozzle-shaped outlet through which the melted or plasticized extrusion material can be applied to the build surface.In order to be able to operate, a corresponding extrusion unit is supplied with the resources required for operation, such as electrical energy, extrusion material, control data, etc., via one or more supply lines connected to it.

[0005] Such systems often comprise several corresponding extrusion units, particularly to enable efficient and flexible operation, which are connected to a corresponding handling system for different construction processes. Extrusion units, which typically differ in operating parameters such as material output, can thus be alternately connected to a corresponding handling system.

[0006] A particular area of ​​improvement in these systems is the fact that the extrusion units decoupled from the handling system are disconnected from the corresponding supply lines, thus decommissioned, and stored in a non-operational state in a parking position. Another area of ​​improvement in these systems is that the decoupling of the corresponding extrusion units from the handling system in order to move them to a corresponding parking position, as well as the coupling of the corresponding extrusion units to the handling system in order to move them from a parking position to an area with a construction area and then put them back into operation, is regularly done manually.

[0007] The replacement of corresponding extrusion units in known systems is therefore complex and time-consuming, which is particularly due to the fact that the extrusion units are separated from the corresponding supply lines in the parking position and are thus completely out of operation, so that they must be subjected to various preparatory measures, such as heating measures, rinsing measures, etc., before being put back into operation.

[0008] Based on this, the invention is based on the object of providing an improved system for the extrusion-based additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects.

[0009] The object is achieved by a system for the extrusion-based additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects having the features of claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the system.

[0010] A first aspect of the invention relates to a system for the extrusion-based additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects. The system described herein is thus generally configured for the extrusion-based additive manufacturing of one or more three-dimensional objects, i.e., technical components or groups of technical components. The system is thus configured to additively manufacture one or more three-dimensional objects by extrusion-based, successive layer-by-layer application of individual or multiple material webs of an originally granular extrusion material—in particular, a thermoplastic material—melted by means of an extrusion unit.

[0011] The system therefore comprises at least one and thus generally one or more extrusion units, each of which has at least one extruder screw accommodated in an extruder cylinder and which can be set into at least one movement, i.e. in particular a rotational movement about the or a symmetry or central axis, by means of a drive, such as an electric or servo motor. A respective extrusion unit can also comprise a material feed, e.g. in the form of a funnel. A respective extrusion unit also typically comprises a control system implemented in hardware and / or software, which is designed in particular to control the operation of the drive. A respective extrusion unit therefore has at least one extruder cylinder, at least one extruder screw which can be moved therein, i.e.in particular a rotatably mounted extruder screw and a drive associated with the at least one extruder screw, which is configured to set the at least one extruder screw in motion, i.e. in particular a rotary motion, within a volume provided for this purpose by the extruder cylinder and optionally divided into several zones. The at least one extrusion unit typically has at least one nozzle-like or nozzle-shaped outlet, via which the extrusion material melted or plasticized in the extruder cylinder can be discharged onto a construction surface; the outlet can specifically be formed by a nozzle, which can be arranged or formed on or in the region of an exposed end of the extruder cylinder.

[0012] In order to commission or operate a respective extrusion unit, it must be supplied with one or more operating resources, such as electrical energy, extrusion material to be melted, data, in particular control data, sensor data, etc., via one or more supply lines. One or more supply lines are therefore connected to a respective extrusion unit in order to supply the respective extrusion unit with the operating resources required for commissioning or operation. Depending on the type of operating resource, corresponding supply lines can therefore be or include hoses, cables, lines, in particular power or data lines. Each respective extrusion unit therefore has one or more supply connections for corresponding supply lines.Corresponding supply connections can therefore generally be interfaces that enable the exchange of corresponding operating materials between the respective extrusion unit and a respective supply line, or vice versa. Corresponding supply connections can, for example, be arranged or formed in a section of the respective extrusion unit facing away from a respective nozzle-like or nozzle-shaped outlet.

[0013] As will become apparent below, the system also comprises at least one handling device, such as an industrial robot, assigned to the at least one extrusion unit and connectable thereto as needed, via which the at least one extrusion unit can be moved in one or more degrees of freedom of movement. These degrees of freedom of movement can be one or more translational degrees of freedom of movement and / or one or more rotational degrees of freedom of movement. Both the handling device and the at least one extrusion unit have one or more coupling interfaces arranged or configured—these can be, for example, mechanical coupling interfaces—which are configured to interact to form a stable, yet detachable coupling between the at least one handling device and the at least one extrusion unit.

[0014] The system comprises at least one first region having at least one construction surface, such as a construction platform that can be optionally temperature-controlled, i.e. in particular heated, on which one or more three-dimensional objects can be additively built by means of an extrusion unit. The at least one first region can also be regarded or referred to as a construction region because at least one construction surface is arranged or formed therein, on which one or more three-dimensional objects can be additively built by means of an extrusion unit. The at least one first region can be or comprise a first three-dimensional space or a first three-dimensional sub-space of or within a structure, in particular a housing structure, of the system. The system can have a plurality of corresponding first regions.

[0015] The system further comprises at least one second region having at least one receiving structure for receiving an extrusion unit in a parked or service position. The at least one second region can also be considered or referred to as a parked or service region because at least one receiving structure for receiving an extrusion unit in a parked or service position is arranged or formed therein. The at least one second region can be or comprise a second three-dimensional space or a second three-dimensional subspace of or within a structure, in particular a housing structure, of the system. The system can have a plurality of corresponding second regions.

[0016] The at least one receiving structure can be designed, for example, as a receiving frame or at least comprise such a frame. A corresponding receiving frame can have one or more receiving frame elements that define a receiving space for at least one extrusion unit. The receiving space can, in particular, be defined such that an extrusion unit can be received on or in it such that the symmetry or central axis of the extrusion unit, ie, in particular the axis of rotation of the extruder screw, is aligned parallel or at an angle, in particular at an acute angle, relative to a vertical.Alternatively or additionally, the receiving space can be defined such that the supply connections for the at least one supply line of an extrusion unit received on or in it are arranged or aligned such that, as explained in more detail below, the at least one supply line can be or remain connected to the respective extrusion unit, even if the extrusion unit is received in the receiving structure, ie on or in the receiving space.

[0017] The regions therefore differ in that in the at least one first region, an extrusion-based additive construction of one or more three-dimensional objects can take place on a construction surface, which is not possible in the at least one second region, and in the at least one second region, one or more extrusion units can be accommodated in a parked or service position, which is not possible in the at least one first region. In other words, in the at least one first region, there are no receiving structures for receiving an extrusion unit in a parked or service position, and in the at least one second region, there is no construction surface on which one or more three-dimensional objects can be additively constructed by means of an extrusion unit.

[0018] The regions are typically spatially separated from one another and can, for example, form spatially independent, yet adjacent regions within a structure, in particular a housing structure, of the system. In particular, the at least one first region can be formed by a first housing structure or a first housing structure section of a housing structure of the system, and the at least one second region can be formed by a second housing structure or a second housing structure section of the housing structure of the system.

[0019] As mentioned, the at least one extrusion unit is mounted so as to be movable in at least one degree of freedom. Movements of the at least one extrusion unit in the at least one degree of freedom of movement can be realized by means of the handling device mentioned above, which can be coupled to the at least one extrusion unit as needed.

[0020] The at least one extrusion unit can be moved via corresponding movements not only within the respective regions, but also from the at least one first region into the at least one second region, and vice versa, in order to move from a first mode or state, in which the at least one extrusion unit can or does additively build up at least one three-dimensional object in the at least one first region, into a second mode or state, in which the at least one extrusion unit is received in the at least one second region in the at least one receiving structure. The at least one extrusion unit can therefore be moved by means of the handling device from the at least one first region, in which it is in the first mode or state, in which it can or does additively build up at least one three-dimensional object in the at least one first region.builds up, into the at least one second area in which it is in the second mode or state in which it is accommodated in the at least one second area in the receiving structure in a parking or service position, and vice versa.

[0021] What is essential here is that the at least one extrusion unit is or remains connected to the at least one supply line assigned to it, both in the first mode or state and in the at least one second mode or state. In other words, the system is configured such that the supply lines assigned to it are or remain connected to each extrusion unit at all times, and the respective extrusion units can therefore always be or are continuously supplied with the respective operating resources. Accordingly, transferring a respective extrusion unit from the at least one first area and thus the first mode or state to the at least one second area and thus the second mode or state, or vice versa, does not require the respective supply lines to be removed.In particular, the at least one supply line remains connected to the respective extrusion unit even in the at least one second area and thus the second mode or state, which, in contrast to the prior art described at the outset, has the consequence that the respective extrusion unit is or remains operational, in particular, also in the at least one second area or in the second mode or state.

[0022] To achieve this, the system comprises a storage device which is assigned to the at least one supply line of the at least one extrusion unit. The storage device is designed to store the at least one supply line during movements of the at least one extrusion unit from the at least one first region into the at least one second region or between the at least one first region and the at least one second region, and vice versa, so that the at least one supply line is or remains connected to the at least one extrusion unit both in the first mode or state and in the second mode or state, and the at least one extrusion unit can be or is supplied with the at least one operating medium via the at least one supply line, in particular continuously, and is or is thus operational, both in the first mode or state and in the second mode or state.remains. The storage device is therefore designed to store the at least one supply line assigned to a respective extrusion unit in such a way that it is connected to the respective extrusion unit both when the at least one extrusion unit is located in the at least one first area, and when the at least one extrusion unit is located in the at least one second area, and when the at least one extrusion unit is transferred from the at least one first area and thus the first mode or state into the at least one second area and thus the second mode or state, or vice versa, and the at least one extrusion unit is accordingly located both in the at least one first area and in the at least one second area, and when transferred from the at least one first area and thus the first mode or state.State into the at least one second area and thus the second mode or state, or vice versa, in particular continuously, can be supplied or is supplied with the operating resources required for the operation of the at least one extrusion unit.

[0023] This provides a system for the extrusion-based production of three-dimensional objects that is improved compared to the state of the art described at the beginning.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the storage device can be configured to store the at least one supply line in the first and / or second region, in particular suspended, above a subsurface. The storage, in particular suspended, of the at least one supply line above a subsurface can protect the at least one supply line from wear that could occur if it were moved along a subsurface, such as the construction area in the at least one first region.Likewise, the, in particular suspended, storage of the at least one supply line above a subsurface can ensure that the at least one supply line does not enter the movement range of the at least one extrusion unit or the handling device supporting it, so that the, in particular suspended, storage of the at least one supply line above a subsurface typically also enables or supports the realization of various degrees of freedom of movement of the at least one supply line and thus of the at least one extrusion unit.

[0025] In a further exemplary embodiment, the mounting device can be configured to movably mount the at least one supply line in at least one translational and / or rotational degree of freedom within one or more planes of movement. A respective plane of movement can be, for example, a vertically or horizontally oriented plane or a plane oriented at an angle to a vertical or horizontal plane. Movable mounting of the at least one supply line in several differently oriented planes is also conceivable. Should a respective plane intersect a subsurface, the at least one supply line is typically movably mounted only in the region of the plane that lies above the subsurface.

[0026] In a further exemplary embodiment, the support device can be configured to movably support the at least one supply line, dependent on or independent of movements of a handling device supporting the at least one extrusion unit. This allows for additional degrees of freedom with regard to the support of the at least one supply line, which can, for example, ensure that the at least one supply line does not impair movements of the at least one extrusion unit or the handling device.

[0027] In a further exemplary embodiment, the storage device can be arranged or formed on a structure delimiting the first and / or second region, in particular a housing structure. A corresponding structure or housing structure can, for example, comprise one or more walls or wall sections which delimit the first and / or second region laterally and on the ceiling. Corresponding walls or wall sections can therefore, for example, be side walls delimiting the first and / or second region laterally and / or ceiling walls delimiting the first and / or second region on the ceiling. Corresponding walls or wall sections can have one or more first storage interfaces, i.e. e.g. first holders or holder provisions, such as e.g. bores, eyelets, etc., via which the storage device can be stored or held on the respective walls or wall sections, and / or one or more second storage interfaces, i.e.hz B. second holders or holding devices, via which the at least one supply line can be supported or held indirectly via the first support interfaces on the respective walls or wall sections. Accordingly, corresponding first and second support interfaces can be designed to interact in order to support the at least one supply line, e.g. positively and / or non-positively, on a corresponding wall or a corresponding wall section. In principle, it is also conceivable for the support device, ie in particular one or more support interfaces, to be arranged or formed on a separate support structure, such as a gallows structure. A corresponding support structure can be a structure independent of the walls or wall sections delimiting the first and / or second region.

[0028] In a further exemplary embodiment, the storage device can comprise one or more guide elements, in particular in the form of one or more rails, which are designed to support the at least one supply line in a guided and movable manner. Corresponding guide elements can equally be components of the aforementioned storage interfaces or form such. Corresponding guide elements, i.e. generally corresponding storage interfaces, can extend within the at least one first and the at least one second region, but also between the at least one first region and the at least one second region, such that a guided movement of the at least one supply line is possible not only within the at least one first region and the at least one second region, but also between the at least one first region and the at least one second region, or vice versa.

[0029] In a further exemplary embodiment, the storage device can comprise at least one tensioning element configured to generate a tensioning force that places the at least one supply line under mechanical stress. A corresponding tensioning element can thus ensure that the at least one supply line does not enter movement areas in which these movements impair the movements of the at least one extrusion unit or the handling device, or the proper reception of the at least one extrusion unit in a receiving structure. A corresponding tensioning element can be designed, for example, as or comprise a balancer, spring balancer, or weight compensation device.

[0030] In a further exemplary embodiment, the at least one receiving structure can be configured to support the at least one extrusion unit in a fixed orientation or position. The aforementioned receiving space defined by the receiving structure can therefore be configured, in particular from a geometric-structural point of view, such that an extrusion unit can be supported or mounted on or in it in a fixed orientation or position. An extrusion unit supported by means of the receiving structure, i.e. in particular received on or in a corresponding receiving space, is therefore in a defined orientation and position, which enables a handling device to be coupled and uncoupled from the respective extrusion unit in a simple and, in particular, automatable manner, and thus forms the basis for the automated picking up and setting down of an extrusion unit in the receiving structure and re-picking and unloading thereof.Removing an extrusion unit from the receiving structure.

[0031] In a further exemplary embodiment, the receiving structure can have a securing device which is designed to secure a received extrusion unit in a fixed location or position, wherein the securing device comprises at least one securing element which is movably mounted between a securing position in which it secures the at least one extrusion unit received in the receiving structure in a fixed orientation and / or position to the receiving structure, and a non-securing position in which it does not secure the at least one extrusion unit received in the receiving structure in a fixed orientation or position to the receiving structure. A corresponding securing element can, for example,be a form-locking element or at least comprise one which is configured to interact in a form-locking manner with at least one corresponding counter-form-locking element on the part of the extrusion unit in the securing position. Specifically, a corresponding form-locking element can be designed, for example, as a securing pin, and a corresponding counter-form-locking element can be designed as a receptacle for the securing pin or comprise such a receptacle, wherein the securing pin engages in a form-locking manner in the receptacle in the securing position; an inverse configuration is also conceivable.

[0032] In a further exemplary embodiment, the at least one extrusion unit can be operable or operated in at least one operating mode in the second mode or state, in particular controlled by a control device assigned thereto - this can again be the aforementioned central control device of the system. An extrusion unit accommodated in the receiving structure is therefore not only stored there, but can also be operated in at least one operating mode due to the fact that the at least one supply line, as described, continues to be connected to the extrusion unit and the extrusion unit is thus able to be supplied or supplied, in particular continuously, with all the necessary operating resources. A corresponding operating mode can, for example, be an operating mode that precedes or follows operation of the extrusion unit in the first mode or state.

[0033] An operating mode preparatory to operation of the extrusion unit in the first mode or state can, for example, be at least one of the following: an operating mode in which the extrusion unit is tempered by a tempering device, i.e. in particular, e.g. heated to an operating temperature, an operating mode in which the extrusion unit, i.e. in particular the extruder cylinder, is cleaned, e.g. with a rinsing or cleaning material, such as rinsing or cleaning granulate, an operating mode in which the extrusion unit or at least one of its associated functional components, such as the extruder screw, the drive associated with it, a sensor, etc., is tested for functionality, or an operating mode in which the extrusion unit or at least one of its associated functional components, such as the extruder screw, the drive associated with it, a sensor, etc., is calibrated.

[0034] An operating mode following operation of the extrusion unit in the first mode or state can, for example, be at least one of the following: an operating mode in which the extrusion unit is tempered by a tempering device, i.e. in particular, e.g. cooled from an operating temperature, an operating mode in which the extrusion unit, i.e. in particular the extruder cylinder, is emptied, an operating mode in which the extrusion unit, i.e. in particular the extruder cylinder, is cleaned, e.g. with a rinsing or cleaning material, such as e.g. rinsing or cleaning granulate, an operating mode in which the extrusion unit or at least one of its associated functional components, such as e.g. the extruder screw, the drive associated with it, a sensor, etc., is tested for functionality, or an operating mode in which the extrusion unit or at least one of its associated functional components, such as e.g.the extruder screw, the associated drive, a sensor, etc. is calibrated.

[0035] In a further exemplary embodiment, the system can comprise at least one collecting structure, in particular a container, which is designed to collect material emerging from the at least one extrusion unit accommodated in the receiving structure, for example during a cleaning or rinsing process. The collecting structure is therefore typically assigned to the receiving structure and accordingly typically arranged or configured in the at least one second region of the system. Specifically, the collecting structure can be arranged or configured below a corresponding nozzle-like or nozzle-shaped outlet of an extrusion unit accommodated in the receiving structure in order to collect material emerging from the extrusion unit, for example during a corresponding emptying or cleaning mode.The collection structure may form part of a recycling facility which is designed to recycle material emerging from the respective extrusion unit so that it can be reused directly or indirectly, i.e. with the interposition of one or more processing processes.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the system can comprise a detection or determination device which is set up to detect or determine an orientation and / or position of the at least one extrusion unit or a functional component thereof, in particular of the at least one nozzle-like or nozzle-shaped outlet. For this purpose, the detection or determination device can, for example, be set up to detect or determine one or more coordinates of the at least one extrusion unit or a functional component thereof. The detection or determination device can, for example, be set up to detect or determine a so-called tool center point, or TCP for short, of the at least one extrusion unit, which is typically located at the at least one nozzle-like or nozzle-shaped outlet of the respective extrusion unit. Corresponding values ​​detected or determined by the detection or determination deviceThe information obtained can be fed to a central control device of the system and used as the basis for the operation of the at least one extrusion unit, i.e., in particular, for controlling movements of the at least one extrusion unit by means of the handling device. The detection or determination device can, for example, be arranged or formed in the at least one second area.

[0037] From the above it follows that the system can generally comprise a control device which is assigned or which is assigned to the at least one extrusion unit and which is set up for the, in particular fully automatic, control of the operation of the at least one extrusion unit in the first mode or state and / or in the second mode or state. The control device can form a central control device of the system or communicate with such a control device which is set up in particular to control the operation of the system fully automatically. This includes in particular the control of the operation of the at least one extrusion unit in the at least one first area and thus in the first mode or state, in particular in order to additively produce a three-dimensional object, the control of the operation of the at least one extrusion unit in the at least one second area and thus in the second mode or state.State, in particular in order to implement respective operating modes of the at least one extrusion unit received in the receiving structure, the control of the operation of the handling device for carrying out movements of the at least one extrusion unit in the at least one first area, the control of the operation of the handling device for carrying out movements of the at least one extrusion unit in the at least one second area, the control of the operation of the handling device for carrying out coupling and decoupling processes of the at least one extrusion unit, or the control of the operation of a respective securing device, in particular in order to move a securing element associated therewith between a securing position and a non-securing position, or vice versa.

[0038] In a further exemplary embodiment, the system can comprise at least one device, e.g. in the form of a material storage device or comprising such, which is designed to provide at least one material to be processed by means of the at least one extrusion unit in the first and / or second mode or state, such as e.g. an extrusion material, in particular a thermoplastic granulate, or a cleaning material. The device, ie in particular a corresponding material storage device, can be designed to condition a material with regard to certain chemical and / or physical parameters. The device or a corresponding material storage device can therefore be designed, e.g. to temper a material, to dry it, to sieve it, to inertize it, etc. The device or a corresponding material storage device can be connected to a conveying device, e.g.a suction and / or blower device, which is designed to supply a corresponding material to the at least one extrusion unit discontinuously or continuously via the supply line connected to the at least one extrusion unit. The conveying device can thus be connected to or assigned to at least one supply line of the at least one extrusion unit, so that a corresponding material can be supplied to the at least one extrusion unit discontinuously or continuously. In an exemplary embodiment, the device can comprise a plurality of material stores. The device can therefore be designed, in particular, to supply at least two material stores via a plurality of material stores, which differ in at least one chemical parameter, such as the chemical composition, which can also be understood to mean a color, and / or physical parameter, such asto provide plastic granules that differ in terms of density, temperature, strength, stiffness, hardness, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, etc. The material stores can be set up to each provide a material with specific chemical and / or physical parameters. Specifically, the device can comprise at least two material stores, wherein a first material store provides a material that is characterized by first chemical and / or physical parameters, and at least a second material store provides at least a second material that is characterized by second chemical and / or physical parameters. A first material can be, for example, an extrusion material that can be used or is used for the additive production of a three-dimensional object, a second material can be, for example, a rinsing or cleaning material that is used for rinsing orCan be used or is used to clean an extrusion unit.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the device can be assigned at least one mixing device for mixing the at least two plastic granules and / or at least one distribution device for distributing the, optionally mixed, plastic granules to the at least one extrusion unit and / or to at least one further extrusion unit. A corresponding mixing device and / or distribution device can be particularly useful if the system comprises multiple extrusion units, in order to supply each extrusion unit with a specific material and / or a specific amount of material.For example, an extrusion material can be supplied discontinuously or continuously to a first extrusion unit located in the at least one first region and, in particular simultaneously therewith, a rinsing or cleaning material can be supplied discontinuously or continuously to a second extrusion unit located in the at least one second region.

[0040] A corresponding mixing device can, for example, be configured to mix a first material in a specific ratio with at least one second material, thus producing at least one material mixture containing the first and at least one second material in a specific ratio. A corresponding mixing device can thus have at least one material outlet, which can, for example, be connected to a supply line of at least one extrusion unit and / or a corresponding distribution device in order to supply a corresponding material mixture to the at least one extrusion unit.

[0041] A corresponding distribution device can, for example, be configured to supply a first material or a first material stream exclusively to a first or second extrusion unit via a first material outlet of the distribution device and, in particular simultaneously, to supply a second material or a second material stream exclusively to a second or first extrusion unit via a second material outlet of the distribution device. The same applies to different material quantities; thus, a corresponding distribution device can, for example,be configured to supply a first quantity of a first and / or second material exclusively to a first or second extrusion unit via a first material outlet of the distribution device and, in particular simultaneously, to supply a second quantity of a first and / or second material exclusively to a second or first extrusion unit via a second material outlet of the distribution device. The above applies analogously to first and / or second material mixtures. A corresponding distribution device can thus have at least one material outlet, which can be connected to at least one supply line of at least one extrusion unit in order to supply a material to the at least one extrusion unit.Typically, a corresponding distribution device has a plurality of material outlets, wherein a first material outlet is connected to at least one supply line of at least one first extrusion unit in order to supply a material or material mixture to the first extrusion unit, and at least one second material outlet is connected to at least one supply line of at least one second extrusion unit in order to supply a material or material mixture to the at least one second extrusion unit.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the system can therefore comprise at least two extrusion units, each having at least one extruder screw accommodated in an extruder cylinder and set in motion by means of a drive, wherein the at least two extrusion units can each be supplied or are supplied with at least one operating medium via at least one supply line connected to them, and wherein the at least two extrusion units are mounted so as to be movable from the first region into the second region and vice versa in order to transfer them from a first state, in which the at least one extrusion unit additively builds up at least one three-dimensional object in the first region, to a second state in which the at least one extrusion unit is accommodated in the receiving structure in the second region.The storage device can be assigned to the at least two supply lines and can be configured to store the at least two supply lines during movements of the at least two extrusion units between the first and the second area, and vice versa, so that the at least two supply lines are or remain connected to the at least two extrusion units both in the first state and in the second state, so that the at least two extrusion units can be or are supplied with the at least one operating medium and are thus operational both in the first mode or state and in the second mode or state via the one or more supply lines assigned to them in each case, ie generally the at least two supply lines.

[0043] As mentioned, the system can comprise a central control device which is set up to control, in particular fully automatically, the operation of the system. In a configuration of the system with at least two extrusion units, the central control device can be set up, for example, to control, in particular fully automatically, the operation of the at least two extrusion units in the first mode or state and / or in the second mode or state. This therefore includes, in particular, the control of the operation of at least one of the at least two extrusion units in the first area and thus in the first mode or state, in particular in order to additively produce a three-dimensional object, the control of the operation of at least one of the at least two extrusion units in the second area and thus in the second mode or state.State, in particular in order to implement respective operating modes of an extrusion unit received in a receiving structure, the control of the operation of the handling device for carrying out movements of at least one of the at least two extrusion units in the first area, the control of the operation of the handling device for carrying out movements of at least one of the at least two extrusion units in the second area, the control of the operation of the handling device for carrying out coupling and decoupling processes of at least one of the at least two extrusion units, or the control of the operation of a respective securing device, in particular in order to move a securing element associated therewith between a securing position and a non-securing position.

[0044] In general, the operation of one or more of the aforementioned components of the system, i.e., in particular, the at least one extrusion unit, the at least one handling device, and the at least one safety device, can also be controlled via separately assigned hardware and / or software-implemented control devices. Corresponding control devices can also communicate with the central control device or a central control device.

[0045] In a further exemplary embodiment, the at least one first region and the at least one second region can be separate spaces which can communicate with each other via at least one passage which can optionally be closed by at least one closure element, such as a door, a lock, etc. The at least two spaces can therefore be isolated from each other as required, so that certain chemical and / or physical conditions, i.e. a certain temperature, can prevail in each space. This can be useful, for example, for processing high-temperature materials in the first region, because a higher temperature can prevail in the first region independently of the second region. The same applies, for example, to inerting a region with at least one inert gas.

[0046] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for the extrusion-based additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects, wherein a system according to the first aspect of the invention is used to carry out the method. Within the scope of the method, at least one extrusion unit is typically moved from the at least one first region to the at least one second region, or vice versa, so that all statements in connection with the system according to the first aspect of the invention apply analogously to the method according to the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa. The at least one extrusion unit can be operated both in the at least one first region and in the at least one second region, since it is and remains always connected to the supply lines assigned to it, which are stored via the storage device.

[0047] The invention is explained again below by way of example with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures.

[0048] Fig. 1 and 2 each show a schematic diagram of a system for the extrusion-based additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects according to an embodiment.

[0049] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system 10 for the extrusion-based additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects 2 according to one exemplary embodiment. The system 10 shown in the exemplary embodiments is generally configured for the extrusion-based additive manufacturing of one or more three-dimensional objects 2, such as technical components or component groups. As schematically indicated in Fig. 1, the system 10 is thus configured to additively manufacture one or more three-dimensional objects 2 by extrusion-based, successive layer-by-layer application of individual or multiple material webs of an originally granular extrusion material—this material being, in particular, a thermoplastic material—melted by means of an extrusion unit 20 of the system 10.

[0050] The system 10 comprises in the exemplary embodiment a plurality of extrusion units 20, each of which has at least one extruder screw (not shown) accommodated in an extruder cylinder 21 and which can be set into at least one movement, i.e. in particular a rotational movement about the or a symmetry or central axis, by means of a drive 22, such as an electric or servo motor. Each extrusion unit 20 can also comprise a material feed 23, e.g. designed in the manner of a funnel. Each extrusion unit 20 also comprises a controller 24 implemented in hardware and / or software, which is designed in particular to control the operation of the drive 22. Each extrusion unit 20 therefore has at least one extruder cylinder 21, at least one extruder screw which can be moved therein, i.e.in particular rotatably mounted extruder screw and a drive 22 assigned to the at least one extruder screw, which is set up on the basis of control information from the controller 24 to set the at least one extruder screw into movement, i.e. in particular a rotary movement, within a volume provided for this purpose by the extruder cylinder 21, which may be divided into several zones. Each extrusion unit 20 typically has a nozzle-like or nozzle-shaped outlet 24, via which the extrusion material melted or plasticized in the extruder cylinder 21 can be discharged onto a build surface 11; the outlet can specifically be formed by a nozzle, which can be arranged or formed on or in the region of an exposed end of the extruder cylinder 21.

[0051] In order to commission or operate the extrusion units 20, they must be supplied with one or more operating resources, such as electrical energy, extrusion material to be melted, data, in particular control data, sensor data, etc., via supply lines 25. Supply lines 25 are thus connected to each extrusion unit 20 in order to supply the respective extrusion unit 20 with the operating resource(s) required for commissioning or operation. Depending on the type of operating resource, corresponding supply lines 25 can thus be or include, for example, hoses, cables, lines, in particular power or data lines. Each extrusion unit 20 therefore has one or more supply connections (not designated) for corresponding supply lines 25.Corresponding supply connections can therefore generally be interfaces that enable the exchange of corresponding operating resources between the respective extrusion unit 20 and the respective supply lines 25, or vice versa. Corresponding supply connections can, for example, be arranged or formed in a section of the extrusion units 20 facing away from a respective nozzle-like or nozzle-shaped outlet.

[0052] The system 10 also comprises at least one handling device 30 assigned to the extrusion units and, if necessary, connectable to them, for example via an arm or effector 31, such as an industrial robot shown purely schematically in Fig. 1, via which the extrusion units 20 can be moved in one or more degrees of freedom of movement, as indicated in Fig. 1 by the axis cross. The corresponding degrees of freedom of movement can be one or more translational degrees of freedom of movement and / or one or more rotational degrees of freedom of movement. One or more coupling interfaces (not shown) are arranged or formed on both the handling device 30 and the extrusion units 20 - these can be, for example,These are mechanical coupling interfaces - which are designed to interact with a respective extrusion unit 20 to form a stable, yet detachable coupling of the handling device 30.

[0053] In the exemplary embodiment, the system 10 comprises a first region B1 having at least one construction surface 11, such as a construction platform that can be optionally temperature-controlled, i.e. in particular heated, on which one or more three-dimensional objects 2 can be additively built by means of an extrusion unit 20. The first region B1 can also be regarded or referred to as a construction region because at least one construction surface 11 is arranged or formed therein, on which one or more three-dimensional objects 2 can be additively built by means of an extrusion unit 20. The first region B1 can be or comprise a first three-dimensional space or a first three-dimensional sub-space of or within a structure 12, in particular a housing structure, of the system 10. The system 10 can have a plurality of corresponding first regions B1, although not shown in Fig. 1.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiment, the system 10 further comprises a second region B2 having at least one receiving structure 40 for receiving an extrusion unit 20 in a parked or service position. The second region B2 can also be considered or referred to as a parking or service region because at least one receiving structure 40 for receiving an extrusion unit 20 in a parked or service position is arranged or formed therein. The second region B2 can be or comprise a second three-dimensional space or a second three-dimensional subspace of or within the structure 12, in particular the housing structure, of the system 10. The system 10 can have a plurality of corresponding second regions B2, although not shown in Fig. 1.

[0055] The at least one receiving structure 40 can, for example, be designed as a receiving frame or at least comprise such a frame. A corresponding receiving frame can have one or more receiving frame elements 41, which define a receiving space 42 for at least one extrusion unit 20. The receiving space 42 can, in particular, be defined such that an extrusion unit 20 can be received on or in it such that the symmetry or central axis of the extrusion unit 20, i.e., in particular, the axis of rotation of the extruder screw, is aligned parallel or at an angle, in particular at an acute angle, relative to a vertical.In addition, the receiving space 42 can be defined such that corresponding supply connections for the supply lines 25 of an extrusion unit 20 received on or in it are arranged or aligned such that, as explained in more detail below, the supply lines 25 can be or remain connected to the respective extrusion unit 20, even if the extrusion unit 20 is received in the receiving structure 40.

[0056] The areas B1, B2 therefore differ in that in the first area B1 an extrusion-based additive construction of one or more three-dimensional objects 2 can take place on a construction surface 11, which is not possible in the second area B2, and in the second area B2 one or more extrusion units 20 can be accommodated in a parking or service position, which is not possible in the first area B1. In other words, in the first area B1 there are no receiving structures for receiving an extrusion unit 20 in a parking or service position, and in the second area B2 there is no construction surface 11 on which one or more three-dimensional objects 2 can be additively constructed by means of an extrusion unit 20.

[0057] The regions B1, B2 are, as schematically indicated in Fig. 1, typically spatially separated from one another and can, for example, form spatially independent but adjacent regions within the structure 12 of the system 10. In particular, the first region B1 can be formed by a first housing structure or a first housing structure section of a housing structure of the system 10, and the second region B2 can be formed by a second housing structure or a second housing structure section of the housing structure of the system 10.

[0058] As mentioned, the extrusion units 20 are mounted so as to be movable in at least one degree of freedom. Movements of the extrusion units 20 in the at least one degree of freedom of movement can be realized by means of the handling device 30 mentioned above, which can be coupled to a respective extrusion unit 20 as needed.

[0059] The extrusion units 20 can be moved by means of corresponding movements not only within the respective regions B1, B2, but also from the first region B1 into the second region B2, and vice versa, in order to move from a first mode or state, in which a respective extrusion unit 20 can or does additively build up at least one three-dimensional object 2 in the first region B1, into a second mode or state, in which the respective extrusion unit 20 is received in a receiving structure 40 in the second region B2. The extrusion units 20 can therefore be moved by means of the handling device 30 from the first region B1, in which they are in the first mode or state, in which they can or do additively build up at least one three-dimensional object in the first region B1, into the second region B2, in which they are in the second mode or state.state in which they are accommodated in the second area B2 in a receiving structure 40 in a parking or service position, and vice versa.

[0060] What is important here is that the extrusion units 20 are or remain connected to the respective supply lines 25 both in the first mode or state and in the second mode or state. In other words, the system 10 is configured such that the supply lines 25 assigned to each extrusion unit 20 are or remain connected to it at all times, and the respective extrusion units 20 can therefore always be or are continuously supplied with the respective operating resources. Accordingly, transferring a respective extrusion unit 20 from the first area B1 and thus the first mode or state to the second area B2 and thus the second mode or state, or vice versa, does not require removing the respective supply lines 25. In particular, the respective supply lines 25 also remain connected in the second area B2 and thus the second mode or state.State connected to the extrusion units 20, which has the consequence that the respective extrusion units 20 are or remain operational in particular also in the second area B2 or in the second mode or state.

[0061] To achieve this, the system 10 comprises a storage device 50 which is assigned to the supply lines 25 of the extrusion units 20. The storage device 50 is configured to store the respective supply lines 25 during movements of the extrusion units 20 from the first area B1 to the second area B2 or between the first area B1 and the second area B2, and vice versa, so that the respective supply lines 25 are or remain connected to the extrusion units 20 both in the first mode or state and in the second mode or state, and the extrusion units 20 can be or are supplied with operating resources via the respective supply lines 25, in particular continuously, and are or remain operational, both in the first mode or state and in the second mode or state.The storage device 50 is therefore designed to store the supply lines 25 assigned to a respective extrusion unit 20 in such a way that these are connected to the respective extrusion unit 20 both when the respective extrusion unit 20 is located in the first area B1 and when the respective extrusion unit 20 is located in the second area B2, and also when the respective extrusion unit 20 is transferred from the first area B1 and thus the first mode or state into the second area B2 and thus the second mode or state, or vice versa, and the extrusion units 20 are accordingly stored both in the first area B1 and in the second area B2, and also when the first area B1 and thus the first mode or state is transferred into the second area B2 and thus the second mode or state.Condition, or conversely, in particular continuously, can be supplied or are supplied with the resources required for operation.

[0062] The storage device 50 can be configured to store the supply lines 25 in the first and / or second region B1, in particular suspended, above a subsurface. The storage, in particular suspended, of the supply lines 25 above a subsurface can protect the supply lines 25 from wear and tear that could occur if they were moved along a subsurface, such as, for example, the construction area 11 in the first region B1. Likewise, the storage, in particular suspended, of the supply lines above a subsurface can ensure that the supply lines 25 do not enter the range of movement of the extrusion units 20 or the handling device 30 that supports them, so that the storage, in particular suspended, of the supply lines above a subsurface typically also enables or enables the realization of various degrees of freedom of movement of the supply lines 25 and thus of the extrusion units.supports.

[0063] The support device 50 can further be configured to movably support the supply lines 25 in at least one translational and / or rotational degree of freedom within one or more planes of movement. A respective plane of movement can be, for example, a vertically or horizontally oriented plane or a plane oriented at an angle to a vertical or horizontal plane. Movable support of the supply lines 25 in several differently oriented planes is also conceivable. Should a respective plane intersect a subsurface, the supply lines 25 are typically movably supported only in the region of the plane that lies above the subsurface.

[0064] The storage device 50 can, in particular, be configured to movably support the supply lines 25 dependently or independently of movements of the handling device 30. In this way, further degrees of freedom can be created with regard to the storage of the supply lines 25, which can, for example, ensure that the supply lines do not impair movements of the extrusion units 20 or the handling device 30.

[0065] 1 that the storage device 50 can be arranged or formed on a structure 12.1, 12.2, in particular a housing structure, which delimits the first region B1 and the second region B2. A corresponding structure 12.1, 12.1 or housing structure can, for example, comprise one or more walls or wall sections which delimit the first and / or second region B1, B2 laterally and / or on the ceiling. Corresponding walls or wall sections can therefore, for example, be side walls laterally delimiting the first and / or second region B1, B2 and / or, as shown by way of example in Fig. 1, ceiling walls delimiting the first and / or second region B1, B2 on the ceiling. Corresponding walls or wall sections can have one or more first storage interfaces 51, i.e. for example first holders or holder arrangements, such as, for example, B. holes, eyelets, etc., via which the storage device 50 can be attached to the respective walls orwall sections, and / or have one or more second storage interfaces 52, i.e. e.g. second holders, or holding devices, via which the supply lines 25 can be stored or held indirectly via the first storage interfaces 51 on the respective walls or wall sections. Accordingly, corresponding first and second storage interfaces 51, 52 can be designed to interact in order to store the supply lines 25, e.g. in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, on a corresponding wall or a corresponding wall section. In principle, it is also conceivable for the storage device 50, i.e. in particular one or more storage interfaces 51, 52, to be arranged or formed on a separate storage structure, such as e.g. a gallows structure. A corresponding storage structure can be a wall or a wall bordering the first and / or second region B1, B2.Wall sections be an independent structure.

[0066] From Fig. 1, it is further apparent that the storage device 50 can comprise one or more guide elements 53, in particular in the form of one or more rails, which are designed to support the supply lines 25 in a guided and movable manner. Corresponding guide elements 53 can equally be components of the aforementioned storage interfaces or form such. Corresponding guide elements 53, ie generally corresponding storage interfaces, can extend correspondingly within the first and second regions B1, B2, but also between the regions B1, B2, so that a guided movement of the supply lines 25 is possible not only within the regions B1, B2, but also between the regions B1, B2.

[0067] The support device 50 can comprise at least one tensioning element 54, which is configured to generate a tensioning force that places the supply lines 25 under mechanical stress. A corresponding tensioning element 54 can thus ensure that the supply lines 25 do not enter movement areas in which they impair the movements of the extrusion units 20 or the handling device 30 or the intended reception of the extrusion units 20 in the receiving structure 40. A corresponding tensioning element 54 can be designed, for example, as or comprise a balancer, spring balancer, or weight compensation device. It is further apparent from Fig. 1 that a respective receiving structure 40 can be configured to support an extrusion unit 20 in a fixed orientation or position.The aforementioned receiving space 42 defined by the receiving structure 40 can thus be configured, in particular from a geometric-structural point of view, such that an extrusion unit 20 can be mounted or stored on or in a fixed orientation or position thereon. An extrusion unit 20 mounted by means of the receiving structure 40, i.e., in particular mounted on or in a corresponding receiving space 42, is thus located in a defined orientation and position, which enables a simple and, in particular, automatable coupling and uncoupling of a handling device 30 to the respective extrusion unit 20 and thus forms the basis for an automated picking up or placing down of an extrusion unit 20 in the receiving structure 40 and re-picking up or removing an extrusion unit 20 from the receiving structure 40.

[0068] The receiving structure 40 can have a securing device 43, schematically indicated in Fig. 1, which is designed to secure a received extrusion unit 20 in a fixed location or position, wherein the securing device 43 comprises at least one securing element, in particular controlled by a control device implemented in hardware and / or software associated therewith - this can be a central control device 60 of the system 10 -, which is movably mounted between a securing position in which it secures the at least one extrusion unit 20 received in the receiving structure 40 in a fixed orientation and / or position to the receiving structure 40, and a non-securing position in which it does not secure the at least one extrusion unit 20 received in the receiving structure 20 in a fixed orientation or position to the receiving structure. A corresponding securing element can, for example,be a form-locking element or at least comprise one which is configured to interact in a form-locking manner with at least one corresponding counter-form-locking element on the part of the extrusion unit 20 in the securing position. Specifically, a corresponding form-locking element can be designed, for example, as a securing pin and a corresponding counter-form-locking element can be designed as a receptacle for the securing pin or comprise such a receptacle, wherein the securing pin engages in a form-locking manner in the receptacle in the securing position; an inverse configuration is also conceivable.

[0069] The extrusion units 20 can be operable or operated in at least one operating mode in the second mode or state, in particular controlled by the aforementioned central control device 60 of the system 10. An extrusion unit 20 accommodated in the receiving structure 40 is therefore not only stored there, but can also be operated in at least one operating mode due to the fact that the supply lines, as described, remain connected to the extrusion unit 20 and the extrusion units 20 can thus be supplied or supplied, in particular continuously, with all the necessary operating resources. A corresponding operating mode can, for example, be an operating mode that precedes or follows operation of an extrusion unit 20 in the first mode or state.

[0070] An operating mode preparatory to operation of a respective extrusion unit 20 in the first mode or state can, for example, be at least one of the following: an operating mode in which the extrusion unit 20 is tempered by a tempering device, i.e. in particular, heated, for example, to an operating temperature, an operating mode in which the extrusion unit 20, i.e. in particular the extruder cylinder 21, is cleaned, for example, with a rinsing or cleaning material, such as rinsing or cleaning granulate, an operating mode in which the extrusion unit 20 or at least one of its associated functional components, such as the extruder screw, the drive 22 associated therewith, a sensor, etc., is tested for functionality, or an operating mode in which the extrusion unit 20 or at least one of its associated functional components, such as the extruder screw, the drive 22 associated therewith, a sensor, etc.is calibrated.

[0071] An operating mode following operation of a respective extrusion unit 20 in the first mode or state can, for example, be at least one of the following: an operating mode in which the extrusion unit 20 is tempered by a tempering device, i.e. in particular, e.g., cooled from an operating temperature, an operating mode in which the extrusion unit 20, i.e. in particular the extruder cylinder 21, is emptied, an operating mode in which the extrusion unit 20, i.e. in particular the extruder cylinder 21, is cleaned, e.g., with a rinsing or cleaning material, such as rinsing or cleaning granules, an operating mode in which the extrusion unit 20 or at least one of its associated functional components, such as the extruder screw, the drive 22 associated with it, a sensor, etc., is tested for functionality, or an operating mode in which the extrusion unit 20 or at least one of its associated functional components, such as the extruder screw, the drive 22 associated with it, a sensor, etc., is calibrated. It can further be seen from Fig. 1 that the system 10 can comprise at least one collecting structure 70, in particular a container, which is designed to collect material emerging from the at least one extrusion unit 20 received in the receiving structure 40. The collecting structure 70 is therefore arranged or formed in the second region B2 of the system 10. Specifically, the collecting structure 70 can be arranged or formed below a corresponding nozzle-like or nozzle-shaped outlet of an extrusion unit 20 received in the receiving structure 40 in order to collect material emerging from the extrusion unit 20, for example during a corresponding emptying or cleaning mode.The collection structure 70 can form a component of a recycling device which is designed to recycle material emerging from the respective extrusion unit 20 so that it can be reused directly or indirectly, ie with the interposition of one or more processing processes.

[0072] The system 10 can further comprise a detection or determination device which is set up to detect or determine an orientation and / or position of the extrusion units 20 or a functional component thereof, in particular of the respective nozzle-like or nozzle-shaped outlet. For this purpose, the detection or determination device can be set up, for example, to detect or determine one or more coordinates of the extrusion units 20 or a functional component thereof. The detection or determination device can specifically be set up, for example, to detect or determine a so-called tool center point, or TCP for short, of the extrusion units 20, which is typically located at the nozzle-like or nozzle-shaped outlet of the extrusion units 20. Corresponding values ​​detected or determined by the detection or determination deviceThe information determined can be fed to the central control device 60 of the system 10 and used as the basis for the operation of the extrusion units 20, ie in particular for the control of movements of the extrusion units 20 by means of the handling device 30.

[0073] From the above explanations it follows that the system 10 can generally comprise a central control device 60 which is assigned to the extrusion units 20 and which is set up for the, in particular fully automatic, control of the operation of the extrusion units 20 in the first mode or state and / or in the second mode or state. This includes, in particular, the control of the operation of the extrusion units 20 in the first area B1 and thus in the first mode or state, in particular in order to additively produce a three-dimensional object 2, the control of the operation of the extrusion units 20 in the second area B2 and thus in the second mode or state.State, in particular in order to implement respective operating modes of an extrusion unit 20 received in the receiving structure 40, the control of the operation of the handling device 30 for carrying out movements of the extrusion units 30 in the first area B1, the control of the operation of the handling device 30 for carrying out movements of the extrusion units 20 in the second area B2, the control of the operation of the handling device 30 for carrying out coupling and decoupling processes of the extrusion units 20 from the handling device 20, or the control of the operation of a respective securing device 43, in particular in order to move a securing element associated therewith between a securing position and a non-securing position, and vice versa.

[0074] Fig. 1 further shows that the system 10 can comprise at least one device 80, e.g. in the form of a material storage 81 or comprising such, which is designed to provide at least one material to be processed by means of the extrusion units 20 in the first and / or second mode or state, such as e.g. an extrusion material, in particular a thermoplastic granulate, or a cleaning material. The device 80, ie in particular a corresponding material storage 81, can be designed to condition a material with regard to certain chemical and / or physical parameters. The device 80 or a corresponding material storage 81 can therefore be designed, e.g., to temper, dry, sieve, inertize, etc. A conveying device, such as e.g.A suction and / or blower device may be assigned to the extrusion units 20, which is configured to supply a corresponding material discontinuously or continuously to the extrusion units 20 via the supply lines 25 connected to the respective extrusion unit 20. The conveying device can thus be connected to or assigned to at least one supply line 25 of a respective extrusion unit 20, so that a corresponding material can be supplied discontinuously or continuously to the respective extrusion unit 20.

[0075] Specifically, Fig. 1 shows that the device 80 can comprise a plurality of separate material stores 81. The device 80 can therefore be configured to provide, via a plurality of material stores 81, at least two plastic granules that differ in at least one chemical parameter, such as the chemical composition, which can also include a color, and / or physical parameters, such as density, temperature, strength, stiffness, hardness, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, etc. The material stores 81 are thus each configured to provide a material with specific chemical and / or physical parameters.Specifically, the device can comprise at least two material reservoirs 81, wherein a first material reservoir 81 provides a material characterized by first chemical and / or physical parameters, and at least one second material reservoir provides at least one second material characterized by second chemical and / or physical parameters. A first material can be, for example, an extrusion material that can be used or is used for the additive production of a three-dimensional object 2; a second material can be, for example, a rinsing or cleaning material that can be used or is used for rinsing or cleaning an extrusion unit 20.

[0076] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1, the device 80 is assigned a fundamentally optional mixing device 90 for mixing at least two materials, in particular two plastic granules, and a likewise fundamentally optional distribution device 100 for distributing the, optionally mixed, materials to the extrusion units 20. The mixing device 90 and the distribution device 100 can be particularly useful if the system 10 comprises several extrusion units 20 in order to supply each extrusion unit 20 with a specific material and / or a specific amount of material. For example, an extrusion material can be supplied discontinuously or continuously to a first extrusion unit 20 located in the first region B1 and, in particular simultaneously therewith, a rinsing or cleaning material can be supplied discontinuously or continuously to a second extrusion unit 20 located in the second region B2.

[0077] The mixing device 90 can, for example, be configured to mix a first material in a specific ratio with at least one second material, thereby producing at least one material mixture containing the first and at least one second material in a specific ratio. The mixing device 90 can thus have at least one material outlet, which can, for example, be connected to a supply line 25 of at least one extrusion unit 20 and / or the distribution device 100 in order to supply the extrusion unit 20 with a corresponding material mixture.

[0078] The distribution device 100 can, as schematically illustrated in Fig. 1 by the separate box, be configured, for example, to supply a first material or a first material stream via a first material outlet of the distribution device 100 exclusively to a first or second extrusion unit 20 and, in particular simultaneously, to supply a second material or a second material stream exclusively to a second or first extrusion unit 20 via a second material outlet of the distribution device 100. The same applies to different material quantities; thus, the distribution device 100 can, for example,be configured to supply a first quantity of a first and / or second material exclusively to a first or second extrusion unit 20 via a first material outlet of the distribution device 100 and, in particular simultaneously, to supply a second quantity of a first and / or second material exclusively to a second or first extrusion unit 20 via a second material outlet of the distribution device 100. The above applies analogously to first and / or second material mixtures. The distribution device 100 can therefore generally have at least one material outlet, which can be connected to at least one supply line 25 of at least one extrusion unit 20 in order to supply a material to the at least one extrusion unit 20.Typically, however, the distribution device 100 has a plurality of material outlets, wherein a first material outlet is connected to at least one supply line of at least one first extrusion unit 20 in order to supply a material or material mixture to the first extrusion unit 20, and at least one second material outlet is connected to at least one supply line 25 of at least one second extrusion unit 20 in order to supply a material or material mixture to the at least one second extrusion unit 20.

[0079] As mentioned, the system 10 can comprise the central control device 60, which is designed to control, in particular fully automatically, the operation of the system 10. The central control device 60, which is shown in Fig. 1 as being arranged in a housing (not shown), such as a control cabinet, by way of example, can be designed to control, in particular fully automatically, the operation of the extrusion units 20 in the first mode or state and / or in the second mode or state. This therefore includes, in particular, the control of the operation of at least one of the extrusion units 20 in the first area B1 and thus in the first mode or state, in particular in order to additively produce a three-dimensional object 2, the control of the operation of at least one of the extrusion units 20 in the second area B2 and thus in the second mode or state.State, in particular to implement respective operating modes of an extrusion unit 20 accommodated in a receiving structure 40, the control of the operation of the handling device 30 for carrying out movements of at least one of the.

[0080] Extrusion units 20 in the first area B1, controlling the operation of the

[0081] Handling device 30 for executing movements of at least one of the

[0082] Extrusion units 20 in the second area B2, the control of the operation of the handling device 30 for carrying out coupling and uncoupling operations of at least one of the extrusion units 20, or the control of the operation of a respective securing device 43, in particular in order to move a securing element associated therewith between a securing position and a non-securing position.

[0083] Likewise, the operation of one or more of the aforementioned components of system 10, i.e., in particular, the extrusion units 20, the handling device 30, and the safety device 43, can also be controlled via these separate control devices. Corresponding control devices can also communicate with the central control device 60 of system 10.

[0084] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system 10 for the extrusion-based additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects 2 according to a further embodiment.

[0085] For all exemplary embodiments, the first region B1 and the second region B2 can be separate spaces which can communicate with each other via at least one passage which can optionally be closed via at least one closure element, such as a door, a lock, etc. Thus, the at least two spaces can be isolated from each other as required, so that certain chemical and / or physical conditions, i.e. a certain temperature, can prevail in each space. This can be useful, for example, for processing high-temperature materials in the first region, because a higher temperature can prevail in the first region independently of the second region. The same applies, for example, to inerting a region with at least one inert gas.

[0086] The exemplary embodiments shown in the figures allow the implementation of a method for the extrusion-based additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects 2. Within the scope of the method, at least one extrusion unit 20 is typically moved from a first region B1 to a corresponding second region B2, or vice versa. The at least one extrusion unit 20 can be operated both in the first region B1 and in the second region B2, since it is and remains constantly connected to its associated supply lines 25.

Claims

PATENTED SPEAKS 1. Plant for the extrusion-based additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects, comprising: - a first region having at least one construction surface on which one or more three-dimensional objects can be additively built by means of an extrusion unit; - a second region having at least one receiving structure for receiving an extrusion unit in a parking position; - at least one extrusion unit having an extruder screw accommodated in an extruder cylinder and set in motion by means of a drive, wherein the at least one extrusion unit can be supplied or is supplied with at least one operating medium via at least one supply line connected to it, and wherein the at least one extrusion unit is mounted so as to be movable from the first region into the second region and vice versa in order to transfer it from a first state, in which the at least one extrusion unit additively builds up at least one three-dimensional object in the first region, to a second state in which the at least one extrusion unit is accommodated in the receiving structure in the second region; - a storage device assigned to the at least one supply line, which is designed to store the at least one supply line during movements of the at least one extrusion unit between the first and the second region, and vice versa, so that the at least one supply line is connected to the at least one extrusion unit both in the first state and in the second state or so that the at least one extrusion unit can be or is supplied with the at least one operating medium via the at least one supply line, in particular continuously, both in the first and in the second state.

2. Installation according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is designed to store the at least one supply line in the first and / or in the second region, in particular suspended, above a subsurface.

3. Plant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage device is designed to movably support the at least one supply line in at least one degree of freedom of movement within a plane of movement, in particular independently of movements of a device supporting the at least one extrusion unit, in particular a robot.

4. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing device is arranged or formed on a structure delimiting the first and / or second region, in particular a housing structure.

5. System according to claim 4, wherein the bearing device is arranged or formed in a structure delimiting the first and / or second region on the ceiling side, in particular a housing structure.

6. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support device comprises one or more guide elements, in particular in the form of rails or gallows, which are designed to support the at least one supply line in a guided and movable manner.

7. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing device comprises at least one tensioning element which is designed to generate a tensioning force which places the at least one supply line under mechanical stress.

8. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving structure is configured to support the at least one extrusion unit in a stationary manner.

9. System according to claim 8, wherein the receiving structure has a securing device which is designed to secure a received extrusion unit in a fixed orientation and / or position, wherein the securing device comprises at least one securing element which is movably mounted, in particular controlled by a control device assigned to it, between a securing position in which it secures the at least one extrusion unit received in the receiving structure in a fixed orientation and / or position to the receiving structure, in particular by interacting positively with the at least one extrusion unit, and a non-securing position in which it does not secure the at least one extrusion unit received in the receiving structure in a fixed position to the receiving structure.

10. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one extrusion unit in the second state, in particular controlled by a control device assigned thereto, is operable in at least one operating mode, in particular an operating mode preparing or following operation in the first state.

11. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving structure is assigned at least one collecting structure, in particular a container, for collecting from the at least one extrusion unit received in the receiving structure.

12. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control device assigned to the at least one extrusion unit, which is set up for, in particular fully automatically, controlling the operation of the at least one extrusion unit in the first and in the second state.

13. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a device, in particular a material storage device, for providing at least one plastic granulate to be processed by means of the at least one extrusion unit.

14. Plant according to claim 13, wherein the device is designed to provide at least two plastic granules differing in at least one chemical and / or physical parameter, wherein the device is assigned a mixing device for mixing the at least two plastic granules and / or a distribution device for distributing the, optionally mixed, plastic granules to the at least one extrusion unit and / or to at least one further extrusion unit.

15. Plant according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two extrusion units, each having an extruder screw accommodated in an extruder cylinder and set in motion by means of a drive, wherein the at least two extrusion units are each supplied or can be supplied with at least one operating medium via at least one supply line connected thereto, and wherein the at least two extrusion units are movably mounted from the first region into the second region, and vice versa, in order to transfer them from a first state, in which the at least one extrusion unit additively builds at least one three-dimensional object in the first region, to a second state, in which the at least one extrusion unit is accommodated in the receiving structure in the second region, wherein the mounting device is assigned to the at least two supply lines and is configured,to support the at least two supply lines during movements of the at least two extrusion units between the first and the second area, and vice versa, so that the at least two supply lines are connected to the at least two extrusion units both in the first state and in the second state, or so that, the at least two extrusion units can be or are supplied with the at least one operating means via the at least two supply lines both in the first and in the second state.

16. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first region is formed by a first housing structure or a first housing structure section of a housing structure of the system and the second region is formed by a second housing structure or a second housing structure section of the housing structure of the system.

17. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second area are separate spaces which communicate with each other via at least one, optionally closable, passage.

18. A method for the extrusion-based additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects, wherein a system according to one of the preceding claims is used to carry out the method, wherein at least one extrusion unit is moved from the first region to the second region, or vice versa.

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