阅读说明：本技术 用于机床的3d打印工具 (3D printing tool for machine tool ) 是由 安德烈亚斯·哈泽 卡尔-海因·斯莫尔卡 于 2018-08-22 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于与机床(15)的主轴(1)联接的装置(16)。主轴(1)的力能以纯机械的方式被传递至用于运输长丝(51)的运输元件(25),以便通过增材制造形成成型件。本发明还涉及具有这种装置(16)的机床(15)以及利用这种装置(16)进行增材制造的方法。(The invention relates to a device (16) for coupling to a spindle (1) of a machine tool (15). The force of the spindle (1) can be transmitted in a purely mechanical manner to a transport element (25) for transporting the thread (51) in order to form a molded part by additive manufacturing. The invention also relates to a machine tool (15) having such a device (16) and to a method for additive manufacturing using such a device (16).)

1. Device (16, 161) for coupling with a spindle (1) of a machine tool (15), comprising a material handling unit and a holder (61) for coupling with the spindle (1) of the machine tool (15), wherein the material handling unit has a transmission comprising a force receiving element (21) and a force transmitting element (24, 28), wherein the force receiving element (21) is designed for receiving a mechanical force of the spindle (1), wherein the force transmitting element (24, 28) is designed for transmitting a mechanical force to a transport element (25, 27), wherein the transport element (25, 27) is designed for transporting a filament (51, 52), wherein the force received by the force receiving element (21) is transmitted to the force transmitting element (24, 28) in a purely mechanical manner, wherein, the force receiving element (21) is designed separately from the force transmitting element (24, 28), and wherein the rotational axis of the torque received by the force receiving element (21) is substantially orthogonal to the rotational axis of the transport element (25, 27) fed by the force transmitting element (24, 28).

2. Device (16, 161) according to claim 1, wherein the force receiving element (21) is designed for receiving a torque of the spindle (1).

3. Device (16, 161) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the force transmission element (24, 28) is designed for transmitting a torque to the transport element (25, 27).

4. Device (16, 161) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission is designed as a combined transmission combining a gear transmission comprising a first gear (21) and a second gear (22) with a worm gear transmission comprising a worm shaft (24) and a worm wheel (25).

5. Device (16, 161) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport element (25, 27) has two opposite pressure rollers.

6. Device (16, 161) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport element (25, 27) is adapted to transport the filaments (51, 52) in the direction of an output element (14), in particular in the direction of a nozzle (18) of the output element (14).

7. A device (16, 161) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the device has a filament receiving member for receiving a filament.

8. Device (16, 161) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the material processing unit has at least one heating element (60).

9. Device (16, 161) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element (60) is arranged in the output element (14).

10. Device (16, 161) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material handling unit is adapted to form a profile on the basis of the filaments (51, 52).

11. The device (16, 161) of any preceding claim, wherein the device has a communication interface (53) for communicating with a control unit (57).

12. The device (16, 161) of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the device is for additive manufacturing of a shaped part, in particular using a fused deposition modeling process.

13. A machine tool with a spindle, having a device (16, 161) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method for forming a shaped part with a device (16, 161) according to any of claims 1 to 11 for additive manufacturing, in particular with a fused deposition modeling process, having the steps of:

-transferring force from the spindle to the transport element by means of the transmission,

-receiving a filament by the material handling unit,

-transporting the filaments in the direction of a delivery element, in particular a nozzle,

-heating the filaments in the output element with a heating element,

-outputting the heated filaments.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a device for coupling with a spindle of a machine tool, comprising a material handling unit and a holder for coupling with a spindle of a machine tool. The invention further relates to a machine tool having a spindle, which machine tool has such a device, and to a method for forming a molded part using such a device for additive manufacturing, in particular using a fused deposition modeling process.

Background

DE112015001860T5 discloses a replaceable unit which is provided for coupling with a computer-assisted, numerically controlled machine. The replaceable unit includes: a holder coupled with a spindle of a CNC (computer numerical control) machine; a control device for receiving as input a rotational speed of the spindle; and a material handling unit performing a first function responsive to a first rotational speed range of the spindle and a second function responsive to a second rotational speed range of the spindle. The patent document also describes an extruder that can be coupled to a CNC device. The extruder has a holder and a generator that converts the rotational motion of the main shaft into an electrical current for driving a motor of the extruder. The extruder provides extruded material to form the part in a manner responsive to the rotational speed of the spindle.

The replaceable unit converts the rotational energy of the main shaft into electrical energy using a generator. The electrical energy obtained in this way is then converted again into rotational energy by the motor in order to drive the extruder.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to improve such a device, preferably with a simplified complexity.

This object is achieved by claim 1, namely by a device for coupling with a spindle of a machine tool, comprising a material handling unit and a holder for coupling with a spindle of a machine tool, wherein the material handling unit has a transmission, which comprises a force receiving element and a force transmitting element, wherein the force receiving element is designed to receive a mechanical force of the spindle, wherein the force transmitting element is designed to transmit the mechanical force to a transport element, wherein the transport element is designed to transport a thread, wherein the force received by the force receiving element is transmitted to the force transmitting element in a purely mechanical manner.

Further advantageous embodiments are given by the dependent claims 2 to 13.

The object is also achieved by claim 14, that is to say by a machine tool having a spindle, which has a device according to one of claims 1 to 13.

The object is also achieved by claim 15, that is to say by a method for forming a shaped part with an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for additive manufacturing, in particular with a fused deposition modeling process, having the steps:

-transferring the force from the spindle to the transport element by means of a transmission,

-receiving the filament by a material handling unit,

transporting the thread in the direction of the delivery element, in particular the nozzle,

-heating the filaments in the output element with a heating element,

-outputting the heated filaments.

Machine tools are used as a working machine, which causes a tool to act on a workpiece in a mutually defined guidance. Typically, machine tools manipulate tools and workpieces and record, process and feed back information about the manufacturing process. The machine tool is a mechanized and preferably automated working machine which, by means of a relative movement between the workpiece and the tool, produces or modifies the workpiece into a predetermined shape.

The machine tool preferably comprises a spindle carrying a tool, wherein the tool can be manually and automatically replaced. Such spindles achieve very precise machining of workpieces on account of their high rotational speeds possible. The workpiece can be machined in this case, for example, by milling or turning.

The machine tool is preferably combined with a modern control unit. These CNC machines (CNC stands for computer numerical control) are capable of machining workpieces in a highly precise and fully automated manner.

The term "coupling" here denotes the connection of the device to the spindle of the machine tool, wherein different types of connections are conceivable, for example connections by means of bolts, screws, threads, magnets, electromagnets, adhesives or other adhesives or welding. The connection can also be a snap connection or a clip connection, as well as other force-fitting or form-fitting connections.

The apparatus includes a material handling unit and a holder for coupling with a spindle of a machine tool.

The holder is preferably designed in such a way that one of the already described types of connection can be realized.

The material handling unit has an actuator including a force receiving element and a force transmitting element. The force receiving element is designed for receiving a mechanical force of the spindle. The force transmission element is designed to transmit mechanical force to the transport element. The transport element is designed for transporting the filaments. The force received by the force receiving element is transmitted to the force transmitting element in a purely mechanical manner.

A transmission is a mechanical component which transmits and/or converts forces, rotational speeds, movements (in particular rotational movements) or torques (in particular torques). The transmissions may be designed as transmissions with equally large transmission ratios, or as transmissions with different transmission ratios.

The transmission ratio (also referred to as transmission ratio) is a ratio between the input-side force (e.g. rotational speed, torque) to be received and the output-side force to be transmitted.

This device has the advantage that the thread can be transported in a simple manner. Since the force received by the force receiving element is transmitted to the force transmitting element in a purely mechanical manner, the device is less prone to errors, has a low price and low losses.

Furthermore, a compact design is also possible. In addition, only a small amount of control technology is required, since the transport element can be controlled directly by the rotational speed of the spindle.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the force-receiving element is designed to receive a torque of the spindle.

The force receiving element is preferably directly connected with the spindle. Different types of connections are conceivable here, such as snap connections, clip connections or other force-fitting or form-fitting connections. Alternatively, the connection may be made by bolts, screws, threads, magnets, electromagnets, adhesives or other adhesives or welding.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the force transmission element is designed to transmit a torque to the transport element.

The force transmitting element is capable of transmitting a torque corresponding to the torque received by the force receiving element. However, it may also deliver an increasing or decreasing torque. The increased torque results in a reduction in rotational speed. The reduced torque results in an increase in the rotational speed.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the force-receiving element is designed separately from the force-transmitting element. Preferably, the rotational axis of the torque received by the force receiving element is substantially orthogonal to the rotational axis of the transport element supplied by the force transmitting element.

The two axes of rotation are preferably perpendicular to each other. This simplifies the complexity of the actuator. However, other angles are possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transmission is designed as a combined transmission which combines a gear transmission comprising a first gear and a second gear with a worm gear transmission comprising a worm shaft and a worm wheel.

In an exemplary embodiment of the combined transmission, the first gear is preferably directly connected to the spindle. Here, the first gear is the force receiving element, since it receives the force directly from the spindle.

The second gear wheel, which is paired with the first gear wheel, is part of the worm shaft or is connected to the worm shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. The second gear wheel represents a force transmission element.

The force transmission element is in particular an element which transmits force directly to the transport element. Which in this case is the second gear.

The worm shaft is paired with a worm gear. In an exemplary version, the worm gear is a transport element. The force transmission element transmits a force to the transport element.

It is also conceivable to connect the second gear to the worm shaft via a further transmission.

In addition, other transmission types are also conceivable which achieve purely mechanical force transmission, for example bevel gear transmissions.

Metals or plastics are suitable as materials for the gear, worm shaft and/or worm wheel. Alloys made of carbon and iron or various steels are particularly suitable.

Preferably, in the case of a worm gear drive, a worm shaft of a material having a first hardness is paired with a worm gear of a material having a second hardness, wherein the second hardness is softer than the first hardness to reduce friction. For example, the worm shaft is made of hardened steel. For example, the worm gear has brass or bronze.

The gear drive and/or the worm gear drive have a lubricating element. The lubricant is preferably grease or oil.

The lubricating element preferably has heat removal capability.

A worm shaft with helical teeth is particularly suitable as the worm shaft, wherein the teeth helically surround the wheel axis and comprise at least one elastomer, for example rubber teeth, which form the toothing of the worm shaft.

The mating worm wheel does not require a toothing. The advantage here is that the thread can be transported in this way without the thread jamming into the teeth of the worm wheel. In addition, a lubricant that may adhere to the filaments may be dispensed with.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transport element has two opposite pressure rollers.

The pressure roller is a cylinder which is surrounded by a mantle surface and two cutting circle surfaces.

As already explained, the force of the spindle preferably acts on at least one of the two pressure rollers.

The force transfer element transfers the force to the transport element. In this case, the force transmission element transmits a force to the at least one pressure roller.

Preferably, the second pressure roller is rotatably mounted on an axis perpendicular to the ideal cutting circle.

However, it is also possible to drive the two pressure rollers by the spindle via one or more drives.

Furthermore, the transport element can also have three or more pressure rollers. However, an even number has proven to be advantageous, which enables the pressure rollers to be arranged opposite one another.

The force from the force transmission element is transmitted to at least one of the arranged pressure rollers.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transport element serves to transport the thread in the direction of the delivery element, in particular in the direction of the nozzle of the delivery element.

The direction of rotation of the pressure roller is preferably such that the filaments are conveyed in the direction of the output element. Preferably, the direction of the filaments emerging from the nozzle is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the spindle.

Preferably, the rotational speed of the spindle determines the rotational speed of the transport element with reference to the transmission ratio of the transmission and thus also the speed required for the movement of the thread in the direction of the output element.

The machine tool preferably has a control unit. The desired rotational speed of the spindle can be communicated to the machine tool. The machine tool is preferably designed as a CNC machine. The control unit is preferably designed to determine a material-property-dependent speed, in particular a rotational speed, of the spindle on the basis of at least one material property of the thread.

The nozzle is preferably part of a 3D (three dimensional) print head.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device has a thread receiving member for receiving the thread.

The reception of the thread is preferably effected by a channel in the spindle. The channel is preferably provided for the transport of coolant and/or lubricant.

Filament spools may also be provided. In the case of filament spools, the filaments are preferably wound on a spindle head and/or placed annularly on the spindle head.

The filaments preferably comprise molded wax, thermoplastic, thermoset, or other plastic. However, other materials may be used, for example metals such as silver, gold, tin, copper or brass.

In general, substances that are preferably deformable within a certain temperature range are suitable. The temperature range is preferably between 150 ℃ and 300 ℃, in particular between 200 ℃ and 270 ℃.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the material treatment unit has at least one heating element.

The heating element is preferably integrated in the material processing unit. However, it may also be an external heating element connected to the material processing unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the heating element is arranged in the output element.

Preferably, the heating element is arranged on or in close proximity to the nozzle of the output element.

The thread is transported via a transport element in the direction of the nozzle, heated to a temperature such that it can be deformed and discharged.

The sequence, pattern or other specification is preferably stored in the control unit. Based on the pattern, the sequence or the prescription, the filaments can be transported, heated and output in the direction of the nozzle.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the material treatment unit is used to form a shaped part on the basis of the thread.

The molded part is preferably stored as a data set (e.g. a CAD (computer aided design) file) in the machine tool, preferably in the control unit. The control unit controls the spindles on the basis of the data set in order to be able to produce the molded parts.

The device is preferably designed as a 3D print head. The 3D print head produces a molded part based on the filaments and the pattern stored in the control unit or the sequence or prescription stored in the control unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device has a communication interface for communication with the control unit.

The device preferably also has at least one sensor. The data of the sensors can be obtained by means of a communication interface. In this way, for example, the temperature of the heating element, the rotational speed of the spindle and the rotational speed of the transport element can be obtained and transmitted to the control unit.

The communication interface thus ensures safe operation of the device.

The communication is preferably realized by means of a bus system or an industrial ethernet. However, other communication techniques may be used.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device is used for additive manufacturing of molded parts, in particular using the fused deposition modeling (schmelzschichtmung) process.

Fused deposition modeling is an additive manufacturing process in which a molded part is constructed in layers from a fusible material or a material that can be deformed by heat. Fused deposition modeling or fused filament fabrication is also known in terms of fused deposition modeling or fused filament fabrication.

In the case of fused deposition modeling, the filaments can be heated and delivered from a nozzle in the form of droplets or as a strand.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a machine tool with a spindle comprises such a device which can be coupled to the spindle.

This has the advantage that existing machine tools can be equipped with the device. There is no need to purchase a new expensive 3D printer.

The device is preferably designed as a replaceable device, which can be replaced by the customer if necessary.

This has the advantage that an alternative operation of the machine tool, for example as a milling machine, can be achieved.

The invention discloses a method for forming a shaped part using the apparatus described for additive manufacturing, in particular using a fused deposition modeling process.

The transmission of force from the spindle to the transport element is here effected purely mechanically by means of a transmission.

For the relationship between force and torque, it applies that torque represents the strength of the force acting on the rotatably mounted object.

Preferably, a spindle and a pressure roller are used as rotatably supported objects.

The thread is received by the material processing unit and transported in the direction of the output element, in particular the nozzle, in the described manner. Preferably, the thread is heated in the delivery element, in particular by means of a heating element, and is delivered by the delivery element.

The heated filaments are preferably delivered in the form of droplets or as a strand.

Preferably, the heated filaments are delivered to a table or other type of work surface. However, it is also possible to discharge heated filaments, for example made of plastic, for example into or onto metal parts or other parts.

The table can be designed to be movable and can be moved, for example, according to specifications, in a preferably specific axis for forming the profile part.

Furthermore, the spindle head or a part of the machine tool comprising the spindle can also be designed to be movable in a preferably specific axis.

The invention proposes a preferably replaceable device which performs the function of a 3D print head. The present invention provides a convenient and inexpensive solution for 3D printing tools for machine tools.

The rotational speed of the spindle can be input in the control unit. Here, the material properties of the filaments can be taken into account. The rotational speed of the spindle determines the speed of the material feed of the thread with reference to the transmission ratio of the transmission. No external drive is required for this material supply.

The device may form a stand alone unit in which no additional drive or cable is required.

The device is preferably coupled to a spindle of a machine tool. The device is preferably fixed in a tool shank, which is also used to fix milling tools, for example. However, the main shaft is preferably kept rotatable.

The invention has the advantage of reducing mechanical and electrical expenditure and simplifying complexity.

Drawings

The invention will be described and explained in detail below with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. The figures show:

figure 1 shows a design of the device with a driven pressure roller and a thread take-up through a spindle channel,

figure 2 shows a design of the device with two driven pressure rollers and an endless thread take-up,

fig. 3 shows a method for additive manufacturing using a device according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a design of a device with a driven pressure roller 25 and a thread take-up section of the passage through the spindle 1.

The spindle housing 11 includes a spindle head 2. The spindle head 2 surrounds the spindle 1. These components are part of a machine tool 15 according to the prior art. The spindle 1 rotates about a rotational axis 10. The device 16 is fixed in the tool shank 3. The device 16, which comprises the ball bearing 31 and the device housing 8, is coupled with the main shaft 1 by means of a holder 61. In this figure, the device 16 is also fixed with a fastening element 32 at the spindle housing 11 of a machine tool 15, which is preferably designed as a CNC machine. The spindle 1 should rotate in the device 16, but the device 16 should not rotate together.

The transmission is designed in this figure as a combined transmission. The combined transmission comprises a gear transmission having a first gear 21 and a second gear 22. This gear drive is combined with a worm gear drive comprising a worm shaft 24 and a worm wheel 25.

This figure shows an optional connecting rod 23 which connects the second gear 22 in a rotationally fixed manner to the worm shaft 24. The second gear 22 can also be directly connected to the worm shaft 24.

The first gear 21 is directly connected to the main shaft 1. The first gear wheel 21 is here a force receiving element, since it receives the force of the spindle 1.

The second gear 22, which is paired with the first gear 21, is part of the worm shaft 24 or is connected to the worm shaft 24 in a rotationally fixed manner. The second gear wheel represents a force transmission element.

The worm shaft 24 is paired with a worm wheel 25. The worm gear 25 is a pressure roller and thus part of the transport element. The direction of rotation of the worm gear 25 is shown by arrow 42. The worm shaft 24 acts as a force-transmitting element to transmit force to the transport element.

The pressure rollers 26 are arranged opposite in the direction of rotation 43.

The device comprises a heating element 60 for heating the filaments 51.

The two pressure rollers 25 and 26 transport the thread 51, which is guided through the channel of the spindle 1 in the direction of the output element 14. In this case, the pressure roller 25 is actively moved.

The pressure rollers 25 have two functions, one being part of the worm gear drive as a worm wheel and the other being part of the transport element as pressure rollers. The pressure roller 26 has only one function as a pressure roller.

The delivery element 14 comprises a nozzle 18 for delivering the heated filaments 51.

The device 16 also comprises a communication interface 53 through which information is transmitted to a control unit 57, which is preferably part of the CNC machine. In the figure, the device has, for example, a sensor 55 for measuring the rotational speed of the spindle 1, a sensor 54 for measuring the rotational speed of the pressure roller designed as a worm wheel 25, and a sensor 56 for measuring the temperature of the heating element 60.

Fig. 2 shows a design of the device with two driven pressure rollers 25 and 27 and an endless thread take-up.

The spindle housing 11 includes a spindle head 2. The spindle head 2 surrounds the spindle 1. These components are part of a machine tool 15 according to the prior art. The spindle 1 rotates about a rotational axis 10. The device 161 is fixed in the tool shank 3. The device 161 includes the ball bearing 31 and the device housing 8, and is coupled with the main shaft 1 by means of the holder 61. In this figure, the device 161 is also fixed with the fastening element 32 at the spindle housing 11 of a machine tool 15, which is preferably designed as a CNC machine. The spindle 1 should rotate in the device 16, but the device 161 should not rotate together.

In this figure, the transmission is designed as a combined transmission.

In contrast to fig. 1, in fig. 2 the two pressure rollers 25 and 27 are actively driven.

The combined transmission comprises a first gear transmission having a first gear 21 and a second gear 22. This first gear drive is combined with a worm gear drive comprising a worm shaft 24 and a worm wheel 25.

This figure shows an optional connecting rod 23 which connects the second gear 22 in a rotationally fixed manner to the worm shaft 24. The second gear 22 can also be directly connected to the worm shaft 24.

The transmission also comprises a second gear transmission having a first gear 21 and a third gear 30. This second gear drive is combined with a worm gear drive comprising a worm shaft 28 and a worm wheel 27.

This figure shows an optional connecting rod 29 which connects the third gear 30 in a rotationally fixed manner to the worm shaft 28. The third gear 30 can also be directly connected to the worm shaft 28.

The first gear 21 is directly connected to the main shaft 1. The first gear wheel 21 is here a force receiving element, since it receives the force of the spindle 1.

The second gear 22, which is paired with the first gear 21, is part of the worm shaft 24 or is connected to the worm shaft 24 in a rotationally fixed manner. The third gear 30, which is paired with the first gear 21, is part of the worm shaft 28 or is connected to the worm shaft 28 in a rotationally fixed manner. In this way, force is transmitted.

The worm shaft 24 is paired with a worm wheel 25. The worm shaft 28 is paired with the worm wheel 27. The worm gear 25 is a pressure roller and thus part of the transport element. The direction of rotation of the worm gear 25 is shown by arrow 42. The worm wheel 27 is a pressure roller and thus part of the transport element. The direction of rotation of the worm wheel 27 is shown by arrow 41. The two worm gears 25 and 27 are oppositely arranged.

The worm shafts 24 and 28 transmit force to the transport element.

The first gear 21 is thus part of the first gear transmission and also part of the second gear transmission.

The pressure rollers 25 have two functions, in particular, one being part of a worm gear drive as a worm wheel and the other being part of the transport element as pressure rollers. This also applies to the pressure roller 27.

The apparatus includes a heating element 60 for heating the filament 52.

The two pressure rollers 25 and 27 transport the thread 52, which runs in the direction of the output element 14 in an annular manner around the spindle head 2. The delivery element 14 comprises a nozzle 18 for delivering the heated filaments 52.

The device 161 also comprises a communication interface 53 through which information is transmitted to a control unit 57, which is preferably part of the CNC machine.

Figure 3 shows a method for additive manufacturing using such an apparatus.

In method step S1, a force is transmitted from the spindle to the transport element by means of the drive.

In method step S2, the thread is received by the material processing unit and in method step S3 the thread is transported in the direction of the output element, in particular the nozzle, in the manner already described above.

In method step S4, the thread is heated in the delivery element and is delivered from the delivery element in method step S5.

The heated filaments are preferably delivered in the form of droplets or as a strand.