DE102015212069A1 - Method for connecting components and component connection system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for connecting components (28, 38). It is proposed that at least two components (28, 38) are arranged in a predetermined manner to each other and the components (28, 38) are connected to each other at at least one predetermined location by means of a 3D printing process. In this way, the components (28, 38) can be connected to each other at low cost.

Description

The invention relates to a method for connecting components.

The joining of components in a manufacturing process of a product can be associated with a high manufacturing cost. Especially when at least one of the components has a complex geometric shape, for example, a rounded or a non-planar shape, the manufacturing complexity for connecting the components can be particularly high.

In particular, in vehicle construction, it is often necessary to connect components for a car body with each other, which have a complex geometric shape, which then leads to a high time and / or cost in the production of a car body due to the high production cost.

An object of the invention is to provide a method by means of which components can be connected to each other at low cost.

This object is achieved by a method for joining components, in which according to the invention at least two components are arranged in a predetermined manner to one another and the components are connected to one another at at least one predetermined location by means of a 3D printing process.

The invention is based on the consideration that with the aid of 3D printing methods components with complex geometrical shapes can be produced inexpensively, in particular also with molds that can not be produced using other production methods or only with great effort.

Further, the invention is based on the finding that it is possible using a 3D printing process to connect components together, in particular by using the 3D printing process on the components at least one connecting member is formed, which connects the components. Since 3D printing processes generally have a high degree of flexibility in terms of shaping, a 3D printing process makes it easy to create a connection between two components, which is adapted to the respective component geometry.

Unlike, for example, in methods for connecting components that use screw and / or rivet, it can also be dispensed with when using a 3D printing process to make holes in the components to be joined, which is associated with a certain cost savings.

In addition, 3D printing processes offer the possibility of analyzing (and / or optimizing) (geometric) parameters of the connection to be produced by means of a computer unit even before establishing a connection between two components.

A 3D printing process may be understood to mean a process for the layered production of components from at least one liquid material and / or at least one solid material. It makes sense to manufacture the components according to predetermined dimensions and / or shapes. Conveniently, a 3D printing process is performed using a computer unit.

Preferably, the components are permanently connected to each other. The respective component may be, for example, a rod, a beam or a plate. At least one of the components can be planar, at least in sections. Furthermore, at least one of the components can be curved or rounded at least in sections. Furthermore, at least one of the components may be a prefabricated component.

Furthermore, at least one of the components may have a so-called "bionically optimized structure" (also called "load-optimized structure"). A "bionically optimized structure" of a component can be understood as meaning a structure in which a higher material density is provided in those areas of the component in which a higher load or force is to be expected than in areas in which a lower load or Force is expected. Thus, the said component may have a lightweight structure adapted to mechanical requirements.

The arrangement of the components in the predetermined manner may include, among other things, that the components are each brought into a predetermined position and / or aligned in a predetermined manner to each other.

Conveniently, the components are arranged by means of one or more holding devices in the predetermined manner to each other. The components can be at least partially inserted into the holding device / s and / or placed on the holding device / s. Furthermore, the components can be attached to the holding device or to the holding devices.

The 3D printing method may include, but is not limited to, a (selective) laser melting method, a (selective) laser sintering method, an electron beam melting method, a stereolithography method, a fused deposition method (also called fused deposition method) Digital light processing modeling method and / or a polyjet modeling method include.

Which or which of the aforementioned methods comprises the 3D printing method may depend on which materials the components are made of.

Conveniently, the components are interconnected using at least one 3D printer. As a 3D printer, a device for carrying out a 3D printing method or a combination of different 3D printing methods can be understood.

It is also expedient if the 3D printer is arranged on a positioning device. In addition, the 3D printer may be attached to the positioning device. Preferably, the 3D printer, in particular a print head of the 3D printer, is brought into a position using the positioning device, from which the 3D printer connects the components at the predetermined location or at the predetermined locations.

If the components are connected to each other at several predetermined locations, the 3D printer or its print head is expediently brought into various positions, from which the 3D printer connects the components to each other at the respective predetermined location.

Alternatively, it is possible that the components are moved relative to the 3D printer, in particular relative to its printhead, for example by means of a transport unit on which the components are arranged. In this case, the components can be brought into a position in which the 3D printer connects the components at the predetermined location or at the predetermined locations.

Preferably, at least one link is produced in the 3D printing process. Conveniently, the connector is made using at least one 3D printer. It makes sense that the components are connected to each other by the connecting member, in particular at the predetermined location. In addition, the connecting member may have a "bionically optimized structure".

The components may be made of at least one plastic material, at least one synthetic resin material, at least one ceramic material and / or at least one metallic material.

Preferably, the components are made of the same material or materials. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the connecting member is made of the same material or the same materials from which or which the components are made. In this way, the components can be particularly firmly connected to each other.

Furthermore, it is preferred if material is deposited in layers on or on at least one of the components, in particular using at least one 3D printer. Conveniently, the material accumulates on this component. Advantageously, a connecting element is formed from the material, by means of which the components are connected to one another. This connecting member may in particular be the aforementioned connecting member.

It is particularly preferred if material is deposited layer by layer on or on each of the components, which expediently attaches to the respective component.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the material is heated before and / or after landfilling. Conveniently, the material combines with the components. Advantageously, a component surface on which the material is deposited is heated by means of a heating device, in particular before the material is deposited on the component surface. In this way it is possible that the deposited material on the component surface can connect to the respective component.

Furthermore, it is within the scope of the invention to provide a method for producing a car body for a vehicle, in particular for a rail vehicle. The vehicle may be, inter alia, a vehicle intended for passenger traffic. Preferably, in the method for producing a car body, at least two components, which each form an element of the car body, according to the inventive method, in particular according to at least one of the above-described developments of the method according to the invention, interconnected. In this way, the car body can be produced with a low time and / or manufacturing effort.

In addition, the production method may in particular be a method for producing a To be car body shell. That is, the components can each form an element of a shell of the car body. In addition, the components, which each form an element of the car body, in particular be the aforementioned components. Preferably, at least one of the components forms a bearing element of the car body. Furthermore, at least one of the components can form a stiffening element of the car body.

In addition, it may be provided that at least one of the components is fabricated using a 3D printing process before the components are joined together. The said component can in particular be manufactured in such a way that it has (after its completion) a "bionically optimized structure".

In principle, the component which is manufactured by means of a 3D printing method can be produced by means of a method other than the aforementioned 3D printing method, by means of which the components are connected to one another.

Preferably, the component, which is manufactured by means of a 3D printing process, made using the same 3D printing process, by means of which the components are interconnected.

In addition, the component which is produced by means of a 3D printing method can be produced, in particular using the same 3D printer or the same 3D printer, by means of which the components are connected to one another. In this way, a single 3D printer is basically sufficient for producing the said component and for joining the components. It is not therefore necessary to provide 3D printers for joining components and 3D printers especially for producing components. As a result, in turn, the production of the car body can be realized produced particularly inexpensive.

In principle, it can be provided that each of the components is manufactured by means of a 3D printing method before the components are connected to one another. In this case, one of the components can be manufactured using a first 3D printer, while another of the components is manufactured using a second 3D printer. Alternatively, the components can be manufactured using the same 3D printer.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a component connection system for connecting components.

A component connection system by means of which components can be connected to one another in an inexpensive manner is achieved according to the invention in that the component connection system is set up to carry out the method according to the invention, in particular at least one of the developments of the method according to the invention described above.

Preferably, the component connection system is adapted to arrange at least two components in a predetermined manner to one another and to connect the components to one another at at least one predetermined location by means of a 3D printing method.

Further, it is preferable that the component connection system is further configured to perform the above-described method of manufacturing a car body.

The fact that the component connection system is set up to carry out the inventive method and / or the method for producing a car body may include, inter alia, that a computer program is stored in the component connection system, by means of which one or more elements of the component connection system is / are controlled such that Component connection system the respective method is performed. Preferably, the computer program generates control commands for one or more elements of the component connection system.

It makes sense for the component connection system to be a 3D printing system. Conveniently, the component connection system comprises at least one 3D printer. Moreover, it is advantageous if the component connection system comprises a positioning device on which, for example, the 3D printer or a print head of the 3D printer can be arranged. The positioning device can be used to bring the 3D printer or its print head in a predetermined position.

It is also expedient if the component connection system has a computer unit for controlling the 3D printer and / or for controlling the positioning device. It makes sense that the computer unit is communicatively connected to the 3D printer and / or the positioning device.

Furthermore, the component connection system may comprise a heating device for heating a component surface. The heating device may, for example, comprise a laser and / or a lamp, in particular an infrared lamp. Furthermore, the heating device may have at least one deflection unit for deflecting a light beam, in particular a laser beam. The deflection unit can be used to control the light beam grid over said component surface to lead. Furthermore, the deflection unit may comprise one or more optical elements, such as a lens or a mirror.

In addition, it is within the scope of the invention to provide a method for preparing a component connection system, to carry out the method according to the invention or to carry out the method for producing a carbody. In particular, the latter component connection system may be the aforementioned component connection system.

In a preferred manner, in the method for preparing the component connection system, a data record is generated which contains information about which spatial points a 3D printer of the component connection system has to deposit material.

The data set is expediently produced as a function of a geometric configuration of the components to be connected, as a function of a spatial arrangement of the components and / or in dependence on where or at which points the components are to be connected to one another.

The geometric configuration of the respective component may relate inter alia to its shape and / or dimensions. Furthermore, the spatial arrangement of the respective component can relate to its position and / or orientation.

The previously given description of advantageous embodiments of the invention contains numerous features, which are given in the individual subclaims partially summarized in several. However, these features may conveniently be considered individually and combined into meaningful further combinations. In particular, these features can be combined individually and in any suitable combination with the method according to the invention and the component connection system according to the invention. Thus, process features, objectively formulated, can also be seen as a property of the corresponding device unit and vice versa.

Although some terms are used in the specification or in the claims in each case in the singular or in conjunction with a number word, the scope of the invention for these terms should not be limited to the singular or the respective number word. Further, the words "a" and "an" are not to be understood as number words but as indefinite articles.

The above-described characteristics, features and advantages of the invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more clearly understood in connection with the following description of the embodiment of the invention, which will be described in detail in conjunction with the drawings. The exemplary embodiment serves to explain the invention and does not limit the invention to the combinations of features specified therein, not even with regard to functional features. In addition, suitable features of the embodiment may also be considered explicitly isolated and combined with any of the claims.

Show it:

1 a component connecting system, by means of which a first component for a car body is manufactured;

2 the component connection system 1 , By means of which a second component for a car body is connected to the first component; and

3 a section through a car body of a rail vehicle, in which the two components 2 are installed.

1 shows a schematic representation of a component connection system 2 , which is a 3D printing system and in the present embodiment for implementing a 3D printing method, in particular for performing the so-called melt-layer method (also called fused-deposition-modeling method), is set up.

The component connection system 2 includes, among other things, a 3D printer 4 which is a printhead 6 with a nozzle 8th and a roller conveyor unit 10 having.

Furthermore, the component connection system comprises 2 a positioning device 12 , The positioning device 12 in turn comprises a first, vertically oriented guide rod 14 and a second, horizontally oriented guide bar 16 , The latter is via a motor-driven lifting unit 18 at the first guide rod 14 appropriate. Furthermore, the lifting unit 18 along the first guide bar 14 movable, so that the second guide rod 16 using the lifting unit 18 can be moved up or down. Next is the first guide bar 14 on a track 20 arranged, which is movable in any horizontal direction. In addition, the 3D printer 4 , especially the printhead 6 of the 3D printer 4 , on the second guide rod 16 attached and over one in the printhead 6 arranged motor along the second guide rod 16 traversable.

In addition, the component connection system includes 2 a computer unit 22 , The computer unit 22 is communicative with the 3D printer via a wireless connection 4 and the positioning device 12 connected. Basically, alternatively, a wired connection would be the computer unit 22 with the 3D printer 4 and / or the positioning device 12 possible. Next is in the computer unit 22 a computer program deposited, over which the 3D printer 4 and the positioning device 12 to be controlled.

In addition, the component connection system includes 2 a heating device (cf. 2 ), which for better clarity in 1 not shown.

Before using the part connection system 2 a component is produced with a predetermined geometry, a record is generated which contains information about which positions the positioning device 12 the 3D printer 4 and in which points of the 3D printer 4 Material from the printhead 6 should deposit. This record can be made by means of the computer unit 22 be generated. Alternatively, the data record can be generated by means of another computer unit and to the first-mentioned computer unit 22 be transmitted.

To make a (metallic) component, the printhead 6 by means of the roller conveyor unit 10 a metal wire 24 fed. The in the printhead 6 inserted part of the metal wire 24 is in the printhead 6 melted and over the nozzle 8th of the printhead 6 layer by layer on a base platform 26 of the component connection system 2 applied.

According to the specifications in the record brings the positioning device 12 the 3D printer 4 in the default positions, the 3D printer 4 in the given space points material, namely from the metal wire 24 recovered molten metal, deposited. In this way, a first component is layered using the melt layer method 28 built up. In the present embodiment, the first component forms 28 a curved element for a rail vehicle body (see. 3 ).

In 1 is the first component 28 shown in an unfinished state, wherein the still to be manufactured portion of the first component 28 is indicated in the form of a dashed line.

Furthermore, the component connection system 2 one on the base platform 26 arranged support platform 30 have, which is intended to the component 28 To provide a support surface to tipping the component 28 to prevent.

In principle, for producing the first component 28 a different 3D printing method than the exemplarily selected melt layer method can be used, such as a laser melting method, a laser sintering method, an electron beam melting method, a stereolithography method, a digital light processing modeling method and / or or a polyjet modeling process. Accordingly, the configuration of the component connection system 2 differ from the above-described embodiment in some features.

2 shows the component connection system 2 out 1 , In addition to the above-described elements, the above-mentioned heater is 32 of the component connection system 2 shown.

The heater 32 includes two lasers 34 and two optical deflectors 36 each one of the two lasers 34 assigned.

Next to the finished first component 28 is in 2 a second component 38 shown. The second component 38 forms another element for a rail vehicle body (see. 3 ) and is made of the same material as the first component 28 , Furthermore, the second component 38 For example, also be made by means of a 3D printing process, in particular by means of the same 3D printing process, by means of which the first component 28 was made.

The first component 28 is at a first holding device 40 attached and the second component 38 is on a second holding device 42 attached.

For connecting the two components 28 . 38 become the components 28 . 38 first using the fixtures 40 . 42 arranged in a predetermined manner to each other. In particular, the components 28 . 38 in sections on the support platform 30 hung up.

Using the part connection system 2 become the two components 28 . 38 connected at a predetermined location, at their respective on the support platform 30 overlying section. Here are the two components 28 . 38 using the same 3D printer 4 connected by means of which already the first components 28 was made. In addition, the same 3D printing method, namely the melt layer method, is used, by means of which the first component 28 was made.

In principle, however, it would be possible to use another 3D printer (of a different component connection system) and / or another 3D printing method for connecting the components 28 . 38 to use.

In the 3D printing process, using the 3D printer 4 on a component surface 44 of the first component 28 as well as on a component surface 46 of the second component 38 layered material 48 that is, from the metal wire 24 recovered molten metal, deposited. The material 48 stores itself on the components 28 . 38 on, being from the material 48 a link 50 is formed, through which the components 28 . 38 be connected to each other.

Every time before a layer of material on the component surfaces 44 . 46 is deposited, the component surfaces 44 . 46 using the heater 32 heated. For this purpose, the lasers generate 34 one laser beam each 52 by using the respective laser 34 associated deflection unit 36 grid-like over one of the component surfaces 44 . 46 to be led. In the present embodiment, the one laser beam 52 from the left laser as per the drawing 34 is generated, over said component surface 46 of the second component 38 guided. Accordingly, the one laser beam 52 , the right laser as per the drawing 34 is generated, over said component surface 44 of the first component 28 guided.

Before the components 28 . 38 however, using the part connection system 2 connected to each other, a record is generated which contains information about which positions the positioning device 12 the 3D printer 4 and in which points of the 3D printer 4 the material 48 from the printhead 6 should deposit.

This data set is dependent on a geometric configuration of the components to be connected 28 . 38 , depending on their spatial arrangement and depending on where the components 28 . 38 are connected to each other, generated.

According to the specifications in the record brings the positioning device 12 the 3D printer 4 in the predetermined positions, from which the 3D printer 4 the material 48 from the printhead 6 on the component surfaces 44 . 46 landfilled.

3 shows a schematic section through a car body 54 a rail vehicle, in which the two aforementioned components 28 . 38 are installed. In the illustrated section is a section through a seating area of the rail vehicle, in which several passenger seats 56 are arranged.

The two aforementioned components 28 . 38 as well as these two components 28 . 38 connecting link 50 are elements of the car body 54 , wherein the connecting member 50 in the present figure (differently in 2 ) is completely formed. In addition, each of the two components 28 . 38 each by a further link 58 with another component 60 of the car body 54 connected.

Out 3 it can be seen that the first and the second component 28 . 38 Elements of a badger 62 of the car body 54 are, being the first component 28 a bent element of the roof 62 forms and the second component 38 a flat element of the roof 62 formed.

The other components 60 of the car body 54 can be made, inter alia, by means of a 3D printing process. Furthermore, for making the connections between the other components 60 and the first two components 28 . 38 a 3D printing process, in particular the melt-layer process, can be used analogously to the manner described above.

Although the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed example and other variations can be derived therefrom without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

Method for connecting components ( 28 . 38 ), in which at least two components ( 28 . 38 ) are arranged in a predetermined manner to each other and the components ( 28 . 38 ) are interconnected at at least one predetermined location using a 3D printing process. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the 3D printing method is a laser melting method, a laser sintering method, an electron beam melting method, a stereolithography method, a melt layer method, a digital light processing modeling method and / or a polyjet modeling method. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the components ( 28 . 38 ) using at least a 3D printer ( 4 ), which on a positioning device ( 12 ) are connected together, the 3D Printer ( 4 ) using the positioning device ( 12 ) is moved to a position from which the 3D printer ( 4 ) the components ( 28 . 38 ) connects together at the predetermined location. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the 3D printing method at least one connecting member ( 50 ), through which the components ( 28 . 38 ) are interconnected at the predetermined location. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the connecting member ( 50 ) is manufactured from the same material or materials from which the components ( 28 . 38 ) are made. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that using at least one 3D printer ( 4 ) on at least one of the components ( 28 . 38 ) layered material ( 48 ) is deposited, which at this component ( 28 . 38 ), whereby from the material ( 48 ) a link ( 50 ) is formed, through which the components ( 28 . 38 ). Method according to claim 6, characterized in that a component surface ( 44 . 46 ) on which the material ( 48 ) is deposited by means of a heating device ( 32 ) is heated before the material ( 48 ) on the component surface ( 44 . 46 ) is deposited. Method for producing a car body ( 54 ) for a vehicle, in particular for a rail vehicle, in which at least two components ( 28 . 38 ), each one element of the car body ( 54 ), are connected together according to one of the preceding claims. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one of the components ( 28 . 38 ) is manufactured using a 3D printing process before the components ( 28 . 38 ). Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the component ( 28 ), which is manufactured using a 3D printing process, is manufactured using the same 3D printing process by means of which the components ( 28 . 38 ). Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the component ( 28 ), which is manufactured using a 3D printing process, using the same 3D printer ( 4 ), by means of which the components ( 28 . 38 ). Component connection system ( 2 ) for connecting components ( 28 . 38 ), which is adapted to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims. Component connection system ( 2 ) according to claim 12, characterized by at least one 3D printer ( 4 ), a positioning device ( 12 ) on which the 3D printer ( 4 ) communicating with the 3D printer ( 4 ) connected computer unit ( 22 ) for controlling the 3D printer ( 4 ) and a heating device ( 32 ) for heating a component surface ( 44 . 46 ). Method for preparing a component connection system ( 2 ) to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which a data record is generated which contains information about which spatial points a 3D printer ( 4 ) of the component connection system ( 2 ) Material ( 48 ) has to deposit. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that the data set in dependence on a geometric configuration of the components to be connected ( 28 . 38 ), depending on a spatial arrangement of the components ( 28 . 38 ) and / or depending on where the components ( 28 . 38 ) are to be connected to each other is generated.

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