PRESSURE HEAD

Abstract

A pressure head is for dispensing a water-binder mixture in a controlled manner, the mixture including water and at least one hydraulic binder, in particular a cementitious binder. The pressure head includes at least one supply channel for supplying the water-binder mixture, at least one outlet opening fluidically connected to the at least one supply channel, and at least one valve by which the at least one outlet opening can be opened and closed in a controlled manner. A specified dose of the water-binder mixture can be dispensed through the at least one outlet opening.

Claims

1. An arrangement with a water-binder mixture, comprising water and at least one hydraulic binder, in particular a cementitious binder, and at least one printhead for the controlled dispensing of the water-binder mixture, wherein the printhead comprises at least one supply duct for supplying the water-binder mixture, at least one outlet opening, which can be brought into fluid connection with the at least one supply duct, and at least one valve, with which the at least one outlet opening can be opened and closed in a controlled manner, as a result of which a predetermined dose of the water-binder mixture can be dispensed through the at least one outlet opening, wherein the at least one outlet opening has a diameter of between 0.5 and 2.0 mm, preferably wherein the at least one hydraulic binder is selected from a group consisting of Portland cement, calcium aluminate cement, calcium sulfoaluminate cement and mixtures thereof, and/or the water-binder mixture comprises at least one additive, preferably at least one superplasticizer.

2. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the printhead has at least one base body, on which the at least one valve is arranged, and at least one exchangeable body that can be releasably connected to the at least one base body, wherein the at least one outlet opening and/or the at least one supply duct are arranged on the at least one exchangeable body.

3. The arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the at least one exchangeable body: consists of at least one, preferably acid-resistant, plastic, preferably selected from a group consisting of PE, PVC, POM, PTFE and mixtures thereof, and/or comprises at least one injection moulded part, and/or has at least two partial bodies that can preferably be releasably connected to one another, preferably wherein at least one seal is arranged between the at least two partial bodies.

4. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one valve: is formed as an electropneumatic or electromagnetic valve, and/or has at least one compressed-air connection and/or at least one electrical connection, and/or has at least one adjustable valve rod, preferably adjustable over an adjustment path of between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, preferably wherein the at least one valve rod consists of at least one hard metal at least in regions, and/or a free end of the at least one valve rod is formed in the shape of a spherical head, and/or a seal consisting of a flexible material, with which the at least one outlet opening can be sealed, is arranged on a free end of the at least one valve rod, and/or comprises at least one return spring, preferably wherein the at least one return spring is formed in such a way that the at least one outlet opening can be closed with a closing force of between 10 and 50 N, particularly preferably with a closing force of between 20 and 40 N.

5. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein at least one, preferably replaceable, sealing membrane is provided, which seals at least one movable part of the at least one valve, preferably a valve rod, against a penetration of the water-binder mixture.

6. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one outlet opening: is formed in a nozzle body, preferably wherein the nozzle body is formed of at least one hard metal or ceramic, and/or has at least one sloping, preferably funnel-shaped, contact surface for a free end of a valve rod of the at least one valve.

7. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one supply duct has at least one intake opening for the water-binder mixture, preferably wherein the at least one supply duct has at least one output opening lying opposite the at least one intake opening, particularly preferably wherein the at least one intake opening and/or the at least one output opening has a thread for connecting a fluid line.

8. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the printhead has at least one venting duct, with which a pressure equalization can be generated for at least one movable part of the at least one valve, preferably a valve rod.

9. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: at least one control and/or regulation device is provided, with which the at least one valve can be controlled, and/or the printhead comprises a plurality of outlet openings, wherein the outlet openings are arranged, preferably equidistantly, on at least one line.

10. A method for the controlled dispensing of a water-binder mixture, comprising water and at least one hydraulic binder, in particular a cementitious binder, by the arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: the water-binder mixture is supplied to the at least one outlet opening of the at least one printhead via the at least one supply duct of the at least one printhead, preferably with a pressure of between 0.1 and 2.0 bar, and the at least one outlet opening is opened and closed in a controlled manner by means of the at least one valve of the at least one printhead and a predetermined dose of the water-binder mixture is thereby dispensed through the at least one outlet opening.

11. A 3D printing device for the construction industry comprising at least one layer depositing device for the layered depositing of at least one particulate aggregate on a printing platform and at least one arrangement with a water-binder mixture, comprising water and at least one hydraulic binder, in particular a cementitious binder, and at least one printhead for the controlled dispensing of a water-binder mixture, comprising water and at least one hydraulic binder, in particular a cementitious binder, on at least one locally predetermined region of a layer of the at least one aggregate deposited on the printing platform by the at least one layer depositing device, wherein the at least one arrangement is formed according to claim 1, preferably wherein the 3D printing device has at least one carrier which is adjustable, in the operating position of the 3D printing device, in the vertical direction, and on which the at least one layer depositing device and/or the at least one printhead are mounted adjustable in the horizontal direction.

12. A use of the arrangement according to claim 1 for the controlled dispensing of a water-binder mixture, comprising water and at least one hydraulic binder, in particular a cementitious binder, in a 3D printing device for the construction industry.

13. A method for producing a 3D construction part for the construction industry by the 3D printing device according to claim 11, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: at least one layer of the at least one particulate aggregate is deposited on a printing platform by means of the at least one layer depositing device, and a predetermined dose of the water-binder mixture is dispensed on at least one locally predetermined region of the at least one layer of the at least one aggregate by means of the at least one printhead.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: a predetermined dose of the water-binder mixture is dispensed on at least one locally predetermined region of the printing platform before a first layer of the at least one aggregate is deposited on the printing platform, and/or a predetermined dose of the water-binder mixture is dispensed on at least one locally predetermined region of the last layer of the at least one aggregate after a last layer of the at least one aggregate is deposited.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Further details and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail below by means of the description of the figures with reference to the drawings. There are shown in:

[0034] FIG. 1 a schematically represented embodiment example of a 3D printing device for the construction industry in a perspective view,

[0035] FIG. 2 a schematically represented embodiment example of a printhead for the controlled dispensing of a water-binder mixture in a perspective view,

[0036] FIG. 3a the embodiment example of the printhead represented in FIG. 2, wherein a first partial body of an exchangeable body has been left out,

[0037] FIG. 3b the embodiment example of the printhead represented in FIG. 2, wherein a first and a second partial body of an exchangeable body have been left out,

[0038] FIG. 4a the embodiment example of the printhead represented in FIG. 2 in a perspective side view,

[0039] FIG. 4b the embodiment example of the printhead represented in FIG. 4a), wherein a first and a second partial body of an exchangeable body have been left out,

[0040] FIG. 5a a schematically represented embodiment example of an arrangement with a water-binder mixture, comprising water and at least one hydraulic binder, in particular a cementitious binder, and a printhead for the controlled dispensing of the water-binder mixture in a cross-sectional view along a cross-sectional plane parallel to a longitudinal axis of the printhead,

[0041] FIG. 5b the embodiment example of the printhead represented in FIG. 2 in a cross-sectional view along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the printhead,

[0042] FIG. 6 a schematically represented embodiment example of a valve of a printhead for the controlled dispensing of a water-binder mixture in a perspective view,

[0043] FIGS. 7a, 7b an isolated representation of a valve rod of the valve represented in FIG. 6 and of a nozzle body, wherein the valve rod and the nozzle body are in contact with one another in sub-figure a) and the valve rod and the nozzle body are spaced apart from one another in sub-figure b),

[0044] FIG. 8 an isolated representation of a valve rod of the valve represented in FIG. 6,

[0045] FIG. 9 an isolated representation of a nozzle body of the valve represented in FIG. 6, and

[0046] FIG. 10 a schematically represented embodiment example of a 3D construction part, produced according to a method for producing a 3D construction part for the construction industry by means of a 3D printing device for the construction industry, in a perspective view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a schematically represented embodiment example of a 3D printing device 29 for the construction industry comprising a layer depositing device 30 for the layered depositing of at least one particulate aggregate 31 on a printing platform 32 and a printhead 1 for the controlled dispensing of a water-binder mixture 2, comprising water and at least one hydraulic binder, in particular a cementitious binder, on at least one locally predetermined region 33 of a layer 34, 35 of the at least one aggregate 31 deposited on the printing platform 32 by the layer depositing device 30. The printhead 1 can be formed according to the embodiment example described in more detail below.

[0048] The 3D printing device 29 has at least one carrier 38 which is adjustable, in the operating position of the 3D printing device 29, in the vertical direction 37, and on which the layer depositing device 30 and the printhead 1 are mounted adjustable in the horizontal direction 40, 41.

[0049] More than one layer depositing device 30 and/or more than one printhead 1 can also be provided. The printing speed can thereby be increased.

[0050] As in the case represented, the layer depositing device 30 can have a dispensing trough 43 as temporary storage for the at least one particulate aggregate 31.

[0051] The carrier 38, which can be formed as a closed frame as in the case represented, can be mounted adjustable on columns 44 for the adjustment in the vertical direction 37.

[0052] FIG. 2 and the following figures show a schematically represented embodiment example of a printhead 1 for the controlled dispensing of a water-binder mixture, comprising water and at least one hydraulic binder, in particular a cementitious binder, wherein the printhead 1 comprises a supply duct 3 for supplying the water-binder mixture 2, several outlet openings 4, which can be brought into fluid connection with the supply duct 3, and several valves 5, with which the outlet openings 4 can be opened and closed in a controlled manner, as a result of which a predetermined dose 49 of the water-binder mixture 2 can be dispensed through the outlet openings 4.

[0053] The outlet openings 4 are arranged equidistantly on a line 27.

[0054] The valves 5 are formed as electropneumatic valves and each have a compressed-air connection 11 and an electrical connection 12. Via the compressed-air connection 11, the valve 5 can be supplied with compressed air, with which a cylinder 47, which is connected to a valve rod 14 in a movement-coupled manner, is subsequently actuatable (see also FIG. 5b).

[0055] The valves 5 each have one adjustable valve rod 14, preferably adjustable over an adjustment path 13 of between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, preferably made of at least one hard metal. The adjustment path 13 is represented in FIG. 7b.

[0056] As in the case represented, the valve rods 14 can have a free end 15, which is formed in the shape of a spherical head.

[0057] The valves 5 can comprise at least one return spring 16, preferably wherein the at least one return spring 16 is formed in such a way that the assigned outlet opening 4 can be closed with a closing force of between 10 and 50 N, particularly preferably with a closing force of between 20 and 40 N. Such a return spring is represented schematically in FIG. 5b.

[0058] The valves 5 can have a bearing 46 for the valve rod 14, wherein the bearing 46 can be formed sleeve-like, as in the case represented. The bearing 46 surrounds the valve rod 14 and the valve rod 14 moves relative to the bearing 46.

[0059] One, preferably replaceable, sealing membrane 17, which seals the valve rod 14 against a penetration of the water-binder mixture 2, is provided for each valve 5. In the specific case, the sealing membrane is arranged in a sealing manner between the valve rod 14 and the bearing 46.

[0060] The printhead 1 has several venting ducts 25, with which a pressure equalization can be generated for the valve rods 14 (see also FIG. 5b). Without the venting ducts 25, there is the danger that a negative pressure, through which some of the water-binder mixture 2 is drawn in and thereby penetrates into the valve 5, will form on the side of the sealing membrane 17 facing the valve 5.

[0061] By means of FIGS. 3a and 3b it can be seen particularly well that the printhead 1 has a base body 6, on which the valves 5 are arranged, and an exchangeable body 7 that can be releasably connected to the base body 6, wherein the outlet openings 4 and the supply duct 3 are arranged on the exchangeable body 7. For releasably connecting the exchangeable body 7 to the base body 6, fastening means 45 can be provided (see FIG. 2) which, as in the case represented, can be formed as screws which engage in threads which are formed in the base body 6.

[0062] The exchangeable body 7 consists of at least one acid-resistant plastic, preferably selected from a group consisting of PE, PVC, POM, PTFE and mixtures thereof, and comprises at least one injection moulded part.

[0063] The exchangeable body 7 has two partial bodies 8, 9 that can be releasably connected to one another, preferably wherein a seal 10 is arranged between the two partial bodies 8, 9 (see FIGS. 3a and 5b).

[0064] FIG. 5a shows a schematically represented embodiment example of an arrangement 28 with a water-binder mixture 2, comprising water and at least one hydraulic binder, in particular a cementitious binder, and a printhead 1 for the controlled dispensing of the water-binder mixture in a cross-sectional view along a cross-sectional plane parallel to a longitudinal axis 50 of the printhead 1. The longitudinal axis 50 is drawn in by way of example in FIG. 2.

[0065] The printhead 1 is formed according to the previously described preferred embodiment example.

[0066] The at least one hydraulic binder is selected from a group consisting of Portland cement, calcium aluminate cement, calcium sulfoaluminate cement and mixtures thereof.

[0067] The water-binder mixture 2 comprises an additive in the form of a superplasticizer.

[0068] The supply duct 3 has an intake opening 21 for the water-binder mixture 2, wherein the supply duct 3 has an output opening 22 lying opposite the intake opening 21. The intake opening 21 and the output opening 22 each have a thread 23 for connecting a fluid line 24.

[0069] The water-binder mixture 2 can be arranged in a tank 51. The fluid lines 24 connect the tank 51 to the supply duct 3 of the printhead 1.

[0070] A control and/or regulation device 26 is provided, with which the valves 5 of the printhead 1 can be controlled. The control and/or regulation device 26 is connected to the electrical connection 12 of the valves 5 in each case via lines 52.

[0071] By means of the arrangement 28, a method for the controlled dispensing of a water-binder mixture 2, comprising water and at least one hydraulic binder, in particular a cementitious binder, can be carried out, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: the water-binder mixture 2 is supplied to the outlet openings 4 of printhead 1 via the supply duct 3 of the printhead 1, preferably with a pressure of between 0.1 and 2.0 bar, and the outlet openings 4 are opened and closed in a controlled manner by means of the valves 5 of the printhead 1 and a predetermined dose 49 of the water-binder mixture 2 is thereby dispensed through the outlet openings 4.

[0072] FIGS. 6, 7a, 7b, 8 and 9 show details of an embodiment example of a valve 5 of the printhead 1 for the controlled dispensing of a water-binder mixture 2 as well as a nozzle body 18 which cooperates with the valve rod 14 of the valve 5 and in which the outlet opening 4 is formed. The diameter 20 (see FIG. 5a) of the outlet opening 4 is between 0.5 and 2.0 mm.

[0073] The nozzle body 18 is formed of at least one hard metal or ceramic and has a sloping contact surface 19 for a free end 15 of the valve rod 14 of the valve 5. The sloping contact surface 19 can be formed funnel-shaped, as in the case represented.

[0074] FIG. 10 shows a schematically represented embodiment example of a 3D construction part 42, produced according to a method for producing a 3D construction part 42 for the construction industry by means of a 3D printing device 29 for the construction industry, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: layers 34, 35, 36 of the at least one particulate aggregate 31 are deposited on a printing platform 32 by means of the layer depositing device 30 (the layers 34, 35, 36 are indicated by dashed lines in FIGS. 1 and 10), and a predetermined dose 49 of the water-binder mixture 2 is dispensed on locally predetermined regions 33 of the layers 34, 35, 36 of the at least one aggregate 31 by means of the printhead 1.

[0075] In the case of the 3D construction part 42 represented, a predetermined dose 49 of the water-binder mixture 2 was dispensed on at least one locally predetermined region 33 of the printing platform 32 before a first layer 34 of the at least one aggregate 31 was deposited on the printing platform 32, and a predetermined dose 49 of the water-binder mixture 2 was dispensed on at least one locally predetermined region 33 of the last layer 36 of the at least one aggregate 31 after a last layer 36 of the at least one aggregate 31 was deposited. In this way, very smooth surfaces 48 can be generated on the top and bottom of the 3D construction part 42.