Head tool changer for use with deposition-based digital manufacturing systems

摘要

A head tool changer for use with a deposition-based digital manufacturing system, the head tool changer comprising a tooling unit configured to retain a deposition head, a grip unit configured to engage with tooling unit and to relay electrical power to the tooling unit, and a master unit operably mounted to a gantry and configured to engage with the tooling unit and to relay electrical power to the tooling unit.

主权项

1. A head tool changer for use with a deposition-based digital manufacturing system for building layer-based three-dimensional models, the head tool changer comprising:
a tooling unit configured to retain a deposition head of the deposition-based digital manufacturing system; a master unit operably mounted to a gantry of the deposition-based digital manufacturing system, the master unit being configured to detachably engage with the tooling unit and to relay electrical power to the tooling unit; an actuator assembly operably mounted to the deposition-based digital manufacturing system, wherein at least a portion of the actuator assembly is configured to move along an axis toward the master unit; and a grip unit secured to the actuator assembly and configured to detachably engage with the tooling unit and to relay electrical power to the tooling unit; wherein the relay of electrical power from the grip unit to the tooling unit is configured to be cut upon the tooling unit being disengaged from the grip unit and being engaged with the master unit.