Powder supply device and AM device using the same

Abstract

A powder supply device is provided. According to one embodiment, a powder supply device is provided, the powder supply device comprising: a container for holding powder; a supply passage for supplying powder to the container; and a valve structure for opening and closing the supply passage, the valve structure comprising a valve body capable of moving between a first position for closing the supply passage and a second position for opening the supply passage and a valve seat for seating the valve body, the valve body comprising a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion, the valve seat comprising a first seat portion for seating the first sealing portion and a second seat portion for seating the second sealing portion, the valve structure dividing a sealed space when the first sealing portion is seated on the first seat portion and the second sealing portion is seated on the second seat portion, the valve structure comprising an exhaust passage for exhausting gas from the sealed space and a pressure monitoring passage for monitoring the pressure of the sealed space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a powder supply device and an AM device using the powder supply device. The present application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-169369 filed on October 6, 2020. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-169369, including the specification, claims, drawings, and abstract, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0002] It is known that a technology is used to directly shape a three-dimensional object based on three-dimensional data showing the three-dimensional object on a computer. For example, the Additive Manufacturing (AM) method is known. As an example, there is direct energy deposition (DED) of the AM method as a deposition method. DED is a technology that melts and solidifies the metal material together with the substrate while locally supplying a powdered metal material using an appropriate heat source, thereby performing shaping.

[0003] When a three-dimensional object is formed by DED, a powder material is supplied to the forming position using a DED nozzle while a laser is irradiated to melt and solidify the powder material, thereby forming the object. Therefore, when a three-dimensional object is formed by DED, it is necessary to continuously supply the powder material to the DED nozzle. Generally, the powder material is supplied to the DED nozzle by using a powder supply device to supply the powder material to the DED nozzle together with a carrier gas. The powder supply device can hold the powder material and supply the powder material to a supply destination such as the DED nozzle at a specified supply amount.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-219060 Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0008] When a large three-dimensional object is formed by DED, the forming cannot be completed only by the powder material pre-retained in the powder supply device. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish the powder material to the powder supply device in the middle of the forming. The replenishment of the powder material to the powder supply device is mostly done manually because it requires the removal of parts, etc. Therefore, in order to replenish the powder material to the powder supply device, the forming by DED is temporarily interrupted, and the time required for forming increases. Therefore, it is hoped that the powder material can be supplied to the powder supply device automatically instead of manually. In addition, by automatically supplying the powder material to the powder supply device, the risk of people inhaling the powder material can be reduced. Furthermore, when the powder material is supplied to the supply destination such as the DED nozzle together with the carrier gas by the powder supply device, the container holding the powder material in the powder supply device is sometimes pressurized. Therefore, if the container holding the powder material is not properly sealed, there will be a concern that the powder material will fly out of the container. Therefore, it is hoped that the container holding the powder material is properly sealed. One object of the present application is to provide a structure that can solve or alleviate at least part of these problems.

[0009] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0010] According to one embodiment, a powder supply device is provided, which comprises: a container for holding powder; a supply passage for supplying powder to the container; and a valve structure for opening and closing the supply passage, the valve structure comprising a valve body and a valve seat, the valve body being capable of moving between a first position that closes the supply passage and a second position that opens the supply passage, the valve seat being used for seating the valve body, the valve body comprising a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion, the valve seat comprising a first seat portion for seating the first sealing portion and a second seat portion for seating the second sealing portion, the valve structure dividing a closed space when the first sealing portion is seated on the first seat portion and the second sealing portion is seated on the second seat portion, the valve structure comprising an exhaust passage for exhausting gas from the closed space and a pressure monitoring passage for monitoring the pressure of the closed space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an AM device for manufacturing a formed object according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of a DED nozzle according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a diagram schematically showing a powder supply device serving as a powder material source according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a cover attached to the upper end of the powder container according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 Observed from below Figure 4 Figure of the hood shown.

[0016] Figure 6 Yes means Figure 4 A diagram showing a state in which the supply passage of the cover is opened.

[0017] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a cover attached to the upper end of the powder container according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a cover attached to the upper end of the powder container according to one embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 9 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the vicinity of the supply passage of the powder container according to one embodiment.

[0020] Fig.10 1 is a flowchart showing a method for supplying a powder material from a powder supply device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following, with the attached Figure 1 The following describes embodiments of a powder supply device and an AM device using the powder supply device according to the present invention. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar elements are sometimes marked with the same or similar reference symbols, and repeated descriptions of the same or similar elements are omitted in the description of each embodiment. In addition, the features shown in each embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments as long as there is no contradiction between them.

[0022] Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an AM device for manufacturing a shaped object according to one embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the AM device 100 includes a base plate 102. The object M is formed on the base plate 102. The base plate 102 can be a plate formed of any material that can support the object M. In one embodiment, the base plate 102 is arranged on an XY worktable 104. The XY worktable 104 is a worktable that can move in two orthogonal directions (x direction and y direction) in a horizontal plane. In addition, the XY worktable 104 can also be connected to a lifting mechanism that can move in the height direction (z direction). In addition, in one embodiment, the XY worktable 104 may not be present.

[0023] In one embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, the AM device 100 includes a DED head 200. The DED head 200 is connected to a laser source 202, a powder material source 300, and a gas source 206. The DED head 200 includes a DED nozzle 250. The DED nozzle 250 is configured to eject laser light, powder material, and gas from the laser source 202, the powder material source 300, and the gas source 206.

[0024] The DED head 200 may be any, for example, a known DED head may be used. The DED head 200 is connected to the moving mechanism 220 and is configured to be movable. The moving mechanism 220 may be any, for example, a mechanism that enables the DED head 200 to move along a specific axis such as a track, or may be composed of a robot that enables the DED head 200 to move to any position and direction. As an embodiment, the moving mechanism 220 may be configured to enable the DED head 200 to move along three orthogonal axes.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the AM device 100 according to one embodiment includes a control device 170. The control device 170 is configured to control the operation of various operating mechanisms of the AM device 100, such as the above-mentioned DED head 200, various moving mechanisms 220, etc. The control device 170 can be configured by a general computer or a dedicated computer.

[0026] Figure 2 : is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of a DED nozzle 250 according to an embodiment. The DED nozzle 250 according to the illustrated embodiment is a DED nozzle body 259 having a truncated cone shape as a whole. The DED nozzle 250 according to the illustrated embodiment has a first passage 252 for passing a laser 251 at the center of the DED nozzle body 259. The laser light having passed through the first passage 252 is discharged from a laser port 252a of the DED nozzle body 259. In addition, the DED nozzle body 259 has a second passage 254 for passing a powder material and a carrier gas for conveying the powder material on the outside of the first passage 252. The powder material having passed through the second passage 254 is discharged from a powder port 254a. In addition, the DED nozzle body 259 has a third passage 256 for passing a shielding gas on the outside of the second passage 254. The shielding gas having passed through the third passage 256 is discharged from a gas port 256a.

[0027] The second passage 254 is configured to converge the powder material discharged from the DED nozzle 250 to substantially the same position as the focal point 251a of the laser 251. Figure 2In FIG. 2 , the flow of the powder material and the carrier gas is indicated by dotted lines. The carrier gas may be, for example, an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen. It is more preferable to use argon, which is heavier than air, as the carrier gas. In addition, by using an inert gas as the carrier gas, oxidation can be prevented by covering the molten pool formed by the melting of the powder material with the inert gas. However, due to the flow of the carrier gas released from the powder port 254a, the air outside the carrier gas may be drawn in. Thus, Figure 2 The DED nozzle 250 shown can prevent the surrounding air from being drawn in by supplying the shielding gas at a low speed from the third passage 256 arranged outside the second passage 254 for discharging the powder material and the carrier gas. By preventing the surrounding air (especially oxygen) from being drawn in by the carrier gas, the formation of a metal oxide film during the forming process can be suppressed, and a molten pool with good wettability can be formed. Figure 2 In the figure, the flow of shielding gas is indicated by arrows.

[0028] When the DED nozzle 250 is used for forming as described above, it is necessary to supply powder material to the DED nozzle 250. Figure 1 As shown, the DED nozzle 250 is connected to a powder material source 300 . Figure 3 1 is a diagram schematically showing a powder supply device 300 as a powder material source 300 according to an embodiment.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, the powder supply device 300 includes a powder container 302 for holding a powder material 301. A cover 350 is installed at the upper end of the powder container 302. The cover 350 can be configured to be removable from the powder container 302. In the case where the cover 350 is configured to be removable from the powder container 302, the cover 350 can be removed to replenish the powder material to the powder container 302. In addition, as described later, in one embodiment, it can also be configured to replenish the powder material in a state where the cover 350 is installed in the powder container 302. In one embodiment, a stirring device 310 is arranged in the powder container 302, and the stirring device 310 is configured to stir the powder material in the powder container 302.

[0030] The lower end of the powder container 302 is connected to a metering device 304. The metering device 304 is also connected to a gas source 306. The gas source 306 can supply a carrier gas such as argon to the metering device 304. The gas source 306 can be used in conjunction with Figure 1 The same gas source as shown is the gas source 206. The powder material supplied from the powder container 302 to the metering device 304 is metered and sent to the DED nozzle 250 together with the carrier gas.

[0031] Figure 4A cross-sectional view showing the structure of a cover 350 attached to the upper end of the powder container 302 according to one embodiment. Figure 5 Observed from below Figure 4 350 is shown in the figure. The cover 350 involved in the illustrated embodiment is fixed to the upper end of the powder container 302 by bolts, etc., which are not shown. The cover 350 includes a cover body 352. In one embodiment, the powder container 302 is a substantially cylindrical container, and the cover body 352 is a disk shape as a whole. A supply port 354 is formed at the center of the cover body 352, and a supply passage 356 is divided into a supply port 354 and a supply passage 356 that passes through the cover body 352.

[0032] like Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the cover 350 is provided with a valve structure 357 for opening and closing the supply passage 356. The valve structure 357 includes a valve body 358. The valve body 358 is supported by a pin 360 so as to be rotatable. A first O-ring 362 is installed on the lower surface of the cover body 352. In addition, a second O-ring 364 is installed on the lower surface of the cover body 352 outside the first O-ring 362. Figure 5 The valve structure 357 is omitted.

[0033] The valve body 358 is configured to be rotatable about the pin 360 between a first position where the upper surface contacts the first O-ring 362 and the second O-ring 364 and a second position where the upper surface is separated from the first O-ring 362 and the second O-ring 364. When the valve body 358 is in the first position, the supply passage 356 is closed by the valve body 358. In addition, when the valve body 358 is in the second position, the supply passage 356 is opened, and the powder container 302 can be filled with powder material through the supply port 354 and the supply passage 356. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the first O-ring 362 and the second O-ring 364 constitute a valve seat for the valve body 358 to sit on. In the first position, the portion of the valve body 358 in contact with the first O-ring constitutes a first sealing portion, and the portion in contact with the second O-ring 364 constitutes a second sealing portion. In addition, the first O-ring 362 constitutes a first seat portion, and the second O-ring 364 constitutes a second seat portion. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the first O-ring 362 and the second O-ring 364 are disposed on the lower surface of the cover body 352 . However, as an embodiment, the first O-ring 362 and the second O-ring 364 may be disposed on the upper surface of the valve body 358 .

[0034] The powder supply device 300 in the related embodiment can fill the powder container 302 with powder material from the supply port 354 and the supply passage 356 through the valve structure without removing the cover 350. For example, the tube 390 (see Figure 6The powder container 302 can be replenished with powder material by inserting the supply port 354 and the supply passage 356. The powder material can be automatically supplied to the powder supply device 300 by automatically operating the tube 390 for filling the powder material with a robot or the like and / or remotely operating the tube 390. In the molding performed by the AM device, sometimes people are not allowed to enter the molding room during molding from the perspective of safety. Therefore, if the powder material can be replenished to the powder supply device 300 automatically instead of manually, the powder material can be replenished to the powder supply device 300 without interrupting the molding, which is efficient. In addition, according to the powder supply device 300 in the related embodiment, powder material can be supplied to the powder supply device 300 without manual intervention, so it is also preferred from the perspective of safety.

[0035] In one embodiment, the valve structure 357 may include an elastic member 361 that applies force to the valve body 358 toward the first position. In one embodiment, the elastic member 361 may be Figure 4 , Figure 6 The torsion spring is arranged to be wound around the pin 360. The valve body 358 is positioned at the first position closing the supply passage 356 by the elastic member 361 as long as no force for opening the supply passage 356 is applied. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the valve body 358 from accidentally opening and the powder material in the powder container 302 from being discharged from the supply passage 356. When the powder material is filled into the powder container 302, Figure 6 The cylindrical tube 390 shown is inserted from the supply port 354 into the supply passage 356, so that the valve body 358 moves to the second position, the supply passage 356 is opened, and the powder material is supplied from the tube 390, thereby filling the powder container 302 with the powder material. In the case of using the elastic member 361, the tube 390 pushes down the valve body 358, thereby, the valve body 358 can be rotated and moved from the first position to the second position, and when the tube 390 is pulled out, the valve body 358 can automatically return to the first position by the action of the elastic member 361 to close the supply passage 356. In the related embodiment, by inserting the tube 390 into the supply passage 356, the valve structure 357 can be automatically released, and by removing the tube 390 from the supply passage 356, the valve structure 357 can be automatically closed.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, in the cover body 352, an annular groove 366 is formed between the first O-ring 362 and the second O-ring 364. Figure 4As shown in FIG. 1 , an exhaust passage 368 extending to the side of the cover body 352 is formed in the annular groove 366. The exhaust passage 368 is connected to a vacuum pump 372. In addition, a pressure monitoring passage 370 extending to the side opposite to the cover body 352 is formed in the annular groove 366. The pressure monitoring passage 370 is connected to a pressure gauge 374. When the valve body 358 is arranged in the first position and the supply passage 356 is closed, the annular groove 366 is vacuum-sucked from the exhaust passage 368, and the pressure in the annular groove 366 is monitored from the pressure monitoring passage 370, so that leakage between the cover body 352 and the first O-ring 362 and the second O-ring 364 can be detected.

[0037] In the above-described embodiment, by monitoring the pressure of the annular groove 366 formed between the first O-ring 362 and the second O-ring 364, it is possible to monitor whether the supply passage 356 is reliably closed by the valve body 358. Only when the supply passage 356 is reliably closed by the valve body 358, control is performed to start supplying the powder material from the powder supply device 300, so that the powder material can be prevented from scattering around.

[0038] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a cover 350 attached to the upper end of the powder container 302 according to one embodiment. Figure 7 The cover 350 according to the embodiment shown in the figure can be equipped with a valve structure 357 for opening and closing the supply passage 356. Figure 4 The hood 350 shown is identical. Figure 7 In the valve structure 357 according to the embodiment shown, the valve body 358 is configured to be movable in the planar direction of the cover 350 and in a direction orthogonal to the planar direction. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body 358 is configured to be movable between a first position where the upper surface contacts the first O-ring 362 and the second O-ring 364 and a second position where the upper surface is separated from the first O-ring 362 and the second O-ring 364. When the valve body 358 is in the first position, the supply passage 356 is closed by the valve body 358. In addition, when the valve body 358 is in the second position, the supply passage 356 is opened, and the powder container 302 can be filled with powder material through the supply port 354 and the supply passage 356. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the first O-ring 362 and the second O-ring 364 are also disposed on the lower surface of the cover body 352, but as an embodiment, the first O-ring 362 and the second O-ring 364 may also be disposed on the upper surface of the valve body 358. Figure 7 In the embodiment shown in the figure, it can also play the role of Figures 4 to 6 The same effect as the implementation method described in .

[0039] Figure 8It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a cover 350 attached to the upper end of the powder container 302 according to one embodiment. Figure 8 The embodiment shown relates to a cover 350 that is Figure 7 The cover 350 shown in FIG. 1 is similar in structure to the cover 350 shown in FIG. 1 , but the cover body 352 is not provided with the annular groove 366, the exhaust passage 368, and the pressure monitoring passage 370. Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, in the valve body 358, an annular groove 394 is formed between a position (first sealing portion) contacting the first O-ring 362 (first seat portion) and a position (second sealing portion) contacting the second O-ring 364 (second seat portion). Figure 8 As shown, an exhaust passage 396 extending to the side of the valve body 358 is formed in the annular groove 394 formed in the valve body 358. The exhaust passage 396 is connected to the vacuum pump 372. In addition, a pressure monitoring passage 398 extending to the side of the valve body 358 is also formed in the annular groove 394. The pressure monitoring passage 398 is connected to the pressure gauge 374. When the valve body 358 is configured in the first position and the supply passage 356 is closed, the annular groove 394 is vacuum-drawn from the exhaust passage 396, and the pressure in the annular groove 394 is monitored from the pressure monitoring passage 398, so that leakage between the valve body 358 and the first O-ring 362 and the second O-ring 364 can be detected. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the first O-ring 362 and the second O-ring 364 are also disposed on the lower surface of the cover body 352, but as an embodiment, the first O-ring 362 and the second O-ring 364 may also be disposed on the upper surface of the valve body 358. Figure 8 In the embodiment shown in the figure, it can also play the role of Figures 4 to 7 The same effect as the implementation method described in .

[0040] Fig. 9 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a structure near the supply passage 356 of the powder container 302 according to one embodiment. Fig. 9 In the illustrated embodiment, a first valve 330 for opening and closing the first position and a second valve 332 for opening and closing the second position are provided in the supply passage 356 of the powder container 302. Fig. 9In the illustrated embodiment, an exhaust line 334 for performing vacuum suction is connected to the space between the first position and the second position of the supply passage 356. The exhaust line 334 is connected to the vacuum pump 372. In addition, a pressure monitoring line 336 for monitoring pressure is also connected to the space between the first position and the second position of the supply passage 356. The pressure monitoring line 336 is connected to the pressure gauge 374. When the first valve 330 and the second valve 332 are closed, leakage from the first valve 330 and the second valve 332 can be monitored by vacuum suctioning the space between the two valves from the exhaust line 334 and monitoring the pressure from the pressure monitoring line 336. Fig. 9 In the embodiment shown in the figure, it can also play the role of Figures 4 to 8 The same effect as the implementation method described in .

[0041] Fig.10 1 is a flow chart showing a method for supplying a powder material from a powder supply device according to an embodiment. Fig.10 In the illustrated embodiment, the powder supply device may be any of the powder supply devices 300 of the above-described embodiment or any other powder supply device.

[0042] In a method for supplying a powder material according to one embodiment, first, a valve is opened to fill a powder supply device with the powder material (S100). Figures 4 to 6 In the case of the powder supply device 300 according to the embodiment shown, the valve of the powder supply device 300 can be opened by rotating the valve body 358 by inserting the tube 390 from the supply port 354 into the supply passage 356. The insertion of the tube 390 is preferably performed by automatic operation such as a robot and / or remote operation. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the case of the powder supply device 300 according to the embodiment shown, the supply passage 356 can be opened by moving the valve body 358 downward and in the lateral direction. Fig. 9 In the case of the powder supply device 300 according to the embodiment shown, the supply passage 356 can be opened by opening both the first valve 330 and the second valve 332. Figures 7 to 9 In the powder supply device 300 shown, the valve is preferably opened by electrical or electromagnetic action rather than manually.

[0043] After the valve is opened, the powder container 302 of the powder supply device 300 is filled with powder material (S102). The filling of the powder material is, for example, inserting the tube 390 and supplying the powder material into the powder container 302 through the inside of the tube 390. When the powder material is filled into the powder container 302, it is preferred that the powder does not adhere to the sealing portion of the upper surface of the valve body 358, the O-ring and other seat portions. Therefore, when the tube 390 is inserted and the powder material is supplied, it is preferred that the powder material is supplied to the powder container 302 in a state where the lower end of the tube 390 is located below the valve body 358.

[0044] After the powder material is filled into the powder container 302, the valve of the powder supply device 300 is closed (S104). Figures 4 to 6 When the elastic member 361 is provided as in the embodiment shown, when the tube 390 is pulled out from the supply passage 356, the valve body 358 automatically closes the supply passage 356. Figure 7 , 8 In the case of the powder supply device 300 according to the embodiment shown, after the tube 390 is pulled out from the supply passage 356, the valve body 358 is moved to the first position to close the supply passage 356. Fig. 9 In the case of the powder supply device 300 according to the illustrated embodiment, the supply passage 356 can be closed by closing both the first valve 330 and the second valve 332 .

[0045] After closing the valve of the powder supply device 300, it is confirmed whether the valve is closed (S106). Figures 4 to 8 In the powder supply device 300 according to the embodiment shown, the annular grooves 366 and 394 are vacuum-sucked through the exhaust passages 368 and 396, and the pressure in the annular grooves 366 and 394 is measured through the pressure monitoring passages 370 and 398. If the pressure in the annular grooves 366 and 394 is sufficiently low, it is determined that the seal between the valve body 358 and the O-rings 362 and 364 is appropriate. When the pressure in the annular grooves 366 and 394 is greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the seal between the valve body 358 and the O-rings 362 and 364 is inappropriate. In the case of inappropriate sealing, maintenance such as cleaning of the valve mechanism and replacement of parts is required.

[0046] After confirming that the valve is closed, the powder material is supplied to the destination from the powder supply device 300. For example, the powder material can be supplied from the powder supply device 300 to the DED nozzle 250 of the AM device 100.

[0047] According to the method according to the above-described embodiment, since it is confirmed that the valve is closed before the powder material is supplied to the destination, it is possible to prevent the powder material from leaking from the supply passage 356 or the like during the supply of the powder material.

[0048] At least the following technical ideas can be grasped from the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0049] [Method 1] According to method 1, a powder supply device is provided, comprising: a container for holding powder; a supply passage for supplying powder to the container; and a valve structure for opening and closing the supply passage, the valve structure having a valve body and a valve seat, the valve body being capable of moving between a first position for closing the supply passage and a second position for opening the supply passage, the valve seat being used for seating the valve body, the valve body having a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion, the valve seat having a first seat portion for seating the first sealing portion and a second seat portion for seating the second sealing portion, the valve structure dividing a closed space when the first sealing portion is seated on the first seat portion and the second sealing portion is seated on the second seat portion, the valve structure having an exhaust passage for exhausting gas from the closed space and a pressure monitoring passage for monitoring the pressure of the closed space.

[0050] [Mode 2] According to Mode 2, in the powder supply device according to Mode 1, the supply passage is configured to allow insertion of a tube for supplying powder to the container.

[0051] [Mode 3] According to Mode 3, in the powder supply device according to Mode 1 or 2, the first seat portion includes a first O-ring, and the second seat portion includes a second O-ring.

[0052] [Mode 4] According to Mode 4, in the powder supply device according to any one of Modes 1 to 3, the valve body is supported by a pin so as to be rotatable between a first position closing the supply passage and a second position opening the supply passage.

[0053] [Mode 5] According to Mode 5, in the powder supply device according to Mode 4, there is provided an elastic member that urges the valve body toward the first position.

[0054] [Method 6] According to method 6, a powder supply device is provided, which has: a container for holding powder; a supply passage for supplying powder to the container; a first valve for opening and closing a first position of the supply passage; a second valve for opening and closing a second position of the supply passage; an exhaust passage for exhausting gas from a space between the first position and the second position of the supply passage; and a pressure measuring passage for measuring the pressure of the space between the first position and the second position of the supply passage.

[0055] [Method 7] According to Method 7, a method for supplying powder material from a powder supply device is provided, wherein the powder supply device comprises: a container for holding powder; a supply passage for supplying powder to the container; and a valve for opening and closing the supply passage, wherein the method comprises: a step of opening the valve; a step of filling the container with powder material through the supply passage; a step of closing the valve; a step of confirming whether the valve is closed; and a step of supplying powder material from the powder supply device after confirming that the valve is closed.

[0056] [Method 8] According to method 8, an AM device for manufacturing a shaped object is provided, the AM device has a DED nozzle, the DED nozzle has: a laser port and a laser passage, the laser port is arranged at the top end of the DED nozzle, and is used to emit laser, the laser passage is connected to the laser port, and is used to allow the laser to pass through the DED nozzle; and a powder port and a powder passage, the powder port is arranged at the top end of the DED nozzle, and is used to emit powder material, the powder passage is connected to the powder port, and is used to allow the powder material to pass through the DED nozzle, the AM device has a powder supply device involved in any one of methods 1 to 6 for supplying powder material to the DED nozzle.

[0057] Explanation of symbols

[0058] 100…AM device

[0059] 300…Powder supply device (powder material source)

[0060] 301…Powder material

[0061] 302…Powder container

[0062] 304…Measuring device

[0063] 306…Gas source

[0064] 310…Stirring device

[0065] 330…First valve

[0066] 332…Second valve

[0067] 334…Exhaust line

[0068] 336…Pressure monitoring line

[0069] 350…Hood

[0070] 352…Hood body

[0071] 354…Supply port

[0072] 356…Supply channel

[0073] 357…Valve structure

[0074] 358…Valve body

[0075] 360…Pin

[0076] 362…First O-ring

[0077] 364…Second O-ring

[0078] 366…Annular groove

[0079] 368…Exhaust passage

[0080] 370…Pressure monitoring channel

[0081] 372…Vacuum pump

[0082] 374…pressure gauge

[0083] 390...Tube

[0084] 394…Annular groove

[0085] 396…Exhaust passage

[0086] 398…Pressure monitoring channel

Claims

1. A powder supply device, characterized in that: have: A container for holding the powder; a supply passage for supplying powder to the container; and a valve structure for opening and closing the supply passage, The valve structure includes a valve body and a valve seat, wherein the valve body is movable between a first position closing the supply passage and a second position opening the supply passage, and the valve seat is used for the valve body to be seated. The valve body has a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion, The valve seat comprises a first seat portion for the first sealing portion to be seated and a second seat portion for the second sealing portion to be seated, The valve structure defines a sealed space when the first sealing portion is seated on the first seat portion and the second sealing portion is seated on the second seat portion. The valve structure includes an exhaust passage for exhausting gas from the enclosed space and a pressure monitoring passage for monitoring the pressure of the enclosed space.

2. The powder supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The supply passage is configured to allow a tube for supplying powder to the container to be inserted therein.

3. The powder supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first seat portion includes a first O-ring, and the second seat portion includes a second O-ring.

4. The powder supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body is supported by a pin so as to be rotatable between a first position that closes the supply passage and a second position that opens the supply passage.

5. The powder supply device according to claim 4, characterized in that: An elastic member is provided to urge the valve body toward the first position.

6. A powder supply device, characterized in that: The powder supply device comprises: A container for holding the powder; a supply passage for supplying powder to the container; a first valve for opening and closing a first position of the supply passage; a second valve for opening and closing a second position of the supply passage; an exhaust passage for exhausting gas from a space between the first position and the second position of the supply passage; as well as A pressure measuring passage for measuring the pressure of a space between the first position and the second position of the supply passage.

7. An AM device for manufacturing a shape, characterized in that: The AM device has a DED nozzle, The DED nozzle has: a laser port and a laser passage, wherein the laser port is disposed at the top end of the DED nozzle and is used to emit laser light, and the laser passage is connected to the laser port and is used to allow the laser light to pass through the DED nozzle; and a powder port and a powder passage, wherein the powder port is disposed at the top end of the DED nozzle and is used to eject powder material, and the powder passage is connected to the powder port and is used to allow the powder material to pass through the DED nozzle. The AM device includes the powder supply device according to claim 1 for supplying a powder material to the DED nozzle.

Images