Powder reservoir for additive manufacturing process

Abstract

A powder reservoir for treating powder in an additive manufacturing process, comprising: a powder container (100) having a powder inlet in an upper portion of the powder container and a powder outlet in a lower portion of the container; a set of sensors for determining a set of observable quantities; a first actuator (428, 438, 488, 498, 858) for driving a first mechanical function of the powder reservoir (1), where the powder reservoir further comprises a second actuator (428, 438, 488, 498, 858) for driving a second mechanical function of the powder reservoir (1) and / or a multi-port connector (500) configured to connect with a corresponding connector of a powder processing station in an additive manufacturing process, additional safety and versatility are provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to additive manufacturing according to a powder bed fusion process. In more detail, the present invention relates to a powder storage device for use in a powder bed process, a so-called "powder reservoir". The powder reservoir comprises at least a powder container (referred to as "container") mounted in a support frame. Background Art

[0002] The so-called powder bed fusion process is an additive manufacturing process. In this process, powder layers are applied one on top of the previous layer to form a powder bed on a support plate. Before applying a new layer of powder, part of the applied layer is subjected to radiation, which causes part of the powder particles of one layer to adhere to each other and to the previously applied layer by melting, sintering, fusing and / or welding or any similar process. The powder bed fusion process can be considered as melting a series of cross sections of the workpiece to be manufactured on a corresponding series of powder layers, thereby forming the workpiece. This melting is obtained by scanning the cross section with a radiation beam. In this article, we use the term "powder bed fusion process" as a representative, which includes all other processes that allow selective adhesion of parts of the powder bed by applying radiation to those parts of the powder bed to be adhered, regardless of whether the adhesion is obtained by melting, fusing, welding, sintering, etc. The powder bed fusion process is not limited to but allows - unlike most other additive manufacturing processes - the manufacture of metal workpieces by selectively melting metal powder particles. Many review articles have been published on different aspects and variations of the powder bed fusion process. An overview of at least some of this is provided by Yi Zhang, Yeon-Gil Jung, and Jing Zhang in Multiscale Modeling of Additively Manufactured Metals: Application to Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process (Additive Manufacturing Materials and Technologies) (Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2020, ISBN 978-0128196007).

[0003] Powder particles typically have a sub-micron diameter and must be stored under well-defined conditions, usually in an inert gas atmosphere or in a vacuum environment, as oxidation of the powder can result in lower workpiece quality.

[0004] WO 2021 / 123782 A1 relates to a connection system for an additive manufacturing process. The connection system includes a conduit for transferring material between a powder reservoir and other components of the additive manufacturing process. The conduit includes a first portion and a second portion connected via an extendable middle portion. An actuator is operable to act on at least a portion of the conduit to extend or contract the middle portion to control the length of the conduit. This allows the connection system to be connected to a powder release opening of the powder reservoir, and the connection system to be disconnected from the powder release opening of the powder reservoir. The connection system includes a mechanical support portion having four tapered pins that extend upward and are configured to be received by matching through holes of a support structure of the powder reservoir.

[0005] The authors of WO 2016 / 046539 A2 propose a powder reservoir for transporting metal powder from a manufacturing site to an additive manufacturing (AM) machine. The reservoir has a pressure vessel for containing the powder, a protective frame for providing physical protection for the pressure vessel, and the reservoir is mounted on an industry standard pallet system to allow for the use of a forklift. The pressure vessel includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a removable cover. The upper portion is a hollow cylinder and the lower portion is a hollow truncated cone. At the bottom end of the truncated cone is an outlet pipe with an outlet control valve. The outlet pipe has a flange for connecting the outlet pipe to the AM machine. On top of the hollow cylinder is a removable cover that allows the pressure vessel to be filled once the cover is removed. The cover is then bolted to the upper periphery of the hollow cylinder in a sealing manner. The environment in the pressure vessel is monitored by data logging devices that are connected to a communication module with a GSM transceiver. A remote monitoring station polls the communication module, thereby triggering the transmission of sensor readings through the communication module. These sensor readings are provided by pressure sensors, oxygen sensors, humidity sensors, strain gauges, accelerometers, temperature sensors, and GPS location sensors. Summary of the invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an improved powder reservoir for storing and conveying powder used in a powder bed fusion process.

[0007] The solution to this problem is described in the independent claim. The dependent claims relate to further developments of the invention.

[0008] The present invention is based on a series of observations. First, it is noted that in an additive manufacturing plant many different powder reservoirs are used to handle powders in different manufacturing stages, only one of which is the melting process. For example, once melting is completed, the workpiece must be separated from the powder bed in which it is embedded, and the powder so obtained is preferably prepared for reuse in a powder bed melting process. In addition, the station for preparing for reuse (recycling station) must have at least three powder reservoirs, including a source reservoir, a recovered powder reservoir and a waste reservoir. Similarly, AM machines have a powder overflow reservoir in addition to a powder source reservoir, and usually also a waste reservoir and a buffer reservoir. The present invention allows the use of a single type of reservoir instead of all these different reservoirs.

[0009] In more detail, a powder reservoir for processing powder in an additive manufacturing process ("AM process") may include a powder container, also referred to herein simply as a "container". The container is essentially a housing (a collection of container walls) enclosing a container volume (i.e., the volume of the container) for storing powder. As usual, the container has a bottom, at least one side wall, and a top.

[0010] The container preferably has a powder inlet and / or a powder outlet. The powder inlet is preferably an opening in the container, i.e., an opening in the housing, and the powder inlet is configured to receive powder from a powder source, for example, via a powder supply line. The powder inlet is preferably located at the upper portion of the container, for example, in the upper half of the container, preferably at the upper third, upper quarter, upper fifth, and / or upper tenth of the container. In a preferred example, the powder inlet is located at the top of the container. Accordingly, the powder outlet can be located below the powder inlet, i.e., at the lower portion of the container, for example, in the lower half of the container, preferably at the lower third, lower quarter, lower fifth, and / or lower tenth of the container. In a preferred example, the powder outlet is located at the bottom of the container. As usual, the terms "up" and "down" refer to the normal orientation of the container, such as the orientation of the container during normal use that one can expect, also referred to herein as "first orientation". As will be explained in more detail below, the container can be rotatably supported, for example, into a second orientation, which can be, for example, an inverted orientation relative to the first orientation, i.e., a so-called "inverted" orientation. By rotating the container, for example, 180°±α h This inverted orientation can be obtained where “±α h " represents the interval [180°-|α h |;180°+|α h |] is acceptable, and where α h ∈{30°,20°,15°,10°,5°,2.5°,1°,0}, and where α hSmaller absolute values ​​of are preferred. The axis of rotation is preferably at least approximately horizontal, ie at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction. At least approximately horizontal here means that in [-α h ,α h ] Deviations from the horizontal within an interval of 10° to 50° are acceptable. At least a portion of the bottom is preferably a cone or a truncated cone. The opening angle β of the cone or truncated cone is correspondingly preferably between 48° and 62° (β∈[48°,62°]), more preferably between 50° and 60° (β∈[50°,60°]), and even more preferably between 51° and 58° (β∈[51°,58°]). A particularly preferred opening angle is β=54°±1° (β∈[53°,55°]). These opening angles are preferred because no mechanically driven powder conveying or fluidizing device, such as a vibrator, powder scraper, etc., is required to completely remove the powder from the container while maximizing the container volume.

[0011] As usual, "up" and "down" are directions defined with reference to the direction of gravity (down is parallel to the direction of gravity, up is the opposite direction, i.e., antiparallel direction). Reference to "top" or "bottom" assumes the orientation of the corresponding components observed during normal operation. During normal operation, the powder inlet is usually located above the center of the container (mostly at the top of the container), and the powder outlet is usually located below the center of the container (mostly at the bottom). The bottom of the container is the part of the container that defines the container volume downward. The top of the container is the part of the container that defines the container volume upward. The side wall connects the bottom of the container and the top of the container.

[0012] Preferably, the powder reservoir comprises a set N of n sensors for determining a set of n observable quantities, where n is an integer greater than or equal to two, ie, n∈{2,3,4,...,n max}. max There is no theoretical limit, but in practice one can assume that n max is a small two-digit number (e.g., 20). As already noted, n max Larger numbers are possible, such as 100, 1000 or 10000, or even higher numbers, but such high numbers of sensors are not currently anticipated, at least not without excessive redundancy of sensor equipment.

[0013] The set N of n sensors may include at least one sensor from the following list of sensors, preferably a plurality of sensors: a container pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the container volume, a force sensor (e.g. a strain gauge) for measuring the force exerted by the container on the frame, a powder level sensor, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure upstream of the powder inlet valve, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure downstream of the powder outlet valve, a differential pressure sensor for measuring the pressure difference between the container volume and the space upstream of the powder inlet valve, a differential pressure sensor for measuring the pressure difference between the container volume and the space downstream of the powder outlet valve, a gas concentration sensor for determining at least the partial pressure and / or concentration of the gas components of the gas in the container volume and / or the space upstream of the powder inlet valve and / or the space downstream of the powder outlet valve. Each of these sensors provides information that enables monitoring of the conditions under which the powder is stored in the container and / or the powder is transported into or out of the container. The force sensor may be used to determine the amount of powder in the container, and the degree of compaction of the powder due to vibrations of the container may be determined by analyzing the forces varying over time and / or by determining the center of mass of the container and the powder therein. In the case where the set N includes a powder level sensor, the set N preferably includes at least one upper powder level sensor and / or at least one lower powder level sensor. The upper powder level sensor is preferably located in the upper part of the powder container, such as in the upper third, upper quarter, upper fifth, upper sixth, upper seventh, upper eighth, upper ninth, upper tenth or upper twentieth of the powder container, and is configured to determine whether the powder level in the powder container is higher than (including at) or lower than the position of the upper powder level sensor. Similarly, the lower powder level sensor is preferably located in the lower part of the powder container, such as in the lower third, lower quarter, lower fifth, lower sixth, lower seventh, lower eighth, lower ninth, lower tenth or lower twentieth of the powder container, and is configured to determine whether the powder level in the powder container is higher than (including at) or lower than the position of the lower powder level sensor.

[0014] An upper powder level sensor and a lower powder level sensor make it possible to effectively prevent powder overflow by shutting off the powder flow entering the powder container when the upper powder sensor provides a sensor signal indicating that the powder level is at or above an upper threshold value, which upper threshold value can be, for example, the upper powder level sensor position.

[0015] The lower powder level sensor makes it possible to ensure that the powder flow through the powder outlet at the bottom of the powder container is not interrupted. For example, in the case where the lower powder sensor provides a sensor signal indicating that the powder level is below a given lower threshold, the manufacturing process of extracting powder from the powder container can be slowed down or completely interrupted. The lower threshold can be the lower powder level sensor position.

[0016] The sensor signal of the powder level sensor can be used as a cross check, for example to verify the signal provided by the force sensor.

[0017] Just to avoid uncertainty, there are usually multiple types of powder level sensors. For example, a distance measuring device can determine the gap between the distance measuring device and the top layer of powder in the container. An increase in distance reflects a decrease in the powder level. In an example, the distance can be measured, for example, by an optical distance measuring device and / or an acoustic distance measuring device (including ultrasound). In another example, the powder level sensor only determines whether the powder level is below or above (including at) a predetermined level. Such powder level sensors may include grating sensors, capacitive sensors, etc. It goes without saying that all these different types of powder level sensors can be combined to obtain accurate, reliable and / or redundant measurements.

[0018] The powder reservoir may also include a multi-port connector configured to be connected to a corresponding mating connector of a powder handling device in an AM process. An optional multi-port connector may be a plug or socket connector having a plurality of ports. At least one port may include an electrical contact of a multi-port connector. In addition, the multi-port connector may include a fluid port, such as a pressurized gas port and / or a vacuum port. The multi-port connector may also include a waveguide port for connecting a waveguide, such as an optical fiber waveguide. As usual, a multi-port connector is understood as a plug connector or a socket connector having at least two, preferably even higher number of ports connected by a plug-socket. Each port is configured to provide or facilitate fluid exchange, data exchange and / or energy exchange between corresponding mating ports of a corresponding mating connector of a powder handling device in an AM process. The fluid port may include a gas port, such as a pressurized air port, a vacuum port, an inert gas supply port, etc. Energy exchange may be obtained through a power line terminal (electrical port), or may be obtained by inductive connection (inductive port) or even by rotary connection through a coil. Pressurized gas may also be used as an energy source (pressurized fluid port). Data exchange can be achieved by electromagnetic signals (including optical signals), which can be transmitted via cables and / or waveguides. The corresponding cables can have terminals configured as electrical ports of a multi-port connector, and the waveguides can have waveguide ports.

[0019] In a preferred example, the first sensor in the set N of sensors is preferably connected to the first port of the multi-port connector via a first measuring line. As usual, a port of a connector is a terminal or the like that enables transmission of electricity (e.g., a voltage signal) or a fluid or an electromagnetic wave (e.g., light) to a corresponding port of a mating connector. In the case of a purely electrical connector, each port would be represented by a contact of the connector. We use the term "port" as a generic term for "contact" to also include fluid connections or waveguide connections.

[0020] In more detail, a first end of the first measurement line can be connected to the first sensor, and a second end of the first measurement line can be connected to the first port of the multi-port connector. Thus, once the multi-port connector is connected to a corresponding component (referred to herein as a "mating connector") of the multi-port connector in an AM machine or any other powder processing machine (collectively referred to herein as a "powder processing station"), the corresponding powder processing station can read the sensor signal (first sensor signal) of the first sensor.

[0021] Similarly, a second sensor of the set N of sensors may be connected to the second port of the multiport connector via a second measurement line. In more detail, a first end of the second measurement line may be connected to the second sensor and a second end of the second measurement line may be connected to the second port of the multiport connector.

[0022] Just to avoid uncertainty, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in a volume (also referred to as a space) defined by a container or conduit has at least one fluid opening in fluid communication with the volume and / or is at least partially located in the volume. In this sense, the pressure sensor can be configured to measure the pressure in the volume. For example, a container pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the container volume is therefore preferably configured to measure the pressure in the volume of the container. In another example, assuming that the powder inlet valve is closed and any valve has a valve member that can move between an open position and a closed position to open or close the valve, the pressure sensor for measuring the pressure upstream of the powder inlet valve is preferably configured to measure the pressure in the volume defined by the powder inlet valve member in the downstream direction. The pressure sensor for measuring the pressure downstream of the powder outlet valve is preferably configured to measure the pressure in the volume defined by the valve member of the powder outlet valve in the upstream direction (when the powder outlet valve is closed). The differential pressure sensor is preferably configured to measure the pressure difference between the two volumes. For example, assuming the powder outlet valve is closed, a differential pressure sensor for measuring the pressure difference between the container volume and the space downstream of the powder outlet valve can be in fluid communication with the container volume and the volume of the space defined by the valve member of the powder outlet valve in the upstream direction.

[0023] In summary, the powder reservoir may include a set N of n sensors. At least a subset M of m sensors (m≤n) in the set N of n sensors, preferably each sensor in the set N of n sensors, is connected to a separate contact of the multi-port connector via a separate measuring line. Thus, the operational safety of the powder reservoir is improved.

[0024] The numbering of the ports, only to avoid uncertainty, does not necessarily follow any convention or standard for the port numbering of multi-port connectors. The port numbering herein is only a linguistic measure to distinguish different ports. The wires are connected as usually means that electrical contact is established between the corresponding contacts. Similarly, if a fluid flow or a powder flow can be established via a connection, respectively, the fluid line or the powder line is connected. For example, the "signal output" contact of the sensor can be electrically connected (electrically contacted) with the first end of the corresponding measurement line. The second end of the measurement line can be electrically connected to the terminal of the corresponding port. The measurement line can therefore be a conductive cable.

[0025] In a preferred example, the powder reservoir may also include a first actuator for driving a first mechanical function of the powder reservoir. For example, the first actuator may drive a valve member, a mixer, etc. Examples of these actuators will be further provided below.

[0026] In a particularly preferred example, the powder reservoir may also include a second actuator for driving a second mechanical function of the powder reservoir. In an example, the second actuator may drive another valve member, another mixer, etc. In other words, controlling the first actuator and / or the second actuator enables the mechanical device of the powder reservoir to be operated, such as a powder inlet valve and / or a powder outlet valve. For simplicity of language, we assume that a single actuator drives a single mechanical device. But this should include a single actuator driving multiple mechanical devices, and multiple actuators driving a single mechanical device or multiple actuators driving any number of mechanical devices together.

[0027] For example, the powder reservoir may include at least a powder inlet valve having a powder inlet valve inlet and a powder inlet valve outlet, wherein the powder inlet valve outlet is connected to the powder inlet of the container. As already explained, an actuator may be provided to move the valve member of the powder inlet valve from an open position to a closed position and / or from a closed position to an open position. Typically such valve actuators are electromagnetic drives, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Other examples are pneumatic actuators.

[0028] In addition, or alternatively, the powder reservoir can also include a powder outlet valve having a powder outlet valve inlet and a powder outlet valve outlet. The powder outlet valve inlet is preferably connected to the powder outlet of the container. Under the background of powder delivery, the technicians in the relevant field understand "connection" as usual, that is, powder can flow to the powder outlet valve inlet through the powder outlet of the container, and flow to the powder outlet valve outlet when the valve is opened. When the valve is closed, of course, the powder flow is interrupted.

[0029] In general, the powder reservoir may include a first actuator control line having a first end and a second end, wherein a first actuator is connected to the first end of the first actuator control line. A second actuator control line having a first end and a second end may be connected to the second actuator. More generally, the powder reservoir may include a set L of l actuators, wherein each actuator is configured to drive a mechanical function. Preferably, each actuator in the set L of l actuators is connected to the first end of a corresponding control line. Thus, there may be a set C of l control lines, wherein each control line is connected to a different actuator. In other words, the i-th actuator may be connected to the first end of the i-th control line.

[0030] The powder reservoir may include a set L of l actuators for driving a mechanical device of the powder reservoir, where l∈N\{0,1}, and where each actuator in a subset K of k actuators in the set L of at least l actuators, i.e., k≤l, k∈{1,2,3,4,…,n max}, are connected to separate contacts of the multi-port connector via separate actuator control lines.

[0031] For example, a powder inlet valve having a powder inlet flow path can be attached to the powder inlet of the container, the powder inlet valve having a powder inlet valve inlet and a powder inlet valve outlet. The inlet valve member of the powder inlet valve can be movably supported relative to the valve seat of the powder inlet valve and can be configured to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein the powder inlet valve is closed by the inlet valve member when the inlet valve member is in its closed position, and the powder inlet valve is opened when the inlet valve member is in its open position. The inlet valve member can be coupled to at least one actuator in a set L of l actuators, preferably to a subset K of k actuators. In other words, at least one actuator in the set L of l actuators can be configured to move the inlet valve member of the powder inlet valve between the closed position and the open position.

[0032] For example, a powder outlet valve having a powder outlet flow path can be attached to the powder outlet of the container, the powder outlet valve having a powder outlet valve inlet and a powder outlet valve outlet. The outlet valve member of the powder outlet valve can be movably supported relative to the valve seat of the powder outlet valve and can be configured to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein the powder outlet valve is closed by the outlet valve member when the outlet valve member is in its closed position, and the powder outlet valve is opened when the outlet valve member is in its open position. The outlet valve member can be coupled to at least one actuator in a set L of l actuators, preferably to a subset K of k actuators. In other words, at least one actuator in the set L of l actuators can be configured to move the outlet valve member of the powder inlet valve between the closed position and the open position.

[0033] In an example, the funnel can be connected to the powder inlet and / or powder outlet of the container. In an example, the funnel can be connected to the powder inlet of the container, wherein an optional powder inlet valve can be located between the funnel and the container volume. Similarly, the funnel can be connected to the powder outlet of the container, wherein the powder outlet valve can be located between the funnel and the container volume. Therefore, if the corresponding valve is opened, fluid communication is established between the container volume and the funnel, and if the corresponding valve is closed, the fluid communication is interrupted. But the corresponding connection is generally considered to provide fluid communication in this article, but if the corresponding valve is in a closed state, the fluid communication can be interrupted.

[0034] Each of the optional funnels enables easy refilling of the container via the corresponding opening. In a preferred example, the funnel is removably connected to the powder inlet and / or powder outlet of the container. Just to avoid misunderstandings, a funnel is generally understood to be a conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet end is significantly larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet end. Significantly larger means that the free diameter of the inlet opening increases by more than twice the thickness of the conduit wall. In a preferred example, the cross-sectional area A of the inlet opening is greater than the cross-sectional area A of the outlet end. i Greater than x times the cross-sectional area A0 of the outlet opening, i.e. A i ≥x·A0, where x∈{1.1,1.25,1.5,2,2.5,3,4,5,10}.

[0035] Preferably, the powder reservoir comprises a container support structure. The container support structure may be, for example, a frame that supports and preferably protects the powder container. For example, a transport device, such as rollers, wheels, etc., may be attached to the container support structure.

[0036] In a preferred example, the container support structure includes a swivel bearing that rotatably supports the container. Such a rotation can cause the container to be in an inverted orientation, a so-called "upside-down" orientation, which converts the powder inlet into a powder outlet (and / or vice versa), and causes the breaking of the mass of adhered powder in the container. The swivel bearing thus enables the use of the powder inlet as a powder outlet and vice versa, i.e., a single powder opening is sufficient, thereby reducing potential leaks and the number of expensive valves. For the sake of language consistency only, we will also refer to this bidirectionally available powder opening of the container as a "powder inlet".

[0037] In a first, "normal" orientation, the powder inlet can be used to pour powder into the container volume (e.g., via an optional funnel). In an inverted, "upside-down" orientation, the same powder inlet can be used as a powder outlet. Thus, a single powder inlet may be sufficient. The rotary bearing may preferably have an axis of rotation that is oriented at least substantially horizontally. Wherein, "almost horizontal" means that horizontal is preferred, but any deviation is acceptable as long as the rotation enables release of powder in the container via the powder inlet in the event of rotation of the container into an inverted orientation. As usual, "horizontal orientation" means that the axis of rotation is at least substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction if the container support structure is oriented as intended during normal operation. At least substantially vertical shall mean that orthogonality is preferred, but deviations within a certain angle of ±α h Acceptable. h Example values ​​of are 30°, 20°, 10°, 5°, 2.5°, and 1°, i.e., α h ∈{30°,20°,10°,5°,2.5°,1°,0°}. Acceptable deviation α h In practice this depends on the shape of the container. As long as at least substantially all of the powder flows out of the powder inlet when the container is in its second orientation, the corresponding deviation α h is acceptable, even if it is larger than one of the above example values.

[0038] In a preferred example, the funnel is supported by the container support structure and includes a coupling that connects the lower opening of the funnel to the powder inlet when the container is in its first orientation (the so-called "normal" orientation) and does not connect the lower opening of the funnel to the powder inlet when the container is rotated out of the first orientation.

[0039] In a preferred example, the container support structure may include a locking mechanism configured to releasably prevent the rotation of the container relative to the container support structure. The locking mechanism thus enables the container to be prevented from being accidentally rotated, for example, in a first ("normal") orientation and / or an accidental rotation in a second ("inverted" or "upside down") orientation. The locking mechanism may prevent rotation by a releasable shape fit locking between the container and the container support structure and / or by a releasable clamping mechanism. In addition or alternatively, the powder reservoir may include an actuator for rotating the container relative to the container support structure. The actuator preferably includes a self-blocking transmission, which may also be referred to as a self-locking transmission. An example of such a transmission is a self-locking worm gear transmission (see Introduction to Worm Gearing, James K. Simonelli; Gear Technology, Vol. 2, 1993, pp. 34 to 40).

[0040] In a preferred example, the container has a grid or at least grid bars extending in the container volume. Such a grid or grid bars help to break up potential powder aggregates in the container when the container is rotated. Thereby enhancing the continuous and complete removal of powder from the container.

[0041] In another example, the powder reservoir may include a container support structure that is rotatably supported. For example, a support frame may rotatably support the container support structure. The container support structure may have at least a bottom, and preferably at least one side support, such as a side wall and / or at least one column attached to the bottom of the support structure. The powder container may be removably placed at the bottom of the container support structure. In other words, the bottom of the container support structure may be configured to receive the bottom of the powder container, and therefore preferably also supports the powder container, such as a powder barrel. Such a powder container may be subject to standardization, i.e., the powder barrel may be a barrel according to some industry standards. The side support may be configured to, for example, support the container during the rotation of the container support structure, such as to prevent the container from tilting relative to the bottom of the support structure. Therefore, within the scope of the disclosure of the present application, a powder reservoir in which a powder container has not yet been installed or the powder container has been removed is included. Such a powder reservoir may be regarded as a predecessor of a powder reservoir.

[0042] In a preferred example, the container support structure may also include a powder removal hopper. For example, a powder removal hopper (also referred to herein as a removal hopper) may be movably attached to another part of a rotatable container support structure, for example, attached to a side support portion of a rotatable container support structure. The inlet end of the powder removal hopper preferably faces the bottom of the support structure. An example of a movably attached hopper may be a hinge that enables the powder removal hopper to pivot relative to the side support portion. Another example may be a linear bearing that enables the powder removal hopper to translate relative to the side support portion. Two examples of movably supporting the powder removal hopper may also be used in combination. In any case, the powder removal hopper may have at least a first position and / or a first orientation, in which the powder removal hopper is located directly above the bottom of the support structure when the bottom of the support structure is in its lowest position, and preferably may also have a second position and / or a second orientation, in which the powder outlet hopper is not directly above the bottom of the support structure (assuming that the bottom is still in its lowest position), thereby releasing a path for moving the powder container to the bottom of the support structure. The removable attachment enables at least the powder outlet funnel to be moved between a first position and / or a first orientation and a second position and / or a second orientation. Just for the avoidance of doubt, it is noted that "directly above" in this context does not refer to the distance between the powder removal funnel and the bottom of the support structure, but rather to the fact that the projection of the powder removal funnel in a direction perpendicular to the surface provided by the bottom of the support structure provides an image of the powder removal funnel on the bottom of the support structure, which is configured to receive the powder container. To provide a vivid example: it can be assumed that the bottom of the support structure is horizontally oriented and in its lowest position, then "directly above" means that the projection vertically downwards projects the removal funnel onto the bottom of the support structure (assuming that there are no other surfaces between the removal funnel and the bottom of the support structure).

[0043] In operation, the support structure can initially be oriented so that the support structure bottom, i.e., the bottom of the support structure, is in its lowest position. The powder removal hopper preferably moves into a position in which the path of the powder container to the bottom of the support structure is released, i.e., the path is not blocked by the powder removal hopper. For example, the powder removal hopper can be in its second position and / or second orientation. Next, the powder container, such as a standardized powder bucket, can be moved to the bottom of the support structure. The top cover of the container can be removed before or after the container is moved to the bottom of the container support structure, thereby opening the top opening of the container. Therefore, the top opening of the container is preferably open and preferably oriented upward (when the bottom of the support structure is still in its lowest position).

[0044] Subsequently, the powder removal funnel can be attached to the top opening of the container by its inlet end by moving the powder removal funnel into its first position and / or first orientation. Preferably, the powder removal funnel has a gasket on its inlet side, which provides at least a powder-tight seal with the container. Thereby, the powder removal funnel and the container volume are in fluid communication via the container opening, but with the powder removal funnel in its first position and / or first orientation, powder is not accidentally released through the gap between the powder removal funnel and the powder container.

[0045] In a preferred example, the removable attachment of the powder removal hopper is blocked at least in a first position and / or a first orientation, thereby fixing the powder container in its position and orientation relative to the rotatably supported support structure. In other words, with the powder removal funnel in its first position and / or first orientation, the powder removal funnel can clamp the container against the bottom of the support structure.

[0046] Thus, by rotating the support structure, the powder container held in place relative to the support structure can be inverted. The top opening of the powder container now points downward, and powder can be poured downward into the inlet opening of the powder removal hopper. Such powder can therefore be taken out via the outlet of the powder removal hopper and can be provided to the powder discharge point via an optional powder conduit.

[0047] Thus, in the event that the outlet end of the powder outlet funnel is not already connected, the outlet end of the powder outlet funnel is preferably connected to a powder removal conduit for conveying the powder to a powder discharge point. Examples of powder discharge points may be an additive manufacturing machine and / or a powder recovery device and / or a powder filling station, etc.

[0048] Preferably, the funnel outlet valve can be located at the powder outlet end of the powder outlet funnel. This enables the powder discharge point to be connected after rotating the support structure. When the powder outlet valve is open, powder can flow out of the powder outlet end, for example, into an optional powder removal conduit. When the powder outlet valve is closed, there is no fluid communication between the removal funnel and the environment even if the removal conduit is not connected. Therefore, the support structure can be rotated as needed without having the restrictive powder removal conduit attached to the support structure.

[0049] If the powder container is to be removed from the powder reservoir, the support structure can be rotated again, for example, until the bottom is again in its lowest position. The powder removal hopper can be moved into its second position and / or second orientation, and thereby release the powder container and free up a path for removing the powder container from the support structure. Once removed, another (or the same) powder container can be placed on the support structure bottom again.

[0050] It should be noted that we have assumed above that the bottom of the support structure must be in its lowest position to insert or remove the powder container, and that in this lowest position the bottom is at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane orientation. But none of these features are necessary. It may even be advantageous that the bottom is not parallel to the horizontal plane and / or is not in its lowest position during the insertion or removal of the powder container. In this case, the powder container can slide over the side support of the support structure when being moved into and / or out of the support structure. This may even be necessary, for example, in the case where the room ceiling is too low to lift the powder container vertically into and / or out of the container support structure. Above, the term "lowest position" is only used to make the description more vivid, and wherever it appears, it can be replaced by the "powder container removal position", wherein, in the powder container removal position, the bottom of the support structure is preferably below the powder removal funnel, and in the inverted position, the powder removal funnel outlet end is preferably below the bottom of the support structure. However, it should be noted that the lowest position of the bottom of the support structure is a preferred example of a powder container removal position.

[0051] Furthermore, we assume that in the second position and / or second orientation, the powder removal hopper is not located directly above the bottom of the support structure. This is also not required. All that is required is that when the powder removal hopper is moved from its first position and / or first orientation to its second position and / or second orientation, a path is freed for inserting and / or removing the powder container.

[0052] Preferably, the powder reservoir can have an inert gas inlet port. The powder reservoir can also have a pressure reducing valve having a high pressure inlet and a low pressure outlet, and the container can include an inert gas inlet opening. The inert gas inlet port is preferably in fluid communication with the high pressure inlet of the pressure reducing valve, and the low pressure outlet of the pressure reducing valve is preferably in fluid communication with the inert gas opening. Therefore, the pressure provided to the container via the inert gas inlet connector (inert gas inlet port) is dropped to a predetermined pressure near the container. Therefore, the length of the pipeline from the pressure reducing valve to the inert gas opening of the container can be very short and can have a very small diameter. This helps to reduce costs. In addition, the pressure of the container provided to a given powder reservoir does not change. By this design of the powder reservoir, it is essentially excluded that the container is subjected to a pressure higher than the specified pressure, which can cause the container to explode and / or the powder to be released, which is crucial because the submicron powder used for the AM machine can enter the human lungs.

[0053] Preferably, the inert gas control valve can be located in a gas line that provides fluid communication between an inert gas port and the inert gas inlet of the container. For example, the high pressure input of the pressure reducing valve can be connected to the outlet of the inert gas control valve, and the inlet of the inert gas control valve can be in fluid communication (through corresponding conduits) with the inert gas inlet port. Alternatively, the inert gas inlet port can be connected to the inlet of the pressure reducing valve, and the outlet of the pressure reducing valve can be connected to the inlet of the inert gas control valve. The outlet of the inert gas control valve is in fluid communication with the inert gas inlet of the container. Both of these options further improve operational safety.

[0054] It is particularly preferred in the case where the inert gas control valve has an inert gas control valve actuator, wherein the inert gas control valve actuator is a member of a subset K of k actuators in a set L of l actuators. This enables an unexpected pressure rise or drop in the container to be avoided by the powder reservoir processing station, in the case where the corresponding port of the mating connector of the powder reservoir processing station (i.e., the inert gas valve actuator control port) is simply omitted or not connected to the controller of the reservoir processing station.

[0055] Preferably, the powder reservoir comprises a gas removal port. The gas removal port is preferably in fluid communication with the container volume via a gas removal control valve. More precisely, the container may include a gas removal outlet, and the gas removal outlet may be connected to the inlet opening of the gas removal control valve via the first portion of the gas removal line. The gas removal control valve outlet may be connected to the gas removal port by the second portion of the gas removal line. In other words, the gas removal port may be configured to take out gas from the container and may be closed and opened by opening the gas removal control valve. The gas removal control valve may have a gas removal control valve member that is connected to a controller in a subset K of k actuators in a set L of l actuators. This also makes it possible to prevent the accidental operation of the gas removal control valve in the powder reservoir processing station, when the corresponding port of the mating connector in the powder reservoir processing station is simply not connected to the corresponding controller or is completely omitted. The gas removal port may be used, for example, to reduce the gas pressure in the container by connecting a vacuum pump or any other low pressure source to the gas removal port and opening the gas removal control valve. Gases that are harmful to the powder and / or the AM process, such as water vapor (moisture) and / or oxygen, can be removed from the container via the gas removal port. When the container is filled with inert gas via the inert gas inlet, the gas removal control valve can also be opened to enable the gas to be pressed (or sucked) out of the container via the gas removal port.

[0056] In a preferred example, the powder reservoir comprises a pressure sensor configured to determine the gas pressure upstream and / or downstream of the gas removal control valve. Additionally, or alternatively, the powder reservoir may comprise a differential pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure difference between the first and second portions of the gas removal line. The pressure sensor and / or the differential pressure sensor is preferably a member of a subset M of the set N of n sensors.

[0057] Preferably, the gas removal port connection sensor is connected to a first end of a gas removal port connection sensor line. A second end of the gas removal port connection sensor line may be connected to a port of a multi-port connector. In other words, the gas removal port connection sensor is also preferably a member of a subset M of the set N of n sensors.

[0058] In a preferred example, the powder reservoir can include a support frame, which can be understood as a preferred example of a container support structure. The container support structure can have a mounting portion for being attached to a crane and / or a receiving portion for receiving the prongs (fork teeth or teeth) of a forklift. Preferably, the container is located inside the container support structure, and is therefore protected from mechanical damage such as due to collisions by the frame structure at least to a certain extent. The multi-port connector can be attached to the container support structure and / or the container, and preferably does not extend beyond the profile of the container support structure. Thereby the connector is also protected by the container support structure. The ports of the multi-port connector are preferably facing outwards, so as to facilitate the multi-port connector to be connected to the mating connector of the powder processing station.

[0059] The powder reservoir may preferably include at least one locking shaft. The locking shaft may be rotatably supported relative to the container. This does not mean that the corresponding bearing is directly mounted to the container, although the corresponding bearing may be directly mounted to the container, but the rotation of the locking shaft is relative to the coordinate system of the container. In a preferred example, the bearing supporting the locking shaft is mounted to an (optional) container support structure, for example, to the bottom portion of the container support structure. The locking shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. Herein, the proximal end is closer to the container than the distal end. In a preferred example, the distal end faces at least substantially the same direction (within an angle ± α, and α ∈ {30°, 20°, 10°, 5°, 2.5°, 1°, 0°}) with the bottom of the container and / or the sidewall of the container. The locking member may be coupled to the distal end of the locking shaft in a torque-transmitting manner. Additionally, the coupling member is preferably coupled to the locking shaft to transmit an axial force. Preferably, the locking shaft is driven by a locking shaft actuator. The locking shaft enables the powder container to interlock with the powder processing station. This increases the operational safety of the powder reservoir, because the powder reservoir can be simply avoided from falling from the powder reservoir support portion in the case of earthquakes and / or impacts, for example, due to forklifts, etc. In a preferred example, the locking member has a broken rotational symmetry relative to the rotation axis of the locking shaft. This broken symmetry makes it possible to insert the locking member into the locking member opening when the powder reservoir is positioned on and / or in the powder reservoir support portion, and to provide a shape-fitting locking between the locking member and the structure defining the locking member opening by rotating the locking shaft. In another example, the locking member can be a threaded member, which can be engaged in the mating threaded member of the powder reservoir support portion by rotating the locking shaft. In two examples, the locking shaft and therefore the axial movement of the powder reservoir away from the powder reservoir support portion is prevented by the shape-fitting locking. The locking shaft actuator is preferably a member of a subset K in a set L of l sensors.

[0060] The above features contribute to improve the operational safety of the powder storage device together. For example, because the valve is opened by mistake due to the misreading of the sensor reading at the powder processing station, the accidental powder release caused can be avoided, because only those sensors intended to be read in the corresponding powder processing station can be read by the corresponding processing station. Similarly, the actuator control port of the paired multi-port connector that is not needed in a specific powder processing station can be omitted or remain unconnected. For example, in a gas pressure adjustment station and / or a gas mixture adjustment station, it is not necessary to open or close the powder inlet valve or the powder outlet valve. In such a station, the paired port of the port that will be contacted (via the corresponding pipeline) and connected to the actuator that drives the corresponding valve member is simply not connected to the controller of the powder processing station. Therefore, the accidental powder release caused by software errors, etc. is essentially avoided. Similarly, in other powder processing stations, the paired port of the multi-port connector that will be connected to the sensor and / or actuator that does not need to perform the task of the corresponding powder processing station is preferably omitted and / or not connected to the controller of the corresponding powder processing station.

[0061] As already evident, the control line is preferably a conductive cable, but is not limited thereto. For example, in case the actuator is hydraulically (i.e. by means of a pressurized fluid) controlled / operated, the control line may be a hydraulic line or a pneumatic line, depending on the fluid. The purpose of the control line is to connect the respective actuator with a controller of an AM powder handling station, preferably via a port of a multi-port connector, an AM powder handling station being a synonym for an apparatus and / or a powder reservoir service station for handling powder, the powder being powder provided to or from a powder reservoir or stored in a powder reservoir.

[0062] A powder handling station can be any machine configured to perform AM using powder, i.e. the AM equipment itself, but can also be a workpiece removal station for removing workpieces from a powder bed, and / or a powder recovery station, and / or a powder reservoir refilling station, and / or a station for adjusting the gas composition and / or pressure in a container, to name just a few. In short, any equipment used to provide, prepare or collect powder in an AM manufacturing environment is a powder handling station, also referred to as a powder handling machine or powder handling equipment.

[0063] The term "connected" or "connected" is used above to indicate that two components are connected together to provide the functionality implied in the components. For example, in the case of two conduits connected, the corresponding connection provides fluid communication, i.e., fluid or powder can flow from the first of the two conduits into the other conduit (unless the flow is blocked by a closed valve). Similarly, the connection of two electrical contacts allows the flow of current between the two contacts. Waveguide connections provide the ability to propagate electromagnetic waves from a first waveguide to another waveguide connected, and so on. Transmission devices can be connected, such as input shafts and output shafts. The term "wire" above is used as a hypernym covering the terms cable, conduit and waveguide, and can be replaced by "cable and / or conduit and / or waveguide". All three examples enable the transmission of power and / or information from the first end of the wire to the other end of the wire.

[0064] The term "port" is used herein as a hypernym of an electrical terminal, a fluid terminal (fluid port) and / or a waveguide port of a connector. A port can, but need not necessarily be, integrated in a corresponding connector. A multi-port connector has at least two ports, which can be of different types. But at least two ports are not necessarily of different types. A multi-port connector can have a first number of electrical terminals (electrical ports), a second number of fluid ports and a third number of waveguide ports, but not all of these ports are necessarily connected to corresponding lines. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, without limiting the general inventive concept, by way of example only.

[0066] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a powder reservoir is shown,

[0067] Figure 2 Detail of a partially installed powder reservoir is shown,

[0068] Figure 3 Another detail is shown,

[0069] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A cross section of a portion of a powder reservoir is shown,

[0070] Figure 5 Another detail showing a partially installed powder reservoir,

[0071] Figure 6 is a sample connection diagram, and

[0072] Figure 7 The bottom portion of the frame is shown with its bottom side facing upwards.

[0073] Figure 8A simplified example of a powder reservoir with a rotatable support structure is shown.

[0074] Figure 9 shows four pictures Figure 9.1 to Figure 9.4 A set of diagrams showing the use of Figure 8 Four steps of the powder reservoir method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] exist Figure 1 In the figure, a first embodiment of a powder reservoir 1 for processing powder in the context of an AM process (powder bed process) is shown. The powder reservoir comprises a container 100. The container 100 may comprise a top 110 and a truncated conical bottom 120, which essentially forms a funnel. In the example shown, the opening angle β of the truncated conical bottom 120 is 54°, but other values ​​of the opening angle β are also possible. The preferred interval of the opening angle β is [48°; 62°], i.e. β∈[48°; 62°]. A side wall 130 connects the top 110 and the bottom 120 of the container.

[0076] As shown, the powder reservoir 1 may also include a frame 200, which is an example of a container support structure 200. In this example, the frame has four vertical columns 230, but other numbers of columns are possible. The columns are connected to their respective adjacent columns by crossbars 235. The lower portion of the column can be attached to an optional bottom portion 800, which will be referred to as Figure 7 This optional bottom portion is described in more detail.

[0077] The powder reservoir 1 may have a plurality of interfaces for interacting with a powder handling station in an AM process. Some of these optional features are a pressure compensation port 420 and a gas removal port 430. The powder reservoir may also include a multi-port connector 500. The multi-port connector 500 may be mounted inside the frame 200, i.e., as shown, it does not extend beyond the frame 200, but the multi-port connector 500 faces outward with its connection ports so as to be connected by a mating connector of a powder handling station.

[0078] Figure 2 Details of the powder reservoir 1 are shown. As shown, the container 100 may feature an inert gas inlet 410, preferably located at the top 110 of the container 100. The container 100 may also feature a pressure sensor 440 for measuring the pressure inside the container 100, and / or a safety valve 450, and / or a backup socket 460.

[0079] The powder reservoir 1 may also include a powder inlet port 480. The powder inlet port 480 may be in fluid communication with the inlet of a powder inlet valve 485. The outlet of the powder inlet valve is in fluid communication with the powder inlet 180 of the container 100, and thus with the volume enclosed by the container 100. The powder inlet valve 485 may be opened and closed by controlling the powder inlet valve actuator 488 accordingly.

[0080] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a grille 489 may be provided upstream of the powder inlet valve 485 to protect personnel operating the powder reservoir from being injured by movement of the valve member 486 of the powder inlet valve.

[0081] Figure 5 Detailed view of the lower portion of the powder reservoir. To simplify the figure, some components, such as the optional frame 200, are omitted. Depicted is a portion of the container 100, namely the frustoconical bottom 120. At the lower end of the frustoconical bottom 120 is a powder outlet 190. Attached to the powder outlet 190 of the container may be the inlet of a powder outlet valve 495, or the powder outlet 190 of the container may be considered as the powder inlet of the powder outlet valve 495. The outlet of the powder outlet valve 495 may be provided by or attached to a powder outlet port 490. The powder outlet valve 495 may include a valve member driven by a powder outlet valve actuator 498.

[0082] Also like Figure 5 As shown, the side of the inert gas inlet port facing the container can be connected to a first end of a pressure compensating valve 425. The other end of the pressure compensating valve 425 can be connected to a pressure compensating conduit 421 as shown, which is in fluid communication with the pressure compensating opening 141 of the container 100 (see Figure 2 ).

[0083] The gas removal opening 142 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) can be connected to the inlet side of the gas removal valve 435 via a gas removal conduit. The outlet side of the gas removal valve 435 can be the gas removal port 430 or be in fluid communication with the gas removal port 430 (see Figure 5 The valve member of the gas removal valve 435 can be driven by the gas removal valve actuator 438 ( Figure 5 ).

[0084] like Figure 5 As shown, the vessel support mounting portion 105 can be attached to the vessel 100. At least one of the vessel support mounting portions 105 is preferably attached to the vessel support structure 200 via a strain gauge 106 (see Figure 1). The strain gauge can be replaced by any other load sensor or force sensor 106 capable of determining the weight of the container supported by the container support structure 200. In this sense, the term "strain gauge" is considered representative of any force measuring sensor. The force measuring sensor 106 is capable of determining the amount of powder in the container (because the empty mass of the container 100 is known or at least can be determined), as well as being able to measure the acceleration of the container 100, which can cause a compaction of the powder in the container 100.

[0085] A first portion of the inert gas conduit 412 may connect the inert gas inlet 410 to the outlet of an inert gas inlet valve 418. In the example shown, the inert gas inlet valve 418 is a bistable solenoid valve (i.e., the valve actuator is an electromagnetic drive), but other valves may also be used. The inlet of the inert gas inlet valve 418 may be connected to the outlet of an optional pressure reducing valve 419 through another portion of the inert gas conduit 412. The inlet of the pressure reducing valve 419 is preferably connected to the inert gas inlet port 410 of the powder reservoir 1.

[0086] At the lowest tenth of the conical bottom 120 (more generally, the lowest i-th, where i≥5, for example, i=10, 12, 15, 20, 25...; there is no theoretical maximum value for i, but it can generally be assumed that i should not be greater than 100) is preferably a powder sensor 620, which is configured to determine whether the lowest i-th of the conical bottom 120 is filled with powder. The sensor can be a grating sensor, a capacitive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc. If the powder sensor 620 indicates that there is no powder left at the height of the powder sensor, the amount of powder remaining in the container can be accurately estimated, and appropriate measures can be taken (e.g., stopping the AM process, initiating a reservoir exchange and / or refilling...).

[0087] Figure 5 A connector 500 is also shown. The connector 500 has a plurality of ports. Some of these ports are electrical ports, i.e. electrical contacts, which are to be electrically contacted by the counterpart of the electrical contacts in the mating connector. Other ports may also be fluid ports, e.g., an inert gas inlet port 410. Other fluid ports may also be connectors for actuators that are operated based on fluid pressure.

[0088] Figure 6The example connection scheme of powder reservoir 1 is shown.As shown, all actuators 418,428,438,488,498 are directly connected to the corresponding port of connector 500 by a separate actuator control line.Not all actuators 418,428,438,488,498 are directly connected, but this is preferred.It is sufficient that a subset of actuators 418,428,438,488,498 is directly connected to the corresponding port of connector.Thus, the erroneous operation of actuators in powder processing station can be avoided by simply not connecting the corresponding port in the mating connector (equivalent to simply omitting the corresponding port in the mating connector), in which the corresponding actuators never need to be actuated.Of course, actuators can share a common ground port or a power port, but each actuator in the subset can be controlled by providing a signal to a separate port or multiple separate ports of the connector. The powder reservoir 1 may include a reservoir controller 107 that is connected to the data link port of the connector via some data link, but the reservoir controller 107 is not configured to control the operation of the actuators in the subset, preferably by omitting the control line connection between the reservoir controller 107 and the respective actuators. In the present case, the reservoir controller 107 is connected to the force sensor 106 and provides a signal representing the mass of the container to a port of the connector 500. The signal may be sent via the data link, or in the present example as an analog signal (i.e., a voltage representing the mass).

[0089] Figure 7 A three-dimensional bottom view of an example bottom portion 800 is shown, i.e., the bottom side is shown facing upward. The example bottom portion 800 can have a bottom portion support structure 820 having a forklift receiving portion. Preferably, there is a powder outlet port protector 825 between the forklift receiving portions. The powder outlet port protector 825 is a structural element that blocks the path from the side of the container support structure 200 to the powder outlet port. Therefore, in the case where the forklift is improperly positioned relative to the powder reservoir 1, the powder outlet port will not be torn or otherwise damaged by the fork.

[0090] In addition, the powder reservoir 1 may include one or more locking shafts 850. The locking shaft 850 may be rotatably supported by the support structure of the container support structure 200, such as shown, rotatably supported by the support structure 820 of the bottom part 800. Two locking shafts 850 are shown in this example, but any other number may also be suitable (e.g., one, three, four, five ...). The locking shaft 850 has a proximal end and a distal end 852. As shown, the distal end 852 may face downward and may be coupled to the locking member 853 in a torque-transmitting manner. The coupling may also be an elastic coupling. The locking shaft actuator 858 may be coupled (the coupling may be an elastic coupling) to rotate the locking shaft (850) from the open position to the closed position, and from the closed position to the open position to rotate the locking shaft (850). In this example, the change in position is strictly a change in orientation, but translation may achieve the same purpose, and the superposition of translation and rotation may also achieve the same purpose. In this example, the locking member 853 is provided by a rod, which is formed with two pins, and the two pins radially extend beyond the profile of the locking shaft 850. In the open position, the locking member 853 can thus be inserted through the elongated slot of the powder reservoir support of the powder processing station, and the locking actuator can then be controlled to move the locking shaft 850 and thus the locking member 853 into the closed position, in which the locking member 853 interlocks with the material forming the slot. The locking shaft actuator 858 can be connected to a separate port of the connector 500, preferably directly, via a locking actuator control line.

[0091] In order to facilitate the appropriate positioning of the powder reservoir 200 on the powder reservoir support of the powder processing station, the container support structure 200 preferably includes a guide plate 890 at its bottom portion 800, for example, the guide plate 890 is attached to the bottom portion support structure 820, which guide plate can interact with a complementary guide device of the powder reservoir support of the powder processing station to move the powder reservoir into a predetermined position and orientation when the powder reservoir 1 is lowered onto the powder reservoir support.

[0092] The powder storage device in Fig. 9 has a framework 300, and the framework 300 has a rotatable container support structure 200, which is also referred to as a container support structure. Accordingly, the support structure 200 is attached to the framework 300 via a rotary bearing 250. When the roller of the framework 300 is on a horizontal ground, the axis of rotation of the rotary bearing 250 is preferably at least substantially horizontal. The rotary drive 255 with a crank handle 260 makes the container support structure 200 rotate around the axis of rotation of the rotary bearing easily. Of course, the rotary drive 255 that provides power manually can be replaced by a drive that is powered electrically or hydraulically (or a drive that is powered by any other energy source). Even the drive can be omitted. In this case, the rotation can be performed by hand, i.e. without any drive support.

[0093] The rotatable support structure may include a base 220 and side supports 225. An optional powder removal hopper 150 of the support structure may be movably attached to the side structures 225 and / or the support structure base 220. Thus, the optional powder removal hopper 150 may rotate with the other components of the rotatable support structure and may be moved between a first position and / or first orientation and a second position and / or second orientation, such as in Figure 9.1 to Figure 9.4 Thus, changes in the position and / or orientation of the powder removal hopper 150 refer to the relative position and / or relative orientation of the powder removal hopper 150 (which itself is rotatably supported relative to the frame 300) relative to the rest of the support structure base 220, respectively.

[0094] exist Figure 8 , the optional powder removal hopper 150 is shown in its first position and first orientation. Figure 9.1 As shown, if the powder removal hopper has been moved into its second position and / or second orientation, the powder container 100 can be removed from the support structure 200. The removable attachment 125 of the powder removal hopper 150 to the support structure 200 is Figure 8 is hidden in Figure 9.1 to Figure 9.4 As implied, the powder removal hopper 150 has a powder inlet end having a powder inlet opening and a powder outlet end having a powder outlet opening 190. Figure 8 As shown, an optional powder outlet valve 495 may be attached to the powder outlet opening 190. The optional powder outlet valve 495 may have a powder outlet valve actuator 498. Figure 8 Other details in the description have been described with reference to other figures, and the same reference numerals have been used where appropriate.

[0095] exist Figure 9.1 to Figure 9.4 Insertion of a new powder container 100 into the powder reservoir is shown. Figure 8 shown, and the insertion from Figure 9.1 The situation shown begins.

[0096] The powder container 100 can be located outside the powder reservoir, the support structure can be rotated so that the support structure bottom 220 is located below the powder removal funnel 150, and the powder removal funnel 150 can be in its second position and / or second orientation, in which it provides a path from the powder container 100 to the support structure bottom 220 from the outside (see Figure 9.1 ). Next, if Figure 9.2 As shown, the powder container 100 can be moved, for example, by a lift or crane, to the top of the support structure bottom 220. Therefore, the container bottom 120 resides and is supported by the support structure bottom 220 of the rotatable support structure 200. In addition, in the case where the top cover 115 of the powder container 100 still exists, the top cover can be removed. Subsequently, the powder removes the funnel 150 and can move into its first position and / or first orientation. In this position and / or first orientation, the powder removes the wider inlet end of the funnel and is sealedly attached to the powder container, thereby providing the powder container volume and the powder to remove the fluid communication between the funnel. In addition, the powder container is preferably fixed relative to the support structure bottom. This can be obtained, for example, by removing the funnel by locking it in its first position and / or first orientation relative to the support structure bottom. In addition or alternatively, other fixing means can also be used. For example, clamping claws, suction cups, etc.

[0097] like Figure 9.4 As shown, the powder support structure can now be rotated into an inverted orientation, i.e., the powder removal funnel can now be located below the bottom of the container and / or also below the bottom of the support structure. The optional powder in the powder container will thus flow into the powder removal funnel and can be removed via the powder outlet of the powder removal funnel 150. The outlet 190 of the powder removal funnel 150 and the optional powder outlet valve 495 are as shown. Figure 8 shown, and in Figure 9.1 to Figure 9.4 It is omitted only for simplicity.

[0098] List of reference numerals:

[0099] 1 powder can

[0100] 100 powder containers / container

[0101] 105 container support installation part

[0102] 106 Force sensor, such as strain gauge

[0103] 107 Storage Controller / Controller

[0104] 110 Top of powder container / top of container

[0105] 115 Cover

[0106] 120 Bottom of container

[0107] 125 Attachment of the powder removal hopper 150 to the support structure 200

[0108] 130 Side wall of powder container

[0109] 142 Pressure compensation opening

[0110] 144 Gas removal opening

[0111] 180 container powder inlet

[0112] 190 containers of powder outlet

[0113] 200 Container support structure, such as support frame

[0114] 220 Support structure bottom / support structure bottom

[0115] 230 vertical column

[0116] 235 beam

[0117] 240 swivel bearing

[0118] 250 rotary drive

[0119] 300 support frame

[0120] 410 Inert gas inlet port

[0121] 411 Inert gas conduit

[0122] 418 Inert Gas Inlet Valve

[0123] 419 Pressure Reducing Valve

[0124] 420 Pressure Compensation Port

[0125] 421 Pressure Compensation Catheter

[0126] 425 Pressure Compensating Valve

[0127] 428 Pressure Compensated Valve Actuator

[0128] 430 Gas Removal Port

[0129] 431 Gas Removal Catheter

[0130] 435 Gas Removal Valve

[0131] 438 Gas Removal Valve Actuator

[0132] 440 Vessel Pressure Sensor

[0133] 450 Safety Valve

[0134] 480 Powder inlet port

[0135] 482 Grille

[0136] 485 Powder Inlet Valve

[0137] 486 Powder inlet valve components

[0138] 488 Powder Inlet Valve Actuator

[0139] 489 Grille

[0140] 490 Powder outlet port

[0141] 495 Powder outlet valve

[0142] 498 Powder Outlet Valve Actuator

[0143] 500 Connectors

[0144] 620 Powder Sensor

[0145] 800 bottom part

[0146] 820 bottom part support structure

[0147] 825 Powder outlet port protector

[0148] 850 Locking Axle

[0149] 852 Remote

[0150] 853 locking member

[0151] 858 Locking Shaft Actuator

[0152] 890 guide plate

Claims

1. A powder reservoir (1) for processing powder in an additive manufacturing process, wherein: The powder storage device (1) comprises at least: - an optional powder container (100) enclosing a container volume for storing said powder, - a set N of n sensors used to determine a set of n observable quantities, where n is an integer greater than or equal to two, i.e., n∈{2,3,4,…,n max }, - a first actuator (428, 438, 488, 498, 858) for driving a first mechanical function of the powder reservoir (1), and Characterized in that the powder storage device further comprises at least: (i) a second actuator (428, 438, 488, 498, 858) for driving a second mechanical function of the powder reservoir (1), and / or (ii) A multi-port connector (500) configured to connect to a corresponding connector of a powder handling station in an additive manufacturing process.

2. The powder container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The powder reservoir also includes at least: a powder inlet valve (485) having a powder inlet valve inlet and a powder inlet valve outlet, wherein the powder inlet valve outlet is connected to the powder inlet (180) of the powder container (100) and the powder inlet valve inlet is connected to the powder inlet port (480) of the powder reservoir (1), and / or - a powder outlet valve (495), the powder outlet valve (495) having a powder outlet valve inlet and a powder outlet valve outlet, wherein the powder outlet valve inlet is connected to the powder outlet (190) of the powder container (100) and the powder outlet valve outlet is connected to the powder outlet port (480) of the powder reservoir (1).

3. The powder container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one funnel is in fluid connection with the powder inlet and / or powder outlet of the container and / or in accordance with claim 2, at least one funnel is in fluid connection with the container volume via the powder inlet valve and / or the powder outlet valve when the corresponding valves are in an open state.

4. The powder container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The powder container (100) is supported by a container support structure (200), and a support frame (300) rotatably supports the container support structure (200) via at least one rotary bearing having a rotation axis.

5. The powder container according to claim 4, characterized in that - the container support structure (200) comprises a powder removal hopper (150), and - the powder removal hopper is movably attached to the container support structure (200), and -The movable attachment of the powder removal funnel (150) enables at least the powder removal funnel (150) to be moved from a first position and / or a first orientation to a second position and / or a second orientation, and from a second position and / or a second orientation to a first position and / or a first orientation relative to the container support structure (200).

6. The powder container according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The powder container (100) has a powder container bottom (120), and the powder container bottom is supported by a support structure bottom (220) of a rotatable support structure (200).

7. The powder container according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The powder removal hopper (150) has a powder removal hopper powder inlet, and the powder removal hopper powder inlet is in fluid communication with the container volume via an opening of the powder container.

8. The powder container according to claim 7, characterized in that A powder removal funnel (150) covers the opening of the powder container.

9. The powder container according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that The powder reservoir includes a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism releasably prevents rotation of the container support structure (200) relative to the support frame (300).

10. Powder container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The set N of n sensors includes at least one of the following sensors: - a container pressure sensor (440) for measuring the pressure in the volume of the container (100), a force sensor (106) for measuring the force exerted by the powder container (100) on the frame (200), - a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure upstream of the powder inlet valve (485), - a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure downstream of the powder outlet valve (495), a differential pressure sensor for measuring the pressure difference between the volume of the container (100) and the space upstream of the powder inlet valve (485), a differential pressure sensor for measuring the pressure difference between the volume of the container (100) and the space downstream of the powder outlet valve (495), a gas concentration sensor for determining at least the partial pressure and / or the concentration of a gas component of the gas in the volume of the container (100) and / or in the space upstream of the powder inlet valve (485) and / or in the space downstream of the powder outlet valve (495), an upper powder level sensor, the upper powder level sensor being located in the upper third of the powder container (100) and being used to determine whether the powder level in the powder container (100) is above or below the position of the upper powder level sensor, and - a lower powder level sensor, which is located in the lower third of the container and is used to determine whether the powder level in the powder container (100) is above or below the position of the lower powder level sensor.

11. Powder container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Each sensor in a subset M of m sensors (m≤n; m, n are integers) in the set N of n sensors is connected to a separate port of the multi-port connector (500) via a separate measurement line.

12. Powder container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The powder reservoir also includes a set of l actuators (428, 438, 488, 498, 858) for driving at least one mechanical device of the powder reservoir (1), wherein l is an integer, and wherein each actuator (428, 438, 488, 498, 858) in a subset K of k actuators in at least the set L of l actuators is connected to a separate contact and / or a separate port of the multi-port connector (500) via a separate actuator control line, i.e. k≤l; l, k are integers.

13. Powder container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the powder reservoir (1) has an inert gas inlet connector, the powder reservoir (1) has a pressure relief valve (419) having a high-pressure inlet and a low-pressure outlet, - the powder container (100) has an inert gas inlet opening, Furthermore, the inert gas inlet connector is in fluid communication with the high-pressure inlet of the pressure reducing valve (419), and the low-pressure outlet of the pressure reducing valve is in fluid communication with the inert gas opening (410).

14. Powder container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that An inert gas inlet valve (818) and / or a pressure reducing valve (819) are located in an inert gas line that provides fluid communication between the inert gas port (410) of the powder reservoir (1) and the inert gas inlet (410) of the container (100).

15. The powder container (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that The powder reservoir includes a control valve having a control valve actuator (428, 438, 488, 498), and the control valve actuator (428, 438, 488, 498, 858) is a member of a subset K of k actuators in a set L of l actuators.

16. The powder container (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that The powder reservoir (1) comprises a gas removal port (430) which is in fluid communication with the container volume at least via a gas removal control valve (435), and, (i) the gas removal control valve (435) has a gas removal control valve actuator (438), and the gas removal control valve actuator (438) is a member of a subset K of k actuators in a set L of l actuators, and / or (ii) the powder reservoir (1) comprises at least a pressure sensor configured to determine the gas pressure upstream or downstream of the gas removal control valve, and the pressure sensor configured to determine the gas pressure upstream or downstream of the gas removal control valve is a member of a subset M of a set N of n sensors.

17. Powder container (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that A gas removal port connection sensor is connected to a first end of a gas removal port connection sensor line, and a second end of the gas removal port connection sensor line is connected to a port of the multi-port connector (500).

18. Powder container (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The powder container (100) is located inside the supporting frame (200), and the multi-port connector (500) is attached to the frame (200) with the ports of the multi-port connector (500) facing outward.

19. Powder container (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The powder reservoir (1) has a locking shaft (850), which is rotatably supported relative to the powder container (100), wherein the locking shaft (850) has a proximal end (851) and a distal end (852), and a locking member (853) is torque-transmittingly connected to the distal end (852) of the locking shaft (850), and the locking shaft (850) is driven by a locking shaft actuator (858).

20. Powder container (1) according to the preceding claim dependent on claim 8, characterized in that The locking shaft actuator (858) is a member of a subset K of the set L of sensors.

21. A powder container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The powder container is not included, and / or the powder container is located outside the container support structure according to claim 4.

22. A powder processing station for processing powder, the powder being provided to or from a powder reservoir (1) or stored in a powder reservoir (1), the powder reservoir (1) being a powder reservoir as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The powder handling station has a mating multi-port connector for connecting to a multi-port connector of the powder reservoir (1).

23. The powder processing station according to claim 17, characterized in that The mating multi-port connector has fewer ports than the multi-port connector (500) of the powder reservoir (1) and / or not all ports of the mating multi-port connector are connected to corresponding connection lines of the device.

24. An additive manufacturing device, characterized in that: The additive manufacturing device comprises a powder reservoir according to any one of claims 1 to 21 and / or a powder processing station according to claim 22 or 23, wherein a controller of the additive manufacturing device is connected to a first actuator (428, 438, 488, 498, 858) and / or to a second actuator (428, 438, 488, 498, 858) and / or to at least one sensor from a set N of sensors via a multi-port connector (500).

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