Powder supply device

Abstract

Provided is a technique for easily adjusting the amount of powder discharged from a discharge port of a powder supply device. A powder supply device (30) is provided with: a storage member (31) having a storage chamber (38); a discharge member (33) having a discharge port (39) for discharging the powder; an introduction member (32) that is disposed below the storage member and above the discharge member, that is configured so as to introduce the powder in the storage chamber into the discharge port, and in which a plurality of introduction chambers (40, 41) having different volumes are provided so as to be stacked in the vertical direction; an inlet shutter (34) configured so as to open and close an inlet opening (42) for introducing the powder in the storage chamber into the introduction member; an outlet shutter (35) configured so as to open and close an outlet opening (43) for introducing the powder of the introduction member into the discharge port; and an intermediate shutter (36) configured so as to open and close an intermediate opening (44) that connects one of the plurality of introduction chambers and the other of the plurality of introduction chambers that are adjacent to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a powder feeding device. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-205159, filed on December 22, 2022. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-205159, including the specification, claims, drawings, and abstract, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, powder supply devices capable of supplying powder are known. For example, a powder supply device for use in additive manufacturing apparatuses is known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Specifically, such a powder supply device is configured to supply powder to a build area of the additive manufacturing apparatus.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-181211

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-144848

[0007] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, conventional powder supply devices have room for improvement in terms of facilitating adjustment of the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port of the powder supply device. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one of its objects is to provide a technology that can easily adjust the amount of powder discharged from a discharge port of a powder supply device.

[0010] Technical methods for solving technical problems

[0011] (Method 1)

[0012] To achieve the above object, one embodiment of the present invention provides a powder supply device comprising: a storage member having a storage chamber for storing powder; a discharge member disposed below the storage member and having a discharge port for discharging powder; an introduction member disposed below the storage member and above the discharge member and configured to introduce powder from the storage chamber into the discharge port, wherein a plurality of introduction chambers having different volumes are stacked in a vertical direction within the introduction member; an inlet shutter configured to open and close an inlet opening for introducing powder from the storage chamber into the introduction member; an outlet shutter configured to open and close an outlet opening for introducing powder from the introduction member into the discharge port; and an intermediate shutter configured to open and close an intermediate opening connecting one adjacent introduction chamber with another adjacent introduction chamber of the plurality of introduction chambers.

[0013] According to this configuration, the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port of the powder supply device can be easily adjusted by opening and closing the inlet shutter, the outlet shutter, and the intermediate shutter.

[0014] (Method 2)

[0015] The above-mentioned method 1 may also be provided with a control device that controls the opening and closing actions of the inlet shutter, the outlet shutter, and the intermediate shutter, and the control device controls the inlet shutter, the outlet shutter, and the intermediate shutter so that after the powder in the storage chamber is filled into the filling chamber, the powder in the discharge chamber is discharged from the discharge outlet, the filling chamber being at least one inlet chamber selected from a plurality of inlet chambers, and the discharge chamber being at least one inlet chamber selected from the filling chamber.

[0016] (Method 3)

[0017] In the above-mentioned method 2, it may also be that, when filling the powder in the storage chamber into the filling chamber, the control device opens the inlet shutter, closes the outlet shutter, and opens or closes the intermediate shutter to connect the storage chamber and the filling chamber, thereby filling the powder in the storage chamber into the filling chamber; when discharging the powder in the discharge chamber from the discharge outlet, the control device closes the inlet shutter, opens the outlet shutter, and opens or closes the intermediate shutter to connect the discharge chamber and the discharge outlet, thereby discharging the powder in the discharge chamber from the discharge outlet.

[0018] (Method 4)

[0019] In the above-mentioned method 3, it may also be that the multiple inlet chambers include a first inlet chamber and a second inlet chamber, the second inlet chamber is adjacent to the first inlet chamber and is arranged below the first inlet chamber, and the control device controls the inlet shutter, the outlet shutter and the intermediate shutter so that the powder is discharged from the discharge port in an amount selected from a first amount, a second amount less than the first amount, and a third amount less than the second amount.

[0020] According to this aspect, the powder can be discharged from the discharge port of the powder supply device at one discharge amount selected from the first amount, the second amount, and the third amount.

[0021] (Method 5)

[0022] In the above-mentioned method 4, the volume of the first inlet chamber may be smaller than the volume of the second inlet chamber, and when the amount of powder to be discharged from the discharge port is set to the first amount, the control device uses the first inlet chamber and the second inlet chamber as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber; when the amount of powder to be discharged from the discharge port is set to the second amount, the control device uses the first inlet chamber and the second inlet chamber as the filling chamber and uses the second inlet chamber as the discharge chamber; when the amount of powder to be discharged from the discharge port is set to the third amount, the control device uses the first inlet chamber as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber.

[0023] (Method 6)

[0024] In the above-mentioned method 4, the volume of the first inlet chamber may be larger than the volume of the second inlet chamber, and when the amount of powder to be discharged from the discharge port is set to the first amount, the control device uses the first inlet chamber and the second inlet chamber as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber; when the amount of powder to be discharged from the discharge port is set to the second amount, the control device uses the first inlet chamber as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber; when the amount of powder to be discharged from the discharge port is set to the third amount, the control device uses the first inlet chamber and the second inlet chamber as the filling chamber, and uses the second inlet chamber as the discharge chamber.

[0025] (Method 7)

[0026] In any of the above-mentioned aspects 1 to 6, the powder supply device may be applied to an additive manufacturing apparatus having a forming area for forming a three-dimensional object, and may be configured to supply powder to the forming area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 (A) and Figure 1 (B) is a schematic diagram for explaining the additive manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing the main structure of the powder supply device according to the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 (A) and Figure 3 (B) is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the powder supply device according to the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 It is a schematic plan view of a part of the inlet shutter, the outlet shutter, and the intermediate shutter according to the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram for explaining an additive manufacturing apparatus according to a second modification of the embodiment.

[0032] Explanation of symbols

[0033] 1 Additive manufacturing device

[0034] 10 Control device

[0035] 30 Powder supply device

[0036] 31 Storage components

[0037] 32 Importing components

[0038] 33 Discharge components

[0039] 34 Entrance shutter

[0040] 35 Exit switch

[0041] 36 Intermediate switch

[0042] 38 Storage Room

[0043] 39 outlet

[0044] 40 First Introductory Room

[0045] 41 Second Introduction Room

[0046] 42 Entrance Opening

[0047] 43 Exit opening

[0048] 44 Open in the middle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] (Implementation Method)

[0050] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are schematically illustrated to facilitate understanding of the features, and the dimensional ratios of the various components are not limited to those in actual form. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings show X, Y, and Z orthogonal coordinates as needed. The Z direction in these orthogonal coordinates corresponds to the upward direction, and the -Z direction corresponds to the downward direction (the direction in which gravity acts).

[0051] As an example, the powder supply device 30 of this embodiment is applied to an additive manufacturing apparatus 1 (an AM apparatus), which is configured to form a three-dimensional object by stacking materials. Therefore, the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 will be generally described, followed by a detailed description of the powder supply device 30.

[0052] Figure 1 (A) and Figure 1 (B) is a schematic diagram for explaining the additive manufacturing device 1 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 1 (A) is a top view schematically showing the main structure of the additive manufacturing device 1. Figure 1 (B) is a front view schematically showing the peripheral structure of the nozzle 6 described later of the additive manufacturing device 1. Figure 1 In (A), the material supply device 7 described later is omitted from the illustration.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 (A) and Figure 1 (B), the additive manufacturing device 1 includes a first movable axis 2, a second movable axis 3, forming areas (forming area 5a and forming area 5b), a nozzle 6, a material supply device 7, a control device 10 and a powder supply device 30.

[0054] The control device 10 is a device for comprehensively controlling the operation of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1. Specifically, the control device 10 according to this embodiment includes a microcomputer. This microcomputer includes, for example, a processor 11 and a storage device 12 serving as a non-transitory storage medium. In the control device 10, the processor 11 operates based on instructions from a program stored in the storage device 12, thereby controlling the operation of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1. Furthermore, the functional portion of the control device 10 that controls the powder supply device 30 (described later) is included as part of the components of the powder supply device 30.

[0055] The forming area is an area where a three-dimensional object is formed. As an example, the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of forming areas (specifically, as an example, the forming area 5a and the forming area 5b).

[0056] The first movable axis 2 extends in a predetermined direction (the X direction in this embodiment). The second movable axis 3 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first movable axis 2 (the Y direction in this embodiment). As an example, the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment has multiple second movable axes 3 (for example, two second movable axes 3).

[0057] Reference Figure 1 (B) The second movable shaft 3 is connected to the first movable shaft 2 via a leg member 8. The first movable shaft 2 includes a drive mechanism having, for example, a ball screw, and the drive mechanism moves the second movable shaft 3 in the X direction and the -X direction.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 (B) The material supply device 7 is a device for supplying the material of the three-dimensional object to the nozzle 6. As an example, the material supply device 7 involved in this embodiment is arranged above each nozzle 6. In addition, as an example, the material supply device 7 involved in this embodiment supplies a non-molten material (specifically, a powdered material) to the nozzle 6.

[0059] The nozzle 6 is configured to eject the material for the three-dimensional object toward the forming areas 5a and 5b and to irradiate the ejected material with a light beam (laser beam or electron beam) to melt the material. The molten material solidifies, forming the three-dimensional object in the forming areas 5a and 5b. Furthermore, the nozzle 6 is preferably configured to eject a shielding gas (inert gas) to suppress oxidation of the material during the light beam irradiation. As such a nozzle 6, a so-called "Directed Energy Deposition (DED) nozzle" can be used.

[0060] As an example, the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of nozzles 6 (for example, two nozzles 6 in this embodiment). One of the two nozzles 6 is provided in the forming area 5a for forming a three-dimensional object, and the other nozzle 6 is provided in the forming area 5b for forming a three-dimensional object.

[0061] Multiple nozzles 6 are respectively arranged on the second movable shaft 3. The second movable shaft 3 has a drive mechanism including, for example, a ball screw, and the drive mechanism moves the nozzles 6 in the Y direction and the -Y direction. As described above, the second movable shaft 3 can move in the X direction and the -X direction. Therefore, the nozzles 6 involved in this embodiment can move in the X direction, the -X direction, the Y direction, and the -Y direction.

[0062] In addition, Figure 1 (A) and Figure 1 In (B), one nozzle 6 is arranged on one second movable shaft 3 , but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. A plurality of nozzles 6 may be arranged on one second movable shaft 3 .

[0063] The additive manufacturing apparatus 1 described above forms a three-dimensional object in the forming areas 5 a and 5 b while each nozzle 6 moves in the X, −X, Y, and −Y directions based on the three-dimensional data stored in the control device 10 .

[0064] Furthermore, the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 may further include a lifting axis configured to lift and lower the forming areas 5a, 5b or the first movable axis 2. In this case, the nozzle 6 can be raised and lowered relative to the forming areas 5a, 5b (while further displacing in the Z direction or the -Z direction) while forming a three-dimensional object.

[0065] The configuration of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 other than the powder supply device 30 is the same as that of the known additive manufacturing apparatuses disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2. Therefore, further description of the configuration of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 other than the powder supply device 30 will be omitted.

[0066] As an example, the powder supply device 30 according to this embodiment is applied to the above-mentioned additive manufacturing device 1. Figure 1 (A), as an example, the powder supply device 30 according to this embodiment is arranged on the third movable shaft 4, which extends parallel to the first movable shaft 2. The third movable shaft 4 has a drive mechanism including, for example, a ball screw, and the powder supply device 30 is moved in the X direction and the -X direction by this drive mechanism.

[0067] The powder supply device 30 of this embodiment functions as an auxiliary material supply device in the additive manufacturing apparatus 1. Specifically, the powder supply device 30 is configured to supply the powder, which forms the material of the three-dimensional object, to the building areas 5a and 5b while maintaining the powder state, without melting it. More specifically, when supplying powder to the building areas 5a and 5b, the powder supply device 30 moves along the third movement axis 4 to a position above the building areas 5a and 5b, and then supplies the powder toward the building areas 5a and 5b using the action of gravity.

[0068] The powder supply device 30 of this embodiment supplies powder to the building areas 5a and 5b within a predetermined period of time, thereby completely covering the building areas 5a and 5b with powder. For example, the powder supply device 30 may completely cover the building areas 5a and 5b with powder each time the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 forms a layer of a three-dimensional object.

[0069] Next, the powder supply device 30 will be described in detail. Figure 2This is a schematic diagram showing the main components of the powder supply device 30 according to this embodiment. The powder supply device 30 includes a storage unit 31, an introduction unit 32, a discharge unit 33, shutters (an inlet shutter 34, an outlet shutter 35, and an intermediate shutter 36), and drive units (drive units 37a, 37b, and 37c).

[0070] Figure 3 (A) and Figure 3 (B) is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the powder supply device 30. Specifically, Figure 3 (A) schematically shows the interior of the "peripheral portion of the introduction member 32 ("A1 portion")" of the powder supply device 30 in a state where the inlet shutter 34, the intermediate shutter 36, and the outlet shutter 35 are arranged. On the other hand, Figure 3 (B) schematically shows the interior of the “A1 portion” of the powder supply device 30 in a state where the inlet shutter 34 , the intermediate shutter 36 , and the outlet shutter 35 are pulled out.

[0071] Reference Figure 2 、 Figure 3 (A) and Figure 3 (B) The storage member 31 includes a storage chamber 38 for storing powder. The specific structure of the storage chamber 38 is not particularly limited, but as an example, the storage chamber 38 involved in this embodiment is configured so that its diameter gradually decreases as it moves downward. As such a storage member 31, a so-called hopper can be used.

[0072] The material of the powder stored in the storage chamber 38 is not particularly limited and may be metal or non-metal. In this embodiment, the material of the powder stored in the storage chamber 38 is the same as the material of the three-dimensional object formed by the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 .

[0073] The discharge member 33 is arranged below the introduction member 32 described later. The discharge member 33 has a discharge port 39 for discharging powder. That is, the discharge port 39 functions as a "powder supply port" in the powder supply device 30.

[0074] The introduction member 32 is arranged below the storage member 31 and above the discharge member 33 (i.e., between the storage member 31 and the discharge member 33). The introduction member 32 is configured to introduce the powder stored in the storage chamber 38 of the storage member 31 into the discharge port 39 of the discharge member 33.

[0075] A plurality of inlet chambers are provided inside the inlet member 32. Each inlet chamber has a different volume (m 3 ). In addition, a plurality of inlet chambers are provided to be stacked in the vertical direction. Figure 3(A) and Figure 3 In (B), as an example, the plurality of introduction chambers include a first introduction chamber 40 and a second introduction chamber 41. The second introduction chamber 41 is adjacent to the first introduction chamber 40 and is arranged below the first introduction chamber 40.

[0076] The volume of the first inlet chamber 40 is smaller than that of the storage chamber 38. Furthermore, as an example, the volume of the first inlet chamber 40 in this embodiment is smaller than that of the second inlet chamber 41. Specifically, as an example, the volume ratio of the first inlet chamber 40 to the second inlet chamber 41 is 1:3. That is, the volume of the first inlet chamber 40 is 1 / 3 of the volume of the second inlet chamber 41. However, the volume ratio of the first inlet chamber 40 to the second inlet chamber 41 is not limited to this.

[0077] Reference Figure 3 (A) and Figure 3 (B) The inlet shutter 34 is configured to open and close the inlet opening 42 for introducing the powder from the storage chamber 38 into the introduction member 32. Specifically, the inlet shutter 34 is inserted into the first hole 45 of the introduction member 32 and moves linearly in the Y direction (one direction) and the -Y direction (the other direction) to open and close the inlet opening 42.

[0078] The outlet shutter 35 is configured to open and close the outlet opening 43 for introducing the powder from the introduction member 32 into the discharge port 39. Specifically, the outlet shutter 35 is inserted into the second hole 46 of the introduction member 32 and moves linearly in the Y and -Y directions to open and close the outlet opening 43.

[0079] By opening the inlet shutter 34 while the outlet shutter 35 is closed, the powder in the storage chamber 38 can be filled into the introduction part 32. On the other hand, by opening the outlet shutter 35 while the inlet shutter 34 is closed, the powder in the introduction part 32 can be discharged from the discharge port 39.

[0080] As described above, according to the powder supply device 30 according to the present embodiment, a certain amount (predetermined amount) of powder can be easily discharged from the discharge port 39 (that is, a certain amount of powder can be easily supplied).

[0081] The intermediate shutter 36 is configured to open and close an intermediate opening 44 that connects one adjacent inlet chamber (the first inlet chamber 40) with another adjacent inlet chamber (the second inlet chamber 41) among the multiple inlet chambers. Specifically, the intermediate shutter 36 is inserted into the third hole 47 of the inlet member 32 and moves linearly in the Y and -Y directions to open and close the intermediate opening 44.

[0082] Figure 4This is a schematic top view of a portion of the inlet shutter 34, the outlet shutter 35, and the intermediate shutter 36. As an example, the inlet shutter 34, the outlet shutter 35, and the intermediate shutter 36 according to this embodiment each have a communication hole 50 and a shielding portion 51 provided around the communication hole 50.

[0083] The communicating hole 50 is provided so as to penetrate the shutter in the vertical direction. Figure 4 The shape of the communicating hole 50 is circular, but the shape is not limited thereto. For example, the communicating hole 50 may be a shape having corners (square) or other shapes.

[0084] By connecting the communicating hole 50 of the shutter to the inlet opening 42, the outlet opening 43, or the intermediate opening 44, the inlet opening 42, the outlet opening 43, or the intermediate opening 44 can be opened (i.e., "opened"). On the other hand, by shielding the inlet opening 42, the outlet opening 43, or the intermediate opening 44 with the shielding portion 51 of the shutter, the inlet opening 42, the outlet opening 43, or the intermediate opening 44 can be closed (i.e., "closed").

[0085] In addition, the above Figure 4 The structure shown in the example is only an example of a switch. As long as the inlet opening 42, the outlet opening 43 or the intermediate opening 44 can be opened and closed, the structure of the switch is not limited to Figure 4 As an example, a known shutter capable of opening and closing the opening can be used.

[0086] When the powder is initially stored in the storage chamber 38, the powder is stored in the storage chamber 38 with the inlet shutter 34 closed. When the inlet shutter 34 is opened, thereby opening the inlet opening 42, the powder in the storage chamber 38 is introduced into the introduction member 32 (specifically, the first introduction chamber 40) by gravity, filling the first introduction chamber 40. When the intermediate opening 44 is opened by opening the intermediate shutter 36, the powder in the first introduction chamber 40 is introduced into the second introduction chamber 41 by gravity. When the outlet shutter 35 is opened, thereby opening the outlet opening 43, the powder in the second introduction chamber 41 is introduced into the discharge port 39 by gravity and discharged from the discharge port 39 (i.e., the powder is supplied from the discharge port 39 to the forming areas 5a and 5b).

[0087] Reference Figure 2The drive device 37a is a device for driving the entrance shutter 34. Specifically, the drive device 37a receives instructions from the control device 10 and moves the entrance shutter 34 straight in the Y direction and the -Y direction. The drive device 37b is a device for driving the exit shutter 35. Specifically, the drive device 37b receives instructions from the control device 10 and moves the exit shutter 35 straight in the Y direction and the -Y direction. The drive device 37c is a device for driving the intermediate shutter 36. Specifically, the drive device 37c receives instructions from the control device 10 and moves the intermediate shutter 36 straight in the Y direction and the -Y direction.

[0088] According to this embodiment, as described above, a first inlet chamber 40 and a second inlet chamber 41 are provided inside the inlet component 32, and an intermediate shutter 36 is provided between the first inlet chamber 40 and the second inlet chamber 41. Therefore, by opening and closing the inlet shutter 34, the intermediate shutter 36 and the outlet shutter 35 respectively, the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 can be easily adjusted.

[0089] Specifically, the control device 10 involved in this embodiment controls the opening and closing actions of the inlet shutter 34, the outlet shutter 35 and the intermediate shutter 36 to introduce the powder in the storage chamber 38 into at least one inlet chamber selected from a plurality of inlet chambers (here referred to as the "filling chamber"), and after the powder is filled into the filling chamber, the powder in at least one inlet chamber selected from these filling chambers (here referred to as the "discharge chamber") is discharged from the discharge port 39.

[0090] More specifically, when filling the powder in the storage chamber 38 into the filling chamber, the control device 10 opens the inlet shutter 34, closes the outlet shutter 35, and opens or closes the intermediate shutter 36 to connect the storage chamber 38 and the filling chamber, thereby filling the powder in the storage chamber 38 into the filling chamber.

[0091] In addition, when discharging the powder in the discharge chamber from the discharge port 39, the control device 10 closes the inlet shutter 34, opens the outlet shutter 35, and opens or closes the intermediate shutter 36 to connect the discharge chamber and the discharge port 39, thereby discharging the powder in the discharge chamber from the discharge port 39.

[0092] Furthermore, the control device 10 can also control the inlet shutter 34 , the outlet shutter 35 , and the intermediate shutter 36 according to the amount of powder to be discharged from the discharge port 39 .

[0093] Specifically, the control device 10 according to the present embodiment controls the inlet shutter 34, the outlet shutter 35, and the intermediate shutter 36 so that the amount of powder to be discharged from the discharge port 39 becomes the amount of the powder to be discharged from the "first amount (m 3 )”, “the second amount (m 3)” and “a third amount (m 3 )". In other words, the first amount, the second amount, and the third amount correspond to "large amount", "medium amount", and "small amount", respectively.

[0094] In this embodiment, the first amount corresponds to the total volume of the powder when the first and second inlet chambers 40, 41 are filled with powder. The second amount corresponds to the volume of the powder when only the second inlet chamber 41 is filled with powder. The third amount corresponds to the volume of the powder when only the first inlet chamber 40 is filled with powder.

[0095] Specifically, when the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 is set to a first amount, the control device 10 uses the first inlet chamber 40 and the second inlet chamber 41 as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber. When the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 is set to a second amount, the control device 10 uses the first inlet chamber 40 and the second inlet chamber 41 as the filling chamber and the second inlet chamber 41 as the discharge chamber. When the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 is set to a third amount, the control device 10 uses the first inlet chamber 40 as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber.

[0096] More specifically, the control device 10 opens and closes the inlet shutter 34 , the outlet shutter 35 , and the intermediate shutter 36 as shown in Table 1.

[0097] [Table 1]

[0098]

[0099] Specifically, when the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 is set to a first amount, the control device 10 opens the inlet shutter 34, opens the intermediate shutter 36, and closes the outlet shutter 35 for a predetermined time period, thereby causing the powder in the storage chamber 38 to be filled into the first and second inlet chambers 40, 41 ("filling chambers"). This predetermined time period can be a value greater than the time required to fill the first and second inlet chambers 40, 41 with powder. This predetermined time period can be determined through preliminary experiments and stored in the storage device 12.

[0100] Next, the control device 10 opens the inlet shutter 34, the intermediate shutter 36, and the outlet shutter 35 for a predetermined time period. This allows the powder in the first inlet chamber 40 and the second inlet chamber 41 ("discharge chamber") to be discharged from the discharge port 39, thereby discharging only the first amount of powder from the discharge port 39. This predetermined time period can be a value greater than or equal to the time required to discharge the powder in the first inlet chamber 40 and the second inlet chamber 41 from the discharge port 39. This predetermined time period can also be determined through preliminary experiments and stored in the storage device 12.

[0101] When the amount of powder to be discharged from the discharge port 39 is set to the second amount, the control device 10 opens the inlet shutter 34, opens the intermediate shutter 36, and closes the outlet shutter 35 during a predetermined time period, thereby filling the powder in the storage chamber 38 into the first inlet chamber 40 and the second inlet chamber 41 ("filling chamber").

[0102] Next, the control device 10 closes the inlet shutter 34, closes the intermediate shutter 36, and opens the outlet shutter 35 for a predetermined time period. This causes only the powder in the second inlet chamber 41 ("discharge chamber") to be discharged from the discharge port 39, discharging only the second amount of powder from the discharge port 39. The predetermined time period can be a value equal to or greater than the time required for the powder in the second inlet chamber 41 to be discharged from the discharge port 39. The predetermined time period can be determined through preliminary experiments or the like and stored in the storage device 12.

[0103] When the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 is set to the third amount, the control device 10 opens the inlet shutter 34, closes the intermediate shutter 36, and closes the outlet shutter 35 for a predetermined time period, thereby causing the powder in the storage chamber 38 to be filled into the first introduction chamber 40 ("filling chamber"). This predetermined time period can be a value greater than the time required to fill the first introduction chamber 40 with powder. This predetermined time period can be determined through preliminary experiments and stored in the storage device 12.

[0104] Next, the control device 10 closes the inlet shutter 34, opens the intermediate shutter 36, and opens the outlet shutter 35 for a predetermined time period, thereby discharging the powder in the first inlet chamber 40 ("discharge chamber") from the discharge port 39. Only the third amount of powder is discharged from the discharge port 39. The predetermined time period can be a value equal to or greater than the time required for the powder in the first inlet chamber 40 to be discharged from the discharge port 39. The predetermined time period can be determined through preliminary experiments or the like and stored in the storage device 12.

[0105] According to the present embodiment described above, the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 can be easily adjusted by opening and closing the inlet shutter 34 , the outlet shutter 35 , and the intermediate shutter 36 .

[0106] Furthermore, the powder supply device 30 according to this embodiment can be installed in an existing additive manufacturing apparatus (conventional additive manufacturing apparatus) and used. Specifically, the conventional powder supply device of an existing additive manufacturing apparatus can be replaced with the powder supply device 30 according to this embodiment. This makes it possible to easily upgrade an existing additive manufacturing apparatus to the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment.

[0107] (Variation 1 of the embodiment)

[0108] In the above embodiment, the volume of the first inlet chamber 40 is smaller than the volume of the second inlet chamber 41 , but the present invention is not limited to this structure. The volume of the first inlet chamber 40 may be larger than the volume of the second inlet chamber 41 .

[0109] In the case where the volume of the first inlet chamber 40 is larger than the volume of the second inlet chamber 41 as in this variant, the control device 10 can also set the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 to a first amount, a second amount (which is less than the first amount) and a third amount (which is less than the second amount).

[0110] Specifically, when the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 is set to a first amount, the control device 10 according to this modified example uses the first inlet chamber 40 and the second inlet chamber 41 as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber. When the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 is set to a second amount, the control device 10 uses the first inlet chamber 40 as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber. When the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 is set to a third amount, the control device 10 uses the first inlet chamber 40 and the second inlet chamber 41 as the filling chamber and the second inlet chamber 41 as the discharge chamber.

[0111] More specifically, the control device 10 according to this modification can control the inlet shutter 34 , the intermediate shutter 36 , and the outlet shutter 35 as shown in Table 2.

[0112] [Table 2]

[0113]

[0114] Specifically, when the amount of powder to be discharged from the discharge port 39 is set to a first amount, the control device 10 opens the inlet shutter 34, opens the intermediate shutter 36, and closes the outlet shutter 35 for a predetermined time period, thereby filling the first and second inlet chambers 40, 41 ("filling chambers") with the powder in the storage chamber 38. Subsequently, the control device 10 closes the inlet shutter 34, opens the intermediate shutter 36, and opens the outlet shutter 35 for a predetermined time period. This allows the powder in the first and second inlet chambers 40, 41 ("discharge chambers") to be discharged from the discharge port 39, allowing only the first amount of powder to be discharged from the discharge port 39.

[0115] When the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 is set to the second amount, the control device 10 opens the inlet shutter 34, closes the intermediate shutter 36, and closes the outlet shutter 35 for a predetermined time period, thereby filling the first introduction chamber 40 ("filling chamber") with the powder in the storage chamber 38. Subsequently, the control device 10 closes the inlet shutter 34, opens the intermediate shutter 36, and opens the outlet shutter 35 for a predetermined time period, thereby discharging the powder in the first introduction chamber 40 ("discharge chamber") from the discharge port 39, thereby discharging only the second amount of powder from the discharge port 39.

[0116] When the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 is set to the third amount, the control device 10 opens the inlet shutter 34, opens the intermediate shutter 36, and closes the outlet shutter 35 for a predetermined time period, thereby filling the first inlet chamber 40 and the second inlet chamber 41 ("filling chamber") with the powder in the storage chamber 38. Subsequently, the control device 10 closes the inlet shutter 34, closes the intermediate shutter 36, and opens the outlet shutter 35 for a predetermined time period, thereby discharging only the powder in the second inlet chamber 41 ("discharge chamber") from the discharge port 39, thereby discharging only the third amount of powder from the discharge port 39.

[0117] Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiment and variation 1 of the embodiment, the interior of the introduction member 32 may be divided into three or more introduction chambers. For example, in addition to the first and second introduction chambers 40 and 41, the introduction member 32 may include a third introduction chamber (located below the second introduction chamber 41). In this case, a second intermediate shutter may be provided to open and close the second intermediate opening connecting the second and third introduction chambers 41.

[0118] In the above-described embodiment and modification 1 of the embodiment, the opening and closing operation of the switch is controlled by the control device 10, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the opening and closing operation of the switch may be performed manually.

[0119] (Variation 2 of the embodiment)

[0120] The additive manufacturing apparatus to which the powder supply device 30 is applied is not limited to Figure 1 (A) and Figure 1 The device illustrated in (B). Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an additive manufacturing apparatus 1a according to a second variation of the embodiment. As an example, the additive manufacturing apparatus 1a according to this variation has two second movable shafts 3 disposed above a first movable shaft 2. A lifting shaft 9 is disposed above each second movable shaft 3. A forming area 5a is disposed above one of the two lifting shafts 9, and a forming area 5b is disposed above the other lifting shaft 9.

[0121] The lifting shaft 9 is a device for raising and lowering the building areas 5a and 5b in the vertical direction (Z direction and -Z direction). A nozzle 6 is positioned above each of the building areas 5a and 5b. A space is provided between the nozzles 6 and the building areas 5a and 5b. Material is supplied to each nozzle 6 from a material supply device 7. The nozzles 6 eject the material for the three-dimensional object into the building areas 5a and 5b, and a light beam is irradiated onto the ejected material, causing it to melt.

[0122] The additive manufacturing device 1a as described above forms a three-dimensional object in the forming areas 5a and 5b while moving the forming areas 5a and 5b in the X direction, -X direction, Y direction, -Y direction, Z direction and -Z direction based on the three-dimensional data stored in the control device 10.

[0123] The powder supply device 30 according to this modification is arranged to the side (for example, in the -X direction) of the nozzle 6 in the additive manufacturing apparatus 1a. The powder supply device 30 according to this modification is fixed to a predetermined position of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1a by a predetermined support member (not shown).

[0124] The powder supply device 30 of this modification is also the same as that of the above-mentioned powder supply device 30. Figure 1 (A) Figure 1 Similarly to the powder supply device 30 according to the embodiment described in (B), powder is supplied to the building areas 5a and 5b at predetermined intervals, thereby completely covering the building areas 5a and 5b with powder. For example, the powder supply device 30 according to this variation may completely cover the building areas 5a and 5b with powder each time the additive manufacturing apparatus 1a forms a layer of the three-dimensional object.

[0125] Furthermore, when the powder supply device 30 supplies powder to the forming areas 5a and 5b, the second movable axis 3 is moved in the -X direction along the first movable axis 2, thereby positioning the forming areas 5a and 5b below the discharge unit 33 of the powder supply device 30. Thus, the powder supply device 30 can supply powder discharged from the discharge unit 33 to the forming areas 5a and 5b.

[0126] While the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments and modifications, and various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the present invention as described in the claims.

Claims

1. A powder supply device, characterized in that: have: A storage component having a storage chamber for storing powder; a discharge member disposed below the storage member and having a discharge port for discharging powder; an introduction member disposed below the storage member and above the discharge member and configured to introduce the powder in the storage chamber into the discharge port, wherein a plurality of introduction chambers having different volumes are stacked in a vertical direction within the introduction member; an inlet shutter configured to open and close an inlet opening for introducing the powder in the storage chamber into the introduction member; an outlet shutter configured to open and close an outlet opening for introducing the powder from the introduction member into the discharge port; as well as The intermediate shutter is configured to open and close an intermediate opening that connects one adjacent inlet chamber and another adjacent inlet chamber among the plurality of inlet chambers.

2. The powder supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A control device is provided, which controls the opening and closing operations of the entrance shutter, the exit shutter, and the intermediate shutter, The control device controls the inlet shutter, the outlet shutter, and the intermediate shutter so that the powder in the discharge chamber is discharged from the discharge outlet after the powder in the storage chamber is filled into the filling chamber, wherein the filling chamber is at least one inlet chamber selected from a plurality of inlet chambers, and the discharge chamber is at least one inlet chamber selected from the filling chamber.

3. The powder supply device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the powder in the storage chamber is filled into the filling chamber, the control device opens the inlet shutter, closes the outlet shutter, and opens or closes the intermediate shutter to connect the storage chamber and the filling chamber, thereby filling the powder in the storage chamber into the filling chamber. When the powder in the discharge chamber is discharged from the discharge port, the control device closes the inlet shutter, opens the outlet shutter, and opens or closes the intermediate shutter to connect the discharge chamber and the discharge port, thereby discharging the powder in the discharge chamber from the discharge port.

4. The powder supply device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The plurality of inlet chambers include a first inlet chamber and a second inlet chamber, wherein the second inlet chamber is adjacent to the first inlet chamber and is arranged below the first inlet chamber. The control device controls the inlet shutter, the outlet shutter, and the intermediate shutter so that the powder is discharged from the discharge port in a discharge amount selected from a first amount, a second amount smaller than the first amount, and a third amount smaller than the second amount.

5. The powder supply device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The volume of the first inlet chamber is smaller than the volume of the second inlet chamber, When the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port is the first amount, the control device uses the first introduction chamber and the second introduction chamber as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber. When the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port is set to the second amount, the control device uses the first inlet chamber and the second inlet chamber as the filling chamber and uses the second inlet chamber as the discharge chamber. When the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port is set to the third amount, the control device uses the first introduction chamber as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber.

6. The powder supply device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The volume of the first inlet chamber is larger than that of the second inlet chamber, When the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port is the first amount, the control device uses the first introduction chamber and the second introduction chamber as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber. When the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port is set to the second amount, the control device uses the first introduction chamber as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber. When the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port is set to the third amount, the control device uses the first introduction chamber and the second introduction chamber as the filling chamber, and uses the second introduction chamber as the discharge chamber.

7. The powder supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder supply device is applied to an additive manufacturing apparatus having a forming area for forming a three-dimensional object, and is configured to supply powder to the forming area.

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