Automatic filling method and system for additive manufacturing metal powder

Abstract

The invention provides an automatic filling method and system for additive manufacturing metal powder. The automatic filling method comprises the steps that feeding is conducted, specifically, an automatic feeding and discharging device grabs a powder tank to a feeding position; feeding gas replacement is conducted, specifically, the powder tank enters a feeding replacement bin, and inert gas replacement is conducted in the feeding replacement bin; the powder tank enters a pouring bin, a clamping jaw clamps the powder tank, a cover opening tool opens a tank cover, the powder tank is turned over, powder is poured to a powder discharging opening of the pouring bin, and the powder is discharged to the modular powder barrel from the powder discharging opening; the powder tank is overturned and returned, the tank cover is screwed back through the cover opening tool, the powder tank is loosened by the clamping jaw, and the powder tank is moved to the discharging replacement bin; discharging gas replacement is conducted, specifically, the powder tank enters a discharging replacement bin, and air replacement is conducted through the discharging replacement bin; and discharging, wherein the powder tank enters a discharging position, and the automatic feeding and discharging device grabs the powder tank for discharging. Compared with the prior art, according to the technical scheme, the technical problems that in the prior art, additive manufacturing metal powder replacement efficiency is low, and safety is insufficient can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of additive manufacturing technology, and in particular relates to an automated filling method and filling system for additive manufacturing metal powder. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of additive manufacturing technology, the forming size of laser selective melting (SLM) equipment is constantly increasing to meet the requirements of integrated forming of large and complex components. Currently, the largest forming size of domestic SLM equipment exceeds 1500mm×1500mm×1500mm, requiring over 15 tons of powder for a single print run (taking high-temperature alloys as an example). Currently, most domestic metal powder manufacturers ship their powder in 20kg plastic drums, while the powder containers matched with SLM equipment are mainly 200L modular containers. Therefore, powder storage during print preparation and after print involves a large amount of powder container replacement work to match different application scenarios. Currently, powder replacement work is mainly manual, with hundreds of powder container replacements required for a single print run, resulting in high labor intensity and low efficiency. Therefore, to meet the container replacement needs of large quantities of powder during the mass production of additive manufacturing parts, an automated filling system for different containers of additive manufacturing metal powder urgently needs to be developed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, an automated filling method for additive manufacturing metal powder is provided, the automated filling method comprising: Feeding: The automatic loading and unloading device grabs the powder container and moves it to the feeding position; Feeding gas replacement: The powder enters the feeding replacement chamber, where inert gas is used for replacement. Powder tank filling into modular powder hopper: The powder tank enters the pouring hopper, the grippers clamp the powder tank, the opening fixture opens the lid, the powder tank is flipped over, and the powder is poured into the powder outlet of the pouring hopper. The powder is then discharged from the powder outlet into the modular powder hopper. The powder tank is flipped back to its original position, the opening fixture screws the lid back on, the grippers release the powder tank, and the powder tank moves to the material replacement hopper. Gas replacement during material feeding: The powder enters the material replacement chamber from the powder tank, where air is replaced. Feeding: The powder hopper enters the feeding position, and the automatic feeding device grabs the powder hopper and feeds it.

[0005] Furthermore, the inert gas replacement in the feeding replacement chamber specifically includes: closing the internal sealed door of the feeding replacement chamber, opening the external sealed door of the feeding replacement chamber, and allowing the powder tank to enter the feeding replacement chamber; closing the external sealed door of the feeding replacement chamber, inflating the airbag of the feeding replacement chamber, and squeezing out the air between the internal and external sealed doors of the feeding replacement chamber; after squeezing to the limit, filling with inert gas; and after the inert gas replacement is completed, opening the internal sealed door of the feeding replacement chamber.

[0006] Furthermore, the powder discharge from the discharge port to the modular powder hopper specifically includes: when the modular powder hopper is not installed at the bottom of the pouring chamber, the butterfly valve of the discharge port is closed; after the modular powder hopper is installed at the bottom of the pouring chamber and the inert gas in the modular powder hopper is replaced, the butterfly valve of the discharge port is opened and the powder is discharged into the modular powder hopper; after the powder discharge is completed, the butterfly valve of the discharge port is closed.

[0007] Furthermore, the air replacement in the feeding replacement chamber specifically includes: opening the internal sealed door of the feeding replacement chamber, closing the external sealed door of the feeding replacement chamber, and allowing the powder tank to enter the feeding replacement chamber; closing the internal sealed door of the feeding replacement chamber and opening the external sealed door of the feeding replacement chamber.

[0008] Furthermore, before the powder canister is filled into the modular powder hopper of the equipment, the method also includes powder recovery: the powder canister enters the recovery hopper, the grippers clamp the powder canister, the opening fixture opens the canister lid, and the filling mechanism discharges the powder and fills it into the powder canister; the opening fixture screws the canister lid back on, the grippers release the powder canister, and the powder canister moves to the dumping hopper.

[0009] Furthermore, the powder discharge and filling of the powder tank by the filling mechanism specifically includes: after the suction pipe is connected to the bottom modular powder tank, the inert gas is replaced through the joint valve and the gas replacement device; the powder feeder extracts the powder from the modular powder tank and temporarily stores it in the powder storage area at the bottom of the powder feeder; the worm gear feeder discharges the powder in a quantitative manner and transports it to the powder tank with the cover of the recovery bin.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, an automated filling system for additive manufacturing metal powder is provided. This system employs the automated filling method for additive manufacturing metal powder as described above to achieve automated filling of additive manufacturing metal powder. The system includes: an automatic loading and unloading device, a loading and dispensing bin, a tilting bin, and a dispensing bin. The automatic loading and unloading device is used to grab powder cans to the loading position or grab powder cans to dispensing. The loading and dispensing bin is used to replace the environment of the incoming powder can with inert gas. The tilting bin is used to pour the powder from the powder can into a modular powder hopper. The tilting bin includes grippers and a lid-opening fixture. The grippers are used to hold the powder can and flip it over, and the lid-opening fixture is used to open and screw back the lid. The dispensing bin is used to replace the environment of the powder can after dispensing with air.

[0011] Furthermore, the automated filling system for additive manufacturing metal powder also includes a recycling bin, located between the feeding and dispensing bin and the dumping bin. The recycling bin is used to refill the recycled used powder into the powder container.

[0012] Furthermore, the recycling bin includes a filling mechanism for discharging powder into an open-top powder container.

[0013] Furthermore, the filling mechanism includes a suction pipe, a connecting valve, a gas replacement device, a powder feeder, and a worm gear feeding device. One end of the suction pipe is connected to the modular powder hopper through the connecting valve, and the other end is connected to the powder feeder. The gas replacement device is used to replace the inert gas in the filling mechanism. The worm gear feeding device discharges the powder from the powder feeder into the open powder hopper in a measured amount.

[0014] This invention provides an automated filling method and system for additive manufacturing metal powders. In this automated filling method, an automatic loading and unloading device picks up the powder container and loads it. The container moves to a tipping chamber where the powder is automatically tipped into a modular powder bin. The automatic loading and unloading device then unloads the powder container. Gas replacement occurs in the loading and unloading replacement chambers during the filling process. This automated filling method effectively improves powder bin filling efficiency while ensuring safe production. Compared with existing technologies, this invention solves the problems of low filling efficiency and insufficient safety in additive manufacturing metal powder filling. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, are provided to further illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the textual description, explain the principles of the invention. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an automated filling system for additive manufacturing metal powders according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a gripper structure according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the recycling bin filling mechanism provided according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0017] The above figures include the following reference numerals: 10. Feeding and replacement bin; 20. Tilting bin; 30. Discharging and replacement bin; 40. Recovery bin; 41. Suction pipe; 42. Connecting valve; 43. Powder feeder; 44. Worm feeder. Detailed Implementation

[0018] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0020] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, an automated filling method for additive manufacturing metal powder is provided, the automated filling method comprising: Feeding: The automatic loading and unloading device grabs the powder container and moves it to the feeding position; Feeding gas replacement: The powder enters the feeding replacement chamber, where inert gas is used for replacement. Powder tank filling into modular powder hopper: The powder tank enters the pouring hopper, the grippers clamp the powder tank, the opening fixture opens the lid, the powder tank is flipped over, and the powder is poured into the powder outlet of the pouring hopper. The powder is then discharged from the powder outlet into the modular powder hopper. The powder tank is flipped back to its original position, the opening fixture screws the lid back on, the grippers release the powder tank, and the powder tank moves to the material replacement hopper. Gas replacement during material feeding: The powder enters the material replacement chamber from the powder tank, where air is replaced. Feeding: The powder hopper enters the feeding position, and the automatic feeding device grabs the powder hopper and feeds it.

[0022] This configuration provides an automated filling method for additive manufacturing metal powders. In this method, an automatic loading and unloading device picks up the powder container and feeds it in. The container then moves to a tipping hopper where the powder is automatically poured into a modular powder bin. The automatic loading and unloading device then unloads the powder from the container. This automated filling method effectively improves powder bin filling efficiency while ensuring safe production.

[0023] Furthermore, in this invention, the automatic loading and unloading device can be configured as a palletizing robot or other device capable of loading and unloading. The above-described automatic loading and unloading device is merely an example, and is not limited thereto.

[0024] Among them, the automatic loading and unloading device can realize the loading and unloading of multiple powder tanks at one time, for example... Figure 1 As shown, the automatic loading and unloading device can load and unload four powder tanks at once.

[0025] Furthermore, in this invention, the inert gas replacement in the feeding replacement chamber specifically includes: closing the internal sealing door of the feeding replacement chamber, opening the external sealing door of the feeding replacement chamber, and allowing the powder tank to enter the feeding replacement chamber; closing the external sealing door of the feeding replacement chamber, inflating the airbag of the feeding replacement chamber, and squeezing out the air between the internal and external sealing doors of the feeding replacement chamber; filling with inert gas after squeezing to the limit; and opening the internal sealing door of the feeding replacement chamber after the inert gas replacement is completed.

[0026] The process of first activating the airbag to expel air effectively conserves inert gas. Sensors can confirm whether the inert gas has been completely replaced between the internal and external sealing doors.

[0027] Furthermore, in this invention, when the powder container is being poured, the grippers can cause the powder container to vibrate, thereby improving the efficiency of pouring the powder.

[0028] Furthermore, in this invention, the powder being discharged from the powder outlet into the modular powder hopper specifically includes: when the modular powder hopper is not installed at the bottom of the pouring chamber, the butterfly valve of the powder outlet is closed; after the modular powder hopper is installed at the bottom of the pouring chamber and the inert gas in the modular powder hopper is replaced, the butterfly valve of the powder outlet is opened, and the powder is discharged into the modular powder hopper; after the powder is discharged, the butterfly valve of the powder outlet is closed.

[0029] The replacement of inert gas in the modular powder hopper can be carried out with reference to the inert gas replacement in the feeding replacement hopper. The butterfly valve is normally closed except when discharging powder.

[0030] Furthermore, in this invention, when the powder is fed from the powder inlet into the modular powder hopper, an auxiliary air extraction device located at the powder inlet can be activated. The auxiliary air extraction device circulates and returns the powder from the top. The auxiliary air extraction device can assist in the feeding process and suppress dust generation.

[0031] Furthermore, in this invention, the air replacement in the material replacement chamber specifically includes: opening the internal sealing door of the material replacement chamber, closing the external sealing door of the material replacement chamber, and allowing the powder tank to enter the interior of the material replacement chamber; closing the internal sealing door of the material replacement chamber and opening the external sealing door of the material replacement chamber.

[0032] Furthermore, in this invention, before the powder canister is filled into the modular powder hopper of the equipment, the method also includes powder recovery: the powder canister enters the recovery hopper, the grippers clamp the powder canister, the opening fixture opens the canister lid, and the filling mechanism discharges the powder and fills it into the powder canister; the opening fixture screws the canister lid back on, the grippers release the powder canister, and the powder canister moves to the dumping hopper.

[0033] The powder recycling process allows used powder to be refilled into powder containers, improving the powder recycling rate.

[0034] Furthermore, in this invention, the powder discharged by the filling mechanism comes from a modular powder hopper. The powder in the modular powder hopper is conveyed to the filling mechanism by positive pressure conveying with inert gas or by vacuum suction from the top. The filling mechanism is located at the top of the recovery bin for easy powder filling.

[0035] Specifically, after the suction pipe is connected to the bottom modular powder hopper, the inert gas is replaced by the joint valve of the suction pipe and the gas replacement device; the powder feeder extracts the powder from the modular powder hopper and temporarily stores it in the powder storage area at the bottom of the powder feeder; the worm gear feeder discharges the powder in a fixed quantity and transports it to the powder tank with the cover of the recovery bin.

[0036] In this invention, the recovery chamber and the dumping chamber are filled with inert gas to ensure the safety of powder recovery and dumping.

[0037] Using the above configuration method, the process of filling powder tanks and modular powder buckets with each other can be realized. The two main application scenarios are as follows: The process of filling powder tanks into modular powder barrels: The powder tank is fed into the tilting chamber by an automatic loading and unloading device. The tilting chamber automatically opens the powder tank and performs argon gas replacement to ensure that the oxygen content is less than 5% during the powder tilting process, thus ensuring safety. The powder outlet is connected to the modular powder barrel through a pipeline, so that the metal powder in the small powder tank falls into the modular powder barrel by gravity.

[0038] Modular powder hopper to powder tank refilling process: The empty powder tank is loaded to the filling mechanism by an automatic loading and unloading device, and the powder tank is opened; the powder in the modular powder hopper is transported to the top of the filling equipment by argon positive pressure conveying or top vacuum negative pressure suction, and then filled into the powder tank, and the lid is automatically closed. The powder is then stacked back onto the tray by the automatic loading and unloading device. The entire powder filling process ensures an inert gas environment.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present invention, an automated filling system for additive manufacturing metal powder is provided. This system employs the automated filling method for additive manufacturing metal powder as described above to achieve automated filling of additive manufacturing metal powder. The system includes: an automatic loading and unloading device, a loading and dispensing chamber 10, a tilting chamber 20, and a dispensing and dispensing chamber 30. The automatic loading and unloading device is used to grab powder cans to the loading position or to grab powder cans for unloading. The loading and dispensing chamber 10 is used to replace the environment of the incoming powder can with inert gas. The tilting chamber 20 is used to pour the powder from the powder can into a modular powder bin. The tilting chamber 20 includes grippers and a lid-opening fixture. The grippers are used to hold and flip the powder can, and the lid-opening fixture is used to open and screw back the lid. The dispensing and dispensing chamber 30 is used to replace the environment of the powder can after powder dispensing with air.

[0040] Furthermore, in this invention, the feed replacement chamber 10 can be configured to include an internal sealing door and an external sealing door. The internal sealing door of the feed replacement chamber 10 is closed, the external sealing door of the feed replacement chamber 10 is opened, the powder tank enters the interior of the feed replacement chamber 10, and the external sealing door of the feed replacement chamber 10 is closed.

[0041] Similarly, the configurable discharge replacement chamber 30 includes an internal sealing door and an external sealing door. When the internal sealing door of the discharge replacement chamber 30 is opened and the external sealing door of the discharge replacement chamber 30 is closed, the powder tank enters the interior of the discharge replacement chamber 30; when the internal sealing door of the discharge replacement chamber 30 is closed and the external sealing door of the discharge replacement chamber 30 is opened.

[0042] By using two active sealing doors, leakage of inert gas can be prevented during gas replacement.

[0043] Furthermore, in this invention, the feed replacement chamber 10 may also include an airbag. When the inner and outer sealing doors of the feed replacement chamber 10 are closed, the airbag inflates, squeezing out the air between the inner and outer sealing doors. By placing airbags in the large cavity positions inside the feed replacement chamber 10, and activating the airbags to expel air after the doors are closed, inert gas can be effectively saved.

[0044] In addition, the configurable feeding and replacement chamber 10 also includes a sensor, which is used to confirm whether the inert gas replacement between the inner and outer sealing doors has been completed.

[0045] Furthermore, the gas replacement port of the feeding replacement chamber 10 can be set at the top and bottom of the feeding replacement chamber 10, and a micro fan can be installed in the local dead corner position to ensure complete gas replacement.

[0046] Furthermore, in this invention, the powder discharge port of the pouring chamber 20 can be equipped with a butterfly valve. When the modular powder hopper is not installed at the bottom of the pouring chamber 20, the butterfly valve at the powder discharge port is closed. After the modular powder hopper is installed at the bottom of the pouring chamber 20 and the inert gas inside the modular powder hopper is replaced, the butterfly valve at the powder discharge port opens, and the powder is discharged into the modular powder hopper. After the powder is discharged, the butterfly valve at the powder discharge port is closed. The butterfly valve setting can improve the safety of the powder pouring process.

[0047] In addition, the tilting chamber 20 can be configured with an auxiliary air extraction device at the powder outlet, which circulates and returns the powder from the top.

[0048] Furthermore, in this invention, when the additive manufacturing metal powder automated filling system requires powder refilling, the additive manufacturing metal powder automated filling system can be configured to also include a recycling bin 40, which is located between the feeding and replacement bin 10 and the dumping bin 20. The recycling bin 40 is used to refill the recycled used powder into the powder container.

[0049] Specifically, the configurable recycling bin 40 also includes a set of grippers and a lid-opening fixture. The grippers are used to hold the powder can and flip it over, and the lid-opening fixture is used to open and screw the lid back on.

[0050] In addition, the recycling bin 40 also includes a filling mechanism for discharging powder into an open-top powder tank. Specifically, the filling mechanism can be configured to include a suction pipe 41, a connecting valve 42, a gas replacement device, a powder feeder 43, and a worm gear feeder 44. One end of the suction pipe 41 is connected to the modular powder bin via the connecting valve 42, and the other end is connected to the powder feeder 43. The gas replacement device is used to replace the powder with an inert gas in the filling mechanism. The worm gear feeder 44 discharges a fixed amount of powder from the powder feeder 43 into the open-top powder tank.

[0051] The powder feeder 43 can be equipped with a vibration function to prevent powder blockage and stacking. Except for the connector valve 42 that connects to the modular powder hopper, the remaining parts of the filling mechanism are permanently protected by inert gas.

[0052] Furthermore, in this invention, a partition door is provided between adjacent compartments of the feeding replacement compartment 10, the recovery compartment 40, the dumping compartment 20, and the unloading replacement compartment 30, so as to achieve physical isolation between adjacent compartments.

[0053] During powder refilling and unloading in this automated filling system, both the recovery chamber 40 and the unloading chamber 20 are filled with inert gas to ensure the safety of powder filling. Argon gas with an oxygen content of less than 5% can be used as the inert gas.

[0054] Furthermore, in this invention, in order to facilitate the movement of powder tanks between the various compartments, the system may be configured to also include an in-compartment motion mechanism, which is used to transfer powder tanks between the compartments.

[0055] The additive manufacturing metal powder automated filling method and system of the present invention can realize powder container changing in an inert gas environment throughout the process, with a powder can filling efficiency of not less than 1t / h. This not only greatly shortens the working time occupied by powder filling and improves production efficiency, but also ensures safe production and reduces the safety risks of workers being exposed to metal powder for a long time.

[0056] To gain a further understanding of the present invention, the automated filling method for additive manufacturing metal powder of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, an automated filling method for additive manufacturing metal powder is provided, the method comprising the following steps: Step 1: The palletizing robot grabs four powder cans and moves them to the loading position.

[0058] Step two: The powder hopper enters the feeding and replacement chamber, where inert gas is used for purging. The internal sealed door of the feeding and replacement silo is closed, and the external sealed door is opened, allowing the powder tank to enter the feeding and replacement silo. When the outer sealing door is closed, the airbag in the feeding and replacement chamber is inflated, squeezing out the air between the inner and outer sealing doors; After being compressed to its limit, inert gas is introduced. Once the sensor confirms that the inert gas replacement is complete, open the internal sealed door; The internal movement mechanism pushes the powder canister to the next position.

[0059] Step 3, Powder Recovery: The powder canister enters the recycling bin, and the clamps at both ends of the travel channel clamp the powder canister. The upper lid-opening fixture descends to open the can lid and removes the lid with it; Rotate the powder container tray horizontally by 90° to rotate the open powder container to the filling position; After the suction pipe is connected to the bottom modular powder tank, the inert gas is replaced through the valve of the suction pipe and the gas replacement device. The powder feeder extracts the powder from the modular powder hopper and temporarily stores it in the powder storage area at the bottom of the powder feeder. The worm gear feeder discharges a fixed amount of powder and transports it to the powder tank with the cover open in the recycling bin. After filling, the powder tank rotates back to its original position. The lid-opening tool screws the lid back on, and the grippers release the powder can; Repeat this process four times to complete filling all the powder cans; The clamps at both ends of the channel are released, the dividing door at the exit opens, and the powder tank moves to the dumping chamber.

[0060] This step allows used powder in the lower bucket to be recycled into the powder hopper. If this process is not required, you can proceed directly to the next step.

[0061] Step 4: Filling the powder tank into the modular powder bucket: The powder tank enters the dumping chamber, and the clamps at both ends of the travel channel are clamped. The upper lid-opening fixture descends to open the can lid and removes the lid with it; The grippers clamp the powder tank in the middle, rotate it 180° and vibrate it, pouring the powder into the lower powder outlet for discharge. After discharge, the tank is rotated back to its original position. When no modular powder tank is installed at the bottom of the pouring chamber, the butterfly valve at the powder outlet is closed. After the modular powder tank is installed at the bottom of the pouring chamber and the inert gas inside the modular powder tank is replaced, the butterfly valve at the powder outlet is opened, and the powder is discharged into the modular powder tank. The auxiliary air extraction device located at the powder outlet is activated, and the auxiliary air extraction device circulates and returns the powder from the top. After the powder is discharged, the butterfly valve at the powder outlet is closed. The upper lid-opening fixture descends to screw the can lid back on; The clamps at both ends of the channel loosen, and the internal sealing door at the exit opens; The internal movement mechanism within the passageway delivers the powder hopper into the material replacement area.

[0062] This step involves pouring the powder from the new can into the lower container. If this step is not required, you can proceed directly to the next step. Step 5: The powder hopper enters the discharge and replacement hopper, where air is replaced. The internal sealed door of the feeding and replacement chamber is opened, and the external sealed door is closed, allowing the powder hopper to enter the feeding and replacement chamber. The inner sealed door is closed, and the outer sealed door is open.

[0063] Step 6: The powder hopper enters the unloading position, and the palletizing robot grabs the powder hopper and unloads it.

[0064] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated filling method for additive manufacturing metal powder, characterized in that, The automated filling method includes: Feeding: The automatic loading and unloading device grabs the powder container and moves it to the feeding position; Feeding gas replacement: The powder enters the feeding replacement chamber, where inert gas is used for replacement. Powder tank filling into modular powder hopper: The powder tank enters the pouring hopper, the grippers clamp the powder tank, the opening fixture opens the lid, the powder tank is flipped over, and the powder is poured into the powder outlet of the pouring hopper. The powder is then discharged from the powder outlet into the modular powder hopper. The powder tank is flipped back to its original position, the opening fixture screws the lid back on, the grippers release the powder tank, and the powder tank moves to the material replacement hopper. Gas replacement during material feeding: The powder enters the material replacement chamber from the powder tank, where air is replaced. Feeding: The powder hopper enters the feeding position, and the automatic feeding device grabs the powder hopper and feeds it.

2. The automated filling method for additive manufacturing metal powder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inert gas replacement process in the feeding replacement chamber specifically includes: closing the internal sealed door of the feeding replacement chamber and opening the external sealed door of the feeding replacement chamber, allowing the powder tank to enter the feeding replacement chamber; closing the external sealed door of the feeding replacement chamber and inflating the air bladder of the feeding replacement chamber to expel the air between the internal and external sealed doors; after being compressed to the limit, inert gas is introduced; and after the inert gas replacement is completed, the internal sealed door of the feeding replacement chamber is opened.

3. The automated filling method for additive manufacturing metal powder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The powder discharge from the discharge port to the modular powder hopper specifically includes: when the modular powder hopper is not installed at the bottom of the pouring chamber, the butterfly valve of the discharge port is closed; after the modular powder hopper is installed at the bottom of the pouring chamber and the inert gas in the modular powder hopper is replaced, the butterfly valve of the discharge port is opened and the powder is discharged into the modular powder hopper; after the powder discharge is completed, the butterfly valve of the discharge port is closed.

4. The automated filling method for additive manufacturing metal powder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air replacement process in the material replacement chamber specifically includes: opening the internal sealed door of the material replacement chamber and closing the external sealed door of the material replacement chamber, allowing the powder tank to enter the material replacement chamber; closing the internal sealed door of the material replacement chamber and opening the external sealed door of the material replacement chamber.

5. The automated filling method for additive manufacturing metal powder according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the powder canister is filled into the modular powder hopper of the equipment, the method also includes powder recovery: the powder canister enters the recovery hopper, the grippers clamp the powder canister, the opening fixture opens the canister lid, and the filling mechanism discharges the powder and fills it into the powder canister; the opening fixture screws the canister lid back on, the grippers release the powder canister, and the powder canister moves to the dumping hopper.

6. The automated filling method for additive manufacturing metal powder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filling mechanism discharges powder into the powder tank, specifically including: after the suction pipe is connected to the bottom modular powder tank, the inert gas is replaced through the joint valve and the gas replacement device; the powder feeder extracts the powder from the modular powder tank and temporarily stores it in the powder storage area at the bottom of the powder feeder; the worm gear feeding device discharges the powder in a fixed quantity and transports it to the powder tank with the cover opened in the recovery bin.

7. An automated filling system for additive manufacturing metal powder, characterized in that, The system employs the automated filling method for additive manufacturing metal powder as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 to achieve automated filling of additive manufacturing metal powder; the system includes: an automatic loading and unloading device, a loading and dispensing bin, a tilting bin, and a dispensing bin; the automatic loading and unloading device is used to grab powder cans to the loading position or grab powder cans to unload; the loading and dispensing bin is used to replace the environment of the incoming powder can with inert gas; the tilting bin is used to tilt the powder cans into modular powder bins; the tilting bin includes grippers and a lid-opening fixture; the grippers are used to hold the powder cans and flip them over; the lid-opening fixture is used to open and screw back the lid; the dispensing bin is used to replace the environment of the powder cans after powder is dispensed with air.

8. The automated filling system for additive manufacturing metal powder according to claim 7, characterized in that, The automated filling system for additive manufacturing metal powder also includes a recycling bin, which is located between the feeding and replacement bin and the dumping bin. The recycling bin is used to refill the recycled used powder into the powder container.

9. The automated filling system for additive manufacturing metal powder according to claim 8, characterized in that, The recycling bin includes a filling mechanism for discharging powder into an open-top powder container.

10. The automated filling system for additive manufacturing metal powder according to claim 9, characterized in that, The filling mechanism includes a suction pipe, a connecting valve, a gas replacement device, a powder feeder, and a worm gear feeding device. One end of the suction pipe is connected to the modular powder hopper through the connecting valve, and the other end is connected to the powder feeder. The gas replacement device is used to replace the inert gas in the filling mechanism. The worm gear feeding device discharges a fixed amount of powder from the powder feeder into the open powder hopper.

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