Powder supply device

Abstract

To provide a technique for easily adjusting the amount of powder to be discharged from a discharge port of a powder supply device.SOLUTION: A powder supply device 30 comprises a reservation member 31 that has a reservation chamber 38, a discharge member 33 that has a discharge port 39 to discharge powder, an introduction member 32 that is disposed below the reservation member 31 and above the discharge member 33, and that is structured to introduce powder in the reservation chamber 38 into the discharge port 39 so as to provide therein a plurality of introduction chambers 40, 41 having cubic capacities different from one another in a vertically stacked manner, an inlet shutter 34 that is structured to open / close an inlet opening 42 for introducing the powder in the reservation chamber 38 into the introduction member 32, an outlet shutter 35 that opens / closes an outlet opening 43 for introducing the powder in the introduction member 32 into the discharge port 39, and an intermediate shutter 36 that opens / closes an intermediate opening 44 communicating between mutually adjacent one and the other introduction chambers of the plurality of introduction chambers 40, 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a powder supplying device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a powder supplying device capable of supplying powder is known. For example, as such a powder supplying device, a powder supplying device applied to an additive manufacturing device is known (for example, see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). Specifically, such a powder supplying device is configured to supply powder to a modeling area of ​​the additive manufacturing device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-181211 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2022-144848 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional powder supplying devices have room for improvement in terms of easily adjusting the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port of the powder supplying device.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and one of its objects is to provide a technology that can easily adjust the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port of a powder supplying device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (Aspect 1) In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a powder supplying device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a storage member having a storage chamber for storing powder, a discharge member arranged below the storage member and having a discharge outlet for discharging the powder, an introduction member arranged below the storage member and above the discharge member and configured to introduce the powder in the storage chamber into the discharge outlet, the introduction member having a plurality of introduction chambers having different volumes stacked in the vertical direction inside 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 in the introduction member into the discharge outlet, and an intermediate shutter configured to open and close an intermediate opening connecting one introduction chamber and the other introduction chamber adjacent to each other among the plurality of introduction chambers.

[0007] According to this configuration, the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port of the powder supplying device can be easily adjusted by opening and closing the entrance shutter, the exit shutter, and the intermediate shutter individually.

[0008] (Aspect 2) The above-mentioned aspect 1 includes a control device that controls the opening and closing operations of the entrance shutter, the exit shutter, and the intermediate shutter, and the control device may control the entrance shutter, the exit shutter, and the intermediate shutter so that after the powder in the storage chamber is filled into a filling chamber, which is at least one introduction chamber selected from a plurality of introduction chambers, the powder in a discharge chamber, which is at least one introduction chamber selected from the filling chambers, is discharged from the discharge outlet.

[0009] (Aspect 3) In the above aspect 2, when the control device is to fill the filling chamber with powder from the storage chamber, it may fill the filling chamber with powder from the storage chamber by opening the inlet shutter, closing the outlet shutter, and opening or closing the intermediate shutter so that the storage chamber and the filling chamber are in communication, and when the control device is to discharge the powder from the discharge chamber from the discharge outlet, it may close the inlet shutter, open the outlet shutter, and open or close the intermediate shutter so that the discharge chamber and the discharge outlet are in communication, thereby discharging the powder from the discharge chamber from the discharge outlet.

[0010] (Aspect 4) In the above-mentioned aspect 3, the multiple introduction chambers may include a first introduction chamber and a second introduction chamber adjacent to the first introduction chamber and positioned lower than the first introduction chamber, and the control device may control the inlet shutter, the outlet shutter, and the intermediate shutter to discharge powder from the discharge port at one discharge amount selected from a first amount, a second amount smaller than the first amount, and a third amount smaller than the second amount.

[0011] According to this aspect, the powder can be discharged from the discharge port of the powder supplying device at one discharge amount selected from the first amount, the second amount, and the third amount.

[0012] (Aspect 5) In the above-mentioned aspect 4, the volume of the first introduction chamber is smaller than the volume of the second introduction chamber, and the control device may use 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 to be the first amount, use the first introduction chamber and the second introduction chamber as the filling chamber and the second introduction chamber as the discharge chamber when the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port is to be the second amount, and use the first introduction chamber as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber when the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port is to be the third amount.

[0013] (Aspect 6) In the above-mentioned aspect 4, the volume of the first introduction chamber is larger than the volume of the second introduction chamber, and the control device may use 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 the first amount, use the first introduction chamber as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber when the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port is the second amount, and use 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 the third amount.

[0014] (Aspect 7) In any one of the above aspects 1 to 6, the powder supplying device may be applied to an additive manufacturing apparatus having a modeling area in which a three-dimensional object is modeled, and may be configured to supply powder to the modeling area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1(A) and 1(B) are schematic diagrams for explaining an additive manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a main configuration of a powder supplying device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views that diagrammatically show the internal configuration of the powder supplying device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 4A to 4C are schematic plan views of an entrance shutter, an exit shutter, and a portion of an intermediate shutter according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining an additive manufacturing device according to a second modified example of an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematic for easy understanding of the features, and the dimensional ratios of each component are not necessarily the same as those in reality. The drawings also show XYZ orthogonal coordinates as necessary. In these orthogonal coordinates, the Z direction corresponds to the upward direction, and the -Z direction corresponds to the downward direction (the direction in which gravity acts).

[0017] The powder supplying device 30 according to this embodiment is applied to an additive manufacturing device 1 ("AM device") configured to form a three-dimensional object by stacking materials, as an example. First, the additive manufacturing device 1 will be outlined, and then the powder supplying device 30 will be described in detail.

[0018] Figures 1(A) and 1(B) are schematic diagrams for explaining an additive manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 1(A) is a plan view that shows a schematic diagram of the main configuration of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1, and Figure 1(B) is a front view that shows a schematic diagram of the peripheral configuration of a nozzle 6 (described later) of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1. Note that in Figure 1(A), a material supply device 7 (described later) is omitted from the illustration.

[0019] Referring to Figures 1(A) and 1(B), the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a first traveling axis 2, a second traveling axis 3, a modeling area (modeling area 5a and modeling area 5b), a nozzle 6, a material supplying device 7, a control device 10, and a powder supplying device 30.

[0020] 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 a processor 11, a storage device 12 as a non-transitory storage medium, and the like. In the control device 10, the processor 11 operates based on commands from a program stored in the storage device 12 to control the operation of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1. Note that, of the control device 10, a functional portion that controls the powder supply device 30 described below is included as a part of the components of the powder supply device 30.

[0021] The printing area is an area where a three-dimensional object is printed. The additive manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes, for example, a plurality of printing areas (specifically, for example, a printing area 5a and a printing area 5b).

[0022] The first traveling axis 2 extends in a predetermined direction (X direction in this embodiment). The second traveling axis 3 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first traveling axis 2 (Y direction in this embodiment). The additive manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment has, as an example, a plurality of second traveling axes 3 (for example, two second traveling axes 3).

[0023] 1(B), the second traveling axis 3 is connected to the first traveling axis 2 via a leg member 8. The first traveling axis 2 is provided with a drive mechanism having, for example, a ball screw, and the drive mechanism causes the second traveling axis 3 to travel in the X direction and the -X direction.

[0024] 1(B), the material supplying device 7 is a device for supplying material for a three-dimensional object to the nozzles 6. As an example, the material supplying device 7 according to the present embodiment is disposed above each nozzle 6. Also, as an example, the material supplying device 7 according to the present embodiment supplies a non-molten material (specifically, a powdered material) to the nozzles 6.

[0025] The nozzle 6 is configured to eject material for a three-dimensional object onto the modeling areas 5a and 5b, and to irradiate the ejected material with a beam (laser beam or electron beam) to melt the material. The melted material solidifies, forming a three-dimensional object in the modeling areas 5a and 5b. The nozzle 6 is preferably configured to inject a shielding gas (inert gas) to suppress oxidation of the material when irradiating the beam. As such a nozzle 6, a so-called "Directed Energy Deposition (DED) nozzle" can be used.

[0026] The additive manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes, as an example, a plurality of nozzles 6 (in this embodiment, as an example, two nozzles 6). Of the two nozzles 6, one nozzle 6 is provided for forming a three-dimensional object in the printing area 5a, and the other nozzle 6 is provided for forming a three-dimensional object in the printing area 5b.

[0027] The multiple nozzles 6 are each disposed on the second traveling shaft 3. The second traveling shaft 3 is provided with a drive mechanism having, for example, a ball screw, and this drive mechanism causes the nozzles 6 to travel in the Y direction and the -Y direction. As described above, since the second traveling shaft 3 can travel in the X direction and the -X direction, the nozzles 6 according to this embodiment can travel in the X direction, the -X direction, the Y direction, and the -Y direction.

[0028] 1(A) and 1(B), one nozzle 6 is disposed on one second traveling shaft 3, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. A plurality of nozzles 6 may be disposed on one second traveling shaft 3.

[0029] The additive manufacturing apparatus 1 as described above forms a three-dimensional object in the forming areas 5a and 5b while each nozzle 6 travels in the X direction, -X direction, Y direction, and -Y direction based on the three-dimensional data stored in the control device 10.

[0030] The additive manufacturing apparatus 1 may further include a lifting axis configured to raise and lower the modeling areas 5a, 5b or the first traveling axis 2. In this case, a three-dimensional object can be modeled while the nozzle 6 is raised and lowered relative to the modeling areas 5a, 5b (while being further displaced in the Z direction or the -Z direction).

[0031] The configuration of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 described above other than the powder supply device 30 is similar to the configuration of the known additive manufacturing apparatus such as those disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. For this reason, further description of the configuration of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 other than the powder supply device 30 will be omitted.

[0032] The powder supplying device 30 according to this embodiment is applied to the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 as described above, for example. Specifically, referring to Fig. 1(A), the powder supplying device 30 according to this embodiment is disposed on a third traveling axis 4 extending parallel to the first traveling axis 2, for example. The third traveling axis 4 includes a driving mechanism having, for example, a ball screw, and the driving mechanism causes the powder supplying device 30 to travel in the X direction and the -X direction.

[0033] The powder supplying device 30 according to this embodiment has a function as an auxiliary material supplying device in the additive manufacturing apparatus 1. Specifically, the powder supplying device 30 is configured to supply the powder, which is the material of the three-dimensional object, to the modeling areas 5a and 5b by utilizing the gravitational force without melting the powder in the powder state. More specifically, when supplying the powder to the modeling areas 5a and 5b, the powder supplying device 30 travels along the third travel axis 4 to be positioned above the modeling areas 5a and 5b, and then supplies the powder toward the modeling areas 5a and 5b by utilizing the gravitational force.

[0034] The powder supplying device 30 according to the present embodiment supplies powder to the modeling areas 5a and 5b at a predetermined time, thereby spreading the powder over the modeling areas 5a and 5b. As an example, the powder supplying device 30 may spread the powder over the modeling areas 5a and 5b every time the additive manufacturing apparatus 1 models a three-dimensional object.

[0035] Next, details of the powder supplying device 30 will be described. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of the powder supplying device 30 according to this embodiment. The powder supplying device 30 includes a storage member 31, an introduction member 32, a discharge member 33, shutters (an entrance shutter 34, an exit shutter 35, and an intermediate shutter 36), and drive devices (drive devices 37a, 37b, and 37c).

[0036] 3(A) and 3(B) are cross-sectional views that show a schematic internal configuration of the powder supplying device 30. Specifically, Fig. 3(A) shows a schematic inside of the "periphery of the introduction member 32 (A1 portion)" of the powder supplying device 30 in a state where the entrance shutter 34, the intermediate shutter 36, and the exit shutter 35 are arranged. Meanwhile, Fig. 3(B) shows a schematic inside of the "A1 portion" of the powder supplying device 30 in a state where the entrance shutter 34, the intermediate shutter 36, and the exit shutter 35 are removed.

[0037] 2, 3(A), and 3(B), the storage member 31 includes a storage chamber 38 for storing powder. The specific configuration of the storage chamber 38 is not particularly limited, but the storage chamber 38 according to the present embodiment is configured, as an example, so that the diameter of the storage chamber 38 decreases toward the bottom. As such a storage member 31, a so-called hopper can be used.

[0038] The material of the powder stored in the storage chamber 38 is not particularly limited, and may be metal or nonmetal. 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 to be manufactured by the additive manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0039] The discharge member 33 is disposed below the introduction member 32 described below. The discharge member 33 has a discharge port 39 for discharging the powder. That is, the discharge port 39 functions as a “powder supply port” in the powder supplying device 30.

[0040] The introduction member 32 is disposed below the storage member 31 and above the discharge member 33 (i.e., disposed 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.

[0041] A plurality of introduction chambers are provided inside the introduction member 32. Each introduction chamber has a different volume (m 3 ) The multiple introduction chambers are arranged so as to be stacked in the vertical direction. In Fig. 3(A) and Fig. 3(B), as an example, the multiple 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 disposed below the first introduction chamber 40.

[0042] The volume of the first introduction chamber 40 is smaller than the volume of the storage chamber 38. Moreover, the volume of the first introduction chamber 40 according to this embodiment is, for example, smaller than the volume of the second introduction chamber 41. Specifically, the ratio between the volume of the first introduction chamber 40 and the volume of the second introduction chamber 41 is, for example, 1:3. That is, the volume of the first introduction chamber 40 is 1 / 3 of the volume of the second introduction chamber 41. However, the ratio between the volume of the first introduction chamber 40 and the volume of the second introduction chamber 41 is not limited to this.

[0043] 3(A) and 3(B), the inlet shutter 34 introduces powder from the storage chamber 38. The entrance shutter 34 is an opening / closing shutter configured to open and close the entrance opening 42 for introduction into the member 32. Specifically, the entrance 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 entrance opening 42.

[0044] The exit shutter 35 is an opening / closing shutter configured to open and close an exit opening 43 for introducing the powder of the introduction member 32 into the discharge port 39. Specifically, the exit shutter 35 is inserted into the second hole 46 of the introduction member 32 and moves linearly in the Y direction and the -Y direction to open and close the exit opening 43.

[0045] By opening the inlet shutter 34 with the outlet shutter 35 closed, the powder in the storage chamber 38 can be filled into the introduction member 32. On the other hand, by opening the outlet shutter 35 with the inlet shutter 34 closed, the powder in the introduction member 32 can be discharged from the discharge port 39.

[0046] In this way, according to the powder supplying device 30 of this embodiment, a constant amount (predetermined amount) of powder can be easily discharged from the discharge port 39 (i.e., a constant amount of powder can be easily supplied).

[0047] The intermediate shutter 36 is an opening / closing shutter configured to open and close an intermediate opening 44 that communicates between one introduction chamber (first introduction chamber 40) and the other introduction chamber (second introduction chamber 41) that are adjacent to each other among the multiple introduction chambers. Specifically, the intermediate shutter 36 is inserted into the third hole 47 of the introduction member 32 and moves linearly in the Y direction and the -Y direction to open and close the intermediate opening 44.

[0048] 4 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the entrance shutter 34, the exit shutter 35, and the intermediate shutter 36. As an example, the entrance shutter 34, the exit 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.

[0049] The communication hole 50 is provided so as to penetrate the shutter in the up-down direction. The shape of the communication hole 50 illustrated in Fig. 4 is circular as an example, but is not limited thereto. For example, the communication hole 50 may be a cornered shape (square) or another shape.

[0050] The shutter's communication hole 50 communicates with the entrance opening 42, the exit opening 43, or the intermediate opening 44, so that the entrance opening 42, the exit opening 43, or the intermediate opening 44 can be opened (i.e., "open"). On the other hand, the shutter's shielding portion 51 shields the entrance opening 42, the exit opening 43, or the intermediate opening 44, so that the entrance opening 42, the exit opening 43, or the intermediate opening 44 can be closed (i.e., "closed").

[0051] 4 is merely one example of the shutter. The shutter configuration is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4, and any known shutter capable of opening and closing an opening may be used as long as the entrance opening 42, the exit opening 43, or the intermediate opening 44 can be opened and closed.

[0052] When powder is initially stored in the storage chamber 38, the inlet shutter 34 is closed and the powder is stored in the storage chamber 38. When the inlet shutter 34 is opened to open 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 and filled into the first introduction chamber 40. When the intermediate shutter 36 is opened to open the intermediate opening 44, 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 to open 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 ( That is, the powder is supplied from the discharge port 39 to the modeling areas 5a and 5b.

[0053] 2, the drive device 37a is a device for driving the entrance shutter 34. Specifically, the drive device 37a moves the entrance shutter 34 linearly in the Y direction and the -Y direction in response to an instruction from the control device 10. The drive device 37b is a device for driving the exit shutter 35. Specifically, the drive device 37b moves the exit shutter 35 linearly in the Y direction and the -Y direction in response to an instruction from the control device 10. The drive device 37c is a device for driving the intermediate shutter 36. Specifically, the drive device 37c moves the intermediate shutter 36 linearly in the Y direction and the -Y direction in response to an instruction from the control device 10.

[0054] According to this embodiment, as described above, the first introduction chamber 40 and the second introduction chamber 41 are provided inside the introduction member 32, and the intermediate shutter 36 is provided between the first introduction chamber 40 and the second introduction chamber 41. Therefore, by opening and closing the entrance shutter 34, the intermediate shutter 36, and the exit shutter 35 individually, the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 can be easily adjusted.

[0055] Specifically, the control device 10 of this embodiment controls the opening and closing operations of the inlet shutter 34, the outlet shutter 35, and the intermediate shutter 36 so that the powder in the storage chamber 38 is introduced into at least one introduction chamber (referred to as the "filling chamber") selected from among the multiple introduction chambers, the powder is filled into the filling chamber, and then the powder in the at least one introduction chamber (referred to as the "discharge chamber") selected from among the filling chambers is discharged from the discharge outlet 39.

[0056] More specifically, when the control device 10 is to fill the filling chamber with powder from the storage chamber 38, it opens the inlet shutter 34, closes the outlet shutter 35, and opens or closes the intermediate shutter 36 so that the storage chamber 38 and the filling chamber are connected, thereby filling the filling chamber with powder from the storage chamber 38.

[0057] In addition, when the control device 10 discharges the powder in the discharge chamber from the discharge outlet 39, it closes the inlet shutter 34, opens the outlet shutter 35, and opens or closes the intermediate shutter 36 so that the discharge chamber and the discharge outlet 39 are connected, thereby discharging the powder in the discharge chamber from the discharge outlet 39.

[0058] The control device 10 can also control the inlet shutter 34 , the outlet shutter 35 and the intermediate shutter 36 depending on the amount of powder to be discharged from the discharge port 39 .

[0059] Specifically, the control device 10 according to the present embodiment determines the amount of powder to be discharged from the discharge port 39 as a “first amount (m 3 )" and "second amount (m 3 ) and the third quantity (m 3 The inlet shutter 34, the outlet shutter 35, and the intermediate shutter 36 are controlled so that the discharge amount becomes one selected from "large amount", "medium amount", and "small amount". In other words, the first amount, the second amount, and the third amount correspond to "large amount", "medium amount", and "small amount", respectively.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first amount is a value corresponding to the total volume of the powder when the first introduction chamber 40 and the second introduction chamber 41 are filled with the powder. The second amount is a value corresponding to the volume of the powder when only the second introduction chamber 41 is filled with the powder. The third amount is a value corresponding to the volume of the powder when only the first introduction chamber 40 is filled with the powder.

[0061] 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 introduction chamber 40 and the second introduction 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 introduction chamber 40 and the second introduction chamber 41 as the filling chamber. The control device 10 uses the first introduction chamber 40 as the filling chamber and the second introduction chamber 41 as the discharge chamber, and the second introduction 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 introduction chamber 40 as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber.

[0062] More specifically, the control device 10 opens and closes the entrance shutter 34, the exit shutter 35, and the intermediate shutter 36 as shown in Table 1.

[0063] [Table 1]

[0064] That is, when the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 is to be a first amount, the control device 10 fills the powder in the storage chamber 38 into the first introduction chamber 40 and the second introduction chamber 41 ("filling chamber") by opening the inlet shutter 34, opening the intermediate shutter 36, and closing the outlet shutter 35 for a preset predetermined time. Note that this predetermined time can be a value equal to or greater than the time required for the powder to be filled into the first introduction chamber 40 and the second introduction chamber 41. This predetermined time can be determined in advance by experiment or the like and stored in the storage device 12.

[0065] Next, the control device 10 closes the entrance shutter 34, opens the intermediate shutter 36, and opens the exit shutter 35 for a preset predetermined time. This causes the powder in the first introduction chamber 40 and the second introduction chamber 41 ("discharge chamber") to be discharged from the discharge port 39, thereby discharging a first amount of powder from the discharge port 39. Note that this predetermined time can be a value equal to or greater than the time required for the powder in the first introduction chamber 40 and the second introduction chamber 41 to be discharged from the discharge port 39. This predetermined time can also be determined in advance by experiment or the like and stored in the storage device 12.

[0066] When the control device 10 is to set the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 to a second amount, it opens the inlet shutter 34, opens the intermediate shutter 36, and closes the outlet shutter 35 for a preset period of time, thereby filling the powder in the storage chamber 38 into the first introduction chamber 40 and the second introduction chamber 41 ("filling chambers").

[0067] Next, the control device 10 closes the entrance shutter 34, closes the intermediate shutter 36, and opens the exit shutter 35 for a preset predetermined time, thereby discharging only the powder in the second introduction chamber 41 ("discharge chamber") from the discharge port 39, thereby discharging only a second amount of powder from the discharge port 39. Note that this predetermined time can be a value equal to or greater than the time required for the powder in the second introduction chamber 41 to be discharged from the discharge port 39. This predetermined time can be determined in advance by experiment or the like, and stored in the storage device 12.

[0068] When the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 is set to the third amount, the control device 10 fills the powder in the storage chamber 38 into the first introduction chamber 40 (the "filling chamber") by opening the inlet shutter 34, closing the intermediate shutter 36, and closing the outlet shutter 35 for a preset predetermined time. Note that this predetermined time can be a value equal to or greater than the time required for the powder to fill the first introduction chamber 40. This predetermined time can be determined in advance by experiment or the like and stored in the storage device 12.

[0069] Next, the control device 10 closes the entrance shutter 34, opens the intermediate shutter 36, and opens the exit shutter 35 for a preset predetermined time, thereby discharging the powder in the first introduction chamber 40 ("discharge chamber") from the discharge port 39, and discharging only a third amount of powder from the discharge port 39. Note that this predetermined time can be a value equal to or greater than the time required for the powder in the first introduction chamber 40 to be discharged from the discharge port 39. This predetermined time can be determined in advance by experiment or the like, and stored in the storage device 12.

[0070] According to this embodiment as described above, the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 can be easily adjusted by opening and closing the entrance shutter 34, the exit shutter 35, and the intermediate shutter 36 individually.

[0071] The powder supplying device 30 according to this embodiment can be attached to an existing additive manufacturing device (conventional additive manufacturing device) for use. Specifically, the conventional powder supplying device of an existing additive manufacturing device can be replaced with the powder supplying device 30 according to this embodiment for use. This makes it possible to easily improve an existing additive manufacturing device to the additive manufacturing device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0072] (First Modification of the Embodiment) In the above-described embodiment, the volume of the first introduction chamber 40 is smaller than the volume of the second introduction chamber 41, but this is not limited to the above configuration. The volume of the first introduction chamber 40 may be larger than the volume of the second introduction chamber 41.

[0073] Even in the case where the volume of the first introduction chamber 40 is larger than the volume of the second introduction chamber 41, as in this modified example, the control device 10 can 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).

[0074] Specifically, the control device 10 according to this modification uses the first introduction chamber 40 and the second introduction chamber 41 as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber when the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 is a first amount. The control device 10 uses the first introduction chamber 40 as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber when the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 is a second amount. The control device 10 uses the first introduction chamber 40 and the second introduction chamber 41 as the filling chambers, and the second introduction chamber 41 as the discharge chamber when the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 is a third amount.

[0075] More specifically, the control device 10 according to this modified example may control the entrance shutter 34, the intermediate shutter 36, and the exit shutter 35 as shown in Table 2.

[0076] [Table 2]

[0077] That is, when the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 is to be a first amount, the control device 10 fills the powder in the storage chamber 38 into the first introduction chamber 40 and the second introduction chamber 41 ("filling chambers") by opening the inlet shutter 34, opening the intermediate shutter 36, and closing the outlet shutter 35 for a preset predetermined time. The opening shutter 34 is closed, the intermediate shutter 36 is opened, and the exit shutter 35 is opened. This causes the powder in the first introduction chamber 40 and the second introduction chamber 41 ("discharge chambers") to be discharged from the discharge port 39, and a first amount of powder can be discharged from the discharge port 39.

[0078] When the control device 10 sets the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 to a second amount, the control device 10 fills the first introduction chamber 40 ("filling chamber") with the powder in the storage chamber 38 by opening the inlet shutter 34, closing the intermediate shutter 36, and closing the outlet shutter 35 for a preset predetermined time. Next, the control device 10 closes the inlet shutter 34, opens the intermediate shutter 36, and opens the outlet shutter 35 for a preset predetermined time, thereby discharging the powder in the first introduction chamber 40 ("discharge chamber") from the discharge port 39, and discharging only the second amount of powder from the discharge port 39.

[0079] When the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port 39 is set to a third amount, the control device 10 fills the first introduction chamber 40 and the second introduction chamber 41 ("filling chamber") with the powder in the storage chamber 38 by opening the inlet shutter 34, opening the intermediate shutter 36, and closing the outlet shutter 35 for a preset predetermined time. Next, the control device 10 closes the inlet shutter 34, closes the intermediate shutter 36, and opens the outlet shutter 35 for a preset predetermined time, thereby discharging only the powder in the second introduction chamber 41 ("discharge chamber") from the discharge port 39, thereby discharging only the third amount of powder from the discharge port 39.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment and the first modified example of the embodiment, the inside of the introduction member 32 may be partitioned into three or more introduction chambers. As one example of this, in addition to the first introduction chamber 40 and the second introduction chamber 41, a "third introduction chamber (which is disposed below the second introduction chamber 41)" may be provided inside the introduction member 32. In this case, it is sufficient to further include a "second intermediate shutter" that opens and closes a "second intermediate opening" that communicates between the second introduction chamber 41 and the third introduction chamber.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment and the first modified example of the embodiment, the opening and closing operation of the shutter 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 shutter may be performed manually.

[0082] (Modification 2 of the embodiment) The additive manufacturing apparatus to which the powder supplying device 30 is applied is not limited to the one exemplified in FIG. 1(A) and FIG. 1(B). FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining an additive manufacturing apparatus 1a according to a second modified example of the embodiment. In the additive manufacturing apparatus 1a according to this modified example, as an example, two second traveling axes 3 are arranged on a first traveling axis 2. An elevation shaft 9 is arranged on each of the second traveling axes 3. A modeling area 5a is provided on one of the two elevation shafts 9, and a modeling area 5b is provided on the other elevation shaft 9.

[0083] The lifting shaft 9 is a device for raising and lowering the printing areas 5a, 5b in the up and down directions (Z direction and -Z direction). Nozzles 6 are disposed above the printing areas 5a and 5b, respectively. A space is provided between the nozzles 6 and the printing areas 5a, 5b. A material is supplied to each nozzle 6 from a material supplying device 7. The nozzles 6 eject the material for a three-dimensional object onto the printing areas 5a, 5b, and irradiate the ejected material with a beam to melt the material.

[0084] The additive manufacturing apparatus 1a as described above forms a three-dimensional object in the printing areas 5a, 5b while the printing areas 5a, 5b move 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.

[0085] The powder supply device 30 according to this modification is provided on the side of the nozzle 6 of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1a (for example, The powder supplying device 30 according to this modified example is fixed to a predetermined location of the additive manufacturing apparatus 1a by a predetermined support member (not shown).

[0086] 1(A) and 1(B), the powder supplying device 30 according to this modification also supplies powder to the modeling areas 5a and 5b at a predetermined time, thereby spreading the powder over the modeling areas 5a and 5b. As an example, the powder supplying device 30 according to this modification may also spread the powder over the modeling areas 5a and 5b every time the additive manufacturing apparatus 1a models a three-dimensional object.

[0087] When the powder supplying device 30 supplies powder to the modeling areas 5a and 5b, the second traveling axis 3 travels in the -X direction along the first traveling axis 2 to position the modeling areas 5a and 5b below the discharge member 33 of the powder supplying device 30. This allows the powder supplying device 30 to supply the powder discharged from the discharge member 33 to the modeling areas 5a and 5b.

[0088] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments and modifications, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the present invention described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1 Additive manufacturing equipment 10 Control device 30 Powder feeding device 31 Storage material 32 Introduction materials 33 Discharge parts 34 Entrance shutter 35 Exit shutter 36 Intermediate Shutter 38 Storage chamber 39 Outlet 40 1st introduction room 41 2nd introduction room 42 Entrance opening 43 Exit opening 44 Intermediate opening

Claims

1. 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 the powder; An introduction member, the introduction member being arranged below the storage member and above the discharge member, and configured to introduce powder in the storage chamber into the discharge port, and the introduction member having a plurality of introduction chambers with different volumes stacked vertically inside the introduction member; an inlet shutter configured to open and close an inlet opening for introducing the powder in the storage chamber into the introducing member; an outlet shutter configured to open and close an outlet opening for introducing the powder from the introduction member into the discharge port; an intermediate shutter configured to open and close an intermediate opening that connects one adjacent introduction chamber and another adjacent introduction chamber among the plurality of introduction chambers; a control device that controls opening and closing operations of the entrance shutter, the exit shutter, and the intermediate shutter, the plurality of introduction chambers include a first introduction chamber and a second introduction chamber adjacent to the first introduction chamber and disposed below the first introduction chamber, The control device controls the inlet shutter, the outlet shutter, and the intermediate shutter so as to discharge powder from the discharge port at one discharge amount selected from a first amount, a second amount smaller than the first amount, and a third amount smaller than the second amount.

2. The powder supply device described in claim 1, wherein the control device controls the inlet shutter, the outlet shutter, and the intermediate shutter so that after filling the powder in the storage chamber into a filling chamber which is at least one introduction chamber selected from the plurality of introduction chambers, the powder in a discharge chamber which is at least one introduction chamber selected from the filling chambers is discharged from the discharge outlet.

3. When the control device is to fill the filling chamber with powder from the storage chamber, the control device opens the inlet shutter, closes the outlet shutter, and opens or closes the intermediate shutter so that the storage chamber and the filling chamber communicate with each other, thereby filling the filling chamber with powder from the storage chamber, 3. The powder supplying device according to claim 2, wherein when the powder in the discharge chamber is discharged from the discharge outlet, the inlet shutter is closed, the outlet shutter is opened, and the intermediate shutter is opened or closed so that the discharge chamber and the discharge outlet are in communication with each other, thereby discharging the powder in the discharge chamber from the discharge outlet.

4. The volume of the first introduction chamber is smaller than the volume of the second introduction chamber, the control device, when setting the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port to the first amount, 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 first introduction chamber and the second introduction chamber are used as the filling chamber, and the second introduction chamber is used as the discharge chamber, 3. The powder supplying device according to claim 2, wherein when the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port is set to the third amount, the first introduction chamber is used as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber.

5. The volume of the first introduction chamber is larger than the volume of the second introduction chamber, 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 the first amount, When the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port is set to the second amount, the first introduction chamber is used as the filling chamber and the discharge chamber, 3. The powder supplying device according to claim 2, wherein when the amount of powder discharged from the discharge port is set to the third amount, the first introduction chamber and the second introduction chamber are used as the filling chamber, and the second introduction chamber is used as the discharge chamber.

6. The powder supplying device described in claim 1, which is applied to an additive manufacturing device having a printing area in which a three-dimensional object is printed, and is configured to supply powder to the printing area.

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