Powder handling equipment and closed-loop powder handling equipment

Abstract

To provide powder handling devices and equipment that offer safe, efficient, and cost-effective transport, storage, and use of powders. [Solution] A powder handling device comprising: a powder container 14 defining an opening; a powder handling device defining a plane; a mounting portion 12 including a mounting interface 16; a fixing device 34 for mounting the mounting portion 12 of the powder handling device on the opening of the powder container 14 at the mounting interface 16; a powder suction unit 18 mounted on the mounting portion 12 and passing through the plane, movable relative to the mounting portion 12 with at least one degree of freedom; and a flexible gasket forming an airtight seal between the mounting portion 12 and the powder suction unit 70.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the storage, transportation, and use of manufactured powders.

Background Art

[0002] Manufactured powders, such as those used in additive manufacturing processes, are typically stored and transported to the manufacturing site. Various manufactured powders pose problems with respect to maintaining powder quality and operator safety. Some known methods rely on small disposable containers to manage these risks. Small containers are used to transfer the manufactured powder to the operating chamber. This results in inefficiencies and waste.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] One aspect includes a powder container defining an opening and a powder handling device. The powder handling device includes a mounting portion defining a plane and including a mounting interface, a fixing device for mounting the mounting portion of the powder handling device on the opening of the powder container at the mounting interface, and a powder suction unit mounted on the mounting portion and passing through the plane. The powder suction unit is movable with respect to the mounting portion in at least one degree of freedom, and is a powder handling device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a powder handling device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the powder handling device of FIG. 1 along line 2-2 perpendicular to plane P. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a powder handling apparatus including a powder handling device (e.g., the powder handling device of FIG. 1).

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0005] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and constituting part thereof illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, help to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure.

[0006] Other aspects and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will become apparent from the following detailed description, and similar or identical structures may have similar or identical reference numerals.

[0007] Herein, we refer in detail to current embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples thereof, shown in the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description, numerical and literal notations are used to refer to features in the drawings. Similar or analogous notations in the drawings and description are used to refer to similar or analogous parts of the present disclosure.

[0008] As used herein, the terms “First,” “Second,” and “Third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the position or importance of any individual component.

[0009] The singular form "one" or "one" usually refers to multiple things unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0010] The approximation language used herein throughout this specification and the claims is applied to modify any quantitative expression that may change acceptablely without altering the underlying function of the subject matter. Thus, values ​​modified by terms such as “substantially” are not limited to specified exact values. In at least some cases, the approximation language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring a value, or the precision of a method or machine for building or manufacturing components and / or systems. For example, in certain contexts, the approximation language may refer to being within a 10% margin.

[0011] Throughout this specification and the claims, scope limitations can be combined and interchanged so as to include all sub-scopes contained therein, unless the context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all scopes disclosed herein include endpoints, and endpoints can be combined independently of one another.

[0012] As used herein, the terms “additive-manufactured” or “additive manufacturing technique or method” generally refer to a manufacturing process in which continuous layers of material are provided to “build up” a three-dimensional component layer by layer. The continuous layers generally fuse together to form a monolithic component that can have various integral subcomponents. As used herein, additive manufacturing techniques are typically described as enabling the manufacture of complex objects by building an object longitudinally, point by point, layer by layer, but other manufacturing methods are also possible and within the scope of this subject. For example, although the discussion herein refers to the addition of material to form continuous layers, those skilled in the art will understand that the methods and configurations disclosed herein can be carried out using any additive manufacturing technique or manufacturing technology. For example, embodiments of the herein disclosure may use a layer-additive process, a layer-subtractive process, or a hybrid process.

[0013] Herein, we refer in detail to current embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples thereof, shown in the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description, numerical and literal notations are used to refer to features in the drawings. Similar or analogous notations in the drawings and description are used to refer to similar or analogous parts of the present disclosure.

[0014] This application generally relates to powder handling devices and apparatus. Manufactured powders often need to be stored, for example, in additive manufacturing equipment, and transported to their destination of use. The storage and transport of powders present risks to safety, powder contamination, and environmental pollution. These risks are often regulated by governments, leaving few alternatives to using these containers for transport. However, powder transport containers, for example, do not provide reliable access to all powders within a given container, thus creating barriers to their use in manufacturing.

[0015] The creators of this disclosure have devised powder handling devices and apparatus that provide safe, efficient, and cost-effective transport, storage, and use of powders. This disclosure provides powder handling devices for end use in transportable powder containers, such as United Nations ("UN") certified powder transport containers. The invention further provides safe and easy end use of powder containers, for example, in conjunction with additive manufacturing processes.

[0016] Referring here to the drawings, Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the powder handling device 10. The term “powder handling device” refers to any device configured to move powder in some way. As shown in the figure, the powder handling device 10 includes a mounting section 12 configured to interface with a powder container 14 (shown by a dashed line). The powder container 14 may be configured as a UN-certified powder transport container and may be made of metal, plastic, composite material, or various other structures. A liner (not shown) may or may not be provided inside the powder container 14, as will be described in more detail below. The powder container 14 may also be made of an inert application lining or may use a relatively non-reactive material such as stainless steel.

[0017] The mounting portion 12 is sized and shaped to fit the powder container 14. For example, the mounting portion 12 may be sized and shaped to fit the existing lid pattern of the powder container 14. In this example, the mounting portion 12 of the powder handling device 10 can simply be replaced with the existing lid (not shown) of the powder container, saving time and limiting the amount of powder container exposed inside.

[0018] The mounting portion 12 can be configured in various ways for mounting to the powder container 14. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the mounting portion 12 is provided with a mounting interface 16. The mounting interface 16 may be configured to conform to the existing lid pattern of the powder container 14, as described above. For example, the mounting interface 16 may be sized and shaped to match the circumferential opening profile of the powder container 14. The mounting interface 16 may be configured to receive a fixing device 34. The fixing device 34 may be configured as a band clamp, as shown, and may be compatible with the mounting portion 12 and the existing lid (not shown) of the powder container 14. It should be understood that the fixing device may otherwise consist of any suitable structure that provides a sealing relationship between the mounting portion 12 and the powder container 14.

[0019] The mounting interface 16 may be configured in other ways. As described above, the mounting interface 16 may be sized and shaped to withstand clamping loads, for example, to dimensionally fit an existing lid (not shown) and a usable band clamp. Alternatively, alternative fasteners, such as fasteners that penetrate the mounting interface 16, may be provided. Furthermore, the proportions and characteristics of the mounting interface 16 may be modified relative to the existing lid (not shown) of the powder container 14. In one embodiment, the thickness of the mounting portion 12 is greater than the corresponding thickness of the existing certified lid (not shown) of the powder container 14. In this way, the mounting portion 12 can accommodate process-induced stresses, such as pressure differences, as will be described in more detail below. The thickness of the mounting portion 12 may be at least 5 percent, 10 percent, 15 percent, 20 percent, or 25 percent greater than the corresponding thickness of the existing certified lid (not shown).

[0020] Referring further to Figure 1, the powder handling device 10 further includes a powder suction unit 18. As shown, the powder suction unit 18 passes through a plane P defined by the mounting portion 12. The plane P may also be used to define the opening of the powder container 14, which is covered and indicated by the mounting portion 12. As shown in Figure 1, the powder suction unit 18 is in a resting state when no force is applied to it by the user. In this resting state, the powder suction unit 18 may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the plane P, for example, orthogonal to the plane P, or within a range dispersion of 5, 10, or 15 degrees relative to the plane P. From this state, the powder suction unit 18 is movable with respect to the mounting portion 12 with at least one degree of freedom. For example, the powder suction unit 18 may be movable in a plane defined by the Y direction (e.g., upward U and / or downward D) and the x direction (X) and the Z direction (Z), or both.

[0021] The flexible gasket 20 can form an airtight seal between the mounting portion 12 and the powder suction unit 18. In addition, the powder suction unit 18 may be movable by the flexible gasket 20, at least partially, with at least one degree of freedom. As shown in Figure 1, the flexible gasket 20 can be adapted to allow relatively free movement of the powder suction unit 18 relative to the powder container 14. The flexible gasket 20 may be configured to provide a desired centering force to set it to a stationary state or to bias it toward a stationary state, as described above. In one embodiment, the flexible gasket 20 is configured as an elastomer bellows, but it will be understood that any suitable body such as a flexible liner, a seal (e.g., a rubber seal) may be utilized. Such embodiments of the flexible gasket 20 may be adjustable based on the size of the powder container 14, the type of powder, and / or user preference. For example, the flexible gasket 20 may have a Shore hardness of 55, 60, 65, and / or 70 depending on one or more applications. In various embodiments, the flexible gasket 20 may be specifically configured to reduce electrostatic discharge by using, for example, an electrostatic dissipative material. For example, in one embodiment, the flexible gasket 20 is formed of an ethylene-based elastomer.

[0022] The powder suction unit 18 may be controllable by a user via a handling unit 38 configured for manual operation. It should also be understood that the powder suction unit 18 may be at least partially and potentially fully automated. For example, the handling unit 38 may be moved in any suitable manner by an actuator (not shown) attached to the powder suction unit 18. Alternatively, the handling unit 38 may be moved by the user manually manipulating the handling unit 38, or by any combination thereof, as gravity causes the contents of the container to be removed by the pressure delta generated inside the powder container 14 by the flexible gasket 20, and the handling unit 38 resting on it to fall to the upper powder level.

[0023] For example, manual operation of the powder suction unit 18 can be used to access the powder in the powder container 14. As shown in the figure, the user may apply a downward force to the handling portion 38 to move the powder suction unit 18 in the downward direction D, and an upward force to the handling portion 38 to move the powder suction unit in the upward direction U. Additionally, the user may apply a radial force to the handling portion 38 to move the powder suction unit 18 in the x-direction X, the z-direction Z, or both, such that the suction unit inlet 22 moves radially within the powder container 14. This movement control may be used as the level or height of the powder in the powder container 14 decreases, and the user applies a force in the downward direction D to the handling portion 38, gravity pulls the handling portion 38 in the downward direction D, or both pull throughout the process. The flexible gasket 20 may also be configured to bias in the downward direction D. Additionally, or alternatively, as will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3 below, a pressure differential may act on the powder suction unit 18 and / or the flexible gasket 20 to bias the powder suction unit 18 in the upward direction U and / or the downward direction D based on the state of the powder handling device 10.

[0024] The powder suction unit 18 further includes a suction unit inlet 22 configured to receive powder from the powder container 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the suction unit inlet 22 is disposed within the powder container 14 with the mounting portion mounted. The suction unit inlet 22 is configured to remove powder from the powder container 14 having a pressure differential, for example, by a flow device 70 (FIG. 3) attached to the powder suction unit 18. In this way, the powder suction unit 18 is operable to remove powder from the powder container 14.

[0025] Considering the degrees of freedom of movement provided by the configuration of the powder suction unit 18 and the flexible gasket 20, the powder suction unit 18 may be operable to reach all or substantially all regions inside the powder container 14. For example, the powder suction unit 18 may be movable such that the powder suction unit 18 is movable adjacent to all lower ends of the powder container 14. In this way, the operator can control the powder suction unit 18 using the handling portion 38 to remove all or substantially all of the powder from the powder container. Further, the movement of the powder suction unit 18 may be used, for example, to move the suction unit inlet 22 away from the powder to avoid clogging.

[0026] The powder suction unit 18 can further include a stand-off device 32. As shown, the stand-off device 32 defines the lower end of the powder suction unit 18. The stand-off device may be configured to control the minimum distance between the powder suction unit 18 and the interior of the powder container 14 and / or the powder therein. The stand-off device 32 may be configured as a cage, a grate, or side ventilation, and generally may avoid problems associated with clogging of the suction unit inlet 22. An exemplary embodiment of the stand-off device 32 may optionally include at least one second inlet 33 that promotes flow toward the suction unit outlet 24, even when the suction unit inlet 22 is clogged or the like. In various embodiments, the stand-off device 32 may be configured to be adjustable or removable based on user preference or powder handling requirements. Further, the powder suction unit 18 may likewise be adjustable or replaceable to conform to user preference or powder handling requirements.

[0027] Continuing to refer to the powder suction unit 18 in Figure 1, a suction unit outlet 24 is provided opposite the suction unit inlet 22. The suction unit outlet 24 is configured to receive powder from the powder container 14 through the suction unit inlet 22. The suction unit outlet 24 may therefore be connected to a flow device 70 (Figure 3) to provide a driving force, such as a vacuum, to move the powder from the powder container 14 to the powder suction unit 18. Once the powder is removed from the powder container 14, it can be used in the desired process. The powder suction unit 18 may also be used to move gaseous components, for example, to purge or control the internal atmosphere, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 3.

[0028] The use of the powder suction unit 18 as described above enables the beneficial recovery of all or substantially all of the powder from a given powder container 14. In doing so, the application of the powder suction unit 18 avoids the complexities of fluidizing, vibrating, stirring, tilting, and lifting the powder or powder container 14, thus facilitating complete removal. Of course, it should be understood that these techniques can still be used depending on the use case and the applicability of a given powder container 14.

[0029] Referring further to Figure 1, the powder handling device 10 may further include an inlet to the external environment, for example, a mounting inlet 26 located on the mounting section 12. The mounting inlet 26 shown in Figure 1 includes a fluid flow valve 27 so that the mounting inlet 26 allows fluid to flow into the powder container 14. The fluid flow valve 27 can control the fluid flow through it to the powder container 14 in an active way (e.g., an actuated valve) or a passive way (e.g., a passive valve). For example, the mounting inlet 26 can provide a relatively high pressure source compared to the pressure source at the suction unit inlet 22 so that the fluid flow (e.g., carrier gas, air, etc.) moves from the mounting inlet 26 through the powder container 14 to the suction unit inlet 22. It should be understood that this pressure difference for the flow can be generated by a suction device or a blow device (not shown).

[0030] During flow operation, a pressure difference may exist between the inside of the powder container 14 and the external environment. For example, a pressure difference of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 PSI may be maintained between the inside of the powder container 14 and the external environment. It should be understood that this pressure difference may change, for example, due to clogging of the powder suction unit 18, which results in an increased pressure difference. As will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 3, this increased pressure difference can be used to control the powder suction unit 18 to move upward U, without clogging the powder material.

[0031] Referring further to Figure 1, the relief valve 30 may be part of the powder handling device 10. As shown in the figure, the relief valve 30 may be provided on the mounting section 12. It should be understood that the relief valve 30 may also be integrated with one or more existing components of the powder handling device 10. The relief valve 30 is configured to control the maximum pressure difference between the inside and outside of the powder container 14. For example, as described above, a positive relative pressure may be present inside the powder container 14 during operation. The relief valve 30 may be provided, for example, to prevent overpressurization of the powder container 14 through clogging of the powder suction unit 18. It should be understood that the relief valve 30 may be adjustable to release pressure at a given relative pressure, depending on user preference and / or safety requirements of a given powder or operation.

[0032] The powder handling device 10 in Figure 1 further includes a view module 40. As shown, the view module 40 is positioned on the mounting section 12. The view module 40 may include a light source and / or a viewport or sight glass. It should also be understood that a plurality of view modules 40 may comprise, for example, a first view module providing a light source and a second view module providing a viewport. The view module 40 facilitates ease of use for the operator and ensures accurate movement of the powder suction unit 18.

[0033] Referring to Figure 2, a cross-sectional view of the embodiment in Figure 1 is shown, where the handling portion 38 is cut at line 2-2 in front of it so as to be cut within the flexible gasket 20. As shown in Figure 2, the powder handling device 10 can be provided with various sealing configurations to ensure the containment of the powder. A mounting seal 42 is provided between the mounting portion 12 and the powder container 14. The mounting seal 42 may be a compressible seal such as an elastomer seal, configured to compress when the mounting portion 12 is mounted to the powder container 14 using, for example, a sealing device 36 (see Figure 1). It should also be understood that the sealing configuration may be provided by the component itself, for example, the mounting portion 12 may be configured to form a mounting seal 42 when mounted to the powder container 14.

[0034] A flexible gasket 20, as shown in Figure 2, is sealed to the mounting portion 12 and the powder suction unit 18. A gasket seal 44 is provided to seal the mounting portion 12 to the flexible gasket 20, and a suction unit seal 46 is provided to seal the powder suction unit 18 to the flexible gasket 20. Each of the gasket seal 44 and the suction unit seal 46 may be constructed as an elastomer seal. The gasket seal 44 and the suction unit seal 46 may be detachable from their respective components or may be integrated with them. For example, one or both of the gasket seal 44 and the suction unit seal 46 may be integrated with the flexible gasket 20.

[0035] Referring further to Figure 2, the flexible gasket 20 may further comprise at least one joint 48. The joint 48 may be provided to facilitate the movement of the powder suction unit 18 across both ends of the powder container 14, for example, in the downward inward circumferential direction of the powder container 14 as shown in Figure 2. The joint 48 may also facilitate movement in the upward U and downward D directions. In some embodiments, the joint 48 may also be called a bellows. The joint 48 may also function as a labyrinth seal, for example, by reducing powder exposure to one or more of the other seals 42, 44, 46.

[0036] Referring now to Figure 3, similar to Figures 1 and 2, the powder handling apparatus 11 is shown to include a powder handling device 10. The powder handling apparatus 11 in Figure 3 includes the powder handling device 10 and a flow circuit 60. The flow circuit 60 may be used to control the atmosphere within the powder handling apparatus 11 and / or to transport the powder to the desired location.

[0037] Starting from the suction unit outlet 24, the flow circuit connects to the outlet conduit 49. The illustrated outlet conduit 49 is configured so as not to obstruct the necessary movement of the powder suction unit 18, as described above. For example, the outlet conduit 49 may be flexible and / or suspended by an adjustable or automated support (not shown).

[0038] The flow circuit 60 is intended to be a closed-loop circuit so that the outlet conduit 49 connects to various components before returning the flow to the mounting inlet 26. However, it should be understood that an open-loop circuit can also be used. The components of the flow circuit 60 may or may not be included depending on the given use case. Furthermore, it should be understood that one or more components of the powder handling device 11 can be combined as described above. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the relief valve 30 may be included in the mounting inlet 26.

[0039] Continuing the description of the flow circuit 60 in Figure 3, the flow device 70 creates a flow from the outlet conduit 49 toward the flow device 70. The flow device 70 may be a pump such as a suction and / or blower fan (e.g., a vacuum machine) configured to generate the flow. It should be understood that the flow device 70 may also include one or more spark-stopping mechanisms (not shown), or may be located downstream of a spark-stopping device (not shown) or other components configured to reduce the possibility of combustion.

[0040] Downstream of the flow device 70, the flow continues through the flow circuit 60 to the downstream conduit 51. The downstream conduit 51 may be flexible, as with the outlet conduit 49, as described above. Alternatively, the downstream conduit 51 may be rigid and / or fixed. Naturally, rigid connections, or even integrated connections, are possible between components where relative movement between components is not required. For example, downstream of the flow device 70, each component upstream of the mounting inlet 26 may be fixed in position relative to one another. In various embodiments, the downstream conduit 51 and / or various other components may be configured as a heat exchanger. For example, the illustrated downstream conduit 51 may be an air-to-air heat exchanger to reduce the temperature applied by the flow device 70. The downstream conduit 51 may also be configured as a heat exchanger of any other configuration, such as an air-to-water heat exchanger, an evaporation chamber, etc.

[0041] The downstream conduit 51 provides flow from the flow device 70 to the separator 50. The separator 50 is configured to separate the gas flow from the powder flow, for example, to collect the powder and return the powder-free gas. The separator 50 may be configured as a cyclone separator, or it may be configured to separate at least a portion of the powder from the gas flow in the flow circuit 60.

[0042] As shown in the figure, the separator 50 has a first outlet 53 and a second outlet 55. The first outlet 53 leads to a powder collector 52. The powder collector 52 may be configured to distribute the collected powder to, for example, a manufacturing apparatus (not shown). The powder collector 52 may also be configured to facilitate the removal of powder without creating an open loop in the system. For example, the powder collector 52 may be selectively opened to the flow circuit 60 via a valve device 47. It should also be understood that the design of the flow circuit 60 can facilitate the maintenance of such a closed-loop environment through the control of the pressure difference. For example, when no powder is being collected, a positive relative pressure may be generated within the powder collector 52.

[0043] The second outlet 55 from the separator 50 provides flow backflow to the powder container 14. The flow from the second outlet 55 is separated so that it mostly contains the gaseous portion of the flow. However, some powder may remain in this flow. As shown in Figure 3, a circuit filter 54 can be provided to remove any powder that would otherwise be returned to the powder container 14. The circuit filter 54 may also be configured to collect additional powder for use.

[0044] Downstream of the circuit filter 54, a sensor inlet 57 is provided for the sensor 56. The sensor 56 may be used to monitor the environment of the flow circuit 60 and the powder container 14. The sensor 56 provides the ability to control a given environment within the powder handling device 11. For example, the sensor 56 can monitor an inert environment (e.g., below a certain oxygen level) before starting to transport the powder. This monitoring can avoid problems related to the volatility of certain powders, for example, to avoid humidity pickup or gas contaminant pickup. Certain powders, such as titanium-based powders, may also require monitoring to ensure safety from combustion events.

[0045] From the sensor 56, there is a sensor outlet 59 that returns to the powder container 14. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the sensor outlet 59 leads directly to a filter unit 28. The filter unit 28 is attached in this case to the mounting inlet 26 and ensures that any contaminants that would otherwise be drawn into the powder container 14 are filtered out. As in this embodiment, multiple components for filtering (such as the filter unit 28 and the circuit filter 54) can cooperate with each other and / or provide redundancy to ensure adequate filtering of the flow circuit 60.

[0046] Each of the above components of the flow circuit 60 can be collectively referred to as a handling unit 80. The handling unit 80 may include any combination of these components and may further include other components, for example, to control temperature. The handling unit 80 may be positioned flowwise between the suction unit outlet 24 and the mounting inlet 26 and configured to handle the flow between them in various ways as described herein.

[0047] As briefly described above, the closed-loop configuration of the powder handling device 11 facilitates a kind of automatic control of the powder suction unit 18. For example, the powder suction unit may be configured to react movably based on the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the powder container 14. Since a relatively high pressure exists inside the powder container 14 during pumping of the powder through the flow circuit 60, the powder suction unit 18 may initially be biased upward U compared to when the flow device 70 is not operating or when the flow circuit 60 is not closed. During this state, the relatively high pressure inside the powder container 14 acts on the flexible gasket 20 and the powder suction unit 18, biasing them upward U. As used herein, the terms “relatively high pressure” and “relatively low pressure” refer to the relationship between the pressure inside the powder container 14 and the pressure outside the powder container 14. In other words, assuming there is no pressure difference, the powder suction unit 18 in this embodiment does not have an upward or downward bias; a larger internal pressure (relatively high pressure inside the powder container 14) biases the powder suction unit 18 upward in the U direction, and a larger external pressure (relatively low pressure inside the powder container 14) biases the powder suction unit 18 downward in the D direction.

[0048] Furthermore, pressure changes during operation in the closed loop of the flow circuit 60 can alter this bias. For example, if the suction unit inlet 22 becomes clogged, the flow device 70 continues to increase the pressure difference between the suction unit outlet 24 and the mounting inlet 26, and therefore increases the pressure inside the powder container 14 relative to the external environment. Thus, this configuration of the flexible gasket 20 and powder suction unit 18 is configured to bias upward U in response to relatively high pressure inside the powder container 14, for example, due to clogging. This upward bias can move the suction unit inlet 22 away from the powder causing the clogging, and therefore act to alleviate the clogging. Once the clogging is cleared, the pressure inside the powder container 14 decreases, and as a result, the pressure biasing the flexible gasket 20 and powder suction unit 18 upward decreases. Thus, the flexible gasket 20 and powder suction unit 18 may be configured to bias downward D in response to relatively low pressure inside the powder container 14.

[0049] Further aspects are provided by the following subject.

[0050] A plane is defined, and a mounting part including a mounting interface is included. A fixing device configured to attach a mounting part to the opening of a powder container using a mounting interface, A powder suction unit that is attached to the mounting part and passes through a flat surface, Includes, The powder suction unit is movable relative to the mounting part with at least one degree of freedom. Powder handling device.

[0051] The powder suction unit is a powder handling device according to any of the above descriptions, which is positioned substantially orthogonal to a plane when stationary.

[0052] A powder handling device according to any one of the above, further comprising a flexible gasket through which a powder suction unit passes within the mounting portion of the powder handling device.

[0053] The powder handling device according to any of the above, wherein the flexible gasket is configured to bias the powder suction unit toward a stationary state.

[0054] A powder handling device according to any of the above, wherein a flexible gasket forms an airtight seal between the mounting portion and the powder suction unit.

[0055] A powder handling device according to any of the above, further comprising a mounting inlet including a fluid flow valve.

[0056] The powder suction unit is To receive powder from the powder container, the powder suction unit has a suction unit inlet on one side, From the suction unit inlet to the suction unit outlet located on the opposite side of the powder suction unit, including, A powder handling device as described above.

[0057] The inlet of the mounting section and the outlet of the suction unit are independently fluid-connected to the flow device so as to form a closed-loop system. A powder handling device as described above.

[0058] The powder handling apparatus according to any one of the above, further comprising a filter unit positioned between the outlet of the suction unit and the inlet of the mounting section.

[0059] The closed-loop system further includes a relief valve. A powder handling device as described above.

[0060] A fluid flow valve is a powder handling device as described above, controlled by an actuator.

[0061] A powder handling device according to any of the above, wherein the fluid flow valve is a passive fluid flow valve.

[0062] A powder container defining the opening, A powder handling device as described in any of the above, Includes, The mounting interface is mounted on the opening of the powder container. Powder handling equipment.

[0063] The powder suction unit is In response to the relatively high pressure inside the powder container compared to the external pressure around the powder container, it biases upward. It is configured to be biased downward in response to the relatively low pressure inside the powder container compared to the external pressure around the powder container. A powder handling device as described above.

[0064] The powder suction unit further includes a standoff device configured to control the minimum distance between the powder suction unit and the inside of the powder container. A powder handling device as described above.

[0065] The powder suction unit is configured to react movably based on the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the powder container. A powder handling device as described above.

[0066] The mounting part further includes a powder suction unit, The powder suction unit is The suction unit inlet located inside the powder container, The suction unit outlet located on the outside of the powder container, A handling unit is positioned in the flow direction between the outlet of the suction unit and the inlet of the attachment part, including, A powder handling device as described above.

[0067] A powder container defining the opening, A mounting part that defines a plane and includes a mounting interface attached to the opening of the powder container, A powder suction unit, which is attached to the mounting part and includes a suction unit inlet located inside the powder container and a suction unit outlet located outside the powder container, A handling unit is positioned in the flow direction between the outlet of the suction unit and the inlet of the attachment part, A closed-loop powder handling device, including [the specified element].

[0068] A flexible gasket is placed inside the mounting area. The powder suction unit passes through the flexible gasket. A closed-loop powder handling device as described above.

[0069] The fluid flow valve is positioned within the mounting section. A closed-loop powder handling device as described above.

[0070] A mounting section including a circumferential mounting interface having a size and shape suitable for a powder container, defining a plane, and having a size and shape suitable for receiving a clamping load, A powder suction unit that is attached to the mounting part and passes through a flat surface, Includes, The powder suction unit is movable relative to the mounting part with at least one degree of freedom. Powder handling device.

[0071] This specification uses examples to disclose preferred embodiments, including the best mode, and enables persons skilled in the art to implement this disclosure, including fabricating and using any device or system, and carrying out any incorporated method. The patentable scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that are recalled by persons skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the claims if they include structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A powder container defining the opening, Powder handling devices and Includes, The aforementioned powder handling device is A plane is defined, and a mounting part including a mounting interface is included. The mounting interface includes a fixing device for mounting the mounting portion of the powder handling device onto the opening of the powder container, A powder suction unit that is attached to the mounting portion and passes through the plane, and is movable relative to the mounting portion with at least one degree of freedom, A flexible gasket that forms an airtight seal between the mounting portion and the powder suction unit, including, Powder handling equipment.

2. The powder suction unit is positioned substantially orthogonal to the plane when stationary. The powder handling apparatus according to claim 1.

3. Further including control devices, The control device is configured to bias the powder suction unit toward a stationary state. The powder handling apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The control device forms a seal between the mounting portion and the powder suction unit. The powder handling apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned powder suction unit is A suction unit inlet is located inside the powder container and is configured to receive powder from the powder container. A suction unit outlet is located outside the powder container and is configured to receive the powder from the powder container via the suction unit inlet, including, The powder handling apparatus according to claim 1.

6. Further including the mounting opening, The inlet of the mounting section is configured to allow air to flow into the powder container. The powder handling apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The mounting inlet and the suction unit outlet are connected to or externally connectable to the powder container, forming a closed-loop system. The powder handling apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The filter unit further includes a filter unit positioned between the outlet of the suction unit and the inlet of the mounting part. The powder handling apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The system further includes a relief valve positioned between the inside and outside of the powder container, which selectively fluidically couples the inside and outside of the powder container. The powder handling apparatus according to claim 7.

10. The powder suction unit is configured to react movably based on the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the powder container. The powder handling apparatus according to claim 1.

11. The aforementioned powder suction unit is In response to the relatively high pressure inside the powder container, it is biased upward, It is configured to be biased downward in response to the relatively low pressure inside the powder container. The powder handling apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The powder suction unit further includes a standoff device configured to control the minimum distance between the powder suction unit and the inside of the powder container and / or the powder inside it. The powder handling apparatus according to claim 11.

13. The powder suction unit is movable in an upward and downward direction substantially perpendicular to the plane with respect to the mounting portion, with at least one degree of freedom. The powder suction unit and the flexible gasket are configured to react movably based on the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the powder container. The powder suction unit and the flexible gasket are, In response to the relatively high pressure inside the powder container, it is biased upward, It is configured to be biased downward in response to the relatively low pressure inside the powder container. The powder handling apparatus according to claim 1.

14. A powder container defining the opening, A mounting portion is attached to the opening of the powder container and includes a mounting portion entrance, A powder suction unit is provided, comprising a suction unit inlet located inside the powder container and a suction unit outlet located outside the powder container, A handling unit is positioned in the flow direction between the outlet of the suction unit and the inlet of the mounting part, A flexible gasket that forms an airtight seal between the mounting portion and the powder suction unit, A closed-loop powder handling device, including [the specified element].

15. The powder suction unit is movable relative to the mounting portion with at least one degree of freedom. The closed-loop powder handling apparatus according to claim 14.

16. The mounting portion includes a mounting interface that defines a plane and has a size and shape to receive a clamping load. The closed-loop powder handling apparatus according to claim 14.

17. The aforementioned mounting portion defines a plane, The powder suction unit is movable in an upward and downward direction substantially perpendicular to the plane, The powder suction unit and the flexible gasket are configured to react movably based on the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the powder container. The powder suction unit and the flexible gasket are, In response to the relatively high pressure inside the powder container, it is biased upward, It is configured to be biased downward in response to the relatively low pressure inside the powder container. The closed-loop powder handling apparatus according to claim 14.

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