Connection system for additive manufacturing processes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connection system for an additive manufacturing process comprising a conduit for transferring material between a container and a further component of the additive manufacturing process, and one or more actuators for controlling operation of the conduit, wherein the conduit comprises a first portion and a second portion connected via an extendable intermediate portion, and the one or more actuators are operable to act on at least a portion of the conduit to extend or shorten the intermediate portion to control the length of the conduit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a docking arrangement, and more particularly to a docking arrangement for use in an additive manufacturing process for supplying a material such as powder held within a container (e.g., a hopper) to a 3D printer.

Background Art

[0002] Additive manufacturing generally relates to a process for manufacturing a 3D object by building one or more layers of material. Conventionally, materials can be supplied to a 3D printer in the form of powder (e.g., metal powder). For small-scale manufacturing processes, the powder may be supplied in a container (e.g., a plastic jar). For large-scale processes, hoppers are designed to convey large quantities of powder to a 3D printer.

[0003] Accordingly, there is a need for a docking arrangement that docks and connects a hopper containing powder to a component (e.g., a 3D printer) in order to deliver the material (e.g., powder) for the manufacturing process from the hopper to a component of the additive manufacturing process.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in some cases, the size and weight of the hopper can become large, making it difficult to perform the docking and connection process quickly and effectively. In addition, it is necessary to minimize the risk of damage to components, such as due to improper alignment or collision during the docking and connection process.

[0005] Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a connection system for an additive manufacturing process that assists in connecting a hopper to an inlet of a further component of the manufacturing process.

[0006] Accordingly, an object of one or more embodiments of the present invention is to overcome or at least partially mitigate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system for an additive manufacturing process, including a conduit for transferring material between a container and a further component of the additive manufacturing process, and one or more actuators for controlling the operation of the conduit, wherein the conduit includes a first portion and a second portion connected via an extendable intermediate portion, and the one or more actuators are operable to act on at least a part of the conduit to extend or shorten the intermediate portion so as to control the length of the conduit.

[0008] Advantageously, this connection system enables the connection of the container and a further component of the additive manufacturing process without the need to move the entire container or the further component during the one or more final connection steps.

[0009] Rather, the container and the further component (or the inlet of the further component) can be brought close to each other before more easily controlling the distance between the outlet of the container and the inlet of the further component using the connection system during the subsequent one or more final connection steps.

[0010] In this way, the risk of damage to the components of the manufacturing process due to inaccurate alignment or collision during the connection process can be reduced.

[0011] In some embodiments, the intermediate portion includes a flexible material. The intermediate portion can include an elastic material. For example, in such embodiments, the intermediate portion can be formed of a material that can be stretched and / or deformed so as to be extendable (or contractible) under the operation of the one or more actuators.

[0012] Advantageously, by providing an intermediate portion formed of a flexible material, the first and second portions of the conduit can be made relatively movable in a plane perpendicular to the direction of extension (or shortening) of the conduit. This can assist, for example, in making minor corrections in aligning the outlet of a container in use (e.g., during a connection process) with the inlet of a further component.

[0013] In other embodiments, the intermediate portion may include a rigid material. For example, in such embodiments, the intermediate portion can be configured in a folded or concertinaed arrangement so that it can be linearly extended (or shortened) under the operation of one or more actuators.

[0014] The intermediate portion can be formed, for example, from a metallic material or a plastic material. The intermediate portion may be formed of a rubber material that can include, for example, a silicone rubber material.

[0015] The intermediate portion may be substantially cylindrical. In one embodiment, the intermediate portion may be substantially conical. The form of the intermediate portion can be selected so that there are no creases or folds in the intermediate portion where the material may catch during use.

[0016] The intermediate portion may include one or more aberrations along its length direction. The one or more aberrations can be provided to facilitate a reliable and repeatable collapse of the intermediate portion when the conduit is shortened.

[0017] In one embodiment, the conduit includes the outlet of a container. In such an embodiment, for example, the first portion of the conduit is fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the container, and the second portion of the conduit may include an interface for connecting the outlet of the container to the inlet for a further component of an additive manufacturing process.

[0018] In use, the conduit may be configured to extend outwardly from the container as a result of the extension of the intermediate portion. The conduit may be configured to extend under the operation of one or more actuators.

[0019] For example, in an embodiment where the connection system is configured for use with a gravity supply arrangement (the container is provided above the inlet of a further component), the conduit may be configured to extend substantially downwardly under the operation of one or more actuators.

[0020] In another embodiment, the conduit can be configured to extend substantially downwardly under gravity and be operable to shorten (e.g., be pulled upwardly) under the operation of one or more actuators.

[0021] In one embodiment, the conduit includes an inlet for a further component of the additive manufacturing process. For example, in such an embodiment, the first portion of the conduit may be fixedly connected or integrally formed with the further component (either directly or indirectly via a further conduit), and the second portion of the conduit may include an interface for connecting the inlet of the further component to the outlet of the container. In use, the conduit may be configured to extend outwardly from the inlet as a result of the extension of the intermediate member.

[0022] The conduit can be configured to extend under the operation of one or more actuators. For example, in an embodiment where the connection system is configured for use with a gravity supply arrangement (the container is provided above the inlet of a further component), the conduit may be configured to extend substantially upwardly under the operation of one or more actuators.

[0023] In another embodiment, the conduit may be configured to extend substantially upwardly, for example, under the operation of one or more biasing members, and be operable to shorten (e.g., be pulled downwardly) under the operation of one or more actuators.

[0024] The connection system can include one or more biasing members. For example, in some embodiments, the connection system can include a plurality of biasing members.

[0025] One or more biasing members can be configured to provide a bias that acts as the intermediate portion extends during use. In such embodiments, one or more actuators can control the length of the conduit by limiting the extent to which the intermediate portion can extend under the operation of the one or more biasing members.

[0026] In other embodiments, one or more biasing members may be configured to provide a bias that acts against the extension of the intermediate portion during use. In such embodiments, the intermediate portion is held in a shortened position unless acted upon by one or more actuators.

[0027] One or more biasing members may include an elastic member, such as a compressible resilient member. In one embodiment, one or more biasing members may include a spring. In some embodiments, the biasing member may include a gas spring.

[0028] One or more actuators may be connected via one or more connectors to a portion of the conduit, such as a first portion, a second portion, or an intermediate portion of the conduit.

[0029] In one embodiment, one or more connectors may be configured such that a portion thereof is movable relative to one or more actuators. This configuration can allow for a small relative movement of the portion of the conduit without requiring the operation of that actuator or each actuator.

[0030] As used herein and throughout this specification, the phrase "minor relative movements of the portions of the conduit" is intended to cover relative movements of the various components of the conduit that are shorter in distance than the range in which the intermediate portion extends or contracts under the operation of one or more actuators.

[0031] For example, this may include movements that are 20% or less, or 10% or less, or 5% or less of the range in which the intermediate portion can extend / contract under the operation of one or more actuators.

[0032] Advantageously, by configuring the present connection system in this way, the forces encountered by the system (e.g., due to collisions between the outlet and the inlet during the connection process, or due to movements of the outlet and / or inlet such as alignment for connection of the outlet and the inlet) are not transmitted to further components of the process, such as vessels or further components, but can be substantially absorbed by minor relative movements of the components of the conduit. Thus, the possibility that this force causes a malfunction of the components of the connection system or the manufacturing process as a whole can be reduced. In embodiments where the connection system includes one or more biasing members, at least a portion of this force can be absorbed by the single or multiple biasing members, further reducing the transmission of this force to the components of the manufacturing process.

[0033] The connection system can be configured such that when the intermediate portion is in the extended position, one or more actuators do not act on the conduit (e.g., do not act to move or hold the conduit a predetermined length).

[0034] The extended position of the intermediate portion may correspond to the connection configuration of the connection system. For example, when the intermediate portion is in the extended position, one or more connectors may be likely to come off or loosen, and instead, the conduit is held at the extended length only under gravity and / or the operation of one or more biasing members.

[0035] In such a configuration, one or more actuators may be deactivated or not energized, thus eliminating the transfer of weight or force from the one or more actuators to the conduit. In some cases, it may be beneficial to provide one or more sensors (e.g., weight sensors) operable to measure the mass of the container at the connection system and / or at the inlets of further components.

[0036] This can help monitor the amount of material remaining in the container. Advantageously, configuring the connection system such that one or more actuators do not act on the conduit in a particular configuration (e.g., when the outlet and inlet are connected) prevents or at least reduces the possibility of false readings from this sensor.

[0037] In some embodiments, the connection system includes a single actuator. In other embodiments, the connection system includes a plurality of actuators, e.g., two actuators.

[0038] In one embodiment, the one or more actuators include linear actuators, which may be pistons in one embodiment. Advantageously, using a linear actuator such as a piston can generate a relatively large force at a relatively low resource cost.

[0039] One piston or each piston can be controlled pneumatically or hydraulically by introducing and / or removing fluid from the associated piston chamber. In one embodiment, the introduction of fluid into the piston chamber moves the associated piston to extend the intermediate portion, thereby increasing the length of the conduit. Similarly, the removal of fluid from the piston chamber can move the associated piston to shorten the intermediate portion, thereby decreasing the length of the conduit.

[0040] In another embodiment, the one or more actuators may include an electric actuator such as a solenoid or a motor.

[0041] In one embodiment, the one or more actuators may be configured such that their operations can be isolated. In some embodiments, the operations of the one or more actuators can be isolated as needed so that the conduit can be held at a predetermined length. In an embodiment, this can include, for example, a fully extended length or a fully retracted length.

[0042] In some embodiments, the operations of the one or more actuators can be made controllable via a control system. For example, in one embodiment, a control system for controlling the movement of the one or more actuators can be provided.

[0043] The connection system can include a locking mechanism. During use, the locking mechanism can be configured to hold the outlet of the container and the inlet of the components of the additive manufacturing process in a connected state. The locking mechanism can include one or more locking members that are movable between at least a first position and a second position during use under the actuation of one or more locking actuators. The one or more locking members can be configured to engage the outer surface of the outlet of the container when in the second position.

[0044] The one or more locking members may include rollers. Alternatively, the one or more locking members may include cams.

[0045] The first position and the second position may be a first vertical position and a second vertical position. In other embodiments, the first position and the second position may be a first rotational position and a second rotational position.

[0046] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism can be provided within a recess defined by the open end of the inlet, for example, the open upper end of the inlet corresponding to the second portion of the conduit. In such an embodiment, the locking mechanism can be arranged such that when the outlet is received within the recess defined by the open end of the inlet, it can act on the outer surface of the outlet.

[0047] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism can include two (or more) locking members. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a pair of opposing locking members. In such an embodiment, the pair of opposing locking members can be configured to engage a plurality of opposing outer surfaces of the outlet of the container.

[0048] In one embodiment, one or more locking members can be configured to be received within a groove in the outer surface of the outlet of the container.

[0049] For example, in some embodiments, one or more locking members can be configured to have a shape complementary to a groove provided in the outer surface of the outlet. In embodiments having two or more locking members, each of the locking members can correspond to a respective plurality of groove portions on the outer surface of the outlet.

[0050] In other embodiments, one or more locking members can be configured to be received within a groove provided along the entire circumference of the outlet. Thereby, in such embodiments, it is possible to connect the outlet of the container to the inlet of the component without requiring precise rotational alignment between the outlet and the inlet.

[0051] In one embodiment, the container can include a hopper.

[0052] According to one aspect of the present invention, a container for an additive manufacturing process is provided, the container including an outlet for dispensing a material held within the container to a further component of the additive manufacturing process, the outlet including the connection system of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0053] The connection system can be configured to connect the outlet of the container to the inlet for further components of the additive manufacturing process during use.

[0054] According to a further aspect of the invention, a component forming part of the additive manufacturing process is provided, the component including an inlet, the inlet including the connection system of the first aspect of the invention.

[0055] The connection system can be configured to connect the inlet to the outlet of the container to distribute the material held within the container to the component during use.

[0056] According to a further aspect of the invention, a docking arrangement for the additive manufacturing process is provided, the docking arrangement including a dock associated with the inlet of a component of the additive manufacturing process, a container including an outlet, and the connection system of the first aspect of the invention connecting the outlet of the container to the inlet of the component of the additive manufacturing process.

[0057] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method is provided for connecting the outlet of a container to the inlet for further components of the additive manufacturing process using the connection system of the first aspect of the invention, the method including positioning the outlet of the container and the inlet for the further component in proximity to each other, controlling the length of a conduit using an actuator of the connection system such that the outlet and the inlet are in a connected position, and connecting the outlet to the inlet.

[0058] Optionally, the method can include using one or more locking members to hold the connection between the outlet of the container and the inlet for the component of the additive manufacturing process. Detailed Description of the Invention To enable a clearer understanding of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example only, one or more embodiments thereof. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0059]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

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Figure 9

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0060] The present invention relates to a docking arrangement 10 for a manufacturing process such as a stereolithography process.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the docking arrangement 10 includes a dock 11 that can connect a container in the form of a hopper 12. These figures show the hopper 12 separated from the dock 11 and the hopper 12 docked to the dock 11, respectively.

[0062] During use, the dock 11 corresponds to a machine in the stereolithography process, and the hopper 12 can contain powder (such as metal powder) supplied to the machine.

[0063] Hopper 12 includes a stand 22 and a support arm 24 for supporting the container 14 of the hopper 12 on the stand 22. In the illustrated embodiment, three support arms 24 are provided. The container 14 can contain powder for the additive manufacturing process. The container includes an upper cylindrical portion connected to the outlet 16 on top of a frustoconical portion.

[0064] The outlet 16 can be connected and fixed to the inlet 18 of the dock 11. The connection between the outlet 16 and the inlet 18 of the hopper 12 includes a connection system 80 and a locking mechanism 100.

[0065] As will be described in detail herein, the connection stem 80 and the locking mechanism 100 facilitate the connection, locking, and fixing of the outlet 16 to the inlet 18, and enable the material from the container 14 of the hopper 12 to be supplied to further components of the manufacturing process via the dock 11.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet 18 is provided with a conduit 20 for supplying material from the hopper 12 to further components of the manufacturing process.

[0067] The stand 22 of the hopper 12 includes a plurality of holes 21 at its base for receiving corresponding protruding members 23 on the dock 11. As shown, the plurality of protruding members 23 protrude upward from the surface 13 of the dock 11. Connecting the plurality of holes 21 and each protruding member 23 can act to further secure the hopper 12 to the dock 11 during use.

[0068] The illustrated hopper 12 is provided with a valve arrangement 26 for controlling the flow of material out of the container 14 of the hopper 12. Preferably, the valve arrangement includes an outlet valve in the form of a butterfly valve, but it will be understood that the valve arrangement 26 can include any suitable valve type.

[0069] The outlet valve is controlled via an operating handle 50. The operating handle 50 can be used to open and close the outlet valve of the valve arrangement 26 through the rotation of the lever 52 of the operating handle 50. This can be carried out by an actuator 40 operably connected to the operating handle 50.

[0070] Here, the actuator 40 forms part of the dock 11 and, when the hopper 12 is docked to the dock 11, the operating handle 50 and the actuator 40 are arranged such that they are positioned relative to each other for the next actuation of the operating handle 50.

[0071] The illustrated hopper 12 is further provided with a gas inlet 32. In use, the gas inlet 32 can be used to control the pressure level within the container 14 of the hopper 12. For example, it may be desirable to increase the pressure within the hopper 12 to assist the flow of material from the outlet 16.

[0072] As described herein, the docking arrangement 10 includes a dock 11 that can correspond to (or form part of) a machine in a stereolithography process (such as a stereolithography machine or a sieve), and the hopper 12 can accommodate powder supplied to the machine. However, it may be desirable to deliver powder / material to the hopper 12 (for example, to replenish the material therein).

[0073] Therefore, the hopper 12 is provided with an opening and closing hatch 30 on its upper surface that provides access to the interior of the container 14 of the hopper 12. Optionally, material from another hopper can be introduced into the hopper 12. In such a case, the docking arrangement 10 can be used and the inlet 18 (and optionally the conduit 20) functions as an inlet to the hopper 12 and a separate hopper is docked to the dock 11.

[0074] This is useful when it is necessary to blend materials in two different hoppers or simply to replenish the material in hopper 12. In an embodiment, the material from one hopper or the additive manufacturing machine may pass through a sieve before being accumulated in hopper 12. In such a case, the docking arrangement 10 may be adapted to receive the sieve.

[0075] Figures 3A and 3B are perspective views of the connection system 80 of the present invention.

[0076] The connection system 80 includes conduits that form at least a part of a path for the transfer of material between the hopper 12 and further components of the additive manufacturing process during use.

[0077] The conduit is formed from a first portion 82, a second portion 84, and an intermediate portion 85. The intermediate portion 85 is stretchable between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position to increase or decrease the spacing between the first portion 82 and the second portion 84, thereby controlling the length of the conduit.

[0078] The connection system 80 further includes an actuator in the form of a pair of pistons 86a, 86b operable during use to act on the conduit to control the extent to which the intermediate portion 85 extends.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the pistons 86a, 86b are configured to act on the conduit to shorten the intermediate portion 85 from the fully extended position corresponding to the rest state of the system 80. The intermediate portion 85 is formed of a flexible material that can collapse / fold itself when shortened from the fully extended position.

[0080] Here, the conduit forms an inlet 18 for further components of the additive manufacturing process, and the provided conduit is attached to the frame 95. Specifically, a second portion 84 of the conduit is attached to the frame 95, and the first portion 82 is movable relative to the frame under the actuation of pistons 86a, 86b and / or springs 92a, 92b, 92c as described herein. The frame 95 is attachable to further components.

[0081] Pistons 86a, 86b include piston arms 88a, 88b that extend from respective piston housings 87a, 87b during use. The piston housings 87a, 87b themselves are attached to the frame 95, and the piston arms 88a, 88b are connected to the first portion 82 of the conduit via connectors 96a, 96b provided at the ends of the piston arms 88a, 88b and respective connectors 98a, 98b connected to the first portion 82.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the connectors 96a, 96b and 98a, 98b consist of ring connectors and allow for a small relative movement of the first portion 82 with respect to the piston arms 88a, 88b without requiring operation of the pistons 86a, 86b themselves during use.

[0083] The connection system 80 further includes a plurality of biasing members in the form of springs 92a, 92b, 92c. Springs 92a, 92b are connected to the first portion 82 of the conduit at a first end and to the second portion 84 of the conduit at a second end. During use, the springs 92a, 92b, 92c can operate to apply a biasing force between the first portion 82 and the second portion 84 of the conduit.

[0084] Specifically, the springs 92a, 92b, 92c are operable to provide a biasing force that acts in the direction in which the intermediate portion 85 is fully extended, i.e., in accordance with the extension of the intermediate portion 85 or against the shortening of the intermediate portion.

[0085] The connection system 80 further includes spring housings 94a, 94b, 94c, and respective springs 92a, 92b, 92c are compressed with the intermediate portion 85 in a fully shortened state, from which the intermediate portion 85 can move to an extended state and extend.

[0086] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate the operational use of the connection system 80. Specifically, Figure 3A shows the intermediate portion 85 in a first shortened state, and Figure 3B shows the intermediate portion 85 in a second extended state. As shown, by extending or shortening the intermediate portion 85, the overall length of the conduit can be controlled.

[0087] Starting from the arrangement shown in Figure 3A, the intermediate portion 85 is in a shortened state, and the piston arms 88a, 88b of pistons 86a, 86b can extend from their respective piston housings 87a, 87b. In the illustrated embodiment, the piston arms 88a, 88b are operable to extend upwardly, and the intermediate portion 85 can be extended substantially upwardly.

[0088] The extension of the piston arms 88a, 88b removes or at least reduces the compression applied to springs 92a, 92b, 92c by pistons 86a, 86b, whereby, under the influence of the biasing force provided by springs 92a, 92b, 92c, the first portion 82 of the conduit can move in a substantially upward direction (relative to the second portion 84 of the conduit).

[0089] Most of this movement is restricted by the piston arms 88a, 88b, particularly by the ring connectors 96a, 96b, 98a, 98b. When the piston arms 88a, 88b are in their fully extended positions, the ring connectors 96a, 96b, 98a, 98b will disengage or loosen such that the piston arms 88a, 88b no longer act on the first portion 82 of the conduit.

[0090] Instead, the first portion 82 is held in this position by a biasing force provided by springs 92a, 92b, 92c. In this way, piston arms 88a, 88b do not provide force / weight transfer to the conduit when the intermediate portion 85 is extended. This will be advantageous with respect to monitoring the weight of hopper 12 and / or absorbing forces within the conduit or springs 92a, 92b, 92c that may be transferred to other components, as described herein.

[0091] The reverse process can be followed to shorten the intermediate portion 85, thereby reducing the length of the conduit. Specifically, when piston arms 88a, 88b are retracted into their respective piston housings 87a, 87b, first the ring connectors 96a, 96b, 98a, 98b engage again, and then the first portion 82 of the conduit is effectively pulled back towards the second portion 84 against the biasing force provided by springs 92a, 92b, 92c. By doing so, the intermediate portion 85 is shortened, and as a result, the overall length of the conduit is reduced.

[0092] Figures 4A, 4B and Figure 5 illustrate another embodiment of the connection system 180 of the present invention. Like reference numerals are used to indicate components common to both the connection system 180 and the connection system 80.

[0093] The connection system 180 includes a conduit that forms at least a portion of a path for the transfer of material between the hopper 12 and further components of the additive manufacturing process during use.

[0094] The conduit is formed from a first portion 182, a second portion 184, and an intermediate portion 185 that is stretchable between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position to increase or decrease the spacing between the first and second portions 182, 184, thereby controlling the length of the conduit.

[0095] Similar to the connection system 80, the connection system 180 further includes an actuator in the form of a pair of pistons 186a, 186b operable to act on the conduit during use to control the extent to which the intermediate portion 185 extends.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, the pistons 186a, 186b are configured to act on the conduit to shorten the intermediate portion 185 from a fully extended position (FIG. 4B) corresponding to the rest state of the system 180.

[0097] The intermediate portion 185 is formed of a flexible material that can fold itself when shortened from the fully extended position.

[0098] Here, the conduit forms an outlet 16 for the hopper 12, and the provided conduit is attached to the frame 195. Specifically, the first portion 182 of the conduit is attached to the frame 195, and the second portion 184 is movable relative to the frame under the actuation of the pistons 186a, 186b and / or under gravity as described herein. The frame 195 can be attached to the hopper 12.

[0099] The pistons 186a, 186b are configured similarly to the pistons 86a, 86b and include piston arms 188a, 188b extending from their respective piston housings 187a, 187b during use.

[0100] The piston housings 187a, 817b themselves are attached to the frame 195, and the piston arms 188a, 188b are connected to the second portion 184 of the conduit via connectors 196a, 196b provided at the ends of the piston arms 188a, 188b and respective connectors 198a, 198b connected to the second portion 184.

[0101] Furthermore, the connectors 196a, 196b and 198a, 198b consist of ring connectors and allow for a small relative movement of the second portion 184 with respect to the piston arms 188a, 188b during use without the need for the operation of the pistons 186a, 186b themselves.

[0102] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the operational use of the connection system 180. Specifically, FIG. 4A shows the intermediate portion 185 in a first shortened state, and FIG. 4B shows the intermediate portion 185 in a second extended state. As shown, by extending or shortening the intermediate portion 185, the overall length of the conduit can be controlled.

[0103] Starting from the arrangement shown in FIG. 4A, the intermediate portion 185 is in a shortened state, and the piston arms 188a, 188b of the pistons 186a, 186b are extendable from their respective piston housings 187a, 187b. In the illustrated embodiment, the piston arms 188a, 188b are operable to extend downwardly, and the intermediate portion 185 can be extended substantially downwardly.

[0104] The extension of the piston arms 188a, 188b removes, or at least reduces, the restraining force provided by the pistons 186a, 186b, thereby allowing the second portion 184 of the conduit to move in a generally downward direction (relative to the first portion 182 of the conduit) under gravity.

[0105] Most of this movement is restricted by the piston arms 188a, 188b, particularly by the ring connectors 196a, 196b, 198a, 198b. When the piston arms 188a, 188b are in their fully extended positions, the ring connectors 196a, 196b, 198a, 198b will disengage or loosen such that the piston arms 188a, 188b no longer act on the second portion 184 of the conduit.

[0106] Instead, the second portion 184 is held in this position by the elasticity of the intermediate portion 185 itself. Thus, the piston arms 188a, 188b do not provide force / weight transfer to the conduit when the intermediate portion 85 is extended. This will be advantageous with respect to monitoring the weight of the hopper 12 and / or absorbing forces within the conduit that may be transmitted to other components of the additive manufacturing process, as described herein.

[0107] The reverse process can be followed to shorten the intermediate portion 185, thereby reducing the length of the conduit. Specifically, when the piston arms 188a, 188b are retracted into their respective piston housings 187a, 187b, first the ring connectors 196a, 196b, 198a, 198b engage again, and then the second portion 184 of the conduit is effectively pulled upwardly towards the first portion 182. By doing so, the intermediate portion 185 is shortened, and as a result, the overall length of the conduit is reduced.

[0108] Figures 6A - 7B show a first locking mechanism 100 that forms part of, or can be used with, the connection system 80. The locking mechanism 100 is configured to secure the outlet 16 of the hopper 12 to the inlet 18 of a further component of a stereolithography process, such as a stereolithography machine.

[0109] Specifically, the locking mechanism 100 is provided with an inlet 18 and is positioned such that it can act on the outer surface of the outlet 16 when the outlet 16 is received within the upper end of the opening of the inlet 18.

[0110] The locking mechanism 100 includes a pair of opposing locking members in the form of rollers 102a, 102b that are movable in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In the orientation shown in the figure, this movement is in the horizontal direction.

[0111] The movement of the rollers 102a, 102b is controlled via respective linear actuators in the form of pistons 104a, 104b. The rollers 102a, 102b are attached to their respective pistons 104a, 104b via respective clevis - type fasteners 106a, 106b that allow the rollers 102a, 102b to rotate about their respective axes of rotation.

[0112] Alternatively, the roller may include an outer collar that is rotatably attached to the remainder of the roller, for example, by a needle roller bearing.

[0113] In use, pistons 104a, 104b are configured to control the movement of respective rollers 102a, 102b between a first longitudinal position (shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B) and a second longitudinal position (shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B).

[0114] Here, the first longitudinal position of rollers 102a, 102b corresponds to the "unlocked" state of the locking mechanism 100, and the second longitudinal position corresponds to the "locked" state of the locking mechanism 100.

[0115] In another embodiment, the roller is attached to an actuator other than the piston and cylinder device. This may be an electric actuator such as a solenoid.

[0116] The outlet 16 of the hopper 12 is provided with a groove 112 around its outer surface, shown here by opposing groove portions 112a, 112b. Groove portions 112a, 112b correspond to rollers 102a, 102b, respectively.

[0117] The groove 112 can be provided along the entire circumference of the outlet 16. This allows the hopper 12 to be fixed within the docking arrangement 10 without the need to position the hopper 12 such that the groove 112 is precisely aligned with respective rollers 102a, 102b.

[0118] In use, groove portions 112a, 112b are configured to receive at least a portion of respective rollers 102a, 102b to fix the outlet 16 of the hopper 12 to the inlet 18. Specifically, the process of connecting and fixing the outlet 16 and the inlet 18 begins by positioning rollers 102a, 102b in the first longitudinal position.

[0119] When the rollers 102a, 102b are in the first longitudinal position, the outlet 16 of the hopper 12 can be placed proximal to and preferably in contact with the inlet 18. Here, the outlet 16 is disposed within the recess 107 within the open end of the inlet 18, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0120] When the outlet 16 is in this position, the rollers 102a, 102b are moved to a second longitudinal position (as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B) under the operation of their respective pistons 104a, 104b.

[0121] When in the second longitudinal position, the rollers 102a, 102b are received at least partially within the grooves 112, particularly the corresponding groove portions 112a, 112b of the outer wall of the outlet 16, and specifically, within the corresponding groove portions 112a, 112b of the outer wall of the outlet 16, to prevent the outlet 16 from being withdrawn from the recess 107 within the inlet 18. In this way, the locking mechanism 100 is used to connect and fix the outlet 16 to the inlet 18.

[0122] The pistons 104a, 104b are pneumatically controlled by introducing and / or removing gas from their respective piston chambers 108a, 108b. The gas is supplied to and / or removed from the piston chambers 108a, 108b via their respective supply pipes 110a, 110b.

[0123] As will be appreciated, the introduction of gas into the piston chambers 108a, 108b moves the pistons inward (in the configuration shown in the figures), and thus moves the rollers 102a, 102b to the second longitudinal position.

[0124] The removal of gas from the piston chambers 108a, 108b moves the pistons outward (in the configuration shown in the figures), and thus moves the rollers 102a, 102b to the first longitudinal position.

[0125] Locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism 100 can preferably be centrally controlled via a control system (not shown). Also, the central control system can take into account other operating states of the components of the docking arrangement 10 when controlling the operation of the locking mechanism 100.

[0126] For example, the central control system may require that the outlet valve of the valve arrangement 26 be in a closed state before allowing / controlling the unlocking of the locking mechanism 100.

[0127] Similarly, the central control system can be configured to prevent the opening of the outlet valve of the valve arrangement 26 unless the locking mechanism 100 locks the outlet 16 and the inlet 18 in a connected and fixed position at a predetermined position.

[0128] Another locking mechanism 100' is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0129] The locking mechanism 100' includes a pair of locking members in the form of cams 102a', 102b', which are rotatably mounted at their respective main pivot points 109a', 109b'. During use, as the cams 102a', 102b' rotate about their respective main pivot points 109a', 109b', the cams 102a', 102b' enter and exit the interior of the inlet 18 and move between a locked position and an unlocked position, engaging and disengaging from the outlet 16 of the hopper 12 in a manner similar to the rollers 102a, 102b shown in the previous figures.

[0130] The cams 102a', 102b' are further rotatably mounted at their ends to respective linear actuators in the form of pistons 104a', 104b' via secondary pivot points 107a', 107b'. During use, the movement of the cams 102a', 102b' is controlled via the pistons 104a', 104b' as described herein.

[0131] Specifically, pistons 104a' and 104b' are configured to control the movement of respective cams 102a' and 102b' between a first rotational position corresponding to the "unlock" state of the locking mechanism 100' and a second rotational position corresponding to the "lock" state of the locking mechanism 100'.

[0132] In the unlocked state, cams 102a' and 102b' are in a position substantially withdrawn from inside the inlet 18 (as shown in FIG. 9). In the locked state, cams 102a' and 102b' project into the inlet 18 and engage with the outer surface (e.g., groove 112) of the corresponding outlet 16 of the hopper 12 as described above.

[0133] As can be understood, pistons 104a' and 104b' can be pneumatically controlled by the introduction and / or removal of gas from within respective piston chambers 108a' and 108'b. The gas is supplied to and / or removed from piston chambers 108a' and 108b' via respective supply pipes 110a' and 110b'.

[0134] By introducing gas into piston chambers 108a' and 108b', the pistons move upward (in the configuration shown in the figure), and thus cams 102a' and 102b' rotate from the first rotational position to the second rotational position around respective main pivot points 109a' and 109b'.

[0135] Conversely, the removal of gas from within piston chambers 108a' and 108b' moves pistons 108a' and 108b' downward (in the configuration shown in the figure), and thus cams 102a' and 102b' rotate in the opposite direction from the second rotational position to the first rotational position around respective main pivot points 109a' and 109b'.

[0136] Here, the cams 102a', 102b' are "over - centre" cams. When the cams 102a', 102b' rotate beyond the horizontal with respect to their respective main pivot points 109a', 109b', that is, beyond the point where the main pivot points 109a', 109b' are horizontally aligned with their respective secondary pivot points 107a', 107b', when the cams 102a', 102b' are in their respective second rotational positions, they are effectively locked in place unless acted upon by the respective pistons 104a', 104b' in another state.

[0137] Specifically, this prevents any internal force / pressure on the cams 102a', 102b' from the outlet 16 of the hopper 12, for example, from inadvertently "unlocking" the locking mechanism 100' during use.

[0138] Similar to the locking mechanism 100, the locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism 100' are preferably centrally controlled via a control system (not shown). Also in this case, the central control system can take into account the other operating states of the components of the docking arrangement 10 when controlling the operation of the locking mechanism 100'.

[0139] Another locking mechanism 200 can form part of the connection system 180 or be used in combination with the connection system 180.

[0140] The locking mechanism 200 is configured similarly to either the locking mechanism 100 or the locking mechanism 100' and can fix the outlet 16 of the hopper 12 to the inlet 18 of a further component of a layer manufacturing process such as a layer manufacturing machine.

[0141] The locking mechanism 200 may differ only in that the locking mechanism 200 has the outlet 16 of the hopper 12 and is arranged so that it can act on the outer surface of the inlet 18 of a further component of the layer manufacturing process when the inlet 18 of the further component is received within the open lower end of the outlet 16.

[0142] The above embodiments are described above only by way of example. Many modifications are possible without departing from the scope of protection given by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connection system for a stereolithography process, comprising a conduit for transferring material between a container and further components of the stereolithography process, and one or more actuators for controlling the operation of the conduit, wherein the conduit includes a first portion and a second portion connected via an extendable intermediate portion, and the one or more actuators are operable to act on at least a part of the conduit to extend or shorten the intermediate portion so as to control the length of the conduit, and the connection system comprises a plurality of ring connectors that become disengaged or loosened when the one or more actuators are fully extended, thereby preventing the one or more actuators from acting on the first portion of the conduit.

2. The connection system according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion comprises a flexible material.

3. The connection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conduit includes an outlet of the container.

4. The connection system according to claim 3, wherein the first portion of the conduit is fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the container, and the second portion of the conduit comprises an interface for connecting the outlet of the container to an inlet for the further components of the stereolithography process.

5. The connection system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the conduit can be configured to extend substantially downward under gravity and is operable to shorten under the operation of the one or more actuators.

6. The connection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conduit includes an inlet for the further components of the stereolithography process.

7. The connection system according to claim 4, wherein the first portion of the conduit is fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the further component, and the second portion of the conduit comprises an interface for connecting the inlet of the further component to the outlet of the container.

8. The connection system according to claim 7, wherein the conduit is configured to extend substantially upward and is operable to shorten under the operation of the one or more actuators.

9. The connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising one or more biasing members.

10. The connection system according to claim 9, wherein the one or more biasing members are configured to provide a bias that acts as the intermediate portion extends during use.

11. The connection system according to claim 10, wherein the one or more actuators are operable to control the length of the conduit by limiting the range within which the intermediate portion can extend under the operation of the one or more biasing members.

12. The connection system according to claim 9, wherein the one or more biasing members are configured to provide a bias acting on the extension of the intermediate portion during use.

13. The connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the one or more actuators are connected to a part of the conduit via one or more connectors.

14. The connection system according to claim 13, wherein the one or more connectors are configured such that the part of the conduit can move relative to the one or more actuators.

15. The connection system according to claim 4, comprising a locking mechanism configured to hold the outlet of the container and the inlet of the component of the additive manufacturing process in a connected state during use.

16. The connection system according to claim 15, wherein the locking mechanism includes one or more locking members movable between at least a first position and a second position during use under the operation of one or more locking actuators.

17. A container for an additive manufacturing process, comprising an outlet for dispensing a material held in the container to a further component of the additive manufacturing process, the outlet including the connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A component forming part of an additive manufacturing process, the component including an inlet, the inlet including the connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

19. A docking arrangement for an additive manufacturing process, the docking arrangement including a dock associated with an inlet of a component of the additive manufacturing process, a container including an outlet, and the connection system according to any one of claims 1 to 16 for connecting the outlet of the container to the inlet of the component of the additive manufacturing process.

20. A method of connecting an outlet of a container to an inlet for a further component of a stereolithography process using the connecting system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the outlet of the container and the inlet for the further component are disposed proximally to each other, comprising controlling the length of the conduit using one or more actuators of the connecting system such that the outlet and the inlet are in a connected position, and connecting the outlet to the inlet. **Claim 21** The method according to claim 20, comprising holding the connection between the outlet of the container and the inlet for the component of the stereolithography process using one or more locking members.

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