Powder Handling Devices

Abstract

To provide a powder handling apparatus with a powder handling device and a powder container.SOLUTION: A powder container (14) defines an opening. A powder handling device includes a mounting portion (12) defining a plane and comprising a mounting interface (16). A fixture device (34) may mount the mounting portion of the powder handling device over the opening of the powder container (14) at a mounting interface (16). A powder suction unit (18) is disposed on the mounting portion (12) and passes through the plane. The powder suction unit (18) is movable relative to the mounting portion (12) with at least one degree of freedom.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to manufacturing powder storage, transportation, and use. [Background technology]

[0002] Production powders, such as those used in additive manufacturing processes, are typically stored and transported to production sites. The variety of production powders presents challenges with maintaining powder quality and operator safety. Some known methods rely on small, disposable containers to manage these risks. Small containers are used to transport the production powder to the operating chamber. This results in inefficiencies and waste. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] One aspect is a powder handling apparatus comprising: a powder container defining an opening; a powder handling device comprising: a mounting portion defining a plane and including a mounting interface; a fixation device mounting the mounting portion of the powder handling device over the opening of the powder container at the mounting interface; and a powder suction unit mounted to the mounting portion and passing through the plane, wherein the powder suction unit is movable relative to the mounting portion with at least one degree of freedom. [Brief explanation 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 taken 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 (eg, the powder handling device of FIG. 1). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0006] Other aspects and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, in which similar or identical structures may have similar or identical reference numbers.

[0007] Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description are used to refer to like or similar 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 denote the position or importance of the individual components.

[0009] The singular forms "a," "an," and the like include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0010] Approximate language as used herein throughout the specification and claims is applied to modify any quantitative expression that can be acceptably varied without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it relates. Thus, values ​​modified by terms such as "substantially" are not limited to the exact value specified. In at least some cases, 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 a component and / or system. For example, in certain contexts, approximation language may refer to being within a 10% margin.

[0011] Throughout this specification and claims, range limitations are combinable and interchangeable to include all subranges subsumed within a specified range, unless the context or language dictates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other.

[0012] As used herein, the terms “additively manufactured” or “additive manufacturing technique or method” generally refer to a manufacturing process in which successive layers of material are applied to one another to “build up” a three-dimensional component, layer by layer. The successive layers generally fuse together to form a monolithic component that may have various integral subcomponents. Although additive manufacturing technologies are described herein as enabling the production of complex objects by building the object, typically vertically, point by point, layer by layer, other manufacturing methods are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, while the discussion herein refers to the addition of material to form successive layers, one skilled in the art will understand that the methods and configurations disclosed herein can be implemented using any additive manufacturing technique or manufacturing technology. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure can use a layer-additive process, a layer-subtractive process, or a hybrid process.

[0013] Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description are used to refer to like or similar parts of the present disclosure.

[0014] This application generally relates to powder handling devices and apparatus. Manufacturing powders often must be stored and transported to their destination of use, for example, in additive manufacturing equipment. Storage and transportation of powders presents risks to safety, powder contamination, and environmental pollution. These risks are often regulated by governments, leaving few alternatives to using these containers for transportation. However, powder shipping containers present barriers to use in manufacturing, for example, by not providing reliable access to all of the powder in a given container.

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

[0016] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a powder handling device 10. The term "powder handling device" refers to any apparatus configured to move powder in some manner. As illustrated, the powder handling device 10 includes a mounting portion 12 configured to interface with a powder container 14 (shown in dashed lines). The powder container 14 may be configured as a UN-certified powder transport container and may be of metal, plastic, composite, or various other constructions. As described in more detail below, a liner (not shown) may or may not be provided within the powder container 14. The powder container 14 may also be constructed with an inert applied lining or may use a relatively non-reactive material, such as stainless steel.

[0017] The mounting portion 12 is sized and shaped to fit onto the powder container 14. For example, the mounting portion 12 may be sized and shaped to fit onto 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 substituted onto the existing lid (not shown) of the powder container, saving time and limiting the amount of exposure of the powder container therein.

[0018] The mounting portion 12 can be configured in a variety of ways for mounting to the powder container 14. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the mounting portion 12 is provided with a mounting interface 16. The mounting interface 16, as described above, may be configured to fit the existing lid pattern of the powder container 14. 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 securing device 34. The securing device 34 may be configured as a band clamp, as shown, or 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 securing device may be configured in other ways, for example, with any suitable structure that provides a sealed 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 receive a clamping load, for example, to dimensionally fit an existing lid (not shown) and an available band clamp. Alternatively, alternative fasteners, for example, fasteners that pass through the mounting interface 16, may be provided. Additionally, the proportions and features 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 manner, the mounting portion 12 can accommodate process-induced stresses, such as pressure differentials, as 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] 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 shown covered by the mounting portion 12. As shown in FIG. 1 , the powder suction unit 18 is in a rest state in which a user is not applying any force to the powder suction unit 18. In this rest 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 5-degree, 10-degree, or 15-degree variance from the plane P. From this state, the powder suction unit 18 is movable with at least one degree of freedom relative to the mounting portion 12. For example, the powder suction unit 18 may be movable in the Y direction (e.g., an upward direction U and / or a downward direction D), and in the plane defined by 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. Additionally, the powder suction unit 18 may be movable in at least one degree of freedom, at least in part, via the flexible gasket 20. As shown in FIG. 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, as described above, can be configured to provide a desired centering force for setting or biasing toward a resting state. In one embodiment, the flexible gasket 20 is configured as an elastomeric bellows, although it will be appreciated that any suitable body, such as a flexible liner, seal (e.g., a rubber seal), or the like, can be utilized. Such an embodiment 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, flexible gasket 20 may have a Shore hardness of 55, 60, 65, and / or 70 based on one or more applications. In various embodiments, flexible gasket 20 may be specifically configured to reduce electrostatic discharge, for example, using a static dissipative material. For example, in one embodiment, 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 portion 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 portion 38 may be moved in any suitable manner by an actuator (not shown) such as one attached to the powder suction unit 18. Alternatively, the handling portion 38 may be moved by a pressure delta created within the powder container 14 by the flexible gasket 20, by gravity as the contents within the container are removed and the handling portion 38 resting on it falls to the powder level above, by a user manually manipulating the handling portion 38, or any combination thereof.

[0023] For example, manual operation of the powder suction unit 18 can be used to access powder from the powder container 14. As shown, a user may apply a downward force to the handling portion 38 to move the powder suction unit 18 in a downward direction D, or an upward force to the handling portion 38 to move the powder suction unit in an upward direction U. In addition, a 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, resulting in the suction unit inlet 22 moving radially within the powder container 14. This control of movement may be used as the level or height of powder in the powder container 14 decreases, with the user applying a force to the handling portion 38 in the downward direction D, gravity pulling the handling portion 38 in the downward direction D, or both throughout the process. The flexible gasket 20 may also be configured to bias toward the downward direction D. Additionally or alternatively, as described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3 below, a pressure differential may act on the powder suction unit 18 and / or flexible gasket 20 to bias the powder suction unit 18 in an upward direction U and / or a 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 attached. The suction unit inlet 22 is configured to remove powder from the powder container 14 with a pressure differential, for example, by a flow device 70 ( FIG. 3 ) attached to the powder suction unit 18. In this manner, the powder suction unit 18 is operable to remove powder from the powder container 14.

[0025] Given the freedom of movement afforded by the configuration of powder suction unit 18 and flexible gasket 20, powder suction unit 18 may be operable to reach all or substantially all areas of the interior of powder container 14. For example, powder suction unit 18 may be movable such that powder suction unit 18 is movable adjacent to all bottom edges of powder container 14. In this manner, an operator can control powder suction unit 18 using handling portion 38 to remove all or substantially all of the powder from the powder container. Additionally, movement of powder suction unit 18 may be used to avoid clogging, for example, by moving suction unit inlet 22 away from the powder.

[0026] The powder suction unit 18 may further include a standoff device 32. As shown, the standoff device 32 defines the lower end of the powder suction unit 18. The standoff 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 standoff device 32 may be configured as a cage, grate, or side ventilation and may generally avoid problems associated with clogging of the suction unit inlet 22. Exemplary embodiments of the standoff device 32 may optionally include at least one secondary inlet 33 that facilitates flow toward the suction unit outlet 24, for example, even if the suction unit inlet 22 becomes clogged. In various embodiments, the standoff device 32 may be configured to be adjustable or removable based on user preferences or powder handling requirements. Additionally, the powder suction unit 18 may likewise be adjustable or replaceable to suit user preferences or powder handling requirements.

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

[0028] Use of the powder suction unit 18 as described above beneficially enables recovery of all or substantially all of the powder from a given powder container 14. In doing so, application of the powder suction unit 18 can avoid complications such as fluidizing, shaking, agitating, tilting, lifting, etc. the powder or powder container 14 to facilitate complete removal. Of course, it should be understood that these techniques may still be used depending on the use case and applicability of a given powder container 14.

[0029] 1 , the powder handling device 10 can further include an inlet to the external environment, e.g., a mount inlet 26 disposed on the mount 12. The mount inlet 26 shown in FIG. 1 includes a fluid flow valve 27 such that the mount inlet 26 allows for the flow of fluid into the powder container 14. The fluid flow valve 27 can control the flow of fluid therethrough and into the powder container 14 in an active manner (e.g., an actuated valve) or a passive manner (e.g., a passive valve). For example, the mount inlet 26 can provide a relatively high pressure source compared to the pressure source at the suction unit inlet 22 such that the flow of fluid (e.g., carrier gas, air, etc.) travels from the mount inlet 26 through the powder container 14 to the suction unit inlet 22. It should be understood that this pressure differential for flow can be created by a suction or blowing device (not shown).

[0030] During flow operation, a pressure differential may exist between the interior of the powder container 14 and the external environment. For example, a pressure differential of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 PSI may be maintained between the interior of the powder container 14 and the external environment. It is understood that this pressure differential may change due to, for example, clogging of the powder suction unit 18, which results in an increased pressure differential. As described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 3 , this increased pressure differential may be used to control the powder suction unit 18 to move powder material in the upward direction U in an unclogging manner.

[0031] With further reference to FIG. 1 , a relief valve 30 may be provided with the powder handling device 10. As shown, the relief valve 30 may be provided in the mounting portion 12. It should be understood that the relief valve 30 may also be integrated into 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 interior of the powder container 14 and the exterior of the powder container 14. For example, as described above, a positive relative pressure may exist inside the powder container 14 during operation. The relief valve 30 may be provided to avoid over-pressurizing the powder container 14, for example, 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 for a given powder or operation.

[0032] The powder handling device 10 of FIG. 1 further includes a view module 40. As shown, the view module 40 is disposed on the mounting portion 12. The view module 40 may include a light source and / or a viewport or sight glass. It should also be understood that multiple view modules 40 may be provided, 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 can ensure accurate movement of the powder suction unit 18.

[0033] 2, a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 is shown taken along line 2-2 just prior to the handling portion 38, as taken within the flexible gasket 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the powder handling device 10 can be provided with a variety of sealing configurations to ensure powder containment. 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 elastomeric seal, configured to compress upon mounting of the mounting portion 12 to the powder container 14, for example, using the sealing apparatus 36 (see FIG. 1). It should also be understood that the sealing configuration may be provided by the component itself, for example, the mounting portion 12 configured to form the mounting seal 42 upon mounting with the powder container 14.

[0034] The flexible gasket 20, as shown in FIG. 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 configured as an elastomeric seal. The gasket seal 44 and the suction unit seal 46 may be removable from or integrated with their respective components. 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] 2, flexible gasket 20 may further include at least one joint 48. Joint 48 may be provided to facilitate movement of powder suction unit 18 across opposite ends of powder container 14, for example, in the downward, inward direction of powder container 14 as shown in FIG. 2. Joint 48 may also facilitate movement in the upward direction U and downward direction D. In some embodiments, joint 48 may also be referred to as a bellows. Joint 48 may also function, in part, 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, a powder handling apparatus 11 is shown including a powder handling device 10. The powder handling apparatus 11 of 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 a required location.

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

[0038] It is contemplated that the flow circuit 60 may be a closed loop circuit, such that the outlet conduit 49 is connected to various components before returning the flow to the fitting inlet 26. However, it should be understood that an open loop circuit may also be utilized. Components of the flow circuit 60 may be included or omitted depending on a given use case. Furthermore, it should be understood that one or more components of the powder handling apparatus 11 may be combined, as described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a relief valve 30 may be included at the fitting inlet 26.

[0039] Continuing with the description of flow circuit 60 of Figure 3, flow device 70 creates a flow from outlet conduit 49 toward flow device 70. Flow device 70 may be a pump, such as a suction and / or blower fan (e.g., a vacuum machine) configured to create the flow. It should be understood that flow device 70 may also include one or more spark arresting mechanisms (not shown) or be located downstream of a spark arrestor (not shown) or other component configured to reduce the likelihood 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, similar to the outlet conduit 49, as described above. Alternatively, the downstream conduit 51 may be rigid and / or fixed. Of course, rigid connections, or even integral connections, between components that do not require relative movement between the components are possible. For example, downstream of the flow device 70 and upstream of the attachment inlet 26 may be positionally fixed relative to one another. In various embodiments, the downstream conduit 51 and / or various other components may be configured as heat exchangers. For example, the illustrated downstream conduit 51 may be an air-to-air heat exchanger for reducing 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, or the like.

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

[0042] As shown, separator 50 has a first outlet 53 and a second outlet 55. First outlet 53 leads to powder collector 52. Powder collector 52 may be configured to distribute the collected powder, for example, to a manufacturing device (not shown). Powder collector 52 may also be configured to facilitate removal of powder without creating an open loop within the system. For example, powder collector 52 may be selectively open to flow circuit 60 via valve device 47. It should also be appreciated that the design of flow circuit 60 may facilitate maintaining such a closed-loop environment through control of the pressure differential. For example, a positive relative pressure may be created within powder collector 52 when powder is not being collected.

[0043] A second outlet 55 from separator 50 provides a flow backflow to powder container 14. The flow from second outlet 55 is separated to include mostly the gas portion of the flow. However, some powder may remain in this flow. As shown in FIG. 3, a circuit filter 54 can be provided to remove any powder that would otherwise be returned to powder container 14. 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 a 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 predetermined environment within the powder handling apparatus 11. For example, the sensor 56 can monitor for an inert environment (e.g., below a certain oxygen level) before starting powder transport. This monitoring can avoid issues 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 leads back to the powder container 14. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the sensor outlet 59 leads directly to the filter unit 28, which in this case is attached to the mount inlet 26 and ensures filtration of any contaminants that would otherwise be drawn into the powder container 14. 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 sufficient 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 can include any combination of these components and can further include other components, for example, to control temperature. The handling unit 80 can be disposed flow-wise between the aspiration unit outlet 24 and the load inlet 26 and configured to handle the flow therebetween in various ways as described herein.

[0047] As briefly mentioned above, the closed-loop configuration of the powder handling apparatus 11 can facilitate a type of automatic control of the powder suction unit 18. For example, the powder suction unit may be configured to movably react based on a pressure differential between the interior of the powder container 14 and the exterior of the powder container 14. Because a relatively high pressure exists within the powder container 14 during pumping of powder through the flow circuit 60, the powder suction unit 18 may be initially biased in the upward direction U compared to when the flow device 70 is not activated or the flow circuit 60 is not closed. During this condition, the relatively high pressure within the powder container 14 acts on the flexible gasket 20 and the powder suction unit 18, biasing them in the upward direction U. As used herein, the terms “relatively high pressure” and “relatively low pressure” refer to the relationship of the pressure within the powder container 14 to the pressure outside the powder container 14. That is, assuming there is no pressure differential, the powder suction unit 18 in this embodiment has no upward or downward bias; a greater internal pressure (relatively higher pressure within the powder container 14) will bias the powder suction unit 18 in the upward direction U, and a greater external pressure (relatively lower pressure within the powder container 14) will bias the powder suction unit 18 in the downward direction D.

[0048] Furthermore, pressure changes during operation in the closed loop of flow circuit 60 can alter this bias. For example, if suction unit inlet 22 becomes clogged, flow device 70 will continue to increase the pressure differential between suction unit outlet 24 and mount inlet 26, thus increasing the pressure within powder container 14 relative to the external environment. Thus, this configuration of flexible gasket 20 and powder suction unit 18 is configured to bias in the upward direction U in response to relatively high pressure within powder container 14, e.g., due to a clog. This upward bias may act to move suction unit inlet 22 away from the clogged powder, thus alleviating the clog. Once the clog is cleared, the pressure within powder container 14 decreases, resulting in a decrease in the pressure biasing flexible gasket 20 and powder suction unit 18 upward. Thus, flexible gasket 20 and powder suction unit 18 may be configured to bias in the downward direction D in response to relatively low pressure within powder container 14.

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

[0050] a mounting portion defining a plane and including a mounting interface; a fastening device configured to mount the mounting portion over the opening of the powder container at the mounting interface; a powder suction unit attached to the attachment portion and passing through a plane; Including, The powder suction unit is movable relative to the mounting part in at least one degree of freedom. Powder handling devices.

[0051] A powder handling device according to any one of the above, wherein the powder suction unit is arranged substantially perpendicular to the plane in a stationary state.

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

[0053] 10. A powder handling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible gasket is configured to bias the powder suction unit towards a resting state.

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

[0055] 10. A powder handling device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a mount inlet including a fluid flow valve.

[0056] The powder suction unit is a suction unit inlet on one side of the powder suction unit for receiving powder from a powder container; a suction unit outlet located on the opposite side of the powder suction unit from the suction unit inlet; Including, The powder handling device according to any one of the above.

[0057] The attachment inlet and the suction unit outlet are independently fluidly connected to a flow device such that a closed-loop system is formed. The powder handling device according to any one of the above.

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

[0059] further comprising a relief valve in the closed loop system; A powder handling device according to any one of the above.

[0060] 10. A powder handling device according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid flow valve is controlled by an actuator.

[0061] 10. 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 an opening; Any of the powder handling devices described above; Including, a mounting interface mounted over the opening of the powder container; Powder handling equipment.

[0063] The powder suction unit is biased upwardly in response to a relatively high pressure inside the powder container compared to an external pressure surrounding the powder container; configured to bias downwardly in response to a relatively low pressure inside the powder container compared to an external pressure surrounding the powder container; The powder handling device according to any one of the above.

[0064] the powder suction unit further includes a standoff device configured to control a minimum distance between the powder suction unit and an interior of the powder container; The powder handling device according to any one of the above.

[0065] the powder suction unit is configured to movably respond based on a pressure differential between an interior of the powder container and an exterior of the powder container; The powder handling device according to any one of the above.

[0066] The cleaning device further includes a powder suction unit attached to the attachment portion, The powder suction unit is a suction unit inlet disposed within the powder container; a suction unit outlet disposed outside the powder container; a handling unit disposed in the flow direction between the suction unit outlet and the mounting portion inlet; Including, The powder handling device according to any one of the above.

[0067] a powder container defining an opening; a mounting portion defining a plane and including a mounting interface mounted to an opening of the powder container; a powder suction unit mounted on the mounting portion, the powder suction unit including a suction unit inlet disposed inside the powder container and a suction unit outlet disposed outside the powder container; a handling unit disposed in the flow direction between the suction unit outlet and the mounting portion inlet; 1. A closed loop powder handling apparatus comprising:

[0068] A flexible gasket is disposed within the mounting portion; The powder suction unit passes through a flexible gasket. A closed loop powder handling device according to any one of the above.

[0069] a fluid flow valve disposed within the mounting portion; A closed loop powder handling device according to any one of the above.

[0070] a mounting portion having a size and shape to fit over the powder container, the mounting portion defining a plane and including a circumferential mounting interface having a size and shape to receive a clamp load; a powder suction unit attached to the attachment portion and passing through a plane; Including, The powder suction unit is movable relative to the mounting part in at least one degree of freedom. Powder handling devices.

[0071] This specification uses examples to disclose preferred embodiments, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any device or system, and practicing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they contain structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they contain equivalent structural elements that do not substantially differ from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. a powder container (14) defining an opening; a powder handling device (10); Including, The powder handling device (10) comprises: a mounting portion (12) defining a plane (P) and including a mounting interface (16); a fastening device (34) for mounting the mounting portion (12) of the powder handling device (10) onto the opening of the powder container (14) at the mounting interface (16); a powder suction unit (18) attached to the attachment portion (12) and passing through the plane (P); a flexible gasket (20) that forms an airtight seal between the mounting portion (12) and the powder suction unit (18); Including, The powder suction unit (18) is movable in an upward direction (U) and a downward direction (D) substantially perpendicular to the plane (P); the powder suction unit (18) and the flexible gasket (20) are configured to movably react based on a pressure differential between the interior of the powder container (14) and the exterior of the powder container (14); The powder suction unit (18) and the flexible gasket (20) biased in an upward direction (U) in response to a relatively high pressure within said powder container (14); configured to bias downward (D) in response to a relatively low pressure within the powder container (14); Powder handling equipment.

2. 2. Powder handling device according to claim 1, wherein the powder suction unit (18) is arranged substantially perpendicular to the plane (P) in a stationary state.

3. The flexible gasket (20) is configured to bias the powder suction unit (18) toward a resting state.

3. The powder handling device according to claim 2.

4. The powder suction unit (18) a suction unit inlet (22) disposed within the powder container (14) and configured to receive powder from the powder container (14); a suction unit outlet (24) disposed outside the powder container (14) and configured to receive the powder from the powder container (14) via the suction unit inlet (22); Including, 2. The powder handling device according to claim 1.

5. further comprising a mounting inlet (26); The mount inlet (26) is configured to allow air to flow into the powder container (14).

5. The powder handling device according to claim 4.

6. The attachment inlet (26) and the suction unit outlet (24) are connected to the powder container (14) or can be connected to an external component to form a closed loop system.

6. The powder handling device according to claim 5.

7. The device further includes a filter unit (28) disposed between the suction unit outlet (24) and the mounting inlet (26).

7. The powder handling device according to claim 6.

8. a relief valve (30) disposed between an interior of the powder container (14) and an exterior of the powder container (14) to selectively fluidly couple the interior of the powder container (14) with the exterior of the powder container (14); 7. The powder handling device according to claim 6.

9. the powder suction unit (18) further includes a standoff device (32) configured to control a minimum distance between the powder suction unit (18) and the interior of the powder container (14) and / or the powder therein; 2. The powder handling device according to claim 1.

10. a powder container (14) defining an opening; a mount (12) mounted on the opening of the powder container (14) and including a mount inlet (26); a powder suction unit (18) disposed in the mounting portion (12) and including a suction unit inlet (22) disposed inside the powder container (14) and a suction unit outlet (24) disposed outside the powder container (14); a flexible gasket (20) that forms an airtight seal between the mounting portion (12) and the powder suction unit (18); a handling unit arranged in the flow direction between the suction unit outlet (24) and the mounting inlet (26); Including, The mounting portion (12) defines a plane (P); The powder suction unit (18) is movable in an upward direction (U) and a downward direction (D) substantially perpendicular to the plane (P); the powder suction unit (18) and the flexible gasket (20) are configured to movably react based on a pressure differential between the interior of the powder container (14) and the exterior of the powder container (14); The powder suction unit (18) and the flexible gasket (20) biased in an upward direction (U) in response to a relatively high pressure within said powder container (14); configured to bias downward (D) in response to a relatively low pressure within the powder container (14); Closed loop powder handling equipment.

11. The mounting portion (12) includes a mounting interface (16) sized and shaped to receive a clamping load.

11. A closed loop powder handling apparatus according to claim 10.

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