Powder containers for additive manufacturing processes

Abstract

A powder container for handling powder in an additive manufacturing process comprising a powder container 100 having a powder inlet at the top of the powder container and a powder outlet at the bottom of the container, a set N of n sensors for determining a set of n observable quantities, and a first actuator 428, 438, 488, 498, 858 for driving a first mechanical function of the powder container 1 provides additional safety and versatility if it further comprises a second actuator 428, 438, 488, 498, 858 for driving a second mechanical function of the powder container 1 and / or a multi-port connector 500 configured to be connected with a corresponding connector of a powder handling station in the additive manufacturing process.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to additive manufacturing processes relating to powder bed fusion processes. More specifically, the present invention relates to a powder storage device, a so-called "powder container," for use in a powder bed process. The powder container comprises at least one powder container (simply "container") mounted on a support frame. [Background technology]

[0002] What is commonly referred to as a powder bed fusion process is an additive manufacturing process. In this process, one layer of powder is applied on top of a previous layer to form a powder bed on a support plate. Before applying a new powder layer, a portion of the already applied layer is exposed to radiation, causing some of the powder particles in the layer to adhere to each other and to the already applied layer by melting, sintering, fusion bonding and / or welding or any similar process. A powder bed fusion process can be thought of as fusion bonding a series of cross-sections of a workpiece to be manufactured on a corresponding series of powder layers, thereby forming the workpiece. This fusion bonding is achieved by scanning the cross-sections with a radiation beam. Hereinafter, the term powder bed fusion process is used to include all other processes that allow for the selective bonding of portions of the powder bed to be bonded by applying radiation to portions of the powder bed to be bonded, regardless of whether the bonding is achieved by fusion bonding, melting, welding, sintering, etc. Powder bed fusion processes, unlike most other additive manufacturing processes, allow for the production of metal workpieces by selectively fusion bonding of metal powder particles. Numerous reviews have been published on different embodiments and variations of powder bed fusion processes. An overview of at least some of these findings is provided in Yi Zhang, Yeon-Gil Jung and Jing Zhang in Multiscale Modeling of Additively Manufactured Metals: Application to Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process (Additive Manufacturing Materials and Technologies) (Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2020, ISBN 978-0128196007).

[0003] Since oxidation of powder results in lower workpiece quality, powder particles typically have a submicron diameter and must be stored under clearly defined conditions, typically in an inert gas or vacuum atmosphere.

[0004] International Publication No. 2021 / 123782 relates to a coupling system for an additive manufacturing process. The coupling system comprises a conduit for transferring material between a powder container and further components of an additive manufacturing process. The conduit comprises first and second parts connected via an extendable intermediate section. An actuator is operable to act on at least a portion of the conduit to extend or retract the intermediate section to control the length of the conduit. This allows the coupling system to be coupled to and uncoupled from a powder discharge opening in a powder container. The coupling system comprises a mechanical support with four tapered pins that extend upward and are configured to be received by fitting into through holes in a support structure of the powder container.

[0005] The authors of International Publication No. 2016 / 046539 propose a powder container for transporting metal powder from a manufacturing site to an additive manufacturing (AM) machine. The container has a pressure vessel for containing the powder and a protective framework for providing physical protection to the pressure vessel, and is mounted on an industry-standard pallet system to allow the use of a forklift. The pressure vessel consists of an upper, lower, and removable lid. The upper is a hollow cylinder, and the lower is a hollow frustum. At the lower end of the frustum is an outlet pipe with an outlet control valve. The outlet pipe has a flange for connecting the outlet pipe to the AM machine. At the upper end of the hollow cylinder is a removable lid that allows the pressure vessel to be filled when the lid is removed. The lid is then bolted in a sealed manner to the upper outer circumference of the hollow circular cylinder. The atmosphere inside the pressure vessel is monitored by data logging means connected to a communication module with a GSM transceiver. A remote monitoring station polls the communication module, thereby triggering the communication module to transmit sensor readings. These sensor readings are provided by pressure sensors, oxygen sensors, humidity sensors, strain gauges, accelerometers, temperature sensors, and GPS position sensors. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an improved powder container for storing and transporting powders used in powder bed fusion processes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The solution to the problem is described in the independent claim. The dependent claims relate to further improvements to the invention.

[0008] This invention is based on several observations. Firstly, it should be noted that several different powder containers are used in additive manufacturing plants to handle powders at different manufacturing stages, and only one of these stages is a melt-bonding process. For example, once melt-bonding is complete, the workpiece must be separated from the powder bed into which it is embedded, and it is preferable that the resulting powder is prepared for reuse in the powder bed melt-bonding process. Furthermore, a station for preparing for reuse (a recycling station) must have at least three powder containers: a source container, a recycled powder container, and a waste container. Similarly, an AM machine has a powder source container, a powder overflow container, and often a waste container and a buffer container. This invention makes it possible to use a single type of container instead of all these different containers.

[0009] More specifically, a powder container for handling powder in an additive manufacturing process ("AM process") may comprise a powder container, as is commonly understood herein. The container may essentially be an outer shell structure (a set of container walls) surrounding a container volume (i.e., the volume of the container) for storing powder. As is typical, the container has a bottom end, at least one side wall, and a top end.

[0010] The container preferably has a powder inlet and / or a powder outlet. The powder inlet is preferably an opening in the container, i.e., in the outer shell structure, configured to receive powder from a powder source, for example, via a powder supply line. The powder inlet is preferably located in the upper part of the container, for example, the upper half of the container, preferably the upper third, quarter, fifth and / or tenth of the container. In a preferred example, the powder inlet is at the top end of the container. Correspondingly, the powder outlet may be located below the powder inlet, i.e., in the lower part of the container, for example, the lower half of the container, preferably the lower third, quarter, fifth and / or tenth of the container. In a preferred example, the powder outlet is at the bottom end of the container. As is customary, the terms “upper” and “lower” refer to the normal orientation of the container, which is expected to be oriented during normal use, and which is also referred to herein as the “first orientation.” As will be described in more detail below, the container may be rotatably supported in, for example, a second orientation, which may be, for example, an inverted “upside down” orientation relative to the first orientation. Such a reverse orientation would cause the container to rotate, for example, 180°±α. h It may also be obtained by rotation, where "±α" h " is the interval [180°-|α h |;180°+|α h Show that |] is acceptable, α h ∈{30°,20°,15°,10°,5°,2.5°,1°,0}, and α h A smaller absolute value of is preferred. The axis of rotation is preferably at least substantially horizontal, i.e., at least substantially perpendicular to the vertical line. In this specification, at least substantially horizontal means [-α h ,α hIt means that the deviation from the horizontal within the interval [] is acceptable. At least a part of the lower end is preferably a cone or a frustum of a cone. The opening angles β of the cone or the frustum of a cone are respectively preferably 48° to 62° (β ∈ [48°, 62°]), more preferably 50° to 60° (β ∈ [50°, 60°]), and even more preferably 51° to 58° (β ∈ [51°, 58°]). A particularly preferred opening angle is β = 54° ± 1° (β ∈ [53°, 55°]). These opening angles are preferred because they do not require mechanically driven powder conveying means or fluidizing means such as vibrators and powder scrapers to completely remove the powder from the container while maximizing the volume of the container.

[0011] The normal "up" and "down" are directions defined with reference to the direction of gravity (down is parallel to the direction of gravity, and up is in the opposite direction, i.e., anti-parallel). References to the "upper end" or "lower end" assume the orientation of the corresponding parts observed during normal operation. During normal operation, the powder inlet is typically above the center of the container (mainly at the upper end of the container), and the powder outlet is typically below the center of the container (mainly at the lower end). The lower end of the container is the part of the container that delimits the container volume downward. The upper end of the container is the part of the container that delimits the container volume upward. The side wall connects the lower end of the container and the upper end of the container.

[0012] Preferably, the powder container comprises a set N of n sensors for determining a set of n observable quantities, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2, i.e., n ∈ {2, 3, 4,..., n max}. There is no theoretical limit regarding n, but in practice, it can be assumed that n max is a small two-digit number (e.g., 20). As already shown, larger numbers for n max , such as 100, 1000 or 10,000, or more, are also possible, but currently, such a large number of sensors is not expected without giving excessive redundancy to at least the sensor equipment.

[0013] ​​A set of n sensors N may comprise at least one, preferably two or more, of the following list of sensors: a container pressure sensor for measuring the pressure within the container volume; a force sensor (e.g., a strain gauge) for measuring the force exerted by the container on the frame; a powder level sensor; a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure upstream of the powder inlet valve; a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure downstream of the powder outlet valve; a differential pressure sensor for measuring the pressure difference between the container volume and the space upstream of the powder inlet valve; a differential pressure sensor for measuring the pressure difference between the container volume and the space downstream of the powder outlet valve; and a gas concentration sensor for determining at least the partial pressure and / or concentration of the gas components of the gas within the container volume and / or the space upstream of the powder inlet valve and / or the space downstream of the powder outlet valve. Each of these sensors provides information that enables monitoring of the conditions under which the powder in the container is stored and / or transported inside or outside the container. Force sensors can be used to determine the amount of powder in the container, and to determine a measure of powder compactification due to container vibration by analyzing the force as a function of time and / or determining the center of mass of the container and the powder within it. If set N includes a powder level sensor, set N preferably includes at least one upper powder level sensor and / or at least one lower powder level sensor. The upper powder level sensor is preferably installed in the upper part of the powder container, for example, in the upper one-third, one-quarter, one-fifth, one-sixth, one-seventh, one-eighth, one-ninth, one-tenth, or one-twentieth, and is configured to determine whether the powder level in the powder container is above (including being at the position of the upper powder level sensor) or below the position of the upper powder level sensor. Similarly, the lower powder level sensor is preferably installed in the lower part of the powder container, for example, in the lower one-third, one-quarter, one-fifth, one-sixth, one-seventh, one-eighth, one-ninth, one-tenth, or one-twentieth, and is configured to determine whether the powder level in the powder container is above (including being at the position of the lower powder level sensor) or below the position of the lower powder level sensor.

[0014] The upper and lower powder level sensors enable efficient prevention of powder overflow by blocking the flow of powder into the powder container when the upper powder sensor provides a sensor signal indicating a powder level above an upper threshold, which may be at the upper powder level sensor position, for example.

[0015] The lower powder level sensor can ensure that the flow of powder through the powder outlet at the bottom of the powder container is not obstructed. For example, if the lower powder sensor provides a sensor signal indicating a powder level below a given lower threshold, the manufacturing process of drawing powder from the powder container can be slowed down or completely interrupted. The lower threshold may be the position of the lower powder level sensor.

[0016] The sensor signal from the powder level sensor may be used as a cross-check to verify, for example, the signal provided by a force sensor.

[0017] To avoid ambiguity, several types of powder level sensors generally exist. For example, a distance measuring device may determine the gap between the device and the top layer of powder in the container. An increase in distance reflects a decrease in powder level. In one example, distance can be measured by, for example, an optical distance measuring device and / or an acoustic distance measuring device (including ultrasound). In yet another example, a powder level sensor simply determines whether the powder level is below or above a predetermined level (including being at the predetermined level). Such a powder level sensor may include a light barrier, a capacitance sensor, and so on. Needless to say, all of these different types of powder level sensors can be combined to obtain accurate, reliable, and / or redundant measurements.

[0018] The powder container may further comprise a multi-port connector configured to be connected to a corresponding mating connector of the powder handling device in an AM process. The optional multi-port connector may be a plug or socket connector having a number of ports. At least one of the ports may comprise an electrical contact of the multi-port connector. Further, the multi-port connector may comprise fluid ports such as, for example, a pressurized gas port and / or a vacuum port. The multi-port connector may also comprise a waveguide port for connecting a waveguide such as, for example, an optical fiber waveguide. As usual, the multi-port connector should be understood as a plug connector or socket connector of a plug-socket connection having at least two, preferably even more ports. Each port is configured to effect or contribute to fluid, data, and / or energy exchange with a corresponding mating port of a corresponding mating connector of the powder handling device in an AM process. The fluid ports may include gas ports such as a pressurized air port, a vacuum port, an inert gas supply port, and the like. Energy exchange can be obtained by means of power line terminals (electrical ports), but also by means of coils for inductive coupling (inductive ports) or by means of rotary coupling. Pressurized gas may be used as an energy source (pressurized fluid port). Data exchange can be obtained by means of electromagnetic signals (including optical signals) transmissible via electrical cables and / or waveguides. The corresponding electrical cable may have terminals configured as electrical ports of the multi-port connector, and the waveguide may have a waveguide port.

[0019] In a preferred example, the first sensor of the set N of sensors is preferably connected to the first port of the multi-port connector via the first measurement line. As usual, the ports of the connector are terminals that enable the transmission of electricity (e.g., voltage signals), fluids, or electromagnetic waves (e.g., light) to the corresponding ports of the mating connector. In the case of purely electrical connectors, each port is represented by the connector contacts. The term "port" is used as a generalization of "contact" to also include fluid connections or waveguide connections.

[0020] More specifically, the first end of the first measurement line may be connected to the first sensor, and the second end of the first measurement line may be connected to the first port of the multi-port connector. Thus, when the multi-port connector is connected to its counterpart, which is called the "mating connector" in this specification, of an AM machine or any other powder handling machine (collectively referred to as the "powder handling station" in this specification), the corresponding powder handling station may read the sensor signal (the first sensor signal) of the first sensor.

[0021] Similarly, the second sensor of the set N of sensors may be connected to the second port of the multi-port connector via the second measurement line. More specifically, the first end of the second measurement line may be connected to the second sensor, and the second end of the second measurement line may be connected to the second port of the multi-port connector.

[0022] To avoid ambiguity, a pressure sensor for measuring pressure within a volume (also called space) defined by a container or conduit has at least one fluid opening that communicates with the volume and / or is at least partially installed within the volume. In this sense, a pressure sensor may be configured to measure pressure within a volume. Thus, for example, a container pressure sensor for measuring pressure within a container volume is preferably configured to measure pressure within the volume of the container. In another example, assuming that a powder inlet valve is to be closed and any valve has a valve member that can move between an open position and a closed position to open and close the valve, a pressure sensor for measuring pressure upstream of a powder inlet valve is preferably a pressure sensor configured to measure pressure within a volume demarcated downstream by the powder inlet valve member. Similarly, a pressure sensor for measuring pressure downstream of a powder outlet valve is preferably configured to measure pressure within a volume demarcated upstream by the valve member of the powder outlet valve (when the powder outlet valve is closed). A differential pressure sensor is preferably configured to measure the pressure difference between two volumes. For example, a differential pressure sensor for measuring the pressure difference between the volume of the container and the space downstream of the powder outlet valve may be in fluid communication with the container volume, and the volume of the space is demarcated upstream by the valve member of the powder outlet valve, assuming the powder outlet valve is closed.

[0023] In summary, the powder container may have a set N of n sensors. At least one subset M (m ≤ n) of m sensors in the set N of n sensors, preferably each sensor in the set N of n sensors, may be connected to separate contacts of a multiport connector via separate measurement lines. This improves the operational safety of the powder container.

[0024] To avoid ambiguity, port numbering does not necessarily follow any convention or standard for port numbering of multiport connectors. Port numbering in this specification is merely a linguistic measure for distinguishing different ports. An electrical line being connected means, as is typical, that an electrical contact is established between corresponding contacts. Similarly, a fluid line or powder line is connected if a fluid flow or powder flow can be established via a connection, respectively. For example, the "signal output" contact of a sensor may be electrically connected (electrically in contact) with the first end of the corresponding measuring line. The second end of the measuring line may be electrically connected to the terminal of the corresponding port. Thus, the measuring line may be a conductive cable.

[0025] In a preferred example, the powder container may further include a first actuator for driving a first mechanical function of the powder container. For example, the first actuator may drive a valve member, a mixer, or the like. Examples of these actuators are further provided below.

[0026] In a particularly preferred example, the powder container may further include a second actuator for driving a second mechanical function of the powder container. In one example, the second actuator may drive another valve member, another mixer, and so on. In other words, by controlling the first and / or second actuators, it is possible to operate the mechanical devices of the powder container, such as powder inlet and / or outlet valves. For the sake of simplicity of language, we will assume that a single actuator drives a single mechanical device. However, this shall include a single actuator driving multiple mechanical devices, as well as multiple actuators driving a single mechanical device together, or multiple actuators driving any number of mechanical devices.

[0027] For example, a powder container may be equipped with at least one powder inlet valve having a powder inlet valve inlet and a powder inlet valve outlet, the powder inlet valve outlet being connected to the powder inlet of the container. As already described, an actuator may be provided to move the valve member of the powder inlet valve from the open position to the closed position and / or from the closed position to the open position. Often such a valve actuator is a solenoid drive, but the present invention is not limited to these. Another example is a pneumatic actuator.

[0028] In addition to or instead of this, the powder container may further comprise a powder outlet valve having a powder outlet valve inlet and a powder outlet valve outlet. The powder outlet valve inlet is preferably connected to the powder outlet of the container. Connected in relation to powder transfer, as should be understood by those skilled in the art, namely, when the valve is open to the powder outlet valve outlet, the powder flows through the powder outlet of the container to the powder outlet valve inlet. When the valve is closed, the flow of powder is naturally interrupted.

[0029] In general, a powder container may have a first actuator control line having a first end and a second end, and the first actuator is connected to the first end of the first actuator control line. A second actuator control line having a first end and a second end may be connected to the second actuator. More generally, a powder container may have a set L of l actuators, each configured to drive a mechanical function. Preferably, each actuator in the set L of l actuators is connected to the first end of the corresponding control line. Thus, there may be a set C of l control lines, each connecting to a different actuator. In other words, the i-th actuator is connected to the i-th control line (∀ i It may be connected to the first end of ≤l).

[0030] A powder container may have a set of l actuators L for driving the mechanical device of the powder container, where l ∈ N \{0,1}, and each actuator of at least one subset K of k actuators from the set of l actuators L (i.e., k ≤ l, k ∈ {1,2,3,4,...,n} max}) is connected to separate contacts of the multiport connector via a separate actuator control line.

[0031] For example, a powder inlet valve having a powder inlet passage with a powder inlet valve inlet and a powder inlet valve outlet may be attached to the powder inlet of a container. Alternatively, the inlet valve member of the powder inlet valve may be movably supported with respect to the valve seat of the powder inlet valve and configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The powder inlet valve is closed by the inlet valve member when the inlet valve member is in its closed position, and the powder inlet valve is opened when the inlet valve member is in its open position. The inlet valve member may be coupled to at least one actuator of a set of l actuators L, preferably a subset K of k actuators. In other words, at least one actuator of the set of l actuators L may be configured to move the inlet valve member of the powder inlet valve between a closed position and an open position.

[0032] For example, a powder outlet valve having a powder outlet passage with a powder outlet valve inlet and a powder outlet valve outlet may be attached to the powder outlet of a container. The outlet valve member of the powder outlet valve may be movably supported with respect to the valve seat of the powder outlet valve and may be configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The powder outlet valve is closed by the outlet valve member when the outlet valve member is in its closed position, and the powder outlet valve is opened when the outlet valve member is in its open position. The outlet valve member may be coupled to at least one actuator of a set of l actuators L, preferably a subset K of k actuators. In other words, at least one actuator of the set of l actuators L may be configured to move the outlet valve member of the powder inlet valve between a closed position and an open position.

[0033] In one example, the funnel may be connected to the powder inlet and / or powder outlet of the container. In another example, the funnel may be connected to the powder inlet of the container, and an optional powder inlet valve may be installed between the funnel and the container volume. Similarly, the funnel may be connected to the powder outlet of the container, and a powder outlet valve may be installed between the funnel and the container volume. Thus, when the corresponding valve is open, fluid communication is established between the container volume and the funnel, and when the corresponding valve is closed, the fluid communication is interrupted. However, although the corresponding connections are generally considered to provide fluid communication in this specification, the fluid communication can be interrupted when the corresponding valve is closed.

[0034] Each of the optional funnels allows for easy refilling of the container through its corresponding opening. In a preferred example, the funnels are detachably connected to the powder inlet and / or powder outlet of the container. To avoid misunderstanding, the funnel is generally understood to be a conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end, where the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet end is significantly larger than that of the outlet end. Significantly larger means that the free diameter of the inlet opening increases by more than twice the wall thickness of the conduit. In a preferred example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet opening A i The cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet opening is A o x times larger than, i.e., A i ≧x·A o And x ∈ {1.1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 10}.

[0035] Preferably, the powder container is provided with a container support structure. The container support structure may be, for example, a frame that supports and preferably protects the powder container. For example, conveying means such as rollers or wheels may be attached to the container support structure.

[0036] In a preferred example, the container support structure is equipped with a rotating bearing that rotatably supports the container. Such rotation allows the container to be oriented in a so-called "upside-down" manner, converting the powder inlet into a powder outlet (and / or vice versa), and further enabling the breakdown of clusters of adhering powder within the container. Thus, the rotating bearing allows the powder inlet to be used as a powder outlet, and vice versa; that is, a single powder opening is sufficient, thereby reducing the number of potential leaks and expensive valves. For linguistic consistency only, such bidirectionally usable powder openings and "powder inlets" of the container are referred to.

[0037] In the first “normal” orientation, the powder can be poured into the container volume (e.g., via an optional funnel) using the powder inlet. In the inverted “upside-down” orientation, the same powder inlet may be used as the powder outlet. Thus, a single powder inlet may suffice. The rotating bearing may preferably have a rotation axis oriented at least essentially horizontally. Here, “approximately horizontal” means that horizontal is preferred, but any deviation is acceptable as long as the rotation allows the powder in the container to be discharged through the powder inlet when the container is rotated in the reverse direction. “Normally oriented horizontally” means that the rotation axis is at least essentially vertical when the container support structure is oriented as intended during normal operation. Being at least essentially vertical means that orthogonality is preferred, but an angle of ±α h This indicates that deviations within ±α are acceptable. h Examples of values ​​for are 30°, 20°, 10°, 5°, 2.5°, 1°, i.e., α h The range is ∈{30°,20°,10°,5°,2.5°,1°,0°}. The acceptable deviation is α. h This actually depends on the shape of the container. As long as at least essentially all the powder flows out from the powder inlet, the corresponding deviation α is when the container is in its second orientation. h It is acceptable if the value is greater than one of the values ​​in the example above.

[0038] In a preferred example, the funnel is supported by a container support structure and includes a coupling that connects the lower opening of the funnel to the powder inlet when the container is in its first orientation (so-called "vertical" orientation), but does not connect the lower opening of the funnel to the powder inlet when the container is rotated from the first orientation.

[0039] In a preferred example, the container support structure may include a locking mechanism configured to releasably prevent the container from rotating relative to the container support structure. Thus, the locking mechanism allows for preventing unintended rotation of the container in, for example, a first ("normal") orientation and / or a second ("inverted" or "upside down") orientation. The locking mechanism can prevent rotation by a releasable positive lock between the container and the container support structure and by a releasable clamping mechanism. In addition to or instead of this, the powder container may include an actuator for rotating the container relative to the container support structure. The actuator may preferably be an automatic locking gearbox, also known as a self-locking gearbox. An example of such a gearbox is an automatic locking worm gear (see Introduction to Worm Gearing, James K. Simonelli; Gear Technology, 1993 Vol.2, pages 34 to 40).

[0040] In a preferred example, the container has a grid or at least grid bars extending within the container volume. Such a grid or grid bars contribute to breaking up potential powder aggregates within the container while the container is rotating. This enhances continuous and complete powder removal from the container.

[0041] In another example, the powder container may comprise a rotatably supported container support structure. For example, a support frame can rotatably support the container support structure. The container support structure may have at least a lower end, preferably at least one side support, e.g., a side wall and / or at least one post attached to the lower end of the support structure. The powder container may be detachably positioned at the lower end of the container support structure. In other words, the lower end of the container support structure may be configured to receive the lower end of the powder container, and therefore preferably to support a powder container, e.g., a powder barrel. Such a powder container may be subject to standardization, i.e., the powder barrel may be a barrel according to some industry standard. The side support may be configured to support the container, for example, to prevent the container from tilting relative to the lower end of the support structure during rotation of the container support structure. Thus, within the disclosure of this application are powder containers in which the powder container is not installed or removed. Such powder containers may be considered precursors to powder containers.

[0042] In a preferred example, the container support structure may further include a powder removal funnel. For example, the powder removal funnel (hereinafter referred to as the removal funnel) may be movably mounted on another part of the rotatable container support structure, such as a side support of the rotatable container support structure. The inlet end of the powder removal funnel preferably faces toward the lower end of the support structure. One example of a movable attachment is a hinge that allows the powder removal funnel to rotate relative to the side support. Another example is a linear bearing that allows the powder removal funnel to translate relative to the side support. The two examples for movably supporting the powder removal funnel can also be combined in a similar manner. In any case, the powder removal funnel may have at least a first position and / or a first orientation that is directly above the lower end of the support structure when the lower end of the support structure is in its lowest position, and preferably a second position and / or a second orientation where the powder outlet funnel is not directly above the lower end of the support structure (assuming the lower end is still in its lowest position), thus freeing up a path for moving the powder container over the lower end of the support structure. The movable attachment allows the powder outlet funnel to move at least between a first position and / or a first orientation and a second position and / or a second orientation. To avoid ambiguity only, it should be noted that in this context, “directly above” does not refer to the distance between the powder removal funnel and the lower end of the support structure, but rather indicates that the projection of the powder removal funnel in a direction perpendicular to the surface provided by the lower end of the support structure configured to receive the powder container provides an image of the powder removal funnel on the lower end of the support structure. To provide a clear example, we can assume that the lower end of the support structure is oriented horizontally and at its lowest position, in which case “directly above” means that the vertically downward projection causes the removal funnel to project onto the lower end of the support structure (assuming there are no other surfaces between the removal funnel and the lower end of the support structure).

[0043] During operation, the support structure may first be oriented so that the lower end of the support structure is at its lowest position. The powder removal funnel is preferably moved to a position where the path of the powder container to the lower end of the support structure is freed, i.e., not obstructed by the powder removal funnel. For example, the powder removal funnel may be in a second position and / or a second orientation. Next, the powder container, e.g., a standardized powder barrel, may be moved to the lower end of the support structure. The top cap of the container may be removed either before or after the container has been moved at the lower end of the container support structure, thereby opening the top opening of the container. Thus, the top opening of the container is preferably open and preferably directed upward (if the lower end of the support structure is still at its lowest position).

[0044] Next, the powder removal funnel may be positioned so that its inlet end is attached to the upper opening of the container by moving the container to its first position and / or orientation. Preferably, the powder removal funnel has a gasket on its inlet side that provides at least a powder-tight seal with the container. Thus, although the powder removal funnel and the container volume are in fluid communication through the container opening, when the powder removal funnel is in its first position and / or first orientation, powder is not inadvertently released through the gap between the powder removal funnel and the powder container.

[0045] In a preferred example, the movable mounting of the powder removal funnel may be blocked at least in a first position and / or orientation, thereby fixing the position and orientation of the powder container relative to a rotatably supported support structure. In other words, the powder removal funnel can clamp the container against the lower end of the support structure when the container is in its first position and / or orientation.

[0046] Therefore, by rotating the support structure, the powder container, which is held in a predetermined position relative to the support structure, can be inverted. Here, the upper opening of the powder container faces downward, and the powder can flow down into the inlet opening of the powder removal funnel. Thus, such powder may be drawn out through the outlet of the powder removal funnel or supplied to the powder drain via an optional powder conduit.

[0047] Therefore, if not already connected, it is preferable that the outlet end of the powder outlet funnel be connected to a powder removal conduit for transporting the powder to a powder drain. Examples of powder drains may include additive manufacturing machines and / or powder recycling equipment and / or powder filling stations.

[0048] Preferably, the funnel outlet valve may be installed at the powder outlet end of the powder outlet funnel. This allows for connection of the powder drain after the support structure has been rotated. When the powder outlet valve is open, the powder may flow out from the powder outlet end and into, for example, an optional powder removal conduit. When the powder outlet valve is closed, there is no fluid communication between the removal funnel and the environment, even if the removal conduit is not connected. Therefore, the support structure may be rotated as needed without having a constrained powder removal conduit attached to it.

[0049] When removing the powder container from the powder container, the support structure may be rotated again, for example, until its lower end is once again at its lowest position. The powder removal funnel may be moved to its second position and / or second orientation, thereby releasing the powder container and freeing up a path for removing the powder container from the support structure. Once removed, another (or the same) powder container may be placed again at the lower end of the support structure.

[0050] It should be noted that the above assumes that the lower end of the support structure must be at its lowest position for inserting or removing the powder container, and that at this lowest position the lower end is oriented at least essentially horizontally parallel. However, none of these features are required. It may also be advantageous if the lower end is not horizontally parallel and / or not at its lowest position during insertion or removal of the powder container. In this case, the powder container can slide along the lateral supports of the support structure when entering and exiting the support structure. This may be necessary, for example, if the ceiling of the room is too low to lift the powder container vertically in and / or out of the container support structure. The term "lowest position" above is used only to clarify the explanation and can be replaced at any time with "powder container removal position," where the lower end of the support structure is preferably below the powder removal funnel, and where the inversion position is preferably below the outlet end of the powder removal funnel. However, it should be noted that the lowest position of the lower end of the support structure is a preferred example of the powder container removal position.

[0051] Furthermore, the inventors assumed that in the second position and / or orientation, the powder removal funnel does not directly cover the lower end of the support structure. This is also not necessary. All that is required is that when the powder removal funnel is moved from its first position and / or location to its second position and / or location, the path for inserting and / or removing the powder container is opened.

[0052] Preferably, the powder container may have an inert gas intake port. The powder container may further have a pressure reducing valve having a high-pressure inlet and a low-pressure outlet, and the container may have an inert gas inlet opening. Preferably, the inert gas intake port is in fluid communication with the high-pressure inlet of the pressure reducing valve, and preferably the low-pressure outlet of the pressure reducing valve is in fluid communication with the inert gas opening. This reduces the pressure supplied to the container via the inert gas intake connector (inert gas intake port) to a predetermined pressure near the container. The length of the line from the pressure reducing valve to the inert gas opening of the container can be much shorter and therefore can have a much smaller diameter. This helps to reduce costs. Furthermore, the pressure supplied to the container of a given powder container does not change. Essentially, i.e., the design of the powder container eliminates the possibility of the container being subjected to a pressure higher than specified, which could result in the explosion of the container and / or the release of powder, which is important because submicron powders used in AM machines can enter the lungs of humans.

[0053] Preferably, the inert gas control valve may be located in a gas line that provides fluid communication between the inert gas port and the inert gas inlet of the vessel. For example, the high-pressure input of a pressure reducing valve may be connected to the outlet of the inert gas control valve, and the inlet of the inert gas control valve may be in fluid communication (by a corresponding conduit) with the inert gas inlet port. Alternatively, the inert gas inlet port may be connected to the inlet of a pressure reducing valve, and the outlet of the pressure reducing valve may be connected to the inlet of the inert gas control valve. The outlet of the inert gas control valve is in fluid communication with the inert gas inlet of the vessel. Both alternative configurations further enhance operational safety.

[0054] If the inert gas control valve has an inert gas control valve actuator, it is particularly preferable that the inert gas control valve actuator be part of a subset K of k actuators out of a set L of l actuators. This prevents unintended pressure increases or decreases in the container caused by the powder container handling station if the corresponding port of the fitting connector of the powder container handling station (i.e., the inert gas valve actuator control port) is simply omitted or not connected to the controller of the container handling station.

[0055] Preferably, the powder container is provided with a gas removal port. The gas removal port is preferably in fluid communication with the container volume via a gas removal control valve. More precisely, the container may also be provided with a gas removal outlet, which may be connected to the inlet opening of the gas removal control valve via a first portion of the gas removal line. The outlet of the gas removal control valve may be connected to the gas removal port by a second portion of the gas removal line. In other words, the gas removal port may be configured to draw gas from the container and can be opened and closed by opening the gas removal control valve. The gas removal control valve may have a gas removal control valve member coupled to an actuator of a subset K of k actuators out of a set L of l actuators. This also makes it possible to prevent unintended operation of the gas removal control valve in the powder container handling station if the corresponding port of the mating connector of the powder container handling station is not simply connected to the corresponding controller or is omitted entirely. The gas removal port can be used to reduce the gas pressure in the container and open the gas removal control valve, for example, by coupling a vacuum pump or any other low-pressure source to the gas removal port. Gases harmful to the powder and / or AM process, such as water vapor (moisture) and / or oxygen, can be removed from the container through a gas removal port. A gas removal control valve can also be opened when flooding the container with inert gas through an inert gas inlet, allowing the gas to be pushed out (or drawn in) from the container through the gas removal port.

[0056] In a preferred example, the powder container includes pressure sensors configured to determine the gas pressure upstream and / or downstream of the gas removal control valve. In addition to or instead of this, the powder container may include differential pressure sensors configured to measure the pressure difference between a first and a second portion of the gas removal line. The pressure sensors and / or differential pressure sensors are preferably part of a subset M of a set N of n sensors.

[0057] Preferably, the gas removal port connection sensor is connected to the first end of the gas removal port connection sensor line. The second end of the gas removal port connection sensor line may be connected to a port of a multiport connector. In other words, the gas removal port connection sensor is preferably also part of a subset M of a set N of n sensors.

[0058] In a preferred example, the powder container may have a support frame, which is understood as a preferred example of a container support structure. The container support structure may have mounts for being attached to a crane and / or receptacle to receive the teeth (projections or teeth) of a forklift. Preferably, the container is inside the container support structure and is therefore protected, at least to some extent, from mechanical damage caused by the frame structure, for example, collision. The multiport connector may be attached to the container support structure and / or the container, and preferably does not extend across the contour of the container support structure. This also protects the connector from the container support structure. The ports of the multiport connector are preferably outward-facing, thereby facilitating connection of the multiport connector to a mating connector of the powder handling station.

[0059] The powder container may preferably have at least one lock shaft. The lock shaft may be rotatably supported relative to the container. This does not mean, but may mean, that the corresponding bearing is directly mounted on the container, but rather that the rotation of the lock shaft is relative to the coordinate system of the container. In a preferred example, the bearing supporting the lock shaft is mounted on an (optional) container support structure, e.g., the lower end section of the container support structure. The lock shaft has a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is closer to the container than the distal end. In a preferred example, the distal end faces at least essentially the same direction (within the range of angles ±α, α∈{30°, 20°, 10°, 5°, 2.5°, 1°, 0°}) as the lower end and / or side wall of the container. A locking member may be torque-coupled to the distal end of the lock shaft in a transmissible manner. Alternatively, a coupling member is preferably coupled to the lock shaft to transmit axial force. Preferably, the lock shaft is driven by a lock shaft actuator. The lock shaft allows the powder container to be connected to a powder handling station. This enhances the safety of the powder container's operation by simply preventing the powder container from falling from the powder container support in the event of an earthquake and / or impact, such as from a forklift. In a preferred example, the locking member has broken rotational symmetry with respect to the axis of rotation of the locking shaft. This broken symmetry allows the locking member to be inserted into the locking member opening while positioning the powder container on and / or within the powder container support, and the locking member can be securely locked by a structure that defines the locking member opening by rotating the locking shaft. In another example, the locking member may be a thread that can engage with a mating thread on the powder container support by rotating the locking shaft. In both examples, axial movement of the locking shaft, and therefore axial movement of the powder container away from the powder container support, is prevented by the secure lock. The locking shaft actuator is preferably a component of a subset K of a set L of l sensors.

[0060] The features described above contribute to improved operational safety of the powder container. For example, in a powder handling station, unintended powder release due to a valve being opened incorrectly because of a misinterpretation of a sensor reading can be avoided because only sensors intended to be read by the corresponding powder handling station can be read by that station. Similarly, actuator control ports on mating multiport connectors that are not required in a particular powder handling station can be omitted or left unconnected. For example, in a gas pressure adjustment station and / or gas mixing adjustment station, there is no need to open or close a powder inlet valve or powder outlet valve. In this station, the mating port that contacts the port connected (via the corresponding line) to the actuator that drives the corresponding valve member is simply not connected to the controller of the powder handling station. Therefore, unintended powder release due to software bugs, etc., is essentially avoided. Similarly, in other powder handling stations, mating ports on multiport connectors connected to sensors and / or actuators that do not need to perform the work of each powder handling station are preferably omitted and / or not connected to the controller of the respective powder handling station.

[0061] As is already evident, the control line is preferably a conductive cable, but is not limited to these. For example, if the actuator is controlled / operated hydraulically (i.e., by a pressurized fluid), the control line may be a hydraulic line or a pneumatic line, depending on the fluid. The purpose of the control line is to connect the corresponding actuator to the controller of the AM-powder handling station, preferably via the ports of a multiport connector, where AM-powder handling station is synonymous with equipment for handling powder supplied to or from a powder container, or stored in a powder container and / or powder container service station.

[0062] A powder handling station may be any machine configured to use powder for AM, i.e., the AM apparatus itself, but may also be a workpiece removal station for removing workpieces from the powder bed and / or powder recycling station and / or powder container refill station and / or station for adjusting the gas composition and / or pressure within the container. In short, any apparatus that helps to provide, prepare, or collect powder in an AM manufacturing environment is a powder handling station, also called a powder handling machine or powder handling apparatus.

[0063] The terms “connected” or “connected” are used above to indicate that two parts are joined together to provide an implicit function to the parts. For example, when two conduits are connected, the corresponding connection results in fluid communication, i.e., the flow of fluid or powder from one of the two conduits to the other (unless the flow is blocked by a closed valve). Similarly, the connection of two electrical contacts allows the flow of current between the two contacts. Waveguide connections provide the ability for electromagnetic waves to propagate from a first waveguide to another connected waveguide, etc. A transmission may connect, for example, an input shaft and an output shaft. The term “line” above is used as a superscript to cover the terms electrical cable, conduit, and waveguide, and can be replaced with “electrical cable and / or conduit and / or waveguide.” All three examples allow the transmission of power and / or information from one end of a line to the other end of a line.

[0064] The term “port” is used herein as a superlative to the electrical terminals, fluid terminals (fluid ports), and / or waveguide ports of a connector. Ports may, but are not required to, be incorporated into the corresponding connector. A multiport connector has at least two ports, which may be of different types. However, the at least two ports do not necessarily have to be of different types. A multiport connector may have a first number of electrical terminals (electrical ports), a second number of fluid ports, and a third number of waveguide ports, but not all of these ports have to be connected to the corresponding lines.

[0065] In the following, the present invention will be described using examples of embodiments with reference to the drawings, without limiting the general concept of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0066] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the powder container is shown. [Figure 2] Details of the partially fitted powder container are shown. [Figure 3] Further details are provided. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the powder container. [Figure 5] Further details of the partially fitted powder container are shown. [Figure 6] This is an example of a connection diagram. [Figure 7] This shows the lower end section of the frame, with its bottom edge facing upwards. [Figure 8] A simplified example of a powder container with a rotatable support structure is shown. [Figure 9] Figures 9.1 to 9.4 are a set of four figures illustrating the four steps of using the powder container shown in Figure 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0067] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a powder container 1 for handling powder in an AM (powder bed process) setting. The powder container comprises a container 100. The container 100 may have an upper end 110 and a frustoconical lower end 120 that essentially form a funnel. In the illustrated example, the opening angle β of the frustoconical lower end 120 is 54°, but other values ​​of the opening angle β are also possible. A preferred spacing at the opening angle β is [48°;62°], i.e., β∈[48°;62°]. A side wall 130 connects the upper end 110 and the lower end 120 of the container.

[0068] As shown in the figure, the powder container 1 may further comprise a frame 200, which is an example of a container support structure 200. In this example, the frame has four vertical posts 230, but other numbers of posts are also possible. The posts are connected to their respective neighbors by crossbeams 235. The lower part of the posts may be attached to an optional lower end section 800, which will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 7.

[0069] The powder container 1 may have several interfaces for interacting with the powder handling station in the AM process. Some of these optional features are a pressure compensation port 420 and a gas removal port 430. The powder container may further include a multi-port connector 500. The multi-port connector 500 may be mounted inside the frame 200, i.e., it does not extend over the frame 200 as shown in the figure, but faces outward with its connection ports so as to be connected by the mating connector of the powder handling station.

[0070] Figure 2 shows details of the powder container 1. As can be seen from the figure, the container 100 may preferably feature an inert gas inlet 410 at the upper end 110 of the container 100. The container 100 may further feature a pressure sensor 440 and / or a safety valve 450 and / or a spare socket 460 for measuring the pressure inside the container 100.

[0071] The powder container 1 may further include a powder inlet port 480. The powder inlet port 480 may be in fluid communication with the inlet of a powder inlet valve 485. The outlet of the powder inlet valve is in fluid communication with the powder inlet 180 of the container 100, and therefore the volume is surrounded by the container 100. The powder inlet valve 485 can be opened and closed by controlling the powder inlet valve actuator 488 accordingly.

[0072] As can be seen from Figures 3 and 4, a grate 489 is provided upstream of the powder inlet valve 485 to prevent a person operating the powder container from being injured by the movement of the valve member 486 of the powder inlet valve.

[0073] Figure 5 is a detailed view of the lower part of the powder container. Some parts, such as the optional frame 200, have been omitted to avoid cluttering the diagram. What is shown is a part of the container 100, namely the frustoconical lower end 120. At the lower end of the frustoconical lower end 120 is the powder outlet 190. The inlet of the powder outlet valve 495 may be attached to the powder outlet 190 of the container, and the powder outlet 190 of the container can also be considered as the powder inlet of the powder outlet valve 495. The outlet of the powder outlet valve 495 may be provided by a powder outlet port 490, or it may be attached to the powder outlet port 490. The powder outlet valve 495 may include a valve member driven by a powder outlet valve actuator 498.

[0074] As can be seen in Figure 5, the side of the inert gas inlet port facing the container may be connected to the first end of the pressure compensation valve 425. The other end of the pressure compensation valve 425 may be connected to a pressure compensation conduit 421 that is in fluid communication with the pressure compensation opening 141 (see Figure 2) of the container 100, as shown in the figure.

[0075] A gas removal opening 142 (see Figure 2) at the upper end 110 of the container 100 may be connected to the inlet side of the gas removal valve 435 via a gas removal conduit. The outlet side of the gas removal valve 435 may be in fluid communication with a gas removal port 430 (see Figure 5). The valve member of the gas removal valve 435 may be driven by a gas removal valve actuator 438 (Figure 5).

[0076] As can be seen in Figure 5, a container support mount 105 may be attached to the container 100. At least one of the container support mounts 105 is preferably attached to the container support structure 200 (see Figure 1) via a strain gauge 106. The strain gauge can be replaced with any other load or force sensor 106 that enables the determination of the gravity of the container supported by the container support structure 200. In this sense, the term strain gauge should be considered a pars-pro-toto for any force measuring sensor. The force measuring sensor 106 enables the determination of the amount of powder in the container (since the empty mass of the container 100 is known or can be determined), as well as the measurement of the acceleration of the container 100, which may result in compaction of the powder in the container 100.

[0077] The first portion of the inert gas conduit 412 may connect the inert gas inlet 410 to the outlet of the inert gas inlet valve 418. In the illustrated example, the inert gas inlet valve 418 is a bistable solenoid valve (i.e., the valve actuator is a solenoid-driven drive), but other valves can be used in the same way. The inlet of the inert gas inlet valve 418 may be connected by another portion of the inert gas conduit 412 to the outlet of any pressure reducing valve 419. The inlet of the pressure reducing valve 419 is preferably connected to the inert gas inlet 410 of the powder container 1.

[0078] The tenth lowest part of the cone's lower end 120 (more generally i thThe second lowest value, where i ≥ 5, for example i = 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, ...; there is no theoretical maximum value for i, but in general we can assume that i should not be greater than 100), preferably i at the lower end of the cone 120. th There is a powder sensor 620 configured to determine whether or not powder is filled to the second lowest portion. This sensor can be a light barrier sensor, a capacitance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc. If this powder sensor 620 indicates that there is no powder remaining at the height of the powder sensor, it is possible to accurately estimate how much powder remains in the container and take appropriate measures (e.g., stopping the AM process, initiating a container swap and / or replenishment, etc.).

[0079] Figure 5 also shows connector 500. Connector 500 has a number of ports. Some of these ports are electrical ports, i.e., electrical contacts that are electrically connected by their corresponding mating connectors. Other ports may be fluid ports, such as the inert gas inlet port 410. Other fluid ports may be connectors to actuators that are operated based on fluid pressure.

[0080] An exemplary connection configuration for powder container 1 is shown in Figure 6. As can be seen from the figure, all actuators 418, 428, 438, 488, and 498 are directly connected to their corresponding ports on connector 500 by separate actuator control lines. It is not necessary, but preferable, for all actuators 418, 428, 438, 488, and 498 to be directly connected. It is sufficient if a subset of actuators 418, 428, 438, 488, and 498 are directly connected to their corresponding ports on the connector. This avoids the malfunction of actuators in powder handling stations where it is not necessary to operate the corresponding actuator simply by not connecting the corresponding port on the mating connector (which is equivalent to simply omitting the corresponding port on the mating connector). Of course, the actuators can share a common ground port or be powered by a supply port, but each actuator in the subset can be controlled by supplying a signal to a separate port or multiple separate ports on the connector. The powder container 1 may include a container controller 107 connected to the data link port of the connector by some data link, but the container controller 107 is not configured to control the operation of a subset of actuators, preferably by omitting a control line connection between the container controller 107 and the corresponding actuator. In this case, the container controller 107 is connected to a force sensor 106 and provides a signal representing the mass of the container to the port of the connector 500. This signal can be transmitted via a data link or, as in this example, an analog signal (i.e., a voltage representing the mass).

[0081] Figure 7 shows an exemplary bottom perspective view of the lower end section 800, i.e., the lower end side is shown facing upward. The exemplary lower end section 800 may have a lower end section support structure 820 with forklift receptacles. Preferably, a powder outlet port protector 825 is located between the forklift receptacles. The powder outlet port protector 825 is a structural element that blocks the path from the side of the container support structure 200 to the powder outlet port. Therefore, if the forklift is improperly positioned relative to the powder container 1, it will not be able to tear the powder outlet port, which would otherwise be damaged by the forks.

[0082] Furthermore, the powder container 1 may have one or more lock shafts 850. The lock shafts 850 may be rotatably supported by the support structure of the container support structure 820, for example, as indicated by the support structure 200 of the lower end section 800. In this example, two lock shafts 850 are shown, but any other number may also be appropriate (e.g., 1, 3, 4, 5, ...). The lock shafts 850 have a proximal end and a distal end 852. As can be seen from the figure, the distal end 852 may face downward and may be torque-coupled to a lock member 853 so as to transmit torque. The coupling may also be elastic. A lock shaft actuator 858 may be coupled (the coupling may be elastic) to rotate the lock shaft (850) from an open position to a closed position and from a closed position to an open position. In this example, the change of position is strictly a change of orientation only, but translation can serve a similar purpose as well as a superposition of translation and rotation. In this example, the locking member 853 is provided by a bar that forms two pins extending radially across the contour of the lock shaft 850. Thus, in the open position, the locking member 853 may be inserted through an elongated slot in the powder container support of the powder handling station, and the lock actuator may then be controlled to move the lock shaft 850, and therefore the locking member 853, to a closed position that engages with the material forming the slot. The lock shaft actuator 858 may be connected by a lock actuator control line, preferably directly, to a separate port of the connector 500.

[0083] To facilitate the proper positioning of the powder container 200 onto the powder container support of the powder handling station, the container support structure 200 preferably includes a guide plate 890 on its lower end section 800, which is attached, for example, to a lower end section support structure 820, and this guide plate 890 can interact with complementary guiding means of the powder container support of the powder handling station to move the powder container to a predetermined position and orientation when the powder container 1 is lowered onto the powder container support.

[0084] The powder container in Figure 9 has a rotatable container support structure 200, a frame 300 with the container support structure, as abbreviated herein. Thus, the support structure 200 is attached to the frame 300 via a rotary bearing 250. The axis of rotation of the rotary bearing 250 is preferably at least essentially horizontal when the rollers of the frame 300 are on level ground. A rotary drive 255 with a crank handle 260 allows the container support structure 200 to be easily rotated around the axis of rotation of the rotary bearing. Of course, the manual rotary drive 255 can be replaced with an electrically or hydraulically powered drive (or a drive powered by any other energy source). The drive may be omitted. In this case, rotation can be performed manually, i.e., without a drive support.

[0085] The rotatable support structure may include a lower end 220 and a side support 225. An optional powder removal funnel 150 of the support structure is movably attached to the side structure 225 and / or the lower end 220 of the support structure. Thus, any powder removal funnel 150 can rotate together with the other parts of the rotatable support structure, while being movable between a first position and / or a first orientation and a second position and / or a second orientation, as is evident in Figures 9.1 to 9.4. Thus, the change in position and / or orientation of the referenced powder removal funnel 150 is the position and / or orientation relative to the other lower end 220 of the support structure (which itself is rotatably supported relative to the frame 300).

[0086] In Figure 8, the optional powder removal funnel 150 is shown in its first position and orientation. As can be seen in Figure 9.1, when the powder removal funnel is moved to its second position and / or orientation, the powder container 100 can be removed from the support structure 200. The movable attachment 125 of the powder removal funnel 150 to the support structure 200 is hidden in Figure 8, but is schematically shown in Figures 9.1 to 9.4. Implicitly, the powder removal funnel 150 has a powder inlet end with a powder inlet opening and a powder outlet end with a powder outlet opening 190. As shown in Figure 8, an optional powder outlet valve 495 may be attached to the powder outlet opening 190. The optional powder outlet valve 495 may have a powder outlet valve actuator 498. Other details of Figure 8 have already been described with reference to other figures, and the same reference numerals are used where necessary.

[0087] As shown in Figure 8, inserting the new powder container 100 into the powder container is schematically illustrated in Figures 9.1 to 9.4, starting from the situation shown in Figure 9.1.

[0088] The powder container 100 may be installed outside the powder container, and the support structure may be rotated such that the lower end 220 of the support structure is below the powder removal funnel 150, and the powder removal funnel 150 may be in a second position and / or orientation that provides a path for the powder container 100 from the outside to the lower end 220 of the support structure (see Figure 9.1). Next, as shown in Figure 9.2, the powder container 100 may be moved onto the lower end 220 of the support structure, for example by a lifter or crane. Thus, the lower end 120 of the container is present on and supported by the lower end 220 of the rotatable support structure 200. Furthermore, if still present, the upper end cap 115 of the powder container 100 can be removed. Subsequently, the powder removal funnel 150 can be moved to its first position and / or first orientation. In this position and / or first orientation, the wider inlet end of the powder removal funnel is sealed and attached to the powder container, thereby providing fluid communication between the volume of the powder container and the powder removal funnel. Furthermore, the powder container is preferably fixed to the lower end of the support structure. This can be achieved, for example, by locking the powder removal funnel to the lower end of the support structure in its first position and / or first orientation. In addition to or instead of this, other fixing means may be used. Examples include clamp jaws, suction cups, and the like.

[0089] As seen in Figure 9.4, the powder support structure may be rotated in the opposite direction here, i.e., the powder removal funnel may be below the lower end of the container and / or at the lower end of the support structure. Thus, optional powder in the powder container can flow into the powder removal funnel and be drawn out through the powder outlet of the powder removal funnel 150. The outlet 190 of the powder removal funnel 150 and the optional powder outlet valve 495 are shown in Figure 8 and are omitted in Figures 9.1 to 9.4 only for simplification. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1 Powder Tank 100 powder container / container 105 Container support mount 106 Force sensors, e.g., strain gauges 107 Container Controller / Controller 110 Top of powder container / Top of container 115 Cap 120 Lower end of container 125 Attachment of the powder removal funnel 150 to the support structure 200 130 Side wall of powder container 142 Pressure-compensated opening 144 Gas removal opening 180 Powder inlet for container 190 Powder outlet of container 200 Container support structures, e.g., support frames 220 Lower end of support structure / Lower end of support structure 230 Vertical Post 235 Crossbeam 240 Rotary Bearing 250 RPM drive 300 Support Frame 410 Inert gas inlet port 411 Inert gas conduit 418 Inert gas inlet valve 419 Pressure Reducing Valve 420 pressure compensation ports 421 Pressure Compensating Conduit 425 Pressure Compensation Valve 428 Pressure Compensation Valve Actuator 430 Gas Removal Ports 431 Gas removal conduit 435 Gas Removal Valve 438 Gas Removal Valve Actuator 440 Container pressure sensor 450 Safety valve 480 Powder Inlet Port 482 Lattice 485 Powder Inlet Valve 486 Powder Inlet Valve Member 488 Powder Inlet Valve Actuator 489 Lattice 490 Powder Outlet Port 495 Powder outlet valve 498 Powder outlet valve actuator 500 connectors 620 Powder Sensor 800 Lower section 820 Lower end section support structure 825 Powder Outlet Port Protector 850 Rock Shaft 852 Distal end 853 Locking component 858 Lock Shaft Actuator 890 Guide Plate

Claims

1. A powder container (1) for handling powder in an additive manufacturing process, A powder container (100) surrounding the volume of a container for storing the aforementioned powder, A container support structure (200) that supports the powder container (100), A set of n sensors N, each determining a different observable quantity, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2, i.e., n ∈ {2, 3, 4, ..., n}. max A set of n sensors N, A set L of l actuators (428, 438, 488, 498, 858) for driving at least one mechanical device of the powder container (1), where l is a positive integer, and In a powder container (1) that has at least the following, The aforementioned powder container (1) is A transport means attached to the container support structure (200), A multiport connector (500) configured to connect to a corresponding connector of a powder handling station in an additive manufacturing process, wherein the multiport connector (500) is a plug connector or socket connector having multiple ports, further comprising at least the multiport connector (500), Each of the m sensors in a subset M of the set N of n sensors (where m is an integer such that 2 ≤ m ≤ n) is connected to a separate port of the multiport connector (500) via a separate measurement line, and / or Each actuator (428, 438, 488, 498, 858) of at least one subset K of k actuators from the set L of l actuators (where k is an integer such that 2 ≤ k ≤ l) is connected to separate contacts and / or ports of the multiport connector (500) via separate actuator control lines. A powder container (1) characterized by the following features.

2. A powder inlet valve (485) having a powder inlet valve inlet and a powder inlet valve outlet, wherein the powder inlet valve outlet is connected to the powder inlet (180) of the powder container (100) and the powder inlet valve inlet is connected to the powder inlet port (480) of the powder container (1), and / or, A powder outlet valve (495) having a powder outlet valve inlet and a powder outlet valve outlet, wherein the powder outlet valve inlet is connected to the powder outlet (190) of the powder container (100) and the powder outlet valve outlet is connected to the powder outlet port (480) of the powder container (1). The powder container (1) according to claim 1, further comprising at least the following:

3. The powder container (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one funnel is in fluid communication with the powder inlet and / or powder outlet of the powder container (100), and the at least one funnel is in fluid communication with the container volume via the powder inlet valve and / or powder outlet valve when the respective valves are open.

4. The powder container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support frame (300) rotatably supports the container support structure (200) by at least one rotary bearing having a rotation axis.

5. The powder container according to claim 4, wherein the rotating bearing is equipped with a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism releasably prevents the rotation of the container support structure (200) relative to the support frame (300).

6. The container support structure (200) is equipped with a powder removal funnel (150), The powder removal funnel is movably attached to the container support structure (200). The movable mounting of the powder removal funnel (150) allows the powder removal funnel (150) to move relative to the container support structure (200) at least from a first position and / or a first orientation to a second position and / or a second orientation, and to the rear. The powder container according to claim 4, characterized in that

7. The powder container according to claim 4, characterized in that the powder container (100) has a lower end (120) of the powder container, and the lower end (120) of the powder container is supported by the lower end (220) of the rotatable support structure (200).

8. The powder container according to claim 6, characterized in that the powder removal funnel (150) has a powder removal funnel powder inlet, and the powder removal funnel powder inlet is in fluid communication with the volume of the powder container (100) through the opening of the powder container (100).

9. The powder container according to claim 8, characterized in that the powder removal funnel (150) covers the opening of the powder container (100).

10. The set N of n sensors is A container pressure sensor (440) for measuring the pressure within the container volume of the powder container (100), A force sensor (106) for measuring the force exerted by the powder container (100) on the support frame (300), A pressure sensor for measuring the pressure upstream of the powder inlet valve (485), A pressure sensor for measuring the pressure downstream of the powder outlet valve (495), A differential pressure sensor for measuring the pressure difference between the container volume of the powder container (100) and the space upstream of the powder inlet valve (485), A differential pressure sensor for measuring the pressure difference between the container volume of the powder container (100) and the space downstream of the powder outlet valve (495), A gas concentration sensor for determining at least the partial pressure and / or concentration of the gas components of the gas in the container volume of the powder container (100) and / or in the space upstream of the powder inlet valve (485) and / or in the space downstream of the powder outlet valve (495), An upper powder level sensor installed in the upper one-third of the powder container (100), for determining whether the powder level in the powder container (100) is above or below the position of the upper powder level sensor. A lower powder level sensor installed in the lower one-third of the powder container (100), the lower powder level sensor for determining whether the powder level in the powder container (100) is above or below the position of the lower powder level sensor. The powder container (1) according to claim 6, characterized by comprising at least one of the following.

11. The powder container (1) has an inert gas intake connector, The powder container (1) has a pressure reducing valve (419) with a high-pressure inlet and a low-pressure outlet. The powder container (100) has an inert gas inlet opening (410), The powder container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inert gas intake connector is in fluid communication with the high-pressure inlet of the pressure reducing valve (419), and the low-pressure outlet of the pressure reducing valve is in fluid communication with the inert gas inlet opening (410).

12. The powder container (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that an inert gas inlet valve (818) and / or a pressure reducing valve (819) are installed in an inert gas line that provides fluid communication between the inert gas port (410) of the powder container (1) and the inert gas inlet opening (410) of the powder container (100).

13. The powder container (1) according to claim 1, comprising a control valve with control valve actuators (428, 438, 488, 498), wherein the control valve actuators (428, 438, 488, 498, 858) are part of a subset K of k actuators out of the set L of l actuators.

14. The powder container (1) is equipped with a gas removal port (430) that is in fluid communication with the container volume via at least one gas removal control valve (435), (i) The gas removal control valve (435) has a gas removal control valve actuator (438), and the gas removal control valve actuator (438) is a component of the subset K of k actuators out of the set L of l actuators, and / or (ii) The powder container (1) is equipped with at least a pressure sensor configured to determine the gas pressure upstream or downstream of the gas removal control valve, and the pressure sensor configured to determine the gas pressure upstream or downstream of the gas removal control valve is a part of the subset M of the set N of n sensors. A powder container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that...

15. (i) A gas removal port connection sensor is connected to a first end of a gas removal port connection sensor line, and a second end of the gas removal port connection sensor line is connected to a port of the multi-port connector (500), and / or (ii) The powder container (100) is installed inside the support frame (300), the multiport connector (500) is attached to the support frame (300), and the ports of the multiport connector (500) face outwards, and / or (iii) The powder container (1) has a lock shaft (850) that is rotatably supported relative to the powder container (100), the lock shaft (850) having a proximal end (851) and a distal end (852), a lock member (853) being torque-transmittingly coupled to the distal end (852) of the lock shaft (850), and the lock shaft (850) being driven by a lock shaft actuator (858). The powder container (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that...

16. The powder container (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the lock shaft actuator (858) is a part of the subset K of the sensor set L.

17. A powder handling station for handling powder supplied to, supplied from, or stored in a powder container (1) as described in claim 1, characterized in that it has a fitted multiport connector for connecting to the multiport connector of the powder container (1).

18. The powder handling station according to claim 17, characterized in that the mating multiport connector has fewer ports than the multiport connector (500) of the powder container (1), and / or not all ports of the mating multiport connector are connected to the corresponding connection lines of the device.

19. Additive manufacturing device comprising a powder container according to claim 1 and / or a powder handling station according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the controller of the additive manufacturing device is connected via the multiport connector (500) to at least one sensor of the set N of first actuators (428, 438, 488, 498, 858) and / or second actuators (428, 438, 488, 498, 858) and / or sensors.

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