Patent ID: 9364840
Filing Date: 2016-06-14
CPC Classification: B05B

Claim Text:
1. A powder distribution device comprising: a distribution chamber having a cylindrical inner wall in which a plurality of slits for passage of powder are formed; a powder introduction pipe extending along a central axis of the distribution chamber and adapted to introduce powder to an inside of the distribution chamber through an introduction port facing the distribution chamber; a swirling gas flow generating unit that generates a swirling gas flow flowing about the central axis of the distribution chamber in the distribution chamber along the cylindrical inner wall in which the plurality of slits are formed to prevent powder from being adhered to the cylindrical inner wall and being agglomerated; a plurality of powder distribution paths communicating with the plurality of slits of the distribution chamber; and each of the plurality of slits having a cross-sectional area smaller than that of each of the plurality of powder distribution paths thereby reducing an opening area in a surface of the cylindrical inner wall of the distribution chamber to suppress an attenuation of the swirling gas flow formed in the distribution chamber; wherein the swirling gas flow generating unit includes: a compressed gas introduction chamber having a cylindrical shape, formed at an outer periphery of the powder introduction pipe, and communicating with the distribution chamber; a plurality of nozzles arranged along a periphery of the compressed gas introduction chamber, adapted to inject a compressed gas into an inside of the compressed gas introduction chamber to generate a gas flow swirling in a peripheral direction; and a compressed gas supply source adapted to supply a compressed gas to the plurality of nozzles.