Three-dimensional printing device comprising at least one extrusion printing head incorporating at least one cooling system

Abstract

The invention relates to a three-dimensional printing device including a printing chamber containing an atmosphere, at least one system for heating the atmosphere contained in the printing chamber to a temperature greater than or equal to 30°C, and at least one extrusion printing head (12) located in the printing chamber, the extrusion printing head (12) being configured to extrude a mixture of material including at least two components and comprising an enclosure (20) which contains the mixture of material to be extruded and a nozzle (18), characterised in that the extrusion printing head includes at least one temperature-regulating system configured to at least cool the mixture of material present in the enclosure (20) to a temperature of less than or equal to 10°C.

Description

[0001] Three-dimensional printing device comprising at least one extrusion print head incorporating at least one cooling system

[0002] This application relates to a three-dimensional printing device comprising at least one extrusion print head incorporating at least one cooling system.

[0003] In one embodiment, a three-dimensional printing device, also called a 3D printer, comprises at least one extrusion print head configured to deposit at least one bead of material onto a build surface, and at least one mechanism for moving the extrusion print head. The extrusion print head includes at least one nozzle through which the bead of material exits, at least one mixing chamber in which at least two components are mixed, at least two feeds, one for each component, configured to supply the chamber with components, and a system for pushing the mixture of the two components from the mixing chamber to the nozzle.

[0004] The printing device also includes a printing enclosure in which the print head and the placement surface are positioned.

[0005] In addition to the extrusion print head, the 3D printer may include a curing system, such as a UV lamp, configured to cure the newly deposited material bead. This curing system is separate from the print head. Depending on the application, the material deposited by the extrusion print head is a two-component silicone. The first component is a silicone-based material containing non-crosslinked polymers, while the second component is a catalyst (or hardener) designed to initiate the crosslinking of the polymers in the silicone-based material when the first and second components are mixed.

[0006] According to this application, to promote material flow and curing, the printing chamber includes an atmosphere heated to a temperature of 30°C or higher (preferably between 30 and 70°C), and the build surface can be heated to a temperature of up to 160°C. During operation, when the flow rate of deposited material decreases or stops, such as between two prints, the two-component silicone remaining in the mixing chamber tends to curing, preventing further deposition and requiring the mixing chamber to be changed.

[0007] Due to the risk of crosslinking in the mixing chamber, such an extrusion print head cannot print large parts or certain parts requiring reduced material flow rates at certain times.

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a three-dimensional printing device comprising a printing chamber containing an atmosphere, at least one heating system for the atmosphere contained in the printing chamber to a temperature greater than or equal to 30°C, and at least one extrusion printing head located in the printing chamber, said extrusion printing head being configured to extrude a mixture of material comprising at least two components and having a chamber which contains the mixture of material to be extruded and a nozzle.

[0010] According to the invention, the extrusion print head includes at least one temperature control system configured to at least cool the material mixture present in the chamber to a temperature less than or equal to 10°C.

[0011] Lowering the temperature of the mixture in the chamber using a temperature control system in the print head prevents the components within the chamber from curing, while maintaining a sufficient temperature in the print area to allow the already deposited material to cured. This prevents the mixture from hardening in the chamber and keeps it fluid or pasty, allowing it to be extruded through the nozzle. Consequently, it is possible to stop the extrusion of the mixture or significantly reduce the extruded material flow rate.

[0012] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a side view of a 3D printer illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an extrusion print head illustrating an embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 is a side view of an extrusion print head illustrating an embodiment of the invention in the locked state.

[0015] Figure 4 is a perspective view of part of the extrusion print head visible in Figure 3.

[0016] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an evaporation system illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0017] Figure 6 is a longitudinal section of an extrusion print head illustrating an embodiment of the invention in the unlocked state,

[0018] Figure 7 is a longitudinal section of a coupling system illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0019] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an extrusion print head illustrating one embodiment, in the locked state on part (A) and in the unlocked state on part (B),

[0020] Figure 9 is a longitudinal section of an extrusion print head illustrating another embodiment of the invention,

[0021] Figure 10 is a perspective and exploded view of an extrusion print head illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0022] Figure 11 is a perspective view of part of a 3D printing device illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0023] Figure 12 is a top view of an extrusion print head illustrating another embodiment of the invention,

[0024] Figure 13 is a section along line AA of figure 12.

[0025] According to an embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 11, a three-dimensional printing device 10, also called a 3D printer, comprises at least one extrusion print head 12 configured to deposit at least one bead of material 14 onto a build surface S, at least one movement mechanism 16 configured to move the extrusion print head 12, and at least one printing chamber E in which the build surface S and the extrusion print head 12 are positioned. This three-dimensional printing device 10 allows, by moving the extrusion print head 12 along at least one predefined path, the creation, layer by layer, of a part P. The build surface S can be a surface independent of the part P to be created or a layer of the part P already deposited.The printing chamber E includes an atmosphere and the three-dimensional printing device 10 includes at least one heating system for the atmosphere contained in the printing chamber E and optionally for the placement surface S. By way of example, the heating system may include at least one electrical resistance and / or at least one ventilation system.

[0026] The displacement mechanism 16, the printing enclosure E and the link between the extrusion printing head 12 and the displacement mechanism 16 are not described further as they may be identical to those of the prior art.

[0027] In one application, the deposited material is a two-component silicone. The first component is a silicone-based material containing uncrosslinked polymers, and the second component is a catalyst (or hardener) designed to initiate the crosslinking of the silicone-based material's polymers when the first and second components are mixed. In this application, the atmosphere within the printing chamber E is heated by the heating system to a temperature of 30°C or higher, preferably between 30 and 70°C. Additionally, the heating system is configured to heat the build surface S to a temperature of 100°C or higher. Heating the atmosphere within the printing chamber E and / or the build surface S promotes material flow and crosslinking.

[0028] Of course, the invention is not limited to this application and this material. Regardless of the embodiment, the extrusion print head 12 is configured to extrude a mixture of at least two components.

[0029] The extrusion print head 12 includes at least one nozzle 18 through which the material mixture exits in the form of a material bead 14, at least one chamber 20 containing a material mixture to be extruded, and a push system 22 configured to push the material mixture to be extruded from the chamber 20 to the nozzle 18.

[0030] According to an embodiment visible in figures 9 and 11, the thrust system 22 can be located outside the extrusion print head 12. By way of example, the thrust system 22 includes at least one pump configured to exert pressure on the material mixture present in the chamber 20 and force it out through the nozzle 18.

[0031] In another embodiment, the three-dimensional printing device 10 comprises at least one thrusting system 22 located in the chamber 20 (inside the extrusion print head 12) and / or at least one thrusting system located outside the extrusion print head 12 (not part of the extrusion print head 12). In one embodiment, the chamber 20 is a mixing chamber in which at least two components are mixed, thus obtaining the material mixture to be extruded. Additionally, the extrusion print head 12 comprises at least one component feed 24, one for each component to be mixed in the chamber 20.

[0032] According to this configuration, the chamber 20 comprises a cylindrical tubular wall 20.1 which has an inner surface F20 in contact with the mixture of material to be extruded, an outer surface F20' (opposite to the inner surface F20) and an axis of revolution A20. In addition, the nozzle 18 is in the form of a frustoconical tube whose wider end is connected to the tubular wall 20.1 of the chamber 20.

[0033] According to an embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 9, the chamber 20 includes an element, hereafter referred to as a mixer 25, configured to mix the components. In this case, the chamber 20 forms a static mixer.

[0034] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the extrusion print head 12.

[0035] According to the invention, the extrusion printing head 12 includes a temperature control system 26 for the material mixture present in the chamber 20 configured to at least cool it while the atmosphere contained in the printing chamber E is maintained at a substantially constant temperature greater than or equal to 30°C.

[0036] Lowering the temperature of the material mixture in chamber 20 prevents the components of the mixture from cross-linking. This prevents the mixture from hardening in chamber 20 and keeps it fluid or pasty, allowing it to be pushed through nozzle 18. It is also possible to stop printing or significantly reduce the flow rate of the printed material mixture at certain times.

[0037] The temperature control system 26 is configured to cool the material mixture in chamber 20 to a temperature below or equal to a threshold temperature that depends on the components being mixed. For example, the material mixture to be extruded is maintained at a temperature of 10°C or lower, preferably between 0 and -15°C, for a two-component silicone-based product.

[0038] Depending on the configuration, the temperature control system 26 is configured to both cool and heat the material mixture in chamber 20. According to this configuration, the temperature control system 26 can, at a given moment, heat the material mixture in chamber 20 to make it more fluid or promote cross-linking, and at a given moment, cool the material mixture in chamber 20 to prevent it from hardening, particularly when printing is stopped or slowed down.

[0039] According to one embodiment, to promote heat transfer between the inside and outside of chamber 20, the wall 20.1 of chamber 20 is made of a thermally conductive material.

[0040] The extrusion print head 12 includes a body 28 surrounding the chamber 20 and incorporating at least one temperature control system 26.

[0041] According to one arrangement, the body 28 and the wall 20.1 of chamber 20 form a single and the same piece.

[0042] According to another arrangement, the body 28 and the wall 20.1 of chamber 20 are two separate elements. In this arrangement, chamber 20 is removable and can be separated from the body 28 to be replaced by another chamber, for example.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the extrusion printing head 12 includes a removable sub-assembly 30 (such as a static mixer for example) which includes a cylindrical tubular wall 20.1, delimiting the chamber 20, which extends between the first and second ends and a mixer 25 positioned in the chamber 20, a nozzle 18 connected to the first end of the cylindrical tubular wall 20.1 and an intake head 32, connected to the second end of the cylindrical tubular wall 20.1, which includes component feeds 24.

[0044] To receive the removable subassembly 30, the body 28 is tubular and includes a through conduit 28.1 configured to house at least partially the removable subassembly 30.

[0045] Depending on one configuration, the extrusion print head 12 includes a coupling system 34, 34' to connect the removable subassembly 30 and the body 28.

[0046] According to an embodiment visible in figure 9, the coupling system 34 comprises a threaded section 34.1 at the level of the through conduit 28.1 and a threaded section 34.2 positioned at the level of the intake head 32 and configured to screw into the threaded section 34.1. According to this embodiment, the extrusion print head 12 must be disassembled in order to extract the removable subassembly 30. According to another embodiment visible in Figures 3, 6 to 8, the coupling system 34' is configured to occupy a locked state, visible in Figures 3, 6 and part (A) of Figure 8, in which it immobilizes the removable subassembly 30 in the through channel 28.1 of the body 28, and an unlocked state, visible in Figure 7 and part (B) of Figure 8, in which it allows the removable subassembly 30 to slide in the channel 28.1 of the body 28 and to be extracted from the extrusion print head 12.

[0047] In one configuration, the coupling system 34' comprises at least one latch 34.1' configured to move radially (perpendicular to the axis of the through conduit 28.1) between an extended position, corresponding to the locked state, and a retracted position, corresponding to the unlocked state; at least one housing 34.2' located in the removable subassembly 30 and configured to house at least one latch 34.1' in the extended position; and a control 34.3' configured to control the extended or retracted position of the latch 34.1'. For example, the removable subassembly 30 includes a peripheral groove that serves as a housing 34.2' for all the latches 34.1'. The control 34.3' can be a movable ring along the body 28 between a first position, visible in Figures 3, 6 and part (A) of Figure 8, in which the ring holds all the latches in the extended position (in which they are housed in their housing(s) 34.2') and prevents them from moving into the retracted position, and a second position, visible in Figure 7 and part (B) of Figure 8, in which it allows each latch 34.1' to move from the extended position to the retracted position (in which they are located outside their housing(s) 34.2'). Each latch 34.1' is at least partially housed in a radial orifice 34.4' through the body 28.

[0048] According to a first arrangement visible in figure 7, each lock 34.1' comprises two balls and at least one spring interposed between the two balls.

[0049] According to a second arrangement visible in Figure 3, each lock 34.1' comprises a hollow pin 34.5' configured to cooperate with a housing 34.2' provided in the removable subassembly 30, a ball 34.6' configured to cooperate with the control ring 34.3', and a spring 34.7' positioned between the hollow pin 34.5' and the ball 34.6'. Of course, the invention is not limited to these embodiments for the coupling system 34, 34'. Other solutions are possible for temporarily connecting the removable subassembly 30 and the body 28. As illustrated in Figure 13, the body 28 includes a ring 34" into which the removable subassembly 30 is fitted. According to this embodiment, friction between the ring 34" and the removable subassembly 30 keeps the latter stationary relative to the body.

[0050] 28.

[0051] To promote heat exchange between the body 28 and the mixture of material present in the chamber 20, the body 28 is in intimate contact with the wall 20.1 of the chamber 20 and / or a thermally conductive filling material is provided to fill the space between the body 28 and the wall 20.1 of the chamber 20.

[0052] According to an embodiment visible in Figure 2, the temperature control system 26 comprises at least one section of heat transfer fluid circuit 36 ​​positioned near the chamber 20 and connected to a heat transfer fluid supply at a temperature regulated by a temperature control means 36.1. The latter may be distant from the extrusion print head 12.

[0053] When the temperature control system 26 is configured to only cool the mixture of matter present in the chamber 20, the temperature control means 36.1 is adapted to cool the heat transfer fluid circulating in the heat transfer fluid circuit section 36. As an example, a thermodynamic machine is used to cool the heat transfer fluid.

[0054] When the temperature control system 26 is configured to alternately cool and heat the material in the chamber 20, the temperature control means 36.1 is reversible and adapted to alternately cool or heat the heat transfer fluid circulating in the heat transfer fluid circuit section 36. As an example, a reversible thermodynamic machine is used to cool or heat the heat transfer fluid.

[0055] According to an embodiment shown in Figure 9, the temperature control system 26 comprises, at the level of the body 28, at least one Peltier effect module 38 having a cold face F38 oriented towards the chamber 20 and positioned near it, a hot face F38' opposite the cold face F38, and at least one connector 38.1 configured to be connected to an electrical power supply Alim. According to this embodiment, the Peltier effect module 38 is configured to generate cold at the cold face F38, when it is powered by electricity, and to cool the mixture of matter present in the chamber 20. In one arrangement, the body 28 comprises a tubular Peltier effect module 38 having an inner face corresponding to the cold face F38 and an outer face corresponding to the hot face F38', as well as an inner tubular portion 40.1 which has an outer face in contact with the cold face F38 of the Peltier effect module 38 and an inner face oriented towards the chamber 20, in contact with its wall 20.1. In addition, the body 28 includes an outer tubular part 40.2 which has an inner face in contact with the hot face F38' of the Peltier effect module 38. According to one arrangement, the extrusion print head 12 includes a body 28 surrounding the chamber 20 and several Peltier effect modules 38 positioned around the body 28.

[0056] According to another arrangement visible in Figure 10, the body 28 has a polygonal cross-section (equilateral triangle) and several faces. In addition, each Peltier effect module 38 is in the form of a plate pressed against one of the faces of the body 28.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the extrusion print head 12 includes at least one heat dissipation system configured to dissipate the heat generated by the Peltier effect module(s) 38, such as at least one heat transfer fluid circuit or at least one radiator 41 (visible in Figure 10).

[0058] Of course, the invention is not limited to these embodiments for the temperature control system 26 capable of cooling the material mixture present in the chamber 20. In addition, the extrusion printing head 12 could combine several temperature control systems 20.

[0059] Regardless of the embodiment, during printing, the printing chamber E contains an atmosphere in contact with the outer surface F12 of the extrusion print head 12.

[0060] When the temperature control system 26 cools the material mixture in the chamber 20, the atmosphere in the printing chamber E has a temperature significantly higher than that of the extrusion print head 12.

[0061] To prevent moisture from forming on the outer surface F12 of the extrusion print head 12 due to condensation, and to prevent water droplets from dripping onto the part being printed, one solution is to regulate the atmosphere inside the print chamber E by dehumidifying it. In one embodiment, the 3D printer includes at least one dehumidifier configured to dehumidify the atmosphere inside the print chamber E. This solution is not satisfactory because the volume of air to be treated is significant. Furthermore, the air dehumidification process must be performed each time the print chamber E is opened, particularly when removing the printed part or changing the material hopper. However, this dehumidification process is relatively lengthy and energy-intensive.

[0062] According to another embodiment visible in Figure 2, the outer surface F12 of the extrusion print head 12 is thermally insulated to prevent the propagation of cold from the temperature control system 26 to the outer surface F12 of the extrusion print head 12. For this purpose, the extrusion print head 12 includes a thermally insulating coating 42 at its outer surface F12.

[0063] According to another embodiment shown in Figure 9, the outer surface F12 of the extrusion print head 12 is heated to limit the risk of condensation. For this purpose, when the extrusion print head 12 includes a Peltier effect module 38, the hot face F38' is oriented towards the outer surface F12 of the extrusion print head 12 and positioned close to it to heat it.

[0064] Alternatively, electrical resistors could be positioned near the outer surface F12 of the extrusion print head 12 to cause heating by Joule effect.

[0065] Of course, the invention is not limited to the systems previously mentioned for limiting the risks of condensation.

[0066] According to an embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 6, the extrusion print head 12 includes at least one moisture collector 44 and at least one evaporation system 46 configured to evaporate the condensate collected by the moisture collector 44. The moisture collector 44 is configured to collect at least one condensate forming on a surface of the extrusion print head 12 (in particular its outer surface F12). In one arrangement, it is positioned between the extrusion print head 12 and the part to be produced.

[0067] According to a configuration visible in particular in Figure 5, the moisture collector 44 and the evaporation system 46 form a single ring-shaped element 48, positioned under the body 28. This ring has an upper face F48 oriented towards the body 28 of the extrusion print head 12 and a passage hole 50 allowing the nozzle 18 to pass through. The upper face F48 is delimited by inner and outer edges 48.1, 48.2 sufficiently spaced so that the drops dripping from the body 28 fall onto the upper face F48. The ring 48 may include at least one recess 52 on its upper face F48 to collect a larger volume of water.

[0068] According to an arrangement, ring 48 is made of a material that is highly thermally conductive, such as a copper alloy for example.

[0069] In one embodiment, the extrusion print head 12 includes spacers 54 connecting the ring 48 and the body 28. In one configuration, these spacers 54 are made of a thermally conductive material, such as a copper alloy, to achieve conductive heat transfer between the ring 48 and the body 28. This heat transfer increases the temperature of the outer surface F12 of the extrusion print head in order to limit the risk of condensation or to cause evaporation of at least some of the water condensed on the outer surface F12 of the extrusion print head 12.

[0070] Depending on the configuration, ring 48 is heated to a high temperature to evaporate the water. For this purpose, ring 48 includes at least one electrical heating element.

[0071] Of course the invention is not limited to this embodiment for causing heating of the ring 48. In addition, the invention can combine at least one evaporation system configured to cause the evaporation of the already condensed water and at least one heating system for the outer surface F12 of the extrusion print head 12 or for limiting its cooling.

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment, the extrusion print head 12 includes at least one Peltier effect module 38 for cooling the material mixture and at least one heat transfer fluid circuit for dissipating the heat generated by the Peltier effect module(s) 38. Optionally, a heating system is provided to warm the nozzle 18 in order to limit the appearance of condensation at the nozzle 18.

[0073] The extrusion print head 12 includes a removable sub-assembly 30, namely a static mixer, mounted in the extrusion print head 12 as illustrated in Figure 9. Thus, the static mixer is inserted into the extrusion print head 12 when it is removed from its end opposite the nozzle 18.

[0074] According to an embodiment visible in Figures 12 and 13, the body 28 comprises at least first and second concentric parts 56, 58 made of thermally conductive material. The first part 56 extends between first upper and lower faces 56.1, 56.2 and includes at least one external face 60 oriented towards the second part 58, which connects the first upper and lower faces 56.1, 56.2 as well as a first conduit 62 configured to house the chamber 20, more particularly a removable subassembly 30 comprising the chamber 20, which connects the first upper and lower faces 56.1, 56.2. The second part 58 extends between second upper and lower faces 58.1, 58.2 and includes an inner face 64 delimiting a second conduit 64C in which is positioned at least partially the first part 56, which connects the second upper and lower faces 58.1, 58.2 as well as an outer face which may include at least one heat evacuation system configured to dissipate heat.

[0075] In one configuration, the second conduit 64C has, near the second lower face 58.2, a diameter reduction 64.1. The body 28 includes a ring 66, positioned at the diameter reduction 64.1 of the second conduit 64C, interposed between the second part 58 and the removable subassembly 30 comprising the chamber 20. This ring 66 is made of a thermally conductive material to provide a thermal bridge between the second part 58 and the removable subassembly 30 (more specifically, the wall of the chamber 20). This ring 66 and the ring 34'', which provides the coupling between the body 28 and the removable subassembly 30, form a single piece.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the temperature control system 26 comprises, at the level of the body 28, at least one Peltier effect module 38 positioned in the second conduit 64C, interposed between the first and second parts 56, 58 of the body 28. According to one arrangement, each Peltier effect module 38 is positioned between the second upper face 58.1 of the second part 58 and the diameter reduction 64.1 of the second conduit 64C.

[0077] According to a preferred configuration, the temperature control system 26 comprises, within the body 28, several Peltier effect modules 38, specifically three modules, distributed around the first part 56 and spaced apart. Each Peltier effect module 38 is in the form of a parallelepiped plate and includes a cold face F38 in contact with the first part 56 and a hot face F38' oriented towards the second part 58. For each Peltier effect module 38, the outer face 60 of the first part 56 of the body 28 includes a flat area F60 against which the cold face F38 of the corresponding Peltier effect module 38 is pressed. Additionally, the inner face 64 of the second part 58 of the body 28 includes a flat area F64 against which the hot face F38' of the corresponding Peltier effect module 38 is pressed.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the outer face 60 of the first part 56 of the body 28 is flared towards the first upper face 56.1 of the first part 56. In addition, the inner face 64 of the second part 58 of the body 28 is also flared towards the second upper face 58.1. According to this embodiment, each Peltier effect module 38 is closer to the chamber 20 in the lower part than in the upper part.

[0079] According to the embodiment described in Figures 12 and 13, the temperature control system 26 comprises, in addition to the Peltier module(s) 38, at least one main section of the heat transfer fluid circuit 36 ​​located in the print head 12, more specifically at the body 28, as well as at least one temperature-controlled heat transfer fluid supply. In this embodiment, the heat transfer fluid is hot and has a temperature greater than or equal to 30°C. This main section of the heat transfer fluid circuit 36 ​​is interposed between the first and second parts 56, 58, which correspond to a region of the second conduit 64C not occupied by the first part 56 and the Peltier modules 38.According to one arrangement, the temperature control system 26 comprises several main sections of heat transfer fluid circuit 36, each delimited by the outer face 60 of the first part 56, the inner face 64 of the second part 58, and two Peltier effect modules 38 spaced around the first part 56. Providing two means for regulating the first part 56 of the body 28—namely, at least one Peltier effect module 38 to cool the first part 56 and a heat transfer fluid circulating in at least one section of the heat transfer fluid circuit 36 ​​to heat the first part 56—allows for very precise and responsive temperature control of the material present in the chamber 20. Furthermore, this solution helps to limit the occurrence of condensation.

[0080] According to one configuration, the temperature control system 26 includes at least one secondary section of heat transfer fluid circuit 36' located in the first part 56 which has a first end 36.1' which opens into the main section or one of the main sections of heat transfer fluid circuit 36 ​​and a second end 36.2' blind near the first conduit 62 of the first part 56. This solution makes it possible to optimize the heating of the material present in the chamber 20 when the Peltier effect modules 38 are not activated.

[0081] According to an embodiment visible in Figure 13, the first lower face 56.2 of the first part 56 includes a boss 68, projecting from said first lower face 56.2, positioned around the first conduit 62. This boss 68 is dimensioned so that it is in contact only with the ring 66 (and not with the second part 58) and that said first lower face 56.2 is spaced from the second part 58. Thus, the temperature control system 26 includes at least one secondary section of heat transfer fluid circuit 36'' interposed between said first lower face 56.2 of the first part 56 and the second part 58, said at least one secondary section of heat transfer fluid circuit 36'' communicating with the main section or at least one of the main sections of heat transfer fluid circuit 36.According to this embodiment, when the Peltier effect modules 38 are activated, they cool the first part 56, which in turn cools the ring 66 via the boss 68. When the Peltier effect modules 38 are not activated, the heat transfer fluid heats the first and second parts 56, 58, which in turn heat the ring 66. This embodiment allows for an increase in the height of the temperature-controlled chamber 20. For the purposes of this application, a height corresponds to a dimension measured along a direction parallel to the axis of revolution A20.

[0082] In this arrangement, the ring 66 is in contact with the tubular wall 20.1 (which delimits the chamber 20) from the nozzle 18 and over a height between 10 and 20% of the height of the tubular wall 20.1. In addition, each Peltier effect module 38 has a height greater than 50% of the height of the tubular wall 20.1. This arrangement optimizes the temperature regulation of the material in the chamber 20.

[0083] According to the embodiment visible in figures 12, 13, the removable subassembly 30 is introduced into the first part 56 of the body 28 via its first upper face 56.1 until it is immobilized in the appropriate position, the first part 56 being subsequently connected to a component power supply.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Three-dimensional printing device comprising a printing chamber (E) containing an atmosphere, at least one heating system for the atmosphere contained in the printing chamber (E) to a temperature greater than or equal to 30°C and at least one extrusion printing head (12) located in the printing chamber (E), said extrusion printing head (12) being configured to extrude a mixture of material comprising at least two components and having a chamber (20) which contains the mixture of material to be extruded and a nozzle (18); characterized in that the extrusion printing head (12) comprises at least one temperature control system (26) configured to at least cool the mixture of material present in the chamber (20) to a temperature less than or equal to 10°C.

2. Three-dimensional printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature control system (26) comprises at least one Peltier effect module (38) which has a cold face (F38) oriented towards the chamber (20) and positioned close to the latter, a hot face (F38') opposite the cold face (F38) and at least one connector (38.1) configured to be connected to an electrical power supply.

3. Three-dimensional printing device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the temperature control system (26) comprises at least one main section of heat transfer fluid circuit (36) as well as at least one heat transfer fluid supply regulated at a temperature greater than or equal to 30°C.

4. Three-dimensional printing device according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the extrusion printing head (12) comprises a body (28) which includes at least first and second concentric parts (56, 58), the first part (56) having at least one outer face (60) oriented towards the second part (58) and a first conduit (62) configured to house the chamber (20); the second part (58) having an inner face (64) delimiting a second conduit (64C) in which the first part (56) is positioned at least partially.

5. Three-dimensional printing device according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that each Peltier module (38) is positioned in the second conduit (64C), interposed between the first and second parts (56, 58) of the body (28), and in that, for each Peltier effect module (38), the outer face (60) of the first part (56) of the body (28) includes a flat area (F60) against which the cold face (F38) of the Peltier effect module (38) is pressed, the inner face (64) of the second part (58) of the body (28) includes a flat area (F64) against which the hot face (F38') of the Peltier effect module (38) is pressed.

6. Three-dimensional printing device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the temperature control system (26) comprises several Peltier effect modules (38) distributed around the first part (56) and spaced apart from each other and in that the temperature control system (26) comprises several main sections of heat transfer fluid circuit (36), each of them being delimited by the outer face (60) of the first part (56), the inner face (64) of the second part (58) and two Peltier effect modules (38) spaced around the first part (56).

7. Three-dimensional printing device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the body (28) comprises a ring (66) interposed between the second part (58) and a removable subassembly (30) comprising the chamber (20), said ring (66) being made of a thermally conductive material.

8. Three-dimensional printing device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first part (56) comprises a lower face (56.2) which has a boss (68), projecting from said first lower face (56.2), positioned around the first conduit (62), the boss (68) being dimensioned so that it is in contact only with the ring (66) and that said first lower face (56.2) is spaced from the second part (58).

9. Three-dimensional printing device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the temperature control system (26) comprises at least one secondary section of heat transfer fluid circuit (36') interposed between said first lower face (56.2) of the first part (56) and the second part (58) which communicates with at least one of the main sections of heat transfer fluid circuit (36).

10. Three-dimensional printing device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the ring (66) is in contact with a tubular wall (20.1) which delimits the chamber (20), from the nozzle (18) and over a height between 10 and 20% of the height of the tubular wall (20.1).

11. A three-dimensional printing device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the extrusion print head (12) comprises at least one heat dissipation system configured to dissipate the heat generated by the Peltier effect module(s) (38).

12. A three-dimensional printing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extrusion print head (12) comprises at least one moisture collector (44) configured to collect at least one condensate forming on a surface of the extrusion print head (12) and at least one evaporation system (46) configured to cause the evaporation of the condensate collected by the moisture collector (44).

13. Three-dimensional printing device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the extrusion printing head (12) comprises a tubular body (28) surrounding the chamber (20) and in that the moisture collector (44) and the evaporation system (46) form a ring (48), positioned under the body (28), which has a top face (F48) oriented towards the body (28) as well as a through hole (50) for the nozzle (18).

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