WO2015097279A1 - Three-dimensional printing device - Google Patents

Three-dimensional printing device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015097279A1
WO2015097279A1 PCT/EP2014/079294 EP2014079294W WO2015097279A1 WO 2015097279 A1 WO2015097279 A1 WO 2015097279A1 EP 2014079294 W EP2014079294 W EP 2014079294W WO 2015097279 A1 WO2015097279 A1 WO 2015097279A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
printing device
printing
printer
cassette
nozzle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2014/079294
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Yvonne DEMOREST
Original Assignee
Heller-Joustra
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Heller-Joustra filed Critical Heller-Joustra
Publication of WO2015097279A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015097279A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C48/00—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C48/03—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor characterised by the shape of the extruded material at extrusion
    • B29C48/05—Filamentary, e.g. strands
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C48/00—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C48/03—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor characterised by the shape of the extruded material at extrusion
    • B29C48/12—Articles with an irregular circumference when viewed in cross-section, e.g. window profiles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C48/00—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C48/03—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor characterised by the shape of the extruded material at extrusion
    • B29C48/13—Articles with a cross-section varying in the longitudinal direction, e.g. corrugated pipes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C48/00—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C48/25—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C48/78—Thermal treatment of the extrusion moulding material or of preformed parts or layers, e.g. by heating or cooling
    • B29C48/86—Thermal treatment of the extrusion moulding material or of preformed parts or layers, e.g. by heating or cooling at the nozzle zone
    • B29C48/865—Heating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C48/00—Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C48/25—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C48/88—Thermal treatment of the stream of extruded material, e.g. cooling
    • B29C48/911—Cooling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/10—Processes of additive manufacturing
    • B29C64/106—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/10—Processes of additive manufacturing
    • B29C64/106—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material
    • B29C64/118—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using filamentary material being melted, e.g. fused deposition modelling [FDM]
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/20—Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • B29C64/205—Means for applying layers
    • B29C64/209—Heads; Nozzles

Definitions

  • the field of the invention is that of creative games.
  • the invention relates to a three-dimensional printer designed for the production / manufacture of three-dimensional objects of various shapes, and intended for individuals, especially children.
  • Three-dimensional printers are used in industry and can be used to manufacture (or print), by superposition of thin layers of plastic for example, an object (a prototype for example ) quickly and cheaply.
  • Such a printer is conventionally driven by a computer that implements a digital file containing the three-dimensional data of the object to be produced.
  • 3D printers for the general public remain relatively expensive and are not, or very little, suitable for children.
  • the invention particularly aims to overcome these disadvantages of the prior art.
  • an object of the invention in at least one embodiment, is to provide a three-dimensional printer for individuals, including children, which allows to make objects of various shapes / complex.
  • Another objective of the invention is to provide such a means that promotes learning of the child, and which develops his concentration, his imagination, his agility, and his notion of volume and space especially.
  • the invention has the objective of providing, in at least one embodiment, such a means which is simple to use, without a particular address, and which is playful.
  • Another object of the invention in at least one embodiment, is to provide such a means that is robust, secure and low cost.
  • a device for printing a three-dimensional object by depositing successive layers of material according to data defining the object, said device comprising at least one printhead of a filament of said material, said printhead comprising a nozzle in which said filament circulates and means for heating said nozzle.
  • said nozzle is surrounded by a protective envelope.
  • the invention proposes a three-dimensional printer (or "3D") allowing, from a digital file, the manufacture of volume parts by deposition of successive layers of material.
  • the printer according to the invention is designed to be used as a toy by a child. It is easy to use and its structure optimizes security (protection and control of risks to avoid the danger of the toy) for a young user / child.
  • the material is preferably plastic, ABS (for "acrylonitrile butadiene styrene") for example.
  • the print head uses a nozzle for heating and extruding the plastic material.
  • thermal protection envelope on the periphery of the printing nozzle is advantageous in that such an envelope protects the user from any contact with the nozzle, and minimizes the risk of injury or burns which may occur when removing the printed object when the nozzle is hot.
  • Such a printer is intended for amateur users, especially children, wishing to indulge in creative leisure in the context of private use. It meets the regulations on the safety of toys.
  • the printer according to the invention is manageable and relatively easy to use for a child. The child can thus make a large number of objects, such as figurines for example.
  • said protective envelope is made of silicone.
  • said printing device comprises a frame formed of several walls and hermetically closed, at least one of said walls having a transparent part.
  • the interior space of the frame in which the printing of the object is implemented is closed sealingly with the outside so as to avoid any contact of the user with the active parts of the printing device when a print cycle of an object is in progress.
  • transparent parts allows the user, for example a child, to view the manufacture of the object and to know the progress of printing.
  • the frame has three transparent portions located respectively on the side walls and on the front door.
  • At least one of said walls is a door, thus allowing simplified and secure access to the printed object.
  • said print head is movable between a retracted rest position and an extended printing position in which said print head is able to move along three axes of displacement.
  • the two positions of the print head make it possible to quickly identify whether the printing device is in a printing cycle or at rest.
  • said printing device comprises means for detecting the opening of said door configured to de-energize said printing device when an opening of the door is detected.
  • Such an implementation makes it possible to prevent the user from accessing the printing space of the device of the invention during a printing cycle.
  • moving parts including the print head
  • the heating of the nozzle is stopped.
  • the means for detecting the opening of said door are configured to move said print head to its rest position when an opening of the door is detected.
  • Such an implementation makes it possible to release the print head from the printing space of the object. The user therefore has little risk of hitting and / or breaking the print head by removing the printed object. This implementation also prevents the risk of injury / burns.
  • said filament of said material is stored in a cassette intended to be removably housed in a housing for receiving said device, said cassette comprising means for gripping said device.
  • Such an implementation allows the device to create objects with different colors and from different materials, for example.
  • the gripping means which take the form of a handle for example, allow easy replacement of the cassette, even for a child.
  • said removable cassette is secured by a rotational movement to said device.
  • said cassette carries first locking means intended to cooperate with second locking means located in said housing.
  • the printing device is powered by a low voltage between 5V and 20V.
  • the printing device can thus be used as a toy by children.
  • the printing device comprises at least one housing for receiving a memory card.
  • the three-dimensional object is printed on a removable tray so as to be able to remove said tray when the printing cycle is finished.
  • a removable tray receives the printed object and can be recovered without risk of contact with the nozzle. The removal of the object once this last printed is thus facilitated.
  • said heating means comprise at least one PTC resistor (for "positive temperature coefficient” in English, and "CTP” in French for “positive temperature coefficient”) semiconductor.
  • Such a resistance self-regulates and is at constant power.
  • the heating time is faster, and the risk of overheating is decreased or even eliminated.
  • said device comprises at least one USB port (of the English “universal serial bus”, “universal serial bus” in French).
  • said cassette comprises electronic means of identification.
  • the electronic identification means comprise a FID chip (English “radio frequency identification”, “identification by radio frequency” in French).
  • said device comprises means for reading electronic identification means.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B are two perspective views, of 3/4 face and 3/4 back, of a printer according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 schematically illustrates the detection and recognition of a consumable implemented in the printer of the invention
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the dimensions of a three-dimensional object printed by the printer of the invention
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view, of 3/4 face, of the printer of FIGS. 1A and 1B when the access cover to the printing space is open;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary architecture of the printer according to the first embodiment of the invention
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B schematically illustrate two modes of operation of the printer of the invention
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view, 3/4 face, of a printer according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 8 is an exploded view of the printer of Figure 7.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views, of 3/4 face and 3/4 back respectively, of the printer according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • the printer 1 comprises a strong plastic frame of substantially parallelepiped shape.
  • the frame comprises a front face and a rear face which are connected by two lateral faces, a lower face intended to rest on a flat surface support (a table or a desk for example) and an upper face.
  • This frame is designed for hermetically closing the internal printing space of the printer 1 and acting as a barrier between the user and all the active parts of the printer (i.e. the moving parts and heating elements like the printing nozzle).
  • the chassis protects all active parts of the printer from dust and UV rays from the sun.
  • the edges of the frame are rounded so as to have no salient angle and protect the user from injuries and cuts, for example.
  • the printer 1 comprises, on its front face, a transparent door 11 pivotally mounted on hinges.
  • Figure 1A shows the door 11 in the closed position
  • Figure 4 showing the door 11 in the open position, once the impression of an object O made.
  • the printer 1 comprises means for detecting the closing of the door
  • the detection system comprises magnetic means capable of detecting the opening of the door.
  • the detection system thus causes the complete and instant stop of the printer 1 as soon as the opening of the door is detected.
  • the manufacturing cycle of a three-dimensional object can only be implemented when the door 11 is closed.
  • the printer 1 further comprises, on its front face, a man / machine interface 12, which will be described in more detail below.
  • the printer 1 comprises, on its rear face (FIG. 1B), a housing for detachably housing a consumable, in the form of a cassette 13.
  • the interchangeable cassette 13 comprises a coil of wire (or filament) 13 plastic, ABS in this example.
  • the printer 1 is powered by a DC voltage of between 6 and 24V from a remote-AC / DC transformer block (block T in FIGS. 6A and 6D). It further includes a DC socket 14 and a USB port 15.
  • the printer 1 is relatively light (less than 8 kg) and compact (height equal to 300 mm, depth equal to 215 mm, and width equal to 270 mm in this example).
  • the instantaneous total power of the printer 1 is of the order of 150 W max.
  • the printer 1 makes it possible to manufacture three-dimensional pieces O of width L (along the X axis), height H (along the Z axis) and depth P (along the Y axis) equal to 100 mm maximum, with an accuracy of about +/- 0.3 mm.
  • Figures 7 and 8 are respectively perspective and exploded views of the printer of the invention according to a second embodiment.
  • the second embodiment differs from the first in that the printer 2 is of substantially cubic shape and has dimensions of the order of 300mm in height, 260mm in width and 260mm in depth.
  • the printer 2 comprises, on its front face, a transparent door 21a pivotally mounted on hinges.
  • the side walls of the printer 2 each have an opening closed by a transparent side window 21b.
  • the transparent side windows 21b thus make it easier for the user to visualize the evolution of the manufacture of an object.
  • the door 21a also has a transparent window.
  • the bottom surface of the printer 2 which is intended to rest on a flat support surface, carries four feet 22, located in each of the corners.
  • the feet 22 are in the form of flexible pads to remove, or at least reduce, the vibrations generated by the operation of the printer.
  • the housing 24 for receiving the interchangeable cassette 23 is located in the upper wall of the printer 2.
  • the cassette 23 is here circular in shape and has first locking means 231, formed by two L-shaped lugs diametrically opposite and located on the outer edge of the cassette 23.
  • the tabs 231 are intended to cooperate with second locking means 241, which are two L-shaped recesses located on the periphery of the housing 24.
  • the locking of the cassette 23 on the printer is obtained by a rotational movement of a quarter turn of the cassette 23 in the housing 24, so as to lock the tabs 231 in the recesses 241 to maintain in position the cassette 23 in the housing 24.
  • the cassette 23 has here, on its upper face, a handle 232 which can be grasped by the user (particularly a child) to facilitate the introduction and locking of the cassette 23 of wire on the printer 2.
  • the handle 232 can also be used as a gripping means for transporting the printer 2, once the locking of the cassette 23 is performed.
  • the printer 1 implements a single electronic card C which integrates all the electronic and electrical functions (human / machine interface, DC plug, USB sockets, LEDs, drivers, microcontroller, ...) of the printer 1.
  • Printer 1 uses the thermoplastic extrusion process (other printing methods may be used). To do this, the printer implements a print head (extrusion in this case) 17 which comprises:
  • an extruder 171 which drives and pushes the material (in this case the plastic filament 131 of the cassette 13) into the heated printing nozzle
  • the heating of the nozzle is implemented by a heating element, in the form of a heating resistor 1711 (extrusion temperature equal to 200 ° C, 12V DC supply voltage and variable power from 0 to 26W).
  • an extrusion motor 172 which controls the extruder 171.
  • the insertion of the filament 131 is relatively easy. Indeed, it suffices for the user to present the filament 131 at the entrance of the extruder 171 so that the latter comes to grip and drive the filament 131 to the hot printing nozzle.
  • the filament 131 is simply placed on the orifice provided for this purpose at the entrance of the extruder 171.
  • a motor routes the filament 131 into the nozzle which then takes over without the child coming into contact with the heating elements.
  • Heating resistor 1711 is a PTC resistor.
  • Such resistance self-regulates and is constant power (further heating time is faster, no risk of overheating, reduced diameter and length compared to traditional resistors, low power consumption). In other words, its implementation does not require an electronic device for temperature regulation (including sensor).
  • the attainment of the set temperature is determined by the measurement of supply current of the heating resistor 1711.
  • the displacement of the extrusion head 17 is controlled by two stepper motors, namely a motor 181 X and a motor 182 Y.
  • the extrusion head 17 is able to move next the X and Y axes relative to a plate (or deposit plate, or support platform) 18, on which the object is printed.
  • the plate 18 is able to move along the axis Z with respect to the extrusion head 17 by means of a motor 183 in Z stepwise to form each successive layer of the object to be printed.
  • stepper motors 181, 182, 183 are supplied with 12V / 0.4A, the pitch being 1.8 °.
  • the electronic card C comprises a microcontroller 101 able to interpret the instructions in G-code and communicating with:
  • the heating nozzle controller 1710 controls the heating resistor 1711 and receives temperature representative data as measured by the temperature sensor 1712.
  • the man / machine interface 12 comprises:
  • an LCD display 121 (or GLCD) with at least four lines;
  • the man / machine interface 12 makes it possible to access the functions of the printer 1 via a menu, and in particular to the following functions:
  • the printer 2 of the second embodiment (FIGS. 7 and 8) has substantially the same architecture.
  • the printing of an object is done by extrusion, but other techniques can obviously be implemented.
  • the displacement of the extrusion head 25 is controlled by three stepper motors.
  • Such an implementation therefore allows the extrusion head 25 to move along the X, Y and Z axes relative to the plate 26 on which the printed object (not shown) rests.
  • the printing in successive layers is provided solely by the movements of the extrusion head 25, the plate 26 remaining fixed during printing.
  • the plate 26, on which the object is printed is removable.
  • the child can therefore open the door 21a of the printer 2 and remove the tray 26 of the frame to take in hand safely and easily the manufactured object (that is to say without any risk of touching the extrusion head 25, for example).
  • the extrusion head 25 implements an extrusion nozzle 27, the heating of which is provided by a heating element, in the form of a heating resistor PTC (not shown).
  • the nozzle 27 is a metal part having a relatively low mass, and therefore a relatively low heat capacity. Therefore, when the nozzle heater 27 is interrupted, its cooling is very fast. This implementation thus avoids the risk of burns for the user when the latter removes the removable tray 26 to seize the printed part.
  • heating printing nozzle 27 is surrounded by a peripheral protection, or envelope, 271 of silicone which aims to avoid direct contact between the user and the nozzle 27, the latter being able to cause burns when it is hot, which is undesirable.
  • a peripheral protection, or envelope, 271 of silicone which aims to avoid direct contact between the user and the nozzle 27, the latter being able to cause burns when it is hot, which is undesirable.
  • man / machine interface 28 of the printer 2 comprises a slot for an SD card (not shown), an LCD 281 and a single rotary knob 282 control ("joystick" in English).
  • a rotary knob 282 allows the user a simplified and ergonomic navigation in the menus of the interface.
  • the insertion of the filament is relatively easy. Indeed, it suffices for the user to present the filament at the entrance of the extruder so that the latter comes to grasp and drive the filament to the hot printing nozzle.
  • the filament is simply placed on the orifice provided for this purpose at the entrance of the extruder. An engine routes the filament into the nozzle, which then takes over without the child coming into contact with the heating elements.
  • the language used to control printer 1 is the G-code, which is originally a machine tool control language, and which is defined by the S standard. -274D.
  • This control language (or machine code) defines the set of sequential instructions necessary for the three-dimensional printing of an object by means of the printer 1.
  • This G-code is obtained from a 3D model of an object that the user wishes to achieve.
  • the microcontroller 101 receives instructions (G-code) from a personal computer, for example, connected to the printer 1 (via the USB port 15) or a USB key connected to the printer 1 (via the USB port 16), interprets them, and then sends control signals to the drivers 1720, 1810, 1820, 1830 and the controller 1710 of the heating nozzle.
  • G-code instructions
  • a personal computer for example, connected to the printer 1 (via the USB port 15) or a USB key connected to the printer 1 (via the USB port 16)
  • interprets them and then sends control signals to the drivers 1720, 1810, 1820, 1830 and the controller 1710 of the heating nozzle.
  • the microcontroller 101 thus drives the three stepper motors 181, 182, 183, and thus the displacement of the extrusion head 17 (along the X and Y axes) and the plate 18 (along the Z axis).
  • the instructions / orders of movement are for example "go to the point X, Y, Z", or "to draw a circle of radius”.
  • the command "GO Z25” corresponds to an out-of-material displacement of 25 mm along the Z axis.
  • the printer 2 of the second embodiment of the invention is controlled substantially identically.
  • the microcontroller is also able to receive instructions (“G-Code”) from the SD card (located in the SD card slot of the human / machine interface 28), to interpret them, then to send control signals to the three stepper motors that move the extrusion head 27 along the X, Y and Z axes.
  • USB key C storing one or more program files in "G-Code" (corresponding to one or more models to be printed) is inserted in the USB port 16 located on the front of the printer 1.
  • the user chooses the model that he wishes to print via the man / machine interface 12. Once the selection is made, the printer 1 starts its production cycle automatically, that is to say without any other user intervention.
  • the "G-Code" program file (s) are stored in a removable SD card which is then inserted into a slot on the man / machine interface of the printer 2.
  • G-Code models of objects to be manufactured
  • the downloaded program on the SD card can then be implemented by the printer 2.
  • the printer 1 behaves as a connected printing device (by a wired connection in this example), through the USB port 15, to a personal computer PC, the latter implementing printer control software.
  • the printer 1 receives via the USB link the "G-Code" commands sent by the PC.
  • the printer 2 can operate according to the same principle.
  • the printer 1 is powered at 12, 15 or 24V by means of a transformer T AC / DC connected to the socket 14 of the printer 1.
  • the printer 2 of the second embodiment is fed with 6V, preferably.
  • Printer 1 may behave like a USB device. It can be controlled from CAD software (for "computer-aided design") or modeling, such as Solidworks, SketchUp, Rhinoceros (registered trademarks) software.
  • CAD software for "computer-aided design”
  • modeling such as Solidworks, SketchUp, Rhinoceros (registered trademarks) software.
  • the driver of the printer 1 is in this case installed on the PC personal computer of the user. It is preferably compatible with Windows XP, Vista 7, Vista 8, Mac, Linux (registered trademarks) operating systems.
  • Such a driver is configured to implement the conversion of the 3D model to be printed to the appropriate G-code language for controlling the printer 1.
  • the driver is further configured to provide an estimate of the completion time of an impression based on the compiled G-code language.
  • One or more parameters are adjustable via a "Parameter" window from the print control panel.
  • the printer of the invention is able to print various types of figurines (human being, fictional character, %) of various sizes.
  • FIG. 4 An example of a printed object O is shown in FIG. 4 when it is disposed on the support 18.
  • the geometry or shape of the printer of the invention is not limited to the examples illustrated above.
  • the printer is able to extrude other types of wire than ABS wire. It can include one or more extrusion heads.
  • the filament cassette is able to store threads of various colors.
  • the cassette 13 of wire 131 may be provided with an RFID tag 131 (comprising an electronic chip and an antenna) and the printer 1 may comprise an RFID reader (antenna) 101 for the detection and cassette recognition 13.
  • an RFID tag 131 comprising an electronic chip and an antenna
  • the printer 1 may comprise an RFID reader (antenna) 101 for the detection and cassette recognition 13.
  • Such a reader 101 allows a contactless reading of the RFID tag 131, which makes it possible to ensure that the cassette 13 of consumable is compatible with the printer 1. Such an approach also makes it possible to protect the user against counterfeit consumables. The same approach can be implemented for the cassette 23 and the printer 2.
  • the printer 2 implements a mode called “calibration” to calibrate the printer 2.
  • This manipulation is easy in that it is sufficient for the user to place a sheet of paper on the plate 26 and then follow a series of instructions in the form of messages or icons displayed on the LCD 281 of the man / machine interface 28.
  • the control knob 282 By acting on the control knob 282, the user can adjust the printer, and the zero level for the Z axis (called "Z0") in particular.
  • the monitoring of the manufacture of an object can be done by a drop-down menu on the LCD screen 281.

Abstract

The invention relates to a printing device for printing a three-dimensional object by deposition of successive layers of material in accordance with data defining the object, said device comprising at least one printing head for printing a filament of said material, said printing head comprising a nozzle wherein said filament circulates and means for heating said nozzle. According to the invention, said nozzle is surrounded by a protective envelope.

Description

Dispositif d'impression tridimensionnelle  Three-dimensional printing device
1. Domaine de l'invention  1. Field of the invention
Le domaine de l'invention est celui des jeux créatifs.  The field of the invention is that of creative games.
Plus précisément, l'invention se rapporte à une imprimante tridimensionnelle conçue pour la réalisation/fabrication d'objets tridimensionnels de formes variées, et destinée aux particuliers, notamment aux enfants.  More specifically, the invention relates to a three-dimensional printer designed for the production / manufacture of three-dimensional objects of various shapes, and intended for individuals, especially children.
2. Etat de la technique  2. State of the art
Les imprimantes tridimensionnelles (dont l'abréviation est le terme « 3D ») sont utilisées dans l'industrie et permettent de fabriquer (ou d'imprimer), par superposition de fines couches successives de plastique par exemple, un objet (un prototype par exemple) de façon rapide et à moindre coût.  Three-dimensional printers (abbreviated as "3D") are used in industry and can be used to manufacture (or print), by superposition of thin layers of plastic for example, an object (a prototype for example ) quickly and cheaply.
Une telle imprimante est classiquement pilotée par un ordinateur qui met en œuvre un fichier numérique contentant les données en trois dimensions de l'objet à produire.  Such a printer is conventionally driven by a computer that implements a digital file containing the three-dimensional data of the object to be produced.
Les imprimantes 3D destinées au grand public restent relativement coûteuses et ne sont pas, ou peu, adaptées aux enfants.  3D printers for the general public remain relatively expensive and are not, or very little, suitable for children.
Or, la pratique des loisirs créatifs par des enfants participe à leur bon développement. Elle leur permet en effet de cultiver et de développer leur imaginaire et d'acquérir les bases des activités artistiques qui sont très peu enseignées à l'école.  However, the practice of creative hobbies by children contributes to their good development. It allows them to cultivate and develop their imagination and acquire the basics of artistic activities that are very little taught at school.
Certains loisirs créatifs consistent en des activités de nature manuelle qui peuvent notamment permettre aux enfants qui s'y adonnent de développer leur concentration, leur agilité, et leur notion de volume et d'espace.  Some creative hobbies consist of activities of a manual nature that can, in particular, enable the children who develop them to develop their concentration, their agility, and their notion of volume and space.
3. Objectifs de l'invention  3. Objectives of the invention
L'invention a notamment pour objectif de pallier ces inconvénients de l'art antérieur.  The invention particularly aims to overcome these disadvantages of the prior art.
Plus précisément, un objectif de l'invention, dans au moins un mode de réalisation, est de fournir une imprimante tridimensionnelle destinée aux particuliers, et notamment aux enfants, qui permette de confectionner des objets de formes variées/complexes.  More specifically, an object of the invention, in at least one embodiment, is to provide a three-dimensional printer for individuals, including children, which allows to make objects of various shapes / complex.
Un autre objectif de l'invention, dans au moins un mode de réalisation, est de fournir un tel moyen qui favorise l'apprentissage de l'enfant, et qui développe sa concentration, son imagination, son agilité, et sa notion de volume et d'espace notamment. Another objective of the invention, in at least one embodiment, is to provide such a means that promotes learning of the child, and which develops his concentration, his imagination, his agility, and his notion of volume and space especially.
L'invention poursuit l'objectif de fournir, dans au moins un mode de réalisation, un tel moyen qui soit simple d'utilisation, sans adresse particulière, et qui soit ludique.  The invention has the objective of providing, in at least one embodiment, such a means which is simple to use, without a particular address, and which is playful.
Un autre objectif de l'invention, dans au moins un mode de réalisation, est de fournir un tel moyen qui soit robuste, sécurisé et de coût réduit.  Another object of the invention, in at least one embodiment, is to provide such a means that is robust, secure and low cost.
4. Exposé de l'invention  4. Presentation of the invention
Ces objectifs, ainsi que d'autres qui apparaîtront plus clairement par la suite, sont atteints à l'aide d'un dispositif d'impression d'un objet tridimensionnel par dépôt de couches successives de matériau conformément à des données définissant l'objet, ledit dispositif comprenant au moins une tête d'impression d'un filament dudit matériau, ladite tête d'impression comprenant une buse dans laquelle circule ledit filament et des moyens de chauffage de ladite buse.  These objectives, as well as others which will appear more clearly later, are achieved by means of a device for printing a three-dimensional object by depositing successive layers of material according to data defining the object, said device comprising at least one printhead of a filament of said material, said printhead comprising a nozzle in which said filament circulates and means for heating said nozzle.
Selon l'invention, ladite buse est entourée d'une enveloppe de protection. According to the invention, said nozzle is surrounded by a protective envelope.
Ainsi, l'invention propose une imprimante tridimensionnelle (ou « 3D ») permettant, à partir d'un fichier numérique, la fabrication de pièces volumiques par dépôt de couches successives de matière. Thus, the invention proposes a three-dimensional printer (or "3D") allowing, from a digital file, the manufacture of volume parts by deposition of successive layers of material.
L'imprimante conforme à l'invention est conçue pour pouvoir être utilisée en tant que jouet par un enfant. Elle est simple d'utilisation et sa structure permet d'optimiser la sécurité (protection et maîtrise des risques pour éviter la dangerosité du jouet) pour un jeune utilisateur/enfant.  The printer according to the invention is designed to be used as a toy by a child. It is easy to use and its structure optimizes security (protection and control of risks to avoid the danger of the toy) for a young user / child.
La matière est de préférence du plastique, de l'ABS (pour « Acrylonitrile butadiene styrène ») par exemple.  The material is preferably plastic, ABS (for "acrylonitrile butadiene styrene") for example.
De façon classique, la tête d'impression met en œuvre une buse de chauffage et d'extrusion de la matière plastique.  Conventionally, the print head uses a nozzle for heating and extruding the plastic material.
La mise en œuvre d'une enveloppe de protection thermique sur la périphérie de la buse d'impression est avantageuse en ce sens qu'une telle enveloppe protège l'utilisateur de tout contact avec la buse, et minimise les risques de blessures ou brûlures qui peuvent survenir lors du retrait de l'objet imprimé lorsque la buse est chaude.  The implementation of a thermal protection envelope on the periphery of the printing nozzle is advantageous in that such an envelope protects the user from any contact with the nozzle, and minimizes the risk of injury or burns which may occur when removing the printed object when the nozzle is hot.
Une telle imprimante est destinée à des utilisateurs amateurs, notamment des enfants, souhaitant s'adonner au loisir créatif dans le cadre d'un usage privé. Elle répond à la réglementation sur la sécurité des jouets. L'imprimante conforme à l'invention est maniable et relativement facile à utiliser pour un enfant. L'enfant peut ainsi réaliser un grand nombre d'objets, tels que des figurines par exemple. Such a printer is intended for amateur users, especially children, wishing to indulge in creative leisure in the context of private use. It meets the regulations on the safety of toys. The printer according to the invention is manageable and relatively easy to use for a child. The child can thus make a large number of objects, such as figurines for example.
Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, ladite enveloppe de protection est en silicone.  According to a particular aspect of the invention, said protective envelope is made of silicone.
Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, ledit dispositif d'impression comprend un châssis formé de plusieurs parois et hermétiquement fermé, au moins une desdites parois présentant une partie transparente.  According to a particular aspect of the invention, said printing device comprises a frame formed of several walls and hermetically closed, at least one of said walls having a transparent part.
Ainsi, l'espace intérieur du châssis dans lequel est mis en œuvre l'impression de l'objet est fermé de manière étanche avec l'extérieur de façon à éviter tout contact de l'utilisateur avec les parties actives du dispositif d'impression lorsqu'un cycle d'impression d'un objet est en cours.  Thus, the interior space of the frame in which the printing of the object is implemented is closed sealingly with the outside so as to avoid any contact of the user with the active parts of the printing device when a print cycle of an object is in progress.
En outre, la mise en œuvre de parties transparentes permet à l'utilisateur, un enfant par exemple, de visualiser la fabrication de l'objet et de connaître l'état d'avancement de l'impression.  In addition, the implementation of transparent parts allows the user, for example a child, to view the manufacture of the object and to know the progress of printing.
Dans un mode de réalisation particulier, le châssis présente trois parties transparentes situées respectivement sur les parois latérales et sur la porte avant.  In a particular embodiment, the frame has three transparent portions located respectively on the side walls and on the front door.
Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, au moins une desdites parois est une porte, permettant ainsi un accès simplifié et sécurisé à l'objet imprimé.  According to a particular aspect of the invention, at least one of said walls is a door, thus allowing simplified and secure access to the printed object.
Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, ladite tête d'impression est mobile entre une position escamotée de repos et une position déployée d'impression dans laquelle ladite tête d'impression est apte à se déplacer selon trois axes de déplacement.  According to a particular aspect of the invention, said print head is movable between a retracted rest position and an extended printing position in which said print head is able to move along three axes of displacement.
Ceci permet au dispositif d'imprimer des objets de formes et de tailles différentes en trois dimensions.  This allows the device to print objects of different shapes and sizes in three dimensions.
Par ailleurs, les deux positions de la tête d'impression permettent d'identifier rapidement si le dispositif d'impression est dans un cycle d'impression ou bien au repos.  Moreover, the two positions of the print head make it possible to quickly identify whether the printing device is in a printing cycle or at rest.
Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, ledit dispositif d'impression comprend des moyens de détection de l'ouverture de ladite porte configurés pour mettre hors tension ledit dispositif d'impression lorsqu'une ouverture de la porte est détectée.  According to a particular aspect of the invention, said printing device comprises means for detecting the opening of said door configured to de-energize said printing device when an opening of the door is detected.
Une telle mise en œuvre permet d'éviter que l'utilisateur accède à l'espace d'impression du dispositif de l'invention au cours d'un cycle d'impression. Lors de la mise hors tension, les parties en mouvements (tête d'impression notamment) sont instantanément stoppées et le chauffage de la buse est arrêté. Such an implementation makes it possible to prevent the user from accessing the printing space of the device of the invention during a printing cycle. When powering down, moving parts (including the print head) are instantly stopped and the heating of the nozzle is stopped.
Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, les moyens de détection de l'ouverture de ladite porte sont configurés pour déplacer ladite tête d'impression vers sa position de repos lorsqu'une ouverture de la porte est détectée.  According to a particular aspect of the invention, the means for detecting the opening of said door are configured to move said print head to its rest position when an opening of the door is detected.
Une telle mise en œuvre permet de dégager la tête d'impression de l'espace d'impression de l'objet. L'utilisateur a donc peu de risque de heurter et/ou de casser la tête d'impression en retirant l'objet imprimé. Cette mise en œuvre permet en outre de prévenir les risques de blessures/brûlures.  Such an implementation makes it possible to release the print head from the printing space of the object. The user therefore has little risk of hitting and / or breaking the print head by removing the printed object. This implementation also prevents the risk of injury / burns.
Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, ledit filament dudit matériau est stocké dans une cassette destinée à être logée de façon amovible dans un logement de réception dudit dispositif, ladite cassette comprenant des moyens de préhension dudit dispositif.  According to a particular aspect of the invention, said filament of said material is stored in a cassette intended to be removably housed in a housing for receiving said device, said cassette comprising means for gripping said device.
Une telle mise en œuvre permet au dispositif de créer des objets présentant différentes couleurs et à partir de différents matériaux, par exemple.  Such an implementation allows the device to create objects with different colors and from different materials, for example.
Par ailleurs, les moyens de préhension, qui prennent la forme d'une poignée par exemple, permettent un remplacement aisé de la cassette, même pour un enfant.  Moreover, the gripping means, which take the form of a handle for example, allow easy replacement of the cassette, even for a child.
Selon un autre aspect particulier de l'invention, ladite cassette amovible est solidarisée par un mouvement de rotation audit dispositif.  According to another particular aspect of the invention, said removable cassette is secured by a rotational movement to said device.
Le montage/démontage de la cassette sur l'imprimante s'avère relativement intuitif puisque le geste nécessaire à la (dé)solidarisation est simple et naturel. Le remplacement du consommable (cassette de fil) est ainsi simplifié.  The assembly / disassembly of the cassette on the printer is relatively intuitive since the gesture necessary to (un) fastening is simple and natural. Replacing the consumable (thread cassette) is thus simplified.
Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, ladite cassette porte des premiers moyens de verrouillage destinés à coopérer avec des seconds moyens de verrouillage situés dans ledit logement.  According to a particular aspect of the invention, said cassette carries first locking means intended to cooperate with second locking means located in said housing.
Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, le dispositif d'impression est alimenté par une basse tension comprise entre 5V et 20V.  According to a particular aspect of the invention, the printing device is powered by a low voltage between 5V and 20V.
Le dispositif d'impression peut ainsi être utilisé comme un jouet par des enfants. The printing device can thus be used as a toy by children.
Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, le dispositif d'impression comprend au moins un logement de réception d'un carte mémoire. According to a particular aspect of the invention, the printing device comprises at least one housing for receiving a memory card.
Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, l'objet tridimensionnel est imprimé sur un plateau amovible de manière à pouvoir retirer ledit plateau lorsque le cycle d'impression est terminé. Un plateau amovible reçoit l'objet imprimé et peut être récupéré sans risque de contact avec la buse. Le retrait de l'objet une fois ce dernier imprimé est donc facilité. According to a particular aspect of the invention, the three-dimensional object is printed on a removable tray so as to be able to remove said tray when the printing cycle is finished. A removable tray receives the printed object and can be recovered without risk of contact with the nozzle. The removal of the object once this last printed is thus facilitated.
Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, lesdits moyens de chauffage comprennent au moins une résistance PTC (pour « positive température coefficient » en anglais, et « CTP » en français pour « coefficient de température positif ») à semiconducteur.  According to a particular aspect of the invention, said heating means comprise at least one PTC resistor (for "positive temperature coefficient" in English, and "CTP" in French for "positive temperature coefficient") semiconductor.
Une telle résistance s'autorégule et est à puissance constante.  Such a resistance self-regulates and is at constant power.
En outre, le temps de chauffage est plus rapide, et le risque de surchauffe est diminué, voire supprimé.  In addition, the heating time is faster, and the risk of overheating is decreased or even eliminated.
Par ailleurs, les diamètre et longueur d'une telle résistance sont réduits en comparaison des résistances traditionnelles, et sa consommation en énergie est faible.  Moreover, the diameter and length of such a resistance are reduced in comparison with traditional resistances, and its energy consumption is low.
Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, ledit dispositif comprend au moins un port USB (de l'anglais « universal sériai bus », « bus universel en série » en français).  According to a particular aspect of the invention, said device comprises at least one USB port (of the English "universal serial bus", "universal serial bus" in French).
Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, ladite cassette comprend des moyens électroniques d'identification.  According to a particular aspect of the invention, said cassette comprises electronic means of identification.
Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, les moyens électroniques d'identification comprennent une puce FID (de l'anglais « radio frequency identification », « identification par radio fréquence » en français).  According to a particular aspect of the invention, the electronic identification means comprise a FID chip (English "radio frequency identification", "identification by radio frequency" in French).
Selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, ledit dispositif comprend des moyens de lecture de moyens électroniques d'identification.  According to a particular aspect of the invention, said device comprises means for reading electronic identification means.
5. Liste des figures  5. List of figures
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description suivante de deux modes de réalisation particuliers de l'invention, donnés à titre de simples exemples illustratifs et non limitatifs, et des dessins annexés, parmi lesquels :  Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description of two particular embodiments of the invention, given as simple illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings, among which:
les figures 1A et 1B sont deux vues en perspective, de 3/4 face et de 3/4 arrière, d'une imprimante selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;  FIGS. 1A and 1B are two perspective views, of 3/4 face and 3/4 back, of a printer according to a first embodiment of the invention;
la figure 2 illustre de façon schématique la détection et la reconnaissance d'un consommable mis en œuvre dans l'imprimante de l'invention ;  Figure 2 schematically illustrates the detection and recognition of a consumable implemented in the printer of the invention;
- la figure 3 illustre les dimensions d'un objet tridimensionnel imprimé par l'imprimante de l'invention ; FIG. 3 illustrates the dimensions of a three-dimensional object printed by the printer of the invention;
la figure 4 est une vue en perspective, de 3/4 face, de l'imprimante des figures 1A et 1B lorsque le couvercle d'accès à l'espace d'impression est ouvert ; FIG. 4 is a perspective view, of 3/4 face, of the printer of FIGS. 1A and 1B when the access cover to the printing space is open;
la figure 5 illustre un exemple d'architecture de l'imprimante selon le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;  FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary architecture of the printer according to the first embodiment of the invention;
les figures 6A et 6B illustrent de façon schématique deux modes de fonctionnement de l'imprimante de l'invention ;  Figures 6A and 6B schematically illustrate two modes of operation of the printer of the invention;
la figure 7 est une vue en perspective, de 3/4 face, d'une imprimante selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention ;  Figure 7 is a perspective view, 3/4 face, of a printer according to a second embodiment of the invention;
la figure 8 est une vue éclatée de l'imprimante de la figure 7.  Figure 8 is an exploded view of the printer of Figure 7.
6. Description détaillée de deux modes de réalisation de l'invention  6. Detailed description of two embodiments of the invention
L'architecture et la conception de l'imprimante de l'invention ont été guidées de façon :  The architecture and the design of the printer of the invention have been guided in a way:
- à limiter le nombre de composants électroniques, de connexions filaires et d'interconnexions ;  - to limit the number of electronic components, wired connections and interconnections;
- à optimiser la taille de la carte électronique intégrant l'ensemble des fonctions électroniques et électriques de l'imprimante ;  to optimize the size of the electronic card integrating all the electronic and electrical functions of the printer;
- à permettre une utilisation aisée par un enfant ; et  - to allow easy use by a child; and
- à offrir une sécurité d'utilisation optimale pour un enfant.  - to offer optimum security of use for a child.
6.1 Aspect extérieur de l'imprimante  6.1 External appearance of the printer
Les figures 1A et 1B sont des vues en perspective, de 3/4 face et de 3/4 arrière respectivement, de l'imprimante selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.  FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views, of 3/4 face and 3/4 back respectively, of the printer according to a first embodiment of the invention.
L'imprimante 1 comprend un châssis en plastique résistant de forme sensiblement parallélépipédique. Le châssis comprend une face avant et une face arrière qui sont reliées par deux faces latérales, une face inférieure destinée à reposer sur une surface plane de support (une table ou un bureau par exemple) et une face supérieure., Ce châssis est conçu pour fermer de façon hermétique l'espace intérieur d'impression de l'imprimante 1 et joue le rôle d'une barrière entre l'utilisateur et toutes les parties actives de l'imprimante (c'est-à-dire les parties en mouvement et les éléments chauffants comme la buse d'impression).  The printer 1 comprises a strong plastic frame of substantially parallelepiped shape. The frame comprises a front face and a rear face which are connected by two lateral faces, a lower face intended to rest on a flat surface support (a table or a desk for example) and an upper face., This frame is designed for hermetically closing the internal printing space of the printer 1 and acting as a barrier between the user and all the active parts of the printer (i.e. the moving parts and heating elements like the printing nozzle).
Par ailleurs, le châssis protège de la poussière et des rayons UV du soleil toutes les parties actives de l'imprimante.  In addition, the chassis protects all active parts of the printer from dust and UV rays from the sun.
Les arêtes du châssis sont arrondies afin de ne présenter aucun angle saillant et de protéger l'utilisateur des blessures et des coupures, par exemple. L'imprimante 1 comprend, sur sa face avant, une porte 11 transparente montée pivotante sur des charnières. The edges of the frame are rounded so as to have no salient angle and protect the user from injuries and cuts, for example. The printer 1 comprises, on its front face, a transparent door 11 pivotally mounted on hinges.
La figure 1A montre la porte 11 en position fermée, la figure 4 illustrant la porte 11 en position ouverte, une fois l'impression d'un objet O réalisée.  Figure 1A shows the door 11 in the closed position, Figure 4 showing the door 11 in the open position, once the impression of an object O made.
L'imprimante 1 comprend des moyens de détection de la fermeture de la porte The printer 1 comprises means for detecting the closing of the door
11, afin d'assurer la sécurité de l'utilisateur. Dans l'exemple illustré, le système de détection comprend des moyens magnétiques aptes à détecter l'ouverture de la porte. 11, to ensure the safety of the user. In the illustrated example, the detection system comprises magnetic means capable of detecting the opening of the door.
Le système de détection entraine ainsi l'arrêt complet et instantané de l'imprimante 1 dès que l'ouverture de la porte est détectée. En d'autres termes, le cycle de fabrication d'un objet tridimensionnel peut uniquement être mis en œuvre lorsque la porte 11 est fermée.  The detection system thus causes the complete and instant stop of the printer 1 as soon as the opening of the door is detected. In other words, the manufacturing cycle of a three-dimensional object can only be implemented when the door 11 is closed.
L'imprimante 1 comprend en outre, sur sa face avant, une interface homme/machine 12, qui sera décrite plus en détail par la suite.  The printer 1 further comprises, on its front face, a man / machine interface 12, which will be described in more detail below.
L'imprimante 1 comprend, sur sa face arrière (figure 1B), un logement pour y loger de façon amovible un consommable, sous la forme d'une cassette 13.  The printer 1 comprises, on its rear face (FIG. 1B), a housing for detachably housing a consumable, in the form of a cassette 13.
La cassette 13 interchangeable comprend une bobine de fil (ou filament) 13 plastique, en ABS dans cet exemple.  The interchangeable cassette 13 comprises a coil of wire (or filament) 13 plastic, ABS in this example.
L'imprimante 1 est alimentée par une tension continue (DC) comprise entre 6 et 24V provenant d'un bloc transformateur AC/DC déporté-extérieur (bloc T sur les figures 6A et 6D). Elle comprend en outre une prise d'alimentation (« socket » en anglais) en courant continu (DC) 14 et un port USB 15.  The printer 1 is powered by a DC voltage of between 6 and 24V from a remote-AC / DC transformer block (block T in FIGS. 6A and 6D). It further includes a DC socket 14 and a USB port 15.
L'imprimante 1 est relativement légère (moins de 8 kg) et compacte (hauteur égale à 300 mm, profondeur égale à 215 mm, et largeur égale à 270 mm dans cet exemple).  The printer 1 is relatively light (less than 8 kg) and compact (height equal to 300 mm, depth equal to 215 mm, and width equal to 270 mm in this example).
La puissance totale instantanée de l'imprimante 1 est de l'ordre de 150 W max. The instantaneous total power of the printer 1 is of the order of 150 W max.
Comme illustré sur la figure 3, l'imprimante 1 permet la fabrication de pièces tridimensionnelles O de largeur L (selon l'axe X), hauteur H (selon l'axe Z) et profondeur P (selon l'axe Y) égales à 100 mm maximum, avec une précision de l'ordre de +/- 0,3 mm. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the printer 1 makes it possible to manufacture three-dimensional pieces O of width L (along the X axis), height H (along the Z axis) and depth P (along the Y axis) equal to 100 mm maximum, with an accuracy of about +/- 0.3 mm.
Les figures 7 et 8 sont respectivement des vues en perspective et éclatée de l'imprimante de l'invention selon un deuxième mode de réalisation.  Figures 7 and 8 are respectively perspective and exploded views of the printer of the invention according to a second embodiment.
Le deuxième mode de réalisation diffère du premier en ce que l'imprimante 2 est de forme sensiblement cubique et présente des dimensions de l'ordre de 300mm de hauteur, 260mm de largeur et 260mm de profondeur. The second embodiment differs from the first in that the printer 2 is of substantially cubic shape and has dimensions of the order of 300mm in height, 260mm in width and 260mm in depth.
L'imprimante 2 comprend, sur sa face avant, une porte 21a transparente montée pivotante sur des charnières.  The printer 2 comprises, on its front face, a transparent door 21a pivotally mounted on hinges.
En outre, les parois latérales de l'imprimante 2 présentent chacune une ouverture obturée par une vitre 21b latérale transparente.  In addition, the side walls of the printer 2 each have an opening closed by a transparent side window 21b.
Les vitres 21b latérales transparentes permettent ainsi à l'utilisateur de visualiser plus facilement l'évolution de la fabrication d'un objet.  The transparent side windows 21b thus make it easier for the user to visualize the evolution of the manufacture of an object.
Dans cet exemple, la porte 21a présente également une vitre transparente. In this example, the door 21a also has a transparent window.
La surface inférieure de l'imprimante 2 qui est destinée à reposer sur une surface plane de support, porte quatre pieds 22, situés dans chacun des coins. Les pieds 22 se présentent sous la forme de patins souples permettant de supprimer, ou tout le moins de diminuer, les vibrations générées par le fonctionnement de l'imprimante. The bottom surface of the printer 2 which is intended to rest on a flat support surface, carries four feet 22, located in each of the corners. The feet 22 are in the form of flexible pads to remove, or at least reduce, the vibrations generated by the operation of the printer.
Dans ce deuxième mode de réalisation, le logement 24 destiné à recevoir la cassette interchangeable 23 est situé dans la paroi supérieure de l'imprimante 2.  In this second embodiment, the housing 24 for receiving the interchangeable cassette 23 is located in the upper wall of the printer 2.
La cassette 23 est ici de forme circulaire et présente des premiers moyens de verrouillage 231, formés par deux pattes en forme de L, diamétralement opposées et situées sur le bord extérieur de la cassette 23.  The cassette 23 is here circular in shape and has first locking means 231, formed by two L-shaped lugs diametrically opposite and located on the outer edge of the cassette 23.
Les pattes 231 sont destinées à coopérer avec des seconds moyens de verrouillage 241, qui sont deux évidements en forme de L, situés sur le pourtour du logement 24.  The tabs 231 are intended to cooperate with second locking means 241, which are two L-shaped recesses located on the periphery of the housing 24.
Le verrouillage de la cassette 23 sur l'imprimante est obtenu par un mouvement de rotation d'un 1/4 de tour de la cassette 23 dans le logement 24, de façon à verrouiller les pattes 231 dans les évidements 241 afin de maintenir en position la cassette 23 dans le logement 24.  The locking of the cassette 23 on the printer is obtained by a rotational movement of a quarter turn of the cassette 23 in the housing 24, so as to lock the tabs 231 in the recesses 241 to maintain in position the cassette 23 in the housing 24.
Dans ce mode de réalisation, la cassette 23 présente ici, sur sa face supérieure, une poignée 232 qui peut être saisie par l'utilisateur (un enfant particulièrement) afin de faciliter la mise en place et le verrouillage de la cassette 23 de fil sur l'imprimante 2.  In this embodiment, the cassette 23 has here, on its upper face, a handle 232 which can be grasped by the user (particularly a child) to facilitate the introduction and locking of the cassette 23 of wire on the printer 2.
La poignée 232 peut également être utilisé comme un moyen de préhension permettant de transporter l'imprimante 2, une fois le verrouillage de la cassette 23 effectué.  The handle 232 can also be used as a gripping means for transporting the printer 2, once the locking of the cassette 23 is performed.
6.2 Architecture technique La figure 5 illustre de façon schématique un exemple d"architecture de l'imprimante de l'invention selon le premier mode de réalisation. 6.2 Technical Architecture Figure 5 schematically illustrates an exemplary architecture of the printer of the invention according to the first embodiment.
L'imprimante 1 met en œuvre une unique carte électronique C qui intègre l'ensemble des fonctions électroniques et électriques (interface homme/machine, prise DC, prises USB, LEDs, pilotes, microcontrôleur, ...) de l'imprimante 1.  The printer 1 implements a single electronic card C which integrates all the electronic and electrical functions (human / machine interface, DC plug, USB sockets, LEDs, drivers, microcontroller, ...) of the printer 1.
L'imprimante 1 utilise le procédé d'extrusion thermoplastique (d'autres procédés d'impression peuvent être utilisés). Pour ce faire, l'imprimante met en œuvre une tête d'impression (d'extrusion en l'occurrence) 17 qui comprend :  Printer 1 uses the thermoplastic extrusion process (other printing methods may be used). To do this, the printer implements a print head (extrusion in this case) 17 which comprises:
une extrudeuse 171 qui entraîne et pousse la matière (en l'occurrence le filament plastique 131 de la cassette 13) dans la buse d'impression chauffante an extruder 171 which drives and pushes the material (in this case the plastic filament 131 of the cassette 13) into the heated printing nozzle
(non représentée) qui fond le filament en plastique. Le chauffage de la buse est mis en œuvre par un élément chauffant, sous la forme d'une résistance chauffante 1711 (température d'extrusion égale à 200°C, tension d'alimentation 12V continue et puissance variable de 0 à 26W). Il est prévu un capteur de température 1712 de la pièce/objet extrudée (imprimée) ; (not shown) which melts the plastic filament. The heating of the nozzle is implemented by a heating element, in the form of a heating resistor 1711 (extrusion temperature equal to 200 ° C, 12V DC supply voltage and variable power from 0 to 26W). There is provided a temperature sensor 1712 of the part / object extruded (printed);
un ventilateur de refroidissement 173 de la pièce extrudée (tension 5V), et  a cooling fan 173 of the extruded part (voltage 5V), and
un moteur d'extrusion 172 qui commande l'extrudeuse 171.  an extrusion motor 172 which controls the extruder 171.
Lors du changement de cassette 13, l'insertion du filament 131 est relativement aisée. En effet, il suffit à l'utilisateur de présenter le filament 131 à l'entrée de l'extrudeuse 171 pour que cette dernière vienne saisir et entraîner le filament 131 vers la buse d'impression chauffante. Le filament 131 est simplement posé sur l'orifice prévu à cet effet à l'entrée de l'extrudeuse 171. Un moteur achemine le filament 131 dans la buse qui prend alors le relais sans que l'enfant n'entre en contact avec les éléments chauffants.  When changing the cassette 13, the insertion of the filament 131 is relatively easy. Indeed, it suffices for the user to present the filament 131 at the entrance of the extruder 171 so that the latter comes to grip and drive the filament 131 to the hot printing nozzle. The filament 131 is simply placed on the orifice provided for this purpose at the entrance of the extruder 171. A motor routes the filament 131 into the nozzle which then takes over without the child coming into contact with the heating elements.
La résistance chauffante 1711 est une résistance PTC.  Heating resistor 1711 is a PTC resistor.
Une telle résistance s'autorégule et est à puissance constante (en outre le temps de chauffage est plus rapide, pas de risque de surchauffe, diamètre et longueur réduits en comparaison des résistances traditionnelles, faible consommation en énergie). En d'autres termes, sa mise en œuvre ne nécessite pas de dispositif électronique de régulation de la température (capteur notamment).  Such resistance self-regulates and is constant power (further heating time is faster, no risk of overheating, reduced diameter and length compared to traditional resistors, low power consumption). In other words, its implementation does not require an electronic device for temperature regulation (including sensor).
L'atteinte de la température de consigne est déterminée par la mesure du courant d'alimentation de la résistance chauffante 1711. The attainment of the set temperature is determined by the measurement of supply current of the heating resistor 1711.
Le déplacement de la tête d'extrusion 17 est commandé par deux moteurs pas à pas, à savoir un moteur 181 en X et un moteur 182 en Y. En d'autres termes, la tête d'extrusion 17 est apte à se déplacer suivant les axes X et Y par rapport à un plateau (ou plaque de dépôt, ou plateforme de support) 18, sur lequel est imprimé l'objet. Le plateau 18 est apte à se déplacer suivant l'axe Z par rapport à la tête d'extrusion 17 par le biais d'un moteur 183 en Z pas à pas pour former chaque couche successive de l'objet à imprimer.  The displacement of the extrusion head 17 is controlled by two stepper motors, namely a motor 181 X and a motor 182 Y. In other words, the extrusion head 17 is able to move next the X and Y axes relative to a plate (or deposit plate, or support platform) 18, on which the object is printed. The plate 18 is able to move along the axis Z with respect to the extrusion head 17 by means of a motor 183 in Z stepwise to form each successive layer of the object to be printed.
Ces trois moteurs pas à pas 181, 182, 183 sont alimentés en 12V/0.4A, le pas étant de 1,8°.  These three stepper motors 181, 182, 183 are supplied with 12V / 0.4A, the pitch being 1.8 °.
La carte électronique C comprend un microcontrôleur 101 apte à interpréter les instructions en G-code et communiquant avec :  The electronic card C comprises a microcontroller 101 able to interpret the instructions in G-code and communicating with:
le pilote 1810 du moteur 181 de déplacement en X ;  the driver 1810 of the X displacement motor 181;
le pilote 1820 du moteur 182 de déplacement en Y ;  the driver 1820 of the Y displacement motor 182;
le pilote 1830 du moteur 183 de déplacement en Z ;  the driver 1830 of the Z-displacement motor 183;
le pilote 1720 du moteur d'extrusion 172 de la tête d'extrusion 17; le contrôleur 1710 de la buse chauffante de la tête d'extrusion 17 ; l'interface homme/machine 12 ;  the pilot 1720 of the extrusion motor 172 of the extrusion head 17; the controller 1710 of the heating nozzle of the extrusion head 17; the man / machine interface 12;
la prise USB 16 avant ;  the USB 16 plug before;
la prise USB 15 arrière, et  the USB 15 back, and
la prise d'alimentation 14 via un étage de puissance 141.  the power plug 14 via a power stage 141.
Le contrôleur 1710 de la buse chauffante commande la résistance chauffante 1711 et reçoit des données représentatives de la température mesurées par le capteur de température 1712.  The heating nozzle controller 1710 controls the heating resistor 1711 and receives temperature representative data as measured by the temperature sensor 1712.
L'interface homme/machine 12 comprend :  The man / machine interface 12 comprises:
un afficheur LCD 121 (ou GLCD) avec au minimum quatre lignes ;  an LCD display 121 (or GLCD) with at least four lines;
quatre boutons poussoirs 122 monostables « ON/OFF », « UP » (déplace le curseur dans les listes de choix), « DOWN » (déplace le curseur dans els listes de choix), « RETOU R » (retour en arrière dans le menu ou arrêt de la commande en cours), « VALID. » (Validation de la commande sélectionnée) ;  four pushbuttons 122 monostable "ON / OFF", "UP" (moves the cursor in the choice lists), "DOWN" (moves the cursor in the list of choices), "RETURN R" (return in the menu or stop the current command), "VALID. »(Validation of the selected command);
un voyant lumineux 123 bicolore (rouge/vert) ;  a 123 two-color LED (red / green);
une prise USB 16. Par ailleurs, l'interface homme/machine 12 permet d'accéder aux fonctions de l'imprimante 1 via un menu, et notamment aux fonctions suivantes : a USB socket 16. Moreover, the man / machine interface 12 makes it possible to access the functions of the printer 1 via a menu, and in particular to the following functions:
sélectionner un fichier de la mémoire USB (fichier stocké dans une clé USB reliée au port USB 16, par exemple) ;  select a file from the USB memory (file stored in a USB stick connected to USB port 16, for example);
- initialiser l'imprimante 1;  - initialize the printer 1;
réaliser la purge de la tête d'extrusion 17 ;  bleed the extrusion head 17;
réaliser le changement de cassette 13 ;  perform the cassette change 13;
lancer un cycle d'impression ;  start a print cycle;
calibrer l'imprimante 1.  calibrate the printer 1.
L'imprimante 2 du deuxième mode de réalisation (figures 7 et 8) présente sensiblement la même architecture. L'impression d'un objet est effectuée par extrusion, mais d'autres techniques peuvent bien évidemment être mises en œuvre. Dans l'imprimante 2, le déplacement de la tête d'extrusion 25 est commandé par trois moteurs pas à pas.  The printer 2 of the second embodiment (FIGS. 7 and 8) has substantially the same architecture. The printing of an object is done by extrusion, but other techniques can obviously be implemented. In the printer 2, the displacement of the extrusion head 25 is controlled by three stepper motors.
Ces trois moteurs agissent sur trois biellettes articulées 251a, 251b et 251c These three motors act on three articulated rods 251a, 251b and 251c
(comme illustré à la figure 8), qui sont espacées l'une de l'autre par un angle de 120° et qui portent la tête d'extrusion 25. (as shown in FIG. 8), which are spaced from each other by an angle of 120 ° and which carry the extrusion head 25.
Une telle mise en œuvre permet donc à la tête d'extrusion 25 de se déplacer suivant les axes X, Y et Z par rapport au plateau 26 sur lequel repose l'objet imprimé (non représenté).  Such an implementation therefore allows the extrusion head 25 to move along the X, Y and Z axes relative to the plate 26 on which the printed object (not shown) rests.
Dans ce deuxième mode de réalisation, l'impression en couches successives est assurée uniquement par les déplacements de la tête d'extrusion 25, le plateau 26 restant fixe durant l'impression.  In this second embodiment, the printing in successive layers is provided solely by the movements of the extrusion head 25, the plate 26 remaining fixed during printing.
En outre, le plateau 26, sur lequel est imprimé l'objet, est amovible.  In addition, the plate 26, on which the object is printed, is removable.
Lorsque le cycle de fabrication de l'objet est terminé, l'enfant peut donc ouvrir la porte 21a de l'imprimante 2 et retirer le plateau 26 du châssis afin de prendre en main en toute sécurité et de manière aisée l'objet fabriqué (c'est-à-dire sans aucun risque de toucher la tête d'extrusion 25, par exemple).  When the production cycle of the object is completed, the child can therefore open the door 21a of the printer 2 and remove the tray 26 of the frame to take in hand safely and easily the manufactured object ( that is to say without any risk of touching the extrusion head 25, for example).
La tête d'extrusion 25 met en œuvre une buse 27 d'extrusion dont le chauffage est assuré par un élément chauffant, sous la forme d'une résistance chauffante PTC (non représentée). La buse 27 est une pièce en métal présentant une masse relativement faible, et donc une capacité thermique relativement faible. Par conséquent, lorsque la chauffe de la buse 27 est interrompue, son refroidissement s'avère très rapide. Cette mise en œuvre permet ainsi d'éviter les risques de brûlures pour l'utilisateur lorsque ce dernier retire le plateau 26 amovible pour se saisir de la pièce imprimée. The extrusion head 25 implements an extrusion nozzle 27, the heating of which is provided by a heating element, in the form of a heating resistor PTC (not shown). The nozzle 27 is a metal part having a relatively low mass, and therefore a relatively low heat capacity. Therefore, when the nozzle heater 27 is interrupted, its cooling is very fast. This implementation thus avoids the risk of burns for the user when the latter removes the removable tray 26 to seize the printed part.
En complément, la buse 27 d'impression chauffante est entourée d'une protection périphérique, ou enveloppe, 271 en silicone qui vise à éviter le contact direct entre l'utilisateur et la buse 27, cette dernière pouvant être source de brûlures lorsqu'elle est chaude, ce qui n'est pas souhaitable.  In addition, the heating printing nozzle 27 is surrounded by a peripheral protection, or envelope, 271 of silicone which aims to avoid direct contact between the user and the nozzle 27, the latter being able to cause burns when it is hot, which is undesirable.
Par ailleurs, l'interface homme/machine 28 de l'imprimante 2 comprend un logement pour une carte SD (non représentés), un écran LCD 281 et un unique bouton rotatif 282 de commande (« joystick » en anglais).  Furthermore, the man / machine interface 28 of the printer 2 comprises a slot for an SD card (not shown), an LCD 281 and a single rotary knob 282 control ("joystick" in English).
La mise en œuvre d'un bouton rotatif 282 permet, pour l'utilisateur, une navigation simplifiée et ergonomique dans les menus de l'interface.  The implementation of a rotary knob 282 allows the user a simplified and ergonomic navigation in the menus of the interface.
Lors du changement de cassette 23, l'insertion du filament est relativement aisée. En effet, il suffit à l'utilisateur de présenter le filament à l'entrée de l'extrudeuse pour que cette dernière vienne saisir et entraîner le filament vers la buse d'impression chauffante. Le filament est simplement posé sur l'orifice prévu à cet effet à l'entrée de l'extrudeuse. Un moteur achemine le filament dans la buse qui prend alors le relais sans que l'enfant n'entre en contact avec les éléments chauffants.  When changing the cassette 23, the insertion of the filament is relatively easy. Indeed, it suffices for the user to present the filament at the entrance of the extruder so that the latter comes to grasp and drive the filament to the hot printing nozzle. The filament is simply placed on the orifice provided for this purpose at the entrance of the extruder. An engine routes the filament into the nozzle, which then takes over without the child coming into contact with the heating elements.
6.3 Langage de commande  6.3 Command language
Le langage pour commander l'imprimante 1 (de façon à ce que cette dernière puisse imprimer un objet) est le G-code qui, à l'origine, est un langage de commande des machines outils, et qui est défini par la norme S-274D. Ce langage de commande (ou code machine) définit l'ensemble des instructions séquentielles nécessaire à l'impression tridimensionnelle d'un objet par le biais de l'imprimante 1. Ce G-code est obtenu à partir d'un modèle 3D d'un objet que l'utilisateur souhaite réaliser.  The language used to control printer 1 (so that it can print an object) is the G-code, which is originally a machine tool control language, and which is defined by the S standard. -274D. This control language (or machine code) defines the set of sequential instructions necessary for the three-dimensional printing of an object by means of the printer 1. This G-code is obtained from a 3D model of an object that the user wishes to achieve.
Le microcontrôleur 101 reçoit des instructions (G-code) d'un ordinateur personnel, par exemple, relié à l'imprimante 1 (via le port USB 15) ou d'une clé USB reliée à l'imprimante 1 (via le port USB 16), les interprète, puis renvoie des signaux de commande vers les pilotes 1720, 1810, 1820, 1830 et le contrôleur 1710 de la buse chauffante.  The microcontroller 101 receives instructions (G-code) from a personal computer, for example, connected to the printer 1 (via the USB port 15) or a USB key connected to the printer 1 (via the USB port 16), interprets them, and then sends control signals to the drivers 1720, 1810, 1820, 1830 and the controller 1710 of the heating nozzle.
Le microcontrôleur 101 pilote ainsi les trois moteurs pas à pas 181, 182, 183, et donc le déplacement de la tête d'extrusion 17 (selon les axes X et Y) et du plateau 18 (selon l'axe Z). The microcontroller 101 thus drives the three stepper motors 181, 182, 183, and thus the displacement of the extrusion head 17 (along the X and Y axes) and the plate 18 (along the Z axis).
Les instructions/ordres de déplacement sont par exemple « aller au point X, Y, Z », ou bien « tracer un cercle de rayon ». A titre d'exemple, la commande « GO Z25 » correspond à un déplacement hors matière de 25 mm selon l'axe Z.  The instructions / orders of movement are for example "go to the point X, Y, Z", or "to draw a circle of radius". By way of example, the command "GO Z25" corresponds to an out-of-material displacement of 25 mm along the Z axis.
L'imprimante 2 du deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention est commandée de façon sensiblement identique. Dans l'imprimante 2, le microcontrôleur est également capable de recevoir des instructions (« G-Code ») de la carte SD (située dans le logement pour carte SD de l'interface homme/machine 28), de les interpréter, puis de renvoyer des signaux de commande vers les trois moteurs pas à pas qui déplacent la tête d'extrusion 27 selon les axes X, Y et Z.  The printer 2 of the second embodiment of the invention is controlled substantially identically. In the printer 2, the microcontroller is also able to receive instructions ("G-Code") from the SD card (located in the SD card slot of the human / machine interface 28), to interpret them, then to send control signals to the three stepper motors that move the extrusion head 27 along the X, Y and Z axes.
6.4 M odes de fon ction n em en t  6.4 Operating methods n em en t
6.4.1 Mode «autonome » (« stand alone mode » en anglais)  6.4.1 "Stand Alone Mode" ("stand alone mode")
Dans ce premier mode de fonctionnement, illustré sur la figure 6A, l'imprimante In this first mode of operation, illustrated in FIG. 6A, the printer
1 du premier mode de réalisation fonctionne sans connexion informatique. Une clé USB C stockant un ou plusieurs fichiers de programmes en « G-Code» (correspondants à un ou plusieurs modèles à imprimer) est insérée dans le port USB 16 situé en face avant de l'imprimante 1. 1 of the first embodiment operates without a computer connection. A USB key C storing one or more program files in "G-Code" (corresponding to one or more models to be printed) is inserted in the USB port 16 located on the front of the printer 1.
L'utilisateur choisit le modèle qu'il désire imprimer par le biais de l'interface homme/machine 12. Une fois la sélection effectuée, l'imprimante 1 démarre son cycle de fabrication automatiquement, c'est-à-dire sans aucune autre intervention de l'utilisateur.  The user chooses the model that he wishes to print via the man / machine interface 12. Once the selection is made, the printer 1 starts its production cycle automatically, that is to say without any other user intervention.
Dans le deuxième mode de réalisation, le ou les fichiers de programme en « G- Code » sont stockés dans une carte SD amovible qui est ensuite insérée dans un logement situé sur l'interface homme/machine de l'imprimante 2.  In the second embodiment, the "G-Code" program file (s) are stored in a removable SD card which is then inserted into a slot on the man / machine interface of the printer 2.
Différents programmes en « G-Code » (modèles d'objets à fabriquer) peuvent être téléchargés par l'utilisateur via une base de données en ligne, sur le site internet du fabricant par exemple. Le programme téléchargé sur la carte SD peut ensuite être mis en œuvre par l'imprimante 2.  Various programs in "G-Code" (models of objects to be manufactured) can be downloaded by the user via an online database, for example on the manufacturer's website. The downloaded program on the SD card can then be implemented by the printer 2.
Bien évidemment, d'autres types de mémoire de stockage peuvent être utilisés. 6.4.2 Mode « esclave » (« slave mode » en anglais)  Of course, other types of storage memory can be used. 6.4.2 "slave mode" ("slave mode" in English)
Dans ce deuxième mode de fonctionnement, illustré sur la figure 6B, l'imprimante 1 se comporte comme un périphérique d'impression connecté (par une liaison filaire dans cet exemple), par le biais du port USB 15, à un ordinateur personnel PC, ce dernier mettant en œuvre un logiciel de pilotage de l'imprimante. In this second mode of operation, illustrated in FIG. 6B, the printer 1 behaves as a connected printing device (by a wired connection in this example), through the USB port 15, to a personal computer PC, the latter implementing printer control software.
L'imprimante 1 reçoit par le biais de la liaison USB les commandes « G-Code » envoyées par l'ordinateur PC.  The printer 1 receives via the USB link the "G-Code" commands sent by the PC.
L'imprimante 2 peut fonctionner selon le même principe.  The printer 2 can operate according to the same principle.
On note que sur les figures 6A et 6B, l'imprimante 1 est alimentée en 12, 15 ou 24V par le biais d'un transformateur T AC/DC relié à la prise 14 de l'imprimante 1.  Note that in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the printer 1 is powered at 12, 15 or 24V by means of a transformer T AC / DC connected to the socket 14 of the printer 1.
L'imprimante 2 du deuxième mode de réalisation est alimentée en 6V, de préférence.  The printer 2 of the second embodiment is fed with 6V, preferably.
6.5 Pilote (« driver en anglais) de l'imprimante  6.5 Driver (printer driver)
L'imprimante 1 (ou bien l'imprimante 2) peut se comporter comme un périphérique USB. Elle peut être pilotée depuis un logiciel de CAO (pour « conception assistée par ordinateur ») ou de modélisation, tel les logiciels Solidworks, SketchUp, Rhinocéros (marques déposées).  Printer 1 (or printer 2) may behave like a USB device. It can be controlled from CAD software (for "computer-aided design") or modeling, such as Solidworks, SketchUp, Rhinoceros (registered trademarks) software.
Le pilote de l'imprimante 1 est dans ce cas installé sur l'ordinateur personnel PC de l'utilisateur. Il est, de préférence, compatible avec les systèmes d'exploitation Windows XP, Vista 7, Vista 8, Mac, Linux (marques déposées).  The driver of the printer 1 is in this case installed on the PC personal computer of the user. It is preferably compatible with Windows XP, Vista 7, Vista 8, Mac, Linux (registered trademarks) operating systems.
Un tel pilote est configuré pour mettre en œuvre la conversion du modèle 3D à imprimer vers le langage G-code approprié au pilotage de l'imprimante 1.  Such a driver is configured to implement the conversion of the 3D model to be printed to the appropriate G-code language for controlling the printer 1.
Le pilote est en outre configuré pour délivrer une estimation du temps de réalisation d'une impression sur la base du langage G-code compilé.  The driver is further configured to provide an estimate of the completion time of an impression based on the compiled G-code language.
Un ou plusieurs paramètres, tels que la finesse, la précision, la densité du corps (corps creux, corps 50% plein ou corps plein) sont ajustables via une fenêtre « Paramètre » depuis le panneau de commande d'impression.  One or more parameters, such as fineness, precision, body density (hollow body, 50% solid body or full body) are adjustable via a "Parameter" window from the print control panel.
6.6 Autres aspects et variantes  6.6 Other aspects and variants
L'imprimante de l'invention est apte à imprimer divers types de figurines (être humain, personnage de fiction,...) de tailles variées.  The printer of the invention is able to print various types of figurines (human being, fictional character, ...) of various sizes.
Un exemple d'objet imprimé O est représenté sur la figure 4 lorsqu'il est disposé sur le support 18.  An example of a printed object O is shown in FIG. 4 when it is disposed on the support 18.
Bien évidemment, la géométrie ou la forme de l'imprimante de l'invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples illustrés précédemment. L'imprimante est apte à extruder d'autres types de fil que de du fil ABS. Elle peut comprendre une ou plusieurs têtes d'extrusion. Of course, the geometry or shape of the printer of the invention is not limited to the examples illustrated above. The printer is able to extrude other types of wire than ABS wire. It can include one or more extrusion heads.
La cassette de filament est apte à stocker des fils de couleurs variées.  The filament cassette is able to store threads of various colors.
Comme illustré sur la figure 2, la cassette 13 de fil 131 peut être munie d'une étiquette RFID 131 (comprenant une puce électronique et une antenne) et l'imprimante 1 peut comprendre un lecteur RFID (antenne) 101 pour la détection et la reconnaissance de la cassette 13.  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cassette 13 of wire 131 may be provided with an RFID tag 131 (comprising an electronic chip and an antenna) and the printer 1 may comprise an RFID reader (antenna) 101 for the detection and cassette recognition 13.
Un tel lecteur 101 permet une lecture sans contact de l'étiquette RFID 131, ce qui permet de s'assurer que la cassette 13 de consommable est compatible avec l'imprimante 1. Une telle approche permet en outre de protéger l'utilisateur contre les consommables de contrefaçon. La même approche peut être mise en œuvre pour la cassette 23 et l'imprimante 2.  Such a reader 101 allows a contactless reading of the RFID tag 131, which makes it possible to ensure that the cassette 13 of consumable is compatible with the printer 1. Such an approach also makes it possible to protect the user against counterfeit consumables. The same approach can be implemented for the cassette 23 and the printer 2.
L'imprimante 2 met en œuvre un mode appelé « calibration » permettant de calibrer l'imprimante 2. Cette manipulation est aisée en ce sens qu'il suffit à l'utilisateur de placer une feuille de papier sur le plateau 26 puis de suivre une série d'instructions sous la forme de messages ou d'icônes affichés sur l'écran LCD 281 de l'interface homme/machine 28. En agissant sur le bouton rotatif 282 de commande, l'utilisateur peut régler l'imprimante, et le niveau zéro pour l'axe Z (appelé "Z0") notamment.  The printer 2 implements a mode called "calibration" to calibrate the printer 2. This manipulation is easy in that it is sufficient for the user to place a sheet of paper on the plate 26 and then follow a series of instructions in the form of messages or icons displayed on the LCD 281 of the man / machine interface 28. By acting on the control knob 282, the user can adjust the printer, and the zero level for the Z axis (called "Z0") in particular.
Par ailleurs, le suivi de la fabrication d'un objet peut se faire par un menu déroulant sur l'écran LCD 281.  Moreover, the monitoring of the manufacture of an object can be done by a drop-down menu on the LCD screen 281.
On note que la maintenance d'une telle imprimante est relativement aisée dans la mesure où aucun outil n'est nécessaire pour démonter et remplacer les pièces de l'imprimante.  Note that the maintenance of such a printer is relatively easy since no tool is needed to remove and replace parts of the printer.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Dispositif d'impression (1, 2) d'un objet tridimensionnel (O) par dépôt de couches successives de matériau conformément à des données définissant l'objet (O), ledit dispositif comprenant au moins une tête (17, 25) d'impression d'un filament (131) dudit matériau, ladite tête (17, 25) d'impression comprenant une buse (27) dans laquelle circule ledit filament (131) et des moyens de chauffage de ladite buse (27), ledit dispositif d'impression (1, 2) étant caractérisé en que ladite buse (27) est entourée d'une enveloppe de protection (271). 1. Apparatus for printing (1, 2) a three-dimensional object (O) by depositing successive layers of material according to data defining the object (O), said device comprising at least one head (17, 25) printing a filament (131) of said material, said printing head (17, 25) comprising a nozzle (27) in which said filament (131) circulates and means for heating said nozzle (27), said printing device (1, 2) being characterized in that said nozzle (27) is surrounded by a protective envelope (271).
2. Dispositif d'impression (1, 2) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite enveloppe (271) est en silicone.  2. Printing device (1, 2) according to claim 1, characterized in that said envelope (271) is silicone.
3. Dispositif d'impression (1, 2) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un châssis formé de plusieurs parois et hermétiquement fermé, au moins une desdites parois présentant au moins une partie transparente (21b).  3. Printing device (1, 2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a frame formed of several walls and hermetically closed, at least one of said walls having at least one transparent portion (21b).
4. Dispositif d'impression (1, 2) selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins une desdites parois est une porte (11, 21).  4. Printing device (1, 2) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one of said walls is a door (11, 21).
5. Dispositif d'impression (1, 2) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que ladite tête (17, 25) d'impression est mobile entre une positon escamotée de repos et une position déployée d'impression dans laquelle ladite tête (17, 25) d'impression est apte à se déplacer selon trois axes de déplacement.  5. Printing device (1, 2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said print head (17, 25) is movable between a retracted rest position and an extended printing position. wherein said printing head (17, 25) is adapted to move along three axes of displacement.
6. Dispositif d'impression (1, 2) selon la revendication 4 ou 5, caractérisé en ce que ledit dispositif d'impression comprend des moyens de détection de l'ouverture de ladite porte (11, 21) configurés pour mettre hors tension ledit dispositif d'impression (1, 2) lorsqu'une ouverture de la porte (11, 21) est détectée.  6. Printing device (1, 2) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said printing device comprises means for detecting the opening of said door (11, 21) configured to de-energize said printing device (1, 2) when an opening of the door (11, 21) is detected.
7. Dispositif d'impression (1, 2) selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de détection de l'ouverture de ladite porte (11, 21) sont configurés pour déplacer ladite tête (17, 25) d'impression vers sa position de repos lorsqu'une ouverture de la porte est détectée.  7. Printing device (1, 2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the means for detecting the opening of said door (11, 21) are configured to move said print head (17, 25). towards its rest position when an opening of the door is detected.
8. Dispositif d'impression (1, 2) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que ledit filament dudit matériau est stocké dans une cassette (23) destinée à être logée de façon amovible dans un logement (24) de réception dudit dispositif d'impression (1, 2), ladite cassette (23) comprenant des moyens de préhension (232).8. Printing device (1, 2) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said filament of said material is stored in a cassette (23) to be housed removably in a housing (24) receiving said device printing (1, 2), said cassette (23) comprising gripping means (232).
9. Dispositif d'impression (1, 2) selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que ladite cassette amovible (23) est solidarisée par un mouvement de rotation audit dispositif d'impression (1, 2). 9. Printing device (1, 2) according to claim 8, characterized in that said removable cassette (23) is secured by a rotational movement to said printing device (1, 2).
10. Dispositif d'impression (1, 2) selon la revendication 8 ou 9, caractérisé en ce que ladite cassette (23) porte des premiers moyens de verrouillage (231) destinés à coopérer avec des seconds moyens de verrouillage (241) situés dans ledit logement (24).  10. Printing device (1, 2) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said cassette (23) carries first locking means (231) for cooperating with second locking means (241) located in said housing (24).
11. Dispositif d'impression (1, 2) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce qu'il est alimenté par une basse tension comprise entre 5V et 20V.  11. Printing device (1, 2) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it is powered by a low voltage between 5V and 20V.
12. Dispositif d'impression (1, 2) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 11, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins un logement de réception d'une carte mémoire.  12. Printing device (1, 2) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises at least one housing for receiving a memory card.
13. Dispositif d'impression (1, 2) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 12, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un plateau amovible (26) sur lequel l'objet tridimensionnel (O) est destiné à être imprimé.  13. Printing device (1, 2) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a removable plate (26) on which the three-dimensional object (O) is intended to be printed.
PCT/EP2014/079294 2013-12-27 2014-12-24 Three-dimensional printing device WO2015097279A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1363622A FR3015922A1 (en) 2013-12-27 2013-12-27 THREE DIMENSIONAL PRINTING DEVICE
FR1363622 2013-12-27

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WO2015097279A1 true WO2015097279A1 (en) 2015-07-02

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6923634B2 (en) * 1999-06-23 2005-08-02 Stratasys, Inc. Filament loading system in an extrusion apparatus
US20120018924A1 (en) * 2010-07-22 2012-01-26 Stratasys, Inc. Multiple-zone liquefier assembly for extrusion-based additive manufacturing systems

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5100585B2 (en) * 2008-09-18 2012-12-19 長野日本無線株式会社 3D modeling machine

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6923634B2 (en) * 1999-06-23 2005-08-02 Stratasys, Inc. Filament loading system in an extrusion apparatus
US20120018924A1 (en) * 2010-07-22 2012-01-26 Stratasys, Inc. Multiple-zone liquefier assembly for extrusion-based additive manufacturing systems

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