Wireless communication control method for 3D printer working box

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of sand mold 3D printing equipment, in particular to a 3D printer work box wireless communication control method which mainly comprises the steps that based on the wireless transmission technology, an omnidirectional antenna is carried through a wireless AP client side and a server side, and an internal local area network is established with controllers at the two ends as the core; the functions of synchronous coordination control of a motor driving system of the working box, data acquisition and exchange between the working box and the equipment body and communication control are realized; therefore, the limitation that the working box is inconvenient to transfer during on-orbit operation is solved, the mechanical design cost is reduced, and the online utilization rate and the maintenance convenience of multiple machines and multiple boxes and single machine and multiple boxes in automatic production line application can be greatly improved through the advantage that the working box is separated from the machine body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of sand mold 3D printer control, and particularly to a wireless communication control method for the working box of a 3D printer. Background Art

[0002] The working box of a traditional sand mold 3D printer usually relies on wired connection for data transmission and control, which limits the mobility and flexibility of the working box in the actual production process, increases the operation difficulty and installation difficulty; at the same time, it also brings inconvenience to the actual application of large-scale automatic production lines, and it is impossible to achieve flexible transfer and automatic sand cleaning of the working box, with great limitations in use. Especially during the continuous production process of a sand mold 3D printer, multiple working boxes can operate continuously and be automatically detected, cooperate with the host computer system to realize automatic sorting of production tasks, and improve the online use efficiency of sand mold 3D printing equipment; at the same time, with the rapid development of Industry 4.0, the development of wireless communication technology provides a new solution for the remote control and monitoring of sand mold 3D printers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless communication control method for the working box of a 3D printer, which is used to solve the technical problems in the prior art that the working box of a traditional sand mold 3D printer cannot achieve an off-machine operation mode, is not convenient for the transfer of the box body, and has low production utilization rate of a single device, and realizes an automatic production and printing mode in which a single machine with multiple boxes or multiple machines with multiple boxes can freely circulate for production and printing in an automated production line of a sand mold 3D printer.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions.

[0005] A wireless communication control method for the working box of a 3D printer includes:

[0006] Wirelessly communicating and controlling the 3D printer by means of signal interaction between an omnidirectional antenna of a client disposed on one or more 3D printers and an omnidirectional antenna of a server disposed on the server side;

[0007] In the wireless communication control method for the working box of a 3D printer, the 3D printer has a client PLC control module and an AP client module that communicate with each other, and the AP client module is also communicatively connected to the omnidirectional antenna of the client; the 3D printer performs signal interaction with the server through the AP client module;

[0008] The omnidirectional antenna of the client includes:

[0009] A plurality of first omnidirectional antennas of the client; each first omnidirectional antenna of the client is directionally installed on the working box of the 3D printer;

[0010] Multiple pairs of client second omnidirectional antennas are installed on both sides of the working box of the 3D printer to broaden the transceiver bandwidth of the client omnidirectional antennas; each pair of client second omnidirectional antennas is in a posture of perpendicular to each other and shooting at each other.

[0011] The client first omnidirectional antenna and the client second omnidirectional antenna have mushroom-shaped antenna heads.

[0012] The 3D printer also has a signal amplifier; the client omnidirectional antennas are respectively arranged on both sides of the working box of the 3D printer; the signal amplifier is respectively communicatively connected with the client omnidirectional antennas and the AP client module.

[0013] Preferably, the 3D printer also has a switch, a servo drive module and a servo motor; the switch is respectively communicatively connected with the client PLC control module and the AP client module, and the client PLC control module performs signal interaction with the AP client module through the switch; the servo drive module and the servo motor are electrically connected to each other, and the servo drive module is also communicatively connected with the client PLC control module.

[0014] Preferably, the 3D printer also has a power control unit, and the power control unit is respectively electrically connected to the client PLC control module, the servo drive module, the AP client module and the switch.

[0015] Preferably, the wireless communication control of the 3D printer is performed by the way of signal interaction between the client omnidirectional antenna set on one 3D printer and the server omnidirectional antenna set on the server side, which specifically includes:

[0016] S11. The 3D printer is started, and the working box of the 3D printer drives into the printing cabin of the 3D printer relying on the mobile carrier.

[0017] S12. The working box of the 3D printer is lowered to the fixed support of the 3D printer relying on the mobile carrier, and the working box of the 3D printer is docked with the fixed support, so that the working box of the 3D printer accesses electric energy through self-contact power supply, and the client omnidirectional antenna and the server omnidirectional antenna are communicatively connected to each other.

[0018] S13. The AP client module of the 3D printer receives the control command through the client omnidirectional antenna; the control command is sent by the server through the server omnidirectional antenna in the form of TCP / IP.

[0019] S14. The AP client module of the 3D printer sends the control command to the client PLC control module of the 3D printer through the internal communication protocol of the 3D printer.

[0020] S15. The client PLC control module of the 3D printer sends the control command to the servo drive module of the 3D printer.

[0021] S16. The servo drive module of the 3D printer drives the servo motor to execute the response motion control logic according to the control command, so that the servo motor drives the load.

[0022] Preferably, the wireless communication control of the 3D printer is performed by means of signal interaction between the client omnidirectional antennas provided on more than one 3D printer and the server omnidirectional antenna provided on the server, which specifically includes:

[0023] S21. Multiple 3D printers are started, so that each 3D printer is communicatively connected to the central control center and the server through its own client omnidirectional antenna; the multiple 3D printers are set as multiple units, each unit is located in a different operation area, and each unit has at least one 3D printer;

[0024] S22. The AP client module of each 3D printer receives its respective IP address through the client omnidirectional antenna; the IP address of the AP client module of each 3D printer is assigned by the server, so that the AP client module of each 3D printer transmits data to the server through different channels;

[0025] S23. The AP client module of each 3D printer receives its respective print task file through the client omnidirectional antenna; the print task file is sent from the server to the central control center, and then the central control center distributes the print task file to the AP client module of each 3D printer, or the print task file is sent from the server to the AP client module of each 3D printer; the server sends the print task file in a batch sending manner;

[0026] S24. The AP client module of each 3D printer analyzes the received print task file to obtain print task data, and sends it to the client PLC control module of each 3D printer;

[0027] S25. The client PLC control module of each 3D printer detects the online status of the working box of the 3D printer to which it belongs. If the online status of the working box of the 3D printer is good, the working box of the 3D printer drives into the printing cabin of the 3D printer by relying on the mobile transporter, and the working box of the 3D printer is lowered to the fixed support of the 3D printer by relying on the mobile transporter. The working box of the 3D printer is docked with the fixed support, so that the working box of the 3D printer accesses electric energy through self-contact power supply;

[0028] S26. The AP client module of a certain 3D printer verifies the assigned IP address, and then sends print task data to the working box through the client PLC control module of the certain 3D printer, so that the working box performs a printing operation; during the printing operation, the AP client module of the certain 3D printer sends printing process information to the client.

[0029] S27. The client PLC control module of the certain 3D printer controls the mobile transporter to drive out of the printing cabin of the 3D printer, and the AP client module of the certain 3D printer sends information that the certain 3D printer has completed the printing task to the client and the central control center.

[0030] S28. Steps S26 and S27 are repeatedly executed multiple times, so that the server receives information that all 3D printers have completed the printing task.

[0031] Preferably, it further includes that during the execution of steps S24 to S28, the server monitors the status of all channels in real time. If the data transmission rate of the channels used by more than one 3D printer and the server is less than the first preset threshold, the server switches to other channels to connect to the more than one 3D printer.

[0032] Preferably, the AP client module of each 3D printer has a cache sub-module; step S25 further includes: the AP client module of each 3D printer stores the received print task file in its own cache sub-module, and if the data volume of the received print task file is greater than the second preset threshold, the received print task file is parsed.

[0033] Preferably, the wireless communication control of the 3D printer by means of signal interaction between the client omnidirectional antennas provided on more than one 3D printer and the server omnidirectional antenna provided on the server specifically includes:

[0034] S31. Multiple 3D printers are started, so that each 3D printer is communicatively connected to the central control center and the server through its own client omnidirectional antenna; the multiple 3D printers are set as multiple units, each unit is located in a different operation area, and each unit has at least one 3D printer.

[0035] S32. The AP client module of each 3D printer conducts a communication test with the server through its respective client omnidirectional antenna, so that the server can identify and obtain the communication protocol types of all 3D printers, and the server can call a data conversion program to perform format conversion, encoding conversion, and data encapsulation on the print task file according to the identified communication protocol types of the 3D printers.

[0036] S33. The AP client module of each 3D printer receives its respective IP address through the client omnidirectional antenna; the IP address of the AP client module of each 3D printer is assigned by the server according to the corresponding communication protocol, so that the AP client module of each 3D printer transmits data to the server through different channels;

[0037] S34. The AP client module of each 3D printer receives its respective printing task file through the client omnidirectional antenna; the printing task file is sent by the server to the central control center, and then the central control center distributes the printing task file to the AP client module of each 3D printer, or the printing task file is sent by the server to the AP client module of each 3D printer; the server sends the printing task file in a batch sending manner;

[0038] S35. The AP client module of each 3D printer parses the received printing task file to obtain printing task data and sends it to the client PLC control module of each 3D printer;

[0039] S36. The client PLC control module of each 3D printer detects the online status of the working box of the 3D printer to which it belongs. If the online status of the working box of the 3D printer is good, the working box of the 3D printer drives into the printing cabin of the 3D printer relying on the mobile transporter, and the working box of the 3D printer is lowered to the fixed support of the 3D printer relying on the mobile transporter. The working box of the 3D printer is docked with the fixed support, so that the working box of the 3D printer accesses electric energy through self - contacting power supply;

[0040] S37. The AP client module of a certain 3D printer verifies the assigned IP address, and then sends the printing task data to the working box through the client PLC control module of the certain 3D printer, so that the working box performs printing operations; during the printing operation, the AP client module of the certain 3D printer sends printing process information to the client;

[0041] S38. The client PLC control module of the certain 3D printer controls the mobile transporter to drive out of the printing cabin of the 3D printer, and the AP client module of the certain 3D printer sends information that the certain 3D printer has completed the printing task to the client and the central control center;

[0042] S39. Steps S37 and S38 are repeatedly executed multiple times, so that the server receives information that all 3D printers have completed the printing task.

[0043] Preferably, step S32 further includes:

[0044] The server checks the data integrity and data correctness of the print task file that has undergone format conversion, encoding conversion, and data encapsulation;

[0045] Step S34 further includes:

[0046] The AP client module of each 3D printer detects the received print task file and sends a response message to the server through the client omnidirectional antenna; the response message includes a transmission success message or a file error message;

[0047] The server monitors the data transmission status in real time during the data transmission process of the print task file; if a transmission error occurs during the data transmission process, the server executes the first retransmission program;

[0048] The server parses the received response message. If the parsing result is a file error message, it executes the second retransmission program.

[0049] Preferably, the signal interaction is signal interaction in the same frequency band.

[0050] As can be seen from the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention described above, a main advantage of the method provided by the present invention is to provide a wireless communication control method for the working box of a sand mold 3D printer. The wireless control method for the working box of the sand mold 3D printer uses fully identical frequency-division time-sharing to transmit wireless signals. By reducing the signal emission time pulse width, the working boxes in different printing device cabins can transmit wireless communication signals without interfering with each other, thereby saving the spectrum resources of their respective wireless transmission devices and ensuring the stability and reliability of communication. Another advantage of the present invention is that by using the wireless control method for the working box of the sand mold 3D printer, the cost of the device itself is saved, especially the wiring between the working box and the body is simplified, and the installation efficiency is improved. The third advantage of the present invention is that the transmission and reception time width during the wireless communication transmission process is less than 2 ms or the actual width of the signal is less than 1 / 10 of the action duration, so that the wireless control devices of the same working box can be used simultaneously without interfering with each other within the actual printing operation range; at the same time, the time width greatly improves the movement accuracy of the working box during printing.

[0051] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description, and these will become apparent from the following description, or can be understood through the practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other accompanying drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 It is a control structure block diagram of a wireless communication control method for the working box of a sand mold 3D printer provided by the present invention.

[0054] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of two-way same-frequency wireless transmission in the prior art.

[0055] Figure 3 It is a schematic side installation layout diagram of a sand mold 3D printer in a preferred embodiment of a wireless communication control method for the working box of a sand mold 3D printer provided by the present invention.

[0056] Figure 4 It is a schematic front installation layout diagram of a sand mold 3D printer in a preferred embodiment of a wireless communication control method for the working box of a sand mold 3D printer provided by the present invention.

[0057] Figure 5 It is a control flow chart of a preferred embodiment of a wireless communication control method for the working box of a sand mold 3D printer provided by the present invention.

[0058] In the figure: 1 - Switch; 2 - Client PLC control module; 3 - Client omnidirectional antenna; 4 - Servo drive module; 5 - Load lead screw; 6 - Servo motor; 7 - Signal amplifier; 8 - AP client module; 9 - Power control unit; 10 - External operation button. Detailed implementation manners

[0059] The following will describe in detail the implementation manners of the present invention. The examples of the implementation manners are shown in the accompanying drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements or elements with the same or similar functions throughout. The implementation manners described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and cannot be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0060] Those skilled in the art can understand that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", "the" and "said" used herein may also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the term "comprising" used in the specification of the present invention means the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups. It should be understood that when an element is "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to other elements, or there may also be intermediate elements. In addition, the "connection" or "coupling" used herein may include wireless connection or coupling. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of any one of the one or more associated listed items.

[0061] Those skilled in the art can understand that, unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as the general understanding of those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in a general dictionary should be understood to have a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the prior art, and will not be interpreted with an idealized or overly formal meaning unless defined as herein.

[0062] For the convenience of understanding the embodiments of the present invention, the following will further explain with several specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and each embodiment does not constitute a limitation to the embodiments of the present invention.

[0063] See Figure 1 , the present invention provides a wireless communication control method for a 3D printer working box, and its execution process includes:

[0064] Wirelessly communicate and control the 3D printer by means of signal interaction between the client omnidirectional antenna 3 provided on more than one 3D printer and the server omnidirectional antenna provided on the server.

[0065] The present invention provides a wireless communication control method for a sand mold 3D printer working box, which can realize the separate operation and printing of the working box and the machine body, thereby improving the online use efficiency of the machine body. As Figure 1 shown, in the preferred embodiment provided by the present invention, the wireless control method for the sand mold 3D printer working box includes an AP (Access Point wireless access node) server module, an AP client module 8, a client omnidirectional antenna 3, a server omnidirectional antenna, a signal amplifier 7, a server PLC control module, a client PLC control module 2, a switch 1, a servo drive module 4, a servo motor 6, a power control unit 9, and an external operation button 10.

[0066] As Figure 1As shown, during the actual sand mold printing process, in order to achieve the automatic lifting of the printing platform, the working box utilizes the principle of wireless transmission technology and adopts Figure 2 's communication protocol to realize the data control command exchange between the working box and the sand mold 3D printing device. When the control command is issued by the server PLC control module, it is connected to the AP server module through the body switch 1. The AP server module constantly transmits control signals to the client omnidirectional antenna 3 through the connected server omnidirectional antenna and conducts two-way data information exchange.

[0067] Such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 shown, the power control unit 9 is electrically connected to the AP client module 8, the client PLC control module 2, the switch 1, and the servo drive module 4. In this way, each module is provided with corresponding control voltage and power supply voltage through the power control unit 9.

[0068] Currently, the traditional wireless communication control method is easily affected by environmental interference, such as electromagnetic interference, signal attenuation, etc., which may cause data transmission interruption or errors. Its influence by the environment around the 3D printer (such as the body structure, sand material, etc.) may shield or interfere with the wireless signal, thus affecting the communication quality. Especially during the printing process, a large amount of printing data needs to be transmitted to the sand box, including model files, printing process parameters, etc. The bandwidth limitation of wireless communication may affect the data transmission speed, resulting in a slower printing speed or damaged printing quality, and delays may lead to a decrease in printing accuracy or printing failure (such as uneven layer height or uneven printing of products).

[0069] In view of this, in the preferred embodiment provided by the present invention, the client omnidirectional antenna 3 includes a client first omnidirectional antenna and a client second omnidirectional antenna. Among them, the client first omnidirectional antenna adopts a point-to-point directional installation method. For example, a fixed transceiver area is set for each client first omnidirectional antenna, so as to specifically cover the directions with electromagnetic interference or signal attenuation and eliminate the problem of communication interruption. The number of client first omnidirectional antennas is multiple, and can be appropriately set according to the position of the 3D printer and the electromagnetic environment.

[0070] Multiple pairs of client second omnidirectional antennas are installed on both sides of the working box of the 3D printer, which are used to strengthen and broaden the overall transceiver bandwidth of the client omnidirectional antenna 3, thereby effectively eliminating communication problems such as signal delay and interruption in the surrounding environment. Each pair of client second omnidirectional antennas is in a mutually perpendicular and opposite shooting posture, which can shorten the transmission distance between the two antennas to ensure the quality of communication data.

[0071] In these embodiments, the client first omnidirectional antenna and the client second omnidirectional antenna have mushroom-shaped antenna heads. The arc-shaped end face of the antenna head enhances the signal emission spectrum and the signal scattering range, and the power communication channel preferably adopts the 5G channel.

[0072] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 、 Figure 3 The client omnidirectional antenna 3 connects to the signal amplifier 7 to transmit the received signal to the AP client module 8 and through the switch 1, and uses the TCP / IP communication protocol to transmit it to the client PLC control module 2 for data exchange and control.

[0073] After receiving the signal, the client PLC control module 2 issues a control command to the servo drive module 4 to execute the corresponding motion control command.

[0074] Such as Figure 1 、 Figure 3 As shown, the servo drive modules 4 on both sides of the work box are connected to the servo motors 6 on both sides of the work box through cables, and the electric energy provided by the power control unit 9 is used to drive the servo motors 6 on both sides of the work box to rotate. The servo motors 6 on both sides of the work box are connected to the load lead screws 5 for rotational displacement actions, and finally realize the up and down synchronous movement control of the platform inside the work box.

[0075] Such as Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, in order to enable the work box to be manually operated even when it leaves the body, an external operation button 10 is installed on the work box and connected to the wiring port of the client PLC control module 2 through a cable. After the printing is completed, the operator can conveniently perform up and down displacement operations through the external operation button 10.

[0076] Such as Figure 5 As shown, in order to realize the entire manual / automatic operation of the work box, according to the content of the control logic block diagram described in Figure 5 , all fully automatic control actions during the printing process of the entire work box and manual operations after leaving the machine can be realized. For example, in a feasible embodiment, the automatic mode can be executed as follows:

[0077] S11. The 3D printer is started and accepts a printing job task, and the work box of the 3D printer drives into the printing cabin of the 3D printer relying on the AGV;

[0078] S12. The work box of the 3D printer is lowered to the fixed support of the 3D printer relying on the AGV (mobile handling vehicle / robot), and the work box of the 3D printer is docked with the fixed support, so that the work box of the 3D printer accesses electric energy through self-contact power supply, and the client omnidirectional antenna 3 communicates with the server omnidirectional antenna;

[0079] S13. The AP client module 8 of the 3D printer receives a control command through the client omnidirectional antenna 3; this control command is sent by the server through the server omnidirectional antenna in the form of TCP / IP;

[0080] S14. The AP client module 8 of the 3D printer sends a control command to the client PLC control module 2 of the 3D printer.

[0081] S15. The client PLC control module 2 of the 3D printer sends the control command to the servo drive module 4 of the 3D printer through a specific internal communication protocol of the 3D printer.

[0082] S16. The servo drive module 4 of the 3D printer drives the servo motor 6 to execute the corresponding motion control logic according to the control command, so that the servo motor 6 drives the load.

[0083] The above process preferably uses one 3D printer for remote printing operations. In some production activities, multiple 3D printers are required for printing operations. Therefore, in another feasible embodiment, the following process is adopted for remote control:

[0084] S21. Multiple 3D printers are started, so that each 3D printer is communicatively connected to the central control center and the server through its own client omnidirectional antenna 3. The multiple 3D printers are set as multiple units, each unit is located in a different operation area, and each unit has at least one 3D printer.

[0085] S22. The AP client module 8 of each 3D printer receives its respective IP address through the client omnidirectional antenna 3. The IP address of the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer is assigned by the server, so that the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer transmits data to the server through different channels.

[0086] S23. The AP client module 8 of each 3D printer receives its respective printing task file through the client omnidirectional antenna 3. The printing task file is sent from the server to the central control center, and then the central control center distributes the printing task file to the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer, or the printing task file is sent from the server to the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer. The server sends the printing task files in a batch manner.

[0087] S24. The AP client module 8 of each 3D printer parses the received printing task file to obtain printing task data and sends it to the client PLC control module 2 of each 3D printer.

[0088] S25. The client PLC control module 2 of each 3D printer detects the online status of the working box of the affiliated 3D printer. If the online status of the working box of the 3D printer is good, the working box of the 3D printer drives into the printing cabin of the 3D printer relying on the AGV, and the working box of the 3D printer is lowered to the fixed support of the 3D printer relying on the AGV. The working box of the 3D printer is docked with the fixed support, so that the working box of the 3D printer accesses electric energy through self-contact power supply.

[0089] S26. The AP client module 8 of a certain 3D printer verifies the assigned IP address, and then sends the print task data to the working box through the client PLC control module 2 of the certain 3D printer, so that the working box performs the printing operation. During the printing operation, the AP client module 8 of the certain 3D printer sends the print progress information to the client.

[0090] S27. The client PLC control module 2 of the certain 3D printer controls the AGV to drive out of the printing cabin of the 3D printer, and the AP client module 8 of the certain 3D printer sends the information that the certain 3D printer has completed the print task to the client and the central control center.

[0091] S28. Steps S26 and S27 are repeatedly executed multiple times, so that the server receives the information that all 3D printers have completed the print task.

[0092] In the above step S22, the method of assigning a specific IP address to each 3D printer is used to solve the problem that when multiple sand mold 3D printer devices operate in the same workshop in production practice, there may be a risk of signal interference when using the traditional wireless communication method. Therefore, during the multi-machine operation process, through reasonable IP address allocation for different AP client modules 8, each AP client module 8 sets an independent fixed communication channel and an independent communication rate to effectively avoid signal interference.

[0093] In the above step S23, the method of the server sending the print task files in batches is used to solve the problem that in production practice, the traditional data and graphic print file transmission method uses the method of importing files through a USB flash drive for operation, and the operation is relatively cumbersome. It needs to be imported individually for each device. Especially when multi-machine coordinated operation is carried out, there may be a risk of file import error. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the function of one-key import is realized by using the method of batch distribution, which can simplify the import method of data files and avoid file import errors.

[0094] On the other hand, in some feasible embodiments of step S23, a central control center can be set up in the workshop / factory area where the 3D printers are located. It can be a general controller for monitoring the status and collecting data of all 3D printers in the workshop, distributing corresponding printing job task files according to the regional groups where the 3D printers are located, and coordinating each group of 3D printers. Of course, the above work can also be uniformly completed by the server.

[0095] In production activities, to meet the need for high-precision printing, it is necessary to ensure the stability of the network status. If there is wireless communication delay, it will affect the quality of product printing. In an improved embodiment provided by the present invention, the following process is also included when performing steps S24 to S28: The server monitors and stores the status of all channels in real time, that is, the server grasps the overall network status in real time. If the data transmission rate of the channels used by more than one 3D printer and the server is less than the first preset threshold, the server switches to other channels to connect to the more than one 3D printer.

[0096] In this embodiment, since there may also be a small amount of time delay when switching channels, the data transmission preferably adopts the method of resuming transmission after power failure and supporting data caching. For example, the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer has a cache sub-module. During the execution of step S25, the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer stores the received printing task file into its own cache sub-module. If the data volume of the received printing task file is greater than the second preset threshold, the received printing task file is parsed. In this way, even if there is a certain network delay, the data transmission requirements for high-precision printing can be ensured by using the cached data. After the channel switching is completed, the server can also adopt a control method of increasing the data transmission rate for a short time for the new channel.

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, the server has a server PLC control module and an AP server module that communicate with each other. The AP server module is communicatively connected to the server omnidirectional antenna. The server PLC control module is also communicatively connected to the upper end.

[0098] In the preferred embodiment provided by the present invention, a firewall is built in both the server and the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer to prevent data leakage and defend against network attacks.

[0099] In production activities, the built-in communication protocols of printing devices from some different manufacturers are different. To solve the problem of communication incompatibility when using printing devices from different manufacturers simultaneously, the present invention also provides corresponding improved embodiments, and the basic process is as follows:

[0100] 1. Device connection and protocol identification phase After the program starts, it first detects the connection status with printing devices of other manufacturers. If it is a network device, the program will attempt to establish a TCP / IP connection. During the connection process, the program will send specific query commands and identify the communication protocol used by the device based on the response information of the device. For example, send a simple "HELLO" command and determine the protocol type based on the specific identification information returned by the device.

[0101] 2. Data Preparation and Conversion Phase Printing devices of other manufacturers send communication data to the single-device PLC. After receiving the data, the single-device PLC calls a data conversion program to perform format and encoding conversion on the data according to the identified printing device protocol and format requirements. During the conversion process, the program will check the integrity and correctness of the data to ensure that the converted data meets the requirements of the printing device.

[0102] 3. Data Transmission Phase The converted data is sent to the printing device through the corresponding communication protocol. During the transmission process, the program will use a protocol parsing program to encapsulate and send the data to ensure that the data is transmitted in the correct protocol format. At the same time, the program will monitor the status of data transmission, such as whether packet loss occurs and whether an acknowledgment message from the device is received. If a transmission error occurs, an error handling program will intervene and take corresponding measures to handle it.

[0103] 4. Device Response Handling Phase After receiving the data, the printing device will return corresponding response information. The program uses a protocol parsing program to parse the response information of the device to determine whether the data has been successfully received and processed. If the device returns an error message, the error handling program will take corresponding handling measures according to the error type, such as resending the data and prompting the user to check the device.

[0104] 5. Communication End Phase When the printing task is completed or an unsolvable error occurs, the program will end the communication with the printing device. Before ending the communication, the program will perform necessary cleanup work, such as closing the connection and releasing resources.

[0105] In a feasible embodiment, the specific execution process is as follows:

[0106] S31. Multiple 3D printers are started, so that each 3D printer communicates with the central control center and the server through its own client omnidirectional antenna 3; the multiple 3D printers are set as multiple units, each unit is located in a different operation area, and each unit has at least one 3D printer;

[0107] S32. The AP client module 8 of each 3D printer conducts communication tests with the server through their respective client omnidirectional antennas 3, enabling the server to identify and obtain the communication protocol types of all 3D printers, and enabling the server to call a data conversion program to perform format conversion, encoding conversion, and data encapsulation on the print task file according to the identified communication protocol types of the 3D printers (including protocol types the same as and different from the default communication protocol of the server).

[0108] S33. The AP client module 8 of each 3D printer receives its respective IP address through the client omnidirectional antenna 3; the IP address of the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer is assigned by the server according to the corresponding communication protocol, enabling the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer to transmit data with the server through different channels.

[0109] S34. The AP client module 8 of each 3D printer receives its respective print task file through the client omnidirectional antenna 3; the print task file is sent by the server to the central control center, and then the central control center distributes the print task file to the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer, or the print task file is sent by the server to the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer; the server sends the print task file in a batch sending manner.

[0110] S35. The AP client module 8 of each 3D printer parses the received print task file to obtain print task data and sends it to the client PLC control module 2 of each 3D printer.

[0111] S36. The client PLC control module 2 of each 3D printer detects the online status of the working box of the affiliated 3D printer. If the online status of the working box of the 3D printer is good, the working box of the 3D printer drives into the printing cabin of the 3D printer relying on the mobile transporter, and the working box of the 3D printer is lowered to the fixed support of the 3D printer relying on the mobile transporter. The working box of the 3D printer is docked with the fixed support, enabling the working box of the 3D printer to access electrical energy through self - contact power supply.

[0112] S37. The AP client module 8 of a certain 3D printer verifies the assigned IP address, and then sends the print task data to the working box through the client PLC control module 2 of that certain 3D printer, enabling the working box to perform printing operations; during the printing operation, the AP client module 8 of that certain 3D printer sends printing process information to the client.

[0113] S38. The client PLC control module 2 of a certain 3D printer controls the mobile transporter to drive out of the printing chamber of the 3D printer, and the AP client module 8 of the certain 3D printer sends information that the certain 3D printer has completed the printing task to the client and the central control center;

[0114] S39. Repeat steps S37 and S38 multiple times so that the server receives information that all 3D printers have completed the printing task.

[0115] Among them, step S32 further includes:

[0116] The server checks the data integrity and data correctness of the printed task file that has undergone format conversion, encoding conversion, and data encapsulation;

[0117] Step S34 further includes:

[0118] The AP client module 8 of each 3D printer detects the received printed task file and sends a response message to the server through the client omnidirectional antenna 3; the response message includes a transmission success message or a file error message;

[0119] The server monitors the status of data transmission in real time during the data transmission process of the printed task file; if a transmission error occurs during the data transmission process, the server executes the first retransmission program;

[0120] The server parses the received response message. If the parsing result is a file error message, the server executes the second retransmission program.

[0121] The above-mentioned first retransmission program is a resume transmission process, and continuous transmission is performed based on the node where the transmission error occurs on the basis of resume breakpoint transmission. The second retransmission program is to resend the entire file.

[0122] In summary, the present invention provides a wireless communication control method for a 3D printer workbox, which wirelessly communicates and controls the 3D printer by means of signal interaction between the client omnidirectional antenna 3 provided on the 3D printer and the server omnidirectional antenna provided on the server. The method provided by the present invention can achieve the purpose of off-machine operation of the sand mold 3D printing equipment and the printing workbox without the traditional cable connection control method, and solves the limitation that it is not convenient to transfer the workbox during on-rail operation; thus facilitating the freedom of workbox operation, simplifying the mechanical design cost, greatly improving the work utilization rate of the sand mold equipment, and facilitating the improvement of flexibility and integration in the application of the automated production line.

[0123] Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that the drawings are only schematic diagrams of an embodiment, and the modules or processes in the drawings are not necessarily essential for implementing the present invention.

[0124] As can be seen from the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the present invention can be implemented by means of software plus a necessary general hardware platform. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, in essence or the part that makes contributions to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in various embodiments or some parts of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0125] Each embodiment in this specification is described in a progressive manner. For the same or similar parts among the embodiments, reference can be made to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. In particular, for the device or system embodiments, since they are basically similar to the method embodiments, the description is relatively simple. For the relevant parts, reference can be made to the partial description of the method embodiments. The device and system embodiments described above are only illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they can be located in one place or distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand and implement it without creative efforts.

[0126] The above is only a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention should be covered by the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication control method for a 3D printer working box, characterized in that, Including: Wirelessly communicating and controlling the 3D printer by means of signal interaction between the client omnidirectional antenna provided on more than one 3D printer and the server omnidirectional antenna provided on the server; In the wireless communication control method of the 3D printer working box, the 3D printer has a client PLC control module and an AP client module that communicate with each other, and the AP client module is also communicatively connected to the client omnidirectional antenna; The 3D printer performs signal interaction with the server through the AP client module; The client omnidirectional antenna includes: Multiple client first omnidirectional antennas; each of the client first omnidirectional antennas is directionally installed on the working box of the 3D printer; Multiple pairs of client second omnidirectional antennas are installed on both sides of the working box of the 3D printer for broadening the transceiver bandwidth of the client omnidirectional antenna; each pair of the client second omnidirectional antennas is in a posture of perpendicular facing each other; The client first omnidirectional antenna and the client second omnidirectional antenna have mushroom-shaped antenna heads; The 3D printer also has a signal amplifier; the client omnidirectional antennas are respectively arranged on both sides of the working box of the 3D printer; the signal amplifier is communicatively connected to the client omnidirectional antenna and the AP client module respectively.

2. The wireless communication control method for the working box of a 3D printer according to claim 1, wherein The 3D printer also has a switch, a servo drive module and a servo motor; the switch is communicatively connected to the client PLC control module and the AP client module respectively, and the client PLC control module performs signal interaction with the AP client module through the switch; the servo drive module and the servo motor are electrically connected to each other, and the servo drive module is also communicatively connected to the client PLC control module.

3. The wireless communication control method for the working box of a 3D printer according to claim 2, wherein The 3D printer also has a power control unit, and the power control unit is electrically connected to the client PLC control module, the servo drive module, the AP client module and the switch respectively.

4. The wireless communication control method for the working box of a 3D printer according to claim 3, wherein The wireless communication control of the 3D printer by means of signal interaction between the client omnidirectional antenna provided on one 3D printer and the server omnidirectional antenna provided on the server specifically includes: S11. The 3D printer is started, and the working box of the 3D printer is driven into the printing cabin of the 3D printer by means of a mobile transporter; S12. The working box of the 3D printer is lowered to the fixed support of the 3D printer by means of a mobile transporter, and the working box of the 3D printer is docked with the fixed support, so that the working box of the 3D printer accesses electric energy through self-contact power supply, and the client omnidirectional antenna and the server omnidirectional antenna are communicatively connected to each other; S13. The AP client module of the 3D printer receives a control command through the client omnidirectional antenna; the control command is sent by the server through the server omnidirectional antenna in the form of TCP / IP; S14. The AP client module of the 3D printer sends the control command to the client PLC control module of the 3D printer through the internal communication protocol of the 3D printer; S15. The client PLC control module of the 3D printer sends the control command to the servo drive module of the 3D printer; S16. The servo drive module of the 3D printer drives the servo motor to execute the response motion control logic according to the control command, so that the servo motor drives the load.

5. The wireless communication control method for the working box of a 3D printer according to claim 3, wherein The method for wireless communication control of a 3D printer by means of signal interaction between the client omnidirectional antennas provided on more than one 3D printer and the server omnidirectional antenna provided on the server specifically includes: S21. Multiple 3D printers are started, so that each 3D printer is communicatively connected to the central control center and the server through its own client omnidirectional antenna; the multiple 3D printers are set as multiple units, each unit is located in a different operation area, and each unit has at least one 3D printer; S22. The AP client module of each 3D printer receives its respective IP address through the client omnidirectional antenna; the IP address of the AP client module of each 3D printer is assigned by the server, so that the AP client module of each 3D printer transmits data to the server through different channels; S23. The AP client module of each 3D printer receives its respective print task file through the client omnidirectional antenna; The sending process of the print task file is any one of the following execution processes: the print task file is sent from the server to the central control center, and then the central control center distributes the print task file to the AP client module of each 3D printer; the print task file is sent from the server to the AP client module of each 3D printer; The server sends the print task files in a batch sending manner; S24. The AP client module of each 3D printer analyzes the received print task file to obtain print task data, and sends it to the client PLC control module of each 3D printer; S25. The client PLC control module of each 3D printer detects the online status of the working box of the 3D printer to which it belongs. If the online status of the working box of the 3D printer is good, the working box of the 3D printer drives into the printing cabin of the 3D printer relying on the mobile transporter, and the working box of the 3D printer is lowered to the fixed support of the 3D printer relying on the mobile transporter. The working box of the 3D printer is docked with the fixed support, so that the working box of the 3D printer accesses electric energy through self-contact power supply; S26. The AP client module of a certain 3D printer verifies the assigned IP address, and then sends the print task data to the working box through the client PLC control module of the certain 3D printer, so that the working box performs printing operations; during the printing operation, the AP client module of the certain 3D printer sends printing process information to the client; S27. The client PLC control module of the certain 3D printer controls the mobile transporter to drive out of the printing cabin of the 3D printer, and the AP client module of the certain 3D printer sends information that the certain 3D printer has completed the printing task to the client and the central control center; S28. Steps S26 and S27 are repeatedly executed multiple times, so that the server receives information that all 3D printers have completed the printing task.

6. The wireless communication control method for the working box of a 3D printer according to claim 5, wherein It further includes that during the execution of steps S24 to S28, the server monitors the status of all channels in real time. If the data transmission rate of the channels used by more than one 3D printer is less than the first preset threshold, the server switches to other channels to connect to more than one 3D printer.

7. The wireless communication control method for the working box of a 3D printer according to claim 6, wherein Each AP client module of the 3D printer has a cache sub-module; step S25 further includes: each AP client module of the 3D printer stores the received print task file in its own cache sub-module. If the data volume of the received print task file is greater than the second preset threshold, the received print task file is parsed.

8. The wireless communication control method for the working box of a 3D printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method of wireless communication control for the 3D printer by means of signal interaction between the client omnidirectional antennas provided on more than one 3D printer and the server omnidirectional antenna provided on the server specifically includes: S31. Multiple 3D printers are started, so that each 3D printer is communicatively connected to the central control center and the server through its own client omnidirectional antenna; the multiple 3D printers are set as multiple units, each unit is located in a different working area, and each unit has at least one 3D printer; S32. The AP client module of each 3D printer conducts a communication test with the server through its respective client omnidirectional antenna, so that the server can identify and obtain the communication protocol types of all 3D printers, and the server can call a data conversion program to perform format conversion, encoding conversion, and data encapsulation on the print task file according to the identified communication protocol types of the 3D printers; S33. The AP client module of each 3D printer receives its respective IP address through the client omnidirectional antenna; the IP address of the AP client module of each 3D printer is assigned by the server according to the corresponding communication protocol, so that the AP client module of each 3D printer conducts data transmission with the server through different channels; S34. The AP client module of each 3D printer receives its respective print task file through the client omnidirectional antenna; The sending process of the print task file is any one of the following execution processes: the print task file is sent from the server to the central control center, and then the central control center distributes the print task file to the AP client module of each 3D printer; the print task file is sent from the server to the AP client module of each 3D printer; The server sends the print task file in a batch sending manner; S35. The AP client module of each 3D printer parses the received print task file to obtain print task data and sends it to the client PLC control module of each 3D printer; S36. The client PLC control module of each 3D printer detects the online status of the working box of the affiliated 3D printer. If the online status of the working box of the 3D printer is good, the working box of the 3D printer drives into the printing cabin of the 3D printer relying on the mobile transporter, and the working box of the 3D printer is lowered to the fixed support of the 3D printer relying on the mobile transporter. The working box of the 3D printer is docked with the fixed support, so that the working box of the 3D printer accesses electric energy through self-contact power supply; S37. The AP client module of a certain 3D printer verifies the assigned IP address, and then sends the print task data to the working box through the client PLC control module of the certain 3D printer, so that the working box performs the printing operation; during the printing operation, the AP client module of the certain 3D printer sends the printing progress information to the client; S38. The client PLC control module of the certain 3D printer controls the mobile transporter to drive out of the printing cabin of the 3D printer, and the AP client module of the certain 3D printer sends the information that the certain 3D printer has completed the printing task to the client and the central control center; S39. Repeat steps S37 and S38 multiple times, so that the server receives the information that all 3D printers have completed the printing tasks.

9. The wireless communication control method for the working box of a 3D printer according to claim 8, wherein, Step S32 further includes: The server checks the data integrity and data correctness of the print task file that has undergone format conversion, encoding conversion, and data encapsulation; Step S34 further includes: The AP client module of each 3D printer detects the received print task file, and sends a response message to the server through the client omnidirectional antenna; the response message includes any one of the transmission success message and the file error message; The server monitors the status of data transmission in real time during the data transmission process of the print task file; if a transmission error occurs during the data transmission process, the server executes the first retransmission program; The server analyzes the received response message. If the analysis result is a file error message, the second retransmission program is executed.

10. The wireless communication control method for the working box of a 3D printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal interaction described above is signal interaction in the same frequency band.

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