Printing control method and 3D printing cabinet
By integrating 3D printing equipment and a transfer module into the 3D printing cabinet, and using light sensors to automatically select the display window and realize the automatic transfer of products, the problem of having to manually remove the finished product after printing in existing equipment is solved, achieving a seamless connection between printing and display, and improving the continuity and convenience of operation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WEIFANG LOKOMO PRECISION IND
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing 3D printing equipment lacks an integrated display platform after printing, forcing users to manually remove the finished product and find a display space, interrupting the continuity of production and display, and failing to meet the needs of immediate observation and display.
Design a 3D printing cabinet that integrates 3D printing equipment and a transfer module. The cabinet automatically selects the best display window through a light sensor and uses the transfer module to realize the automatic transfer and display of printed products, including the transfer of the base plate and the relocation of the product, forming a fully automated printing, transfer and display process.
It achieves seamless integration of printing and display, allowing users to directly observe and display the finished product on-site without manual operation. This simplifies the operation process and enhances the continuity and convenience from production to display, making it particularly suitable for product design verification, teaching demonstrations, and personalized customization displays.
Smart Images

Figure CN122008558A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of additive manufacturing technology, and in particular to a printing control method and a 3D printing cabinet. Background Technology
[0002] 3D printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing, is a technology that uses digital model files as a basis and employs powdered metal or plastic and other bondable materials to construct objects by printing layer by layer.
[0003] However, existing 3D printing equipment is primarily designed to achieve basic printing functions. Its structural layout typically includes only core components such as a frame, printing platform, drive mechanism, and extrusion device. The equipment's workflow is limited to completing the shaping and fabrication of the product. Once the printing task is finished, the finished product is considered the final output, and the equipment itself does not have the function of further processing, displaying, or interacting with the printed object.
[0004] In practical applications, especially in scenarios such as product design verification, teaching demonstrations, or personalized customization displays, users often need to observe, compare, or display the finished product immediately after printing. Because existing equipment lacks an integrated display platform or related functional modules, users have to remove the finished product from the equipment and find another display space or rely on external auxiliary tools. This not only increases the complexity of the operation but also disrupts the continuous process from production to display, failing to meet users' needs for an immediate, intuitive, and complete physical display experience at the printing site. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a printing control method that aims to achieve a fully automated process for product printing, transportation, and display.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a printing control method for a 3D printing cabinet. The 3D printing cabinet includes a cabinet body, a 3D printing device disposed within the cabinet body, and a transfer module. The cabinet body has a display area, which includes multiple spaced display windows. The method includes:
[0007] Determine the optimal display window from all the aforementioned display windows; The transfer module is controlled to remove the base plate from the optimal display window and transfer it to the 3D printing equipment; Control the 3D printing equipment to generate the target product; The transfer module is controlled to move the base plate in the 3D printing equipment and the target product located on the base plate back to the optimal display window.
[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the 3D printing cabinet further includes a light sensor disposed on the transfer module, and the step of determining the optimal display window from all the display windows includes: The transfer module is controlled to scan each of the display windows and obtain the environmental parameters of each display window obtained by the light sensor. Based on each of the environmental parameters and the product parameters of the target product, the optimal display window is determined from the multiple display windows.
[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of determining the optimal display window from a plurality of display windows based on each of the environmental parameters and the product parameters of the target product includes: Based on the environmental parameters and the product parameters, the matching degree information between the environmental parameters of each display window and the product parameters of the target product is obtained; Based on the multiple matching degree information, determine the optimal display window from the multiple display windows; The environmental parameters include at least one of light intensity, color temperature and background color, and the product parameters include at least one of product color, surface gloss and material translucency.
[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, after the step of controlling the transfer module to move the base plate in the 3D printing equipment and the target product located on the base plate back to the optimal display window, the method further includes: After the target product is moved back to its corresponding display window, obtain the environmental parameters of the remaining display windows. Based on the environmental parameters of the currently remaining display windows and the product parameters of the new target product, a new optimal display window is determined from the currently idle display windows; The transfer module is controlled to remove the base plate from the new optimal display window and transfer it to the 3D printing equipment; Control the 3D printing equipment to generate new target products; The transfer module is controlled to move the base plate in the 3D printing equipment and the current target product located on the base plate back to the optimal display window.
[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, after the step of controlling the transfer module to move the base plate in the 3D printing equipment and the target product located on the base plate back to the optimal display window, the method further includes: After the target product is transferred back to its corresponding display window, the transfer module is controlled to remove the base plate from any of the remaining display windows and transfer it to the 3D printing equipment. Control the 3D printing equipment to generate new target products; During the process of the 3D printing equipment generating a new target product, the environmental parameters of the currently remaining display window are obtained; Based on the environmental parameters of the currently remaining display windows and the product parameters of the new target product, a new optimal display window is determined from the currently idle display windows; The transfer module is controlled to remove the base plate from the new optimal display window and transfer it to the display window where the base plate was previously removed. The transfer module is controlled to move the base plate in the 3D printing equipment and the new target product located on the base plate back to the new optimal display window.
[0012] The present invention also proposes a 3D printing cabinet for use in the printing control method described in any one of the above, the 3D printing cabinet comprising: The cabinet has at least one display area. A 3D printing device, located within the cabinet, configured to print the target product; and A transfer module, located within the cabinet, is configured to transfer the target product to the display area.
[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cabinet includes a display side and a printing side, the display side and the printing side are aligned along a straight line, and the transfer module is located between the display side and the printing side; The display side is provided with the display area, and the printing side is provided with the 3D printing equipment.
[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the 3D printing cabinet further includes a light sensor, which is disposed on the transfer module and configured to collect environmental parameters of each of the display windows.
[0015] The present invention also proposes a 3D printing cabinet, the 3D printing cabinet comprising: The cabinet has N display areas and N base plates. The N display areas include a priority placement area and N-1 sequential placement areas. Each sequential placement area has a base plate. A 3D printing device, located within the cabinet and configured to print the target product, includes a base plate; and A transfer module, located in the cabinet, is configured to sequentially transfer the base plate and the target product from the 3D printing equipment to the priority placement area and N-1 sequential placement areas. Where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.
[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the transfer module is further configured to transfer the base plate in the sequential placement area to the 3D printing device.
[0017] In this technical solution, the printing control method provided by the present invention utilizes a 3D printing device, a transfer module, and a display area on the cabinet integrated within a 3D printing cabinet. Based on the product information of the target product, the method automatically controls the 3D printing device to generate the target product, and then controls the transfer module to move the generated target product to the display area on the cabinet. This solves the problem in existing technologies where, after printing, the finished product needs to be manually removed and a separate display space needs to be found, leading to cumbersome operations and interruptions in the production and display process. Specifically, after obtaining the product information of the target product, the method first controls the 3D printing device located inside the cabinet to automatically complete the printing of the target product based on the product information. Then, without manual intervention, it directly controls the transfer module, also located inside the cabinet, to move the printed target product to a pre-set display area on the cabinet for immediate display. This seamlessly connects the "printing" and "display" stages within the same cabinet space through an automatic control process. With this integrated design and automated control, users can directly observe, compare, or demonstrate the finished product on-site without manually picking up or placing the product or relying on any external display tools. This greatly simplifies the operation process and improves the continuity and convenience from production to display. It is especially suitable for scenarios that require immediate physical feedback, such as product design verification, teaching demonstrations, and personalized customization displays. Attached Figure Description
[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the 3D printing cabinet provided by the present invention; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the display area provided by the present invention; Figure 3 A first flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the printing control method provided by the present invention; Figure 4 This is a second flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the printing control method provided by the present invention; Figure 5 This is a third flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the printing control method provided by the present invention; Figure 6 This is a fourth flowchart of an embodiment of the printing control method provided by the present invention; Figure 7 This is a fifth flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the printing control method provided by the present invention.
[0020] Explanation of icon numbers: 100. 3D printing cabinet; 10. Cabinet; 10a. Display area; 11. Display side; 12. Printing side; 20. 3D printing equipment; 30. Transfer module; 31. Robotic arm; 32. Pneumatic gripper.
[0021] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0023] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.
[0024] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this invention is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of a person skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.
[0025] 3D printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing, is a technology that uses digital model files as a basis and employs powdered metal or plastic and other bondable materials to construct objects by printing layer by layer.
[0026] However, existing 3D printing equipment is primarily designed to achieve basic printing functions. Its structural layout typically includes only core components such as a frame, printing platform, drive mechanism, and extrusion device. The equipment's workflow is limited to completing the shaping and fabrication of the product. Once the printing task is finished, the finished product is considered the final output, and the equipment itself does not have the function of further processing, displaying, or interacting with the printed object.
[0027] In practical applications, especially in scenarios such as product design verification, teaching demonstrations, or personalized customization displays, users often need to observe, compare, or display the finished product immediately after printing. Because existing equipment lacks an integrated display platform or related functional modules, users have to remove the finished product from the equipment and find another display space or rely on external auxiliary tools. This not only increases the complexity of the operation but also disrupts the continuous process from production to display, failing to meet users' needs for an immediate, intuitive, and complete physical display experience at the printing site.
[0028] The main objective of this invention is to provide a printing control method that aims to achieve a fully automated process for product printing, transportation, and display.
[0029] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a 3D printing cabinet 100, which includes a cabinet body 10, a 3D printing device 20 disposed within the cabinet body 10, and a transfer module 30. The cabinet body 10 has a display area 10a, which includes multiple spaced display windows. (See also...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The method includes: S10: Determine the optimal display window from all the aforementioned display windows; S20: Control the transfer module 30 to remove the base plate from the optimal display window and transfer it to the 3D printing equipment 20; S30: Control the 3D printing equipment 20 to generate the target product; S40: Control the transfer module 30 to move the base plate in the 3D printing equipment 20 and the target product located on the base plate back to the optimal display window.
[0030] First, it needs to be explained that the printing control method provided by this invention can be executed by a control system composed of one or more control units. This control system can be an independently configured controller, such as a programmable logic controller, an embedded control board, or an industrial computer; or it can be a distributed control unit integrated within each functional module of the 3D printing cabinet 100, such as control modules respectively located in the 3D printing equipment 20 and the transfer module 30, working collaboratively via bus or wireless communication.
[0031] The control system receives the printing instructions and digital model information of the target product input by the user, and performs unified scheduling and real-time monitoring of the actions of the 3D printing equipment 20 and the transfer module 30 according to the preset program logic to ensure the automatic execution of the entire printing, transfer and display process.
[0032] For ease of description, the control units used to perform each step are collectively referred to as "control systems" in this invention.
[0033] In step 10, the control system first acquires relevant information from all display windows to select the most suitable window for displaying the current target product. Specifically, the cabinet 10 has multiple spaced display windows, which can be open platforms on the surface of the cabinet 10 or independent cavities enclosed by transparent panels, used to display printed products. Each display window can independently hold one target product. Based on preset decision logic, such as the current ambient lighting conditions and background color of each display window, or according to a preset window priority order, the control system selects one of the display windows as the best display window for this printing job. The determination of the best display window can be completed before the printing job begins or can be performed in parallel with the printing job to ensure that subsequent steps can be executed accurately.
[0034] In step 20, after determining the optimal display window, the control system sends a board-grabbing command to the transfer module 30. The transfer module 30 is an automated transfer mechanism located inside the cabinet 10. It can take the form of a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm 31 or a combination of a linear module and a telescopic fork to achieve precise positioning and material gripping in three-dimensional space.
[0035] The base plate is a flat component used to support the target product. Its shape and size are adapted to the printing platform of the 3D printing equipment 20. It is usually made of metal sheet or composite material with high flatness so that the product can be stably attached during the printing process and maintain a stable posture during subsequent transfer.
[0036] According to the path planned by the control system, the transfer module 30 moves to the optimal display window location and firmly grasps the base plate located in the window through the gripping components (such as pneumatic grippers 32, electromagnetic chucks or flexible pickers) at its end. Then, the base plate is removed from the window and transferred to the printing platform of the 3D printing equipment 20.
[0037] During this process, the transfer module 30 can move quickly and smoothly between the display window and the printing equipment by means of guide rails, slides or joints located inside the cabinet 10.
[0038] In step 30, after the base plate is transferred to the 3D printing equipment 20 and placed on the printing platform, the control system starts the printing operation. The 3D printing equipment 20 is the core manufacturing unit responsible for automatically building the target product based on the digital model file. It contains conventional mechanisms necessary for additive manufacturing, such as a motion mechanism for carrying and driving the print head, an extrusion device for heating and extruding the molding material, and a printing platform for carrying the molded product.
[0039] The control system converts the three-dimensional digital model file of the target product into a sequence of processing instructions, driving the 3D printing equipment 20 to deposit the molding material layer by layer according to the preset layer thickness and path, so that the target product is gradually formed on the pre-placed base plate.
[0040] Since the printing process takes place directly on the base plate retrieved from the display window, the base plate serves as both the base for printing and the supporting platform for subsequent display, thus achieving the reuse of the base plate's function.
[0041] In step 40, after the target product is printed, the control system sends a transfer command to the transfer module 30 again. The transfer module 30 moves to the 3D printing equipment 20, picks up the base plate carrying the target product using its gripping components, and then moves the base plate and the product on it together to the initially selected optimal display window.
[0042] The transfer module 30 places the base plate along with the product into the predetermined position within the window, completing the automatic transfer from the printing station to the display station. Thus, the target product automatically completes the entire closed-loop process—from retrieving the plate from the window, printing, to returning it to the original window—without human intervention, ensuring the product is immediately displayed in the preset optimal display position after printing, achieving a seamless connection between production and display.
[0043] In this technical solution, the printing control method provided by the present invention utilizes a 3D printing device 20, a transfer module 30, and a display area 10a on the cabinet 10, all integrated within the 3D printing cabinet 100. Based on the product information of the target product, the method automatically controls the 3D printing device 20 to generate the target product, and then controls the transfer module 30 to move the generated target product to the display area 10a on the cabinet 10. This solves the problem in the prior art where, after printing, the finished product needs to be manually removed and a separate display space found, leading to cumbersome operation and interruptions in the production and display process. Specifically, after obtaining the product information of the target product, the method first controls the 3D printing device 20 located within the cabinet 10 to automatically complete the printing of the target product based on the product information. Then, without manual intervention, it directly controls the transfer module 30, also located within the cabinet 10, to move the printed target product to the preset display area 10a on the cabinet 10 for immediate display. This seamlessly connects the "printing" and "display" stages within the same cabinet 10 space through an automatic control process. With this integrated design and automated control, users can directly observe, compare, or demonstrate the finished product on-site without manually picking up or placing the product or relying on any external display tools. This greatly simplifies the operation process and improves the continuity and convenience from production to display. It is especially suitable for scenarios that require immediate physical feedback, such as product design verification, teaching demonstrations, and personalized customization displays.
[0044] Specifically, the 3D printing cabinet 100 also includes a light sensor, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 The light sensor is mounted on the transfer module 30, and the step of determining the optimal display window from all the display windows includes: S11: Control the transfer module 30 to scan each of the display windows and obtain the environmental parameters of each of the display windows obtained by the light sensor; S12: Based on each of the environmental parameters and the product parameters of the target product, determine the optimal display window from the multiple display windows.
[0045] In step 11, the control system first instructs the transfer module 30 to perform a scanning action. The light sensor is a detection element used to sense the optical characteristics of the environment; its specific type can be a color sensor, illuminance meter, or multispectral sensor, capable of quantitatively measuring parameters such as light intensity, color temperature, and background reflected light, without limitation here. The light sensor is installed at the movable end of the transfer module 30, for example, at the end of the robotic arm 31 or on the side of the pneumatic gripper 32, and moves with the transfer module 30. According to a preset scanning path, the control system controls the transfer module 30 to sequentially move to the detection position of each display window, such as the center, multiple corners, or the bottom of the display window, etc., without specific limitations on the designated position of the display window.
[0046] When the transfer module 30 arrives at the detection position of each display window, the light sensor measures the window and collects environmental parameters such as the current light intensity, color temperature, and spectral information reflected by the window background.
[0047] Because the optical sensor moves with the transport module 30, there is no need to install a fixed sensor in each window, enabling dynamic acquisition of environmental data from multiple display windows. Each acquired environmental parameter is recorded in real time and associated with the corresponding display window, forming the basis for subsequent decision-making.
[0048] In step 12, the control system acquires the product parameters of the target product to be printed. The product parameters are derived from the 3D digital model file imported by the user or the attribute tags associated with the model, which contain characteristic information related to the visual appearance of the product, such as the product's color, surface gloss, and material translucency.
[0049] The control system compares the environmental parameters of each display window collected in step S11 with the product parameters of the target product, and calculates the matching degree between each display window and the current product through a preset matching algorithm.
[0050] The control system selects the display window with the highest matching degree as the best display window based on the calculated matching degree information of each window. At the same time, it can also check the vacancy status of each window to ensure that the selected window is not currently occupied and has a base plate that can be used for printing.
[0051] In this embodiment, by setting a followable light sensor on the transfer module 30, dynamic acquisition of environmental parameters for multiple display windows is achieved. Based on the matching degree between the product's visual characteristics and the lighting conditions of each window, the system intelligently selects the most suitable display position for each target product. This ensures that the printed product is automatically placed in the window that best showcases its design intent and visual effect, avoiding the obscuring of product details or color distortion due to lighting mismatch, thereby improving the display effect and viewing experience. Furthermore, since the environmental parameter acquisition and window selection processes are both completed automatically by the control system without manual intervention, the operational efficiency of the entire printing, transfer, and display process is further improved.
[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, please refer to Figure 5 The step of determining the optimal display window from the plurality of display windows based on each of the environmental parameters and the product parameters of the target product includes: S121: Based on the environmental parameters and the product parameters, obtain the matching degree information between the environmental parameters of each display window and the product parameters of the target product; S121: Determine the optimal display window from the multiple display windows based on the multiple matching degree information; The environmental parameters include at least one of light intensity, color temperature and background color, and the product parameters include at least one of product color, surface gloss and material translucency.
[0053] In step 121, the control system performs a quantitative or qualitative comparison and analysis between the environmental parameters of each display window and the product parameters of the target product, and calculates the matching degree of each window with the current product.
[0054] Matching degree is a quantitative indicator used to comprehensively evaluate the degree of compatibility between the lighting conditions of a display window and the visual characteristics of the target product. Environmental parameters specifically include at least one of the following: light intensity, color temperature, and background color.
[0055] Among these parameters, light intensity reflects the strength of visible light within the display window. High light intensity is suitable for highlighting the fine textures and contour details of the product, while low light intensity may create a softer atmosphere. Color temperature characterizes the spectral distribution of the light source. Low color temperature presents a warm yellow tone, suitable for complementing warm-colored products to enhance their warmth, while high color temperature presents a cool blue tone, suitable for highlighting cool-colored or technologically advanced products. Background color refers to the color of the display window's back panel or surrounding environment; the contrast or harmony between it and the product color directly affects the visual perception when observing the product. Specific product parameters include at least one of the following: product color, surface gloss, and material translucency.
[0056] Product color determines the main color tone of the product in terms of visual appeal; surface gloss reflects the product's ability to reflect light. High-gloss products are prone to glare under strong light, thus obscuring details, and are therefore more suitable for environments with soft lighting; material translucency indicates the degree to which light can pass through the product. Transparent or semi-transparent products can show a sense of transparency and internal structure under backlight or sidelight conditions, while opaque products rely more on front lighting.
[0057] The control system generates a numerical matching score for each display window using a preset matching algorithm, such as weighted scoring, fuzzy matching, or harmony calculation based on color theory. The score directly reflects how favorable the environmental conditions of the window are to the visual performance of the current product.
[0058] In step 122, the control system compares and analyzes the window matching information calculated in step S121, and selects the most suitable display window for the current target product as the optimal display window. Specifically, the control system sorts the matching scores of all display windows, and the window with the highest matching score is determined as the optimal display window. During this process, the control system can also perform double verification by combining the vacancy status of each display window to ensure that the selected window is not currently occupied by other products and has a base plate available for printing, thereby ensuring the feasibility of the decision and the smooth execution of subsequent steps. If the window with the highest matching score is unavailable for any reason, the system will select the window with the second highest matching score, until a window that is both environmentally compatible and vacant is found.
[0059] Through the above steps, the control system enables dynamic optimal placement of each target product based on environmental perception and product characteristics.
[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, please refer to Figure 6 After the step of controlling the transfer module 30 to move the base plate and the target product located on the base plate in the 3D printing equipment 20 back to the optimal display window, the method further includes: S50: After the target product is transferred back to its corresponding display window, obtain the environmental parameters of the remaining display windows; S60: Based on the environmental parameters of the currently remaining display windows and the product parameters of the new target product, determine a new optimal display window from the currently idle display windows; S70: Control the transfer module 30 to remove the base plate from the new optimal display window and transfer it to the 3D printing equipment 20; S80: Control the 3D printing equipment 20 to generate a new target product; S90: Control the transfer module 30 to move the base plate in the 3D printing equipment 20 and the current target product located on the base plate back to the optimal display window.
[0061] In step 50, after the first target product is successfully transferred to its corresponding optimal display window and placed, the control system determines that the display window is occupied and is no longer available as a window for subsequent products. At this time, the control system command transfer module 30 performs a scan again to obtain the environmental parameters of all remaining display windows. Remaining display windows refer to display windows that have not yet been occupied by products; these windows are still in an vacant state and can be used by subsequent products.
[0062] The transfer module 30, carrying light sensors, moves sequentially to designated positions in each remaining display window, measuring and recording environmental parameters such as current light intensity, color temperature, and background reflected light for each window. Since ambient lighting conditions may change over time (e.g., shifts in natural light, adjustments to indoor lighting, or interference from reflected light from existing products), re-collecting the environmental parameters of the remaining windows before each new product print ensures that the data used for matching decisions always reflects the window's current true lighting conditions, thereby improving the accuracy of subsequent window selection.
[0063] In step 60, the control system acquires the product parameters of the second target product to be printed, including visual characteristics such as the product's color, surface gloss, and material translucency. The control system comprehensively compares the environmental parameters of each remaining display window acquired in step S50 with the product parameters of the new target product, and calculates the matching degree between each remaining window and the current product using a preset matching algorithm. The remaining display window with the highest matching degree is determined as the new optimal display window to hold the second target product. During this process, the control system can also confirm, through a base plate detector, that the selected window currently has a base plate and is in an empty state to ensure the feasibility of subsequent plate retrieval operations.
[0064] In step 70, the control system issues a board-grabbing command to the transfer module 30, instructing it to move to the new optimal display window position determined in step S60. The transfer module 30 firmly grasps the base plate inside the window using its end-gripping component, removes the base plate from the window, and transfers it to the printing platform of the 3D printing equipment 20, preparing the base for the printing operation of the second target product.
[0065] Once the base plate is transferred to the 3D printing equipment 20 and placed on the printing platform, the control system starts the printing operation. Based on the three-dimensional digital model information of the second target product, the 3D printing equipment 20 deposits molding material layer by layer on the pre-placed base plate, so that the new target product is gradually formed on the base plate.
[0066] After the second target product is printed, the control system sends a transfer command to the transfer module 30 again. The transfer module 30 moves to the 3D printing equipment 20, picks up the base plate carrying the new target product, and then moves the base plate and the product on it together to the new optimal display window determined in step S60, and accurately places the base plate and the product in the window.
[0067] At this point, the second target product has also completed the full closed loop from taking the template from the window, printing it, to placing it back into the corresponding window. The above steps can be repeated to process subsequent target products in sequence until all display windows are filled.
[0068] In this embodiment, each scanning and placement operation directly targets the selected window, minimizing the movement path and number of actions of the transfer module 30. This effectively reduces wear on mechanical components and extends the equipment's lifespan. Furthermore, since environmental parameter acquisition and window selection occur after the previous product is placed and before the next product printing begins, matching deviations caused by changes in lighting conditions are avoided. This ensures that each product is placed in the most suitable window for its display, making it particularly suitable for long-term operation scenarios with high mechanical durability requirements and controllable product quantities.
[0069] In another embodiment of the invention, please refer to Figure 7 After the step of controlling the transfer module 30 to move the base plate and the target product located on the base plate in the 3D printing equipment 20 back to the optimal display window, the method further includes: S51: After the target product is transferred back to its corresponding display window, control the transfer module 30 to take out the base plate from any of the remaining display windows and transfer it to the 3D printing equipment 20; S61: Control the 3D printing equipment 20 to generate a new target product; S71: During the process of the 3D printing equipment 20 generating a new target product, obtain the environmental parameters of the currently remaining display window; S81: Based on the environmental parameters of the currently remaining display windows and the product parameters of the new target product, determine a new optimal display window from the currently idle display windows; S91: Control the transfer module 30 to remove the base plate from the new optimal display window and transfer it to the display window where the base plate was previously removed; S101: Control the transfer module 30 to move the base plate in the 3D printing equipment 20 and the new target product located on the base plate back to the new optimal display window.
[0070] In step 51, after the first target product is successfully transferred to its corresponding optimal display window and placed, the control system determines that the display window is occupied and will no longer be available for subsequent products. At this time, the control system immediately instructs the transfer module 30 to perform a plate-removal operation, arbitrarily selecting a window from the currently remaining empty display windows, removing the base plate, and transferring it to the printing platform of the 3D printing device 20. This "arbitrary selection" can be based on preset rules, such as selecting the display window that is closest, has the shortest path, or has the earliest number, to maximize the movement efficiency of the transfer module 30.
[0071] Through this step, the 3D printing equipment 20 can obtain the base plate for printing the second product after the first product is placed, without waiting for subsequent environmental parameter acquisition and window matching processes, thus shortening the equipment's idle time.
[0072] In step 61, once the base plate is transferred to the 3D printing equipment 20 and placed on the printing platform, the control system immediately starts the printing operation. Based on the three-dimensional digital model information of the second target product, the 3D printing equipment 20 deposits molding material layer by layer onto the pre-placed base plate, gradually forming the new target product on the base plate. At this point, the printing operation has begun, while the transfer module 30 remains idle, awaiting further instructions.
[0073] In step 71, the control system utilizes the idle time of the transfer module 30 during the printing job to instruct it to perform an environmental parameter acquisition task. Specifically, while the second target product is being printed, the transfer module 30, carrying a light sensor, moves sequentially to designated positions in all remaining display windows to measure and record environmental parameters such as light intensity, color temperature, and background reflected light for each window. Since the printing job and environmental parameter acquisition are performed in parallel, the measurement operation no longer incurs additional time overhead, thereby maximizing the utilization of time resources.
[0074] The remaining display windows refer to windows that have not yet been occupied by products and are still in an empty state. These windows will be used for the display of subsequent products.
[0075] In step 81, the control system acquires the product parameters of the second target product, including visual characteristic information such as the product's color, surface gloss, and material translucency. The control system comprehensively compares the environmental parameters of each remaining display window collected in the previous step with the product parameters of the target product, and calculates the matching degree between each remaining window and the current product using a preset matching algorithm.
[0076] The remaining display window with the highest matching degree is determined as the new best display window and used to carry the second target product.
[0077] In step 91, the control system sends a base plate replacement command to the transfer module 30. The transfer module 30 moves to the new optimal display window position determined in the previous step, grabs the base plate in the window using the gripping component at its end, removes it, and transfers it to the display window whose base plate was previously removed. The original base plate of this display window has been removed for printing and is now in an empty state. Placing the new base plate into the window ensures that the window will have a base plate available for subsequent use, thereby maintaining the integrity of the base plate configuration of each display window.
[0078] In step 101, after the second target product is printed, the control system sends a transfer command to the transfer module 30. The transfer module 30 moves to the 3D printing equipment 20, picks up the base plate carrying the new target product, and then moves it along with the base plate and the product to the previously determined new optimal display window, precisely placing the base plate and product into the window. Thus, the second target product completes a closed loop from picking up the base plate from the window, printing, to returning it to the corresponding window.
[0079] The above steps can be repeated to process subsequent target products in sequence. Each time, the measurement and matching decision of the remaining windows are completed during printing. After printing, the corresponding windows are directly returned until all display windows are filled.
[0080] In this embodiment, the measurement operation of the transfer module 30 no longer incurs additional time overhead, making the placement cycle of each target product almost synchronized with the printing time, significantly increasing the number of products processed per unit time. Simultaneously, the base plate replacement operation ensures that each display window can be promptly replenished after the base plate is removed, maintaining the system's continuous operation capability. This is particularly suitable for application scenarios with short printing times that require rapid and continuous display of multiple products.
[0081] This invention also proposes a 3D printing cabinet 100 for the printing control method described in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. Please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The 3D printing cabinet 100 includes: Cabinet 10, wherein the cabinet 10 is provided with at least one display area 10a; 3D printing equipment 20, located within the cabinet 10, is configured to print the target product; and The transfer module 30 is located in the cabinet 10 and is configured to transfer the target product to the display area 10a.
[0082] Specifically, the cabinet 10 is the basic support and housing structure of the 3D printing cabinet 100. The cabinet 10 is roughly box-shaped, with internal storage space for accommodating other functional modules. The cabinet 10 can be constructed from metal profiles (such as aluminum alloy) or sheet metal parts through welding or assembly to ensure the overall structural stability. At least a portion of one side of the cabinet 10 is configured as a display area 10a. The display area 10a is a specific space on the cabinet 10 used to display and showcase the printed products. It can be an open platform on the surface of the cabinet 10, a compartment with a transparent protective cover, or an independent cavity divided by internal partitions of the cabinet 10; no limitation is made here. The display area 10a allows the printed products to be clearly observed, facilitating design verification, teaching demonstrations, or personalized displays by users.
[0083] The 3D printing equipment 20 is the core manufacturing unit responsible for automatically building the target product based on the digital model file. The 3D printing equipment 20 is fixedly installed within the housing space of the cabinet 10. Its specific location can be designed according to the overall layout of the cabinet 10, for example, it can be placed at the bottom, side, or back of the cabinet 10; no limitation is made here. The 3D printing equipment 20 itself contains the conventional mechanisms necessary for additive manufacturing, such as a motion mechanism for supporting and driving the print head, an extrusion device for heating and extruding molding materials (such as PLA, ABS plastic filaments, or photosensitive resin), and a printing platform for holding the molded product. Upon receiving a printing command, the 3D printing equipment 20 starts and adds material layer by layer according to a preset program until the target product is completed.
[0084] The transfer module 30 serves as a bridge connecting the "manufacturing" and "display" stages, enabling the automated transfer of the target product. The transfer module 30 is also located inside the cabinet 10, typically between the 3D printing equipment 20 and the display area 10a, facilitating movement between the two workstations.
[0085] In one embodiment, the transfer module 30 can take the form of a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm 31. The fixed end of the robotic arm 31 is installed on the side wall or base of the cabinet 10, and its movable end is equipped with gripping components, such as pneumatic grippers 32, electromagnetic chucks, or flexible pickers. After the 3D printing equipment 20 completes the printing of the target product, the transfer module 30 automatically moves to the printing equipment according to the instructions of the control system, firmly picks up the target product through the gripping components, and then carries the product to the preset display area 10a and accurately places the product in the area, thereby completing the entire automatic transfer process.
[0086] In another embodiment, the transfer module 30 can adopt a combination structure of a linear module and a telescopic fork. The linear module is horizontally mounted in the cabinet 10, spanning above or to the side of the 3D printing equipment 20 and the display area 10a. A slide block that can slide along its guide rail is installed on the linear module, and a telescopic fork-lifting mechanism (such as a fork similar to that on a stacker crane) is fixed on the slide block. When a part needs to be picked up, the slide block moves above the 3D printing equipment 20, the telescopic fork extends below the printing platform, lifts the target product slightly, and then retracts to transfer the product onto the slide block; the slide block then moves to the target display area 10a, the telescopic fork extends again, and places the product smoothly on the display platform.
[0087] In one application scenario, the operator sends the task of printing the target product to the 3D printing cabinet 100 through the operating interface. The 3D printing equipment 20 inside the cabinet 10 then begins to work, printing the product model layer by layer. After printing is completed, the control system drives the transfer module 30 to move. The robotic arm 31 in the transfer module 30 automatically extends, and its pneumatic gripper 32 precisely picks up the model from the printing platform. Then, it is smoothly moved to the transparent display area 10a on the front of the cabinet 10 and gently placed on the display platform. At this point, the operator can directly observe the freshly printed physical model through the transparent display window at the printing site without any manual intervention. The entire process achieves a fully automated and seamless connection from digital file to physical exhibit.
[0088] In this technical solution, the 3D printing cabinet 100 provided by the present invention integrates the 3D printing equipment 20, the display area 10a, and the transfer module 30 into the same cabinet 10 by adopting an integrated cabinet structure 10. This solves the problem that existing 3D printing equipment 20 requires the finished product to be removed and a separate display space to be found after printing, resulting in cumbersome operation and interruption of the production and display process. Specifically, after the 3D printing equipment 20 completes the printing of the target product, the transfer module 30 located in the cabinet 10 automatically grabs or receives the target product and transfers it to the display area 10a, also located in the cabinet 10, for immediate display, thus achieving a seamless connection from product printing to display. Through this integrated design, users do not need to manually pick up or put down the product, nor do they need to use external display tools. They can directly observe, compare, or demonstrate the finished product on the printing site, greatly simplifying the operation process and improving the continuity and convenience from production to display. It is especially suitable for scenarios that require immediate physical feedback, such as product design verification, teaching demonstrations, and personalized customization displays.
[0089] In one embodiment of the present invention, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cabinet 10 includes a display side 11 and a printing side 12, which are aligned along a straight line. The transfer module 30 is located between the display side 11 and the printing side 12. The display side 11 is provided with the display area 10a, and the printing side 12 is provided with the 3D printing device 20.
[0090] In this embodiment, the cabinet 10 is spatially divided into two functional areas: a display side 11 and a printing side 12. The display side 11 and printing side 12 are aligned along a straight line, forming a "face-to-face" layout. Alternatively, they can be aligned along the length of the cabinet 10. This straight-line alignment design means that the display area 10a has the shortest straight-line distance to the printing device, and there are no complex bends or misalignments between them. The transfer module 30 is placed in the middle between the display side 11 and the printing side 12, at their intersection. Through this layout, the internal space of the cabinet 10 forms a linear series structure of "printing side 12—transfer module 30—display side 11," with the three functional modules arranged sequentially along a straight line.
[0091] The display side 11 includes a display area 10a for showcasing the target products. Display area 10a can be the side facing the user and typically features a transparent window or open booth for easy observation. The printing side 12 houses the 3D printing equipment 20, responsible for manufacturing the target products. The printing side 12 can be the rear or side of the cabinet 10, and is relatively enclosed to minimize external interference on the printing process.
[0092] Specifically, the linear alignment design of the display side 11 and the printing side 12 allows the transfer module 30 to move only in a straight line after picking up the product, completing the transfer from the printer to the display area. This minimizes the path and turning, significantly improving transfer efficiency and reducing the complexity of motion control. Simultaneously, the transfer module 30's central position between the two allows it to cover all workstations on both sides with the shortest possible travel distance, maintaining efficient motion response whether picking up parts from the printing side 12 or placing parts onto the display side 11. Furthermore, this layout physically separates the printing area from the display area 10a, preventing heat, noise, or material scattering during printing from interfering with the display environment. It also allows the display side 11 to be independently designed (e.g., with added lighting or transparent panels), enhancing the user's viewing experience without considering the layout limitations of the printing equipment, achieving a balance between functionality and aesthetics.
[0093] In one embodiment of the present invention, please refer to Figure 1 The printing side 12 is rotatably mounted on the cabinet 10, and the 3D printing equipment 20 is mounted on the side of the printing side 12 facing the display area 10a.
[0094] In this embodiment, the printing side 12 is rotatably mounted on the cabinet 10 via a rotating mechanism (e.g., a hinge or a pivot). This rotating arrangement allows the printing side 12 to open and close relative to the main body of the cabinet 10, similar to a door or access panel. When the printing side 12 is closed, it is aligned with the display side 11, forming a complete cabinet 10 structure; when the printing side 12 is rotated outward to open, the printing area inside the cabinet 10, which was originally covered, is exposed, facilitating intervention by the operator.
[0095] The 3D printing device 20 is installed on the inner surface of the printing side 12, that is, the side of the printing side 12 facing the display area 10a. This means that when the printing side 12 is closed, the 3D printing device 20 is facing the inside of the cabinet 10, directly facing the transfer module 30 and the display area 10a, and is in a normal working position; while when the printing side 12 is opened, the 3D printing device 20 rotates and moves out with the printing side 12, and its back or side may face the operator.
[0096] When equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, or cleaning of printing residue is required, the operator simply needs to rotate the printing side 12 outwards to open it. The 3D printing equipment 20, originally located deep within the cabinet 10, will then rotate out along with the door, fully exposing all components (such as the extruder, transmission mechanism, and printing platform) to the open space. This allows for easy access without disassembling the entire equipment from the cabinet 10. Similarly, when replenishing printing material (such as changing the filament tray or adding resin), the operator can easily access the feeding mechanism by opening the printing side 12, making the replenishment process intuitive and convenient, avoiding the inconvenience of blind operation within the narrow cabinet 10. Furthermore, this design fully utilizes the interior space of the rotating door for equipment installation, eliminating the need for a separate installation location and optimizing the internal space utilization of the cabinet 10. It also maintains precise alignment between the equipment and the transfer module 30 when the printing side 12 is closed, ensuring the reliability of automatic transfer.
[0097] In one embodiment of the present invention, please refer to Figure 1 The transfer module 30 includes a robotic arm 31 and a pneumatic gripper 32. One end of the robotic arm 31 is fixedly connected to the cabinet 10, and the pneumatic gripper 32 is located at the movable end of the robotic arm 31.
[0098] In this embodiment, the transfer module 30 uses an articulated robotic arm 31 as the motion actuator. This robotic arm 31 has multiple rotary joints, thus possessing multi-degree-of-freedom motion capabilities, enabling flexible movement and precise positioning within three-dimensional space. One end of the robotic arm 31 serves as a fixed end, fixedly connected to the internal structure of the cabinet 10 via a mounting base or flange, for example, fixed to the top, side wall, or dedicated bracket of the cabinet 10, to ensure the stability of the robotic arm 31 during movement. The other end of the robotic arm 31 serves as a movable end, capable of moving freely along a preset trajectory, covering the workspace from the printing equipment to each display area 10a.
[0099] A pneumatic gripper 32 is mounted on the movable end of the robotic arm 31, serving as a terminal actuator for gripping and releasing target products or base plates. The pneumatic gripper 32 typically includes two or more relatively movable gripping fingers. The inner sides of the gripping fingers may be provided with textured surfaces to increase friction or fitted with flexible pads to prevent damage to the product surface during gripping. The pneumatic gripper 32 is driven by compressed air. When the solenoid valve is activated, the gripper closes to grip the object; when the solenoid valve is deactivated, the gripper opens to release the object. Of course, the opening and closing of the pneumatic gripper 32 is not limited to this embodiment, and based on existing technology, no specific limitations are made here.
[0100] After the 3D printing equipment 20 completes the printing of the target product, the control system sends a command to the transfer module 30. The robotic arm 31 moves to the top or side of the printing equipment according to a preset path, adjusting its posture so that the pneumatic gripper 32 aligns with the target product. The pneumatic gripper 32 closes, firmly gripping the product (or the base plate supporting the product). Then, the robotic arm 31 moves to the target display area 10a according to the planned trajectory, adjusts its posture again, and the pneumatic gripper 32 opens, precisely placing the product or base plate in the designated position within the display area 10a. Throughout the process, the multi-degree-of-freedom motion capability of the robotic arm 31 allows it to flexibly avoid other structures within the cabinet 10, while the rapid response of the pneumatic gripper 32 ensures crisp and clean gripping and releasing actions.
[0101] By employing a combination of a robotic arm 31 and a pneumatic gripper 32 as the transfer module 30, this embodiment achieves flexible, precise, and efficient automatic transfer functionality. Specifically, the multi-degree-of-freedom design of the robotic arm 31 allows it to cover multiple workstations within the cabinet 10 with a compact structure. Whether retrieving parts from the printing platform or placing parts into different display areas 10a, it can achieve optimal path movement through joint linkage, avoiding the complex steering mechanisms that might be required with linear modules. The pneumatic gripper 32, as the grasping component, features a simple structure, adjustable gripping force, and strong adaptability to products. It can firmly grasp target products of different shapes and sizes without causing product damage due to excessive gripping force. At the same time, the pneumatic drive method facilitates integration with the control system, and rapid opening and closing can be achieved through simple solenoid valve control, helping to shorten the gripping and placing cycle and improve overall transfer efficiency. This combined design, while ensuring functionality, also reduces the complexity of the mechanical structure and improves the reliability and maintainability of the system.
[0102] In one embodiment of the present invention, the 3D printing cabinet 100 further includes a light sensor, which is disposed on the transfer module 30 and configured to collect environmental parameters of each display window. Specifically, the light sensor is a detection element for sensing the optical characteristics of the environment. Its specific type can be a color sensor, illuminance meter or multispectral sensor, which can quantitatively measure parameters such as light intensity, color temperature and background reflected light.
[0103] The light sensor is mounted on the movable end of the transfer module 30, such as at the end of the robotic arm 31 or on the side of the pneumatic gripper 32, and moves with the transfer module 30. By integrating the light sensor onto the transfer module 30, the control system can instruct the transfer module 30 to carry the light sensor and move it sequentially to a designated position in each display window when needed, so as to measure and record the lighting conditions of each window on-site.
[0104] Since the optical sensor moves with the transfer module 30, there is no need to install a fixed sensor in each display window. This enables dynamic acquisition of environmental data from multiple display windows, reducing hardware costs and simplifying the internal structure of the cabinet 10.
[0105] Meanwhile, when collecting environmental parameters, the light sensor can measure at any time point according to the instructions of the control system. For example, it can scan all windows before each printing or collect data on only the remaining windows during continuous printing. This provides accurate and real-time basic data for subsequent calculations based on the matching degree between environmental parameters and product parameters, thus laying the foundation for selecting the most suitable display position for each target product.
[0106] The present invention also proposes another 3D printing cabinet 100, the 3D printing cabinet 100 comprising: The cabinet 10 is provided with N display areas 10a and N base plates. The N display areas 10a include a priority placement area and N-1 sequential placement areas. Each sequential placement area is provided with a base plate. 3D printing equipment 20, located within the cabinet 10, configured to print the target product, and equipped with a base plate; and The transfer module 30 is located in the cabinet 10 and is configured to sequentially transfer the base plate and the target product in the 3D printing equipment 20 to the priority placement area and N-1 sequential placement areas. Where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; The transfer module 30 is also configured to transfer the base plate in the sequential placement area to the 3D printing equipment 20.
[0107] In this embodiment, the cabinet 10 is provided with N display areas 10a for displaying the printed target products, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. This means that the 3D printing cabinet 100 has at least two or more display positions to meet the needs of displaying multiple products simultaneously or continuously. To support and carry the target products, the 3D printing cabinet 100 is also equipped with N base plates. These base plates are flat components of uniform size and regular structure, usually made of materials compatible with the printing platform, such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel sheets. The surface is flattened to ensure product stability, and the edges of the base plates can be chamfered or have positioning grooves to facilitate precise gripping by the transfer module 30.
[0108] To enable automatic sensing and usage scheduling of the base plates, a base plate detector is installed in each display area 10a. The base plate detector can be a detection element in the form of a micro switch, photoelectric sensor or proximity switch, etc., and is installed at the bottom or side wall of the display area 10a to detect in real time whether there is an empty base plate (i.e., a base plate that does not support the target product).
[0109] When the base plate is removed or placed by the transfer module 30, the base plate detector can instantly generate a corresponding electrical signal and feed it back to the control system of the 3D printing cabinet 100. By reading the feedback signals from each base plate detector, the control system can accurately know which display areas 10a have base plates available for use and which areas are occupied by products, thus providing a decision-making basis for the next action of the transfer module 30.
[0110] Based on the aforementioned baseplate configuration and real-time feedback from the baseplate detector, the transfer module 30 is configured to perform specific sequential transfer operations. "Sequential transfer" refers to the transfer module 30 cyclically transferring baseplates carrying target products from the 3D printing equipment 20 to the display area 10a according to a predetermined sequence. Specifically, after the 3D printing equipment 20 completes the printing of the first target product on its own baseplate, the transfer module 30 first grabs the baseplate carrying the target product and transfers it as a whole to the currently vacant priority placement area, thus completing the display of the first product. Subsequently, in preparation for the next printing, the transfer module 30 needs to retrieve a baseplate from a certain priority placement area and transfer it to the printing platform of the 3D printing equipment 20.
[0111] During the board retrieval process, the control system can schedule operations according to preset priority rules. Specifically, the control system can assign priority to multiple placement areas, for example, dividing them into placement area 1, placement area 2, ..., placement area N-1. When the control system detects from the board detector that multiple placement areas simultaneously contain boards, it prioritizes the transfer module 30 to retrieve the board from the higher-priority placement area (such as placement area 1) based on this priority division. This priority scheduling ensures the orderly and predictable nature of the board retrieval action. For example, the area closest to the printer or most easily grasped can be set as high priority to optimize overall efficiency. After the second target product is printed on the retrieved board, the transfer module 30 moves it to the placement area where the board was previously removed. In this cycle, the transfer module 30 fills all display areas 10a with the base plate carrying the product in the order of "priority area → priority area 1 → priority area 2 ... up to priority area N-1". At the same time, the feedback of the base plate detector ensures that the base plate can be accurately located every time the plate is picked up, and that the printer always has a plate available.
[0112] In this invention, by setting a correspondence between N display areas 10a and N base plates, a logical division of priority placement area and sequential placement area is introduced, and a base plate detector is configured in each display area 10a. This embodiment realizes continuous automatic printing and orderly display of multiple products.
[0113] Specifically, the introduction of the base plate detector enables the control system to monitor the status of each display area 10a in real time, completely eliminating erroneous retrieval or wasted travel caused by unclear status, thus improving system reliability. Simultaneously, by prioritizing placement areas, the control system can make optimal choices when multiple base plates exist simultaneously, such as prioritizing base plates from areas with better locations or shorter paths, thereby optimizing the movement path of the transfer module 30, reducing wasted travel, and improving overall operational efficiency. The priority area setting ensures that the first finished product is placed in the preset optimal display position, while the priority scheduling of subsequent finished product retrieval processes makes the process more intelligent and efficient. This design not only achieves a fully automated closed loop from printing to display but also significantly improves the system's intelligence level and operational efficiency through the synergy of sensing and scheduling mechanisms, making it suitable for applications requiring batch display of design samples or teaching models.
[0114] Furthermore, the 3D printing cabinet 100 also includes a sensor located on the side of the display side 11 facing away from the printing side 12, and the sensor is configured to identify the location information of people outside.
[0115] In this embodiment, the 3D printing cabinet 100 is also equipped with sensors for sensing the external environment. The sensors are mounted on the side of the display side 11 that faces away from the printing side 12, i.e., the sensors are located on the outer front of the cabinet 10, facing the area where users or viewers may appear. Specifically, the display side 11 is the side used to display the target product and allow it to be observed from the outside; its side facing away from the printing side 12 is the outer surface or front surface of the cabinet 10. Positioning the sensors in this location allows them to directly face the external space and monitor the environment in front of the cabinet 10 without obstruction.
[0116] The sensor can be a microwave radar sensor. Microwave radar sensors detect the presence of moving objects in front of the device by emitting microwave signals and receiving reflected signals. They possess characteristics such as strong penetration, immunity to light and temperature effects, and adjustable detection range. This sensor is configured to identify the location of people in real time, continuously monitoring for the presence of human figures within a certain distance in front of the cabinet 10. When a person is detected entering a preset detection range (e.g., within 1 meter; this specific distance can be customized in the control system according to the actual application scenario), the sensor outputs a corresponding trigger signal to the control system.
[0117] Based on real-time feedback from sensors, the control system executes safety interlock control. Specifically, when the microwave radar sensor detects that personnel have entered a preset safe distance range, the control system immediately sends a pause command to the transfer module 30, causing the moving robotic arm 31 (e.g., a six-axis robotic arm 31) to automatically stop its movement, thus avoiding the risk of collision or pinching injuries to personnel. When the sensor detects that the personnel have left the detection range, the control system determines that the danger has passed and then sends a resume command to the transfer module 30. The robotic arm 31 automatically resumes its previously interrupted movement and continues to transfer the target product. This "stop when someone is present, move when no one is present" logic achieves fully automated safety protection.
[0118] By installing a microwave radar sensor on the outside of the display side 11 and interlocking the sensor signal with the motion control of the transfer module 30, this invention significantly improves personnel safety during equipment operation. Specifically, the application of the microwave radar sensor enables the equipment to accurately detect the presence of a human body through clothing or thin layers of covering, avoiding the limitations of infrared sensors that may be affected by ambient temperature or light, resulting in more stable and reliable detection. When external personnel (such as visitors, operators, or maintenance personnel) accidentally approach the cabinet 10, the robotic arm 31 can stop immediately, effectively preventing high-speed moving mechanical parts from causing injury to the human body, in accordance with equipment safety design specifications. At the same time, the automatic recovery function ensures that the equipment can continue to operate without manual reset after personnel leave, balancing safety and operational efficiency. This proactive safety protection mechanism allows the 3D printing cabinet 100 to be safely deployed in open exhibition halls, classrooms, or office environments without the need for physical barriers, maintaining the openness and viewing experience of the display side 11 while fundamentally eliminating safety hazards during human-computer interaction.
[0119] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the patent. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the specification and drawings of the present invention under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A printing control method, characterized in that, A 3D printing cabinet (100) is proposed, the 3D printing cabinet (100) including a cabinet body (10), a 3D printing device (20) disposed in the cabinet body (10), and a transfer module (30), the cabinet body (10) having a display area (10a), the display area (10a) including a plurality of spaced display windows, the method comprising: Determine the optimal display window from all the aforementioned display windows; Control the transfer module (30) to remove the base plate from the optimal display window and transfer it to the 3D printing equipment (20). Control the 3D printing equipment (20) to generate the target product; The transfer module (30) is controlled to move the base plate in the 3D printing equipment (20) and the target product on the base plate back to the optimal display window.
2. The printing control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The 3D printing cabinet (100) also includes a light sensor, which is located on the transfer module (30). The step of determining the optimal display window from all the display windows includes: The transfer module (30) is controlled to scan each of the display windows and obtain the environmental parameters of each display window obtained by the light sensor; Based on each of the environmental parameters and the product parameters of the target product, the optimal display window is determined from the multiple display windows.
3. The printing control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The step of determining the optimal display window from multiple display windows based on each of the environmental parameters and the product parameters of the target product includes: Based on the environmental parameters and the product parameters, the matching degree information between the environmental parameters of each display window and the product parameters of the target product is obtained; Based on the multiple matching degree information, determine the optimal display window from the multiple display windows; The environmental parameters include at least one of light intensity, color temperature and background color, and the product parameters include at least one of product color, surface gloss and material translucency.
4. The printing control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, After the step of controlling the transfer module (30) to transfer the base plate in the 3D printing equipment (20) and the target product located on the base plate back to the optimal display window, the method further includes: After the target product is moved back to its corresponding display window, obtain the environmental parameters of the remaining display windows. Based on the environmental parameters of the currently remaining display windows and the product parameters of the new target product, a new optimal display window is determined from the currently idle display windows; Control the transfer module (30) to remove the base plate from the new optimal display window and transfer it to the 3D printing equipment (20). Control the 3D printing equipment (20) to generate new target products; The transfer module (30) is controlled to move the base plate in the 3D printing equipment (20) and the current target product located on the base plate back to the optimal display window.
5. The printing control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, After the step of controlling the transfer module (30) to transfer the base plate in the 3D printing equipment (20) and the target product located on the base plate back to the optimal display window, the method further includes: After the target product is transferred back to its corresponding display window, the transfer module (30) is controlled to take out the base plate from any of the remaining display windows and transfer it to the 3D printing equipment (20). Control the 3D printing equipment (20) to generate new target products; During the process of generating a new target product by the 3D printing equipment (20), the environmental parameters of the currently remaining display window are obtained; Based on the environmental parameters of the currently remaining display windows and the product parameters of the new target product, a new optimal display window is determined from the currently idle display windows; Control the transfer module (30) to remove the base plate from the new optimal display window and transfer it to the display window where the base plate was previously removed; The transfer module (30) is controlled to move the base plate in the 3D printing equipment (20) and the new target product located on the base plate back to the new optimal display window.
6. A 3D printing cabinet (100) for implementing the printing control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The 3D printing cabinet (100) includes: Cabinet (10), wherein the cabinet (10) is provided with at least one display area (10a); A 3D printing device (20), located within the cabinet (10), configured to print the target product; and A transfer module (30) is located in the cabinet (10) and is configured to transfer the target product to the display area (10a).
7. The 3D printing cabinet (100) as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The cabinet (10) includes a display side (11) and a printing side (12), the display side (11) and the printing side (12) are aligned along a straight line, and the transfer module (30) is located between the display side (11) and the printing side (12); The display side (11) is provided with the display area (10a), and the printing side (12) is provided with the 3D printing equipment (20).
8. The 3D printing cabinet (100) as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The 3D printing cabinet (100) also includes a light sensor, which is located on the transfer module (30) and configured to collect environmental parameters for each of the display windows.
9. A 3D printing cabinet (100), characterized in that, The 3D printing cabinet (100) includes: The cabinet (10) has N display areas (10a) and N base plates. The N display areas (10a) include a priority placement area and N-1 sequential placement areas. Each sequential placement area has a base plate. A 3D printing device (20), located within the cabinet (10), configured to print the target product, the 3D printing device (20) having a base plate; and The transfer module (30) is located in the cabinet (10) and is configured to sequentially transfer the base plate and the target product in the 3D printing equipment (20) to the priority placement area and N-1 sequential placement areas. Where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.
10. The 3D printing cabinet (100) as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The transfer module (30) is also configured to transfer the base plate in the sequential placement area to the 3D printing device (20).