Passive actuators for printhead cleaning using mobile maintenance carts

摘要

A maintenance system for a three-dimensional object printer includes a platform having a plurality of wheels that enable the platform to move along a first track, and having a maintenance mechanism connected to the platform so as to be movable normal to the first track. The maintenance mechanism includes a lifting member that extends laterally from the platform, and a maintenance tool configured to move with the lifting member. A lifting platform is positioned laterally offset from a location of the first track where an ejector head is positioned opposite the first track, and is configured to engage with the lifting member to lift the maintenance tool and enable the maintenance tool to perform a maintenance operation on the ejector head.

主权项

1. A cart comprising:
a platform configured to move along a track of a three-dimensional object printing system; and a mechanism that includes:
a member connected to the platform, the member being configured to move bi-directionally in a direction normal to the platform;a tool that is operatively connected to the member to enable the tool to move with the member; anda lift member operatively connected to the member and extending laterally from the member connected to the tool, the lift member having a surface configured to engage with a surface of a guide member laterally offset from the track to lift the lift member from a first height to a second height to raise the member and tool a predetermined distance above the platform as the platform moves in a predetermined direction to enable the tool to perform an operation and to lower the lift member from the second height to the first height in response to the surface of the lift member disengaging from the surface of the guide member laterally offset from the track as the platform continues to move in the predetermined direction.