Indexing cart for three-dimensional object printing

摘要

A mobile cart for a three-dimensional object printing system includes a mechanism that enables vertical movement of the platen with reference to ejector heads in the system. The mobile cart includes a pair of links at each end of a cart that pivotally connect a member positioned between the cart and the platen to the cart and the platen. An actuator is configured to laterally move the member bi-directionally and along an axis that is orthogonal to the member. This movement of the member pivots the links to raise and lower the platen depending on the direction in which the member is urged by the actuator.

主权项

1. A cart that moves through a three-dimensional object printing system comprising:
a first platform configured to move along a track of the printing system; a second platform that has a planar upper surface parallel to the track; a member positioned between the first platform and the second platform; a plurality of first pivoting members, one end of each pivoting member in the plurality of first pivoting members being connected to the first platform and another end of each pivoting member in the plurality of first pivoting members being connected to the member, the plurality of first pivoting members being configured to pivot and transform lateral motion of the member into motion of the member along an axis that is normal to the planar upper surface; a plurality of second pivoting members, one end of each pivoting member in the plurality of second pivoting members being connected to the member and another end of each of the plurality of second pivoting members being connected to the second platform, the plurality of second pivoting members being configured to pivot and transform lateral motion of the member and motion of the member along the axis normal to the parallel upper surface into motion of the second platform along the axis normal to the planar upper surface; and an actuator positioned on the first platform and operable to laterally move the member bi-directionally to move the second platform along an axis normal to the planar upper surface.