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Apparatus for general object holding during printing using multiple conformable gripper balls

A technology for grippers and objects, applied in the direction of workpiece clamping devices, printing, chucks, etc., can solve problems such as limiting printing capabilities

Active Publication Date: 2018-10-23
XEROX CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0005] The problem with this method is that it requires a unique part holder for each part to be printed
This limits the operator's ability to print on general objects as required by the end user

Method used

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  • Apparatus for general object holding during printing using multiple conformable gripper balls
  • Apparatus for general object holding during printing using multiple conformable gripper balls
  • Apparatus for general object holding during printing using multiple conformable gripper balls

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Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0015] For a general understanding of the present embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.

[0016] figure 1 An exemplary printing system 100 configured to print on a 3D object is shown. The printing system 100 includes an array of printheads 104, a support member 108, a member 112 movably mounted to the support member 108, an actuator 116 operatively connected to the movable mounting member 112, configured to be mounted to the movable mounting member 112, and a controller 124 operatively connected to a plurality of print heads and actuators. Such as figure 1 As shown in , the array of printheads 104 is arranged in a two-dimensional array, which in the figure is a 10x1 array, although other array configurations may be used. Each printhead is fluidly connected to a supply of marking material (not shown), and is configured to eject marking material received from the sup...

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PUM

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Abstract

A universal object holding mechanism for holding three-dimensional objects for printing thereon uses multiple conformable balls mounted within a pattern of holes in a two part back plate. The multipleconformable balls are pressed into an object which in turn is pressed against a datum surface that represents desired spacing away from print heads. Vacuum is applied to the multiple conformable balls which grip the object. The multiple conformable balls are filled with particulates that cause the multiple conformable balls to become rigid when the vacuum is applied. This contributes to keeping the object from moving when it is being moved past a print head.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a system for printing on three-dimensional (3D) objects, and more particularly to an apparatus adapted for general object retention in a non-production environment. Background technique [0002] Commercial article printing typically occurs during manufacture of the article. For example, before the ball is finished and inflated, the skin of the ball is printed with a pattern or logo. Thus, for example non-production facilities for distribution sites that customize products in areas such as potential product user support for multi-professional or academic teams need to maintain inventories of products bearing the logos of the respective teams. Ordering the correct amount of product for each different logo to maintain inventory can be problematic. [0003] One way to solve these problems in non-manufacturing stores would be to keep an unprinted version of the product and have a graphic or logo printed on it at...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(China)
IPC IPC(8): B41J3/407
CPCB41J3/4073B41J3/40731B41J3/40733B25J15/0023B33Y30/00B25B11/005
Inventor J·J·布莱德威L·C·胡佛E·鲁伊斯P·M·弗罗姆
Owner XEROX CORP