Maintenance module for fluid jet device and said fluid jet device

摘要

A maintenance module for a fluid jet device includes a first plate and a second plate (40) affixed to the first plate. The first and second plates each define a longitudinal axis (16) and a transverse axis (18) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The first plate has a plurality of orifices (26) formed therein extending parallel to the longitudinal axis inwardly of longitudinal edges. The first plate includes a vacuum opening (28) formed therein at about a transverse edge of the first plate. The vacuum opening (28) is formed perpendicular to a plane defined by the longitudinal and transverse axes. The second plate has an elongated channel (48) extending over the first plate orifices so that the orifices are exposed through the channel. The channel is defined by opposing longitudinal edges extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. The channel has tapered edges (50a, b) at about an end thereof that converge to an arcuate funneling region (50e). The second plate overlies the first plate such that the funneling region (50e) extends along an edge of the vacuum opening (28). A fluid jet device having the maintenance module mounted thereto is also disclosed.