| 摘要 |
A vacuum platen and method for use thereof in a printing device are disclosed. An apparatus embodiment includes a first surface having a plurality of first apertures therethrough, a labyrinth configured to include a plurality of passageways each of which is fluidly coupled to at least one of the first apertures, and a second surface having a plurality of second apertures therethrough each of which is fluidly coupled to the vacuum source and at least one of the passageways thereby establishing an airflow from the first apertures, through the passageways, and out the second apertures. The vacuum platen also includes at least one receptacle in each of the passageways, each receptacle configured to collect debris from the airflow as it travels through the labyrinth. A method embodiment includes distributing a vacuum hold-down force over the printzone, conducting an airflow causing the vacuum hold-down force from the printzone to the vacuum source, and collecting debris from the airflow by changing a direction of travel of the airflow as it is conducted from the printzone to the vacuum source. Further characteristics and features of the apparatus and method are disclosed herein.
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