CA2404731A1 - Imaging system with media carrier storage position - Google Patents
Imaging system with media carrier storage position Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2404731A1 CA2404731A1 CA 2404731 CA2404731A CA2404731A1 CA 2404731 A1 CA2404731 A1 CA 2404731A1 CA 2404731 CA2404731 CA 2404731 CA 2404731 A CA2404731 A CA 2404731A CA 2404731 A1 CA2404731 A1 CA 2404731A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- media
- imaging
- drum
- carrier
- rotatable
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41C—PROCESSES FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR REPRODUCTION OF PRINTING SURFACES
- B41C1/00—Forme preparation
- B41C1/10—Forme preparation for lithographic printing; Master sheets for transferring a lithographic image to the forme
- B41C1/1083—Mechanical aspects of off-press plate preparation
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Exposure And Positioning Against Photoresist Photosensitive Materials (AREA)
Abstract
An apparatus for imaging a media is able to accommodate, in an imaging position, a drum for loading flat sheets of media or a mandrel for loading sleeve media. The apparatus includes a storage position for locating the drum or mandrel when not in use and provides mechanisms for safe transport of the drum or mandrel between the storage and imaging positions.
Description
ID~AGING SYSTEM KITH MEDIA CARRIER STORAGE POSITION.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to the field of imaging printing precursor elements for use in a printing operation.
BACRGRO'UND
The use of digital imaging systems in the preparation of printing precursor elements for use in printing operations have now gained wide acceptance. In particular, flexographic printing presses are widely used in the printing of packaging products where the use of a 1o compressible relief imaging element is advantageous for printing on a variety of substrates including plastic and cardboard. A flexographic media generally comprises a layer of photopolymer that is exposed to W radiation through an image mask such as a film to selectively harden the photopolymer. In recent years digital flexographic media has become available which has an integral image mask layer that is imaged in a digital imaging system using an imagewise controllable laser source. The media~is typically made available in flat plate sections that are adhered to a cylindrical flexographic printing form once the relief image has been formed and processed. In another 2o recent development, interest is growing in providing continuous flexographic elements that have no discernable seam joints around the periphery of the cylinder. Seamless flexographic printing elements are particularly useful in printing continuous repeat patterns such as wallpaper and wrapping paper.
The handling of both flat and seamless flexographic media presents a problem for the imaging devices, which conventionally have a cylindrical drum around which the flat media is wrapped while seamless media requires a sleeve to be loaded over a mandrel.
Additionally flexographic printing forms are often used in VLF (Very Large Format) sizes such as the ThermoFlex'"' 5280 sold by Creo Inc of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, which is able to load flat media of 1o sizes up to 52 inch by 80 inches. The large sizes of VLF media along with the industry demand to handle seamless sleeve formats presents a challenge for handling of the various media.
The problem is not confined to the flexographic printing field and the handling of multiple formats of imaging media in lithographic platemaking, gravure, proofing, and other imaging areas is generally limited. There remains a need for better methods and apparatus for accommodating a variety of different sizes and formats of media in an imaging device.
SOb~iARY OP' TFIB INVENTION
In a first aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus for preparing a printing precursor element has a rotatable media carrier for supporting a media initially located in an imaging position. A storage position is also provided for storing an unused media carrier with a transport mechanism far moving the media carrier or carriers between the storage position and the imaging position.
In another aspect of the present invention a method of imaging a media comprises the steps of:
a) forming an image on a media mounted on a first rotatable media carrier located in an imaging position;
b) transporting the rotatable media carrier to a storage position located proximate to the imaging position;
c) loading a second rotatable media carrier in the imaging position;
d) forming an image on a media mounted on said second rotatable media carrier.
BRIBF DBSCRIFTION OF THR DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate by way of example only preferred embodiments of the invention:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging engine with a cylindrical drum in an imaging position.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an imaging engine with a cylindrical drum in a storage position.
2o FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an imaging engine with a sleeve and sleeve mandrel in imaging position with a cylindrical drum in a storage position.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an imaging engine showing an alternative method of loading or unloading a sleeve without removing the sleeve mandrel.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an imaging engine with the drum removed to show the drum transport mechanisms.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting one embodiment of a method of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION
1o Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In other instances well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and the drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
This invention is described in relation to an imaging system that accommodates one or more media carriers for mounting an imaging media.
The media carrier may be a sleeve mandrel for mounting a cylindrical 2o sleeve media or a drum for mounting flat sheets of media and/or various combinations thereof. The system provides storage facilities integrated into the body of the device for a drum or sleeve mandrel that is not being imaged thus reducing or eliminating the need to provide separate safe storage for the media carrier when not in use.
Additionally the system may also allow media to be loaded onto the drum or mandrels when in a storage position while another sheet or 5 sleeve is being imaged.
In an embodiment of the invention shown in FIB. 1 to FIa. 4, an imaging engine has a frame 10 supporting a fixed headstock 12 and a moveable tailstock 14. A rotatable cylindrical drum 16 is shown supported between headstock 12 and tailstock 14. Headstock 12 is to driven via a belt 18 by motor 20. An imaging head 22 located on a linear track 24 is disposed to form an image on media 28 held on drum 16 as it is scanned by a combination of the rotation of drum 16 and linear translation of exposure head 22 along track 24. Drum 16 is generally provided with some means for clamping a flat sheet of media 28. The clamping force may be provided by a vacuum applied via a series of holes and/or grooves in the surface 26 of drum 16 or may be provided by magnetic, spring clamps or any other mechanical clamping means.
In general, it is necessary for drum 16 to be kept in precision 2o alignment with tracks 24 as dictated by the design and configuration of the exposure head 22. In order to meet these precision requirements the attachment and alignment of drum 16 to headstock 12 and tailstock 14 employs components that are susceptible to damage or contamination. Furthermore should the surface 26 of drum 16 be damaged or debris be accumulated thereon, the imaging performance may be compromised by bumps or dents in the drum surface 26 that may transmit to the loaded media 28.
Once imaging is completed, the drum 16 may be disengaged and moved into a storage position within the confines of the frame 10 or elsewhere within the enclosure of the imaging device. In FIG. 2 the drum 16 is shown in a storage position. The imaged media 28 may be removed in either the imaging position or the storage position.
Referring now to FIG. 3, once drum 16 is in its storage position, a 1o sleeve on a mandrel 30 or another drum (not shown) may be loaded into the imaging position.
The mandrel 30 may be a two-part assembly comprising a universal arbor 32 with a shell 34 fitted over the arbour. Shells of differing diameter may be provided to accommodate a variety of different sleeves 36. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, arbor 32 may be loaded first (with or without shell 34) and then sleeve 36 loaded over the shell 34. The sleeve 36 is typically a thin walled metal or composite cylindrical tube with the media applied to the outer surface. A
commonly used method for securing the sleeve 36 on shell 34 is to 2o select the shell outside diameter slightly larger than the sleeve inside diameter. The shell 34 may be provided with a number air holes in its surface through which air is forced by some means. The sleeve 36 is then floated on a cushion of air onto the shell 34, the air expanding sleeve 36 to enable easy location. On removal of the forced air supply, sleeve 36 contracts to form an interference fit with shell 34. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 arbor 3Z is cantilevered in place by headstock 12, with tailstock 14 rotated out of the way as shown allowing sleeve 36 to be loaded onto shell 34.
While in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 mandrel 30 is shown as a two part structure comprising an arbor 32 and a shell 34, is should be appreciated that mandrels may also be a single structure without a replaceable shell 34, albeit at potentially increased cost.
In an alternative embodiment, the media may be loaded onto the drum or a sleeve by manual ar automated means in the storage position.
1o By re-locating or duplicating the loading functions from the imaging position in the storage position, loading is decoupled from the imaging operation allowing these tasks to proceed in parallel thus increasing the throughput of the machine. The media carrier may also be a cylindrical printing element precursor where the image is formed on the coated or uncoated surface of the cylinder and the entire cylinder is moved to a printing press for use in a subsequent printing operation.
The transport hardware for achieving the function of lowering a drum from an imaging position to a storage position or vice versa is 2o subject to a number of design considerations. Firstly, the time taken to enact a change between drum and mandrel should be commensurate with the overall productivity of the machine.
Accordingly the engagement and disengagement of the headstock, tailstock and transport hardware should be arranged to meet repeatability and precision requirements without the need for. time consuming adjustments. At the same time, any manual motion of the drum is potentially dangerous since there is the potential for operator injury and/or damage to sensitive components.
FIG. 5 shows one possible embodiment for the transport mechanism.
An engine frame 10 is shown with a headstock 12 and tailstock 14. In this particular embodiment, the drum is held in a pair of cradles 50 and 52. The drum is not shown to enable a clear view of the transport components but the drawing figure should be understood to have a drum to located in the cradles 50 and 5Z in normal use. Each cradle is equipped with a plurality of compliant rollers 54 that engage the drum surface without risk of damage. In FIG. 5-8, a lower portion of drum 16 is shown in cross section, resting on rollers 54. Rollers 54 may be a plurality of compliant rubber rollers or a single elongated rubber roller. Advantageously if rollers 54 are rotatable, drum 16 may be rotated in the cradle for purposes of alignment during the unclamping at the headstock. The spacing between opposing rollers 54 may also be made adjustable in a direction shown by arrow 55 to allow accommodation of a larger variation in media carrier diameters. While 2o in this embodiment the holder that engages the drum is shown as a cradle that contacts the underside of the drum or mandrel this is not mandated and any means of supporting the drum including, but not limited to any axial support means, is considered within the scope of the invention.
Returning now to FIa. 5-A cradles 50 and 52 are located on support rails 56, which support the cradles and allow movement in the direction laterally away from or towards the headstock. The movement is required to disengage the drum from the headstock 12 once the tailstock 14 has been disengaged and is activated by a lever 58 pivotally attached to cradle 50 and fixed support 60. A lateral movement of lever 58 is translated to the drum via the cradle 50.
Cradle 52 may be rigidly linked to cradle 50 so that the lateral movement of cradle 50 is translated to cradle 52 or alternatively, the l0 weight of the drum 10 may be used to transfer the motion to cradle 52 with a spring bias to return cradle 52 to a home position when the drum is disengaged.
Referring now to BIQ. 5-C, cradles 50 and 52 have been moved vertically downward to the storage position in frame 10. Again, the drum is not shown to enable a clear view of the transport mechanism.
The vertical motion is provided by a second set of tracks 62 and a leadscrew 64 located at both the headstock side and tailstock side of tracks 56 (the second set of tracks for vertical motion is not visible in the view as shown). Leadscrew 64 is rotated by a drive mechanism 66 that may be an electric motor or a manual hand crank. Typically, since the drum is invariably very heavy, drive mechanism 66 will drive both the headstock and the tailstock leadscrews 64 simultaneously via a belt or other means. It should be understood that while the embodiment shown transports the drum along a substantially vertical path from the imaging to the storage position, the path may also be l~
horizontal, slanted or even curved depending on the configuration of the frame. Additionally, while the transport mechanism is shown using tracks and a leadscrew there are many ways of accomplishing the same result as well known in the art.
A method of operation of the transport mechanism is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6. Starting with the drum in an imaging position in step 70, the cradles are brought up to engage the underside of the drum in step 72 thus supporting the drum prior to disengagement. In step 74, the drum axis is unclamped at the headstock. Such clamping 1o may be a set of cam bolts or other clamping means known in the art.
In step 76, the tailstock is unclamped and axially disengaged from the drum. The tailstock may then be rotated out of the way The drum is then moved axially away from the headstock along a path defined by the transport hardware in step 78, thus freeing the drum from the headstock. In step 80, the drum may then be lowered in the cradle to the storage position. In step 82, the drum is secured in the storage position.
The example in FIG. 6 while specifically pertaining to the lowering of a drum to a storage position may be reversed in order of 2o steps to take a drum from a storage position to an imaging position.
Likewise, the handling of sleeve mandrels is similarly accomplished.
Furthermore, while in the embodiment described manual exchange of the drum assisted by transport hardware is contemplated but it should be easily appreciated by a person skilled in the art that some or all of the operations may be automatically performed without departing from the scope of the invention. It should be further understood that the embodiment of the method described may include additional steps to ensure safe handling of the drum or mandrel.
In an extension of the concept outlined in the aforegoing description, the storage may be extended to incorporate storage for a number of drums and/or sleeve mandrels simultaneously. Many such designs of a multi-storage device are possible with the potential to move a drum or mandrel into a load position from a storage position, to load the media or sleeve thereon, and then move the drum or mandrel into an imaging position on completion of the previous image. In such a system, the critical features remain in the safe removal and re-location of the imaging drums and mandrels without risking damage.
The multi-storage arrangement is a simple extension to the above concept.
A wide range of media imaging systems may be benefit from the methods and apparatus described herein including, but not limited to flexographic, lithographic, gravure, film and proofing media in either flat or sleeve format. Similarly the present invention may be 2o beneficially applied in any case where combinations of different imaging media having different format, size or mounting requirements are to be imaged in a single imaging device. In many cases, the major difference between imagers for specific different media types is to be found in the media carrier where size, support and securing features are customized for the media. The imaging head may employ any of a variety of imaging processes known in the art and may be a controllable radiation source that effects some change in the media or removes material from the media. Alternatively, the imaging head may deposit material in response to image data, as would be the case if a mask material or other substance were to be inkjetted onto the media surface .
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the l0 spirit or scope thereof.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to the field of imaging printing precursor elements for use in a printing operation.
BACRGRO'UND
The use of digital imaging systems in the preparation of printing precursor elements for use in printing operations have now gained wide acceptance. In particular, flexographic printing presses are widely used in the printing of packaging products where the use of a 1o compressible relief imaging element is advantageous for printing on a variety of substrates including plastic and cardboard. A flexographic media generally comprises a layer of photopolymer that is exposed to W radiation through an image mask such as a film to selectively harden the photopolymer. In recent years digital flexographic media has become available which has an integral image mask layer that is imaged in a digital imaging system using an imagewise controllable laser source. The media~is typically made available in flat plate sections that are adhered to a cylindrical flexographic printing form once the relief image has been formed and processed. In another 2o recent development, interest is growing in providing continuous flexographic elements that have no discernable seam joints around the periphery of the cylinder. Seamless flexographic printing elements are particularly useful in printing continuous repeat patterns such as wallpaper and wrapping paper.
The handling of both flat and seamless flexographic media presents a problem for the imaging devices, which conventionally have a cylindrical drum around which the flat media is wrapped while seamless media requires a sleeve to be loaded over a mandrel.
Additionally flexographic printing forms are often used in VLF (Very Large Format) sizes such as the ThermoFlex'"' 5280 sold by Creo Inc of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, which is able to load flat media of 1o sizes up to 52 inch by 80 inches. The large sizes of VLF media along with the industry demand to handle seamless sleeve formats presents a challenge for handling of the various media.
The problem is not confined to the flexographic printing field and the handling of multiple formats of imaging media in lithographic platemaking, gravure, proofing, and other imaging areas is generally limited. There remains a need for better methods and apparatus for accommodating a variety of different sizes and formats of media in an imaging device.
SOb~iARY OP' TFIB INVENTION
In a first aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus for preparing a printing precursor element has a rotatable media carrier for supporting a media initially located in an imaging position. A storage position is also provided for storing an unused media carrier with a transport mechanism far moving the media carrier or carriers between the storage position and the imaging position.
In another aspect of the present invention a method of imaging a media comprises the steps of:
a) forming an image on a media mounted on a first rotatable media carrier located in an imaging position;
b) transporting the rotatable media carrier to a storage position located proximate to the imaging position;
c) loading a second rotatable media carrier in the imaging position;
d) forming an image on a media mounted on said second rotatable media carrier.
BRIBF DBSCRIFTION OF THR DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate by way of example only preferred embodiments of the invention:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging engine with a cylindrical drum in an imaging position.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an imaging engine with a cylindrical drum in a storage position.
2o FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an imaging engine with a sleeve and sleeve mandrel in imaging position with a cylindrical drum in a storage position.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an imaging engine showing an alternative method of loading or unloading a sleeve without removing the sleeve mandrel.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an imaging engine with the drum removed to show the drum transport mechanisms.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting one embodiment of a method of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION
1o Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In other instances well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and the drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
This invention is described in relation to an imaging system that accommodates one or more media carriers for mounting an imaging media.
The media carrier may be a sleeve mandrel for mounting a cylindrical 2o sleeve media or a drum for mounting flat sheets of media and/or various combinations thereof. The system provides storage facilities integrated into the body of the device for a drum or sleeve mandrel that is not being imaged thus reducing or eliminating the need to provide separate safe storage for the media carrier when not in use.
Additionally the system may also allow media to be loaded onto the drum or mandrels when in a storage position while another sheet or 5 sleeve is being imaged.
In an embodiment of the invention shown in FIB. 1 to FIa. 4, an imaging engine has a frame 10 supporting a fixed headstock 12 and a moveable tailstock 14. A rotatable cylindrical drum 16 is shown supported between headstock 12 and tailstock 14. Headstock 12 is to driven via a belt 18 by motor 20. An imaging head 22 located on a linear track 24 is disposed to form an image on media 28 held on drum 16 as it is scanned by a combination of the rotation of drum 16 and linear translation of exposure head 22 along track 24. Drum 16 is generally provided with some means for clamping a flat sheet of media 28. The clamping force may be provided by a vacuum applied via a series of holes and/or grooves in the surface 26 of drum 16 or may be provided by magnetic, spring clamps or any other mechanical clamping means.
In general, it is necessary for drum 16 to be kept in precision 2o alignment with tracks 24 as dictated by the design and configuration of the exposure head 22. In order to meet these precision requirements the attachment and alignment of drum 16 to headstock 12 and tailstock 14 employs components that are susceptible to damage or contamination. Furthermore should the surface 26 of drum 16 be damaged or debris be accumulated thereon, the imaging performance may be compromised by bumps or dents in the drum surface 26 that may transmit to the loaded media 28.
Once imaging is completed, the drum 16 may be disengaged and moved into a storage position within the confines of the frame 10 or elsewhere within the enclosure of the imaging device. In FIG. 2 the drum 16 is shown in a storage position. The imaged media 28 may be removed in either the imaging position or the storage position.
Referring now to FIG. 3, once drum 16 is in its storage position, a 1o sleeve on a mandrel 30 or another drum (not shown) may be loaded into the imaging position.
The mandrel 30 may be a two-part assembly comprising a universal arbor 32 with a shell 34 fitted over the arbour. Shells of differing diameter may be provided to accommodate a variety of different sleeves 36. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, arbor 32 may be loaded first (with or without shell 34) and then sleeve 36 loaded over the shell 34. The sleeve 36 is typically a thin walled metal or composite cylindrical tube with the media applied to the outer surface. A
commonly used method for securing the sleeve 36 on shell 34 is to 2o select the shell outside diameter slightly larger than the sleeve inside diameter. The shell 34 may be provided with a number air holes in its surface through which air is forced by some means. The sleeve 36 is then floated on a cushion of air onto the shell 34, the air expanding sleeve 36 to enable easy location. On removal of the forced air supply, sleeve 36 contracts to form an interference fit with shell 34. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 arbor 3Z is cantilevered in place by headstock 12, with tailstock 14 rotated out of the way as shown allowing sleeve 36 to be loaded onto shell 34.
While in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 mandrel 30 is shown as a two part structure comprising an arbor 32 and a shell 34, is should be appreciated that mandrels may also be a single structure without a replaceable shell 34, albeit at potentially increased cost.
In an alternative embodiment, the media may be loaded onto the drum or a sleeve by manual ar automated means in the storage position.
1o By re-locating or duplicating the loading functions from the imaging position in the storage position, loading is decoupled from the imaging operation allowing these tasks to proceed in parallel thus increasing the throughput of the machine. The media carrier may also be a cylindrical printing element precursor where the image is formed on the coated or uncoated surface of the cylinder and the entire cylinder is moved to a printing press for use in a subsequent printing operation.
The transport hardware for achieving the function of lowering a drum from an imaging position to a storage position or vice versa is 2o subject to a number of design considerations. Firstly, the time taken to enact a change between drum and mandrel should be commensurate with the overall productivity of the machine.
Accordingly the engagement and disengagement of the headstock, tailstock and transport hardware should be arranged to meet repeatability and precision requirements without the need for. time consuming adjustments. At the same time, any manual motion of the drum is potentially dangerous since there is the potential for operator injury and/or damage to sensitive components.
FIG. 5 shows one possible embodiment for the transport mechanism.
An engine frame 10 is shown with a headstock 12 and tailstock 14. In this particular embodiment, the drum is held in a pair of cradles 50 and 52. The drum is not shown to enable a clear view of the transport components but the drawing figure should be understood to have a drum to located in the cradles 50 and 5Z in normal use. Each cradle is equipped with a plurality of compliant rollers 54 that engage the drum surface without risk of damage. In FIG. 5-8, a lower portion of drum 16 is shown in cross section, resting on rollers 54. Rollers 54 may be a plurality of compliant rubber rollers or a single elongated rubber roller. Advantageously if rollers 54 are rotatable, drum 16 may be rotated in the cradle for purposes of alignment during the unclamping at the headstock. The spacing between opposing rollers 54 may also be made adjustable in a direction shown by arrow 55 to allow accommodation of a larger variation in media carrier diameters. While 2o in this embodiment the holder that engages the drum is shown as a cradle that contacts the underside of the drum or mandrel this is not mandated and any means of supporting the drum including, but not limited to any axial support means, is considered within the scope of the invention.
Returning now to FIa. 5-A cradles 50 and 52 are located on support rails 56, which support the cradles and allow movement in the direction laterally away from or towards the headstock. The movement is required to disengage the drum from the headstock 12 once the tailstock 14 has been disengaged and is activated by a lever 58 pivotally attached to cradle 50 and fixed support 60. A lateral movement of lever 58 is translated to the drum via the cradle 50.
Cradle 52 may be rigidly linked to cradle 50 so that the lateral movement of cradle 50 is translated to cradle 52 or alternatively, the l0 weight of the drum 10 may be used to transfer the motion to cradle 52 with a spring bias to return cradle 52 to a home position when the drum is disengaged.
Referring now to BIQ. 5-C, cradles 50 and 52 have been moved vertically downward to the storage position in frame 10. Again, the drum is not shown to enable a clear view of the transport mechanism.
The vertical motion is provided by a second set of tracks 62 and a leadscrew 64 located at both the headstock side and tailstock side of tracks 56 (the second set of tracks for vertical motion is not visible in the view as shown). Leadscrew 64 is rotated by a drive mechanism 66 that may be an electric motor or a manual hand crank. Typically, since the drum is invariably very heavy, drive mechanism 66 will drive both the headstock and the tailstock leadscrews 64 simultaneously via a belt or other means. It should be understood that while the embodiment shown transports the drum along a substantially vertical path from the imaging to the storage position, the path may also be l~
horizontal, slanted or even curved depending on the configuration of the frame. Additionally, while the transport mechanism is shown using tracks and a leadscrew there are many ways of accomplishing the same result as well known in the art.
A method of operation of the transport mechanism is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6. Starting with the drum in an imaging position in step 70, the cradles are brought up to engage the underside of the drum in step 72 thus supporting the drum prior to disengagement. In step 74, the drum axis is unclamped at the headstock. Such clamping 1o may be a set of cam bolts or other clamping means known in the art.
In step 76, the tailstock is unclamped and axially disengaged from the drum. The tailstock may then be rotated out of the way The drum is then moved axially away from the headstock along a path defined by the transport hardware in step 78, thus freeing the drum from the headstock. In step 80, the drum may then be lowered in the cradle to the storage position. In step 82, the drum is secured in the storage position.
The example in FIG. 6 while specifically pertaining to the lowering of a drum to a storage position may be reversed in order of 2o steps to take a drum from a storage position to an imaging position.
Likewise, the handling of sleeve mandrels is similarly accomplished.
Furthermore, while in the embodiment described manual exchange of the drum assisted by transport hardware is contemplated but it should be easily appreciated by a person skilled in the art that some or all of the operations may be automatically performed without departing from the scope of the invention. It should be further understood that the embodiment of the method described may include additional steps to ensure safe handling of the drum or mandrel.
In an extension of the concept outlined in the aforegoing description, the storage may be extended to incorporate storage for a number of drums and/or sleeve mandrels simultaneously. Many such designs of a multi-storage device are possible with the potential to move a drum or mandrel into a load position from a storage position, to load the media or sleeve thereon, and then move the drum or mandrel into an imaging position on completion of the previous image. In such a system, the critical features remain in the safe removal and re-location of the imaging drums and mandrels without risking damage.
The multi-storage arrangement is a simple extension to the above concept.
A wide range of media imaging systems may be benefit from the methods and apparatus described herein including, but not limited to flexographic, lithographic, gravure, film and proofing media in either flat or sleeve format. Similarly the present invention may be 2o beneficially applied in any case where combinations of different imaging media having different format, size or mounting requirements are to be imaged in a single imaging device. In many cases, the major difference between imagers for specific different media types is to be found in the media carrier where size, support and securing features are customized for the media. The imaging head may employ any of a variety of imaging processes known in the art and may be a controllable radiation source that effects some change in the media or removes material from the media. Alternatively, the imaging head may deposit material in response to image data, as would be the case if a mask material or other substance were to be inkjetted onto the media surface .
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the l0 spirit or scope thereof.
Claims (13)
1. An imaging apparatus for preparing a printing precursor element, said apparatus comprising:
a) at least one rotatable media carrier for supporting an imaging media;
b) an imaging position for locating said at least one rotatable media carrier such that the surface of said media is proximate to an imaging head;
c) at least one storage position for storing one or more unused media carriers;
d) a transport mechanism for moving said media carriers between said storage position and said imaging position.
a) at least one rotatable media carrier for supporting an imaging media;
b) an imaging position for locating said at least one rotatable media carrier such that the surface of said media is proximate to an imaging head;
c) at least one storage position for storing one or more unused media carriers;
d) a transport mechanism for moving said media carriers between said storage position and said imaging position.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said media carriers is one of:
a) a cylindrical drum for loading flat media;
b) a mandrel for loading a media sleeve;
c) a cylindrical printing element precursor.
a) a cylindrical drum for loading flat media;
b) a mandrel for loading a media sleeve;
c) a cylindrical printing element precursor.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said mandrel comprises a common arbor with a removable outer shell, said outer shell diameter chosen according to the sleeve media in use.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said media carrier is axially located in said imaging position by a fixed headstock on one side and a moveable tailstock on the other.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said transport mechanism comprises one or more holders for engaging said media carrier in said imaging position, said holders disposed to move in an axial direction for disengaging said media carrier from said headstock.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said one or more holders engage said media carrier via one or more compliant protrusions attached to a base.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said one or more protrusions are rubber rollers which allow the drum to rotate in said holder.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the position of said protrusions may be adjusted to accommodate different media carriers.
9. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said one or more holders are slideably located on a track allowing motion towards and away from the headstock.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said transport mechanism comprises at least one leadscrew and at least one leadscrew nut for providing said moving between said storage position and said imaging position.
11. A method of imaging a media comprising steps of:
a) forming an image on a media mounted on a first rotatable media carrier located in an imaging position;
b) transporting said rotatable media carrier to a storage position located proximate to said imaging position;
c) loading a second rotatable media carrier in said imaging position;
d) forming an image on a media mounted on said second rotatable media carrier.
a) forming an image on a media mounted on a first rotatable media carrier located in an imaging position;
b) transporting said rotatable media carrier to a storage position located proximate to said imaging position;
c) loading a second rotatable media carrier in said imaging position;
d) forming an image on a media mounted on said second rotatable media carrier.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein said media is loaded onto said first or second rotatable media carrier while in a storage position.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein said media is loaded onto said first or second rotatable media carrier while in an imaging position.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2404731 CA2404731A1 (en) | 2002-09-23 | 2002-09-23 | Imaging system with media carrier storage position |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2404731 CA2404731A1 (en) | 2002-09-23 | 2002-09-23 | Imaging system with media carrier storage position |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2404731A1 true CA2404731A1 (en) | 2003-12-06 |
Family
ID=29783907
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2404731 Abandoned CA2404731A1 (en) | 2002-09-23 | 2002-09-23 | Imaging system with media carrier storage position |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2404731A1 (en) |
-
2002
- 2002-09-23 CA CA 2404731 patent/CA2404731A1/en not_active Abandoned
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US7735420B2 (en) | Imaging system with media carrier storage position | |
| JP3449719B2 (en) | Device and method for supporting engraving plate cylinder | |
| JP2825444B2 (en) | Printing machine having at least one plate cylinder with a replaceable sleeve containing a printing plate | |
| EP1730599B1 (en) | Thermal developing apparatus and method for removing non-crosslinked polymer | |
| US5583647A (en) | Cylinder support apparatus and method for use in an engraver | |
| JP4587845B2 (en) | Assembly production equipment | |
| GB2112176A (en) | Image carrier | |
| US4362805A (en) | Method for manipulating and transporting image media | |
| EP1543966B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for detecting the seam of a flexographic printing plate precursor | |
| US6684783B2 (en) | Method for imaging a media sleeve on a computer-to-plate imaging machine | |
| CA2404731A1 (en) | Imaging system with media carrier storage position | |
| EP3927551A1 (en) | Handling carriage for the cylinder of a printing unit in a printing machine | |
| US6271871B1 (en) | Material applicator for thermal imaging apparatus | |
| US6945169B2 (en) | Apparatus for producing printing plates | |
| JP2003330201A (en) | Actuation system in imaging system | |
| US6688227B2 (en) | Magnetic plate-retention system and method of securing recording medium to rotatable support | |
| US6772691B2 (en) | System and method for registering media in an imaging system | |
| JP2004098559A (en) | Image recording method and image recorder | |
| US6880460B2 (en) | Printing plate mounting apparatus | |
| EP1656258B1 (en) | Printing plate handling with thermal tensioning | |
| EP2155491A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for unloading printing plates | |
| US20040041990A1 (en) | System and method for using flexographic media in an imaging system | |
| JP2000233491A (en) | Method for preparing/supplying printing plate and device therefor | |
| JP3007729B2 (en) | Printing plate mounting system | |
| JP2004294546A (en) | Guide rail structure for beam exposure apparatus |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |