BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention:
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The present invention relates to a packaging structure for
planographic printing plates, and a method of packaging planographic
printing plates for forming the packaging structure for planographic
printing plates.
Description of the Related Art:
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In recent years, planographic printing plates such as
photosensitive printing plates, thermosensitive printing plates and PS
plates have been widely used in plate-making methods including
electrophotographic plate-making methods, so as to facilitate
automation of plate-making processes. The planographic printing
plates are generally produced by performing surface treatment, for
example, graining, anodix oxidation, silicate treatment or other
chemical conversion treatment solely or in combination on a support
which is typically a sheet-shaped or a coil-shaped aluminum plate, and
subsequently, applying a photosensitive layer or a thermosensitive
layer onto the support and drying the layer, and thereafter, cutting the
support with the layer applied thereon into a desired size. Hereinafter,
the photosensitive layer and the thermosensitive layer will be
collectively referred to as "coating films", and a surface of the support
with a coating film formed thereon is referred to as an "image forming
surface" and a surface thereof with no coating film formed is referred to
as a "non-image forming surface".
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This planographic printing plate is subjected to plate making
processings including exposure, development, gum coating and the
like. Subsequently, the planographic printing plate is set in a printing
machine and ink is applied onto the planographic printing plate. As a
result, characters, images or the like are printed on a paper surface.
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Any planographic printing plate is formed into a single thin
plate. Therefore, when a corner, side or inside of the plate is broken,
flawed or deformed, a drawback is likely to arise, in that an image may
become fuzzy when developed in the state of being exposed to light or
being made sensitive to heat, or ink may be applied irregularly when
printing.
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Accordingly, in order to protect the planographic printing plate,
a piece of protective cardboard is disposed parallel to the planographic
printing plate in many cases. Particularly, in a case in which a plurality
of planographic printing plates are stacked to form a stacked sheaf,
pieces of protective cardboard may be placed at every predetermined
number of planographic printing plates so that the planographic
printing plates can be reliably protected. The planographic printing
plates with pieces of protective cardboard placed as described above are
packaged in a packaging material such as internally packaging paper,
and are then handled during transportation or keeping. When pieces of
protective cardboard are thus placed, the planographic printing plates
are not likely to be deformed or deflect, for example, at the time of
handling. As a result, damage to the planographic printing plates is
prevented. Further, even if external force acts on planographic printing
plates, part of the force is absorbed by the protective cardboard,
thereby preventing the planographic printing plates from being
deformed or flawed.
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When planographic printing plates are used, in many cases, a
packaging material is opened, and thereafter, pieces of protective
cardboard are removed and only a stacked sheaf of planographic
printing plates can be taken out from the packaging material.
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However, an operation of removing protective cardboard
requires time and labor. Moreover, the protective cardboard may be
fixed to the stacked sheaf by an adhesive tape or the like. In this case,
the operation of removing protective cardboard requires much more
time and labor.
-
Further, the removed protective cardboard becomes
unnecessary because it does not any longer need to serve to protect
planographic printing plates. A great deal of cost may be required for
the disposal of spent protective cardboard. For example, when the
protective cardboard is comprised of only paper which can be recovered
as waste paper, it can be recovered. However, the recovery of waste
paper generally requires expert skill and costs. Further, when the
protective cardboard is formed so as to partially include, for example,
resin material, it cannot be recovered as waste paper. In this case,
much more costs are required for the disposal of the protective
cardboard. In either case, it is necessary for a user of planographic
printing plates to temporarily store disused protective cardboard.
Therefore, costs are also required for storing the protective cardboard
and a storage place therefor needs to be secured.
-
In addition, costs are also required for manufacturing the
protective cardboard, and consequently are reflected in a packaging
structure for planographic printing plates, or planographic printing
plates themselves.
-
Next, the planographic printing plate is subjected to plate
making processings including exposure, development, gum coating and
the like. Subsequently, the planographic printing plate is set in a
printing machine and ink is applied onto the planographic printing
plate. As a result, characters, images and the like are printed on a
paper surface.
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In a case of handling such planographic printing plates, in
order to perform transportation or storage at a low cost with a reduced
number of times of handling, a large volume of planographic printing
plates is stacked in a thickness direction to form a stacked sheaf of
planographic printing plates, and the stacked sheaf may be placed and
packaged on a loading member such as a pallet.
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Fig. 14 shows an example of such a packaging structure (see
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 3-73946).
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In a packaging structure 310 disclosed therein, an end plate
314 is disposed at each of both end surfaces of a stacked sheaf of
planographic printing plates 312. The end plates 314 are fastened to
each other by bolts 316.
-
However, the operation of fastening the end plates 314 by the
bolts 316 is generally complicated. Further, there is no device for
automatically performing the fastening operation, and therefore, much
time and labor is required for the packaging. Moreover, the bolts 316
need to be removed one by one at the time of unpacking, and efficiency
of the unpacking operation is also deteriorated.
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Further, fastening force from the bolts 316 locally acts on the
end plates 314. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the thickness of
the end plate 314 so as to prevent depression or bending of the end
plate 314, thereby resulting in a weight increase of the plate.
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The aforementioned JP-A No. 3-73946 also proposes a
packaging structure 410 shown in Fig. 15.
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In the packaging structure 410 as well, a stack 418 comprised
of a desired number of planographic printing plates 416 is made to lean
against an end plate 414 which is formed upright in a slanting manner
to a bottom plate 412. Thereafter, another end plate 420 is applied to a
front side of the stack 418, and subsequently, the end plate 414 and the
end plate 420 are fastened to each other by bolts 422 so that the stack
418 is fixed.
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The end plates are thus fastened by the bolts 422, and
therefore, in the same manner as in the packaging structure 310 shown
in Fig. 14, efficiency of a packaging or unpacking operation was
deteriorated. In addition, if the thickness of the end plate is maintained
to prevent depression or deformation of the end plate, an increase in
weight may be caused.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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In view of the aforementioned circumstances, it is an object of
the present invention to provide a packaging structure for planographic
printing plates in which, when used, planographic printing plates in a
packaged state can be taken out with no time or labor required and
planographic printing plates can be packaged at a low cost, and also
provide a packaging method of planographic printing plates, by which
the packaging structure for planographic printing plates is formed.
-
Further, it is another object of the present invention to provide
a packaging structure for planographic printing plates in which
efficiency of a packaging or unpacking operation is improved and
deformation of an end plate can be prevented with no increase in
weight.
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A first aspect of the present invention is a packaging structure
for planographic printing plates in which planographic printing plates
are packaged. The packaging structure for planographic printing
plates comprises: a stack in which only a plurality of planographic
printing plates, or a plurality of planographic printing plates and a
plurality of interleaf sheets each protecting a coating film of the
planographic printing plate are stacked in a thickness direction; and a
packaging material for packaging the stack.
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The "plurality of planographic printing plates and interleaf
sheets" mentioned herein involves a case in which a stack is formed
with a plurality of planographic printing plates and interleaf sheets
being stacked. Accordingly, for example, a stack in which an interleaf
sheet is disposed at every predetermined number of stacked
planographic printing plates, or a stack in which an interleaf sheet is
disposed so as to correspond to a coating film which is positioned at an
end surface of the stack of planographic printing plates in the stacking
direction is also involved. Be sure that, in a case of so-called dead
plates, the surface of the planographic printing plates, which is
positioned on the end surface of the stack in the stacking direction, also
involves a surface which acts as an image forming surface regardless of
the presence of a coating film.
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As described above, the plurality of planographic printing
plates are stacked so as to form a stack, and they can be transported or
stored collectively. As a result, efficient handling becomes possible.
Further, the stack is packaged with the packaging material, and
therefore, damage, deformation or deterioration thereof is prevented.
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Further, in this packaging structure for planographic printing
plates, the stack of planographic printing plates is formed by only
planographic printing plates, or planographic printing plates and
interleaf sheets. The stack is directly packaged with the packaging
material. In this structure, no protective cardboard is used unlike a
conventional structure. Therefore, when planographic printing plates
are taken out from the packaging structure for planographic printing
plate and used, it is not necessary to remove protective cardboard.
Accordingly, the planographic printing plates can be brought into use
with no time or labor required. Further, a space in which used pieces of
protective cardboard are stored is not required, and costs for the
storage are reduced. Moreover, costs or labor for the disposal of used
protective cardboard are reduced.
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Even when the packaging structure for planographic printing
plates is formed by packaging planographic printing plates, it is not
necessary to provide pieces of protective cardboard. Therefore, the time
or labor required for the packaging can be reduced, and costs for
production of the protective cardboard are decreased. Accordingly, the
planographic printing plates can be packaged at a low cost.
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In the structure of the first aspect, the packaging material is
not particularly limited. Further, the packaging material can comprise
an internal packaging material for internally packaging the stack and
an external packaging material for externally packaging the stack
packaged with the internal packaging material in the same manner as
in the structure according to the first aspect of the present invention.
When the packaging material is thus formed by the internal packaging
material and the external packaging material, materials having
different protective abilities can be employed. Therefore, the
planographic printing plates can be more reliably protected and
packaged.
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The external packaging material in the structure of the first
aspect is usually made into a box made of corrugated fiberboard. In
this structure, it is possible to set the shape or strength of the
corrugated fiberboard box so that the box may absorb energy of
external force in consideration of a case in which external force acts on
the stack of planographic printing plates. Therefore, the planographic
printing plates can be more reliably protected. Further, due to the
external packaging material being made into the corrugated fiberboard
box, reuse or recycle, and disposal thereof is facilitated.
-
In the present invention, usually, one of the aforementioned
structures further comprises a loading member on which at least one
packaged stack in the state of being packaged with the packaging
material is loaded.
-
A plurality of stacks can be handled collectively in the state of
being loaded on the loading member. Therefore, the handling becomes
further facilitated. Further, the planographic printing plates can be
more reliably protected.
-
In the present invention, usually, one of the aforementioned
structures further comprises a marker member which is disposed at
every predetermined number of planographic printing plates
constituting the stack.
-
In other words, the marker member allows an operator to take
out the predetermined number of planographic printing plates, and
handling of planographic printing plates becomes easy. The marker
member may be a plate-shaped member different from an interleaf
sheet, for example, a member of which thickness is larger than the
interleaf sheet, or may be an interleaf sheet which may be deformed or
colored so as not to affect properties or operating conditions of
planographic printing plate.
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In the present invention, in either of the aforementioned
structures, the number of planographic printing plates which
constitute the stack is not limited. However, it is preferably set in the
range of 10 to 200. If the number of planographic printing plates is 10
or more, handing efficiency can be improved. Further, if it is 200 or
less, the weight of the stack is limited. Therefore, an operating load at
the time of handling is reduced.
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A second aspect of the present invention is a method of
packaging planographic printing plates in which any one of the
aforementioned packaging structures for planographic printing plates
is formed. This packaging method comprises the steps of: stacking a
plurality of planographic printing plates to form a stack; and
packaging the stack formed by the stacking step with the packaging
material.
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Any one of the aforementioned packaging structures can be
obtained by only forming a stack with a plurality of planographic
printing plates being stacked in a stacking process and packaging the
stack in the packaging process.
-
Further, no protective cardboard is provided in either case.
Therefore, the protective cardboard is not required and the time or
labor required for forming the packaging structure for planographic
printing plates is reduced. As a result, the packaging structure for
planographic printing plates can be formed at a low cost.
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A third aspect of the present invention is a packaging structure
for planographic printing plates which comprises: a planographic-printing-plate
loading member on which a stack formed by stacking a
plurality of planographic printing plates in a thickness direction can
be loaded; an end plate which is disposed in contact with the stack at
a side opposite to the planographic-printing-plate loading member; a
binding member for binding the planographic-printing-plate loading
member, the stack and the end plate in the state of being wound
thereon; and a reinforcing member mounted on the end plate so as to
be positioned between the end plate and the binding member, the
reinforcing member being provided so as to alleviate pressure from the
binding member and make the pressure to act on the end plate.
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The stack of planographic printing plates in the state of being
loaded on the planographic-printing-plate loading member has an end
plate which is disposed at the side opposite to the loading member. The
loading member, stack and end plate are bound with the binding
member, thereby forming the packaging structure for planographic
printing plates. As a result, a plurality of planographic printing plates
can be handled collectively.
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Since the planographic-printing-plate loading member, stack
and end plate are bound with the binding member, packaging efficiency
improves compared with a conventional bolt-fastening method or the
like. It is also possible to perform the binding using a common binding
device. Further, an unpacking operation is facilitated by cutting and
removing the binding member.
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A reinforcing member is mounted on the end plate so as to be
positioned between the end plate and the binding member, and
pressure from the binding member is alleviated and acts on the end
plate. Accordingly, the end plate is prevented from being recessed or
bent due to binding force from the binding member. It is not necessary
that the end plate may maintain a thickness. Therefore, the end plate
can be made light in weight by being made smaller in thickness.
-
In the structure of the third aspect, usually, the reinforcing
member has a rigidity higher than the end plate.
-
Accordingly, deformation of the end plate can be further
effectively prevented.
-
A specific structure in which the rigidity of the reinforcing
member is higher than that of the end plate is not limited. For example,
the reinforcing member may be constituted from a material having a
hardness higher than the end plate. Further, even when it is
constituted from the same material as the end plate, a portion in which
the reinforcing member is formed increases in thickness compared with
a portion with only the end plate formed therein. As a result, the
rigidity increases.
-
In the structure of the third aspect, more usually, the
reinforcing member is formed so as to extend along the binding
member continuously from one end of the end plate to the other end.
-
As a result, the total rigidity of the end plate and the reinforcing
member further increases. Accordingly, bending of the end plate can be
further reliably prevented.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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Figs. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing processes for
forming a packaging structure for planographic printing plates
according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
-
Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the packaging structure
for planographic printing plates according to the first embodiment of
the present invention.
-
Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a packaging structure for
planographic printing plates according to a second embodiment of the
present invention.
-
Fig. 4 is a development view showing a packaging box for
planographic printing plates, which forms the packaging structure for
planographic printing plates according to the second embodiment of
the present invention.
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Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a packaging structure for
planographic printing plates according to a third embodiment of the
present invention.
-
Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a process of forming a
packaging structure for planographic printing plates according to a
fourth embodiment of the present invention.
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Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the packaging structure
for planographic printing plates according to the fourth embodiment of
the present invention.
-
Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a process of forming a
packaging structure for planographic printing plates according to a
fifth embodiment of the present invention.
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Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a process of forming the
packaging structure for planographic printing plates according to the
fifth embodiment of the present invention.
-
Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the packaging structure
for planographic printing plates according to the fifth embodiment of
the present invention.
-
Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a packaging structure for
planographic printing plates according to a sixth embodiment of the
present invention.
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Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a packaging structure for
planographic printing plates according to a seventh embodiment of the
present invention.
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Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a packaging structure for
planographic printing plates according to an eighth embodiment of the
present invention.
-
Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a conventional packaging
structure for planographic printing plates.
-
Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing another conventional
packaging structure for planographic printing plates.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
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Figs. 1A and 1B show processes for packaging a stacked sheaf
(stack) 12 of planographic printing plates 10 using a packaging
structure 18 for planographic printing plates according to a first
embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows the packaging
structure 18 for planographic printing plates according to the first
embodiment.
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The planographic printing plate 10 is formed by applying a
coating film (a photosensitive layer in a case of a photosensitive
printing plate, or a thermosensitive layer in a case of a thermosensitive
printing plate) onto a thin aluminum support which is formed into a
rectangular plate. Further, an overcoat layer or a mat layer may be
applied if necessary. This coating film is subjected to plate making
processings including exposure, development, gum coating and the
like. Then, the planographic printing plate 10 thus formed is set in a
printing machine and ink is applied thereto, thereby allowing
characters, images and the like to be printed on a paper surface. The
planographic printing plate 10 of the present embodiment is one
before the processings (such as exposure, development and the like)
necessary for printing is carried out. The planographic printing plate
10 may be referred to as a planographic printing plate precursor or a
planographic printing plate material in some cases.
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A specific structure of the planographic printing plate 10 is
not particularly limited so long as it has the aforementioned structure.
For example, by making it a planographic printing plate for heat mode
type and photon type laser printing, it is possible to provide a
planographic printing plate which can be made directly from digital
data.
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Further, the
planographic printing plate 10 can be made to
correspond to various plate making methods by selecting various
components in the photosensitive layer or the thermosensitive layer.
Specific examples of the
planographic printing plate 10 according to
the present invention include the following (1) to (11).
- (1) A planographic printing plate in which the photosensitive layer
contains an infrared ray absorbent, a compound which generates an
acid when heated, and a compound which crosslinking is formed by an
acid.
- (2) A planographic printing plate in which the photosensitive layer
contains an infrared ray absorbent, and a compound which becomes
soluble in alkaline when heated.
- (3) A planographic printing plate in which the photosensitive layer is
comprised of two layers: an oxygen cutoff layer and a layer which
contains a compound generating a radical by being irradiated with
laser light, a binder soluble in alkali, and a multi-functional monomer
or prepolymer.
- (4) A planographic printing plate in which the photosensitive layer is
comprised of two layers: a physical development core layer and a silver
halide emulsion layer.
- (5) A planographic printing plate in which the photosensitive layer is
comprised of three layers, that is, a polymerization layer containing a
multi-functional monomer and a multi-functional binder, a layer
containing silver halide and a reducing agent, and an oxygen cutoff
layer.
- (6) A planographic printing plate in which the photosensitive layer is
comprised of two layers, that is, a layer containing novolak resin and
naphthoquinonediazide, and a layer containing silver halide.
- (7) A planographic printing plate in which the photosensitive layer
contains an organic photoconductor.
- (8) A planographic printing plate in which the photosensitive layer
contains two or three layers, that is, a laser light absorbing layer
which is removed by being irradiated with laser light, a lipophilic layer
and/or a hydrophilic layer.
- (9) A planographic printing plate in which the photosensitive layer
contains a compound which absorbs energy to generate acid, a high
molecular compound having, in its side chain, a functional group
which generates sulfonic acid or calboxylic acid by an acid, and a
compound which absorbs visible light to impart energy to an acid
generating agent.
- (10) A planographic printing plate in which the photosensitive layer
contains a quinonediazide compound and novolak resin.
- (11) A planographic printing plate in which the photosensitive layer
contains a compound which is decomposed by light or ultraviolet ray
and forms a crosslinking structure in itself or with other molecules
within the layer, and a binder which is soluble in alkali.
-
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Particularly, planographic printing plates coated with a
highly-photosensitive coating film which is exposed to a laser, and
thermosensitive planographic printing plates have been used in recent
years. Such printing plates are, for example, the aforementioned
planographic printing plates (1) to (3), and the like. In a case in which
these high sensitivity type planographic printing plates are used, they
are preferably packaged with the packaging structure for planographic
printing plates according to the present invention.
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A wavelength of the laser light mentioned herein is not
particularly limited. For example, the following lasers can be used.
- (a) A laser having a wavelength region of 350 to 450 nm, specifically, a
laser diode having a wavelength of 405±5 nm.
- (b) A laser having a wavelength region of 480 to 540 nm, specifically,
an argon laser having a wavelength of 488 nm, an (FD) YAG laser
having a wavelength of 532 nm, a solid laser having a wavelength of
532 nm, and a green Ne-Ne laser having a wavelength of 532 nm.
- (c) A laser having a wavelength region of 630 to 680 nm, specifically, a
Ne-Ne laser having a wavelength of 630 to 670 nm, and a red-light
semiconductor laser having a wavelength of 630 to 670 nm.
- (d) A laser having a wavelength of 800 to 830 nm, specifically, an
infrared (semiconductor) laser having a wavelength of 830 nm.
- (e) A laser having a wavelength of 1064 to 1080 nm, specifically, a YAG
laser having a wavelength of 1064.
-
-
Among them, the laser lights of the above (b) and (c) can each
be applied to the planographic printing plate having a photosensitive
layer or a thermosensitive layer, which is described in the above (3) or
(4). Further, the laser lights of the above (d) and (e) can each be
applied to the planographic printing plate having a photosensitive
layer or a thermosensitive layer, which is described in the above (1) or
(2). Of course, the relationship between the wavelength region of laser
light and the photosensitive or thermosensitive layer is not limited to
the foregoing.
-
Further, the planographic printing plate 10 of the present
embodiment, that is, planographic printing plates of all the above (1)
to (11), are planographic printing plates which are set in an automatic
plate making machine having a function of automatically feeding
plates, or in a so-called plate setter in a state of being made into the
stack 12, and supplied to a plate making process. Accordingly,
deterioration of the image forming surface can be reliably prevented by
the planographic printing plate of the present invention, without
depending on how the planographic printing plates are fed, that is, if
they are fed by a user using an automatic plate feeding mechanism, or
they are fed manually by the user, or the like. Of course, planographic
printing plates other than those of the above (1) to (11), which may
possibly be set in an automatic plate making machine having an
automatic plate feeding function or in a so-called plate setter and fed
to a plate-making process, are all included in the planographic
printing plates 10 of the present embodiment.
-
The shape of the planographic printing plate 10 is not
particularly limited. For example, an aluminum sheet having a
thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm, a longer side (width) of 300 to 2050 mm,
and a shorter side (length) of 200 to 1500 mm, with a photosensitive or
thermosensitive layer applied onto one surface of the plate, can be
used.
-
As can be also seen in Fig. 1A, the stack 12 of the planographic
printing plates 10 is formed in such a manner that interleaf sheets 14
for protecting the coating film and the planographic printing plates 10
are alternately stacked in a thickness direction. The number of the
planographic printing plates 10 forming a single stack 12 is not
particularly limited. However, from the standpoint of efficiency of
transportation and storage, the number may be 10 to 200, for
example. When the stack 12 is formed of 10 or more pieces of
planographic printing plates 10, the plates can be handled more
efficiently. When the stack 12 is formed of 200 pieces or less of
planographic printing plates, the weight of the stack 12 is limited.
Therefore, a work load for the handling can be reduced. Further, it is
also possible that the stack 12 may be structured by a larger number
of planographic printing plates 10 so as to transport and store the
plates more efficiently. That is, handling can be carried out fewer
times. For example, the maximum number of the planographic
printing plates 10 may be set around 3000 pieces. Moreover, the
interleaf sheets 14 may not be used depending on types of the
planographic printing plates 10 and the stack 12 may be structured
only by the planographic printing plates 10.
-
A coating film may be formed on both sides of the support
depending on types of the planographic printing plates. A printing
plate coated in this way is a so-called "double-coated plate". When the
stack 12 is structured by the double-coated planographic printing
plates, one interleaf sheet 14 is also disposed under the lowermost
planographic printing paper 10 in Fig. 1A. Accordingly, the number of
the interleaf sheets 14 is larger than that of the planographic printing
papers 10 by one. As a result, there is no possibility that the coating
film of the planographic printing plate 10 is directly in contact with an
internal packaging paper 16. Therefore, damage to the coating film,
which is caused by the coating film and the internal packaging paper
16 directly in contact with each other, is prevented.
-
Further, in a case in which a coating film is applied onto only
one surface of the support, the planographic printing plates 10 may be
stacked so that the coating films thereof are oriented upward or they
are oriented downward.
-
A specific structure of the interleaf sheet 14 is not particularly
limited so long as it can protect the coating film, that is, an image
forming surface, of the planographic printing plate 10. For example,
paper containing 100 % of wood pulp, paper not containing 100 % of
wood pulp but containing synthetic pulp, paper having a low density
polyethylene layer provided on the surface of the above paper, and the
like may be used. Particularly, in a case of paper not containing
synthetic paper, material cost is decreased. Therefore, the interleaf
sheets 14 can be produced at a low cost. A more specific example of
the interleaf paper 14 is an interleaf sheet which is made from
bleached kraft pulp and has a basic weight of 30 to 60 g/m2, a density
of 0.7 to 0.85 g/cm3, a moisture content of 4 to 8 %, and a pH of 4 to
6. However, the interleaf sheet 14 is not limited to the same.
-
The process in which the planographic printing plates 10 are
stacked in the thickness direction to form the stack 12 is not
particularly limited. However, for example, a processing line of
planographic printing plates, in which a web-shaped planographic
printing plate is cut into a predetermined size while being conveyed in
the longitudinal direction thereof, is generally provided with an
accumulating device in which the planographic printing plates 10 are
sequentially accumulated. Therefore, the stack 12 may be formed
using this accumulating device. Further, in this processing line, there
are cases in which a web-shaped interleaf sheet is disposed on and in
contact with the web-shaped planographic printing plate prior to the
cutting, and thereafter, the web-shaped planographic printing plate
and interleaf sheet are integrally cut into a predetermined size. In this
case, during the accumulating operation in the accumulating device,
the stack 12 is formed in a state in which the planographic printing
plates 10 and the interleaf sheets 14 are alternately stacked. Of
course, the stack 12 may be formed in such a manner that the
planographic printing plates 10 and the interleaf sheets 14 are
alternately stacked, and thereafter, ends of the planographic printing
plates 10 are cut to an equal size by a cutter or the like.
-
The stack 12 thus formed is, as shown in Fig. 2, packaged with
the internal packaging paper 16. The internal packaging paper 16 is
comprised of paper having light-shielding and moisture-proofing
properties. When the stack 12 is packaged using the internal
packaging paper 16 so as to be completely cut off from the outside, the
stack 12 can be reliably shielded from light and protected from
moisture.
-
A material of the internal packaging paper 16 is not
particularly limited so long as the stack 12 can be packaged therein so
as to be completely cut off from the outside. However, the internal
packaging paper 16 can be formed by, for example, one piece of
rectangular non-bleached kraft paper having a predetermined size.
Further, the kraft paper may also be used in a state in which a thin
metal film having a predetermined thickness is applied to the paper,
and when occasion demands, a resin layer having a predetermined
thickness is applied onto the thin metal film. Moreover, kraft paper
may be used, in which a low density polyethylene layer having a
thickness of 10 to 70 µm is adhered to the aforementioned thin metal
film and a black polyethylene film having a thickness of about 70 µm
is adhered to the low density polyethylene film to increase the light-shielding
and moisture-proofing properties. Generally, the
photosensitive printing plate has a high photosensitivity, and even if it
is exposed to faint light in a visible light wavelength region, the
photosensitive layer undergoes a change. Therefore, the printing
plates need to be shielded from light. Further, there are cases in
which, in the thermosensitive printing plate as well, a thermosensitive
layer is deteriorated due to heat energy of light applied thereto or the
sensitivity thereof changes depending on the degree of extent of
reaction. Therefore, it is preferable that the printing plates be
appropriately shielded from light. Moreover, inconveniences may be
caused, in which, when a sudden change in humidity or temperature
is caused, either printing plate may be deteriorated due to dew
condensation being produced on the photosensitive layer or
thermosensitive layer, or may be adhered to the interleaf sheet 14.
Therefore, these printing plates need to be protected from moisture.
The internal packaging paper 16 having the aforementioned structure
has fixed light-shielding and moisture-proofing properties, and
therefore, deterioration of the photosensitive layer or thermosensitive
layer of the planographic printing plate 10 is prevented, and the
planographic printing plate 10 is maintained in a constant quality. Of
course, so long as the internal packaging paper 16 can exhibit the
aforementioned light-shielding and moisture-proofing properties, the
low density polyethylene layer, the black polyethylene film and the like
may not necessarily adhered thereto.
-
The shape and packaging structure of the internal packaging
paper 16, or the way of folding the internal packaging paper is not
particularly limited so long as the stack 12 can be protected from
moisture and shielded from light by the internal packaging paper 16.
However, for example, the length of a longer side 16L of the internal
packaging paper 16 is made into a predetermined length such that
shorter sides 16S of the internal packaging paper 16 partially overlap
with each other (see Fig. 1B) in a state in which the stack 12 is placed
substantially at the center of the internal packaging paper 16 with a
longer side 12L of the stack 12 being disposed parallel to the shorter
side 16S of the internal packaging paper 16 (see Fig. 1A) and the
internal packaging paper 16 is folded from both sides thereof along the
longer sides 12L of the stack 12. At this time, the internal packaging
paper 16 is formed in the shape of a flat cylinder, and therefore, the
internal packaging paper 16 overhangs from each of the shorter sides
12S of the stack 12 to form an overhanging portion 16H.
-
Further, the length of the shorter side 16S of the internal
packaging paper 16 is made into a predetermined length such that,
when the overhanging portion 16H is turned in from the upper side in
a state in which the shorter sides 16S partially overlap with each other
(see Fig. 1B), the folded overhanging portion 16H is made to overlap
with the stack 12 when seen from the upper side. Due to the stack 12
being thus packaged with the internal packaging paper 16, the stack
12 is entirely covered with the internal packaging paper 16 as shown
in Fig. 2.
-
Finally, the internal packaging paper 16 is taped at
predetermined positions by fixing means such as adhesive tapes 38.
As a result, the internal packaging paper 16 is fixed so as not to
inadvertently loosen or fall off, and a packaging structure 18 for
planographic printing plates according to the present invention is
formed.
-
In the packaging structure 18 for planographic printing plates
having the aforementioned structure, the interleaf sheet 14 is
disposed in contact with the coating film, and therefore, damage to the
coating film, so-called film peeling, is prevented. Further, the stack 12
is completely covered by the internal packaging paper 16 having the
light-shielding and moisture-proofing properties and shut off from the
outside. Therefore, the planographic printing plates 10 which
constitute the stack 12 are reliably shielded from light and protected
from moisture.
-
When the packaged planographic printing plates 10 are used
in the packaging structure 18 for planographic printing plates of the
present embodiment, first, the adhesive tapes 38 are removed and the
internal packaging paper 18 is opened. Then, the planographic
printing plates 10 in the form of the stack 12 are set in an automatic
plate making machine having a function of automatically feeding
plates, or a so-called plate setter. Alternatively, the planographic
printing plates 10 may be manually set one by one as the need arises.
At this time, in the packaging structure 18 for planographic printing
plates of the present invention, no conventional protective cardboard
is used. Accordingly, it is not necessary to perform an operation of
removing the protective cardboard or an operation of removing
adhesive tapes for fixing the protective cardboard to the stack 12. As
a result, the planographic printing plates 10 can be easily taken out
and set.
-
Further, even after the packaging structure 18 for
planographic printing plates is opened, no disused protective
cardboard remains. Therefore, disposal of protective cardboard is not
necessary and no cost required therefor occurs. Moreover, no space in
which disused protective cardboard is stored is required and no cost or
labor required for disposal of disused protective cardboard is also
required.
-
No protective cardboard is used for the packaging structure 18
for planographic printing plates, and therefore, material costs are
reduced. Still further, it is not necessary to locate the protective
cardboard at a predetermined position in the stack 12, and therefore,
the time and labor required by the packaging is also reduced.
-
Fig. 3 shows a packaging structure 21 for planographic
printing plates according to a second embodiment of the present
invention. In the packaging structure 21 for planographic printing
plates, the stack 12 packaged with the internal packaging paper 16 in
the same manner as in the packaging structure 18 for planographic
printing plates of the first embodiment is further packaged in a
packaging box 22 for planographic printing plates. In the second
embodiment, the packaged stack 12 is referred to as an internally-packaged
stack 18 for convenience.
-
In the packaging box 22 for planographic printing plates, as
can be seen from the development view of Fig. 4, a stack-forming
bottom surface plate 28 and a stack-forming upper surface plate 30
are disposed adjacently to each shorter side of a bottom surface plate
24 and each shorter side of an upper surface plate 26, respectively. A
plurality of fold lines 32 are formed in each of the stack-forming
bottom surface plate 28 and the stack-forming upper surface plate 30.
In the state in which the packaging box 22 is assembled as shown in
Fig. 3, spiral- wound stack portions 34 and 36 are formed by bending
the fold lines 32. Therefore, even if large force acts on the packaging
box 22 for planographic printing plates from outside, the planographic
printing plates 10 which constitute the stack 12 is reliably protected
so that at least a flaw or deformation, which becomes a problem from
the standpoint of quality, may not be caused. Further, a take-out
opening (upper side) of the packaging box 22 for planographic printing
plates is closed by the upper surface plates 26. The packaging box 22
is opened by opening the upper surface plates 26 as indicated by
arrows H and the planographic printing plates 10 can be taken out
therefrom.
-
Generally, the planographic printing plate 10 is formed in the
shape of a thin plate. Therefore, when a corner or side of the plate is
flawed or deformed, a drawback is likely to arise, in that an image may
become fuzzy when developed, or ink may be applied irregularly when
printing. Such damage or deformation of the planographic printing
plate 10 can also be prevented by the packaging structure 18 for
planographic printing plates of the first embodiment, which is not
externally packaged in the packaging box 22 for planographic printing
plates. When the planographic printing plates 10 are externally
packaged in the packaging box 22 for planographic printing plates as
in the packaging structure 21 for planographic printing plates of the
second embodiment, damage to the planographic printing plates 10
can be reliably prevented. For example, even in a case of a long-distance
transportation at the time of handling the planographic
printing plates 10, there is no possibility that the planographic
printing plates 10 may undergo a damage which becomes a problem
from the standpoint of quality. Furthermore, the internal packaging
paper 16 has the function of shielding the planographic printing plates
10 from light and protecting from moisture, and the packaging box 22
for planographic printing plates has the function of preventing damage
or deformation, which is caused by external force, of the printing
plates. Thus, the planographic printing plates 10 can be packaged
using a suitable combination of packages having excellent proper
protecting abilities for the planographic printing plates 10. As a
result, the planographic printing plates 10 can be reliably protected.
-
In addition, the planographic printing plates 10 are packaged
without using any protective cardboard in the same manner as in the
packaging structure 18 for planographic printing plates of the first
embodiment. Therefore, an operation of taking out the planographic
printing plates 10 and setting the printing plates in an automatic plate
making machine having the function of automatically feeding plates,
or a so-called plate setter can be easily performed. Further, it is not
necessary to carry out disposal of disused protective cardboard.
Therefore, no cost required for the disposal occurs, and no space in
which disused protective cardboard is stored is also required.
Moreover, material costs of the packaging structure 21 for
planographic printing plates decrease, and the time or labor required
for the packaging is also reduced.
-
A material which constitutes the packaging box 22 for
planographic printing plates is not particularly limited so long as it
can protect the planographic printing plates from the external force as
described above. For example, when the packaging box is made from
corrugated fiberboard, the packaging box 22 for planographic printing
plates can be made light in weight and at a low cost. Furthermore,
preferably, after-use recycling or scrapping of the packaging box is
facilitated.
-
Fig. 5 shows a packaging structure 42 for planographic
printing plates according to a third embodiment of the present
invention. In the packaging structure 42 for planographic printing
plates, the stack 12 is directly packaged in the packaging box 22 for
planographic printing plates as in the second embodiment without
being packaged with the internal packaging paper 16.
-
Accordingly, in the packaging structure 42 for planographic
printing plates of the third embodiment as well as the packaging
structure 21 for planographic printing plates of the second
embodiment, damage to the planographic printing plates 10 can be
reliably prevented. For example, even in a case of a long-distance
transportation at the time of handling the planographic printing plates
10, there is no possibility that the planographic printing plates 10 may
undergo a damage which becomes a problem from the standpoint of
quality.
-
In the packaging structure 42 for planographic printing plates
of the third embodiment, no internal packaging paper 16 is used.
Generally, corrugated fiberboard, which constitutes the packaging box
22 for planographic printing plates, has predetermined light-shielding
and moisture-proofing properties, and abutting portions of the
corrugated fiberboard in the packaging state are reliably closed by a
light-shielding member to maintain required light-shielding and
moisture-proofing properties. Accordingly, deterioration of the
coating film of the planographic printing plate 10 can be prevented. As
the light-shielding member, the adhesive tape 38 can be used.
-
The planographic printing plates 10 are packaged using no
protective cardboard in the same manner as in the packaging
structure 18 for planographic printing plates of the first embodiment
and the packaging structure 21 for planographic printing plates of the
second embodiment. Therefore, the operation of taking out the
planographic printing plates 10 and setting the printing plates in an
automatic plate making machine having the function of automatically
feeding plates, or a so-called plate setter can be easily performed.
Further, it is not necessary to carry out disposal of disused protective
cardboard, and therefore, no cost required for the disposal occurs. No
space in which disused protective cardboard is stored is also required.
Moreover, material costs of the packaging structure 42 for
planographic printing plates decrease, and the time or labor required
for the packaging is also reduced.
-
Fig. 6 shows a process for packaging the stack 12 of the
planographic printing plates 10 using a packaging structure 130 for
planographic printing plates according to a fourth embodiment of the
present invention. Fig. 7 shows the packaging structure 130 for
planographic printing plates of the fourth embodiment.
-
The packaging structure 130 for planographic printing plates
is structured by a loading member 132, corner covering plates 134,
surface covering plate 136, and fixing belts 138. The loading member
132 is a so-called pallet or a skid on which the stack 12 is loaded. The
stack 12 can be an internally-packaged stack 158, to which the corner
covering plates 134 and the surface covering plate 136 are applied.
The fixing belts 138 are for fastening and fixing the corner covering
plates 134 and the surface covering plate 136 on the loading member
132.
-
The loading member 132 has a pedestal portion 146 in which
an upper plate 140 and a lower plate 142 each having a substantially
rectangular configuration are connected by a plurality of elongated or
block-shaped leg portions 144. An inserting portion 148 is formed
between adjacent leg portions 144, and the loading member 132 can
be lifted by inserting a fork of a fork lift or a hand lift into the inserting
portions 148. In Figs. 6 and 7, the leg portions 144 are each made
elongate along the depth of the pedestal portion 146, that is, in the
direction indicated by arrow D. The inserting portions 148 are also
each formed so as to extend along the depth of the pedestal portion
146. However, for example, the leg portions 144 are each divided into
blocks in the direction indicated by arrow D and the inserting portions
148 are also formed so as to extend not only along the depth of the
pedestal portion 146 but also in the transverse direction, thereby
allowing the fork to be inserted in either direction. The transverse
direction is indicated by arrow W.
-
A loading stand 150 having a substantially wedge-shaped
configuration at the end surface thereof is fixed onto an upper surface
of the upper plate 140 of the pedestal portion 146. As seen from Figs.
6 and 7, the upper surface of the loading stand 150 is inclined to the
upper plate 140 and is formed as a loading surface 152 on which the
stack 12 is loaded.
-
A flat plate-shaped supporting plate 154 is formed upright
from a lower end portion of the loading surface 152. The surface of the
supporting plate 154 toward the loading surface 152 is perpendicular
to the loading surface 152 and is formed as a supporting surface 156
for supporting a portion of the load of the stack 12 loaded on the
loading surface 152.
-
The stack 12 is internally packaged with the internal
packaging paper 16 in the state of being loaded on the loading surface
152. The stack 12 in the state of being internally packaged will be
hereinafter referred to as an internally-packaged stack 158. In Fig. 6,
a single stack 12 is shown, but a plurality of stacks 12 may be
continuously stacked.
-
Further, in the fourth embodiment, an insert sheet 44 whose
thickness is different from the interleaf sheet 14 is disposed at every
predetermined number of the planographic printing plates 10 which
constitute the stack 12. The insert sheet 44 functions as a marker
member of the present invention. When the stack 12 is seen from the
side thereof, the insert sheet 44 is visually recognized as different from
the planographic printing plate 10 or the stack 12. For this reason,
when the planographic printing plates 10 are used, a predetermined
number of the planographic printing plates 10 can be taken out for
each time with the insert sheet 44 serving as a marker. The marker
member of the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned
insert sheet 44. Any marker member can be used so long as it can be
recognized as different from the planographic printing plate 10 or the
interleaf sheet 14 when seen from the side. For example, paper having
the same structure as the interleaf sheet 14 may be colored so as not
to affect the quality or handling of the planographic printing plates 10,
or may be made to slightly protrude from the stack 12, thereby
allowing it to be visually recognized by an operator. Further, in the
first to third embodiments, the marker member may be disposed at
every predetermined number of the planographic printing plates 10
which constitute the stack 12.
-
In the present embodiment, as the internal packaging paper
16, kraft paper having a size sufficient for integrally packaging a single
or a plurality of stacks 12 loaded on the loading surface 152 and
having an aluminum foil or a thin metal film of 6 to 7 µm applied
thereto is used. When a plurality of stacks 12 are loaded, they may be
packaged separately with the internal packaging paper 16.
-
The plurality of stacks 12 are internally packaged with the
internal packaging paper 16 in an integrated manner, and the end of
the internal packaging paper 16 is fixed and adhered by fixing means
such as adhesive tapes 160 to the loading stand 150 and the
supporting plate 154. As a result, the internally-packaged stack 158
is formed.
-
The corner covering plate 134 has a substantially L-shaped
cross sectional configuration comprised of a wide portion 162 and a
narrow portion 164, and is entirely made elongate. The wide portion
162 contacts a front surface 158F of the internally-packaged stack
158 loaded on the loading surface 152, and the narrow portion 164
contacts a side surface 158S of the internally-packaged stack 158.
Further, the length of the corner covering plate 134 is made
substantially equal to or longer than the heightwise dimension of the
internally-packaged stack 158.
-
The surface covering plate 136 is formed in an elongated
configuration so as to have a thickness equal to or greater than the
wide portion 162 of the corner covering plate 134, and is disposed
substantially at a transverse-direction central portion of the front
surface 158F of the internally-packaged stack 158.
-
The fixing belt 138 has a length sufficient for winding the
internally-packaged stack 158, the corner covering plates 134, the
surface covering plate 136 and the supporting plate 154 in the state in
which the corner covering plates 134 and the surface covering plate
136 are applied to the internally-packaged stack 158. When a buckle
166 is operated in a state in which the fixing belt 138 is thus wound,
the fixing belt 138 is gradually tightened and inward force acts on the
internally-packaged stack 158, the corner covering plates 134, the
surface covering 136 and the supporting plate 154. As a result, the
internally-packaged stack 158, the corner covering plates 134, and the
surface covering plate 136 can be easily fixed to the supporting plate
154. In the present embodiment, as the fixing belt 138, for example, a
lashing belt having a predetermined strength is used.
-
In the packaging structure 130 for planographic printing
plates of the fourth embodiment having the aforementioned structure,
the planographic printing plates 10 are vertically loaded on the
loading surface 152 with vertical-direction components and disposed
parallel to the supporting surface 156. Therefore, regardless of the
number of planographic printing plates 10, the heightwise dimension
of the packaging structure 130 for planographic printing plates in the
loaded state becomes substantially uniform. Accordingly, for
example, in a case of storing the packaging structure 130 for
planographic printing plates, it can be efficiently stored with no
useless space being formed above the stack 12 so long as the
heightwise dimension of a storage place may be properly determined.
-
Further, the planographic printing plates 10 are loaded with
their weights in such a manner that lower edges thereof are made even
along the loading surface 152. Therefore, when the planographic
printing plates 10 are loaded in a plate making machine, for example,
using an automatic feeding machine or the like, they can be loaded at
a proper loading position. Moreover, the planographic printing plates
10 can be readily lifted, and therefore, an operation for transportation
or displacement is facilitated.
-
The loading surface 152 is inclined to the upper plate 140 and
the stack 12 is loaded slantingly at a fixed angle of inclination. A
portion of the load of the stack 12 is supported by the supporting
surface 156. The load of the stack 12 is thus supported so as to be
distributed into two planes or in a bidirectional manner. Accordingly,
there is no possibility that the stack 12 or the planographic printing
plates 10 may inadvertently fall down or slip down in a state of being
released from the package as will be described later.
-
As shown in Fig. 7, in the packaged state, the corner covering
plate 134 is applied to the corner between the front surface 158F and
the side surface 158S of the internally-packaged stack 158 and
contacts these two surfaces of the internally-packaged stack 158. For
this reason, even if the stack 12 is struck by any object from outside
during transportation or storage, a corner portion of the planographic
printing plates 10 which constitute the stack 12 is protected and no
flaw or deformation occurs therein. Further, even if fastening force
from the fixing belt 138 acts on the stack 12, the fastening force is
distributed by the corner covering plate 134 in a heightwise direction,
and does not locally act on the corner portion of the planographic
printing plates 10, particularly in the vicinities of a position in which
the fixing belt 138 is located. Accordingly, the corner portion of the
planographic printing plates 10 does not deform. Moreover, even if the
planographic printing plates 10 are about to bend due to the fastening
force from the fixing belt 138, bending of the planographic printing
plates 10 is prevented by the surface covering plate 136 and the
planographic printing plates 10 are maintained in a flat manner. In a
case in which there is no risk that deformation or damage may occur in
the planographic printing plates 10, of course, the corner covering
plate 134 or the surface covering plate 136 may be omitted to allow
reduction in the number of parts which constitute the packaging
structure 130 for planographic printing plates. Further, the corner
covering plate 134 or the surface covering plate 136 may be replaced
by a conventionally-used end plate or top plate. In other words, the
end plate is made into a size which is substantially equal to or larger
than the front surface 158F of the internally-packaged stack 158.
When the end plate is disposed in contact with the front surface 158F,
a peripheral edge of the end plate is made substantially even with the
internally-packaged stack 158 or protrudes outward. As a result, the
sides or corners of the internally-packaged stack 158, that is, the
peripheral edges of the planographic printing plates 10 are protected
from the external force, and deformation or damage of the
planographic printing plates 10 is prevented.
-
In the packaging structure 130 for planographic printing
plates of the fourth embodiment as well, the planographic printing
plates 10 are packaged using no protective cardboard in the same
manner as in the packaging structure 18 for planographic printing
plates of the first embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to easily
perform an operation of taking out the planographic printing plates 10
and setting the printing plates in an automatic plate making machine
having the function of automatically feeding plates, or a so-called
plate setter. Further, disposal of disused protective cardboard is not
necessary, and therefore, no cost required for the disposal occurs and
no space in which disused protective cardboard is stored is also
required. Thus, no cost or labor required for the disposal of disused
protective cardboard is required. Further, material costs of the
packaging structure 130 for planographic printing plates decreases
and the time or labor required for the packaging is also reduced.
-
In the fourth embodiment, the planographic printing plates 10
loaded on the loading member 132 are not limited to the
aforementioned internally-packaged stack 158. For example, the
packaging structure 21 for planographic printing plates of the second
embodiment or the packaging structure 42 for planographic printing
plates of the third embodiment, that is, a structure in which the
planographic printing plates 10 are externally packaged in the
packaging box 22 for planographic printing plates may be used and
loaded on the loading member 132 into the packaging structure 130
for planographic printing plates of the fourth embodiment.
-
In the fourth embodiment, there was described an example of
the structure in which the stack 12 of the planographic printing plates
10 is loaded on a so-called pallet or a skid. However, the loading
structure of the stack 12 is not limited to the above. For example, a
single or a plurality of stacks 12 may be loaded on a common pallet or
skid having no loading stand 150 having a wedge-shaped
configuration at the end surface thereof or no supporting plate 154.
Further, the planographic printing plates 10 may be stack flat on such
a pallet or skid. For example, when the planographic printing plates
10 are stacked flat on a skid in which the loading stand 150 and the
supporting plate 154 are removed from the loading member 132 shown
in Figs. 6 and 7, the stack 12 is stacked so that the planographic
printing plates 10 are placed parallel to the upper plate 140.
-
A material of the pallet or skid is not particularly limited so
long as it has a required strength. Examples thereof include wood,
metal, resin, corrugated fiberboard, cardboard, honeycomb-type
structural material and the like.
-
The fixing means for fixing the stack 12 to the pallet or skid is
not limited to the aforementioned fixing belt 138. For example, a
structure may be applied in which a film which contracts under a
constant condition is wound onto the stack 12 and the pallet or skid,
and the stack 12 is fixed to the pallet or skid using contractive force of
the film. Examples of this film include a shrink film which contracts
due to a change in the temperature, but the present invention is not
limited to the same.
-
Fig. 10 shows a packaging structure 232 for planographic
printing plates according to a fifth embodiment of the present
invention. Figs. 8 and 9 show processes for forming the packaging
structure 232 for planographic printing plates. The packaging
structure 232 for planographic printing plates is structured in such a
manner that the stack 12 of the planographic printing plates 10 is
loaded on a planographic-printing-plate loading member 234, and a
top plate 236 is placed on the stack 12, and further, the stack 12, the
loading member 234 and the top plate 236 are integrally bound with a
fixing band 238 made from resin. The planographic-printing-plate
loading member 234 will be hereinafter referred to simply as a "loading
member 234".
-
Further, the planographic printing plate 10 of the fifth
embodiment, that is, planographic printing plates of all the above (1)
to (11), are loaded on the loading member 234 of the present invention
to form the packaging structure 232 for planographic printing plates
without depending on how the planographic printing plates are fed,
that is, if they are fed by a user using an automatic plate feeding
mechanism, or they are fed manually by the user, or the like.
-
Moreover, among planographic printing plates, there exists a
so-called waste plate or dead plate, which is set at a position with no
ink applied (that is, in a non-printing region) for reasons of a paper
surface depending on the type of a used printer. Such waste plates or
dead plates are also included in the planographic printing plates 10
according to the present embodiment.
-
As can be seen from Fig. 8, the stack 12 of the planographic
printing plates 10 is formed in such a manner that the interleaf sheets
14 for protecting coating films and the planographic printing plates 10
are alternately stacked in the thickness direction, and pieces of
protective cardboard 222 are disposed at both end surfaces in the
stacking direction, or at every predetermined number of planographic
printing plates 10, and a structure thus obtained is internally
packaged with internal packaging paper 250 having predetermined
light-shielding and moisture-proofing properties. The stack 12 of the
planographic printing plates 10 may be formed with one or both of the
interleaf sheets 14 and the pieces of protective cardboard 22 being
removed therefrom depending on the type of the planographic printing
plates 10.
-
When the stack 12 is formed by double-coated planographic
printing plates, one interleaf sheet 14 is disposed between the
lowermost planographic printing plate 10 and the protective
cardboard 222 in Fig. 8. Accordingly, the number of the interleaf
sheets 14 is greater than that of the planographic printing plates 10 by
one. As a result, the coating film of the planographic printing plate 10
does not directly contact the protective cardboard 222, thereby
preventing a damage to the coating film caused by the coating film and
the protective cardboard 222 directly contacting each other.
-
Further, the protective cardboard 222, which is made from
used paper and has a basic weight of 200 to 1500 g/m2, a density of
0.7 to 0.85 g/cm3, a moisture content of 4 to 8 %, Bekk smoothness of
3 to 20 seconds, and pH of 4 to 6, can be used. For example, when the
stack 12 is formed by 10 to 100 planographic printing plates 10, the
planographic printing plates 10 and the pieces of protective cardboard
222 may be fixed by a fixing means such as an adhesive tape so as not
to be displaced from each other.
-
The process in which the planographic printing plates 10 are
stacked in the thickness direction to form the stack 12 is not
particularly limited. However, for example, in a processing line of
planographic printing plates in which a web-shaped planographic
printing plate is cut into a predetermined size while being conveyed in
the longitudinal direction thereof, an accumulating device for
sequentially accumulating planographic printing plates 10 is
generally provided. Therefore, the stack 12 may be formed with
planographic printing plates being accumulated using the
accumulating device. Further, in this processing line, there are many
cases in which a web-shaped interleaf sheet is disposed in contact
with the web-shaped planographic printing paper prior to the cutting,
and thereafter, the web-shaped planographic printing paper and
interleaf sheet are integrally cut into a predetermined size. In this
case, the stack 12 is formed with the planographic printing plates 10
and the interleaf sheets 14 being alternately stacked when
accumulated using the accumulating device. Of course, the stack 12
may be formed in such a manner that, after the planographic printing
plates 10 and the interleaf sheets 14 are alternately stacked, the edges
of the planographic printing plates 10 are cut by a cutter or the like
and made even.
-
The planographic printing plates 10, interleaf sheets 14 and
pieces of protective cardboard 222 structured as described above are
packaged with the internal packaging material 250. The internal
packaging material 250 is constituted of paper having light-shielding
and moisture-proofing properties. Due to the planographic printing
plates 10 being packaged using the internal packaging material 250 so
as to be completely shut out from outside, and the stack 12 can be
reliably shielded from light and protected from moisture.
-
A material of the internal packaging material 250 is not
particularly limited so long as the stack 12 can be packaged therein so
as to be completely shut out from the outside. However, the internal
packaging material 250 can be formed by, for example, one piece of
rectangular non-bleached kraft paper having a predetermined size.
Further, the kraft paper may also be used in a state in which a thin
metal film having a predetermined thickness is applied to the paper,
and when occasion demands, a resin layer having a predetermined
thickness is applied onto the thin metal film. Moreover, kraft paper
may be used, in which a low density polyethylene layer having a
thickness of 10 to 70 µm is adhered to the aforementioned thin metal
film and a black polyethylene film having a thickness of about 70 µm
is adhered to the low density polyethylene film to increase the light-shielding
and moisture-proofing properties. Generally, the
photosensitive printing plate has a high photosensitivity, and even if it
is exposed to faint light in a visible light wavelength region, the
photosensitive layer undergoes a change. Therefore, the printing
plates need to be shielded from light. Further, there are cases in
which, in the thermosensitive printing plate as well, a thermosensitive
layer is deteriorated due to heat energy of light applied thereto or the
sensitivity thereof changes depending on the degree of extent of
reaction. Therefore, it is preferable that the printing plates be
appropriately shielded from light. Moreover, inconveniences may be
caused, in which, when a sudden change in humidity or temperature
is caused, either printing plate may be deteriorated due to dew
condensation being produced on the photosensitive layer or
thermosensitive layer, or may be adhered to the interleaf sheet 14.
Therefore, these printing plates need to be protected from moisture.
The internal packaging material 250 having the aforementioned
structure has fixed light-shielding and moisture-proofing properties,
and therefore, deterioration of the photosensitive layer or
thermosensitive layer of the planographic printing plate 10 is
prevented, and the planographic printing plate 10 is maintained in a
constant quality. Of course, so long as the internal packaging
material 250 can exhibit the aforementioned light-shielding and
moisture-proofing properties, the low density polyethylene layer, the
black polyethylene film and the like may not necessarily adhered
thereto.
-
The shape and packaging structure of the internal packaging
material 250, or the way of folding the internal packaging paper is not
particularly limited so long as the stack 12 can be protected from
moisture and shielded from light by the internal packaging material
250.
-
As shown in Fig. 9, a fixing means such as an adhesive tape 52
is applied at a predetermined position on the internal packaging
material 250. As a result, the internal packaging material 250 is fixed
so as not to inadvertently loosen or fall off, and the stack 12 is
completed. The fixing means is not particularly limited so long as it
allows the internal packaging material to be fixed. For example,
adhesive such as hot melt adhesive or paste may be used in place of, or
together with the adhesive tape 52.
-
As shown in Figs. 8 to 10, the loading member 234 has a
plate-shaped stand 240. The stack 12 is loaded on the stand 240. The
planographic printing plates 10 are loaded parallel to the stand 240.
This is so-called flat stacking.
-
Leg portions 242 are provided so as to protrude downward
from the stand 240, and a space formed between the stand 240 and a
surface on which it is installed is formed as an inserting portion 248.
The loading member 234 and the packaging structure 232 can be lifted
by inserting, for example, a fork of a fork lift or hand lift in the
inserting portion 248. The number or positions of the leg portions
242, and a material thereof are not particularly limited so long as they
can reliably support the stand 240. In the present embodiment, four
leg portions 242 are provided in the vicinities of corners of the stand
240, respectively. For example, a leg portion 242 may be additionally
provided at the center of each side of the stand 240 to reliably prevent
bending of the stand 240. Further, the shape or material of the stand
240 is not particularly limited so long as it has such a strength as not
to inadvertently deflect or cause buckling in the state of the stack 12
loaded thereon.
-
A top plate 236 is placed on the upper surface of the stack 12
loaded on the loading member 234. The top plate 236 is formed into a
plate having a size slightly larger than or substantially equal to the
upper surface of the stack 12, that is, the planographic printing plates
10. Even when external force acts from the upper side of the stack 12,
the energy is absorbed by the top plate 236, and deformation of the
planographic printing plates 10 is restrained to the extent that no
problem practically arises.
-
When the size of the top plate 236 is the same as the
planographic printing plate 10, the top plate 236 is disposed so that
the planographic printing plate 10 disposed on the upper surface of
the stack 12 does not protrude from the top plate 236. In this case,
preferably, the planographic printing plates 10 can be reliably
protected. However, if the top plate 236 is made too larger, it
protrudes from the loading member 234 when seen from the top, and
handling efficiency deteriorates. Accordingly, from the standpoint of
facilitating handling, the top plate 236 is preferably formed so as not
protrude from the loading member 236 when seen from the top, that is,
formed so as to have the same size as the loading member 234 at the
utmost.
-
The packaging structure 232 for planographic printing plates
of the present embodiment is formed by causing a fixing band 238
made from resin to be wound entirely onto the loading member 234,
the stack 12 and the top plate 236 in an integrated manner.
Accordingly, the loading member 234, the stack 12 and the top plate
236 can be integrally handled and may not be inadvertently displaced
or loosen.
-
The number and positions of the pieces of fixing band 238 are
appropriately determined in accordance with the shape or size of the
stack 12. In the present embodiment, it is contemplated that the
upper surface of the stack 12, that is, the shape of the planographic
printing plate 10 is formed substantially into a square. Therefore, four
pieces of fixing band 238 in total are disposed so as to cross each
other.
-
Two reinforcing plates 244 are disposed on the upper surface
of the top plate 236 parallel to the shorter sides 236S of the top plate
236, and another two reinforcing plates 246 are disposed thereon
parallel to the longer sides 236L. These reinforcing plates are fixed by
fixing means such as adhesives or wood screws. The reinforcing plates
244 disposed parallel to the shorter sides 236S are each formed so as
to have the same length as the shorter side 236S and has a length
extending from one of the longer sides 236L to the other. On the other
hand, the reinforcing plates 246 disposed parallel to the longer sides
236L are each shorter than the longer side 236L and interposed
between the reinforcing plates 244. These reinforcing plates 244 and
246 are fixed at predetermined positions so as to correspond to the
pieces of fixing band 238 when the top plate 236 is seen from the top.
Due to these reinforcing plates 244 and 246, a total rigidity of the top
plate 236 and the reinforcing plates 244 and 246 becomes higher
compared with a case in which only the top plate 236 is used.
-
Further, the shape of the reinforcing plate 244 is determined
so that the pieces of fixing band 238 do not contact the top plate 236
in the vicinity of the shorter side 236S of the top plate 236. A width W1
of the reinforcing plates 244 and 246 is made larger than a width W of
the fixing band 238. Accordingly, compared with a case in which the
fixing band 238 directly contacts the top plate 236, binding force of the
fixing band 238 when disposed via the reinforcing plates 244 and 246
is distributed in a wide area and acts on the top plate 236.
-
As described above, in the packaging structure 232 for
planographic printing plates of the fifth embodiment, the stack 12
formed by a plurality of planographic printing plates 10 is loaded on
the loading member 234, and therefore, even a large quantity of
planographic printing plates 10 can be handled in an integrated
manner. The loading member 234, the stack 12 and the top plate 236
are integrally bound with the pieces of fixing band 238, and therefore,
they are not inadvertently displaced or loosen. Further, the stand 240
and the top plate 236 are disposed respectively at both end surfaces of
the stack 12 in the stacking direction. Therefore, deformation,
damage or deterioration of the planographic printing plates 10 is
prevented.
-
Furthermore, no bolt is used to integrally bind the loading
member 234, the stack 12 and the top plate 236 unlike a conventional
structure. Therefore, an operation of fastening bolts is not required
and the packaging operation can be performed in a shorter time and
with small labor. The binding with the fixing band 238 can also be
carried out by a binding device generally used, for example, an
automatic strapping machine. Due to the use of the binding device,
the packaging operation can be performed in an even shorter time and
with smaller labor.
-
Even when the packaging structure 232 for planographic
printing plates is unpacked, it can be unpacked only by cutting the
pieces of fixing band 238 with a cutter knife depending on the type of
the fixing band 238. As a result, operating efficiency improves.
-
In the state in which the loading member 234, the stack 12
and the top plate 236 are integrally bound with the pieces of fixing
band 238, the pieces of fixing band 238 are principally in contact with
the reinforcing plates 244 and 246 and are in contact with the top
plate 236 only by a small portion. The binding force of the fixing band
238 acts on the top plate 236 principally via the reinforcing plates 244
and 246. The total rigidity of the top plate 236, and the reinforcing
plates 244 and 246 is higher than that when only the top plate 236 is
used. Therefore, it is possible to prevent bending of the top plate 236
caused by the binding force of the fixing band 238. Particularly, if the
top plate 236 is made larger than the upper surface of the stack 12, the
top plate 236 is apt to warp upward when the binding force of the
pieces of fixing band 238 acts on the sides of the top plate 236.
However, the present invention can reliably prevent warping of the top
plate 236. Further, since the width of the reinforcing plates 244 and
246 is larger than that of the fixing band 238, local concentration of
the binding force from the fixing band 238 is alleviated, and the top
plate 236 is prevented from being partially recessed. The top plate 236
is thus prevented from being bent or recessed, and therefore, the
binding state can be reliably maintained.
-
Furthermore, it is not necessary that the thickness of the top
plate 236 be made larger to prevent bending of the top plate 236 or
formation of a recess therein. For this reason, the binding operation
and the unpacking operation can be more easily performed using the
top plate 236 light in weight. The packaging structure 232 for
planographic printing plates is also light in weight, and therefore,
transportation thereof is also facilitated.
-
The shape of the top plate, the number, positions and shape of
the reinforcing members, and the number and positions of the binding
band are not limited to the aforementioned ones. In other words,
proper number, shape and positions of each of these components are
determined in accordance with the size of the stack 12, that is, the size
or number of the planographic printing plates 10, required binding
force, and the strength of the reinforcing members obtained
correspondingly to the binding force. Examples thereof will be
hereinafter described as sixth to eighth embodiments. In each of the
embodiments, the basically same components and members as those
of the aforementioned embodiments will be denoted by the same
reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted.
-
Fig. 11 shows a packaging structure 262 for planographic
printing plates according to a sixth embodiment of the present
invention.
-
The sixth embodiment is structured in the same manner as in
the fifth embodiment in that the reinforcing plates 244 are fixed to the
top plate 236, but is different from the fifth embodiment in that four
reinforcing blocks 264 are fixed in place of the reinforcing plates 246.
-
The reinforcing blocks 264 are each disposed at a position
corresponding to the fixing band 238 between the reinforcing plate
244 and the shorter side 236S of the top plate 236. When seen from
the top, an end or an external end 264A of the reinforcing block 264 is
made coincident with the shorter side 236S. Further, the other end
264B of the reinforcing block 264 is in contact with the reinforcing
plate 244. The width W2 of the reinforcing block 264 is made larger
than the width W of the fixing band 238.
-
In the packaging structure 262 for planographic printing
plates of the sixth embodiment having the aforementioned structure
as well, the loading member 234, the stack 12 and the top plate 236
are integrally bound by the pieces of fixing band 238 without using
bolts. Therefore, operating efficiency of the packaging operation and
the unpacking operation improves.
-
Further, it is possible to prevent bending of the top plate 236
by the reinforcing plates 244 and also prevent formation of a recess in
the top plate 236 by the reinforcing plates 244 and the reinforcing
blocks 264. It is not necessary that the thickness of the top plate 236
be made larger to prevent the aforementioned bending and formation
of a recess. Accordingly, the thickness of the top plate 236 is made
smaller so as to be made light in weight, and the packaging operation,
unpacking operation and transportation can be further facilitated.
-
Fig. 12 shows a packaging structure 272 for planographic
printing plates according to a seventh embodiment of the present
invention.
-
In the seventh embodiment, the reinforcing plates 244 and
246 are not fixed to the top plate 236. Instead, reinforcing blocks 274
and 276 having a substantially square-shaped configuration when
seen from the top are fixed to the top plate 236.
-
A total of four reinforcing blocks 274 are provided and are
each fixed so that one end 274A thereof becomes coincident with the
shorter side 236S when seen from the top in the same manner as in the
reinforcing blocks 264 of the sixth embodiment. Further, a total of
four reinforcing blocks 276 are also provided and are each fixed so
that one end thereof becomes coincident with the longer side 236L of
the top plate 236. Moreover, these reinforcing plates 274 and 276 are
disposed at positions corresponding to the pieces of fixing band 238.
The width W3 of the reinforcing blocks 274 and 276 is made larger
than the width W of the fixing band 238.
-
In the packaging structure 272 for planographic printing
plates of the seventh embodiment having the aforementioned
structure as well, the loading member 234, the stack 12 and the top
plate 236 are integrally bound with the pieces of fixing band 238
without using bolts. Therefore, the operating efficiency of the
packaging operation and the unpacking operation improves.
-
Further, formation of a recess in the top plate 236 can be
prevented by the reinforcing blocks 274 and 276. It is not necessary
that the thickness of the top plate 236 be made larger to prevent
formation of a recess. Therefore, the thickness of the top plate 236 is
made smaller so as to be made light in weight, and the packaging
operation, unpacking operation and transportation can be further
facilitated.
-
From the standpoint of preventing bending of the top plate
236, usually, the size of the reinforcing blocks 274 and 276 is
maintained so that the reinforcing blocks 274 and 276 each partially
overlap with the stack 12 when the top plate 236 is seen from the top.
-
Fig. 13 shows a packaging structure 282 for planographic
printing plates according to an eighth embodiment of the present
invention.
-
In the eighth embodiment, the use of planographic printing
plates which are made more elongate, that is, the ratio of the longer
side to the shorter side is larger, is supposed unlike the fifth to
seventh embodiments. Accordingly, the top surface of the stack 12 is
made more elongated. The stand 240 and the top plate 236 are each
correspondingly made more elongated than those of the fifth to
seventh embodiments. Further, in the eighth embodiment, three
pieces of fixing band 238 are wound at regular intervals and parallel to
the short side 236S of the top plate 236, but no band is wound parallel
to the longer side 236L.
-
Three reinforcing plates 284 are fixed to the top plate 236
parallel to the shorter side 236S and each has a length extending from
one of the longer sides 236L to the other. Further, these reinforcing
plates 284 are disposed at regular intervals so as to be located at
positions corresponding to the pieces of fixing band 238.
-
The width W4 of the reinforcing plate 284 is made larger than
the width W of the fixing band 238.
-
In the packaging structure 282 for planographic printing
plates of the eighth embodiment having the aforementioned structure
as well, the loading member 234, the stack 12 and the top plate 236
are integrally bound with the pieces of fixing band 238 without using
bolts. Therefore, the operating efficiency of the packaging operation
and the unpacking operation improves.
-
Further, it is possible to prevent bending of the top plate 236
by the reinforcing plates 284 and also prevent formation of a recess in
the top plate 236 by the reinforcing plates 284. It is not necessary that
the thickness of the top plate 236 be made larger to prevent the
aforementioned bending and formation of a recess. Accordingly, the
thickness of the top plate 236 is made smaller so as to be made light in
weight, and the packaging operation, unpacking operation and
transportation can be further facilitated.
-
As described above, in the present invention, the loading
member 234, the stack 12 and the top plate 236 are integrally bound
with the pieces of fixing band 238. Therefore, the packaging operation
and the unpacking operation is further facilitated compared with a
conventional case in which bolts are used. The material for the
binding member of the present invention is not limited to resin as
described above so long as it allows integral binding of the stack 12
and the top plate 236. The number of the binding member may be
appropriately determined depending on the size or weight of the stack
12, or the like.
-
Further, in the present invention, bending of the top plate 236,
or formation of a recess therein is prevented by providing, for the top
plate 236, reinforcing members, that is, reinforcing plates 244 and
246, reinforcing blocks 264, 274 and 276, or reinforcing plates 284.
The material, number and positions of the reinforcing members are
not particularly limited so long as they can prevent bending of the top
plate 236, or formation of a recess therein. For example, the
reinforcing members may be formed from the same material as the top
plate 236, or a different material. Generally, the top plate 236 is made
of wood in many cases, and the reinforcing members can be made of
wood correspondingly. Moreover, even when reinforcing members
made of metal are fixed to the top plate 236 made of wood, the
thickness of the top plate 236 can be made smaller in the present
invention and it can be made light in weight compared with a top plate
made of metal and having a strength or rigidity required therefor. Still
further, corrugated fiberboard, paperboard, paper pulp, paper
honeycomb, polyethylene foam, polystyrene foam, urethane foam, air
cap and rubber can be used.
-
The positions at which the reinforcing members are disposed,
may be such that four reinforcing plates are fixed so as to surround
the top plate 236.
-
Further, it is not necessary that the end of the reinforcing
member, for example, a longitudinal-direction end of the reinforcing
member shown in Figs. 8 to 11 or one end 264A of the reinforcing block
264 shown in Fig. 12 may coincide with the edge of the top plate 236.
However, it is preferably that in order to reliably prevent bending of
the top plate 236 or formation of a recess therein, the end of the
reinforcing member may coincide with the edge of the top plate 236
when seen from the top.
-
In the foregoing, there was described a case in which the
planographic printing plates 10 are stacked flat, but the direction in
which the planographic printing plates are stacked is not limited to
the same. For example, the stack 12 may lean on a loading member or
the like so that the planographic printing plates 10 are disposed
vertically. This is so-called vertical stacking. In the vertical stacking,
there are cases in which the loading member has a supporting plate for
slantingly supporting the stack 12 at one end surface thereof, and an
end plate is disposed in contact with the stack 12 from an opposite
side of the supporting plate. Accordingly, the end plate is provided
with the reinforcing members of the present invention, and the end
plate, the stack 12 and the supporting plate may be integrally bound,
as a loading member, with the pieces of fixing band.
-
In the present invention according to the structures of the first
to fourth embodiments, when planographic printing plates in the
packaged state are used, they can be taken out from the package with
no time or labor required. Moreover, the planographic printing plates
can be packaged at a low cost.
-
Further, in the present invention according to the fifth to
eighth embodiments, the operating efficiency in the packaging
operation and unpacking operation can be improved and deformation
of an end plate can be prevented without causing an increase in the
weight.