JP2002287373A - Plate feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To speedily take a printing plate out. SOLUTION: A plate feeder 10 sucks one lengthwise end part of the printing plate 12 by a separation frame 25 and separates a next printing plate from the top printing plate. When the top printing plate is separated by the separation frame, a support frame 30 sucks and takes out the printing plate and carries the printing plate toward a loading part 16B and then turns it over when the separation frame moves back, and further returns to the side of a loading part 16A to mount the printing plate on a transfer stage 20. Consequently, the printing plate can be handed over from the transfer stage to a next process. The separation frame, when taking printing plates out successively, begins to separate a next printing plate once the support frame takes out a printing plate and during this period, the support frame moves so as to suck the next printing plate.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a plate feeding apparatus for taking out a printing plate from the uppermost layer and sending it to the next step. More particularly, the present invention relates to a plate feeding apparatus that takes out a printing plate having a photosensitive layer laminated downward and from the uppermost layer, and feeds the printing plate with the photosensitive layer facing upward.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Printing plates used for newspaper printing and the like include:
There is a so-called PS plate, in which a photosensitive layer is formed on an aluminium support, and an OPC (Organic Photconductor) printing plate using an organic photoconductor for the photosensitive layer (hereinafter, referred to as a "printing plate").

A large number of such printing plates (for example, 50
(0-1000 sheets) are stacked on a mounting table, transported and stored, loaded into a plate making system together with the mounting table, taken out of the mounting table one by one, and subjected to image exposure.

Meanwhile, in a printing plate using an organic photoconductor for the photosensitive layer, if the unexposed photosensitive layer is sucked by a suction cup or the like, suction marks of the suction cup appear on an image formed on the printing plate. The finished quality of the printed material used is impaired.

Accordingly, in a plate making system for preparing a printing plate from a printing plate, a suction plate sucks the back surface of the stacked printing plate with the photosensitive layer directed downward, and takes out the printing plate. There is one that reverses and sends out. A reversing device is provided in the plate feeding section of such a plate making system, and when the back surface of the stacked printing plates is sucked and lifted, the reversing device supports the printing plate in a cantilevered state. When the back side of the printing plate is sucked and lifted, the printing plate is inverted while moving in the horizontal direction, and the lift base is raised toward the inverted printing plate, and the photosensitive layer is placed with the photosensitive layer facing upward. Like that.

[0006] However, a large-sized printing plate having a newspaper length of two pages and a width of two pages (2L2W) is often used as the printing plate in addition to the newspaper length of two pages (2L1W).
It is necessary to invert such a large-sized printing plate in a cantilever state. The stacked printing plates are in close contact with each other, and it is necessary to reliably separate the next printing plate when removing the top printing plate. For this reason, until the reversing device reverses the printing plate and delivers it to the lift table, it is not possible to start taking out the next printing plate, making it difficult to quickly take out the printing plate.

[0007]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned facts.
It is an object of the present invention to propose a plate supply device capable of prompt supply.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a printing plate in which a photosensitive layer is directed downward, and a printing plate is taken out in order from the uppermost layer and the photosensitive layer is directed upward. A first adsorbing means for adsorbing one end of the printing plate of the uppermost layer, wherein the one end of the printing plate is adsorbed by the first adsorbing means. Separating means for releasing the next printing plate from the printing plate and separating the printing plate; and adsorbing an area of the laminated uppermost printing plate excluding an area adsorbed by the first adsorbing means. It is characterized by including a second suction means for holding, and a reversing movement means for reversing and moving the uppermost printing plate taken out by the second suction means.

According to the present invention, the printing plate of the uppermost layer is the first printing plate.
And adsorbed by the second adsorbing means. The first suction unit is provided with a separation unit, and separates the next printing plate from the printing plate sucked by the first suction unit.

The second suction means sucks and holds the uppermost printing plate from which the next printing plate has been separated by the separating means.

[0011] By using the first suction means, the separation means and the second suction means, when the printing plate is suctioned by the second suction means and inverted or conveyed, the next printing plate is removed. Can be performed, so that the time for continuously removing the printing plate can be reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the first suction means is moved in a longitudinal direction and a width direction of the printing plate.
Moving means, and plate position detecting means for detecting the position of the printing plate along the horizontal direction by moving integrally with the first suction means, based on a detection result of the plate position detecting means. The printing plate suction position of the first no suction means is set.

According to the present invention, the plate position detecting means is provided in the first suction means, and the plate position is detected while the first suction means is moved by the first moving means. By setting the position at which the first suction means suctions the printing plate based on the detection result, it becomes possible to suction a proper position of the printing plate even if the printing plate is misaligned. Separation and removal are possible.

[0014] The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the printing plate further includes a transfer means for placing the printing plate inverted by the reversing moving means so as to be transferable to the next step.

According to the present invention, the delivery means for delivering the inverted printing plate to the next process is provided, so that the next printing plate is taken out before delivering the printing plate taken out earlier to the next process. When the printing plate is continuously taken out, the printing plate can be more quickly taken out.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the reverse moving means moves the second suction means up and down, and moves the second suction means to the reverse position and the delivery position. A second moving unit for rotating the printing plate in the reversing position in the reversing direction of the printing plate.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the first lifting means for vertically moving the first suction means and the first suction means which is moved downward by the first lifting means are provided. A plate detecting unit for detecting a position of an uppermost plate from a moving amount until the printing plate of the stacked uppermost layer is sucked, and wherein the second elevating unit moves based on a detection result of the plate detecting unit. The second suction means is moved downward.

According to the present invention, the first suction means is provided with the first suction means.
The plate detecting means detects the height position of the printing plate when it is lowered by the elevating means to suck one end of the printing plate. When the printing plate is suctioned by the second suction means, the second elevating means moves based on the detection result.
Is lowered.

This makes it possible to increase the descending speed until the second suction means approaches the printing plate, so that the time required for the second suction means to suction the uppermost printing plate can be shortened. Can be achieved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when there are provided the first and second loading portions for loading the printing plates stacked on each other, any one of the first and second loading portions is provided. The transfer means is provided above one of the first and second loading portions, and the upper portion of the other of the first and second loading portions is set to the reversing position.

According to the present invention, the delivery means is provided above one of the first and second loading sections, and the printing plate is inverted above the other. Accordingly, the first and second moving means only need to be able to move between the first and second loading sections, and the moving mechanism of the first and second suction means can be simplified and the apparatus can be simplified. The installation space can be made compact.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an outline of the processing of a plate supplying apparatus 10 applied to the present embodiment. The plate supplying apparatus 10 is provided in a plate making system for creating a printing plate used for newspaper printing or the like. The plate making system provided with the plate feeding device 10 applied to the present embodiment includes a drawing device that exposes the printing plate 12 to form an image, and the printing plate 12 is formed in a thin rectangular shape such as aluminum. A so-called OPC printing plate having a photosensitive layer formed on one surface of a support using an organic photoconductor is used.

A large number of printing plates 12 (for example, about 500 to 1,000) are stacked on a printing plate mounting table (hereinafter, referred to as "skid 14") with the photosensitive surface facing downward. The plate feeding device 10 takes out the printing plate 12 on the skid 14 from the uppermost layer and transfers it to a transport unit that transports the printing plate to the drawing device.

In the plate making system, the printing plate 12 is charged and exposed based on image data by a drawing device, and an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on the printing plate 12. When the printing plate 12 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed is taken out of the drawing device, a liquid developer containing charged toner particles is applied by a developing and fixing device, and toner particles are adhered according to the electrostatic latent image. You. Printing plate 12 coated with liquid developer
The toner particles are melted and fixed by heating in the fixing unit. Thereby, a toner image is formed on the printing plate 12.

The printing plate 12 on which the toner image has been formed is subjected to an etching process (elution process) to remove the photosensitive layer to which the toner has not adhered. Thereafter, the printing plate is subjected to a drying process, a plate bending process, and a punching process, thereby completing a printing plate that can be mounted on a plate cylinder of a printing rotary press, for example.

The plate supplying apparatus 10 includes a printing plate loading section 16 and a delivery section 18. The printing plate loading unit 16 is loaded with the printing plate 12 mounted on the skid 14.
As a result, the plate feeding device 10 can print the printing plates 12 of the same size.
It is possible to load two skids 14 on which the printing plate 12 is mounted or a skid 14 on which the printing plates 12 of different sizes are mounted.

The printing plate 1 loaded in the plate feeding device 10
2 includes, for example, a so-called 2L1W size of two newspaper pages (vertical dimension of about 1100 mm × horizontal dimension of about 400 mm) and a newspaper spread of two pages (vertical dimension of about 1100 mm × horizontal dimension of about 800 m).
m), there is a so-called 2L2W size.
1 equipped with a 2L2W size printing plate 12A
4 and a loading plate 16 of 2L1W size is loaded in the loading section 16B.
A skid 14 equipped with a 2B can be loaded.

Further, the printing plate 12 is loaded into the plate feeding device 10 so that the longitudinal direction thereof is in the direction of the arrow L,
A and 16B are provided adjacent to the printing plate 12 in the width direction (the direction of the arrow W), and the skid 14 is positioned in each of the loading units 16A and 16B so that the printing plate 12 is at a predetermined position. A conventionally known configuration can be applied to the positioning of the skid 14, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted in the present embodiment.

Further, hereinafter, the printing plate 12A to be mainly loaded into the loading section 16A will be described as the printing plate 12.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
Is provided above the printing plate loading unit 16 (loading unit 16A). As shown in FIG. 2, the delivery unit 18 includes a delivery stage 20. The plate feeding device 10 places the printing plate 12 taken out of the skid 14 on the delivery stage 20 with the photosensitive layer facing upward.

On the other hand, the plate supplying apparatus 10 is provided with a suction take-out unit 22 and a separation unit 24, and prints from the skid 14 loaded in the printing plate loading unit 16 using the suction take-out unit 22 and the separation unit 24. Edition 12
Take out. At this time, in the plate feeding device 10, first, the close contact state between the uppermost printing plate 12 and the next printing plate 12 is released by the separation unit 24, and the suction take-out unit 2 is released.
2, the uppermost printing plate 12 is sucked and lifted.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the separation unit 24 has a separation frame 25. In the separation frame 25, a plurality of suction cups 28 are attached to an angle-shaped support plate 26. The support plate 26 of the separation frame 25
Is arranged along the width direction of the printing plate 12 in the longitudinal direction,
A suction cup 28 is attached at a predetermined position along the longitudinal direction.

The separation unit 24 is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the printing plate 12 loaded in the printing plate loading section 16 so that the separation frame 25 faces one end of the printing plate 12 in the longitudinal direction. It has become. Thereby, the suction cup 28 provided on the support plate 26 of the separation frame 25 is opposed to one longitudinal end of the printing plate 12.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, 7 and 8, the suction take-out unit 22 has a support frame 30. The support frame 30 has a plurality of arms 34 attached to a boom 32 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the printing plate 12. The arms 34 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the width direction of the printing plate 12, so that the support frame 30 can face substantially the entire surface of the printing plate 12 except for a region where the support plate 26 of the separation unit 24 faces. Has become.

The support frame 30 has an arm 34
Are provided with a plurality of suction cups 28 respectively.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the plate supplying apparatus 10, a suction cup 28 provided on the support arm 30 of the suction take-out unit 22 is disposed so as to face substantially the entire area of the printing plate 12, and The printing plate 12 is sucked and lifted by the suction cup 28 of the unit 22. In addition,
The suction cups 28 provided in the suction take-out unit 22 and the separation unit 24 are arranged so as to face both ends in the width direction of the printing plate 12 and the middle portion in the width direction of the printing plate 12, and all the suction cups 28 By supplying the negative pressure, the printing plate 12A can be attracted. By supplying the negative pressure to the suction portion 28 at the widthwise middle portion and one end side in the width direction, the printing plate 1A is sucked.
2B can be adsorbed. In addition, sucker 2
The arrangement of 8 is not limited to this, and any arrangement can be applied as long as the printing plates 12A and 12B can be sucked.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5,
The plate feeding device 10 is provided with a rodless cylinder 36 and a guide rail 38 on the separation unit 24 side. The rodless cylinder 36 and the guide rail 38 are mounted on a frame (not shown) of the plate feeding device 10 so that the longitudinal direction is arranged along the width direction of the printing plate 12 and straddles the loading portion 16A and the loading portion 16B. ing.

The separation unit 24 is provided with a bracket 40 having an L-shaped cross section.
Are connected to a drive block (not shown) of the rodless cylinder 36. A plurality of sliders 42 are slidably engaged with the guide rail 38, and these sliders 42 are attached to the bracket 40. Thus, the bracket 40 is supported by the guide rail 38 and can move between the loading portions 16A and 16B by driving the rodless cylinder 36.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the bracket 4
0, sleeves 4 on both sides of the printing plate 12 in the width direction.
4 are attached. A guide shaft 46 is inserted into each of the sleeves 44 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

A feed nut 48 is rotatably mounted on the bracket 40 between the sleeves 44. The feed nut 48 is screwed to a feed screw 50 which is arranged in parallel with the guide shaft 46 and penetrates the bracket 40. An elevating motor 52 using a stepping motor or the like is attached to the bracket 40. An outer peripheral portion of the feed nut 48 forms a pulley, and an endless belt 54 is wound around the feed nut 48 and a pulley 52 </ b> A attached to the rotating shaft of the elevating motor 52.

The separation unit 24 is provided with a base plate 56 below the bracket 40. This base plate 5
6, the guide shaft 46 and the distal end (lower end) of the feed screw 50 are connected to each other (see FIG. 6).

Thus, in the separation unit 24, when the elevation motor 52 operates and the feed nut 48 rotates, the feed screw 50 moves up and down, and the base plate 56 attached to the feed screw 50 moves up and down.

The base plate 56 has a slide bearing 58 (FIGS. 2 and 5) at an intermediate portion along the width direction of the printing plate 12.
) Is provided, and the feed nut 6 is attached to the slide bearing 58.
0 is rotatably mounted. The axial direction of the slide bearing 58 is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the printing plate 12, and a feed screw 62 to which a feed nut 60 is screwed is movably inserted along the axial direction.

Further, slide bearings 64 are attached to the base plate 56 on both sides along the width direction of the printing plate 12 with the slide bearing 58 interposed therebetween. A guide shaft 66 is inserted through each of the slide bearings 64 so that the longitudinal direction is along the axial direction of the feed screw 62.

A moving motor 68 using a stepping motor or the like is attached to the base plate 56. An endless belt 70 is wound around the feed nut 60 and a pulley 68A attached to the rotation shaft of the moving motor 68. Thus, when the moving motor 68 operates, the feed screw 62 moves along the longitudinal direction of the printing plate 12.

The feed screw 62 and the guide shaft 66
The support plate 26 of the separation frame 25 is connected to and supported at the tip of.

As a result, when the rodless cylinder 36 operates, the separation frame 25 is moved to the loading portion 16A.
And the loading section 16B. The movement motor 68
Of the support plate 26 to which the suction cup 28 is attached
Moves from one end in the longitudinal direction of the printing plate 12 along the longitudinal direction of the printing plate 12, so that the suction cup 28 of the separation frame 25 can face a predetermined position at the end of the printing plate 12.
Further, the operation of the lifting motor 52 lowers the support plate 26 of the separation frame 25 toward the printing plate 12 on the skid 14, so that the suction plate 28 can attract the printing plate 12.

By the way, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the support plate 26 of the separation frame 25 is provided with pusher pins 72 near the respective suction cups 28. The pusher pin 72 protrudes downward from the support plate 26.

The tip of the pusher pin 72 is
8 is slightly separated from the surface of the printing plate 12 when it comes into contact with the uppermost printing plate 12. The tip of the pusher pin 72 projects downward from the suction cup 28 when air is supplied from air supply means (not shown).

The support plate 26 is provided with an air nozzle 73 at a position outside the periphery of the printing plate 12. The air nozzle 73 protrudes slightly downward from the suction cup 28, and the printing plate 12 sucked by the suction cup 28.
When the end of the printing plate 12 is lifted, air can be ejected toward the lower surface of the printing plate 12.

In the separation unit 24 of the plate feeding apparatus 10, the suction end of the printing plate 12 in the longitudinal direction is suctioned by the suction cup 28 of the separation unit 24 prior to suction of the printing plate 12 by the suction cup 28 of the suction take-out unit 22, which will be described later. Then, the suction cup 28 is raised to lift one end of the printing plate 12 in the longitudinal direction. Thereafter, the pusher pin 72 is operated,
The printing plate 12 adsorbed by the suction cup 28 is pushed down, and the printing plate 12 is bent in the vicinity of the suction cup 28, whereby the uppermost printing plate 12 adsorbed on the suction cup 28.
A gap is created between the printing plate 12 and the next printing plate 12 that is in close contact with the printing plate 12.

Further, in the plate supply device 10, air supplied from air supply means (not shown) is blown out from the air nozzle 73 toward the lower surface side of the printing plate 12 lifted by the suction cup 28. Thereby, air is blown into the gap formed between the uppermost printing plate 12 and the next printing plate 12,
The next printing plate 12 is separated from the uppermost printing plate 12.

In this embodiment, the next printing plate 12 is separated from the uppermost printing plate 12 mainly by using the suction cup 28, the pusher pin 72 and the air nozzle 73. The method for releasing the close contact of the next printing plate 12 from the plate 12 is not limited to the present embodiment, and any conventionally known method can be applied.

In the plate feeding device 10, when the close contact of the next printing plate 12 from the uppermost printing plate 12 is released at one longitudinal end of the printing plate 12, the printing plate 12 is sucked and taken out by the suction take-out unit. It is sucked and taken out by the suction cup 28 of 22. At this time, in the plate feeding device 10, when the printing plate 12 is sucked by the suction cup 28 of the suction take-out unit 22 and lifted, the printing plate 1 by the suction cup 28 of the separation unit 24 is lifted.
2 is released, and the separation frame 25 is retracted.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
4 is provided with a plate position detection sensor 74 on the support plate 26. As the plate position detection sensor 74, for example, a general photoelectric sensor having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit can be used, and the plate position detecting sensor 74 receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected by the printing plate 12 on the skid 14. Light is received by the unit. At this time, the end of the printing plate 12 mounted on the skid 14 is detected by moving the support plate 26 of the separation unit 24 toward the printing plate 12 from outside in the longitudinal direction of the printing plate 12. can do.

In the plate supplying device 10, when the printing plate loading section 16 is loaded with the skid 14 on which the new printing plate 12 is mounted, the separation unit 2 is loaded before the printing plate 12 is taken out.
4, the position of the printing plate 12 is detected. Thereby, the suction cup 28 provided on the separation frame 25 is
The printing plate 12 is reliably separated from the printing plate 12 by accurately facing the fixed position of the peripheral portion of the printing plate 12.

The separation frame 25 is provided with a plate detection sensor 76 on the support plate 26. This plate detection sensor 76
Is based on the detection result of the plate position detection sensor 74.
8 when facing the longitudinal end of the printing plate 12,
The suction plate 28 and the printing plate 12 are opposed to each other.

Further, when the suction cup 28 is lowered toward the printing plate 12, the plate detection sensor 76 detects the printing plate 1 before the suction cup 28 comes into contact with the upper surface of the printing plate 12 or the skid 14.
2 can be detected.

At the same time, the plate feeder 10 measures the position (height) of the uppermost printing plate 12 using the plate detection sensor 76. That is, when the plate feeding device 10 operates the lifting / lowering motor 52 to lower the suction cup 28 toward the printing plate 12 in order to separate the uppermost printing plate 12, the plate detection sensor 76 detects From the result, the vertical position (height or distance from a preset original position) of the uppermost printing plate 12 is determined. Plate feeding device 1
0 is based on the determination result,
2 is controlled to descend. The plate detection sensor 7
6 may be a photoelectric type or a contact type. Further, the height of the printing plate 12 on the skid 14 is determined without using the plate detection sensor 76, for example, by using a moving amount or the like until the suction cup 28 sucks the uppermost printing plate 12. Is also good.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIG. 7, the plate feeding device 10 has a guide rail on the other end side (the opposite side to the separation unit 24) along the longitudinal direction of the printing plate 12. 78A and 78B are arranged in pairs vertically. Each of the guide rails 78A and 78B is arranged in parallel with each other across the loading portions 16A and 16B along the width direction of the printing plate 12, and is attached to a frame (not shown) of the plate feeding device 10.

Boards 80A and 80B are stretched between the guide rails 78A and 78B. A slider 82 slidably engaged with each of the guide rails 78A, 78B is attached to the boards 80A, 80B, whereby the boards 80A, 80B are respectively attached to the guide rails 78A, 78B. The printing plate 12 is supported movably along the width direction.

Guide plates 84 are provided in pairs on the substrates 80A and 80B. The guide plate 84 includes the substrates 80A, 8
OB, and are attached to each other so that the longitudinal direction is along the vertical direction, and are connected by a connecting plate 86. The connecting plate 86
May connect the substrates 80A and 80B.

A feed screw 88 is rotatably attached to the plate feeding device 10 in parallel with the pair of guide rails 78A and 78B. A feed nut 90 is screwed into the feed screw 88, and the feed nut 90 is fixed to one substrate 80B.

Further, a pulley 92 is attached to one end of the feed screw 88. In addition, the plate feeding device 10 includes:
A movement motor 94 is provided near the pulley 92. An endless belt 96 is wound around a pulley 92 of the feed screw 88 between the pulley 92 and a pulley 94A attached to the rotation shaft of the moving motor 94. When the moving motor 94 is operated, the feed screw 88 is moved. Is to be rotated.

Thus, when the feed screw 88 is driven to rotate by the operation of the moving motor 94, the pair of guide plates 8
4 is the loading portion 16 along the guide rails 78A and 78B.
A and 16B move together.

On the other hand, the printing plate loading section 1
The slider 98 is attached to the skid 14 side loaded in the sixth. The slider 98 is movable in the vertical direction. An elevating base 100 is stretched between the pair of guide plates 84, and each of the sliders 98 is attached to the elevating base 100 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

The connecting plate 86 has one guide plate 84
The lifting motor 102 is attached to an end protruding from the motor. The guide plate 84 is provided with a feed screw 104. The feed screw 104 is rotatably mounted in the vertical direction, and is screwed with a feed nut 106 fixed to the elevating base 100.

The feed screw 104 has a pulley 107 at the upper end.
Is attached, and an endless belt 108 is wound around the pulley 107 and a pulley 102A attached to the rotating shaft of the elevating motor 102.

As a result, the feed screw 104 is rotated by the operation of the elevating motor 102, and the elevating base 1 is rotated.
00 is vertically moved (elevated) along the guide plate 84.

A rotary cylinder 110 and a bracket 112 are mounted on the lifting base 100. The support frame 30 is attached to the bracket 112. The support frame 30 is rotatably supported by one end of the boom 32 inserted into a bearing (not shown) in the bracket 112. Thereby, the lifting base 10
The support frame 30 is supported at 0 in a cantilevered state.

Further, a gear 114 is attached to the boom 32, and the gear 114 meshes with a gear 110 A attached to the rotary shaft of the rotary cylinder 110.

The rotary cylinder 110 is driven by air supplied from air supply means (not shown).
A is rotated. Thus, the support frame 30 rotates together with the gear 114 meshing with the gear 110A. In the present embodiment, the boom 3 is moved from the state where the suction cup 28 is directed downward in the direction of arrow C shown in FIG.
2 (support frame 30) is rotated by 180 °, and the rotary cylinder 110 is rotated by 180 ° in a direction opposite to the direction of arrow C and returned from this rotated position.
Is controlled.

In the plate supplying apparatus 10, the support frame 30 is opposed to the skid 14 on which the printing plate 12 to be supplied to the next process is mounted by operating the moving motor 94, and then the elevating motor 102 is operated. , Support frame 3
0 is lowered toward the printing plate 12 on the skid 14.
At this time, in the plate supply device 10, the printing plate 12 of the uppermost layer detected by the plate detection sensor 76 provided in the separation unit 24.
The support frame 30 is lowered based on the height of the printing plate 12 so that the suction cup 28 provided on the support frame 30 contacts the printing plate 12 without damaging the printing plate 12. At this time, in the plate supplying apparatus 10, a negative pressure is supplied to the suction cup 28 at a predetermined timing while the support frame 30 is lowered, so that the printing plate 12 is attracted.

In the plate feeding apparatus 10, when the uppermost printing plate 12 is sucked by the suction cup 28 of the support frame 30, the lifting motor 102 is driven in reverse to raise the support frame 30. As a result, the printing plate 12 adsorbed on the suction cup 28 is
To a predetermined height.

Thereafter, in the plate supplying apparatus 10, the printing plate 12 is turned over by operating the rotary cylinder 110 and rotating the support frame 30, thereby causing the printing plate 1 to rotate.
2 is placed on the delivery stage 20. The printing plate 12
Is reversed by moving the support frame 30 toward the loading portion 16B.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and 8, the delivery stage 20 of the delivery unit 18 is provided above the loading unit 16A. The transfer stage 20 includes a base plate 116 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the printing plate 12. The base plate 116 is provided at an end along the width direction of the printing plate 12 and on the opposite side of the loading portion 16B. The base plate 116 has a plurality of mounting rods 1.
18 are attached.

Each of the mounting bars 118 is disposed so that the longitudinal direction thereof is along the width direction of the printing plate 12, and one end in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the base plate 116. The upper portion 16A protrudes toward the loading portion 16B. In addition, the mounting bar 118 is attached to the printing plate 12.
Are arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction. At this time, in the present embodiment, the suction cup 28 provided on the support frame 30 of the suction take-out unit 22 is positioned between the mounting bars 118.

On the other hand, the delivery section 18 includes the air cylinder 1
20 are provided. The air cylinder 120 is mounted on a frame (not shown) of the plate feeding device 10 with the rod 120A directed upward. In the air cylinder 120, a base plate 116 is connected to a rod 120A. As a result, the delivery stage 20 moves to the plate feeding device 1.
0 is supported by a frame (not shown).
It moves up and down in response to the drive of 0.

The air cylinder 120 normally contracts the rod 120A. At this time, the delivery stage 20 is slightly lower than the printing plate 12 supported by the support frame 30 of the suction take-out unit 22 by being inverted. (See FIG. 4).

In the plate feeding apparatus 10, when the printing plate 12 is reversed, the support frame 30 is moved to the loading section 16A.
Thereby, the printing plate 12 moves above the delivery stage 20. Thereafter, the suction of the printing plate 12 by the suction cup 28 is released, and the rod 120 of the air cylinder 120 is released.
A is extended and the delivery stage 20 is raised (see FIG. 8), so that the printing plate 12
Placed on In addition, the mounting rod 11 of the delivery stage 20
8, a support member 12 is provided on the upper surface side on which the printing plate 12 is placed.
2 is attached to prevent the printing plate 12 from slipping on the transfer stage 20.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the printing plate loading section 16 is provided with a guide plate 130 above between the loading sections 16A and 16B. The guide plate 130 is formed in a strip shape, and is provided so as to face the end of the printing plate 12 that is attracted by the separation unit 24 so that the longitudinal direction is along the width direction of the printing plate 12. Also, this guide plate 1
Reference numeral 30 indicates that the end on the loading portion 16B side is inclined downward.

When the printing plate 12 is turned over on the loading section 16B side, the suction take-out unit 22
The end of the printing plate 12 that is not sucked by the suction cup 28 is placed. In this state, by moving the support frame 30 of the suction take-out unit 22 to the delivery stage 20 side, the printing plate 12 can be placed on the delivery stage 20 without this end hanging down.

On the other hand, the ascending position of the transfer stage 20 (the position of the transfer stage 20 shown in FIG. 8) is a position for transferring the printing plate 12 to the next step, and at this position, the printing plate 12 is transferred. It is taken out of the stage 20 and sent to the next process. At this time, the delivery of the printing plate 12 may be performed, for example, by causing a plurality of claw members provided on a transport unit (not shown) to face the periphery of the printing plate 12, and moving the tips of the claw members downward to the periphery of the printing plate 12. Let in. Thereafter, by raising the claw member, an arbitrary configuration such as lifting the peripheral portion of the printing plate 12 with the claw member supported can be applied.

The operation of this embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG.
The removal of the printing plate 12 by the plate feeding device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 9 shows the flow of the process of taking out the printing plate 12 by the plate feeding device 10. When the plate feeding device 10 starts operating integrally with a plate making system (not shown), initial settings are performed in a first step 200. In this initial setting, each device in the apparatus is moved to a predetermined position (original position) set in advance for taking out the printing plate 12, and the position of each device is confirmed. By performing this initial setting, it is possible to take out the printing plate 12 from the skid 14 loaded in the printing plate loading unit 16.

Thereafter, in step 202, the suction take-out unit 22 (support frame 30) and the separation unit 2
4 (separation frame 25) is checked to determine whether or not an instruction to set an operating point for descending toward printing plate 12 has been input. In step 204, it is confirmed whether or not a plate supply request has been made, that is, whether or not the printing plate 12 is to be taken out from the skid 14 loaded in the printing plate loading unit 16.

Here, when the skid 14 on which the printing plate 12 is laminated is replaced, the skid 14 is loaded into the printing plate loading unit 16, and when the insertion plate is placed on or removed from the printing plate 12 of the skid 14, And reset the operating point. The setting of the operating point is performed by performing an affirmative determination in step 202 and instructed by operating a switch on an operation panel (not shown) after performing the above operation (step 206).

FIG. 10 shows an outline of the processing for setting the operating point. In this flowchart, in the first step 210, the rodless cylinder 36 and the like are operated, and the separation frame 25 of the separation unit 24 is moved to the printing plate loading unit 16 (the loading unit 16A or the loading unit 16A) for setting the operating point.
Move to the initial position on the B) side. This initial position is a position on the skid 14 that is outside the printing plate 12.

Thereafter, in step 212, the moving motor 68 is operated to move the separation frame 25 toward the printing plate 12 along the longitudinal direction of the printing plate 12. At the same time, in step 214, measurement of the movement amount of the separation frame 25 is started. In step 216, it is confirmed whether or not the plate position detection sensor 74 provided on the separation frame 25 has detected the longitudinal end of the printing plate 12.

Here, the plate position detecting sensor 74 detects the printing plate 1
2 is detected, and if an affirmative determination is made in step 216, the process proceeds to step 218 to calculate the position of the longitudinal end of the printing plate 12. That is, the position of the longitudinal end of the printing plate 12 is confirmed by measuring the amount of movement until the separation frame 25 detects the longitudinal end of the printing plate 12.

In the next step 220, the separation frame 25 is moved to the initial position in the width direction of the printing plate 12,
Activating the rodless cylinder 36 from this initial position,
The separation frame 25 is moved toward the printing plate 12 along the width direction of the printing plate 12 (Step 222). At the same time, in step 224, the amount of movement of the separation frame 25 is measured, and in step 226, the plate position detection sensor 7
It is confirmed whether or not 4 has detected the edge of the printing plate 12 in the width direction.

As a result, the plate position detecting sensor 74 detects the widthwise end of the printing plate 12, and if an affirmative determination is made in step 226, the process proceeds to step 228 where the printing plate 1
2 is calculated in the width direction. Also, based on the movement amount of the separation frame 25 at this time, the loaded printing plate 12
Can be checked as to which size of the printing plate 12 among the preset sizes. That is, the loaded printing plate 12 is 2L1W size (printing plate 12
B) or 2L2W size (printing plate 12A).

When the position of the printing plate 12 is detected in this manner, in the next step 229, the position of the separation frame 25 when the printing plate 12 is attracted (along the width direction and the longitudinal direction of the printing plate 12). Position) and the position of the instruction frame 30 (the position along the width direction of the printing plate 12) are set as original positions.

As described above, by detecting the position of the printing plate 12 loaded in the printing plate loading section 16, when the printing plate 12 is taken out, the accurate position of the printing plate 12 can be sucked. Becomes

On the other hand, in the flow chart shown in FIG. 9, when a drawing device (not shown) or the like makes a request to take out the printing plate 12, an affirmative determination is made in step 204, and step 20 is performed.
Then, the process proceeds to step 8 to start the process of taking out the printing plate 12 from the skid 14.

At this time, the plate supplying device 10 first performs a separation process of sucking the uppermost printing plate 12 by the separation frame 25 and separating the next printing plate 12 which is in close contact with the printing plate 12. After that, the printing plate 12 is taken out using the support frame 30 of the suction taking-out unit 22.

Here, the separation process of the printing plate 12 using the separation frame 25 will be described first with reference to FIGS.

The flowchart shown in FIG.
2 is executed and executed, and the first step 230 is to execute the separation frame 25 of the separation unit 24.
Is moved to the original position set based on the position of the printing plate 12, and the suction cup 28 is opposed to the longitudinal end of the printing plate 12.

Next, at step 232, the lifting motor 5
2 is driven to lower the separation unit 25. At this time, by starting to supply a negative pressure to the suction cup 28 provided on the separation frame 25 at a predetermined timing, the suction cup 28 is started.
Contacts the uppermost printing plate 12, the printing plate 12 is sucked (step 234).

When the printing plate 12 is sucked by the suction cup 28, the lowering of the separation frame 25 is stopped in step 236, and the next printing plate 12 is separated from the sucked printing plate 12 (step 238).

On the other hand, in the separation unit 24, the presence or absence of the printing plate 12 on the skid 14 is checked by using the plate detection sensor 76 provided on the separation frame 25, and the suction cup 28 attracts the upper surface of the skid 14 to damage it. To prevent them from doing so.

At the same time, the separation unit 24 detects the position (height detection) of the uppermost printing plate 12 using the plate detection sensor 76.

FIG. 12 schematically shows the detection of the height of the printing plate 12. This height detection is performed in parallel with the suction of the uppermost printing plate 12 by the separation frame 25. In the first step 250, it is determined that the lowering of the separation frame 25 has been started by the operation of the elevating motor 52. If it is detected (Yes at Step 250), Step 252
Then, the measurement of the descending amount of the separation frame 25, that is, the driving amount of the elevating motor 52 is started.

In the next step 254, the plate detection sensor 7
6 confirms whether the uppermost printing plate 12 has been detected.
Note that this plate detection may use a determination as to whether or not the suction cup 28 has sucked the uppermost printing plate 12, or may measure a driving amount until the lifting / lowering motor 52 stops. .

Here, when the plate detection sensor 76 detects the printing plate 12 and makes an affirmative determination in step 254, the process proceeds to step 256 where the position of the uppermost printing plate 12 is determined based on the driving amount of the elevating motor 52 and the like. Is calculated.

On the other hand, in the separation process of the printing plate 12 performed in step 236 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, the separation frame 25 that is holding the printing plate 12 is raised by a predetermined amount, and the printing plate 12 is moved in the longitudinal direction. Lift the end. In this state, the pusher pin 72 is operated to
The printing plate 12 is pushed down in the vicinity of. By repeating the operation of the pusher pin 72 a plurality of times, the uppermost printing plate 12 sucked by the suction cup 28 and the printing plate 1
A gap is created between the printing plates 12 that are lifted in close contact with the printing plate 12.

In this state, the next printing plate 12 is peeled off from the uppermost printing plate 12 by blowing air from the air nozzle 73 into the gap between the uppermost printing plate 12 and the next printing plate 12. The separation process of the printing plate 12 is not limited to this, and may be performed using various conventionally known configurations.

In this manner, when the next printing plate 12 is separated from the printing plate 12 sucked by the suction cup 28 using the separation frame 25, the process proceeds to step 238, where the support frame of the suction take-out unit 22 is supported. It is confirmed whether or not the printing plate 12 has been sucked and lifted by the suction cup 28 provided in 30.

On the other hand, in the plate feeding apparatus 10, the suction take-out unit 22 is operated in synchronization with the operation of the separation unit 24, and the printing plate 12 is taken out using the support frame 30. FIG. 13 shows this suction take-out unit 22.
5 shows a flow of processing using the “.

This flowchart is executed at a predetermined timing when a request to take out the printing plate 12 is made. In the first step 260, the support frame 30 is moved toward the original position set based on the position of the printing plate 12. Is moved to a position where the suction cup 28 can appropriately adsorb the printing plate 12. Thereafter, in step 262, it is confirmed whether or not the separation of the printing plate 12 by the separation unit 24 (separation frame 25) is completed. Thus, when the separation process of the uppermost printing plate 12 is completed, the process proceeds to step 264, in which the elevating motor 102 is operated to
Start descending. At this time, the suction removal unit 22
Then, based on the position (height) of the uppermost printing plate 12 measured by the separation unit 24, first, the support frame 30 is lowered at high speed until the suction cup 28 approaches the printing plate 12, and the suction cup 28 When reaching the position close to the plate 12, the support frame 30 is gently lowered while supplying a negative pressure to the suction cup 28.

As a result, the printing plate 12 is
Can be quickly adsorbed. That is, the printing plate 12
It is possible to shorten the moving time of the support frame 30 for sucking the air. It should be noted that the lowering of the support frame 30 is not started after the separation of the printing plate 12 by the separation unit 24 is completed, but is started at the timing when the separation of the printing plate 12 is completed. You may do it.

In this way, the printing plate 12 is sucked by the suction cup 28 of the support frame 30, and when the determination is affirmative in step 266, the process proceeds to step 268, where the support frame 30 is raised to the height of the separation frame 25. .
At this time, air may be blown from the air nozzle 73 into the gap between the uppermost printing plate 12 and the next printing plate 12.

Thereafter, in step 270, it is checked whether or not the separation frame 25 has been retracted.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, the support frame 30 on which the printing plate 12 has been sucked is separated from the separation frame 25.
When the printing plate 12 is lifted up to the height corresponding to, an affirmative determination is made in step 238 and the process proceeds to step 240. In this step 240, the separation frame 25
The suction of the printing plate 12 by the suction cup 28 is released, and in the next step 242, the separation frame 25 is retracted from above the printing plate 12. Thus, the printing plate 12 is sucked and held only by the suction cup 28 of the support frame 30.

On the other hand, in the flowchart shown in FIG.
When the separation frame 25 is retracted from above the printing plate 12,
An affirmative determination is made in step 270, and the process proceeds to step 272. As a result, the support frame 30 is raised to lift the printing plate 12 to a predetermined height.
4, the moving motor 94 is operated to support the support frame 3.
0 is moved to the loading section 16B side. Thereby, the printing plate 1
2 is once conveyed to the loading section 16B side.

Thereafter, in step 276, when the support frame 30 reaches a predetermined position on the loading portion 16B side, the rotary cylinder 110 is operated to turn the support frame 30 upside down. Thereby, the suction cup 28 of the support frame 30 is
The printing plate 12 adsorbed on is also inverted, and the photosensitive layer is held in a state where it is directed upward.

In the next step 278, it is checked whether or not the delivery stage 20 is in a state in which the printing plate 12 can be placed.
To the delivery stage 20 (the loading section 16A side). Thereby, the printing plate 12 is transferred to the delivery stage 2
0.

Thereafter, the suction / extraction unit 22 stops supplying the negative pressure to the suction cup 28 at a predetermined timing,
The suction of the printing plate 12 is released (step 282), and the printing plate 12 is transferred to the transfer stage 20.

On the other hand, FIG. 14 schematically shows the operation of the delivery stage 20. The delivery stage 20 stands by at a position where the rod 120A of the rodless cylinder 120 is contracted. After the held printing plate 12 is conveyed onto the mounting bar 118, the suction of the suction cup 28 of the support frame 30 is released, and if a positive determination is made in step 302, the air cylinder 120 is operated to move the delivery stage 20. It is raised to a predetermined height (delivery position) (step 304).

Thus, the suction cup 28 of the support frame 30 is
The printing plate 12 that has been sucked and held at the transfer stage 2
And is lifted to the delivery position.

After that, the delivery stage 20 moves to the printing plate 1
2 is taken out by a transporting means (not shown) and transported to the drawing apparatus, and if an affirmative determination is made in step 306, the process proceeds to step 308, where it is lowered to the standby position and waits.

On the other hand, in the suction take-out unit 22,
As shown in the flowchart of FIG.
Is lifted by the printing plate 12, and if the determination in step 284 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 286 where the support frame 30 is moved to the loading portion 16B side, and
At 88, the rotary cylinder 110 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction,
The support frame 30 is turned over. As a result, the suction cup 28 is directed downward, so that the next printing plate can be removed.

Thereafter, in step 290, it is confirmed whether or not the next printing plate 12 is to be taken out, and the process stands by at a predetermined position until the next printing plate 12 is taken out.

On the other hand, in the separation unit 24, the printing plate 12
After retreating from above, the process proceeds to step 244, where it is determined whether or not the next printing plate 12 is to be taken out. When the next printing plate 12 is to be taken out, an affirmative determination is made in step 244 and the process proceeds to step 246. Transition.

In this step 246, the support frame 3
It is confirmed whether or not the printing plate 12 sucked by 0 has moved from above the skid 14. That is, the support frame 3
0, the printing plate 12 is lifted, and it is confirmed whether or not the separation frame 25 is in a state where separation processing of the next printing plate 12 can be performed. If a positive determination is made in step 246,
The process proceeds to step 230 to start the separation process for the next printing plate 12.

As described above, in the plate feeding device 10, the printing plate 1
When the printing plate 12 is continuously taken out from the skid 14, the separation unit 24 that separates the next printing plate 12 from the printing plate 12 of the uppermost layer, and the separated printing plate 12
The printing plate 1 taken out of the skid 14 is provided with the suction take-out unit 22 that lifts and conveys the printing plate 1 from above.
2 is being conveyed, the next printing plate 12 can be separated.

When the printing plate 12 is separated by the separating unit 24, the position of the uppermost printing plate 12 is detected, and based on this position, the suction take-out unit 24 is detected.
Of the printing plate 12 can be rapidly performed.

Prior to the process of removing the printing plate 12 from the skid 14, the position of the printing plate 12 is detected by the plate position detection sensor 74, and the separation frame 25 is moved based on the detected position. The suction position of the printing plate 12 can be suctioned by the suction cup 28 provided at the bottom of the printing plate 12, so that it is possible to reliably prevent a separation error from occurring due to a shift in the suction position of the printing plate 12 or the like. it can.

The above-described embodiment shows an example of the present invention, and does not limit the configuration of the present invention. The present invention can be applied to a plate feeding device having an arbitrary configuration for taking out a printing plate 12 having a large number of stacked plates from the uppermost layer.

In the present embodiment, the original positions (operating points) of the separation unit 24 and the suction and take-out unit 22 are set based on the position where the plate position detection sensor 74 has detected the printing plate 12. Since the suction take-out unit 22 does not separate the printing plate 12, the position of the suction cup 28 does not necessarily require the same positional accuracy as the separation unit 24. You may do it.

[0131]

As described above, according to the present invention, the first suction means for sucking the edge of the printing plate, and the area other than the area where the first suction means sucks, are sucked. A second suction means capable of holding is provided, and the next printing plate is separated while the printing plate is suctioned by the first suction means, so that a large number of printing plates are continuously taken out. Occasionally, an excellent effect that the take-out time can be reduced can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a plate feeding apparatus applied to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a main part of the plate feeding device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the plate feeding device.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the plate feeding device viewed from a width direction side of a printing plate.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a main part of the separation unit.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a separation unit viewed from a longitudinal direction side of a printing plate.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a main part of the suction take-out unit.

FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the suction take-out unit viewed from a longitudinal direction side of the printing plate.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the plate feeding device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the outline of position detection of a printing plate using a separation unit.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing in a separation unit.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an outline of detecting a height position of a printing plate using a separation unit.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of a process in a suction / extraction unit.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of a process in a delivery stage.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Plate supply apparatus 12 Printing plate 16 (16A, 16B) Printing plate loading part (1st and 2nd loading part) 18 Delivery part 20 Delivery stage (delivery means) 22 Suction take-out unit (2nd suction means, reversing movement) Means, second moving means, second elevating means) 24 separation unit (first adsorbing means, separating means, first moving means, first elevating means) 25 separation frame (first adsorbing means) 28 Suction cup 30 Support frame (second suction means) 36 Rodless cylinder (first moving means) 52 Lifting motor (first lifting means) 68 Moving motor (first moving means) 74 Plate position detection sensor (plate position) Detecting means) 76 plate detection sensor (plate detecting means) 94 moving motor (second moving means) 102 elevating motor (second elevating means) 110 rotary cylinder (rotating means)

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A plate supplying apparatus for sequentially taking out a printing plate in which a photosensitive layer is directed downward and stacking the printing plate from an uppermost layer, and sending out the photosensitive layer with the photosensitive layer facing upward, wherein: First adsorbing means for adsorbing one end of the upper printing plate; and releasing the next printing plate from this printing plate by releasing the first printing plate while adsorbing one end of the printing plate by the first adsorbing means. Separating means for separating, and a second means for sucking and holding an area of the printing plate of the stacked uppermost layer excluding an area to which the first sucking means sucks.
And a reversing moving means for reversing and moving the uppermost printing plate taken out by the second suction means. A first moving means for moving the first suction means in a longitudinal direction and a width direction of the printing plate; and a moving means integrally moving with the first suction means in a horizontal direction of the printing plate. And a plate position detecting means for detecting a position along the printing plate, wherein a printing plate suction position of the first suction means is set based on a detection result of the plate position detecting means. Plate feeding device as described. 3. A delivery means for placing the printing plate inverted by the reversing movement means so as to be deliverable to a next step,
The plate feeding device according to claim 1, further comprising: 4. The second moving means for moving the second suction means to the reversing position and the delivery position, wherein the reversing moving means moves up and down the second suction means. The plate feeding device according to claim 3, further comprising: a rotation unit configured to rotate the second suction unit in the reversing position in the reversing direction of the printing plate. 5. An uppermost layer in which a first elevating means for moving the first adsorbing means in a vertical direction and the first adsorbing means which is moved downward by the first elevating means are stacked. Plate detecting means for detecting the position of the uppermost plate from the movement amount until the printing plate is sucked, wherein the second elevating means moves the second suction means based on the detection result of the plate detecting means. The plate feeding device according to claim 4, wherein the plate is moved downward. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first and a second loading unit into which the printing plates stacked on each other are loaded.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the delivery means is provided above one of the first and second loading portions, and the reverse position is located above the other of the first and second loading portions. The plate feeding device according to claim 5.