JP2005195642A - Processing liquid replenishing system and processing liquid replenishing method for photosensitive planographic printing plate processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and surely replenish a processing liquid to a plurality of photosensitive planographic printing plate processing apparatuses. <P>SOLUTION: The processing liquid is force fed by a processing liquid replenishing system which is equipped with a pump to the photosensitive planographic printing plate processing apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a processing liquid replenishing device for a photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus, and more particularly to a processing liquid replenishing apparatus that replenishes a plurality of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses with processing liquids such as a developer and a gum solution.

  In general, in various processing such as development and post-development processing of a photosensitive lithographic printing plate in a photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus, a processing solution such as a developer or gum solution used in the processing is a photosensitive lithographic printing plate. It is known that it deteriorates due to deterioration due to this process, fatigue deterioration with time, etc., and the processing liquid is appropriately replenished to the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus as necessary.

  However, since the progress speed of deterioration of the processing liquid varies depending on the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus, in the fields of newspaper printing, commercial printing, etc., in which a large amount of printing is performed simultaneously using a plurality of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses, An operation of replenishing the processing liquid with a different frequency occurs for each photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus. Since this replenishment operation is extremely complicated, there is a need for a system that can easily perform the replenishment operation of the processing liquid to a plurality of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 4-127160 and 7-295236 describe processing liquid replenishing devices for a plurality of such photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses. Various processing liquids are supplied to the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus via piping. However, this processing liquid replenishing apparatus sucks the processing liquid from the tank in the processing liquid replenishing apparatus by using a negative pressure generated by driving a pump installed in the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus. For this reason, when the piping is long, the supply of the processing liquid may fail due to pressure loss. In particular, if the pipe between the processing liquid replenishing device and the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing device is meandering in the vertical direction due to crossing over some object, the negative pressure from the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing device Does not reach the processing liquid replenishing device, or the absolute value of the negative pressure reaching the processing liquid replenishing device becomes extremely small, and the required amount of processing liquid can be reliably supplied to the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus. It becomes difficult.

Further, in the processing liquid replenishing device described in JP-A-4-127160, when supplying the processing liquid to the tank in the processing liquid replenishing device, a container filled with the processing liquid is installed on the opening of the tank. Since an operation of breaking through a part of the container with a knife is required, the container must be made disposable every time the processing liquid is supplied, and there are problems in terms of environment and processing liquid supply cost.
JP-A-4-127160 JP 7-295236 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the current state of the prior art described above, and the object of the present invention is to easily and reliably replenish the processing liquid to a plurality of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses. Another object of the present invention is to provide a processing liquid replenishing device for a photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus that does not generate waste during processing liquid supply operation.

  An object of the present invention is a processing liquid replenishing device for a plurality of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses, which stores at least one processing liquid supply tank for storing processing liquid, the processing liquid supply tank, and the photosensitive lithographic printing It is achieved by a processing liquid replenishing apparatus comprising a pipe connecting a plate processing apparatus and a pressure feeding means for pumping the processing liquid in the processing liquid supply tank to the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus via the pipe. The

  The treatment liquid replenishing apparatus of the present invention preferably contains at least one independent treatment liquid supply drum for supplying the treatment liquid to a treatment liquid supply tank in the apparatus. In particular, the treatment liquid supply drum preferably has an opening that can be freely opened and closed.

  And the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus which is the replenishment object of the processing liquid by the processing liquid replenishing apparatus of this invention is provided with the at least 1 processing liquid replenishment tank which stores a processing liquid.

  Further, it is preferable that the pumping means of the processing liquid replenishing apparatus of the present invention is driven and controlled by a signal from the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for replenishing a processing liquid to a plurality of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses using a processing liquid replenishing apparatus connected to the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus via a pipe. The processing liquid replenishing method is characterized in that the processing liquid is pumped from the processing liquid replenishing apparatus to the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus by a pressure feeding means provided in the processing liquid replenishing apparatus. The object of the present invention is also achieved by this method.

  According to the apparatus and method of the present invention, it is possible to easily replenish a plurality of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses with processing liquid. The processing liquid replenishing apparatus of the present invention pumps the processing liquid to the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus by the pressure feeding means installed in the apparatus, so that the processing liquid replenishing apparatus and the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus are connected. Even if the piping is long, a required amount of processing liquid can be reliably replenished to the photosensitive lithographic printing processing apparatus.

  In the preferred embodiment of the processing liquid replenishing device of the present invention, the processing liquid supply drum for supplying the processing liquid to the processing liquid replenishing device is independent from the processing liquid replenishing device. The processing liquid supply drum can be reused by taking out from the processing liquid replenishing device and refilling the processing liquid. Therefore, no waste is generated during the processing liquid supply operation.

  When the pressure feeding means of the processing liquid replenishing apparatus of the present invention is driven and controlled by a signal from the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus that is the target for replenishing the processing liquid, each device of the plurality of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses Optimal treatment liquid replenishment can be performed every time.

  Further, when the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus includes a processing liquid replenishing tank that receives and stores the pumped processing liquid, an appropriate amount of the processing liquid is taken out of the processing liquid replenishing tank, and a photosensitive lithographic plate such as development. It can be used for printing plate processing. For example, the processing solution can be used efficiently and efficiently compared with the case where the processing solution is directly introduced into the developing tank of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus. Can do.

  In the present invention, the processing liquid means any liquid used for the processing of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate, and is typically a developer or a gum liquid for the photosensitive lithographic printing plate. The range of "" includes rinsing liquid, water and the like. In terms of replenishment efficiency, the processing solution is preferably a stock solution, but may be diluted as necessary, for example, when the viscous resistance in the pipe is large.

  The gum solution is a water-based desensitizing agent that is applied to the entire surface of the printing plate immediately after development and dried to form a film mainly on the non-image area of the printing plate (typically the aluminum substrate surface). Used to do. Thereby, it becomes difficult for ink to adhere to a non-image area during printing, and contamination by ink can be prevented. It also has a function of protecting the surface of the printing plate from scratches during storage until printing. As the gum solution, for example, an aqueous solution of a water-soluble natural polymer such as gum arabic, dextrin or carboxymethyl cellulose; a water-soluble synthetic polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone or polyacrylic acid is used. Moreover, an acid, surfactant, etc. are added as needed.

  The pressure feeding means provided in the processing liquid replenishing device of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a means capable of transporting liquid by applying pressure, but preferably a reciprocating pump or a rotary pump. Various pumps such as a spiral pump, a propeller pump, and a jet pump are used.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a processing liquid replenishing apparatus 1 that is an example of the present invention. FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are a top view, a front view, and a side view of the processing liquid replenishing apparatus 1, respectively. FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the processing liquid replenishing device 1 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing 2 and doors 3a and 3b. The casing 2 includes a top cover 2a, a side panel 2b, and a bottom plate 2c. The casing 2 can be fixed to any installation location by legs 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d. The side panel 2b is provided with a viewing window 2b ′ for visually confirming the remaining amount of the developer supply tank and gum solution supply tank described later.

  The lengths of the leg portions 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d can be adjusted, and the height of the processing liquid replenishing device 1 with respect to the installation plane can be adjusted by appropriately adjusting the length of each leg portion. In addition to the legs 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d, a caster for moving the casing 2 may be separately provided on the bottom plate 2c.

  The doors 3a and 3b of the treatment liquid replenishing device 1 can be rotated by a hinge to open and close the front surface of the casing 2. As the door 3, various types of doors such as a sliding type can be adopted in addition to the type as illustrated. It is preferable that the doors 3a and 3b can be locked by any type of locking mechanism.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the operation panel 5 provided on the front surface of the top cover 2 a of the casing 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 5 is provided with various types of indicators such as a pilot lamp 5b as well as various types of switches such as a power switch 5a. It is connected to the control device (electrical component) in 2a via a wiring (not shown).

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the processing liquid replenishing device 1 with the doors 3a and 3b opened. As shown in FIG. 4, the processing liquid replenishing device 1 includes a storage portion 6, which is a space for storing a processing liquid supply drum containing a processing liquid, in the doors 3 a and 3 b. In the example shown in FIG. 4, as a processing liquid supply drum, a gum liquid supply drum 7 that supplies a raw solution of gum liquid to the processing liquid replenishing device 1 and a developer supply drum 8 that supplies a raw solution of developing solution to the processing liquid replenishment device 1. These two drums are accommodated in the accommodating portion 6 in the processing liquid replenishing device 1. The accommodating portion 6 includes a first accommodating portion 6 a that accommodates the gum solution supply drum 7 and a second accommodating portion 6 b that accommodates the developer supplying drum 8. In the example of FIG. 4, the first housing portion 6 a and the second housing portion 6 b integrally form the housing portion 6, but these may be partitioned by a partition as necessary.

  As the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8, for example, commercially available gum solution stock drums and commercially available developer stock drums having openings 7a and 8a that can be opened and closed with a lid can be used as they are. In the processing liquid replenishing apparatus 1 according to the present invention, the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 are not partially destroyed in order to take out the processing solution, so that these drum containers can be reused. is there. For example, when a commercially available gum solution stock drum and a commercially available developer stock drum are used as the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer feed drum 8, respectively, when the gum solution stock drum and the developer stock drum are empty, The empty drum is returned to the gum solution supplier or the developer supplier, and the refilled drums can be repeatedly used as the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8.

  As the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8, those of any material and internal volume can be used. However, in order to facilitate transport by reducing the weight, the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply The drum 8 is preferably made of plastic. When durability is more important than weight reduction, one or both of the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 or a part thereof may be made of metal.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 are accommodated in the accommodating portion 6 while being mounted on the carriages 9 and 10, respectively. Therefore, in the processing liquid replenishing device 1 of FIG. 4, notches 11 and 12 are formed in the bottom plate 2 c of the casing 2 so that the mounting surface of the carriages 9 and 10 constitutes the bottom surface of the casing 2. In use, the carts 9 and 10 on which the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 are mounted are accommodated in the notches 11 and 12, respectively.

  As described above, in the processing liquid replenishing device 1, the gum liquid supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 are accommodated in the accommodating portion 6 while being mounted on the carts 9 and 10. Each drum can be accommodated easily. The relative position between the mounting surfaces of the carriages 9 and 10 and the bottom plate 2c of the casing 2 can be adjusted by adjusting the lengths of the legs 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d.

  In order to integrate the carts 9 and 10 and the processing liquid replenishing device 1 after the carts 9 and 10 on which the gum solution feeding drum 7 and the developing solution feeding drum 8 are mounted are accommodated in the accommodating portion 6, the processing liquid supplement is performed. The apparatus 1 and the carriages 9 and 10 are preferably provided with any joining means for joining the carriages 9 and 10 and the casing 2. As the joining means, for example, one or more pins are provided at the tip of each of the carriages 9 and 10, and one or more pin receiving holes are provided at the ends of the notches 11 and 12. The mode which inserts and fixes the pin of the carts 9 and 10 to the said pin receiving hole part at the time of accommodation of these carts 9 and 10 is mentioned. In this case, if the size of the pin is different for each of the carriages 9 and 10 and the size of the pin receiving hole is adjusted to this, the gum solution supply drum 7 is erroneously accommodated in the second receiving portion 6b, or This is more preferable because the developer supply drum 8 can be prevented from being erroneously stored in the first receiving portion 6a.

  Further, in order to prevent erroneous storage of the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 in the storage portion 6, for example, the carriage 9 and the first receiving portion 6 a have the same color in addition to the above-described aspect using the pins. The carriage 10 and the second receiving portion 6b may be painted in the same color with a different color. It is also possible to attach a sticker indicating the type of liquid to be mounted on each carriage 9, 10.

  FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are a top perspective view, a front perspective view, and a side perspective view showing the arrangement of components in the processing liquid replenishing apparatus 1 of the present invention, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 in the storage unit 6 are respectively connected to suction pumps 13a and 13b. One ends of the tubes 14 a and 14 b are inserted, and the other ends of the suction tubes 14 a and 14 b are inserted into the gum solution supply tank 15 and the developer supply tank 16 in the processing solution replenishing apparatus 1. The suction pipes 14a and 14b are inserted into the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 just before the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 are accommodated in the accommodating portion 6, respectively. This is done by removing the lid 8a. In order to prevent deterioration of the processing liquid due to contact with air, the suction pipe 14a14b, the gum liquid supply drum 7, and the developer supply drum 8 in the openings 7a and 8a of the gum liquid supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 are connected. It is preferable that the gap between them is closed by any means. For example, in such a closed state, one end of the suction pipes 14a and 14b is formed using a lid (hereinafter referred to as "suction nozzle") having a hole in the center and the suction pipes 14a and 14b inserted into the holes. This can also be achieved by inserting the ink into the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 and closing the openings 7a and 8a with the lid.

  The gum solution and the developing solution in the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 are supplied to the gum solution supply tank 15 and the developer solution in the processing solution replenishing apparatus 1 through the suction pipes 14a and 14b by the suction pumps 13a and 13b. Each is supplied to a supply tank 16. The suction pumps 13a and 13b are connected to the control device 33 by wiring not shown, and are driven and controlled by a signal from the control device 33.

  The gum supply drum 7, the gum solution supply drum 15 to the gum solution supply tank 15, the gum solution to the developer supply tank 16, the gum solution supply tank 15 when the developer flows, the gum solution in the developer supply tank 16, In order to prevent bubbles from being generated on the surface of the developer, at least one of the suction tubes 14a and 14b inserted in the gum solution supply tank 15 and the developer supply tank 16 is extended along the suction tube. It is preferable to form a slit. In particular, it is preferable that a slit is formed along the suction pipe from the tip of the part inserted into the gum solution supply tank 15 and the developer supply tank 16 of the suction pipes 14a and 14b because the defoaming effect is high. The width of the slit is suitably about 1 to 5 mm.

  Further, in order to avoid the deterioration of the processing solution due to contact with air as much as possible, the gum solution supply tank 15 and the developer solution supply tank 16 obstruct the contact between the gum solution, developer solution and air in each tank as much as possible. It is preferable to include any means for As such means, for example, a gum cover in the gum solution supply tank 15, the gum solution in the developer solution tank 16, and a floating cover that is movable in the vertical direction are disposed on the liquid surface of the developer solution.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, drain ports 36a and 36b connected to discharge pipes 34a and 34b are formed at the bottoms of the gum solution supply tank 15 and the developer supply tank 16, respectively. Accordingly, during operations such as inspection and cleaning, the gum solution and developer in the gum solution supply tank 15 and the developer solution supply tank 16 are discharged from the drain ports 36a and 36b to the outside through the discharge pipes 34a and 34b. Is possible. Further, overflow ports 35 a and 35 b connected to the discharge pipes 34 a and 34 b are formed at the upper ends of the gum solution supply tank 15 and the developer solution tank 16, and from the gum solution supply tank 15 and the developer solution tank 16. Excess gum solution and developer can be discharged so that the gum solution and developer do not overflow. The overflow ports 35a and 35b and / or the drain ports 36a and 36b may be freely opened and closed by plugs or the like, and one or more valves are appropriately provided in the discharge pipes 34a and 34b as necessary. Also good.

  The gum solution supply tank 15 and the developer solution supply tank 16 may be fixed integrally with the casing 2 of the processing solution replenishing device 1, but these are fixed to be removable from the casing 2 in terms of workability such as inspection and cleaning. It is preferable that

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the processing liquid replenishing device 1, a partition wall portion 17 is provided between the storage unit 6, the gum solution supply tank 15, and the developer supply tank 16. A plurality of non-contact sensors 18a, 18b, 18c, 19a, 19b, and 19c for detecting the levels of the developer and gum solution in the supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8, respectively, are spaced apart in the vertical direction. ing. The non-contact type sensors 18a, 18b, 18c, 19a, 19b, 19c are connected to the control device 33 and the operation panel 5 by wiring not shown, and the non-contact type sensors 18a, 18b, 18c, 19a, 19b, 19c are detected. In response to the signal, level indicators 5c and 5d on the operation panel 5 display the amounts of liquid in the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8, respectively. Therefore, even if the gum solution and the developer are sent from the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 to the gum solution supply tank 15 and the developer supply tank 16 with the doors 3a and 3b closed, the operation is performed on the operation panel 5. The amount of liquid in the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 can be easily grasped.

  On the other hand, the liquid level sensors 20 and 21 composed of a plurality of electrodes for detecting the liquid level in each tank are installed in the gum solution supply tank 15 and the developer supply tank 16, respectively. The level sensors 20 and 21 are connected to the control device 33 and the operation panel 5 by wiring (not shown). The liquid level in the gum solution supply tank 15 and the developer supply tank 16 can also be visually confirmed by a viewing window 2b ′ provided on the side panel 2b of the casing 2.

  FIG. 6 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the gum solution supply tank 15 provided with the liquid level sensor 20. As shown in the figure, the liquid level sensor 20 includes a common electrode 20a, a lower limit level detection electrode 20b, a liquid absorption start level detection electrode 20c, a liquid absorption stop level detection electrode 20d, and an upper limit level detection electrode 20e. Each level can be detected. Here, the lower limit level, the liquid absorption start level, the liquid absorption stop level, and the upper limit level are respectively the abnormal lower limit level where the liquid amount in the gum liquid supply tank 15 is almost empty, and the suction pump 13a is driven. A level at which the suction / supply of gum solution from the gum solution supply drum 7 to the gum solution supply tank 15 should be started, a level at which suction / supply of gum solution from the gum solution supply drum 7 to the gum solution supply tank 15 should be stopped, It means an abnormal upper limit level at which there is a risk that the gum solution overflows from the gum solution supply tank 15. The developer supply tank 16 is also provided with a liquid level sensor 21 having a similar electrode configuration.

  The level of the gum and developer in the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 may be detected using the same type of sensor as the liquid level sensors 20 and 21. For example, after a plurality of electrodes having different lengths are attached to the periphery of the suction nozzle, the suction pipes 14 a and 14 b and the electrodes extend toward the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8. In addition, a configuration in which the suction nozzle is attached to the openings 7a and 7b of the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 can be employed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the processing liquid replenishing device 1, five discharge ports 15 a, 15 b, 15 c, 15 d, and 15 e and a discharge port 16 a are provided on the bottom surfaces of the gum solution supply tank 15 and the developer supply tank 16. 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e are provided, and are connected to the pipes 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, and 22e and the pipes 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, and 23e in FIG. 7, respectively.

  Further, in the middle of the pipes 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, and 22e and the pipes 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, and 23e, respectively, pressure-feed pumps 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d connected to the control device 33 by wires not shown. , 24e and pressure pumps 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e, solenoid valves 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e and solenoid valves 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e are disposed, and the discharge ports 15a, 15b 15c, 15d, 15e and the discharge ports 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, the gum solution and the developer are respectively connected to the pipes 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e and the pipes 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e. The liquid can be sent out of the processing liquid replenishing apparatus 1.

  Accordingly, the illustrated processing liquid replenishing apparatus 1 can replenish up to five photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses with gum solution and developer. Further, since the processing liquid replenishing apparatus 1 includes a pressure feed pump and an electromagnetic valve for each pipe, the processing liquid sending pattern can be changed for each pipe. Therefore, the processing liquid replenishing device 1 can perform optimum processing liquid replenishment for each photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus according to the fatigue status of the processing liquid.

  The processing liquid replenishing apparatus 1 applies a high pressure by the built-in pressure feed pumps 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, and 24e and the pressure feed pumps 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, and 25e, and sends the gum solution and the developer to the outside. Therefore, the gum solution and the developer are surely removed from the processing liquid replenishing device 1 as compared with the case where the pipe 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e and the pipes 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e are sucked from a distance. Can be sent out. Therefore, the processing liquid replenishing apparatus 1 of the present invention can reliably supply the gum solution and the developing solution even if the supply target is far away.

  FIG. 7 shows a replenishment system for replenishing five photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32 with a gum solution and a developer using the processing liquid replenishing apparatus 1 of the present invention. FIG. As shown in the drawing, the pipes 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d and 22e and the pipes 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d and 23e of the processing liquid replenishing apparatus 1 of the present invention are respectively connected to photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses 28 and 29. , 30, 31 and 32 are connected to the gum solution replenishing tanks 28a, 29a, 30a, 31a and 32a and the developer replenishing tanks 28b, 29b, 30b, 31b and 32b, and the gum of the processing liquid replenishing device 1 of the present invention. The gum solution and the developer in the solution supply tank 15 and the developer supply tank 16 are the gum solution replenishing tanks 28a, 29a, 30a, 31a, 32a and the developer replenishing tanks 28b, 29b, 30b of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus, respectively. , 31b, 32b can be replenished.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the gum solution replenishing tanks 28a, 29a, 30a, 31a, 32a and the developer replenishing tanks 28b, 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 are provided. Are connected to the post-development processing tank (not shown) and the developing tank of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32 through pipes, respectively. Therefore, in each of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32, the gum solution replenishing tank 28a according to the consumption or deterioration level of the gum solution or developer in the post-development processing tank or developer tank (not shown). , 29a, 30a, 31a, 32a or the developer replenishing tanks 28b, 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b are replenished to the post-development processing tank or the developing tank, respectively. Note that the degree of deterioration of the developer can be easily grasped by, for example, measuring the conductivity or impedance value of the solution.

  Further, the gum solution replenishing tanks 28a, 29a, 30a, 31a, 32a and the developer replenishing tanks 28b, 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 of FIG. Are respectively equipped with liquid level sensors 28c, 29c, 30c, 31c, 32c and liquid level sensors 28d, 29d, 30d, 31d, 32d comprising a plurality of electrodes, and gum solution replenishing tanks 28a, 29a, The internal liquid level of 30a, 31a, 32a and the developer replenishment tanks 28b, 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b can be detected.

  For example, the liquid level sensor 28c will be described as an example. The liquid level sensor 28c includes a replenishment start level detection electrode A, a replenishment stop level detection electrode B, and an upper limit level detection electrode C. Can be detected. Here, the replenishment start level, the replenishment stop level, and the upper limit level are the level at which replenishment of the gum solution from the processing solution replenishing device 1 to the gum solution replenishing tank 28a, respectively, and the processing solution replenishing device 1 to gum. It means a level at which the replenishment of the gum solution to the solution replenishing tank 28a should be stopped, and an abnormal upper limit level at which there is a risk that the gum solution will overflow from the gum solution replenishing tank 28a. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the liquid level sensors 29c, 30c, 31c, 32c and the liquid level sensors 28d, 29d, 30d, 31d, 32d also employ the same electrode configuration as the liquid level sensor 28c. Depending on the type of the sex lithographic printing plate processing devices 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, etc., the electrode configurations of these liquid level sensors may be different from each other.

  The signals of these liquid level sensors are transmitted to the control device 33 and the operation panel 5 of the processing liquid replenishing device 1 by wired, wireless or other means (not shown). Accordingly, the user of the processing liquid replenishing apparatus 1 can use the gum liquid replenishing tanks 28a, 29a, 30a, 31a, 32a and the developer replenishing tanks 28b, 29b of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32. The amount of liquid in 30b, 31b, and 32b can be grasped remotely. Thereby, in the plurality of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, the gum solution replenishing tanks 28a, 29a, 30a, 31a, 32a and the developer replenishing tanks 28b, 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b Even if the liquid amount is not actually confirmed, the liquid amount in these tanks can be grasped and managed in the processing liquid replenishing device 1.

  Note that the processing liquid replenishing apparatus 1 of the present invention does not necessarily need to be connected to the five photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32 as shown in FIG. 7, for example, two or three. May be used for a photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus. However, it is preferable to centrally manage as many photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses as possible in the field of newspaper printing or the like using a large amount of lithographic printing plates. In this case, according to the processing liquid replenishing device 1 of the present invention, The replenishment of the processing liquid to the plurality of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses can be performed particularly easily and reliably.

  Further, in the processing liquid replenishing apparatus 1 shown in the figure, the storage unit 6 stores two processing liquid supply drums, a gum liquid supply drum 7 and a developing liquid supply drum 8. The number of processing liquid supply drums accommodated in the interior is not limited to two, but may accommodate three or more tanks in total as required.

  Furthermore, a processing liquid (for example, water) other than the developer and the gum solution may be supplied to a plurality of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses using the processing liquid replenishing device of the present invention. When only a single type of processing liquid needs to be supplied to a plurality of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses, the processing liquid replenishing apparatus of the present invention may be configured to contain only one processing liquid supply drum. .

  Next, an example of the operation / use mode of the processing liquid replenishing device 1 will be described.

  When the processing liquid replenishing device 1 is used, first, the power switch 5a is turned on (step S1). As a result, the control device 33 starts its function, and the pilot lamp 5b is turned on (step S2), indicating that the processing liquid replenishing device 1 is ready for use.

  Simultaneously with the power switch ON, the gum solution supply tank 15 and the developer supply tank 16 of the processing solution replenishing device 1 and the gum solution replenishing tanks 28a and 29a of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing devices 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32 are used. , 30a, 31a, 32a and the liquid level in the developer replenishing tanks 28b, 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b are liquid level sensors 20, 21, and liquid level sensors 28c, 29c, 30c, 31c, 32c and Detected by liquid level sensors 28d, 29d, 30d, 31d, and 32d, respectively. When the liquid level in each tank is equal to or higher than the upper limit level, the control device 33 blinks the abnormal lamps 5f and 5g, respectively. When the abnormal lamps 5f and 5g blink, for example, it is necessary to check the gum solution supply tank 15 and the developer supply tank 16 and open the drain ports 36a and 36b so that the liquid level in the tank is less than the upper limit level. is there.

  When the abnormal lamps 5f and 5g do not blink, or the gum solution supply tank 15, the developer solution tank 16, the gum solution replenishment tanks 28a, 29a, 30a, 31a, 32a and the developer solution replenishment tanks 28b, 29b, 30b, 31b When the abnormal level lamps 5f and 5g are turned off by adjusting the liquid level of 32b, the doors 3a and 3b of the processing liquid replenishing device 1 are opened, while the gum liquid supply drum 7 and the developer supply The drum 8 is set on each of the carts 9 and 10.

  Next, the lids are removed to open the openings 7a and 8a of the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8, and the suction tubes 14a and 14b are inserted through the openings 7a and 8a. Further, by introducing the carts 9 and 10 into the notches 11 and 12 respectively, the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 are accommodated in the accommodating portion 6 of the processing solution replenishing device 1. The approximate liquid amounts in the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 can be grasped by the level indicators 5c and 5d, respectively.

  After the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 are stored in the storage unit 6, the set completion buttons 5h and 5i are turned on (step S3), and the doors 3a and 3b are closed and locked as necessary. When the set completion buttons 5h and 5i are turned on, the respective automatic replenishment modes of the gum solution and the developer to the plurality of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses are started independently. During the gum and developer automatic replenishment mode, the gum operation lamp 5j and the development operation lamp 5k are lit.

  In the automatic replenishment mode, the liquid level in the gum solution replenishment tank 15 and the developer supply tank 16 is always detected by the liquid level sensors 20 and 21, and the control device 33 determines the liquid level and the liquid absorption stop level. Always compare (step S4).

  When the liquid level in the gum solution supply tank 15 or the developer supply tank 16 is equal to or lower than the liquid absorption stop level, the control device 33 starts driving the suction pump 13a or 13b (step S4 → step S5), and the solenoid valve. 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e or solenoid valves 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e closed, as well as the pumps 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e or pumps 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e The stop is maintained (step S6). Thereby, the gum solution or the developer is sucked and supplied from the gum solution supply drum 7 or the developer supply drum 8 to the gum solution supply tank 15 or the developer supply tank 16.

  During the suction / supply, the control device 33 records the drive time of the suction pump 13a or 13b, and compares the drive time with a predetermined alarm set time input in advance (step S7). The alarm setting time is arbitrary, but in the example shown in FIG. 8, the alarm setting time in this case is relatively long (for example, about 15 minutes).

  If the liquid level in the gum solution supply tank 15 or the developer supply tank 16 reaches the liquid absorption stop level before the alarm set time is reached, the control device 33 stops driving the suction pump 13a or 13b ( Step S7 → Step S4 → Step S8). This prevents the gum solution or developer from overflowing from the gum solution supply tank 15 or the developer supply tank 16.

  On the other hand, when the liquid level in the gum solution supply tank 15 or the developer supply tank 16 does not reach the liquid absorption stop level until the alarm set time is reached (step S7 → step S4 → step S5 → step S6 → In step S7), the control device 33 determines that the gum solution supply drum 7 or the developer supply drum 8 is empty, turns on the gum solution supply blank 5l or the developer supply blank 5m (step S10), The alarm buzzer is activated intermittently (step S11). Further, the control device 33 stops the suction pumps 13a and 13b in order to avoid the inflow of air into the suction pipes 14a and 14b (step S12).

  The user of the processing liquid replenishing apparatus 1 recognizes that the gum liquid supply drum 7 or the developer supply drum 8 is empty by an alarm buzzer that operates intermittently, and opens the doors 3a and 3b to empty from the container 6. The gum solution supply drum 7 or the developer supply drum 8 can be taken out and replaced with a new drum. The alarm buzzer can be stopped after replacement of the gum solution supply drum 7 or the developer supply drum 8 by the buzzer cut switch 5e of the operation panel 5.

  Even during this replacement operation, since a considerable amount of the gum solution and the developer remain in the gum solution supply tank 15 and the developer supply tank 16, respectively, the gum solution supply tank 15 or the developer supply It is not necessary to stop the replenishment of the gum solution or developer from the tank 16 to the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing devices 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32. Therefore, the control device 33 drives the pressure pumps 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e and the pressure pumps 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e (step S13).

  In this way, in the processing liquid replenishing device 1, even if the gum solution supply drum 7 and the developer supply drum 8 are emptied, the gum solution to the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing devices 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32 or Since the replenishment of the developer can be continued, a plurality of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses can be operated continuously for a long time.

  However, if the gum solution supply drum 7 or the developer solution drum 8 is not replaced for a long time even after the alarm buzzer is started intermittently, the liquid level in the gum solution supply tank 15 or the developer solution tank 16 is further lowered. Finally, the lower limit level is reached (step S14). In this case, the control device 33 blinks the abnormal lamp 5f or 5g after a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) (step S15 → step S16), and further operates the alarm buzzer continuously (step S17). And the control apparatus 33 stops the drive of the pressure pumps 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e or the pressure pumps 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e (step S18). As a result, the processing liquid replenishing apparatus 1 stops its activity and can avoid the entry of air into the pipes 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e or the pipes 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e.

  Now, the control device 33 controls the gum solution replenishing tanks 28a, 29a, 30a, 31a, 32a and the developer replenishing tanks 28b, 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing devices 28, 29, 30, 31, 32. The liquid level inside is constantly monitored. And after step S8, when the liquid level in each replenishing tank does not reach the replenishment stop level, the control device 33 presses the pumps 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e or the pumps 25a, 25b, 25c. 25d and 25e are driven to send the gum solution or developer from the gum solution supply tank 15 or the developer supply tank 16 to the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing devices 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 (step S8 → Step S21 → Step S9). Thereby, the liquid level in the gum solution supply tank 15 or the developer supply tank 16 gradually decreases.

  When the liquid level in the gum solution supply tank 15 or the developer supply tank 16 reaches the liquid absorption start level, the control device 33 drives the suction pump 13a or 13b to supply the gum solution supply drum 7 or the developer solution. A gum solution or a developer is supplied from the drum 8 to the gum solution supply tank 15 or the developer supply tank 16 (step S9 → step S19 → step S5). At this time, the electromagnetic valves 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, and 26e or the electromagnetic valves 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, and 27e are closed and the pumps 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, and The drive of 24e or the pressure pumps 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, and 25e is stopped (step S6). Thereafter, steps S7 to S10 to 18 or step S7 to step S4 → step S8 → step S21 → step S9 → step S19 are repeated. At this time, the alarm setting time in step S7 may be relatively short, and can be set to, for example, about 1 minute 30 seconds in the example of FIG.

  On the other hand, until the liquid level in the gum liquid supply tank 15 or the developer supply tank 16 reaches the liquid absorption start level, the gum liquid replenishment tank 28a of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 is used. , 29a, 30a, 31a, 32a and the developer level replenishing tanks 28b, 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b while confirming that the liquid level has not reached the replenishment stop level, the control device 33 controls the electromagnetic valves 26a, 26b. , 26c, 26d, 26e or the solenoid valves 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e, and the pumps 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e or the pumps 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e are driven. Maintain (Step S9 → Step S19 → Step S20 → Step S21 → Step 9).

  However, when the driving time of the pressure pumps 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e or the pressure pumps 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e reaches an alarm set time (for example, 20 minutes), the pump pumps are unexpectedly driven for a long time. In order to avoid inconvenience, the control device 33 stops driving the pressure pumps 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e or the pressure pumps 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e (step S20 → step S22), and the suction pump 13a. 13b is maintained stopped (step S23), the abnormal lamp 5f or 5g is blinked (step S24), and the alarm buzzer is continuously operated (step S25).

  In step S21, the gum solution replenishing tanks 28a, 29a, 30a, 31a, 32a and the developer replenishing tanks 28b, 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 are provided. Also when the liquid level reaches the replenishment stop level, the control device 33 stops driving the pressure pumps 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e or the pressure pumps 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e (Step S21 → Step S22), the operation of the processing liquid replenishing device 1 is stopped.

  In the automatic replenishment mode, the gum solution or the developer is replenished from the processing liquid replenishing device 1 to the plurality of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing devices 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32 in this way. When ending the automatic mode, pressing the stop switches 5n, 5o on the operation panel 5 allows the automatic replenishment mode of the gum solution and the automatic replenishment mode of the developer to be individually terminated at an arbitrary timing. it can.

  As described above, the processing liquid replenishing apparatus 1 can automatically replenish the gum solution and / or developer to the plurality of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses only by an operation on the operation panel 5. Even when a large number of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses are used in applications such as newspaper printing for performing printing, replenishment of gum solution and / or developer can be easily performed by a small number of people.

  In the automatic replenishment mode, control is performed when the liquid level in the gum solution replenishing tanks 28a, 29a, 30a, 31a, 32a or the developer replenishing tanks 28b, 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b reaches the replenishment start level. The apparatus 33 may drive the pressure pumps 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e or the pressure pumps 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e. The liquid level in the gum solution replenishing tanks 28a, 29a, 30a, 31a, 32a or the developer replenishing tanks 28b, 29b, 30b, 31b, 32b even after the driving of these pumps is continued for a predetermined time. Is still not higher than the lower limit level, the control device 33 preferably determines that the gum solution supply tank 15 and the developer supply tank 16 are empty and activates the alarm buzzer.

The perspective view of the processing liquid replenishment apparatus which is an example of this invention Top view, front view and side view of treatment liquid replenishing device Enlarged view of the operation panel The perspective view which shows the process liquid replenishment apparatus which opened the door Top perspective view, front perspective view, and side perspective view of the treatment liquid replenishing device Expanded longitudinal section of gum solution supply tank The conceptual diagram which shows an example of the replenishment system | strain which uses the process liquid replenishment apparatus of this invention. Flowchart showing an example of processing liquid replenishment using the processing liquid replenishing apparatus of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Processing liquid replenishment apparatus; 2 Casing; 3 Door; 4 Leg part; 5 Operation panel; 6 Storage part; 7 Gum liquid supply drum; 8 Developer supply drum; 9, 10 Cart; 11, 12 Notch; 14 Suction pipe; 15 Gum liquid supply tank; 16 Developer liquid supply tank; 17 Partition part; 18, 19 Non-contact type sensor; 20, 21 Liquid level sensor; 22, 23 Piping; 24, 25 Pressure feed pump; 27 Solenoid valve; 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 Photosensitive planographic printing plate processing device; 33 Control device; 34 Discharge pipe; 35 Overflow port; 36 Drain port

Claims (5)

A processing liquid replenishing device for a plurality of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing devices,
At least one processing liquid supply tank for storing the processing liquid;
A pipe connecting the processing liquid supply tank and the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus;
A processing liquid replenishing device comprising pressure feeding means for feeding the processing liquid in the processing liquid supply tank to the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus via the pipe. The processing liquid replenishing device according to claim 1, wherein at least one independent processing liquid supply drum for supplying the processing liquid to the processing liquid supply tank is accommodated. 3. The processing liquid replenishing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressure feeding unit is driven and controlled by a signal from the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus. The processing liquid replenishing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus includes at least one processing liquid replenishing tank for storing the processing liquid. A method of replenishing a plurality of photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatuses with a processing liquid using a processing liquid replenishing apparatus connected to the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus via a pipe,
A processing liquid replenishing method characterized in that the processing liquid is pumped from the processing liquid replenishing apparatus to the photosensitive lithographic printing plate processing apparatus by a pressure feeding means provided in the processing liquid replenishing apparatus.

Images