JP2820229B2 - Plate processing system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing plate processing system, and more particularly to a printing plate processing system having a plurality of printing devices and a developing device for developing printing plates from these printing devices.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to save labor in plate processing, baking processing, plate transport processing, and development processing are automated. In such an automated plate processing system, a printing device, a plate transport device such as a conveyor, and an automatic developing device are arranged side by side.

In general, since the printing plate printing time is longer than the developing time, two or more printing apparatuses are arranged for one automatic developing apparatus for the purpose of mass processing. The placed line is built. In this case, a plate conveying device such as a conveyor is arranged along a plurality of printing devices arranged side by side, and an automatic developing device is arranged at a terminal portion of the plate conveying device.

[0004]

In such a conventional mass processing line as described above, an automatic developing device is arranged at the end of a plate transport device arranged in parallel with a plurality of printing devices.
For this reason, the processing line becomes longer in one direction, and the layout is not flexible. Therefore, a large installation space is required for the entire system.

An object of the present invention is to enable a large-scale processing line to be constructed in a relatively small space.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a printing plate processing system comprising: first and second printing devices arranged side by side;
A transport device, a second transport device, and a developing device are provided. The first transfer device is provided by connecting two printing devices.
Has a merging portion in the conveying path with kicked, the plate on the upper surface
This is a device for placing and transporting . The second transport device,
It extends from the junction to the direction orthogonal to the first conveying device.
This is a device for placing and transporting a printing plate on the upper surface . The developing device is connected to a second transport device. And before
The printing plate conveyed by the first conveying device is pressed by the converging portion.
A positioning member for positioning the printing plate in contact with
The printing plate positioned by the
And a feeding device for discharging.

[0007] The first transporting device may be a first printing device.
Transports the plate from the first direction toward the junction
Direction transport unit and plate from second printing device to junction
Transport in the second direction opposite to the first direction
May be included. Further, the merging section has, for example , a conveying means for positioning . Positioning in this case
Transport means for pressing the first printing plate conveyed from the first printing device to the joining portion against the positioning member to stop, and once passing the second printing plate conveyed from the second printing device to the joining portion. Then, it is moved in the opposite direction and pressed against the positioning member to stop.

[0008]

In the plate processing system according to the present invention, the plates from the first and second printing devices are first conveyed by the first conveying device. The printing plate is transported to a junction located between the two printing devices . At the junction, the first transfer device
The printing plate conveyed is pressed against the positioning member and stopped.
Then, the positioned printing plate is subsequently transferred to the first transport device.
Then, it is sent out to the orthogonal second transfer device. And the second
It is transported to the developing device by the transport device .

As described above, the developing device is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the first transport device between the two printing devices. For this reason, a space larger than the conventional space is required in the direction in which the developing devices are arranged, but only installation space for two printing devices is required in the direction in which the printing devices are arranged. In addition, by changing the position of the junction on the first transfer device, the layout becomes more flexible compared to a conventional large-scale processing line that requires a long installation space in only one direction. Become smaller.

[0010] The first transport device includes a first direction transport section and a second direction transport section.
When the transport unit is provided, the printing plate from the first printing device
It is conveyed to the junction by the one-way conveying unit, and the second printing device
From the first printing device by the second direction transport unit
Is transported to the junction from the direction opposite to the transport direction of the plate.
Here, printing plates from different directions are transported to the junction where they are
After that, the printing plate is transported in a direction orthogonal to those directions.
it can. Therefore, the layout of the processing line of the system
Can be set more freely. As described above, if the first transport device is provided with the first-direction transport unit and the second-direction transport unit,
In both cases, a merging section is provided between the two printing devices, and when the printing plate is conveyed from the merging section to the second conveying device, the printing plate conveyed from the two directions is converged at one point at the merging section. Need to position. Therefore, positioning at the junction
The use transport means is provided, by the positioning conveyor means, to stop the printing plate from the first printing apparatus, and to stop by moving in the opposite direction after once passed through the plate from the second printing apparatus I do. As a result, printing plates from both directions can be
Three predetermined positions. This positioning has been printing plate is sent to the second conveying device by a feed device
Be sent out .

[0011]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a plate processing line according to an embodiment of the present invention. The plate processing line includes a first printing plate machine 1 and a second printing plate machine 2 as printing devices arranged side by side, and a direction in which these printing plate machines 1 and 2 are arranged (hereinafter referred to as an X direction). ), A first transport device 3 for transporting the printing plate,
A second transporting device 4 for transporting the printing plate transported by the transporting device 3 in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction, an automatic developing device 5 for developing the printing plate transported by the second transporting device 4, have. On the side of the second transport device 4, an auto feeder 6 that supplies the printing plate that has been printed by another printing machine or the like to the second transport device 4 is arranged. Further, a stocker 7 for storing a printing plate for special processing that is not processed by the automatic developing device 5 is disposed at an end of the first transport device 3.

Each of the plate-making machines 1 and 2 has a plate-discharge carrier 1 for transferring a printing plate printed thereon to the first transfer device 3.
0,11. The first transport device 3 discharges the first conveyor 12 for manual placement arranged on the upstream side (the left side in FIG. 1) of the first intaglio machine 1 in the transport direction and the printing plate from the first intaglio machine 1. Conveyor 13 to be operated and second conveyor 13
And a third conveyor 14, a fourth conveyor 15, and a lateral feed conveyor 16 arranged in order from the downstream side in the transport direction. At the center of the first and second conveyors 12, 13, a plate detection sensor 17 for detecting whether a plate is placed on these conveyors 12, 13 is provided.
18 (S1, S2). The plate detection sensor (hereinafter simply referred to as a sensor) is configured by a reflection type optical sensor. In addition, the third and fourth conveyors 1
Sensors 19 (S3A) and 20 (S4A) for detecting that the printing plate has been transported are provided in each of 4 and 15.
And a sensor 21 (S3) for detecting that the printing plate has been transported from the top of each of the conveyors 14 and 15 to the next conveyor.
B) and 22 (S4B). Each of the conveyors 12, 13, 14, and 15 has a plurality of belts circulating in the X direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the horizontal feed conveyor 16 has an X-direction transport unit 25 on which the printing plate discharged from the second plate-making machine 2 is placed, and a left-hand side of the X-direction transport unit 25 in the drawing. And a merging section 26 arranged. X direction transport unit 2
Reference numeral 5 denotes a plurality of belts 25a, and the plate placed thereon can be transported in either the left or right direction in the X direction. A sensor 2 for detecting that the printing plate has been placed is provided at the center thereof.
7 (S5B). Further, a sensor 28 (S5C) for detecting that the printing plate has been discharged from the X-direction transport unit 25 is disposed at an end (the right end in FIG. 2) on the discharge side of the X-direction transport unit 25. ing.

The junction 26 is located between the first plate-making machine 1 and the second plate-making machine 2 in the first transfer device 3. The merging section 26 includes a plurality of rollers 26a for X-direction conveyance.
And a positioning device 29 for performing positioning in the X direction
And a traversing device 30 forming a part of the second transport device 4
And a width shifting device 32 which similarly constitutes a part of the second transporting device 4. Further, the roller 2
A portal frame 31 is disposed above the roller 26a along the axial direction of 6a, and various sensors are disposed on the portal frame 31.

In the initial position (home position), the traversing device 30 is located at the end of the confluence section 26 on the side of the printing plates 1 and 2, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. And it can move in the Y direction. Lateral feed device 30
As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of pins 35 and
5 fixed to the plate 36. Pin 35
And the plate 36 connects the end of the printing plate on the roller 26a to Y.
In order to be able to push in the direction, it is provided so as to protrude further above the upper surface of the roller 26a. The plate 36 has a notch 36a so as to avoid the roller 26a. The plurality of pins 35 are fixed at predetermined intervals to a base member 37 extending in the X direction. U-shaped moving members 38 are fixed to the lower surfaces of both ends of the base member 37. The moving member 38 is fixed to a chain 40 that meshes with the sprocket 39. On the other hand, sprocket 3
9 is fixed to a rotating shaft 41, and the rotating shaft 41
It is configured to be rotated by a motor 42 and a transmission unit 43 including a sprocket, a chain, and the like.
With such a configuration, the rotation of the motor 42 causes the rotation shaft 41 and the sprocket 39 to rotate, and the pin 35 and the plate 36 move in the Y direction via the moving member 38 and the base member 37.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the positioning device 29 is provided on a support frame 45 arranged below the transverse conveyor 16. As shown in FIG. This device 29 has a stopper member 46 extending in the Y direction and having an L-shaped cross section. A solenoid valve 47 is disposed below the center of the stopper member 46 in the Y direction. The solenoid valve 47 is fixed to a mounting member 48 fixed to the support frame 45, and its plunger 49 is fixed to the stopper member 46 via an angle member 50 for mounting. Accordingly, when the solenoid valve 47 is turned on and off, the stopper member 46 can take a retracted position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 4 and a stopper position indicated by a dashed line in FIG. Note that guide mechanisms 51 (see FIG. 5) for guiding the lifting and lowering of the stopper member 46 are provided on both sides of the solenoid valve 47, respectively. The guide mechanism 51 includes a mounting member 52 fixed to the support frame 45.
, And a rod 54 guided up and down by the guide member 53 and having a tip fixed to an angle member 50 for mounting.

As shown in FIG. 6, a bar code reader 61 is fixed to the portal frame 31 via a mounting member 60. The barcode reader 61 is a device for reading the presence / absence of a barcode B attached to a corner of a printing plate and its contents. This barcode reader 61
A color discriminating sensor 63 for discriminating the color of the printing plate is fixed to both sides of the plate through a mounting member 62 (only one color discriminating sensor is shown in FIG. 6). In addition,
These bar code reader 61 and color discriminating sensor 63
Is fixed to the portal frame 31 and observes the printing plate from above. On the other hand, a sensor 64 (S5A) for detecting the presence / absence of a printing plate is disposed below the printing plate transport surface on the printing plate side of the barcode reader 61. When the sensor 64 detects that the end of the printing plate side of the printing plate has passed, the head of the bar code B is read by the bar code reader 61.
The arrangement is such that it is located below.

The width shifting device 32 has a sensor 65 for detecting the leading edge of the plate conveyed by the transverse feed device 30.
(S6) and two rollers 6 for feeding the printing plate in the Y direction
6 and a positioning mechanism 67. Roller 66
Has its axis arranged along the X direction, and is driven by a driving mechanism including a motor, a chain, a sprocket, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 7, the positioning mechanism 67 optically connects the two end pins 68 for pushing one end of the printing plate to the other side and the other end of the printing plate. And a width shift sensor 69 for detection. The width shift pin 68 is 2
The rollers 66 are arranged so as to be located outside the two rollers 66 and the upper end thereof is located above the plate carrying surface. The width-shifting pin 68 and the width-shifting sensor 69 are fixed to the lower side and the upper side of the circulating chain 70 arranged below them. The chain 70 is stretched over sprockets 72 and 73 supported by frames 71a and 71b supporting both ends of the roller 66. A width shifting motor 74 is fixed to the frame 71a, and the rotation of the motor 74 is transmitted to the sprocket 72 via sprockets 75 and 76 and a chain 77. With such a configuration, the width shift pin 68 and the width shift sensor 69 are provided.
Are approaching or moving away from each other in synchronization with each other.

The second transfer device 4 comprises the above-mentioned traversing device 30, a width shifting device 32, and a rotary conveyor 80. As shown in FIG. 8, the rotary conveyor 80 includes a belt transport unit 81 that transports the printing plate transported from the width shifting device 32 in the Y direction.
It has a rotating unit 82 for rotating the printing plate placed thereon at a predetermined angle on a horizontal plane, and a roller transporting unit 83 for transporting the printing plate from the auto feeder 6 in the X direction. The belt transport section 81 has a plurality of belts 81a, and the roller transport section 83 has a plurality of rollers 83a and 83b arranged between the plurality of belts 81a. A sensor 8 for detecting a printing plate is provided at the entrance of the rotary conveyor 80.
4 (S7A), and a sensor 85 (S7
B) is arranged. Similarly, a sensor 86 (S7) for detecting a printing plate is provided at the end of the auto feeder 6 side.
C) is arranged.

The belt conveyor 81 is provided with a rotating conveyor 8
It is also used for conveyance for shifting the width in the front-rear direction on 0. As shown in FIG. 9, the width adjustment mechanism in the front-rear direction has a width adjustment sensor 87 that moves from the exit side toward the center in synchronization with the belt 81a. The width shift sensor 87 is fixed via a mounting member 89 to a chain 88 circulatingly provided below the rotary conveyor 80. The chain 88 is driven by a drive mechanism including a motor 90 and sprockets 91 and 92 and a chain 93. Note that the width shift sensor 87 is disposed symmetrically with the sensor 84 with respect to the center of the rotating portion 82.

As shown in FIG. 9, the rotating section 82 includes a lifting cylinder 100 and a plunger 101 of the cylinder.
An elevating plate 102 fixed to the end of the elevator, a support block 103 rotatably supporting the elevating cylinder 100,
A rotary actuator 104 for rotating the lifting cylinder 100. A plurality of suction pads 105 are fixed upward to the elevating plate 102, and a printing plate located on the elevating plate 102 can be adsorbed. The elevating plate 102 can be set in a retracted position indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 9 and a rotational position indicated by a solid line by the elevating cylinder 100.

Further, on the rotary conveyor 80, a portal frame 110 located above the plate transport surface is disposed. At approximately the center of the portal frame 110, above the rotating part 82, one of the two-sheet detection sensors 111a is attached, and the other sensor 111b is attached to face it. The two-sheet take-out prevention sensor 111 detects the thickness of the printing plate conveyed below by ultrasonic waves or the like. The two-sheet taking prevention sensor 111 can take a retracted position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 9 and a detection position indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 9 by the lifting cylinder 112 and the guide rod 113.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a rotating portion 82 is disposed at the center of the rotating conveyor 80, so that the roller 83b at the center is separated in the front-rear direction. These separated rollers 83b are connected by a sprocket 114, a chain 115, and an interlocking shaft 116.
Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the belt transport section 81 is supported by the sub-frame 120. This subframe 12
Numeral 0 is rotatable about the entrance side of the rotary conveyor 80 as a fulcrum. The plunger 1 of the lifting cylinder 121 is provided on the lower surface of the outlet side end of the subframe 120.
22 The tip is fixed. Therefore, by operating the lifting / lowering cylinder 121, the belt transport unit 81
Can take a transport posture as shown in the upper part of FIG. 10 and a retracted posture as shown in the lower part of FIG. Here, the belt transport unit 8
When 1 is in the transport posture, the upper surface of the belt of the belt transport unit 81 is higher than the upper surface of the roller of the roller transport unit 83 by about 2 mm. Further, in the retracted posture, the belt conveyance unit 81
Is partly flush with the upper surface of the roller transport section 83. Therefore, when the belt transport unit 81 is in the transport position, the printing plate on the rotary conveyor 80 is transported in the Y direction by the belt transport unit 81.
3 transported in the X direction.

Each transport device in the plate processing line is controlled by a control unit 130 as shown in FIG.
You. The control unit 130 includes a microcomputer including a RAM, a ROM, a CPU, and the like. Control unit 1
The control unit 30 controls each of the conveyors and the horizontal feed conveyor, and a control unit that controls the rotary conveyor 80. The control unit 130 includes a plate detection sensor provided at each position, a left and right width shift sensor 69,
The front / rear width sensors 87, the color determination sensor 63, the barcode reader 61, and other input / output units are connected. Further, the control unit 130 includes each of the conveyors 12 to 15.
First to fourth conveyor driving units 131 for driving the
Lateral feed conveyor drive unit 132 and solenoid valve 47
, A traversing device driving unit 134 including the motor 42, and a width adjusting roller driving unit 135.
And the width shift pin driving unit 136 are connected. The control unit 130 includes a driving unit 13 of the belt conveyance unit 81.
7, a driving unit 138 of the roller conveying unit 83, an elevating driving unit 139 of the belt conveying unit including the elevating cylinder 121, and a driving unit 140 of the rotating unit 82 including the rotary actuator 104 are connected. Further, the control unit 130 includes a control unit 141 of the printing plates 1 and 2 and an auto feeder 6.
A control unit 142 of the automatic developing apparatus 5;
A control unit such as another printing machine is connected.

Next, the operation of controlling the transport of the printing plate will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, in step S1, initialization is performed. In this initial setting, processing such as setting each unit to the retreating posture or moving it to the initial position is performed. Next, in step S2, it is determined whether or not the printing plate has been discharged from the first printing plate machine 1. In step S3, it is determined whether the printing plate has been discharged from the second printing plate machine 2. Further, in step S4, it is determined whether or not a changeover switch for feeding a printing plate from the auto feeder 6 has been pressed. In step S5, determination other than the determination in steps S2 to S4 and other processes are performed, and the process returns to step S2. The control unit 141 of each of the printing plates 1 and 2 determines whether or not a printing plate has been discharged from the printing plates 1 and 2.
Judgment is made based on the information sent from.

When the information indicating that the printing plate has been discharged is received from the first printing plate machine 1, the process proceeds from step S2 to step S6. In step S6, a first transport process is performed. When the first transport process is completed, the process proceeds to step S7, where the transport process to the automatic developing device 5 is performed. When the information that the printing plate has been discharged from the second printing plate machine 2 is received, the process proceeds from step S3 to step S8. In step S8, a second transport process is performed. When the second transport process is completed, the process proceeds to step S9, where the transport process to the automatic developing device 5 is performed. Further, when the changeover switch for using the auto feeder is pressed, the process proceeds from step S4 to step S10. In step S10, the feed prohibition flag is turned on. This feed prohibition flag is set to
6 is a flag for inhibiting the printing plate from being sent to the rotary conveyor 80. When the process in step S10 ends, the process moves to step S11. In step S11, an interrupt instruction is sent to the CPU that controls the rotary conveyor 80.

Next, the first transport process of FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. In this first transport process,
The printing plate discharged from the first plate-making machine 1 is sent to the horizontal feed conveyor 16 and the processing up to positioning is executed. That is, in steps S15 and S16, the on / off state of the sensor 18 (S2) is detected, and it is determined whether a printing plate is placed on the second conveyor 13. If the sensor 18 (S2) is on, step S15
Then, control goes to a step S17. In step S17,
It is determined whether a printing plate is placed on the third conveyor 14. If no printing plate is placed on the third conveyor 14, the process proceeds from step S17 to step S18. In step S18, the second conveyor 13 is driven, and the printing plate on the second conveyor 13 is transported to the third conveyor 14 side. If the printing plate is placed on the third conveyor 14, the process proceeds from step S17 to step S16, and waits for the printing plate on the third conveyor 14 to be discharged.
When the sensor 18 (S2) is off, it can be determined that no printing plate is placed on the second conveyor 13 or that the printing plate has been discharged to the third conveyor 14 side. Move to S19. In step S19, the second conveyor 13 is stopped.

Next, in step S20, the third conveyor 1
It is determined whether or not the sensor 19 (S3A) provided in the sensor 4 is turned on.
It is determined whether or not B) has changed from on to off. Third
When the printing plate is conveyed onto the conveyor 14, the sensor 19 is turned on.
Move to 22. In step S22, the fourth conveyor 1
It is determined whether or not a printing plate is placed on the top 5. If no printing plate is placed on the fourth conveyor 15, the process proceeds from step S22 to step S23. Step S
At 23, the third conveyor 14 is driven and the fourth conveyor 1
The printing plate is transported to the fifth side. If the printing plate is placed on the fourth conveyor 15, the process proceeds from step S22 to step S21, and waits for the printing plate on the fourth conveyor 15 to be discharged. When the printing plate is discharged from the third conveyor 14, the sensor 21 changes from on to off. In this case, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S24.
In step S24, the third conveyor 14 is stopped.

Similarly, in step S25, it is determined whether or not the sensor 20 (S4A) of the fourth conveyor 15 is on, and in step S26, it is determined whether or not the sensor 22 (S4B) has changed from on to off. I do. If the printing plate has been conveyed onto the fourth conveyor 15, the sensor 20 is turned on, so that the process proceeds from step S25 to step S27. In step S27, it is determined whether or not a printing plate is placed on the horizontal conveyor 16. If not, the process moves from step S27 to step S28. In step S28, the fourth conveyor 15 is driven to convey the printing plate to the horizontal conveyor 16 side. If a printing plate is placed on the horizontal conveyor 16, the process proceeds from step S27 to step S26, and waits for the printing plate on the horizontal conveyor 16 to be discharged. 4th conveyor 15
If the plate is discharged from above, the sensor 22 changes from on to off, and in this case, the process proceeds from step S26 to step S29. In step S29, the fourth conveyor 15 is stopped.

Next, in step S30 shown in FIG. 14, a sensor 64 (S
It is determined whether or not 5A) has changed from off to on. In step S31, it is determined whether or not the sensor 64 has changed from on to off, and in step S32, it is determined whether or not the sensor 28 (S5C) provided at the outlet of the traverse conveyor 16 has changed from on to off. .

From the fourth conveyor 15 to the horizontal conveyor 16
When the printing plate has been transported to the sensor, the sensor 64 changes from off to on. In this case, the process proceeds from step S30 to step S33. In step S33, the determination data of the color determination sensor 63 is read and stored in the RAM. Next, in step S34, based on the color discrimination result in step S33, the conveyed printing plate is a normal printing plate or a printing plate for special processing of another color, for example, a dampening solution called a waterless lithographic plate. It is determined whether it is unnecessary lithography or the like. Here, in the case of a normal printing plate, the printing plate is sent in the Y direction to be processed by the automatic developing device 5, but the printing plate for special processing is sent to the stocker 7 side. YE in step S34
When it is determined to be S, the process proceeds to step S35. In step S35, the normal printing plate flag is turned on. Then, in step S36, conveyance in the X direction is started. Here, in step S36, the printing plate is stored in the stocker 7 in FIG.
The transfer is performed in the forward direction, and the forward direction is defined as the forward direction, and the reverse direction is defined as the reverse direction.

When the printing plate is conveyed in the forward direction on the horizontal feed conveyor 16 and the trailing end of the plate has passed the sensor 64, the sensor 64 changes from ON to OFF.
Then, the process proceeds from step 31 to step S37. In step S37, it is determined whether the normal printing plate flag is on. If the normal printing plate flag is off, it is possible to determine that the printing plate that has been conveyed is a printing plate for special processing.
Move to 2. In the case of a normal printing plate, step S37
Is determined as YES, and the process shifts to step S38. In step S38, the driving of the horizontal feed conveyor 16 is stopped. Next, in step S39, the solenoid valve 47 is turned on, and the stopper member 4 which has been in the retracted position until then is turned on.
6 is raised and moved to the stop position. Next, step S
At 40, the traverse conveyor 16 is driven in the reverse direction for a predetermined time. As a result, the printing plate is positioned at a predetermined position on the horizontal feed conveyor 16.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the printing plate is for special processing based on the color determination result in step S33, the determination in step S37 is NO, and the printing plate is moved to the stocker 7 side on the horizontal conveyor 16. Continued to be transported. When the printing plate is discharged from the horizontal conveyor 16, the sensor 28 (S <b> 5 </ b> C) provided at the outlet of the horizontal conveyor 16 changes from ON to OFF.
Then, control goes to a step S41. In step S41,
The horizontal conveyor 16 is stopped.

Next, a description will be given of the transport processing to the automatic developing apparatus 5 in step S7 in FIG. The transport to the automatic developing device 5 is performed by the second transport device 4.
In FIG. 15, in step S45, it is determined whether the printing plate has come into contact with the stopper member 46 of the positioning device 29 and positioning has been completed. In step S46, it is determined whether the sensor 64 (S5A) has changed from on to off. In a step S47, it is determined whether or not the sensor 65 (S6) at the entrance of the width adjusting device 32 is changed from OFF to ON, and in a step S48, the width adjusting sensor 69 is determined.
It is determined whether or not is turned on. In step S49, the sensor 84 (S7) at the entrance of the rotary conveyor 80 is used.
It is determined whether or not A) has changed from off to on.

If the positioning is completed, step S
From 45, the process proceeds to a step S50. In step S50, it is determined whether or not the feed prohibition flag is on. If the changeover switch for supply from the auto feeder 6 is not turned on, the feed prohibition flag is off, and the process proceeds from step S50 to step S51.
In step S51, it is determined whether a printing plate is placed on the rotary conveyor 80. If not, the process proceeds to step S52, and the traverse device 30 is driven. As a result, the traversing device 30 pushes the end of the printing plate on the printing plate side, and the printing plate is
6 along the Y direction. On the other hand, if the positioning is not completed, if the feed prohibition flag is on, or if the printing plate is placed on the rotary conveyor 80, the process proceeds to the next determination step.

When the printing plate is fed in the Y direction by the transverse feed device 30 and its end passes the sensor 64 (S5A),
The process moves from step S46 to step S53. In step S53, the barcode reader 61 is turned on, and the barcode B attached to the corner of the printing plate is read. Next, in step S54, it is determined whether or not a barcode has been attached to the printing plate.
And the barcode flag is turned on. If no bar code has been attached to the printing plate, step S
The process proceeds to 56, where the barcode flag is turned off.

Next, the printing plate is fed in the Y direction and the sensor 65
When (S6) changes from off to on, the width shifting operation is started. In this case, steps S47 to S5
Move to 7. In step S57, the rollers 66 of the width shifting device 32 are driven to convey the printing plate in the Y direction. Next, in step S58, the width shifting pin 68 is moved to the center. Accordingly, the width shift sensor 69 also moves to the center in synchronization with the width shift pin 68. With such an operation, the printing plate is moved to the center by the width-shifting pin 68 while being conveyed in the Y direction by the width-shifting roller 66, and alignment in the width direction is performed.

If the edge of the plate is detected while the width sensor 69 is moving to the center, the process proceeds from step S48 to step S59. In step S59, the movement of the width shifting pin 68 is stopped. As a result, the printing plate is transported in the center of the Y-direction transport path. When the width shifting operation is completed, the process proceeds to step S60, and the traverse device 30,
The width shift pin 68 and the width shift sensor 69 are moved to the initial position as shown in FIG.

When the printing plate passes through the width adjusting device 32 and passes through the sensor 84 (S7A) provided at the entrance of the rotary conveyor 80, the program shifts from step S49 to step S61. In step S61, a rotation operation instruction is output to the CPU that controls the rotary conveyor 80. Next, a control operation in the rotary conveyor 80 will be described with reference to FIG.

Here, first, an initial setting is performed in step S70. In this initial setting, the rotating unit 82 is moved to the retracted position,
Are moved to the evacuation position, and further, the front-back direction width adjustment sensor 87 is set to the initial position as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Then, in step S71, the first
To the fourth conveyor and the CPU of the traversing device (hereinafter referred to as the first
It is determined whether an interrupt instruction has been issued from the CPU of the control unit). In step S72, it is determined whether a rotation instruction has been issued from the CPU of the first control unit.

As described in step S61 in FIG. 15, when the printing plate is conveyed to the rotary conveyor 80, the first
An instruction for a rotation operation is output from the CPU of the control unit. In response to the instruction, the CPU on the rotating conveyor 80 shifts from step S72 to step S73. Step S7
In 3, the belt conveyor 81 of the rotary conveyor 80 is driven. Thus, the printing plate is placed on the rotary conveyor 80 and transported in the Y direction. Next, in a step S74, it is determined whether or not the barcode flag is turned on. If a barcode is attached to the printing plate, step S7
The process proceeds from S4 to step S75 to execute a rotation operation.
In the present embodiment, the printing plate to which the barcode is attached is rotated after the development process in order to obtain picture area information along the printing plate longitudinal direction.

In step S75, it is determined whether or not the sensor 84 (S7A) at the entrance of the rotary conveyor 80 has changed from on to off. When the printing plate is conveyed on the rotary conveyor 80 in the Y direction, and the rear end of the plate passes the sensor 84, the sensor 84 changes from ON to OFF. In this case, the process proceeds from step S75 to step S76, in which the belt conveying unit 81 of the rotating conveyor 80 is temporarily stopped.
In this state, the rear end of the printing plate is at a position where the sensor 84 has passed. From this state, a process of shifting the width in the front-back direction (Y direction) to position the center of the printing plate on the rotating unit 82 is performed. That is, in step S77, the belt conveyance section 81 is driven again to start shifting the width in the front-rear direction. In this case, the width adjustment sensor 87 in the front-rear direction is also
It moves so as to approach the rotating unit 82 side in synchronization with the first belt 81a. Then, in step S78, the sensor 87
It is determined whether or not is turned on. When the plate is conveyed in the Y direction and the sensor 87 approaches the center, the sensor 87 detects the leading edge of the plate and turns on when the plate is located at the center. In this case, the process moves from step S78 to step S79. In step S79, the driving of the belt conveying unit 81 is stopped, and the width shifting operation in the front-rear direction ends. Then, in step S80, the sensor 87 is turned on as shown in FIG.
Return to the initial position as shown in.

Next, the printing plate transported to the center of the rotary conveyor 80 and stopped is rotated by 90 °. Here, in this state, the barcode B of the printing plate is located at the rear end in the transport direction. In this case, first, the lifting cylinder 100 is driven to protrude the plunger 101, and the lifting plate 102 is raised from the retracted position shown by the dashed line in FIG. 9 to the rotation position shown by the solid line. At this time, since the suction pad 105 is provided on the elevating plate 102, the printing plate is sucked by the suction pad 105 and rises away from the belt 81a. Next, in step S82, the lifting cylinder 100 and the lifting plate 102 are rotated by 90 ° by the rotary actuator 104. As a result, the printing plate also rotates 90 °, and the barcode B attached to the printing plate is located at the leading position in the transport direction. Next, in step S83, the lifting cylinder 100 is turned off, and the plunger 101 and the lifting plate 102 are lowered. As a result, the printing plate is placed again on the belt 81a of the belt transport unit 81, and the suction pad 105 of the lifting plate 102 is separated from the lower surface of the printing plate.

After the plate is rotated by 90 ° in this way, the plate is conveyed to the automatic developing device 5 side, and two plates are detected. That is, in step S84, the lifting / lowering cylinder 112 is driven to lower the upper two-sheet take-off detection sensor 111 to the detection position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. Detects sheet taking. Then, the belt conveyor 81 of the rotary conveyor 80 is turned on, and the plate is conveyed to the automatic developing device 5 side. Here, the detection output of the two-sheet take-out prevention detection sensor 111 is sent to the control unit of the automatic developing apparatus 5 or a host computer that controls the entire line. Next, in step S86, it is determined whether or not the sensor 85 (S7B) provided at the outlet of the rotary conveyor 80 has changed from on to off. When the printing plate is discharged to the automatic developing device 5 side and the rear end passes the sensor 85, the sensor 85 changes from ON to OFF. In this case, the process proceeds from step S86 to step S87. In step S87, the two-sheet taking prevention sensor 111 is turned off, and the cylinder 112 is operated to move the sensor 111 to the retracted position shown by the solid line in FIG. Then, the process shifts to step S88 to stop the driving of the belt conveying unit 81 of the rotary conveyor 80. Upon completion of the process in the step S88, a step S7 is executed.
Return to 1 and wait for the next instruction.

On the other hand, if the barcode is not pasted on the printing plate, the process shifts from step S74 to step S85, and without performing the width shifting operation and the rotating operation in the front-rear direction, the process proceeds to step S85.
The plate is conveyed to the automatic developing device 5 as it is while detecting sheet-prevention prevention. When the changeover switch is pressed to supply the printing plate from the auto feeder 6,
As described above, an interrupt instruction is output in step S11 of FIG. When the interrupt instruction is received by the CPU of the rotary conveyor 80, the process shifts from step S71 to step S90 to execute an interrupt process.

In the interruption process, as shown in FIG. 17, first, it is determined whether or not a printing plate is placed on the rotary conveyor 80 in step S91. Waiting for the printing plate on the rotating conveyor 80 to be discharged to the automatic developing device 5 side, and then proceeds to step S
The process moves from step 91 to step S92. In step S92, the cylinder 121 is driven to move the plunger 122 backward. Thereby, one end of the belt conveying unit 81 rotates around the downstream end in the conveying direction, and changes from the state shown in the upper part of FIG. 10 to the state shown in the lower part. In this state, the upper surface of the roller 83a of the roller transport unit 83 is higher than the upper surface of the belt 81a of the belt transport unit 81. Next, in step S93, a transport permission signal is output to the auto feeder 6. In the auto feeder 6, the rotating conveyor 8
In response to the permission signal from 0, the printing plate stored in the auto feeder 6 is sent out in the X direction, that is, onto the rotary conveyor 80. In the rotary conveyor 80, the auto feeder 6
It waits in step S94 for the sensor 86 (S7C) arranged at the end on the side to change from off to on. When the printing plate is supplied onto the rotary conveyor 80, the sensor 86 is turned on from off, so that steps S94 to S94 are performed.
Move to 95. In step S95, the roller transport unit 8
3 is driven. Next, in step S96, the process waits until the sensor 86 changes from on to off. Printing plate is rotating conveyor 8
0, and when the trailing end passes through the sensor 86,
The process moves from step S96 to step S97. In step S97, the driving of the roller transport unit 83 is stopped.

Next, the cylinder 121 is driven to cause the plunger 122 to protrude, and the belt conveying section 81 is raised.
As a result, the belt transport unit 81 is positioned above the roller transport unit 83, and the printing plate is placed on the belt 81a of the belt transport unit 81. Next, in step S99, the belt conveyance unit 81 is driven. Thereby, the printing plate is transported from the rotary conveyor 80 to the automatic developing device 5 side.
Then, in step S100, the sensor 85 (S
7B) is changed from ON to OFF. When the printing plate is discharged to the automatic developing device 5, the sensor 85 changes from ON to OFF.
From 0, the process moves to step S101. Step S101
Then, the belt transport unit 81 is stopped.

On the other hand, when the printing plate has been discharged from the second plate-making machine 2 onto the horizontal conveyor 16 of the first transfer device 3, the process proceeds from step S3 to step S8 in FIG. In step S8, a second transport process as shown in FIG. 18 is performed. In the second transport process, step S11
At 0, it is determined whether or not a sensor 27 (S5B) provided at the center of the X-direction transport unit 25 of the horizontal feed conveyor 16 is on. In step S111, it is determined whether or not the sensor 64 (S5A) of the traverse conveyor 16 has changed from off to on. Further, in step S112, it is determined whether or not the sensor 28 (S5C) provided at the end of the horizontal conveyor 16 on the stocker 7 side has changed from on to off.

The printing plate from the second stencil machine 2 is fed sideways by the conveyor 1
If it is discharged on the upper side, the sensor 27 is turned on, so that the process proceeds from step S110 to step S113. In step S113, the stopper member 46 of the positioning device 29 is raised. In step S114, the belt 25a of the X-direction transport unit 25 is driven, and the roller 26a of the merge unit 26 is driven to transport the printing plate toward the positioning device 29 (in the reverse direction).

[0051] When the printing plate is conveyed to the positioning device 29 side, the sensor 64 is than turned on from off, in this case the program proceeds from step S111 to step S115. In step S115, the feed speed is reduced, and in step S116, conveyance in the reverse direction is continued for a predetermined time and then stopped. Next, in step S117, the color of the printing plate is determined by the color determination sensor 63 . And step S
In 118, based on the determination result of step S117, the printing plate or a to determine <br/> cross a printing plate for the special treatment if it were an ordinary plate. If the printing plate is a normal printing plate, the process proceeds to the transport process to the automatic developing device 5 side. If it is not a normal printing plate, the process proceeds from step S118 to step S119. In step S119, the X-direction transport unit 25 and the merging unit 26 are driven to transport the printing plate in the forward direction. Thereby, the printing plate is transported to the stocker 7 side. Then, a plate is provided on a sensor 28 provided at the end of the horizontal feed conveyor 16 on the side of the stocker 7.
After passing through (S5C), the sensor 28 changes from on to off. In this case, the process moves from step S112 to step S120. In step S120, the horizontal conveyor 16 is stopped.

When the second transport process of the printing plate discharged from the second plate-making machine 2 is completed, the transport process similar to the automatic development feed process shown in FIG. 15 is executed. When a printing plate is placed on the first conveyor 12 by an operator, the sensor 17 (S1) detects that the printing plate has been placed. Next, after confirming that no printing plate is placed on the second conveyor 13, the printing plate is conveyed to the second conveyor 13 side. In the subsequent transport process, the same transport process as when the printing plate is discharged from the first printing plate machine 1 is executed.

[0053]

As described above, according to the present invention, the first and the second
The second conveying device and the developing device are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the first conveying device between the printing devices. For this reason, the installation space in the direction in which the developing devices are arranged is slightly longer, but the installation space in the direction in which the printing devices are arranged is reduced, and the installation spaces in the two directions are almost the same. Become smaller. Further, by changing the position of the junction on the first transport device, the degree of freedom in changing the layout of the entire system is increased as compared with the conventional layout.

Further , the first transport device includes a first direction transport unit and
If a second-direction transport unit is provided, printing plates from different directions
To the junction, and then further perpendicular to those directions
The printing plate can be transported in the direction in which the printing plate is moved. Therefore, the system
The layout of the processing line can be set more freely. Further
If a conveyer for positioning is provided at the junction,
Position the printing plate from one direction in one predetermined position
it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a plate transporting processing line employing a plate transporting device and an alignment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a lateral feed conveyor.

FIG. 3 is a partial front view of the traverse device.

FIG. 4 is a sectional front view of the positioning device.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional front view of the positioning device.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a sensor portion of the horizontal feed conveyor.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the width shifting device.

FIG. 8 is a partial plan view of the rotary conveyor.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a rotating unit of the rotating conveyor.

FIG. 10 is a sectional side view for explaining the operation of the belt conveyor of the rotary conveyor.

FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of the present apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the main control.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a first transport process.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a first transport process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a transport process to an automatic developing device.

FIG. 16 is a control flowchart of the rotary conveyor.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of interrupt processing.

FIG. 18 is a control flowchart of a second transport process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 and 2 stencil printing machine 3 1st conveying device 4 2nd conveying device 5 automatic developing device 16 horizontal feed conveyor 26 junction 26a roller 29 positioning device 30 horizontal feed device 130 control unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G03F 7/20 G03F 7/30

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] A printing plate is provided on an upper surface of a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus includes a first printing device and a second printing device arranged side by side, and a junction portion provided between the printing devices and provided in a conveying path. A first transporting device that transports the first transporting device in a direction orthogonal to the first transporting device from the junction.
A second transport device that is provided to extend and mounts and transports the printing plate on the upper surface; and a developing device connected to the second transport device, wherein the junction is transported by the first transport device. Printing plate
Is pressed against the plate to position the printing plate;
The printing plate positioned by the positioning member is
A plate processing system , comprising: a feeding device for sending to a two-conveying device . 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first transfer device is a first printing device.
Transporting these plates in the first direction toward the junction
The one-way transfer unit and the printing plate from the second printing device
Conveyed in a second direction opposite to the first direction toward the flow section
2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second-direction transport unit.
Plate processing system. 3. The merging section stops the first printing plate transported from the first printing apparatus to the merging section by pressing the first printing plate against a positioning member, and conveys the first printing plate from the second printing apparatus to the merging section. 3. The printing plate processing system according to claim 2, further comprising a positioning conveyance unit that moves the printing plate once, reverses the printing plate, pushes the printing plate against the positioning member, and stops the printing plate.