JP3108237B2 - Automatic developing machine for photosensitive lithographic printing plate - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic photosensitive lithographic printing plate developing machine for processing a photosensitive lithographic printing plate by passing it through a developing section and a rinsing section while transporting the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a photosensitive lithographic printing plate automatic developing machine (hereinafter referred to as a "PS plate processor") for processing a photosensitive lithographic printing plate, generally, a PS plate is immersed in a developing solution in a device to carry out development processing. Alternatively, after performing the development processing while transporting substantially horizontally, processing such as rinsing processing is performed in the rinsing section. The rinsing treatment is generally a washing treatment with washing water performed after the development treatment and a desensitization treatment with a gum solution performed after the washing treatment.

A PS plate on which an image has been recorded by a printing apparatus or the like,
The developing solution is supplied to the image recording surface by various methods such as being immersed in the developing solution while being sent to the PS plate processor while being transported in the developing tank, or spraying the developing solution onto the image recording surface (surface). It is processed.

[0004] The developed PS plate is washed with washing water in a washing section (washing treatment), a gum solution is applied in a desensitizing section to protect the plate surface (desensitizing treatment), and then dried. It is processed.

In general, a processing solution such as a developing solution is exposed to the outside air, so that the degree of fatigue is increased (CO ₂ fatigue) and the developing ability is reduced. There are methods to check the developing ability using a developer fatigue detection sensor, and to check the developing ability of the developer by passing the PS plate through a test before formally processing the PS plate. If the developing ability of the developing solution is known as a result, the replenishment time of the replenishing solution will be advanced, and the consumption of the replenishing solution will increase. For this reason, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 33-33, it has been considered to arrange a floating lid or the like on the liquid surface of a developing tank storing a developing solution to reduce the contact with the outside air. It is not always possible to completely seal the space between the container and the developing tank wall, and the above-mentioned floating lid alone has many gaps and is insufficient. Also, the automatic developing machine has a heating section for heating the developer,
The evaporation of water in the developer is considerable. As a result, precipitation of the developer component on the transport roller, transfer of the deposit on the plate when the PS plate is transported by the transport roller, changes in the concentration of the developer in the holes of the spray pipe, etc. occur, and maintenance is performed. Was difficult. Further, the concentration of the processing solution is largely changed due to evaporation of the water content of the processing solution such as a gum solution, and the replenishment by the automatic control cannot cope with the problem.

Also, in a rinsing process such as a water washing process and a desensitizing process other than the developing process, a large processing solution tank for storing a processing solution in which the PS plate surface falls after the PS plate is processed is provided. Since the processing liquid is pumped up and the processing liquid is sprayed from the spray pipe to the PS plate surface, the processing is performed. Therefore, the evaporation of the water from the processing liquid tank causes the spray pipe to flow in the same manner as the developing section. The holes are clogged, and maintenance is complicated. Further, such a structure is one of the factors for increasing the size of the device.

[0007] In order to solve this problem, a casing around the processing section is covered with a casing, and a pair of blades for closing the insertion port and the discharge port by normally abutting against the insertion port and the discharge port of the PS plate by elastic force. A configuration has already been considered in which external air is prevented from entering through the mounting and insertion ports and the discharge port (for example, see JP-A-3-231245).

[0008]

However, the blade can prevent the intrusion of outside air from the insertion port and the discharge port, but the processing sections (developing section, washing section, desensitizing section) are still open. In this state, the effect of preventing evaporation cannot be said to be sufficient, and the developer component transferred to the conveying roller is transferred onto the PS plate. In some cases, the plate could not be finished stably. In addition, the rinse part of the water-washing stage also has a large processing liquid tank that stores the rinsing liquid that has been processed for the PS plate, and a spray pipe that pumps up the processing liquid toward the PS plate after pumping it up with a large-capacity liquid feed pump. In some cases, it became necessary to increase the size.

[0009] It is not preferable in terms of the surface quality of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate that the photosensitive lithographic printing plate discharged from the apparatus after the desensitization treatment is completed and the surface is wet is brought into contact with the blade or the like. The above prior art does not take this point into account.

In view of the above facts, the present invention improves the stability of processing by enclosing each processing section with the casing, the blade and the partition plate or the partition plate to prevent the invasion of outside air, and disposes of the processing liquid. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic developing machine for a photosensitive lithographic printing plate capable of reducing the amount of the apparatus, reducing the size of the apparatus, and improving the maintenance work.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photosensitive lithographic printing plate comprising: a developing unit which is one of processing units for processing the photosensitive lithographic printing plate with a developer while transporting the photosensitive lithographic printing plate; A rinsing liquid was supplied to one surface of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate while being transported and processed, and a rinsing liquid falling from the one surface was stored, thereby processing the other surface of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate. Thereafter, a rinsing section for discharging the rinsing liquid, and an insertion port and a discharge port provided with a partition plate for partitioning the photosensitive lithographic printing plate so as not to hinder the photosensitive lithographic printing plate. A casing surrounding the processing area of the lithographic printing plate to prevent at least the developing solution or the rinsing solution from being exposed to the outside air.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the rinsing liquid supplied from the rinsing section to the developing section is water, and the rinsing liquid is used as dilution water for a replenisher stock solution for replenishing the developing section with the water. I have.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the processing area is divided into blocks for each of the processing units or blocks obtained by combining a plurality of the processing units so that passage of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate is not hindered. A partition plate for partitioning between the blocks is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic developing machine for a photosensitive lithographic printing plate, wherein the photosensitive lithographic printing plate is processed by passing the photosensitive lithographic printing plate through at least a developing unit or a rinsing unit. The photosensitive lithographic printing plate is provided with an insertion port and a discharge port for the photosensitive lithographic printing plate, and at least includes a developing section or a rinsing section. The casing and the processing area are divided into blocks for each of the processing units or blocks obtained by combining a plurality of the processing units, and provided between these blocks and at the insertion port and the discharge port of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate. A partition plate for partitioning the insertion port, the discharge port, and each block so as not to hinder the passage of the lithographic printing plate; and a moving means for moving the partition plate to a closed position and an open position. , The has.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic photosensitive lithographic printing plate developing machine for processing a photosensitive lithographic printing plate with at least a developer while transporting the photosensitive lithographic printing plate. A casing provided with a discharge port and surrounding at least a developing section for processing the photosensitive lithographic printing plate with the developer, to prevent at least the developer from being exposed to the outside air; and an insertion port and a discharge port for the photosensitive lithographic printing plate. A partition plate provided with an outlet to partition the insertion opening and the discharge opening so as not to hinder the passage of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate; and a rinse for treating the photosensitive lithographic printing plate with the developing solution and then a rinsing solution. And a rinsing liquid supply means for supplying to the developing section as dilution water of a replenisher stock solution for replenishing the water to the developing section. To have.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the partition plate provided at the discharge port is retracted to a position not in contact with the photosensitive lithographic printing plate when passing through the photosensitive lithographic printing plate. And

[0017]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a rinsing liquid is supplied to one surface (upper surface) of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate and processed.
Thereafter, a rinsing liquid that falls from one surface (upper surface) of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate is stored, and the other surface (lower surface) of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate is treated with the stored rinsing liquid.

The rinsing liquid obtained by treating the other side of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate is discharged, and the amount of the rinsing liquid supplied to the photosensitive lithographic printing plate is set to a small amount (required minimum amount).
The discharge amount of the rinsing liquid is small.

On the other hand, the processing section is covered with a casing for preventing at least the developing solution or the rinsing solution from being exposed to the outside air, and the insertion port and the discharge port of the casing are separated by a partition plate and are sealed. The amount of evaporation of the processing liquid can be suppressed, and deposits adhere to a transport system (for example, a roller) or a processing liquid supply system (for example, a spray pipe), thereby deteriorating the image of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate. Can be prevented.

As described above, the tank for circulating and using the rinsing liquid is eliminated, and at least the developing solution or the rinsing liquid is prevented from being exposed to the outside air by the casing provided with the partition plate. Since it can be greatly reduced, the stability of the processing can be improved and the maintainability can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, after one surface of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate is treated with the rinsing liquid in the rinsing section, the other surface is treated with the rinsing liquid stored after dropping, and developed. As the dilution water for the replenisher stock solution
This rinse liquid supplied from the rinse section was used as water. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of water used as a rinsing liquid for the processing of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate, and to reduce the amount of dilution water used as a stock replenisher.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the photosensitive lithographic printing plate can be largely reduced in evaporation of the processing liquid by the casing having the insertion port and the discharge port provided with the partition plate. (For example, when the photosensitive lithographic printing plate is inserted or ejected), the processing liquid evaporates to some extent. Further, even when the photosensitive lithographic printing plate is not processed, the processing liquid may slightly evaporate because the area covered by the casing is wide. Therefore,
The processing region is divided into blocks for each of the processing units or blocks obtained by combining a plurality of processing units, and a partition plate is arranged between these blocks to form a small-range space for each processing unit to evaporate the processing liquid. And it is possible to prevent the processing liquids from evaporating and mixing with each other to form dew and return to the processing tank.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the partition plate is movable between the closed position and the open position, so that the partition plate is provided between the blocks and at the insertion port and the discharge port of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate. , The outside air can be introduced. Here, by setting the partition plate at an appropriate open position, it is possible to cope with the case where it is desired to prevent dew condensation or intentionally increase the replenishing amount.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, at least the developing section is formed by the casing for suppressing at least the developing solution from being exposed to the outside air and the partition plates provided at the insertion opening and the discharge opening of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate. By sealing, fatigue (O ₂ fatigue) due to exposure of a processing solution such as a developer to the outside air can be greatly reduced, and the amount of evaporation of the processing solution such as a developer can be significantly reduced. Therefore, it is possible to improve the stability of the processing and the maintainability.

Further, since the rinsing liquid obtained by treating the photosensitive lithographic printing plate in the rinsing section is used as water, and the rinsing liquid supply means for supplying the developing section with dilution water for a replenishing stock solution for replenishing the water to the developing section is provided. A small photosensitive lithographic printing plate of a device for supplying dilution water of a replenishing stock solution can be obtained.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the partition plate provided at the discharge port is normally closed, and is opened when the photosensitive lithographic printing plate is discharged from the casing. Therefore, the photosensitive lithographic printing plate is discharged from the discharge port without contacting the lid. That is, problems such as damage to an image formed on the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate are eliminated.

[0027]

1 and 2 show a photosensitive lithographic printing plate automatic developing machine (hereinafter referred to as "PS plate processor") 10 according to this embodiment. PS version processor 10,
A photosensitive lithographic printing plate (hereinafter, referred to as “PS plate”) 12 on which an image is printed by a printing device (not shown) is developed by the PS plate processor 10 and then dried.

As shown in FIG. 1, the PS plate processor 10 has an internal processing unit covered with an outer panel 14. An insert 16 for feeding the PS plate 12 (see FIG. 2) inward is attached to the outer panel 14.
The PS plate 12 is placed on the insertion table 16 and
Is inserted into the inside of the outer panel 14 from the opening on the back side of the panel.

As shown in FIG. 2, a developing tank 18 for developing the PS plate 12 and an overflow pipe 20 for collecting a developing solution overflowing from the developing tank 18 are provided inside the outer panel 14. Part 22 and PS version 1
A washing section 24 for washing the developer adhering to 2 with water and washing with water;
And a finisher unit 26 for applying a gum solution to the PS plate 12 after washing with water to perform a desensitization treatment.

The washing section 24 is provided with a washing tank 28, and the finisher section 26 is provided with a gum solution tank 30.

The outer panel 14 is provided with a slit-shaped insertion port 102 and a discharge port 104, respectively.
02 is provided corresponding to the back side opening of the insertion table 16. On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
Drying section 31 provided downstream of finisher section 26
Is provided corresponding to the entrance.

On the upper surface of the outer panel 14, an insertion port (sub-insertion port) 150 for inserting the PS plate 12 between the developing section 22 and the washing section 24 is provided. The sub-insertion port 150 serves as an insertion port for the PS plate 12 for performing processing other than development processing.

A blade 152 is provided in the sub insertion slot 150 as a partition plate. The blade 152 is made of rubber, and its tip is in contact with the outer panel 14 serving as a guide support surface of the sub-insertion port 150, and its base is fixed to the back side of the outer panel 14 via a bracket 154. Therefore, the sub insertion port 150 is closed by the blade 152. Here, PS version 1 to be re-entered
2 is inserted from the sub insertion slot 150, the blade 152
Does not hinder insertion of the PS plate 12 due to elastic deformation.

The drying section 31 is dried by blowing warm air on both sides of the PS plate 12 while conveying the PS plate 12 (see FIG. 2) sent from the finisher section 26 by a number of rollers (not shown). It has become. The dried PS plate 12 is discharged from the PS plate processor 10 and discharged to, for example, a stocker (not shown) that leans on the PS plate 12 and stores the plate.

As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of transport rollers 3 is provided on the side of the developing section 22 where the PS plate 12 is inserted into the developing tank 18.
The PS plate 12 on which an image is printed is inserted between the pair of transport rollers 32 from the insertion slot 102. The pair of transport rollers 32
The S plate 12 is placed in the developing tank 18 at an angle of 15 ° with respect to the horizontal direction.
To be sent out.

A rubber blade 106 is mounted near the downstream side of the transport roller 32. Blade 106
The front end portion is in contact with the side wall of the developing tank 18 of the developing section 22, and the base portion is attached to the outer panel 14 via a bracket 156. The bracket 156 includes a fixed portion 156A and a slide portion 156B attached to the fixed portion with a thumbscrew 158, and the blade 106 is fixed to the slide portion 156B. For this reason, the blade 106 loosens the thumb screw 158 and slides 156B.
By sliding with respect to the fixing portion 156A,
The configuration is such that the tip can be separated from the side wall of the developing tank 18.

Here, the tip of the blade 106 is usually
When the PS plate 12 is in contact with the side wall of the developing tank 18 and is conveyed to the insertion slot 102, the blade 106 is expanded against the elastic force by the pressing force at the time of conveying the PS plate 12. It has a configuration. Therefore, the PS plate 12 can be smoothly sent to the developing unit 22.

In the vicinity of the insertion port 102, a PS
A sensor 108 for detecting the presence or absence of the plate 12 is attached. The sensor 108 can recognize that the PS plate 12 exists in the apparatus.

The developing tank 18 has a substantially inverted mountain shape with an opening at the top and a center at the bottom protruding downward. A pump 160 is provided in the developing tank 18, and the developing solution in the developing tank 18 is sucked out by the pump 160,
The fuel is ejected from spray pipes 44 and 172 described later. Thereby, the developer stored in the developing tank 18 is circulated. During this circulation, it passes through a measuring device 162 that measures the degree of fatigue of the developer (AC impedance of the developer), and the degree of fatigue of the developer is detected. The developing tank 18 includes a pump 1.
A replenishing stock solution is supplied from the developing replenishing stock tank 166 via the line 64.

In the developing tank 18, the guide plate 16 is provided on the upstream side.
8. A large number of guide rollers 34 and rotating brush rollers 170 are provided on the downstream side. These guide rollers 3
4 and the rotating brush roller 170 are rotatably extended between a pair of side plates of the developing tank 18.

Above the guide plate 168, a relatively large-diameter guide roller 36 is provided. Above the guide roller 34, rotating brush rollers 38 and 70 and a guide roller 40 are provided.
Are provided and rotatably supported between a pair of side plates of the developing tank 18.

A pair of squeezing rollers 42 having a function of squeezing the surface of the PS plate 12 are provided at a central portion in the developing tank 18. These guide rollers 34,
36, 40, rotating brush roller 38 and squeezing roller 42
, A driving force of a driving unit (not shown) is transmitted to rotate and convey the PS plate 12 at a constant speed.

In the vicinity of the bottom of the developing tank 18, a pair of squeezing rollers 42 and a plurality of guide rollers 3 adjacent thereto are provided.
4. The PS plate 12 is 300 to 3 by the guide plate 168.
It is arranged to convey with a radius of curvature of 50 mm. Therefore, the PS plate 12 nipped and transported by the pair of transport rollers 32 and inserted into the developing tank 18 is obliquely transported between the guide plate 168 and the guide roller 36 and is inserted between the squeeze rollers 42. You. The squeezing roller 42 removes waste materials eluted into the developer from the photosensitive layer side of the PS plate 12 (upper side in FIG. 2) from the surface thereof.
Isolate so that it will not be transported downstream with the movement of 2.

PS plate 1 sent out from squeeze roller 42
2 is directed obliquely upward by the guide roller 34,
The toner is discharged from the developing tank 18 while being guided by the rotating brush roller 38 and the guide roller 40. By this, PS
The plate 12 is conveyed smoothly and reliably immersed in the developer without applying excessive force.

The spray pipe 44 closest to the downstream side of the squeezing roller 42 is shaped like a skewer roller having a plurality of elastic rotating members supported on its outer periphery, and also has a role of guiding the PS plate 12. A discharge port (not shown) is provided between the elastic rotating members to communicate the outer circumference and the inside of the pipe. Further, a spray pipe 172 is provided below the guide plate 168. The spray pipe 172 is provided with a large number of discharge ports (not shown) communicating with the inside along the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the hollow pipe, and is arranged so that the axial direction is along the width direction of the transport path. The spray pipe 172 and the spray pipe 44 supply the developing solution to the developing tank 18.
Is discharged toward the bottom surface of the developing tank 18, so that a fresh developing solution can quickly spread throughout the developing tank 18.

The overflow pipe 20 is provided at the most downstream side of the developing tank 18, and when the liquid level of the developing solution exceeds a predetermined level, the developing solution is guided to a waste liquid tank 184 and discarded. ing.

The surface of the developing solution in the developing tank 18 is
0 is arranged. The liquid level cover 50 has a portion corresponding to the rotary brush roller 38 and the guide roller 40 adjacent thereto projected in a substantially arc shape, and is in close contact with the developer surface in order to minimize the contact between the developer surface and air. The PS of the liquid surface cover 50 is raised and lowered according to the increase and decrease of the developer.
Both ends of the plate 12 in the transport direction are attached by a side plate (not shown) which can be slid. As the material, a lightweight material such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and polyamide is selected.

At the downstream end of the liquid level cover 50 in the transport direction,
The tip of the blade 174 is in contact. The blade 174 is made of rubber and fixed to the outer panel 14 via a bracket 176. The blade 174 separates the liquid level of the developer exposed from the downstream end of the liquid level cover 50 in the transport direction from above the liquid level lid 50, and
By the blade 106 near the surface 02 (in a state of contact with the side wall of the developing tank 18), the upper part of the liquid level cover 50 is completely isolated from the outside air, and the evaporation of the developing solution can be suppressed.

At the most downstream side in the transport direction of the developing tank 18, P
A pair of rollers 54 is arranged to pinch and transport the S plate 12 and squeeze the developer from the surface of the PS plate 12.

On the other hand, in the PS plate processor 10, a washing tank 28 of the washing section 24 is provided downstream of the developing section 22. Above the washing tank 28, two pairs of transport rollers 52,
53 are provided. These transport rollers 52, 53
Is rotatably supported by a side plate (not shown), and is configured to rotate by transmitting a driving force of a driving unit (not shown), forming a transport path for the PS plate 12 sent from the developing unit 22. I have.

The washing tank 28 stores washing water obtained by washing the developing solution from the PS plate 12 sent out from the developing tank 18. A spray pipe 56 is disposed on the upstream side of the transport roller 53 and above the transport path, and a plurality of discharge ports communicating with the inside are provided on the outer periphery of the spray pipe 56. From the spray pipe 56, the washing water pumped up by the pump 180 from the washing water tank 178 is dropped on the upper roller of the transport roller 53, and the transport roller 53 rotates, so that P
The washing water quickly spreads on the surface of the S plate 12 and the PS plate 12
Is washed with rinsing water.

The lower portions of the lower rollers of the transport rollers 52 and 53 are accommodated in a tray 62. Saucer 62
, Washing water is stored therein, and is pumped up by a lower roller to clean the back surface of the PS plate 12 and to suppress drying of the upper transport rollers 52 and 53.

Further, the washing water diffused in the width direction on the surface of the PS plate 12 falls from both ends in the width direction of the PS plate 12 to a lower receiving tray 62, and is washed by the washing water pumped up from the receiving plate 62. Is processed. The washing water overflowing from the tray 62 is guided to the washing tank 28. An overflow pipe 182 is provided in the washing tank 28. When the overflow pipe 182 exceeds a predetermined liquid level, the overflow pipe 182 is discarded to a waste liquid tank 184.

The washing tank 28 and the developing tank 18 are
The washing water in the washing tank 28 is guided to the developing tank 18 by the drive of the pump 186, and can be used as dilution water when supplying the replenishing stock solution to the developing tank 18 by driving the pump 186. I have.

As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of transport rollers 78 is provided above the gum solution tank 30 of the finisher section 26 for desensitizing processing. Transport roller 53
The PS plate 12 sent out by the transport roller 7
8.

On the upstream side of the transport roller 78, spray pipes 82 and 188 are provided in the vertical direction of the transport path. The lower spray pipe 188 has a skewed roller shape, and also has a role of guiding the PS plate 12. Each of the spray pipes 82 and 188 is also provided with a discharge port (not shown) communicating with the inside on the same outer periphery as the spray pipe 56 described above. This spray pipe 82, 1
From 88, the gum solution pumped up by the pump 192 from the gum solution tank 190 is discharged and supplied to the front and back surfaces of the PS plate 12.

The transport roller 78 nips and transports the PS plate 12 and squeezes the gum solution supplied by the spray pipe 82 to desensitize the surface of the PS plate 12. The gum solution squeezed from the surface of the PS plate 12 is collected in the gum solution tank 30.
The gum solution in the gum solution tank 30 is circulated by the pump 194. The gum solution tank 30 is provided with an overflow pipe 196 so that when the gum solution exceeds a predetermined liquid level, it is guided to the waste liquid tank 184 and discarded.

The lower portion of the lower conveying roller 78 is immersed in the gum solution stored in the gum solution tank 30, and the PS plate 1
2, the lower conveying roller 78 is connected to the gum solution tank 30.
The coating process is performed by pumping up the gum solution from Thereby, the conveying roller 78 takes out the gum solution, performs the desensitizing process on the back surface of the PS plate 12, suppresses the drying of the upper conveying roller 78, and prevents the components of the processing liquid from depositing on the surface of the conveying roller 78. It has become.

The PS plate 12 that has been processed by the finisher 26 passes through the outlet 104 of the casing 100 and is sent to the drying unit 31.

Here, the discharge port 104 is provided with a lid 110 as a partition plate. The lid 110 has a flat plate shape, and has an upper side fixed to a shaft 112 whose axis is parallel to the width direction of the PS plate 12. For this reason, the lid 11
Numeral 0 is rotatable about a shaft 112, and when the lid 110 is in the vertical position, the outlet 104 is closed by a spring or by gravity.

The shaft 112 is rotatable (for example, a solenoid) by driving means (not shown), and the cover 110 is swung within a range of approximately 90 ° with the rotation of the shaft 112. ing. Here, when the lid 110 is at a substantially horizontal position, the outlet 104 is opened.

The rotation of the shaft 112 is performed based on the detection of the PS plate 12 by the sensor 108 provided near the insertion slot 102. That is, PS
While the plate 12 is being detected and after the plate 12 is no longer detected (after the rear end is detected) until a predetermined time has elapsed, the lid 1
10 is held substantially horizontally (the discharge port 104 is open),
Otherwise, it is vertical (the outlet 104 is closed).

Therefore, when the PS plate 12 passes through the outlet 104, there is no contact between the PS plate 12 and the lid 110.

The operation of this embodiment will be described below. First,
Processing tanks such as the developing tank 18, the washing tank 28, and the gum solution tank 30 include:
It is covered by a casing 100 such as the upper lid 14 and the main body 8. In addition, the PS version processor 10
In a state where the development processing of the plate 12 is not performed, the insertion slot 1
02 is closed because the blade 106 is in contact with the side wall of the developing tank 18. On the other hand, the outlet 104
Does not detect the PS plate 12 with the sensor 108,
The lid 110 is in a vertical state, and the outlet 104 is also closed. Further, the secondary insertion port 150 is also provided with the blade 152
The upper part of the liquid surface cover 50 of the developing unit 22 is also closed by the blades 106 and 152. For this reason, the developing solution in the developing tank 18, the washing water in the washing unit 24, and the gum solution in the finisher unit 26 are not exposed to the outside air and have almost no CO ₂ fatigue. For this reason, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the developing capacity due to the deterioration over time, and for example, it is possible to drastically reduce the replenishment amount of the replenisher in the developing unit 22. In particular, since the surface of the developing solution in the developing tank 18 is covered with the liquid surface cover 50, the effect of preventing contact between the developing solution and the outside air is great.

Here, the blade 106 of the insertion port 102
Can be removed by loosening the thumbscrew 158.
Since 6B is slidable, it can be opened as needed. For example, when it is desired to intentionally increase the replenishment amount of the replenisher stock, the replenishment interval can be narrowed by opening the replenisher to some extent.

A blade (not shown) having the same structure as the blade 174 or the blade 106 is provided between the developing tank 18 and the washing tank 28 or between the washing tank 28 and the gum solution tank 30.
By loosening the thumbscrew like the blade 106, the slide portion may be made slidable so that it can be opened as needed.

Next, the processing procedure of the PS plate 12 will be described. The PS plate 12 on which an image is recorded by a printing device (not shown) or the like is placed on an insertion table 16 and sent to the back of the insertion table 16. Thus, the PS plate 12 reaches the insertion slot 102.

Also, the tip of the PS plate 12 is
2, when it is detected by the sensor 108,
By rotating the shaft 112, the lid 110 of the outlet 104 is swung from a vertical state to a substantially horizontal state. Thereby, the discharge port 104 is opened. In addition, the sensor 108 is the PS plate 12
A signal may be input to the CPU when the leading end of the sheet is detected, and the discharge port 104 may be opened at an appropriate timing based on the transport speed.

The PS plate 1 inserted in the casing 100
2 is first sent to the developing unit 22. When the PS plate 12 is inserted, the PS plate processor 10 is sent to the developing tank 18 by the transport roller 32. The PS plate 12 fed by the transport roller 32 expands the blade 106 against the elastic force by the pressing force at the time of transport. Therefore, the PS plate 12 is smoothly transported to the developing unit 22.

The PS plate 12 is guided by a guide plate 168 and sent out at an angle of 15 ° with respect to the horizontal, and is conveyed in the developing tank 18 by guide rollers 34 and the like.

Thereafter, the photosensitive layer side surface of the PS plate 12 is rubbed with a rotating brush 38 to promote development, and the photosensitive layer in the non-image area is removed.

The developed PS plate 12 is washed with
To be transported by the transport rollers 52 and 53. At this time, the front surface of the PS plate 12 is washed with new washing water dropped from the spray pipe 56 to the upper roller of the conveying rollers 53, and the back surface is washed with water taken out of the tray 62 by the lower roller of the conveying rollers 53. Washed with water.

That is, the washing water dropped from the spray pipe 56 and reaching both ends in the width direction of the PS plate 12 falls from the surface and reaches the receiving tray 62. In this saucer 62,
It flows in from both longitudinal ends of the PS plate 12. Saucer 6
The lower transport rollers 52 and 53 immersed in the pump 2 draw up the washing water in the tray 60 by rotation, and
The back side of the plate 12 is cleaned.

The washing water overflowing from the receiving tray 62 is supplied to the washing tank 2.
8, the washing water in the washing tank 28 is sent to the waste tank 184 by the overflow pipe 182 by exceeding a predetermined amount, but most of the washing water is supplied to the developing tank 18 by the pump 186.

That is, the replenisher stock is supplied from the replenisher stock tank 166 to the developing tank 18 by the operation of the pump 164 in accordance with the processing amount of the PS plate 12, and the like. It is used as dilution water having a predetermined ratio with the replenishing stock solution to be replenished. This makes it possible to effectively use the washing water whose washing process has been completed in the washing section 24 and reduce the amount of waste liquid.

When the rinsing process is completed, the PS plate 12 is guided by the guide rollers 80, sent to the finisher unit 26, which is a desensitizing unit, and nipped and transported by the transport rollers 78. Here, the desensitizing treatment is performed by the gum solution discharged from the spray pipes 82 and 188.

The PS discharged from the finisher 26
The plate 12 reaches an outlet 104 of the casing 100.

Although a lid 110 is provided at the outlet 104, the shaft 112 is rotated by the detection of the PS plate 12 by the sensor 108, and the lid 110 is in a substantially horizontal state. Plate 1 passing through the outlet 104
2 does not interfere with the lid 110 at all. Therefore, the surface quality of the PS plate 12 can be protected without rubbing the photosensitive surface of the developed PS plate 12.

After a predetermined time elapses after the sensor 108 detects the rear end of the PS plate 12, the lid 110 is in a vertical state, that is, closes the discharge port 104, but passes through the casing 100. Since the time is constant, the lid 110 swings and closes the outlet 104 after the rear end of the PS plate 12 has surely exited the outlet 104.

The PS plate 12 that has passed through the outlet 104 is subjected to a drying process in the drying unit 31 and is discharged from the PS plate processor 10 to complete the process.

For the purpose of the present invention of minimizing the contact between the developer and the outside air, it is preferable that the time during which the lid 110 is open is as short as possible. Therefore, P
A structure that is open only while the S plate 12 is passing, and closed during other times is preferable. For that, for example,
A sensor is arranged near the inside of the discharge port to detect the front end of the PS plate 12 and open the lid 110. When the rear end of the PS plate 12 passes, the time until the rear end completely comes out of the discharge port is indicated by PS. It is also possible to determine the time from the plate transport speed, set the time to a timer, and close the lid 110.

As described above, in this embodiment, the rinsing section 24 stores the rinsing water in a large tank, is not a circulating type in which the rinsing water is circulated, but drops the minimum necessary rinsing water, and then discards it. Because of the circulation type, the washing tank 28 can be made relatively small, and a circulation pump, piping, etc. are not required, and the entire apparatus can be downsized. In addition, due to evaporation from a large processing liquid tank for storing and circulating the processing liquid that drops after processing the PS plate 12, which has occurred in the case of the circulation type apparatus, deposits are solidified on rollers and the like. Such problems can be solved, and the maintainability can be improved. The total amount of waste in this embodiment is 1
Regardless of the processing area per day, 25~100cc / m ^2, and the
Compared to conventional 150 ~500c / m ^2, it can be greatly reduced.

The developing unit 22 is connected to the blades 106 and 17
4, the blade 152 and the lid 110 are provided also at the sub-insertion port 150 and the discharge port 104, so that the inside of the apparatus can be partitioned into several blocks, and the processing liquid by the outside air can be separated. Deterioration can be greatly suppressed.

Further, in the conventional processing apparatus, the cleaning plate (about 1 to 3 plates) required at the start of work is not required, and workability is improved.

In this embodiment, the finisher 2
Although the lower transport roller 78 is directly immersed in the gum solution tank without having a tray, the tray 6 may be provided with a tray similarly to the washing unit 24. Further, the finisher may be of a non-circulating type depending on the processing performance of the gum solution.

Further, the developing section 22 is formed as one block, the washing section 24 and the finisher section 26 are collectively formed as one block, and the blades 106, 152, 174 and the lid 1 are formed.
10, but without the blade 174.
2. The washing section 24 and the finisher section 26 are collectively 1
The developing unit 22, the washing unit 24, and the finisher unit 26 may be independent blocks. In addition, the partition between blocks may be omitted as long as the processing liquid has a property of hardly causing air fatigue.

Further, in this embodiment, computer control for determining the replenishment timing of the development replenisher is performed based on the measurement result of the measuring device 162, so that the screen ruling is 400.
Although printing plates for high-definition printing of up to 700 lines / inch can be processed stably, computer control can be omitted if the accuracy is the same as before (150 to 170 lines / inch).

[0088]

As described above, the automatic developing machine for photosensitive lithographic printing plates according to the present invention improves the stability of processing by surrounding each processing section with a casing and a partition plate, thereby preventing the invasion of outside air and improving the processing stability. The present invention has an excellent effect that the amount of processing liquid to be discarded can be reduced, the size of the apparatus can be reduced, and maintenance work can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a PS plate processor according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a PS plate processor according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 PS plate processor 12 PS plate 22 Developing part 24 Washing part 26 Finisher part 102 Insertion opening 104 Outlet 106 Blade (partition plate) 110 Lid (partition plate) 152 Blade (partition plate) 174 Blade (partition plate)

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-63-167366 (JP, A) JP-A-2-267549 (JP, A) JP-A-63-103255 (JP, A) JP-A-3-39960 (JP) JP-A-3-87832 (JP, A) JP-A-63-23160 (JP, A) JP-A-58-102937 (JP, A) JP-A-1-310355 (JP, A) 64-49935 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03F 7/30 501 G03F 7/00 503

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A developing section, which is one of processing sections for processing with a developer while transporting a photosensitive lithographic printing plate, and a rinsing solution while transporting the photosensitive lithographic printing plate, A rinsing unit for supplying and treating the one side of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate, treating the other side of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate by storing the rinsing liquid falling from the one side, and discharging the rinsing liquid; The photosensitive lithographic printing plate is provided with an insertion port and a discharge port provided with a partition plate that does not hinder the passage of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate, and includes at least the developing section or the rinsing section. An automatic developing machine for a photosensitive lithographic printing plate, comprising: a casing for preventing the liquid or the rinsing liquid from being exposed to the outside air. 2. The photosensitive material according to claim 1, wherein the rinsing liquid supplied from the rinsing section to the developing section is water, and the water is used as dilution water of a stock solution for replenishing the developing section with the water. Automatic lithographic printing plate developing machine. 3. A partition plate which divides the processing region into blocks for each processing unit or blocks in which a plurality of the processing units are combined, and partitions the blocks so as not to hinder the passage of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate. 3. An automatic developing machine for a photosensitive lithographic printing plate according to claim 1, further comprising: 4. An automatic developing machine for a photosensitive lithographic printing plate, wherein the photosensitive lithographic printing plate is processed by passing the photosensitive lithographic printing plate through at least a developing unit or a rinsing unit while transporting the photosensitive lithographic printing plate. A casing provided with an insertion port and a discharge port, surrounding the processing area of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate including at least the developing section or the rinsing section and suppressing at least a developing solution or a rinsing liquid from being exposed to the outside air; and Divided into blocks for each of the processing units or blocks obtained by combining a plurality of the processing units, and provided between the blocks and at the insertion port and the discharge port of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate to allow passage of the photosensitive lithographic printing plate. A photosensitive plate comprising: a partition plate for partitioning the insertion port, the discharge port, and each block so as not to interfere; and a moving means for moving the partition plate to a closed position and an open position. Automatic developing machine of the printing plate. 5. An automatic developing machine for a photosensitive lithographic printing plate, wherein the photosensitive lithographic printing plate is processed with at least a developing solution while transporting the photosensitive lithographic printing plate. A casing surrounding the developing unit for processing the lithographic printing plate with the developer, and preventing at least the developer from being exposed to the outside air; and A partition plate for partitioning the insertion port and the discharge port so as not to hinder the passage of the lithographic printing plate; and The rinsing liquid to be supplied is water, and a rinsing liquid supply means for supplying the developing section with dilution water of a replenishing stock solution for replenishing the water to the developing section. Automatic developing machine. 6. The photosensitive lithographic printing plate is retracted to a position not in contact with the photosensitive lithographic printing plate when the partition plate provided at the discharge port passes through the photosensitive lithographic printing plate. Item 6. An automatic developing machine for a photosensitive lithographic printing plate according to any one of items 5.