JP3213064B2 - Plate production 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 system for manufacturing a printing plate, and more particularly to a system capable of automatically performing processes such as selection, transport, printing, and development of a printing plate.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the process of manufacturing a lithographic printing plate, a process for selecting a plate material of a required size, a pin hole for mounting a positioning pin of a printing machine at a predetermined position of the selected plate material. Punching process to open the plate, printing plate process to set the plate material on the printing plate machine and bake the original plate, developing the printed plate material, cleaning the developed plate material and improving the printing durability There are a plurality of steps such as finishing for performing a heat treatment, and in each of these steps, a predetermined process is executed by a dedicated machine. For example, in the punching process, pin holes are made in the plate material by a dedicated punching device, in the printing process, the original plate is baked by an automatic printing machine, and in the developing process, by a special developing machine. The plate on which the original is baked is subjected to development processing.

[0003] The plate material is obtained by applying a photosensitive material to a plate material made of aluminum or the like, and includes a material usually called a PS plate or the like. The original plate is a film created by plate making.

[0004]

However, in the prior art, the work in all the steps of plate manufacturing and the transfer of the plate material from one step to the next step are performed manually, which is very efficient. It was bad.

[0005] As described above, a dedicated machine is used in each of the printing plate manufacturing processes.
That is, the printing plate manufacturing conditions are not always constant, and usually differ for each type or item of printed matter. Therefore, it is necessary to set the operating conditions of each device according to the printing plate to be manufactured. The setting of the operating conditions in each of these apparatuses is performed by checking the type of printing plate each time the operator manufactures it, so that the working efficiency is poor.

Further, in manufacturing a printing plate, it is necessary to sequentially perform the above-described steps from a previous step to a subsequent step. For this purpose, an operator proceeds while checking the work status of the steps before and after the step. It was necessary and had a problem in terms of production management.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has as its object to provide a printing plate manufacturing system capable of automating a printing plate manufacturing line.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a printing plate manufacturing system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of plate material storage devices, and pin holes formed at predetermined positions of the plate material at predetermined intervals. A first plate material transfer device that takes out a plate material from a predetermined plate material storage device among the plurality of plate material storage devices and transfers the plate material to the punch device ; A post-process device including a developing device and a finishing device for developing the plate material, and a plate material having a pin hole opened by the punch device are transported to a predetermined copy plate device, and the copy plate is completed. A second plate material transport device for transporting the plate material to the post-processing device.

[0009]

The plate material is automatically selected from the plate material storage device by the first plate material transport device and transported to the punch device. Then, when pin holes at predetermined intervals are opened in the punching device, the pin holes are transported by the second plate material transporting device to the predetermined plate-making device. Thereafter, when the multiplication by the multiplication device is completed, the plate material is transported to the post-processing device by the second printing material transport device.

[0010]

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a line of a plate manufacturing system according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an electric system. In the drawing, reference numeral 1 denotes a host computer (hereinafter referred to as a host computer). 2) is an interface (hereinafter referred to as I
/ F), 3 is a plate material pallet, 4 is a transporter, 5 is a punching device, 6 is a transport trolley, 7 is a printing plate machine, 8 is an input device,
9 is a burn-off device, 10 is a developing machine, 11 is a barcode printer, 12 is a finishing machine, 13 is a stocker, 14,
Reference numeral 15 denotes a rail, and 16 denotes a cassette.

First, the outline of each component shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described.

The host 1 is provided with a processor such as a personal computer and its peripheral devices, and has a work file as shown in FIG. In the work file, as shown in FIG. 3, various printing plate conditions such as a plate material size, a pin hole interval, a printing plate condition, a burn-out range, and a developing condition are written for each production code. Various items are provided for the production control of the plate, indicating to what stage the work is currently completed. Here, the production code is, for example, “week XX
(○ month × date) ”etc. is coded with the product name of the book, folding specifications, and the number of the printing machine used for printing as a result of bookbinding, but what kind of items are coded It is optional. For example, only the product name may be encoded as the manufacturing code, and these items may be provided in the work file for the folding specification and the printing machine number.

The size of the plate used for the product is written in the plate size item. In the item of pin hole interval, the interval between pin holes to be formed in the plate material is written. That is, several types of pin hole intervals are usually prepared according to the size of the plate material, and this item includes a pin corresponding to the plate material size written in the plate material size item. The hole spacing is written.

In the items of the printing plate conditions, conditions such as the number of original plates to be printed on the plate material, the size of the original plate, the printing position, and the exposure intensity are written. In the item of the burnout range, a range in which the burnout is performed is written. Various development conditions such as a development temperature are written in the item of the development condition. It should be noted that this item is not necessary if the developing conditions are always constant.

The host 1 sets these printing plate conditions to I
In response to a transfer request from / F2, the data is transferred to the corresponding device via the I / F2 or directly.

The items of transport completion, punch completion, printing plate completion, burn-out completion, labeling completion, development completion, and finish completion are items provided for production control. Reference numeral 4 denotes a plate material having the specified size drawn out from the specified plate material pallet 3 and conveyed to the punching device 5. When the conveyance is completed, a work completion signal indicating the conveyance completion is output. This work completion signal is sent to I / F2
When the host 1 receives the signal, the host 1 sets a predetermined flag in the item of transport completion.
The same applies to other items. Therefore, by referring to the flags of the production management items, it is possible to easily confirm to which process the work on the plate material is currently completed. Note that the items of production management shown in FIG. 3 are merely examples, and for example, it is also possible to include only items of stencil completion and finish completion.
It is also possible to provide more items.

The I / F 2 manages and controls the operation of each device including the transporter 4 and includes a processor such as a personal computer and its peripheral devices, like the host 1. . The I / F 2 has a communication function with the host 1 and a communication function with each device such as the transporter 4. The operation of the I / F 2 will be described later in detail.

The plate material pallet 3 stores a plurality of plate materials. One plate pallet stores a plurality of plate materials of the same size. Although five plate pallets 3 are shown in FIG. 1, this is merely an example, and a desired number of plate pallets 3 can be arranged.

The transporter 4 is a plate material pallet 3 for storing a plate material of the size specified by the host 1 and storing the plate material of the size.
, One sheet is taken in, transferred on the rail 14 and delivered to the punching device 5. Various mechanisms are conceivable. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, two extendable arms are provided, and when reaching a predetermined plate material pallet 3, the arm is extended to adsorb the plate material, and the plate material is adsorbed. Then, a mechanism that conveys the arm by shrinking it may be adopted. In order to determine the position of the plate pallet 3 for accommodating a plate material of a given size when the size of the plate material is given, for example, a table in which the size and the position of the plate material pallet 3 correspond to each other is transferred to a transfer machine. 4 should be prepared.

When the transport of the plate material is completed, the transporter 4 outputs a work completion signal indicating that the transport has been completed. This work completion signal is taken into the I / F 2 and transferred to the host 1 from the I / F 2.

The punching device 5 opens a pin hole at a predetermined position of the plate material transferred from the transporter 4 at an interval specified by the host 1. As a mechanism for receiving the plate material from the transporter 4, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, two telescopic arms are provided, and when the transporter 4 reaches a predetermined position, the arm is extended to extend the arm. What is necessary is just to employ | adopt the mechanism which adsorbs the upper plate material, and shrinks an arm when it adsorbs. When the punching of the pin holes is completed, the punching device 5 outputs a work completion signal indicating that the punching is completed. This signal is taken into the I / F 2 and transferred from the I / F 2 to the host 1.

The transport carriage 6 transports the plate material having the pin holes opened by the punching device 5 to the plate-making machine 7 and transports the plate material, which has been printed by the plate-making machine 7, to the burning-out device 9. Is what you do. As will be described later, the host 1 instructs the punching machine 5 to which the plate is to be conveyed, and which plate is to be conveyed to the burning device 9. Then, when the transfer operation to the designated position is completed, a work completion signal indicating that the transfer operation is completed is output.

The plate-making machine 7 positions the plate material received from the carrier 6 with pins, and further fixes the plate material by vacuum suction or the like, and converts the original plate into plate materials one by one under the plate-setting conditions specified by the host 1. It is to be baked. The original is stored in a cassette 16 and the cassette 16 is
Is set in a cassette storage section (not shown).

When the reproduction is completed, the reproduction machine 7 outputs a work completion signal indicating that the reproduction is completed. This signal is taken into the I / F 2 and transferred from the I / F 2 to the host 1. 1 and 2 show only two printing machines 7, but it is a matter of course that a desired number can be arranged.

Further, one input device 8 is provided for one printing machine 7. The input device 8 is for inputting a production code corresponding to the original plate to be set on the printing plate machine 7, and can be constituted by a keyboard, a barcode reader, a card reader, or the like. That is, for example, when the input device 8 is constituted by a bar code reader, a sheet on which the manufacturing code is converted into a bar code and printed is attached to the original, and the operator stores the original in the cassette 16 and sets it on the reproduction machine 7. The production code can be input by reading the barcode with a barcode reader.

When the input device 8 is constituted by a card reader, the card on which the manufacturing code is written is attached to the original, and the operator stores the original in the cassette 16 and reads the card with the card reader. Allows the production code to be input. Further, when the input device 8 is constituted by a keyboard, the sheet on which the production code is written is attached to the original, and the operator stores the original in the cassette 16 and inputs the production code by keying. It can be performed. Here, the input device 8 is configured by a barcode reader, but it will be apparent from the above description that the input device 8 can be configured by an appropriate device.

Then, the production code input from the input device 8 is transferred to the I / F 2, and further, the I / F 2 transmits the production code to the host 1.
Is forwarded to

The burn-out device 9 exposes unnecessary photosensitive material around the plate material that is not exposed by printing in the printing plate machine 7. That is, although the printing of the original plate is performed by the printing plate machine 7, a portion that is not exposed may remain in the peripheral portion of the plate material.
When printing is performed, the unexposed portion is inked with ink, and as a result, an unnecessary pattern is printed.
The burn-out device 9 exposes unnecessary unexposed portions remaining on such a plate material. The burn-out range, that is, the exposure range is given from the host 1. It should be noted that the burn-out range can be automatically obtained based on the printing paper, bookbinding specifications, and the like.

When the burning is completed, the burning device 9 outputs a work completion signal indicating that the burning is completed. This signal is taken into I / F2,
The data is transferred from F2 to the host 1.

The developing machine 10 develops the plate material that has been completely burned out under the developing conditions given by the host 1. When the development is completed, the developing machine 10 sends a work completion signal indicating that the development is completed. Output. This signal is taken into the I / F 2 and transferred from the I / F 2 to the host 1.

The bar code printer 11 converts the manufacturing code given from the host 1 into a bar code and prints it. At this time, the bar code label printed on the plate material on the bar code printer 11 is sent from the host 1 based on the printing plate conditions. A part that does not affect print quality is designated and attached. In FIG. 1, the bar code printer 11 is disposed between the baking device 9 and the developing device 10. However, if the bar code label corresponding to the plate material can be attached, the bar code printer 11 is disposed in any part of the line configuration shown in FIG. It may be.
As the label paper, when the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is adopted, the plate material to which the label is attached is a developing machine 10 and a finishing machine 12.
After being set in a printing press, it is necessary to have alkali resistance, heat resistance and oil resistance.

When the sticking of the label is completed, the barcode printer 11 outputs a work completion signal indicating that the sticking of the label is completed. This signal is taken into the I / F 2 and transferred from the I / F 2 to the host 1. This bar code is used in the printing process to control whether the printing plate is correctly set in the printing machine to which the printing plate is designated in the subsequent printing process, whether the printing is completed, and the like.

The finishing machine 12 is for performing a heat treatment for cleaning the developed plate material and improving the printing durability.
When these finishing processes are completed, the finishing machine 12 outputs a work completion signal indicating that the finishing processes have been completed. This signal is taken into the I / F2, and is sent from the I / F2 to the host 1
Is forwarded to

The stocker 13 is for stocking the finished plate material.

The outline of each part has been described above. Next, the operation for producing a printing plate will be described. Now, the operator stores the original plate in the cassette 16 and prints the plate 7 ₁
While set, when there is an input of the bar code printed on paper are given thereto from the input device _81, manufacturing code input is received by the I / F2, transferred from I / F2 to the host 1 Is done. At this time, I / F2 recognizes whether it is an input the produced code from which the input device, and stores in association with the production code and殖版machine 7 _1.

Thus, the host 1 refers to the work file to read the printing plate conditions corresponding to the production code,
/ F2.

When the I / F 2 receives the printing plate conditions, it stores the printing plate conditions in association with the production code, and first supplies plate material size data to the conveyor 4. Thereby, the transporter 4 moves the plate material pallet 3 containing the plate material of the designated size to the position, sucks one plate material, and transfers the plate material to the punch device 5. When the transfer of the plate material is completed, the transporter 4 outputs a work completion signal. When this work completion signal is received, I / F2
Transfers the signal to the host 1 and the data of the pin hole interval to the punch device 5.

Thus, the host 1 sets a flag indicating the completion of the operation in the item of the completion of transport of the production code in the operation file. Further, the punch device 5 opens a pin hole at a designated interval, and outputs a work completion signal when the work is completed. I / F2 Upon receiving the work completion signal, and transfers the signal to the host 1 instructs the transportation to殖版machine ₇₁ of the plate material in the punch unit 5 with respect to the transport carriage 6, further fertilized transferring data殖版condition corresponding to the manufacturing code for the plate device _71.

As a result, the host 1 sets a flag indicating the completion of the operation in the item of the completion of punching of the production code in the operation file. In addition, the transport trolley 6 is located at the designated position,
In this case it outputs a work completion signal to reach the position of殖版machine 7 _1.

[0041] Upon receiving the task completion signal I / F2 is an instruction to start operation to殖版machine 7 _1. This殖版machine ₇₁ takes a plate material from the conveying carriage 6, subjected to baking of the original at the indicated殖版condition. Then, when the duplication work is completed, a work completion signal is output.

Upon receiving the work completion signal, the I / F 2
And transfers the signal to the host 1, corresponding to the manufacturing code for conveying directs the transport of the baked skip device 9 of the plate material in the殖版machine 7 ₁ relative to carriage 6, further burning off device 9 Transfer the data in the burn-out range.

As a result, the host 1 sets a flag indicating the completion of the operation in the item of the copy completion of the production code in the operation file. In addition, when the transport trolley 6 reaches the designated position, in this case, the position of the burning device 9, it outputs a work completion signal. When this work completion signal is received, I / F
2 instructs the burning device 9 to start the operation. In this way, the burning device 9 takes in the plate material from the transport trolley 6, burns out the designated burning range, and outputs a work completion signal when the work is completed.

Upon receiving the work completion signal, the I / F 2
The signal is transferred to the host 1 and the data of the manufacturing code is given to the barcode printer 11. As a result, the host 1 sets a flag indicating the completion of the operation in the item of the completion of the burning of the production code in the operation file.
Further, the barcode printer 11 prints the given production code as a barcode and affixes it to the plate. Then, when the work is completed, a work completion signal is output.

Upon receiving the work completion signal, the I / F 2
The signal is transferred to the host 1 and data of development conditions is given to the developing machine 10 to instruct the start of the operation.
As a result, the host 1 sets a flag indicating the completion of the work in the item of labeling completion of the production code in the work file. The developing machine 10 develops the plate material under the designated developing conditions, and outputs a work completion signal when the developing work is completed.

Upon receiving the work completion signal, I / F 2
The signal is transferred to the host 1 and the finisher 12 is instructed to start the operation. As a result, the host 1 sets a flag indicating the completion of the operation in the item of the development completion of the manufacturing code in the operation file. The finishing machine 12 performs a predetermined finishing process on the sent plate material, and outputs a work completion signal when the finishing work is completed. Upon receiving this work completion signal, the I / F 2 transfers the signal to the host 1. As a result, the host 1 sets a flag indicating the completion of the operation in the item of the completion of the production code in the operation file.

Through the above steps, a printing plate of one item is manufactured. In the above, the manufacture of a printing plate of one item has been described. However, it is naturally possible to perform the printing of a plurality of different printing plates simultaneously by a plurality of printing plates. It will be apparent from the above description that which reproduction machine is used for reproduction and which process each item is currently in is controlled by the host 1 and the I / F 2.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and that various modifications are possible.

[0049]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to automate the transfer of the plate material, the setting of each device, etc., which were conventionally performed manually by the operator in the printing plate manufacturing process. Because it is possible, labor can be saved significantly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a plate manufacturing line according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an electric system having the configuration shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a work file.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Host computer, 2. Interface, 3.
Plate material pallet, 4 ... Conveyer, 5 ... Punching device, 6 ... Conveyor truck, 7 ... Plate plate machine, 8 ... Input device, 9 ... Baking-off device, 10 ... Developing machine, 11 ... Bar code printer, 12 ...
Finishing machine, 13 ... Stocker, 14, 15 ... Rail, 1
6. Cassette.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Koichi Fujii 465 Kuze Tsukiyamacho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Inside the Kuze Plant of Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd. No. 26-30, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. (72) Yoshiyuki Yamamoto Inventor 1-1-1, Ichigaya-Kagacho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Dai-Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-61-44648 (JP) , A) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03F 7/00 B41C 1/00

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] A plurality of plate material storage devices; a punch device for opening pin holes at predetermined positions of the plate material at predetermined intervals; and a predetermined plate material storage device among the plurality of plate material storage devices. A first plate material transfer device that takes out a plate material and transfers the plate material to the punch device , a plurality of printing plate devices, a post-processing device including a developing device and a finishing device for developing the stacked plate material, A second plate material transporting device that transports the plate material having the pin holes opened by the punching device to a predetermined intaglio device, and transports the intaglio-finished plate material to a post-processing device. Printing plate manufacturing system.