JP4273536B2 - Development device for lithographic printing plate without dampening water - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a developing device for a lithographic printing plate that does not require fountain solution. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dampening device in which a photosensitive layer capable of receiving ink and a silicone rubber layer capable of repelling ink are provided in this order on a substrate. The present invention relates to a developing apparatus for a dampening water-free lithographic printing plate in which a lithographic printing plate not requiring water is conveyed by a conveying roll and developed while rubbing the surface side with a brush.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a developing machine for a lithographic printing plate that does not require fountain solution, as shown in FIG. 5, the brush roll 57 has a rotating shaft 201 passed through the side plate 51 </ b> A of the developing tank 51. A seal 202 attached to 51A and sliding along the axial direction is inserted. On the outside of the side plate 51A, substantially L-shaped support bases 203 and 204 are fixed to the frame of the apparatus main body so as to face each other. The support bases 203 and 204 have a spline shaft 250 at the tip of the rotary shaft 201 that passes through one of the support bases 203, and are inserted into a ball spline bearing 270 in a casing 260 attached to the support base 203. The structure is engaged in the rotational direction and rotates integrally, and is relatively movable in the axial direction. The casing 260 and the ball spline bearing 270 can be relatively rotated by a bearing 260A. An endless belt 290 is wound around the pulley 280 and connected to a drive source so that the drive force is transmitted and the rotational drive force is transmitted to the brush roll shaft via the ball spline bearing 270.
[0003]
In general, the spline shaft and the ball spline bearing are engaged by a structure in which a semicircular groove is provided on the outer periphery of the spline shaft and is engaged by a small metal ball provided on the spline bearing. The long life could not be expected due to the wear of metal balls and grooves or the drop of metal balls from spline bearings due to the small pressure receiving area and long use. In addition, since ball splines and spline bearings are required to have high accuracy, the parts price is high and the cost of the apparatus cannot be reduced.
[0004]
The rotating shaft 201 of the other brush roll supports rotation and sliding motion by a bearing 210 attached to a support base 204. However, wear of the bearing and the rotating shaft occurs as long as it is used for a long time, resulting in a long service life. It was difficult to convert.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The object of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above facts, and is a dampening water-free lithographic printing plate developing device having an inexpensive and durable bearing structure for rotating and swinging a brush roll. The purpose is to provide.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
(1) The dampening water-free lithographic printing plate developing apparatus of the present invention is a dampening water-free lithographic printing plate developing apparatus that rubs and processes with a brush roll while applying a treatment liquid to the surface of a photosensitive lithographic printing plate. A rotation support means for rotatably supporting the rotation shaft of the brush roll; a support means for supporting the rotation support means so as to be movable along the axial direction of the rotation shaft; and a relative to the rotation shaft. A shaft engaging means that is rotatable and engages the rotating shaft; a swinging means that swings the shaft engaging means in an axial direction of the rotating shaft; and a drive means that drives the swinging means. Features.
[0007]
(2) Further, in the developing device for a lithographic printing plate not requiring dampening water according to (1), at least two brush rolls are provided, and at least one rotation direction is opposite to the other rotations. It is characterized by doing.
[0008]
(3) In the developing device for a lithographic printing plate not requiring dampening water according to (1) or (2), a part of the photosensitive layer in the image line portion of the lithographic printing plate not requiring dampening water is placed before the developing portion. A pretreatment part for dissolving or swelling is provided.
[0009]
(4) Further, in the dampening water-free lithographic printing plate developing device according to any one of (1) to (3) above, at least the surface of the dampening water-free lithographic printing plate is washed behind the dyed portion. A cleaning unit is provided.
[0010]
A dampening water-free lithographic printing plate (hereinafter simply referred to as “waterless lithographic plate”) to which the developing device according to the present invention can be applied is obtained by sequentially laminating a primer layer, a photosensitive layer, a silicone rubber layer, and a protective film on a substrate. Well-known ones can be used.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, specific examples will be described.
[0012]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an embodiment of a waterless planographic developing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
[0013]
The developing device 1 includes a preprocessing unit 2, a developing unit 3, a dyeing unit 4, a washing unit 5, and a liquid removal unit 6. The waterless lithographic plate 7 is developed and dyed, washed, and the washing solution is removed. Can be done.
[0014]
Also, known processing liquids can be applied to the preprocessing liquid used in the preprocessing section 2, the developing liquid used in the developing section 3, the staining liquid used in the dyeing section 4, and the cleaning liquid used in the cleaning section.
[0015]
The pretreatment tank 21 of the pretreatment unit 2 in this embodiment has an inverted mountain shape, and has a pretreatment tank 22 having an upper surface opened at the bottom. A pretreatment liquid 8 is stored in the pretreatment tank 22. Although the upper part of the pretreatment tank 21 is opened for maintenance and inspection, an upper lid 23 is usually placed on the pretreatment tank 21 to prevent dust from being mixed into the pretreatment liquid 8 and to suppress heat dissipation of the pretreatment liquid 8. Yes.
[0016]
On the upper part of the pretreatment tank 21, a pair of transport rolls 24 and 25 are arranged in order from the entrance side of the waterless lithographic plate 7. The conveying roll pairs 24 and 25 are supported by side plates (not shown), and are rotated by a driving force of a driving means (not shown) so that the waterless lithographic plate 7 is conveyed at a predetermined speed in the direction of arrow A in FIG. It has become. The transport roll pair 24 is disposed at the foremost part of the transport path of the waterless lithographic plate 7 in the pretreatment tank 21, and also plays a role of blocking the pretreatment liquid 8 applied on the waterless lithographic plate 7. Further, the transport roll pair 25 is disposed at the last part of the transport path of the waterless lithographic plate 7 in the pretreatment tank 21 and also plays a role of squeezing the pretreatment liquid 8 from the waterless lithographic plate 7. Here, in order to improve transportability, it is optional to provide a pair of transport rolls between the transport rolls 24 and 25.
[0017]
A conveyance guide 26 is arranged between the pair of conveyance rolls 24 and 25, and the waterless lithographic plate 7 hangs down due to its own weight and the weight of the applied pretreatment liquid 8 and comes off the conveyance path. It is preventing. A squeegee member 27 having a roll structure is provided in contact with the upper part of the upper roll of the transport roll pair 24. The squeegee member 27 is supported by a side plate (not shown) similarly to the transport roll pairs 24 and 25, and is configured to rotate following the rotation of the transport roll pair 24. Excess pretreatment liquid on the transport roll 24 can be squeezed out by the squeegee member 27.
[0018]
A shower pipe 28 is disposed above the transport roll pair 24. In the shower pipe 28, discharge ports 28 </ b> A are provided at appropriate intervals along the axial direction so as to face the upper roll of the pair of transport rolls. This shower pipe 28 is communicated with a pretreatment liquid circulating apparatus, which will be described later, through a shower pipe 30 through a flow rate adjusting valve 29. As a result, the pretreatment liquid 8 is fed into the shower pipe 28, discharged onto the upper roll of the transport roll pair 24, and applied onto the waterless lithographic plate 7. When a pair of transport rolls is further provided between the pair of transport rolls 24 and 25, a shower pipe is disposed on the upper portion in the same manner as the pair of transport rolls 24.
[0019]
The pretreatment liquid circulation device includes a circulation pump 31, a pressure gauge 32, filter replacement valves 33 and 35, a filter 34, a shower pipe 30, and a bypass pipe 36.
[0020]
The operation of the circulation pump 31 is controlled by the control unit 37. The suction port side of the circulation pump 31 communicates with the bottom of the pretreatment tank 22, and the discharge port side communicates with the shower pipe 30. By the operation of the circulation pump 31, the pretreatment liquid 8 in the pretreatment tank 22 is sent to the shower pipe 28 through the shower pipe 30.
[0021]
A filter 34 and filter replacement valves 33 and 35 are arranged in the middle of the shower pipe 30. The filter 34 filters the dust in the pretreatment liquid that passes through the shower piping, thereby preventing the discharge port 28A of the shower pipe 28 from being clogged. A filter having a filtration accuracy of 10 to 1000 μm is used. The filter replacement valves 33 and 35 are provided to prevent the pretreatment liquid 8 from flowing out by closing these valves during filter replacement.
[0022]
A pressure gauge 32 is provided between the circulation pump 31 and the filter 34 so that the pressure of the pretreatment liquid 8 entering the filter 34 is detected. The pressure gauge 32 is connected to the control unit 37, and the pressure detection result is transmitted to the control unit 37. When this pressure exceeds the set value, the display is connected to the control unit 37 and prompts the display unit 38 to replace the filter 34.
[0023]
By providing the bypass pipe 36, the pretreatment liquid 8 in the pretreatment tank is circulated and stirred, and the temperature of the whole pretreatment liquid becomes uniform.
[0024]
Further, a temperature detector 39, a heater 40, and a float switch 41 are disposed in the pretreatment tank 22. The temperature detector 39 is connected to the control unit 37, and the temperature detection result is transmitted to the control unit 37. The heater 40 is connected to a power source in the control unit 37, and the temperature is controlled by turning on / off the power based on the temperature detection result. The float switch 41 detects a decrease in the pretreatment liquid 8 and is connected to the control unit 37. When the decrease in the pretreatment liquid 8 is detected, the heater 40 is turned off and the circulation pump 31 is stopped. As a result, the heater 40 is prevented from being turned on while the electric heating surface of the heater 40 is exposed from the liquid surface, and the circulation pump 31 is prevented from idling while the air is in the air.
[0025]
Next, the developing unit 3 will be described.
[0026]
The developing tank 51 of the developing unit 3 in this embodiment has an inverted mountain shape, and has a developing tank 52 having an upper surface opened at the bottom, and the developer 9 is accommodated therein.
[0027]
The upper part of the developing tank 51 is opened for maintenance and inspection, but usually an upper lid 53 is placed to prevent the dust from entering the developing solution 9 and to suppress the heat radiation of the developing solution 9.
[0028]
In the upper part of the developing tank 51, a pair of transport rolls 54 and 55 are arranged in order from the entrance side of the waterless lithographic plate 7. The conveyance roll pairs 54 and 55 are supported by side plates (not shown), and are rotated by a driving force of a driving means (not shown) to convey the waterless lithographic plate 7 in the direction of arrow A at a predetermined speed. Yes. The transport roll pair 54 is disposed at the foremost part of the transport path of the waterless lithographic plate 7 in the developing tank 51, and also plays a role of blocking the developer 9 applied on the waterless lithographic plate 7. The transport roll pair 55 is disposed at the last part of the transport path of the waterless lithographic plate 7 in the developing tank 51 and also serves to squeeze the developer 8 from the waterless lithographic plate 7. A squeegee member 59 having a roll structure is provided in contact with the upper part of the upper roll of the transport roll pair 54. The squeegee member 59 is supported by a side plate (not shown) similarly to the transport roll pairs 54 and 55, and is configured to rotate following the rotation of the transport roll pair 54. The squeegee member 59 can squeeze out excess developer on the transport roll 54, and can prevent the developer 9 from flowing out of the apparatus or to the pretreatment tank 21 side. Here, it is optional to provide the squeegee member 59 on the upper portion of the transport roll pair 55.
[0029]
A brush roll 57 is disposed between the transport roll pairs 54 and 55. The brush roll 57 is for scraping off the silicone rubber layer corresponding to the image area by rubbing the surface of the waterless lithographic plate 7. The brush roll 57 is rotated in the forward direction (B direction, hereinafter referred to as “forward rotation”) in the same direction as the rotation of the transport roll pairs 54 and 55 by a brush roll rotation driving unit (not shown). . Further, the brush roll 57 is swung in the axial direction of the brush roll 57 by a swinging means described later.
[0030]
As the brush roll 57, a brush roll having a diameter of 20 to 500 [mu] m implanted in a metal groove shape in a row is wound around a core.
[0031]
FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view showing an example of the vicinity of the brush roll portion in the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing an example of the brush bearing portion in the present invention.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 2, the rotation axis 201 of the brush roll 57 is passed through the side plate 51 </ b> A of the developing tank 51. Each rotary shaft 201 is inserted through a seal 202 attached to the side plate 51A to prevent the developer from flowing out of the side plate 51A. The seal 202 is configured to easily slide on the rotary shaft 201 along the axial direction.
[0033]
Outside the side plate 51A, support bases 203 and 204 assembled in a substantially L shape are arranged to face each other. The support bases 203 and 204 are positioned and fixed to the frame 205 of the apparatus main body.
[0034]
A shaft case 206 is engaged with a distal end portion of the rotating shaft 201 that passes through the support bases 203 and 204, and the rotating shaft 201 and the shaft case 206 are rotatably attached by a bearing 207. The bearing 207 is housed in a bearing case 208. As shown in FIG. 3, a cam follower 209 is attached to the bearing case 208 so as to be orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 201 and facing the horizontal direction of the rotating shaft 201. A cam follower 210 is attached in the vertical direction of the rotating shaft 201. A casing 211 is attached to the support bases 203 and 204, and the casing 211 is substantially U-shaped parallel to the axial direction of the rotary shaft 201 at a position corresponding to the cam followers 209 and 210 attached to the bearing case 208. Groove 211A. The groove 211A is engaged with the cam followers 209 and 210 so as to be movable in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 201, and the rotary shaft 201, the shaft case 206, the bearing 207, and the bearing case 208 are integrated in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 201. The structure is swingable. Here, the cam follower 209 also plays a role of supporting the weight of the brush roll 57. The cam follower 210 also serves to position the brush roll 57 in the horizontal position.
[0035]
In this embodiment, the number of cam followers in the vertical direction is one, but they may be provided at opposing positions.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 2, a gear 212 is attached to one end of the rotating shaft 201. The gear 212 meshes with a gear (not shown) connected to a driving source (not shown), and the driving force of the driving source is transmitted to rotate the brush roll 57.
[0037]
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the swing mechanism of the brush roll portion in the present invention.
[0038]
In the brush rocking portion in which the side plate 51 </ b> A is omitted as shown in FIG. 4, a bearing 213 is attached to the shaft end of the rotating shaft 201 so as to be rotatable relative to the rotating shaft 201.
[0039]
The lower part of the bearing 213 is engaged with the swing arm 214. The swing arm 214 is engaged with an eccentric cam 217 attached to the swing motor 216 with the swing shaft 215 as a fulcrum. The eccentric cam 217 is rotated by the swing motor 216, the swing arm 214 swings about the swing shaft 215, and the bearing 213 and the rotary shaft 201 are swung integrally, whereby the brush roll 57 is axially moved. Can be swung.
[0040]
Returning to FIG. 1 again, a brush receiving roll 58 is provided at the lower part of the brush roll 57. When the waterless flat plate 7 passes, the brush receiving roll 58 prevents the waterless flat plate 7 from bending. The silicone rubber layer corresponding to the image area is scraped off by rubbing the surface strongly with the brush roll 57.
[0041]
The brush receiving roll 58 is connected to a driving means (not shown) similarly to the transport rolls 54 and 55 and is rotated in the same direction as the transport rolls 54 and 55.
[0042]
A shower pipe 60 is disposed between the transport roll pair 54 and the brush roll 57. The shower pipe 60 is provided with discharge ports 60 </ b> A facing the brush roll 57 at appropriate intervals along the axial direction. The shower pipe 60 communicates with a developing solution circulating apparatus, which will be described later, through a shower pipe 62 via a flow rate adjusting valve 61. As a result, the developer 9 is fed into the shower pipe 60, discharged to the brush roll 57, and applied onto the waterless lithographic plate 7.
[0043]
The shower pipe 63 is disposed between the brush roll 57 and the transport roll pair 55. In the shower pipe 63, discharge ports 63 </ b> A are provided at appropriate intervals along the axial direction so as to face the pair of transport rolls 55. The shower pipe 63 communicates with a developing solution circulation device, which will be described later, through a pipe branching from the shower pipe 62 via a flow rate adjusting valve 64. As a result, the developer 9 is fed into the shower pipe 63, discharged to the pair of transport rolls 55, and applied onto the waterless lithographic plate 7.
[0044]
A brush cover 65 having a substantially U-shaped cross section is disposed above the brush roll 57. The brush cover 65 prevents the developer 9 from being scattered by the brush roll 57.
[0045]
The developer circulating apparatus includes a circulation pump 66, a pressure gauge 67, filter replacement valves 68 and 70, a filter 69, a shower pipe 62, and a bypass pipe 71.
[0046]
The operation of the circulation pump 66 is controlled by the control unit 37. The suction port side of the circulation pump 66 communicates with the bottom of the developing tank 52, and the discharge port side communicates with the shower pipe 62. By the operation of the circulation pump 66, the developer 9 in the developing tank 52 is sent to the shower pipes 60 and 63 through the shower pipe 62.
[0047]
A filter 69 and filter replacement valves 68 and 70 are arranged in the middle of the shower pipe 62. This filter 69 is used to filter debris (silicone rubber scraped mainly from the surface of the waterless lithographic plate 7) in the developer passing through the shower pipe 62, thereby preventing clogging of the outlets 60A and 63A of the shower pipe. ing. A filter 69 having a filtration accuracy of 10 to 500 μm is used. The filter replacement valves 68 and 70 are provided to prevent the developer 9 from flowing out by closing these valves when replacing the filter.
[0048]
A pressure gauge 67 is provided between the circulation pump 66 and the filter 69 so that the pressure of the developer 9 entering the filter 69 is detected. The pressure gauge 67 is connected to the control unit 37, and the pressure detection result is transmitted to the control unit 37. When the pressure exceeds the set value, the display connected to the control unit 37 and the display 38 prompting the replacement of the filter 69 is made.
[0049]
By providing the bypass pipe 71, the developing solution 9 in the developing tank is circulated and agitated, and the temperature of the entire developing solution becomes uniform.
[0050]
In the developing tank 52, a new developer supply port 72 and an overflow port 73 are provided. The new developer supply port 72 is communicated with a new developer supply device (not shown) through a solenoid valve 74, a filter 75, and a valve 76 through a new developer supply pipe 77. As a result, a new developer is supplied into the developing tank 52. The electromagnetic valve 74 is connected to a power source in the control unit 37 and is opened and closed according to the number of processed sheets. The filter 75 is provided for filtering foreign substances in the new developer passing through the new developer supply pipe 77. The valve 76 is provided to adjust the supply amount of new developer and prevent the new developer from flowing out when the filter 75 is replaced.
[0051]
The overflow port 73 communicates with a waste liquid pipe (not shown) through an overflow pipe 78. As a result, an excess of the developer 9 due to the supply of a new developer is discharged to the waste liquid pipe.
[0052]
In the pretreatment unit 2, the pretreatment liquid 8 is squeezed out by the pair of conveying rolls 25, but cannot be completely removed, so it is carried to the development unit 3 and mixed into the developer 9. When the concentration of the pretreatment liquid in the developer 9 is increased, the silicone layer in the non-image area of the waterless lithographic plate 7 is likely to be damaged, and there is a problem that the brush roll 57 is damaged when rubbed.
[0053]
However, by supplying a new developer and making it overflow, the concentration of the pretreatment liquid in the developer 9 can be kept below a certain level. Liquid exchange work is also unnecessary.
[0054]
In the developing tank 52, a temperature detector 79, a heater 80, and a float switch 81 are arranged. The temperature detector 79 is connected to the control unit 37, and the temperature detection result is transmitted to the control unit 37. The heater 80 is connected to a power source in the control unit 37, and the temperature is controlled by turning on / off the power based on the temperature detection result. The float switch 81 detects a decrease in the developing solution 9 and is connected to the control unit 37. When the decrease in the developer 9 is detected, the heater 80 is turned off and the circulation pump 66 is stopped. As a result, the heater 80 is prevented from being turned on while the electric heating surface of the heater 80 is exposed from the liquid surface, and the circulating pump 66 is prevented from idling while the air is caught.
[0055]
Next, the staining unit 4 will be described.
[0056]
The dyeing tank 91 of the dyeing unit 4 in the present embodiment has an inverted mountain shape, and has a dyeing tank 92 having an upper surface opened at the bottom, and the dyeing solution 10 is accommodated therein.
[0057]
The upper portion of the dyeing tank 91 is opened for maintenance and inspection, but usually an upper lid 93 is placed to prevent dust from entering the dyeing liquid 10.
[0058]
On the upper part of the dyeing tank 91, a pair of conveying rolls 94 and 95 are arranged in order from the entrance side of the waterless planographic plate 7. The pair of conveying rolls 94 and 95 are supported by side plates (not shown) and rotated by a driving force of a driving means (not shown) so that the waterless lithographic plate 7 is conveyed at a predetermined speed in the direction of arrow A in FIG. It has become. The conveyance roll pair 94 is disposed at the forefront portion of the conveyance path of the waterless lithographic plate 7 in the dyeing tank 91, and also plays a role of clogging the dyeing liquid 10 applied on the waterless lithographic plate 7. The pair of transport rolls 95 is disposed at the last part of the transport path of the waterless lithographic plate 7 in the dyeing tank 91 and also serves to squeeze the staining solution 10 from the waterless lithographic plate 7. A squeegee member 97 having a roll structure is provided in contact with the upper part of the upper roll of the transport roll pair 94. Further, it is optional to provide a squeegee member on the upper part of the transport roll pair 95.
[0059]
A brush roll 96 is disposed between the transport roll pairs 94 and 95. The brush roll 96 is for removing the development residue adhering to the surface of the waterless lithographic plate 7 by rubbing the surface of the waterless lithographic plate 7 and uniformly dyeing with the dyeing liquid 10. The brush roll 96 is rotated in a direction opposite to the rotation of the conveyance roll pairs 94 and 95 by a brush roll rotation driving means (not shown), that is, the direction opposite to the conveyance direction of the waterless lithographic plate (C direction, hereinafter referred to as “reverse rotation”). It is designed to rotate. Further, the brush roll 96 is swung in the axial direction of the brush roll 96 by a swinging means.
[0060]
The bearing structure and swinging means of the brush roll 96 are the same as the brush roll of the developing unit described above, and a description thereof is omitted here.
[0061]
A brush receiving roll 98 is provided below the brush roll 96. When the waterless lithographic plate 7 passes, it is supported by the brush receiving roll 98 so that the waterless lithographic plate 7 does not bend. By uniformly rubbing the surface, the material is uniformly dyed.
[0062]
The brush receiving roll 98 is connected to a driving means (not shown) similarly to the transport rolls 94 and 95 and is rotated in the same direction as the transport rolls 94 and 95.
[0063]
A shower pipe 99 is disposed between the transport roll pair 94 and the brush roll 96. The shower pipe 99 is provided with discharge ports 99A facing the brush roll 96 at appropriate intervals along the axial direction. The shower pipe 99 communicates with a staining liquid circulating apparatus, which will be described later, through a shower pipe 101 through a flow rate adjusting valve 100. As a result, the dyeing liquid 10 is fed into the shower pipe 99, discharged to the brush roll 96, and applied onto the waterless lithographic plate 7.
[0064]
The shower pipe 102 is disposed between the brush roll 96 and the transport roll pair 95. In the shower pipe 102, discharge ports 102 </ b> A are provided at appropriate intervals along the axial direction so as to face the pair of transport rolls 95. The shower pipe 102 communicates with a staining liquid circulating apparatus, which will be described later, through a pipe branching from the shower pipe 101 via a flow rate adjusting valve 103. As a result, the dyeing liquid 10 is fed into the shower pipe 102, discharged to the pair of conveying rolls 95, and applied onto the waterless lithographic plate 7.
[0065]
A brush cover 104 having a substantially U-shaped cross section is disposed above the brush roll 96. The brush cover 104 prevents the staining liquid 10 from being scattered by the brush roll 96.
[0066]
The dyeing liquid circulating apparatus includes a circulation pump 105, a pressure gauge 106, filter replacement valves 107 and 109, a filter 108, and a shower pipe 101.
[0067]
The operation of the circulation pump 105 is controlled by the control unit 37. The suction port side of the circulation pump 105 communicates with the bottom of the dyeing tank 92, and the discharge port side communicates with the shower pipe 101. By operating the circulation pump 105, the dyeing liquid 10 in the dyeing tank 92 is sent to the shower pipes 99 and 102 through the shower pipe 101.
[0068]
A filter 108 and filter replacement valves 107 and 109 are arranged in the middle of the shower pipe 101. This filter 108 filters debris (mainly silicone rubber removed from the surface of the waterless lithographic plate 7) in the dyeing solution passing through the shower pipe 101, thereby preventing clogging of the discharge ports 99A and 102A of the shower pipe. Yes. A filter having a filtration accuracy of 10 to 500 μm is used. The filter replacement valves 107 and 109 are provided to prevent the staining solution 10 from flowing out by closing these valves when replacing the filter.
[0069]
A pressure gauge 106 is provided between the circulation pump 105 and the filter 108 so that the pressure of the staining solution 10 entering the filter 108 is detected. The pressure gauge 106 is connected to the control unit 37, and the pressure detection result is transmitted to the control unit 37. When this pressure exceeds a set value, the display is connected to the control unit 37 and the display 38 prompts the user to replace the filter 108.
[0070]
The float switch 110 detects a decrease in the staining solution 10 and is connected to the control unit 37. When a decrease in the staining liquid 10 is detected, the circulation pump 105 is stopped. As a result, the circulating pump 105 is prevented from idling in a state where air is caught.
[0071]
Next, the cleaning unit 5 will be described.
[0072]
The cleaning tank 121 of the cleaning unit 5 in this embodiment has an inverted mountain shape, and has a cleaning tank 122 having an upper surface opened at the bottom, and the cleaning liquid 10 is accommodated therein.
[0073]
The upper part of the cleaning tank 121 is opened for maintenance / inspection, but usually an upper lid 123 is placed to prevent dust from entering the cleaning liquid 11.
[0074]
On the upper part of the cleaning tank 121, a pair of transport rolls 124 and 125 are arranged in order from the entrance side of the waterless lithographic plate 7. The conveying roll pairs 124 and 125 are supported by side plates (not shown), and are rotated by the driving force of driving means (not shown) so that the waterless lithographic plate 7 is conveyed at a predetermined speed in the direction of arrow A in FIG. It has become. The transport roll pair 124 is disposed at the forefront portion of the transport path of the waterless lithographic plate 7 in the cleaning tank 121, and also plays a role of blocking the cleaning liquid 11 applied on the waterless lithographic plate 7. The transport roll pair 125 is disposed at the last part of the transport path of the waterless lithographic plate 7 in the cleaning tank 121 and also serves to squeeze the cleaning liquid 11 from the waterless lithographic plate 7. A squeegee member 127 having a roll structure is provided in contact with the upper part of the upper roll of the transport roll pair 124. Further, it is optional to provide a squeegee member on the upper part of the transport roll pair 125.
[0075]
A brush roll 126 is disposed between the transport roll pairs 124 and 125. The brush roll 126 is rotated in a direction opposite to the rotation of the conveyance roll pairs 124, 125, that is, in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction of the waterless lithographic plate (D direction, hereinafter referred to as “reverse rotation”) by a brush roll rotation driving unit (not shown). It is designed to rotate. Further, the brush roll 126 is swung in the axial direction of the brush roll 126 by a swinging means.
[0076]
The bearing structure and swinging means of the brush roll 126 are the same as the brush roll of the developing unit described above, and a description thereof is omitted here.
[0077]
A brush receiving roll 155 is provided below the brush roll 126. When the waterless lithographic plate 7 passes, it is supported by the brush receiving roll 155 so that the waterless lithographic plate 7 does not bend. By uniformly rubbing the surface, a uniform cleaning is performed.
[0078]
A shower pipe 128 is disposed between the transport roll pair 124 and the brush roll 126. The shower pipe 128 is provided with discharge ports 128A facing the brush roll 126 at appropriate intervals along the axial direction. This shower pipe 128 is connected to a cleaning liquid circulation device, which will be described later, through a shower pipe 130 via a flow rate adjusting valve 129. As a result, the cleaning liquid 11 is sent to the shower pipe 128, discharged to the brush roll 126, and applied onto the waterless lithographic plate 7.
[0079]
The shower pipe 131 is disposed between the brush roll 126 and the transport roll pair 125. In the shower pipe 131, discharge ports 131 </ b> A are provided at appropriate intervals along the axial direction so as to face the pair of transport rolls 125. The shower pipe 131 communicates with a cleaning liquid circulation device, which will be described later, through a pipe branching from the shower pipe 130 via a flow rate adjusting valve 132. As a result, the cleaning liquid 11 is sent to the shower pipe 131, discharged to the pair of transport rolls 125, and supplied onto the waterless lithographic plate 7.
[0080]
Shower pipes 133 and 135 are disposed below the conveyance path between the conveyance roll pairs 124 and 125 and the brush receiving roll 155. The shower pipes 133 and 135 are formed with discharge ports 133A and 135A facing upward. The shower pipes 133 and 135 are communicated with a cleaning liquid circulation device, which will be described later, through pipes branched from the shower pipe 130 through flow rate adjusting valves 134 and 136. As a result, the cleaning liquid 11 is fed into the shower pipes 133 and 135 and supplied to the back surface of the waterless lithographic plate 7.
[0081]
A brush cover 137 having a substantially U-shaped cross section is disposed above the brush roll 126. The brush cover 137 prevents the cleaning liquid 11 from being scattered by the brush roll 126.
[0082]
The cleaning liquid circulation device includes a circulation pump 138, a pressure gauge 139, filter replacement valves 140 and 142, a filter 141, and a shower pipe 130.
[0083]
The operation of the circulation pump 138 is controlled by the control unit 37. The suction port side of the circulation pump 138 communicates with the bottom of the cleaning tank 122, and the discharge port side communicates with the shower pipe 130. By the operation of the circulation pump 138, the cleaning liquid 11 in the cleaning tank 122 is sent to the shower pipes 128, 131, 133, and 135 through the shower pipe 130.
[0084]
A filter 141 and filter replacement valves 140 and 142 are disposed in the middle of the shower pipe 130. The filter 141 filters debris in the cleaning liquid passing through the shower pipe 130 to prevent clogging of the discharge pipes 128A, 131A, 133A, and 135A of the shower pipe. The filter 141 has a filtration accuracy of 10 to 500 μm. The filter replacement valves 140 and 142 are provided to prevent the cleaning liquid 11 from flowing out by closing these valves when replacing the filter.
[0085]
A pressure gauge 139 is provided between the circulation pump 138 and the filter 141 so that the pressure of the cleaning liquid 11 entering the filter 141 is detected. The pressure gauge 139 is connected to the control unit 37, and the pressure detection result is transmitted to the control unit 37. When this pressure exceeds a set value, the display is connected to the control unit 37 and the display 38 prompts replacement of the filter 141.
[0086]
A new cleaning liquid supply port 143 and an overflow port 144 are provided in the cleaning tank 122. The new cleaning liquid supply port 143 communicates with a new cleaning liquid supply device (not shown) via a solenoid valve 145, a filter 146, and a valve 147 through a new cleaning liquid supply pipe 148. As a result, a new cleaning liquid is supplied into the cleaning tank 122. The electromagnetic valve 145 is connected to a power source in the control unit 37 and is opened / closed according to the number of processed sheets. The valve 147 is provided to adjust the supply amount of new cleaning liquid and prevent the new cleaning liquid from flowing out when the filter 146 is replaced.
[0087]
The overflow port 144 communicates with a waste liquid pipe (not shown) through an overflow pipe 149. As a result, the excess of the cleaning liquid 11 by supplying a new cleaning liquid is discharged to the waste liquid pipe.
[0088]
In the staining unit 4, the staining solution 10 is squeezed out by the pair of conveying rolls 95, but cannot be completely removed, so that it is carried to the cleaning unit 5 and mixed into the cleaning solution 11. When the concentration of the staining solution in the cleaning solution 11 increases, there arises a problem that the cleaning power for cleaning the waterless lithographic plate 7 decreases. However, by supplying a new cleaning liquid and causing it to overflow, the concentration of the staining liquid in the cleaning liquid 11 can be suppressed to a predetermined value or less, so that the cleaning power is stable and the cleaning liquid replacement operation is unnecessary.
[0089]
A float switch 150 is disposed in the cleaning tank 122. The float switch 150 detects a decrease in the cleaning liquid 11 and is connected to the control unit 37. When a decrease in the cleaning liquid 11 is detected, the circulation pump 138 is stopped. As a result, the circulating pump 138 is prevented from idling in a state where air is caught.
[0090]
Next, the liquid removal unit 6 will be described.
[0091]
The liquid removal tank 151 of the liquid removal unit 6 in this embodiment is box-shaped and has a bottom opened. In the upper part of the liquid removal tank 151, transport rollers 152 and 153 are arranged in order from the entrance side of the waterless lithographic plate 7. The conveyance roll pairs 152 and 153 are supported by side plates (not shown), and are rotated by a driving force of a driving means (not shown) so as to convey the waterless flat plate 7 in the direction of arrow A at a predetermined speed. . Fabrics 152A and 153A having high water absorption are wound around the surfaces of the conveying roll pairs 152 and 153, and the cleaning liquid on the waterless lithographic plate 7 remaining without being squeezed by the conveying roll pair 125 of the cleaning unit 5 is sucked. Yes. A fan 154 is provided on the upper surface of the liquid removal tank 151. The outside air flows into the liquid removal tank 151 by the fan 154, and the air in the tank flows out from the opening at the bottom of the liquid removal tank 151. The fabrics 152 </ b> A and 153 </ b> A wound around the pair of conveyance rolls are dampened by sucking the cleaning liquid that has not been squeezed out by the cleaning unit 5, but drying is promoted by the air flow created by the fan 154.
[0092]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
[0093]
The aforementioned waterless lithographic plate 7 is exposed to an image by an exposure device (not shown), and after exposure, the carver film is peeled off and inserted onto the insertion table 181 of the developing device 1 shown in FIG. When the entrance sensor 182 senses that the waterless planographic plate 7 has been inserted into the upper portion of the insertion table 181, the transport of the transport roll pairs 24, 25, 54, 55, 94, 95, 124, 125, 152, 153 of the developing device 1 is performed. The waterless lithographic plate 7 is drawn into the pretreatment unit 2 by the conveying roll pair 24, in which the roll is started by a drive motor (not shown) and the pumps 31, 66, 105, and 138 are also started. Here, the exposed portion of the waterless lithographic plate 7 is cured, and the photosensitive layer in the unexposed portion is in a state where it can be partially dissolved or swelled by the pretreatment liquid 8.
[0094]
The waterless lithographic plate 7 drawn into the pretreatment unit 2 is coated with a pretreatment liquid 8 controlled at a predetermined temperature while being conveyed at a predetermined speed in the direction of arrow A. As a result, a part of the photosensitive layer in the unexposed area (image area) of the waterless lithographic plate 7 is dissolved or swollen, and the silicone rubber layer is easily peeled off. After the pretreatment liquid 8 has been squeezed by the pair of transport rolls 25, the waterless lithographic plate 7 is transported to the developing unit 3.
[0095]
When the photoelectric sensor 166 attached to the entrance of the developing unit 3 detects the waterless planographic plate 7, the brush rolls 57 and 96 are rotated by a brush drive motor (not shown). At the same time, the brush rolls 57 and 96 are started to swing in the axial direction of the brush roll by the brush swing motor 216.
[0096]
Here, the brush shaft 201 is supported for rotation by a bearing 207 through a shaft case 206, and the brush shaft 201 swings integrally with the shaft case 206, the bearing 207, and the bearing case 208 by cam followers 209 and 210. No brush shaft wear. Further, since the driving force is directly transmitted to the rotation by the gear 211 attached to the brush shaft 201, the burden on the bearing 207 and the cam followers 209 and 210 can be reduced.
[0097]
In addition, since general bearings and cam followers can be used here, the structure is simple and the cost can be facilitated.
[0098]
The waterless lithographic plate 7 drawn into the developing unit 3 by the conveying roll pair 54 is conveyed between the brush roll 57 and the brush receiving roll 58. The silicone rubber layer of the unexposed portion (image portion) of the waterless lithographic plate 7 is rubbed with the brush roller 57 that rotates forward while the developer 9 controlled to a predetermined temperature is applied through the brush roll 54. Is removed, and a positive image is formed on the waterless lithographic plate 7.
[0099]
The developing solution 9 applied to the surface of the waterless lithographic plate 7 is collected in the developing tank 52 while being scraped off.
[0100]
A new developer is supplied to the developing tank 52 from a new developer supply port 72, and a surplus is discharged from the overflow port 73 and discharged. After the developer 9 is squeezed by the pair of transport rollers 55, the waterless lithographic plate 7 is transported to the dyeing unit 4.
[0101]
The waterless lithographic plate 7 drawn into the dyeing unit 4 by the conveying roll pair 94 is conveyed between the brush roll 96 and the brush receiving roll 98. The developing liquid adhering to the surface of the waterless lithographic plate 7 is removed by rubbing with the rotating brush roll 96 while the staining solution 10 is applied through the brush roll 96, and the photosensitive layer in the image area is further dyed. The As a result, there is a clear difference between the image area and the non-image area, and the plate inspection can be facilitated.
[0102]
The dyeing liquid 10 applied to the surface of the waterless lithographic plate 7 is collected in the dyeing tank together with the development residue scraped off. After the staining liquid 10 is squeezed by the transport roll 95, the waterless lithographic plate 7 is transported to the cleaning unit 5. When the photoelectric sensor 166 ′ attached to the entrance of the cleaning unit 5 detects the rear end of the waterless lithographic plate 7, the brush drive motors of the brush rolls 57 and 96 are stopped and the rotation of the brush roll is stopped. At the same time, the swing drive motor 216 is also stopped, and the swing of the brush rolls 57 and 96 is stopped.
[0103]
When the photoelectric sensor 166 ′ attached to the entrance of the cleaning unit 5 detects the tip of the waterless lithographic plate 7, the brush roll 126 is rotated by a brush drive motor (not shown). Further, the brush roll 126 swings in the axial direction by the swing motor 216.
[0104]
The waterless lithographic plate 7 inserted into the brush roll 126 and the brush receiving roll 155 by the conveying roll pair 124 is rubbed with the rotating brush roll 126 while being applied with the cleaning liquid 11 through the brush roll 126, so that there is no water. The surface of the lithographic plate 7 is cleaned. Further, the cleaning liquid 11 is applied from the upward shower pipes 133 and 135 provided on the lower side of the conveyance path, and the back surface of the waterless lithographic plate 7 is cleaned.
[0105]
The cleaning liquid 11 applied to the front and back surfaces of the waterless lithographic plate 7 is collected in the cleaning tank 122 together with the washed dyeing liquid.
[0106]
After the cleaning liquid 11 is squeezed by the transport roll pair 125, the waterless lithographic plate 7 is transported to the liquid removal unit 6. The fabric is absorbed by the highly absorbent fabrics 152A and 153A wound around the conveyance roll pairs 152 and 153. As a result, all the cleaning liquid remaining on the front and back surfaces of the waterless lithographic plate 7 is removed.
[0107]
When the outlet sensor 183 detects that the waterless lithographic plate 7 has been completely carried out, the brush drive motor stops, the rotation of the brush roll 126 stops, and the developing machine 1 also stops simultaneously.
[0108]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the dampening water-free lithographic printing plate developing apparatus according to the present invention supports the rotation of the brush shaft with a bearing and can swing the brush shaft and the bearing integrally, thereby reducing the wear of the brush shaft. In addition, since the rotational drive can be transmitted directly to the brush shaft, the load on the bearing can be reduced and the durability can be improved.
[0109]
Also, common bearings and cam followers can be used, and the cost of parts can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a developing device for a lithographic printing plate that does not require dampening water in the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the vicinity of a brush roll portion in the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing an example of a brush bearing portion in the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a swinging mechanism of a brush roll unit according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a conventional brush roll.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Development unit
2 ..... Pre-processing section
3. Development section
4 · · · · · · · dyeing section
5 · · · · · · · · Cleaning section
6 ......... Liquid removal part
7 ……………… Dampening-free lithographic printing plate (waterless lithographic plate)
57, 96, 126 ... Brush roll
207 ... Bearing
210 ..... Cam Follower
214 ..... Swing arm
216 ..... swing motor

Claims (4)

A developing unit for fountain solution-free lithographic printing plate comprising at least a developing unit that brushes and removes the silicone rubber layer of the image area with a brush roll while transporting the fountain-free lithographic printing plate, Rotation support means for rotatably supporting the rotation shaft of the brush roll, support means for supporting the rotation support means so as to be movable along the axial direction of the rotation shaft, and rotation means for rotationally driving the brush roll Shaft engaging means that is rotatable relative to the rotating shaft and engaged with the rotating shaft, swinging means for swinging the shaft engaging means in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and the swinging means It has a driving means for driving the rotation axis of the brush roll is supported rotation by a bearing, requiring no fountain solution lithographic printing plate of the developing device characterized in that it integrally swinging the bearing.   2. The development of a lithographic printing plate that does not require dampening water according to claim 1, wherein at least two brush rolls are provided, and at least one rotation direction is opposite to the other rotation direction. apparatus.   3. The fountain solution according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a pretreatment unit for dissolving or swelling a part of the photosensitive layer in the image portion of the lithographic printing plate not requiring a fountain solution is provided before the developing unit. Development equipment for unnecessary lithographic printing plates.   The developing device for a lithographic printing plate not requiring a fountain solution according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a cleaning unit for cleaning at least the surface of the lithographic printing plate not requiring a fountain solution behind the dyeing portion. .

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