JPH1062951A - Photosensitive material processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photosensitive material processing device which is capable of executing high-quality processing free from unequal development over the entire area of a photosensitive material even in the case where the photosensitive material is processed by using a small amt. of a processing liquid. SOLUTION: A developer applying mechanism 43 has a coating roller 125 which applies the developer on a planographic printing plate M by rotating in contact with the planographic printing plate M and a back up roller 128 which comes into contact with the coating roller 125. The diameter of the back up roller 128 is formed to >=1.25 times the diameter of the coating roller 125. The transportation distance per second of the planographic printing plate M is set at >=1.1 to <=2.5 times the diameter of the coating roller 125.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photosensitive material processing apparatus for processing a photosensitive material with a processing solution.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Photosensitive materials such as films, photographic papers, printing plates and the like are processed with a processing solution such as a developing solution, a fixing solution, a stabilizing solution, and washing water after an image is recorded. As a photosensitive material processing apparatus for performing such processing, a photosensitive material is transported into a processing tank storing a processing liquid by a transporting unit including a plurality of transport roller pairs or the like, and the photosensitive material is immersed in the processing liquid. An immersion-type processing apparatus that performs processing by such a method is known.

In such an immersion type processing apparatus,
Since the processing solution deteriorates due to processing fatigue accompanying the processing of the photosensitive material or temporal fatigue due to carbon dioxide or oxygen in the atmosphere, the deterioration of the processing solution is recovered by replenishing the processing solution with a replenisher. Therefore, the components of the processing liquid at the start of the processing are different from the components of the processing liquid when the processing is continued thereafter, and it is impossible to perform strictly uniform processing. In addition, such an immersion type processing apparatus has a problem that the amount of waste liquid of the processing liquid is large and the maintainability of the apparatus is poor.

As a photosensitive material processing apparatus for solving such problems, instead of immersing the photosensitive material in the processing solution, an amount of the processing solution required for processing the photosensitive material is applied to the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive material. There is also used a coating type processing apparatus for performing the processing. For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 62-237455, such a coating type processing apparatus has a processing liquid supply nozzle having a plurality of processing liquid discharge holes, and the surface thereof is formed by forming a groove on the surface. The processing liquid is discharged onto a roughened roller (hereinafter, referred to as a "roughening roller"), and the roughening roller is brought into contact with the photosensitive material and rotated, so that the roughening roller is rotated through the roughening roller. A processing apparatus for applying a processing liquid to a photosensitive material is disclosed.

[0005]

In such a coating type processing apparatus, it is preferable to use the processing liquid as little as possible from the viewpoint of the running cost required for the processing and environmental problems. On the other hand, in such a coating type processing apparatus, if the supply amount of the processing solution to the photosensitive material is small, it is difficult to uniformly develop the entire photosensitive surface of the photosensitive material, and processing unevenness is likely to occur. Occurs. In particular, such a phenomenon tends to occur at the leading end of the photosensitive material.

Further, when a lithographic printing plate utilizing a silver complex salt diffusion transfer method (DTR method), in which development proceeds rapidly, is used as a photosensitive material, not only the above problem becomes particularly noticeable, but also lithographic printing. There is a problem that printing performance, particularly printing durability, which is a problem unique to the plate, is reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. Even when a small amount of processing solution is used to process a photosensitive material, a high quality image can be developed over the entire area of the photosensitive material. It is an object of the present invention to provide a photosensitive material processing apparatus capable of performing the above processing.

[0008]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an application roller provided on a photosensitive surface side of a photosensitive material and an application roller provided on a side opposite to the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive material. A backup roller that is in contact with, having a processing liquid supply unit that directly supplies a processing liquid to the application roller, by passing a photosensitive material through a liquid reservoir formed between the application roller and the backup roller, A photosensitive material processing apparatus that applies a processing liquid to a photosensitive material via the application roller, wherein a transport distance of the photosensitive material per second is 1.1 times or more and 2.5 times or less the diameter of the application roller. It is characterized by having done.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an application roller disposed on a photosensitive surface side of a photosensitive material, a backup roller disposed on a side opposite to the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive material and in contact with the application roller, A processing liquid supply unit for directly supplying a processing liquid to the application roller, and by passing a photosensitive material through a liquid reservoir formed between the application roller and the backup roller, through the application roller A photosensitive material processing apparatus for applying a processing liquid to a photosensitive material, wherein the diameter of the backup roller is 1.25 of the diameter of the application roller.
It is characterized by being at least twice as large.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an application roller disposed on a photosensitive surface side of a photosensitive material, a backup roller disposed on a side opposite to the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive material and in contact with the application roller, A processing liquid supply unit for directly supplying a processing liquid to the application roller, and by passing a photosensitive material through a liquid reservoir formed between the application roller and the backup roller, through the application roller A photosensitive material processing apparatus for applying a processing liquid to a photosensitive material, wherein a transport distance of the photosensitive material per second is set to 1.1 to 2.5 times the diameter of the application roller, and the backup roller Is 1.25 times or more the diameter of the application roller.

[0011] The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claims 1 to 3.
In any one of the inventions described above, the diameter of the application roller is 30 mm or less.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a lithographic printing plate making apparatus provided with a photosensitive material processing apparatus according to the present invention.

This plate making apparatus uses a lithographic printing plate M using a silver complex salt diffusion transfer method (DTR method) as a photosensitive material.
The lithographic printing plate M is subjected to image exposure and development processing. The exposure apparatus 2 performs exposure to the lithographic printing plate M, and performs the development processing to the exposed lithographic printing plate M. And a development processing device 3.

A lithographic printing plate using a silver complex salt diffusion transfer method (DTR method), particularly a lithographic printing plate having a physical development nucleus layer on a silver halide emulsion layer is disclosed in, for example, US Pat. No. 3,728. No. 4,114,769, No.4,160,670, No.4,336,321, No.4,501,811, No.4,510,228, No.4,621,041 The exposed silver halide is subjected to chemical development by DTR development to become black silver to form a hydrophilic non-image area, while the unexposed silver halide crystal is The silver salt complexing agent in the developer forms a silver complex and diffuses to the physical development nucleus layer on the surface. Form. In such a lithographic printing plate using the silver complex salt diffusion transfer method (DTR method), particularly in the early stage of development, the silver complex is likely to move, so that an image flow is likely to occur due to the turbulence of the developing solution. It has the characteristic that uneven development due to uneven supply of the developer is likely to occur due to the rapid progress.

First, the configuration of the exposure apparatus 2 will be described. The exposure device 2 exposes the image of the original to the lithographic printing plate M by projecting the reflected light from the original mounted on the original holder 12 onto the surface of the lithographic printing plate M by the projection optical system 13. is there.

The original holder 12 has a light transmitting plate 14 for placing an original and an upper lid 15 that can be opened and closed with respect to the light transmitting plate 14. 1, it is configured to be reciprocally movable in the left-right direction between a position indicated by a solid line and a position indicated by a two-dot chain line. Further, the projection optical system 13 is fixed below the reciprocating movement path of the original holder 12, and a rod-shaped light source 17 for irradiating illumination light to the surface of the original horizontally moved while being held by the original holder 12; The apparatus includes a plurality of folding mirrors 18 for guiding light reflected from a document by the light source 17 and a projection lens 19 for projecting the reflected light guided by the plurality of folding mirrors 18 onto a lithographic printing plate M.

When exposing an image of a document on the lithographic printing plate M by the exposure device 2, the document holder 12 is arranged at a position shown by a solid line in FIG. The original is mounted on the original holder 12 by closing the upper cover 15 after placing the original. Then, with the light source 17 turned on, the document holder 12 is moved to the left in FIG. In synchronization with this, the leading end of the lithographic printing plate M wound in a roll by the plurality of transport rollers 22 and the guide member 23 is moved to the original holder 1.
2 is conveyed at the same speed as the moving speed. As a result, the document held in the document holder 12 is sequentially irradiated with light from the light source 17. Then, the reflected light from the original is irradiated onto the surface of the lithographic printing plate M moving at the same speed as the original holder 12 via the plurality of folding mirrors 18 and the projection lens 19, and the image of the original is printed on the lithographic printing plate M. Exposed.

The lithographic printing plate M to which the image has been exposed is sequentially conveyed from the exposing device 2 to the subsequent developing device 3 for processing. Further, a cutting device 25 having a cutter 24 that moves in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the lithographic printing plate M is disposed on the exit side of the exposure device 2. Cut at the rear end of the exposed part.

Since the transport speed of the lithographic printing plate M in the exposure device 2 is lower than the transport speed of the lithographic printing plate M in the developing device 3, the lithographic printing plate M is simply transferred to the exposure device 2 and the developing device 3. Cannot be conveyed. When the lithographic printing plate M is cut by the cutting device 25, it is necessary to stop the transport of the lithographic printing plate M. For this reason, a lithographic printing plate M buffer unit 26 is provided between the exposure device 2 and the development processing device 3, and when the lithographic printing plate M that has been exposed in the exposure device 2 is transported, the buffer unit 26 By stopping the rotation of the pair of rollers 27 and 28 disposed for a certain period of time, the lithographic printing plate M is stored in the buffer unit 26 for a certain length, and then conveyed to the developing device 3. ing.

Next, the structure of the developing apparatus 3 according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic view showing the developing device 3 in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an outline diagram showing a piping system thereof.

The developing unit 3 includes a developing unit 32 for applying a developing solution (activator) to the exposed lithographic printing plate M and performing a developing process, and a stabilizing solution (stabilizer) for the lithographic printing plate M after the developing process. Stabilizer 33 for applying and stabilizing
And a drying unit 34 for drying the lithographic printing plate M after the stabilization process.

The developing section 32 includes a roller 2 of the buffer section 26.
Lithographic printing plate M conveyed to developing section 32 by 7, 28
And a pair of introduction rollers 41 and 42 for nipping and transporting, and a later-described detail for measuring and applying a fixed amount of developer to the photosensitive surface of the lithographic printing plate M transported by the pair of introduction rollers 41 and 42. , A pair of squeezing rollers 44 and 45 for removing the developing solution subjected to the developing process from the lithographic printing plate M, and a plurality of guide members for guiding the lithographic printing plate M 46, 47, 48, 49, 5
0.

The lower roller 41 of the pair of introduction rollers 41, 42 is a heat roller having a built-in heater for heating the lithographic printing plate M passing therethrough. The lithographic printing plate M is heated in advance prior to the development process because a small amount of a temperature-controlled developer is applied to the lithographic printing plate M and the lithographic printing plate M is heated by the heat capacity of the lithographic printing plate M when developing. This is to prevent the temperature of the developer that has come into contact with the developer from decreasing.

As shown in FIG. 3, the developing solution application mechanism 43 is connected to a developing solution tank 52 for storing a developing solution via a pump 53. A collection tray 54 is provided below the developer application mechanism 43. The developing solution in a developing solution tank 52 is pumped by a pump 53 to a developing solution application mechanism 43.
And supplied onto the lithographic printing plate M. Then, the developer not applied to the lithographic printing plate M, such as the developing solution flowing out from both ends and the rear end of the lithographic printing plate M, is collected on a collecting tray 5.
4. Drop on top. Further, since this developer can be reused, the collection tube 5 provided at the lower end of the collection tray 54 is provided.
5, the liquid is dropped into the liquid receiving portion 56 of the developer tank 52 and collected in the developer tank 52. The developer tank 52 has a built-in panel heater 57 and is configured to maintain the developer circulating in the developer circulation path from the developer tank 52 to the developer application mechanism 43 at a predetermined temperature. ing.

A collection tray 58 is provided below the pair of squeezing rollers 44 and 45. The fatigue developing solution removed from the lithographic printing plate M by the pair of squeezing rollers 44, 45 passes through the collecting hole 63 of the liquid receiving member 62 provided below the pair of squeezing rollers 44, 45, and the collection tray 5
8 is dropped. Further, since this developer cannot be reused, it is discharged to the drainage tank 64 via the collection pipe 59 provided at the lower end of the collection tray 58.

The configuration of the developer application mechanism 43 and the operation of applying the developer to the lithographic printing plate M are described below.
This will be described in detail later.

The stabilizing section 33 is provided with a stabilizing liquid applying mechanism 73 for measuring and applying a constant amount of a stabilizing liquid to the photosensitive surface of the lithographic printing plate M conveyed from the developing section 32 and a stabilizing process. The lithographic printing plate M includes a pair of squeezing rollers 74 and 75 for removing the stabilizing liquid from the lithographic printing plate M, and a plurality of guide members 76, 77 and 78 for guiding the lithographic printing plate M.

As shown in FIG. 3, the stabilizing liquid application mechanism 73 is connected via a pump 83 to a stabilizing liquid tank 82 for storing the stabilizing liquid. A collection tray 84 is provided below the stable liquid application mechanism 73. The stable liquid in the stable liquid tank 82 is supplied to the stable liquid applying mechanism 73 by the pump 83.
And supplied onto the lithographic printing plate M. Then, the stabilizing liquid that has not been applied to the lithographic printing plate M, such as the stabilizing liquid flowing out from both ends and the rear end of the lithographic printing plate M, is dropped onto the collection tray 84 because it can be reused. Further, the stable liquid drops into the liquid receiving section 86 of the stable liquid tank 82 via the recovery pipe 85 provided at the lower end of the recovery tray 84, and is collected in the stable liquid tank 82.

A collection tray 88 is provided below the pair of squeezing rollers 74 and 75. The stable liquid removed from the lithographic printing plate M by the pair of squeezing rollers 74 and 75 is dropped onto the collection tray 88 via the collection holes 93 of the liquid receiving member 92 provided below the pair of squeezing rollers 74 and 75. I do. Further, since this stable liquid cannot be reused, it is discharged to the drainage tank 64 via a collecting pipe 89 provided at the lower end of the collecting tray 88.

As shown in FIG. 6, the stabilizing liquid application mechanism 43 includes a stabilizing liquid supply pipe 132 having a plurality of discharge holes 131 formed below the stabilizing liquid supply pipe 132, and a plurality of stabilizing liquid supply pipes 132 for flowing the stabilizing liquid downward. A stable liquid receiving portion 134 having an opening 133 formed therein.
A coating roller 135 whose surface is formed of a single-cell sponge and rotates in contact with the lithographic printing plate M; and an opening 133 of the stable liquid receiving portion 134 whose surface is formed in an uneven shape.
Film 136 for guiding the stable liquid flowing down from the coating roller 135 to the coating roller 135 and the lithographic printing plate M with the coating roller 1
And a leaf spring 138 that urges the plate spring 335. In addition,
Arrows in FIG. 4 indicate the transport direction of the lithographic printing plate M.

The stable liquid supply pipe 132 is connected to the aforementioned stable liquid tank 82 via a pump 83, and the stable liquid is discharged from the plurality of discharge holes 131 by driving the pump 83. After the stable liquid is once received by the stable liquid receiving section 134, the diffusion film 13 passes through the plurality of openings 133.
Flow down to 6. Opening 13 of stable liquid receiving portion 134
The stable liquid flowing down from 3 is temporarily stored in a contact portion between the application roller 135 and the diffusion film 136, and is diffused in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the lithographic printing plate M. Then, with the rotation of the application roller 135, the stable liquid passes through the opening formed by the unevenness on the surface of the diffusion film 136, moves toward the contact portion between the application roller 135 and the leaf spring 138, and stores the liquid therein. Form.

When the lithographic printing plate M passes through the liquid reservoir, a stabilizing solution is applied to the photosensitive surface of the lithographic printing plate M. At this time, since the photosensitive surface of the lithographic printing plate M is pressed against the surface of the application roller 135 by the leaf spring 138, the stable liquid applied to the photosensitive surface of the lithographic printing plate M is a single bubble on the surface of the application roller 135. It is metered to a constant volume by a number of holes with a sponge. Therefore, a constant amount of the stabilizing liquid required for stabilization is always applied to the photosensitive surface of the lithographic printing plate M that has passed through the contact portion between the leaf spring 138 and the application roller 135.

The leaf spring 138 has an overflow hole 137 for storing a stable liquid more than necessary at a contact portion between the leaf spring 138 and the application roller 135 to prevent the liquid reservoir from becoming excessively large. Is provided.

The drying unit 34 includes a rubber roller 102 that supports and transports the lithographic printing plate M transported from the stabilizing unit 33,
A mirror roller 103 for preventing uneven drying of the lithographic printing plate M by contacting the rubber roller 102 with a predetermined pressure;
Cleaning liquid reservoir 104 for supplying the cleaning liquid via
A drying mechanism 107 having a fan 105 and a heater 106 for blowing hot air onto the lithographic printing plate M to dry it, and a plurality of transport rollers 108 for transporting the lithographic printing plate M;
09 and 110. The cleaning liquid storage unit 104 is provided as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG.
The cleaning liquid supply pipe 105 for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid 4 and 45 is connected to the cleaning liquid supply pipe 105 via a pump 106.

The development processing of the lithographic printing plate M by the development processing device 3 is performed as follows.

That is, the lithographic printing plate M on which an image has been recorded by the exposure device 2 at the former stage is placed on a pair of introduction rollers 41 and 4.
The developing solution is applied by the developer application mechanism 43 to apply an amount of the developing solution necessary for developing the lithographic printing plate M.
The lithographic printing plate M to which only the developing solution necessary for the developing process is applied is supplied from the developing solution applying mechanism 43 to the pair of squeezing rollers 4.
The developing process is completed on the photosensitive surface while being transported through the space developing section reaching to 4, 45. And the lithographic printing plate M
The developing solution adhered to the developing process and removed by the pair of squeezing rollers 44 and 45 is removed. Subsequently, the lithographic printing plate M is applied with a stabilizing solution application mechanism 73 with an amount of stabilizing solution necessary for stabilizing the lithographic printing plate M. The lithographic printing plate M to which only the necessary amount of the stabilizing liquid for the stabilizing process is applied is stabilized while being conveyed to the pair of squeezing rollers 74 and 75, and the stabilizing process attached to the lithographic printing plate M is performed. Is removed by the pair of squeezing rollers 74 and 75. Then, the lithographic printing plate M for which the stabilization process has been completed.
After the unevenness of drying is prevented by being pressed by the mirror surface roller 103, the drying is performed by the drying mechanism 107 and discharged onto the discharge tray 29 shown in FIG.

In the developing apparatus 3, since only the developing solution required for the developing process is applied to the lithographic printing plate M and the developing process is performed, the amount of the developing solution required for the process can be reduced. It becomes possible. Further, since a substantially unused processing liquid is supplied to the lithographic printing plate M, the lithographic printing plate M can always be uniformly processed.

Next, the configuration of the developer application mechanism 43, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the developer application mechanism 43.

The developing solution application mechanism 43 includes a developing solution supply pipe 122 having a plurality of discharge holes 121 formed thereunder,
A plurality of openings 1 for allowing the developer to flow down to the lower end thereof
And a developer receiving portion 124 having a hole 23 formed therein.
The developer flowing down from the opening 123 of the lithographic printing plate M
A diffusion film 126 for guiding the application roller 125 rotating while contacting the photosensitive surface, a backflow prevention film 127 contacting the application roller 125, and a backup roller 128 contacting the application roller 125. In addition,
Arrows in FIG. 4 indicate the transport direction of the lithographic printing plate M.

The developing solution supply pipe 122 is connected to the developing solution tank 52 via the pump 53, and discharges the developing solution from the plurality of discharge holes 121 by driving the pump 53. As shown in FIG. 5, three discharge holes 121 are juxtaposed in a direction orthogonal to the direction of transport of the lithographic printing plate M.

The developer receiving section 124 is connected to the developer supply pipe 12.
The second processing liquid diffuser functions as a first processing liquid diffusing unit for once receiving the developing liquid discharged from 2 and diffusing it in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the lithographic printing plate M. As shown in FIG. 5, at the lower end of the developer receiving portion 124, six openings 123 are formed in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the planographic printing plate M. The opening 123 is provided in the developer supply pipe 122 in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the lithographic printing plate M.
The discharge holes 121 are arranged on both sides of a position corresponding to each position. That is, the openings 123 are arranged on both sides of each of the three positions where the developer flows downward from the discharge holes 121 to the developer receiving portion 124.

The diffusion film 126 is made of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film having a thickness of about 0.3 mm, and is attached to the side wall of the developer receiving portion 124 by the mounting plate 130. The upper end of the portion of the diffusion film 126 that hangs down from the developer receiving portion 124 is
It is arranged close to the opening 123 of the developer receiving section 124, and its lower end is in contact with the surface of the application roller 125 with elasticity.

The application roller 125 is, as shown in FIG.
It is composed of a 13.8 mm diameter wire bar in which a 0.4 mm diameter metal wire 125b is wound around the surface of a 13 mm diameter metal roller 125a. Therefore, on the surface of the application roller 125, a plurality of grooves are formed by the wire 125b in a direction substantially parallel to the transport direction of the planographic printing plate M. Therefore, when the application roller 125 and the diffusion film 126 are in contact with each other, a plurality of openings 125 c formed by grooves of the application roller 125 are formed at the contact portions between the application roller 125 and the diffusion film 126. The size of the opening 125c serves as a reference for the amount of application when measuring the developer applied to the photosensitive surface of the lithographic printing plate M. The opening 12 formed by the groove of the application roller 125 is used.
The total area of the developing solution receiving portion 124 and the coating roller 125 are set so that the total area of the developing solution receiving portion 124 is smaller than the total area of the six opening portions 123 formed in the developing solution receiving portion 124. The diameter and the like of the turned wire 125b are selected.

The developing solution flowing down from the opening 123 of the developing solution receiving portion 124 is applied to the application roller 125 and the diffusion film 12.
6 and temporarily diffused in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the lithographic printing plate M. Then, the developer is applied to the application roller 125 along with the rotation of the application roller 125.
Through the opening 125c formed by the groove
And the backup roller 128 in the contact direction. Therefore, the application roller 125 and the diffusion film 12
Reference numeral 6 functions as a second processing liquid diffusing unit for once receiving the developing liquid flowing down from the opening 123 of the developing liquid receiving unit 124 and diffusing the developing liquid in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the lithographic printing plate M.

Note that, instead of using a wire bar as the application roller 125, the surface of the application roller 125 may be subjected to thread cutting or groove processing before use.

The backflow prevention film 127 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), similarly to the diffusion film 126.
And is attached to the developer receiving portion 124 by the mounting plate 120. The lower end of the backflow prevention film 127 is in contact with the surface of the application roller 125 on the upstream side of the contact portion between the application roller 125 and the diffusion film 126 in the rotation direction of the application roller 125. The backflow prevention film 127 is provided in the developer receiving section 1.
The developer flowing down from the opening 123 of the coating roller 1
It functions as a regulating means for preventing the outflow to the upstream side in the rotation direction of 25.

The backup roller 128 has a transport assisting function of applying a driving force to the lithographic printing plate M to assist in transporting the lithographic printing plate M, and the application roller 12 for applying the lithographic printing plate M to the coating roller 12.
5 has a cleaning function of cleaning the surface of the application roller 125, in addition to the urging function of urging the surface of the application roller 125. The diameter of the backup roller 128 is about 1.8 times the diameter (13.8 mm) of the application roller 125, ie, 25 times.
mm.

The backup roller 128 is a material that does not damage the surface of the coating roller 125 because the backup roller 128 is always in contact with the coating roller 125 when the lithographic printing plate M is not coated with the developing solution. It is necessary. Further, as described later, since the backup roller 128 is used for cleaning the groove on the surface of the application roller 125, the backup roller 128 needs to have a moderate elasticity capable of cleaning the inside of the groove. The backup roller 128 is made of a material such as silicon rubber, chloroprene rubber (CR), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), and ethylene / propylene rubber (EPDM), and has a sponge structure having a JIS hardness of about 10 to 40 °. Rollers can be employed.

Backup roller 128 and coating roller 1
A liquid reservoir for the developer that has passed between the application roller 125 and the diffusion film 126 is formed at the contact portion with the liquid developer 25.
Then, when the lithographic printing plate M is conveyed and passes through the liquid reservoir, a developing solution is applied to the photosensitive surface of the lithographic printing plate M. At this time, the photosensitive surface of the lithographic printing plate M is
Backup roller 12 disposed on the side opposite to the photosensitive surface of
8, the developer applied to the photosensitive surface of the lithographic printing plate M is metered to a certain amount by the opening 125c formed by the groove of the application roller 125. Therefore, the backup roller 12
The photosensitive surface of the lithographic printing plate M that has passed the contact portion between the coating roller 8 and the application roller 125 is always coated with a certain amount of developer required for development. At this time, the transport distance of the lithographic printing plate M per second is 20 mm, which is about 1.45 times the diameter (13.8 mm) of the application roller 125.

When the amount of the developing solution applied to the photosensitive surface of the lithographic printing plate M by the applying roller 125 in the developing solution applying mechanism 43 having the above structure is reduced, the developing process is performed first. The following considerations are required to prevent development defects at the leading end of the lithographic printing plate M and at portions other than the leading end of the lithographic printing plate M where the developing process is continuously performed.

That is, as shown in FIG. 8, at the leading end of the lithographic printing plate M where the developing process is first performed, a developing solution of a certain size is previously placed between the application roller 125 and the backup roller 128. If the reservoir 181 is not formed, poor development at the leading end of the lithographic printing plate M, particularly poor printing durability in the lithographic printing plate M utilizing the silver complex salt diffusion transfer method (DTR), occurs.

The liquid reservoir 181 previously formed between the application roller 125 and the backup roller 128
It has been found from the study of the present inventor that it is possible to obtain a desired size by increasing the diameter of at least a certain value. That is, by making the diameter of the backup roller 128 larger than the diameter of the application roller 125,
It is possible to more stably hold the liquid reservoir 181 between them, and thereby, the liquid reservoir 181 formed in advance is formed.
Can be made larger.

More specifically, by making the diameter of the backup roller 128 1.25 times or more, more preferably 1.5 times or more the diameter of the application roller 125, the liquid formed between the two rollers can be formed. The reservoir 181 has a size suitable for developing the leading end portion of the planographic printing plate M. If the diameter of the backup roller 128 is smaller than 1.25 times the diameter of the application roller 125, the size of the liquid reservoir 181 is insufficient, and poor printing durability occurs at the leading end of the lithographic printing plate M. Here, the diameter of the application roller 125 refers to the outer diameter of the application roller 125 including the wire 125b wound on the surface of the roller 125a shown in FIG.

On the other hand, in a portion other than the front end of the lithographic printing plate M where the developing process is continuously performed, as shown in FIG. If the state in which the liquid reservoir 182 is formed is not maintained, poor development in the planographic printing plate M, in particular, poor printing durability in the planographic printing plate M utilizing the silver complex salt diffusion transfer method (DTR) occurs.

According to the study of the present inventor, the developer reservoir 18 formed between the lithographic printing plate M and the application roller 125 is formed.
2 depends on the diameter of the application roller 125;
Furthermore, it has been found that by setting the diameter of the application roller 125 and the transport speed of the lithographic printing plate M to predetermined values, it is possible to perform an appropriate developing process with a small amount of developing solution.

That is, the diameter of the application roller 125 is 5 to 7
In the range of about 0 mm, the size of the developing solution reservoir 182 formed between the application roller 125 and the lithographic printing plate M in a state where the lithographic printing plate M is coated with the developing solution by the applying roller 125 is as follows. , Increases in proportion to the diameter of the application roller 125.

When the liquid reservoir 182 is large, the transport speed of the planographic printing plate M can be increased. On the other hand, when the liquid reservoir 182 is small, unless the transport speed of the lithographic printing plate M is reduced, the printing performance of the lithographic printing plate M after the development processing, in particular, the printing durability decreases. Therefore, from the viewpoint of developability, it is preferable that the diameter of the application roller 125 be larger than the transport speed of the lithographic printing plate M. On the other hand, even though the reservoir 182 is large, the lithographic printing plate M
When the transport speed of the lithographic printing plate M and the reservoir 1 is low,
Since the contact time with the developer forming the ink 82 increases, the excess amount of the developer collected without being applied to the lithographic printing plate M by being measured by the application roller 125 becomes fatigued, The developer cannot be reused. Therefore, the diameter of the application roller 125 is preferably smaller than the transport speed of the lithographic printing plate M from the viewpoint of effective use of the developer.

In consideration of the above points, further studies have been conducted.
By setting the transport distance per second to be 1.1 times or more and 2.5 times or less with respect to the diameter of the application roller 125, stable and appropriate processing can be performed with a small amount of the developing solution. It was found that the liquid did not fatigue.

From these conditions, the developer application mechanism 4
3, as described above, the backup roller 1
28 (13.8 mm) is set to 25 mm, which is 1.25 times or more the diameter of the application roller 125.
The transport distance of the lithographic printing plate M per second is determined by the application roller 12.
The diameter is set to 20 mm, which is 1.1 to 2.5 times the diameter (13.8 mm) of No. 5.

In consideration of the above two conditions,
The diameter of the application roller 125 is preferably about 5 to 30 mm, more preferably about 8 to 25 mm. If the application roller 125 is smaller than this, it is impossible to form the liquid reservoirs 181 and 182 of a required size between the backup roller 128 and the planographic printing plate M. On the other hand, if the size of the application roller 125 is larger than this, the uniformity of application is likely to be deteriorated, and the size of the apparatus is increased. In particular, when the lithographic printing plate M is processed by the silver complex salt diffusion transfer method (DTR method), the coating roller 12
When the diameter of No. 5 is 30 mm or less, more preferably 25 mm or less, it becomes possible to apply the developing solution to the lithographic printing plate M with high accuracy. Also, the backup roller 128
Is dependent on the diameter of the application roller 125, but is preferably 7 mm or more, more preferably about 10 to 50 mm, for the same reason as described above.
Further, the transport speed of the lithographic printing plate M is controlled by the application roller 125.
It is preferably 10 to 60 mm / sec, although it depends on the diameter of
It is more preferable to set the thickness to 40 mm.

The supply amount of the developer supplied to the coating roller 125 affects the formation of the liquid reservoirs 181 and 182, so that it is necessary to set the supply amount to an appropriate amount. The supply amount of this developing solution is 115 to 400% of the developing solution (the amount of the developing solution applied to the lithographic printing plate M) taken out by the lithographic printing plate M after passing through the application roller 125 (the amount of the developing solution applied to the lithographic printing plate M). That is, it is preferable to supply a 15 to 300% excess developer, and to supply a 130 to 200% developer (that is, 3%).
More preferably, a 0-100% excess developer is supplied. The amount of the developer applied to the lithographic printing plate M is preferably 10 to 80 ml / m ² , and more preferably 20 to 60 ml / m ² .

The developer is supplied uniformly in the width direction of the lithographic printing plate M (the direction perpendicular to the transport direction).
This supply is performed in a range slightly wider than the width of the planographic printing plate M in the width direction. In some cases, the lithographic printing plates M of various sizes are processed in the developing apparatus 3 having a fixed width. In this case, however, the supply width of the developing solution is not generally changed. Therefore, the ratio between the carry-out amount and the supply amount of the developer is per unit length of the planographic printing plate M to be processed. That is, the supply amount is converted as a supply amount at the same length as the length of the planographic printing plate M in the width direction.

From another viewpoint, the application roller 1
The amount of the developer supplied to 25 is preferably 15 to 200 ml / min, more preferably 30 to 100 ml / min, per 1000 mm in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the lithographic printing plate M.

In each of the above embodiments,
Although the case where the lithographic printing plate M using the silver complex salt diffusion transfer method (DTR method) is used as the photosensitive material has been described, the present invention is also applicable to a photosensitive material processing apparatus using other various photosensitive materials. Is possible.

[0065]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the transport distance per second of the photosensitive material is set to 1.1 times the diameter of the coating roller.
Since it is not less than twice and not more than 2.5 times, an appropriate liquid reservoir can be formed between the application roller and the photosensitive material,
Even when the photosensitive material is processed using a small amount of the processing solution, it is possible to perform stable processing without unevenness. At this time, the processing liquid collected without being applied to the photosensitive material does not fatigue.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the diameter of the backup roller is 1.25 times or more the diameter of the application roller, an appropriate liquid reservoir is previously formed between the application roller and the backup roller. In particular, even when the photosensitive material is processed using a small amount of processing solution at the front end of the photosensitive material, it is possible to perform an even and stable processing.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the conveying distance of the photosensitive material per second is set to 1.1 to 2.5 times the diameter of the coating roller, and the diameter of the backup roller is set to the coating roller. 1.25 times or more of the diameter of the photosensitive material, even if the photosensitive material is processed using a small amount of processing solution, it is possible to perform a stable and uniform processing over the entire area of the photosensitive material.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the diameter of the application roller is set to 30 mm or less, the processing liquid can be applied to the photosensitive material particularly accurately.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a lithographic printing plate making apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a developing device 3;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a piping system of the developing device 3;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a developer application mechanism 43.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a relationship between a discharge hole 121 and an opening 123.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a stable liquid application mechanism 73.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of an application roller 125 in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a liquid reservoir 181.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a liquid reservoir 182.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 2 Exposure device 3 Development processing device 32 Developing unit 33 Stabilizing unit 34 Drying unit 43 Developing solution applying mechanism 122 Developing solution supply tube 124 Developing solution receiving unit 125 Coating roller 126 Diffusion film 128 Backup roller 181 Liquid reservoir 182 Liquid reservoir M Lithographic printing plate

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A coating roller disposed on a photosensitive surface side of a photosensitive material, a backup roller disposed on a side opposite to the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive material and in contact with the coating roller, and a processing liquid directly applied to the coating roller. A processing liquid supply unit for supplying the processing liquid to the photosensitive material through the coating roller by passing the photosensitive material through a liquid reservoir formed between the coating roller and the backup roller. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a conveying distance of the photosensitive material per second is 1.1 times or more and 2.5 times or less the diameter of the application roller. 2. A coating roller disposed on a photosensitive surface side of a photosensitive material, a backup roller disposed on a side opposite to the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive material and in contact with the coating roller, and a processing liquid directly applied to the coating roller. A processing liquid supply unit for supplying the processing liquid to the photosensitive material through the coating roller by passing the photosensitive material through a liquid reservoir formed between the coating roller and the backup roller. A photosensitive material processing apparatus, wherein the diameter of the backup roller is 1.25 times or more the diameter of the application roller. 3. A coating roller disposed on a photosensitive surface side of a photosensitive material, a backup roller disposed on a side opposite to the photosensitive surface of the photosensitive material and in contact with the coating roller, and applying a processing liquid directly to the coating roller. A processing liquid supply unit for supplying the processing liquid to the photosensitive material through the coating roller by passing the photosensitive material through a liquid reservoir formed between the coating roller and the backup roller. A photosensitive material processing apparatus, wherein the transport distance of the photosensitive material per second is 1.1 times or more and 2.5 times or less the diameter of the application roller, and the backup roller has a diameter of the application roller A photosensitive material processing apparatus wherein the diameter is 1.25 times or more. 4. The photosensitive material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the application roller is 30 mm or less.