Apparatus and method for processing a relief precursor using improved liquid drainage

Abstract

An apparatus (1000) for processing a relief precursor (P), such as a printing plate precursor, with a liquid, comprising: a processing compartment (400) configured to process the relief precursor with the liquid; a conveying system (210) for use with one or more conveying strips (100), wherein the conveying strips are configured to be coupled to the relief precursor, the conveying system being configured to move the conveying strips with the coupled relief precursor through the processing compartment (400), and the conveying strips being provided with coupling portions (121, 122) configured to couple the conveying strips to the conveying system; and a protection system (900) configured to direct and drain the liquid so as to protect the conveying system from being wetted by the liquid in the processing compartment.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The field of the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for treating a relief precursor, in particular a printing plate precursor, with a liquid. Background Art

[0002] Scrubber devices for printing plate precursors are known. Generally, a conveyor strip is used to move the printing plate precursor through such a scrubber device using a conveyor system. The scrubber also uses a liquid to partially remove material from the precursor and in most cases uses a brush to improve efficiency. Due to splashing and liquid flowing over the conveyor strip, such a conveyor system can get wet. Depending on the nature of the liquid, this can lead to degradation of the conveyor system (e.g., by corrosion). Another disadvantage is that during the scrubbing process, the liquid carries precursor material which can adhere to the conveyor system when dried and can cause malfunctions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method that avoid wetting the conveyor system.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for treating a relief precursor (such as a printing plate precursor) with a liquid. The apparatus includes a treatment compartment, a conveyor system having one or more conveyor strips, and a protection system. The treatment compartment is configured to treat the relief precursor with a liquid. The conveyor strip(s) among the one or more conveyor strips are configured to be coupled to the relief precursor. The conveyor system is configured to move the conveyor strip(s) together with the coupled relief precursor through the treatment compartment. For this purpose, the conveyor strip is provided with a coupling portion which is configured to couple the conveyor strip to the conveyor system. The protection system is configured to direct and discharge the liquid such that the conveyor system is protected from being wetted by the liquid in the treatment compartment.

[0005] By providing a protection system that keeps the liquid away from the conveyor system, wetting of the conveyor system is avoided. Thus, problems associated with wetting of the conveyor system, such as corrosion or malfunctions, are avoided or reduced.

[0006] Preferably, the protection system includes a liquid discharge portion which extends longitudinally beside the conveyor system and below the outer end of the conveyor strip. The liquid discharge portion is provided with an upwardly extending portion on the side facing the conveyor system. In this way, the upwardly extending portion will prevent the liquid flowing through the liquid discharge portion from flowing towards the conveyor system. The other side of the liquid discharge portion furthest from the conveyor system may extend horizontally or downwardly such that the liquid can be discharged into a reservoir below the liquid discharge portion. However, the liquid discharge portion may also consist only of the upwardly extending portion (e.g., an upwardly inclined portion,) and this portion alone directs the liquid to the reservoir.

[0007] Preferably, the conveying strip is provided with an upwardly extending portion at its outer end. In such an embodiment, the upwardly extending portion of the liquid discharge portion extends between the conveying system and the upwardly extending portion of the conveying strip. In this way, the liquid present on the conveying strip will be blocked by the upwardly extending portion of the conveying strip and can flow laterally out of the conveying strip onto the liquid discharge portion, where the liquid is discharged into the reservoir as described above.

[0008] Preferably, the processing compartment includes a wall portion having a lower edge that is exactly above the outer end of the conveying strip when the conveying strip moves through the processing compartment. More preferably, the wall portion extends beside the upwardly extending portion of the conveying strip such that the upper edge of the upwardly extending portion of the conveying strip is higher than the lower edge of the wall portion. Still preferably, the liquid discharge portion extends below the lower edge of the wall portion. In this way, any liquid splashes or droplets on the wall portion of the processing compartment can slide along the wall portion onto the liquid discharge portion or the conveying strip, such that those splashes or droplets are discharged and prevented from wetting the conveying system. The wall portion may include an opening configured to allow a component (such as a shaft) of the liquid application device to pass through the wall portion. The wall portion is generally an upright wall portion, preferably a vertical wall portion.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the conveying strip includes a bridging portion that extends from the upwardly extending portion of the conveying strip over the upwardly extending portion of the liquid discharge portion to engage the coupling portion. Such a bridging portion provides a proper connection to the coupling portion.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the conveying strip is provided with an inverted U-shaped portion at its outer end, which has outer legs forming the coupling portion and inner legs forming the upwardly extending portion, wherein the upwardly extending portion of the liquid discharge portion extends between the outer legs and the inner legs of the inverted U-shaped portion. In this way, the coupling portion can be located at approximately the same height as the main portion of the conveying strip, such that the force applied by the conveying system on the coupling portion is substantially in the same plane as the plane of the relief precursor and the conveying strip, thereby preventing the conveying strip from starting to rotate.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the conveying strip is provided with a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped portion at its outer end, which has downwardly extending inner legs and outer legs forming the upwardly extending portion, wherein the upwardly extending portion of the liquid discharge portion extends between the outer legs of the substantially U-shaped or V-shaped portion and the coupling portion. In such an embodiment, the liquid on the conveying strip can flow in the U-shaped or V-shaped portion and be discharged laterally therefrom onto the liquid discharge portion. Similarly, in such an embodiment, the coupling portion can be located at approximately the same height as the main portion of the conveying strip, such that the force applied by the conveying system on the coupling portion is substantially in the same plane as the plane of the relief precursor and the conveying strip.

[0012] Preferably, the outer end of the conveying strip is supported on the liquid discharging portion. The outer end may be supported on the horizontal portion or the inclined portion of the liquid discharging portion, or on the upper edge of the upwardly extending portion of the liquid discharging portion.

[0013] Preferably, the height of the upwardly extending portion of the conveying strip is greater than 5 mm, more preferably between 5 mm and 100 mm. Preferably, the height of the upwardly extending portion of the liquid discharging portion is greater than 5 mm, more preferably between 5 mm and 100 mm. Preferably, the distance between the lower edge of the upwardly extending wall portion and the liquid discharging portion is less than 10 mm, more preferably between 0 mm and 5 mm.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the conveying system is substantially symmetric with respect to the central axis of the apparatus, and the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism are respectively coupled to the first outer end and the second outer end of the conveying strip. In such an embodiment, the conveying strip is provided with a first upwardly extending portion and a second upwardly extending portion at the first outer end and the second outer end respectively, and the protection system includes a first liquid discharging portion and a second liquid discharging portion, the first liquid discharging portion and the second liquid discharging portion being respectively below the first outer end and the second outer end and extending longitudinally beside the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism of the conveying system respectively. Preferably, the first liquid discharging portion is provided with a first upwardly extending portion extending between the first conveying mechanism and the first upwardly extending portion of the conveying strip, and the second liquid discharging portion is provided with a second upwardly extending portion extending between the second conveying mechanism and the second upwardly extending portion of the conveying strip. Although such a symmetric arrangement is generally preferred, it should be noted that a driving conveying mechanism may be provided at the first outer end of the conveying strip, and a simple guiding mechanism may be provided at the second outer end of the conveying strip. Depending on whether such a guiding mechanism requires moisture protection, it may be arranged in a manner similar to that of the driving conveying mechanism with a protection system, or without a protection system.

[0015] Preferably, the conveying system includes a lead screw (preferably a pair of lead screws), or a chain or a belt (preferably a pair of chains or a pair of belts). Such a lead screw or chain or belt extends in the moving direction, that is, on one side of the processing compartment or on either side of the processing compartment.

[0016] Preferably, the processing compartment includes a plurality of liquid application devices having axes arranged parallel to the conveying strip. Preferably, the conveying system includes a first conveying mechanism and a second conveying mechanism, and the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism extend perpendicular to the axis of the liquid application device at the first side and the second side of the liquid application device, respectively. Preferably, the connection positions between the conveying strip and the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism are located at positions lower than the upper side of the liquid application device (preferably lower than the axis of the liquid application device). In this way, the device can be compact, and the conveying system can be arranged at a relatively low position in the device.

[0017] The liquid application device can include a roller, a brush, a nozzle, a tube, a workbench located below the roller or the brush, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the liquid application device is a roller or a cylindrical brush. The brush can be, for example, a movable (rotating or oscillating) brush (flat or cylindrical). The workbench below the brush or the roller can extend such that its outer end is above the liquid discharge portion, particularly above the substantially horizontal portion of the liquid discharge portion. Preferably, the workbench is located at a height lower than the upper edge of the upwardly extending portion of the liquid discharge portion, such that any liquid flowing out of the workbench onto the liquid discharge portion terminates at the upwardly extending portion of the liquid discharge portion.

[0018] Preferably, the liquid application device includes a shaft and a liquid application tool arranged on the shaft for contacting the relief precursor, such as bristles, and the liquid discharge portion extends below the conveying strip and below the shaft of the liquid application device, at a certain distance from the liquid application tool. In this way, the liquid discharge portion will not interfere with the processing performed by the liquid application tool while allowing good discharge of any liquid on the conveying strip.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the conveying strip is provided with one or more holes for discharging liquid through the one or more holes. This will further contribute to discharging the liquid from the conveying system. The one or more holes are preferably located at least in the lowest part of the conveying strip, such as at the bottom of a U-shaped or V-shaped portion having downwardly extending internal legs.

[0020] Preferably, the liquid discharge portion is made of metal, alloy, liquid-resistant plastic, or a combination thereof.

[0021] Preferably, the conveying strip is provided with at least one piercing element, and more preferably, with a plurality of piercing elements. The shape of the at least one piercing element can be selected from the group including the following shapes: rods, blades, needles, or combinations thereof having, for example, a circular cross-section, an oval cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, or a polygonal cross-section. The at least one piercing element can be made of metal or alloy.

[0022] Preferably, the length of the conveyor strip is from 100 mm to 10,000 mm, more preferably from 200 mm to 5,000 mm, and most preferably from 500 mm to 3,000 mm.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a plate coupling station and / or a plate decoupling station, which are configured to couple the relief precursor to the conveyor strip and / or decouple it from the conveyor strip. The plate coupling station may be configured to engage at least one piercing element in a region near the edge of the relief precursor. More preferably, each piercing element has a sharp tip or edge that is capable of causing a piercing action in the material of the relief precursor, and the plate coupling station is configured such that at least one piercing element penetrates at least partially into or through an unperforated region near the edge of the relief precursor. In this way, the piercing element is pushed into the material of the printing plate without generating waste. However, it should be noted that the present invention also encompasses the use of a pre-perforated relief precursor coupled to the conveyor strip in the plate coupling station.

[0024] Preferably, the conveyor system is configured to move the at least two conveyor strips through the apparatus in a closed loop. Two, three, or more conveyor strips may be conveyed simultaneously in the apparatus. For example, one of the at least two conveyor strips may be conveyed through a processing compartment while the other conveyor strip is conveyed back to the plate coupling station.

[0025] The apparatus may further include additional components selected from the group consisting of: pumps, filters, sensors (such as temperature, solids content, density, pressure, etc.), gears, motors, spraying systems, a control unit configured to control one or more of its components, and combinations thereof.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for treating a relief precursor with a liquid. The method includes:

[0027] - providing a conveyor strip having a coupling portion and at least one piercing element, the coupling portion being configured to couple the conveyor strip to a conveyor system, the conveyor strip preferably being provided with a plurality of piercing elements, the piercing elements being configured to couple the conveyor strip to the relief precursor;

[0028] - coupling the relief precursor to at least one piercing element of the conveyor strip;

[0029] - coupling the coupling portion of the conveyor strip to the conveyor system;

[0030] - controlling the conveyor system such that the conveyor strip with the coupled relief precursor moves through a processing compartment in which the relief precursor is treated with a liquid;

[0031] - While the transport strip is moving through the processing compartment, the liquid above the transport strip is discharged towards the liquid discharge section so that the liquid is discharged before it can reach the transport system.

[0032] Preferably, the liquid discharge section extends longitudinally beside the transport system and below the outer end of the transport bar. The liquid discharge section is provided with an upwardly extending portion on the side facing the transport system, so that the liquid stops at the upwardly extending portion of the liquid discharge section. More preferably, the transport strip is provided with an upwardly extending portion at the outer end, and the upwardly extending portion of the liquid discharge section extends between the transport system and the upwardly extending portion of the transport strip, so that the liquid stops at the upwardly extending portion of the transport strip and is discharged to the lower reservoir via the liquid discharge section.

[0033] Preferably, the method further includes separating the transport strip from the processed relief plate precursor at the plate separation station of the processing apparatus. Preferably, the transport strip moves in a closed loop from the plate connection station through the processing compartment to the plate separation station and back to the plate connection station. Preferably, at least two transport strips are simultaneously transported in the processing compartment. In other words, the transport strip(s) can automatically circulate in the apparatus. The operator can bring the relief plate precursor to be processed to the plate connection station, and then automatically perform connection, processing and separation, and then automatically return the transport strip to the plate connection station. In this way, the operator does not have to separate or return the transport strip. This reduces the amount of manual interaction required.

[0034] The processing in the processing compartment is selected from the group including washing, brushing, rinsing, spraying. The processing in the processing compartment can optionally be combined with any one of the following: developing, heating, cooling, removing material, treating with gas or liquid, treating with electromagnetic waves, and combinations thereof.

[0035] The method can further include a step of post-processing the relief plate precursor, the post-processing being selected from the group including the following: washing, brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiating, developing, heating, cooling, removing material, treating with gas or liquid, sanding, cutting, treating with electromagnetic waves, and combinations thereof. In addition, the method can further include a step of pre-processing the relief plate precursor, the pre-processing being selected from the group including the following: cutting, ablation, exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and combinations thereof. Description of the Drawings

[0036] The drawings are used to illustrate the currently preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention. The above and other advantages of the features and purposes of the present invention will become more apparent and the present invention will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for processing a relief plate precursor;

[0038] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a device for processing a relief precursor, wherein wall portions are omitted for clarity;

[0039] Figure 3A is a detailed perspective view showing in detail Figure 2 a part of, including wall portions;

[0040] Figure 3B is a detailed perspective view showing in detail Figure 2 a part of;

[0041] Figure 4 is Figure 2 a side view of an exemplary embodiment of;

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a conveying strip;

[0043] Figure 6 is a detailed perspective view showing a part of an exemplary embodiment of a plate connection station; and

[0044] Figures 7A - 7D shows side views of four other exemplary embodiments of a device for processing a relief precursor. Detailed Description

[0045] Figure 1 Schematically shown is a device 1000 for processing a relief precursor (e.g., a printing plate precursor P). The device is, for example, a washing device for washing a relief precursor with a liquid. However, other processes are also possible, such as brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiating, developing, heating, cooling, removing material from the relief precursor, treating the relief precursor with a gas or liquid, sanding the relief precursor, cutting the relief precursor, treating the relief precursor with electromagnetic waves, or combinations thereof.

[0046] The device 1000 includes conveying systems 210, 220, 230, wherein at least one, preferably at least two, and even more preferably at least three conveying strips 100 are for connection to a relief precursor. For example, as Figure 1 shown, four conveying strips 100 can be provided to the conveying systems 210, 220, 230. Further, the conveying strip 100 is connected to the leading edge 3 of the relief precursor P and preferably extends over the entire length of the leading edge 3 such that the ends of the conveying strip 100 can be connected to the conveying mechanisms of the conveying systems 210, 220. Note that multiple relief precursors can also be connected to the conveying strip 100. Preferably, the length of the conveying strip 100 is between 100 mm and 1000 mm, and more preferably between 1000 mm and 4000 mm.

[0047] Device 1000 includes a plate joining station 300, a processing compartment 400, and a plate separation station 500. The plate joining station 300 is configured to join a relief precursor P to a conveyor strip 100. The processing compartment 400 is configured to process the relief precursor P while the conveyor strip 100 to which the relief precursor P is joined is moved through the processing compartment 400. The plate separation station 500 is configured to separate the processed relief precursor P from the conveyor strip 100. Preferably, the conveyor systems 210, 220, 230 are configured to automatically move each conveyor strip 100 after joining the relief precursor P in the plate joining station 300, from the plate joining station 300 through the processing station 400 to the plate separation station 500, and after separating from the processed relief precursor P, return from the plate separation station 500 to the plate joining station 300, such that the conveyor strip 100 moves through the device 1000 in a closed loop. In Figure 1 the example shown, four conveyor strips 100 circulate in the device 1000. However, the present invention also encompasses embodiments in which the conveyor strip is manually brought back from the plate separation station 500 to the plate joining station 300.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, each conveyor strip 100 is provided with a plurality of piercing elements 110 (here in the form of pins or rods), and the plate joining station 300 is configured to engage the plurality of piercing elements 110 in a region near the leading edge 3 of the relief precursor P. In Figure 1 this, the relief precursor P has a leading edge 3 and a trailing edge 4, both of which are perpendicular to the forward conveying direction Tf of the relief precursor P through the device 1000. The relief precursor P also has two side edges 1, 2 parallel to the forward conveying direction Tf. A region near the leading edge 3 of the relief precursor P is joined to the plurality of piercing elements 110 of the conveyor strip 100. Figure 5 A more detailed exemplary embodiment of the conveyor strip 100 is shown. The plurality of piercing elements 110 preferably have sharp tips, and the plate joining station 300 is preferably configured to cause the plurality of piercing elements 110 to at least partially penetrate or pass through an unperforated region near the leading edge 3 of the relief precursor P. However, it should be noted that according to another exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 the device 1000 of can also be used with a conveyor strip 100 provided with a plurality of piercing elements 110 that do not have sharp tips. For example, before bringing the relief precursor P to the plate joining station 300, the region near the leading edge 3 of the relief precursor P can be pre-perforated so that the plurality of piercing elements 110 can be arranged to pass through the pre-perforations in the region near the leading edge 3.

[0049] The processing compartment 400 has an inlet side 410 and an outlet side 420. A conveyor strip 100 with a joined relief precursor P moves from the inlet side 410 through the processing compartment 400 to the outlet side 420, where the conveyor strip 100 moves in the forward conveyance direction Tf. A plate release area 600 is provided between the outlet side 420 of the processing compartment 400 and the plate separation station 500. The relief precursor P is completely pulled out of the processing compartment 400 by the conveying system in the plate release area 600 before being separated from the conveyor strip 100 in the plate separation station 500. Thus, when the relief precursor P is separated from the conveyor strip 100, the relief precursor P can be released in the plate release area 600. At the bottom of the plate release area 600, a removal device can be provided, which is configured to remove the processed relief precursor P after it is separated from the conveyor strip 100 in the plate separation station 500. In the illustrated embodiment, the removal device 700 is a cart, which is configured to receive the processed relief precursor P in the plate release area 600 and to be removed from the plate release area 600 so that it can be easily transported away from the plate release area. For example, if the device 1000 is a washer, the operator can convey the washed relief precursor P to a dryer to dry the washed relief precursor. In other non - illustrated embodiments, the removal device 700 can be a vehicle, a robot, a moving belt, at least one rotating drum, etc. Further, such a device can be configured to remove the processed relief precursor P from the plate release area 600 after it is separated in the plate separation station 500.

[0050] In Figure 1 an embodiment, the conveying system includes a forward conveying mechanism, which includes a first conveying mechanism 210 on one side of the device 1000 and a second conveying mechanism 220 on the other side of the device 1000. The conveying mechanisms 210, 220 are configured to convey the conveyor strip 100 with the joined relief precursor P in the forward conveyance direction Tf at least from the inlet side 410 to the outlet side 420 of the processing compartment 400 (and optionally from the outlet side 420 to the plate separation station 500). For this purpose, the first outer end 101 of the conveyor strip 100 is joined to the first forward conveying mechanism 210, while the second outer end 102 of the conveyor strip 100 is joined to the second forward conveying mechanism 220. As Figure 6 shown, the conveying system 210 can include a strip joining device 215, which is configured to join the conveyor strip 100 (more specifically, the first outer end 101 and the second outer end 102 of the conveyor strip) to the first forward conveying mechanism 210 and the second forward conveying mechanism 220. In Figure 6Only the first outer end 101 and the first conveying mechanism are shown, but it should be understood that the second outer end 102 and the second conveying mechanism 220 can be implemented in a similar manner. The strip connecting device 215 can be configured to, for example, push or move the conveying strip 100 in the directions of the first forward conveying mechanism and the second forward conveying mechanism, so that the outer ends 101 and 102 of the conveying strip 100 are connected to the forward conveying mechanisms 210 and 220. In Figure 1 In the embodiment of, the processing compartment 400 has a first opposite lateral side 430 and a second opposite lateral side 440 extending along the forward transport direction Tf, and the first forward conveying mechanism 210 and the second forward conveying mechanism 220 respectively extend at the first opposite lateral side 430 and the second opposite lateral side 440 of the processing compartment 400.

[0051] The conveying system further includes a backward conveying mechanism 230, which is configured to convey the conveying strip 100 from the plate separating station 500 back to the plate connecting station 300. In Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the backward conveying mechanism 230 is located on the upper side of the apparatus 1000. However, in other embodiments, the backward conveying mechanism 230 can be arranged at the lower part of the apparatus 1000, below the forward conveying mechanisms 210 and 220. The backward conveying mechanism 230 can include any one of the following: one or more belts, one or more chains, one or more lead screws, a linear motor, or a combination thereof. In Figure 1 In, the backward conveying mechanism 230 is arranged in the center above the processing compartment 400. However, the backward conveying mechanism 230 can also be implemented by a first backward conveying mechanism and a second backward conveying mechanism on the opposite lateral sides of the processing compartment 400 above or below the first forward conveying mechanism 210 and the second forward conveying mechanism 220. Alternatively, the backward conveying mechanism can be located on the lateral side of the processing compartment, and optionally, the conveying strip can be rotated and conveyed backward in a vertical position. However, to reduce the occupied space of the apparatus, the backward conveying mechanism is preferably located above or below the first forward conveying mechanism 210 and the second forward conveying mechanism 220. As Figure 1As shown, the backward conveying mechanism 230 is partially located above the processing compartment 400, and the conveying system further includes an upward conveying mechanism 250 configured to move the separated conveying strip 100 in the plate separation station 500 upward toward the backward conveying mechanism 230. For example, the upward conveying mechanism 250 can move the conveying strip 100 in an upward direction Tu (usually a vertical direction) toward the backward conveying mechanism 230, and the backward conveying mechanism 230 moves the conveying strip 100 back to the plate connection station 300 in a backward conveying direction Tb opposite to the forward conveying direction Tf. The upward conveying mechanism 250 can include any one or more of the following: a magnetic device, an electromagnetic device, a clamping device, a vacuum device, a linear motor, a chain, a belt, a lead screw, a piston, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments where the backward conveying mechanism 230 is located below the forward conveying mechanism, a downward conveying mechanism can be provided. The downward conveying mechanism can include any one or more of the following: a magnetic device, an electromagnetic device, a clamping device, a vacuum device, a linear motor, a chain, a belt, a lead screw, a piston, or a combination thereof, or the downward conveying mechanism simply occurs by gravity.

[0052] Figure 5 A more detailed exemplary embodiment of the conveying strip 100 is shown. The conveying strip 100 is provided with a first connection portion 121 and a second connection portion 122 at a first outer end 101 and a second outer end 102. In this case, the connection portions 121, 122 are configured with connection devices for use in combination with a lead screw. The conveying strip 100 is provided with a penetrating element 110. The conveying strip 100 is equipped with a channel 120 allowing an alignment pin to pass through the conveying strip 100 from below the conveying strip.

[0053] As Figure 6 shown, in an exemplary embodiment, the first forward conveying mechanism 210 includes a first lead screw, and the first connection portion 121 is configured to be coupled to the first lead screw 210. In a similar manner, the second forward conveying mechanism 220 can be provided with a second lead screw that can be coupled to the second connection portion 122. In other embodiments, the first forward conveying mechanism 210 and / or the second forward 220 can include other conveying devices (such as a chain or a belt), and the first forward conveying mechanism 210 and the second 220 can be adapted accordingly.

[0054] Figure 2 、 Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 4 A detailed exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 1000 for processing a relief precursor with a liquid is shown. The apparatus 100 includes a processing compartment 400 having a plurality of liquid application rollers 450 and a conveying system 210. The processing compartment 400 is configured for processing a relief precursor with a liquid. The conveying system 210 is for use with one or more conveying strips 100 (e.g., as described above in connection withFigure 5 The described conveyor strip) is used together. The conveyor system 210 is configured to move the conveyor strip 100 together with the coupled relief precursor through the processing compartment 400. The conveyor strip is provided with a coupling portion 121 which is configured to couple the conveyor strip 100 to the conveyor system 210 (e.g., as described above in connection with Figure 6 ). Further, the apparatus includes a protection system 900 which is configured to direct and drain liquid on the conveyor strip so that the conveyor system is protected from being wetted by the liquid in the processing compartment. In this way, the relief precursor can be coupled to the piercing element 110 of the conveyor strip 100, and the coupling portion 121 of the conveyor strip 100 can be coupled to the conveyor system 210. For example, the conveyor system 210 is controlled using a controller 800 as shown in Figure 1 so that the conveyor strip 100 with the coupled relief precursor is moved through the processing compartment 400, in which the relief precursor is treated with liquid. During this treatment, as the conveyor strip 100 moves through the processing compartment 400, the liquid on the conveyor strip 100 is directed towards the liquid discharge portion 900 so that the liquid is discharged before it can reach the conveyor system 210.

[0055] As is most clearly visible in Figure 3B and Figure 4 the protection system 900 includes a liquid discharge portion 910 which extends longitudinally beside the conveyor system 210 and below the first outer end 101 of the conveyor strip 100. The liquid discharge portion 910 is provided with an upwardly extending portion 911 on the side facing the conveyor system 210 and a substantially horizontal portion 913 on the side of the conveyor strip 100. The substantially horizontal portion 913 supports the conveyor strip 100 during the movement of the conveyor strip 100 through the processing compartment 400. In other embodiments, the substantially horizontal portion 913 may be omitted and the conveyor strip 100 may be supported on the upwardly extending portion 911. The liquid discharge portion 910 may be made of metal, alloy, liquid-resistant plastic or a combination thereof.

[0056] The conveyor strip 100 is provided with an upwardly extending portion 131 at the first outer end 101. The upwardly extending portion 911 of the liquid discharge portion 910 extends between the conveyor system 210 and the upwardly extending portion 131 of the conveyor strip 100. More specifically, in Figures 2 - 4In an embodiment, the conveying strip 100 is provided with an inverted U-shaped portion at the first outer end 101. The inverted U-shaped portion has outer legs forming a connecting portion 121 and inner legs forming an upwardly extending portion 131. The outer legs 121 and the inner legs 131 are interconnected by a bridging portion 141. The bridging portion 141 extends from the upwardly extending portion 131 of the conveying strip 100 above the upwardly extending portion 911 of the liquid discharge portion to engage the connecting portion 121. The upwardly extending portion 911 of the liquid discharge portion 910 extends between the outer legs 121 and the inner legs 131 of the inverted U-shaped portion.

[0057] As Figure 3B shown, the liquid dripping from the liquid application roller 450 on the conveying strip 100 will stop at the upwardly extending portion 131 of the conveying strip 100 and flow laterally onto the liquid discharge portion 910. At the liquid discharge portion 910, the liquid stops at the upwardly extending portion 911 of the liquid discharge portion 910. From there, the liquid is discharged into a lower reservoir (not shown). Moreover, due to the upwardly extending portion 911 of the liquid discharge portion 910, the liquid falling directly onto the liquid discharge portion 910 will not reach the conveying mechanism 210.

[0058] As Figure 3A shown, the processing compartment 400 includes a wall portion 410. The wall portion 410 has a lower edge 411 that is directly above the first outer end 101 of the conveying strip 100 when the conveying strip 100 moves through the processing compartment 400. The shown lower edge 411 is at a small distance d, e.g., d < 5 mm, from the horizontal portion 913 of the liquid discharge portion 900. For clarity, the wall portion 410 is omitted in Figure 2 , Figure 3B and Figure 4 . The wall portion 410 extends beside the upwardly extending portion 131 of the conveying strip 100 such that the upper edge of the upwardly extending portion 131 at the height of the bridging portion 141 is higher than the lower edge 411 of the wall portion 410. The liquid discharge portion 910 extends below the lower edge 411 of the wall portion 410.

[0059] Although Figures 2 to 4 only the arrangement at the first outer end 101 of the conveying strip 100 is shown, it should be understood that the arrangement at the second outer end 102 of the conveying strip 100 can be similar. More specifically, as Figure 5As shown, the second outer end 102 may be provided with an upward extension portion 132. The protection system 900 may include a second liquid discharge portion (not shown), which is below the second outer end 102 and extends longitudinally beside the second conveying mechanism 220 of the conveying system. Preferably, the second liquid discharge portion is provided with a second upward extension portion that extends between the second conveying mechanism 220 and the second upward extension portion 132 of the conveying strip 100. In a preferred embodiment, the first conveying mechanism 210 and the second conveying mechanism 200 may be a first lead screw and a second lead screw.

[0060] The processing compartment 400 includes a plurality of liquid application rollers 450, and the liquid application rollers 450 have axes arranged parallel to the conveying strip 100. Specifically, refer to Figure 4 . The first conveying mechanism 210 and the second conveying mechanism 220 respectively extend perpendicular to the axis A of the liquid application roller 450 at the first side and the second side of the liquid application roller 450. The connection positions between the conveying strip 100 and the first conveying mechanism 210 and the second conveying mechanism 220 are located at positions lower than the upper side of the liquid application roller 450, and in the illustrated embodiment, are located lower than the axis A of the liquid application roller 450. In this way, a very compact arrangement is achieved.

[0061] The liquid application roller 450 includes a shaft 451 and a liquid application tool 452 (such as a brush) arranged on the shaft 451, and the liquid discharge portion 910 extends below the conveying strip 100 and below the shaft 451 of the liquid application roller 450. Preferably, the workbench 460 is arranged below the liquid application roller 450. As Figure 3A and 3B shown, the workbench 460 may extend such that its outer end is above the substantially horizontal portion 913 of the liquid discharge portion 910. Optionally, the height of the workbench 460 can be adjusted. By adjusting the height, different operation modes can be set. For example, a smaller distance between the shaft 451 and the workbench 460 can be used in combination with rapid processing, and rapid processing results in lower quality compared to a larger distance in combination with slower processing. The workbench 460 is located at a height lower than the upper edge of the upward extension portion 911 of the liquid discharge portion 910, so that any liquid flowing out from the workbench 460 on the liquid discharge portion 910 stops at the upward extension portion 911 of the liquid discharge portion 910.

[0062] Optionally, the conveying strip 100 may be provided with one or more holes (not shown) for discharging liquid through the one or more holes. For example, one or more holes may be provided in the area above the liquid discharge portion 910 or above a reservoir (not shown), between the upward extension portion 131 and the central portion of the conveying strip 100.

[0063] Figures 7A to 7DFour other exemplary embodiments of an apparatus for processing a relief precursor with a liquid are shown, where like components are denoted with the same reference numerals as above.

[0064] In the Figure 7A embodiment, the liquid discharge portion 910 is similar to the liquid discharge portion 910 described above in connection with Figures 2 - 4 . The transport strip 100 is provided at its first outer end 101 with an upwardly extending portion 131, a bridging portion 141 that extends above the upwardly extending portion 911 of the liquid discharge portion 910, and a coupling portion 121 that extends upwardly from the bridging portion 141. As in the Figures 2 to 4 embodiment, a wall portion 410 extends beside the upwardly extending portion 131, and its lower edge 411 is lower than the height of the bridging portion 141.

[0065] In the Figure 7B embodiment, the liquid discharge portion 910 is similar to the liquid discharge portion 910 described above in connection with Figures 2 to 4 . The transport strip 100 is provided at its first outer end 101 with an upwardly extending portion 131 (in this embodiment, the upwardly extending portion 131 is inclined upwardly and not vertically oriented), a bridging portion 14 that extends above the upwardly extending portion 911 of the liquid discharge portion 910, and a coupling portion 121 that extends downwardly from the bridging portion 141. As in the Figure 2 support Figure 4 embodiment, a wall portion 410 extends beside the upwardly extending portion 131, and its lower edge 411 is lower than the height of the bridging portion 141.

[0066] In the Figure 7C embodiment, the liquid discharge portion 910 includes upwardly extending portions 911a, 911b, where the vertical portion 911b is on the side of the transport mechanism 210 and the inclined portion 911b projects inwardly. The transport strip 100 is provided at its first outer end 101 with a V-shaped portion that has an inwardly extending inner leg 136 and an outer leg that forms the upwardly extending portion 131. The upwardly extending portion 911b of the liquid discharge portion 910 extends between the outer leg 131 of the V-shaped portion and the coupling portion 121. Further, a bridging portion 141 extends above the upwardly extending portion 911b of the liquid discharge portion 910. As in the Figures 2 to 4 embodiment, a wall portion 410 extends beside the upwardly extending portion 131, and its lower edge 411 is lower than the height of the bridging portion 141. In this embodiment, the transport strip 100 is supported on the upwardly extending portion 911b of the liquid discharge portion 910. Note that portion 911a may also be omitted in the Figure 7C embodiment.

[0067] In the Figure 7DIn the embodiment, the liquid discharge portion 910 includes upwardly extending portions 911a, 911b, wherein the vertical portion 911b is on the side of the conveying mechanism 210, and the inclined portion 911b protrudes inwardly. The conveying strip 100 is provided with a U-shaped portion at the first outer end 101, and the U-shaped portion has an internally extending leg 136 that extends downward and an externally extending leg that forms the upwardly extending portion 131. The upwardly extending portion 911b of the liquid discharge portion 910 extends between the externally extending leg 131 of the U-shaped portion and the coupling portion 121. Further, the bridging portion 141 extends over the upwardly extending portion 911b of the liquid discharge portion 910. As with Figures 2 to 4 the embodiment, the wall portion 410 extends beside the upwardly extending portion 131, and its lower edge 411 is lower than the height of the bridging portion 141. In this embodiment, the conveying strip 100 is supported on the upwardly extending portion 911a of the liquid discharge portion 910.

[0068] Optionally, holes may be provided in the Figures 7A to 7D conveying strip 100 as shown. For example, in the Figure 7C and 7D embodiments, holes may be provided in the V-shaped portion or the U-shaped portion.

[0069] The relief precursor generally includes a support layer made of a first material and an additional layer made of a second material different from the first material. The support layer may be a flexible metal, a natural or artificial polymer, paper, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the support layer is a flexible metal or a polymer film or sheet. In the case of a flexible metal, the support layer may include a thin film, a sieve structure, a mesh structure, a woven structure, a non-woven structure, or a combination thereof. Steel sheets, copper sheets, nickel sheets, or aluminum sheets are preferred and may be about 50 μm to 1000 μm thick. In the case of a polymer film, the film is dimensionally stable but bendable and may be made, for example, of polyalkylenes, polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyamides, and polycarbonates, polymers reinforced with woven, non-woven, or laminated fibers (such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, polymer fibers), or a combination thereof. Preferably, polyethylene foils and polyester foils are used, and their thickness may be in the range of about 100 μm to 300 μm, preferably in the range of 100 μm to 200 μm.

[0070] The relief precursor can carry an additional layer. For example, the additional layer can be any of the following: a directly engraveable layer (e.g., by laser), a solvent or water-developable layer, a heat-developable layer, a photosensitive layer, a combination of a photosensitive layer and a mask layer. Optionally, one or more additional additional layers can be provided on top of the additional layer. Such one or more additional layers can include a cover layer on top of all other layers, which is removed before imaging the imaging layer. The one or more additional layers can include a relief layer and an antihalation layer between the support layer and the relief layer or on the side of the support layer opposite to the relief layer. The one or more additional layers can include a relief layer, an imaging layer, and one or more barrier layers between the relief layer and the imaging layer, which prevent the diffusion of oxygen. One or more adhesive layers can be provided between the different layers described above to ensure proper adhesion of the different layers.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the relief precursor includes a support layer made of a polyester of a polymeric material, and an additional layer made of a directly engraveable material (e.g., a resin material). Then, the optional layer can be a laser ablation layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the relief precursor can at least include a dimensionally stable support layer, a relief layer, and an imaging mask layer. Optionally, other layers can be present. There can be a cover layer on top of all other layers, which is removed before imaging the imaging mask layer. An antihalation layer can be present between the support layer and the relief layer, or the antihalation layer can be located on the side of the support layer opposite to the relief layer. One or more barrier layers can be present between the relief layer and the imaging mask layer to prevent oxygen diffusion. One or more adhesive layers can be provided between the different layers described above to ensure proper adhesion of the different layers. One or more layers can be removed by treatment with a liquid. The liquid used can be the same or different for different layers. Preferably, the liquids used are different.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the relief precursor includes a photosensitive layer and a mask layer. The mask layer can be ablated or its transparency changed during processing, and a mask with transparent regions and opaque regions is formed. Under the transparent regions of the mask, the photosensitive layer undergoes a change in solubility and / or fluidity upon irradiation. This change is used to produce a relief by removing part of the photosensitive layer in one or more subsequent steps. The change in solubility and / or fluidity can be achieved by photo-induced polymerization and / or crosslinking, making the irradiated regions less soluble. In other cases, electromagnetic radiation can cause bond breakage or cleavage of protecting groups, making the irradiated regions more soluble. The method of photo-induced crosslinking and / or polymerization is preferably used.

[0073] Although the principles of the present invention have been set forth above in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood that the description is by way of example only and not a limitation on the scope of protection determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1000) for treating a relief precursor (P) with a liquid, the apparatus comprising: A treatment compartment (400) configured to treat the relief precursor with the liquid; A conveying system (210) for use with one or more conveying strips (100), wherein the conveying strips of the conveying system are configured to be coupled to the relief precursor, the conveying system being configured to move the conveying strips coupled with the relief precursor through the treatment compartment (400), and the conveying strips being provided with coupling portions (121, 122) configured to couple the conveying strips to the conveying system; A protection system (900) configured to direct and drain the liquid such that the conveying system is protected from being wetted by the liquid in the treatment compartment; Wherein the protection system (900) includes a liquid discharge portion (910) that extends longitudinally beside the conveying system (210) and below the outer end (101) of the conveying strip, and the liquid discharge portion (910) is provided with an upwardly extending portion (911) on the side facing the conveying system (210).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The conveying strip (100) has an upwardly extending portion (131) at the outer end (101), and wherein the upwardly extending portion (911) of the liquid discharge portion (910) extends between the conveying system (210) and the upwardly extending portion (131) of the conveying strip (100).

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein The treatment compartment includes a wall portion (410) having a lower edge (411) that is exactly above the outer end of the conveying strip when the conveying strip moves through the treatment compartment.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein, The treatment compartment includes a wall portion (410) having a lower edge (411), and the wall portion (410) extends beside the upwardly extending portion (131) of the conveying strip (100) such that the upper edge of the upwardly extending portion (131) of the conveying strip (100) is higher than the lower edge (411) of the wall portion (410).

5. The apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The liquid discharge portion (910) extends below the lower edge of the wall portion (410).

6. The device according to claim 2, wherein, The conveying strip includes a bridging portion (141) that extends from the upwardly extending portion (131) of the conveying strip (100) above the upwardly extending portion (911) of the liquid discharge portion to engage the coupling portion (121).

7. The device according to claim 2, wherein The conveying strip (100) is provided with an inverted U-shaped portion at the outer end (101), the inverted U-shaped portion having outer legs forming the coupling portion (121) and inner legs forming the upwardly extending portion (131) of the conveying strip (100), and wherein the upwardly extending portion (911) of the liquid discharge portion (910) extends between the outer legs and the inner legs of the inverted U-shaped portion.

8. The device according to claim 2, wherein, The conveying strip is provided with a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped portion at the outer end (101), the U-shaped or V-shaped portion having an internally extending leg (136) extending downwardly and an externally extending leg forming the upwardly extending portion (131) of the conveying strip (100), and wherein the upwardly extending portion (911) of the liquid discharge portion (910) extends between the externally extending leg of the U-shaped or V-shaped portion and the coupling portion (121).

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein The outer end of the conveying strip is supported on the liquid discharge portion.

10. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The conveying strip (100) is provided with a first upwardly extending portion (131) and a second upwardly extending portion (132) at a first outer end (101) and a second outer end (102) respectively, and wherein the protection system (900) includes a first liquid discharge portion (910) and a second liquid discharge portion (910), the first liquid discharge portion and the second liquid discharge portion being respectively below the first outer end and the second outer end and extending longitudinally beside a first conveying mechanism and a second conveying mechanism (220) of the conveying system respectively.

11. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The conveying system includes a lead screw or includes a chain or a conveyor belt.

12. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The processing compartment (400) includes a plurality of liquid application devices (450), the liquid application devices (450) having axes arranged parallel to the conveying strip, and wherein the conveying system includes a first conveying mechanism and a second conveying mechanism (220), the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism (220) extending perpendicular to the axes of the liquid application devices at a first side and a second side of the liquid application devices (450) respectively, wherein the connection positions between the conveying strip and the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism are located at positions lower than the upper side of the liquid application devices.

13. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The liquid application device includes any one or a combination of the following: a roller, a brush, a nozzle, a tube, a workbench located below the brush or the roller.

14. The device according to claim 12, wherein, The liquid application device includes a shaft and a liquid application tool arranged on the shaft, and wherein the liquid discharge portion extends below the conveying strip and below the shaft of the liquid application device.

15. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The conveying strip is provided with one or more holes for discharging liquid through the one or more holes.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid discharge portion is made of metal, alloy, liquid-resistant plastic or a combination thereof.

17. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The conveying strip is provided with at least one piercing element (110).

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, The shape of the at least one piercing element is selected from the group including the following shapes: a rod, a blade, a needle or a combination thereof.

19. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The length of the conveying strip is from 100 mm to 10,000 mm.

20. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a plate coupling station and / or a plate separation station configured to couple the relief precursor to the conveying strip and / or separate it from the conveying strip.

21. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The conveying system is configured to move at least two conveying strips through the apparatus in a closed loop.

22. A method of treating a relief precursor (P) with a liquid, comprising: Provide a conveyor strip having coupling portions (121, 122) and at least one piercing element, the coupling portions (121, 122) being configured to couple the conveyor strip to a conveyor system, the piercing element being configured to couple the conveyor strip to a relief precursor; The at least one piercing element that couples the relief precursor to the conveyor strip; Couple the coupling portion of the conveyor strip to the conveyor system; Control the conveyor system such that the conveyor strip coupled with the relief precursor moves through a processing compartment (400), in which the relief precursor is processed with a liquid; While the conveyor strip is being moved through the processing compartment, discharge the liquid on the conveyor strip toward a liquid discharge portion such that the liquid is discharged before it can reach the conveyor system.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein The liquid discharge portion (910) extends longitudinally beside the conveyor system (210) and below an outer end (101) of the conveyor strip, and the liquid discharge portion (910) is provided with an upwardly extending portion (911) on a side facing the conveyor system (210) such that liquid terminates at the upwardly extending portion (911) of the liquid discharge portion.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The conveyor strip (100) is provided with an upwardly extending portion (131) at the outer end (101), and wherein the upwardly extending portion (911) of the liquid discharge portion (910) extends between the conveyor system (210) and the upwardly extending portion (131) of the conveyor strip (100) such that liquid terminates at the upwardly extending portion (131) of the conveyor strip (100) and is discharged to a lower reservoir via the liquid discharge portion.

25. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, further comprising: Separate the conveyor strip from the processed relief precursor in a plate separation station of an apparatus for processing a relief precursor (P) with a liquid.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein The conveyor strip moves in a closed loop from a plate coupling station through the processing compartment to the plate separation station and back to the plate coupling station.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein, At least two conveyor strips are simultaneously conveyed in the processing compartment.

28. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein, The processing in the processing compartment is selected from the group consisting of washing, spraying, and combinations thereof.

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