Device and method for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple plate-making machines

Abstract

The present invention discloses a device and method for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple plate-making machines, the device: the conveyor has an inclined conveying table and a chain that slides on the conveying table and has a block, and the bottom of the conveyor is provided with a sidewall; the clamping end of the plate-taking mechanism is used to clamp the CTP plate at the discharge end of the plate-making machine onto the conveying table, and does not interfere with other CTP plates on the conveying table; the plate-turning mechanism is located on the conveying table at the discharge end of the conveyor, and is used to turn over and temporarily store the CTP plate; the plate-shifting mechanism moves the CTP plate temporarily stored on the plate-turning mechanism to the plate-dropping rack; the conveyor, the plate-taking mechanism, the plate-turning mechanism, the plate-shifting mechanism and the plate-making machine are all coordinated and controlled by a controller, the method: the plate-taking mechanism clamps the plate, judges and executes the plate-putting, turns over the plate and shifts the plate. It is suitable for continuous operation, replaces manual work to collect the CTP plate, adapts to the simultaneous operation of multiple plate-making machines or printing machines, has high work efficiency, reduces the error rate when collecting the plate, and effectively reduces the waste rate of the CTP plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of CTP plate printing, in particular to a device and method for collecting and conveying CTP plates used by multiple plate-making machines. Background Art

[0002] At present, single pages, albums, leaflets and other printed materials are printed by offset printing. Before printing, the product images and texts to be printed need to be electronically color-separated, laser-typeset, and then the plate-making machine produces four CTP base color plates of red, yellow, blue and black. Then the printing machine completes the product printing.

[0003] After the CTP plates are made, they need to be transported to the printing workshop manually, and then they need to be distinguished and transported to the corresponding printing machines manually. This process is laborious, inefficient, and prone to errors. At the same time, if the business volume is large, multiple people are required to complete the plate collection and transportation of all platemaking machines, which has high labor costs and high errors. Secondly, due to manual plate collection, the CTP plate may be damaged. Once damaged, this CTP plate will become a waste plate. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a device and method for collecting and transporting multiple CTP plates to corresponding printing machines to replace manual labor, reduce labor costs and work errors, improve work efficiency, and reduce the waste rate of CTP plates. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a device and method for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple platemaking machines, so as to solve the problems of high labor cost, labor-intensive and extremely low efficiency, easy errors and high scrap rate of CTP plates in collecting and conveying the plates after the CTP plates are made.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A device for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple plate-making machines, the device comprising:

[0007] A conveyor, wherein the conveyor has an inclined conveying table and a chain with a stopper that slides on the conveying table, and a sidewall is provided at the bottom of the conveyor for conveying the CTP plate;

[0008] A plate taking mechanism, wherein a plurality of the plate taking mechanisms are evenly installed on the conveyor, and a clamping end of the plate taking mechanism is used to clamp the CTP plate at the discharge end of the plate making machine onto the conveying table without interfering with other CTP plates on the conveying table;

[0009] A plate turning mechanism, the plate turning mechanism is located on the conveying table at the discharge end of the conveyor, and is used for turning over and temporarily storing the CTP plate;

[0010] A plate shifting mechanism, which moves the CTP plate temporarily stored on the reprinting mechanism to a plate drop rack;

[0011] The conveyor, the plate taking mechanism, the plate reproducing mechanism, the plate moving mechanism and the plate making machine are all coordinated and controlled by a controller.

[0012] A further technical solution is that the plate dropping rack is consistent with the conveyor structure.

[0013] A further technical solution is: the plate moving mechanism includes a mechanical arm and a suction cup, and the suction cup is installed on the mechanical arm.

[0014] A further technical solution is: the plate taking mechanism includes a first cylinder, a baffle and a suspension arm, the baffle and the suspension arm are respectively located below and above the discharge end of the plate making machine, one of the first cylinders is obliquely installed on the conveyor, and its output end is connected to the baffle, the suspension arm is rotatably installed on the conveyor, another first cylinder is respectively hinged to one end of the suspension arm and the conveyor, and a finger cylinder is provided at the other end of the suspension arm.

[0015] A further technical solution is: the flipping mechanism includes a flap, a second cylinder and a temporary storage rack, the bottom of the flap is hinged to the conveying table, and the chain does not interfere with the flap, the second cylinder is hinged in the conveyor, and the output end of the second cylinder extends out of the conveying table and is hinged to the back of the flap, and the temporary storage rack is installed on the opposite side of the flap.

[0016] A further technical solution is that the conveyor, the plate taking mechanism, the plate reproducing mechanism, the plate moving mechanism and the plate making machine are all equipped with sensors for the CTP plate and electrically connected to the controller.

[0017] A method for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple plate-making machines, the method comprising a device for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple plate-making machines, which is performed according to the following steps under the control of a controller:

[0018] S1. Plate-taking mechanism clamps the plate: The CTP plate sent out from the discharge end of the plate-making machine moves upward on the plate-taking mechanism until the top of the CTP plate is sensed by the sensor at the finger cylinder on the crane arm. Then the controller controls the finger cylinder to clamp the top of the CTP plate.

[0019] S2, plate placement judgment: The sensor located on the conveyor of the plate removal mechanism in S1 respectively senses whether the block on the chain is in place and whether there is a CTP plate, and feeds back to the controller. After the controller makes a judgment, it sends a yes / no execution signal to the first cylinder and the finger cylinder;

[0020] S3, plate placement execution: After the controller makes a negative judgment, the plate taking mechanism continues to wait until the controller makes a positive judgment, and the plate taking mechanism places the CTP plate clamp on the conveying table, and the glossy surface of the CTP plate contacts the conveying table;

[0021] S4, flipping: After the CTP plate on the conveyor is transported to the flipping mechanism, the sensor on the flipping mechanism senses the CTP plate, and under the control of the controller, the second cylinder pushes the flip plate to flip the CTP plate to the temporary storage station, and the bright side of the CTP plate is exposed to the outside;

[0022] S5, plate moving: The plate moving mechanism uses a mechanical arm and a suction cup to move the CTP plate in the temporary storage station to the plate drop rack.

[0023] A further technical solution is: in S1, after the sensor at the discharge end of the plate-making machine senses the CTP plate, the first cylinder pushes the baffle plate to rise, and the baffle plate blocks the CTP plate and causes it to move upward in an inclined manner.

[0024] A further technical solution is: in S3, when the plate taking mechanism places the CTP plate clamp on the conveying table, the first cylinder moves the baffle plate downward, and the smooth surface of the CTP plate contacts the conveying table.

[0025] A further technical solution is: in S2, when the sensor on the conveyor senses that the block on the chain is in place and there is no CTP plate, a yes execution command is sent to the controller.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0027] The present invention proposes a device for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple platemaking machines. The device can replace the manual work of collecting (taking, placing, transporting and moving) the CTP plates produced by the platemaking machines, can adapt to the simultaneous operation of multiple platemaking machines or multiple printing machines, improve work efficiency, reduce manual participation, and greatly reduce the error rate when collecting plates; and also effectively avoids damage to the CTP plates caused by manual plate collection, and the waste rate of the CTP plates is low.

[0028] The present invention proposes a method for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple platemaking machines. Based on the device, the method can ensure that the plate collecting work of the device is carried out smoothly and efficiently, is suitable for continuous production operations, and avoids damage to the CTP plates. While improving efficiency, the quality of the CTP plates is guaranteed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 The present invention is a schematic structural diagram of a device for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple platemaking machines.

[0030] Figure 2 For the present invention Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the conveyor.

[0031] Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the plate-taking mechanism.

[0032] Figure numerals: 1. conveyor; 2. chain; 3. plate taking mechanism; 31. first cylinder; 32. baffle; 33. hanging arm; 34. finger cylinder; 4. plate turning mechanism; 41. flip plate; 42. second cylinder; 43. temporary storage rack; 5. plate moving mechanism; 6. plate dropping rack; 7. plate making machine; 8. mechanical arm; 9. suction cup; 10. block. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0034] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed for protection, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features of the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0036] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, further definition and explanation thereof is not required in subsequent drawings.

[0037] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", etc. indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the positions or positional relationships in which the product of the invention is usually placed when in use, or the positions or positional relationships commonly understood by those skilled in the art, which are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used to distinguish the description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] In the description of the present invention, it is also necessary to explain that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "set", "install", "connect", and "connect" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0039] Embodiment 1:

[0040] In this embodiment, Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a device for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple plate-making machines, the device comprising:

[0041] A conveyor 1, wherein the conveyor 1 has an inclined conveying table and a chain 2 which slides on the conveying table and has a stopper 10, and a retaining edge is provided at the bottom of the conveyor 1 for conveying a CTP plate;

[0042] Plate taking mechanism 3, multiple plate taking mechanisms 3 are evenly installed on the conveyor 1, and the clamping end of the plate taking mechanism 3 is used to clamp the CTP plate at the discharge end of the plate making machine 7 onto the conveying table without interfering with other CTP plates on the conveying table;

[0043] The plate turning mechanism 4 is located on the conveying table at the discharge end of the conveyor 1 and is used for turning over and temporarily storing the CTP plate;

[0044] The plate moving mechanism 5 moves the CTP plate temporarily stored on the reprinting mechanism 4 to the plate dropping rack 6;

[0045] The conveyor 1, the plate taking mechanism 3, the plate reproducing mechanism 4, the plate moving mechanism 5 and the plate making machine 7 are all coordinated and controlled by the controller.

[0046] Preferably, the plate dropping rack 6 has the same structure as the conveyor 1 .

[0047] Preferably, the plate-shifting mechanism 5 comprises a mechanical arm 8 and a suction cup 9 , and the suction cup 9 is mounted on the mechanical arm 8 .

[0048] Preferably, the plate taking mechanism 3 includes a first cylinder 31, a baffle 32 and a suspension arm 33, the baffle 32 and the suspension arm 33 are respectively located below and above the discharge end of the plate making machine, one first cylinder 31 is obliquely installed on the conveyor 1, and its output end is connected to the baffle 32, the suspension arm 33 is rotatably installed on the conveyor 1, the other first cylinder 31 is respectively hinged to one end of the suspension arm 33 and the conveyor 1, and a finger cylinder 34 is provided at the other end of the suspension arm 33.

[0049] Preferably, the flipping mechanism 4 includes a flap 41, a second cylinder 42 and a temporary storage rack 43, the bottom of the flap 41 is hinged to the conveying table, and the chain 2 does not interfere with the flap 41, the second cylinder 42 is hinged in the conveyor 1, and the output end of the second cylinder 42 extends out of the conveying table and is hinged to the back of the flap 41, and the temporary storage rack 43 is installed on the opposite side of the flap 41.

[0050] Preferably, the conveyor 1 , the plate taking mechanism 3 , the plate reversing mechanism 4 , the plate moving mechanism 5 and the plate making machine 7 are all equipped with sensors for the CTP plate and electrically connected to the controller.

[0051] The working process of the device is as follows: the conveyor 1 is installed at a suitable position in the printing plant, and the printing press and the plate-making machine 7 are reasonably arranged according to the layout of the conveyor 1. When the CTP plate produced by the plate-making machine 7 is recognized by the identification sensor at its discharge end, the baffle 32 and the arm 33 of the plate-taking mechanism 3 reach the working position under the action of the first cylinder 31, and the CTP plate gradually moves upward on the baffle 32 until it reaches the finger cylinder 34 of the arm 33 and is recognized by another identification sensor at the same time. The controller controls the finger cylinder 34 to clamp the top of the CTP plate; then the sensor of the conveyor 1 relative to the plate-taking mechanism 3 will control the two first cylinders 31 to start working according to the sensing situation (when the sensor on the conveyor 1 senses that the block 10 on the chain 2 is in place and there is no CTP plate, it sends a "yes" execution command to the controller), and the arm 33 rotates to lift the CTP plate. After it is in place , the baffle 32 is lowered and retracted, the CTP plate falls on the empty space of the conveyor 1 and is blocked by the baffle, and then is pushed away by the block 10 on the chain 2, and finally reaches the reprinting mechanism 4, the sensor on the reprinting mechanism 4 will notify the controller to start the second cylinder 42, turn the flip plate 41, and the CTP plate is turned to the temporary storage rack 43 (that is, the temporary storage station), and the sensor on the temporary storage rack 43 will notify the controller to start the mechanical arm 8 of the plate moving mechanism 5, suck the CTP plate with the suction cup 9, and move it to the plate drop rack 6, completing the plate collection and transportation process, without human participation throughout the process. The device can replace the manual work of collecting (taking, placing, transporting and moving) the CTP plate produced by the plate making machine, can adapt to the simultaneous operation of multiple plate making machines or multiple printing machines, improve work efficiency, reduce manual participation, and greatly reduce the error rate when collecting the plate; and it also effectively avoids the damage to the CTP plate caused by manual plate collection, and the waste rate of the CTP plate is low.

[0052] Embodiment 2: A method for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple plate-making machines, the method comprising using a device for collecting and conveying CTP plates, and performing the following steps under the control of a controller:

[0053] S1. Plate-taking mechanism clamps the plate: The CTP plates sent out from the discharge ends of multiple plate-making machines move upward on the plate-taking mechanism until the top of the CTP plate is sensed by the sensor at the finger cylinder on the crane arm. Then the controller controls the finger cylinder to clamp the top of the CTP plate.

[0054] S2, plate placement judgment: The sensor located on the conveyor of the plate removal mechanism in S1 respectively senses whether the block on the chain is in place and whether there is a CTP plate, and feeds back to the controller. After the controller makes a judgment, it sends a yes / no execution signal to the first cylinder and the finger cylinder;

[0055] S3, plate placement execution: In S2, when the sensor on the conveyor senses that the block on the chain is in place and there is no CTP plate, it sends a yes execution command to the controller.

[0056] After the controller makes a negative judgment, the plate taking mechanism continues to wait until the controller makes a positive judgment, and then the plate taking mechanism puts the CTP plate clamp on the conveying table, and the glossy surface of the CTP plate contacts the conveying table;

[0057] S4, flipping: After the CTP plate on the conveyor is transported to the flipping mechanism, the sensor on the flipping mechanism senses the CTP plate, and under the control of the controller, the second cylinder pushes the flip plate to flip the CTP plate to the temporary storage station, and the bright side of the CTP plate is exposed to the outside;

[0058] S5, plate moving: The plate moving mechanism uses a mechanical arm and a suction cup to move the CTP plate in the temporary storage station to the plate drop rack.

[0059] The method realizes the plate collection and conveying work of multiple plate-making machines on the basis of the plate collection and conveying device for multiple plate-making machines, and the method is basically consistent with the working process of the above-mentioned embodiment 1. However, in step S1, the plate-taking mechanism 3 is controlled to clamp the top of the CTP plate, mainly to contact the CTP plate as little as possible to prevent damage to it; in S2, the plate-taking mechanism 3 that has taken the plate should judge whether there is a CTP plate at the position of the conveyor 1 corresponding to the plate-taking mechanism 3 to prevent the occurrence of overlapping plates or the phenomenon of mutual damage between the two plates, resulting in the photosensitive and fragile CTP plate being unusable and scrapped; in S3, as long as the glossy surface of the CTP plate is guaranteed to contact the conveying table surface, the conveyor 1 is prevented from damaging the printing surface of the CTP plate; in S4, the purpose is consistent with S3, and when the plate is moved, the glossy surface of the CTP plate can be sucked by negative pressure to prevent damage to its printing surface.

[0060] Preferably, in S1, after the sensor at the discharge end of the plate-making machine senses the CTP plate, the first cylinder pushes the baffle plate to rise, and the baffle plate blocks the CTP plate and makes it move upward at an angle. The baffle plate is driven to rise by the first cylinder, so that the CTP plate moves upward, which is convenient for the finger cylinder 34 to clamp and the smooth surface of the CTP plate faces the conveyor 1; in addition, the CTP plate completely out of the plate-making machine 7 can be caught to prevent the CTP plate from contacting the conveyor 1 and avoid the collision of the two plates.

[0061] Preferably, in S3, when the plate taking mechanism places the CTP plate clamp on the conveying table, the first cylinder moves the baffle downward, and the smooth surface of the CTP plate contacts the conveying table.

[0062] The first cylinder 31 moves the baffle 32 downward, so that the CTP plate can be placed on the conveyor 1 in time for transfer.

[0063] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, it is still possible for those skilled in the art to modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or to make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features therein. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple plate-making machines, characterized in that: The device comprises: A conveyor (1), the conveyor (1) comprising an inclined conveying table and a chain (2) sliding on the conveying table and having a stopper (10), and a side guard is provided at the bottom of the conveyor (1) for conveying a CTP plate; A plate taking mechanism (3), wherein a plurality of the plate taking mechanisms (3) are evenly mounted on the conveyor (1), and a clamping end of the plate taking mechanism (3) is used to clamp the CTP plate at the discharge end of the plate making machine (7) onto the conveyor table without interfering with other CTP plates on the conveyor table; The plate-taking mechanism (3) comprises a first cylinder (31), a baffle (32) and a suspension arm (33); the baffle (32) and the suspension arm (33) are respectively located below and above the discharge end of the plate-making machine; one of the first cylinders (31) is obliquely mounted on the conveyor (1), and its output end is connected to the baffle (32); the suspension arm (33) is rotatably mounted on the conveyor (1); another of the first cylinders (31) is respectively hinged to one end of the suspension arm (33) and the conveyor (1); and a finger cylinder (34) is provided at the other end of the suspension arm (33); A plate turning mechanism (4), the plate turning mechanism (4) being located on the conveying table at the discharge end of the conveyor (1) and being used for turning over and temporarily storing the CTP plate; A plate moving mechanism (5), wherein the plate moving mechanism (5) moves the CTP plate temporarily stored on the plate reproducing mechanism (4) to a plate dropping rack (6); The conveyor (1), the plate taking mechanism (3), the plate reversing mechanism (4), the plate moving mechanism (5) and the plate making machine (7) are all coordinated and controlled by a controller.

2. The device for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple plate-making machines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plate dropping rack (6) has the same structure as the conveyor (1).

3. The device for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple plate-making machines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plate-shifting mechanism (5) comprises a mechanical arm (8) and a suction cup (9), wherein the suction cup (9) is mounted on the mechanical arm (8).

4. The device for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple plate-making machines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flipping mechanism (4) comprises a flap (41), a second cylinder (42) and a temporary storage rack (43); the bottom of the flap (41) is hinged to the conveying table, and the chain (2) does not interfere with the flap (41); the second cylinder (42) is hingedly mounted in the conveyor (1), and the output end of the second cylinder (42) extends out of the conveying table and is hinged to the back of the flap (41); the temporary storage rack (43) is installed on the opposite side of the flap (41).

5. The device for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple plate-making machines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveyor (1), the plate taking mechanism (3), the plate reversing mechanism (4), the plate moving mechanism (5) and the plate making machine (7) are all equipped with sensors for the CTP plate and electrically connected to the controller.

6. A method for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple plate-making machines, characterized in that: The method comprises the device for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple plate-making machines according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and is carried out according to the following steps under the control of a controller: S1. Plate-taking mechanism clamps the plate: The CTP plates sent out from the discharge ends of multiple plate-making machines move upward on the plate-taking mechanism until the top of the CTP plate is sensed by the sensor at the finger cylinder on the crane arm. Then the controller controls the finger cylinder to clamp the top of the CTP plate. S2, plate placement judgment: The sensor located on the conveyor of the plate removal mechanism in S1 respectively senses whether the block on the chain is in place and whether there is a CTP plate, and feeds back to the controller. After the controller makes a judgment, it sends a yes / no execution signal to the first cylinder and the finger cylinder; S3, plate placement execution: After the controller makes a negative judgment, the plate taking mechanism continues to wait until the controller makes a positive judgment, and the plate taking mechanism places the CTP plate clamp on the conveying table, and the glossy surface of the CTP plate contacts the conveying table; S4, flipping: After the CTP plate on the conveyor is transported to the flipping mechanism, the sensor on the flipping mechanism senses the CTP plate, and under the control of the controller, the second cylinder pushes the flip plate to flip the CTP plate to the temporary storage station, and the bright side of the CTP plate is exposed to the outside; S5, plate moving: The plate moving mechanism uses a mechanical arm and a suction cup to move the CTP plate in the temporary storage station to the plate drop rack.

7. The method for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple plate-making machines according to claim 6, characterized in that: In S1, after the sensor at the discharge end of the plate-making machine senses the CTP plate, the first cylinder pushes the baffle plate to rise, and the baffle plate blocks the CTP plate and causes it to move upwards tiltedly.

8. The method for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple plate-making machines according to claim 6, characterized in that: In S3, when the plate taking mechanism places the CTP plate clamp on the conveying table, the first cylinder moves the baffle plate downward, and the smooth surface of the CTP plate contacts the conveying table.

9. The method for collecting and conveying CTP plates for multiple plate-making machines according to claim 6, characterized in that: In S2, when the sensor on the conveyor senses that the block on the chain is in place and there is no CTP plate, a yes execution command is sent to the controller.

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