Apparatus and method for manipulating a plate

Abstract

A device for aligning an edge, typically a leading edge of a plate, in particular a leading edge of a printing plate or a printing plate precursor, the device comprising: a support (100) configured for supporting a plate on a support surface and intended to be located upstream of a processing station; at least two movable elements (501, 502) arranged to be moved by an edge of a plate, typically a leading edge of a plate, the at least two movable elements comprising a first movable element and a second movable element; detection means (601, 602) configured to detect a first measurement representative of a first position of the first movable element and a second measurement representative of a second position of the second movable element, respectively; at least one controllable component (100, 250) configured to perform an action on a plate; and control means (700) configured to control the at least one controllable component based on the first measurement and the second measurement.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The field of the invention relates to an apparatus and a method for handling a plate, in particular a printing plate or a printing plate precursor. More in particular, the invention relates to an apparatus and a method for aligning a leading edge of a plate, and an apparatus and a method for moving a plate, in particular a flexible plate. BACKGROUND

[0002] Printing plates need to be transported between various processing stations. Examples of processes that a printing plate can be subjected to are: cutting, ablation, exposure to electromagnetic radiation, development, washing, brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiation, heating, cooling, removal of material, treatment with a gas or a liquid, sanding, cutting, treatment with electromagnetic waves, and combinations thereof.

[0003] For flexographic printing, automated movement of the plate has been used for the transport of the plate within a washing station and for process steps before or after. For example, the plate is moved from an imaging station to a curing station to a washing station. Known systems can use a conveyor belt. In addition, a conveyor strip can be used to move a printing plate precursor, for example, through a washing station. For this purpose, the area of the printing plate precursor can be provided with a series of through holes in a punching station. An example of a washing apparatus with a conveyor strip system is disclosed in PCT application PCT / EP2019 / 060370 in the name of the present applicant. However, the use of conveyors and conveyor strip systems cannot be used for all parts of the process.

[0004] When transporting a printing plate between different processing stations, the printing plate can have to be aligned and / or translated and / or rotated. Existing automated plate transport systems are not suitable for all steps. In particular when the plate needs to be aligned and / or rotated, an operator can have to manipulate and position the plate.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved system for the transport and alignment of a plate to reduce the manipulation of an operator. SUMMARY

[0006] It is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide an apparatus and a method for aligning an edge, in particular a leading edge of a plate, which are robust and simple and which provide reliable results.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the application, there is provided an apparatus for aligning an edge of a plate, in particular an edge of a printing plate or a printing plate precursor. The apparatus comprises a support, at least two movable elements, a detection device, at least one controllable component and a control device. The support is configured for supporting a plate in a support surface and is intended to be located upstream of a processing station, for example a washing station. The at least two movable elements are arranged to be moved by the edge, typically the leading edge, of the plate. The at least two movable elements comprise a first movable element and a second movable element. The detection device is configured to detect a first measurement value representative of a first position of the first movable element and a second measurement value representative of a second position of the second movable element, respectively. The at least one controllable component is configured to perform an action on the plate. The control device is configured to control the at least one controllable component based on the first measurement value and the second measurement value.

[0008] By using at least two movable elements and in combination with a detection device to detect a first measurement value representative of a first position of the first movable element and a second measurement value representative of a second position of the second movable element, it is possible to determine whether the edge of the plate is aligned. This is a robust and simple device which can easily be added to any support and provides reliable results. In this way, the process can be faster and require less manipulation from an operator. Furthermore, compared to prior art solutions which directly use for example optical sensors to detect the edge, embodiments of the application have the advantage that because the measurement values representative of the positions of the movable elements are detected by the detection device, the detection device can be arranged such that it is not affected by variations in environmental conditions, such as the image on the plate.

[0009] Preferably, the at least two movable elements are arranged to protrude through the support surface at a starting position of the at least two movable elements. This embodiment has the advantage that the movable elements do not obstruct other components and detection can be performed below the support surface. However, in other embodiments, the movable elements can be provided above the support surface and then the plate can be passed below the movable elements.

[0010] Preferably, the at least one controllable component comprises a moving device configured to move the plate above the support surface. In this way, the movement of the plate can be controlled by the control device depending on the first measurement value and the second measurement value measured by the detection device. For example, the moving device can be configured to rotate the plate around an axis perpendicular to the support surface in order to improve the alignment and once the difference between the first measurement value and the second measurement value is below a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the plate is aligned.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile device is configured to rotate the plate around an axis perpendicular to the support surface and to translate the plate parallel to the support surface. The control device can then be configured to first translate and / or rotate the plate until the edge is in contact with the at least two movable elements, then can further rotate the plate until the difference between the first and second measured values is below a predetermined threshold, then can further translate the plate above or below the at least two movable elements.

[0012] Preferably, the at least two movable elements are at least two pivotable pins arranged to be pivoted by the edge of the plate. The pivotable elements are easily installed in the support so that they protrude through the support surface, or above the support, and the angle through which the pivotable elements pivot is a direct and accurate measure of the position of the point of contact with the edge.

[0013] More preferably, the at least two pivotable pins comprise a first pivotable pin and a second pivotable pin, and the detection device is configured to detect a first measured value representative of a first angle of the first pivotable pin and a second measured value representative of a second angle of the second pivotable pin. The at least two pivotable pins can extend below and / or above the support surface, and the detection device (e.g. an angle detection device) can be disposed below the support surface (here the detection device is not affected by measurement disturbing factors), or above the support (at a distance from the support surface), and preferably so that it is not affected by the properties (e.g. image or color) of the plate.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least two pins are arranged and configured so that when the at least two pins are not in contact with the edge of the plate, the at least two pins preferably orient themselves at an angle of between 15 and 75 degrees with respect to the support surface towards an upstream direction. In this way, for example, the pins can gradually move from a first starting position in which the pins point in the upstream direction (i.e. the direction from which the edge is approaching), to a position perpendicular to the support surface, and then to a position in which the pins are oriented towards a downstream direction and the plate can move above the pins.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least two pivotable pins are movable between a starting position and an end position, and a biasing device (e.g. a weight or a spring device attached to the at least two pivotable pins) is configured to exert a force against the edge of the plate towards the upstream direction, wherein optionally a further biasing device (e.g. a piston) is provided to force the at least two pivotable pins in the end position. Preferably, the end position is a position below the support surface or far above the support surface to avoid damage.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least two pivotable pins are arranged pivotably around a pivot axis, and the pivot axis is located at a distance of 5 cm below or above the support surface, preferably at a distance of more than 10 cm below or above the support surface. In this way, the edge can be moved over the support surface by a relatively large distance while remaining in contact with the pivotable pins. In fact, the larger the distance between the pivot axis and the support surface, the larger the distance the edge can be moved parallel to the support while being in contact with the gradually pivoting pins. This will further improve the accuracy of the alignment of the plate.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the at least two movable elements and the support are configured such that the at least two movable elements can be moved below or far above the support surface or flush with the support surface when the plate passes above or below the at least two movable elements. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous when it is desired to first align the plate moving along the machine conveying direction and then further move the plate above the at least two movable elements along the machine conveying direction. However, in other embodiments, in which the at least one controllable component comprises for example a punching device, it can not be necessary that the at least two movable elements can be moved below or far above the support surface. In this case, the punching action can take place when the difference between the first and second measurement values is below a predetermined threshold value, and the plate can then be removed without having to pass above or below the at least two movable elements.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment, the support is a support table provided with two slits through which the at least two movable elements protrude. When the movable elements are pivotable pins, the slits can be dimensioned such that the pivotable pins can be moved from a rest position in which the pins point in an upstream direction to a position in which the pins point in a downstream direction, and optionally to an end position in which the pins are located below or flush with the support surface.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment, each pivotable pin comprises a first elongated portion and a second elongated portion, wherein the second elongated portion is at an angle of between 120 and 175 degrees with respect to the first elongated portion. Preferably, when in the starting position, the second elongated portion extends at least partially above the support surface, while the first elongated portion extends below the support surface.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the detection device is provided below the support surface. In this way, the detection device is not disturbed by variations in the environment, such as an image on the plate. For example, when the movable elements are pivotable pins, the detection device can comprise an angle sensor for each pin, which is preferably arranged near the pivot axis of the pivotable pin. According to another embodiment, the detection device is provided above the support surface, preferably such that it is not influenced by the properties of the plate.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment, the support can be configured such that the support surface is an inclined surface. Especially when the processing station downstream of the movable element is a cleaning station, it can be advantageous to have a support surface that is slightly inclined downwards towards the direction of the cleaning station.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one controllable component comprises any one or more of: a punching device, a plate coupling device, a plate clamping device.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment, the moving device comprises any one or more of: at least one robot arm, a set of rollers, a set of chains, a set of belts.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least two movable elements are intended to engage the leading edge of the plate and serve to align the plate such that the leading edge is oriented substantially perpendicular to the machine conveying direction along which the plate is intended to be moved through the apparatus.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment, the at least two movable elements can serve to center the plate, wherein the side edge contacts one of the movable elements. For such an embodiment, the moving device is preferably configured to translate the plate in a direction perpendicular to the machine conveying direction in parallel with the support surface, wherein the control device is configured to control the moving device until the measured value of the pin contacting the side edge is within a predetermined range.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment, the moving device comprises an articulated operating arm configured to translate and / or rotate the plate such that an edge of the plate is moved towards the direction of the at least two movable elements. Optionally, the moving device further comprises a plate engagement device at one end of the articulated operating arm, the plate engagement device being configured to contact the plate such that movement of the operating arm causes the plate to slide over the support surface. The plate engagement device can be a suction device, a clamping device, or simply a head with a contact surface that presses against the plate. In the latter case, the friction and / or adhesion between the contact surface and the plate can be sufficient to be able to slide the plate over the support surface.

[0027] Preferably, the control device is configured to compare the first measured value and the second measured value and determine that the edge of the plate is aligned or that the plate is centered if the difference between the first measured value and the second measured value is smaller than a predetermined threshold value.

[0028] Preferably, the distance between the first movable element and the second movable element is in the range of 10 cm to 1000 cm, preferably in the range of 10 cm to 500 cm, more preferably in the range of 10 cm to 100 cm.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, two movable elements are used to align the leading edge. However, three or more movable elements can also be used.

[0030] In a further developed embodiment, two movable elements can be provided for aligning the leading edge of a plate moving in the machine transport direction, and one or two further movable elements can be provided for centering the plate in a direction perpendicular to the machine transport direction. When using pivotable pins, the pins for aligning the leading edge can be pivoted in a plane parallel to the machine transport direction and perpendicular to the support surface, while the further pin or pins for centering the plate can be pivoted in a plane perpendicular to the machine transport direction and perpendicular to the support surface.

[0031] Preferably, the plate is a rectangular plate.

[0032] The detection device can comprise any one of the following: an optical detection device, a proximity detection device, a pressure detection device, an electrical detection device, a magnetic detection device, a mechanical detection device, a ferrous / non-ferrous metal detection device, or a combination thereof. Examples of suitable detection devices include angle sensors, proximity switches, light sensors, mechanical switches, magnetic switches, video cameras, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the detection device comprises a first detector and a second detector to perform detection at the first movable element and the second movable element, respectively. However, certain detection devices such as video cameras can see both the first movable element and the second movable element.

[0033] In embodiments where the at least one controllable component comprises a punching device, the punching device can comprise a driving device configured to arrange one or more penetrating elements or piercing elements through or in an edge portion of the plate. The driving device can be, for example, a hammer movably arranged such that it can engage against an edge portion of the relief plate precursor in order to arrange one or more penetrating elements or piercing elements through or into the edge portion of the plate.

[0034] According to another aspect, there is provided an apparatus for detecting or positioning an edge of a plate, in particular an edge of a printing plate or a printing plate precursor, the apparatus comprising: a support configured for supporting a plate in a support surface and intended to be located upstream of a processing station; at least one pivotable pin arranged to be moved by an edge of a plate; a detection device configured to detect at least one measurement value representative of a position of the at least one pivotable pin, wherein preferably the detection device is arranged below the support surface; at least one controllable component configured to perform an action on a plate; and a control device configured to control the at least one controllable component based on the at least one measurement value. Preferably, the at least one pivotable pin protrudes through the support surface.

[0035] Embodiments with a single pivotable pin can provide a simple and robust mechanism to detect the edge of a plate, in particular the movement of the edge of a plate as it moves against (optionally above or below) the pivotable pin.

[0036] Any of the features of the pivotable pin, detection device, controllable component, support and control device described above can also be used in embodiments of the last aspect.

[0037] According to an aspect of the application, there is provided a system comprising a device of any of the embodiments described above and a processing station located downstream of the support and configured for receiving the aligned plate.

[0038] According to exemplary embodiments, the processing in the processing station is selected from the group comprising washing, brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiation, development, heating, cooling, removing material, treating with a gas or liquid, sanding, cutting, treating with electromagnetic waves, ablation, measuring and combinations thereof.

[0039] According to exemplary embodiments, the processing in the processing station is a thermal treatment resulting in liquefied portions of the relief plate precursor, subsequently contacting the liquefied portions with a moving receptor material, for example a web, a non-woven material, or a foil to which the receptor material is adhered, and continuously removing the liquefied portions with the receptor material.

[0040] According to yet another aspect, there is provided a method for aligning an edge, typically a leading edge of a plate, the method comprising the steps of:

[0041] - providing a plate having at least one substantially linear edge, typically a leading edge;

[0042] - coupling the plate to a moving device;

[0043] - moving the plate over a support surface such that the edge contacts at least two movable elements;

[0044] - detecting the position of the at least two movable elements; and

[0045] - controlling the moving device based on the detected result.

[0046] The movable elements can have any one or more of the features described above. Preferably, the movable elements are pivotable elements.

[0047] Preferably, the at least two movable elements are arranged to protrude through the support surface at a starting position of the at least two movable elements, wherein during the moving step the at least two movable elements move from the starting position to an ending position. Alternatively, the at least two movable elements can be arranged above the support surface and can move upwards when moving from the starting position to the ending position.

[0048] Optionally, the plate is separated from the moving device when it is detected that the movement of the at least two movable elements caused by the leading edge is substantially the same.

[0049] Preferably, the step of controlling the moving device based on the detected result comprises rotating and / or translating the plate until the position difference between the first and second of the at least two movable elements is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0050] Preferably, the plate is a printing plate or a printing plate precursor. However, the method can also be used for other plates, such as printed circuit boards, cardboards, metal sheets or wood sheets, etc.

[0051] Preferably, the step of moving comprises moving the plate such that the leading edge of the plate contacts the at least two movable elements, and the method further comprises, when it is detected that the position difference between the first and second of the at least two movable elements is less than a predetermined threshold, feeding the plate to a processing unit.

[0052] Preferably, when the plate is fed to the processing unit, the at least two movable elements are moved either below the support surface or far above the support surface to be positioned above the plate.

[0053] In a possible embodiment, the method further comprises centering the plate relative to an entrance of a processing unit arranged downstream of the at least two movable elements. Optionally, the at least two movable elements comprise a first pair of movable elements and a third movable element, and the step of moving comprises moving the leading edge against the first pair of movable elements and moving a side edge of the plate against the third movable element, respectively. In this way, both the alignment of the leading edge and the centering of the plate can be achieved.

[0054] It is an object of another embodiment of the present invention to provide a system and method for moving a flexible plate, in particular a printing plate or a printing plate precursor, over a support surface in the direction of a processing station, such as a washing station, and more in particular to provide a system and method that allow the plate to slide over the support surface in an improved manner.

[0055] According to an aspect, there is provided a system for moving a flexible plate, in particular a printing plate or a printing plate precursor, over a support surface in a direction towards a processing station. The system comprises a support, an articulated handling arm and a control device. The support, typically a table, is configured for supporting a plate on its support surface and is intended to be located upstream of the processing station. The articulated handling arm extends substantially parallel to the support surface and comprises at least a first segment and a second segment. The first segment has a first end rotatably connected to the second segment about a first rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the support surface and a second end provided with a plate engagement device configured to contact the plate such that a movement of the handling arm causes the plate to slide over the support surface. The second segment is rotatable about a second rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the support surface. The control device is configured to control the plate engagement device and to control the rotation of the first segment and the second segment of the articulated handling arm such that the plate slides over the support surface in a direction towards the processing station.

[0056] The articulated handling arm allows the plate to slide (i.e. move or push or pull) over the support surface while allowing the plate to rotate about the first movable rotation axis and the second fixed rotation axis, resulting in any desired movement pattern of the plate. Preferably, the plate is not lifted; rather, it is preferred that the plate engagement device presses the plate against the support surface during the sliding of the plate over the support surface.

[0057] Preferably, the plate engagement device is configured to couple the first segment to the plate by suction, adhesion or by friction or a combination thereof. Preferably, the plate engagement device rests on the plate by gravity.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the plate engagement device comprises one or more suction cups, preferably at least two suction cups. In a preferred embodiment, each suction cup has a portion intended to be in contact with the plate, said portion being made of a porous material, preferably a porous metal, ceramic or plastic. Preferably, the portion intended to be in contact with the plate is substantially flat.

[0059] In another exemplary embodiment, the plate engagement device comprises one or more contact heads, preferably at least two contact heads, each contact head having a contact surface configured to be pushed against the plate. The control device can then be configured to push the one or more contact heads against the plate such that the friction and / or adhesion between the one or more contact surfaces and the plate allows the plate to be slid over the support surface by the handling arm. For example, the contact surface can be made of a material that "sticks" to the plate when pressure is applied without leaving marks on the plate. For example, a pressure sensitive adhesive can be attached to the engagement device.

[0060] Preferably, the control device is configured to control the articulated arm such that a rotation of substantially 90° is performed while pulling or pushing the plate towards the processing station. In this way, the orientation of the plate can be changed from a position in which the shortest direction of the plate is pointing in the machine transport direction to a position in which the longest direction of the plate is pointing in the machine transport direction, or vice versa. This can be useful in particular for large plates when the plate is transported, for example, from an exposure station to a cleaning station.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the support is a table provided with a plurality of holes, and the system further comprises a blowing device configured for blowing gas through the holes in the direction of a plate supported on the table, in order to reduce the friction between the plate and the table. In this way, the force needed to make the plate slide over the support surface can be reduced. Preferably, the blowing is performed over the entire contact surface between the support surface and the plate.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment, the support comprises a passive ball transfer conveyor comprising a plurality of rotatably mounted balls protruding from the support surface. The plurality of balls can be arranged along a regular grid, for example, visible in the machine transport direction, arranged at equal distances from each other. Preferably, the distance between adjacent balls of the plurality of balls is between 5 cm and 50 cm. Preferably, the diameter of the plurality of balls is between 5 mm and 50 mm. Preferably, the plurality of balls protrude from the support surface with a height of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, for example between 1 mm and 4 mm. Preferably, the support surface between the plurality of balls is a flat surface. Preferably, the plate engaging device rests on the plate by gravity. When a ball is present under the plate engaging device, the plate engaging device can move slightly upwards when moving over the ball. However, due to the plate being generally compressible, this upward movement is generally negligible.

[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment, the support comprises at least a first table portion and a second table portion, wherein the processing station is a second processing station, and wherein the first processing station is located at an edge of the first table portion, wherein the second table portion is located downstream of the first table portion when looking in the machine transport direction towards the second processing station, wherein the first table portion is movable, preferably articulated, such that it can be removed or folded up to allow an operator to access the first processing station. Optionally, the support further comprises a third table portion located downstream of the second table portion, wherein the second processing station is located at an edge of the third table portion. The third table portion can be movable, preferably articulated, such that it can be removed or folded up to allow an operator to access the second processing station.

[0064] The control device can comprise a first actuation device for controlling the rotation of the first section relative to the second section, and a second actuation device for controlling the rotation of the second section around the second rotation axis.

[0065] Preferably, the plate engagement device is arranged rotatable about a third rotation axis perpendicular to the support surface. The control device can then comprise actuating means configured for rotating the plate engagement device about the third rotation axis. This will allow coupling the plate engagement device to the plate in any desired direction, which can improve the forces exerted on the plate while sliding the plate over the support surface. For example, when the plate engagement device comprises two or more contact heads or suction cups arranged on a carrier, this will allow positioning such that the carrier is perpendicular to the machine transport direction.

[0066] Preferably, at least the plate engagement device is movable along a direction perpendicular to the support surface between a contact position in which the plate engagement device is in contact with the plate and a non-contact position in which the plate engagement device is located at a distance above the plate. In an exemplary embodiment, only the plate engagement device is movable, while the arm section is not. In another embodiment, the entire handling arm can be movable along a direction perpendicular to the support surface. The control device can then comprise actuating means configured for moving at least the plate engagement device, and optionally the entire handling arm, between the contact position and the non-contact position.

[0067] According to an exemplary embodiment, the control device is configured to control the handling arm in a first operational mode to perform the following sequence of steps:

[0068] - coupling the plate engagement device to the plate at a first position of the plate;

[0069] - moving the plate according to a first trajectory, which can for example be a substantially linear movement;

[0070] - decoupling the plate engagement device from the plate;

[0071] - coupling the plate engagement device to the plate at a second position of the plate different from the first position; and

[0072] - moving the plate according to a second trajectory, optionally said moving the plate according to a second trajectory involves rotating the plate substantially 90 degrees.

[0073] This operational mode can preferably be used for large plates P requiring rotation.

[0074] The first position can be a position close to the leading edge of the plate, preferably substantially in the middle of the leading edge of the plate. The second position can be located on one side of the center line of the plate, preferably in the quarter closest to the second rotation axis, for example the front quarter. By choosing these positions, the forces will be well distributed when for example the first trajectory is a linear movement in the machine transport direction and the second trajectory is a rotation.

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment, the control device is configured to control the handling arm in another operational mode to perform the following sequence of steps:

[0076] - coupling the plate engagement device to the plate;

[0077] - moving the plate according to a trajectory involving rotation and / or translation of the plate; and

[0078] - decoupling the plate engagement device from the plate.

[0079] In other words, it is also possible to cause the plate to perform a continuous movement without changing the coupling position. This mode of operation can be preferred especially for smaller plates or for linear movements.

[0080] Preferably, the control device is configured to control the articulated operating arm depending on the size of the plate. For example, the control device can be configured to determine whether the plate is larger than a predetermined size, and to perform the sequence of steps of the first mode of operation described above if it is determined that the plate is larger than the predetermined size, and to perform the sequence of steps of the other mode of operation described above if it is determined that the plate is not larger than the predetermined size.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, the system further comprises a detection assembly configured for detecting a measurement value representative of a position of the plate, wherein the control device is configured for controlling the rotation of the plate engagement device and / or the first segment and / or the second segment depending on the measurement value detected by the detection assembly. The detection assembly can be configured for detecting whether the plate is correctly aligned at the entrance of the processing station. For example, an embodiment of the apparatus with a movable element as described above can be used for this purpose.

[0082] Preferably, the articulated operating arm and the control device are configured for moving a plate having a weight of between 6 kg and 30 kg, i.e. a relatively heavy plate that rests on the support surface during the movement.

[0083] According to another aspect, a method is provided for moving a flexible plate, in particular a printing plate or a printing plate precursor, in a direction above a support surface towards a processing station, e.g. a washing station, the method comprising the steps of:

[0084] - supporting the plate on a support surface located upstream of the processing station;

[0085] - sliding the plate above the support surface using an articulated operating arm extending substantially parallel to the support surface and comprising at least a first segment having a plate engagement device and a second segment rotatably connected to the first segment about a first rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the support surface, the second segment being rotatable about a second rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the support surface, wherein preferably the plate engagement device engages the plate by friction, adhesion and / or by suction; and

[0086] - controlling the rotation of the first segment and the second segment of the articulated operating arm such that the plate is slid above the support surface in a direction towards the processing station.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the step of controlling is done to perform the following sequence of steps: coupling the plate engagement device to the plate at a first position of the plate; moving the plate according to a first trajectory, separating the plate engagement device from the plate; coupling the plate engagement device to the plate at a second position of the plate different from the first position; and moving the plate according to a second trajectory. Preferred features related to this sequence have been explained above for embodiments of the system, and these preferred features can also be applied to the method.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, the step of controlling is done to perform the following sequence of steps: coupling the plate engagement device to the plate; moving the plate according to a trajectory involving rotation and / or translation of the plate; separating the plate engagement device from the plate;

[0089] Preferably, the step of controlling involves controlling the manipulator arm according to the size of the plate. For example, if the plate is larger than a predetermined size, a first sequence of steps can be performed; if it is determined that the plate is not larger than the predetermined size, a second sequence of steps can be performed.

[0090] Optionally, the method further comprises a step of detecting a measurement representative of a position of the plate, wherein the step of controlling comprises controlling the rotation of the first section and / or the second section according to the detected measurement. The detection can comprise detecting whether the plate is correctly aligned at the entrance of the processing station. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0091] The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the presently preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system and method of the present application. The above and other advantages of the present application will become more apparent and the application will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0092] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system for moving a printing plate;

[0093] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a system for moving a printing plate, wherein the manipulator arm is in a position for rotating the plate;

[0094] Figure 3 is a very schematic top view of an exemplary embodiment of Figure 2 showing the trajectory followed by a large printing plate;

[0095] Figure 4 is another schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of Figure 2 wherein the manipulator arm is in a position for coupling to a small plate;

[0096] Figure 5 is a very schematic top view of an exemplary embodiment of Figure 4very schematic top view of an exemplary embodiment of the present application, showing the trajectory followed by the small printing plate;

[0097] Figure 6A and Figure 6B are perspective views of a plate engagement device in an upper position and a lower position, respectively;

[0098] Figure 7A and Figure 7B show a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the table and a cross section of a portion of the table, respectively;

[0099] Figures 8A to 8C is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a device for aligning the leading edge of a plate as it moves through the device;

[0100] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a device for aligning the leading edge of a plate;

[0101] Figure 10 is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a device for aligning and / or centering a plate; and

[0102] Figure 11 is a schematic side view of another exemplary embodiment of a device for aligning the leading edge of a plate; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0103] Figure 1A system for moving a flexible plate P (in particular a printing plate or a printing plate precursor) in a direction over a support surface 106 from a first processing station S1 (schematically shown as a rectangle) towards a second processing station S2 (e.g. a washing station, schematically shown as a rectangle) is shown. The system comprises a support 100, an operating arm 200 and control means 410, 420, 430. The support 100 (typically a table) is configured for supporting the plate P on a support surface 106 of the table (support 100). The table (support 100) is located upstream of the second processing station S2. The operating arm 200 extends substantially parallel to the support surface 106 and comprises at least a first section 210 and a second section 220. The first section 210 has a first end 211 rotatably connected to the second section 220 about a first rotation axis Al substantially perpendicular to the support surface 106 and a second end 212 provided with a plate engagement device 250 configured to contact the plate P such that a movement of the operating arm 200 causes the plate P to slide over the support surface 106. The second section 220 is rotatable about a second rotation axis A2 substantially perpendicular to the support surface 106. The control means 410, 420, 430 are configured to control the plate engagement device and to control the rotation of the first section 210 and the second section 220 of the operating arm 200 such that the plate slides over the support surface 106 in a direction towards the second processing station S2. Using the operating arm 200, the plate P can be slid (i.e. moved or pushed or pulled) over the support surface 106 while the plate P can be rotated about the first movable rotation axis Al and the second fixed rotation axis A2 resulting in any desired movement pattern of the plate. Preferably, the weight of the plate engagement device 250 rests on the support surface 106 and thus exerts a downward force on the plate P during the sliding of the plate over the support surface 106.

[0104] Preferably, the plate engagement device 250 is configured to couple the first section to the plate by suction, adhesion or by friction or a combination thereof. Preferably, the plate engagement device rests on the plate by gravity.

[0105] In the shown embodiment, the support comprises a first table portion 110, a second table portion 120 and a third table portion 130. The first processing station S1 is located at an edge of the first table portion 110. The second table portion 120 is located downstream of the first table portion 110 as seen from a machine conveying direction towards the second processing station S2. The first table portion 110 is hinged about a pivot AT1 so that it can be folded up to allow an operator to access the first processing station S1. The third table portion 130 is located downstream of the second table portion 120 and the second processing station S2 is located at an edge of the third table portion 130. The third table portion 130 is hinged about a pivot AT3 so that it can be folded up to allow an operator to access the second processing station S2.

[0106] The control device comprises a first actuation device 410 for controlling the rotation of the first section 210 relative to the second section 220, and a second actuation device 420 for controlling the rotation of the second section 220 about the second rotation axis A2. The plate engagement device 250 is arranged rotatable about a third rotation axis A3 perpendicular to the support surface 106. The control device comprises an actuation device 430 configured for rotating the plate engagement device 250 about the third rotation axis A3. This will allow coupling the plate engagement device 250 to the plate P in any desired direction, which can improve the force exerted on the plate while sliding the plate over the support surface 106.

[0107] The plate engagement device 250 or the entire handling arm 200 can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the support surface 106 between a contact position in which the plate engagement device 250 is in contact with the plate P, and a non-contact position in which the plate engagement device 250 is located at a distance above the plate. The control device can then comprise an actuation device (not shown) configured for moving at least the plate engagement device 250, and optionally the entire handling arm 200, between the contact position and the non-contact position.

[0108] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment is shown which is similar to the embodiment of Figure 1 , wherein identical or similar parts are denoted with the same reference numerals. Figure 2 It is shown that the control device can be configured to control the handling arm 200 such that the plate P is rotated substantially 90° while pulling or pushing the plate P from the first processing station S1 to the second processing station S2. In Figure 2 , it is shown that one large plate P is rotated from a position in which the shortest direction of the plate points in the machine transport direction upon entering station S1 to a position in which the longest direction of the plate points in the machine transport direction upon entering S2. For example, the first station S1 can be an exposure station, and the second station S2 can be a cleaning station.

[0109] Figure 3 An example is shown of a first operating mode of the embodiment of Figure 2 , wherein the following sequence of steps is performed:

[0110] - coupling the plate engagement device 250 to the plate P in a first position LC1 of the plate, see Figure 3 the left position 1 of the plate;

[0111] - moving the plate P according to a first trajectory T1, here a substantially linear movement;

[0112] - decoupling the plate engagement device 250 from the plate, which is done in a second position 2 of the plate;

[0113] - The plate coupling device 250 is connected to the plate at a second position LC2, different from the first position, while the plate remains in the second position 2; and

[0114] - The plate is moved according to a second trajectory T2, which includes rotating the plate approximately 90 degrees, see [link]. Figure 3 Positions 3 and 4 are shown in the diagram.

[0115] This operating mode can be used for large plates P that require rotation.

[0116] The first position LC1 is located near the leading edge LE of plate P, preferably substantially in the middle of the leading edge LE. The second position LC2 is located on one side of the center lines L1 and L2 of the plate, preferably in the first quarter Q closest to the second axis of rotation A2 (see...). Figure 2 By selecting these locations, the force will be well distributed.

[0117] Figure 4 It shows Figure 4 In the embodiments, the manipulator 200 is in different positions. Figure 2 The control device is shown to be configured to control the operating arm 200 such that, for the small plate P, only one of the suction devices of the plate engagement device 250 is used (see also below). Figure 6A and 6B (Description).

[0118] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 and Figure 4 An example of a second operating mode of an embodiment, wherein the following steps are performed:

[0119] - Connect the plate bonding device to the plate, see Figure 5 The plate is positioned at position 1'.

[0120] - Move the plate according to the trajectory involving the plate's rotation and translation, see [link / reference] Figure 5 The plate positions 2' and 3' in the middle; and

[0121] - Separate the plate bonding device from the plate, see Figure 5 The plate is positioned at position 4'.

[0122] In other words, plate P moves continuously without changing its connection position. This operating mode may be preferred, especially for smaller plates.

[0123] Preferably, the control device is configured to control the operating arm 200 according to the size of the plate P. For example, the control device may be configured to determine whether the plate is larger than a predetermined size, and if it is determined that the plate is larger than the predetermined size, then execute... Figure 3 The sequence of steps; if it is determined that the plate is not larger than the predetermined size, then proceed.Figure 5 the sequence of steps.

[0124] Figure 6A and 6B An exemplary embodiment of a suitable plate engagement device 250 is shown. The plate engagement device 250 comprises a carriage 253 on which two suction cups 251, 252 are arranged. In a preferred embodiment, each suction cup 251, 252 has a portion with a flat underside that is intended to come into contact with the plate and is made of a porous material, for example a porous metal, ceramic or plastic. However, as mentioned in the summary, other plate engagement devices 250 can also be used. For example, the suction cups 251, 252 can be replaced by two contact heads, each having a contact surface configured to push against the plate. The control device can then be configured to push one or more contact heads against the plate such that the friction and / or adhesion between the head and the plate allows the plate to be slid over the support surface 106 by the manipulator arm 200.

[0125] In Figure 6A and 6B , the plate engagement device 250 is movable in a direction perpendicular to the support surface 106 between a contact position in which the plate engagement device 250 is in contact with the plate and a non-contact position in which the plate engagement device 250 is located at a distance above the plate. The control device comprises an actuation device 440 configured for moving the plate engagement device 250 between the contact position and the non-contact position.

[0126] In Figures 1 to 5 embodiments, the support 100 can be provided with a plurality of holes (not shown) and the system can further comprise a blowing device (not shown) configured for blowing gas through the holes in the direction of the plate P supported on the table (support 100) in order to reduce the friction between the plate P and the table (support 100). In this way, the force required to make the plate slide over the support surface 106 can be reduced. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in Figure 7A and 7B , the table (support 100) can comprise a passive ball transfer conveyor comprising a plurality of rotatably mounted balls 105 protruding from the support surface 106. Said plurality of balls 105 can be arranged along a regular grid, for example, equidistant from each other in the machine conveying direction. Preferably, the distance between adjacent balls 105 of said plurality of balls is between 5 cm and 50 cm. Preferably, the diameter of said plurality of balls 105 is between 5 mm and 50 mm. Preferably, the plurality of balls 105 protrude from the support surface 106 with a height of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, for example between 1 mm and 4 mm. Preferably, the support surface 106 between said plurality of balls 105 is a flat surface.

[0127] Optionally, Figure 1 The system to Fig. 6 further comprises a detection assembly configured for detecting a measure representative of a position of the plate, and the control device is configured for controlling the plate engagement device 250 and / or the rotation of the first section 210 and / or the second section 220 as a function of the measure detected by the detection assembly. The detection assembly can be configured for detecting whether the plate is correctly aligned at the entrance of the second processing station S2. Embodiments of possible detection assemblies will be described below.

[0128] Preferably, the handling arm 200 and the control device 410, 420, 430, 440 are configured for moving a plate having a weight between 6 kg and 30 kg, i.e. a relatively heavy plate resting on the support surface 106 during the movement.

[0129] Figures 8A to 8C and Figure 9 A first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for aligning an edge of a plate P, in particular a printing plate or a printing plate precursor, is shown. Figure 8A to 8C Successive method steps are shown, and Figure 9 A partially cut perspective view is shown to better illustrate the movable elements 501, 502 of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a support 100 (here a table), two movable elements 501, 502, detection means 601, 602, at least one controllable component (for example, Figure 1 The handling arm 200) shown in Fig. 6) and a control device 700. The support 100 is configured for supporting a plate in a support surface 106 and is intended to be located upstream of a processing station (for example Figure 1 and 2 schematically shown in Fig. 2). The two movable elements 501, 502 are arranged to be moved by a leading edge LE of the plate P. The two movable elements comprise a first movable element 501 and a second movable element 502. The detection means 601, 602 are configured for detecting a first measure representative of a first position of the first movable element and a second measure representative of a second position of the second movable element, respectively. The at least one controllable component, for example a moving device, is configured for performing an action on the plate. The control device 700 is configured for controlling the at least one controllable component on the basis of the first measure and the second measure. For example, the movement of the plate P can be controlled by the control device as a function of the first measure and the second measure measured by the detection means 601, 602. For example, the moving device can be configured for rotating the plate about an axis perpendicular to the support surface 106 in order to improve the alignment, and once the difference between the first measure and the second measure is below a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the plate is aligned.

[0130] The mobile device can be configured to rotate the plate around an axis perpendicular to the support surface 106 and to translate the plate parallel to the support surface 106. The control device can then be configured to first translate and / or rotate the plate until the edge is in contact with the at least two movable elements, then can further rotate the plate until the difference between the first measurement and the second measurement is below a predetermined threshold, then can further translate the plate above or below the at least two movable elements.

[0131] The movable elements 501, 502 are arranged to protrude through the support surface 106 at a starting position Ps of the movable elements 501, 502. This embodiment has the advantage that the movable elements do not obstruct other components and that the detection can be performed below the support surface 106.

[0132] In the embodiment of Figures 8A to 8C and Figure 9 , the movable elements 501, 502 are two pivotable pins arranged to be pivoted by the edge of the plate. The pivotable elements are easy to install in the support so that they protrude through the support surface 106 or above the support and the angle through which the pivotable elements pivot is a direct and accurate measure of the position of the point of contact with the edge. The detection device 601, 602 is configured to detect a first measurement of a first angle of a first pivotable pin (movable element 501) and a second measurement of a second angle of a second pivotable pin (movable element 502). The pivotable pins (movable elements 501, 502) extend partly below and partly above the support surface 106 in the starting position Ps and the detection device 601, 602, e.g. an angle detection device, is arranged below the support surface 106 (here the detection device 601, 602 is not affected by measurement disturbing factors).

[0133] In the starting position Ps before contact with the edge of the plate, the at least two pins (movable elements 501, 502) are oriented towards an upstream direction Du, see Figure 8A and 9 , preferably at an angle between 15 and 75 degrees relative to the support surface 106. In this way, for example, the pins can be moved from the starting position Ps, where the pins are pointing in the upstream direction Du, to a position perpendicular to the support surface 106 to the end position Pe, where the pins are oriented in the downstream direction Dd and the plate can be moved over the pins, see Figure 8C and 9 .

[0134] A biasing device is here a weight 505 attached to each pivotable pin (movable element 501, 502) which is configured to exert a force on the edge of the plate towards the upstream direction Du. An optional further biasing device (here a piston 520) is provided to force the pivotable pin (movable element 501, 502) in an end position Pe (e.g. when the pin is not in use). Preferably, the end position Pe is a position below the support surface 106 to avoid damage.

[0135] The pivotable pin (movable element 501, 502) is pivotably arranged around a pivot axis A and the pivot axis is located more than 5 cm below or above the support surface 106, preferably more than 10 cm below or above the support surface 106 at a distance d. In this way, the plate P can be moved a relatively large distance above the support surface 106 while remaining in contact with the pivotable pin (movable element 501, 502). This will further improve the accuracy of the alignment of the plate.

[0136] The support 100 is a support table provided with two slits 101, 102 through which the two pivotable pins (movable elements 501, 502) protrude. The slits 101, 102 are elongated slits which are dimensioned such that the pivotable pin can be moved from a start position Ps in which the pin points in the upstream direction Du to a position in which the pin points in the downstream direction Dd and optionally to an end position Pe in which the pin is located below or flush with the support surface 106.

[0137] Each pivotable pin comprises a first elongated portion 510 and a second elongated portion 511, wherein the second elongated portion 511 is angled between 120 and 175 degrees relative to the first elongated portion 510. When in the start position Ps, the second elongated portion 511 extends at least partially above the support surface 106 while the first elongated portion 510 extends below the support surface 106. This allows the length of the slit to be reduced while still allowing the pin (movable element 501, 502) to disappear in the support 100.

[0138] Optionally, as shown in Figure 9 The support 100 can be configured such that the support surface 106 is an inclined surface, e.g. when the processing station downstream of the movable elements 501, 502 is a cleaning station.

[0139] Optionally, the at least one controllable component comprises any one or more of: a moving device, a punching device, a plate coupling device, a plate clamping device. The moving device can be an operating arm as described above, but can also comprise any one or more of: at least one robotic arm, a set of rollers, a set of chains, a set of belts.

[0140] Preferably, the control device 700 is configured to compare the first and second measurement values and determine that the edge of the plate is aligned or that the plate is centered if the difference between the first and second measurement values is smaller than a predetermined threshold.

[0141] Preferably, the distance between the first and second movable elements 501, 502 is in the range of 10 cm to 1000 cm, preferably in the range of 10 cm to 500 cm, more preferably in the range of 10 cm to 100 cm.

[0142] Figure 10 A top view of an exemplary embodiment is shown, with two movable elements 501, 502 for aligning the leading edge of a plate moving in the machine transport direction and one or two further movable elements 503, 504 for centering the plate in a direction perpendicular to the machine transport direction. Note that only one of the further movable elements 503, 504 can be used. Here, the movable elements 501, 502 are pivotable pins that pivot in a plane parallel to the machine transport direction and perpendicular to the support surface 106, while the further pin(s) (movable elements 503, 504) for centering the plate can pivot in a plane perpendicular to the machine transport direction and perpendicular to the support surface 106. More generally, the pivotable pins (movable elements 501) can be oriented in any suitable direction depending on the detection one wishes to perform.

[0143] Figure 11 Another exemplary embodiment of a device for detecting or positioning a plate P, in particular a printing plate or a printing plate precursor, is shown. The device comprises a support 100 (here a table), a pivotable pin (movable element 501), a detection device 601 (e.g. an angle detector), a controllable component (operating arm 200) and a control device 700. The support 100 is configured for supporting a plate on a support surface. The pivotable pin (movable element 501) is arranged to be moved by an edge of the plate P. The detection device 601 is configured to detect a measurement value representative of the position of the pivotable pin (movable element 501). The controllable component (e.g. a moving device) is configured to perform an action on the plate. The control device 700 is configured to control the controllable component based on the measurement value. For example, the moving device can be configured to translate the plate in the support surface and / or rotate the plate around an axis perpendicular to the support surface 106 depending on the measurement value. In this example, the pin (movable element 501) is arranged with its pivot axis above the support surface and the detection is also performed above the support surface. However, it is also possible to provide the detection device 601 below the surface. As in the previous example, the control device 700 is configured to compare the first and second measurement values and determine that the edge of the plate is aligned or that the plate is centered if the difference between the first and second measurement values is smaller than a predetermined threshold. Figures 8A to 8CIn the embodiment of Fig. 6, the edge of the plate P contacts the pin (movable element 501) when it is moved from the start position Ps to the end position Pe. Here, the end position Pe is a position above the support 100 high enough for the plate P to pass underneath. Optionally, a biasing device (not shown) can be provided to bias the pin (movable element 501) in the start position Ps or the end position Pe.

[0144] Examples of suitable detection devices 601, 602 include angle sensors, proximity switches, light sensors, mechanical switches, magnetic switches, video cameras, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the detection devices comprise a first detector 601 and a second detector 602 to perform detection at the first movable element and the second movable element, respectively. However, certain detection devices such as video cameras can see both the first movable element and the second movable element.

[0145] The apparatus of Figs. 8 to 11 can be used in a system further comprising a processing station downstream of the support and configured for receiving the aligned plate. The processing in the processing station can be selected from the group comprising washing, brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiating, developing, heating, cooling, removing material, treating with a gas or a liquid, sanding, cutting, treating with electromagnetic waves, ablation, measuring, and combinations thereof.

[0146] The relief plate precursor typically comprises 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 can 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 case of a flexible metal, the support layer can comprise a thin film, a screen-like structure, a mesh-like structure, a woven structure, or a non-woven structure, or a combination thereof. Steel sheets, copper sheets, nickel sheets, or aluminum sheets are preferred and can be about 50 to 1000 pm thick. In case of a polymer film, the film is dimensionally stable but bendable and can be made, for example, from polyalkylenes, polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyamides, and polycarbonates, polymers reinforced with woven, non-woven, or layered fibers, such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, polymer fibers, or combinations thereof. Preferably, polyethylene foils and polyester foils are used and their thickness can range from about 100 to 300 pm, preferably from 100 to 200 pm.

[0147] The relief plate precursor can carry additional layers. For example, the additional layers 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 further additional layers can be provided on top of the additional layers. Such one or more further additional layers can include a cover layer on top of all other layers, which is removed before imaging of the imageable layer. The one or more additional layers can include a relief layer and an anti-halo layer between the support layer and the relief layer or on the side of the support layer opposite the relief layer. The one or more additional layers can include a relief layer, an imageable layer, and one or more barrier layers between the relief layer and the imageable layer, which prevent 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.

[0148] While the principles of this application have been set forth above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is merely by way of example and not limiting of the scope of the application as determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for aligning the edges of a plate, the apparatus comprising: - A support member, configured to support the plate on a support surface, and intended to be located upstream of the processing station; - At least two movable elements arranged to move from the edge of the plate, the at least two movable elements including a first movable element and a second movable element; - A detection device configured to detect a first measurement value representing a first position of the first movable element and a second measurement value representing a second position of the second movable element, respectively; - At least one controllable component is configured to perform an action on the plate; and - A control device configured to control the at least one controllable component based on the first and second measured values. The at least two movable elements are at least two pivoting pins arranged to pivot from the edge of the plate.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The at least two movable elements are arranged to extend through the support surface at their starting positions.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one controllable component includes a moving device configured to move the plate above the support surface.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The control device is configured to control the moving device based on the difference between the first measured value and the second measured value.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The moving device is configured to translate the plate parallel to the support surface and rotate the plate about an axis perpendicular to the support surface.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The at least two pivot pins include a first pivot pin and a second pivot pin, and wherein the detection device is configured to detect a first measurement value representing a first angle of the first pivot pin and a second measurement value representing a second angle of the second pivot pin.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 or 6, wherein, The at least two pins are arranged and configured such that when the at least two pins are not in contact with the edge of the plate, the at least two pins orient themselves in the upstream direction.

8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The at least two pivotable pins are pivotally arranged around a pivot located at a distance greater than 5 cm below the support surface.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The at least two pivotable pins are movable between a starting position and an ending position, and wherein the biasing device is configured to apply force against the edge of the plate toward the upstream direction.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each pivot pin includes a first elongated portion and a second elongated portion, wherein the second elongated portion forms an angle between 120 and 175 degrees relative to the first elongated portion, wherein, when in the initial position, the second elongated portion extends at least partially above the support surface, while the first elongated portion extends below the support surface.

11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The at least two movable elements and the support are configured such that when the plate passes over the at least two movable elements, the at least two movable elements are movable below the support surface or flush with the support surface.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The support is a support platform with two slits through which the at least two movable elements extend.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The detection device is positioned below the support surface.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one controllable component includes any one or more of the following: a punching device, a plate connecting device, and a plate clamping device.

15. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The moving device comprises any one or more of: at least one robotic arm, a set of rollers, a set of chains, a set of belts.

16. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The moving device comprises an articulated operating arm configured to translate and / or rotate the plate so that an edge of the plate moves towards the direction of the at least two movable elements.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The moving device comprises a plate engaging device at one end of the articulated operating arm configured to contact the plate so that the movement of the operating arm causes a sliding of the plate over the support surface.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control device is configured to compare the first and second measurements and determine that the edge of the plate is aligned if the difference between the first and second measurements is less than a predetermined threshold.

19. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The distance between the first and second movable elements is in the range of 10 cm to 1000 cm.

20. A system comprising the apparatus of claim 1 or 2 and a processing station located downstream of the support and configured for receiving the aligned plate.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the processing station is configured for performing any one of the following processes: cutting, ablation, exposure to electromagnetic radiation, development, washing, brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiation, heating, cooling, removal of material, treatment with a gas or liquid, sanding, cutting and combinations thereof.

22. A method for aligning an edge of a plate, the method comprising the steps of: - providing a plate having at least one edge that is linear; - coupling the plate to a moving device; - moving the plate over a support surface using the moving device so that the edge contacts at least two movable elements, wherein the at least two movable elements are pivotable elements; - detecting the movement of the at least two movable elements; and - controlling the moving device based on the detected results.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, The at least two movable elements are arranged so that they protrude through the support surface at a starting position of the at least two movable elements, wherein during the moving step the at least two movable elements move from the starting position to an ending position.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein, The step of controlling the moving device based on the detected results comprises rotating and / or translating the plate until a positional difference between a first and a second of the at least two movable elements is less than a predetermined threshold.

25. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein, The plate is a printing plate or a printing plate precursor.

26. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein, The step of moving comprises moving the plate so that a leading edge of the plate contacts the at least two movable elements, and wherein the method further comprises feeding the plate to a processing unit when a positional difference between a first and a second of the at least two movable elements is detected to be less than a predetermined threshold.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein, The at least two movable elements are moved into the support surface when the plate is fed to the processing unit.

28. The method of claim 22 or 23, further comprising centering the plate relative to an entrance of a processing unit arranged downstream of the at least two movable elements.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein, The at least two movable elements comprise a first pair of movable elements and a third movable element, and the step of moving comprises moving the leading edge against the first pair of movable elements and moving the first or second side edge of the sheet against the third movable element.

30. An apparatus for detecting and / or positioning an edge of a sheet, the apparatus comprising: - a support configured for supporting the sheet in a support surface and intended to be located upstream of a processing station; - at least one pivotable pin arranged to be moved by an edge of the sheet; - a detection device configured to detect at least one measurement representative of a position of the at least one pivotable pin; - at least one controllable component configured to perform an action on the sheet; and - a control device configured to control the at least one controllable component based on the at least one measurement. ​

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