Auxiliary device of conveying device and manufacturing method of lithographic printing plate

Abstract

The invention provides an auxiliary device of a conveying device and a manufacturing method of a lithographic printing plate, wherein lithographic printing plate precursors can be taken out one by one from a laminated body of a plurality of lithographic printing plate precursors. An auxiliary device (60) of a conveying device (10) for taking out and conveying a plurality of lithographic printing plate original plates (41) from a laminated body (40) formed by overlapping the lithographic printing plate original plates (41) is provided with a contact part which is configured so as to be able to come into contact with an edge part (41E) of the lithographic printing plate original plate (41S) conveyed by the conveying device (10), and the contact part is configured from an elastic member (61), and is configured so as to be able to come into contact with the edge part (41E) of the lithographic printing plate original plate (41) conveyed by the conveying device (10). The elastic member (61) includes a region of the rail (40T) disposed on the edge portion (41E).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present technology relates to an assisting device of a conveying device and a method for manufacturing a lithographic printing plate. BACKGROUND

[0002] In Patent Literature 1, there is described a printing plate taking-out device including: a taking-out device main body capable of being disposed above a region of a printing plate stacking position at which a plurality of printing plates are stacked; a suction mechanism supported by the taking-out device main body and sucking the uppermost printing plate; a lifting mechanism that lifts and lowers the suction mechanism with respect to the taking-out device main body; and a separation member provided to the taking-out device main body and disposed at a position higher than the suction mechanism at the time of lowering of the printing plate and at which the edge portion of the printing plate comes into contact by the lifting of the suction mechanism that has sucked the printing plate.

[0003] In Patent Literature 2, there is described a method for supplying a lithographic printing plate in an automatic plate making machine having an automatic plate supplying mechanism that loads a plurality of side surface planed lithographic printing plates on a tray and supplies each of the printing plates, in which the method for supplying the printing plate blows compressed air toward the side surface planed side of the plurality of lithographic printing plates loaded on the tray by a blowing mechanism.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-142901

[0007] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-180868 SUMMARY

[0008] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] An object of the present technology is to enable a lithographic printing plate original to be taken out one by one from a stack of a plurality of lithographic printing plate originals.

[0010] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0011] An assisting device of a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present technology is an assisting device of a conveying device that takes out and conveys a lithographic printing plate original from a stack of a plurality of lithographic printing plate originals, the assisting device including a contact portion configured to contact an edge portion of the lithographic printing plate original conveyed by the conveying device, the contact portion being composed of an elastic member, the elastic member including a plurality of regions disposed at different positions on a track of the edge portion.

[0012] A method of manufacturing a lithographic printing plate according to an embodiment of the present technology includes: a first step of arranging an elastic member at a position where a plurality of lithographic printing plate precursors are not in contact with each other; a second step of taking out the lithographic printing plate precursors from a stack of the plurality of lithographic printing plate precursors and conveying the lithographic printing plate precursors to an exposure device; and a third step of manufacturing a lithographic printing plate by developing the lithographic printing plate precursors exposed by the exposure device. In the first step, the elastic member is arranged at a plurality of positions on a track of an edge portion of the lithographic printing plate precursors conveyed in the second step. In the second step, the edge portion of the lithographic printing plate precursors is brought into contact with the elastic member.

[0013] Effects of Invention

[0014] According to the present technology, a lithographic printing plate precursor can be taken out and conveyed one by one from a stack of a plurality of lithographic printing plate precursors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic view showing an outline structure of a printing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0016] Figure 2 is a side view schematically showing a detailed structure of a conveying device 10 shown in Figure 1

[0017] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a structure of an assisting device 60.

[0018] Figure 4 is a schematic view showing a state in which the assisting device 60 is attached to the conveying device 10.

[0019] Figure 5 is a view showing a state in which a support member 62 is rotated in a clockwise direction with respect to an upright portion 63Z from the state shown in Figure 4

[0020] Figure 6 is a schematic view showing a structure of an assisting device 60A according to a first modification of the assisting device 60.

[0021] Figure 7 is a schematic view showing a structure of an assisting device 60B according to a second modification of the assisting device 60.

[0022] Figure 8 is a schematic view showing a structure of an assisting device 60C according to a third modification of the assisting device 60.

[0023] Figure 9 ​​is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of an auxiliary device 60D which is a fourth modification of the auxiliary device 60.

[0024] Figure 10 is a schematic view showing a state in which the auxiliary device 60D is attached to the conveyance device 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic view showing the outline structure of a printing system 100 which is one embodiment of the present technology. The printing system 100 processes a lithographic printing plate precursor to produce a lithographic printing plate, and prints characters or images and the like on a paper using the lithographic printing plate.

[0026] The lithographic printing plate precursor is formed with an image forming layer (a photosensitive layer or a heat-sensitive layer) on the basis of a surface treatment layer formed by performing mechanical, chemical, and electrochemical treatments on the surface of a support body made of a metal such as thin aluminum in a rectangular plate shape. The image forming layer is subjected to a plate-making process such as an exposure process, a development process (development and water washing), and a gumming process, and ink is applied to the lithographic printing plate precursor after the plate-making process, whereby characters or images and the like are printed on a paper. In recent years, simultaneous development and ink application without the gumming process has become mainstream.

[0027] In the present specification, the lithographic printing plate in a state in which the development process has been performed is defined as a lithographic printing plate. Also, in the lithographic printing plate precursor, the face on which the image forming layer is formed is described as an image forming face, and the face on which the image forming layer is not formed is described as a non-image forming face. According to the type of the lithographic printing plate precursor, there is also a so-called double-sided printing plate in which both faces are provided as image forming faces, but in the following, as an example, a lithographic printing plate precursor in which only one face becomes an image forming face is assumed.

[0028] The printing system 100 includes a conveyance device 10, an exposure device 20, and a printing device 30.

[0029] The conveyance device 10 has, for example, a tray 11 in a rectangular plate shape and a space in which the tray 11 is accommodated. A plurality of lithographic printing plate precursors 41 are stacked on the surface 11S of the tray 11 to form a stack 40. The surface 11S constitutes a placement face on which the stack 40 is placed. The stack 40 is formed by stacking the plurality of lithographic printing plate precursors 41 in a state in which the respective non-image forming faces of the plurality of lithographic printing plate precursors 41 face the side of the tray 11.

[0030] The layered body 40 is preferably a layered body without a separator in which the lithographic printing plate precursors 41 are not held with a separator therebetween. However, the technology of the present application does not exclude a layered body in which the lithographic printing plate precursors 41 are held with a separator therebetween as the layered body 40. The layered body 40 without a separator does not require a separator by roughening or the like of the non-image forming surface of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41. The technology of the present application is particularly effective for a layered body 40 of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 without a separator and without roughening treatment of the non-image forming surface, or a layered body 40 of a processless printing plate of an on-press development type capable of simultaneously performing the above-mentioned developing treatment and ink application. As such a layered body 40, for example, a product name SUPERIA ZX-W manufactured by FUJIFILM Corporation can be cited.

[0031] The conveyance device 10 takes out one lithographic printing plate precursor 41 from the layered body 40 and conveys it to the exposure device 20. More specifically, the conveyance device 10 lifts and conveys the lithographic printing plate precursor 41S on the surface on the side opposite to the surface 11S side in the layered body 40 in the thickness direction of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41S, in other words, the direction in which the lithographic printing plate precursors 41 are overlaid in the layered body 40.

[0032] The exposure device 20 performs exposure treatment on one lithographic printing plate precursor 41 conveyed by the conveyance device 10. The exposure method can adopt various methods. The conveyance device 10 and the exposure device 20 can be configured as separate devices, or can be configured as one device integrated.

[0033] The printing device 30 performs developing treatment and ink application and the like on the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 subjected to the exposure treatment by the exposure device 20, thereby printing characters or images and the like on a paper surface. In addition, the printing device 30 is configured to simultaneously perform developing treatment and ink application, but can be configured to provide a processing device separately between the exposure device 20 and the printing device 30, and to perform developing treatment and gumming treatment and the like required for printing in the processing device.

[0034] Figure 2 is a side view schematically showing Figure 1 the detailed structure of the conveyance device 10 shown in Figure 2 In

[0035] In Figure 2In the present embodiment, the direction in which the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 is conveyed by the conveying device 10 is indicated as a direction X1, and a direction opposite to the direction X1 is indicated as a direction X2. The direction X1 and the direction X2 are described as a direction X. The direction X intersects the direction Z (is orthogonal to the direction Z in the example of Figure 2 In the present embodiment, the direction in which the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 is conveyed by the conveying device 10 is indicated as a direction X1, and a direction opposite to the direction X1 is indicated as a direction X2. The direction X1 and the direction X2 are described as a direction X. The direction X intersects the direction Z (is orthogonal to the direction Z in the example of Figure 2 In the present embodiment, the direction in which the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 is conveyed by the conveying device 10 is indicated as a direction X1, and a direction opposite to the direction X1 is indicated as a direction X2. The direction X1 and the direction X2 are described as a direction X. The direction X intersects the direction Z (is orthogonal to the direction Z in the example of Figure 2 In the present embodiment, the direction in which the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 is conveyed by the conveying device 10 is indicated as a direction X1, and a direction opposite to the direction X1 is indicated as a direction X2. The direction X1 and the direction X2 are described as a direction X. The direction X intersects the direction Z (is orthogonal to the direction Z in the example of

[0036] The conveying device 10 includes a frame 12 disposed on the direction Z1 side with respect to the tray 11, a first suction portion 13 supported by the frame 12, a second suction portion 14 supported by the frame 12, and an alignment portion 15 on which the conveyed lithographic printing plate precursor 41 is placed and aligned.

[0037] The first suction portion 13 is configured to be capable of suction-holding by being brought into contact with the surface of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41, and is configured by various mechanisms such as a suction pad composed of urethane or the like. The first suction portion 13 is configured to be capable of ascending and descending in the direction Z by omitting an elevating mechanism not shown. As the elevating mechanism, various direct-acting mechanisms (cylinder mechanisms, combinations of a motor and a linear stage, or the like) can be employed. The first suction portion 13 is disposed at a position capable of coming into contact with the end portion on the direction X2 side of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 placed on the tray 11 when descending. The first suction portion 13 is preferably provided with a plurality of portions along the edge on the direction X2 side of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41, but at least one portion is sufficient.

[0038] The second suction portion 14 is capable of suction-holding by being brought into contact with the surface of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41, and is configured by various mechanisms such as a suction pad composed of urethane or the like. The second suction portion 14 is configured to be capable of ascending and descending in the direction Z by omitting an elevating mechanism not shown. As the elevating mechanism, various direct-acting mechanisms described above can be employed. The second suction portion 14 is disposed at a position capable of coming into contact with the end portion on the direction X1 side of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 placed on the tray 11 when descending. The second suction portion 14 is preferably provided with a plurality of portions along the edge on the direction X1 side of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41, but at least one portion is sufficient. The second suction portion 14 is supported by the frame 12 so as to be capable of moving in the direction X. The second suction portion 14 is configured to be capable of moving between a position capable of coming into contact with the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 and a position (position indicated by a single-dot chain line in the figure) capable of placing the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 on the alignment portion 15.

[0039] The conveying device 10 includes a control unit (not shown in the figure) that controls the lifting and lowering of the first suction unit 13 and the second suction unit 14, and the movement of the second suction unit 14 in the direction X.

[0040] As an example, the operation of conveyor 10 in conveying the original lithographic printing plate 41 is as follows. From... Figure 2 Starting from the indicated state, firstly, the first suction section 13 is lowered, making surface contact with the image of the lithographic printing plate original 41S, thereby suctioning and holding the end of the lithographic printing plate original 41S on the X2 side. In this state, the first suction section 13 is raised, lifting the lithographic printing plate original 41S from the X2 side. Then, the second suction section 14 is lowered, making surface contact with the image of the lithographic printing plate original 41S, thereby suctioning and holding the end of the lithographic printing plate original 41S on the X1 side. In this state, the first suction section 13 is raised, releasing the suction holding of the end of the lithographic printing plate original 41S on the X2 side, and the second suction section 14 moves in the X1 direction, conveying the lithographic printing plate original 41S to the registration section 15. After the original lithographic printing plate 41S is conveyed to the registration section 15, the second suction section 14 is raised and moved in the direction X2 to return to the initial position. The above operation is repeated.

[0041] In the conveying device 10, when the lithographic printing plate 41S is lifted along the Z1 direction, sometimes the lithographic printing plate 41S is lifted simultaneously with its adjacent lithographic printing plate 41 while they are in close contact. This results in what is known as multiple plate feeding, where the two lithographic printing plate 41s are conveyed to the registration unit 15 while in a close-contact state. During transport, the lithographic printing plate 41 that is not in direct contact with the second suction unit 14 may fall, or two lithographic printing plate 41s may be positioned at the registration unit 15, thus affecting the efficiency of the printing process. To prevent this multiple plate feeding in the printing system 100, an auxiliary device 60 can be added to the conveying device 10. The auxiliary device 60 is configured to be detachable from the conveying device 10.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the auxiliary device 60. Figure 3 In the example, the auxiliary device 60 has an L-shaped base 63 and multiple (in) units supported by the base 63. Figure 3 In this example, there are three components: a support member 62 and an elastic member 61 supported by the support member 62. A support portion 64 supporting the elastic member 61 is formed by the base 63 and the support member 62.

[0043] The base 63 has a columnar bottom portion 63Y and a columnar erected portion 63Z erected from one end of the bottom portion 63Y. In the erected portion 63Z, a recessed portion 63A is provided along the extending direction thereof.

[0044] In Figure 3 the example, the support member 62 is in a cuboid shape, and has an omitted engagement portion that engages with the recessed portion 63A. The support member 62 is supported by the erected portion 63Z via the engagement portion. The three support members 62 are supported in a state of being arranged at intervals along the recessed portion 63A. The three support members 62 are each configured to be able to change the engagement position with respect to the recessed portion 63A. In addition, the three support members 62 need not be separate members, and can be configured by one integrated member.

[0045] Figure 4 is a schematic view showing a state in which the auxiliary device 60 is attached to the conveyance device 10. As Figure 4 indicated, the auxiliary device 60 is attached to the adjacent area of the direction X2 side of the stack 40 on the surface 11S. If the tray 11 is made of metal, the auxiliary device 60 can be attached to the tray 11 by magnetic force by providing a magnet in the bottom portion 63Y opposite the surface 11S. The bottom portion 63Y of the auxiliary device 60 can also be attached to the tray 11 by double-sided tape without using magnetic force. The manner in which the auxiliary device 60 is attached to and detached from the tray 11 is not limited to these, but according to the structure using magnetic force, the auxiliary device 60 can be easily attached and detached.

[0046] As Figure 4 indicated, the auxiliary device 60 is attached to the tray 11 in a manner in which the extending direction of the bottom portion 63Y is substantially in line with the direction Y and the extending direction of the erected portion 63Z is substantially in line with the direction Z. The three support members 62 engage with the recessed portion 63A extending in the direction Z, and thus in the attached state shown in Figure 4 , become a structure arranged in line in the direction Z. The three support members 62 can change the position in the direction Z by changing the engagement position with respect to the recessed portion 63A.

[0047] As Figure 4As shown, the elastic member 61 is supported by the face of the support member 62 on the direction Xl side, and is in a plate shape whose thickness direction is substantially identical to the direction Z. The elastic member 61 is not particularly limited in terms of the raw material as long as it has elasticity. The elastic member 61 is composed of, for example, resin, metal, or wood (preferably, bamboo). In addition, although the details will be described later, the elastic member 61 is capable of contacting the lithographic printing plate original 41, and thus, if consideration is given to preventing scratches on the lithographic printing plate original 41 at the time of contact with the lithographic printing plate original 41, it is preferable to be composed of a material having a rigidity lower than that of the lithographic printing plate original 41. The elastic member 61 is particularly preferably composed of resin, and a hook-and-loop fastener composed of resin such as polyester can be more preferably used. The material of the support member 62 can be any material as long as it is capable of supporting such an elastic member 61, and for example, metal or resin can be used. In Figure 4 In the example shown in FIG. 6, the lengths of the elastic members 61 in the direction X are identical.

[0048] In Figure 4 FIG. 6, the track 40T through which the edge portion 41E of the lithographic printing plate original 41S passes when the lithographic printing plate original 41S is lifted by the first suction portion 13 is shown. The auxiliary device 60 is disposed with respect to the stack 40 so that the elastic members 61 are disposed in regions of the track 40T (portions of the track 40T intersecting the elastic members 61) in which the edge portion 41E of the lithographic printing plate original 41S passes. Figure 4 In other words, the three elastic members 61 each have a region intersecting the track 40T. In addition, in order for the three elastic members 61 to have a region intersecting the track 40T, at least the edge portion on the direction Xl side of each elastic member 61 needs to be positioned further on the direction Xl side than the edge portion on the direction X2 side of the stack 40. That is, in a state viewed in the direction Z, the edge portion on the direction X2 side of the stack 40 needs to partially overlap the elastic member 61. As described above, the three elastic members 61 constitute a contact portion configured to be capable of directly contacting the edge portion 41E of the lithographic printing plate original 41 passing through the track 40T. Also, each elastic member 61 is disposed at a position that becomes non-contacting in the stack 40 in a state before the start of the conveying operation by the first suction portion 13. Specifically, each elastic member 61 is disposed further on the direction Zl side than the lithographic printing plate original 41S of the most surface in the stack 40.

[0049] In the case where the auxiliary device 60 of the structure described above is installed to the tray 11, since three elastic members 61 are arranged in line along the rail 40T, the edge portion 41E of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 being lifted up is sequentially brought into contact with the three elastic members 61 in the process of lifting up the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 from the stack 40 by the first suction portion 13. Assume the case where two lithographic printing plate precursors 41 are in close contact and are simultaneously lifted up. In this case, the elastic member 61 deforms in a form of following the movement of the edge portion 41E of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41, and thus can apply an appropriate contact force to the edge portion 41E of the two lithographic printing plate precursors 41 from the elastic member 61. Further, after the two lithographic printing plate precursors 41 pass over the elastic member 61, the elastic member 61 starts to return to the original position by the elastic force, and thus the contact force of pushing down the lithographic printing plate precursor on the direction Z2 side of the two lithographic printing plate precursors 41 from the elastic member 61 acts. By these actions, even in the case where the two lithographic printing plate precursors 41 are in close contact, the close contact can be released and the two lithographic printing plate precursors 41 can be separated. Thus, by using the auxiliary device 60, the multiple feeding of the lithographic printing plate precursors can be prevented.

[0050] In Figure 3 In the auxiliary device 60 illustrated in FIG. 8, the plurality of elastic members 61 are supported by the support portion 64 in a state of being aligned along the rail 40T. Thus, the separation of the two lithographic printing plate precursors 41 based on the elastic member 61 occurs multiple times. As a result, by lifting up the lithographic printing plate precursor 41S only once, the lithographic printing plate precursor 41S and the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 in close contact therewith can be separated with high accuracy. Further, by repeating the lifting-up action of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41S based on the first suction portion 13 multiple times, the lithographic printing plate precursor 41S and the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 in close contact therewith can be separated with high accuracy.

[0051] According to the auxiliary device 60, the elastic member 61 can deform following the movement of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41, and thus damage to the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 can be prevented. For example, by providing the elastic member 61 with a structure having a rigidity lower than that of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41, damage to the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 can be more effectively prevented. In the case where the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 is a processless printing plate capable of simultaneously performing development processing and ink application, damage is particularly likely to occur, and thus the present mode is effective.

[0052] Further, the elastic member 61 can be deformed in accordance with the movement of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41, and thus, when the elastic member 61 contacts the lithographic printing plate precursor 41, the force of pushing the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 to the direction Z2 side can be reduced. As a result, when the elastic member 61 contacts the lithographic printing plate precursor 41S, the suction holding of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41S based on the first suction portion 13 can be prevented from being released, and thus, the conveyance of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 can be efficiently performed.

[0053] Further, in the auxiliary device 60, even when the separated lithographic printing plate precursor 41 falls and the fallen lithographic printing plate precursor 41 contacts the elastic member 61, the elastic member 61 is deformed by the weight of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41. Thus, the separated lithographic printing plate precursor 41 does not return to the surface of the stack 40. That is, the condition that the fallen lithographic printing plate precursor 41 rides on the elastic member 61 without returning to the original position can be prevented. As a result, the printing can be efficiently performed without stopping the conveyance process of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 in the middle.

[0054] If the process of taking out and conveying the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 from the stack 40 is repeated, the height of the stack 40 in the direction Z becomes low. In the auxiliary device 60, the support position of the support member 62 in the standing portion 63Z can be changed to the direction Z. That is, the support portion 64 is configured to be able to change the distance of the elastic member 61 with respect to the surface 11S. The distance of the elastic member 61 with respect to the surface 11S can be defined as the distance of the center of gravity of the elastic member 61 in the direction Z from the surface 11S, for example. With this structure, the height of the stack 40 becomes low, and even when the position of the support member 62 becomes a state in which the track 40T and the elastic member 61 do not cross, the distance of the elastic member 61 with respect to the surface 11S can be shortened by bringing the position of the support member 62 close to the surface 11S, and thus, the state in which the track 40T and the elastic member 61 cross can be maintained. Figure 4 As shown in the drawing, even when the position of the support member 62 becomes a state in which the track 40T and the elastic member 61 do not cross, the distance of the elastic member 61 with respect to the surface 11S can be shortened by bringing the position of the support member 62 close to the surface 11S, and thus, the state in which the track 40T and the elastic member 61 cross can be maintained.

[0055] The structure of the conveyance device 10, the size, the height, and the like of the stack 40 used, and the like are various, and the track 40T is assumed to have various shapes. The distance of the elastic member 61 with respect to the surface 11S can be changed, and thus, the elastic member 61 can be arranged on the track 40T regardless of the shape of the track 40T, and the multiple plate supply can be prevented under various conditions.

[0056] In the auxiliary device 60, the support portion 64 can be configured to be able to change the angle of the elastic member 61 with respect to the surface 11S. The angle of the elastic member 61 with respect to the surface 11S can be defined as the angle formed by a straight line connecting the end edge of the direction X2 side and the direction Z2 side of the elastic member 61 and the end edge of the direction XI side and the direction Z2 side with the surface 11S in a state observed in the direction Y. With this configuration, the elastic member 61 can be disposed on the rail 40T regardless of the shape of the rail 40T, and multiple plate feeding can be prevented in various conditions. In this specification, the concept including the distance of the elastic member 61 with respect to the surface 11S and the angle of the elastic member 61 with respect to the surface 11S is defined as the position of the elastic member 61 with respect to the surface 11S.

[0057] Figure 5 is a state in which the support member 62 is rotated with respect to the standing portion 63Z in the clockwise direction from the state shown in Figure 4 Figure 5 In the configuration shown in Figure 5 According to the configuration shown in

[0058] In the auxiliary device 60, the support member 62 can be detachable with respect to the standing portion 63Z. Thus, in the case where the elastic member 61 is worn, it can be replaced with a new member.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4 The auxiliary device 60 is preferably disposed next to the upstream side of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 in the conveyance direction of the stack 40. Thus, the conveyance of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 based on the second suction portion 14 can be easily performed.

[0060] The auxiliary device 60 can achieve the prevention of the above-described multiple plate feeding by being disposed next to any one of the four edges of the stack 40 in a state observed in the direction Z.

[0061] A plurality of auxiliary devices 60 are preferably disposed. For example, the auxiliary device 60 can be disposed next to each of the four edges of the stack 40. Also, the auxiliary device 60 can be disposed in a plurality along at least one of the four edges of the stack 40 next to the one edge. For example, in Figure 4 ​In the case where the auxiliary device 60 is provided on the inner side of the paper surface, the auxiliary device 60 can be provided on the inner side of the paper surface. By providing a plurality of auxiliary devices 60, the prevention effect of the multiple plate feeding can be improved.

[0062] The elastic member 61 is preferably accommodated in a region of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 that contacts the nip of the printing device 30 when the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 is set in the printing device 30, in a state observed in the direction Z. Thus, even in the case where a scratch is generated in the elastic member 61 by contact with the region, the influence on printing can be reduced.

[0063] In the auxiliary device 60, the lengths of the three elastic members 61 in the direction X are the same, but the lengths can be different. For example, the length of the elastic member 61 in the middle of the three can be shorter than the lengths of the other two elastic members 61, or the length of the lowermost elastic member 61 of the three can be shorter than the lengths of the other two elastic members 61, and the like. Figure 4 Figure 4

[0064] Figure 6 is a schematic view showing the structure of an auxiliary device 60A that is a first modified example of the auxiliary device 60. The auxiliary device 60A differs from the auxiliary device 60 only in that the lengths of the three elastic members 61 in the direction X are different. In the auxiliary device 60A, the lengths of the three elastic members 61 in the direction X are larger as the direction approaches the direction Zl from the direction Z2. According to the auxiliary device 60A, the contact force with respect to the lithographic printing plate precursor 41S can be made substantially uniform with the three elastic members 61, and thus the separation effect can be improved. Furthermore, even in the case where the lifting operation of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41S based on the first suction portion 13 is repeated a plurality of times, the operation can be smoothly performed.

[0065] Figure 7 is a schematic view showing the structure of an auxiliary device 60B that is a second modified example of the auxiliary device 60. The auxiliary device 60B has the same structure as the auxiliary device 60 except that the three support members 62 are changed to a single support member 62A and the elastic member 61 is changed to a linear elastic member 61A.

[0066] ​​The elastic member 61A is supported by the end surface of the support member 62A on the direction Xl side, and extends linearly and columnarly from the end surface in the direction Xl. A plurality of elastic members 61A are supported by the end surface of the support member 62A on the direction Xl side. The plurality of elastic members 61A are arranged in a plurality of elastic member rows in which a plurality of elastic members 61A are arranged in the direction Z, and are arranged in two dimensions when viewed in the direction X. The elastic member 61A and the support member 62A constitute a so-called brush. All of the elastic members 61A included in the auxiliary device 60B include the region arranged on the track 40T. The elastic member 61A can be any material as long as it is a material having elasticity the same as the elastic member 61, and is more preferably composed of a fiber. From the viewpoint of suppressing scratches on the lithographic printing plate precursor 41, nylon fiber can be preferably used. In addition, all of the elastic members 61A included in the auxiliary device 60B do not necessarily include the region arranged on the track 40T, and can be a structure in which only a part of the elastic members 61A do not include the region arranged on the track 40T.

[0067] According to the auxiliary device 60B, the same effect as the auxiliary device 60 can be obtained. Also, according to the auxiliary device 60B, since the elastic member 61A is constituted in a linear shape, the extension direction (attitude) of the elastic member 61A can be easily maintained compared to the elastic member 61. Also, according to the auxiliary device 60B, the separation of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 can be performed by the aggregate of the elastic members 61A, and thus the stress from each elastic member 61A to the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 can be reduced, and thus the damage to the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 can be prevented.

[0068] Figure 8 is a schematic view showing the structure of an auxiliary device 60C which is a third modification example of the auxiliary device 60. The auxiliary device 60C is a structure in which the support member 62A is rotated clockwise from the state of Figure 7 The angle of the elastic member 61A with respect to the surface 11S is changed compared to Figure 7 The plurality of elastic members 61A constituting the elastic member row are supported by the support 64 in a state in which they are arranged in a direction intersecting the direction (direction Z) in which the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 overlaps in the stack 40. According to the auxiliary device 60C, the contact force to the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 can be made substantially uniform by all of the elastic members 61A, and thus the separation effect can be improved. Also, even in the case where the lifting operation of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 based on the first suction portion 13 is repeatedly performed a plurality of times, the operation can be smoothly performed. In addition, in the auxiliary device 60B and the auxiliary device 60C, the elastic member row in which a plurality of elastic members 61A are arranged in the direction Z is arranged a plurality of times in the direction Y, but the elastic member row can be only one.

[0069] Figure 9is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of an auxiliary device 60D which is a fourth modification of the auxiliary device 60 as an auxiliary device. The structure of the auxiliary device 60D is as follows: in the auxiliary device 60 shown in FIG. 1, the middle support member of the three support members 62 is deleted, and the elastic member 61 is changed to a belt-like elastic member 61B. One end 611 of the elastic member 61B in the longitudinal direction is supported by the upper support member 62 in the Figure 3 , and the other end 612 of the elastic member 61B in the longitudinal direction is supported by the lower support member 62 in the Figure 9 . In this way, the elastic member 61B is supported by the support members 62 in a bent state. The raw material of the elastic member 61B is the same as that of the elastic member 61. Figure 9

[0070] Figure 10 is a schematic view showing a state in which the auxiliary device 60D is attached to the conveying device 10. As shown in Figure 10 , the elastic member 61B is supported by the support members 62 in a state in which it spans the rails 40T in the longitudinal direction, and is arranged in a state in which it crosses the rails 40T at two points. That is, the elastic member 61B has a structure in which two regions (regions which overlap the rails 40T in the Figure 10 .

[0071] In the auxiliary device 60D, during a process in which the two lithographic printing plate precursors 41 are simultaneously lifted, the edge portions 41E of the lithographic printing plate precursors 41 continuously contact portions which protrude further to the direction X1 side than the rails 40T in the elastic member 61B. As a result, it is possible to apply an appropriate contact force to the lithographic printing plate precursors 41 from the elastic member 61B, and it is possible to obtain the same effects as the auxiliary device 60.

[0072] In the auxiliary devices 60, 60A, by appropriately adjusting the instantaneous maximum contact force Fl of the elastic member 61 with the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 (the maximum value of the force applied to the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 from the elastic member 61 during a period in which the elastic member 61 is in contact with the lithographic printing plate precursor 41), it is possible to obtain various effects such as prevention of multiple plate feeding, prevention of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 from riding onto the elastic member 61, prevention of scratches of the lithographic printing plate precursor 41, and prevention of the release of suction holding by the first suction portion 13.

[0073] In the auxiliary devices 60B, 60C, by appropriately adjusting the instantaneous maximum contact force F2 of the aggregate of the elastic members 61A with the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 (the maximum value of the force applied to the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 from the aggregate of the elastic members 61A during a period in which the aggregate is in contact with the lithographic printing plate precursor 41), it is possible to obtain the various effects described above.

[0074] ​In the auxiliary device 60D, by appropriately adjusting the instantaneous maximum contact force F3 of the elastic member 61B with the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 (the maximum value of the force applied from the elastic member 61B to the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 during the period in which the elastic member 61B is in contact with the lithographic printing plate precursor 41), the above-described various effects can be obtained.

[0075] The instantaneous maximum contact force Fl of the elastic member 61 with the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 is determined by the thickness, the length in the direction X, the length in the direction Y, and the material of the elastic member 61. The instantaneous maximum contact force F2 of the aggregate of the elastic members 61A with the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 is determined by the thickness (outer diameter), the length, the density, and the material of the elastic members 61A. The instantaneous maximum contact force F3 of the elastic member 61B with the lithographic printing plate precursor 41 is determined by the thickness, the length in the length direction, the length in the direction Y, and the material of the elastic member 61B.

[0076] As a result of intensive studies, it was found that by configuring the instantaneous maximum contact force Fl, the instantaneous maximum contact force F2, and the instantaneous maximum contact force F3 to be each 0.2 N (Newton) or more and 10 N or less, the above-described various effects can be improved.

[0077] In the auxiliary devices 60B and 60C, the outer diameter of the elastic member 61A is preferably 0.05 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, and more preferably 0.05 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less. Also, the length of the elastic member 61A is preferably 20 mm or more and 100 mm or less. Also, the length in the direction Z of the elastic member row is preferably 10 mm or more, and preferably 20 mm or more. By adopting these values, the instantaneous maximum contact force F2 can be set to 0.2 N or more and 10 N or less. In addition, if the setting limit is taken into account, the length in the direction Z of the elastic member row is preferably 100 mm or less, and more preferably 60 mm or less.

[0078] The auxiliary device 60 and the auxiliary devices 60A to 60D described above are each attached to the tray 11, but are not limited thereto. For example, it can be configured to be attached to the frame 12 as shown in the drawing. Also, the auxiliary device 60 and the auxiliary devices 60A to 60D are each configured to be detachable with respect to the conveyance device 10, but can also be configured to be fixed to the conveyance device 10 without being detachable with respect to the conveyance device 10. Figure 2 The auxiliary device 60 and the auxiliary devices 60A to 60D are each configured to be detachable with respect to the conveyance device 10, but can also be configured to be fixed to the conveyance device 10 without being detachable with respect to the conveyance device 10.

[0079] The auxiliary devices 60 and 60A-60D described above are designed for use when conveying the stack 40 of the original lithographic printing plate 41 before development to the exposure apparatus 20, but their use is not limited to this. For example, in the case where the original lithographic printing plate 41 after exposure is first stacked, and then the original lithographic printing plate 41 is taken out one by one from the stack of the original lithographic printing plate 41 after exposure and conveyed to the printing apparatus 30, multiple plate feeding can also be prevented by using the auxiliary devices 60 or 60A-60D during the conveying process.

[0080] Next, the embodiments will be described.

[0081] (Example 1)

[0082] Will Figure 4 The auxiliary device 60 shown is mounted on the tray 11 of the conveying device 10, and the lithographic printing plate original P1 is conveyed based on the conveying device 10. The lithographic printing plate original P1 is a product named SUPERIA ZX-W manufactured by FUJIFILMC Corporation. The lithographic printing plate original P1 is a so-called on-machine developing type untreated printing plate. In this auxiliary device 60, the maximum instantaneous contact force between the elastic member 61 and the lithographic printing plate original P1 is 1.5 N. In Examples 1-12, the maximum instantaneous contact force between the elastic member and the lithographic printing plate original is measured by a push-pull force gauge mounted on the surface of the lithographic printing plate original. Furthermore, the thickness of the elastic member 61 in this device (the length in the lifting direction as shown in the table) is set to 3 mm.

[0083] (Example 2)

[0084] exist Figure 4 The auxiliary device 60 shown has three appropriately modified elastic members 61. Otherwise, the device is manufactured in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. This device is mounted on the tray 11 of the conveying device 10, and the lithographic printing plate original P1 is conveyed based on the conveying device 10. In this auxiliary device 60, the maximum instantaneous contact force between the elastic members 61 and the lithographic printing plate original P1 is 0.2 N. Furthermore, the thickness of the elastic members 61 in this device (the length in the lifting direction as recorded in the table) is set to 3 mm.

[0085] (Example 3)

[0086] Will Figure 10The auxiliary device 60D shown is mounted on the tray 11 of the conveying device 10, and is used for conveying the lithographic printing plate original P1 based on the conveying device 10. In this auxiliary device 60D, the maximum instantaneous contact force between the elastic member 61B and the lithographic printing plate original P1 is 5N. The distance between the two ends of the elastic member 61B in this auxiliary device 60D (recorded in the table as the length in the lifting direction) is set to 60mm.

[0087] (Example 4)

[0088] Will Figure 7 The auxiliary device 60B shown is mounted on the tray 11 of the conveying device 10, and is used for conveying the lithographic printing plate original P1 based on the conveying device 10. In this auxiliary device 60B, the maximum instantaneous contact force between the assembly of elastic members 61A and the lithographic printing plate original P1 is 10N. The outer diameter of each elastic member 61A in this auxiliary device 60B is set to 0.2mm, and the length of the row of elastic members in the arrangement direction (the length in the lifting direction in the table) is set to 60mm.

[0089] (Example 5)

[0090] Will Figure 8 The auxiliary device 60C shown is mounted on the frame 12 of the conveying device 10, and is used for conveying the lithographic printing plate original P1 based on the conveying device 10. In this auxiliary device 60C, the maximum instantaneous contact force between the assembly of elastic members 61A and the lithographic printing plate original P1 is 3N. The structure of each elastic member 61A in this auxiliary device 60C is the same as that in Embodiment 4.

[0091] (Example 6)

[0092] The auxiliary device 60C of the structure of Example 5 was installed on the tray 11 of the conveying device 10. Otherwise, the original lithographic printing plate P1 was conveyed in the same manner as in Example 5.

[0093] (Example 7)

[0094] The maximum instantaneous contact force between the assembly of elastic members 61A and the original lithographic printing plate P1 is 0.5N, and the outer diameter of elastic members 61A is 0.05mm. Apart from this, the original lithographic printing plate P1 is transported in the same manner as in Example 6.

[0095] (Example 8)

[0096] The maximum instantaneous contact force between the assembly of elastic members 61A and the original lithographic printing plate P1 is 1.5N, and the outer diameter of elastic members 61A is 0.1mm. Apart from this, the original lithographic printing plate P1 is transported in the same manner as in Example 6.

[0097] (Example 9)

[0098] The instantaneous maximum contact force of the aggregate of elastic members 61A with the lithographic printing plate precursor PI was 2 N, and the length of the direction in which the elastic members were arranged (the length of the lifting direction in the table) was 40 mm, and the conveyance of the lithographic printing plate precursor PI was performed in the same manner as in Example 6 except for this.

[0099] (Example 10)

[0100] The instantaneous maximum contact force of the aggregate of elastic members 61A with the lithographic printing plate precursor PI was 0.2 N, and the length of the direction in which the elastic members were arranged (the length of the lifting direction in the table) was 5 mm, and the conveyance of the lithographic printing plate precursor PI was performed in the same manner as in Example 6 except for this.

[0101] (Example 11)

[0102] The lithographic printing plate precursor PI was changed to a lithographic printing plate precursor P2, and the conveyance of the lithographic printing plate precursor P2 was performed in the same manner as in Example 6 except for this. As the lithographic printing plate precursor P2, a product name SUPERIA ZN2 manufactured by FUJIFILM Corporation was used. The lithographic printing plate precursor P2 was a so-called on-press processing type processless printing plate.

[0103] (Example 12)

[0104] The lithographic printing plate precursor PI was changed to a lithographic printing plate precursor P3, and the conveyance of the lithographic printing plate precursor P3 was performed in the same manner as in Example 6 except for this. As the lithographic printing plate precursor P3, a product name Sonora NX2 manufactured by Eastman Kodak Company was used. The lithographic printing plate precursor P3 was a so-called on-press processing type processless printing plate.

[0105] (Comparative Example 0)

[0106] The number of elastic members 61 was changed from 3 to 1, and the device was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, the device was installed on the tray 11 of the conveyance device 10, and the conveyance of the lithographic printing plate precursor PI based on the conveyance device 10 was performed. In the auxiliary device 60, the instantaneous maximum contact force of the elastic member 61 with the lithographic printing plate precursor PI was 0.18 N. Also, the thickness of the elastic member 61 in the device (the length of the lifting direction described in the table) was set to 1 mm.

[0107] (Comparative Example 1)

[0108] The conveyance of the lithographic printing plate precursor P1 was performed using the apparatus described in Patent Document 1. In this apparatus, the length of the separation member (length in the lifting direction of the precursor) was set to 10 mm, and the instantaneous maximum contact force of the separation member with the lithographic printing plate precursor P1 was 15 N.

[0109] (Comparative Example 2)

[0110] The conveyance of the lithographic printing plate precursor P1 was performed using the apparatus described in Patent Document 2. The blow pressure of the compressed air to the side surface of the lithographic printing plate precursor P1 was set to 0.25 MPa (mega Pascal).

[0111] (Comparative Example 3)

[0112] The conveyance of the lithographic printing plate precursor P1 was performed without installing the auxiliary device 60 or the like to the tray 11 of the conveyance apparatus 10.

[0113] (Comparative Example 4)

[0114] The conveyance of the lithographic printing plate precursor P3 was performed without installing the auxiliary device 60 or the like to the tray 11 of the conveyance apparatus 10.

[0115] The results obtained in Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 0 to 4 are shown below. In the following table, as the evaluation items, the four items of multiple feeding, suction cup detachment, plate scratch, and plate riding are described.

[0116] The evaluation of multiple feeding was performed in five stages. The evaluation "5" of multiple feeding indicates that multiple feeding did not occur by performing only one lifting operation of the lithographic printing plate precursor. The evaluation "4" of multiple feeding indicates that multiple feeding did not occur by performing two lifting operations of the lithographic printing plate precursor. The evaluation "3" of multiple feeding indicates that multiple feeding did not occur by performing three lifting operations of the lithographic printing plate precursor. The evaluation "2" of multiple feeding indicates that multiple feeding occurred at a low probability even if three lifting operations were performed. The evaluation "1" of multiple feeding indicates that multiple feeding occurred at a high probability even if three lifting operations were performed.

[0117] The evaluation of the suction cup detachment is performed in 5 stages. The evaluation "5" of the suction cup detachment indicates that the suction holding of the lithographic printing plate precursor based on the first suction portion 13 is completely continued. The evaluation "4" of the suction cup detachment indicates that the suction holding of the lithographic printing plate precursor based on the first suction portion 13 is partially released, but the lifting of the lithographic printing plate precursor can be maintained. The evaluation "3" of the suction cup detachment indicates that the suction holding of the lithographic printing plate precursor based on the first suction portion 13 is released in a wider range than the evaluation "3", but the lifting of the lithographic printing plate precursor can be maintained. The evaluation "2" of the suction cup detachment indicates that the complete release of the suction holding of the lithographic printing plate precursor based on the first suction portion 13 occurs at a low frequency and the lifting cannot be performed. The evaluation "1" of the suction cup detachment indicates that the complete release of the suction holding of the lithographic printing plate precursor based on the first suction portion 13 occurs at a high frequency and the lifting cannot be performed.

[0118] The evaluation of the plate scratch is performed in 5 stages. The evaluation "5" of the plate scratch indicates that no visually recognizable scratch is generated in the lithographic printing plate precursor. The evaluation "4" of the plate scratch indicates that although a visually recognizable scratch is generated in the lithographic printing plate precursor, there is no problem in actual use. The evaluation "3" of the plate scratch indicates that a scratch more visually recognizable than the evaluation "4" is generated in the lithographic printing plate precursor, but there is no problem in actual use. The evaluation "2" of the plate scratch indicates that a scratch that becomes a problem in actual use is generated on the lithographic printing plate precursor at a low frequency. The evaluation "1" of the plate scratch indicates that a scratch that becomes a problem in actual use is generated in the lithographic printing plate precursor at a high frequency.

[0119] The evaluation of the plate riding is performed in 5 stages. The evaluation "5" of the plate riding indicates that the lithographic printing plate precursor does not become a state on the elastic member or the separation member. The evaluation "4" of the plate riding indicates that although the riding of the lithographic printing plate precursor to the elastic member or the separation member occurs for a short time, it does not eventually become a state in which the lithographic printing plate precursor rides to the elastic member or the separation member. The evaluation "3" of the plate riding indicates that the riding time of the lithographic printing plate precursor to the elastic member or the separation member is longer than the evaluation "4", but it does not eventually become a state in which the lithographic printing plate precursor rides to the elastic member or the separation member. The evaluation "2" of the plate riding indicates that the riding of the lithographic printing plate precursor to the elastic member or the separation member occurs at a low frequency. The evaluation "1" of the plate riding indicates that the riding of the lithographic printing plate precursor to the elastic member or the separation member occurs at a high frequency.

[0120] These respective evaluation values are "3" or more, and thus the printing process can be performed sufficiently and efficiently.

[0121] [Table 1]

[0122]

[0123] It is confirmed from the results of Table 1 that various effects such as prevention of multiple feeding, prevention of the lithographic printing plate precursor from being caught on the elastic member, prevention of scratches on the lithographic printing plate precursor, and prevention of the release of the suction holding of the first suction portion 13 are obtained by using the auxiliary device of the above-described embodiments. Also, it is known that by increasing the length in the lifting direction (preferably 3 mm or more), the contact time of the lithographic printing plate precursor with the elastic member becomes longer, and even if the instantaneous maximum contact force is reduced, the probability of occurrence of multiple feeding is reduced. It was also found that the probability of occurrence of multiple feeding was high when the instantaneous maximum contact force was 0.18 N, but the probability of occurrence of multiple feeding was significantly reduced when it was 0.2 N or more.

[0124] As described above, at least the following matters are described in the present specification. The constituent elements corresponding to the above-described embodiments are shown in the following brackets, but are not limited thereto. (1)

[0126] An auxiliary device for a conveying device (conveying device 10) that takes out and conveys a plurality of lithographic printing plate precursors (lithographic printing plate precursors 41) from a stack (stack 40) formed by overlapping the lithographic printing plate precursors,

[0127] The auxiliary device has a contact portion configured to be able to contact an edge portion (edge portion 41E) of the lithographic printing plate precursors conveyed by the conveying device,

[0128] The contact portion is composed of elastic members (three elastic members 61, elastic member 61A, and elastic member 61B) including a plurality of regions disposed at different positions on a track (track 40T) on the edge portion. (2)

[0130] The auxiliary device according to (1), wherein

[0131] The elastic members that constitute the contact portion are configured to be able to directly contact the edge portion. (3)

[0133] The auxiliary device according to (2), wherein

[0134] The elastic members that constitute the contact portion are disposed at a position that is not in contact with the stack. (4)

[0136] The auxiliary device according to (3), wherein

[0137] The contact portion is composed of a plurality of elastic members (a collection of three elastic members 61, elastic member 61A) including the regions. (5)

[0139] The assist device according to (4), wherein

[0140] a support portion (support portion 64) that supports the plurality of elastic members,

[0141] The plurality of elastic members are supported by the support portion in a state of being arranged in a direction along the track. (6)

[0143] The assist device according to (5), wherein

[0144] The plurality of elastic members are supported by the support portion in a state of being arranged in a direction that intersects in a direction (direction Z) in which the lithographic printing plate precursor overlaps in the stack. (7)

[0146] The assist device according to any one of (4) to (6), wherein

[0147] The elastic member (elastic member 61A) is configured in a linear shape. (8)

[0149] The assist device according to (3), wherein

[0150] The contact portion is composed of an elastic member (elastic member 61B) in a band shape that includes the plurality of regions. (9)

[0152] The assist device according to (8), comprising a support portion (support portion 64) that supports the elastic member in a band shape in a bent state. (10)

[0154] The assist device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein

[0155] The conveyance device lifts and conveys the lithographic printing plate precursor (lithographic printing plate precursor 41S) in the stack on a surface on a side opposite to a placement surface (surface 11S) of the stack in a thickness direction of the lithographic printing plate precursor. (11)

[0157] The assist device according to (10), comprising:

[0158] a support portion (support portion 64) that supports the elastic member,

[0159] The support portion is configured to be able to change a position of the elastic member with respect to the placement surface. (12)

[0161] The assist device according to (11), wherein

[0162] The support portion is configured to change the angle of the elastic member with respect to the placement surface. (13)

[0164] The assist device according to (11) or (12), wherein

[0165] The support portion is configured to change the distance between the placement surface and the elastic member. (14)

[0167] The assist device according to any one of (1) to (13), comprising a support portion (support portion 64) that detachably supports the contact portion. (15)

[0169] The assist device according to any one of (1) to (14), configured to be detachable with respect to the conveyance device. (16)

[0171] The assist device according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein

[0172] The instantaneous maximum contact force of the contact portion with the edge portion of the lithographic printing plate precursor conveyed by the conveyance device is 0.2 N or more and 10 N or less. (17)

[0174] A method of manufacturing a lithographic printing plate, comprising the following steps:

[0175] A first step of disposing an elastic member at a position where contact is not made with respect to a stack formed by superimposing a plurality of lithographic printing plate precursors;

[0176] A second step of taking out the lithographic printing plate precursor from the stack and conveying it to an exposure device; and

[0177] A third step of developing the lithographic printing plate precursor exposed by the exposure device to manufacture a lithographic printing plate,

[0178] In the first step, the elastic member is disposed at a plurality of positions on a track of the edge portion of the lithographic printing plate precursor conveyed in the second step,

[0179] In the second step, the edge portion of the lithographic printing plate precursor is brought into contact with the elastic member.

[0180] The above describes various embodiments, but the present application is of course not limited to this example. It is obvious that various modifications or corrections can be conceived within the scope described in the technical solution for those skilled in the art, and it should be understood that these modifications or corrections certainly also belong to the technical scope of the present application. Furthermore, each of the constituent elements in the above-described embodiments can be arbitrarily combined within the scope of the gist of the present application.

[0181] In addition, this application is based on Japanese Patent Application (Japanese Patent Application 2023-150168) filed on September 15, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0182] Explanation of Reference Signs:

[0183] 10 - conveying device, 11 - tray, 11S - surface, 12 - frame, 13 - first suction portion, 14 - second suction portion, 15 - alignment portion, 20 - exposure device, 30 - printing device, 40 - stack, 40T - track, 41, 41S - lithographic printing plate precursor, 41E - edge portion, 60, 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D - auxiliary device, 61, 61A, 61B - elastic member, 62, 62A - support member, 63 - base, 63A - recess, 63Y - bottom portion, 63Z - upright portion, 64 - support, 100 - printing system.

Claims

1. An auxiliary device for a conveying device that removes and conveys a stack of multiple lithographic printing plates, wherein, The auxiliary device includes a contact portion configured to contact the edge of the lithographic printing plate original being conveyed by the conveying device. The contact portion is composed of an elastic member, which includes multiple regions disposed at different positions on the track of the edge portion.

2. The auxiliary device according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic component constituting the contact portion is configured to be able to directly contact the edge portion.

3. The auxiliary device according to claim 2, wherein, The elastic component constituting the contact portion is disposed at a position that is not in contact with the laminate.

4. The auxiliary device according to claim 3, wherein, The contact portion is composed of a plurality of elastic components that include the region.

5. The auxiliary device according to claim 4, wherein, The auxiliary device includes a support portion that supports the plurality of elastic components. The plurality of elastic components are supported by the support portion in a state of being arranged along the direction of the track.

6. The auxiliary device according to claim 5, wherein, The plurality of elastic components are supported by the support portion in a state in which they are arranged in a direction that intersects the direction of overlap with the original lithographic printing plate in the laminate.

7. The auxiliary device according to claim 6, wherein, The elastic component is configured as a line.

8. The auxiliary device according to claim 3, wherein, The contact portion is composed of a strip-shaped elastic component comprising the plurality of regions.

9. The auxiliary device according to claim 8, wherein, The auxiliary device includes a support portion that supports the strip-shaped elastic member in a bent state.

10. The auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The conveying device lifts and conveys the lithographic printing plate original, located on the surface of the laminate opposite to the mounting surface of the laminate, along the thickness direction of the lithographic printing plate original.

11. The auxiliary device according to claim 10, wherein, The auxiliary device includes a support portion that supports the elastic component. The support portion is configured to change the position of the elastic member relative to the mounting surface.

12. The auxiliary device according to claim 11, wherein, The support portion is configured to change the angle of the elastic member relative to the mounting surface.

13. The auxiliary device according to claim 11, wherein, The support portion is configured to change the distance between the mounting surface and the elastic member.

14. The auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The auxiliary device has a support portion that can be detachably supported by the contact portion.

15. The auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The auxiliary device is configured to be able to be loaded and unloaded relative to the conveying device.

16. The auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The instantaneous maximum contact force between the contact portion and the edge of the original lithographic printing plate being transported by the conveying device is 0.2N or more and 10N or less.

17. A method for manufacturing a lithographic printing plate, comprising the following steps: In the first step, elastic components are placed in non-contact positions relative to the laminate formed by overlapping multiple lithographic printing plates. In the second step, the original lithographic printing plate is removed from the laminate and transported to the exposure device; and The third step involves developing the original lithographic printing plate exposed by the exposure device to create a lithographic printing plate. In the first process, the elastic member is arranged at multiple positions on the track of the edge portion of the lithographic printing plate original conveyed in the second process. In the second step, the edge of the lithographic printing plate is brought into contact with the elastic component.

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