Apparatus and method for processing a relief plate original

Abstract

To provide an apparatus and methods for preparing and / or treating a printing plate precursor allowing to reduce the number of required manual interventions and preferably to reduce an amount of generated waste.SOLUTION: There is provided an apparatus for treating a relief plate precursor, such as a printing plate precursor, preferably with liquid, comprising: a transport system with at least one transport bar; a plate coupling station configured for coupling a relief plate precursor to the transport bar; a treatment compartment configured for treating the relief plate precursor; a plate decoupling station configured for decoupling the treated relief plate precursor from the transport bar. The transport system is configured to automatically move each transport bar, after being coupled to a relief plate precursor in the plate coupling station, from the plate coupling station through the treatment station to the plate decoupling station, and, after being decoupled from a treated relief plate precursor, the transport bar moves in a closed loop to the plate coupling station.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The field of the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for preparing and / or processing relief plate masters, in particular printing plate masters.

[0002] Background

[0003] Washing devices for printing plate masters are known. Typically, a conveying bar is used to move the printing plate master through such a washing device. For this purpose, the area of the printing plate master is provided with a series of through-holes in a perforating station. Next, the operator couples the pre-perforated printing plate master to a conveying bar having a plurality of pins that can extend into the holes of the printing plate. Next, the conveying bar with the coupled plate is carried by the operator to the inlet side of the washing device. The conveying bar leaves the washing device at the outlet side and is then retrieved by the operator who detaches it from the printing plate master. These steps are then repeated for the printing plate master to be washed next. The drawback of the known apparatus and method is that a very large number of manual operations are required, as a result of which the process becomes quite slow. Furthermore, at the location where the material is removed from the printing plate master, a separate perforating station is required, which generates waste.

[0004] Such a washing device is disclosed in US Patent No. 2018 / 0217502. A conveying strip is attached to the flexographic printing element. For this purpose, first, holes are made in the flexographic printing element, and then the pins of the conveying strip are placed in the holes.

[0005] Summary

[0006] An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for preparing and / or processing a printing plate master that can reduce the number of manual interventions required and preferably reduce the amount of waste generated.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for preferably treating a relief plate original, such as a printing plate original, with a liquid. The apparatus comprises a transport system comprising at least one, preferably at least two, transport bars, a plate coupling station configured to couple the relief plate original to the transport bars, a treatment section for preferably treating the relief plate original with a liquid, and a plate separation station configured to separate the treated relief plate original from the transport bars. The transport system is configured such that each transport bar automatically moves from the plate separation station to the plate coupling station after being coupled to the relief plate original in the plate coupling station, through the treatment station from the plate coupling station to the plate separation station, and after being separated from the treated relief plate original, the transport bar moves in a closed loop through the apparatus.

[0008] In other words, using the apparatus of the present invention, the transport bars can automatically circulate within the apparatus. The operator can bring the relief plate original to be treated to the plate coupling station, and then the coupling, treatment and separation are automatically performed, after which the transport bar is automatically returned to the plate coupling station. In this way, the operator does not need to disconnect or return the transport bar. This reduces the number of necessary manual operations.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, each conveying bar comprises at least one penetration element, and the plate bonding station is configured to engage with at least one penetration element in a region near the edge of the relief plate original. More preferably, each penetration element has a sharp tip or edge capable of causing a penetration effect on the material of the relief plate original, and the plate bonding station is configured to penetrate, by means of at least one penetration element, into an unperforated region near the edge of the relief plate original or at least partially penetrate the unperforated region. In this way, the penetration element is pushed into the material of the printing plate without generating waste. However, it should be noted that the present invention also includes the use of a pre-perforated relief plate original that is bonded to the conveying bar at the plate bonding station.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, a plate discharge zone is provided between the outlet side of the processing section and the plate separation station, and the relief plate original is completely withdrawn from the processing section within the plate discharge zone before being separated from the conveying bar within the plate separation station. Preferably, the conveying system is configured to move the conveying bar from the outlet side of the processing section through the plate discharge area to the plate separation station, so that as a result, the relief plate original can be discharged in the plate discharge area after being separated from the conveying bar. In this way, when the relief plate original is separated, it can be released in the plate discharge zone.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises removal means configured to remove the processed relief plate original after it has been separated from the conveying bar at the plate separation station. The removal means may comprise one or more of the following.

[0012] A carrier or trolley, robot, moving belt, and at least one rotating drum configured to receive the processed relief plate original in a plate discharge zone and move it from the plate discharge zone. For example, the trolley can be placed under the plate discharge zone so that the separated relief plate original can be easily transported to another machine for further processing.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the conveying system includes a front conveying mechanism configured to convey a conveying bar having a combined relief plate original from at least an inlet side to an outlet side of the processing section and further from the outlet side to a plate separation station. The conveying system may also include bar coupling means configured to couple the conveying bar to the combined relief plate original and the front conveying mechanism. The front conveying mechanism may include a first front conveying mechanism and a second front conveying mechanism respectively extending along a first side surface and an opposing second side surface of the processing section. The first front conveying mechanism and the second front conveying mechanism are respectively coupled to a first end and a second end of the conveying bar, and are configured to convey the conveying bar from the inlet side to the outlet side while the first end and the second end of the conveying bar move along the first side and the opposing second side respectively. The use of two front conveying mechanisms has the advantage that the conveying bar can be conveyed very stably through the processing section. According to a preferred embodiment, the first front conveying mechanism and / or the second front conveying mechanism includes a first master screw and / or a second master screw, and the first end and / or the second end of the conveying bar includes a first coupling portion and / or a second coupling portion configured to be respectively coupled to the first master screw and / or the second master screw. For example, the first and second coupling portions can include teeth that fit into the grooves of the lead screw. The use of the lead screw has the advantage of enabling simple and strong coupling and separation to the ends of the conveying bar.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the first front transfer mechanism and / or the second front transfer mechanism includes the first and / or second chain or belt or linear motor or a combination thereof, and the first end and / or the second end of the transfer bar is provided with a first coupling portion and / or a second coupling portion configured to be respectively connected to the first and / or second chain or belt or linear motor.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the transfer system further comprises a rear transfer mechanism configured to transfer the transfer bar from the plate separation station to the plate coupling station. The rear transfer mechanism may include any one of one or more belts, one or more chains, one or more lead screws, a linear motor, or a combination thereof.

[0016] The rear transfer mechanism can be partially placed around the processing section, preferably above or below the processing section. The transfer system may further comprise an additional transfer mechanism, preferably an upper transfer mechanism or a lower transfer mechanism such as a lifting mechanism configured to move the transfer bar separated within the plate separation station upward or downward toward the rear transfer mechanism. Alternatively, the rear transfer mechanism may be placed on the side of the processing section, and the transfer system may optionally include a side transfer mechanism in which the transfer bar is rotated from a horizontal position to a vertical position. The upper or lower or side transfer mechanism can include any one or more of the following: magnetic means, electromagnetic means, clamping means, vacuum means, or a combination thereof.

[0017] Preferably, the length of the front transfer mechanism is from 100 mm to 10,000 mm, more preferably from 100 mm to 5,000 mm. Also, the distance between the first front transfer mechanism and the second front transfer mechanism is from 100 mm to 10,000 mm, more preferably from 1,000 mm to 5,000 mm.

[0018] Optionally, a separating mechanism may be provided that is configured to arbitrarily separate the transfer bar from the rear transfer mechanism and send it to the plate bonding station. For example, the separating means may include a magnet and / or a lifting mechanism.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the plate bonding station comprises at least one actuator connected to a hammer tool for pushing at least one penetrating element into the material of the relief plate original. The penetrating element may be at least partially pushed into the relief plate original or, preferably, pushed through the material such that the penetrating element protrudes from the relief plate original. In a possible embodiment, the hammer tool may comprise an opening for receiving at least one penetrating element while pushing the relief plate original supported on a support. Such a hammer tool enables an orderly penetration of the material of the relief plate original.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the plate bonding station comprises aligning means configured to align the relief plate original with respect to the transfer bar. The aligning means may comprise a movable element that penetrates and protrudes from the transfer bar at an alignment position and moves away from the transfer bar at a stationary position. In this way, the relief plate original can be easily aligned onto at least one penetrating element before the hammer tool causes penetration of the relief plate original.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the plate separation station comprises at least one actuator connected to a tool configured to push the relief plate original away from the transfer bar such that at least one penetrating element moves away from the relief plate original. For example, a piston, actuator or motor can be used.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a control unit configured to control the conveying system such that preferably at least two conveying bars move simultaneously through the apparatus. Of course, other components of the apparatus may also be controlled by the same control unit or by different control units such as coupling and disconnecting means. The control unit can be connected to any component of the apparatus (e.g., motor, gear, sensor, pump, light source, switch) to obtain information about their status and / or to control their operation. The status information may be visualized for the operator and stored electronically so that the data can be recorded and analyzed. Further, the control unit can receive commands from the operator and communicate them to different components. The sequence can be given as a single sequence or a series of sequences in a specific order and can be generated and stored electronically. The control unit can include a computer or PLC (programmable logic controller), a screen or other means for visualization, a speaker and / or a microphone, or other means for acoustic signals and communication. The computer may be connected to a converter that transfers digital computer signals to analog or digital signals, and the analog or digital signals may be read and interpreted by the components.

[0023] In one embodiment, one conveying bar can be conveyed through the processing section, but at least one other conveying bar is placed at a different position. For example, at least one other conveying bar may be at a coupling station, a disconnecting station, a rear conveying mechanism, or any other position. Preferably, when one of the at least two conveying bars moves through the processing section, another conveying bar returns to the plate coupling station. In this way, the next relief plate original can be coupled to the conveying bar while the previous one is being processed. Further, the conveying speed may be controlled such that the conveying speed in the rear conveying direction is greater than the conveying speed in the front conveying direction. In this way, the processing time can be further shortened.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a conveying bar, in which the shape of at least one penetration element is selected from the group comprising, for example, a rod, blade, needle having a circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular or polygonal cross-section, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the penetration element has a sharp symmetric or asymmetric tip or edge.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a conveying bar, and each penetration element comprises a penetration portion intended to penetrate substantially vertically into or through the relief plate original. Also, the penetration portion may be inclined, preferably inclined in the conveying direction. That is, there is an angle of 60° - 90°, preferably 70° - 90°, more preferably 80° - 90° between the plate surface and the penetration portion. The penetration portion preferably has a length of 1 mm - 20 mm, preferably 2 mm - 15 mm, as viewed in the penetration direction.

[0026] The penetration element can be made of any hard material that can penetrate into or through the plate original material. It can be made of metal or alloy, ceramic, polymer, glass, or a combination thereof. Preferably, they are made of metal or alloy.

[0027] The length of the conveying bar used in the apparatus of the present invention is 100 mm - 10000 mm, preferably 200 mm - 5000 mm, more preferably 500 mm - 3000 mm.

[0028] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for processing a relief plate original such as a printing plate original, comprising the following steps.

[0029] a) At the plate bonding station of the processing apparatus, bonding the relief plate original to the conveying bar;

[0030] b) Conveying the conveying bar with the bonded relief plate original through the processing zone of the processing apparatus.

[0031] c) In the plate separation station of the processing device, the step of separating the transfer bar from the processed relief plate master

[0032] d) The step of returning the separated transfer bar to the plate joining station

[0033] Here, steps a)-d) are automatically performed, and the transfer bar moves in a closed loop from the plate joining station through the processing zone to the plate separation station and then back to the plate joining station.

[0034] The advantages and considerations described above for the device are mutatis mutandis applicable to the method.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, at least two carrier bars are simultaneously conveyed within the processing apparatus. Preferably, one of the at least two carrier bars is conveyed through the processing zone, and the other is conveyed to and returned from the bonding station. Also, other configurations are possible. For example, one carrier bar may be within the processing zone, while at least one other carrier bar may be at the separation station, within the rear conveyance system, at the bonding station, or anywhere in between. Further, the conveyance speeds in steps b) and d) may be different. Preferably, the conveyance speed in step d) is faster than the conveyance speed in step b). More preferably, the ratio of the speed in step d) to the speed in step b) is in the range of 1 to 400, preferably 1 to 350, and even more preferably 2 to 300. The speed in step b) may be in the range of 1 mm / min to 10000 mm / min, preferably 5 mm / min to 2000 mm / min, and more preferably 10 mm / min to 1000 mm / min. The speed in step d) may be in the range of 1 mm / sec to 10000 mm / sec, preferably 5 mm / sec to 5000 mm / sec, and more preferably 10 mm / sec to 2000 mm / sec. Such speeds and speed ratios enable further optimization of the process and an increase in its speed. For example, the speed in step b) can be increased after the trailing edge of the relief master has exited the processing zone. This is preferably done when a master that does not have the full length of the separation station is being processed.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the processing within the processing section is selected from the group consisting of washing, brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiating, developing, heating, cooling, material removal, processing with gas or liquid, polishing, cutting, processing with electromagnetic waves, and combinations thereof.

[0037] The processing within the processing zone is a heat treatment that causes a liquefied portion on the relief plate master, and then the liquefied portion is brought into contact with a movable acceptor material such as a web, non-woven material, or foil to which a molten material adheres, and the liquefied portion is continuously removed using the acceptor material. To heat the relief master, any method known to those skilled in the art can be used, such as heating rolls, hot gases or liquids, IR radiation, and combinations thereof. The acceptor material can be glass, ceramic, natural or artificial polymers, or combinations thereof.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes a step of post-treating the relief plate master, which is selected from the group including cleaning, brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiation, developing, heating, cooling, material removal, treatment using gases or liquids, polishing, cutting, treatment using electromagnetic waves, and combinations thereof.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes a step of pre-treating the relief plate master, which is selected from the group including cutting, ablation, exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and combinations thereof.

[0040] According to a third aspect, there is provided an apparatus for treating a relief plate master, such as a printing plate master that is preferably a liquid, comprising a processing section configured to treat the relief plate master, preferably with a liquid, while the relief plate master is coupled to and conveyed by a conveying bar, a plate separation station configured to separate the treated relief plate master from the conveying bar, and a plate discharge section between the outlet side of the processing section and the plate separation station, wherein the plate discharge section is configured to drop the relief plate master that has moved from the processing section downward when the relief plate master is separated from the conveying bar at the separation station.

[0041] Such a configuration enables the rapid and easy detachment of the relief plate original plate, and the relief plate original plate automatically drops into the plate discharge compartment, from where it can be removed.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises removal means configured to remove the processed relief plate original plate after it has been detached from the transport bar within the plate detachment station. The removal means can include any one or more of the following. A carrier or trolley configured to receive the processed relief plate original plate at the plate discharge zone and move it from the plate discharge zone, a robot, a movable belt, at least one rotating drum, or a combination thereof.

[0043] Preferably, the apparatus of the third aspect further comprises a transport system configured to move the transport bar through the processing station and to the plate detachment station after being coupled to the relief plate original plate. The transport system can be configured to move the transport bar from the outlet side of the processing compartment through the plate discharge compartment to the plate detachment station, such that the relief plate original plate can be discharged within the plate discharge compartment after being detached from the transport bar.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a plate coupling station configured to couple the relief plate original plate to be processed to the transport bar, and the transport system is configured to move from the plate coupling station through the processing station to the plate coupling station after being coupled to the relief plate original plate within the plate coupling station, and to return from the plate coupling station to the plate coupling station after being detached from the processed relief plate original plate.

[0045] The above description is valid for the coupling station, the transport mechanism, the detachment station, the transport bar, and the penetration element attached to the transport bar.

[0046] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of treating a relief plate original such as a printing plate original, preferably with a liquid. The method includes treating the relief plate original in a treatment zone, preferably with a liquid, while the relief plate original is coupled to and conveyed by a conveying bar; moving the transport bar having the coupled relief plate original from the treatment zone to a plate discharge zone; and separating the treated relief plate original in the plate discharge zone from the transport bar and simultaneously dropping the relief plate original downward within a plate collection zone. The plate collection zone may simultaneously be a plate removal means such as a trolley or a carrier.

[0047] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for preparing a relief plate original such as a printing plate original (P) to be treated. The apparatus comprises a conveying bar having at least one piercing element, preferably a plurality of piercing elements, more preferably at least one piercing element having a sharp tip or edge; and a plate coupling station configured to couple the relief plate original to the conveying bar by the at least one piercing element piercing a non-perforated region near the edge of the relief plate original.

[0048] Such a configuration has the advantage that the relief plate original is coupled to the conveying bar without generating waste while enabling a good coupling at the same time.

[0049] Preferably, the plate coupling station comprises at least one actuator coupled to a hammer tool for pressing at least one piercing element (preferably consisting of a plurality of piercing elements) through the material of the relief plate original. The plate coupling station may also comprise alignment means configured to align the relief plate original with respect to the conveying bar. The advantages and preferred embodiments are as disclosed in relation to the first aspect.

[0050] Preferably, the length of the conveying bar is 100 mm to 10,000 mm, more preferably 1,000 mm to 5,000 mm.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the shape of at least one penetration element is selected from the group including a rod, a blade, a needle, or a combination thereof.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, each penetration element includes a penetration portion having a length of 1 mm to 20 mm as viewed from the penetration direction. Preferably, the maximum dimension of the penetration portion as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the penetration direction is less than 5 mm, more preferably less than 3 mm. For example, when the cross-section of the penetration portion is circular, the diameter is preferably less than 5 mm, more preferably less than 3 mm.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the length of the conveying bar is 100 mm to 10,000 mm.

[0054] According to a sixth aspect, a method for conveying a relief plate original (P) using preferably a liquid is provided, the method comprising providing a conveying bar having at least one penetration element, preferably a plurality of penetration elements, more preferably at least one penetration element having a sharp tip or edge; and penetrating, with the at least one penetration element, a non-perforated region near the edge of the relief plate original such that the relief plate original is coupled to the conveying bar.

[0055] Preferably, the method further includes moving a carrier bar having a relief plate original plate joined thereto through a processing zone of a processing apparatus and separating the carrier bar from the relief plate original plate processed at a plate separation station of the processing apparatus. Preferably, the joining is performed at a plate joining station, and the carrier bar moves in a closed loop from the plate joining station through the processing zone to the plate separation station and back to the plate joining station. Two, three, or more carrier bars may be conveyed simultaneously within the processing apparatus. For example, as described in more detail above, one of at least two carrier bars is conveyed through the processing zone and the other carrier bar is returned to the joining station.

[0056] If possible, the preferred features of one embodiment can be added to other embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0057] The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate presently preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention. The above and other advantages of the features and objects of the present invention will become more apparent, and the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 2A

Figure 3

Figure 3A

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 5

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11A

Figure 11B

Figure 11C

[0058] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an apparatus 1000 for processing a relief plate original such as a printing plate original P. The apparatus is, for example, a washing apparatus for washing a relief plate original with a liquid. However, other processes are also possible, such as brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiating, developing, heating, cooling, removing the material of the relief plate original, treating the relief plate original with a gas or a liquid, polishing the relief plate original, cutting the relief plate original, treating with electromagnetic waves, or a combination thereof.

[0059] The apparatus 1000 includes conveying systems 210, 220, 230 having at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably at least three conveying bars 100 intended to be coupled to the relief plate original. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, four conveying bars 100 can be provided to the conveying systems 210, 220, 230. The conveying bar 100 is coupled to the leading edge 3 of the relief plate original P and preferably extends beyond the entire length of the leading edge 3 so that the ends of the conveying bar 100 can be connected to a conveying mechanism. It should be noted that it is also possible to couple a plurality of relief plate originals to the conveying bar 100. Preferably, the length of the conveying bar 100 is 100 mm to 1000 mm, more preferably 1000 mm to 4000 mm.

[0060] The apparatus 1000 includes a plate coupling station 300 configured to couple the relief plate original P to the transport bar 100, a processing section 400 configured to process the relief plate original while the transport bar 100 with the relief plate original P coupled thereto moves through the processing section 400, and a plate separation station 500 configured to separate the processed relief plate original P from the transport bar 100. The transport systems 210, 220, 230 are configured to automatically move each transport bar 100 from the plate coupling station 300, through the processing station 400 to the plate separation station 500 after being coupled to the relief plate original P within the plate coupling station 300, and further, after being separated from the processed relief plate original P, from the plate separation station 500 back to the plate coupling station 300 so that the transport bar 100 moves in a closed loop through the apparatus 1000. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, four transport bars 100 circulate within the apparatus 1000.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, each conveying bar 100 comprises a plurality of penetrating elements 110 (here in the form of pins or rods), and the plate coupling station 300 is configured to engage with the plurality of penetrating elements 110 in a region close to the leading edge 3 of the relief plate original P. In FIG. 1, the relief plate original P has a leading edge 3 perpendicular to the forward conveying direction Tf of the relief plate original P passing through the apparatus 1000, a trailing edge 3, and two side edges 1, 2 parallel to the forward conveying direction Tf. The region near the leading edge 3 of the relief plate original P is coupled to the plurality of penetrating elements 110 of the conveying bar 100. FIGS. 2 and 2A illustrate a more detailed exemplary embodiment of the conveying bar 100. As best shown in FIG. 2A, the plurality of penetrating elements 1001 preferably have sharp tips 113, and the plate coupling station 300 is preferably configured to penetrate at least partially into or through an unperforated region near the leading edge 3 of the relief plate original P of the plurality of penetrating elements 110. However, it should be noted that according to another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 1000 of FIG. 1 may be used with a conveying bar 100 comprising a plurality of penetrating elements 110 without sharp tips. For example, the region near the leading edge 3 of the relief plate original P may be pre-perforated before bringing the relief plate original P to the plate coupling station 300, and as a result, the plurality of penetrating elements 110 may be arranged through the pre-perforated holes in the region near the leading edge 3.

[0062] The processing section 400 has an inlet side 410 and an outlet side 420. A conveying bar 100 having the combined relief plate master P moves through the processing section 400 from the inlet side 410 to the outlet side 420, and the conveying bar 100 moves in the forward conveying direction Tf. A plate discharge zone 600 is provided between the outlet side 420 of the processing section 400 and the plate separation station 500. The relief plate master P is completely withdrawn from the processing section 400 within the plate discharge zone 600 before being separated from the conveying bar 100 within the separation station 500 by the conveying system. In this way, when the relief plate master P is separated from the conveying bar 100, the relief plate master P is discharged into the plate discharge area 600. At the bottom of the plate discharge area 600, removing means can be provided that are configured to remove the processed relief plate master P after being separated from the conveying bar 100 within the plate separation station 500. In the illustrated embodiment, the removing means 700 is a trolley configured to move from the plate discharge area so as to receive the processed relief plate master P into the plate discharge area 600 and be easily conveyed from the plate discharge area. For example, when the apparatus 1000 is a washer, the operator can convey the washed relief plate master to a dryer to dry the washed relief plate master P. In other non-illustrated embodiments, the removing means 700 may be a carrier, a robot, a moving belt, at least one rotating drum, or the like. Also, such an apparatus can be configured to move from the plate discharge zone 600 after the processed relief plate master P has been separated within the plate separation station 500.

[0063] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the conveying system includes a front conveying mechanism having a first mechanism 210 on one side of the device 1000 and a second conveying mechanism 220 on the other side of the device 1000. The conveying mechanisms 210, 220 are configured to convey the conveying bar 100 together with the combined relief plate original P in the front conveying direction Tf, at least from the inlet side 410 to the outlet side 420 of the processing section 400, and further from the outlet side 420 to the plate separation station 500. For this purpose, the first end 101 of the conveying bar 100 is coupled to the first front conveying mechanism 210, and the second end 102 of the conveying bar 100 is coupled to the second front conveying mechanism 220. As illustrated for the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9, the conveying system can include bar coupling means 215 configured to couple the conveying bar, particularly the ends 101 and the second end 102 of the conveying bar, to the first front conveying mechanism 2101 and the second front conveying mechanism 220. The bar coupling means 215 can be configured to push or move the conveying bar 100 in the direction of the first front conveying mechanism and the second front conveying mechanism, for example, to couple the ends 101 and 102 of the conveying bar 100 to the front conveying mechanisms 210, 220. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the processing section 400 has a first opposing side surface 430 and a second opposing side surface 440 extending in the front conveying direction Tf, and the first front conveying mechanism 210 and the second front conveying mechanism 220 extend to the first opposing side surface 430 and the second opposing side surface 440 of the processing section 400, respectively.

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 9, in an exemplary embodiment, the first front conveying mechanism 210 includes a first parent screw, and the first end 101 of the conveying bar 100 includes a first coupling portion 121 configured to be coupled to the first parent screw 210. Similarly, the second front conveying mechanism 220 can include a second parent screw that can be coupled to the second coupling portion 122. These first coupling portion 121 and second coupling portion 122 are also illustrated in FIG. 2. However, in other embodiments, the first front conveying mechanism 210 and / or the second front conveying mechanism 220 may include other conveying means such as a chain or a belt, and the first coupling portion 121 and the second coupling portion 122 may be adapted accordingly.

[0065] The conveying system further includes a rear conveying mechanism 230 configured to convey the conveying bar 100 from the plate separation station 500 to the plate joining station 300. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the rear conveying mechanism 230 is placed above the apparatus 1000. However, in other embodiments, the rear conveying mechanism 230 can be arranged in the lower part of the apparatus 1000 below the front conveying mechanisms 210, 220. The rear conveying mechanism 230 can include any one of the following: one or more belts, one or more chains, one or more lead screws, a linear motor, or a combination thereof.

[0066] In FIG. 1, the rear conveying mechanism 230 is arranged at the center of the processing section 400. However, the rear conveying mechanism 230 can also be realized by a first rear conveying mechanism and a second rear conveying mechanism arranged on both sides of the processing section 400 above or below the first front conveying mechanism 210 and the second front conveying mechanism 220. Alternatively, the rear conveying mechanism may be arranged on the side of the processing section, and optionally, the conveying bar may be rotated in the vertical position and conveyed rearward. However, in order to reduce the footprint of the apparatus, the rear conveying mechanism is preferably placed above or below the first front conveying mechanism 210 and the second front conveying mechanism 220.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 1, the rear transfer mechanism 230 has a part placed above the processing section 400, and the transfer system further includes an upper transfer mechanism 250 configured to move the transfer bar 100 separated within the plate separation station 500 upward toward the rear transfer mechanism 230. For example, the upper transfer mechanism 250 moves the transfer bar 100 in the upward direction Tu, typically in the vertical direction, toward the rear transfer mechanism 230 that moves the transfer bar 100 in the rear transfer direction Tb opposite to the front transfer direction Tf, and can return it to the plate coupling station 300. The upper transfer mechanism 250 can include any one or more of the following: magnetic means, electromagnetic means, clamping means, vacuum means, linear motors, chains, belts, lead screws, pistons, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments where the rear transfer mechanism 230 is placed below the front transfer mechanism, a lower transfer mechanism can be provided. The lower transfer mechanism can include any one or more of the following: magnetic means, electromagnetic means, clamping means, vacuum means, linear motors, chains, belts, lead screws, pistons, or combinations thereof, or simply those caused by gravity.

[0068] FIGS. 2 and 2A show a more detailed exemplary embodiment of the transfer bar 100. The transfer bar 100 includes a first coupling portion 121 and a second coupling portion 122 at a first end 101 and a second end 102. In this case, the coupling portion 121 is configured with coupling means used in combination with a lead screw. FIG. 2A shows an enlarged view of the transfer bar 100 having the penetration elements 110. Each penetration element 110 has a connecting portion 111, a penetration portion 112, and a tip 113. In this case, it should be noted that the penetration portion 112 has a rectangular cross-section and an asymmetric tip 113. Preferably, the penetration portion 112 has a maximum dimension in a cross-section perpendicular to the penetration direction of less than 5 mm, more preferably less than 3 mm. That is, in the illustrated rectangular cross-section embodiment, preferably, the longest side of the rectangle is less than 5 mm, more preferably less than 3 mm. The transfer bar 100 includes a channel 120 that allows pins to pass through the transfer bar from below the transfer bar (see also FIGS. 3 and 3A described later).

[0069] Next, an exemplary embodiment of the plate bonding station 300 and a detailed description of the steps performed at the plate bonding station 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 3A, 4, and 4A - 4C. FIGS. 3 and 3A show the carrier bar 100 within the bonding station 300. The plate bonding station 300 includes alignment means configured to align a relief plate precursor P with respect to the carrier bar 100, here in the form of movable pins 320. The movable pins 320 extend adjacent to the carrier bar 100. For this purpose, as best shown in FIG. 3A, the carrier bar 100 is provided with a channel 120 that allows the pins to pass through the carrier bar 100 from below the carrier bar 100 to a position protruding through the carrier bar 100. After aligning the relief plate original P with respect to the alignment pins 320, the alignment pins 320 are moved downward, and the hammer tool 310 presses a plurality of penetration elements 110 through the material of the relief plate original (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). In a preferred embodiment, the hammer tool 310 includes a plurality of holes 311 configured to receive the plurality of penetration elements 110. However, other hammer tools 310 are possible, and those skilled in the art will understand that instead of a series of holes 311, for example, it is also possible to provide one elongated recess configured to receive the plurality of penetration elements 110.

[0070] FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a carrier bar 100 comprising a plurality of penetration elements 110 attached to one or more movable plates 180, the plurality of penetration elements 110 being pushed down by a hammer tool (not shown) and at least partially pushed into the material of the printing plate original. The length of the penetration element 110 may be such that the tip 113 of the penetration element 110 reaches the hole in the plate under the original after penetrating the relief original. In such an embodiment, the hammer tool can have a flat lower surface. Further, an actuator may be provided to move the one or more movable plates 180 upward to receive the relief plate original and operate the hammer tool. Instead of having a movable plate 180 for the plurality of penetration elements 110, a pivotable arm can be provided for each penetration element, and then the hammer tool is pushed against the pivotable arm.

[0071] FIGS. 6A and 6B show yet another embodiment of a carrier bar 100 comprising a plurality of penetration elements 110 configured to penetrate an unperforated region near the leading edge 3 of the relief plate original P. In this embodiment, the penetration element 110 has a sharp knife edge 130 that is pushed by a hammer tool through the material of the relief plate original. In such an embodiment, the hammer tool pushes the penetration element 110 downward within the material of the relief plate original P. The penetration action caused by the plurality of penetration elements 110 preferably creates holes within the material of the relief plate original without removing material.

[0072] Note that the shape of the penetration element 110 can be varied and the shape can be, for example, any of the following: a tube, a blade, a needle, or a combination thereof. Preferably, each penetration element 110 comprises a penetration portion 112 (see FIGS. 2A and 6A) intended to extend substantially vertically through the relief plate original, the penetration portion 112 having a length of 1 mm to 20 mm. In yet other embodiments, instead of providing a plurality of penetration elements on the carrier bar, one or more elongated blade elements having sharp edges can be provided on the carrier bar.

[0073] Figures 7A and 7B schematically show the plate separation station 500 and the steps performed at the plate separation station 500. In Figure 7A, the relief plate master P is still coupled to the transport bar 100. The separation tool 510 existing under the relief plate master P is moved upward while the transport bar 100 is held in place, and the relief plate master P is removed from the plurality of penetration elements 110. As described above with reference to Figure 1, after removing the relief plate master P from the plurality of penetration elements 110, the relief plate master P falls into the plate discharge zone 600 and can be removed from the apparatus 1000. The separation tool 510 may be a simple linear rod or bar, or a bar having a corrugated or toothed structure. Preferably, a structure such as a corrugation or tooth is used to facilitate separation.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 1000 preferably includes a control unit 800 configured to control different components of the apparatus such as the transport mechanisms 210, 220, 230, 250, etc., so that when one of the plurality of transport bars 100 passes through the processing section 400, another transport bar returns to the plate bonding station 300. More preferably, at least three transport bars move within the system. In FIG. 1, the apparatus 1000 is illustrated with four transport bars that are controlled such that one transport bar can be present in the plate bonding station 300, one transport bar in the processing section 400, one transport bar in the plate separation station 500, and one transport bar being transported rearward by the rear transport mechanism 230 simultaneously. Preferably, one of at least two transport bars is transported through the processing zone and the other is transported to and returned from the bonding station. Also, the transport speed in the forward transport direction Tf and the transport speed in the rearward transport direction Tb may be different, and preferably, the transport speed in the rearward transport direction Tb is faster than the transport speed in the forward transport direction Tf. For example, the ratio of the transport speed in the rearward transport direction to the speed in the forward transport direction ranges from 1 to 400, preferably from 2 to 300. Typically, the forward and rearward transport speeds range from 1 mm / second to 1000 mm / second.

[0075] FIG. 8 illustrates a further developed exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 1000. The processing section 400 comprises a plurality of rotary brushes 450. The relief plate master P is pulled below the brushes 450 for cleaning. The brushes may be arranged such that they are on top of the relief plate master P. Further, nozzles and liquid injection means (not shown) may be provided for cleaning the relief plate master while the brushes 450 rotate on the relief plate master. In the illustrated embodiment, the brushes 450 have a rotational axis arranged perpendicular to the direction of movement of the relief plate master P. However, in other embodiments, a number of rotary brushes attached around a vertical rotational axis that is at least partially immersed in a liquid bath can be provided. The rotary brushes 450 or any alternative brushes are arranged to completely clean the relief plate master. The rotational direction of the brushes may be the same as or opposite to the conveying direction, and preferably, some rotate in the conveying direction and some rotate in the direction opposite to the conveying direction. Further, the brushes can be moved (vibrated) in a direction parallel to their axes. The speed of the brushes can be varied over a wide range of speeds, for example, in the range of 1 rpm to about 2000 rpm. Further, flat rotary brushes or vibrating brushes can be used. The aggression can also be varied by controlling the pressure at which the brushes contact the plate master and / or the distance of the brushes to the plate master surface. The brushes may be the same or different and may also vary in the diameter of the bristles, stiffness or hardness, bristle density, bristle thickness, bristle material (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, bristle, polyethylene, polyoxymethylene, polyamide (nylon), polyester, or combinations thereof), bristle arrangement (helical or straight), bristle length and shape (e.g., circular, elliptical, or rectangular or hexagonal cross-section), or combinations thereof. The strength of the aggression of the brushes (high aggression is associated with the removal of most of the material) can be varied from high aggression at the start of the process to low aggression at the end of the process or vice versa.

[0076] The properties of the liquid used are derived from the properties of the original plate used. When the layer to be removed is soluble, emulsifiable or dispersible in water or an aqueous solution, water or an aqueous solution can be used as the first liquid in the pre-washing station. When the layer is soluble, emulsifiable or dispersible in an organic solvent or a mixture, the organic solvent or the mixture may be used as the second liquid in the pre-washing station. When the original plate has a water-developable layer, water or a mainly water-based solvent can be used as the second liquid in the developing station. In the case of an organically developable original plate, different organic solvents or mixtures thereof may be used as the second liquid in the developing station. Correspondingly, the post-washing station may be operated using water, an aqueous solution, an organic solvent, or a mixture of organic solvents, depending on the properties of the relief layer to be washed as the third liquid.

[0077] The liquid may be water or an aqueous solution containing other components such as salts, acids, bases, emulsifiers, dispersion aids, viscosity modifiers, surfactants, or combinations thereof. The pH of the liquid may be controlled using salts, acids and bases. Emulsifiers and dispersion aids may be used to enhance the substance uptake capacity of the liquid and to stabilize such emulsions and dispersions. The aqueous solution may contain an organic solvent such as alcohol, ester, ether, or hydrocarbon or combinations thereof.

[0078] The liquid may be an organic solvent or a mixture thereof. For example, a naphthenic or aromatic petroleum fraction is included in a developer in a mixture with an alcohol, such as benzyl alcohol, cyclohexanol, or an aliphatic alcohol having 5 to 10 carbon atoms, and further optionally, for example, an alicyclic hydrocarbon, a terpenoid hydrocarbon, a substituted benzene, such as diisopropylbenzene, an ester having 5 to 12 carbon atoms, or a further component such as a glycol ether may be used. Suitable detergents are disclosed, for example, in EP-A332 070 or EP-A433 374. Further, the solvent and solvent mixture may contain other components, such as salts, acids, bases, emulsifiers, dispersion aids, viscosity modifiers, antistatic agents, water, surfactants, or combinations thereof. For safety and to reduce the cost and complexity of the associated equipment, the temperature when using an organic solvent should be 5°C to 15°C below the flash point of the detergent mixture used.

[0079] The treatment section may be a unit using a single liquid, but may also be composed of two or more subunits that can use the same fluid or different fluids. Also, the arrangement of the liquid handling system including brushes, pumps, filters, troughs, hoses, etc. may be common or may be divided according to the number of subunits.

[0080] However, depending on the desired treatment, other forms of treatment means may be provided in the treatment section 400. Various forms of treatment can be selected from the group including washing, brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiation, development, heating, cooling, material removal, treatment with gas or liquid, polishing, cutting, treatment with electromagnetic waves, and combinations thereof.

[0081] Also, the processing within the processing section 400 is a heat treatment that causes a liquefied portion on the relief plate original plate, and then the liquefied portion may be brought into contact with a movable acceptor material such as a web, a non-woven material, or a foil to which a molten material is attached, and the liquefied portion may be continuously removed using the acceptor material. Further, instead of having one processing section 400, a plurality of consecutive processing sections may be provided.

[0082] For example, a post-treatment section may be provided to perform post-treatment on the relief plate original plate, and this post-treatment is selected from the group consisting of washing, brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiation, development, heating, cooling, material removal, treatment with gas or liquid, polishing, cutting, treatment with electromagnetic waves, and combinations thereof. The post-treatment section and its components may be controlled by a control device to adjust the conditions as necessary. Preferably, the post-treatment includes drying and / or treatment with electromagnetic waves (post-exposure).

[0083] The drying station enables complete removal of the liquid. This can be achieved by heating, or reducing pressure, or a combination of both, thereby accelerating the evaporation of the liquid. Heating can be achieved by an oven, high-temperature gas (preferably air or steam), irradiation with IR light, irradiation with microwaves, or a combination thereof. Reduction of pressure can be achieved by ventilation, a vacuum pump (e.g., a diffusion pump, a suction pump, an oil pump, etc.), a Venturi tube, or a combination thereof. Preferably, heating using an IR lamp or hot air is used for drying. Drying is preferably performed at 40°C to 200°C, preferably 50°C to 160°C, more preferably 50°C to 100°C, and most preferably 50°C to 80°C. When the dimensionally stable support of the flexographic printing element is a metal support, drying can also be performed at a higher temperature up to about 160°C.

[0084] Post-exposure can be used to make the surface of the developed precursor non-sticky and / or further cure the photocurable relief layer. In this station, the developed master is preferably processed with electromagnetic radiation using UVA or UVC light. As the light source, fluorescent lamps, LEDs, flash lamps, or some combination of these light sources can be used. Preferably, an LED or a fluorescent lamp is installed. The light source can be connected to a control system that steers the exposure time, wavelength in the case where light sources having different emission spectra are installed, light intensity, or a combination thereof.

[0085] Furthermore, a pretreatment section can be provided to perform pretreatment on the relief plate master, and the pretreatment is selected from the group including cutting, ablation, exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and combinations thereof. Also, between the post-treatment and the pretreatment, the printing plate master may remain coupled to the transport bar. The pretreatment section and its components may be controlled by a control device to adjust the conditions as necessary.

[0086] Preferably, the pre-treatment station comprises an ablation device, an exposure device, or a combination of both. The ablation process includes the step of removing material from at least one layer. For example, at least one layer of material may be removed according to the image data. More specifically, the implementation of the process may include any one of the following. Exposure to electromagnetic waves; indentation, such as mechanical indentation; exposure to material jets such as particle jets, fluid jets, gas jets; exposure to plasma; exposure to a continuous web such as thermal development; or a combination thereof. The electromagnetic waves are, for example, any of the following. Broadband electromagnetic waves, narrowband electromagnetic waves, monochromatic electromagnetic waves, for example large-area electromagnetic waves using lamps, for example selective electromagnetic waves emitted by lasers, waves emitted along the entire length of the drum or along a part of the axial length of the drum, continuous or pulsed electromagnetic waves, high-energy or low-energy electromagnetic waves, ablation or initial electromagnetic waves, UV to IR electromagnetic waves. The wavelength of the electromagnetic waves ranges from 200 to 20000 nm, preferably from 250 to 15000 nm, more preferably from 300 to 11000 nm, and most preferably from 350 to 11000 nm. The total output of the electromagnetic radiation ranges from a low value sufficient to cause a chemical reaction, for example, 0.1 mW to 2000 W, preferably 1 mW to 1000 W, more preferably 5 mW to 7500 W, and most preferably 1 W to 200 W, to a high value that causes rapid heating and evaporation or ablation of the material. Typically, for example, the ablation beam is moved on the surface to form an image by rotating the relief plate original on a rotating mirror or drum.

[0087] The exposure device includes an electromagnetic radiation source that delivers light of the required wavelength to the front or back side of the relief precursor. Preferably, the wavelength is in the UV-Vis region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The wavelength of the electromagnetic waves ranges from 200 to 800 nm, preferably from 250 to 500 nm, more preferably from 300 to 450 nm, and most preferably from 350 to 400 nm. The intensity of the electromagnetic radiation is 0.1 mW / cm 2 ~200 W / cm 2 Preferably, 1 mW / cm 2~200 W / cm 2 、 more preferably, 10 mW / cm 2 ~200 W / cm 2 may also be in the range of. As the light source, a metal halide lamp, a fluorescent lamp, an LED or a flash lamp, or a combination of some of these light sources can be used. Preferably, an LED or a fluorescent lamp is installed. The light source can be connected to a control system that manipulates the exposure time, the wavelength in the case where light sources having different emission spectra are installed, the light intensity, or a combination thereof. The light source and the plate original can be stationary during exposure or can move relative to each other during exposure. Preferably, a rod-shaped LED array is moved across the plate original or the plate original is passed through the LED array. Typically, the exposure is performed through a mask, which may be an integral part of the plate original, or a separate mask layer, or an electronically switchable mask (e.g., a device such as a display having switchable transparent and non-transparent regions or pixels). A scanning beam without using a mask can also be used. The exposure section can be used under ambient conditions or in a specific atmosphere, for example, with a reduced oxygen content.

[0088] FIG. 9 shows in detail the plate coupling station 300 at the position where the transport bar 100 is coupled to the front transport mechanisms 210, 220. The piston 215 pushes the transport bar 100 towards the start of the parent screw and engages the transport bar with the parent screw. Note that the relief plate original P, although not shown in FIG. 9, is normally coupled to the plurality of penetration elements 110 at the illustrated position.

[0089] FIG. 10 shows a top view of the processing section 400 and includes a brush 450 and a first front transport mechanism 210 extending along one side of the processing section 400. FIG. 10 further shows a number of coupling means 455 for driving the rotation of the brush 450.

[0090] Figures 11A, 11B, and 11C show in detail an exemplary embodiment of the plate separation station 500. In Figure 11A, the transport bar 100 is in a low position. At this position, near the front edge 3, the relief plate original P is separated from the penetration element 110 of the transport bar 100 by the separation tool 510 that presses the lower surface of the printing plate original. The plate separation station 500 includes a lateral member 530 with a magnet 520 for pulling the transport bar 100 upward. An air piston 525 is provided to move the lateral member 530 by moving the magnet 520 up and down. Next, as shown in Figures 11B and 11C, the transport bar 100 is moved upward Tu towards the rear transport mechanism 230, and the printing plate original can fall within the discharge zone 600.

[0091] The relief plate original generally 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 may be a flexible metal, a natural or artificial polymer, paper, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the support layer is a flexible metal or a polymer film or sheet. In the case of a flexible metal, the support layer can comprise a thin film, a sieve-like structure, a mesh-like structure, a woven or non-woven structure, or a combination thereof. Sheets of steel, copper, nickel, or aluminum are preferred and may have a thickness of about 50 - 1000 μm. In the case of a polymer film, the film is dimensionally stable but bendable and can be manufactured from, for example, polyalkylene, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyamide, and polycarbonate, polymers reinforced with woven, non-woven, or laminated fibers (e.g., glass fibers, carbon fibers, polymer fibers), or combinations thereof. Preferably, foils of polyethylene and polyester are used, and their thicknesses may range from about 100 - 300 μm, preferably in the range of 100 - 200 μm.

[0092] The relief master can carry additional layers. For example, the additional layer may be any of the following: a directly engravable layer (e.g., by laser), a layer developable with a solvent or water, a heat-developable layer, a photosensitive layer, a combination of a photosensitive layer and a mask layer. Optionally, one or more additional layers may be provided on the additional layer. Such one or more further additional layers may include a cover layer on top of all other layers that are removed before the image-forming layer is imaged. One or more additional layers may include a relief layer and an anti-halation layer between the support layer and the relief layer or on the side of the support layer opposite to the relief layer. One or more additional layers may include one or more barrier layers that prevent the diffusion of oxygen between the relief layer, the image-forming layer, and between the relief layer and the image-forming layer. One or more adhesive layers may be placed between the different layers described above to ensure proper adhesion of the different layers.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, the relief plate master comprises a support layer made of a polyester of a polymer material and an additional layer made of a directly engravable material such as a resin material. Any layer may be a laser ablation layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the relief plate master may include at least a dimensionally stable support layer, a relief layer, and an image-forming mask layer. Optionally, additional layers may be present. There may be a cover layer on top of all other layers that are removed before the image-forming mask layer is imaged. There may be an anti-halation layer between the support layer and the relief layer or on the side of the support layer opposite to the relief layer. There may be one or more barrier layers between the relief layer and the image-forming mask layer that prevent the diffusion of oxygen. One or more adhesive layers may be placed between the different layers described above to ensure proper adhesion of the different layers. One or more layers may be removed by treatment with a liquid. The liquid used may be the same or different for different layers. It is preferred that the liquids used are different.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the relief plate original comprises a photosensitive layer and a mask layer. The mask layer may be ablated or its transparency changed during processing to form a mask having transparent and opaque regions. Under the transparent regions of the mask, the photosensitive layer changes in solubility and / or fluidity upon irradiation. This change is used to generate a relief by removing a portion of the photosensitive layer in one or more subsequent steps. The change in solubility and / or fluidity can be achieved by photoinduced polymerization and / or crosslinking, which reduces the solubility and fusibility of the irradiated regions. In other cases, electromagnetic radiation causes bond breakage or cleavage of protecting groups, making the irradiated regions more soluble and / or fusible. Preferably, a method using photoinduced crosslinking and / or polymerization is used.

[0095] In one embodiment, the flexible plate comprises a photosensitive layer comprising at least a photoinitiator or photoinitiator system, a binder, and a reactive compound or monomer. A photoinitiator is a compound that can form reactive species capable of initiating a polymerization reaction, crosslinking reaction, chain scission or bond scission reaction that results in a change in the solubility and / or meltability of the composition upon irradiation with electromagnetic radiation. Photoinitiators that generate radicals, acids or bases upon cleavage are known. Such initiators are known to those skilled in the art and are described, for example, below.Bruce M. Monroe et al., Chemical Review, 93, 435 (1993), R.S.Davidson, Journal of Photochemistry and Biology A: Chemistry, 73, 81 (1993),J.P. Faussier, Photoinitiated Polymerization-Theory and Applications:RapraReview, Vol. 9, Report, RapraTechnology (1998), M. Tsunooka et al., 25Prog.Polym. Sci., 21, 1 (1996), F. D. Saeva, Topics in Current Chemistry, 1 56,59(1990), G. G. Maslak, Topics in Current Chemistry, 168, 1 (1993), H. B.Shusteret al., JAGS, 112, 6329 (1990) and I. D. F. Eaton et al., JAGS, 102,3298(1980), P. Fouassier and J. F. Rabek, Radiation Curing in Polymer ScienceandTechnology, pages 77 to 117 (1993) or K.K. Dietliker, Photoinitiators forfreeRadical and Cationic Polymerisation, Chemistry & Technology of UV &EBFormulation for Coatings, Inks and Paints, Volume, 3, Sita TechnologyLTD,London 1991; or R.S. Davidson, Exploring the Science, technologyandApplications of U.V. and E.B. Curing, Sita Technology LTD, London 1999.。

[0096] Regarding other initiators, they are described in JP45-37377, JP44-86516, US3567453, US4343891, EP109772, EP109773, JP63138345, JP63142345, JP63142346, JP63143537, JP4642363, JP59152396, JP61151197, JP6341484, JP2249, JP24705, JP626223, JPB6314340, JP1559174831, JP1304453, JP1152109.

[0097] The binder is a linear, branched or dendritic polymer, which may be a homopolymer or a copolymer. The copolymer may be a random, alternating or block copolymer. As the binder, a polymer that is soluble, dispersible or emulsifiable in either an aqueous solution, an organic solvent or a combination of both is used. Suitable polymeric binders are, for example, fully or partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl esters that are subsequently acrylated by a polymer-analogous reaction, such as partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol derivatives, such as partially hydrolyzed vinyl acetate / alkylene oxide graft copolymers, or polyvinyl alcohol, as described in, for example, EP-A-0079514, EP-A-0224164 or EP-A-0059988, and mixtures thereof, which are customarily used in the production of letterpress printing plates. Also, polyurethanes or polyamides soluble in water or a water / alcohol mixture, as described in, for example, EP-A-00856472 or DE-A-1522444, are also suitable as polymeric binders. For flexographic printing plates, an elastomeric binder is used. The thermoplastic elastomeric block copolymer comprises at least one block consisting essentially of alkeneyl aromatics and at least one block consisting essentially of 1,3-diene. Examples of alkeneyl aromatics include styrene, α-methylstyrene, vinyltoluene, etc. Styrene is preferred. The 1,3-diene is preferably butadiene and / or isoprene. These block copolymers may be linear, branched or radial block copolymers. Generally, they are A-B-A type triblock copolymers, but they may also be A-B type diblock polymers, or polymers having a plurality of alternating elastomeric and thermoplastic blocks. For example, A-B-A-B-A. Mixtures of two or more different block copolymers can also be used.

[0098] Commercially available triblock copolymers often contain specific fractions of diblock copolymers. The diene units may be in 1,2- or 1,4-linkages. Furthermore, styrene and thermoplastic elastomer block copolymers with blocks, and random styrene-butadiene intermediate blocks can be used. Of course, mixtures of two or more thermoplastic elastomer binders can also be used as long as the properties of the relief-forming layer are not adversely affected as a result. Similar to the above-mentioned thermoplastic-elastomer block copolymers, the photopolymerizable layer may further contain an elastomer binder other than the block copolymer. Using this type of additional binder, also called a secondary binder, the properties of the photopolymerizable layer can be modified. Examples of the second binder are vinyltoluene-α-methylstyrene copolymers. These polymer binders generally account for 20 to 98% by weight, preferably 50 to 90% by weight of the total amount of the layer.

[0099] Reactive compounds or monomers suitable for the preparation of the mixture are polymerizable and compatible with the binder. Useful monomers of this type generally have a boiling point of 100 °C or higher.

[0100] They usually have a molecular weight of less than 3000, preferably less than 2000. The ethylenically unsaturated monomers used should be compatible with the binder and they have at least one polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated group. As monomers, in particular, esters or amides of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with monofunctional or polyfunctional alcohols, amines, amino alcohols or hydroquinones and hydroxy esters, esters of fumaric acid or maleic acid, and allyl compounds can be used. Esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid are preferred. 1,4-Butanediol diacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate, 1,9-nonanediol diacrylate or trimethylolpropane triacrylate are preferred. Of course, mixtures of different monomers can be used. The total amount of all monomers used in combination with the relief-forming layer is usually 1 to 20% by weight, preferably 5 to 20% by weight, based on the total of all components of the relief-forming layer. The amount of the monomer having two ethylenically unsaturated groups is preferably 5 to 20% by weight, more preferably 8 to 18% by weight, based on the total of all components of the relief-forming layer.

[0101] The photosensitive layer may further comprise additional components. The additional components are selected from the group consisting of additional polymers, fillers, plasticizers, antiblocking agents, monomers, additives (such as stabilizers, dyes), stabilizers, crosslinking agents, binders, color-forming compounds, dyes, pigments, antioxidants, and combinations thereof.

[0102] In another embodiment, the flexible plate comprises the photosensitive layer and the mask layer described above. The mask layer comprises at least a compound capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation and a component capable of being removed by ablation (also known as a digital plate master). Preferably, the mask layer is an integral layer of the relief master and is in direct contact with the photosensitive layer or a functional layer disposed between the photosensitive layer and the mask layer. This functional layer is preferably a barrier layer that blocks oxygen. The mask layer can be imaged by ablation and can be removed by solvent or heat development. The mask layer is heated and removed by irradiation with high-energy electromagnetic radiation, thereby forming a structured mask in the form of an image, which is used to transfer the structure onto the relief master. To do this, the mask layer is opaque in the UV region and absorbs radiation in the VIS-IR region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Then, VIS-IR radiation can be used to heat and remove the layer. The optical density of the mask layer in the UV region of 330-420 nm ranges from 1 to 5, preferably from 1.5 to 4, more preferably from 2 to 4.

[0103] The layer thickness of the erasable mask layer ranges from 0.1 to 5 μm, preferably from 0.3 to 4 μm, more preferably from 1 to 3 mm. (Measured as the energy required to remove 1 cm 2 The laser sensitivity of the mask layer ranges from 0.1 to 10 mJ / cm 2 Preferably from 0.3 to 5 mJ / cm 2 Most preferably, it ranges from 0.5 to 5 mJ / cm 2 of the range.

[0104] Although the principles of the present invention have been described above in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood that this description is made for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as a limitation of the scope of protection determined by the appended claims.

[0105] This application is also related to the following clauses.

[0106] Clause 1 In an apparatus (1000) for treating a relief plate original such as a printing plate original (P), preferably with a liquid, a transport system (210, 220, 230) having at least one, preferably at least two transport bars, a plate coupling station (300) configured to couple the relief plate original to the transport bar (100), a processing section (400) for processing the relief plate original, and a plate separation station (500) configured to separate the processed relief plate original from the transport bar, the transport system (201, 220, 230) is configured to automatically move each transport bar from the plate coupling station (300), through the processing station (400), to the plate separation station (500) after being coupled to the relief plate original at the plate coupling station (300), and return from the plate separation station (500) to the plate coupling station (300) after being separated from the processed relief plate original, such that the transport bar moves in a closed loop through the apparatus.

[0107] Clause 2 Each transport bar (100) comprises at least one penetration element (110), The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the plate coupling station (300) is configured to engage with the at least one penetration element in a region near the edge of the relief plate original.

[0108] Clause 3 Each penetration element (110) has a sharp tip or edge (113), and the plate coupling station (300) is configured to cause at least partial penetration of the at least one penetration element (110) into or through an unperforated region near the edge of the relief plate original. The apparatus according to clause 2.

[0109] Clause 4 A plate discharge zone (600) is provided between the outlet side (420) of the processing section (400) and the plate separation station (500), and the relief plate master is completely withdrawn from the processing section (400) in the plate discharge zone (600) before being separated from the transfer bar at the plate separation station (500). The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3.

[0110] Clause 5 The transfer system (210, 220, 230) is configured to move the transfer bar from the outlet side (420) of the processing section (400), through the plate discharge zone (600), to the plate separation station (500), whereby the relief plate master is discharged within the plate discharge zone after being separated from the transfer bar. The apparatus according to Clause 4.

[0111] Clause 6 The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, further comprising removing means (700) configured to remove the processed relief plate master after being separated from the transfer bar within the plate separation station.

[0112] Clause 7 The removing means (700) comprises one or more of a carrier or trolley, a robot, a moving belt, at least one rotating drum. The carrier or trolley is configured to receive the processed relief plate master within the plate discharge zone and be moved from the plate discharge zone. The apparatus according to Clause 5 or 6.

[0113] Clause 8 The conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a forward conveying mechanism (210, 220) configured to convey the conveying bar (100) having the combined relief plate original from at least the inlet side (410) to the outlet side (420) of the processing section (400), and further from the outlet side (420) to the plate separation station (500).

[0114] Claim 9 The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising bar coupling means (215) configured to couple the conveying bar (100) having the combined relief plate original (P) to the forward conveying mechanism (210, 220).

[0115] Claim 10 The processing section (400) has a first side surface (430) and an opposing second side surface (440) extending in the conveying direction between the inlet side (410) and the outlet side (420). The forward conveying mechanism includes a first forward conveying mechanism (210) and a second forward conveying mechanism (220) respectively extending along the first side surface and the opposite second side surface of the processing section (400). The apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first forward conveying mechanism and the second forward conveying mechanism are respectively coupled to the first end (101) and the second end (102) of the conveying bar, and are configured to convey the conveying bar from the inlet side (410) to the outlet side (420) while the first end and the second end of the conveying bar move along the first side surface (430) and the opposite second side surface (440) respectively.

[0116] Claim 11 The first forward conveying mechanism (210) and / or the second forward conveying mechanism (220) includes a first master screw and / or a second master screw. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a first coupling portion (121) and / or a second coupling portion (122) configured to be respectively coupled to the first master screw and / or the second master screw are provided at the first end and / or the second end of the conveying bar.

[0117] Clause 12 The first front transfer mechanism (210) and / or the second front transfer mechanism (220) includes a first chain or belt or linear motor or a combination thereof, and / or a second chain or belt or linear motor or a combination thereof, The first end and / or the second end of the transfer bar includes first and / or second coupling portions configured to be coupled to the first chain or belt or linear motor and / or the second chain or belt or linear motor respectively, the apparatus according to clause 10.

[0118] Clause 13 The transfer system includes a rear transfer mechanism (230) configured to transfer the transfer bar back from the plate separation station (500) to the plate coupling station (300), the apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 12.

[0119] Clause 14 The rear transfer mechanism (230) includes one of one or more belts, one or more chains, one or more lead screws, a linear motor, or a combination thereof, the apparatus according to clause 13.

[0120] Clause 15 The rear transfer mechanism (230) is disposed around the processing section (400), The transfer system (300) includes an additional transfer mechanism (250) configured to move the transfer bar separated within the plate separation station (500) towards the rear transfer mechanism (230), the apparatus according to clause 13 or 14.

[0121] Clause 16 The additional transfer mechanism (250) includes one or more of magnetic means, electromagnetic means, clamping means, vacuum means, or a combination thereof, the apparatus according to clause 15.

[0122] Clause 17 The plate bonding station (300) is equipped with at least one actuator connected to a hammer tool (310) for at least partially pushing the at least one penetration element (110) into the material of the relief plate original, and is combined with clause 2, and is the device according to any one of clauses 1 to 17.

[0123] Clause 18 The plate bonding station (300) is equipped with alignment means (320) configured to align the relief plate original with respect to the transport bar, and is the device according to any one of clauses 1 to 17.

[0124] Clause 19 The plate separation station (500) is equipped with at least one actuator connected to a tool (510) configured to push the relief plate original away from the transport bar so that the at least one penetration element is moved from the relief plate original, and is combined with clause 2, and is the device according to any one of clauses 1 to 18.

[0125] Clause 20 The device according to any one of clauses 1 to 19 further comprises a control unit (800) configured to control the transport system so that the at least two transport bars move simultaneously through the device.

[0126] Clause 21 The at least one penetration element (110) For example, it is selected from the group of rods, blades, needles, or combinations thereof having a cross-section that is circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, or polygonal, and is combined with clause 2, and is the device according to any one of clauses 1 to 20.

[0127] Clause 22 Each penetration element (110) extends in the penetration direction and is equipped with a penetration portion (112) having a length of 1 mm to 20 mm, and is the device according to any one of clauses 1 to 21.

[0128] Clause 23 The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1 to 22, wherein the length of the transfer bar is 100 mm to 10,000 mm.

[0129] Clause 24 In a method for processing a relief plate original such as a relief plate original for a relief plate, a) at the plate coupling station of the processing apparatus, coupling the relief plate original to the transfer bar; b) conveying the transfer bar having the coupled relief plate original through the processing zone of the processing apparatus; c) at the plate separation station of the processing apparatus, separating the transfer bar from the processed relief plate original; d) conveying the separated transfer bar back to the plate coupling station, including: Steps a)-d) are automatically executed, and the transfer bar moves in a closed loop from the plate coupling station through the processing zone to the plate separation station and back to the plate coupling station.

[0130] Clause 25 The method according to Clause 24, wherein at least two transfer bars are conveyed simultaneously within the processing apparatus.

[0131] Clause 26 The method according to any one of Clauses 24-25, wherein the conveying speeds in steps b) and d) are different.

[0132] Clause 27 The method according to Clause 26, wherein the ratio of the speed in step d) divided by the speed in step b) is in the range of 1 to 400, preferably 2 to 300.

[0133] Clause 28 The method according to any one of Clauses 24 to 27, wherein the speeds in steps b) and d) are in the range of 1 mm / min to 1000 mm / sec.

[0134] Article 29 The treatment within the treatment section is the method according to any one of Articles 24 to 28, selected from the group consisting of washing, brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiation, development, heating, cooling, removal of materials, treatment with gas or liquid, polishing, cutting, treatment with electromagnetic waves, and combinations thereof.

[0135] Article 30 The treatment within the treatment section is a heat treatment that results in a liquefied portion of the relief plate original, and subsequently bringing the liquefied portion into contact with a moving receptor material such as a web, non-woven material, or foil to which the molten material adheres, and continuously removing the liquefied portion using the receptor material, the method according to any one of Articles 24 to 29.

[0136] Article 31 further comprising the step of performing post-treatment on the relief plate original, The post-treatment is the method according to any one of Articles 24 to 30, selected from the group consisting of washing, brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiation, development, heating, cooling, removal of materials, treatment with gas or liquid, polishing, cutting, treatment with electromagnetic waves, and combinations thereof.

[0137] Article 32 further comprising the step of performing pre-treatment on the relief plate original, The pre-treatment is the method according to any one of Articles 24 to 30, selected from the group consisting of cutting, ablation, exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and combinations thereof.

[0138] Article 33 In an apparatus (1000) for treating a relief plate original such as a printing plate original (P), preferably with a liquid, a treatment section (400) configured to treat the relief plate original, wherein the relief plate original is connected to a transport bar and transported, the treatment section (400); A plate separation station (500) configured to separate the processed relief plate original from the transfer bar, and a plate discharge section (600) between the exit side (420) of the processing section (400) and the plate separation station (500). The plate discharge section is configured to allow the relief plate original moved from the processing section (400) to fall downward when it is separated from the transfer bar at the separation station (500). The device is as described above.

[0139] Clause 34 The device according to clause 33, further comprising removing means (700) configured to remove the processed relief plate original after it is separated from the transfer bar within the plate separation station.

[0140] Clause 35 The removing means (700) comprises one or more of a carrier or trolley, a robot, a moving belt, at least one rotating drum, or a combination thereof, in the device according to clause 33 or 34.

[0141] Clause 36 The device according to any one of clauses 33 to 35, further comprising a conveying system (210, 220, 230) configured to move the transfer bar through the processing station (400) to the plate separation station (500) after it is coupled to the relief plate original.

[0142] Clause 37 The conveying system (210, 230) is configured to move the transfer bar from the exit side (420) of the processing section (400) through the plate discharge section (600) to the plate separation station (500), whereby the relief plate original is discharged within the plate discharge section after being separated from the transfer bar. The device is as described in clause 36.

[0143] Article 38 The apparatus further includes a plate coupling station (300) configured to couple a relief plate original to be processed to the transport bar (100). The transport system (210, 220, 230) is configured to move the transport bar from the plate coupling station (300), through the processing station (400), to the plate separation station (500) after being coupled to the relief plate original at the plate coupling station (300), and then return from the plate separation station (500) to the plate coupling station (300) after being separated from the processed relief plate original. The apparatus according to Article 36 or 37.

[0144] Article 39 Each transport bar (100) is provided with at least one penetrating element (110). The plate coupling station (300) is configured to engage with the at least one penetrating element in a region near the edge of the relief plate original. The apparatus according to Article 38.

[0145] Article 40 Each penetrating element (110) has a sharp tip or edge (113), and the plate coupling station (300) is configured to cause at least partial penetration of the at least one penetrating element (110) into an unperforated region near the edge of the relief plate original. The apparatus according to Article 39.

[0146] Article 41 In a method (1000) for processing a relief plate original (P), such as a printing plate original, preferably with a liquid (I), processing the relief plate original in a processing zone while the relief plate original is coupled to and transported by a transport bar; moving the transport bar having the coupled relief plate original from the processing zone to a plate discharge zone (600); A method having a step of separating the processed relief plate original in the plate discharge zone from the transport bar while dropping the relief plate original downward within the plate collection zone.

[0147] Although the principles of the present invention have been described above in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood that this description has been made merely by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of protection determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1000) for treating a relief plate original such as a printing plate original (P), preferably with a liquid, comprising: a transport system (210, 220, 230) having at least one, preferably at least two transport bars; a plate coupling station (300) configured to couple the relief plate original to the transport bar (100); a processing section (400) for processing the relief plate original; a plate separation station (500) configured to separate the processed relief plate original from the transport bar; characterized in that the transport system (201, 220, 230) is configured to automatically move each transport bar from the plate coupling station (300), through the processing station (400), to the plate separation station (500) after being coupled to the relief plate original at the plate coupling station (300), and after being separated from the processed relief plate original, return from the plate separation station (500) to the plate coupling station (300), such that the transport bar moves in a closed loop through the apparatus; a plate discharge zone (600) is provided between the outlet side (420) of the processing section (400) and the plate separation station (500), and the relief plate original is completely withdrawn from the processing section (400) in the plate discharge zone (600) before being separated from the transport bar at the plate separation station (500).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each transport bar (100) comprises at least one penetration element (110), and the plate coupling station (300) is configured to engage with the at least one penetration element in a region near the edge of the relief plate original.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each penetration element (110) has a sharp tip or edge (113), and the plate coupling station (300) is configured to cause at least partial penetration of the at least one penetration element into or through an unperforated region near the edge of the relief plate original.

4. The conveying system (210, 220, 230) is configured to move the conveying bar from the outlet side (420) of the processing section (400) through the plate discharge zone (600) to the plate separation station (500), whereby the relief plate original is discharged within the plate discharge zone after being separated from the conveying bar. The apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising removing means (700) configured to remove the processed relief plate original after being separated from the conveying bar within the plate separation station.

6. The removing means (700) comprises one or more of a carrier or trolley, a robot, a moving belt, and at least one rotating drum, and the carrier or trolley is configured to receive the processed relief plate original within the plate discharge zone and be moved from the plate discharge zone. The apparatus according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The conveying system comprises a forward conveying mechanism (210, 220) configured to convey the conveying bar (100) having the combined relief plate original from at least the inlet side (410) to the outlet side (420) of the processing section (400), and further from the outlet side (420) to the plate separation station (500). The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising bar coupling means (215) configured to couple the conveying bar (100) having the combined relief plate original (P) to the forward conveying mechanism (210, 220).

9. The processing section (400) has a first side aspect (430) and an opposing second side aspect (440) extending in the conveying direction between the inlet side (410) and the outlet side (420). The forward conveying mechanism comprises a first forward conveying mechanism (210) and a second forward conveying mechanism (220) respectively extending along the first side aspect and the opposing second side aspect of the processing section (400). The first front transfer mechanism and the second front transfer mechanism are respectively coupled to the first end (101) and the second end (102) of the transfer bar, and the first end and the second end of the transfer bar are respectively the first side surface (430) and the opposite second side surface (440). The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, configured to transfer the transfer bar from the inlet side (410) to the outlet side (420) while moving along.

10. The first front transfer mechanism (210) and / or the second front transfer mechanism (220) include a first master screw and / or a second master screw, and the first end and / or the second end of the transfer bar are respectively provided with a first coupling portion (121) and / or a second coupling portion (122) configured to be coupled to the first master screw and / or the second master screw. The apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The first front transfer mechanism (210) and / or the second front transfer mechanism (220) include a first chain or belt or linear motor or a combination thereof, and / or a second chain or belt or linear motor or a combination thereof, and the first end and / or the second end of the transfer bar are respectively provided with first and / or second coupling portions configured to be coupled to the first chain or belt or linear motor and / or the second chain or belt or linear motor. The apparatus according to claim 9.

12. The transfer system includes a rear transfer mechanism (230) configured to transfer the transfer bar back from the plate separation station (500) to the plate coupling station (300). The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The rear transfer mechanism (230) includes one of one or more belts, one or more chains, one or more master screws, a linear motor, or a combination thereof. The apparatus according to claim 12.

14. The rear transfer mechanism (230) is disposed around the processing section (400), The transfer system (300) includes an additional transfer mechanism (250) configured to move the transfer bar separated within the plate separation station (500) towards the rear transfer mechanism (230). The apparatus according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the additional conveying mechanism (250) comprises one or more of magnetic means, electromagnetic means, clamping means, vacuum means, or combinations thereof.

16. Each conveying bar (100) comprises at least one penetrating element (110), and the plate bonding station (300) is configured to engage with the at least one penetrating element in a region near the edge of the relief plate original. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the plate bonding station (300) comprises at least one actuator connected to a hammer tool (310) for at least partially pushing the at least one penetrating element into the material of the relief plate original.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the plate bonding station (300) comprises alignment means (320) configured to align the relief plate original with respect to the conveying bar.

18. Each conveying bar (100) comprises at least one penetrating element (110), and the plate bonding station (300) is configured to engage with the at least one penetrating element in a region near the edge of the relief plate original. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the plate separation station (500) comprises at least one actuator connected to a tool (510) configured to push the relief plate original away from the conveying bar so that the at least one penetrating element is moved from the relief plate original.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a control unit (800) configured to control the conveying system so that the at least two conveying bars move through the apparatus simultaneously.

20. Each conveying bar (100) comprises at least one penetrating element (110), and the plate bonding station (300) is configured to engage with the at least one penetrating element in a region near the edge of the relief plate original. The at least one penetrating element (110) is The device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, selected from the group consisting of rods, blades, needles, or combinations thereof having a cross-section that is circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, or polygonal.

21. Each transport bar (100) comprises at least one penetration element (110), Each penetration element (110) extends in the penetration direction and comprises a penetration portion (112) having a length of 1 mm to 20 mm. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. The length of the transport bar is 100 mm to 10,000 mm. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. In a method for processing a relief plate original such as a relief plate original for a relief plate, a) coupling the relief plate original to a transport bar at a plate coupling station of a processing device; b) transporting the transport bar having the coupled relief plate original through a processing zone of the processing device; c) separating the transport bar from the processed relief plate original at a plate separation station of the processing device; d) transporting the separated transport bar back to the plate coupling station, including Steps a)-d) are automatically executed, and the transport bar moves in a closed loop from the plate coupling station through the processing zone to the plate separation station and back to the plate coupling station, A plate discharge zone (600) is provided between the outlet side (420) of the processing section (400) and the plate separation station (500), and the relief plate original is completely withdrawn from the processing section (400) in the plate discharge zone (600) before being separated from the transport bar at the plate separation station (500).

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein at least two transport bars are transported simultaneously within the processing device.

25. The method according to any one of claims 23-24, wherein the transport speeds in steps b) and d) are different.

26. The ratio of the speed in step d) divided by the speed in step b) is in the range of 1 to 400, preferably 2 to 300. The method according to claim 25.

27. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the speeds in step b) and step d) are in the range of 1 mm / min to 1000 mm / second.

28. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the treatment in the treatment section is selected from the group including cleaning, brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiation, development, heating, cooling, removal of material, treatment with gas or liquid, polishing, cutting, treatment with electromagnetic waves, and combinations thereof.

29. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the treatment in the treatment section is a heat treatment that brings about a liquefied portion of the relief plate original, and subsequently the liquefied portion is brought into contact with a moving receptor material such as a web, non-woven material, or foil to which the molten material adheres, and the liquefied portion is continuously removed using the receptor material.

30. The method further comprises the step of performing post-treatment on the relief plate original, wherein the post-treatment is selected from the group including cleaning, brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiation, development, heating, cooling, removal of material, treatment with gas or liquid, polishing, cutting, treatment with electromagnetic waves, and combinations thereof, according to any one of claims 23 to 29.

31. The method further comprises the step of performing pre-treatment on the relief plate original, wherein the pre-treatment is selected from the group including cutting, ablation, exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and combinations thereof, according to any one of claims 23 to 29.

32. In an apparatus (1000) for treating a relief plate original, such as a printing plate original (P), preferably with a liquid, a treatment section (400) configured to treat the relief plate original, wherein the relief plate original is connected to a transport bar and transported, the treatment section (400); a plate separation station (500) configured to separate the treated relief plate original from the transport bar; a plate discharge section (600) between the outlet side (420) of the treatment section (400) and the plate separation station (500); comprising The plate discharge section is configured to enable the relief plate original moved from the treatment section (400) to fall downward when separated from the transport bar at the separation station (500). An apparatus.

33. The apparatus according to claim 32, further comprising removing means (700) configured to remove the processed relief plate original after being separated from the transport bar within the plate separation station.

34. The apparatus according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the removing means (700) comprises one or more of a carrier or trolley, a robot, a moving belt, at least one rotating drum, or a combination thereof.

35. The apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 34, further comprising a transport system (210, 220, 230) configured to move the transport bar through the processing station (400) to the plate separation station (500) after being coupled to the relief plate original.

36. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the transport system (210, 230) is configured to move the transport bar from the outlet side (420) of the processing section (400) through the plate discharge section (600) to the plate separation station (500), whereby the relief plate original is discharged within the plate discharge section after being separated from the transport bar.

37. The apparatus according to claim 35 or 36, further comprising a plate coupling station (300) configured to couple the relief plate original to be processed to the transport bar (100), and the transport system (210, 220, 230) is configured to move the transport bar from the plate coupling station (300) through the processing station (400) to the plate separation station (500) after being coupled to the relief plate original, and to return from the plate separation station (500) to the plate coupling station (300) after being separated from the processed relief plate original.

38. At least one penetration element (110) is provided on each transport bar (100). The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the plate coupling station (300) is configured to engage with the at least one penetration element in a region near the edge of the relief plate original.

39. Each penetration element (110) has a sharp tip or edge (113), and the plate bonding station (300) is configured to cause at least partial penetration by the at least one penetration element (110) into an unperforated region near the edge of the relief plate original, the apparatus according to claim 38.

40. In a method (1000) for treating a relief plate original (P), such as a printing plate original, preferably with a liquid (I), while the relief plate original is being transported while coupled to a transport bar, treating the relief plate original in a treatment zone; moving the transport bar having the coupled relief plate original from the treatment zone to a plate discharge zone (600); detaching the treated relief plate original in the plate discharge zone from the transport bar while dropping the relief plate original downward within a plate collection zone; A method comprising:

Images