Punching station and method for relief plate precursors

Abstract

A punching station (300) for placing one or more piercing elements in or through an edge portion of a precursor relief plate (P) or for placing one or more perforations in the edge portion, comprising: punching means (10) having one or more piercing elements (110) or perforating elements configured to place the one or more piercing or perforating elements through or within the edge portion of the precursor relief plate; abutment means (20) aligned with the punching means and configured to form an abutment on the edge of the precursor relief plate; detection means (30) for detecting at two or more locations along the abutment means whether the edge portion of the precursor relief plate is correctly positioned relative to the abutment means; and signal means (40) configured to communicate a signal in response to detection by the detection means.

Description

Background Art

[0001] [Field of the Invention]

[0002] The field of the present invention relates to punching stations, punching methods, and apparatuses and methods for preparing and / or processing relief plate precursors, particularly printing plate precursors.

[0003] [Background]

[0004] Cleaning apparatuses for printing plate precursors are known. Typically, a transport bar is used to move the printing plate precursor through such a cleaning apparatus. For that purpose, the area of the printing plate precursor has a series of through-holes in a punching station. Next, the operator couples the pre-perforated printing plate precursor to a printing bar having a plurality of pins that can extend into the holes of the transport plate. Next, the transport bar with the coupled plate is brought to the inlet side of the cleaning apparatus by the operator. The transport bar leaves the cleaning apparatus on the outlet side, where it is retrieved by the operator who detaches it from the printing plate precursor. These steps are repeated for the next printing plate precursor to be cleaned.

[0005] Such a cleaning apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2018 / 0217502. A transport strip is attached to a flexographic printing element. For that purpose, the flexographic printing element is first perforated, and then the pins of the transport strip are placed within the perforations.

[0006] Another example of a cleaning apparatus is disclosed in PCT Application PCT / EP2019 / 060370 in the name of the applicant.

[0007] A drawback of known apparatuses and methods is that the plate must be sufficiently aligned and positioned in the punching station to avoid transport problems that cause the plate to tear or become damaged and require operator intervention.

[0008] overview

[0009] An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a punching station in an improved manner with less risk of misalignment for positioning one or more through elements within or through the edge portion (typically the leading edge portion) of a relief plate precursor (P), or for positioning one or more perforations in the edge portion of a relief plate precursor.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a punching station is provided for positioning one or more through elements within or through the edge portion (typically the front edge portion) of a relief plate precursor (P), or for positioning one or more perforations in the edge portion of the relief plate precursor. The punching station is intended to directly connect the edge portion to a conveyor bar having one or more through elements, or to position perforations or holes in the edge portion, in which case the conveyor bar may be connected to the perforated edge portion in a later step. The punching station comprises punching means, contact means, detection means, and signaling means. The punching means includes one or more through elements or perforating elements and is configured to position one or more through elements or perforating elements through or within the edge portion of the relief plate precursor. The contact means is aligned with the punching means and is configured to form a contact portion with respect to the edge of the relief plate precursor. The detection means is configured to detect at two or more locations along the contact means whether the edge portion of the relief plate precursor is precisely positioned relative to the contact means. The signaling means is configured to communicate signals in the detection function of the detection means.

[0011] By detecting at two or more positions along the contact means whether the edge portion of the relief plate precursor is precisely positioned relative to the contact means, it is possible to determine whether the entire edge portion is precisely positioned in a punchable position. Further including a signaling means that communicates a signal based on the detection by the detection means, it is possible to determine whether or not to operate the punching means using this signal. The punching means may be configured to be operated manually or automatically. For example, if the signal indicates that the edge portion is precisely positioned, the punching means may be automatically activated to perform the punching operation. Ensuring accurate punching ensures that the relief plate precursor is precisely attached to the conveyor bar, thereby avoiding tearing or other damage to the relief plate precursor. Furthermore, if the conveyor bar with the attached relief plate precursor is conveyed through a machine for processing the precursor, correct punching contributes to good alignment of the relief plate precursor while it is being conveyed through the machine.

[0012] Preferably, the signaling means is configured to communicate the signal to the punching means. For example, the punching means is configured to automatically trigger a punching action when it receives a signal from the signaling means indicating the precise positioning of the edge portion of the relief plate precursor. In another embodiment, the punching means includes a locking mechanism, which is configured to enable the punching action when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state and to prevent the punching action when the locking mechanism is in a locked state. The punching means may then be configured to release the locking mechanism from a locked state when it receives a signal from the signaling means indicating the precise positioning of the edge portion of the relief plate precursor, and to return it to a locked state after the punching action is performed.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment, the punching station further comprises a signal interface or operator interface, and the signaling means is configured to communicate a signal to the signal interface and / or operator interface. The signal interface or operator interface may then be configured to generate an output based on the signal which can be perceived by an operator. The output may be, for example, a visual output or an acoustic output. For example, the signal interface may include a light or screen for indicating, for example, by color, message or symbol, whether the edge portion of the relief plate precursor is accurately positioned. For example, a green light may indicate accurate positioning, and a red light may indicate inaccurate positioning. In such an embodiment, for example, if punching is performed manually, it is useful to indicate to the operator whether the relief plate precursor is accurately positioned.

[0014] The contact means comprises at least first and second contact portions that are movably positioned, wherein the edge portion is in the first position when the first contact portion is precisely positioned in the first position and in the second position when it is not precisely positioned, and the edge portion is in the first position when the second contact portion is precisely positioned in the second position and in the second position when it is not precisely positioned. For example, the first and second contact portions may be rotatable between the first and second positions. Next, the detection means may comprise a first detector and a second detector configured to detect the positions of the first and second contact portions, respectively.

[0015] The detection means may comprise any of the following: optical detection means, proximity detection means, pressure detection means, electrical detection means, magnetic detection means, mechanical detection means, ferrous / non-ferrous metal detection means, or a combination thereof. Suitable embodiments of the detection means include proximity switches, optical sensors, mechanical switches, magnetic switches, cameras, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the detection means comprises a first detector and a second detector that perform detection at a first location and a second location, respectively. However, certain detection means, such as a camera, can view both the first and second locations continuously or simultaneously.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, the contact means comprises a plurality of alignment pins arranged in a row so as to extend along the edge portion of the relief plate precursor. The advantage of using pins is that they can easily extend through the conveyor bar by providing a plurality of corresponding recesses, holes, or channels in the conveyor bar. However, the contact means may also comprise a wall portion. In such embodiments, the conveyor bar may comprise slits through which the wall portion can extend. One or more of the plurality of pins may be associated with a first contact portion, and one or more of the plurality of pins may be associated with a second contact portion. For example, the first pins may be fixed to a first swivelable carrier of the first contact portion, and the second pins may be fixed to a second swivelable carrier of the second contact portion. To restrict and guide the movement of the first and second contact portions, the alignment pins may extend through holes in a fixed guide plate.

[0017] Preferably, the through element is positioned on a conveyor bar, and the punching station is configured to receive the conveyor bar in a position aligned with the contact means.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment, the punching means comprises a drive means configured to position one or more through or perforated elements through or within the edge portion of the relief plate precursor. The drive means may be, for example, a movable hammer, which is engageable with the edge portion of the relief plate precursor to position one or more through or perforated elements through or within the edge portion of the relief plate precursor. The hammer may have one or more holes corresponding to one or more through or perforated elements. A conveyor bar may be positioned to be positioned with one or more through elements on one side of the edge portion, and the hammer may be positioned to engage with the other side of the edge portion.

[0019] More preferably, each through element has a sharp tip or edge capable of penetrating the material of the relief plate precursor, and the punching station is configured to penetrate, at least partially, into or through a non-perforated area near the edge of the relief plate precursor by at least one through element. In this way, the through element is pressed into the material of the relief plate precursor without generating waste. The through element can be made of any hard material that can penetrate into or through the plate precursor material. It can be made of metal or alloy, ceramic, polymer, glass, or a combination thereof. Preferably, they are made of metal or alloy. Each through element includes a through portion having a length of 1 mm to 20 mm when viewed in the penetrating direction. The maximum dimension of the through portion when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the penetrating direction is preferably less than 5 mm, and more preferably less than 3 mm. For example, if the cross-section of the through portion is circular, the diameter is preferably less than 5 mm, and more preferably less than 3 mm.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, the contact means is configured to move away when the punching means is activated. Alternatively, the hammer may have a hole for receiving a portion of the contact means.

[0021] According to this embodiment, the first and second locations along the contact means correspond to the left and right locations, respectively, of the center of the edge portion of the relief plate precursor. In this way, accurate detection can be performed.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for processing relief plate precursors is provided, comprising a conveying system, a punching station according to any one of the embodiments described above, and a processing compartment. The conveying system comprises at least one, preferably at least two, conveying bars. The punching station is configured to connect the edges of the relief plate precursors to the conveying bars of at least one conveying bar. The processing compartment is configured to process the relief plate precursors.

[0023] Preferably, the transport system is configured to transport the relief plate precursor such that the leading edge of the relief plate precursor contacts the contact means and the signal means triggers the punching means.

[0024] Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a separation station configured to separate the relief plate precursor from the conveyor bar, and the conveying system is configured to move the conveyor bar from the exit side of the processing section through the discharge zone to the separation station so that the relief plate precursor can be discharged in the discharge zone after being separated from the conveyor bar.

[0025] Optionally, the apparatus further comprises removal means configured to remove the processed relief plate precursor after it has been separated from the transport bar in the separation station.

[0026] Optionally, the transport system includes a forward transport mechanism, which is configured to transport transport bars with coupled relief plate precursors at least from the inlet side to the outlet side of the processing section, and from the outlet side to the separation station.

[0027] Optionally, the conveying system further comprises bar coupling means configured to couple the conveying bar to a relief plate precursor coupled to the forward conveying mechanism.

[0028] Optionally, the conveying system comprises a rearward conveying mechanism configured to convey the conveying bar from the cutting station to the coupling station.

[0029] Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a control unit configured to control the conveying system, and at least two conveying bars move through the apparatus simultaneously, and optionally, the signal means may be part of the control unit.

[0030] The length of the conveying bar can be 100 mm to 10,000 mm.

[0031] The processing section may comprise any one of the following: a flat or cylindrical brush, a pump, spraying means, a sensor, a filter, rinsing means, a motor, a gear, heating means, cooling means, a roller, a belt, a web, or a combination thereof.

[0032] The conveying system may comprise any one of the following: one or more belts, one or more chains, one or more master screws, a linear motor, magnetic means, electromagnetic means, clamping means, vacuum means, or a combination thereof.

[0033] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a punching method for arranging one or more through elements within or through an edge portion of a relief plate precursor, or for arranging one or more perforations in an edge portion of a relief plate precursor, wherein the relief plate precursor preferably comprises a substrate layer and at least one photosensitive layer (optionally, an integral mask layer), and the punching method is carried out at a punching station and comprises the following steps, a punching method is provided. · A step of bringing a relief plate precursor having a front edge into contact with contact means - A step of detecting whether the edge portion of the relief plate precursor is accurately positioned relative to the contact means at two or more locations along the contact means, • A step of automatically communicating a signal that functions for detection by a detection means, and The step of positioning one or more through- or perforating elements through or within the edge portion of a relief plate precursor when signals indicating precise positioning at the first and second locations are communicated.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more through elements are attached to the conveyor bar, and this method further, The steps include: transporting a conveyor bar with an attached relief plate precursor through a processing zone while removing soluble or liquefiable material, thereby establishing a relief on the relief plate precursor; • The step of separating the relief plate precursor from the transport bar at the separation station, The process includes the step of optionally transporting the transport bar to the punching station and returning it.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment, the transport bar is moved in a closed loop, from the punching station through the processing zone to the splitting station and back to the joining station.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least two transport bars are transported simultaneously within the processing unit.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment, the transport speed through the processing section is different from the transport speed of the transport bar returning to the coupling station.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment, the processing in the processing section is selected from the group including washing, brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiation, developing, heating, cooling, material removal, gas or liquid treatment, sand polishing, cutting, electromagnetic wave treatment, and combinations thereof.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment, the processing in the processing section is a heat treatment that produces a liquefied portion of the relief plate precursor, followed by bringing the liquefied portion into contact with a moving receiving material such as a web, nonwoven material, or foil to which the molten material is adhered, and continuously removing the liquefied portion from the receiving material.

[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes the step of performing a post-treatment on a relief plate precursor, selected from the group including washing, brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiation, developing, heating, cooling, material removal, treatment with gas or liquid, sand polishing, cutting, treatment with electromagnetic waves, and combinations thereof.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes a step of pretreatment of the relief plate precursor, which is selected from the group including: cutting, ablation, exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and a combination thereof. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate currently preferred, non-limiting, exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention. The above and other advantages of the features and objectives of this invention will become clearer when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description. [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for processing relief plate precursors. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a punching station. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the punching station shown in Figure 2. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a detailed perspective view illustrating the relief plate precursor positioned against the contact means of the punching station in Figure 2. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the punching station shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4B]Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view passing through a portion of the punching station in Figure 2. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of the contact means in its first state, similar to the view in Figure 4B. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the contact means in a second state, similar to the view in Figure 4B. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a schematic perspective view showing relief plate precursors aligned on a transport bar. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a detailed view of the configuration shown in Figure 6A from a different perspective. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C illustrates the configuration shown in Figure 6A while moving the hammer tool downwards towards the relief plate precursor. [Figure 6D] Figure 6D shows how multiple penetrating elements of the transport bar extend through the region near the edge of the relief plate precursor. [Figure 6E] Figure 6E shows the configuration of Figure 6D after the hammer tool has been removed. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the conveyor bar. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the conveyor bar in Figure 7. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the punching station. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the punching station. [Figure 8C] Figure 8C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the punching station. Detailed description of the embodiment

[0043] Figure 1 schematically illustrates apparatus 1000 for processing relief plate precursors such as printing plate precursors P. This apparatus includes, for example, a washing apparatus for cleaning and a apparatus for processing the relief plate precursors with liquids. However, other processing methods are also possible, such as brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiation, developing, heating, cooling, removal of material from the relief plate precursors, processing of the relief plate precursors with gases or liquids, sanding of the relief plate precursors, cutting of the relief plate precursors, processing with electromagnetic waves, or a combination thereof.

[0044] The apparatus 1000 comprises conveying systems 210, 220, and 230, each having at least one, preferably at least two, and more preferably at least three conveying bars 100, which are intended to be coupled to the relief plate precursors P. For example, as shown in Figure 1, four conveying bars 100 may be provided in the conveying systems 210, 220, and 230. At the punching station 300, the conveying bars 100 are coupled to the front edge 3 of the relief plate precursors P, preferably extending longer than the total length of the front edge 3, so that the ends of the conveying bars 100 can be coupled to the conveying mechanism. It should be noted that it is also possible to couple multiple relief plate precursors to the conveying bars 100. Preferably, the length of the conveying bars 100 is 100 mm to 1000 mm, more preferably 1000 mm to 4000 mm.

[0045] The apparatus 1000 comprises a punching station 300 configured to connect relief plate precursors P to a transport bar 100, a processing section 400 configured to process the relief plate precursors as the transport bar 100, to which the relief plate precursors P are connected, moves through the processing section 400, and a plate splitting station 500 configured to separate the processed relief plate precursors P from the transport bar 100. The transport systems 210, 220, and 230 are configured so that each transport bar 100, after being connected to the relief plate precursors P in the punching station 300, moves from the punching station 300 through the processing station 400 to the plate splitting station 500, and after being separated from the processed relief plate precursors P, moves from the plate splitting station 500 back to the punching station 300, thereby causing the transport bars 100 to move in a closed loop through the apparatus 1000. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, four transport bars 100 circulate within the apparatus 1000.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, each conveyor bar 100 is provided with a plurality of through elements 110 (here in the form of pins or rods), and the punching station 300 is configured to engage the plurality of through elements 110 with a region near the front edge 3 of the relief plate precursor P. In Figure 1, the relief plate precursor P has a front edge 3 and a rear edge 4 perpendicular to the forward conveying direction Tf of the relief plate precursor P via the apparatus 1000, and two side edges 1, 2 parallel to the forward conveying direction Tf. The region near the front edge 3 of the relief plate precursor P is coupled to the plurality of through elements 110 of the conveyor bar 100.

[0047] The punching station 300 is configured to position a plurality of through elements 110 on the edge portion E of the relief plate precursor P. The punching station 300 comprises a punching means 10 including a plurality of through elements 110, and a driving means such as a hammer (not shown) configured to position one or more through elements 110 on the edge portion of the relief plate precursor P. The punching station 300 further comprises a contact means 20 aligned with the punching means 10 and configured to form contact with the edge 3 of the relief plate precursor P. The punching station 300 also comprises a detection means 30 configured to detect whether the edge portion E of the relief plate precursor is precisely positioned relative to the contact means 20 at one or more locations along the contact means 20, and a signaling means 40 configured to communicate a signal that functions for detection by the detection means 30. Preferably, the signaling means 40 is configured to communicate a signal to the punching means 10, in particular the driving means of the punching means 10, to automatically trigger the punching means 10, for example, so that one or more through-elements 110 are positioned on the edge portion E of the relief plate precursor P.

[0048] The processing section 400 has an inlet side 410 and an outlet side 420. A conveyor bar 100 having coupled relief plate precursors P is moved through the processing section 400 from the inlet side 410 to the outlet side 420, and the conveyor 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 splitting station 500. The relief plate precursors P are completely drawn out from the processing section 400 in the plate discharge zone 600 by the conveying system before being separated from the conveyor bar 100 in the splitting station 500. In this way, once the relief plate precursors P are separated from the conveyor bar 100, they can be discharged into the plate discharge zone 600. At the bottom of the plate discharge zone 600, there may be removal means configured to remove the processed relief plate precursors P after they have been separated from the conveyor bar 100 in the plate splitting station 500. In the illustrated embodiment, the removal means 700 is a trolley configured to receive the processed relief plate precursor P into the plate discharge zone 600 and move away from the plate discharge zone 600 for easy removal. For example, if the device 1000 is a washing machine, the operator can transport the washed relief plate precursor P to a dryer for drying. In other embodiments not shown, the removal means 700 may be a carrier, a robot, a moving belt, at least one rotating drum, etc. Alternatively, such a device may be configured to move the processed relief plate precursor P away from the plate discharge zone 600 after it has been separated in the plate separation station 500.

[0049] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the conveying system includes a forward conveying mechanism comprising a first mechanism 210 on one side of the apparatus 1000 and a second conveying mechanism 220 on the other side of the apparatus 1000. The conveying mechanisms 210 and 220 are configured to convey the conveying bar 100 using coupled relief plate precursors P in the forward conveying direction Tf from the inlet side 410 to the outlet side 420 of the processing section 400, and from the outlet side 420 to the plate splitting station 500. For this purpose, the first end 101 of the conveying bar 100 is coupled to the first forward conveying mechanism 210, and the second end 102 of the conveying bar 100 is coupled to the second forward conveying mechanism 220. The conveying system may include bar coupling means, which are configured to couple the conveying bar, more specifically the end 101 and the second end 102 of the conveying bar, to the first and second forward conveying mechanisms 210 and 220. The bar coupling means can be configured, for example, to push or move the conveyor bar 100 in the direction of the first and second forward conveying mechanisms in order to connect the ends 101 and 102 of the conveyor bar 100 to the forward conveying mechanisms 210 and 220. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the processing section 400 has first and second opposing lateral sides 430 and 440 extending in the forward conveying direction Tf, and the first and second forward conveying mechanisms 210 and 220 extend to the first and second opposing lateral sides 430 and 440 of the processing section 400, respectively.

[0050] The first forward conveying mechanism 210 may include a first lead screw, and the first end 101 of the conveying bar 100 may have a first coupling portion 121 configured to couple with the first lead screw 210 (see Figure 6E, described later). Similarly, the second forward conveying mechanism 220 may have a second lead screw that can couple with a second coupling portion 122. These first and second coupling portions 121, 122 are also illustrated in Figure 2. However, in other embodiments, the first and / or second forward conveying mechanisms 210, 220 may include other conveying means such as chains or belts, and the first and second coupling portions 121, 122 may be adapted accordingly.

[0051] The conveying system further includes a rear conveying mechanism 230 configured to convey the conveying bar 100 from the plate splitting station 500 to the punching station 300. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the rear conveying mechanism 230 is located on the upper side of the device 1000. However, in other embodiments, the rear conveying mechanism 230 may be located in the lower part of the device 1000 below the forward conveying mechanisms 210, 220. The rear conveying mechanism 230 may include one or more belts, one or more chains, one or more lead screws, linear motors, or a combination thereof.

[0052] In Figure 1, the rear conveying mechanism 230 is positioned above the center of the processing section 400. However, the rear conveying mechanism 230 can also be realized by the first and second rear conveying mechanisms positioned on the opposite side of the processing section 400, above or below the first and second forward conveying mechanisms 210, 220. Alternatively, the rear conveying mechanism may be positioned on the side of the processing section, and optionally, the conveying bar may be rotated and conveyed backward in a vertical position. However, to reduce the footprint of the device, it is preferable to position the rear conveying mechanism above or below the first and second forward conveying mechanisms 210, 220.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, the rear conveying mechanism 230 is partially positioned above the processing section 400, and the conveying system further comprises an upward conveying mechanism 250 configured to move the divided conveying bars 100 within the plate dividing station 500 upward toward the rear conveying mechanism 230. For example, the upward conveying mechanism 250 may move the conveying bars 100 upward in the direction Tu, typically vertically, toward the rear conveying mechanism 230, and the rear conveying mechanism moves the conveying bars 100 backward in the direction Tb opposite to the forward conveying direction Tf, returning them to the punching station 300. The upward conveying mechanism 250 may comprise any one or more of the following: magnetic means, electromagnetic means, clamping means, vacuum means, linear motor, chain, belt, lead screw, piston, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments where the rear conveying mechanism 230 is positioned below the forward conveying mechanism, a downward conveying mechanism may be provided. The downward transport mechanism may comprise one or more of the following: magnetic means, electromagnetic means, clamping means, vacuum means, linear motor, chain, belt, lead screw, piston or combination thereof, or simply gravity.

[0054] Figures 2, 2A, 3, 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B illustrate in more detail a first exemplary embodiment of a punching station 300 for positioning a plurality of through-elements 110 onto the edge portion E of a relief plate precursor P. The punching station 300 comprises a punching means 10 having a plurality of through-elements 110 and a driving means embodied as a hammer 310. The punching station 300 further comprises a contact means 20, which is aligned with the punching means 10 to form contact with the edge 3 of the relief plate precursor P. The punching station 300 also comprises a detection means 30 configured to detect whether the edge portion E of the relief plate precursor is precisely positioned relative to the contact means 20 at two or more locations along the contact means 20, and a signaling means 40 configured to communicate signals that function for detection by the detection means 30. Preferably, the signaling means 40 is configured to communicate a signal to the punching means 10, for example, to automatically trigger the hammer 310, thereby positioning one or more through elements 110 on the edge portion E of the relief plate precursor P.

[0055] The contact means 20, as shown in Figure 4A, comprises at least first and second contact portions 20a and 20b, which are movably positioned such that they are in a first position when the edge portion E is precisely positioned in the first position and in a second position when it is not properly positioned, in a second position when the edge portion E is precisely positioned in the second position and in a second position when it is not properly positioned. The first and second positions of the second contact portion 20b are shown in Figures 5B and 5A, respectively. In Figure 5A, the edge of the relief plate precursor P is away from the contact portion 20b, and the contact portion 20b is inclined forward relative to the contact portion 20b. In Figure 5B, the edge of the relief plate precursor P is in contact with the contact portion 20b, and the contact portion 20b is inclined backward. Changes in position are detected by the detector 30b of the detection means. The first and second contact portions 20a and 20b are rotatable about a horizontal axis 23 that extends parallel to the transverse direction (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the direction of movement Tf shown in Figure 2), and can rotate from the first position to the second position, or vice versa.

[0056] The contact means 20 comprises a plurality of alignment pins 25 arranged in a row so as to extend along the edge portion E of the relief plate precursor. Each contact portion 20a, 20b may comprise one or more alignment pins 25. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4A, each contact portion 20a, 20b comprises six alignment pins 25. The alignment pins 25 are fixed to the first and second rotatably mounted carriers 21a, 21b of the first and second contact portions 20a, 20b, respectively. The carriers 21a, 21b each comprise brackets 22a, 22b having portions 24a, 24b, respectively, whose positions are detectable by detectors 30a, 30b (see Figures 5A and 5B). To restrict the movement of the contact portions 20a, 20b, a pin guide plate 26 is provided, with a plurality of passages 27 through which the alignment pins 25 extend. Since the passage 27 is larger than the size of the pin 25, the pin can pivot between the first and second positions, and the wall defining the passage 27 restricts the movement of the contact portions 20a and 20b. In the second position (Figure 5A), the contact portions 20a and 20b are formed to be inclined forward toward the relief plate precursor P, and in the first position (Figure 5B), the contact portions 20a and 20b are formed to be inclined backward.

[0057] The detection means 30 includes first and second detection units 30a, 30b for detecting the positions of the first and second contact portions 20a, 20b. The detection means may include any of the following: optical detection means, pressure detection means, electrical detection means, mechanical detection means, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second detectors 30a, 30b may be, for example, proximity sensors.

[0058] The through-elements 110 are positioned on the conveyor bar 100, and the punching station 300 is configured to receive the conveyor bar 100 in a position aligned with the contact means 20 (see Figures 2 and 2A). The hammer 310 is positioned to be rotatable about a horizontal axis so that it can engage with the edge portion E of the relief plate precursor P in order to position one or more through-elements 110 on the edge portion E of the relief plate precursor P. The conveyor bar 100 is positioned so that the through-elements 110 are located below the edge portion E, and the hammer 310 is positioned on the other side of the edge portion so that the edge portion E can be pushed downward onto the through-elements 110. The hammer 310 comprises one or more holes 311 corresponding to one or more through-elements 110, and optionally, multiple holes 312 corresponding to alignment pins 25. Note that in another embodiment, the alignment pins 25 may be moved downward before hammering (see Figure 6C), in which case the holes 312 are not required.

[0059] Preferably, the first and second locations along the contact means 20 correspond to the left and right central locations of the edge portion of the relief plate precursor, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by having contact portions 20a and 20b on the left and right central locations (see Figure 4A).

[0060] Figures 7 and 7A illustrate more detailed exemplary embodiments of the conveyor bar 100. As best shown in Figure 7A, the multiple through elements 100 preferably have sharp tips 113, and the punching station 300 is preferably configured to allow the multiple through elements 110 to penetrate, at least partially, into or through, the unpunched edge portion E near the leading edge 3 of the relief plate precursor P.

[0061] The conveyor bar 100 is provided with a first coupling portion 121 and a second coupling portion 122 at the first end 101 and the second end 102. In this case, the coupling portion 121 is composed of coupling means used in combination with a lead screw. Figure 7A shows a close-up of the conveyor bar 100 having through elements 110. Each through element 110 has a connecting portion 111, a through portion 112, and a tip 113. Note that in this case, the through portion 112 has a rectangular cross-section and an asymmetrical tip 113. The through portion 112 preferably has a maximum dimension of less than 5 mm, and more preferably less than 3 mm, when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the through direction. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment of the rectangular cross-section, the longest side of the rectangle is preferably less than 5 mm, and more preferably less than 3 mm. The conveyor bar 100 is provided with a channel 120 that allows pins to pass through the conveyor bar 100 from underneath (see also Figures 6A and 6B below).

[0062] It should be noted that, according to another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 1000 of Figure 1 may be used with a transport bar 100 having a plurality of through-elements 110 that do not have sharp tips. For example, the region near the leading edge 3 of the relief plate precursor P may be pre-punched at the punching station 300 of Figure 8 before the relief plate precursor P is transported to the punching station 300. Then, the station 300 of Figure 1 is a plate joining station and not a punching station, and the plurality of through-elements 110 are positioned through the pre-punched holes in the edge portion E near the leading edge 3.

[0063] Next, an exemplary embodiment of the punching station 300 and the steps performed within the punching station 300 will be described with reference to Figures 6A to 6E. Figures 6A and 6B illustrate the transport bar 100 within the punching station 300. The punching station 300 includes a contact means, which is embodied by movable pins 25 as in the embodiment of Figure 2 and is configured to align the relief plate precursors P with respect to the transport bar 100. The movable pins 25 extend adjacent to the transport bar 100. For this purpose, the transport bar 100 includes a channel 120, which, as is best seen in Figure 6A, allows the pins 25 to pass from below the transport bar 100 through the transport bar 100 to a position where they protrude through the transport bar 100. After aligning the relief plate precursor P with respect to the alignment pins 25, the alignment pins 25 are moved downward, and the hammer tool 310 pushes the multiple through elements 110 through the material of the relief plate precursor (see Figures 6C and 6D). In a preferred embodiment, the hammer tool 310 comprises multiple holes 311 configured to receive the multiple through elements 110. However, other hammer tools 310 are also possible, and those skilled in the art will understand that, for example, instead of a series of holes 311, it is also possible to have a single elongated recess configured to receive the multiple through elements 110.

[0064] It should be noted that other conveying bars and hammer tools to which the present invention can be applied exist. For example, Figures 5 and 6A, 6B of PCT application PCT / EP2019 / 060370 (included herein by reference) in the name of the applicant describe other possible conveying bars.

[0065] It should be noted that the shape of the through element 110 may vary, and its shape may be, for example, any one of the following: a tube, a blade, a needle, or a combination thereof. Preferably, each through element 110 includes a through portion 112 (see Figure 7A) intended to extend substantially vertically through the relief plate precursor, the through portion 112 having a length of 1 mm to 20 mm. In yet another embodiment, instead of providing multiple through elements on the conveyor bar, the conveyor bar may be provided with one or more elongated blade elements having sharp edges.

[0066] As shown in Figure 1, the apparatus 1000 preferably includes a control unit 800, which is configured to control different components of the apparatus, such as transport mechanisms 210, 220, 230, and 250, such that when one of the transport bars 100 moves through the processing section 400, another transport bar 100 returns to the plate joining station 300. More preferably, at least three transport bars move within the system. In Figure 1, the apparatus 1000 is illustrated with four transport bars controlled so that one transport bar in the punching station 300, one transport bar in the processing section 400, one transport bar in the plate splitting station 500, and one transport bar being transported backward by the backward transport mechanism 230 may exist simultaneously. Preferably, at least two transport bars are transported through the processing zone while another is returned to the joining station for transport. Furthermore, the conveying speed in the forward conveying direction Tf may differ from the conveying speed in the backward conveying direction Tb, and preferably, the conveying speed in the backward conveying direction Tb is faster than that in the forward conveying direction Tf. For example, the ratio obtained by dividing the conveying speed in the backward conveying direction by the speed in the forward conveying direction is in the range of 1 to 400, preferably 2 to 300. Typically, the conveying speeds in the forward and backward directions are in the range of 1 mm / sec to 1000 mm / sec.

[0067] Figures 8A to 8C schematically show another embodiment of the punching station 300 for positioning one or more perforations in the edge portion E of a relief plate precursor P. The punching station 300 comprises a punching means 10 having one or more perforating elements 115. The punching means 10 is configured to position one or more through elements 115 through the edge portion E of the relief plate precursor P in order to position one or more through holes H within the relief plate precursor P. The punching station 300 also comprises a contact means 20a aligned with the punching means 10 and configured to form a contact portion on the edge of the relief plate precursor P. The contact means 20a is similar to the contact means 20a described in relation to Figures 4A and 4B above, and its description is omitted. The punching station 300 includes a detection means 30a configured to detect whether the edge portion of the relief plate precursor is precisely positioned relative to the contact means 20a at a location along the contact means 20a, and a signaling means (not shown) configured to communicate a signal in the detection function of the detection means 30a. The detection means 30a may be the same as the detection means 30a described above in relation to Figures 4A and 4B, and its description is omitted. Furthermore, as in the embodiments of Figures 4A and 4B, a plurality of contact means 20a, 20b and detection means 30a, 30b may be provided. Figure 8A shows the punching means 10 before punching the edge portion E of the relief plate precursor P, Figure 8B shows the punching means 10 during punching, and Figure 8C shows the punching means 10 after punching, illustrating that through holes H are provided in the edge portion E of the relief plate precursor P. Typically, a row of through holes, for example, at least 10 through holes, is arranged. The relief plate precursor P having perforated holes may be coupled to a transport bar in a plate bonding station, for example, a bonding station which is part of an apparatus for processing the relief plate precursor P. This may be, for example, the apparatus shown in Figure 1, in which the punching station 300 is replaced by a plate bonding station, and the plate is pre-punched in a separate punching (perforation) station 300, as shown in Figures 8A to 8C, before being introduced into the plate bonding station.

[0068] A relief plate precursor generally comprises a support layer made from a first material and an additional layer made from 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 polymer film or sheet. In the case of a flexible metal, the support layer may be a thin film, a sieve-like structure, a mesh-like structure, a woven or nonwoven fabric structure, or a combination thereof. Steel, copper, nickel, or aluminum sheets are preferred, and the thickness may be about 50 to 1000 μm. In the case of a polymer film, the film is dimensionally stable but flexible and can be made from polymers reinforced with, for example, polyalkylene, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyamide, and polycarbonate, woven fibers, nonwoven fibers, or layered fibers (e.g., glass fibers, carbon fibers, polymer fibers), or a combination thereof. Preferably, polyethylene and polyester foils are used, with thicknesses in the range of approximately 100-300 μm, preferably 100-200 μm. The relief plate precursor may support further layers. For example, the additional layers may be any of the following: a layer that can be directly engraved (e.g., by laser), a layer that can be developed with a solvent or water, a layer that can be developed with heat, a photosensitive layer, or a combination of a photosensitive layer and a mask layer. Optionally, one or more additional layers may be provided on top of the additional layers. Such one or more further additional layers may provide 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 comprise 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 the relief layer. One or more additional layers may comprise a relief layer, an image-forming layer, and one or more barrier layers between the relief layer and the image-forming layer to prevent oxygen diffusion. One or more adhesive layers may be placed between the different layers described above to ensure proper adhesion of the different layers.

[0069] Although the principles of the present invention have been described above in relation to specific embodiments, it should be understood that this description is merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of protection as determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A punching station (300) for positioning one or more through elements (110) within or through the edge portion (E) of a relief plate precursor (P), or for positioning one or more perforations within the edge portion (E), A punching means (10) comprising one or more through elements (110) or perforating elements, wherein the one or more through elements or perforating elements are configured to be positioned through or within the edge portion of the relief plate precursor, A contact means (20; 20a, 20b) is aligned with the punching means and configured to form a contact portion with the edge of the relief plate precursor, Detection means (30; 30a, 30b) for detecting whether the edge portion of the relief plate precursor is correctly positioned with respect to the contact means at two or more locations along the contact means, wherein the two or more locations include a first location and a second location, In the detection function of the detection means, a signal means (40) configured to communicate a signal to the punching means, Equipped with, The punching station is configured such that the through element (110) is positioned on a conveyor bar (110), and the punching station receives the conveyor bar at a position aligned with the contact means.

2. The punching station according to claim 1, further comprising a signal interface or an operator interface, wherein the signaling means is configured to communicate the signal to the signal interface and / or the operator interface, and / or the signal interface or operator interface is configured to generate an output based on the signal that can be sensed by an operator.

3. A punching station (300) for positioning one or more through elements (110) within or through the edge portion (E) of a relief plate precursor (P), or for positioning one or more perforations within the edge portion (E), A punching means (10) comprising one or more through elements (110) or perforating elements, wherein the one or more through elements or perforating elements are configured to be positioned through or within the edge portion of the relief plate precursor, A contact means (20; 20a, 20b) is aligned with the punching means and configured to form a contact portion with the edge of the relief plate precursor, Detection means (30; 30a, 30b) for detecting whether the edge portion of the relief plate precursor is correctly positioned with respect to the contact means at two or more locations along the contact means, wherein the two or more locations include a first location and a second location, In the detection function of the detection means, a signal means (40) configured to communicate a signal to the punching means, Equipped with, A punching station comprising a contact means having at least a movably arranged first contact portion and a second contact portion (20a, 20b), wherein the first contact portion is in a first position when the edge portion is precisely positioned at the first location and is in a second position when the edge portion is not precisely positioned, the second contact portion is in a first position when the edge portion is precisely positioned at the second location and is in a second position when the edge portion is not precisely positioned.

4. The punching station according to claim 3, wherein the first contact portion and the second contact portion (20a, 20b) are rotatable (23) from the first position to the second position and rotatable from the second position to the first position.

5. The punching station according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the detection means (30) comprises first and second detectors (30a, 30b) for detecting the positions of a first contact portion and a second contact portion, respectively.

6. The punching station according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the detection means comprises an optical detection means, a proximity detection means, a pressure detection means, an electrical detection means, a magnetic detection means, a mechanical detection means, an iron / non-ferrous metal detection means, or a combination thereof.

7. The punching station according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the contact means (20) comprises a plurality of alignment pins (25) arranged in a row so as to extend along the edge portion of the relief plate precursor.

8. The punching station according to claim 7, wherein the punching means comprises a driving means, the driving means is configured to position the one or more through elements (110) or the perforating elements through or within the edge portion of the relief plate precursor.

9. The punching station according to claim 8, wherein the driving means comprises a hammer (310) movably positioned to engage with the edge portion of the relief plate precursor in order to position one or more through elements (110) or perforating elements through or within the edge portion of the relief plate precursor.

10. The punching station according to claim 9, wherein the conveying bar is positioned to be positioned with the one or more through elements on one side of the edge portion, the hammer (310) is positioned to engage with the other side of the edge portion, and the hammer has one or more holes (311) corresponding to the one or more through elements.

11. The punching station according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the contact means (20) is arranged to be movable, and in particular to be movable downward, so that the contact means (20) can be separated when the drive means is operated.

12. The punching station according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first location and the second location along the contact means correspond to the left and right locations of the center of the edge portion of the relief plate precursor, respectively.

13. An apparatus for processing relief plate precursors, A conveying system having at least one conveying bar, A punching station according to any one of claims 8 to 11, configured to connect the edge of a relief plate precursor to the conveyor bar of at least one conveyor bar, A processing section configured to process the relief plate precursor, A device equipped with the following features.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the transport system is configured to transport the relief plate precursor such that the leading edge of the relief plate precursor contacts the contact means, and the signaling means is configured to trigger the punching means.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 14, further comprising a separation station configured to separate the relief plate precursor from the conveyor bar, The transport system is configured to move the transport bar from the exit side of the processing section through the discharge zone to the separation station, and to discharge the relief plate precursor within the discharge zone after it has been separated from the transport bar.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a removal means configured to remove the processed relief plate precursor after it has been separated from the transport bar at the separation station.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 16, The transport system comprises a forward transport mechanism configured to transport the transport bar with the coupled relief plate precursor at least from the inlet side to the outlet side of the processing section, and from the outlet side to the separation station.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the conveying system further comprises a bar coupling means configured to connect the conveying bar to a relief plate precursor coupled to the forward conveying mechanism.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the transport system comprises a rear transport mechanism configured to transport the transport bar from the division station to the punching station.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 19, further comprising a control unit configured to control the transport system such that at least two transport bars move simultaneously through the apparatus.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the length of the conveying bar is 100 mm to 10,000 mm.

22. A punching method for positioning one or more through elements (110) within or through the edge portion (E) of a relief plate precursor (P), or for positioning one or more perforations in the edge portion of a relief plate precursor, The punching method described above is performed in the punching station described in claim 1 or 3. The steps include bringing a relief plate precursor having a leading edge into contact with contact means (20; 20a, 20b), The steps include detecting whether the edge portion of the relief plate precursor is correctly positioned with respect to the contact means at two or more locations along the contact means, A step of communicating a signal that functions for detection by a detection means, Steps include: when signals indicating precise positioning at the first and second locations are communicated, the one or more through- or perforating elements are positioned through or within the edge portion of the relief plate precursor; A punching method, including a punching method.

23. A method for processing a relief plate precursor comprising the method of claim 22, wherein one or more through elements are attached to a conveyor bar, and the method further comprises The steps include removing soluble or liquefiable substances and transporting the conveyor bar together with the attached relief plate precursor through the processing zone while establishing a relief on the relief plate precursor, The steps include separating the relief plate precursor from the transport bar at the separation station, A method having

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the step of positioning one or more through or perforated elements through or within the edge of the relief plate precursor is performed at a joining station, the transport bar is moved in a closed loop from the punching station through the processing zone to the separation station, and after the separation step is returned to the joining station.

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