Washing device and washing method

Abstract

Provided are a washing device and a washing method capable of achieving both development uniformity and prevention of adhesion of residue. This washing device uses a washing liquid to develop a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure. The washing device has a development unit for developing a flexographic printing plate precursor. The development unit has a brush used for development and a driving unit for controlling rotation about the rotation axis of the brush. The brush removes an unexposed part of the flexographic printing plate precursor to perform development. The brush has one rotation axis at the center of the brush and is provided with bristles. When the orbital radius of the outer peripheral part of the brush is represented as R, and the distance to a bristle located at a position closest to the center of the rotation axis is represented as r, 0.05 < r / R holds.

Description

Washing-out device and washing-out method

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing-out device and a washing-out method for developing a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure using a washing-out solution, and more particularly to a washing-out device and a washing-out method in which the range in which bristles of a brush used for development are provided is specified.

[0002] Various methods are known for developing printing plates using photosensitive resin plates. For example, in a development method using an aqueous developer containing water as a main component, development is carried out by applying the aqueous developer to the photosensitive resin plate after imagewise exposure while washing away uncured resin, etc., in the unexposed areas, with a brush or the like.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a developing device for photosensitive resin plates in which an exposed photosensitive resin plate is immersed in a developer or the developer is sprayed onto the plate and the resin material in the unexposed areas is removed with a brush, the developing device being equipped with a mechanism for causing the photosensitive resin plate and / or the brush to move in a circular motion and a mechanism for causing the central axis of the circular motion to move in a further circular motion.

[0004] Patent document 2 describes a platemaking device for photosensitive resin plates, which has an apparatus main body consisting of an upper part and a lower part that are pivotally connected to each other so that they can be opened and closed, a fixing base for fixing a photosensitive resin plate provided in the lower part, a cleaning brush and a drive mechanism for driving the cleaning brush provided in the upper part, this drive mechanism consisting of a circular motion generating mechanism and a linear reciprocating motion generating mechanism that generates a linear reciprocating motion in the circular motion generating mechanism, and the cleaning brush is positioned with its bristles facing downward.

[0005] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-133625 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-208371

[0006] In both the photopolymer plate developing device of Patent Document 1 and the photopolymer plate making device of Patent Document 2, development is performed while the development target is fixed, and development is performed using a brush with a larger area than the photopolymer plate. Using a brush with a larger area than the plate results in uneven pressure within the surface, resulting in areas that are developed with strong pressure and areas that are not developed with weak pressure. This does not necessarily mean that development can be achieved uniformly. When development is not achieved uniformly, i.e., areas that are developed with poor development uniformity and strong pressure, for example, the reproducibility of isolated dots is poor. Furthermore, using a brush with a larger area than the photopolymer plate during development can cause developer residue to adhere to the photopolymer plate, which cannot be removed from the brush. If developer residue adheres to the photopolymer plate, the image will not be printed in the areas with the residue, causing printing failures, which is undesirable. However, Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not provide any countermeasures against developer residue adhesion. As a result, if developer residue adheres to the brush, it is difficult to remove the developer residue. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a washing-out apparatus and washing-out method that achieve both uniform development and prevention of residue adhesion.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned object, invention [1] is a washing-out device that develops a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure using a washing-out solution, the washing-out device having a developing unit that develops the flexographic printing plate precursor, the developing unit having a brush used for development and a drive unit that controls rotation of the brush about a rotation axis, the brush being used to develop the flexographic printing plate precursor by removing unexposed areas, the brush having one rotation axis at its center and equipped with bristles, where R is the orbital radius of the outer periphery of the brush and r is the distance from the center of the rotation axis to the closest bristle, and the washing-out device has a ratio r / R of 0.05<r / R. invention [2] is the washing-out device according to invention [1], in which the drive unit controls the movement of the brush. invention [3] is the washing-out device according to invention [1] or [2], in which the diameter of the rotation orbit of the outer periphery of the brush is 30 to 500 mm. Invention [4] is the washing device according to any one of Inventions [1] to [3], wherein the brush has bristles with a length of 5 to 30 mm.

[0008] Invention [5] is the washing device according to any one of Inventions [1] to [4], wherein the bristles are made of nylon 612 or nylon 610. Invention [6] is the washing device according to any one of Inventions [1] to [5], wherein the developing unit develops the flexographic printing plate precursor by immersing it in a washing solution or by supplying a washing solution to the flexographic printing plate precursor. Invention [7] is the washing device according to any one of Inventions [1] to [6], wherein the area of ​​the brush projected onto the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor is smaller than the area of ​​the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor.

[0009] Invention [8] is the washing device according to any one of Inventions [1] to [7], in which the drive unit moves the brush in two directions perpendicular to the rotation axis of the brush. Invention [9] is the washing device according to any one of Inventions [1] to [8], in which development is performed by sending a washout solution through the rotation axis of the brush to the center of the brush. Invention

[10] is the washing device according to any one of Inventions [1] to [9], in which the drive unit has a rotating drive shaft, the brush has a rotation shaft with the rotation shaft as its central axis, and the drive shaft of the drive unit and the rotation shaft of the brush are connected so that the rotation force of the drive shaft of the drive unit can be transmitted to the rotation shaft of the brush, and the washing device has a shaft coupling that adjusts the inclination of the rotation shaft of the brush with respect to the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor, the inclination of the rotation shaft of the brush is adjusted by the shaft coupling, and the tip surface of the brush is positioned parallel to the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor. Invention

[11] is the washing device according to any one of Inventions [1] to [9], which has a transport unit that transports the flexographic printing plate precursor along a predetermined transport path, and the transport unit uses at least one of a belt transport system, a roller transport system, a gear transport system, and a guide transport system.

[0010] Invention

[12] is a washout method for developing a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure using a washout solution, the washout method comprising a developing step of developing the flexographic printing plate precursor using a brush, the brush removing unexposed areas of the flexographic printing plate precursor for development, the brush having a single rotation shaft at its center and equipped with bristles, where R is the orbital radius of the outer periphery of the brush and r is the distance from the center of the rotation shaft to the closest bristles, and r / R satisfies 0.05<r / R. Invention

[13] is the washout method according to Invention

[12] , in which the flexographic printing plate precursor is developed by immersing it in a washout solution or by supplying a washout solution to the flexographic printing plate precursor. Invention

[14] is the washout method according to Invention

[12] or

[13] , in which in the developing step, the inclination of the rotation shaft of the brush relative to the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor is adjusted so that the tip surface of the brush is positioned parallel to the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor.

[0011] Invention

[15] is the washing out method according to any one of Inventions

[12] to

[14] , wherein the diameter of the rotation orbit of the outer periphery of the brush is 30 to 500 mm. Invention

[16] is the washing out method according to any one of Inventions

[12] to

[15] , wherein the brush has bristles with a length of 5 to 30 mm. Invention

[17] is the washing out method according to any one of Inventions

[12] to

[16] , wherein the bristles are made of nylon 612 or nylon 610. Invention

[18] is the washing out method according to any one of Inventions

[12] to

[17] , wherein the area of ​​the brush projected onto the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor is smaller than the area of ​​the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor.

[0012] Invention

[19] is the washing method according to any one of Inventions

[12] to

[18] , wherein, in the developing step, the brush is moved in two directions perpendicular to the rotation axis of the brush. Invention

[20] is the washing method according to any one of Inventions

[12] to

[19] , wherein, in the developing step, the washing solution is passed through the rotation axis of the brush and sent to the center of the brush to perform development. Invention

[21] is the washing method according to any one of Inventions

[12] to

[20] , wherein the flexographic printing plate precursor is transported using at least one of a belt transport system, a roller transport system, a gear transport system, and a guide transport system.

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing-out device and a washing-out method that achieve both uniform development and prevention of residue adhesion.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an example of a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of position adjustment of a flexographic printing plate precursor according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a transport form of a flexographic printing plate precursor according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an example of attachment of a flexographic printing plate precursor by a punching unit of the washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an example of arrangement of brushes of the washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a side view showing an example of a brush of the washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example of a brush of the washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view for explaining development by an example of a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a flexographic printing plate precursor according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing another example of a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing another example of a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a rear end pressing unit of a flexographic printing plate precursor of another example of the washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a rear end pressing portion of a flexographic printing plate precursor in another example of a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing another example of a brush of the washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing another example of a brush of the washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing another example of a brush of the washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of the configuration of a development unit of a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of the configuration of a development unit of a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of the configuration of a development unit of a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a method of supplying washing liquid to the brush of the development unit of the washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] The washing device and washing method of the present invention will be described in detail below based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Note that the drawings described below are merely illustrative for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the drawings shown below. In the following, the range of values ​​indicated by "to" includes the values ​​written on both sides. For example, when ε is a value ε α~Number ε β That is, the range of ε is the number ε α and the number ε β The range includes ε α ≦ε≦ε β Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, "orthogonal," "parallel," and specific angles include a generally accepted error range in the relevant technical field. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, numerical values, etc. include a generally accepted error range in the relevant technical field.

[0016] [Example of Washing-Out Device] FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an example of a washing-out device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a washing-out device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Components such as the control unit 48 shown in FIG. 1 are omitted from FIG. 2 . Furthermore, the developing unit 50 including the brush 51 is also omitted. The washing-out device 10 shown in FIG. 1 develops a flexographic printing plate precursor 60 after imagewise exposure using a washing-out solution Q. The following components of the washing-out device 10 are controlled by the control unit 48. The washing-out device 10 includes a station 12, a developing tank 13, and an unloading station 14, which are arranged in series. For example, the surface 12a of the station 12 and the surface 14a of the unloading station 14 are flush with each other. The bottom surface 13b of the developing tank 13 is flat and parallel to the surface 12a of the station 12. The bottom surface 13b of the developing tank 13 is lower than the surface 12a of the station 12 and the surface 14a of the unloading station 14. Furthermore, the washing device 10 has a transport section 16 that transports the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 .

[0017] The station 12 has a surface 12a on which the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 after imagewise exposure is placed. A measuring unit 25 measures at least one of the size and thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12. The station 12 is also where the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is attached to, for example, the leading edge leader 30. Although not shown, the station 12 can be, for example, a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor, and a belt conveyor or roller conveyor of a general configuration can be used. In the case of a belt conveyor, the surface 12a of the station 12 is the surface of the conveyor belt. In the case of a roller conveyor, the surface 12a of the station 12 is the surface that comes into contact with multiple rollers.

[0018] The imagewise exposure of the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is carried out using an exposure device (not shown). Here, in the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, the exposed areas (not shown) are cured and exist as cured areas, and the unexposed areas (not shown) are not cured and exist as uncured areas. After a development process, the exposed areas become image areas, and the unexposed areas become non-image areas.

[0019] The developing tank 13 is where the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is developed. For example, a support table 15 that supports the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is disposed on a bottom surface 13b of the developing tank 13. The flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is placed and supported on a surface 15a of the support table 15. A washout liquid Q is also stored in the developing tank 13.

[0020] The unloading station 14 is where the developed flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is unloaded from the developing tank 13 and placed. On the unloading station 14, the surface shape of the developed flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is measured and the development state is inspected. The unloading station 14 is also where the developed flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is dried. Although not shown, the unloading station 14 can be, for example, a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor, and the belt conveyor or roller conveyor can be one of a general configuration. In the case of a belt conveyor, the surface 14a of the unloading station 14 is the surface of the conveyor belt. In the case of a roller conveyor, the surface that comes into contact with the multiple rollers is the surface 14a of the unloading station 14.

[0021] The transport unit 16 transports the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 along a predetermined transport path. The transport unit 16 transports the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in a transport direction D and a reverse direction DL. The transport unit 16 can move the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 to any position in the station 12, the developing tank 13, and the unloading station 14. The transport direction D is the direction from the station 12 to the developing tank 13. The reverse direction DL of the transport direction D is the direction from the unloading station 14 to the developing tank 13. In the washing-out device 10, the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported in the transport direction D with the surface 60a facing the frame 20 described below. Transporting the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in this manner is called horizontal transport.

[0022] Conveyance unit 16 has, for example, a frame 20, guide rails 21, a ball screw 22, and a drive control unit 24. As shown in Fig. 2, frame 20 has two linear members 20a and 20b. Two linear members 20a and 20b are arranged parallel to each other and are arranged above station 12, developing tank 13, and unloading station 14 along the direction in which station 12, developing tank 13, and unloading station 14 are arranged.

[0023] Guide rails 21 are provided on each of the two linear members 20a, 20b of the frame 20, along the extension direction of the linear members 20a, 20b. A ball screw 22 is provided on the guide rail 21 of the linear member 20a, along the extension direction of the linear member 20a. A ball screw 22 is provided on the guide rail 21 of the linear member 20b, along the extension direction of the linear member 20b. A housing 30a of a leading edge leader 30, which will be described later, is threadedly engaged with the ball screw 22. When the ball screw 22 is rotated by the drive control unit 24, the leading edge leader 30 moves in the transport direction D or the reverse direction DL depending on the rotation direction. As a result, the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported in the transport direction D and the reverse direction DL. Furthermore, for example, if the drive control unit 24 is a servo motor provided with an encoder, the encoder identifies the position of the member threadedly engaged with the ball screw 22, i.e., identifies the positions in the transport direction of the leading edge leader 30 and the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. Even if a linear encoder is provided on the member threadedly engaged with the ball screw 22 instead of the drive control unit 24, it is possible to identify the positions in the transport direction of the leading edge leader 30 and the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. Information on the positions in the transport direction of the leading edge leader 30 and the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is output from the drive control unit 24 to the control unit 48, and the control unit 48 identifies the positions in the transport direction of the leading edge leader 30 and the flexographic printing plate precursor 60.

[0024] Incidentally, although a configuration in which the ball screw 22 is provided on the two linear members 20a, 20b is preferred, the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration in which the ball screw 22 is provided on either one of the two linear members 20a, 20b may also be used. Furthermore, the washing-out device 10 may be configured such that one ball screw 22 is provided at an intermediate position between the two linear members 20a, 20b in the direction Dw perpendicular to the transport direction D on the station 12. When one ball screw 22 is provided between the two linear members 20a, 20b in the direction Dw perpendicular to the transport direction D on the station 12, its position is not particularly limited. During development, the transport unit 16 positions the transport position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the developing tank 13 to a predetermined position in the transport direction D of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. As will be described later, during development, the transport unit 16 transports the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 to the transport position P １ , P ２ (See Figure 9).

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1 , the washing device 10 has a measurement unit 25. The measurement unit 25 is disposed above the station 12. The measurement unit 25 is also provided with, for example, an adjustment unit 26. The measurement unit 25 measures at least one of the size and thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12. The measurement unit 25 identifies the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12. This identifies the position, including the inclination, of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12. The size of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is also identified. The position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12 includes the inclination relative to a reference line (not shown) that is a line (not shown) parallel to a direction Dw (see FIG. 2 ) perpendicular to the transport direction D on the station 12, and the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the direction Dw of a corner 60 e (see FIG. 3 ) on the transport direction D side of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. The position of the tilt and angle 60e (see FIG. 3 ) in the direction Dw can be determined, for example, by extracting the outline of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and using a known image processing technique or known image pattern matching from the outline information. For image pattern matching, machine learning of flexographic printing plate precursors 60 of various sizes and thicknesses can also be used. The size and thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 obtained by the measurement unit 25 and information on the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12 are stored in, for example, the memory 49. Information on the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12 is also simply referred to as information on the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60.

[0026] The size and thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and the position information of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 stored in the memory 49 are read out from the memory 49 by the control unit 48 when the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported, and the control unit 48 adjusts the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and sets the transport position P of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 by the transport unit 16. １ , P ２(see FIG. 9 ). Furthermore, the information on the size and thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 stored in the memory 49 is read out from the memory 49 by the control unit 48 when the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is developed, and is used to adjust the position of the brush 51 during development. From the size information on the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, information on the length of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the transport direction D and information on the length of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the direction Dw are obtained.

[0027] The measuring unit 25 is not particularly limited as long as it can measure at least one of the size and thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12, as described above. The measuring unit 25 can be, for example, a measuring device equipped with a camera that captures an image of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, a three-dimensional measuring device using two cameras, or a three-dimensional scanner using laser light or ultrasonic waves. The camera that captures an image of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is, for example, a camera that captures an image of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 from above the station 12. The camera is not particularly limited as long as it can capture an image of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, and can be, for example, a camera equipped with a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. Using a three-dimensional measuring device or a three-dimensional scanner as the measuring unit 25 is preferable because it can acquire information about the size and thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. The three-dimensional measuring device may be, for example, one manufactured by Keyence Corporation or Mech-Mind Corporation. The three-dimensional scanner may be one manufactured by Keyence Corporation. A handheld three-dimensional scanner may also be used. Furthermore, a handheld three-dimensional scanner may be attached to a multi-axis robot, and the multi-axis robot may be made to operate the handheld three-dimensional scanner, thereby obtaining information about the size and thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60.

[0028] The adjustment unit 26 adjusts the position of the measurement unit 25. If the measurement unit 25 includes, for example, a camera, a three-dimensional measuring device, or a three-dimensional scanner, the adjustment unit 26 changes the distance between the camera, the three-dimensional measuring device, or the three-dimensional scanner and the surface 12a of the station 12. That is, the adjustment unit 26 adjusts the height position of the measurement unit 25 relative to the surface 12a of the station 12. The adjustment unit 26 may change the position of the measurement unit 25 in the conveyance direction D. The adjustment unit 26 may also adjust the orientation of the camera, the three-dimensional measuring device, or the three-dimensional scanner. The configuration of the adjustment unit 26 is not particularly limited as long as it can change at least the distance between the measurement unit 25 and the surface 12a of the station 12. The adjustment unit 26 can position the measurement unit 25 at a position corresponding to the measurement range of the measurement unit 25.

[0029] The washing device 10 has a plate position adjustment unit 27. The plate position adjustment unit 27 changes the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12 based on at least one of the size and thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 measured by the measurement unit 25 and on information about the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. The plate position adjustment unit 27 is, for example, a multi-axis robot. When the plate position adjustment unit 27 is a multi-axis robot, for example, when the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is positioned at an angle as shown in FIG. 3 , the plate position adjustment unit 27 clamps opposing side edges 60c of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 with a pair of arms 27a of the plate position adjustment unit 27, and then rotates the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 based on, for example, the size of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12 to correct the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. In this case, for example, the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is rotated using the pair of arms 27a so that the edge 60d at the leading end of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the transport direction D side becomes parallel to the direction Dw orthogonal to the transport direction D within the surface 12a of the station 12. The control unit 48 may adjust the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 using the plate position adjustment unit 27, and then cause the measurement unit 25 to measure the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. This makes it possible to identify the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12 after the position adjustment.

[0030] The control unit 48 may be configured to determine whether the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12 is appropriate, based on the size and thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and the position information of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 obtained by the measurement unit 25. For example, an appropriate position, including the inclination of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12, is determined in advance, and a threshold value is set for the appropriate position. If this threshold value is exceeded, the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12 is changed. The appropriate position and the threshold value for the appropriate position are stored in, for example, the memory 49. The threshold value is set, for example, for the position in the direction Dw of the corner 60 e on the transport direction D side of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and the inclination of the leading edge side 60 d with respect to the direction Dw. In addition, after correcting the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, the control unit 48 may measure the size and thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 using the measurement unit 25, and determine whether the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12 is appropriate.

[0031] The plate position adjusting unit 27 is not limited to a multi-axis robot. For example, it may be a turntable provided on the station 12. The inclination of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 may be adjusted by rotating the turntable. Alternatively, a plurality of belt conveyors may be arranged in the station 12, and the inclination of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 may be adjusted by adjusting the direction of transport of the belt conveyors. After the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is adjusted by the multi-axis robot or the like as described above, the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported to the punching unit 40 of the leading edge leader 30 by the multi-axis robot. The transport method is not limited to a multi-axis robot, and a belt conveyor, roller conveyor, or vacuum suction pad may also be used for transport.

[0032] The flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported by the transport unit 16 using the leading edge leader 30. The leading edge leader 30 is transported from the start position Ps to position Pe by the transport unit 16. The leading edge leader 30 has a housing 30a that is threadedly engaged with the ball screw 22, an arm 30b provided on the housing 30a, and a support portion 30c that expands and contracts relative to the arm 30b. The ball screw 22 is rotated by the drive control unit 24, the housing 30a moves in the transport direction D, and the leading edge leader 30 moves in the transport direction D. The leading edge leader 30 has a support portion 30c that expands and contracts relative to the arm 30b, and expands and contracts in a direction perpendicular to the surface 12a of the station 12. The arm 30b and the support portion 30c extend from the frame 20 toward the surface 12a of the station 12. A plate fixing portion 32 is provided at the end of the support portion 30c opposite to the arm 30b. The housing 30a, the arm 30b, and the support portion 30c are arranged facing each other on both sides of the plate fixing portion 32 in the direction Dw. The plate fixing portion 32 has, for example, a long base portion 32a and a plurality of pins 32b provided at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the base portion 32a, as shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is fixed to the leading edge leader 30 using the pins 32b. The longitudinal direction of the base portion 32a is parallel to the direction Dw, which is perpendicular to the transport direction D (see Fig. 4).

[0033] The leading edge leader 30 of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is configured to fix the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 using pins 32b, but the shape, number, and arrangement interval of the pins 32b are not particularly limited. The pins 32b are preferably arranged with gaps between them for ease of removing the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. Note that the pins 32b preferably do not generate residue or the like when fixing the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, in order not to soil the exposure surface, i.e., the surface 60a, of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 or to contaminate the washout solution Q in the developing tank 13.

[0034] The pin 32b has, for example, a barb. The barb makes it difficult for the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 to come off the pin 32b, and the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is reliably fixed. For this reason, it is preferable that the pin 32b has a barb. The barb is a portion of the pin 32b that protrudes from the base 33a (see FIG. 5 ) side of the base 33a. The flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is fixed at the base 33a, but the barb 33b protrudes from the base 33a, and restricts movement of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 toward the tip side of the pin 32b. In this way, the barb makes it difficult for the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 to come off the pin 32b. As described above, when the pin 32b penetrates, the barb 33b makes it difficult for the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 to come off the pin 32b, and the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is reliably fixed. Furthermore, it is preferable that at least the surface of the pin 32b that contacts the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 has a resin layer, a plating layer, or a DLC (diamond-like carbon) layer, or that multiple projections and depressions are formed on the surface that contacts the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. A hard chrome plating layer is preferable as the plating layer. Alternatively, the surface of the pin 32b that contacts the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 may be subjected to a surface treatment such as titanium nitride (TiN). This reduces friction between the pin 32b and the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, making it easier for the pin 32b to penetrate the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, improving the durability of the pin 32b, allowing it to be reused repeatedly, and ultimately improving the durability of the leading edge leader 30. The multiple projections and depressions on the surface of the pin 32b that contacts the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 are formed, for example, by embossing.

[0035] In order to fix the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 to the leading edge leader 30 with the pins 32b, a punching unit 40 is provided that punches out the leading edge 60f of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. For example, a punching unit 40 is provided for each pin 32b. Therefore, if there are multiple pins 32b, multiple punching units 40 are provided corresponding to the number of pins. The punching unit 40 shown in FIG. 5 has a drive unit 41 and a pushing unit 42. The pushing unit 42 has a recess 43. Since the recess 43 fits into the pin 32b, the inner diameter of the recess 43 is preferably larger than the maximum outer diameter of the pin 32b. This allows the pin 32b to more reliably penetrate the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. Here, the leading edge 60f of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 refers to the end of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the traveling side in the transport direction D. "Punching" means penetrating the flexographic printing plate precursor 60.

[0036] The drive unit 41 may have any configuration, as long as it can move the pressing unit 42 from the initial position toward the pin 32b and return it to the initial position. For example, an air cylinder may be used. The initial position is the installation position of the pressing unit 42, also referred to as the initial position. Because the pressing unit 42 punches the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 with the pin 32b and penetrates it, it is preferable that the pressing unit 42 has sufficient strength to prevent deformation, and is made of, for example, metal. Among rust-resistant stainless steels, martensitic stainless steel and austenitic stainless steel, which are quench-hardenable and resistant to wear when drilling holes in the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, are preferred for the pressing unit 42. Examples of martensitic stainless steel and austenitic stainless steel include stainless steels (SUS) 410, SUS 420J1, SUS 420J2, SUS 304, and SUS 316, which are original brands of stainless steels developed for blades by material manufacturers. The pressing portion 42 may also be made of carbon tool steel, alloy tool steel, high-speed tool steel, or super steel.

[0037] The flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is placed with its back surface 60b facing the pin 32b of the leading edge leader 30. The pushing unit 42 is placed on the front surface 60a side of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. The recessed portion 43 of the punching unit 40 is aligned with the pin 32b of the leading edge leader 30, and the pushing unit 42, which is in its initial position, is pushed toward the pin 32b by the driving unit 41. The flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is pushed toward the pin 32b, and the pin 32b punches through the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, fixing the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 to the leading edge leader 30. At this time, the pin 32b fits into the recessed portion 43. The driving unit 41 then returns the pushing unit 42 to its initial position. The length of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the direction Dw (see FIG. 2) perpendicular to the transport direction D (see FIG. 2) is specified from the size information of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 obtained by the measurement unit 25, and it is preferable to specify the pins 32b to be punched based on this length and the information on the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. This eliminates the need to operate the punching unit 40 for pins 32b on which the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is not positioned, thereby improving work efficiency. The length of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the direction Dw (see FIG. 2) is generally called the width.

[0038] The leading edge leader 30 is attached to the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 by the punching unit 40, which also serves as the plate mounting unit 44. The leading edge 60f of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is placed on the pin 32b. The flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is then punched out by the punching unit 40, and the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is fixed to the leading edge leader 30. When the plate position adjusting unit 27 described above is a multi-axis robot, the multi-axis robot can be made to place the leading edge 60f of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the pin 32b. Although the punching unit 40 also serves as the plate mounting unit 44, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the punching section 40 and the plate attachment section 44 may be separated, and a through hole (not shown) for attaching the leading edge leader 30 may be formed in the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 by the punching section 40, and then the leading edge leader 30 may be attached to the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 by passing the pin 32b through the through hole in the leading edge 60f of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60.

[0039] The configuration of the tip leader 30 is not particularly limited as long as the support portion 30c can expand and contract relative to the arm 30b. Examples of configurations that allow the support portion 30c to expand and contract relative to the arm 30b include those that use an elastic body such as a spring or rubber, those that use air pressure, and those that use hydraulic pressure.

[0040] The washing-out device 10 has a developing unit 50 that uses a washing-out solution Q to remove and develop unexposed areas (not shown) of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. The developing unit 50 is provided above the developing tank 13. The developing unit 50 has a brush 51 used for development, and a driving unit 52 that controls the rotation of the brush 51 about a rotation axis C (see FIG. 7 ) and the movement of the brush 51. It is sufficient for the driving unit 52 to be able to perform development using the brush 51 and to rotate the brush 51 about the rotation axis C (see FIG. 7 ).

[0041] For example, the brush 51 is disposed between the arm 30b and the support unit 30c, which are disposed on opposite sides of the plate fixing unit 32 in the direction Dw. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of brushes in a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a view of the washing device 10 from the side of the members 20a and 20b. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, multiple brushes 51 are disposed on the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. The number of brushes 51 in the direction Dw is the same, but adjacent brushes 51 in the transport direction D are disposed at different positions in the direction Dw of the rotation axis C. The brushes 51 are disposed in a so-called staggered pattern. Although not shown, the brushes 51 are connected to a drive unit 52 that rotates the brushes 51 around the rotation axis C (see FIG. 7) during development. The rotation of the brushes 51 is controlled by the drive unit 52 unless otherwise specified. During development, the multiple brushes 51 shown in FIG. 6 are rotated by a drive unit 52 and oscillated in the direction Dw by the diameter of the rotational orbit of the brushes 51. Development is performed in this manner. The multiple brushes 51 are oscillated, for example, by arranging the multiple brushes 51 in a frame (not shown) and oscillating the frame in the direction Dw using a motor (not shown). Note that the configuration is not limited to using a motor (not shown) to oscillate the frame, as long as the multiple brushes 51 can be oscillated. Note that the arrangement of the brushes 51 is not particularly limited to the arrangement shown in FIG. 6.

[0042] The drive unit 52 may move the brush 51 in two directions perpendicular to the rotation axis C of the brush 51. In this case, for example, development can be performed by moving the brush 51 in two directions perpendicular to the rotation axis C. The two perpendicular directions are not particularly limited, but may be, for example, the direction Dw and the transport direction D. For example, the drive unit 52 oscillates the brush 51 in the direction Dw and moves the brush 51 in the transport direction D. In this case, the frame is moved in the transport direction D, thereby moving the multiple brushes 51 in the transport direction D. Note that the brush 51 may be oscillated in both the transport direction D and the opposite direction DL. In this case, the amount of oscillation of the brush 51 is determined appropriately depending on the size of the brush 51 and the size of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60.

[0043] Furthermore, the developing unit 50 is provided with a height position adjustment unit 53 that adjusts the position of the brush 51 relative to the developer tank 13. The height position adjustment unit 53 determines the distance between the brush 51 and the bottom surface 13b of the developer tank 13. The height position adjustment unit 53 can change the position of the brush 51 relative to the bottom surface 13b of the developer tank 13. The height position adjustment unit 53 can also adjust the pressure of the brush 51 against the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. This allows the pressure of the brush 51 to be increased, thereby improving the development speed. When increasing the pressure of the brush 51, it is preferable to select the bristle material, bristle length, bristle thickness, etc. of the brush 51 according to the pressure. The bristle thickness and bristle density may be changed within a single brush 51. Furthermore, the height position adjustment unit 53 allows the brush 51 to be spaced away from the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, so that the brush 51 can be raised from the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. This makes it possible to remove development residue from the brush 51 if it adheres to the brush 51. Retracting the brush 51 from the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is preferable because it prevents the adhesion of development residue. The configuration of the height position adjustment unit 53 is not particularly limited as long as it can change the position of the brush 51 relative to the bottom surface 13b of the developer tank 13.

[0044] Here, FIG. 7 is a side view showing an example of a brush of the washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example of a brush of the washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a view of the tip surface 51e of the bristles 51b of the brush 51 shown in FIG. A so-called cup brush is used as the brush 51. The brush 51 has, for example, a circular base 51a in plan view and bristles 51b arranged in bundles perpendicular to the base 51a. The shape of the base 51a is the shape of the brush 51. The shape of the base 51a is not limited to being circular in plan view. The bristles 51b of the brush 51 rub against the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 to remove unexposed portions (not shown) of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 for development. The brush 51 is preferably used with the bristles 51b contacting the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 approximately perpendicularly.

[0045] The rotation of the brush 51 around the rotation axis C mentioned above refers to the rotation of the brush 51 with the rotation axis C as the center of rotation. The rotation axis C is a fixed axis that passes through a point within the brush 51. The brush 51 rotates around one rotation axis C at the brush center. The brush center is the geometric center of the base body 51a when the base body 51a is viewed from the tip surface 51e side. The brush 51 is provided with a rotation axis portion 51c, and the central axis of this rotation axis portion 51c is the rotation axis C. The rotation axis C is the rotation center of the brush 51. The rotation axis portion 51c functions as a rotation drive shaft that is rotated by power transmitted from the drive unit 52, and by rotating the rotation axis portion 51c, the brush 51 rotates, for example, in a rotation direction (not shown).

[0046] The brush 51 is rotated, for example, with its rotation axis C passing through the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. The state in which the rotation axis C of the brush 51 passes through the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 means that when the rotation axis C or the rotation axis C is extended, it passes through the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 or a plane obtained by expanding the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, and indicates the positional relationship between the brush 51 and the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. Therefore, depending on the inclination of the rotation axis C, the rotation axis C of the brush 51 may not actually pass through the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. However, as described above, the rotation axis C of the brush 51 is not limited to actually passing through the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. The position of the brush 51 relative to the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 may be fixed.

[0047] In the brush with the above-described configuration, the rotational speed differs between the rotating shaft and the outer periphery. The rotating shaft rotates very slowly, increasing the coefficient of friction on the flexographic printing plate precursor, resulting in excessive development and the loss of isolated dots that affect printing performance. Furthermore, because the rotating shaft rotates slowly, developed residue accumulates rather than being discharged. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid providing bristles near the rotating shaft. As shown in Figure 8, the base 51a of the brush 51 has a region 51d where bristles 51b are not provided. The brush 51 shown in Figure 8 has a circular outer periphery 51f, and the region 51d where bristles 51b are not provided on the base 51a of the brush 51 also has a circular outer periphery 51f. The region where bristles 51b are provided satisfies the following condition: 0.05<r / R, where R is the orbital radius of the brush outer periphery 51f and r is the distance from the center of the rotating shaft C to the closest bristles 51b of the brush 51. If 0.05<r / R is not satisfied, development uniformity will be poor.

[0048] The mechanism of developer residue adhesion is believed to be that the developer residue accumulates within the brush during development and is transferred to the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 at some point, resulting in the developer residue adhering to the brush. Therefore, the developer residue needs to be efficiently discharged from the brush 51 to the outside. When the brush satisfies 0.05<r / R, the developer residue is not discharged from the brush and does not accumulate, thereby preventing the developer residue from adhering to the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor. On the other hand, when the brush does not satisfy 0.05<r / R, the developer residue is not discharged from the brush and accumulates, resulting in the developer residue adhering to the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor. For the brush, 0.1≦r / R is preferred, 0.2≦r / R≦0.5 is more preferred, and 0.3≦r / R≦0.5 is even more preferred. While a larger r / R value results in fewer brush bristles and a lower development speed, a sufficient development speed can be achieved if r / R is 0.8. Therefore, the upper limit of r / R is 0.8. The orbital radius R mentioned above is the radius of the circumscribing circle Cc of the brush outer periphery 51f. Note that when the brush outer periphery 51f is circular, the outer shape of the brush outer periphery 51f is circular, and the radius of the brush outer periphery 51f and the radius of the circumscribing circle Cc are the same. The orbital radius R is the radius of the rotation orbit described below. The diameter of the rotation orbit is twice the orbital radius R and is the diameter of the circumscribing circle Cc. The orbital radius R of the brush outer periphery 51f is obtained by determining the circumscribing circle Cc of the brush outer periphery 51f and then determining the radius of the circumscribing circle Cc. The distance r from the center of the rotation axis C to the bristles 51b of the brush 51 closest to the center of the rotation axis C is obtained by measuring the distance between the rotation axis C and the bristles 51b of the brush 51 closest to the center of the rotation axis C from the tip surface 51e side of the brush 51.

[0049] The area of ​​the brush 51 projected onto the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is smaller than the area of ​​the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. Because the brush 51 is small, development is performed by moving the brush 51 relative to the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, making it possible to uniformize the pressure of the brush 51 and improve development uniformity. The area of ​​the brush 51 projected onto the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is the area of ​​the region where the base 51a of the brush 51 is projected onto the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 when the brush 51 is disposed with its rotation axis C perpendicular to the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60.

[0050] As described above, the brush 51 rotates about its rotation axis C (see FIG. 7 ) and also moves in an oscillating motion, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the brush 51 may also move in the transport direction D. The brush 51 may also move constantly during development, or may move only when the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported to the developing tank 13. In this case, for example, a sensor (not shown) that detects the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 may be provided above the developing tank 13, and the timing and speed of the transport of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 may be used to identify the time when the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 will arrive at the brush 51, allowing the brush 51 to rotate and perform development.

[0051] For example, after the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported into the developing tank 13, the height position adjusting unit 53 moves the brush 51 toward the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 based on information about the thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. This allows the brush 51 to be positioned at an appropriate height according to the thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, enabling appropriate development. For example, development can be performed with the bristles 51b of the brush 51 in contact with the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60.

[0052] Furthermore, a distance sensor 54 may be provided that measures the distance between the brush 51 and the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the developing tank 13. This makes it possible to obtain information about the thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 when the thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is not measured by the measuring unit 25. The distance sensor 54 is not particularly limited as long as it can measure the distance between the brush 51 and the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the developing tank 13. The distance sensor 54 may use, for example, a laser beam, a millimeter wave, or an ultrasonic wave.

[0053] The washing device 10 includes an inspection unit 56 that measures the surface shape of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 after development and inspects the development state. The inspection unit 56 is located above the unloading station 14. A reference value and an acceptable range for the reference value are preset for the surface shape after development and stored in the memory 49. For example, the inspection unit 56 determines whether the measurement result of the surface shape after development is properly developed based on the acceptable range for the reference value. Examples of reference values ​​that can be used include the presence or absence of developer residue, the size of isolated dots after development, the presence or absence of brush marks, and the thickness of the unexposed film after development. The inspection unit 56 is not particularly limited as long as it can measure the surface shape of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 after development. Similar to the measurement unit 25 described above, the inspection unit 56 can be, for example, a measuring device using one camera, a three-dimensional measuring device using two cameras, or a three-dimensional scanner using laser light or ultrasound. It is preferable to use a three-dimensional measuring device or a three-dimensional scanner in the inspection unit 56, since this makes it possible to obtain three-dimensional information about the surface shape of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 after development.

[0054] The inspection unit 56 may also be provided with an adjustment unit 57 that adjusts the position of the inspection unit 56, similar to the measurement unit 25. If the inspection unit 56 includes, for example, a camera, a three-dimensional measurement device, or a three-dimensional scanner, the adjustment unit 57 changes the distance between the camera, the three-dimensional measurement device, or the three-dimensional scanner and the surface 12a of the station 12. That is, the adjustment unit 57 adjusts the height position of the inspection unit 56 relative to the surface 14a of the unloading station 14. The adjustment unit 57 may change the position of the inspection unit 56 in the conveying direction D. The adjustment unit 57 may also adjust the orientation of the camera, the three-dimensional measurement device, or the three-dimensional scanner. The configuration of the adjustment unit 57 is not particularly limited as long as it can change at least the distance between the inspection unit 56 and the surface 14a of the unloading station 14. The adjustment unit 57 allows the inspection unit 56 to be positioned according to the measurement range of the inspection unit 56.

[0055] The washing-out device 10 performs development using the brush 51 with an r / R ratio of 0.05 or less. This prevents developer residue from being discharged from the brush and accumulating. This prevents the developer residue from adhering to the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor, thereby achieving both uniform development and prevention of residue adhesion. The brush 51 is a so-called cup brush, which also prevents brush marks from being left behind during development. The brush marks are also called brush marks. Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, the washing-out device 10 measures at least one of the size and thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12 using the measuring unit 25. This prevents human error due to incorrect input of the size and thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. This prevents unnecessary work, such as a decrease in plate-making yield, and prevents transport or development errors, allowing for proper development. This results in good productivity and work efficiency. In the washing-out device 10, the conveying section 16 uses the leading edge leader 30 for leader conveyance, but the conveying method for the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is not limited to this, and at least one of the belt conveying method, roller conveying method, gear conveying method, and guide conveying method can be used.

[0056] <Manufacturing method of flexographic printing plate precursor> A method of manufacturing a flexographic printing plate precursor using a washing out device 10 will be described. The manufacturing method of a flexographic printing plate precursor includes a washing out method in which the flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure is developed using a developer. Note that development is also referred to as washing out. Fig. 9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view for explaining development using an example of a washing out device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing method of a flexographic printing plate precursor according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that in Fig. 9, the same components as those in the washing out device 10 shown in Fig. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] 9 , the method for manufacturing a flexographic printing plate precursor first places a flexographic printing plate precursor 60, which has been imagewise exposed on its surface 60a, on the surface 12a of the station 12 (step S10). Placing the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the surface 12a of the station 12 is also referred to as "setting." Next, with the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 placed on the station 12, the size and thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the surface 12a of the station 12 and the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12 are measured using the measurement unit 25 (step S12). Information on the size and thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 measured in step S12 are stored in, for example, the memory 49. The control unit 48 specifies the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12 based on the information on the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and the information on the size of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. As a result, as described above, the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the direction Dw on the station 12 and the inclination of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 are specified. The size and thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 are also specified.

[0058] Next, the control unit 48 determines whether the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12 is appropriate based on the information about the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12 (step S14). As described above, for example, an appropriate position, including the inclination of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, is determined in advance, and a threshold value is set for the appropriate position. In step S14, the control unit 48 compares the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12 with the appropriate position to determine whether it is appropriate. If the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is determined to be appropriate in step S14, the leading end 60f of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is fixed to the leading end leader 30 (step S16). In step S16, for example, the punching unit 40 shown in FIG. 5 is used to punch out the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 with the pin 32b, and the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is attached to the leading end leader 30. In this case, the pin 32b to be punched out is identified from among the multiple pins 32b depending on the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and the length of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in a direction Dw (see Figure 2) perpendicular to the conveying direction D (see Figure 2).

[0059] On the other hand, if the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is determined to be inappropriate in step S14, the plate position adjusting unit 27, for example, a multi-axis robot, is used to adjust the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 (step S15). Then, the above-mentioned step S16 is executed. Note that after step S15, the above-mentioned step S14 may be executed again, and the adjustment of the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 (step S15) may be repeatedly executed until the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is determined to be appropriate in step S14.

[0060] After step S16, the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported into the developing tank 13 (step S18). The bottom surface 13b of the developing tank 13 is lowered relative to the surface 12a of the station 12. In this case, the support portion 30c extends and contracts relative to the arm 30b, so that the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported following the bottom surface 13b of the developing tank 13. Here, in the station 12, the length of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the transport direction D (see FIG. 9) and the length in the direction Dw (see FIG. 2) are specified according to the size of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. In step S18, when the reference for aligning the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is the rear end of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, the position of the leading edge leader 30 during development is changed according to the length of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the transport direction D. Depending on the length of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the leading edge leader 30 may be positioned at the transport position P １ (See FIG. 9) and developed. Depending on the length of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, for example, the leading edge leader 30 may be positioned at the transport position P ２ (See FIG. 9) and developed.

[0061] Transport position P １ , P ２ is determined based on the length of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the transport direction D. Therefore, the control unit 48 sets in advance the movement amount of the leading edge leader 30 by the drive control unit 24 based on information about the length of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the transport direction D. As a result, the movement amount of the leading edge leader 30 by the drive control unit 24 is set based on information about the length of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the transport direction D obtained by the measurement unit 25. In other words, the movement amount of the leading edge leader 30 from the start position Ps is set. Note that the start position Ps is the position where the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is fixed to the leading edge leader 30.

[0062] After the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported into the developing tank 13 according to the length of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the transport direction D (step S18), the brush 51 is moved as shown in Fig. 9 by the height position adjusting unit 53 based on information about the thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. The height of the brush 51 relative to the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is adjusted to position the brush 51 appropriately (step S20).

[0063] After adjusting the brush height (step S20), development is performed on the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 using a washout solution Q (see FIG. 9) and the brush 51 to remove the unexposed areas of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and obtain image areas, which are exposed areas (step S22). Through step S22, the exposed areas become image areas and the unexposed areas become non-image areas. In step S22 (development step), the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported into the developing tank 13 according to the length of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the transport direction D, and then, in this state, the brush 51 is rotated around the rotation axis C (see FIG. 7) by the drive unit 52, for example, to perform development by causing the brush 51 to oscillate by the diameter of the rotation orbit. Development is performed by moving the brush 51 to the transport position P of the leading edge leader 30 according to the length of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. １ , P ２ (See FIG. 9 ). In the method for producing a flexographic printing plate precursor as described above, development is performed using the brush 51 with the above-described r / R<0.05, so that development residue is not discharged from the brush and does not accumulate. As a result, adhesion of development residue to the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor is suppressed, thereby achieving both uniform development and prevention of residue adhesion. As described above, the brush 51 is a so-called cup brush, which also suppresses the generation of brush marks in the development process. Furthermore, in step S22 (developing process), development may be performed while the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is being transported. Note that, when the brush 51 can be moved in two directions perpendicular to the rotation axis C of the brush 51 as described above, development may also be performed by moving the brush 51 in two directions perpendicular to the rotation axis C in step S22 (developing process).

[0064] After step S22 (developing step), the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported in the transport direction D, and the leading edge leader 30 is moved to position Pe above the unloading station 14. At this time, the surface 14a of the unloading station 14 is elevated relative to the bottom surface 13b of the developing tank 13. In this case, the support portion 30c extends and retracts relative to the arm 30b, so the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported following the surface 14a of the unloading station 14. The inspection unit 56 then measures the surface shape of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 after development to inspect the development state (step S24). Note that a reference value and an acceptable range for the reference value are set in advance for the surface shape after development. In step S24 (inspection step), the inspection is performed using the acceptable range for the reference value. If the surface shape after development is within the acceptable range for the reference value in step S24, it is determined that the development has been performed properly. This completes the manufacturing method for the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. On the other hand, if the surface shape after development is outside the tolerance range for the reference value in step S24, it is determined that the development has not been performed properly. In this case, for example, a new plate is made. Specifically, a new flexographic printing plate precursor 60 with the surface 60a imagewise exposed is prepared, and the process returns to step S10 to perform development again. As described above, if it is determined that the development has not been performed properly in step S24, the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 that has been developed once may be additionally developed.

[0065] As described above, in the method for manufacturing a flexographic printing plate precursor, at least one of the size and thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 on the station 12 are measured. This reduces the occurrence of human error caused by incorrectly inputting the size and thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. As a result, there is no increase in unnecessary work that would reduce the plate-making yield, and no transport or development defects occur, allowing for proper development. As such, productivity and work efficiency are good.

[0066] [Another Example of Washing-Out Device] FIG. 11 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing another example of a washing-out device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing another example of a washing-out device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a rear end presser for a flexographic printing plate precursor in another example of a washing-out device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing another example of a rear end presser for a flexographic printing plate precursor in another example of a washing-out device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flexographic printing plate precursor 60 shown in FIG. 12 is omitted from FIG. 11 . Components such as the control unit 48 shown in FIG. 11 are omitted from FIG. 12 , as are the developing unit 50 including the brush 51. FIGS. 13 and 14 show rear end presser units 70 and 71, respectively, as viewed from direction A shown in FIG. 12 . Furthermore, in FIGS. 11 to 14 , components identical to those in the washing-out device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0067] The washing device 10a shown in Figures 11 and 12 differs from the washing device 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 in that it has a rear end pressing unit 70 that presses the rear end 60g of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, but otherwise has the same configuration as the washing device 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2. The rear end pressing unit 70 is provided in the developer tank 13. The rear end pressing unit 70 has a base 72, a support unit 73 that expands and contracts relative to the base 72 in a direction perpendicular to the surface 15a of the support base 15, and a pressing plate 74 provided at the end of the support unit 73 on the surface 15a side of the support base 15. The base 72 is provided on the side of the member 20a where the member 20a and the member 20b face each other. Because the housing 30a of the leading edge leader 30 passes over the base 72, the base 72 is positioned so as not to interfere with the housing 30a of the leading edge leader 30. The support portion 73 expands and contracts relative to the base portion 72 in a direction perpendicular to the surface 15a of the support table 15 using, for example, an air cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or a ball screw as a drive unit (not shown). The support portion 73 can be contracted relative to the base portion 72 by the drive unit (not shown), so that the end of the support portion 73 is positioned at a preset position. This allows the presser plate 74 to stop at a preset position in the direction perpendicular to the surface 15a of the support table 15. The cross-sectional shape of the support portion 73 in a direction perpendicular to the expansion and contraction direction of the support portion 73 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a circle or a polygon such as a triangle or a square.

[0068] The presser plate 74 is, for example, a rectangular plate. In this case, the presser plate 74 is disposed with its longitudinal direction aligned with the direction Dw. The presser plate 74 is moved toward the surface 15a of the support table 15 by the support portion 73 to press the rear end 60g of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in a band-like manner in the direction Dw. When the rear end 60g of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is used as the reference for aligning the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, the position of the rear end presser portion 70 remains fixed. Therefore, during development, the position of the leading edge leader 30 in the transport direction D is changed depending on the size of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. In the rear end presser portion 70, for example, the presser plate 74 is spaced from the surface 15a of the support table 15 until the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported into the developing tank 13 and reaches the rear end presser portion 70, so that the support portion 73 contracts to allow the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 to pass through.

[0069] 1 and 2, the front end leader 30 alone can prevent the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 from curling up and coming off. However, by further providing the rear end pressing section 70, the rear end 60g of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is pressed down, thereby further preventing the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 from curling up and coming off. For this reason, it is preferable to have the rear end pressing section 70.

[0070] In the washing-out device 10a shown in Figures 11 and 12, the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported into the developing tank 13. When the reference for aligning the position of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is the rear end 60g of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, the leading edge leader 30 stops at a position in the transport direction D corresponding to the length of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the transport direction D. At this time, the presser plate 74 is spaced from the surface 15a of the support table 15, and is positioned so that the rear end 60g of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 can be reached. After the leading edge leader 30 stops, the base 72 of the rear end presser 70 extends toward the surface 15a of the support table 15, sandwiching the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 between the presser plate 74 and the surface 15a of the support table 15, and fixing the rear end 60g of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. With the rear end 60g of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 fixed, development is performed. As described above, the development process is carried out without the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 being turned up or coming off. After the development process is completed, the base 72 of the rear end presser 70 contracts, and the presser plate 74 moves away from the rear end 60g of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. Thereafter, the leading edge leader 30 moves in the transport direction D, and the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported to the carry-out station 14.

[0071] The configuration of the rear end presser section 70 is not limited to the configuration having the presser plate 74 as shown in FIG. 13 . For example, a configuration without the presser plate 74 is also possible, as in the rear end presser section 71 shown in FIG. 14 . In the rear end presser section 71 shown in FIG. 14 , the same components as those in the rear end presser section 70 shown in FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the rear end presser section 71, the support section 73 expands and contracts relative to the base section 72 in a direction perpendicular to the surface 15 a of the support base 15, similar to the above-described rear end presser section 70. Furthermore, the end 73 a of the support section 73 on the surface 15 a side of the support base 15 is, for example, flat. The flat end 73 a of the support section 73 presses the rear end 60 g of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 . In the rear end press down section 71, the two support portions 73 press down the rear end 60g of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, and the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is locally pressed down. In the rear end press down section 71, similar to the press plate 74 described above, the support portions 73 contract to allow the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 to pass through until the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported into the developing tank 13 and reaches the rear end press down section 71, and ends 73a of the support portions 73 are spaced apart from the surface 15a of the support table 15. In the rear end press down section 71 as well, the cross-sectional shape of the support portions 73 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the support portions 73 expand and contract is not particularly limited, and can have the same configuration as the rear end press down section 70, and may be, for example, a circle or a polygon such as a triangle or a square.

[0072] In the rear end presser portions 70, 71, the base portion 72, the support portion 73, and the presser plate 74 are preferably made of stainless steel with excellent corrosion resistance, and austenitic stainless steel and martensitic stainless steel are particularly preferred. Examples of austenitic stainless steel and martensitic stainless steel include stainless steels developed for blades by material manufacturers under their own brands, such as SUS410, SUS420J1, SUS420J2, SUS304, and SUS316. Resin can be used for the rear end presser portions 70, 71, but in this case, an alkali-resistant resin, such as polyvinyl chloride resin, can be used.

[0073] The method for manufacturing a flexographic printing plate precursor using the washing-out device 10a shown in Figures 11 and 12 is the same as the method for manufacturing a flexographic printing plate precursor using the washing-out device 10 (see Figure 1) shown in Figure 10, except for the following differences: The flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported into the developing tank 13 according to the length of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the transport direction D in step S18 of Figure 10, and the leading edge leader 30 is moved to the transport position P １ , P ２ (See FIG. 9 ). At this time, the presser plate 74 is spaced from the surface 15 a of the support base 15, and is positioned in a position where the rear end 60 g of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 can be placed. After the leading edge leader 30 has stopped, the base 72 of the rear end presser 70 extends toward the surface 15 a of the support base 15, and the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is sandwiched between the presser plate 74 and the surface 15 a of the support base 15, thereby fixing the rear end 60 g of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60.

[0074] Next, with the rear end 60g of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 fixed, the above-mentioned step S20 is performed. Next, development is performed to remove the unexposed portions of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and obtain the exposed image portions (step S22). Then, the above-mentioned step S24 (inspection step) is performed. As described above, in step S24, it is determined whether the development has been performed properly or not. If the development has been performed properly, the manufacturing method of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 ends. On the other hand, if the development has not been performed properly, for example, re-production or additional development of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 that has been developed once is performed, as described above.

[0075] Each component of the washing-out device will be described below. <Brush> The brush 51 removes unexposed areas (not shown) of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 for development. The brush 51 is, for example, immersed in a washing-out solution Q and is arranged on the surface 60a side of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the transport direction D within the developing tank 13. After the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported into the developing tank 13, the bristles 51b of the brush 51 are brought into contact with the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, and the brush 51 is rotated around the rotation axis C by the driving unit 52, thereby rubbing the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and removing the unexposed areas (not shown) of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 for development. During this development, a developer fatigue solution is generated. Since the brush 51 is arranged immersed in the washing-out liquid Q, the washing-out liquid Q attached to the brush 51 does not dry, and the unexposed part etc. removed by the brush 51 is prevented from adhering to the brush 51 as development residue.

[0076] When the area of ​​the brush 51 projected onto the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is smaller than the area of ​​the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, the brush 51 is brought into partial contact with the entire width of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 for development. Because the brush 51 is small, the brush 51 is swung in the direction Dw, for example, as described above to thoroughly rub the entire surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. However, the brush 51 may be configured to move in both the transport direction D and the direction Dw. In this case, the brush 51 is moved relative to the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 for development, which allows the pressure of the brush 51 to be uniform and improves development uniformity. The number of brushes 51 is not particularly limited and may be determined appropriately depending on the size of the developing tank 13, the size of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, and the like. The movement path of the brush 51 can be determined in advance depending on the size of the brush 51, the size of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, the transport speed, etc. By programming the movement path of the brush 51 in the drive unit 52, the drive unit 52 can move the brush 51 along the movement path based on the program, thereby performing development.

[0077] Here, Figures 15 to 18 are plan views showing other examples of brushes for a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 15 to 18 are views as viewed from the tip surface side of the brush bristles. Note that in Figures 15 to 18, the same components as those in Figures 7 and 8 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. As with the brush 51 shown in Figure 15, the outer shape of the brush outer periphery 51f may be rectangular. In this case, the outer shape of the region 51d where bristles 51b are not provided on the base 51a of the brush 51 is rectangular. As with the brush 51 shown in Figure 16, the outer shape of the brush outer periphery 51f may be hexagonal. In this case, the outer shape of the region 51d where bristles 51b are not provided on the base 51a of the brush 51 is hexagonal.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 17 , the brush 51 may have an elliptical outer shape in the outer periphery 51f. In this case, the outer shape of a region 51d where no bristles 51b are provided on the base 51a of the brush 51 is elliptical. Here, the elliptical shape is generally expressed by the following mathematical formula (1) in an orthogonal coordinate system with the x-axis and y-axis orthogonal to each other and the rotation axis C as the origin. In the following mathematical formula (1), the elliptical shape satisfies 0<a, b, p=2, and q=2. In the following mathematical formula (1), the orbital radius R is twice the larger of a and b. In FIG. 17 , b<a, and the orbital radius R is 2a. The elliptical shape also includes a shape known as a super ellipse. A super ellipse is a shape that satisfies the following mathematical formula (1): 0<a, b, 1.00<p (excluding p=2), and 1.00<q (excluding q=2).

[0079]

[0080] In the brush 51 shown in FIG. 8 and FIGS. 15 to 17, for example, the outer shape of the brush outer periphery 51f and the outer shape of the region 51d of the base 51a of the brush 51 where bristles 51b are not provided are geometrically similar. Alternatively, as in the brush 51 shown in FIG. 18, a linear region 51g may be provided extending linearly in the diameter direction of the circular base 51a from the region 51d where bristles 51b are not provided on the circular base 51a. The linear region 51g passes through the region 51d where bristles 51b are not provided and intersects perpendicularly through the rotation axis C. Four linear regions 51g are provided at 90° intervals around the rotation axis C. Providing the orthogonal linear regions 51g improves the discharge performance of developer residue from the brush 51. Note that providing the linear regions 51g reduces the area with bristles 51b, slowing the development speed. Therefore, the range of the linear regions 51g is determined appropriately based on the balance between the development speed and the discharge performance of developer residue. 15 to 18, the relationship r / R is 0.05<r, where R is the radius of the orbit of the outer circumferential portion 51f of the brush and r is the distance from the center of the rotation axis C to the closest bristles 51b of the brush 51. This provides the same effect as the brush 51 shown in FIGS.

[0081] As described above, the brush 51 is called a cup brush. The brush 51 is smaller than the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. As shown in FIG. 8 , the base 51a of the brush 51 preferably has a diameter of the rotational orbit (not shown) of the brush outer periphery 51f of 30 to 500 mm, more preferably 100 to 400 mm, and most preferably 200 to 400 mm. As described above, the diameter of the rotational orbit is twice the orbit radius R. The rotational orbit of the brush outer periphery 51f of the brush 51 is circular whether the shape of the brush outer periphery is circular or polygonal as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 . Even if the shape of the brush outer periphery is elliptical as shown in FIG. 17 , the rotational orbit of the brush outer periphery 51f of the brush 51 is circular. Whether the shape of the outer periphery of the brush is polygonal as shown in Figures 15 and 16, or whether the shape of the outer periphery of the brush is elliptical as shown in Figure 17, the diameter of the circumscribing circle Cc of the outer periphery of the brush 51f is the diameter of the rotational orbit of the outer periphery of the brush 51f.

[0082] The brush 51 rotates around the rotation axis C to perform development. The rotation speed of the brush 51 is preferably 10 revolutions per minute (rpm) to 2000 rpm, more preferably 20 to 800 rpm, and even more preferably 30 to 200 rpm. Increasing the rotation speed of the brush 51 increases the development speed and improves development uniformity, as described above. As described above, the mechanism by which developer residue adheres is thought to be that it accumulates within the brush during development and is transferred to the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 at some point, resulting in the adhesion of developer residue. Therefore, the developer residue needs to be efficiently discharged from within the brush 51 to the outside of the brush 51. Therefore, if the rotation speed of the brush 51 is high, the washout liquid within the brush 51 is more easily discharged to the outside of the brush 51 due to the rotation, allowing the developer residue within the brush 51 to be efficiently discharged to the outside of the brush 51. The rotation speed of the brush 51 is not limited to a fixed value and may be variable. If the rotation speed of the brush 51 is variable, for example, the rotation speed from the beginning to the end of development can be determined in advance, and development can be carried out at the determined rotation speed.

[0083] The base 51a of the brush 51 holds the bristles 51b, and is planted, for example, in a bundle. The base is not particularly limited as long as it can hold the bristles 51b and is not altered by the washing-out liquid Q. The bristles 51b of the brush 51 may be provided at an angle to the surface 51h of the base 51a, but providing them perpendicular to the surface 51h of the base 51a increases the brushing force, resulting in independent small dot performance and a faster development speed. For this reason, it is preferable to provide the bristles 51b of the brush 51 perpendicular to the surface 51h of the base 51a.

[0084] The material of the bristles 51b of the brush 51 is not particularly limited, and can be any known material used in developing the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, such as nylon 6,6, nylon 610, nylon 612, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Other suitable materials for the bristles of the brush 51 include natural fibers such as coir, metal, polyamide, polyester, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, polyimide, and polyacrylonitrile, as long as they can be formed into fibers. The bristles preferably have a fiber diameter of approximately 10 μm to 1 mm, and may be planted in bundles or individually, with a few bristles or less. The spacing between bristles is preferably approximately 1 to 20 mm, and when planted in bundles, the diameter of the bundle is preferably approximately 1 to 10 mm. The bristles preferably have a length Lb (see FIG. 7) of 5 to 30 mm. When the brush bristle length Lb is 5 to 30 mm, the brushing force is strong, independent small dot performance is obtained, and the development speed is also fast. Furthermore, it is possible to pass through the leading edge leader 30 for transport. Note that the bristle length, thickness, and density may vary within a single brush 51. The brush bristle length Lb is the value measured with a ruler while the bristles are attached to the brush.

[0085] Furthermore, using bristles made of nylon yarn with fine abrasives such as alumina or silicon carbide added to them can increase the development speed in the first half of the development process and shorten the development processing time. The bristles with added abrasives can be wavy rather than straight, which is called wavy bristles. The addition of abrasives can also reduce brush wear and extend the brush's lifespan. Examples of commercially available bristles include Sungrid (product name) from Asahi Kasei Advance Corporation, Toregrid (product name) from Toray Industries, Inc., and Tynex (product name) from DuPont.

[0086] As described above, the brush 51 is rotated by the drive unit 52 with its rotation axis C passing through the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 (see FIG. 7 ). In this case, as shown in FIG. 7 , when the angle between the rotation axis C and the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is θ, the angle θ is preferably 30°≦θ≦90°, more preferably 45°≦θ≦90°, and most preferably 60°≦θ≦90°. By setting the angle θ to 60°≦θ≦90°, the brush 51 can be brought into uniform contact with the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, allowing development even with a high pressure applied to the brush 51. Therefore, both development uniformity and development speed can be achieved. Thus, it is most preferable that the rotation axis C of the brush 51 be perpendicular to the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. The angle θ can be obtained as follows: First, an image of the brush 51 placed on the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is acquired, and a line corresponding to the rotation axis C of the brush 51 and a line corresponding to the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 are acquired from the image. Next, the angle between these two lines is calculated. This allows the angle θ to be obtained.

[0087] (Developing Unit) The configuration of the developing unit 50 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be configured as follows. Here, FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of the configuration of the developing unit of a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of the configuration of the developing unit of a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of the configuration of the developing unit of a washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that in FIGS. 19 to 21, components identical to those in the washing device 10 shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. While FIGS. 19 to 21 show a configuration with one brush 51, the developing unit 50 shown in FIGS. 19 to 21 can be applied to a configuration with multiple brushes 51, as shown in FIG. 6 above.

[0088] In the developing unit 50 shown in FIG. 19 , the drive unit 52 has a drive shaft 58. For example, the drive shaft 58 is rotatable about a drive shaft Dc as its rotation axis. The drive shaft 58 rotates about the drive shaft Dc as its rotation axis. The drive unit 52 is connected to the drive shaft 58 via a pulley 59, a transmission belt 59a, and a pulley 59b, as described below. The drive shaft 58 of the drive unit 52 is connected to the rotation shaft 51c of the brush 51 so that the rotational force of the drive shaft 58 of the drive unit 52 can be transmitted to the rotation shaft C of the brush 51, and the drive shaft 58 has a shaft coupling 80 that adjusts the inclination of the rotation shaft C of the brush 51 with respect to the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. The inclination of the rotation shaft C of the brush 51 is adjusted by the shaft coupling 80, and the tip surface 51e of the brush 51 is positioned parallel to the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. The developing unit 50 having such a configuration has good conformability of the brush 51 to the plate surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. When the developing unit 50 having the above configuration is used, in the developing step, the inclination of the rotation axis C of the brush 51 with respect to the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is adjusted, and development can be performed with the tip surface 51e of the brush 51 disposed parallel to the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60.

[0089] The shaft coupling 80 shown in Figure 19 is called a ball joint. In the shaft coupling 80, a first member 82 and a second member 84 are connected via a ball 85. The ball 85 allows the first member 82 and the second member 84 to move relative to each other. The first member 82 is connected to the rotating shaft 51c of the brush 51. The second member 84 is connected to the drive shaft 58. A pulley 59, for example, is provided on the end of the drive shaft 58 opposite the second member 84. A pulley 59b is disposed opposite the pulley 59, and a transmission belt 59a is wound around the pulleys 59 and 59b. The drive unit 52 is connected to the pulley 59b, and when the drive unit 52 rotates the pulley 59b, the pulley 59 rotates, causing the drive shaft 58 to rotate. The rotational force of the drive shaft 58 is transmitted to the rotation shaft 51c via the shaft coupling 80, causing the brush 51 to rotate. As described above, the first member 82 and the second member 84 move relatively to each other via the ball 85, so that the inclination of the rotation axis C of the rotation shaft 51c of the brush 51 with respect to the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 can be changed. This allows the orientation of the tip surface 51e of the brush 51 to be changed, and the tip surface 51e of the brush 51 can be arranged parallel to the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. This allows development to be performed with the tip surface 51e of the brush 51 in uniform contact with the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, suppressing uneven contact and enabling efficient and even better development. Furthermore, even if the rotation axis C of the brush 51 is tilted due to the device configuration, the shaft coupling 80 can make the drive axis Dc perpendicular to the surface 60 a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 .

[0090] The shaft coupling 80 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 19, and a universal joint, a flexible coupling, a floating joint, or the like may be used. Furthermore, for example, the shaft coupling 81 of the developing unit 50 shown in Fig. 20 may also be used. In Fig. 20, the same components as those shown in Fig. 19 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The shaft coupling 81 shown in Fig. 20 has the same function as the shaft coupling 80 shown in Fig. 19, except for its different configuration.

[0091] The shaft coupling 81 shown in FIG. 20 includes, for example, a first flange 86, a second flange 87, and two elastic members 88 and 89. The first flange 86 and the second flange 87 are disposed opposite each other, and the two elastic members 88 and 89 are provided between the first flange 86 and the second flange 87. The two elastic members 88 and 89 are, for example, springs. The first flange 86 and the second flange 87 can move relative to each other by displacement of the two elastic members 88 and 89. The first flange 86 is connected to the rotation shaft 51c of the brush 51. The second flange 87 is connected to the drive shaft 58. As described above, the first flange 86 and the second flange 87 move relative to each other due to the two elastic members 88 and 89, so that the inclination of the rotation axis C of the rotation shaft 51c of the brush 51 with respect to the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 can be changed. This makes it possible to change the orientation of the tip surface 51e of the brush 51, and to dispose the tip surface 51e of the brush 51 parallel to the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. Development can be performed with the tip surface 51e of the brush 51 in uniform contact with the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, suppressing uneven contact and the like, and enabling development to be carried out efficiently and even better.

[0092] Furthermore, even if the rotation axis C of the brush 51 is inclined due to the device configuration, the shaft coupling 80 can make the drive axis Dc perpendicular to the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. Furthermore, by providing the two elastic members 88, 89 in a compressed state compared to a state in which no force is applied, the first flange 86 and the second flange 87 receive a force that moves them relatively apart. This displaces the first flange 86 toward the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, and presses the tip surface 51e of the brush 51 against the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. The two elastic members 88, 89 are not limited to springs and may be made of rubber, elastomer, or the like. The number of elastic members is also not limited to two and may be one, three, or more. The number of elastic members is determined appropriately depending on the force acting on the brush 51, etc.

[0093] 21 , the developing unit 50 may have a pressing unit 90 that presses the tip surface 51 e of the brush 51 against the surface 60 a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. In FIG. 21 , components that are the same as those shown in FIG. 19 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. The pressing unit 90, for example, presses the drive shaft 58 against the surface 60 a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, thereby pressing the tip surface 51 e of the brush 51 against the surface 60 a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. A transmission belt 59 a is wound around a pulley 59 provided on the drive shaft 58 and a pulley 59 b disposed opposite the pulley 59. A drive unit 52 is connected to the pulley 59 b, and the pulley 59 b is rotated by the drive unit 52. The pulley 59, the transmission belt 59 a, and the pulley 59 b are housed in a case 92. An elastic member 94 is provided on the pulley 59b side of the case 92, for example, in a state where it is compressed compared to a state where no force is applied. The end of the elastic member 94 opposite the case 92 is fixed to a fixed wall 95. The elastic member 94 presses the case 92 toward the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, and the tip surface 51e of the brush 51 is pressed against the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 via the drive shaft 58 and the shaft coupling 80.

[0094] By providing the pressing unit 90 in addition to the shaft coupling unit 80, the tip surface 51e of the brush 51 can be pressed against the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 while the tip surface 51e of the brush 51 is disposed parallel to the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. This allows development to be performed with the tip surface 51e of the brush 51 uniformly pressed against the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, making development more efficient and even better. In Figure 21, the shaft coupling unit 80 shown in Figure 19 is used, but this is not limiting and the shaft coupling unit 81 shown in Figure 20 can also be used. In addition to this, a universal joint, a flexible coupling, a floating joint, etc. can also be used as described above. 19 to 21 is used, in the developing step, the inclination of the rotation shaft portion 51c of the brush 51 with respect to the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is adjusted so that the tip surface 51e of the brush 51 is arranged parallel to the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. With this configuration, development can be performed with good plate surface followability of the brush 51 to the flexographic printing plate precursor 60.

[0095] In the washing out device 10, development is performed while the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is immersed in the washing out liquid Q, but the present invention is not limited to this, and development can be performed while supplying the washing out liquid Q to the brush 51. In this case, the brush 51 may be configured, for example, as shown in FIG. 22 , such that a supply pipe 76 is provided on the rotary shaft 51 c. The supply pipe 76 is connected to a supply unit 77 that supplies the washing out liquid Q. The washing out liquid Q is supplied from the supply unit 77 through the supply pipe 76 and the rotary shaft 51 c to the center of the brush 51, and the washing out liquid Q is supplied between the brush 51 and the surface 60 a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. In the developing step, the washing out liquid Q is delivered to the center of the brush 51 through the rotary shaft 51 c of the brush 51, thereby performing development. The brush 51 has a region 51d near the rotation axis C of the base 51a where no bristles 51b are provided, and therefore the washing-out liquid Q can be efficiently supplied between the brush 51 and the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60. The supply pipe 76 is not particularly limited as long as it can supply the washing-out liquid Q to the brush 51, and any flexible tube can be used. The supply unit 77 is not particularly limited as long as it can supply the washing-out liquid Q, and may have, for example, a tank (not shown) that stores the washing-out liquid Q, and a liquid supply unit (not shown) equipped with a pump and a valve that supplies the washing-out liquid Q to the supply pipe 76.

[0096] 6, the developing unit 50 is not limited to a configuration in which the brush 51 is provided so as to cover the entire surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, but may be configured to use, for example, one or two brushes 51. In this case, for example, development is performed by moving the brush 51 in two directions perpendicular to the rotation axis C. The movement path of the brush 51 is determined in advance depending on the size of the brush 51, the size of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, the transport speed, etc. By programming the movement path of the brush 51, development can be performed based on the program.

[0097] (Rinsing section) The washing device 10 may be configured to include a rinsing section (not shown). The rinsing section uses a rinse liquid such as a washing liquid to remove residues such as latex components and rubber components remaining on the surface 60 a of the developed flexographic printing plate precursor 60 carried out of the developing tank 13. Removal of residues such as latex components and rubber components remaining on the surface 60 a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 in the rinsing section using a rinse liquid such as a washing liquid is called a rinsing step. For example, the developed flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is transported from the developing tank 13 to the outside of the developing tank 13 and treated in the rinsing section.

[0098] The rinse unit has a rinse liquid supply unit and a liquid cutoff nozzle. In the rinse unit, for example, rinse liquid is sprayed from the rinse liquid supply unit onto the surface 60a of the developed flexographic printing plate precursor 60, for example, in a spray form, to wash away the above-mentioned residue. The developer exhaustion liquid supplied from the rinse liquid supply unit and the above-mentioned washed-away residue are collected, for example, in the developer tank 13. The rinse unit is preferably configured so that the rinse liquid is supplied to the liquid film of washout liquid remaining on the developed flexographic printing plate precursor 60 transported from the developer tank 13. By allowing the used rinse liquid supplied from the rinse unit to flow into the developer tank 13, the overall amount of waste liquid can be reduced. This is particularly effective when the transport path is vertical. Therefore, it is preferable to allow the used rinse liquid to flow into the developer tank 13 even in the rinsing process.

[0099] The washing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to transport the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 horizontally along the transport direction D, but the configuration of the washing apparatus is not limited thereto. For example, the washing apparatus can be applied to a vertical-transport type washing apparatus described in International Publication No. 2022 / 024724, in which the flexographic printing plate precursor is transported perpendicular to the surface of a washing liquid corresponding to the washing liquid, and the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 may be developed while being transported. The washing apparatus can also be applied to an apparatus in which a printing plate is fixed to a flat plate called a setter with an adhesive or the like and developed while the flexographic printing plate precursor is wound around a rotating drum and fixed thereto. In addition, the washing apparatus can also be applied to a clamshell-type (batch-type) washing apparatus. In the case of a clamshell-type (batch-type) washing apparatus, for example, the washing apparatus is composed of a developer tank 13, a support table 15, and a development unit 50.

[0100] (Flexographic Printing Plate Precursor) The flexographic printing plate precursor 60 forms a flexographic printing plate used in flexographic printing, and its configuration is not particularly limited. The flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is thin, having a thickness of about several millimeters, and is flexible. Note that being flexible means that it returns to its original state after a force is applied to it and then released from the bent state. The size of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is, for example, 800 mm × 1200 mm or 1050 mm × 1500 mm. The flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is, for example, one that can be developed with an aqueous washout solution containing water as the main component, and is called a water-developable flexographic printing plate precursor. In this case, the washout solution is an aqueous washout solution. As the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, a known flexographic printing plate precursor that can be developed with an aqueous washout solution can be used, and the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 may also be a flexographic plate material that is compatible with CTP (Computer To Plate) and has a black layer applied to its surface.

[0101] The washout liquid will be described below. A washout liquid appropriate for the flexographic printing plate precursor is used. <Washout Liquid> A water-based washout liquid is used. The water-based washout liquid may be a liquid consisting of water alone, or may be an aqueous solution containing 50% by mass or more of water and having a water-soluble compound added thereto. Examples of the water-soluble compound include surfactants, acids, and alkalis.

[0102] Examples of surfactants include anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants, and among these, anionic surfactants are preferred. Specific examples of the anionic surfactant include aliphatic carboxylates such as sodium laurate and sodium oleate; higher alcohol sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium cetyl sulfate and sodium oleyl sulfate; polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates such as sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfate; polyoxyethylene alkyl allyl ether sulfates such as sodium polyoxyethylene octylphenyl ether sulfate and sodium polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether sulfate; alkyl sulfonates such as alkyl diphenyl ether disulfonates, sodium dodecyl sulfonate and sodium dialkyl sulfosuccinate; alkyl allyl sulfonates such as alkyl disulfonates, sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, sodium dibutyl naphthalene sulfonate and sodium triisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate; higher alcohol phosphates such as disodium lauryl phosphate monoester and sodium lauryl phosphate diester; and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphates such as disodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether phosphate monoester and sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether phosphate diester. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Although sodium salts have been given as specific examples, the present invention is not limited to sodium salts, and calcium salts, ammonium salts, etc. may also provide similar effects.

[0103] Specific examples of nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers such as polyoxyethylene oleyl ether or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ethers such as polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether or polyoxyethylene octylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycols, mono- and diesters of fatty acids and polyethylene glycol such as polyethylene glycol monostearate, polyethylene glycol monooleate, or polyethylene glycol dilaurate, esters of fatty acids and sorbitan such as sorbitan monolaurate or sorbitan monooleate, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, or polyoxyethylene sorbitan trilaurate. Examples of the alkali metal ester include esters of olefin adducts and fatty acids, esters of sorbitol and fatty acids such as sorbitol monopalmitate or sorbitol dilaurate, esters of polyoxyethylene adducts of sorbitol and fatty acids such as polyoxyethylene sorbitol monostearate or polyoxyethylene sorbitol dioleate, esters of pentaerythritol and fatty acids such as pentaerythritol monostearate, esters of glycerol and fatty acids such as glycerol monolaurate, fatty acid alkanolamides such as lauric acid diethanolamide or lauric acid monoethanolamide, amine oxides such as lauryldimethylamine oxide, fatty acid alkanolamines such as stearyldiethanolamine, polyoxyethylene alkylamines, triethanolamine fatty acid esters, and alkaline salt compounds such as phosphates, carbonates, silicates, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0104] Specific examples of cationic surfactants include primary, secondary, and tertiary amine salts such as monostearyl ammonium chloride, distearyl ammonium chloride, and tristearyl ammonium chloride, quaternary ammonium salts such as stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and stearyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, alkyl pyridinium salts such as N-cetyl pyridinium chloride and N-stearyl pyridinium chloride, N,N-dialkyl morpholinium salts, fatty acid amide salts of polyethylene polyamines, acetate salts of urea compounds of amides of aminoethyl ethanolamine and stearic acid, and 2-alkyl-1-hydroxyethyl imidazolinium chloride. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0105] Specific examples of amphoteric surfactants include amino acid surfactants such as sodium laurylaminopropionate, carboxybetaine surfactants such as lauryl dimethyl betaine or lauryl dihydroxyethyl betaine, sulfobetaine surfactants such as stearyl dimethyl sulfoethylene ammonium betaine, imidazolinium betaine surfactants, lecithin, etc. These surfactants may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0106] Specific examples of acids include inorganic or organic acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, and paratoluenesulfonic acid. Specific examples of alkalis include lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide, sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogencarbonate, and calcium carbonate.

[0107] <Developer fatigue liquid> The developer fatigue liquid is a developer containing solid matter generated by removing unexposed areas of a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure. Incidentally, the term "containing solid matter" in a solid-containing developer refers to a state in which the solid matter is dissolved or dispersed. The developer fatigue liquid is not particularly limited as long as it is a developer containing solid matter generated by removing unexposed areas of a flexographic printing plate precursor by development using the above-mentioned developer, i.e., a developer containing an uncured resin. However, the developer fatigue liquid may also include a developer fatigue liquid containing a conventionally known photosensitive resin composition for forming a general photosensitive resin layer. The uncured resin removed by development may be a photosensitive resin contained in the photosensitive resin composition. Furthermore, since the developer fatigue liquid used in development using the LAM (Laser Ablation Masking) method is preferably used as the processing target, the uncured resin removed by development is preferably a photosensitive resin contained in the photosensitive resin composition. Furthermore, such photosensitive resin compositions include compositions containing, in addition to the photosensitive resin, for example, a polymerization initiator, a polymerizable compound, a polymerization inhibitor, a plasticizer, etc., and therefore the developer fatigue liquid may contain, in addition to the uncured resin, a polymerization initiator, a polymerizable compound, a polymerization inhibitor, a plasticizer, etc.

[0108] The present invention is basically configured as described above. Although the washing-out device and washing-out method of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0109] The features of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. The materials, reagents, amounts of substances and their ratios, and procedures shown in the following examples can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples. In these examples, the reproducibility of isolated small dots and the adhesion of residue were evaluated for Examples 1 to 11 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. The results of the reproducibility of isolated small dots and the adhesion of residue are shown in Table 1 below. Note that the adhesion of residue is referred to as "developing gas" in Table 1. The reproducibility of isolated small dots and the adhesion of residue will be described below.

[0110] <Independent Dot Reproducibility> A flexographic printing plate precursor was subjected to main exposure with a pattern including independent dots of sizes 60 μm, 80 μm, 100 μm, 120 μm, and 140 μm, and then the imagewise exposed flexographic printing plate precursor was developed. The size of the independent dots remaining on the flexographic printing plate precursor after development was confirmed using a 6x magnification loupe. The size of the confirmed independent dots was evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. Note that a higher score indicates smaller remaining dots and better independent dot reproducibility. Table 1 below lists only the numerical scores based on the following evaluation criteria. (Evaluation criteria) 5 points: Of 60 μm, 80 μm, 100 μm, 120 μm, and 140 μm, reproduction down to a 60 μm decimal point 4 points: Of 60 μm, 80 μm, 100 μm, 120 μm, and 140 μm, reproduction down to a 80 μm decimal point 3 points: Of 60 μm, 80 μm, 100 μm, 120 μm, and 140 μm, reproduction down to a 100 μm decimal point 2 points: Of 60 μm, 80 μm, 100 μm, 120 μm, and 140 μm, reproduction down to a 120 μm decimal point 1 point: Of 60 μm, 80 μm, 100 μm, 120 μm, and 140 μm, reproduction down to a 140 μm decimal point

[0111] <Residue Adhesion> Regarding residue adhesion, the presence or absence of development residue on the flexographic printing plate precursor after development processing was checked visually and with a 6x magnification loupe, and if development residue was found, the number of pieces of development residue was counted. The development residue was evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. A higher score indicates better adhesion of development residue. In other words, it indicates that no development residue has adhered. In Table 1 below, only the score numbers based on the following evaluation criteria are shown. (Evaluation Criteria) 5 points: no development residue 4 points: 1 to 2 pieces of development residue of 10 μm or less 3 points: 3 to 4 pieces of development residue of 10 μm or less 2 points: 5 or more pieces of development residue of 10 μm or less 1 point: 1 or more pieces of development residue exceeding 10 μm

[0112] The devices and chemicals used in Examples 1 to 11 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 are shown below. <Imaging machine> CDI Spark 4835 Inline (manufactured by ESKO) <Exposure machine> Ultraviolet exposure machine Concept 302 ECDLF (product name) (manufactured by Glunz & Jensen) <Flexographic printing plate precursor> FLENEX FW-L (manufactured by Fujifilm Global Graphic Solutions Co., Ltd.) Plate size 800 mm x 1200 mm

[0113] <Imagewise exposure of flexographic printing plate precursor> The above-described flexographic printing plate precursor was subjected to back exposure using the above-described UV exposure machine by exposing the back surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor at 80 W for 10 seconds. Subsequently, the above-described imaging machine was used to perform imaging by ablating the mask layer, and the main exposure was performed by exposing the front surface (the back surface of the back surface) at 80 W for 1,000 seconds. The main-exposed flexographic printing plate precursor was used as an imagewise exposed flexographic printing plate precursor. <Washing-out device> A washing-out device with the configuration shown in Figure 1. <Washing-out solution> An aqueous solution of Finish Power & Pure Powder SP (manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser Japan) (concentration: 0.5% by mass) at a solution temperature of 50°C. <Brushes> Brushes 1 to 4 were used. Brush 1 had the configuration shown in Figures 7 and 8. Brush 2 had the configuration shown in Figure 15. Brush 3 had the configuration shown in Figure 16. Brush 4 had the configuration shown in Figure 17. The bristles of Brushes 1 to 4 all had a length of 16 mm and a linearity of 0.15 mm. The bristles were made of nylon 612. The size of the flexographic printing plate precursor was fixed, and the number of brushes was adjusted according to the orbital radius R of the brush. During development, the rotation speed of the brush and the force with which the brush was pressed against the flexographic printing plate precursor were the same in Examples 1 to 11 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0114] Next, Examples 1 to 11 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 will be described. Example 1 In Example 1, the flexographic printing plate precursor after the imagewise exposure described above was developed using a brush 1 in the washing-out apparatus shown in FIG. 1 . In Example 1, the orbital radius R of the brush was 100 mm, and the distance r from the center of the rotation axis C to the closest brush bristle was 10 mm. In Example 1, r / R = 0.1. Example 2 In Example 2, the difference from Example 1 is that the orbital radius R of the brush was 100 mm, and the distance r from the center of the rotation axis C to the closest brush bristle was 20 mm, but the rest of the difference was the same as Example 1. In Example 2, r / R = 0.2. Example 3 In Example 3, the difference from Example 1 is that the orbital radius R of the brush was 100 mm, and the distance r from the center of the rotation axis C to the closest brush bristle was 30 mm, but the rest of the difference was the same as Example 1. In Example 3, r / R = 0.3. Example 4 is different from Example 1 in that the orbital radius R of the brush is 100 mm, and the distance r from the center of the rotation axis C to the closest brush bristle is 50 mm, but otherwise the same as Example 1. In Example 4, r / R = 0.5.

[0115] (Example 5) Example 5 differs from Example 1 in that the orbital radius R of the brush is 150 mm and the distance r from the center of the rotation axis C to the closest brush bristles is 15 mm, but is otherwise the same as Example 1. In Example 5, r / R = 0.15. (Example 6) Example 6 differs from Example 1 in that the orbital radius R of the brush is 250 mm and the distance r from the center of the rotation axis C to the closest brush bristles is 25 mm, but is otherwise the same as Example 1. In Example 6, r / R = 0.1. (Example 7) Example 7 differs from Example 1 in that brush 2 is used, but is otherwise the same as Example 1. In Example 7, r / R = 0.1. The brush 2 of Example 7 has the configuration shown in FIG. 15 , and the outer shape of the brush outer periphery 51f is rectangular. (Example 8) Example 8 differs from Example 1 in that brush 3 is used, but is otherwise the same as Example 1. In Example 8, r / R=0.1. The brush 3 in Example 8 has the configuration shown in Fig. 16, and the outer shape of the brush outer periphery 51f is hexagonal.

[0116] (Example 9) Example 9 differs from Example 1 in that a brush 4 was used, but was otherwise identical to Example 1. The brush 4 of Example 9 has the configuration shown in FIG. 17 , and the outer shape of the brush outer periphery 51f is elliptical. Example 11 has a major axis length of 100 mm, a minor axis length of 70 mm, and a distance r from the center of the rotation axis C to the closest brush bristles of 7 mm. The major axis length corresponds to 2a in FIG. 17 and corresponds to the orbital radius R of the brush. The minor axis length corresponds to 2b in FIG. 17. The distance r from the center of the rotation axis C to the closest brush bristles of 7 mm corresponds to b in FIG. 17. In Example 9, r / R = 0.07. (Example 10) Example 10 differs from Example 1 in that the distance r from the center of the rotation axis C to the closest brush bristles of 7 mm, but was otherwise identical to Example 1. In Example 10, r / R = 0.07. Example 11 is different from Example 1 in that a brush 5 is used, but is otherwise the same as Example 1. In Example 11, r / R = 0.1. The brush 5 of Example 11 has the configuration shown in Fig. 18, in which a linear region 51g passing through a region 51d where no bristles 51b are provided is provided perpendicularly through the rotation axis C.

[0117] (Comparative Example 1) Comparative Example 1 differs from Example 1 in that the distance r from the center of the rotation axis C to the closest brush bristles is set to 5 mm, but otherwise is the same as Example 1. In Comparative Example 1, r / R = 0.05. (Comparative Example 2) Comparative Example 2 differs from Example 1 in that the distance r from the center of the rotation axis C to the closest brush bristles is set to 1 mm, but otherwise is the same as Example 1. In Comparative Example 2, r / R = 0.01.

[0118]

[0119] As shown in Table 1, Examples 1 to 11 were superior to Comparative Examples 1 and 2 in both the reproducibility of isolated small dots and the resistance to residue adhesion. In all Examples 1 to 11, no brush marks were observed on the flexographic printing plate precursor after development. When a brush with bristles attached coaxially to the rotating shaft is used, the rotation speed differs between the rotating shaft and the outer periphery. The rotating shaft rotates very slowly, increasing the coefficient of friction on the flexographic printing plate precursor, resulting in excessive development and the loss of isolated small dots that affect printing performance. Furthermore, because the rotating shaft rotates slowly, developed residue accumulates rather than being discharged. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid providing bristles near the rotating shaft. By providing bristles so that 0.05<r / R is satisfied as described above, both the reproducibility of isolated small dots and the resistance to residue adhesion are improved.

[0120] From Examples 1 to 6 and 10, when r / R was 0.05<, the larger the r / R value, the better the independent small dot reproducibility and residue adhesion. When r / R was 0.2 or more, the independent small dot reproducibility and residue adhesion were better, and when r / R was 0.3≦r / R≦0.5, the independent small dot reproducibility and residue adhesion were even better. From Examples 1, 7, 8 and 11 where r / R was 0.1, the brush with linear region 51g of Example 11 had better residue adhesion than Examples 1, 7 and 8.

[0121] 10, 10a Washing device 12 Station 12a, 14a, 15a Surface 13 Developing tank 13b Bottom surface 14 Unloading station 15 Support table 16 Transporting section 20 Frame 20a, 20b Member 21 Guide rail 22 Ball screw 24 Drive control section 25 Measuring section 26 Adjusting section 27 Plate position adjusting section 27a Arm 30 Leading edge leader 30a Housing 30b Arm 30c Support section 32 Plate fixing section 32a Base 32b Pin 33a Base 40 Punching section 41 Drive section 42 Pushing section 43 Recess 44 Plate mounting section 48 Control section 49 Memory 50 Developing unit 51 Brush 51a Base 51b Bristles 51c Rotating shaft portion 51d Region 51e Tip surface 51f Brush outer periphery 51g Straight region 51h Surface 52 Driving portion 53 Height position adjusting portion 54 Distance sensor 56 Inspection portion 57 Adjusting portion 58 Driving shaft portion 59 Pulley 59a Transmission belt 59b Pulley 60 Flexographic printing plate precursor 60a Surface 60b Back surface 60c Side edge 60d Edge 60e Corner 60f Tip portion 60g Rear end 70 Rear end pressing portion 71 Rear end pressing portion 72 Base portion 73 Support portion 73a End 74 Pressing plate 76 Supply pipe 77 Supply portion 80 Shaft coupling portion 81 Shaft coupling portion 82 First member 84 Second member 85 Ball 86 First flange 87 Second flange 88 Elastic member 89 Elastic member 90 Pressing portion 92 Case 94 Elastic member 95 Fixed wall A Direction C Rotation axis Cc Circumscribed circle D Conveying direction DL Reverse direction Dc Drive axis Dw Direction P1 Conveying position P2 Conveying position Ps Starting position Q Washing-out liquid R Orbital radius r Distance θ Angle

Claims

1. A washing-out device which develops a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure using a washing-out solution, said washing-out device having a developing unit which performs said development on said flexographic printing plate precursor, said developing unit having a brush used for said development and a drive unit which controls the rotation of said brush around its rotation axis, said brush which performs said development by removing unexposed parts of said flexographic printing plate precursor, said brush having one rotation axis at the center of the brush and having bristles, wherein, where R is the orbital radius of the outer periphery of the brush and r is the distance from the center of the rotation axis to the closest bristles, 0.05<r / R.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit controls the movement of the brush.

3. The washing device according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the rotation orbit of the outer periphery of the brush is 30 to 500 mm.

4. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the brush has bristles having a length of 5 to 30 mm.

5. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the bristles are made of nylon 612 or nylon 610.

6. A washing out device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the developing unit develops the flexographic printing plate precursor by immersing the flexographic printing plate precursor in the washing out solution or by supplying the washing out solution to the flexographic printing plate precursor.

7. A washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the area of ​​the brush projected onto the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor is smaller than the area of ​​the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor.

8. A washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the drive unit moves the brush in two directions perpendicular to the rotation axis of the brush.

9. The washing out device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the developing is carried out by feeding the washing out liquid to the center of the brush through the rotation axis of the brush.

10. A washing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the drive unit has a rotating drive shaft portion, and the brush has a rotating shaft portion with the rotation shaft as its central axis, and the drive shaft portion of the drive unit and the rotating shaft portion of the brush are connected together so that the rotational force of the drive shaft portion of the drive unit can be transmitted to the rotating shaft portion of the brush, and the shaft coupling portion adjusts the inclination of the rotating shaft of the brush relative to the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor, and the inclination of the rotating shaft of the brush is adjusted by the shaft coupling portion, and the tip surface of the brush is positioned parallel to the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor.

11. The washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a transport section that transports the flexographic printing plate precursor along a determined transport path, the transport section using at least one of a belt transport system, a roller transport system, a gear transport system, and a guide transport system.

12. A washing out method for developing a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure using a washing out solution, comprising a developing step of developing the flexographic printing plate precursor using a brush, the brush removing unexposed areas of the flexographic printing plate precursor to carry out the development, the brush having one rotating shaft at the center of the brush and equipped with bristles, wherein r / R satisfies 0.05<r, where R is the orbital radius of the outer periphery of the brush and r is the distance from the center of the rotating shaft to the closest bristles.

13. The washing method according to claim 12, wherein the flexographic printing plate precursor is developed by immersing it in the washing solution or by supplying the washing solution to the flexographic printing plate precursor.

14. A washing method as described in claim 12 or 13, wherein in the developing process, the inclination of the rotation axis of the brush relative to the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor is adjusted so that the tip surface of the brush is positioned parallel to the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor.

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