DESCRIPTION
PLATE SUPPLY AND DISCHARGE DEVICE. PRINTING PLKTE FORMING DEVICE USING SAME. PLATE SUPPLY TABLE. AND PLATE DISCHARGE TABIJB
TedmicalField
[0001]
The present invoition relates to a plate supply and discharge device, a printing plate fonrung device, a plate supply table, and a plate discharge table. In particular, the present inveaition relates to a plate supply and discharge device, a printing plate forming device, a plate supply table, and a plate discharge table which supply a plate for forming a printing plate to a drawing unit receive the printing plate having an image drawn thereon from the drawing unit and deliver it outside.
Background Art
[0002]
IQ the field of printing such as newsp^)er printing and magazine printing, image data produced through editing operation is subjected to REP (Raster-Image-Processing) to genaate binary data, and the binary data is recorded on a plate made of aluminum, thoreby forming a plate for printing (printing plate). Li forrning the printing plate, a CTP(Computer-To-Plate) system for drawing an image directly on a plate without using a film or the like has been recently en^loyed. Li this CTP system, a CTP plate (hereinafter referred to simply as "plate") coated with a photosoisitizer is used as a plate, and a modulated laser beam is irradiated on the surface of the plate according to the binary data, thereby forming the printing plate. [0003]
Mcidentally, when images are drawn on plates of various sizes or when images are consecutively drawn on a large number of plates, for example, the above-maitioned printing plate forming device is prefaably structured such that multiple cassettes for accommodating plates are installed and necessary plates are automatically supplied thoiefrom to the printing plate forming device. In this case, however, it is necessary to install multiple supply devices for supplying the cassettes and to connect them to the printing plate forming device. This causes such problems that a large installation area is required and the structure of the device is complicated. [0004]
Therefore, as disclosed in Patmt Documait 1, there has been proposed a plate supply device including: a multiple cassette unit which has multiple cassettes disposed in multiple stages and which selects, from among them, and delivers a cassette for storing plates necessary for forming a printing

plate; and an auto loader xaat which receives fee delivered cassette, ejects the plates one by one fix)m the
received cassette, and supplies them to a printing plate forming device.
[0005]
Further, Patait Documeatit 2 discloses a plate supply device including: a plate handler which has multiple cassettes disposed in multiple stages and includes an elevator mechanism for allowing Ihe cassettes to independaitly ascend or descaid; and a picker which horizontally moves betweai the plate handler and an imaging aigine, ejects plates from the cassettes, and supplies them to the imaging aigine. TTiis plate supply device is structured such that a part of the cassettes are allowed to ascaid to tha-eby form a space in an upper portion of a cassette for storing necessary plates, and then the picker is moved horizontally into the space and positioned in the upper portion of the cassette, thereby ejecting the plates. [0006]
According to these plate supply devices, plates can be supplied from multiple cassettes simply by installing a single supply device. This enables downsizing of the device and simplification of the structure of the device.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patait No. 3569157
[Patent Documait 2] Japanese Patent No. 2825805
Disdosure of LiventitHi Tedmical Problem
[0007]
As described above, according to the plate supply devices disclosed in PatMit Documents 1 and 2, downsizing of the device can be achieved, for example. However, these devices are stmctured to transfer plates in a curved state when the plates are transfaied from the plate simply device to the printing plate forming device, so the devices have problems in diat it is impossible to transfer plates whose length in the transfer direction is short, and that the plates which can be handled are limited. [0008]
Furflier, in the above-mentioned plate supply devices, plates are inserted betweai a pair of rollers and the rollers guide and transfer the plates. Accordin^y, there is anotha: problem in that the rollers come into contact with the plates during the transfer and the plates are damaged, for example. [0009]
Furthermore, in the above-maxtioned plate supply devices, printing plates are transferred in a curved state or transferred by being guided by the rollers, even in the case of discharging and transferring the printing plates formed in the printing plate supply device. Accordingly, there is a

problem in that the sizes of the printing plates that can be transferred are limited and the finished
printing plates are damaged, for example.
[0010]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-maitioned problems inherent in the prior art, and has an object to provide a plate supply and discharge device, a printing plate forming device, a plate supply table, and a plate discharge table which are capable of transferring plates and printing plates of various sizes and prevaiting the plates and printing plates fix)m being damaged.
Tedmical Solution
[0011]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plate supply and discharge device which supplies a plate to a drawing unit receives a printing plate having an image drawn thereon fipm the drawing unit and dehvers the printing plate outside, the plate supply and discharge device including: a plate supply table which includes: a first atmospheric pressure flotation means that vertically directs a jet of air at the plate and allows the plate to float at atmospheric pressure; a first airflow transfer means that obliquely directs a jet of air at the plate and transfers the plate at atmospheric pressure; and a plurality of plate positioning guides disposed at different positions depending on the size of the plate so as to correspond to one side among four sides of the plate: a plate discharge table which includes: a second atmospheric pressure flotation means that vertically directs a jet of air at the printing plate and allows the printing plate to float at atmospheric pressure; a second airflow transfer means that obliquely directs a jet of air at the printing plate and transfers the printing plate at atmospheric pressure; and a plurality of printing plate positioning guides disposed at differoit positions depaidJng on the size of the printing plate so as to correst)ond to one side among four sides of the printing plate, characterized in that ttie plate in a state of being allowed to float at atmospheric pressure is moved above the plate supply table and supplied to the drawing unit and the printing plate in a state of being allowed to float at atmospheric pressure is moved above the plate discharge table and delivered outside. [0012]
FurthCT, in other to achieve the above-mentioned object according to a second aspect of the presoit invention, there is provided a printing plate forming device characterized by supplying a plate ficom a plate supply and discbarge device according to the first aspect of the presoit invaition to a drawing unit forming a printing plate by drawing an image on flie plate in the drawing unit and delivering the printing plate outside through the plate supply and discharge device.
Further, in other to achieve the above-mentioned object according to a third aspect of the

present invention, there is provided a plate supply table which supplies a plate to a drawing unit, including: a first atmospheric pressure flotation means that verticallv directs a let of air at the plate and allows the plate to float at atmospheric pressure: a first airflow transfo: means that obliquely directs a jet of air at the plate and transfers the plate at atmospheric pressure: and a plurality of plate positioning guides disposed at difSareait positions depatding on the size of the plate so as to correspond to one side among four sides of the plate: and a rockable positioning guide that temporarily regulates a posture of the plate, charactaized in that the plate supply table is structured to be tiltable, and supplies Ifae plate to the drawing unit in a tilted state.
Furlfaer, in other to achieve the above-moitioned object according to a fourth aspect of the present invoition, there is provided a plate discharee table which receives a printing plate having an image drawn tfaoreon fipm a drawing unit and transfers the printing plate, flie plate discharge table including: a second atmospheric pressure flotation means that vertically directs a iet of air at the printing plate and allows the printing plate to float at atmospheric pressure: a second airflow transfer means that obliquely directs a jet of air at the printing plate and transfo^ the printing plate at atmosphoic pressure: a plurality of printing plate positicaiing guides distosed at diffgient positions depending on the size of the printing plate so as to corresiX)nd to one side among four sides of the printing plate: and a delivery means that delivCTS printing plates stacked on a top board fix?m a long side of the top board to the outside of the top board, characterized in that the printing plate positioning guides include a coitral guide extending along a longitudinal direction of flie top board at substantially a central portion in a lateral direction of the top board, and fliat the delivery means discharges, to the outside of the top board, a printing plate placed on one of two areas separated by the central guide, or printing plates placed on both flie areas.
Advantageous Effects
[0013]
According to the presait invoition, it is possible to provide a plate supply and discharee device, a printing plate forming device, a plate supply table, and a plate discharge table which are capable of transferring plates and printing plates of various sizes and prevoiting the plates and printing plates fix)m being damaged.
Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention
[0014]
Fig. 1A shows a longitudinal section of a plate supply and discharge unit 4 which is a plate supply and discharge device according to the present invention. The upper direction of the drawing corresponds to the upper direction of the device. The plate supply and discharge unit 4 is a plate

supply and discharge device which suppEes a plate PI to a drawing unit 3, receives a printing plate P2, which is obtained by drawing an image on the plate PI, from the drawing unit 3, and delivers it outside. The plate supply and display unit 4 includes a plate supply table 41 for allowing the plate PI to float at atmospheric pressure, and is characterized in that the plate PI in a state of being allowed to float at atmospheric pressure is moved above the plate supply table 41 and supplied to the drawing unit 3. Note that, as shown in Fig. IB, a jmnting plate forming device 1 supplies the plate PI fix)m the plate supply and discharge unit 4 to the drawing unit 3 to form the printing plate P2 by drawing an image on the plate PI in the drawing unit 3, and delivors the printing plate P2 outside through the plate supply and discharge unit 4. [0015]
Next, an exemplary embodimait of the present invention will be described in detail with referaice to the drawings. [0016]
As shown in Fig. 2, flie printing plate forming device 1 according to this exen^lary embodiment is roughly composed of: a skid storage unit 2 that stores skids 20a and 20b; the drawing unit 3 that forms a printing plate by drawing an image on (he plate PI which is wound around a rotary drum 30; the plate supply and discharge unit 4 fliat supplies the plate PI to the drawing unit 3 and delivers the printing plate formed by the drawing unit 3; a conveyer 5 that conveys the printing plate delivered from the plate supply and discharge unit 4 to a processor, and an electrical unit 6 which is ' provided with a touch panel 60, a control device, and the like. [0017]
The skid storage unit 2 is disposed adjacent to the plate supply and discharge unit 4, and as shown in Fig. 2C, a placemoit section 21 in which the skids 20a and 20b are placed is provided on a bottom portion thereof. At an upper portion of the skid storage unit 2, there is located an ejection unit 22 which is structured to be vertically movable and ejects the plate PI fix)m the skids 20a and 20b. [0018]
The ejection unit 22 includes: a guide rail 23 which is structured to be telescopicaUy extendable to the plate supply and discharge unit 4; an ejection table which is disposed below the guide rail 23 and moves horizontally along die guide rail 23; first arms 25 which join the guide rail 23 to an I ejection table 24 and is structured to be telescopicaUy extoidable in the vertical direction; multiple suction pads 26 which are disposed below the ejection table 24; and second arms 27 which join the ejection table 24 to each of the suction pads 26 and is structured to be telescopicaUy extendable in the vertical direction. [0019]

The plate supply and discharge unit 4 is disposed adjaceait to the drawing unit 3, and as shoWn in Fig. 3, there are located, at substantially a central portion thereof, a plate supply table 41 which supplies the plate PI to the drawing unit 3, and a plate discharge table 42 which is disposed below the plate supply table 41 and receives the printing plate disdiarged from the drawing unit 3. Each of the plate supply table 41 and the plate discharge table 42 has a flat-plate shape, and the surface size thereof is slightly largo: than a 2W2L-size plate PI (see Fig. 13B). [0020]
The plate supply table 41 is composed of: a table body 41a; a top board 41b disposed on the table body 41a; and a tillt mechanism 41c that tilts the plate supply table 41 to a predetomined angle. As shown in Fig. 4, the top board 41b is provided with plate detection sensors 41d that detect the presaice or absaice of the plate PI, and with multiple nozzle units 41e. [0021]
As shown in Fig. 5, the multiple nozzle units 41e are composed of: atmospheric pressure flotation nozzles 41f that allow the plate PI to float at atmospheric pressure; first airflow transfer nozzles 41h that blow air toward the plate PI at a predetomined angle to thoreby move the plate PI to the back side (upward of the drawing); second airflow transfer nozzles 41j that blow air toward the plate PI to thereby move it to the front side (downward of the drawing); and suction nozzles 41m that introduce air to suck the plate PI. [0022]
The multiple atmospheric pressure flotation nozzles 41f are provided in the top board 41b and are each disposed on a first pipe 41g, which has a comb shsape extaiding in the longitudinal direction of the top board 41b, and are grouped together as a flotation nozzle group. The first pipe 41g is connected witii a soloioid valve (not shown). By controlling opaiing and closing of the soloioid valve, ON/OFF of all the atinospheric pressure flotation nozzles 41f, which are disposed on the first pipe 41g, can be collectively switched.

[0034]
Likewise, the suction nozzles 42n are disposed on ninfli pipes 42p and gK)uped together. Like the suction nozzles 41m (see Fig. 5) of the plate supply table 41, die multiple ninth pipes 42p are provided and the pipes are respectively connected with separate solenoid valves. [0035]
Returning to Fig. 6, at a substantially central portion of the top board 42b, there are provided a third positioning guide 42r which extaids along the longitudinal direction of the top board 42b. In addition, there are provided fourth positioning guides 42s which extraid along the lateral direction of the top board 42b, so as to be orthogonal to the third positioning guide 42r. The third and fourth positioning guides 42r and 42s are structured to be movable in and out of the top board 42b. [0036]
Returning to Fig. 3, a placement section 43 in which a skid 44 is placed is provided below the plate discharge table 42. Although not shown, the placement section 43 is provided with a horizontal movemait mechanism that moves the skid 44 horizontally, thereby enabling the skid 44 to move above the skids 20a and 20b as shown in Fig. 2C. Note that Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate only one stage of the skid 44, but multiple skids 44 may be stored in the placement section 43. In that case, it is preferable that the multiple skids 44 be arranged in multiple stages in the vertical direction and that a skid required for forming a printing plate be allowed to move horizontally from the stages. [0037]
Next, a procedure for forming a printing plate using the printing plate forming device having the above-maitioned structure wiU be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 30. Herein, a SCTJes of operation procedures will be first explained by taking, as an example, the case of handling 1 W2L-size plates PI (see Fig. 13 A), and thean the case of handling plates PI of other sizes will be explained. [0038]
Li forming a printing plate, as shown in Fig. 8, the ejection unit 22 first descends to an ejection position from a standby position, and two plates PI placed on die skids 20a and 20b are sucked by the suction pads 26 (Fig. 9 (1)). Then, as shown in Fig. lOA, die ejection unit 22 ascraids in the state where die plates PI are sucked (Fig. 9 (2)), and after ascending to die standby position, the guide rail 23 is extaided toward die plate supply and discharge unit 4. [0039]
Next, as shown in Fig. 11 A, the ejection table 24 moves horizontally along die guide rail 23, and moves above die plate supply table 41 (Fig. 9 (3)). Thai, as shown in Fig. 12A, the first and second arms 25 and 27 are extended downward to allow die plates PI to descend to a release position, and the suction of die suction pads 26 is released to place die plates PI on the plate supply table 41 (Fig.

9 (4)). Note that the plates PI are placed in such a manner fliat the two plates PI are arranged in a direction orthogonal to a plate supply direction (arrow direction of Fig. 13 A) and placed as shown in Fig. 13A.
[0040]
In this case, the atmospheric pressure flotation nozzles 41 f (see Fig. 5) are driven so that air is blown out of the surface of the plate supply table 41. The plates 1 are maintained in the state of floating slightly at atmospheric pressure, and the plates 1 are moved and positioned. In positioning the ' plates PI, as shown in Fig. 14, the first positioning guides 4lp and the rockable positioning guides 41v, which are disposed on the plate supply table 41, first ascend and project from the surface of the top

board 41b. Note that the first positioning guides 41 p and the rockable positioning guides 41 v may project at a timing when the plates PI are allowed to descend to the release position, or at the previous timing. [0041]
After that, the back-side second airflow transfer nozzles 41j(a) and the front-side first airflow transfer no2zles 41h(b) (see Fig. 5) are driven in the state where the plates PI are allowed to float at atmospheric pressure above the top board 41b, and the plates PI are transferred toward the first positioning guides 41 p by airflow. Then, the plates P1 are aligned to the first positioning guide 41 p side until the plates P1 are detected by the first positioning sensor 41 q. At the time when the plates P1 are moved to a predetermined position, the suction nozzles 41m (see Fig. 5) are driven to suck the plates PI. [0042]
In this manner, the airflow transfer nozzles 41h and 41j are provided aside from the atmospheric pressure flotation nozzles 4If, and the plates are moved only by air without using an extrusion member or the like, thereby making it possible to appropriately prevent the plates PI from being damaged. In addition, in the case where the airflow transfer nozzles 41 h and 41 j are provided, the number of components of the plate supply table 41 and the number of consumable components can be reduced, which can also lead to a reduction in device cost and maintenance cost. [0043]
Further, the first positioning guides 41p are provided only on one side of the plates PI and the positioning is carried out while the plates PI are transferred by airflow toward the first positioning guides 41 p. Accordingly, only one long side of each plate PI comes mlo contact witli the first positioning guides 41p and no other portions of the plate PI come into contact with other members. Thus, the positioning of the plates PI can be carried out in the state where the area and frequency of contact with other members are small. This makes it possible to prevent the plates P1 fix)m being damaged during the positioning. [0044]
Thus, when the positioning of the plates PI is completed, as shown in Fig. 15 A, the ejection table 24 moves horizontally to the skid storage unit 2 side, and the guide rail 23 contracts and the I ejection unit 22 returns to the standby state (state shown in Fig. 2) (Fig. 9 (5)). Then, as shown in Fig. 16B, the tilt mechanism 41c (see Fig. 3) of the plate supply table 41 is driven to tilt the plate supply table 41 toward the drawing unit 3. In this case, the pre-insertion reference guides 41t (see Fig. 14), which are disposed on the plate supply table 41, are allowed to ascend and project above the top board 41b, and the rockable positioning guides 41 v are allowed to descend and stored in the top board 41b,

thereby moving the plates PI to the front side of the pre-insertion reference guides 4 It. [0045]
After that, in accordance with the operation of the rotary drum 30 of the drawing unit 3, the pre-insertion reference guides 41t are stored in the top board 41b and the suction of the plates PI is released. As a result, the plates P1 placed on the plate supply table 41 slide on the top board 41 b by their own weights and are dropped to the drawing unit 3 side along the slope, whereby the plates PI are supplied to the rotary drum 30 (Fig. 9 (6)). [0046]
In this manner, the plates PI in the state of being allowed to float at atmospheric pressure are moved above the plate supply table 41 having a flat plate shape and are supplied to the rotary drum 30. Accordingly, the plates PI can be transferred to the rotary drum 30 while the plates PI are prevented from being curved and are kept in the posture where the plates PI are placed on the plate supply table 41. Thus, the plates P1 can be supplied and transferred regardless of the length in the transfer direction of the plates P1. This makes it possible to eliminate limitations on the plates P1 that can be transferred, and to handle the plates PI of various sizes. [0047]
Further, the plates PI in the state of being allowed to float at atmospheric pressure are moved, thereby making it possible to avoid the plates PI from coming into contact with other members until the plates PI reach a plate supply port of the rotary drum 30, and to prevent the plates PI from being damaged. [0048]
Furthermore, air is utilized for the flotation and transfer of tlie plates PI, thereby eliminating the need for mounting a roller or a conveyer to the plate supply table 41, and enabling formation of the plate supply table 41 with a small thickness.
Therefore, in comparison witii the case of conveyer transportation or the like, space saving can be achieved, and the plate supply and discharge unit 4 and the printing plate forming device 1 can be downsized as a whole. Further, the number of components of the table can be reduced, which can also lead to a reduction in the number of components. [0049]
Furthermore, the plates P1 are transferred to the rotary drum 30 by tilting the plate supply table 41 and allowitig the plates P1 to drop along the slope. This permits the plates P1 to enter the plate supply port of the rotary drum 30 with a certain momentum, and enables the plates PI to be smoothly supplied to the rotary drum 30. Note that in order to prevent the plates PI from being damaged due to an impact caused when the plates enter the plate supply port of the rotary drum 30, the inclination angle

of tlie plate supply table 41 is preferably about 10° or smaller. [0050]
When the plate PI is supplied to the rotary drum 30, as shown in Fig. 17B, the rotary drum 30 is rotationally driven clockwise, and the plate PI is wound around the outer periphery of the rotary drum 30 (Fig. 9 (6)). Then, as shown in Fig. 18B, when the entirety of the plate PI is wound around the rotary drum 30, the plate P1 is irradiated with a laser beam, and a drawing process for the plate PI is started (Fig. 9 (7)). hi parallel with this, as shown in Fig. 18A, the ejection unit 22 descends to the ejection position to suck the subsequent plates PI (third and fourth plates) placed on the skids 20a and 20b. [0051]
Then, as shown in Fig. 19A, the ejection unit 22 ascends to the standby position to allow the subsequent plates PI to ascend (Fig. 9 (8)). Next, as shown in Fig. 20A, the ejection table 24 moves horizontally to the plate supply and discharge unit 4 side, and thereafter, as shown in Fig. 21 A, the ejection table 24 descends to the release position to place the subsequent plates PI on the plate supply table 41 (Fig. 9 (9), (11)). Note that while the subsequent plates P1 are transferred to the plate supply table 41, the drawing process for the initial plates P1 (first and second plates) is continued on the drawing unit 3 side (Fig. 9 (8)-(10)). [0052]
In this manner, the drawing process for the initial plates PI and the process for placing the subsequent plates PI on the plate supply table 41 are carried out in parallel. Accordingly, the subsequent plates PI can be prepared on the plate supply table 41 before the drawing process for the initial plates PI is finished. Thus, after the drawing process for the initial plates PI is finished, the subsequent plates PI can be rapidly supplied to the rotary drum 30 to start the drawing process, and the processing speed for forming the printing plates can be improved. [0053]
When the drawing process for the initial plates PI is finished, as shown in Fig. 22B, the rotary drum 30 is rotationally driven counterclockwise to discharge the printing plates P2, on which images have been drawn, onto the plate discharge table 42 (Fig. 9(11)). Also at this time, the plate discharge table 42 is supplied with air from an air pump or the like, and air is blown out of the surface of the top board 42b. Thus, the printing plates P2 discharged from the rotary drum 30 are maintained in the state of floating slightly at atmospheric pressure from the surface of the top board 42b. Also in this case, as shown in Fig. 23, the third positioning guide 42r disposed on the plate discharge table 42 ascends and projects above the top board 42b, thereby regulating the positions of the printing plates P2 to be discharged. In parallel with this, the fourth and fifth airflow transfer nozzles 42i(a) and 42k(a) on the

back side and the airflow transfer nozzles 42g(b) and 42i(b) on the front side as shown in Fig. 7 are driven, whereby the printing plates P2 are aligned to the third positioning guide 42r side and positioned. [0054]
Then, when the entirety of the printing plates P2 is discharged, third airflow transfer nozzles 42g(a) on the back side (see Fig. 7) are driven, and as shown in Fig. 24A, one of the two plates P2 is transferred by airflow toward the conveyer 5 (Fig. 9(12)). In parallel with this, the plate supply table 41 is tilted, and the subsequent plates PI placed on the plate supply table 41 are supplied to the rotary drum 30 in a similar manner as shown in Fig. 16B. [0055]
In this maimer, also at the time of discharging and transferring the printing plates P2, tiie printing plates P2 are transferred utilizing atmospheric pressure flotation. This makes it possible to transfer the printing plates P2 of various sizes and prevent the printing plates P2 from being damaged, for example, as in the case of supplying and transferring the plates PI. In addition, in positioning the printing plates P2, the printing plates P2 are aligned to the third positioning guide 42r side and positioned, tiiereby making it possible to prevent the printing plates from being damaged during the positioning. [0056]
When the first printing plate P2 is delivered to the processor, air is blown against the second printing plate P2 to transfer it by airflow in a similar manner, and is delivered to the processor through the conveyer 5 as shown in Fig. 25 A (Fig. 9 (12)). At the same time, the rotary drum 30 is rotationally driven clockwise, and the subsequent plate PI is wound around the outer periphery of the rotary drum 30 to start the drawing process. [0057]
After tiiat, the similar process as described above is repeated to draw an image on the subsequent plate PI, and the drawing process is sequentially carried out for the fifth plate PI and subsequent plates PI (Fig. 9 (13) to (20)). [0058]
Note that when the plates PI are picked up from the skid 44 shown in Fig. 2C to draw images thereon, the skid 44 first moves horizontally above the skids 20a and 20b, and then the ejection unit 22 descends to suck the plates PI placed in the skid 44. Then, the ejection unit 22 ascends together with the plates PI, and thereafter the process for placement on the plate supply table 41, the process for supplying plates to the drawing unit 3, and the drawing process are sequentially carried out in a similar manner as shown in Figs. 8 to 25. [0059]

Next, a description is given of the case of handling tlie plate PI and printing plate P2 of 2W2L-size. Note that also in the case of 2W2L-size, the procedures for sucking the plate P1 and the like are substantially the same as those in the case of 1 W2L-size, so the positioning on the plate supply table 41 and the plate discharge table 42 is mainly described herein. [0060]
When the 2W2L-size plate P1 is placed on the plate supply table 41, a single plate P1 is placed at the center of the plate supply table 41 as shown in Fig. 13B. At the time of placement on the plate supply table 41, as shown in Fig. 26, the second positioning guides 41r project above the top board 41b. In this state, the plate PI is transferred by airflow toward the second positioning guides 41r, thereby positioning the plate P1. After that, the plate supply table 41 is tilted to supply the plate P1 to the drawing unit 3 by utili2dng its own weight, and the drawing process is carried out in the drawing unit 3. [0061]
Meanwhile, in the case of discharging the printing plate P2, as shown in Fig. 27, both the third and fourth positioning guides 42r and 42s (see Fig. 6) are stored in the top board 42b, and the printing plate P2 is transferred by airflow toward the guide block 42q. Then, the printing plate P2 is sucked in the state where the printing plate P2 is broi^t into contact with the guide block 42q, thereby positioning the printing plate P2. When the positioning of the printing plate P2 is completed, the suction is released and the third airflow transfer nozzles 42g are driven to transfer the printing plate to the conveyer 5 (see Fig. 2). [0062]
Subsequently, a description is given of the case of handling the plate PI and printing plate P2 of 2WlL-size. Note that, also in this case, the positioning on the plate supply table 41 and the plate discharge table 42 is mainly described. [0063]
When the 2WlL-size plate PI is placed on the plate supply table 41, as shown in Fig. 13C, the plate PI is disposed in parallel with the direction orthogonal to the plate supply direction, and a single plate is placed on the rotary drum 30 side. At the time of placement on the plate supply table 41, as shown in Fig. 28, the second positioning guides 41r are allowed to project above the top board 41b, and the plate PI is transferred by airflow toward the second positioning guides 41r, thereby positioning the plate PI. [0064]
Meanwhile, at the time of discharging the printing plate P2, as shown in Fig. 29, the fourth positioning guides 41s project above the top board 42b. In this state, the printing plate P2 is transferred by airflow toward the fourth positioning guides 41 s and the guide block 42q. Then, the printing plate

P2 is sucked in the state where the printing plate P2 is brought into contact with them, thereby
positioning the printing plate P2.
[0065]
Note that in the case of placing IWlL-size plates PI, as shown in Fig. 13D, two plates PI are placed side by side in the direction orthogonal to the plate supply direction. At the time of placement on the plate supply table 41, in a similar manner as in the case of placing the 1 W2L-size plates P1 (see Fig. 14), the plates PI are transferred by airflow toward the first positioning guides 41p in the state where the first positioning guides 41p are allowed to project above the top board 41b, thereby positioning the plates PI. [0066]
Meanwhile, at the time of discharging the printing plates P2, as shown in Fig. 30, the printing plates P2 are transferred by airflow toward the third and fourth positioning guides 42r and 42s in the state where both the third and fourth positioning guides 42r and 42s are allowed to project above the top board 42b, thereby positioning the printing plates P2. [0067]
In this manner, the first to fourth positioning guides 41p to 41s are disposed at diflFerent positions depending on the size of the plate PI and the printing plate P2, and are structured to be movable in and out of the top board 41 b or the top board 42b. Accordingly, the positioning of the plates PI or the like of various types can be achieved simply by controlling the moving in and out of them depending on the size of the plates PI or the like to be handled, without any limitation on their size. [0068]
Further, since the plates PI or the like of any size are transferred by airflow toward the positioning guides and positioned, the area and frequency of contact with other members can be reduced and the plates PI or the like can be prevented from being damaged, as in the case of positioning the 1 W2L-size plates PI or the like. [0069]
As described above, the plate supply and discharge unit 4 according to this exemplary embodiment is a plate supply and discharge device which supplies the plate PI to the drawing unit 3, receives the printing plate P2, which is obtained by drawing an image on the plate PI, from the drawing unit 3, and delivers it outside. The plate supply and discharge unit 4 includes the plate supply table 41 for allowing the plate PI to float at atmospheric pressure, moves the plate PI in the state of being allowed to float at atmospheric pressure above the plate supply table 41, and supplies it to the drawing unit 3.

[0070]
Since the plates P1 in the state of being allowed to float at atmospheric pressure are moved above the table 41, the plates PI can be transferred to the drawing unit 3 without being curved, and the plates PI of various sizes can be handled without any limitation on the size of the plates PI that can be supplied and transferred. Further, it is possible to avoid the plates PI from coming into contact with other members until the plates reach the drawing unit 3, so the plates PI can be prevented from being damaged. Furthermore, in comparison with the case of conveyer transportation or the like, the de\'ice can be downsized and the number of components can be reduced. [0071]
Further, in the plate supply and discharge unit 4, the plate supply table 41 includes the atmospheric pressure flotation nozzles 41 f for allowing the plates PI to float at atmospheric pressure, and the airflow transfer nozzles 41h and 4 Ij for allowing the plate P1 to float at atmospheric pressure, and the plates P1 axe moved only by air pressure without using an extrusion member or the like. This makes it possible to appropriately prevent the plates P1 from being damaged. Furthermore, the number of components of the plate supply table 41 and the number of consumable components can be reduced, which can also lead to a reduction in device cost and maintenance cost. [0072]
Further, the plate supply and discharge unit 4 is structured to include two or more types of air blowing means having different air blowing directions, such as the airflow transfer nozzles 41h and 41j. Thus, the plates PI can be transferred by airflow not only in one direction but also in multiple directions. This makes it possible to increase the degrees of freedom of transfer directions and positioning of the plates PI. [0073]
Further, in the plate supply and dischaige unit 4, multiple air blowing means having the same air blowing direction are disposed on a single pipe, in at least one of &e atmospheric pressure flotation nozzles 41f and the airflow transfer nozzles 41h and 41j. Thus, the air blowing means are grouped together in each air blowing direction, thereby making it possible to collectively control ON/OFF and simplify the switching control. [0074]
Further, the plate supply and discharge unit 4 includes the first positioning guides 41p, which are disposed on the surface of the plate supply table 41 so as to correspond to one side among the four sides of the plate PI, and transfers the plate PI by airflow toward the first positioning guides 41p to perform positioning of the plate P1 while aligning it to the first positioning guide 41 p. Thus, the plates P1 can be positioned in the state where the area and frequency of contact with other members are

reduced. This makes it possible to prevent the plates P1 from being damaged during the positioning. [0075]
Further, in the plate supply and discharge unit 4, multiple plate positioning guides, such as the first positioning guides 41p and the second positioning guides 41r, are disposed on the surface of the plate supply table 41. The multiple plate positioning guides are disposed at different positions depending on the size of the plates PI and are structured to be movable on the surface of the plate supply table 41 and movable in and out thereof Thus, the positioning of the plates PI of various sizes can be achieved simply by controlling the moving in and out of the plate positioning guides depending on the size of the plates PI to be handled, without any limitation on the size. [0076]
Further, the plate supply and dischai^e unit 4 includes the plate discharge table 42 for receiving the printing plates P2 discharged from the drawing unit 3 and for allowing the plates to float at atmospheric pressure, moves the printing plates P2 in the state of being allowed to float at atmospheric pressure above the plate discharge table 42, and delivers it outside. This makes it possible to transfer the printing plates P2 of various sizes and prevent the printing plates P2 from being damaged, for example, as in the case of supplying and transferring the plates. [0077]
Further, in the plate supply and discharge unit 4, the plate discharge table 42 includes the atmospheric pressure flotation 42e for allowing the printing plates P2 to float at atmospheric pressure, and the airflow transfers 42g, 42i, and 42k for transferring the printing plates P2 by airflow. This makes it possible to ^propriately prevent the printing plates P2 from being damaged, and to reduce the number of components of the table 42 and the number of consumable components. [0078]
Further, the plate supply and discharge unit 4 is structured to include two or more types of air blowing means having different air blowing directions, such as the airflow transfer nozzles 42g, 42j, and 42k. Thus, the printing plates P2 can be transferred by airflow in multiple directions. This makes it possible to increase the degrees of freedom of transfer directions and positioning of the printing plates P2.
[0079]
I Further, in the plate supply and discharge unit 4, multiple air blowing means having the same
air blowing direction are disposed on a single pipe, in at least one of the atmospheric pressure flotation nozzles 42e and the airflow transfer nozzles 42g, 42i, and 42k. Thus, the air blowing means are grouped together, thereby making it possible to collectively control ON/OFF and simplify the switching control.

[0080]
Further, the plate supply and discharge unit 4 includes the third positioning guide 42r, which is disposed on the surface of the plate discharge table 42 so as to correspond to one side among the four sides of the printing plate P2, and transfers the printing plate P2 by airflow toward the third positioning guide 42r to perform positioning of the printing plate P2 while aligning it to the third positioning guide 42r. Thus, it is possible to perform positioning of the printing plate P2 while preventing the printing plate P2 from being damaged. [0081]
Further, in the plate supply and discharge unit 4, multiple printing plate positioning guides, such as the third positioning guide 42r and the fourth positioning guides 41s, are disposed on the surface of the plate supply table 42. The multiple printing plate positioning guides are disposed at different positions depending on the size of the printing plates and are structured to be movable on the surface of the plate supply table 42 and movable in and out thereof Thus, the positioning of the printing plates P2 of various types can be achieved without any limitation on the size. [0082]
Further, in the plate supply and discharge unit 4, at least one of the plate supply table 41 and the plate discharge table 42 (plate supply table 41 in the above-mentioned structure) is structured to be tiltable. Accordingly, at least one of the plate P1 and the printing plate P2 (plate P1 in the above-mentioned structure) can be moved utilizing the inclination. [0083]
Further, in the plate supply and discharge unit 4, the plate supply table 41 and the plate discharge table 42 are disposed in multiple stages in the vertical directioa Accordingly, space saving can be achieved and the plate supply and discharge device can be downsized. [0084]
Further, the plate supply and discharge unit 4 includes the ejection unit 22 for ejecting the plates PI from the skid 20, which stores the plates PI, and for transferring the plates onto the plate supply table 41. The ej ection unit 22 ej ects the subsequent plates P1 from the skid 20 and transfers the plates onto the plate supply table 41 while images are drawn on the plates PI in the drawing unit 3. Thus, before the drawing process for the initial plates PI is finished, the subsequent plates PI can be prepared on the plate supply table 41, and the processing speed for forming the printing plates can be improved. [0085]
Further, the printing plate forming device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment supplies the plates PI from the plate supply and discharge unit 4 to the drawing unit 3, forms printing plates by

drawing images on the plates PI in the drawing unit 3, and delivers tlie printing plates P2 outside through the plate supply and discharge unit 4. This makes it possible to transfer the plates P1 and printing plates P2 of various sizes and to prevent the plates PI and printing plates P2 from being damaged. [0086]
Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned structures and varioiis modifications can be made. [0087]
For example, though the plate supply table 41 is structured to be tiltable and the plate discharge table 42 is horizontally fixed and located in the above-mentioned exemplary embodiment, the plate supply table 41 may be horizontally fixed and located and the plate discharge table 42 may be structured to be tiltable. Alternatively, both the plate supply table 41 and the plate discharge table 42 may be structured to be tiltable and the both may be horizontally fixed and located. [0088]
Moreover, at the time of supplying the 1 W2L-size plates PI to the drawing unit 3, two plates PI are simxoltaneously suppUed (see Fig. 16A) in the above-mentioned exemplary embodiment, but the plates may be supplied one by one in a manner as described below, for example. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 14, after the positioning of the two plates PI is carried out in the state where the first positioning guides 41p are allowed to project above the top board 41b, only one of the plates PI is first supplied to the drawing unit 3, and thereafter the first positioning guides 41p are stored in the top board 41b. Then, the other of the plates PI is transferred by airflow to the position where one of the plates PI is placed, and is supplied to the drawing unit 3 after the first positioning guides 41p are allowed to project again and the positioning is carried out. Note that the same is apphed to the case of supplying the IWlL-size plates PI. [0089]
Further, though only the skids are illustrated as storage units for storing the plates PI in the above-mentioned exemplary embodiment, cassettes may be used in place of the skids, and a combination of both the skids and cassettes may also be used. [0090]
This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese patent application No. 2007-213420, filed on August 20,2007, and Japanese patent application No. 2007-285641, filed on November 2,2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Brief Description of Drawings
[0091]
Fig. 1A is a view showing structures of a plate supply and discharge device and a printing plate forming device according to the present invention;
Fig. IB is a view showing the structures of the plate supply and discharge device and the printing plate forming device according to the present invention;
Fig. 2A is a schematic three-view drawing showing an exemplary embodiment of the printing plate forming device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2B is a schematic three-view drawing showing an exemplary embodiment of the printing plate forming device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2C is a schematic three-view drawing showing an exemplary embodiment of the printing plate forming device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line I-I of Fig. 2A;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a plate supply table shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a top view showing a nozzle unit shown in Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a plate discharge table shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 7 is a top view showing a nozzle unit shown in Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 A is a schematic view showmg a first step of a printing plate forming process;
Fig. 8B is a schematic view showing the first step of the printing plate forming process;
Fig. 9 is a process chart showing the overall procedure of the printing plate forming process;
Fig. 1 DA is a schematic view showing a second step of the printing plate forming process;
Fig. 1 OB is a schematic view showing the second step of the printing plate formiiig process;
Fig. 11A is a schematic view showing a third step of the printing plate forming process;
Fig. 11B is a schematic view showing the third step of the printing plate forming process;
Fig. 12Ais a schematic view showing a fourth step of the printing plate forming process;
Fig. 12B is a schematic view showing the fourth step of the printing plate forming process;
Fig. 13 A is a view showing a placement state of plates;
Fig. 13B is a view showing a placement state of a plate;
Fig. 13C is a view showing a placement state of a plate;
) Fig. 13D is a view showing a placement state of plates;
Fig. 14 is a view showing a positioning state of plates;
Fig. 15 A is a schematic view showing a fifth step of the printing plate forming process;
Fig. 15B is a schematic view showing the fifth step of the printing plate forming process;
Fig. 16A is a schematic view showing a sixth step of the printing plate forming process;

Fig. 16B is a schematic view showing the sixth step of the printing plate forming process; Fig. 17A is a schematic view showing a seventh step of the printing plate forming process; Fig. 17B is a schematic view showing the seventh step of the printing plate forming process; Fig. 18A is a schematic view showing an eighth step of the printing plate forming process; Fig. 18B is a schematic view showing the eighth step of the printmg plate forming process; Fig. 19A is a schematic view showing a ninth step of the printing plate forming process; Fig. 19B is a schematic view showing the ninth step of the printing plate forming process; Fig. 20A is a schematic view showing a tenth step of the printing plate forming process; Fig. 20B is a schematic view showing the tenth step of the printing plate forming process; Fig. 21A is a schematic view showing an eleventh step of the printing plate forming process; Fig. 21B is a schematic view showing the eleventh step of the printing plate forming process; Fig. 22 A is a schematic view showing a twelfth step of the printing plate forming process; Fig. 22B is a schematic view showing the twelfth step of the printing plate forming process; Fig. 23 is a view showing a positioning state of printing plates;
Fig. 24 A is a schematic view showing a thirteenth step of the printing plate forming process;
Fig. 24B is a schematic view showing the thirteenth step of the printing plate forming process;
Fig. 25 A is a schematic view showing a fourteenth step of the printing plate forming process;
Fig. 25B is a schematic view showing the fourteenth step of the printing plate forming process;
Fig. 26 is a view showing a positioning state of a 2W2L-size plate;
I Fig. 27 is a view showing a positioning state of a 2W2L-size printing plate;
Fig. 28 is a view showing a positioning state of a 2WlL-size plate; Fig. 29 is a view showing a positioning state of a 2WlL-size printing plate; and Fig. 30 is a view showing a positioning state of 1 WlL-size printmg plates.
5 Explanation of Reference
[0092]
1 PRINTING PLATE FORMING DEVICE
2 SKID STORAGE UNIT
3 DRAWING UNIT
0 4 PLATE SUPPLYAND DISCHARGE UNIT
5 CONVEYER
6 ELECTRICAL UNIT 20a, 20b SKID
21 PLACEMENT SECTION

22 EJECTION UNIT
23 GUIDE RAIL
24 EJECTION TABLE
25 FIRST ARM
26 SUCTION PAD
27 SECOND ARM
30 ROTARY DRUM
41 PLATE SUPPLY TABLE
41a TABLE BODY
41b TOP BOARD
41c TILT MECHANISM
41d PLATE DETECTION SENSOR
41 e NOZZLE UNIT
41f ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE FLOTATION NOZZLE
41 g FIRST PIPE
41h FIRST AIRFLOW TRANSFER NOZZLE
41i SECOND PIPE
41j SECOND AIRFLOW TRANSFER NOZZLE
41k THIRD PIPE
41m SUCTION NOZZLE
41n FOURTH PIPE
41 p FIRST POSITIONING GUIDE
41q FIRST POSITIONING SENSOR
41r SECOND POSITIONING GUIDE
5 41s SECOND POSITIONING SENSOR
4It PRE-INSERTION REFERENCE GUIDE
41u INSERTION POSITION DETERMINING SENSOR
41V ROCKABLE POSITIONING GUIDE
42 PLATE DISCHARGE TABLE
0 42a TABLE BODY
42b TOP BOARD
42c PLATE DETECTION SENSOR
42d NOZZLE UNIT
42e ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE FLOTATION NOZZLE

42f FIFTH PIPE
42g THIRD AIRFLOW TRANSFER NOZZLE
42h SIXTH PIPE
42i FOURTH AIRFLOW TRANSFER NOZZLE
42j SEVENTH PIPE
42k FIFTH AIRFLOW TRANSFER NOZZLE
42m EIGHTH PIPE
42n SUCTION NOZZLE
42p NINTH PIPE
42q GUIDE BLOCK
42r THIRD POSITIONING GUIDE
41 s FOURTH POSITIONING GUIDE
43 PLACEMENT SECTION
44 SKID
60 TOUCH PANEL
PI PLATE
P2 PRINTING PLATE

CLAIMS
1 .(Currently amended) A plate supply and discharge device which supplies a plate to a drawing unit, receives a printing plate having an image drawn thojeon fom the drawing unit, and delivers the printing plate outside, the plate supply and discharge device comprising:
a plate supply table which includes: a first atmospheric pressure flotation means fcat vertically directs a jet of air at the plate and allows the plate to float at atmospheric pressure: a first airflow transfer means that obliquely directs a jet of air at the plate and transfers the plate at atmosphaic pressure: and a plurality of plate positioning guides disposed at dififereot positions depending on fee size of the plate so as to correspond to one side among four sides of the plate;
a plate discharge table which includes: a second atmospheric pressure flotation means fliat vertically directs a jet of air at the printing plate and allows the printing plate to float at atmospheric pressure: a second airflow transfer means that obliquely directs a jet of air at the printing plate and transfers the printing plate at atmospheric pressure: and a plurality of printing plate positioning guides disposed at different positions depending on the size of the printing plate so as to correspond to one side among four sides of the printing plate.
wherein the plate in a state of bdng allowed to float at atmospheric pressure is moved above the plate supply table and supplied to the drawing unit and the printing plate in a state of being allowed to float at atmospheric pressure is moved above the plate dischame table and delivored outside.
2.(Curraitiy amaided) The plate supply and discharge device according to Qaim 1. wherein the plate supply table comprises a first plate detection soisor that detects presence or absence of the plate.
3.(Currentiy amended) The plate supply and discharge device according to Qaim 1 or Z wherein the plate discharge table comprises a second plate detectic«i sensor that detects presence or absence of the printing plate.
4.(Cunjeiitly amended) The plate supply and discharge device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the first airflow transfer means includes two or more types of air blowing means having different air blowing directions.
5.(Currently amraided) The plate supply and discharge device according to any one of Qaims 1 to 4, wherein in at least one of the first atmospheric pressure flotation means and the first airflow transfo" means, a plurality of air blowing means having the same air blowing direction is disposed on a single pipe.

6.(Cuirently ameaided) The plate supply and discharge device accordiag to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the plate is transfenied by airflow toward the plate positioning guides, and the plate is positioned by being aligned to the plate positioning guides.
7.(Cun-endy amaided) The plate supply and discharge device according tn naim 6. whaein the plurality of plate positioning guides is structured to be movable on the surface of the table and movable in and out fliereof .
8.(Curraifly amended) The plate supply and discharge device according to any one of Qaims 1 to 7, wherein the second airflow transfer means includes two or more types of air blowing means having diffCTent air blowing directions.
9.(Currenfly amaided) ITie plate supply and discharge device according to any one of qaims 1 to 8, wherein in at least one of the second atmospheric pressure flotation means and the second airflow transfCT means, a plurality of air blowing means having the same air blowing direction is disposed on a single pipe.
10.(Cuirenfly amended) The plate supply and discharge device according to any one of Qaims 1 to 9, wherein the printing plate is transferred by airflow toward the printing plate positioning guides, and Ifae printing plate is positioned by being aligned to the printing plate positioning guides.
ll.(Currentiy amaided) Ibe plate supply and discharge device according to Claim 10. wherein the plurality of printing plate positioning guides is stmctured to be movable on the siaf ace of the second table and movable in and out thereof.
12.(Currenliy amended) The plate supply and discharge device according to any one of Claims 1 toll, wherein the plate supply table is structured to be tiltable.
13.(Currentiy amended) The plate supply and discharge device according to any one of aaims 1 to 12, wherein the plate supply table and the plate discharge table are vatically disposed in multiple stages.
14.(Currentiy amended) The plate supply and discharge device according to any one of Qaims 1 to 13, further comprising a plate ejection means that ejects the plate from a storage section for storing the plate and transfers the plate onto the table.

wherein the plate ejection means ejects a subsequmt plate ftx>m the stor^e section and transfers the subsequent plate onto the table during a time when an image is drawn on the plate in the drawing unit
15.(CurrentIy amended) A printing plate forming device characterized by supplying a plate fiom a plate supply and discharge device as claimed in any one of Qaims 1 to 14 to a drawing unit forming a printing plate by drawing an image on the plate in Ifae drawing unit, and delivering the printing plate outside through the plate supply and discharge device.
16.(Currendy amended) A plate supply table which supplies a plate to a drawing unit comprising:
a first atmospheric pressure flotation means that vertically directs a jet of air at the plate and allows (he plate to float at atmospheric pressure:
a first airflow transfer means that obliquely directs a jet of air at the plate and transfers the plate at atmospheric pressure;
a plurality of plate positioning guides disposed at differait positions depending on the size of the plate so as to correspond to one side among four sides of the plate; and
a rockable positioning guide that temporarily regulates a posture of the plate.
wherein the plate supply table is structured to be tiltable. and supplies the plate to the drawing unit in a tilted state.
17.(New) The plate supply table according to Qaim 15, further comprising an insCTtion position determining seaisor that detects whether a plate is presait at a predetermined position for supplying the plate to the drawing unit
18.(New) The plate supply table according to Qaim 16 or 17. fijtfag- comprising a first plate detectjcm sensor that detects presence or absence of the plate.
19.(New) Aplate disdiarge table which receives aprinting plate having an image drawn fliereon fix>m a drawing unit and transfers the printing plate, the plate discharge table comprising:
a second atmospheric pressure flotation means that vertically directs a jet of air at the printing plate and allows the printing plate to float at atmospheric pressure;
a second airflow transfer means fcat obhquely directs a jet of air at the printing plate and transfers the printing plate at atmospheric pressure;
a plurality of printing plate positioning guides disposed at difiermt positions depoiding on the

size of the printing plate so as to correspond to one side among four sides of the printing plate; and
a delivery means that delivers printing plates stacked on a top board fipm a long side of the top
board to the outside of the top board,
wherein the printing plate positioning guides include a caitral guide extaiding along a
longitudinal direction of the top board at substantially a central portion in a lataal direction of the top
board, and
whCTcin the delivery means discharges, to the outside of the top board, a printing plate placed on
one of two areas separated by the central guide, or printing plates placed on both the areas.
20.(New) The plate discharge table according to Qaim 19. fiirtfaer comprising a second plate detection sensor that detects presoice or absence of ftie printing plate.