JP7813466B2 - Plate storage device - Google Patents

Description

Patent Act Article 30, Paragraph 2 applies. Exhibition name: IGAS 2022 International General Printing Technology & Solutions Exhibition Date: November 24th to 28th, 2022

The present invention relates to a plate storage device that stores printing plates on a receiving table.

Conventionally, printing plates made by a platemaking device are loaded onto a printing press and used to print a printed product. The plates made by the platemaking device are sorted for each printing press and stored on a movable receiving tray by a plate storage device. The receiving tray with the stored plates is then transported to the printing press location, and the plates are loaded onto the printing press.

The plate storage device also stores printing plates by holding the receiving table at a predetermined plate storage position. To hold the receiving table at the plate storage position, the receiving table is attracted and held in place by the magnetic force of a permanent magnet, or a connecting pin is inserted into the overlapping point between the receiving table and the plate storage device.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-330489

However, when moving the receiving platform after the plates had been stored, it was necessary to apply force against the magnetic force of the permanent magnet to separate the receiving platform, or to remove the connecting pin, which required manual labor and was time-consuming. Furthermore, the need for manual labor made it difficult to automate the process.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a plate storage device that reduces the effort required to separate the receiving base and is also compatible with automation.

The plate storage device of the present invention is a plate storage device that stores printing plates on a receiving table, and is equipped with a support section on which the receiving table is placed so that it can be moved horizontally, and a detachable holding section that can be controlled to switch between a holding state that holds the receiving table placed on the support section and a holding release state that releases the holding of the receiving table, and that holds the receiving table at a plate storage position where the printing plates are stored.

This invention provides a plate storage device that reduces the effort required to separate the receiving base and is also compatible with automation.

1 is a configuration diagram of a printing plate processing system equipped with a plate storage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. 10 is a front view of a plate storage device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

Figure 1 shows a configuration diagram of a printing plate processing system 10. The printing plate processing system 10 includes a plate making section 12 that makes printing plates 11, and a plate storage device 14 that stores the printing plates 11 made by the plate making section 12 on a receiving table 13.

The platemaking section 12 includes a CTP (Computer To Plate) that prints printing information on the printing plate 11, an automatic developing machine that develops the printing information printed on the printing plate 11 (omitted if the printing plate 11 is an unprocessed plate), and more.

The plate storage device 14 has multiple plate storage sections (printing plate transfer sections) 15 and one transfer unit 16 that can move relative to these plate storage sections 15. Each plate storage section 15 has a receiving table arrangement section 17 on which a receiving table 13 is located. The plate storage device 14 also has a sorting mechanism that sorts printing plates 11, for example, by job (order number). The transfer unit 16 receives printing plates 11 sent from the plate making section 12, and the transfer unit 16 moves to the plate storage section 15 to which the printing plates 11 are to be sorted. The transfer unit 16 then transfers the printing plates 11 to receiving tables 13 arranged in the receiving table arrangement section 17 of the plate storage section 15 to which the plates are to be sorted, and stores the plates.

In the following, in the plate storage device 14, the direction in which the plate storage section 15 and the receiving tray arrangement section 17 are aligned is referred to as the first direction A, and the direction intersecting this first direction A and in which multiple plate storage sections 15 are aligned is referred to as the second direction B.

In this embodiment, three plate storage sections 15 and receiving tray arrangement sections 17 are arranged in a row in the second direction B, and the transfer unit 16 is capable of moving in the second direction (sorting movement direction) B in which the multiple plate storage sections 15 are lined up. Note that the number of plate storage sections 15 and receiving tray arrangement sections 17 is not limited to three, and may be two, four or more, or there may be only one with no sorting function.

Figures 2 to 7 show the structure of the plate storage device 14. Figures 2 to 4 show one plate storage section 15 and pedestal arrangement section 17, as well as a transfer unit 16 moved to this plate storage section 15 and a pedestal 13 arranged in the pedestal arrangement section 17. Figures 5 to 7 show enlarged views of one plate storage section 15 and pedestal arrangement section 17.

The receiving table 13 comprises a rectangular base 20 in plan view, legs 21 protruding downward from both longitudinal sides of the base 20, and a receiving portion 22 supported on the upper surface of the base 20 and adapted to receive the printing plate 11 transferred by the transfer unit 16.

The receiving portion 22 has a stand 23 that is approximately the same width as the base portion 20 in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter also referred to as the left-right direction) and is inclined in the short direction that intersects the longitudinal direction of the base portion 20, allowing the printing plate 11 to rest at an angle, and a rest 24 that supports the lower edge of the printing plate 11 resting against the stand 23.

The receiving platform 13 has one side in the shorter direction of the base 20, which is opposite the direction in which the upper side of the stand 23 slopes, as a receiving surface 25 that receives the printing plate 11 transferred by the transfer unit 16 into the receiving section 22. The receiving platform 13 is arranged in the receiving platform arrangement section 17 so that the receiving surface 25 faces the plate storage section 15. The side of the base 20 on the receiving surface 25 side is a held surface made of at least a magnetic material. In this embodiment, the base 20 is made of a magnetic metal material. The bottom surfaces of the legs 21 are also flat.

The plate storage unit 15 also has a base 31 installed on the floor 30. Guide rails 32 and tracks 33 are arranged on the base 31 along the second direction B. The bases 31 of multiple plate storage units 15 are integrally connected in the second direction B, and the guide rails 32 and tracks 33 are arranged across the multiple connected bases 31.

The plate storage section 15 is also provided with a holding unit 36 that holds the receiving table 13, which is arranged in the receiving table arrangement section 17, at a predetermined plate storage position (mounting position of the receiving table 13) 35 for storing the printing plate 11 on the receiving table 13. The holding unit 36 includes a detachable holding section 37 that detachably holds the receiving table 13, and a moving section 38 that supports the detachable holding section 37 and moves it in the first direction A.

The detachable holding unit 37 can be controlled, for example, by air pressure or electric drive, to switch between a holding state in which it holds the receiving base 13 and a holding release state in which it releases its hold on the receiving base 13. A magnetic gripper, for example, is used for the detachable holding unit 37. The magnetic gripper uses a permanent magnet that generates magnetic force, and by using air pressure to switch and move the position of the permanent magnet, it can be controlled to switch between a holding state in which the magnetic force of the permanent magnet acts on the receiving base 13 to attract it, and a holding/unlocking state in which the magnetic force acting on the receiving base 13 is reduced to release its hold on the receiving base 13. A solenoid valve or the like is used to switch the air pressure supplied to the magnetic gripper. Note that the magnetic gripper may also be designed to switch between the holding state and the holding release state of the receiving base 13 by electrically switching its magnetic poles. Therefore, the detachable holding unit 37 can be controlled to switch between the holding state and the holding release state of the receiving base 13 in response to an electrical switching operation.

The detachable holding sections 37 are located on the side of the plate storage section 15 facing the receiving pedestal placement section 17, and are positioned opposite two locations on the left and right (longitudinal) of the side (held surface) of the base section 20 of the receiving pedestal 13 placed in the receiving pedestal placement section 17, and are capable of magnetically attracting and holding the two locations on the left and right of the side of the base section 20 of the receiving pedestal 13.

The detachable holding unit 37 may be, for example, an electromagnet or a suction pad that adheres using negative pressure, or it may be a claw mechanism with claws that hook onto the receiving base 13, or a hand mechanism that grasps and holds the receiving base 13. Regardless of the structure, the detachable holding unit 37 may be capable of switching between a holding state and a released state of the receiving base 13 through an electrical switching operation. This electrical switching operation may involve directly electrically driving the detachable holding unit 37, or it may involve electrically driving a solenoid valve that switches the air pressure supplied to the detachable holding unit 37, and includes both direct and indirect electrical switching operations.

The moving unit 38 includes a fixed member 39 attached to the underside of the base 31, a moving member 41 (which may be composed of multiple members or a single member) supported for movement along the first direction A via slide mechanisms 40 provided at two locations on the fixed member 39 in the second direction B, arms 42 erected at two locations on the moving member 41 in the second direction B, and a cylinder 43 attached to the fixed member 39 as a drive unit for moving the moving member 41 in the first direction A. A detachable holding unit 37 is attached to the upper end of each arm 42.

Operation of the cylinder 43 moves the moving member 41 supporting the detachable holding unit 37 in the first direction A, moving the detachable holding unit 37 between a first position (advance position) and a second position (retracted position). Movement to the first position (advance position) enables the detachable holding unit 37 to hold the pedestal 13 placed in the pedestal placement section 17, and movement to the second position (retracted position) places the pedestal 13 held by the detachable holding unit 37 in the plate storage position 35.

A receiving tray detection sensor 44 is provided on the fixed member 39. This sensor detects the presence or absence of the receiving tray 13 when the detachable holding section 37 is moved to the second position (retracted position), thereby detecting whether the receiving tray 13 is being held or whether the receiving tray 13 is positioned at the plate storage position 35.

The loading and unloading unit 16 also includes a movable platform 50. A plurality of wheels 51 are arranged on the underside of the movable platform 50, which rest on the upper surface of the base 31 to support the movable platform 50 and enable it to travel in the second direction B. Guide rollers 52 are arranged on the underside of the movable platform 50 to guide movement in the second direction B along the guide rails 32. A moving mechanism 54 is arranged on the movable platform 50, which has a travel motor 53 and travels on the track 33 of the base 31 to move the movable platform 16 in the second direction B.

A transfer mechanism 55 is disposed on the movable table 50, which receives the printing plate 11 sent from the platemaking section 12 and transfers it to the receiving table 13. The transfer mechanism 55 includes a transport section 56 that receives the printing plate 11 transported from the platemaking section 12 in the first direction A and transports it to a predetermined position on the forward side, downstream in the transport direction; a first swinging section 57 that swings the transport section 56 downward around the rear side, upstream in the transport direction, as a fulcrum; a transfer section 58 that receives the printing plate 11 from the transport section 56 that has been swung downward and holds it by suction; and a second swinging section 59 that swings the transfer section 58 upward around the front side, as a fulcrum.

By swinging the transfer unit 58, which holds the printing plate 11 by suction, upward around the second swing unit 59 as a fulcrum, the printing plate 11 is converted into an upright position while rotating and moving forward and downward. This change in position tilts the printing plate 11 so that it can be leaned against the leaning portion 23 of the receiving portion 22 of the receiving table 13, and the lower edge of the printing plate 11 is positioned above the loading portion 24 of the receiving portion 22. In this state, suction by the transfer unit 58 is released, and the printing plate 11 is transferred to the receiving portion 22 of the receiving table 13.

The cradle placement section 17 also includes a support section 70 that supports the cradle 13 to be placed so that it can move horizontally, a positioning mechanism 71 that positions the cradle 13 placed on the support section 70 in the second direction B, and an automated guided vehicle entry section 72 that allows an automated guided vehicle 84 (see Figures 1 and 5) to enter.

The support units 70 are arranged at a predetermined interval on both sides of the pedestal placement unit 17 in the second direction B, and rest on the bottom surfaces of the legs 21 on both longitudinal sides of the pedestal 13 to support the pedestal 13 so that it can move horizontally. The support units 70, for example, use a plurality of ball rollers 74 attached to the upper surface of an installation member 73 installed on the floor surface 30. The pedestal 13 placed on the ball rollers 74 is supported so that it can move freely in any horizontal direction, including the first direction A, the second direction B, and directions oblique to these directions. Note that the support units 70 are not limited to ball rollers 74, and may also be, for example, an XY stage or a lubricating material with a low friction coefficient that can slide and move the pedestal 13 placed thereon.

The positioning mechanism 71 positions the receiving table 13 in the second direction B using one side of the second direction B as a reference. A plurality of positioning rollers 75 are arranged on one side of the second direction B, which serve as a reference, and a plurality of pressing rollers 76 are arranged on the other side of the second direction B, which are movable in the second direction B toward and away from the positioning rollers 75.

At least two positioning rollers 75 are used, arranged side by side in the first direction A at fixed positions on the installation table 77. The installation table 77 is installed on the installation member 73.

At least two pressure rollers 76 are used, arranged side by side in the first direction A on the moving unit 78. The moving unit 78 is supported on an installation table 79 so as to be movable in the second direction B along guide rails 80 arranged in the second direction B, and moves in the second direction B relative to the installation table 79 by a cylinder (not shown) that serves as a positioning drive unit arranged within the moving unit 78. The pressure roller 76 of the moving unit 78 moves between an advanced position where it positions the receiving table 13 by clamping it between itself and the positioning roller 75, and a retracted position where it releases the clamping of the receiving table 13 between itself and the positioning roller 75. The installation table 79 is installed on the installation member 73.

Each roller 75, 76 is positioned at a height that allows it to abut against the side of the base portion 20 of the receiving table 13, which is supported on the support portion 70. Each roller 75, 76 is supported so that it can rotate horizontally around a vertical axis; that is, the circumferential surfaces of the rollers 75, 76 can rotate in the first direction A, positioning the receiving table 13 so that it can move in the first direction A.

A platform stopper 81 is provided on the installation member 73, opposite the plate storage section 15 where the detachable holding section 37 is located, to abut against the side of the leg 21 of the platform 13 placed on the ball roller 74 and regulate its position.

The distance in the second direction B between the pressing roller 76 and the positioning roller 75 in the retracted position is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the receiving pedestal 13, and the distance in the first direction A between the detachable holding portion 37 and the receiving pedestal stopper 81 in the second position (retracted position) is greater than the lateral dimension of the receiving pedestal 13, allowing the receiving pedestal 13 to be placed or removed from the receiving pedestal placement portion 17.

Therefore, in a plan view of the receiving tray placement section 17, the receiving tray placement range in which the receiving tray 13 can be placed is larger than the dimensions of the receiving tray 13, accommodating variations in the placement position of the receiving tray 13 due to factors such as the automated guided vehicle 84. Furthermore, the receiving tray 13 placed within the receiving tray placement range can be positioned by the positioning mechanism 71, and can be positioned and held at the plate storage position 35 by the holding unit 36.

A cradle detection sensor 82 that detects the presence or absence of the cradle 13 is disposed in the cradle placement section 17. This cradle detection sensor 82 is disposed on a frame 83 that is erected on the installation base 77. The positioning mechanism 71 performs positioning operation when the cradle detection sensor 82 detects the cradle 13.

The positioning mechanism 71 may also sandwich the receiving base 13 from both sides in the second direction B and position it at a central position. The positioning roller 75 and the pressing roller 76 may also be positioning members with lubricity that allow movement in the first direction A when the receiving base 13 is positioned.

By arranging the support members 70 on both sides at a distance in the second direction B, the AGV entry section 72 is provided on the floor surface 30 between the support members 70 on both sides, allowing the lift member 85 of the AGV 84 traveling on the floor surface 30 to enter and exit (see Figure 5). The lift member 85 of the AGV 84 contacts and lifts the underside of the platform 20 between the legs 21 on both sides of the receiving platform 13. When the lift member 85 rises, it raises the bottom of the leg 21 to a height higher than the ball rollers 74 and the receiving platform stopper 81 of the support member 70. When the lift member 85 descends, the leg 21 moves away from the floor surface 30 or below the platform 20 of the receiving platform 13 placed on the support member 70.

In addition to the lift section 85 of the automated guided vehicle 84, a hand lift for manually transporting the receiving platform 13 can also enter the automated guided vehicle entry section 72.

Next, we will explain the operation of the printing plate processing system 10.

As shown in Figure 1, printing plates 11 made in the plate making section 12 are transported to the plate storage device 14. The plate storage device 14 sorts the printing plates 11, for example, by job (order number). A transfer unit 16 moves to a receiving position for the printing plates 11 from the plate making section 12, receives the printing plates 11 transported from the plate making section 12, and then moves to the plate storage section 15 to which the printing plates 11 are to be sorted. The printing plates 11 are then transferred to a receiving tray 13 arranged in a receiving tray arrangement section 17 of the plate storage section 15 to which they are to be sorted, and stored.

Once the storage of the printing plates 11 to be stored on the receiving tray 13 is complete, the receiving tray 13 is removed from the receiving tray placement section 17 by the automated guided vehicle 84 and transported to its destination, such as the location of a specified printing press. The next receiving tray 13 to be stored is transported and placed in the receiving tray placement section 17 from which the receiving tray 13 was removed by the automated guided vehicle 84.

In addition, in the plate storage device 14 equipped with a sorting mechanism, the printing press and the receiving tray 13 are linked, so that the printing plates 11 to be used on the printing press are sorted and stored on the receiving tray 13 linked to the printing press by the plate storage device 14, and these plates 11 are then transported to the printing press to which the receiving tray 13 on which they are stored is linked.

Since printing presses use multiple printing plates 11 for printing, by inputting printing plate information into the plate storage device 14, the multiple printing plates 11 used for each printing run on the printing press are sorted and stored on the receiving tray 13, eliminating the need for workers to sort the printing plates 11.

Next, we will explain the operation of the plate storage device 14.

When an automated guided vehicle 84 carrying a tray 13 storing printing plates 11 approaches a designated tray placement area 17, the lift unit 85 of the automated guided vehicle 84 enters the automated guided vehicle entry area 72 of the tray placement area 17, and the legs 21 on both sides of the tray 13 on the lift unit 85 are positioned above the ball rollers 74 of the support unit 70. The lift unit 85 then descends, placing the legs 21 on both sides of the tray 13 on the ball rollers 74 of the support unit 70. The automated guided vehicle 84 may move to transport another tray 13.

The receiving tray 13 placed in the receiving tray placement section 17 is positioned anywhere within the receiving tray placement range between the detachable holding section 37 and the receiving tray stopper 81 in the first direction A, and between the positioning roller 75 and the pressing roller 76 in the second direction B.

When the receiving platform 13 placed in the receiving platform placement section 17 is detected by the receiving platform detection sensor 82, the pressing roller 76 is advanced, and the base portion 20 of the receiving platform 13 is sandwiched between the pressing roller 76 and the positioning roller 75, positioning the position of the receiving platform 13 in the second direction B. At this time, the ball rollers 74 supporting the receiving platform 13 allow the receiving platform 13 to move in any horizontal direction. Therefore, even if the receiving platform 13 is placed diagonally between the rollers 75, 76, the receiving platform 13 is positioned parallel to the rollers 75, 76.

The cylinder 43 of the holding unit 36 advances the detachable holding portion 37 from the second position (retracted position) to the first position (advanced position) where it contacts the base portion 20 of the receiving base 13. The detachable holding portion 37 is advanced to a position where it sandwiches the receiving base 13 between itself and the receiving base stopper 81, ensuring that the detachable holding portion 37 contacts the base portion 20 of the receiving base 13 regardless of where the detachable holding portion 37 is positioned within the receiving base arrangement range.

By controlling the switching of the detachable holding unit 37, the magnetic force of the detachable holding unit 37 acts on the base 20 of the receiving stand 13, attracting and holding the base 20 of the receiving stand 13.

The cylinder 43 of the holding unit 36 retracts the detachable holding section 37 from the first position (advance position) to the second position (retracted position), and the receiving platform 13 is moved along the first direction A to the plate storage position 35. At this time, the receiving platform 13 is sandwiched between rollers 75 and 76 and positioned and held in the second direction B. As the receiving platform 13 moves in the first direction A, the rollers 75 and 76 rotate, allowing the receiving platform 13 to move smoothly to the plate storage position 35. Furthermore, the ball rollers 74 supporting the receiving platform 13 also allow the receiving platform 13 to move smoothly to the plate storage position 35.

When the receiving tray 13 is moved to the plate storage position 35, it is clamped between rollers 75 and 76 to position and hold it in the second direction B, and the detachable holding section 37 positions and holds it in the first direction A.

While the receiving tray detection sensor 44 detects the receiving tray 13 held in the plate storage position 35, the transfer unit 16 transfers the printing plate 11 to the receiving tray 13.

When storing multiple printing plates 11 on one receiving table 13, the printing plates 11 may be stored on the receiving table 13 by shifting the position of the transfer unit 16 in the second direction B. In this case, if one side of the printing plate 11 has a bent portion for mounting it on the printing press, this prevents the bent portions from overlapping and deforming or damaging the printing plate 11. Furthermore, since the positions of each printing plate 11 are shifted, it is easier to remove the printing plates 11 from the receiving table 13, making it easier to handle the printing plates 11.

Once the printing plate 11 to be stored on the receiving table 13 has been stored, the cylinder 43 of the holding unit 36 advances the detachable holding section 37 from the second position (retracted position) to the first position (advanced position), and the detachable holding section 37 is moved to a removal position by the automated guided vehicle 84. This removal position is, for example, a position where the receiving table 13 abuts against the receiving table stopper 81, or a predetermined position within the receiving table arrangement range in front of the receiving table stopper 81.

By controlling the switching of the detachable holding unit 37, the magnetic attraction and holding of the receiving base 13 by the detachable holding unit 37 is released. After the attraction and holding is released, the detachable holding unit 37 is retracted by the cylinder 43 from the first position (advance position) to the second position (retracted position). Furthermore, the pressing roller 76 is moved to the retracted position, and the holding of the receiving base 13 is released.

This allows the tray 13 with completed storage plates 11 for each job (order number) to be removed from the tray placement section 17 and automatically transitioned to a state where it can be transported.

Furthermore, once the storage of the printing plate 11 to be stored on the receiving table 13 is complete, the cylinder 43 of the holding unit 36 may not operate, and the holding of the receiving table 13 may be released by switching control of the detachable holding section 37 while the receiving table 13 is positioned in the plate storage position 35.

When the automated guided vehicle 84 arrives at the cradle placement section 17 to retrieve the cradle 13 for which plate storage has been completed, the lift section 85 of the automated guided vehicle 84 enters the automated guided vehicle entry section 72 of the cradle placement section 17, the lift section 85 is raised, and the cradle 13 is lifted from the support section 70. The automated guided vehicle 84 then travels to transport the cradle 13 for which plate storage has been completed from the cradle placement section 17 to its destination, such as the location of a designated printing press.

The plate storage device 14 configured as described above is equipped with a detachable holding unit 37 that can be switched between a holding state in which the plate is held by the receiving base 13 and a holding release state in which the holding of the receiving base 13 is released. This allows the holding of the receiving base 13 to be automatically released, reducing the effort required to detach the receiving base 13 and enabling automation when using an automated guided vehicle 84 to transport the receiving base 13.

Furthermore, the plate storage device 14 includes a moving unit 38 that moves the detachable holding unit 37 between the first position and the second position; when moving to the first position, the detachable holding unit 37 holds the receiving tray 13 placed in the receiving tray placement unit 17; and when moving to the second position, the receiving tray 13 held by the detachable holding unit 37 is placed at the plate storage position 35. Therefore, the receiving tray 13 placed in the receiving tray placement unit 17 can be held by the detachable holding unit 37 or moved to the plate storage position 35. Moreover, the receiving tray 13 at the plate storage position 35 where plate storage has been completed can be moved to a removal position where it can be removed from the receiving tray placement unit 17.

Furthermore, the receiving tray placement section 17 has a positioning mechanism 71 that positions the receiving tray 13 in a second direction B that intersects with the first direction A in which the moving section 38 moves the detachable holding section 37, and a support section 70 that supports the receiving tray 13 so that it can move in both the first direction A and the second direction B. This ensures a receiving tray placement range within which the receiving tray 13 can be placed on the receiving tray placement section 17, and can accommodate variations in the placement position of the receiving tray 13 due to factors such as the automated guided vehicle 84. The receiving tray 13 can then be positioned and placed at the plate storage position 35.

Furthermore, the receiving tray placement section 17 has an automated guided vehicle entry section 72 through which an automated guided vehicle 84 can enter. Therefore, the automated guided vehicle 84 entering the automated guided vehicle entry section 72 transports the receiving tray 13 storing the printing plates 11 to the receiving tray placement section 17, and the receiving tray 13 with the printing plates 11 stored thereon is transported from the receiving tray placement section 17 to a specified destination, thereby automating the processing of the printing plates 11.

Next, Figure 8 shows the second embodiment. Note that the same components as in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

The support table 13 has casters 90 attached to the four corners of the underside of the base portion 20, allowing it to run on the floor surface 30, and can also be moved manually.

In the receiving platform arrangement section 17 of the plate storage device 14, two lifting mechanisms 91 that support and raise and lower the support sections 70 are installed on the floor surface 30 at a predetermined distance in the second direction B. An automated guided vehicle access section 72 is provided on the floor surface 30 between the two lifting mechanisms 91 and the support sections 70, and caster access sections 92 are provided on the floor surface 30 on the outside of each of the two lifting mechanisms 91 and the support sections 70 to allow the casters 90 of the receiving platform 13 to enter.

When the automated guided vehicle 84 is used to place and retrieve the receiving platform 13 from the receiving platform placement section 17 of the plate storage device 14, the lifting mechanism 91 keeps the support section 70 raised at all times. The receiving platform 13, which has been placed in the receiving platform placement section 17 of the plate storage device 14 by the automated guided vehicle 84, rests on the raised support section 70, the casters 90 are moved upward from the floor surface 30, and the ball rollers 74 of the support section 70 support the receiving platform 13 so that it can move horizontally. Therefore, the plate storage process is performed on the receiving platform 13, just as in the first embodiment described above.

When the receiving platform 13 is manually placed in the receiving platform placement section 17 of the plate storage device 14, the support section 70 is lowered by the lifting mechanism 91. When the receiving platform 13, which is movable on casters 90, is manually placed in the receiving platform placement section 17, the support section 70 is raised by the lifting mechanism 91 and comes into contact with the underside of the base section 20 of the receiving platform 13, lifting the receiving platform 13. By lifting the receiving platform 13, the casters 90 are lifted upward from the floor surface 30, and the ball rollers 74 of the support section 70 support the receiving platform 13 so that it can move horizontally. In this state, the plate storage process is performed on the receiving platform 13, as in the first embodiment described above.

Furthermore, when the receiving platform 13 is manually removed from the receiving platform placement section 17 of the plate storage device 14 (including when the receiving platform 13 placed in the receiving platform placement section 17 by the automated guided vehicle 84 is manually removed), after the receiving platform 13 is removed from the plate storage section 15, the support section 70 is lowered by the lifting mechanism 91, and the casters 90 of the receiving platform 13, which are lowered together, touch the floor surface 30, causing the support section 70 to move downward away from the receiving platform 13. As a result, the receiving platform 13 becomes movable on the casters 90, and the receiving platform 13 can be manually removed from the receiving platform placement section 17.

The plate storage device 14 of the second embodiment configured in this manner also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment described above, and furthermore, it is possible to handle the receiving table 13, which is self-propelled on casters 90.

A single plate storage device 14 may be configured to handle both the pedestal 13 with legs 21 of the first embodiment and the pedestal 13 with casters 90 of the second embodiment. In this case, one of the multiple pedestal placement sections 17 has the configuration of the pedestal placement section 17 of the first embodiment, which allows placement of pedestals 13 with legs 21, and the remaining multiple pedestal placement sections 17 have the configuration of the pedestal placement section 17 of the second embodiment, which allows placement of pedestals 13 with casters 90.

In addition, the detachable holding unit 37 may be configured to hold or release the receiving base 13 by operating a button or other device.

The above describes embodiments of the present invention and their variations, but various configuration combinations, partial omissions, substitutions, and modifications are also possible.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 11 Printing plate 13 Receiving table 14 Plate storage device 17 Receiving table arrangement section 35 Plate storage position 37 Attaching/detaching holding section 38 Moving section 70 Support section 71 Positioning mechanism 72 Automated guided vehicle entry section 82 Receiving table detection sensor 84 Automated guided vehicle A First direction B Second direction

Claims (7)

A plate storage device that stores printing plates on a receiving table,
a support portion on which the pedestal is placed so as to be movable in a horizontal direction;
a detachable holding section that can be switched between a holding state in which the receiving table placed on the support section is held and a holding release state in which the holding state of the receiving table is released, and that holds the receiving table at a plate storage position where the printing plate is stored. a moving unit that moves the detachable holding unit between a first position and a second position, and that holds the receiving platform placed on the support unit when the detachable holding unit moves to the first position, and that moves the receiving platform held by the detachable holding unit to the plate storage position when the detachable holding unit moves to the second position. The plate storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that the moving unit has a positioning mechanism that positions the position of the receiving table in a second direction that intersects with a first direction in which the detachable holding unit moves between the first position and the second position. a cradle detection sensor that detects that the cradle is placed on the support portion ;
The plate storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the receiving base detection sensor detects the receiving base, the moving unit moves the detachable holding unit to the first position, and the detachable holding unit switches to a holding state in which it holds the receiving base. an automated guided vehicle entrance section through which an automated guided vehicle can enter;
A plate storage device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the receiving table for storing the printing plates is placed on the support section by the automated guided vehicle entering the automated guided vehicle entry section, and the receiving table with the printing plates stored thereon is transported from the support section to a predetermined destination. 5. The plate storage device according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is one of a plurality of ball rollers, an XY stage, and a lubricating member on which the support table is placed. a lifting mechanism for lifting and lowering the support part,
A plate storage device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that when the support part is raised by the lifting mechanism and the support part lifts the receiving base, the detachable holding part can be controlled to switch between a holding state in which it holds the receiving base and a holding release state in which it releases its hold on the receiving base.