JPH10180975A - Plate making equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: An image forming method using optical ablation, which employs a thermocompression bonding mechanism including rotating drums (A) and (B) having specific functions and arranged so as to be able to approach and separate from each other. Provided is a plate making device having a compact configuration. A heat-sensitive layer formed by laminating a heat-softening layer and a light-sensitive layer sequentially on a support, and an image receiving sheet are used.
A plate making apparatus that forms an image by photoablation removal of a photosensitive layer of a photosensitive sheet by image exposure, and then transfers the image to an image receiving sheet by pressure heat treatment. A thermocompression bonding mechanism comprising a drum (A) and (B) and at least a rotating drum (B) having a heating mechanism, a photosensitive sheet feeding mechanism (30), an image receiving sheet feeding mechanism (40), and photosensitive It is mainly composed of a conductive sheet peeling mechanism and a control unit.
Then, pressure heat transfer is performed by the above-mentioned thermocompression bonding mechanism.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a plate making apparatus. The plate making apparatus of the present invention employs a novel image forming method of transferring an image formed by a photoablation removal method to an image receiving sheet, and has a specific function, and is provided with a rotating drum (A) which is arranged to be able to approach and separate from each other. Since the thermocompression bonding mechanism of (B) is employed, the configuration is compact, and direct plate making can be easily performed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of laser devices and computer image forming technology, digital data of images has been produced by a computer without using a silver halide film, and light controlled by a digital image signal that has been color-separated. An image forming method for obtaining an image (pre-press proof or printing plate) by direct exposure by a laser is being developed. Such an image forming method does not require a wet development step, and thus enables direct plate making in which steps are reduced, labor is saved, and costs are reduced.

The above-mentioned image forming methods include, for example, JP-A-50-102402, JP-A-4-25539, JP-A-4-212889, and JP-A-5-169861.
In the publication, using a photosensitive sheet having a photosensitive layer containing an infrared absorber and an image receiving sheet, a photosensitive sheet is stacked on the image receiving sheet so that the photosensitive layer is combined,
There is disclosed a method of performing image exposure by irradiating a beam from an infrared semiconductor laser from the photosensitive sheet side to form an image on an image receiving sheet by photoablation of the exposed portion of the photosensitive layer (ablation transfer method). .

However, in the above-described image forming method, a part of the photosensitive layer is decomposed and gasified at a high temperature by photoablation, and the photosensitive layer is transferred onto an image receiving sheet by the gas pressure. There is a problem that the film thickness of the image is reduced and the film strength is low. Moreover, in the above image forming method, the efficiency of ablation transfer varies depending on the degree of close contact between the photosensitive sheet and the image receiving sheet, so that the density of the obtained image becomes non-uniform and image reproducibility is low. There is a problem to say.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming method utilizing photoablation, which comprises a rotating drum (A) and (B) which have a specific function and which are arranged so as to be able to approach and separate from each other. The present invention is to provide a plate making apparatus having a compact configuration employing a heat compression bonding mechanism.

[0006]

That is, the first aspect of the present invention is as follows.
The gist of the invention is that a photosensitive sheet (b) formed by sequentially laminating a heat softening layer (b ₃ ) and a photosensitive layer (b ₂ ) on a support (b ₁ ), an image receiving sheet (c), And an image is formed by subjecting the photosensitive layer (b ₂ ) of the photosensitive sheet (b) to light ablation removal by image exposure, and then transferring the image to the image receiving sheet (c) by pressure heat treatment. I (A): a thermocompression bonding mechanism comprising rotating drums (A) and (B) arranged so as to be able to freely approach and separate from each other and at least the rotating drum (B) having a heating mechanism; It mainly includes a sheet feeding mechanism (30), an image receiving sheet feeding mechanism (40), a photosensitive sheet peeling mechanism (50), and a control unit. II (A): The photosensitive sheet feeding mechanism (30) rotates. When the drums (A) and (B) are separated from each other, the rotating drum (A) Rotation accordance has a function of wound adhesion wound photosensitive layer on the peripheral surface (b ₂₎ a in the surface exposed photosensitive sheet (b) was fed in the rotating drum (A), II (B ): The image receiving sheet feeding mechanism (40) moves the image receiving sheet (c) on the peripheral surface of the rotating drum (B) in accordance with the rotation of the rotating drum (B) when the rotating drums (A) and (B) are separated from each other. ) And has the function of tightly winding them. II (C): The rotating drums (A) and (B) are wound on the rotating drum (A) according to the rotation of both in the state of their proximity. The photosensitive sheet (b) thus rolled and the image receiving sheet (c) wound around the rotary drum (B) are brought into pressure contact with each other under a heated state, and at this time, the photosensitive sheet (b) )
Is separated from the rotating drum (A) to form an image receiving sheet (c).
II (D): The photosensitive sheet peeling mechanism (50) removes the photosensitive sheet (b) laminated on the image receiving sheet (c) according to the rotation of the rotating drum (B). II (E): The control unit has a function of operating so that each of the above-mentioned functions is performed sequentially, and has a function of peeling off from the surface of the image receiving sheet (c).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the plate making apparatus according to the first aspect further comprises an exposure mechanism (120) using a laser controlled by a color-separated digital image signal. Instead of the function described in II (A), the photosensitive sheet feeding mechanism (30) and the exposing mechanism (120) rotate the rotating drum (A) when the rotating drums (A) and (B) are separated from each other. , The unexposed photosensitive sheet (b) with the photosensitive layer (b ₂ ) as the surface is fed onto the peripheral surface of the rotating drum (A) and closely wound therearound, thereby forming the photosensitive sheet (b).
A plate making apparatus characterized by having a function of irradiating a laser beam to the substrate to perform exposure.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is a plate-making apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the control unit comprises an II (E)
And a function of transferring a multicolor image to the image receiving sheet (c) on the rotating drum (B) by operating the function so as to be repeatedly performed for each color of the photosensitive sheet. Present in plate making equipment.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a plate making apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. 1 and 2 are partial explanatory views of the plate making apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a partial explanatory view of the plate making apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of an image forming method in the plate making apparatus of the present invention.

First, an outline of an image forming method in the plate making apparatus of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming method in the plate making apparatus of the present invention, wherein FIG.
Denotes a photosensitive sheet, (b ₁ ) denotes a support, (b ₂ ) denotes a photosensitive layer, (b ₃ ) denotes a heat-softening layer, and (c) denotes an image receiving sheet.

[0011] The image forming method in the plate making apparatus of the present invention, the support (b ₁₎ heat-softening layer (b ₃₎ a photosensitive layer on the (b ₂₎ and formed by sequentially laminating a photosensitive sheet ( b)
And an image receiving sheet (c), an image is formed by photoablation removal of the photosensitive layer (b ₂ ) of the photosensitive sheet (b) by image exposure, and then the image receiving sheet ( c) transferring the image. FIG. 4A shows a transfer step by the above-described pressure heat treatment, and FIG. 4B shows a photosensitive sheet (b) after the transfer.
The peeling step is shown.

The photosensitive sheet (b) described above comprises a support (b)
₁ ) A heat-softening layer (b ₃ ) and a photosensitive layer (b ₂ ) are sequentially laminated on top of ₁ ). Examples of the support (b ₁ ) include papers such as high-quality paper, synthetic paper, art paper, and release paper.
Examples include sheets of metal or alloy such as aluminum, and polymer sheets such as polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene. The polymer sheet may be a foamed polymer sheet. The thickness of the support (b ₁ ) is usually ₁ μm to ₁ μm.
0 mm, preferably in the range of 5 μm to 1 mm.

The thermal softening layer (b ₃ ) receives the image while deforming following the irregularities on the surface of the image receiving sheet (c) when the image formed thereon is transferred by pressure heat onto the image receiving sheet (c). It has the effect of pressing against the sheet (c), and has the effect of increasing the adhesion between the image and the image receiving sheet (c) and improving the transferability. When the photosensitive sheet (b) having the heat-softening layer (b ₃ ) is used, the image transferred onto the image receiving sheet has the same shape as the unevenness of the surface of the image receiving sheet (c). It has a gloss (texture) equivalent to that of the sheet (c), suppresses excessive gloss, and provides a transfer image closer to a printed matter when producing a color proof.

The action of pressing the image against the image receiving sheet (c) while deforming following the irregularities on the surface of the image receiving sheet (c) is performed by using a foamed polyethylene terephthalate sheet, a foamed polypropylene sheet as the material of the support (b ₁ ). It can also be exerted by using a foamed plastic sheet such as a sheet.

The heat-softening layer (b ₃ ) is made of a material that does not move to the image receiving sheet (c) side together with the image during pressure transfer, and is made of an organic polymer having a softening point of about 80 ° C. or less. It is preferable to use Such organic polymer substances are described in BRANDRUP, E. H. IMMER
GUT "Polymer Handbook" seco
nd edition (John Wiley & S
ons publication).

Specific examples of the above-mentioned organic polymer substance include:
Polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, ethylene-
Acrylate copolymers such as ionomer resins, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, copolymers of acrylates and vinyl acetate, and vinyl acetates, which are obtained by crosslinking the molecules of (meth) acrylic acid copolymers with metal ions. Copolymers and the like are mentioned, and among these, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer having an ethyl acrylate content of 5 to 50% by weight, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer are particularly preferable. The thickness of the heat-softening layer (b ₃₎ is usually 1 to 100 [mu] m, it ranges preferably of 5 to 50 [mu] m.

As a method of providing the heat-softening layer (b ₃ ) on the support (b ₁ ), for example, a method of dissolving an organic polymer substance in a solvent, coating the solution on the support (b ₁ ), and then drying the same. A method in which an organic polymer substance is extruded into a film on a support (b ₁ ) by an extruder and laminated (extruded lamination method), and a sheet of a heat-softening organic polymer substance is bonded on the support (b ₁ ) with an adhesive Can be adopted.

A release layer may be provided on the surface of the heat-softening layer (b ₃ ) in order to improve the transferability of an image to the image receiving sheet (c). The release layer provided on the heat softening layer (b ₃ )
The image is transferred to the image receiving sheet (c) together with the image. As the material of the release layer, for example, silicone resin, fluorine-based resin,
Examples thereof include polyamine, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate and appropriate copolymers thereof, cellulose diacetate and cellulose triacetate. The thickness of the release layer is usually 0.1.
It is in the range of 1 to 100 μm, preferably 0.2 to 50 μm.

The photosensitive layer (b ₂ ) usually has a thickness of 600 to 120.
0 nm visible to near infrared, preferably 700 to 1200
It contains an absorber having absorption in the near infrared region of nm.
Such absorbers can efficiently absorb the laser, convert it to heat, and remove the photosensitive layer by photoablation.

The above-mentioned near-infrared absorber is usually composed of an organic or inorganic pigment, an organic dye, a metal or the like. Specifically, for example, carbon black; graphite; metals such as titanium and chromium; metal oxides such as titanium oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, vanadium oxide, and tungsten oxide; metal carbides such as titanium carbide; metal borides; JP-A-4-3
No. 22219, an inorganic black pigment, an azo black pigment, "Lionol Green 2YS",
Black or green organic pigments such as "green pigment 7" are exemplified. And, as the above-mentioned carbon black, "MA-7", "MA-100", products of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation,
"MA-220", "# 5", "# 10", "Color Black FW2", "FW2"
0 "," Printex V "and the like.

Examples of the near-infrared absorbing agent include "special functional dyes" (edited by Ikemori and Hashiya, 1986, published by CMC Corporation) and "chemical dyes of functional dyes" (edited by Higaki,
1981, published by CMC Corporation), "Dye Handbook" (edited by Okawa / Hirashima / Matsuoka / Kitao, published by Kodansha), a catalog published by the Japan Photosensitive Dyestuff Research Institute in 1995, Exciton Inc. And dyes having absorption in the near infrared region described in Laser Dye Catalog issued in 1989.

Further, as the above-mentioned near-infrared absorbing agent, JP-A-2-2074, JP-A-2075, JP-A-2076, JP-A-3-97590, JP-A-97591, JP-A-63185,
Organic dyes described in JP-A-26593 and JP-A-97589, and a product “IR820B” of Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd. are exemplified. Table 1 shows typical examples of dyes and pigments having absorption in the near infrared region.

[0023]

[Table 1]

[0024]

[Table 2]

[0025]

[Table 3]

[0026]

[Table 4]

[0027]

[Table 5]

[0028]

[Table 6]

[0029]

[Table 7]

[0030]

[Table 8]

[0031]

[Table 9]

[0032]

Table 10 S-34 polymethine dye; IR-820B (manufactured by Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.) S-35 nigrosine dye; Color Index Solvent Bla
ck 5 S-36 nigrosine dye; Color Index Solvent Bla
ck 7 S-37 nigrosine dye; Color Index Acid Black
2 S-38 carbon black; MA-100 (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) S-39 titanium monoxide; titanium black 13M (manufactured by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation) S-40 titanium monoxide; titanium black 13B (manufactured by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation)

[0033]

[Table 11]

[0034]

[Table 12]

[0035]

[Table 13]

The above-mentioned near-infrared absorbing agent is used alone or as a mixture of two or more kinds, dissolved or dispersed in a coating solution for a photosensitive layer. The amount of the near-infrared absorber used is usually 5 to 80% by weight, preferably 10 to 70% by weight, and more preferably 20 to 60% by weight, based on the total solid content of the photosensitive layer.
It is. If the amount of the near-infrared absorbing agent used in the photosensitive layer is less than the above range, laser absorption becomes insufficient, and a sufficient photoablation effect is not exhibited.

The thickness of the photosensitive layer is usually 0.3 to 5 μm,
Preferably 0.3 to 3 μm, more preferably 0.5 to 2
μm. In addition, the photosensitive layer can also be directly formed by vapor deposition or sputtering of a near-infrared absorber, and the thickness of the photosensitive layer in this case is generally 0.01 to 0.5 μm.
Preferably, it is 0.02 to 0.4 μm.

In the photosensitive layer, in addition to the above-mentioned near-infrared absorber, to improve coating properties, compatibility with the near-infrared absorber, film strength in the photosensitive layer, photoablation effect, etc. Can contain an organic polymer substance.

As the above-mentioned organic polymer substance, for example,
Copolymer of unsaturated acid such as (meth) acrylic acid or itaconic acid with alkyl (meth) acrylate, phenyl (meth) acrylate, benzyl (meth) acrylate, styrene, α-methylstyrene; polymethacrylate Polymers of alkyl (meth) acrylates, such as; copolymers of alkyl (meth) acrylate with acrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, styrene, etc .; copolymers of acrylonitrile with vinyl chloride or vinylidene chloride; side chains Modified cellulose having a carboxyl group; polyethylene oxide; polyvinylpyrrolidone; phenol, o-,
Novolak resin obtained by condensation reaction of m-, p-cresol and / or xylesol with aldehyde or acetone; polyether of epichlorohydrin with bisphenol A; soluble nylon; polyvinylidene chloride; chlorinated polyolefin; Copolymers of vinyl and vinyl acetate;
Polyvinyl acetate; copolymer of acrylonitrile and styrene; copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene; polyvinyl alkyl ether; polyvinyl alkyl ketone; polystyrene; polyurethane; polyethylene terephthalate-isophthalate; acetylcellulose; acetylpropoxycellulose; Acetylbutoxycellulose; nitrocellulose; celluloid; polyvinyl butyral, and the like.

The amount of the organic polymer substance used is usually from 5 to 80% by weight, preferably from 5 to 70% by weight, based on the total solid content of the photosensitive layer.
%, More preferably 10 to 70% by weight.

In the photosensitive layer, a coloring material other than the near-infrared absorbing agent can be contained, if necessary. In the case of a printing plate, coloring of the photosensitive layer is unnecessary. As the coloring material, a pigment or a dye is used. And, especially for color proofing applications, the usual colors required for it,
That is, a pigment or dye having a color tone matching that of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is required.
Metal powder, white pigment, fluorescent pigment and the like can also be used.

Examples of the above pigment or dye include, for example,
Victoria Pure Blue (42595), Auramine O
(41000), Catillon Brilliant Flavin (Basic 13), Rhodamine 6 GCP (45160), Rhodamine B (45170), Safranin OK 70:10
0 (50240), Erioglaucine X (4208)
0), First Black HB (26150), No.
120 / Lionol Yellow (21090), Lionol Yellow GRO (21090), Shimla First Yellow 8GF (21105), Benzidine Yellow 4
T-564D (21095), Shimla Fast Red 4015 (12355), Lionol Red 7B44
01 (15850), Fast Gen Blue TGR-L
(74160), Lionol Blue SM (2615)
0), Mitsubishi Carbon Black “MA-100”, Mitsubishi Carbon Black “# 40” and the like. The numbers in parentheses above indicate the color index (CI).

In order to facilitate the removal of the coloring material from the photosensitive layer during photoablation, a heat transferable dye can be used as the coloring material. The kind of the heat transferable dye is not particularly limited as long as it can be transferred from the photosensitive layer to the image receiving sheet (c) by the action of heat. As the heat transferable dye, for example, azo dyes, anthraquinone dyes, azomethine dyes, methine dyes, indoaniline dyes, quinophthalone dyes and the like conventionally proposed for thermal transfer with a thermal head are preferably used. Can be The amount of the heat transfer dye to be used is generally 1 to 50% by weight, preferably 2 to 50% by weight, based on the total solid content of the photosensitive layer.
30% by weight.

In the present invention, in order to eliminate the influence of coloring of the formed image by the near-infrared absorbing agent, a cyanine-type dye which is discolored by an acid is used as the near-infrared absorbing agent and the photosensitive layer contains A photoacid generator that generates an acid by UV light, and after forming an image, the entire surface is exposed to UV light to fade the near infrared absorber.

As the above-mentioned photoacid generator, for example, a photoinitiator for photocationic polymerization or photoradical polymerization, a decolorizer for dyes, a photochromic agent, a microresist, etc. Compounds that occur. For example, I. Schlesinger, Photog
t. Sci. Eng. , 18, 387 (1974); V. Crivello et
al. PolymerJ. 17, 73 (1985); V. Crivello et
al. Macromorecules, 10 (6), 1
Onium salts such as arsonium described in K. 307 (1977); Meier et al. Rad. Curi
ng, 13 (4), 26 (1986). Hayase et al,
J. Polymer Sci. , 25, 753 (198
7) a photoacid generator having an O-nitrobenzyl-type protecting group described in 7); Tuooka etal, Polyme
r Preprints Japan, 35 (8), such as iminosulfonate, a compound capable of generating sulfonic acid by photolysis, an organic halogen compound described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,905,815, and a U.S. Pat. , 06
Iodonium salts described in JP-A-9,055,
Disulfone compounds described in 1-1166544 and the like can be mentioned.

Compounds in which the above-mentioned compound or group generating an acid by light is introduced into the main chain or side chain of the polymer, for example, M.P. E. FIG. Woodhouse etal,
J. Am. Chem. Soc. , 104, 5586 (1
982); P. Pappas et al. Im
aging Sci. , 30 (5), 218 (198
The compounds described in 6) and the like can also be used. Furthermore,
V. N. R. Pilai, Synthesis,
(1), 1 (198) 4555 (1971); H.
R. Barton et al. Chem. So
c. , (C), 329 (1970); U.S. Pat.
Compounds that generate an acid by light described in 79,778, EP 126,712, and the like can also be used. The amount of the photoacid generator used is generally 0.5 to 20% by weight, preferably 1 to 1% by weight, based on the total solid content of the photosensitive layer.
0% by weight, more preferably 2 to 8% by weight.

The image receiving sheet (c) may be a final image receiving sheet or an intermediate image receiving sheet when an image formed on the image receiving sheet (c) is transferred again to the final image receiving sheet by pressure heat treatment. Good. The type of the final image receiving sheet can be appropriately selected according to the purpose, for example, from various printing papers such as art paper and coated paper, plastic films such as polyester films, metal sheets such as aluminum and the like. In particular, for a lithographic printing plate, an aluminum sheet (grain-treated aluminum sheet) subjected to a roughening treatment and a hydrophilic treatment is used.

The intermediate image-receiving sheet can be selected from a wide variety of types in the same manner as described above. At least the surface of the intermediate image-receiving sheet has the property of receiving the image on the photosensitive sheet (b), and the transferred image is transferred to the next final image-receiving sheet. It must also have the property of being transferred to Therefore, the surface properties of the intermediate image receiving sheet are as follows:
It may be selected in correlation with each of the above-mentioned transfer conditions. For example, when the respective transfer conditions are substantially equal, the adhesiveness to the photosensitive layer (b ₂ ) on the photosensitive sheet (b) is reduced. Stronger than the adhesion of (b ₂ ) to the support (b ₁ ),
The adhesiveness of the photosensitive layer (b ₂ ) to the surface of the final image receiving sheet must be weaker.

For example, the support (b) of the photosensitive sheet (b)
₁ ) When the intermediate image-receiving sheet and the final image-receiving sheet are all made of a polymer material, their glass transition points should be increased in the order of the final image-receiving sheet, the intermediate image-receiving sheet and the support (b ₁ ). Just choose. Then, under certain conditions, even if the adhesive order is not held, the adhesive order may be held in consideration of each transfer condition,
Furthermore, since the photosensitive layer (b ₂ ) adhered to the intermediate image receiving sheet and the final image receiving sheet has a front-to-back relationship and is different, there is a difference in the configuration between the front surface and the back surface of the photosensitive layer (b ₂ ). May be provided to maintain the above adhesive order.

The surface properties of the intermediate image receiving sheet as described above are as follows.
It may be realized only by the base material, or may be realized by the base material and at least one coating layer. For example, as mentioned above,
A coating layer of a polymer substance may be provided on the sheet-like substrate. In addition, a buffer layer and / or a release layer can be provided separately from or on the coating layer. The buffer layer is
When receiving an image and transferring the image to the final image receiving sheet, it is effective in that all necessary images can be reliably transmitted and received even if the surface of the partner is rough. Such a buffer layer may be made of a material having viscoelasticity or a polymer substance having a property of softening appropriately under transfer conditions.

The release layer is also used for maintaining the order of adhesion when it is difficult to maintain the order of adhesion only by the surface properties of the intermediate image receiving sheet. Such adhesive sequential holding may be realized by adhesion (peelability) between the photosensitive layer (b ₂ ) and the surface of the release layer, and adhesion (peelability) between the release layer and the lower layer. ). In the latter case, in the above adhesive order, the adhesiveness of the intermediate image receiving sheet is based on the adhesiveness between the release layer of the intermediate image receiving sheet and the lower layer in comparison with the final image receiving sheet, and
In the comparison of the photosensitive sheet (b) with the support (b ₁ ), both the adhesiveness between these layers and the adhesiveness on the surface are taken into consideration.

When an intermediate image receiving sheet provided with a buffer layer is used, it is possible to form an image conforming to the unevenness of the permanent image receiving sheet without providing a buffer layer on each photosensitive sheet. Further, when an image is formed by providing a release layer on each color material sheet, four release layers are transferred onto a permanent image receiving sheet. In this case, an intermediate image receiving sheet provided with a release layer is used. For example, since only one release layer is transferred onto the permanent image receiving sheet, excessive gloss is suppressed and an image closer to a printed matter can be formed.

Next, an example of preparing a typical photosensitive sheet (b) used in the plate making apparatus of the present invention will be described. First, an ethylene-vinyl acetate polymer (Evaflex P-190, a product of DuPont Mitsui Japan Chemical Co., Ltd.) was placed on a polyethylene terephthalate sheet having a thickness of 75 μm.
7)) is melt-extruded into a film so as to have a thickness of 25 μm to form a heat-softened layer. Next, a photosensitive composition having the composition shown in the following table is applied to the surface of the heat-softening layer, and dried at 100 ° C. for 2 minutes to form a photosensitive layer having a dry film thickness of 1.5 μm.

[0054]

[Table 14]

Next, an embodiment of the plate making apparatus of the present invention will be described. The present invention provides a plate making apparatus using a photosensitive sheet exposed by an exposure apparatus other than the plate making apparatus of the present invention, a direct plate making apparatus using a laser controlled by a color-separated digital image signal as an exposure mechanism, and a multicolor printing apparatus. It includes three types of plate making apparatuses, namely, a direct plate making apparatus having an image transfer function. And the above-mentioned plate-making apparatus has the most basic functions,
It is configured by adding required functions to the above-described plate making apparatus. Therefore, the following embodiment will be described mainly on the above-described plate making apparatus.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are partial explanatory views of a plate making apparatus according to the present invention, in which only main components are shown. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of an exposure mechanism of the plate making apparatus of the present invention. The plate making apparatus according to the present invention comprises a heating / compression bonding mechanism comprising rotating drums (A) and (B) which are arranged so as to be able to approach and separate from each other, and at least the rotating drum (B) is provided with a heating mechanism. It mainly comprises a mechanism (30), an image receiving sheet feeding mechanism (40), a photosensitive sheet peeling mechanism (50), and a controller.

Rotary Drum (A) Constituting Heat-Press Compression Mechanism
In both cases (B) and (B), the sheet can be closely wound around the peripheral surface. Such a tightly wound sheet may be provided, for example, by providing an adhesive layer (not shown) for tightly winding the sheet on the peripheral surface of the drum by using the adhesive property of silicone rubber or the like and / or a peripheral surface of the end of the drum. This can be achieved by a vacuum mechanism (not shown) or the like, which exerts a vacuum action on the surface of the drum through a large number of micropores and tightly winds the sheet. A heating mechanism for a thermocompression bonding mechanism is provided inside the rotary drum (B). On the other hand, a heating mechanism is provided inside the rotary drum (A) in order to enhance the effect of the thermocompression treatment as needed.

The rotating drum (B) has a horizontal moving mechanism (9).
0), and is disposed so as to be able to approach and separate from the rotating drum (A). In the illustrated example, the horizontal moving mechanism (90) includes a moving screw portion (92) and a rotating screw portion (93) provided below the support (91) of the rotating drum (B).
Using a screw mechanism consisting of a rack mechanism,
In addition to the cam mechanism, a horizontal moving mechanism using a servo motor, a stepping motor, an air cylinder, or the like can be employed.

The photosensitive sheet feeding mechanism (30) includes a photosensitive sheet supply tray (301), a feeding roller (302) disposed on the photosensitive sheet supply tray (301), and the photosensitive sheet supply tray (301) to the rotating drum (A). Feed roller (30) disposed along the feed path of the photosensitive sheet (b)
3) to (308) and an appropriate guide (309).

The photosensitive sheet supply tray shown (30)
1) are arranged vertically in four stages in order to correspond to the description of a direct plate-making apparatus having a transfer function of a multicolor image, which will be described later. Each of the four stages includes, for example, a yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color material. The photosensitive sheet (b) is accommodated with the photosensitive layer (b ₂ ) facing up.

The photosensitive sheet feeding mechanism (30) is
In a state where the rotating drums (A) and (B) are separated from each other, a photosensitive layer (b ₂ ) is exposed on the peripheral surface of the rotating drum (A) on the peripheral surface of the rotating drum (A) according to the rotation of the rotating drum (A). It has a function of feeding and closely winding the sheet (b) (hereinafter, this function is referred to as II (A) function). That is, the photosensitive sheet (b) pulled out from the photosensitive sheet supply tray (301) by the feeding roller (302).
Passes through the feed rollers (303) to (308), and follows the rotation of the rotating drum (A) in the counterclockwise direction.
₂ ) Closely wound with the upper side facing up.

The image receiving sheet feeding mechanism (40) includes an image receiving sheet supply tray (401), a feeding roller (402) disposed on the tray, and an image receiving sheet supply tray (40).
Feeding rollers (403) to (406) arranged along the feeding path of the image receiving sheet from 1) to the rotating drum (B)
And an appropriate guide (407). When the rotating drums (A) and (B) are separated from each other, the image receiving sheet (c) is formed on the peripheral surface of the rotating drum (B) according to the rotation of the rotating drum (B). (Hereinafter referred to as II (B) function). That is, the image receiving sheet (c) pulled out from the image receiving sheet supply tray (401) by the feeding roller (402).
Is fed onto the peripheral surface of the rotating drum (B) through the feeding rollers (403) to (406), and is wound tightly.

When the rotating drums (A) and (B) are close to each other, the photosensitive sheet (b) wound around the rotating drum (A) and the rotating drum (B) follow the rotation of the two. It has a function of pressing and adhering the formed image receiving sheet (c) under a heated state (hereinafter, this function is referred to as II (C) function). At this time, the photosensitive sheet (b) is separated from the rotating drum (A) by the II (C) function, transferred to the surface of the image receiving sheet (c), and laminated.

That is, the rotating drum (A) rotates clockwise, the rotating drum (B) rotates counterclockwise, and when the rotating drum (B) approaches the rotating drum (A), the photosensitive drum is rotated. The photosensitive sheet (b) and the image receiving sheet (c) are pressed and brought into contact with each other under a heated state to transfer an image to the image receiving sheet (c). The photosensitive sheet (b) is transferred to the surface of the image receiving sheet (c) and laminated by the adhesive force at the interface. In this case, in order to facilitate the peeling of the photosensitive sheet (b) from the rotating drum (A), the adhesive force on the peripheral surface of the rotating drum (A) is made smaller than the adhesive force on the peripheral surface of the rotating drum (B). It is preferable to design.

The rotating drum (A) is provided with the photosensitive layer (b)
₂ ) It is rotated counterclockwise in the case of close contact winding, and is rotated clockwise in the case of pressure contact with the rotating drum (B). The photosensitive sheet feeding mechanism (3) is used to feed the sheet (b).
By disposing the feed rollers (303) to (308) and the like in the section 0) below the rotary drum (A), it is possible to eliminate the above-described change in the rotation direction of the rotary drum (A).

The photosensitive sheet peeling mechanism (50) includes an attraction roller (501) disposed close to the rotating drum (B),
Pinch roller (502), guide roller (503),
(504) and an appropriate guide (505). The suction action of the suction roller (501) can be performed by the same mechanism (not shown) as in the case of the rotary drum. Then, the photosensitive sheet peeling mechanism (5)
0) has a function of peeling the photosensitive sheet (b) laminated on the image receiving sheet (c) from the surface of the image receiving sheet (c) in accordance with the rotation of the rotating drum (B) (hereinafter, this function is referred to as II). (D) function). At this time, since the image receiving sheet (c) is tightly wound on the peripheral surface of the rotary drum (B) due to the above-described adhesive force of the peripheral surface of the rotary drum (B), after the transfer from the rotary drum (B) is completed. Only the photosensitive sheet (b) is peeled off. The peeled photosensitive sheet (b) is fed to a photosensitive sheet discharge tray (506).

Note that the photosensitive sheet peeling mechanism (5
In (0), as described later, the guide (505) is used so that the image receiving sheet peeling mechanism (80) can also be used.
Is configured to be rotatable, and the guide (50
A guide roller (503) is arranged at the front end of 5), and a sheet discharge tray (507) is arranged at the front end of the guide (505) in the horizontal direction.

The control unit (not shown) is composed of a computer system, and has a function of operating each of the above-described functions sequentially and jointly as needed (hereinafter, the functions are referred to as the functions). Function II (E) Function)
. The image receiving sheet (c) to which the image has been transferred is peeled from the rotating drum (B) by the image receiving sheet peeling mechanism (80). Of course, it can also be peeled off manually. In the illustrated example, the image receiving sheet peeling mechanism (80) is also used as the photosensitive sheet peeling mechanism (50). The image receiving sheet peeling mechanism (80) is operated by the control unit, and the peeled image receiving sheet (c) is fed to the sheet discharge tray (507). Such a shared function is also operated by the control unit.

In the case of the direct plate making apparatus, an exposure mechanism (120) using a laser controlled by a color-separated digital image signal is further provided. In this case, instead of the above-mentioned II (A) function, the photosensitive sheet feeding mechanism (30) and the exposing mechanism (120) move the rotating drum (A) in the separated state between the rotating drums (A) and (B). The unexposed photosensitive sheet (b) is formed on the peripheral surface of the rotating drum (A) according to the rotation of
And has a function of exposing the photosensitive sheet (b) by irradiating the photosensitive sheet (b) with a laser. By the laser irradiation, the photosensitive layer (b ₂ ) of the photosensitive sheet (b) is subjected to photoablation removal to form an image.

That is, the unexposed photosensitive sheet (b) pulled out from the photosensitive sheet supply tray (301) by the feeding roller (302) is fed to the feeding roller (3).
03) to (308), is fed to the rotating drum (A), and is closely wound. According to the rotation of the rotating drum (A),
The photosensitive sheet (b) wound on the surface is subjected to scanning image exposure with a laser from a laser oscillator (121) controlled by a color-separated digital image signal.

As shown in FIG. 3, the exposure mechanism (120)
Laser oscillator (121), beam compressor (1
22), ultrasonic light modulator (123), beam expander (124), cylinder lens (125), polygon mirror (126), toroidal lens (127), f-θ
It comprises a lens (128). As the laser light source, a light source having an emission spectrum from ultraviolet to visible wavelengths is preferable, and examples thereof include a semiconductor laser, an argon ion laser, a He-Ne laser, and a He-Cd laser. In particular, semiconductor lasers are superior in terms of stability, life, and price. The exposure conditions include, for example, the number of rotations of the rotating drum (A) of 0.1 to 1 rp.
m, laser beam diameter 12 μm, scanning pitch 10 μm
Condition can be adopted.

Although the above-described direct plate making apparatus has a transfer function of a single color image, in the case of a direct plate making apparatus having a transfer function of a multi-color image, the control unit controls the above-mentioned II.
In addition to the function (E), the apparatus has a function of transferring a multicolor image to the image receiving sheet (c) on the rotating drum (B) by operating the function so as to be repeatedly performed for each color.

That is, in accordance with the color-separated digital image signal of the exposure mechanism (120), the photosensitive sheet (b) corresponding to the color is used each time, and is closely wound on the rotating drum (B). The above-described functions are repeatedly performed for each color on the received image receiving sheet (c) to transfer a multicolor image. For example, the image receiving sheet (c) to which the yellow image has been transferred is held as it is on the rotating drum (B) and is kept in a standby state. The photosensitive sheet (c) is transported by the sheet transport mechanism and forms a magenta image on the surface. The magenta image is transferred by contacting the image forming surface of the sheet (b).

In the plate making apparatus of the present invention, the first transfer function for transferring an image to the image receiving sheet (c) and the second transfer function for transferring a multicolor image to the image receiving sheet (c) are performed by the control unit. It can be selectively performed by a command. Exposure using a laser (first exposure function) and exposure using light of a constant intensity (second exposure function) are performed by an exposure mechanism switch (not shown) according to a command from a control unit. It can be done selectively.

In the above embodiment, the transfer of the image is completed by the heating and pressing mechanism of the rotary drums (A) and (B). The first transfer is performed by the rotary drums (A) and (B), and the second transfer is performed by the rotary drum (B) and the transfer roller (406) which also serves as the transfer roller. A two-stage transfer method in which the second transfer is performed can also be adopted. In this case, the feeding roller (406), which also serves as a transfer roller, has a heating mechanism disposed therein as necessary, and is moved closer to the rotating drum (B) by driving a forward / backward movement mechanism such as an air cylinder. In the present invention, so-called plate making on a printing press can be performed by using a plate cylinder of a printing press as the rotating drum (B).

[0076]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming method utilizing optical ablation, which comprises a rotary drum (A) and a rotary drum (B) having specific functions and arranged so as to be able to approach and separate from each other. A plate making apparatus having a compact configuration employing the above is provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial explanatory view of a plate making apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial explanatory view of the plate making apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of an exposure mechanism of the plate making apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming method in the plate making apparatus of the present invention.

[Description of Signs] A: Rotating drum B: Rotating drum 30: Photosensitive sheet feeding mechanism 40: Image receiving sheet feeding mechanism 50: Photosensitive sheet peeling mechanism 80: Image receiving sheet peeling mechanism 120: Exposure mechanism

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI G03F 7/40 521 B41M 5/26 S

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A heat-softening layer (b ₃ ) on a support (b ₁ )
And the photosensitive layer and (b ₂₎ and formed by sequentially laminating a photosensitive sheet (b), using the image receiving sheet (c), the image exposure, the photosensitive photosensitive layer of the sheet (b) (b ₂ ) Is a plate making apparatus for forming an image by photoablation removal and then transferring the image to the image receiving sheet (c) by pressure heat treatment. I (A): a rotating drum ( (A) and (B), wherein at least the rotary drum (B) is provided with a heating mechanism, a thermocompression bonding mechanism, a photosensitive sheet feeding mechanism (30), an image receiving sheet feeding mechanism (40), and a photosensitive sheet. II (A): The photosensitive sheet feeding mechanism (30) is configured to separate the rotating drum (A) from the rotating drum (A) when the rotating drum (A) is separated from the rotating drum (A). Photosensitive on the peripheral surface of the rotating drum (A) according to the rotation (B ₂₎ a has to function to wound contact winding and feeding the exposed photosensitive sheet (b) on the surface, II (B): receiving sheet feeding mechanism (40) is a rotating drum (A ) And (B) have a function of feeding the image receiving sheet (c) onto the peripheral surface of the rotating drum (B) and closely winding the same in accordance with the rotation of the rotating drum (B), II. (C): The rotating drums (A) and (B) are wound around the photosensitive sheet (b) wound on the rotating drum (A) and the rotating drum (B) according to the rotation of the rotating drums in a state where they are close to each other. A function of pressing the rotated image receiving sheet (c) under pressure in a heated state, and at this time, a photosensitive sheet (b)
Is separated from the rotating drum (A) to form an image receiving sheet (c).
II (D): The photosensitive sheet peeling mechanism (50) removes the photosensitive sheet (b) laminated on the image receiving sheet (c) according to the rotation of the rotating drum (B). II (E): A plate-making apparatus characterized in that it has a function of peeling off the surface of the image receiving sheet (c), and a function of operating the control section so that the above-mentioned functions are performed sequentially. 2. The plate making apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an exposure mechanism (120) using a laser controlled by a color-separated digital image signal, wherein the function described in II (A) is provided. Instead, the photosensitive sheet feeding mechanism (30) and the exposing mechanism (120) rotate the rotating drum (A) according to the rotation of the rotating drum (A) when the rotating drums (A) and (B) are separated from each other. The unexposed photosensitive sheet (b) is fed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive layer (b ₂ ) with the photosensitive layer (b ₂ ) as the surface, and the photosensitive sheet (b) is wound tightly. A plate making apparatus having a function of performing a printing operation. 3. The plate making apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit operates the rotary drum by operating the function described in II (E) such that the function is repeatedly performed for each color of the photosensitive sheet. (B) A plate making apparatus having a function of transferring a multicolor image to the image receiving sheet (c) above.