Method and apparatus for loading and unloading flexographic plates for computer-to-plate imaging

US7000543B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Esko Graphics A/S · DK

Inventors

• Thomas Klein · Wehr, DE
• Jan Buchweitz · Huje, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 8, 2004
• Grant date: Feb 21, 2006
• Expiry date: Apr 8, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2701/1928
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus to aid the loading and unloading of flexographic plates to and from an imager. The apparatus includes a magazine containing a plurality of compartments each for holding a single flexographic plate, the compartments arranged vertically, and movable in a vertical direction, a lifting mechanism to lift and lower the compartments; and a control system to control the lifting and lowering by the lifting mechanism. The control system is such that a particular compartment is moved from its rest vertical position at a rest horizontal position to a loading vertical position and a loading horizontal position at which the particular compartment is at a height for loading onto the imager. The loading is automatic and in the case that the plate includes a protective sheet thereon, the loading includes removing the protective sheet from the plate.