Patent Description:
Various methods are known as a method of developing a printing plate using a photosensitive resin plate. For example, in a developing method in which development is performed using an aqueous developer including water as a main component, development is performed by washing out an uncured resin, which is an unexposed portion, with a brush or the like while applying the aqueous developer to a photosensitive resin plate after imagewise exposure.

For example, <CIT> (<CIT>) describes a developing device for a photosensitive resin plate, which removes a resin material of an unexposed portion using a brush, by immersing an exposed photosensitive resin plate in a developer or spraying a developer thereon, the device including a mechanism for causing the photosensitive resin plate and/or the brush to circularly move and a mechanism for further causing a central axis of the circular motion to circularly move.

<CIT> discloses a plate producing device for a photosensitive resin plate, the device including a device main body consisting of an upper portion and a lower portion which are pivotally attached to each other so as to be opened and closed, in which the lower portion is provided with a fixing base for fix a photosensitive resin plate, the upper portion is provided with a washing brush and a driving mechanism for driving the washing brush, the driving mechanism consist of a circular motion generating mechanism and a linear reciprocating motion generation mechanism for causing the circular motion generating mechanism to generate a linear reciprocating motion, and the washing brush is arranged such that bristle tips face down.

Further examples of previously known washing devices and washing methods are derivable from <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

In the developing device for a photosensitive resin plate of <CIT> (<CIT>) and the plate producing device for a photosensitive resin plate of <CIT>, development scum may adhere to the brush during development. However, no countermeasure has been taken against the adhesion of development scum. Therefore, in a case where the development scum adheres to the brush, it is difficult to remove the development scum.

Further, in both <CIT> (<CIT>) and <CIT>, the brush is caused to rotate, but the brush is not caused to revolve. In this case, the developer may not be sufficiently supplied to the brush, and the development may not always be uniform.

Furthermore, in both <CIT> (<CIT>) and <CIT>, a development target is developed in a state in which the development target is fixed. A circumferential speed is different between a center and an outer edge of the rotating brush, and a development speed is also different therebetween. For this reason, it is not always possible to make the development uniform.

However, in both <CIT> (<CIT>) and <CIT>, the development target is developed in a state in which the development target is fixed as described above, but it is considered to transport the development target in order to increase the development speed. However, <CIT> (<CIT>) and <CIT> do not consider transporting the developing target. Moreover, since the brush that rotates has a different circumferential speed depending on a location as described above, it is difficult to develop uniformly by simply transporting the development target, and it is difficult to achieve both the development speed and a development uniformity.

As described above, at present, there is no product that can achieve prevention of development scum adhesion, development uniformity, and development speed at the same time.

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing device and a washing method that solve the above-mentioned problems based on the related art and achieve prevention of development scum adhesion, development uniformity, and development speed at the same time.

In order to achieve the object, a washing device according to independent claim <NUM> and/or a washing method according to independent claim <NUM> is provided. Distinct embodiments are derivable from the dependent claims.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing device that achieves prevention of development scum adhesion, development uniformity, and development speed at the same time. Also, it is possible to provide a washing method that can achieve prevention of development scum adhesion, development uniformity, and development speed at the same time.

Hereinafter, a washing device and a washing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

In addition, the drawings described below are illustrations for describing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the drawings shown below.

In the following, "to" indicating a numerical range includes numerical values on both sides. For example, in a case where ε is a numerical value α to a numerical value β, the range of ε is a range including the numerical value α and the numerical value β, and it is expressed as α ≤ ε ≤ β in mathematical symbols.

In addition, regarding "orthogonal" or a specific angle, unless otherwise specified, an error range generally allowed in the corresponding technical field is included. Furthermore, regarding numerical values and the like, unless otherwise specified, an error range generally allowed in the corresponding technical field is included.

<FIG> is a schematic view showing a first example of the washing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

A washing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a transport type washing device that develops a flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> after imagewise exposure, which is exposed imagewise on a surface 70a, using a washing solution Q, while transporting the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, and that performs the development in a state in which the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is transported along a predetermined transport path. Performing development using the above-described washing solution Q is called a development step. Reference Dp in <FIG> indicates a transport path of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>.

As will be described later, the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is as thin as several millimeters, and is flexible enough to be transported serpentinely in a developing tank <NUM>. In addition, the imagewise exposure to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is performed using, for example, an exposure device (not shown). The imagewise exposed surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is a printing surface.

In the washing device <NUM>, on the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> after imagewise exposure in a state in which the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is immersed in the washing solution Q and transported, an unexposed portion (not shown) of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is removed and development is performed. The washing device <NUM> is not a device that performs development by batch processing, but is a single sheet type device that performs development while transporting the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> along the predetermined transport path. In the washing method using the washing device <NUM>, development is performed while transporting the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> along the predetermined transport path. The washing method is a developing method.

The above-described expressions of "while transporting the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>" and the "state in which the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is transported" refer to that the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is moved along the transport path Dp.

The washing device <NUM> has a developing section <NUM> and a rinsing section <NUM>. For example, the developing section <NUM> and the rinsing section <NUM> are provided side by side in one housing <NUM>, the developing section <NUM> is arranged on an inlet 11a side of the housing <NUM>, and the rinsing section <NUM> is arranged on an outlet 11b of the housing <NUM>. Further, the washing device <NUM> has a treatment unit <NUM> provided in the developing tank <NUM> through a connection pipe <NUM>.

The developing section <NUM> of the washing device <NUM> has the developing tank <NUM>, and a transport unit <NUM> which transports the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> through a transport path Dp including a curved transport path Db. The developing tank <NUM> is a container in which the washing solution Q is stored.

The transport unit <NUM> transports the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> through the transport path Dp including the curved transport path Db as described above, and has a pair of first transport rollers <NUM> arranged on an upstream side in a transporting direction D in which the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is transported, and a pair of second transport rollers <NUM> arranged on a downstream side in the transporting direction D. The pair of first transport rollers <NUM> and the pair of second transport rollers <NUM> are provided, for example, above the developing tank <NUM> at the same height.

By the transport unit <NUM>, the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is transported in the developing tank <NUM> in a state of being immersed in the washing solution Q.

The upstream side in the transporting direction D is the inlet 11a side of the housing <NUM>, and the downstream side in the transporting direction D is the outlet 11b side of the housing <NUM>.

The pair of first transport rollers <NUM> has a roller 30a arranged on a back surface 70b side of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> and a roller 30b arranged on the surface 70a side of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, and transports the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> with the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> interposed therebetween. One of the roller 30a and the roller 30b described above is a driving roller and the other is a driven roller.

Similarly to the pair of first transport rollers <NUM>, the pair of second transport rollers <NUM> has a roller 32a arranged on the back surface 70b side of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> and a roller 32b arranged on the surface 70a side of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, and transports the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> with the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> interposed therebetween. One of the roller 32a and the roller 32b described above is a driving roller and the other is a driven roller.

The transport unit <NUM> has a guide roller 34a which is arranged between the pair of first transport rollers <NUM> and the pair of second transport rollers <NUM> and in the developing tank <NUM>, and guides the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. The flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is transported by the guide roller 34a by turning once in the developing tank <NUM>. The number of guide rollers is appropriately determined according to the size of the developing tank <NUM>, the size of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, and the like. Further, the number of turns of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is not limited to one, and the number of turns may be multiple.

Curving and transporting the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> like the transport path Db to immerse the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> in the washing solution Q in the developing tank <NUM> is referred to as curvedly transporting the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>.

As the guide roller 34a, for example, it is preferable to use a rubber roller, a sponge roller, or the like so as not to damage the printing surface, that is, the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>.

Regarding the transport path Dp of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, there are various transport paths such as a one-way transport path, a round-trip transport path, and a circumferential transport path. However, it is preferable that the transport path Dp of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is the one-way transport path in that a plurality of the flexographic printing plate precursors <NUM> can be continuously processed.

In addition, the washing device <NUM> comprises a development unit <NUM> that performs development on the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> in a state in which the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is immersed in the washing solution Q in the developing tank <NUM> and transported.

In the developing section <NUM>, a development fatigue liquid Qw is generated in the developing tank <NUM> by development by the development unit <NUM>. The development fatigue liquid Qw is the washing solution Q including solids generated by removing an unexposed portion (not shown) of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> by the development using the washing solution Q.

Here, <FIG> is a schematic view showing an arrangement of a brush of the first example of the washing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of the brush of the first example of the washing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a schematic view showing a configuration of the brush of the first example of the washing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The development unit <NUM> includes a brush <NUM> which is used for the development and a driving unit <NUM> which controls rotation of the brush <NUM> around a rotation axis C (see <FIG>) and movement of the brush <NUM>.

The above-described rotation of the brush <NUM> around the rotation axis C refers to that the brush <NUM> rotates about the rotation axis C as the center of the rotation, and the brush <NUM> revolves. The rotation axis C is a fixed axis that passes through one point in the brush <NUM>. The brush <NUM> is provided with a rotating shaft portion <NUM>, and a central axis of the rotating shaft portion <NUM> is the rotation axis C. The rotating shaft portion <NUM> functions as a rotary drive shaft that rotates by power transmitted from the driving unit <NUM>, and the brush <NUM> can revolve, for example, in a rotation direction r (see <FIG>) by rotating the rotating shaft portion <NUM>.

The driving unit <NUM> rotates the brush <NUM> in a state in which the rotation axis C of the brush <NUM> passes through the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> (see <FIG>). In addition, the driving unit <NUM> moves the rotation axis C of the brush <NUM> in at least one direction intersecting the rotation axis C. Unless otherwise specified, the rotation of the brush <NUM> and the movement of the brush <NUM> are controlled by the driving unit <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the brush <NUM> is arranged on the surface 70a side of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, and as a first movement direction D<NUM> of the brush <NUM> intersecting the rotation axis C, for example, a direction DL orthogonal to the transporting direction D is set. The brush <NUM> is configured to move in the direction DL. Further, the brush <NUM> may be configured to move in two directions with respect to the rotation axis C. In a case where moving in two directions, there is no limitation as long as the brush <NUM> moves in two directions, and the two directions may intersect the rotation axis C or the two directions may be orthogonal to the rotation axis C. Specifically, for example, the first movement direction D<NUM> is the direction DL, and a second movement direction D<NUM> is the transporting direction D. As long as the brush <NUM> can evenly rub an entire surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, the movement direction of the brush <NUM> is not particularly limited. In a case where the brush <NUM> is configured to move in orthogonal two directions, the brush <NUM> can evenly rub the entire surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> to improve the development uniformity. Furthermore, the development speed is also improved by moving the brush <NUM> in orthogonal two directions.

The brush <NUM> develops by removing an unexposed portion (not shown) of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. The brush <NUM> is, for example, immersed in the washing solution Q and arranged on the surface 70a side of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> in the transporting direction D in the developing tank <NUM>. In a state in which the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is transported, the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is rubbed with the brush <NUM> rotated in a rotation direction r (see <FIG>) by the driving unit <NUM>, the unexposed portion (not shown) of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is removed, and development is performed. The above development fatigue liquid Qw is generated during this development.

Since the brush <NUM> is immersed in the washing solution Q and arranged, the washing solution Q adhering to the brush <NUM> is not dried, and the unexposed portion removed by the brush <NUM> or the like is prevented from being fixed to the brush <NUM> as development scum.

Brush <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, an area of the brush <NUM> which is projected on the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is smaller than an area of the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. Therefore, the development is performed by the brush <NUM> partially applied to the entire width of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. During development, since the brush <NUM> is small, the brush <NUM> moves, for example, in the transporting direction D and the direction DL as described above in order to apply the brush <NUM> to evenly rub the entire surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, and may be configured to move only in the direction DL.

The movement path of the brush <NUM> is determined in advance according to the size of the brush <NUM>, the size of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, the transport speed, and the like. As a result, the movement path of the brush <NUM> can be programmed and development can be performed based on the program.

As shown in <FIG>, the brush <NUM> has, for example, a bunch of bristles 41b perpendicular to a substrate 41a. A shape of the substrate 41a is the shape of the brush <NUM>. The substrate 41a is, for example, circular, and is not particularly limited.

A rotating shaft portion <NUM> is provided on the substrate 41a. As a result, the rotation axis C is provided in the brush <NUM>. In addition, by adjusting a position where the rotating shaft portion <NUM> is provided, the position of the rotation axis C can be adjusted in the brush <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the rotating shaft portion 45a can be provided at a location other than the center of the substrate 41a.

Here, the center of the brush <NUM> is the center of the substrate 41a of the brush <NUM>, that is, a geometric center of the shape of the substrate 41a projected onto a plane. In a case where the substrate 41a is circular, the center of the circle will be the center of the brush <NUM>. In a case where the substrate 41a is rectangular, a point where the diagonals of a rectangle intersects will be the center of the brush <NUM>.

The rotation axis C of the brush <NUM> passing through the center of the brush <NUM> refers to that in a case where the substrate 41a is circular, the rotating shaft portion <NUM> is arranged so that the rotation axis C passes through the center of the substrate 41a. By arranging the rotation axis C so as to pass through the center of the brush <NUM>, the brush <NUM> can be uniformly brought into contact with the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. Therefore, the development uniformity is improved.

Further, by arranging the rotation axis C so as to pass through the center of the brush <NUM>, in a case where the brush <NUM> is caused to revolve, the brush <NUM> rotates stably. Therefore, it is possible to rotate the brush <NUM> stably even in a case of increasing the rotation speed in order to increase the rotating speed of the brush <NUM>. As a result, the development speed can be increased.

Further, in a case where a plurality of the brushes <NUM> are arranged in parallel, a contact of the brushes <NUM> can be suppressed even in a case where a distance between the brushes <NUM> is reduced. For this reason, it is preferable that the rotation axis C of the brush <NUM> passes through a center of the brush <NUM>.

As the brush <NUM>, for example, a brush called a cup brush is used. It is preferable that the bristles 41b of the brush <NUM> are used by being applied substantially perpendicularly to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>.

As described above, the brush <NUM> is smaller than the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. Since the brush <NUM> is small, the brush <NUM> is moved with respect to the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> to perform development, pressure of the brush <NUM> can be made uniform, and the development uniformity can be improved.

Further, by performing development by moving the brush <NUM> in a plane direction while transporting the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, a brush area required for the development can be reduced, and therefore the washing device can be simplified.

A size of the brush <NUM> is not particularly limited as long as the size is smaller than the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. In a case where an outer shape of the substrate 41a of the brush <NUM> is circular, a diameter is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, and most preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

In a case where the shape of the substrate 41a of the brush <NUM> has a brush shape other than the circle, an equivalent circle diameter, that is, a diameter of the shape having a size corresponding to the brush area is defined as a diameter in a case where the outer shape of the substrate 41a is a circle.

In addition, the brush <NUM> is rotated to develop, and the rotation speed of the brush <NUM> is preferably <NUM> rpm (revolutions per minute) to <NUM> rpm, and more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> rpm.

By increasing the rotation speed of the brush <NUM> to increase the rotating speed thereof, the development speed can be increased as described above, and the development uniformity is also improved.

Here, regarding a mechanism of the development scum adhesion, it is presumed that the development scum is deposited in the brush <NUM> during development and transferred to the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> at a certain timing, and the development scum adheres. Therefore, it is necessary to efficiently discharge the development scum from the inside of the brush <NUM> to the outside of the brush <NUM>. Therefore, in a case where rotation speed of the brush <NUM> is high, the washing solution in the brush <NUM> is easily discharged to the outside of the brush <NUM> due to the rotation, and the development scum in the brush <NUM> can be efficiently discharged to the outside of the brush <NUM>.

Further, the rotation speed of the brush <NUM> is not limited to a fixed value, and may be variable. In a case where the rotation speed of the brush <NUM> can be changed, for example, the rotation speed is determined in advance from an initial stage of development to the end of development, and development can be performed at a determined rotation speed.

The substrate 41a of the brush <NUM> holds the bristles 41b and is, for example, implanted in a bundle. The substrate 41a is not particularly limited as long as the substrate can hold the bristles 41b and is not deteriorated by the washing solution Q.

A material of the bristles of the brush <NUM> is not particularly limited. For example, natural fibers such as shroud, metals, polyamides, polyesters, vinyl chlorides, vinylidene chlorides, polyimides, polyacrylonitrile, and the like, which can be made into fibers can be suitably used.

A fiber diameter of the bristles of the brush is preferably about <NUM>µ to <NUM>, and may be implanted in a bundle or may be independently implanted within several brushes. An implanting interval is preferably about <NUM> to <NUM>, and in a case where the bristles are implanted in a bundle, the diameter of the bundle is preferably about <NUM> to <NUM>. In addition, the length of the bristles of the brush is preferably about <NUM> to <NUM>.

The length of the bristles may be different in one brush <NUM>, and it is preferable that the bristles in the central portion are long. Further, the thickness of the bristles may be different in one brush <NUM>, and the density of bristles may be different in one brush <NUM>.

As described above, the brush <NUM> is rotated by the driving unit <NUM> in a state in which the rotation axis C of the brush <NUM> passes through the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> (see <FIG>). In this case, as shown in <FIG>, in a case where an angle formed by the rotation axis C with respect to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is θ, the angle θ is preferably <NUM>° ≤ θ ≤ <NUM>°, more preferably <NUM>° ≤ θ ≤ <NUM>°, and most preferably <NUM>° ≤ θ ≤ <NUM>°. By setting the angle θ to <NUM>° ≤ θ ≤ <NUM>°, the brush <NUM> can be uniformly contacted with the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, and the development can be performed even in a case where the pressure of the brush <NUM> is increased. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both development uniformity and development speed. As described above, it is most preferable that the rotation axis C of the brush <NUM> is perpendicular to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>.

The angle θ can be obtained as follows. First, an image in a state in which the brush <NUM> is arranged on the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is acquired, and a line corresponding to the rotation axis C of the brush <NUM> from the image and a line corresponding to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> are obtained from the image. Next, the angle formed by these two lines is obtained. As a result, the angle θ can be obtained.

The state in which the rotation axis C of the brush <NUM> passes through the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> refers to that in a case of the rotation axis C or in a case where the rotation axis C is extended, the rotation axis C passes through the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> or through a face obtained by expanding the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, and shows an arrangement relationship between the brush <NUM> and the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>.

Therefore, depending on the inclination of the rotation axis C, the rotation axis C of the brush <NUM> may not pass through the surface 70a of the actual flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, but the rotation axis C of the brush <NUM> is not limited to actually passing through the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> as described above.

A position of the brush <NUM> with respect to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> may be fixed. Further, a configuration close to or spaced from the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> may be adopted. Since the brush <NUM> can be close to or spaced from the surface 70a of flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, it is possible to adjust the pressure of the brush <NUM> to the surface 70a of flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. As a result, the pressure of the brush <NUM> can be increased, and the development speed can be improved.

In a case where the pressure of the brush <NUM> is increased, it is preferable that the material of the bristles 41b of the brush <NUM>, the length of the bristles, the thickness of the bristles, and the like are set to correspond to the pressure. The bristle in a central portion in one brush may be lengthened, the thickness of the bristle in one brush <NUM> may be changed, or the density of the bristles in one brush <NUM> may be changed.

Further, since the brush <NUM> can be spaced from the surface 70a of flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, it is possible to lift the brush <NUM> from the surface 70a of flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. As a result, in a case where the development scum of the brush <NUM> adheres, the development scum can be removed from the brush <NUM>.

Regarding the operation of the brush <NUM>, the brush <NUM> may be constantly moved during development, or the brush <NUM> may be rotated only in a case where the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is transported to the developing tank <NUM>. In this case, for example, it is possible to perform development by providing a sensor for detecting the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> in the pair of first transport roller pairs <NUM>, and specifying the time to reach the brush <NUM> by using the transport timing and transport speed of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> to rotate the brush <NUM>.

Further, for example, an outside of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, an upper part of the surface 70a of flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> can be used as a retraction site of the brush <NUM>. The brush <NUM> is moved to the retraction site by the driving unit <NUM>, and the driving unit <NUM> retracts the brush <NUM> from the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. By retracting the brush <NUM> from the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, adhesion of development scum is suppressed, which is preferable.

In a case where the outside of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is used as the retraction site, the development scum is less likely to adhere to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> again as compared with the case where the brush <NUM> is simply lifted from the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> and retracted, and the adhesion of the development scum can further be suppressed.

In a case of removing development scum, retraction conditions such as development time or a development processing area are set rather than moving the brush <NUM> to the retraction site, and in a case where the retraction conditions are satisfied, the brush <NUM> may be configured to move to the retraction site. In this case, for example, it is possible to control the retraction of the brush <NUM> by providing a sensor for detecting the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> in the pair of first transport rollers <NUM>, and setting the retraction conditions for the driving unit <NUM> and then specifying an input amount of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> by using the transport timing and the transport speed of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>.

Further, in order to efficiently discharge the development scum inside the brush <NUM> to the outside of the brush <NUM>, a washing solution may be supplied to the brush <NUM> at the retraction site of the brush <NUM> so that the development scum may be discharged to the outside of the brush <NUM>.

The rinsing section <NUM> is provided for removing residues such as latex components and rubber components remaining on the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> after development using a washing solution or the like. In the rinsing section <NUM>, removing residues such as latex components and rubber components remaining on the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> using a washing solution or the like is called a rinsing step.

The rinsing section <NUM> has a pair of transport rollers <NUM> on a downstream side of the pair of second transport rollers <NUM> in the transporting direction D and in a rinsing tank <NUM>, and a pair of transport rollers <NUM> that transports the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> to the outlet 11b of the housing <NUM>. The developed flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is transported to the pair of transport rollers <NUM> from the developing section <NUM> and transported to the outside of the housing <NUM> by the pair of transport rollers <NUM>.

The developing tank <NUM> and the rinsing tank <NUM> are provided adjacent to each other, and in the rinsing tank <NUM>, a side wall 15b is formed to be higher than the liquid level of the washing solution Q in the developing tank <NUM> so that the washing solution Q in the developing tank <NUM> is prevented from entering the rinsing tank <NUM>.

For example, the rinsing section <NUM> has a supply unit <NUM> that supplies the development fatigue liquid Qw treated by the treatment unit <NUM> to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. The development fatigue liquid Qw treated by the treatment unit <NUM> is supplied to the supply unit <NUM> through a pipe <NUM>.

In the rinsing section <NUM>, for example, between the pair of transport rollers <NUM> and the pair of transport rollers <NUM>, the development fatigue liquid Qw treated by the treatment unit <NUM> is applied to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> after development as a washing solution Q from the supply unit <NUM> to be sprayed onto the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, for example, and thus the above residues are washed. The development fatigue liquid Qw from the supply unit <NUM> and the above washed residues are accumulated in rinsing tank <NUM>.

The washing solution Q to be supplied may be a washing solution Q newly produced in another tank (not shown). The development fatigue liquid Qw accumulated in the rinsing tank <NUM> can be reused as a washing solution Q by being transferred to the developing tank <NUM>. For the liquid transfer method, for example, a pump can be used. Moreover, a configuration in which the accumulated development fatigue liquid Qw is naturally supplied to the developing tank <NUM> across the side wall 15b may be adopted.

The pair of transport rollers <NUM> described above has a roller 36a arranged on the back surface 70b side of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> and a roller 36b arranged on the surface 70a side of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, and transport the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> with the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> interposed therebetween.

The pair of transport rollers <NUM> has a roller 38a arranged on the back surface 70b side of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> and a roller 38b arranged on the surface 70a side of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, and transport the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> with the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> interposed therebetween.

For example, both the roller 36a and the roller 36b described above are driven rollers. For example, one of the rollers 38a and 38b is a driving roller, and the other is a driven roller.

The treatment unit <NUM> removes solids <NUM> in the development fatigue liquid Qw including the solids <NUM> generated by removing the unexposed portion by the development using the washing solution Q. In addition, the development fatigue liquid Qw containing the solids <NUM> means a state in which the solids <NUM> are dissolved or dispersed.

In addition, the treated development fatigue liquid Qw means that the solids <NUM> included in the development fatigue liquid Qw are removed.

In the treatment unit <NUM>, the solids <NUM> removed from the development fatigue liquid Qw are collected by a tray <NUM> provided below the treatment unit <NUM>.

On the other hand, the development fatigue liquid Qw from which the solids <NUM> are removed, that is, the above treated development fatigue liquid Qw is supplied to the supply unit <NUM> through the pipe <NUM> and used in the rinsing section <NUM>. For example, a pump (not shown) is used to supply the development fatigue liquid Qw treated from the treatment unit <NUM> to the supply unit <NUM>.

Since the development fatigue liquid Qw can be reused by providing the treatment unit <NUM>, the washing solution Q can be used effectively and the utilization efficiency of the washing solution Q can be increased.

As long as the treatment unit <NUM> can remove the solids <NUM> from the development fatigue liquid Qw as described above, the configuration thereof is not particularly limited and is formed of, for example, a centrifuge.

In addition, a separation membrane <NUM> which removes the solids <NUM> in the development fatigue liquid Qw may be provided in the pipe <NUM>. The separation membrane <NUM> is not particularly limited as long as the membrane can separate the solids included in the development fatigue liquid Qw, and is appropriately determined depending on the size of the solid matter to be separated, and for example, a ceramic filter is used. For example, the separation membrane <NUM> is preferably capable of separating a solid having a particle size of <NUM> or less.

The separation membrane <NUM> is not necessarily required and may be omitted. However, a case where the development fatigue liquid Qw is allowed to pass through the separation membrane <NUM> is preferable since the concentration of the solids of the development fatigue liquid Qw supplied to the rinsing section <NUM> can be further reduced and a development fatigue liquid Qw having a low solid concentration can be used in the rinsing section <NUM>.

In addition, the separation membrane <NUM> may be used as the treatment unit <NUM>. In this case, for example, only the separation membrane <NUM> is provided without providing the above-described centrifuge.

The treatment unit <NUM> is not necessarily required and a configuration without the treatment unit <NUM> may be used. In this case, for example, the washing solution Q is used in the rinsing section <NUM>.

Here, as the concentration of the solids of the development fatigue liquid Qw increases, more development scum is fixed and the device is more easily contaminated. Accordingly, as the concentration of the solids of the development fatigue liquid Qw decreases, the contamination of the device can be more suppressed, and thus the maintainability is excellent. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the treatment unit <NUM> that removes the solids.

Next, a washing method for the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> using the washing device <NUM> will be described.

First, an exposure device (not shown) exposes the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> with imagewise exposure, that is, a specific pattern.

Next, the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> after imagewise exposure is transported to the washing device <NUM>. In the washing device <NUM>, the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is transported along the predetermined transport path, allowed to pass through the inlet 11a of the housing <NUM> and is transported into the washing solution Q by the guide roller 34a of the developing tank <NUM> through the pair of first transport rollers <NUM>. At this time, in a state in which the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is immersed in the washing solution Q and transported, development is performed by removing the unexposed portion of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> by the brush <NUM> of the development unit <NUM>. In the development step of performing the development, the brush <NUM> is rotated while transporting the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> in a state in which the rotation axis C of the brush <NUM> passes through the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> as described above. The rotation axis C of the brush <NUM> is moved in at least one direction intersecting the rotation axis C. Since the operation of the brush <NUM> is as described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the development step, the development fatigue liquid Qw is generated. Then, the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is transported to the pair of transport rollers <NUM> and the pair of transport rollers <NUM> of the rinsing tank <NUM> through the pair of second transport rollers <NUM>. In a state in which the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is transported, the development fatigue liquid Qw treated by the treatment unit <NUM> is applied to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> by the supply unit <NUM>, and the residues on the surface 70a are removed. Then, the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is transported from the pair of transport rollers <NUM> to the outside through the outlet 11b of the housing <NUM>.

As in the washing device <NUM>, by performing the development step in a state in which the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is being transported, the development processing amount per unit time can be increased as compared to batch processing, and thus high productivity is obtained. In addition, by curving and transporting the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, even in a case where the transport path Dp is longer, the size of the actual developing section <NUM> is not increased and space-saving can be achieved. Further, by developing the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> in the washing solution Q, development scum is prevented from being fixed to the brushes <NUM>, and the frequency of maintenance can be reduced. Thus, the maintenance load can be reduced and maintainability is excellent. In this manner, it is possible to achieve both maintainability and productivity.

Since the frequency of maintenance can be reduced, for example, the monthly or yearly average development processing can be increased, and the washing device <NUM> has high productivity in this viewpoint.

The configurations of the transport unit <NUM> and the development unit <NUM> are not limited to those described above, and may be other configurations.

Here, <FIG> are schematic views showing other examples of the developing section of the first example of the washing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. In <FIG>, the same components as those of the washing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

In the configurations of the transport unit <NUM> and the development unit <NUM> of the washing device <NUM>, for example, as shown in <FIG>, a configuration in which supports <NUM> that support the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> are provided at positions opposite to the brushes <NUM> with the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> interposed therebetween may be adopted. Since the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> has flexibility as described above, there is a possibility that the unexposed portion may not be efficiently removed by the brushes <NUM> due to, for example, bending in a case where the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is rubbed against the brushes <NUM>. However, by providing the supports <NUM>, the back surface 70b of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is supported by the supports <NUM> in a case where the unexposed portion is removed by the brushes <NUM> and thus the unexposed portion can be efficiently removed. In addition, the support <NUM> functions as a transport guide for the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, and the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> can be transported more stably.

The support <NUM> preferably has strength not to be deformed by brush pressure, heat resistance, and rust resistance that does, and the material of the support <NUM> is preferably, for example, stainless steel or plastic.

In addition, instead of the supports <NUM> shown in <FIG>, as shown in <FIG>, guide rollers <NUM> may be provided in contact with the back surface 70b of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. In this case, similar to the supports <NUM> shown in <FIG>, since the back surface 70b of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is supported by the guide roller <NUM> in a case where the unexposed portion is removed by the brushes <NUM>, the unexposed portion can be efficiently removed. In addition, the guide roller <NUM> functions as a transport guide for the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, and the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> can be transported more stably.

The number of brushes <NUM> provided in the development unit <NUM> is not limited to one, and may be plural. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a configuration having two brushes <NUM> may be adopted.

In this case, a plurality of brushes, or two brushes <NUM> in <FIG>, can be used for development at the same time. As a result, an area rubbed by the brush <NUM> is increased, and the development speed can be increased in a state in which the adhesion of development scum is suppressed and the development uniformity is maintained. In this case, the rotating speed of the plurality of brushes <NUM> may be the same, or the rotating speed may be changed for each brush <NUM>. In a case where the rotating speed of the brushes <NUM>, the size of the brush <NUM> is changed or the rotation speed of the brush <NUM> is changed.

In a case where a plurality of brushes are provided, for example, one motor may drive at least two brushes at the same time instead of rotating each brush individually. As a result, the number of motors can be reduced and the device can be miniaturized. Further, in a case where a plurality of brushes are rotated by one motor, the rotation speed can be changed for each brush <NUM> by providing a transmission.

The configuration of the development unit <NUM> of the developing section <NUM> is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be a configuration shown below.

The driving unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) is connected to a driving shaft portion <NUM> that rotates as described later. A shaft joint unit <NUM> that connects the driving shaft portion <NUM> of the driving unit <NUM> and the rotating shaft portion <NUM> of the brush <NUM> so as to transmit a rotational force of the driving shaft portion <NUM> of the driving unit <NUM> to the rotation axis C of the brush <NUM> and adjusts an inclination of the rotation axis C of the brush <NUM> with respect to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is provided. The inclination of the rotation axis C of the brush <NUM> is adjusted by the shaft joint unit <NUM> so that a tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> is arranged parallel to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>.

The shaft joint unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> is called a ball joint. In the shaft joint unit <NUM>, a first member <NUM> and a second member <NUM> are connected via a ball <NUM>. The ball <NUM> allows the first member <NUM> and the second member <NUM> to move relatively, and can transmit rotation between the first member <NUM> and the second member <NUM>.

The first member <NUM> is connected to the rotating shaft portion <NUM> of the brush <NUM>. The second member <NUM> is connected to the driving shaft portion <NUM>. The driving shaft portion <NUM> is provided with, for example, a first pulley <NUM> at the opposite end of the second member <NUM>. A second pulley 29b is arranged so as to face the first pulley <NUM>, and a transmission belt 29a is wound around the first pulley <NUM> and the second pulley 29b. The driving unit <NUM> is connected to the second pulley 29b. In a case where the second pulley 29b is rotated by the driving unit <NUM>, the first pulley <NUM> is rotated to rotate the driving shaft portion <NUM>, and the rotational force of the driving shaft portion <NUM> is transmitted to the rotating shaft portion <NUM> via the shaft joint unit <NUM>, and the brush <NUM> rotates.

As described above, since the first member <NUM> and the second member <NUM> are relatively moved by the ball <NUM>, the inclination of the rotation axis C of the rotating shaft portion <NUM> of the brush <NUM> with respect to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> can be changed. As a result, a direction of the tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> can be changed, and the tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> can be arranged parallel to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. As a result, the tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> can be developed in a state of being in uniform contact with the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, and one-sided contact or the like can be suppressed to develop efficiently and even better.

Further, depending on the device configuration, even in a case where the rotation axis C of the brush <NUM> is inclined as shown in <FIG>, a driving shaft Dc can be made horizontal by the shaft joint unit <NUM>.

The shaft joint unit <NUM> is not limited to the configuration shown in <FIG>, and a universal joint, a flexible coupling, a floating joint, and the like are used. Further, for example, a shaft joint unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be used. In <FIG>, the same components as those shown in <FIG> are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The shaft joint unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> has the same function as the shaft joint unit <NUM> shown in <FIG>, except that the configuration is different.

The shaft joint unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> has, for example, a first flange <NUM>, a second flange <NUM>, and two elastic members <NUM> and <NUM>. The first flange <NUM> and the second flange <NUM> are arranged so as to face each other, and the two elastic members <NUM> and <NUM> are provided between the first flange <NUM> and the second flange <NUM>. The two elastic members <NUM> and <NUM> are, for example, springs.

In the first flange <NUM> and the second flange <NUM>, the two elastic members <NUM> and <NUM> can be displaced independently of each other and move relative to each other.

The first flange <NUM> is connected to the rotating shaft portion <NUM> of the brush <NUM>. The second flange <NUM> is connected to the driving shaft portion <NUM>.

As described above, since the first flange <NUM> and the second flange <NUM> are relatively moved by the two elastic members <NUM> and <NUM>, the inclination of the rotation axis C of the rotating shaft portion <NUM> of the brush <NUM> with respect to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> can be changed. As a result, a direction of the tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> can be changed, and the tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> can be arranged parallel to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. The tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> can be developed in a state of being in uniform contact with the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, and one-sided contact or the like can be suppressed to develop efficiently and even better.

Further, by providing the two elastic members <NUM> and <NUM> in a contracted state as compared with a state in which no force is applied, for example, a force that causes the first flange <NUM> and the second flange <NUM> to be relatively separated from each other is received. Accordingly, the first flange <NUM> is displaced on the surface 70a side of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, the tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> can be pressed against the surface 70a of flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. The two elastic members <NUM> and <NUM> are not limited to the springs, and may be rubber, elastomer, or the like. The number of the elastic members is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more, and the number of the elastic members is appropriately determined according to the force acting on the brush <NUM> and the like.

Further, as shown in <FIG>, the configuration may include a pressing unit <NUM> that presses the tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> against the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. In <FIG>, the same components as those shown in <FIG> are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The pressing unit <NUM> presses, for example, the driving shaft portion <NUM> against the surface 70a side of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, and presses the tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> against the surface 70a of flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>.

A transmission belt 29a is wound around the first pulley <NUM> provided on the driving shaft portion <NUM> and the second pulley 29b arranged so as to face the first pulley <NUM>. The driving unit <NUM> is connected to the second pulley 29b, and the driving unit <NUM> rotates the second pulley 29b. The first pulley <NUM>, the transmission belt 29a, and the second pulley 29b are housed in the case <NUM>. The case <NUM> is provided with an elastic member <NUM> on the second pulley 29b side, for example, in a contracted state as compared with a state in which no force is applied. An opposite end portion on an opposite side of the case <NUM> of the elastic member <NUM> is fixed to the fixing wall <NUM>. The case <NUM> is pressed against the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> by the elastic member <NUM>, and the tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> is pressed against the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> via the driving shaft portion <NUM> and the shaft joint unit <NUM>.

By providing the pressing unit <NUM> in addition to the shaft joint unit <NUM>, in a state in which the tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> is arranged parallel to the surface 70a of flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, the tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> is pressed against the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. As a result, the tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> can be developed in a state of being uniformly pressed against the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, and the development can be performed more efficiently and even better.

In <FIG>, the shaft joint unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> is used, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the shaft joint unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> can also be used. In addition to this, as described above, the universal joint, the flexible coupling, the floating joint, and the like can be used.

Next, other examples of the washing method for the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> using the washing device <NUM> will be described.

Next, the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> after imagewise exposure is transported to the washing device <NUM>. In the washing device <NUM>, the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is transported along the predetermined transport path, allowed to pass through the inlet 11a of the housing <NUM> and is transported into the washing solution Q by the guide roller 34a of the developing tank <NUM> through the pair of first transport rollers <NUM>. At this time, in a state in which the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is immersed in the washing solution Q and transported, development is performed by removing the unexposed portion of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> by the brush <NUM> of the development unit <NUM>. In the development step of performing the development, the brush <NUM> is rotated while transporting the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> in a state in which the rotation axis C of the brush <NUM> passes through the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> as described above. The rotation axis C of the brush <NUM> is moved in at least one direction intersecting the rotation axis C. Since the operation of the brush <NUM> is as described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in the development step, an inclination of the rotation axis of the brush <NUM> with respect to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is adjusted by the shaft joint unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the shaft joint unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> described above, so that a tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> is arranged parallel to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. As a result, the development can be performed in a state in which the tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> can be arranged parallel to the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>.

Further, in addition to the shaft j oint unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the shaft j oint unit <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the pressing unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> described above causes the tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> in the development step, the tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> is pressed against the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. As a result, the development can be performed in a state in which the tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> is arranged parallel to the surface 70a of flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> and the tip surface 41c of the brush <NUM> is pressed against the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>.

Next, a second example of the washing device will be described.

<FIG> is a schematic view showing a second example of the washing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a schematic view showing a developing section of the second example of the washing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the same components as those of the washing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

A washing device 10a shown in <FIG> is different from the washing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> in that the transport path Dp of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, the configuration of the transport unit <NUM>, and the configuration of the development unit <NUM> are different, and the configurations other than the above configurations are the same as those of the washing device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Thus, detailed description thereof is omitted. Similar to the washing device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the washing device 10a is also a transport type washing device that performs development by transporting the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> along a predetermined transport path.

The transport unit <NUM> has a pair of transport rollers <NUM> and a pair of transport rollers <NUM> arranged spaced from each other in the developing tank <NUM> instead of the guide roller 34a (refer to <FIG>). The flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is transported substantially horizontally in the developing tank <NUM>. In the developing tank <NUM>, the transport path Dp is linear.

In the development unit <NUM>, for example, one brush <NUM> that is in contact with the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is arranged. In addition, the plurality of guide rollers <NUM> are arranged opposite to the brush <NUM> with the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> interposed therebetween. In a case where the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is transported, the unexposed portion is removed by the brush <NUM>.

In the washing device 10a, in a case where the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is transported, the unexposed portion is removed by the brush <NUM>, and the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> can be developed similar to the washing device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Therefore, the effects similar to the washing device <NUM> shown in <FIG> can be acquired.

As shown in <FIG>, the washing device 10a is, for example, configured to move the brush <NUM> in two directions orthogonal to the rotation axis C, using the first movement direction D<NUM> as the direction DL and the second movement direction D<NUM> as the transporting direction D. However, as described above, a configuration in which the movement is caused in the first movement direction D<NUM>, that is, only in the direction DL may be adopted.

Since the brush <NUM> is smaller than the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> as described above, development is performed by partially applying the brush <NUM> to the entire width of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. As described above, during development, the brush <NUM> is small, and is thus caused to move in orthogonal two directions, for example. In addition to moving the brush <NUM> in orthogonal two directions, a configuration in which the brush <NUM> may be caused to move in at least one direction intersecting the rotation axis, for example, in the direction DL may be adopted. As above, by moving the brush <NUM>, it is possible to efficiently perform development with the small brush <NUM>.

During the development, as long as the brush <NUM> can evenly rub an entire surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, the movement direction of the brush <NUM> is not particularly limited.

Also, the movement path of the brush <NUM> is determined in advance according to the size of the brush <NUM>, the size of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, the transport speed, and the like. As a result, the movement path of the brush <NUM> can be programmed, whereby development can be performed based on the program.

Further, also in the washing device 10a, as described above, the outside of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> can be used as a retraction site for the brush <NUM>. In a case of removing the development scum, the brush <NUM> is cased to move to the retraction site. In addition to this, a configuration in which development time and a development processing area may be set, and in a case where the development time and the development processing area are exceeded, the brush <NUM> may be caused to move to the retraction site may be adopted.

Further, also in the washing device 10a, in order to efficiently discharge the development scum inside the brush <NUM> to the outside of the brush <NUM>, a washing solution may be supplied to the brush <NUM> at the retraction site of the brush <NUM> so that the development scum may be discharged to the outside of the brush <NUM>.

Even in the washing device 10a, since the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is transported while being interposed between the brush <NUM> and the guide roller <NUM>, the unexposed portion can be efficiently removed and the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> can be more stably transported.

The number of brushes <NUM> and the number of guide rollers <NUM> are appropriately determined depending on the size of the developing tank <NUM>, the size of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, and the like.

In the washing device 10a shown in <FIG>, the configurations of the transport unit <NUM> and the development unit <NUM> are not limited to those described above, and other configurations may be adopted.

Here, <FIG> is a schematic view showing another example of the developing section of the second example of the washing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. In <FIG>, the same components as those of the washing device 10a shown in <FIG> are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

As shown in <FIG>, the development unit <NUM> may include a brush <NUM> arranged on the surface 70a side of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> and a support <NUM> arranged oppositely with the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> interposed therebetween.

One support <NUM> may be used and a plurality of the supports <NUM> may be arranged by adjusting the size of the support. As the support <NUM>, the same support as the support <NUM> shown in <FIG> described above can be used.

<FIG> is a schematic view showing still another example of the developing section of the second example of the washing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The brush <NUM> provided in the development unit <NUM> of the washing device 10a is not limited to one, and may be a plurality of brushes <NUM> may be used, similar to the washing device <NUM> described above. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a configuration having two brushes <NUM> may be used.

It is possible to perform development with two brushes <NUM> at the same time. As a result, an area rubbed by the brush <NUM> is increased, and the development speed can be increased in a state in which the adhesion of development scum is suppressed and the development uniformity is maintained. In this case, the rotating speed of the plurality of brushes <NUM> may be the same, or the rotating speed may be changed for each of the plurality of brushes <NUM>. Further, the two brushes <NUM> may have the same size or different sizes.

In the two brushes <NUM>, for example, one motor may drive at least two brushes at the same time as described above, instead of rotating each brush <NUM> individually. As a result, the number of motors can be reduced and the device can be miniaturized. Even in a case where a plurality of brushes are rotated by one motor, the rotation speed can be changed for each brush by providing a transmission as described above.

The flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is developed in a state of being immersed in the washing solution Q, but the development is not limited thereto, and the development can be performed while supplying the washing solution Q to the brush <NUM>. In this case, as a configuration of the brush <NUM>, for example, as shown in <FIG>, the brush <NUM> provided with a supply pipe <NUM> may be adopted. The supply pipe <NUM> is connected to a supply unit <NUM> that supplies the washing solution Q. The washing solution Q is supplied from the supply unit <NUM> to the brush <NUM> via the supply pipe <NUM>, and the washing solution Q is supplied between the brush <NUM> and the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>.

Further, as shown in <FIG>, the supply pipe <NUM> may be provided outside the brush <NUM> to supply the washing solution Q between the brush <NUM> and the surface 70a of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. In this case, development can be performed while supplying the washing solution Q to the brush <NUM> from the supply unit <NUM> via the supply pipe <NUM>.

It is preferable to perform development while supplying the washing solution Q in that the adhesion of the development scum is suppressed.

The above-described transport unit <NUM> has been described by taking the roller transport system as an example, but is not limited thereto. The transport unit <NUM> can adopt, for example, at least one of a belt transport system, the above-described roller transport system, a gear transport system, or a guide transport system.

In the case of the belt transport system, for example, in the washing device 10a shown in <FIG>, an endless belt (not shown) is arranged instead of the guide roller <NUM>, and this endless belt is driven by a driving unit (not shown) to transport the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>.

In the case of the gear transport system, for example, a jig (not shown) having gears at both ends for transporting the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> (not shown) is attached to an end portion 70c (refer to <FIG> and <FIG>) of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>. The flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is transported by engaging the gear of the jig with the driving gear and rotating the driving gear. A ball spline gear can also be used in the gear transport system.

In the case of the guide transport system, for example, a strip member (not shown) for transporting the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> (not shown) is attached to the end portion 70c (refer to <FIG> and <FIG>) of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, and the strip member is allowed to pass through, for example, the outlet 11b of the housing <NUM> and is wound outside the outlet 11b to transport the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>.

The flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> forms a flexographic printing plate used for flexographic printing, and the configuration thereof is not particularly limited. The flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is as thin as about several millimeters and has flexibility. In addition, having flexibility means returning to the original state after unloading the force from the bent state due to the action of the force. The size of the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is, for example, <NUM> × <NUM> or <NUM> × <NUM>. Since the development is performed by moving the brush <NUM>, it is possible to be compatible with a large flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>.

The flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM> is preferably a precursor that can be developed by an aqueous developer having water as a main component, or a water developing type flexographic printing plate precursor. In this case, the washing solution is an aqueous developer.

As the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, a known flexographic printing plate precursor that can be developed by an aqueous developer can be used. As the flexographic printing plate precursor <NUM>, a flexographic plate material compatible with a computer to plate (CTP) having a black layer applied to the surface thereof may be used.

Hereinafter, the washing solution will be described.

The washing solution is preferably an aqueous washing solution, and may be a liquid consisting solely of water, or an aqueous solution containing <NUM>% by mass or more of water and a water-soluble compound added thereto. Examples of water-soluble compounds include surfactants, acids, and alkalis. The above aqueous washing solution corresponds to an aqueous developer.

Examples of the surfactant include an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, and an amphoteric surfactant, and among these, an anionic surfactant is preferable.

Specific examples of the anionic surfactant include aliphatic carboxylates such as sodium laurate and sodium oleate; higher alcohol sulfate ester salts such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium cetyl sulfate, and sodium oleyl sulfate; polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate ester salts such as sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfate; polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ether sulfate ester salts such sodium polyoxyethylene octylphenyl ether sulfate, and sodium polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether sulfate; alkyl sulfate salts such as alkyldiphenyl ether disulfonate salt, sodium dodecyl sulfonate, and sodium dialkyl sulfosuccinate; alkylaryl sulfonate salts such as alkyl disulfonate salt, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium dibutylnaphthalene sulfonate, and sodium triisopropylnaphthalene sulfonate; higher alcohol phosphate ester salts such as disodium lauryl phosphate monoester and sodium lauryl phosphate diester; and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphate ester salts such as disodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether phosphate monoester, and sodium polyoxyethylene laurylether phosphate diester. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more thereof. As specific examples, sodium salts are mentioned, but the surfactant is not particularly limited to the sodium salts. The same effects can be obtained using calcium salts or ammonia salts.

Specific examples of the nonionic surfactant include alkaline salt compounds such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers such as polyoxyethylene oleyl ether and polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycols such as polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers such as polyoxyethylene nonyl phenyl ether and polyoxyethylene octyl phenyl ether, mono- and diesters of fatty acids with polyethylene glycol such as polyethylene glycol monostearate, polyethylene glycol monooleate, and polyethylene glycol dilaurate, esters of fatty acids with sorbitan such as sorbitan monolaurate and sorbitan monooleate, esters of polyoxyethylene adducts of sorbitan with fatty acids such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan trilaurate, esters of fatty acids and sorbitol such as sorbitol monopalmitate and sorbitol dilaurate, esters of polyoxyethylene adducts of sorbitol and fatty acids such as polyoxyethylene sorbitol monostearate and polyoxyethylene sorbitol dioleate, esters of fatty acids with pentaerythriol such as pentaerythritol monostearate, esters of fatty acid with glycerin such as glycerin monolaurate, fatty acid alkanolamides such as lauric acid diethanolamide and lauric acid monoethanolamide, amine oxides such as lauryldimethylamine oxide, fatty acid alkanolamines such as stearyldiethanolamin, polyoxyethylene alkylamines, triethanolamine fatty acid esters, phosphates, carbonates, and silicates. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more thereof.

Specific examples of the cationic surfactant include primary, secondary, and tertiary amine salts such as monostearylammonium chloride, distearyl ammonium chloride, and tristearylammonium chloride, quaternary ammonium salts such as stearyltrimethylammonium chloride, distearyldimethyl ammonium chloride, and stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, alkyl-pyridinium salts such as N-cetylpyridinium chloride and N-stearylpyridinium chloride, N,N-dialkylmorpholinium salts, fatty acid amide salts of polethylenepolyamine, acetic acid salts of urea compounds of amides of aminoethylethanolamine and stearic acid, and <NUM>-alkyl-<NUM>-hydroxy-ethylimidazolinium chloride. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more thereof.

Specific examples of the amphoteric surfactant include amino acid type amphoteric surfactants such as sodium laurylaminepropionate, carboxy betaine type amphoteric surfactants such as lauryldimethylbetaine and lauryldihydroxyethylbetaine, sulfobetaine type amphoteric surfactants such as stearyldimethylsulfoethyleneammonium betaine, imidazoliniumbetaine type amphoteric surfactants, and lecithin. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more thereof.

Specific examples of acids include inorganic and organic acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, and paratoluensulfonic acid.

Specific examples of alkalis include lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide, sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, and calcium carbonate.

Hereinafter, the development fatigue liquid will be described in detail.

The development fatigue liquid is not particularly limited as long as the liquid is a washing solution including solids generated by removing the unexposed portion of the flexographic printing plate precursor by the development using the above washing solution, that is, a washing solution including an uncured resin. However, a development fatigue liquid containing a conventionally known photosensitive resin composition for forming a general photosensitive resin layer may also be included.

The uncured resin removed by development may be a photosensitive resin included in the photosensitive resin composition.

In addition, since it is preferable that the development fatigue liquid in a case of performing development by a laser ablation masking (LAM) method is an object to be treated, the uncured resin removed by development is preferably a photosensitive resin included in a photosensitive resin composition.

As such a photosensitive resin composition includes, for example, a composition containing a polymerization initiator, a polymerizable compound, a polymerization inhibitor, a plasticizer, and the like in addition to the photosensitive resin may be used. Thus, the development fatigue liquid may contain a polymerization initiator, a polymerizable compound, a polymerization inhibitor, a plasticizer, and the like in addition to the uncured resin.

The uncured resin included in the development fatigue liquid refers to a solid generated by removing the unexposed portion. Examples of the uncured resin included in the development fatigue liquid include a water dispersible latex, a rubber component, a polymer component, and a noncrosslinked ethylenically unsaturated compound (polymer).

Examples of the water dispersible latex include water dispersible latex polymers of water dispersible latexes such as a polybutadiene latex, a natural rubber latex, a styrene-butadiene copolymer latex, an acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer latex, a polychloroprene latex, a polyisoprene latex, a polyurethane latex, a methyl methacrylate-butadiene copolymer latex, a vinylpyridine copolymer latex, a butyl polymer latex, a thiokol polymer latex, and an acrylate polymer latex, and a polymer obtained by copolymerization of one of the above-described polymers and another component such as acrylic acid and methacrylic acid.

Examples of the rubber component include butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicon rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, and epichlorohydrin rubber.

The polymer component may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic, and specific examples thereof include a polyamide resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, an acrylic resin, a polyurethane resin, a polyester resin, and a polyvinyl alcohol resin.

The solid having a specific gravity lower than that of the washing solution is, for example, a photosensitive resin such as a rubber component or latex.

The solid having a higher specific gravity than the washing solution is a component of an overcoat layer such as carbon.

Examples of the ethylenically unsaturated compound (polymer) include a (meth)acryl-modified polymer having an ethylenically unsaturated bond in the molecule.

Examples of the (meth)acryl-modified polymer include (meth)acryl-modified butadiene rubber and (meth)acryl-modified nitrile rubber.

The expression "(meth)acryl" is a notation representing acryl or methacryl, and the expression "(meth)acrylate" described later is a notation representing acrylate or methacrylate.

The uncured resin included in the development fatigue liquid is not particularly limited and the amount thereof is preferably <NUM>% by mass or less and more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less.

The polymerization initiator that may be included in the development fatigue liquid is preferably a photopolymerization initiator.

Examples of the photopolymerization initiator include alkylphenones, acetophenones, benzoin ethers, benzophenones, thioxanthones, anthraquinones, benzils, and biacetyls. Among these, alkylphenones are preferable.

Specific examples of photopolymerization initiators of alkylphenones include <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethoxy-<NUM>,<NUM>-diphenylethane-<NUM>-one, <NUM>-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone, and <NUM>-hydroxy- <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-phenyl-propan-<NUM>-one.

The concentration of the polymerization initiator that may be included in the development fatigue liquid is not particularly limited and is preferably <NUM>% by mass or less and more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less.

Examples of the polymerizable compound that may be included in the development fatigue liquid include ethylenically unsaturated compounds corresponding to so-called monomer components other than the above-described ethylenically unsaturated compounds (polymers).

The ethylenically unsaturated compound may be a compound having one ethylenically unsaturated bond or a compound having two or more ethylenically unsaturated bonds.

Specific examples of the compound having one ethylenically unsaturated bond include a (meth)acrylate having a hydroxyl group such as <NUM>-hydroxyethyl(meth)acrylate, <NUM>-hydroxypropyl(meth)acrylate, <NUM>-hydroxybutyl(meth)acrylate, <NUM>-chloro-<NUM>-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, and β-hydroxy-β'-(meth)acryloyloxyethyl phthalate; an alkyl(meth)acrylate such as methy(meth)acrylate, ethyl(meth)acrylate, propyl(meth)acrylate, butyl(meth)acrylate, isoamyl(meth)acrylate, <NUM>-ethylhexyl(meth)acrylate, lauryl(meth)acrylate, and stearyl(meth)acrylate; a cycloalkyl(meth)acrylate such as cyclohexyl(meth)acrylate; halogenated alkyl(meth)acrylates such as chloroethyl(meth)acrylate, and chloropropyl(meth)acrylate; an alkoxyalkyl(meth)acrylate such as methoxyethyl(meth)acrylate, ethoxyethyl(meth)acrylate, and butoxyethyl(meth)acrylate; a phenoxyalkyl(meth)acrylate such as phenoxyethyl(meth)acrylate, and nonylphenoxyethyl(meth)acrylate; an alkoxyalkylene glycol(meth)acrylate such as ethoxydiethylene glycol(meth)acrylate, methoxytriethylene glycol(meth)acrylate, and methoxydipropylene glycol(meth)acrylate; <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylaminoethyl(meth)acrylate, <NUM>,<NUM>-diethylaminoethyl(meth)acrylate, <NUM>-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, and <NUM>-chloro-<NUM>-hydroxypropyl(meth)acrylate.

Specific examples of the ethylenically unsaturated compound containing two or more ethylenically unsaturated bonds include an alkyldioldi(meth)acrylate such as <NUM>,<NUM>-nonanedioldi(meth)acrylate; a polyethylene glycoldi(meth)acrylate such as diethyleneglycoldi(meth)acrylate; a polypropylene glycoldi(meth)acrylate such as dipropyleneglycoldi(meth)acrylate; trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate, glycerol tri(meth)acrylate, a polyvalent (meth)acrylate obtained by an addition reaction of a compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond such as an unsaturated carboxylic acid or an unsaturated alcohol and an activated hydrogen to ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether; a polyvalent(meth)acrylate obtained by an addition reaction of a compound having an active hydrogen such as a carboxylic acid and an amine to an unsaturated epoxy compound such as glycidyl(meth)acrylate; a polyvalent(meth)acrylamide such as methylene-bis-(meth)acrylamide; and a polyvalent vinyl compound such as divinylbenzene.

The concentration of the polymerizable compound that may be included in the development fatigue liquid is not particularly limited and is preferably <NUM>% by mass or less and more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less.

Specific examples of the polymerization inhibitor that may be included in the development fatigue liquid include hydroquinone monomethyl ether, p-methoxyphenol, di-t-butyl-p-cresol, pyrogallol, t-butylcatechol, benzoquinone, <NUM>,<NUM>'-thiobis(<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-t-butylphenol), <NUM>,<NUM>'-methylenebis(<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-t-butylphenol), and N-nitrosophenylhydroxylamine primary cerium salt.

The concentration of the polymerization inhibitor that may be included in the development fatigue liquid is not particularly limited and is preferably <NUM>% by mass or less and more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less.

Examples of the plasticizer that may be included in the development fatigue liquid include a liquid rubber, an oil, a polyester, and a phosphate compound.

Specific examples of the liquid rubber include a liquid polybutadiene, a liquid polyisoprene, and derivatives thereof modified by maleic acid or an epoxy group.

Specific examples of the oil include a paraffin, a naphthene, and an aromatic.

Specific examples of the polyester include an adipate polyester.

Specific examples of the phosphate compound include a phosphate ester.

The concentration of the plasticizer that may be included in the development fatigue liquid is not particularly limited and is preferably <NUM>% by mass or less and more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less.

The present invention is basically configured as described above. The washing device and the washing method according to the embodiment of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various improvements or modifications may be of course made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the following examples. The materials, reagents, used amounts, substance amounts, ratios, treatment details, treatment procedures, and the like shown in the following examples can be appropriately changed without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the specific examples shown below.

In the present example, the washing devices of Examples <NUM> to <NUM> and Comparative Examples <NUM> to <NUM> were evaluated for development uniformity, development speed, and adhesion of development scum.

Hereinafter, development uniformity, development speed, and adhesion of the development scum will be described. The development uniformity, the development speed, and the adhesion of the development scum are all evaluated by scores. The higher the scores, the better, and the practical level is <NUM> scores or more.

The development uniformity was evaluated by a floor thickness or a brush mark in the flexographic printing plate precursor after a development treatment. The brush mark was visually evaluated.

As will be described later, the flexographic printing plate precursor is back-exposed during imagewise exposure. By the back exposure, a part in the thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor is cured even in the unexposed portion. The thickness of the cured part is the floor thickness. That is, the floor thickness is a film thickness of the unexposed portion after complete development.

The evaluation standards for development uniformity are shown in Table <NUM> below. The higher the score, the better the development uniformity.

The development speed was evaluated by an average development speed of the unexposed portion. The evaluation standards for development speed are shown in Table <NUM> below. The higher the score, the better the development speed.

A value obtained by dividing a value obtained by subtracting an average value (mm) of values measured for the unexposed portion film thickness after development measured at <NUM> points with a contact type film thickness meter from the film thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor before the exposure by the time (minutes) required for development was set as an average development speed of the above-described unexposed portion.

Regarding the adhesiveness of the development scum, the presence or absence of the development scum in the flexographic printing plate precursor after a development treatment was visually evaluated. The evaluation standards for the adhesion of the development scum are shown in Table <NUM> below. The higher the score, the better the adhesion of the development scum. That is, the development scum does not adhere.

The devices and chemicals used in Examples <NUM> to <NUM> and Comparative Examples <NUM> to <NUM> are shown below.

The above flexographic printing plate precursor was back-exposed by exposing the flexographic printing plate precursor for <NUM> seconds with <NUM> W energy from the back surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor using the above-mentioned UV exposure machine. Then, a mask layer was imaged by ablation using the above imaging machine, and main exposure was performed from the surface (the back surface of the back surface) at <NUM> W for <NUM> seconds. The flexographic printing plate precursor subjected to main exposure was used as a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure.

After the development treatment and the rinsing treatment, drying was performed at a temperature of <NUM> for <NUM> minutes.

Next, Examples <NUM> to <NUM> and Comparative Examples <NUM> to <NUM> will be described.

In Example <NUM>, in the washing device shown in <FIG>, two brushes were arranged on an outside as shown in <FIG>, and the flexographic printing plate precursor after the imagewise exposure described above was developed by moving the brushes in one direction of a short side direction of the flexographic printing plate precursor. Therefore, "<NUM> axis" was noted in a column of "Drive of rotation axis of brush".

In Example <NUM>, the rotation axis of the brush was the center of the brush, the rotation speed of the brush was <NUM> rpm, and the size of the brush was <NUM> in diameter. The brush was arranged with an angle θ shown in <FIG> set to <NUM>°.

Further, in Example <NUM>, the two brushes were rotated individually. In addition, the washing solution was not supplied to the brush, and the brush was not retracted. In Example <NUM>, the support <NUM> shown in <FIG> was not arranged.

Example <NUM> was the same as Example <NUM> except that as compared to Example <NUM>, the development was performed by moving the brushes in orthogonal two directions. In Example <NUM>, the movement was caused in a longitudinal direction orthogonal to a short side direction in addition to the short side direction of the flexographic printing plate precursor, and the development was performed by moving the brush in or two directions. Therefore, "Orthogonal two axes" was noted in the column of "Drive of rotation axis of brush".

Example <NUM> was the same as Example <NUM> except that as compared to Example <NUM>, a position of the rotation axis of the brush was intermediate between the center of the brush and an edge of the brush.

Example <NUM> was the same as Example <NUM> except that as compared to Example <NUM>, the position of the rotation axis of the brush is the edge of the brush.

Example <NUM> was the same as Example <NUM> except that as compared to Example <NUM>, the rotation speed of the brush was <NUM> rpm.

Example <NUM> was the same as Example <NUM> except that as compared to Example <NUM>, the size of the brush was <NUM> in terms of diameter.

Example <NUM> was the same as Example <NUM> except that as compared to Example <NUM>, the rotation speed of the brush was <NUM> rpm and the washing solution was supplied from the center of the rotation axis at <NUM> cc/min as shown in <FIG>.

Example <NUM> was the same as Example <NUM> except that as compared to Example <NUM>, the rotation speed of the brush was <NUM> rpm and the washing solution was supplied between the brush and the flexographic printing plate precursor from the side of the brush at <NUM> cc/min as shown in <FIG>.

Example <NUM> is the same as Example <NUM> except that as compared to Example <NUM>, the rotation speed of the brush was <NUM> rpm and the brush was attached and detached once for each reciprocation of the rotation axis of the brush. Example <NUM> has a configuration in which the brush was retracted.

Example <NUM> was the same as Example <NUM> except that as compared to Example <NUM>, two brushes were synchronously rotated by a belt drive from one motor.

In Example <NUM>, development was performed by moving the brush in orthogonal two directions using a horizontal transport type washing device that horizontally transports the flexographic printing plate precursor after the imagewise exposure described above as shown in <FIG>. In Example <NUM>, since the development was performed by moving the brush in orthogonal two directions, "Orthogonal two axes" was noted in the column of "Drive of rotation axis of brush".

In Example <NUM>, the rotation axis of the brush was the center of the brush, the rotation speed of the brush was <NUM> rpm, and the size of the brush was <NUM> in terms of diameter. The brush was arranged with an angle θ shown in <FIG> set to <NUM>°.

Further, in Example <NUM>, the two brushes were rotated individually. In addition, the washing solution was not supplied to the brush, and the brush was not retracted.

Example <NUM> was the same as Example <NUM> except that, as compared to Example <NUM>, the brush was arranged with the angle θ shown in <FIG> set to <NUM>°.

Example <NUM> was the same as Example <NUM> except that as compared to Example <NUM>, the shaft joint unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> was provided.

Example <NUM> was the same as Example <NUM> except that as compared to Example <NUM>, the shaft joint unit <NUM> and the pressing unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> were provided.

In Comparative Example <NUM>, a device configuration was different as compared to Example <NUM>, and the rotation axis of the brush was outside the brush. Further, in Comparative Example <NUM>, the brush is rotated so that the rotation axis of the brush itself makes a circular motion at a rotation speed of <NUM> rpm, that is, revolves. Except for these, Comparative example <NUM> was the same as Example <NUM>. In Comparative Example <NUM>, transport was not in one direction.

Comparative Example <NUM> corresponds to <CIT> (<CIT>).

Comparative Example <NUM> has a different device configuration as compared to Example <NUM>. The rotation axis of the brush was in the center of the brush, but during rotation, the rotation axis was not fixed and the rotation axis itself rotates on a circle of a defined diameter. Except for these, Comparative example <NUM> was the same as Example <NUM>.

Comparative Example <NUM> corresponds to <CIT>.

Comparative Example <NUM> was the same as Example <NUM> except that as compared to Example <NUM>, the brush in which the rotation axis was parallel to the surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor was used.

As shown in Table <NUM>, Examples <NUM> to <NUM> were superior in development uniformity, development speed, and adhesion of development scum as compared to Comparative Examples <NUM> to <NUM>.

In Examples <NUM> and <NUM>, it is preferable to move the brush in orthogonal two axes because the development uniformity and the development speed are excellent.

In Examples <NUM> to <NUM>, it is preferable to set the rotation axis at the center of the brush because the development uniformity is excellent.

In Example <NUM> and Examples <NUM> to <NUM>, the rotation speed of the brush is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> rpm, and more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> rpm.

In Example <NUM> and Examples <NUM> to <NUM>, in a case where the diameter of the brush is smaller than <NUM>, the development speed becomes low. In a case where the diameter of the brush exceeds <NUM>, the development speed becomes low, and development scum may adhere.

In Example <NUM> and Examples <NUM> to <NUM>, in a case where the washing solution was supplied, the adhesion of the development scum was improved and the adhesion of the development scum was suppressed. Further, even in a case where the brush was retracted, the adhesion of the development scum was improved, and the adhesion of the development scum was suppressed.

In Example <NUM> and Example <NUM>, results of development uniformity, development speed, and adhesion of development scum were the same even in a case where the two brushes were synchronized. In addition, Example <NUM> could achieve miniaturization comparing to Example <NUM> and could save space.

In Example <NUM>, good results were obtained in all of the development uniformity, the development speed, and the adhesion of the development scum, regardless of the transport form of the flexographic printing plate precursor. In Example <NUM>, since the device became large, a flow line of the operator became long.

In Examples <NUM> and <NUM>, in a case where the brushes were arranged with the rotation axis set to <NUM>°, the development uniformity, the development speed, and the adhesion of the development scum are excellent.

From Examples <NUM> and examples <NUM> to <NUM>, it is preferable to provide the shaft joint unit because the development uniformity is more excellent. Further, it is more preferable to provide the shaft joint unit and the pressing unit because the development uniformity, the development speed, and the adhesion of the development scum were further excellent.

Claim 1:
A washing device (<NUM>, 10a) that is configured to perform development on a flexographic printing plate precursor (<NUM>) after imagewise exposure using a washing solution (Q) while transporting the flexographic printing plate precursor (<NUM>), the device comprising:
a transport unit (<NUM>) that is configured to transport the flexographic printing plate precursor (<NUM>) along a predetermined transport path (Dp); and
a development unit (<NUM>) that is configured to perform the development on the flexographic printing plate precursor (<NUM>) by immersing the flexographic printing plate precursor (<NUM>) in the washing solution (Q),
wherein the development unit (<NUM>) includes a brush (<NUM>) which is configured to be used for the development and a driving unit (<NUM>) which is configured to control rotation of the brush (<NUM>) around a rotation axis (C) and movement of the brush (<NUM>),
the brush (<NUM>) is configured to remove an unexposed portion of the flexographic printing plate precursor (<NUM>) to perform the development,
the rotation axis (C) of the brush (<NUM>) is a fixed axis passing through one point in the brush (<NUM>), and
the driving unit (<NUM>) is configured to rotate the brush (<NUM>), in a state in which the rotation axis (C) of the brush (<NUM>) passes through a surface (70a) of the flexographic printing plate precursor (<NUM>), and moves the rotation axis (C) of the brush (<NUM>) in at least one direction intersecting the rotation axis (C).