Flexible printing plate attachment system

Abstract

To clamp a printing form (16), the end portions are inserted into a clamping groove (2, 3) which is formed by a channel (2) extending at an angle into the printing cylinder, and axially thereover. The channel 2 is enlarged interiorly of the plate cylinder 1 into an essentially cylindrical opening (3), for example a cylindrical bore, within which an eccentrically located spindle (4, 24) is located. Upon rotation of the spindle, it will engage the end portions of the printing plate and press it against a wall (5) which, preferably, is part cylindrical and a continuation of the circle of the spindle diameter (6, 26). The surface of the spindle may be roughened or knurled, and a support element (15, 30), resiliently retained in a radial bore, or formed as a projecting essentially cylindrical collar, engages the inner wall of the axially extending cylindrical opening or bore (3) to prevent bend-through of the spindle upon engaging the ends of a printing plate.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.