Method and apparatus to clamp and release flexible plates onto an imaging cylinder

US7165492B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Esko Graphics A/S · DK

Inventors

• Jörg Koberg · Itzehoe, DE
• Jörg Wolterink · Oelixdorf, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 12, 2006
• Grant date: Jan 23, 2007
• Expiry date: Jan 12, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2555/11
• WIPO field: Audio-visual technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A clamping device, a cylinder including a clamping device, and a method for clamping a plate onto the outer surface of the cylinder. The clamping device includes a base body extending in the axial direction and fixed to, or incorporated into the cylinder. The clamping device also includes a clamping element extending in the axial direction. The clamping device also includes a lifting bar located in the interior of the base body and coupled to the clamping element by at least one guiding shaft. The lifting bar being movable in a first radial direction to move the clamping element away from the outer surface of the cylinder to form a gap between the outer surface and the clamping element. The lifting bar also is movable in the radial direction opposite the first radial direction to close the gap formed between the outer surface of the cylinder and the clamping element. The clamping device also includes a mechanism to impart and maintain compressive force between the clamping element and the outer surface of the cylinder such that any gap formed is maintained closed unless forcibly opened. The apparatus is arranged such that when the gap is formed by moving the lifting bar in the firs…