Print Cylinder With Rubber Blanket For A Rotary Offset Printing Press
[0001] The invention relates to a print cylinder with rubber blanket for a rotary
offset printing press as defined in the preamble to patent claim 1.
[0002] Rotary offset printing presses use print cylinders embodied as rubber
blanket print cylinders which are provided, for example, with a special fabric
coated with rubber, the so-called rubber blanket.
[0003] The rubber blanket is an important link in the offset printing operation
which functions to transfer the image and text information from the printing plate
to the material to be imprinted (paper or foils). The quality of a printing image is
influenced, for example, by the composition of the materials that are used (fabric
and type of rubber) and is also influenced decisively by the condition of the
surfaces of the rubber blanket.
[0004] A rough distinction can generally be made between non-compressible
rubber blankets and compressible rubber blankets, the so-called air-cushion
blankets.
[0005] Conventional, non-compressible rubber blankets are composed of a base
fabric layer and one or several additional layers of fabric, as well as intermediate
layers (reinforcing layers), and the actual rubber layer having a thickness of
approximately 0.4mm to 0.6mm. The rubber blanket with standard composition
is nearly non-compressible, but can be deformed. Radial stresses consequently
lead to a tangential displacement of the rubber material and the therewith
associated forming of a bulge.
[0006] Non-conventional, compressible rubber blankets, also called air-cushion
blankets, are composed of a base layer of fabric, an intermediate fabric layer with
air enclosures, and a rubber cover layer. The air enclosures are embedded in the
form of microscopic air bubbles or air grooves, thus resulting in a deformability
of the rubber blanket as a whole. The bulge forming that occurs with
conventional rubber blankets can be avoided in this case owing to the
compression of the intermediate fabric layer while, at the same time, the wear and
tear on the printing form is also reduced.
[0007] These types of conventional or non-conventional rubber blankets, meaning
rubber blankets composed of layers, are normally fitted onto, wrapped around or
glued to the print cylinders. The invention described in the following relates to a
print cylinder with self-adhering rubber blanket.
[0008] Known, self-adhering rubber blankets are glued to the print cylinder and
do not require an additional attachment to the print cylinder. The rubber blanket
is provided for this with a flat self-adhering layer for gluing it to the print
cylinder. The problem, however, is a joining location where the ends of the
rubber blanket abut or where the ends of the rubber blanket at least are positioned
opposite each other.
[0009] Such joining locations are sealed with various types of sealing agents to
prevent cleaning agents and printing ink from entering. The edges of the rubber
blanket at the joining locations are frequently damaged by grinding or milling
prior to the sealing operation. With sealing operations of this type, there is a need
to optimally shorten the curing period for the sealing agent and thus shorten the
waiting period until the next use of the print cylinder provided with the rubber
blanket. A further problem is that despite the sealing operation, cleaning agents
and/or printing ink can penetrate between the ends of the glued-on rubber blanket
and, in particular, can cause the self-adhering layer to start separating.
[00010] It is therefore the object of the present invention to improve a print
cylinder of the aforementioned type in such a way that the above-described
disadvantages no longer exist. The object in particular is to solve the
aforementioned problems encountered with self-adhering rubber blankets at the
joining locations, such that the self-adhering layer between rubber blanket and
print cylinder is reliably protected to prevent solvents or printing ink from
entering. In addition, this location should present the smallest possible attack
surface for a rubber blanket washing system. Finally, the requirement for the
smallest possible non-printing strip should also be taken into consideration, so
that a joining location width of approximately 3mm is not exceeded.
[00011 ] This object is solved with a print cylinder provided with a rubber blanket
which is used for a rotary offset printing press as disclosed in claim 1, as well as
with a rotary offset printing press as disclosed in claim 15.
[00012] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the
dependent claims.
[00013] The print cylinder is provided in a manner known per se with a rubber
blanket composed of layers which is glued with the aid of a self-adhering layer to
the print cylinder. The rubber blanket consists of at least one main section
composed of at least three layers. As seen in radial direction from the outside
toward the inside, these layers include at least one cover layer not facing the print
cylinder, a supporting layer and the self-adhering layer that is facing the print
cylinder. The main section extends over the total effective length of the rubber
blanket which corresponds approximately to the circumference of the print
cylinder.
[00014] The main section in this case is adjoined by a leading end section of the
rubber blanket in production direction of the print cylinder, as well as a trailing
end section of the rubber blanket in production direction of the print cylinder.
[00015] According to the invention, the print cylinder is provided in at least one
location along the circumference, radially toward the outside, with a channel
extending radially toward the inside into which at least the leading end section of
the rubber blanket is inserted.
[00016] The channel takes the form of an axial groove in the outer surface of the
print cylinder. This groove is normally open on the front side, wherein closed
grooves are also possible within the scope of solutions according to the invention.
The groove furthermore need not absolutely extend in axial direction, but can also
take a slanted course.
[00017] According to a particularly simple variant, the trailing end section of the
rubber blanket adheres on one side of the joining location to the outer surface of
the print cylinder, without being inserted into the groove. During the operation of
the rotary offset printing press, the trailing end is always pressed against the print
cylinder which counteracts an undesirable separating.
[00018] According to one advantageous modification, the leading end section and
the trailing end section of the rubber blanket are inserted into the groove.
[00019] Providing a groove, which is very unusual in itself for a generic self-
adhering rubber blankets, for inserting at least one end section of the rubber
blanket into a radially inward directed groove on the print cylinder has the great
advantage of protecting the self-adhering layer between the rubber blanket and the
print cylinder, thereby avoiding any type of sealing problems along a joining
location. The leading end section or preferably both end sections of the rubber
blanket are now positioned inside the groove, so as to extend radially angled
toward the inside, indirectly or directly parallel to each other.
[00020] The self-adhering layer normally ends at the radially outer edge of this
groove, but can also end inside the groove itself or can extend over the complete
length of the rubber blanket. In any case, the self-adhering layer is protected in at
least one end section by the rubber blanket itself.
[00021 ] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the leading end
section and/or the trailing end section contains a reduced number of layers as
compared to the main section.
[00022] The thinner end sections, as compared to the main section of the rubber
blanket, can in this way be inserted easier into the groove. Above all, the
reduction in thickness itself is advantageous for an uncomplicated insertion into a
narrow groove. As a result, extremely narrow, non-printing strips of the rubber
blanket, respectively the print cylinder can be achieved.
[00023] According to one advantageous embodiment, at least one end section of
the rubber blanket contains an insertion aid. This insertion aid is preferably
arranged on the respective end section in the form of a reinforcing layer on one
side. It is particularly advantageously if the insertion aid consists of metal, plastic
or ceramic material.
[00024] Above all, this type of embodiment facilitates the insertion of one or both
end sections into the groove. In addition, it can also make more difficult an
unintended sliding of the end sections from the groove.
[00025] The insertion aid can advantageously be embodied as reinforcing layer on
one side of the rubber blanket. It is conceivable in that case to embody a fabric
layer thicker or to saturate this layer with a special plastic material in order to
stiffen an end section. However, the end sections or the layers of the end sections
can advantageously also be composed of metal, plastic or ceramic materials.
Corresponding layers can furthermore be applied later to the end sections which
are inserted into the groove. These types of insertion aids last a particularly long
time and are also very cost effective, depending on the requirements.
[00026] According to one advantageous embodiment, the leading or the trailing
end section is provided with a gliding layer, wherein this gliding layer is
advantageously applied permanently to the end section. Especially preferred for
the gliding layer is a coating of polytetrafluorethylene or another substance
having gliding properties. Gliding layers of this type make it easier to insert the
respective end section since the friction between the groove wall and the rubber
blanket is reduced. Whether a permanently applied gliding layer is selected or a
gliding layer that is applied separately during each application, e.g. consisting of
fats, alcohol or also a mixture of hydrocarbons (benzene, Vaseline) depends on
the type of use for the respective print cylinder.
[00027] According to one advantageous embodiment, at least one of the layers of
the rubber blanket is removed in at least one end section. It is advantageous in
that case that such rubber blankets can be produced continuously and that the end
sections can be reworked accordingly during the finishing work. As a result of
the layered configuration, for example, it offers itself to remove one or several
outer layers by making a cut, so that the layer sections to be removed can be
pulled off starting from the cutting location toward the end.
[00028] According to one especially advantageous embodiment, the at least one
removed layer includes the self-adhering layer or several layers on the side facing
the print cylinder.
[00029] When cutting the rubber blanket on the side facing the print cylinder or
otherwise removing rubber blanket layers on the side facing the print cylinder, it
is advantageous that the cover layer of the rubber blanket is maintained and
extends into the groove. This surface consequently is not damaged at any location
and continues to be mechanically robust.
[00030] According to one advantageous embodiment, the at least one removed
layer comprises one or several of the rubber blanket layers on the side facing
away from the print cylinder.
[00031] The removal of radially outer layers of the rubber blanket can be an
advantage, depending on the thickness and rigidity of the cover layer. For
example, if the cover layer is especially thick or rigid, then the non-printing strip
can be embodied particularly narrow if the cover layer is removed in the end
sections.
[00032] According to one particularly advantageous embodiment, the at least one
end section is secured inside the groove, such that it can be detached. It is
particularly advantageous if the at least one end section of the rubber blanket is
secured with the aid of an elastic deformation, wherein the groove is embodied
with a slightly narrower width as compared to the end section to be inserted.
[00033] An uncomplicated fastening of one or both ends sections inside the groove
is thus possible and, in many cases, this fixation meets the requirements for a
secure operation of the rotary offset printing press. The rubber blanket secured in
this way can furthermore be easily detached for a replacement, simply by pulling
off the rubber blanket in radial direction toward the outside.
[00034] According to one advantageous embodiment, a strip is arranged adjacent
to one of the end sections or, alternatively, between the end sections of the rubber
blanket.
[00035] Alternatively, the strip of another advantageous embodiment is fixedly
connected to the rubber blanket as insertion aid and can thus be inserted together
with the end section of the rubber blanket into the groove, wherein the strip can
furthermore also be embodied separate from the rubber blanket.
[00036] After both end sections of the rubber blanket have been inserted into the
groove, for example, the strip can be pushed from the outside between the two
end sections, so that the print cylinder is securely sealed toward the outside and
solvents or printing ink cannot penetrate. Strips of this type can also be provided
between the groove wall and the inserted end section, resulting in an elastic
deformation of this end section of the rubber blanket which securely seals the
print cylinder toward the outside and ensures that the end sections are fixated
securely inside the groove.
[00037] According to one advantageous embodiment, at least one spring element is
arranged inside the groove, adjacent to at least one of the end sections of the
rubber blanket. As an alternative, one wall of the groove can also be embodied to
be resilient. The goal of this advantageous embodiment is again to achieve an
elastic deformation of the at least one end section, wherein spring elements
represent a particularly cost-effective solution to this problem.
[00038] The groove is normally arranged parallel to the print cylinder axis, in
radial inward direction. Its center plane consequently extends in radial direction
toward the inside. However, it is not necessary for the center plane to extend
precisely in radial direction. According to one advantageous embodiment, the
center plane is positioned at an angle, relative to the radial plane, which intersects
the circumference of the print cylinder jointly with the center plane of the groove.
[00039] For example, the leading end section can be inserted at an acute angle
while the trailing end section is subsequently inserted at an obtuse angle.
[00040] In general, the above-described print cylinders are suitable for use with
rotary offset printing presses.
[00041 ] The invention is explained in further detail in the following with the aid of
exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.
[00042] Shown are in:
Figure 1a A detail of a radial section through a print cylinder, with a strip
inserted into the groove between the end sections of the rubber
blanket;
Figure 2 A representation according to Figure 1, wherein only one end
section of the rubber blanket is embodied and inserted into the
groove;
Figure 3 A detail of a radial section through a print cylinder with a strip
arranged between the groove and one end section;
Figure 4 A detail from a radial section through a print cylinder that is
comparable to the print cylinder shown in Figure 3, wherein the
groove is provided with a spring element;
Figure 5 A detail from a radial section through a print cylinder for which the
end sections are inserted into the groove, wherein radially outer
layers of the rubber blanket are removed in one case and radially
inner layers are removed in the other case;
Figure 6 A representation according to Figure 5 but with the radial outer
layer of the rubber blanket removed on both end sections that are
inserted into the groove;
Figure 7 A detail from a radial section through a print cylinder with a
groove extending radially inward at an angle; and
Figure 8 A complete radial section through a print cylinder, provided with a
groove that corresponds to the grooves shown in Figures 1 to 6.
[00043] Figure 8 shows a total view of a radial section through a print cylinder 30,
30', 30" according to the invention, provided with a rubber blanket 1, 1', 1" and
used in a rotary offset printing press. An axis A extends through the center of the
print cylinder 30, 30', 30". A radially inward directed groove 34, 34', 34" that
extends parallel to the axis A is provided in the circumference of the print
cylinder 30, 30', 30". Inserted into the groove 34, 34', 34" are two end sections
10, 20, 20', 20" of the rubber blanket 1, 1', 1" which is attached over the complete
circumference to the print cylinder 30, 30', 30", wherein the first end section 10 is
embodied as a leading end section as seen in production direction P of the print
cylinder 30, 30', 30" and the second end section 20, 20', 20" is embodied as a
trailing end section. A main section 5 of the rubber blanket 1, 1', 1" extends over
nearly the total circumference of the print cylinder 30, 30', 30" between the end
sections 10, 20, 20' and 20" and is joined by the end sections 10, 20, 20', 20".
[00044] A first example is shown in Figure 1 which is also part of the total view
according to Figure 8. A detail from a radial section through the print cylinder 30
provides an enlarged view of the region surrounding the groove 34.
[00045] The groove 34 has a groove depth 36 and a groove width 38. These
dimensions define a groove in the outer surface of the print cylinder 30 which
holds the end sections 10, 20 of the rubber blanket 1.
[00046] The rubber blanket 1 comprises several layers, meaning it is configured
with several layers 2, 3, 4 as seen in radial direction, wherein each of the layers
' has a special function. Not shown are further layers which can be present and are
generally known. In radial inward direction, a self-adhering layer 4 of the rubber
blanket 1 is glued to the print cylinder 30, on the side facing the print cylinder 30.
A support layer 3 which generally consists of a fabric material follows in radial
outward direction. The rubber blanket 1 is provided radially outward with a cover
layer 2 that faces away from the print cylinder 30. The cover layer 2 meets the
respective surface criteria for generating a clean print image on the printing
material which is not shown herein.
[00047] The same layer configuration exists over nearly the complete
circumference of the rubber blanket 1, meaning in its main section 5. The self-
adhering layer 4 and the support layer 3 have been removed from the end sections
10, 20, which adjoin the main section 5, in radial direction starting from the outer
edges 11,21 of the groove 34 toward the inside. As a result, the end sections 10,
20 of the rubber blanket 1 of the first embodiment are inserted only with a
reduced thickness, namely the thickness of the cover layer 2, into the groove 34.
[00048] Following the insertion of the end sections 10, 20, an insertion aid 7' that is
embodied; as strip 9 is inserted in radial direction into the groove 34, between the
end sections 10, 20 of the rubber blanket 1. In circumferential direction, the end
sections 10, 20 are clamped into the groove 34 as a result of the strip 9 being
wider as compared to the groove width 38. The end sections 10, 20 in this case
are elastically deformed. The insertion aid 7 can alternatively also be embodied
as reinforcing layer on one side on the respective end section 10, 20, wherein this
layer can consist of metal, plastic or ceramic material.
[00049] The arrangement according to the first exemplary embodiment
successfully results in a complete sealing of the self-adhering layer 4 toward the
outside. The end sections 10, 20 of the rubber blanket 1, which are inserted into
the groove 34, are inserted into, pushed into, or fitted into the groove 34 around
the radial outer edges 11,21 and are additionally fixated by the strip 9 inside the
groove 34. The dimensions of the groove 34 are smaller, relative to the inserted
end sections 10, 20 and the strip 9, so that the end sections 10, 20 are clamped
into the groove 34 without requiring additional means, thereby resulting in a
secure seal toward the outside.
[00050] For the second example shown in Figure 2, the rubber blanket 1 is
embodied only with a single end section, the leading end section 10, which is
inserted into the groove 34. As a result it is possible to realize a narrower groove
34 and thus also obtain a narrower non-printing strip on the rubber blanket 1
and/or the print cylinder 30. In addition, the rubber blanket 1 can be finished
easier in this way, meaning the rubber blanket 1 only needs to be cut to the
desired length.
[00051] Figure 3 contains a third exemplary embodiment which again shows a
detail from a radial section through the print cylinder 30' with glued-on rubber
blanket 1', comparable to the representation in Figure 1. The print cylinder 30' is
also provided with a groove 34', comparable to the groove shown in Figure 1,
having a groove width 38' and a groove depth 36'.
[00052] In the same way as for the representation in Figure 1, a cut is again made
to the rubber blanket 1' on the side facing the print cylinder 30' at the level of the
radially outer edges 11,21 of the groove 34'. The self-adhering layer 4 and the
support layer 3 for the second exemplary embodiment are again pulled from the
respective end sections 10, 20' of the rubber blanket 1'. The rubber blanket 1' is
thus also inserted with thinner end sections 10, 20' into the groove 34', as
compared to the main section 5.
[00053] An insertion aid 7 embodied as a strip 14 is also arranged in the groove
34', between the trailing end section 20' of the rubber blanket 1' and a wall 22 of
the groove 34'. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the strip
14 is attached to the trailing end section 20' and is inserted together with this end
section into the groove 34'. This arrangement is particularly easy to assemble
because the leading end section 10 can initially be inserted without problems into
the groove 34'. To obtain a secure seal for the self-adhering layer 4 against
solvents and printing ink, the trailing end section 20' must be pushed into the
groove 34', thereby causing the end sections 10, 20' to be elastically deformed.
For this, the groove 34' is embodied with smaller dimensions as compared to the
thickness of the end sections 10, 20' and the strip 14.
[00054] To facilitate the insertion of the trailing end section 20' into the groove 34',
the wall 22 of the groove 34' or the strip 14 on the side facing the wall 22 can be
provided with a gliding layer 6. This gliding layer 6 can be applied to the
respective surfaces during a replacement of the rubber blanket 1'. The strip 14 or
the wall 22 can alternatively or additionally also be provided with permanent
gliding layers 6. These types of gliding layers 6 are composed, for example, of
polytetrafluorethylene or another substance having gliding properties. The end
sections 10, 20' of the rubber blanket 1' preferably consist at least in part of metal,
plastic or ceramic materials, wherein these materials can also have gliding
properties.
[00055] A fourth exemplary embodiment is shown in Figure 4 with an enlarged
detail of a radial section through a print cylinder 30", comparable to the print
cylinder 30' shown in Figure 3.
[00056] In contrast to the representation shown in Figure 3, a spring element 8 is
provided inside a groove 34" between the strip 14 and the wall 22. The spring
element 8 is itself deformable and causes an elastic deformation of the end
sections 10, 20' of the rubber blanket 1' which are inserted into the groove 34". In
addition to the exemplary embodiment of a curved sheet metal piece, shown in
Figure 4, one skilled in the art is also familiar with spring elements 8 of this type
having a different shape. For example, it is conceivable to have spiral spring
elements which are distributed over the length of the groove 34" and can also lead
to an elastic deformation of the end sections 10, 20' of the rubber blanket 1'.
[00057] Figure 5 shows a detail of a radial section for a fifth exemplary
embodiment. In the same way as for the previous embodiments, the print cylinder
30' shown herein is also provided on the outer surface with a groove 34' having a
groove width 38' and a groove depth 36'.
[00058] Analog to the preceding exemplary embodiments, a rubber blanket 1' with
self-adhering layer 4 is attached to the print cylinder 30'. The main section 5 of
the rubber blanket 1" again contains the standard layer-type composition, meaning
a support layer 3 and a cover layer 2 are embodied in addition to the self-adhering
layer 4. In contrast to the preceding exemplary embodiments, however, the cover
layer 2 is removed from the trailing end section 20". Otherwise, a strip 14 that
facilitates the insertion of the trailing end section 20" is also provided for this
embodiment between the wall 22 of the groove 34' and the trailing end section 20"
of the rubber blanket 1'.
[00059] A different exemplary embodiment according to Figure 6 shows the
removal of the cover layer 2 from the leading as well as from the trailing end
section 10, 20" of the rubber blanket 1", wherein this represents an alternative
solution which can be used depending on the configuration of the rotary offset
printing press.
[00060] Figure 7 contains yet another example of a print cylinder 30'" according to
the invention which has a different design as compared to the overall view shown
in Figure 8. The difference to the previously described exemplary embodiments
is that the groove 34'" extends radially inward at an angle toward the inside of the
print cylinder 30'".
[00061 ] A further difference can be found in the removal of layers from the end
sections 10', 20'" which are inserted into the angled groove 34'".
[00062] For this exemplary embodiment, the leading end section 10' in production
direction P of the print cylinder 30'" is inserted at an acute angle a into the groove
34'". To facilitate the insertion of the leading end section 10' into the angled
groove 34'", the cover layer 2 of the rubber blanket 1'" is removed past the end
section 10' for the embodiment shown herein, meaning only the support layer 3
and, if applicable, the self-adhering layer 4 are inserted into the groove 34'".
[00063] In general, however, the self-adhering layer 4 always ends at the radial
outer edge 11,21 of the groove 34, 34', 34", 34'", such that the insertion and the
removal of the respective end section 10, 10', 20, 20', 20", 20'" of the rubber
blanket 1, 1', 1", 1'" is not made difficult.
[00064] If the rubber blanket 1'" for the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 7
is fitted around the print cylinder 30"" and is glued to the cylinder, then the
trailing end section 20'" is inserted at an obtuse angle of 90°+a into the groove
34"'.
[00065] The trailing end section 20"' is provided with a strip 14', facing the wall 22
of the groove 34'" and facing away from the leading end section 10' of the rubber
blanket 1'", wherein this strip facilitates the insertion of the trailing end section
20'".
[00066] A center plane M of the groove 34'" extends parallel to the inserted end
sections 10', 20'" and occupies an angle a to a radial plane R of the print cylinder
30'" and intersects with its circumference together with the center plane M of the
groove 34'".
1. A print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30"') for a rotary offset printing press, comprising a
rubber blanket (1, 1', 1", 1'") which is composed of at least three layers (2, 3, 4) in
at least one main section (5), further comprising a self-adhering layer (4) that
faces the print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'") and functions to attach the rubber
blanket (1, 1', 1", 1"') to the print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'"), a support layer (3)
and a cover layer (2) that faces away from the print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'"),
wherein a leading end section (10, 10') as seen in production direction (P) of the
print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'") and a trailing end section (20, 20', 20", 20"') as
seen in production direction (P) for the print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'") are
embodied on the rubber blanket (1, 1', 1", 1'") and directly adjoin the main section
(5), characterized in that the print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'") is provided with a
radially inward extending groove (34, 34', 34", 34'") into which at least the
leading end section (10, 10') of the rubber blanket (1, 1', 1", 1'") is inserted.
2. The print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'") according to claim 1, characterized in that
the trailing end section (20, 20') of the rubber blanket (1, 1', 1", 1'") is also
inserted in the groove (34, 34', 34", 34'").
3. The print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'") according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that at least one of the end sections (10, 10', 20, 20', 20", 20'") of
the rubbe - blanket (1, 1', 1", 1'") has a reduced number of layers (2, 3, 4) as
compared to the main section (5).
4. The print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'") according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that at least one of the end sections (10, 10', 20, 20', 20", 20'") of
the rubber blanket (1, 1', 1", 1'") is provided with an insertion aid (7), wherein the
insertion aid (7) is preferably arranged as a reinforcing layer on one side of the
respective end section (10, 10', 20, 20', 20", 20'") and, especially preferred, is
composed of a metal, plastic or ceramic material.
5. The print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'") according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that at least one of the end sections (10, 10', 20, 20', 20", 20'") of
the rubber blanket (I, I', 1", 1'") is provided with a gliding layer (6) which is
preferably applied permanently to the end section (10, 10', 20, 20', 20", 20'") and,
especially preferred, is a coating of polytetrafluorethylene or another substance
having gliding properties.
6. The print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'") according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that at least one of the layers (2, 3, 4) of the rubber blanket (1, 1',
1", 1'") is removed from at least one of the end sections (10, 10', 20, 20', 20", 20'").
7. The print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'") according to claim 6, characterized in that
the at least one removed layer (2, 3, 4) comprises the self-adhering layer (4) or
several layers (3, 4) of the rubber blanket (1, 1', 1", 1'") that are facing the print
cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30"').
8. The print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30"') according to claim 6, characterized in that
the at least one removed layer (2, 3, 4) comprises one or several layers (2, 3) of
the rubber blanket (1, 1', 1", 1'") that are on the side facing away from the print
cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'").
9. The print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'") according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the at least one end section (10, 10', 20, 20', 20", 20'") is
secured through elastic deformation inside the preferably smaller dimensioned
groove (34, 34', 34", 34'"), such that it can be removed again.
10. The print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'") according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that a strip (14, 14', 9) is arranged adjacent to at least one of the
end sections (10, 10', 20, 20', 20", 20'") inside the groove (34, 34', 34", 34'").
11. The print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30"') according to claim 10, characterized in that
the strip (14, 14') is arranged between a wall (22) of the groove (34, 34', 34", 34'")
and an end section (10, 10', 20, 20', 20", 20'") of the rubber blanket (1, 1', 1", 1"').
12. The print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'") according to one of the claims 10 to 12,
characterized in that the strip (14, 14') as insertion aid (7) is fixedly connected to
the rubber blanket (1, 1', 1", 1'") or that the strip (9) is embodied as a strip that is
separate from the rubber blanket (1, 1', 1", 1'").
13. The print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'") according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that at least one spring element (8) is arranged adjacent to one of
the end sections (10, 10', 20, 20', 20", 20'") in the groove (34, 34', 34", 34'") or that
a wall (22) of the groove (34, 34', 34", 34'") is embodied so as to be resilient.
14. The print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'") according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the groove (34, 34', 34", 34'") is oriented at an angle (a),
relative to a radial plane (R) of the print cylinder (30, 30', 30", 30'") which
intersects with its circumference, together with the center plane (M) of the groove
(34, 34', 34", 34"').
15. A rotary offset printing press that is provided with a print cylinder (30, 30', 30",
30'") according to one of the preceding claims.

The invention relates to a print cylinder (30') for a rotary offset printing press,
said cylinder comprising a multi-layer, self-adhering rubber blanket (1') which is glued to
the print cylinder (30'). According to the invention, the print cylinder (30') has a radially
inward extending groove (34') into which at least one leading end section 10 of the rubber
blanket 1' is inserted.