Device for changing a printing plate

Abstract

A printing plate changing device prevents a new printing plate from being damaged even if an abnormal attachment has occurred during/before attaching the printing plate on a plate cylinder. Various sensors detect a rear end of the new printing plate located near an extrusion member when a phase of the lower plate cylinder forwardly rotating is positioned at a predetermined position, an actuator of the lower printing plate holding device is extended by a control device in accordance with a signal from the sensors to release a hook from an engaged pin. A claw portion is rotated by force energized by a spring to advance into a stored portion. The claw portion of the hook is engaged with the rear end of the new printing plate so that the new printing plate can be returned into the stored portion by extending the actuator.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.