Method of exchanging a printing cylinder sleeve and printing machine for carrying out the method

A method of exchanging a printing cylinder sleeve in a printing machine, which printing machine comprises a central cylinder and a plurality of ink units adapted to be adjusted against the central cylinder, each ink unit comprising a plate cylinder having a printing cylinder sleeve mounted on a mandrel, and a detachable bearing for supporting the mandrel, the method comprising the following steps, which are performed while the printing machine is running:

• moving one said plate cylinder away from the central cylinder to such an extent that a space formed between said one plate cylinder and the central cylinder becomes large enough for gripping the printing cylinder sleeve of said one plate cylinder,
• bringing a safeguard into a position in which it shields a part of an end face and a part of the peripheral surface of the central cylinder facing the plate cylinder,
• detaching the bearing associated with said one plate cylinder, and
• withdrawing the printing cylinder sleeve of said one plate cylinder axially from the mandrel associated with said one plate cylinder.