Mechanism for lifting and lowering an impression cylinder with spring-biased multiple disc brake locking device

In a rotogravure printing press, the two journal bearings of the impression cylinder are each connected to a double acting piston-cylinder unit for lifting and lowering the impression cylinder and are interconnected by a synchronizing shaft which is mounted thereon and is provided with pinions engaging racks fixed with respect to the frame of the press. The synchronizing shaft can be coupled to the journal bearings by at least one spring-biassed multiple disc brake which is released when the impression cylinder executes a wide stroke for the purpose of cylinder replacement and during pressure application of the impression cylinder. The brake is actuatable for engagement at the end of a short stroke when pressure is withdrawn.