Abstract:
A printing group, which includes at least one rotation element, that can be rotated about its longitudinal direction, and than can also be displaced axially, includes a drive. That drive for the rotational element can be a drive motor which is independent of the drive of the printing group cylinders. The drive can be effected through a rotationally fixed and coaxially linked drive wheel, and a flexible drive. In order to achieve a lateral travel of the rotational element, the printing group is provided with a supplementary drive motor.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention is directed to drive mechanisms of a printing group. The printing group typically includes at least one cylinder or rotatable body which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis and which is also axially movable.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     A drive mechanism of a printing group is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,088,074. A drive motor can be provided for the purpose of the rotatory driving of an application roller. The axial driving of distribution cylinders, which are rotatorily driven by friction, is provided via a lever mechanism that is driven by a pressure medium piston.  
         [0003]     DE 44 30 693 A1 shows a printing group with an inking and a dampening system. The distribution cylinders of the inking cylinder can each be axially driven by their own drive motor, or in one preferred embodiment, together by a drive motor via a gear wheel connection. An axial stroke can be created at each one of the distribution cylinders by linear motors.  
         [0004]     DE 29 32 105 A1 discloses a drive mechanism of distribution cylinders of a dampening system. A distribution cylinder can be driven individually, or together with a water fountain roller of a distribution roller, independently of the printing group cylinders by the use of a drive motor. The drive mechanism of the distribution cylinder is represented by a traction mechanism.  
         [0005]     The drive mechanism of a printing group is known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,779. A drive wheel is connected with an axially movable distribution cylinder for the purpose of rotatory driving. The drive wheel can be driven by a gear wheel arranged on a shaft, wherein the shaft can be selectively driven by a further gear wheel or by a toothed belt from a drive motor. Further distribution cylinders can be driven via a wheel train, for example.  
         [0006]     A drive mechanism for a distribution cylinder is known from WO 99/08873 A1, which distribution cylinder can be rotatorily driven via a wheel train, and in the axial direction by a crank drive mechanism. The lift or axial displacement is generated via an eccentric device and is transferred to the distribution cylinder via couplings.  
         [0007]     An axial drive mechanism for two distribution cylinders is known from DE 33 27 872 C2. A drive mechanism for generating the axial movement of the two distribution cylinders is embodied as being encapsulated.  
         [0008]     DE 23 09 850 B2 discloses a rotatory drive mechanism for distribution cylinders of an inking system. A distribution cylinder, that is located near the printing position, is driven by the printing cylinder via gear wheels. The other distribution cylinder is driven from the first distribution cylinder via a toothed belt and beveled disk wheels.  
         [0009]     In DE 42 04 604 A1 two distribution cylinders are rotatorily, as well as axially, driven via a wheel train. The conversion of rotary to axial movement is provided by a worm drive.  
         [0010]     DE 195 05 625 has a distribution cylinder whose rotatory, as well as axial, driving is provided by a drive unit via a belt drive.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The object of the present invention is directed to providing drive mechanisms for a printing group.  
         [0012]     In accordance with the present invention, this object is attained by the provision of a drive mechanism for the printing group which typically includes a drive for at least one rotating body that is rotatable about its longitudinal axis and that is also movable in the axial direction. The at least one rotating body can have one drive mechanism for causing the rotational movement and a separate drive for generating the axial displacement.  
         [0013]     The advantages which can be obtained by the present invention consist, in particular, in that a high degree of flexibility of the operation of the printing group is offered. At the same time, a large outlay for mechanical and electronic devices, for drive technology and for the sealing of an extensive oil chamber are avoided.  
         [0014]     In one embodiment, provided with printing group cylinders driven individually or in pairs, and with rollers of an inking or dampening unit also driven individually or in pairs, for example distribution cylinders, encapsulation individually or in pairs provides considerable advantages in regard to the outlay and to structural space on the driving side. The construction and sealing of an extensive oil chamber between lateral walls of the printing press is no longer required.  
         [0015]     In comparison with an axial rotatory driving of the cylinders, rollers or distribution cylinders directly via a motor shaft, driving of the cylinders or rollers via a gear satisfies the requirement for optimal rpm ranges. This is of great advantage, in particular in the case of an inking or a dampening system with distribution cylinders, in view of the “erratic” and uneven stresses caused by back-and-forth moving distribution cylinders.  
         [0016]     In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the separation of the rotatory and axial movements in accordance with drive technology, makes possible, on the one hand, an oil-free and therefore a cost-effective and environmentally gentle embodiment. Moreover, it opens up increased flexibility through technological processes. For example, during a start-up phase of the printing press, it is possible to perform the inking or dampening of the inking unit or of the dampening unit without a back-and-forth movement. During printing, the frequency of the back-and-forth movements can be set independent of the number of revolutions of the distribution cylinders or the production speed. For example, this frequency can be kept constant during changing operating conditions. In this way, an optimum ratio between lateral movements and circumferential speeds can be set without requiring adjustable gears and an oil chamber. Also, in an advantageous manner, it is possible to set and to change the turning point of the back-and-forth movement in the circumferential direction in respect to the position of the rollers or cylinders. This provides advantages, for example, in case of cylinders with fastening grooves. The independence of the rotatory drive mechanism from the drive mechanism of the forme cylinder, in particular one driven by an individual drive motor, also opens the possibility, on the other hand, of varying the circumferential speeds between the forme cylinder and the distribution cylinder and of achieving a high flexibility in set-up operations, such as washing, printing forme changes, pre-inking, rubber blanket washing, etc., chronologically independent of each other.  
         [0017]     If a structural component of, for example, the inking unit, has several rollers, which must be driven, or has several distribution cylinders, which must be driven, a drive motor for moving all of the distribution cylinders of this structural component in the axial direction is advantageous. Unnecessary control mechanisms and an unnecessarily large error potential can be avoided.  
         [0018]     An embodiment of the present invention is particularly advantageous in respect to flexibility, effectiveness, dependability and outlay, in which the two printing group cylinders of the printing group have at least one independent drive motor, the rollers which must be driven, for example the distribution cylinders of the inking unit, and the rollers which must be driven, or the distribution cylinder(s) of the dampening unit, if provided, have their own rotatory drive mechanism per group, possibly via a separately encapsulated gear and/or a traction mechanism gear. These last mentioned structural components then each have their own common drive motor for the axial movement, for example, wherein driving takes place, for example, via a crank drive whose lift or axial displacement can be adjusted.  
         [0019]     In a preferred embodiment of the drive mechanism of the present invention, in the form of a traction mechanism gear, this permits, for one, the common drive of the components which, as a rule, are synchronously driven, without an extensive wheel train. It also provides the opportunity of providing the drive mechanism without an oil chamber and the structural arrangements connected therewith.  
         [0020]     The embodiment of the gear by the use of a toothed belt can be configured to be less vulnerable to possible flank changes during these movements than a wheel train.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       [0021]     Preferred embodiments of the present invention are represented in the drawings and will be described in greater detail in what follows.  
         [0022]     Shown are in:  
         [0023]      FIG. 1 , a schematic representation of a printing unit having four printing groups in a “rubber against rubber” embodiment, in  
         [0024]      FIG. 2 , a schematic representation of a printing unit having four printing groups in a “satellite printing unit” embodiment, in  
         [0025]      FIG. 3 , a side view of the drive mechanisms in  FIG. 1 , in  
         [0026]      FIG. 4 , a side view of the drive mechanisms in  FIG. 2 , in  
         [0027]      FIG. 5 , a schematic representation of a printing unit containing four printing groups and provided with a belt drive, in  
         [0028]      FIG. 6 , an oblique, perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the drive mechanism of an inking unit by reference to the example of the upper right printing group in  FIG. 1 , in  
         [0029]      FIG. 7 , a partial section through the drive mechanism in accordance with  FIG. 2 , in  
         [0030]      FIG. 8 , an oblique, perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the drive mechanism of an inking unit by reference to the example of the lower right printing group in  FIG. 1 , in  
         [0031]      FIG. 9 , a partial section through the drive mechanism in accordance with  FIG. 4 , in  
         [0032]      FIG. 10 , an oblique, perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the drive mechanism of a dampening unit by reference to the example of the upper right printing group in  FIG. 1 , in  
         [0033]      FIG. 11 , a partial section through the drive mechanism in accordance with  FIG. 7 , in  
         [0034]      FIG. 12 , an oblique, perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the drive mechanism of a dampening unit by reference to the example of the lower right printing group in  FIG. 1 , in  
         [0035]      FIG. 13 , a partial section through the drive mechanism in accordance with  FIG. 8 , in  
         [0036]      FIG. 14 , a schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of a printing unit in accordance with the present invention, with a belt drive containing four printing groups, in  
         [0037]      FIG. 15 , a schematic representation of a further preferred embodiment of a printing unit for axial driving, in  
         [0038]      FIG. 16 , a schematic representation of a further preferred embodiment of a printing unit for axial driving, in  
         [0039]      FIG. 17 , a schematic representation of a further preferred embodiment of a printing unit for axial driving, in  
         [0040]      FIG. 18 , a schematic representation of a further preferred embodiment of a printing unit for axial driving, in  
         [0041]      FIG. 19 , a schematic representation of a further preferred embodiment of a printing unit for axial driving, in  
         [0042]      FIG. 20 , a schematic representation of a crank drive driven by a traction mechanism, and in  
         [0043]      FIG. 21 , a schematic representation of a roller axially driven by means of a cam disk. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0044]     A printing press, and in particular a rotary printing press, has, as seen in  FIG. 1  at least one printing group  01 , by the operation of which, ink from an inking unit  02  can be applied via at least one rotating body  03  embodied as a cylinder  03 , for example as a forme cylinder  03 , to a material  04  to be imprinted, for example a web of material  04  to be imprinted, hereinafter referred to as a web  04 , for short. In the first preferred embodiment of a printing unit for rubber against rubber printing on both sides of web  04 , as seen in  FIG. 1 , the printing group  01  is embodied as an offset printing group  01  for wet offset printing and thus further has a dampening unit  06  and a further rotating body  07 , which is embodied as a cylinder  07 , typically a so-called transfer cylinder  07 . Together with a counter-pressure cylinder constituting a thrust element, the transfer cylinder  07  forms a printing position. In the configuration of  FIG. 1 , the counter-pressure cylinder is embodied as a transfer cylinder  07  of a second, cooperating printing group  01 . In this embodiment, the two cooperating printing groups  01  constitute a so-called double printing group for use in imprinting both sides of web  04 . Similar elements will be provided with identical reference symbols to the extent that this is not needed for differentiation. However, there can be a difference in the spatial position and, as a rule, this difference will not be considered in case identical reference symbols are issued.  
         [0045]     In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the cylinders  03 ,  07 , which are also called printing group cylinders  03 ,  07 , each have a drive motor  08 , which drive motor  08  is independent of further printing groups  01 , at least for the pairs for the printing group  01 , as represented, by way of example, in  FIG. 2 . Drive motor  08  can drive either directly or via a gear  09 , pinion gear, or toothed belt one of the two printing group cylinders  03 ,  07 , and from there the other one of the two printing group cylinders, or can drive both printing group cylinders  03 ,  07  in parallel. With this embodiment, a drive mechanism without gear wheels favors an oil-free operation, for example. A closed, for example encapsulated, gear for only the two printing cylinders  03 ,  07  assigned to each other facilitates the saving or the elimination of an oil chamber between frame walls.  
         [0046]     In an advantageous embodiment, because it is still more flexible and is particularly suited for oil-free operation, each one of the printing group cylinders  03 ,  07  has its own drive motor  08 , as seen in  FIG. 1 , which again drives the respective printing group cylinder  03 ,  07  axially, for example via a gear, shown by way of example in the upper printing group, or laterally offset via a gear, pinion gear, or toothed belt. In an advantageous embodiment, driving of the cylinder  03 ,  07 , or its journal, is performed substantially coaxially from the drive motor  08 , or from the output of the gear  09 , or if required, also via a coupling which compensates for angles or offsets. Thus, a cylinder drive wheel with a pinion, as well as any requirement for a lubricant are omitted. In this case, the gear  09  is advantageously embodied as an epicyclic gear which gears or reduces the rpm of the drive motor  08  down. For example, the gear  09  may be embodied as a planetary gear  09 , for example embodied as an ancillary gear.  
         [0047]     As schematically represented in  FIG. 1  in connection with the two upper printing groups  01 , each of the inking units  02  has a plurality of rollers  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 , of which the applicator rollers  11 , the transfer roller  13 , and the distribution cylinders  12  and  14  are specifically identified in the drawing figures. The transport of the ink from a supply system or a reservoir to the distribution cylinder  14  can be performed in various ways.  
         [0048]     Rotating bodies  12 ,  14  represent the two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  of the inking unit  02 , which rotating bodies  12 ,  14  are seated to be rotatable around their longitudinal axes, but are also movable in the axial direction, in relation to the cooperating rollers. In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  are rotatorily driven, preferably together, via a gear  16 , by a common drive motor  17 , which drive motor  17  is independent of the drive mechanism of the printing group cylinders  03 ,  07 . If required, each of the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  can also be individually rotatorily driven via a gear  16  by its own drive motor  17 . Cylinders  12 ,  14  are also moved, preferably together, in the axial direction of the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  by the use of a further drive means  18 , for example by an axial drive motor  18 , shown in  FIG. 3 , which axial drive motor  18  is independent of the drive mechanism of the printing group cylinders  03 ,  07 , via a further gear  19 , for example a crank drive  19 , so that they perform a back-and-forth movement over a stroke of an amplitude A which amplitude A can preferably be adjusted. If several distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  can be driven together axially by use of a gear  19 , the phase and/or stroke of the back-and-forth movement of each individual, mutually axially driven distribution cylinder  12 ,  14  can be adjusted independently of each other. The axial drive mechanism are not represented in  FIG. 1 , but are shown in  FIG. 3 . Reference symbols are only assigned to the “right half” of the printing unit shown in  FIG. 1 , since the left side corresponds, in a mirror-reversed way, to the right side.  
         [0049]     In place of, or in addition to the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 , other rollers  11 ,  13  of the inking unit  02  can also be rotatorily driven individually or mutually via a gear  16 .  
         [0050]     In the first preferred embodiment of the upper printing groups  01  in accordance with the present invention, the dampening unit  06  also has several rollers  20 ,  21 ,  22 ,  25 , which provide at least an application roller  20 , two distribution cylinders  21 ,  22  and a transfer roller  25 . Here, too, the distribution cylinders  21 ,  22 , for example, are rotatorily movable via a gear  23  by the use of a common drive motor  24  and, are also movable in the axial direction, via a gear  26 , as seen in  FIG. 3 , by the use of a common drive motor  27 , for example by a drive motor  27 . In place of, or in addition to the distribution cylinders  21 ,  22 , other rollers  20 ,  25  of the dampening unit  06  can also be rotatorily driven individually or mutually via a gear  26 .  
         [0051]     A preferred embodiment for use with the configuration of the printing unit as a satellite printing unit, is represented in  FIG. 2 . The transfer cylinder  07  of the printing group  01 , together with a rotating body  28  embodied as a satellite cylinder  28 , constitutes a printing position. The satellite cylinder  28  is again individually rotatorily driven by its own drive motor  29  via a gear  31 . In an embodiment, which is not specifically represented, the satellite printing unit may have two such satellite cylinders  28 , each of which can be individually driven, but which can also be mutually driven by a common drive motor  29  via the gear  31 . The axial drive mechanisms are again not represented in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0052]     The drive mechanism of the printing group cylinders  03 ,  07  of each printing group  01  in pairs, via a pinion gear as a part of the gear  09  driving a drive wheel of the forme cylinder  03  is also represented by way of example in  FIG. 2 . Driving of the printing group cylinders  03 ,  07  can then take place from the drive wheel of the forme cylinder  03  to the drive wheel of the transfer cylinder  07 . This can take place by a gear wheel connection as a part of the gear  09 , which connection may be encapsulated, for example, or via belts. Driving can also take place initially to the transfer cylinder  07  and from there to the forme cylinder  03 , or also coaxially to one of the cylinders  03 ,  07 .  
         [0053]     The embodiment of the present invention, as described in connection with  FIGS. 1 and 2 , by reference to the upper printing groups  01 , can also be applied to the lower printing groups  01 , and vice versa. However, by way of example the inking units  02  and dampening units  06  have been represented in  FIGS. 1 and 2  only with one distribution cylinder  12 ,  21 . In an advantageous embodiment, these cylinders are each rotatorily driven by the drive motor  17 ,  24  via the gear  16 ,  23 , and in the axial direction by the drive motor  18 ,  27 , as seen in  FIG. 3 , via the gear  19 ,  26 , respectively.  
         [0054]     The individual or the paired drive mechanisms from  FIGS. 1 and 2 , or hereafter from  FIGS. 3 and 4  for “rubber-against-rubber” printing units and for satellite printing units, can be alternatingly applied to each other. A configuration of the satellite printing unit from FIGS.  2  or  4  is particularly advantageous, wherein all of the printing cylinders  03 ,  07  of the cylinder pairs, as well as the counter-pressure cylinder  28 , have their own drive motor  08 ,  29 , which drives the cylinder  03 ,  07  via a gear  09 ,  31 , respectively and the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  are, for example, driven by a common drive motor  17  via a gear  16  which is closed toward the exterior.  
         [0055]      FIGS. 3 and 4  represent the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  schematically in a vertical section. The representation of the rollers  11 ,  13  has been omitted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Also, the dampening units  06 , if provided are not shown in this representation. However, what applies to the inking units  02 , should also be applied to the dampening units  06 . For this reason, the reference symbols for the distribution cylinders  21 ,  22 , for the gears  23 ,  26 , as well as the drive motors  24 ,  27 , respectively have been placed in parentheses next to the reference symbols of the inking units  02 .  
         [0056]     In  FIG. 3  two rollers  12 ,  14 , shown here as the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  of the upper inking unit  02 , have a common drive motor  17 . In this embodiment, the gear  16  which may be, for example, a wheel train  16  or a traction mechanism gear  16 , is configured to be closed against its surroundings. For this purpose, the gear  16 , which is only assigned to the two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 , is arranged in a housing  32  that is assigned to only the two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 . The housing  32  can have an open side, for example, which housing  32 , together with a lateral frame  33 , constitutes a closed encapsulated chamber. The lower inking unit  02  which, in the example has one driven roller selected from its rollers  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 , for example a distribution cylinder  12 , also has a housing  32  assigned only to this roller selected from the rollers  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 , for example the one distribution cylinder  12  and which housing  32  forms, together with the lateral frame  33 , an encapsulated chamber  37  receiving the gear  16 .  
         [0057]     The drive motor  18 , as well as the gear  19  for the axial movement of the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  are arranged on another side of the press, for example, from the drive motors  8 ,  17 , and  24 .  
         [0058]     All of the printing group cylinders  03 ,  07  have their own drive motors  08  and, in this first preferred embodiment, each also has a housing  34  containing only the respective gear  09 .  
         [0059]     In contrast to  FIG. 3 , in the preferred embodiment in accordance with  FIG. 4  the printing unit has the satellite cylinder, or cylinders  28 , which is or are driven by the individual, or by a common drive motor  29  via the gear  31 .  
         [0060]     In this embodiment, too, a housing or housings  36  is or are assigned to the individual drive motor  29  or to the common drive motor  29 , which receives the gear  31  and encapsulates it toward the exterior.  
         [0061]     In the depicted example, the two printing group forme and transfer cylinders  03 ,  07 , respectively have a common drive motor  08  and a housing  34  receiving the respective gear  09  for each pair. As explained above, however, the single drive mechanism from  FIG. 3  can also be applied to the printing group cylinders  03 ,  07  of  FIG. 4 .  
         [0062]     As seen in  FIG. 4 , a preferred embodiment for the drive mechanism of a printing group was represented in the lower area, which printing group has a roller  41 , which is rotatorily driven by the drive motor  17  via the encapsulated gear  16  and which roller  41  is provided with small cups on its surface, for example, roller  41  may be a screen or an anilox roller  41 . The screen roller or anilox roller  41  transfers the ink, for example, to one or two application rollers  11 , which are not specifically represented. It does not perform an axial back-and-forth movement.  
         [0063]     The gears  09 ,  16 ,  23 ,  31  are embodied as individually encapsulated gears  09 ,  16 ,  23 ,  31 , which are assigned to several cylinders  03 ,  07 ,  28 , or to several rollers  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22  of the same structural component, or are each assigned to a single cylinder  03 ,  07 ,  28 , or to an individual roller  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22 ,  41 . Here, for example, the pair of printing group cylinders  03 ,  07 , the rollers  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  22 ,  41 , in particular the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  of the inking unit  02 , and the rollers  20 ,  21 ,  22 ,  25 , in particular the distribution cylinders  21 ,  22  of the dampening unit  06 , should be understood to be structural components.  
         [0064]     By the provision of the respective housing  32 ,  34 ,  36 , the gears  09 ,  16 ,  23 ,  31  are each arranged in a closed, spatially greatly restricted chamber  37 ,  38 ,  39 , in which lubricant, such as, for example, oil, can be present without being able to escape from the chamber  37 ,  38 ,  39 , and without the necessity of a multi-walled lateral frame.  
         [0065]     In connection with a single drive mechanism of a roller  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22 ,  25 ,  41 ; of a distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22 ; of a printing group cylinder  03 ,  07 ; or of a satellite cylinder  28 , the arrangement of a drive motor  08 ,  17 ,  24 ,  29  with a gear  09 ,  16 ,  23 ,  31  placed on it, or flanged to the drive motor and being individually encapsulated, such as an encapsulated epicyclic gear or a reduction gear, for example, is especially advantageous.  
         [0066]     In an advantageous embodiment, all of the gears  09 ,  16 ,  23 ,  31 , or at least the gears of the inking units  02  and/or of the dampening units  06 , are configured as reduction gears  16 ,  23 . The gears  16 ,  23  for use in driving two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ; or  21 ,  22 , in pairs, are preferably embodied in such a way that the two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ; or  21 ,  22  rotate in the same direction. If gears  16 ,  23  are each embodied as a gear wheel train, an intermediate wheel is arranged between drive wheels of the two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22 . One of the drive wheels, or the intermediate wheel, can then be driven by operation of the drive motor  17 ,  24 . The gears  09 ,  16 ,  23 ,  31  can also have a traction mechanism gear, for example a belt drive, and in particular a toothed belt drive or, in an advantageous embodiment of one or several of the gears  09 ,  16 ,  23 ,  31 , they can be configured as traction mechanism drives with traction assemblies, in particular with toothed belts. A gear  09 ,  16 ,  23 ,  31 , for example, for driving one or several distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22 , can be embodied as a belt drive with toothed belts, for example, as will be described subsequently.  
         [0067]     In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the gear  16 ,  23  of the back-and-forth moving distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ; or  21 ,  22  is embodied in such a way that the rotatory drive motor  17 ,  24  can be arranged fixed in place on the frame. This is possible, for example, through the use of spur toothing, or, in the situation of a previously mentioned belt drive, with an axially movable drive wheel or with an extra wide drive wheel, on which the belt, for example a toothed belt, can run helically during the movement of the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ; or  21 ,  22 .  
         [0068]     In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the axial drive mechanism, or its gear  19 ,  26  used for transmitting or for converting its axial movement to the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22 , is not located in a lubricant or oil chamber. If lubricant is required, the gear  19 ,  26  is preferably embodied as a gear  19 ,  26  which is closed to the outside and is encapsulated, which encapsulation or housing is only assigned to the drive motor  18 ,  27  driving this gear  19 ,  26 . By way of example, a suitable housing  42  is represented in dashed lines in  FIG. 4  for this purpose. A gear  19 ,  26 , which axially drives one or several distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ; or  21 ,  22 , can have a traction mechanism gear, in particular a toothed belt, or can be embodied as such.  
         [0069]     In the case of axial driving of the distribution cylinders by the use of a drive motor  18 ,  27 , the gear  19 ,  26 , which converts the rotatory movement of motor  18 ,  27  to an axial stroke, is arranged outside of a barrel of the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22 , but not in an extended common oil or lubricant chamber together with gears of other structural components, such as an adjoining inking or dampening unit  02 ,  06 , or a printing group cylinder  03 ,  07 , for example. The drive motor  18 ,  27  itself, however, can also have its own encapsulated, not specifically identified gear, that is represented merely as a circle in FIGS.  3  or  4 , and which may be, for example, a reduction gear and/or an angular gear. By way of example, the converting and/or reducing gear  19 ,  26  is configured in this embodiment as a crank drive with an eccentric, as a limit stop, circulating in a curve-shaped groove, or in other ways. In this case, individual gears, and, if required, individually encapsulated gears, which convert a rotatory movement into an axial movement and which are mutually driven by a traction mechanism or by a shaft, as represented, by way of example, in  FIG. 20 , can be assigned to all of the mutually driven distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22 .  
         [0070]     In a further development, axial driving of the rollers or cylinders is not provided by the drive assemblies  18 ,  27 , which are embodied as drive motor  18 ,  27 , but instead is accomplished by a piston, which piston can be acted upon by a pressure medium, or by a magnetic force, for example. In this case, a coupling, for example, represents the transmitting or the converting gear  19 ,  26 . These driving variations are advantageous, for example, together with individually encapsulated rotatory drive mechanism.  
         [0071]     The variations of the individual or of the paired rotatory drive mechanisms represented in the preferred embodiments, and the assigned gears  09 ,  16 ,  23   31 , as well as the individual or paired axial drive mechanisms and their assigned gears  19 ,  26 , are each shown, by way of example, in the printing groups  01  of FIGS.  1  to  4  arranged “at the top” or “the bottom” for the purpose of an efficient representation. In particular, a printing unit can have four printing groups  01 , all of which printing groups  01  have an inking unit  02 , each with two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 , and a dampening unit  06 , each with respectively one distribution cylinder  21 . Instead of the driven distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 , all of the inking units  02  can also have a driven screen roller  41 . Also, for the combination of the drive mechanisms of the cylinders  03 ,  07 ,  28  with those of the inking or dampening units  02 ,  06 , the embodiments in  FIGS. 1 and 3  should be applied to the embodiments in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , and vice versa. Thus, all cylinders  03 ,  07 ,  28 , and all rollers to be driven,  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  20 ,  21 ,  22 ,  25 ,  41  can have, depending on the specific embodiment, their own rotatory drive motor  08 ,  17 ,  24 ,  29  via an encapsulated gear  09 ,  16 ,  23   31 , respectively. The several variations represented and mentioned above of the axial drive mechanism are to be applied alternatingly to the various printing groups  01  in addition.  
         [0072]     Thus, for example, the printing unit, as seen in  FIG. 1 , can have four printing groups  01 , each one of whose printing group cylinders  03 ,  07  and, if provided, the satellite cylinder  28 , are rotatorily driven by their own drive motors  08 ,  29  via their own encapsulated gear  09 ,  31 , while at least the inking unit  02 , and possibly also the dampening unit  06  has two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ; or  21 ,  22 , which can be driven in pairs rotatorily by a common drive mechanism  17 ,  24  via an encapsulated gear  16 ,  23 , and can be driven in pairs axially by a common drive mechanism  18 ,  27  via a gear  19 ,  26 . In a modification, all cylinders  03 ,  07 ,  28 , as well as all distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 , of the inking unit  02 , and possibly all distribution cylinders  21 ,  22  of the dampening unit  06 , can each be rotatorily driven by their own drive motor  08 ,  17 ,  24 ,  29  via their own closed gear  09 ,  16 ,  23 ,  31 . Coaxial driving of the cylinders  03 ,  07 ,  28 , and possibly also of the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ; and  21 ,  22  from the gear  09 ,  16 ,  23 ,  31  is advantageous.  
         [0073]     One embodiment of a printing group  01  is preferably selected, in a printing group, for the configuration of all of the printing groups  01  constituting the printing unit. The selection of the specific embodiment of the printing groups  01  in the printing unit depends on the degree of desired flexibility, on the cost and on the selection of the inking unit  02  or dampening unit  06 , such as with one or two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22 , or as a short inking unit with a screen roller  41 , etc.  
         [0074]     In an advantageous manner, the drive motors  08 ,  17 ,  24 ,  20  disclosed for accomplishing the rotatory driving, are embodied in such a way that they are also used for driving their respective cylinders and rollers during production. In this way, it is possible to operate the driven units during set-up or during maintenance operations, as well as during production, by using these drive motors  08 ,  17 ,  24 ,  29  and without a requirement for any auxiliary drive mechanisms. At least the drive motors  08 ,  29  of the printing group cylinders  03 ,  07 ,  28  are preferably embodied as drive motors  08 ,  29  whose angular position is regulated. If the drive motors  17 ,  24  of the inking or dampening units  02 ,  06  are not also regulated in respect to their angular position, they are advantageously embodied so that they can be regulated with respect to their number of revolutions. The same applies to the drive motors  18 ,  27  utilized for accomplishing axial movement.  
         [0075]     In the situation in which cylinders  03 ,  07 , or rollers  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  20 ,  21 ,  22 ,  25  for rotatory driving are coaxially driven, it is of advantage for the arrangement of reduction gears  09 ,  16 ,  23 ,  31  to be embodied as planetary gears  09 ,  16 ,  23 ,  31 .  
         [0076]     Detailed preferred embodiments of the drive mechanism for the printing groups  01 , and in particular for the inking and dampening units  02 ,  06 , are provided in FIGS.  5  to  21 . The above remarks regarding the driving of the printing group cylinders  03 ,  07 ,  28 , as well as the gears  09 ,  16 ,  23 ,  31 , and the encapsulations should be applied, as appropriate. A dampening unit  06  can also be driven as explained above, while the inking unit  02  is embodied as explained in what follows, or vice versa.  
         [0077]     In an advantageous embodiment at least the pairs of the printing group cylinders  03 ,  07  for each printing unit  01 , represented, by way of example, in the lower double printing group, have a drive motor  08  which is independent of any of the other printing groups  01 . Drive motor  08  can be configured for driving in the way previously described in connection with  FIG. 1 . In a more flexible further development, which is suitable for an oil-free drive mechanism, it is possible for each one of the printing cylinders  03 ,  07  to have its own drive motor  08 , also as described in connection with  FIG. 1 .  
         [0078]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , and as discussed in connection therewith, each of the inking units  02  in  FIG. 5  has the application rollers  11 , the transfer roller  13  and the distribution cylinders  12  and  14 .  
         [0079]     The two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  of the inking unit  02  of  FIG. 5  represent rotating bodies  12 ,  14 , which are seated so as to be rotatable around their longitudinal axis, and to also be movable in the axial direction in respect to a lateral frame  33 . They are rotatorily driven by a gear  16 , which is embodied as a traction mechanism gear  16 , via a traction mechanism  43 , and are preferably driven together by use of the common drive motor  17 , which drive motor  17  is independent of the drive mechanism of the printing group cylinders. The two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  can possibly also each be driven individually via the traction mechanism  43 . They are moved axially, preferably together, by drive mechanisms  18 , which drive mechanisms  18  are independent of the drive mechanism of the printing group cylinders, for example by the drive motor  18 , via the gear  19 , for example via a crank drive  19 , in the axial direction of the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 . The two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  thus perform a back-and-forth movement through a preferably adjustable stroke length or a lift of an amplitude A.  
         [0080]     The distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 , as seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , are each connected at their fronts, in a torsion-proof and coaxial manner with a drive wheel  44 ,  46 , for example a pulley  44 ,  46 , which acts together with the traction mechanism  43 , to rotatorily drive the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 . The traction mechanism  43 , which is embodied, for example, as a toothed belt  43  or as a V-belt, is driven via a drive wheel  47  that is connected with the drive motor  17 , as seen in  FIG. 6 . In the preferred embodiment, the traction mechanism or belt  43  rotates around the drive mechanisms of both distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  in the same direction of rotation and, in this way, forms a closed, non-crossing loop.  
         [0081]     In a first preferred embodiment for the drive mechanism of the inking unit  02 , as seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , although each pulley  44 ,  46  is connected in the circumferential direction of the respective distribution cylinder  12 ,  14  and at least in one direction of rotation as an engagement connection and coaxially with it, in the axial direction the pulley  44 ,  46  is arranged to be movable relative to the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 . In the depicted configuration, the engagement connection has been provided in such a way that the pulley  44 ,  46  has at least one opening  48 , for example at least one bore  48 , as seen in  FIG. 7 , in an area outside of its center and with bore  48  extending in the axial direction of the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 . Bore  48  works together with a bolt  49 , which is connected, fixed against relative rotation, with the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 . In a reversed or other way, the engagement connection can also have limit stops  48 ,  49  on the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14  and on the drive wheel or pulley  44 ,  46 , which are effective in the circumferential direction and which prevent twisting, at least in one direction of rotation, but which permit an axial relative movement. To reduce frictional forces, in particular because the limit stops  48 ,  49  transmit the driving forces, a friction-reducing bearing  51 , shown in  FIG. 7 , in particular a linear bearing  51 , which is embodied as a needle bearing  51 , is arranged between the effective surfaces.  
         [0082]     The drive mechanism configured in this way makes possible the mutual rotatory driving of the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  via the common traction mechanism  43 , together with the simultaneous back-and-forth movement of the two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 . Thus, the traction mechanism  43  need not follow the back-and-forth movement of the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  which stationary configuration of the traction mechanism  43  otherwise would not be possible, particularly in the case of two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  moving back-and-forth in opposite directions, or would only be possible with considerable losses in accuracy and with a substantial reduction of the service life of the components involved.  
         [0083]     Driving for accomplishing the axial movement, from the drive motor  18  is performed, as seen in  FIG. 7 , in such a way that an eccentric device  52 , or an eccentric bushing  52 , which is positioned on a shaft  53  driven by the drive motor  18 , for example via a conical wheel gear, acts as a crank, which crank transmits its eccentric movement, in the form of an oscillating linear movement, to a first coupler  54  including the eccentric bushing  52 . The free end of the first coupling  54  is hingedly connected with a lever arm  56 , which, in turn, is arranged, fixed against relative rotation, on a shaft  57 , which can be pivoted around a shaft fixed in place on the frame. A number of lever arms  58 ,  59 , and corresponding to the number of the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  to be moved, are connected, fixed against relative rotation, with this shaft  57 , and they are hingedly connected with a second coupler  61 ,  62 . The free end of the second coupler  61 ,  62  is connected, via a coupling  63 ,  64 , with the respective distribution cylinder  12 ,  14  in such a way that a relative movement in the circumferential direction of the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14  is possible, but a relative movement of the coupler  61 ,  62  and the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14  in the axial direction is prevented.  
         [0084]     In the embodiment selected, the phases of the movements of the two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  in relation to each other, as well as the amplitude A, of the axial lift or displacement can be adjusted in a simple manner, but are nevertheless rugged and reproducible. A first adjustment possibility allows the arrangement of a second eccentric device  66  between the coupler  54  and the shaft  53 , as may be seen in  FIG. 9 , by use of which the stroke can be set by relative twisting and by the subsequent fixation in place of the two eccentric devices  52 ,  66 . The amplitude of the stroke A can be selected by the length of the lever arms  58 ,  59  individually and relative to each other. The phase of the movements, in respect to each other, can be determined by the relative length of the lever arms  58 ,  59  with respect to each other in the circumferential direction of the shaft  57 .  
         [0085]     Thus, a simple and rugged drive mechanism, along with the greatest possible degrees of freedom, is provided. This permits an individual rotating speed independently of the printing group cylinders  03 ,  07 , and also permits an independent stroke frequency and amplitude A.  
         [0086]     In a second preferred embodiment of the drive mechanism of the inking unit  02 , as seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the drive wheel  44 ,  46 , which is embodied as a pulley  44 ,  46 , is connected with the respective distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 , fixed against relative rotation, and in the axial direction of the latter. However, the drive wheel  44 ,  46  has a width b 44 , b 66  of its effective area  67  cooperating with the traction mechanism  43 , which width corresponds at least to the sum of a width b 43  of the traction mechanism and a maximum amplitude A of an axial stroke of the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 . In  FIG. 9 , the amplitude A is represented by dashed lines for an end of the friction cylinders  12 ,  14  in the case where the depicted, instantaneous position corresponds to a center position. The various positions of the drive wheels  44 ,  46 , the coupling  61 , and the like could also be represented by dashed lines. This depiction was omitted for reasons of clarity.  
         [0087]     The drive mechanism of the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  corresponds, in principle, to the drive mechanism represented by the first example and will not be further described or shown here.  
         [0088]     If the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14  performs a back-and-forth movement, while being rotatorily driven by the drive motor  17 , the traction mechanism  43  generally maintains its position relative to a lateral frame, but wanders from one side to the other, relative to the drive wheel  44 ,  46 , in the direction of the axis of rotation of the latter. For example, traction mechanism  43  describes a helical line on the effective area  67  of the drive wheel, which is “squashed” in respect to a sine shape and which alternatingly extends downward and upward.  
         [0089]     In the case of a wet offset printing method, the advantages gained by utilization of the drive mechanisms of the inking unit  02  represented in FIGS.  5  to  8 , possibly in connection with the above explained drive mechanism of the cylinder pair  03 ,  07 , can also be applied, to a large extent, to the drive mechanism of the dampening unit  06 . In particular, with the presence of a dampening unit  06 , further advantages, with respect to the flexibility in the interplay between the inking and dampening units  02 ,  06 , result. This is particularly true if the axially movable distribution cylinder  43 , or of several such distribution cylinders  43 , embodied as a group as in the previous examples, has the drive motor  44 , which drive motor  44  is independent of the drive mechanisms of the printing group cylinders  03 ,  07 , for rotatory driving, and also has the drive source  27 , for example the drive motor  27 , which is independent of the drive mechanism of the printing group cylinders  03 ,  07 , for generating the lateral movement. In view of the optimal transmission, on the one hand and, on the other hand, in view of the possibility of an oil-free drive mechanism and/or the simultaneous driving of several back-and-forth-moving distribution cylinders  21 ,  22 , driving is here also provided to a considerable advantage via a traction mechanism  68 , for example via a toothed belt  68  or a V-belt.  
         [0090]     Since the discussion regarding the rotatory drive mechanism, as well as regarding the axial movement, partially overlap with the examples shown for the inking unit  02 , only the differences will be discussed in what follows. Regarding the matters corresponding to those for the inking unit  02 , reference is made to what was said above.  
         [0091]     In the first preferred embodiment of the drive mechanism for the dampening unit  06 , as seen in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the rotatory drive mechanism of the distribution cylinder  21 ,  22  via the traction mechanism  68  corresponds, to a large extent, to that described in accordance with the preferred embodiment in accordance with  FIG. 6 . The drive wheel  44 , which uses the same reference numeral, since it is embodied in the same way, and the distribution cylinder  21 ,  22  are also movable, in this embodiment, in the axial direction in relation to each other, but are rigidly connected with each other in the circumferential direction. In the present preferred embodiment, the dampening unit  06  has only one distribution cylinder  21 , so that the traction mechanism  68 , which is embodied as a toothed belt  68 , only drives the drive wheel  44  of the single distribution cylinder  21 . If more than the one distribution cylinder  21 , or  22  must be rotatorily driven, what has been said in connection with  FIGS. 6 and 7  should be correspondingly applied to this embodiment.  
         [0092]     With the presence of only one distribution cylinder  21  to be driven, driving in the axial direction can be simplified since, as represented in  FIG. 11 , the first coupler  54  from the previous preferred embodiments is directly hingedly connected with the coupling  63  of the distribution cylinder  21 .  
         [0093]     A second preferred embodiment of the rotatory drive mechanism of the dampening unit  06 , as seen in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , corresponds to the principle of the second preferred embodiment of the rotatory drive mechanism of the inking unit  02 , as seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . The drive wheel  44  again has a width b 44  corresponding at least to the width b 68  of the traction mechanism  68  plus a maximal amplitude A, which is not specifically represented, of the stroke of the distribution cylinder  21 ,  22 .  
         [0094]     In this preferred embodiment, the dampening unit  06  also has only one distribution cylinder  21 . In the case of several distribution cylinders  21 ,  22 , the discussion set forth in connection with  FIGS. 10 and 11  correspondingly applies. The drive mechanism for generating the stroke corresponds to that of the first preferred embodiment of the dampening unit  06 .  
         [0095]     The drive mechanism of each of the inking and dampening units  02 ,  06  of the printing unit, which printing unit is embodied as satellite printing unit, is represented in  FIG. 14 . This printing unit has at least one cylinder  28 , specifically the counter-pressure cylinder  28 , which is embodied as a satellite cylinder  28  and which satellite cylinder  28  is assigned to at least two printing groups  01 . Here, the printing group cylinders  03 ,  07 , and the satellite cylinder  28  are each individually driven by the drive motor  08  via a gear  09 . The gears  09  are again only schematically represented in  FIG. 14 , and can be reduction gears, such as, for example planetary gears  09 , which gears  09  are arranged axially between the drive motor  08  and the cylinders  03 ,  07 ,  28 . But this gear  09  can also be a pinion gear working together with a drive wheel as the gear wheel connection, or a belt train.  
         [0096]     The drive mechanism of a dampening unit  06  having two distribution cylinders  21 ,  22  has been represented, by way of example, at the upper right of this satellite printing unit. The mutual rotatory drive of the two distribution cylinders  21 ,  22  via the traction mechanism  68  by use of the drive motor  24 , and the axial drive of the distribution cylinders  21 ,  22  via a gear, in particular a crank gear, is provided in the manner mentioned above in connection with the inking system  02 . The distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  of the inking unit  06  are embodied in accordance with  FIG. 5 .  
         [0097]     The drive mechanism of the inking unit  02  having merely one distribution cylinder  21  is represented, by way of example, on the lower right. Rotatory driving and the movement in the axial direction takes place in a manner corresponding to the dampening system  06  above.  
         [0098]     An embodiment of the satellite printing unit, which is not specifically represented, has four printing groups  01  and two satellite cylinders  28 . In this case, both satellite cylinders  28  are embodied with their own drive motor  08 , for example. However, the discussions set forth above, in connection with the printing group cylinders  03 ,  07  regarding the individual or paired, direct or indirect cylinder driving, should be applied appropriately to the two satellite cylinders  28 .  
         [0099]     With all of the present examples, whether utilizing only a single or several back-and-forth moving distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22  which are driven via the traction mechanism  43 ,  68 , the design of the traction mechanism drive has the substantial advantage that the spatial course of the traction mechanism  43 ,  68  remains substantially fixed in place in relation to the drive motor  17 ,  24  in spite of the back-and-forth movement of the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22  to be driven. The drive mechanism is embodied to be non-interfering, even and easy on the material. In a simple manner, the drive motor  17 ,  24  can be arranged fixed in place on the frame.  
         [0100]     In order to preset, or to maintain, the tension of the traction mechanism  43 ,  68 , it is possible, in accordance with a further development of the present invention, to arrange a roller  69 , as seen in  FIG. 8 , which roller  69  is configured to be adjustable or to be prestressed in a manner for guiding the traction mechanism  43 ,  68 .  
         [0101]     So that the traction mechanism such as the belt  43  or  68 , is not laterally deflected, the drive mechanism includes a guide  71  in at least one location, which guide  71  is arranged at a fixed distance in relation to the drive motor  17 ,  24  and which acts transversely to the transport direction of the traction mechanism  43 ,  68 . In a preferred embodiment, such a guide  71  is arranged as a flange, or as spaced flanges or lips  71  on the drive wheel  47  of the drive motor  17 ,  24 , and/or on the possibly existing roller  69  as seen in  FIGS. 8, 10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  13 . In the first preferred embodiment of the inking or dampening units  02 ,  06 , respectively the drive wheel  44  or  46 , which is assigned to the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22 , in addition to the drive wheel  47  or to the roller  69 , also has such a guide or flange or lip  71 , preferably on both sides of the traction mechanism  43 ,  68 . With an embodiment of the present invention, in accordance with the second preferred embodiment such a guide  71  at the drive wheel  44 ,  46 , respectively can be omitted, or such guides  71  should be distanced or spaced far enough apart so that the traction mechanism  43  or  68  can turn without interference over the entire width b 44  required for the amplitude A of the axial movement of the distribution cylinder.  
         [0102]     If there is no requirement for independence of the rotatory drive mechanisms of the inking and dampening units  02 ,  06  then, in a particularly cost-effective embodiment, the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14  of the inking unit  02 , and the distribution cylinder or cylinders  21 ,  22  of the dampening unit  06  of a printing group  01  can all be driven together by the use of a single traction mechanism  43 , in particular in a uniform direction.  
         [0103]     The rotatory driving of the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 , and  21 ,  22  by use of the drive motor  17 , as well as the associated components such as, for example the gear  16 ,  23 , and the axial driving of the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22  by use of the drive motor  18 ,  27 , as well as the associated components, such as, for example the gear  19 ,  26 , for the axial movement, are represented in FIGS.  6  to  13  on the same side of the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 , and  21 ,  22 , but in an advantageous further development they can be arranged on sides of the press, or at front ends of the friction cylinders  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22 , which are different from each other, such as is described in connection with  FIGS. 3 and 4 , for example.  
         [0104]     In advantageous embodiments depending on the case of their application, the distribution cylinder or cylinders  12 ,  14 , or  21 ,  22  of the inking or dampening units  02 ,  06 , respectively can be axially driven individually or together in other ways than in the above examples.  
         [0105]     As represented in  FIG. 15 , axial driving of two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 , or  21 ,  22  can take place in accordance with the principle of a cam rocker from the not specifically represented drive motor  18 , or  27  to a shaft  72 , which shaft  72  is connected, in a torsion-proof manner, with a rotating coupler  73  constituting an eccentricity “e”. The end of the rotating coupler  73  is hingedly connected with a first end of a further coupler  74 , whose second end is hingedly connected with one arm  76  of a three-armed lever  77 . The three-armed lever  77  is seated pivotable around a pivot axis S fixed on the frame, wherein each of the two free arms  78 ,  79  of the three-armed lever  77  is hingedly connected with an end of the distributing cylinder  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22 . As described above, the connection between the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 , or  21 ,  22  and the three-armed lever  77  permits a rotating movement of the distributing cylinders  12 ,  14 , or  21 ,  22  relative to the three-armed lever  77 . The rotating coupler  74  and the arm  76  constitute a rocker. The rotating coupler  73  can also be embodied as a drive wheel, as indicated in dashed lines, to which rotating coupler  73  the other coupler  74  is eccentrically hinged.  
         [0106]     As schematically represented in  FIG. 16 , the axial driving of one of the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 , or  21 ,  22  can extend from the not specifically represented drive motor  18 ,  27  via the shaft  72  to a drive wheel  81 , which is hingedly connected eccentrically “e” around its centered shaft  72  with a coupler  82 . The other end of the coupler  82  is hingedly fixed in place on the frame. In the course of the rotation of the drive wheel  81 , the drive wheel  81  is cyclically pushed away from the frame and moves the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 , or  21 ,  22  in the axial direction via a driver  83  and a bearing  84  with limit stops. The drive motor  08  can be arranged fixed in place with respect to the driver  83 , or with respect to the axis of rotation of the drive wheel  81 , and make the oscillating movement along with them. The drive wheel  81  can also be driven via a positive drive connection between the drive wheel  81  and a pinion  86  that is driven by the drive motor  18 ,  27 , provided the tooth arrangement of the two is appropriately configured in order to assure sufficient engagement in spite of the lateral movement of the drive wheel  81 .  
         [0107]      FIG. 17  shows a variation for axial driving, wherein a swash plate  87  is rotatorily driven by the drive motor  18 ,  27 . The tumbling motion is transmitted, as an axial movement, via the driver  88  and the coupler  89  to one or two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22 .  
         [0108]     In the variation of the present invention shown in  FIG. 18 , the drive mechanism for accomplishing the axial movement of one or of several distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22  is embodied as a work cylinder  91 , which work cylinder  91  can be acted upon by a pressure medium, and in particular as a dual-chamber cylinder  91 . If, for example, two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22  are to be driven simultaneously, cylinder  91  is seated between two drivers  92 , each of which is connected, via a bearing  93 , with the distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22 .  
         [0109]     In a variation of the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 16  and represented in  FIG. 19 , the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 , or  21 ,  22  is rotatorily driven by a drive motor  17 ,  24 , which is not specifically represented here, which drive motor  17 ,  24  is mechanically independent of the printing group cylinders  03 ,  07 ,  28 . The distribution cylinder  12 ,  14  or  21 ,  22 , but is axially driven without a specially provided drive mechanism  18 ,  27 . The axial stroke is provided here by the rotation of the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22  via a positive gear  94 ,  96  consisting of, for example, a worm wheel  94 , which is connected, fixed against relative rotation, with the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22 , and of a worm  96 . The worm wheel  94 , which now rotates around the shaft  72 , has the eccentric “e” hinging of the coupler  82  which, in the same way as described in connection with  FIG. 16 , is cyclically pushed off the frame and moves the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22  in the axial direction via a driver  83  and a bearing  84  with limit stops.  
         [0110]     In another embodiment, which is not specifically represented the drive mechanism  18 ,  27  as one can also be embodied as a linear motor  27 , or based on magnetic forces.  
         [0111]     In an embodiment of the present invention, as represented in  FIG. 20 , the axial drive mechanisms of two distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 , or  21 ,  22  can be driven by a common drive mechanism  18 ,  27 , in particular a drive motor  18 ,  27 , and can be coupled with each other by a traction mechanism gear, for example a belt drive  97 , instead of a shaft, such as the shaft  32  shown in  FIG. 6 . Here, the belt drive  97  can have one V-belt  99  for each distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 , or  21 ,  22  to be axially driven, for example, which V-belt  99  in turn drives the respective distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 , or  21 ,  22  via at least one crank drive  101 . The pulleys  99  are driven by a belt  98 , for example a toothed belt  98  or a V-belt, by the drive motor  18 ,  46 , not represented in  FIG. 20 , which drives the belt  98 . The crank drive  101  can also be designed in another way than the one represented, which has a rocker.  
         [0112]     As shown schematically in  FIG. 21 , a disk  102 , which may be, for example, a cam disk  102  having a circumferential curve-shaped groove  103 , can be driven by the pulley  99 . The cam disk  102  works together with a limit stop  104 , for example a driver  104  that is connected with the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22 . The driver  104  can be embodied in various ways but, viewed in the axial direction of the distribution cylinder, must be fixedly connected with the latter. Several of these disks  102  of different distribution cylinders  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22  can be driven by a traction mechanism  98 . In a variation, axial driving via a cam disk  102  can also take place in the reversed manner in that the cam disk  102  is in a rotatory drive connection with the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22 , and its circumferential groove  103  acts together with a limit stop  104  fixed on the frame. In that case, the number of revolutions of the cam disk  102  can be changed in relation to the number of revolutions of the distribution cylinder  12 ,  14 ,  21 ,  22  by use of the drive motor  18 ,  27 , for example via a differential gear or a so-called harmonic drive, such as a gear embodied with an internally geared wheel and a deformable externally geared wheel, which rotates within it.  
         [0113]     In general, in an advantageous embodiment of drive mechanisms by the use of traction mechanisms  43 ,  46 , a variation is of advantage wherein, besides the traction mechanism gear, either no gear wheel connections at all, or only individually encapsulated toothed gears, for example reduction gears and/or attached gears are provided in the respective drive train. In this way, no extended oil chamber is needed. Alternatively to this, it would be necessary to encapsulate the entire drive train.  
         [0114]     The above described embodiments of the axial drive mechanism can also be alternatingly combined with the variations represented in FIGS.  1  to  14  for drive mechanisms of the printing group cylinders  03 ,  07 ,  28  of the inking and dampening units  02 ,  06 , as well as those of the gears  09 ,  16 ,  23 ,  19 ,  26 ,  31  in accordance with requirements.  
         [0115]     While preferred embodiments of drives for a printing group, in accordance with the present invention, have been set forth fully and completely hereinabove, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art that various changes in, for example the sizes of the cylinders, the type of materials being printed, and the like could be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention which is accordingly to be limited only by the appended claims.