Abstract:
A device is used to influence the fan-on effect of a web in a web-fed rotary printing press. Sensors are used to sense and to monitor a side register control or adjustment of the web. The values provided by the sensor are supplied to the device which controls the fan-out effect.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This patent application is the U.S. national phase, under 35 USC 371, of PCT/EP2004/051406, filed Jul. 8, 2004; published as WO 2005/007406 A2 on Jan. 27, 2005 and claiming priority to DE 103 31 595.0 filed Jul. 11, 2003, and to DE 103 52 619.6, filed Nov. 11, 2003, the disclosures of which are specifically incorporated herein by reference. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to methods and to a device for affecting the fan-out effect of a web. A sensor detects lateral registration over at least a part of the width of the web and controls a device for affecting the fan-out of the web. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   A system for controlling a web fan-out affect is known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,553,908 B1. At least one, and better yet two, first sensors are spaced apart in the axial web direction. Mechanisms for affecting the fan-out effect are controlled by the sensors, and by the use of measured values from a least a second sensor, mechanisms for controlling the lateral registration are controlled. 
   A device for correcting the lateral registration of an imprinted material is known from DE 85 10 912 U1. This device has blowing air nozzles situated outside of the transport plane in the end area of a follow-up printing group. A supporting force is applied to the web by charging the nozzles with compressed air in order to deflect them in the desired manner. 
   DE 195 01 373 U1 discloses a device for the continuous correction of a fan-out effect. In this case, a signal from a sensor, which is arranged in the edge area of the imprinted web, is processed in a control device, and set commands are put out to an appropriate actuating member for the introduction of rollers. In one embodiment, set commands can also be supplied to an actuating member for accomplishing circumferential registration by this control device which is processing the above-mentioned signal. In another embodiment, a circumferential registration takes place, together with a lateral registration regulation, in a separate control device, which is different from the above-mentioned control device, by the use of a separately determined measuring signal. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The object of the present invention is directed to providing methods and a device for affecting the fan-out effect of a web. 
   In accordance with the present invention, this object is attained by the provision of a sensor whose images are evaluated, over at least one quarter of the web width, to detect an error in lateral registration. If the error exceeds a nominal value by a pre-set amount, an actuating command is sent to an actuating member to affect web fan-out. 
   A substantial advantage to be obtained by the use of the present invention consists in that a rapid and a dependable correction of the lateral registration, as well as of the fan-out effect, is possible with the lowest possible outlay. 
   The integration of the two measuring processes and/or of the controls or algorithms makes possible a correction which fulfills the conditions while reducing the outlay. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention are represented in the drawings and will be described in greater detail in what follows. 
     Shown are in: 
       FIG. 1 , a schematic side elevation view of a printing press, in 
       FIG. 2 , a schematic top plan representation of webs of different width, in 
       FIG. 3 , a schematic side elevation view of a printing unit, in 
       FIG. 4 , a schematic top plan view of a first preferred embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention for affecting the fan-out effect, and in 
       FIG. 5 , a schematic top plan view of a second or a third preferred embodiment of a device for affecting the fan-out effect. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , there may be seen a printing press, and in particular a web-fed rotary printing press for imprinting one or several webs B, and which has several units  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900  for provisioning, imprinting and further processing the web or webs. For example, the web B to be imprinted, which, in particular, is a paper web B, is wound off a roll unwinding device  100  before it is supplied via a draw-in unit  200  to one or to several printing units  300 . In addition to the printing units  300 , which are standardized for multi-color printing for example by using four of them for four-color printing, it is possible to provide further printing units  300 , which, in this case, can be utilized in alternation with one or with several of the remaining printing units being out of service for flying printing forme changes. 
   In an advantageous embodiment, a varnishing unit  400  can be provided in the web path. 
   Following imprinting and, if required, varnishing, the web B passes through a dryer  500  and is possibly cooled again in a cooling unit  600 , if drying is performed thermally. A further conditioning unit such as, for example, a coating device and/or a re-moistening device, which is not specifically represented in  FIG. 1 , can be provided downstream of the dryer  500  in, or downstream of the cooling unit  600 . Following cooling and/or conditioning, the web B can be supplied via a superstructure  700  to a folding apparatus  800 . The superstructure  700  has at least one silicon unit, one longitudinal cutter and turning device, as well as a hopper unit, which is also not specifically represented in  FIG. 1 . The silicon unit can also be arranged upstream of the superstructure  700 , for example in the area of the cooling unit  600 . Furthermore, the superstructure can have, a perforating unit, a gluing unit, a numbering unit and/or a plow folder, all of which are not represented in  FIG. 1 . After passage through the superstructure  700 , the web B, or partial webs, are conducted into a folding apparatus  800 . 
   In an advantageous embodiment, the printing press also has a separate transverse cutter  900 , such as, for example, a so-called piano delivery device  900 , in which a web B which, for example, had not been conducted through the folding apparatus  800 , is cut into standard sheets and, if desired, is stacked or delivered. 
   The units  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900  of the printing press have an effective width transversely, in respect to a transport direction T of the web B, which effective width permits processing of webs B of a maximum width “b,” or web width “b”, as seen in  FIG. 2  of, for example, up to 1,000 mm. The effective width is understood to be the respective width, or the clear width, of the structural components, such as, for example, the width of the rollers, cylinders, passages, sensor devices, actuating paths, etc. of the units  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900 , which work together with the web B, either directly or indirectly, so that the web B can be processed, conditioned and conveyed in its full width “b.” The functionality, such as material supply, web transportation, sensor devices, further processing devices of the units  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900  is configured in such a way that webs B′ of only partial width down to a width “b′” of only 400 mm can be processed in the printing press. 
   The units  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900  which define, or process, a section length “a”of web B are configured in such a way that they define, for example, a section “a”of a length of between 540 and 700 mm on the web B. The section length “a”advantageously lies between 540 and 630 mm. In a special embodiment of the invention, the section length “a”lies at 620 ±10 mm. In a further development of the printing press the units  100 ,  200 ,  300 .,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900  are configured in such a way that, with a few changes, the printing press can be selectively configured with section lengths of 546 mm, 578 mm or 620 mm. Thus, for example, substantially only an exchange capability of bearing elements for printing group cylinders, a matching of the drive mechanism , as well as matching in the folding apparatus  800  or the transverse cutter  900 , all as discussed subsequently, are required for accomplishing the change in order to equip the same printing press for formats which differ from each other. For example, in a standard way, the section length “a”is covered by four vertical printed pages, for example DIN A 4 , positioned side-by-side in the transverse direction of the web B, and two printed pages, for example of a length “s”one behind the other in the longitudinal direction. However, depending on the print image and on the subsequent further processing in the superstructure  700  and in the folding apparatus  800 , other numbers of pages per section length “s”are also possible. 
   For multi-color imprinting of the web B, B′, the printing press has several, such as, for example, at least four, and here in particular five identically equipped printing units  300 . The printing units  300  are preferably arranged one next to the other, and a web B, B′ passes horizontally through them, as seen in  FIG. 1 . Each printing unit  300  is preferably configured as a printing unit for offset printing, and in particular is configured as a double printing group  300 , or as an I-printing group  300 , with two printing groups  301 , such as, for example, two offset printing groups  301 , as seen in  FIG. 3 , for accomplishing two-sided printing by the so-called rubber-against-rubber process. Rollers  302  are arranged upstream and downstream at least in the lower area, and optionally in the upper area, of at least one of the printing units  300 , by the use of which roller  302  an incoming web B, B′ can be conducted around above or below the printing unit  300 , or a web B, B′, which has been conducted around an upstream located printing unit  300 , can be passed through the printing unit  300 , or a web B, B′ which has been passed through the printing unit  300  can be conducted around the downstream located printing unit  300 . 
     FIG. 3  schematically shows an arrangement of two printing groups  301  which are working together via the web B, B′, each with a pair of printing cylinders  303 ,  304  embodied as a transfer cylinder  303  and as a forme cylinder  304 , an inking system  305  and a dampening system  306 . In an advantageous embodiment, at the forme cylinder  304 , the printing unit  300  has devices  307  for semi- or for fully-automatic plate feeding, or for changing of a printing forme  310 , for example a printing plate  310 . 
   In a further embodiment, in particular if the printing press is intended to be suitable for imprinting operations, at least one or several of the printing units  300  have additional guide elements situated closely ahead of, and closely behind the nip point of the printing unit  300 . If a web B, B′is to pass without being imprinted and without contact between the transfer cylinders  303 , the web guidance, accomplished with the use of the guide elements  308 , shown in dashed lines in  Fig. 3 , is advantageous. The web B, B′passes through the nip point in such a way that it substantially forms an angle of between 80° and 100° , and preferably of approximately 90° with a connecting line joining the axes of rotation of the two transfer cylinders  303 . Preferably, the guide elements  308  are provided as rods or as rollers, around which air flows. This reduces the danger of previously freshly applied ink rubbing off. 
   In a further development of the represented printing group  301 , a washing device  309  is assigned to each transfer cylinder  303 . The elastic surface of the transfer cylinder  303  can be cleaned by use of the washing device  309 . 
   Each of the cylinders  303 ,  304  has a circumference between 540 and 700 mm. The forme and the transfer cylinder  303 ,  304  preferably have the same circumference. In an advantageous manner, the circumferences lie between 540 and 630 mm. In a special embodiment, the section length “a” lies at 620±10 mm. In a further development, the printing unit  300  is structured in such a way that, with a few changes, the cylinders  303 ,  304  can be provided designed with circumferences of 546 mm, 578 mm or 620 mm. Thus, for example, substantially only an exchange of bearing elements or a changed position of the bores in the lateral frame, and the lug for the cylinders  303 ,  304 , and a matching of the drive mechanism or lever takes place, as discussed subsequently. 
   The transfer cylinder  303  has a least one dressing on its circumference, which is not specifically represented, and which is held in at least one groove extending axially on the transfer cylinder shell face. Preferably, the transfer cylinder  303  only has one dressing extending over its effective length, or substantially over the entire width of the web B, B′ to be imprinted, and substantially extending, except for a joint or a groove opening around the entire circumference of the transfer cylinder  303 . Preferably the dressing is configured as a so-called metal printing blanket, which has an elastic layer, such as for example, of rubber on a substantially dimensionally stable support layer, for example a thin metal plate. The ends of this dressing are inserted through an opening in the shell face of the transfer cylinder  303  into the groove and are held there by frictional or by positive contact. In the case of a metal printing blanket, the ends are bent/beveled off, for example, in the area of its leading end by approximately 45°, and in the area of its trailing end by approximately 135°. These ends extend through an opening of a groove extending over the entire usable length of the transfer cylinder  303 , which groove also has, for example, an arresting, clamping or tensioning device. The opening to the groove, in the area of the shell face, preferably has a width between 1 and 5 mm, and in particular, has a width of less than or equal to 3 mm, in the circumferential direction of the cylinder  303 . The clamping device is advantageously embodied to be pneumatically operable, and may be for example, in the form of one or of several pneumatically operable levers, which levers, in the closed state, are pre-tensed by a spring force against the trailing end extending into the groove. A hose, which can be charged with a pressure medium, can preferably be employed as an operating device. 
   In addition to an ink feeding device, such as, for example, an ink fountain  311  with an actuating device  312 , for use in regulating the ink flow, the inking system  305  has a plurality of rollers  313  to  325 . The ink feeding device can also be configured as a doctor blade crosspiece. With the rollers  313  to  325  placed against each other, the ink moves from the ink fountain  311  via the duct roller  313 , the film roller  314 , and a first inking roller  315 , to a first distribution roller  316 . Depending on the mode of operation of the inking system  305 , as will be discussed below, from there, the ink moves via at least one inking roller  317  to  320  to at least one further distribution cylinder  321 ,  324 , and from there, via at least one application roller  322 ,  323 ,  325 , to the surface of the forme cylinder  304 . In an advantageous embodiment, the ink moves from the first distribution cylinder  316  over several possible paths selectively or simultaneously either in series or in parallel, via two further distribution cylinders  321 ,  324  to the application rollers  322 ,  323 ,  325 . In an advantageous embodiment of the inking and dampening system  305 ,  306 , the second distribution cylinder  324  can work together with a roller  328 , such as, for example, with an application roller  328 , of the dampening system  306  at the same time. 
   The roller  328  works together with a further roller  329  of the dampening system  306 , such as, for example, a distribution roller  329 , and in particular, a traversing chromium roller  329 . The chromium roller  329  receives the dampening agent from a moistening arrangement, such as, for example, a roller  330 , and in particular a dipping roller  330 , which roller  330  dips into a dampening agent supply  332 , such as, for example, a water fountain. A drip pan  335  is preferably arranged underneath the water fountain for use in catching condensation water forming on the water fountain which drip pan, in an advantageous embodiment, is configured to be heatable, for example by the use of a heating coil. 
   In a further development, the inking system  305  has, in addition to the rollers  313  to  325 , at least one further roller  326 , by the use of which roller  326  ink can be removed from the inking system  305 , in particular upstream of the first distribution cylinder  316 . This takes place in that this roller  326  itself or, as represented, a roller  327  working together with it, can be placed against an appropriate removal device  333 , all as seen in  FIG. 3 . 
   The printing unit  300 , and in particular, a second and/or third and/or fourth and/or possibly fifth printing unit  300 , which is or are following the first printing unit  300 , has in its inlet area, or in the area of its inlet nip between the two transfer cylinders  303  a device  336  for affecting the fan-out effect, i.e. for affecting a change in the transverse extension or width of the web B, B′, as that web travels from one print location to the other, which fan-out effect is caused by the printing process, and in particular is caused by moisture. The device  336  is preferably arranged in the inlet area of a printing unit  300  which is following the first printing unit  300 , i.e. in an area where the web has been imprinted at least once. It has at least an actuating member  338 , as seen in  FIG. 4 , which may be, for example, a support element  338 , by the use of which, either with a contact of the web B, B′, or advantageously without a web contact, the latter can be deflected in a direction perpendicularly to the web plane. 
   To this end, at least one support element  338 , which is embodied as a nozzle  338 , is arranged on a cross-beam  337 , as seen in  FIG. 4  in such a way that gas, and in particular air, flowing out of nozzle  338  is directed onto the web B. B′. Depending on the force of the flow, the web B, B′ when it is passing through this area, undulates more or less, or is deflected out of a substantially level cross section, which undulation or deflection results in a correction of the width “b,” “b′” and of the lateral alignment of each partial area of the printed image. Advantageously, at least five, and in particular seven nozzles  338  are, for example, arranged axially side-by-side across the width of the web. If desired, support elements, such as the nozzles  338 , which are offset with respect to each other can also be arranged on both sides of the web B, B′, which support elements  338  engage each other in the manner of teeth over the web and deform the web B, B′ in an undulating manner. The force of the air flow, such as, for example, for each nozzle  338 , is preferably set by the use of non-represented servo valves. In the course of this, it is possible to assign a pressure from 0 to a maximum value to each nozzle  338 , for example manually, via a control device or a regulating device. It is also possible to basically assign the same value of pressure to all of the nozzles  338 , but to set the type and strength of the correction, such as, for example, the waviness or the deflection, at the opened nozzles  338  by the specific selection of a partial amount or number, less than or equal to the total number of the nozzles  338 . 
   In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the nozzles  338 , or at least the nozzles  338  which are located the farthest outward on the cross beam  337 , or all of the nozzles  338 , except those located in the center of the cross beam  337 , are arranged, so as to be adjustable in the axial direction, on the cross beam  337 . The adjustability can take place by the use of techniques for manual setting, such as loosening and displacing, manually operable spindles, or by the use of drive mechanisms, such as, for example, motors. The latter is particularly advantageous if the axial positioning, or at least its pre-setting, is performed automatically by the machine control device on the basis of the intended width b, b′ for imprinting the web B, B′. 
   The device  336  for affecting the web fan-out effect receives its setting commands from a control device  339 , which control device  339 , in turn, receives measured values for the lateral position of markers that are sequentially imprinted by the various printing groups, typically with different colors, with partial printed image portions, or with partial printed images, from at least one downstream arranged sensor  341 . It is intended, in the discussion that follows, to understand the term partial printed image, or partial printed image portion, to mean one of several sequentially applied colors of the same printed image or of the same partial printed image, which is often called a “color separation,”of one of the colors to be printed. A printed image composed of, for example, four ink colors, has four color separations, i.e. four partial printed images of the colors to be applied on top of each other. 
   Two markers M 1 . 1 , M 1 . 2 , are applied by a first printing unit  300 . 1 , and which are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. Two other markers M 2 . 1 , M 2 . 2 , which are applied by a second printing unit  300 . 2 , are all represented, byway of example, in  FIG. 4 . In a correct setting of the press, the markers identified by M×. 1 , and the markers identified by M×. 2  are each intended to lie in the same alignment to each other, i.e. wherein an axial distance is zero or, in another embodiment, are intended to lie at least at an axially fixedly predetermined finite distance, or predetermined value from each other. Preferably, a number of marker pairs, M×.  1 , M×. 2 , which number of marker pairs corresponds to the number of printing units  300  imprinting the web B, B′, has been applied. 
   A series of one marker M 1 , M 2  applied by each printing unit  300 , respectively, in a first embodiment, or a series of definite image points or image areas of partial printed images, in a second embodiment, is sufficient for merely determining the lateral registration, in the coordinate cross in  FIG. 4  a relative position of the markers following each other, as viewed in the x direction. For lateral registration regulation or correction, preferably only the relative axial position of these sequentially imprinted markers M 1 , M 2 , etc., or similar image points, with respect to each other, is checked. In case of a deviation from a relative nominal position, such as, for example, a spacing distance of zero, the printing groups, or the forme cylinders  304  carrying the printed image, are aligned, with respect to each other, until the nominal position is correct and the partial printed images assume the required position with respect to each other in the axial direction. In this case a nominal position, or reference is preferably defined by the use of the position of one of the imprinted markers M 1 , M 2 , etc. as the reference marker. In particular, in case of a combination with the fan-out regulation to be described below, advantageously the position of the first applied marker M 1  from the first printing unit  300 , and the remaining printing units  300 , or markers M 2 , etc. are oriented in accordance with that. This means that the regulation of the partial printed images preferably takes place here in relation to each other, and not absolutely, with respect to the measurement location, or to the stationary sensor  341 . In principle, the same method can be applied to the definition of the nominal position of a partial printed image portion, or of a partial printed image, wherein, for example, the first partial images, or defined image points of the first partial image are used as reference, and the remaining partial printed images, or image points of the remaining partial printed images are aligned with respect to that first partial image or defined image points of the first partial printed image. Relative nominal positions of the remaining partial printed images for use as a reference can be obtained, for example, from recorded measurement data of a previous print that is considered to be good, or advantageously can directly be the image data of the print pre-stage. 
   In the embodiment, which is represented in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , and which depicts an economical device in accordance with the present invention, no separate sensors for use in detecting the printed image, are arranged for use exclusively by the device  336  for affecting the fan-out effect. However, use is made of the measured values from a lateral registration control/regulation device  342 . This means that the lateral registration/regulation device  342  and the device for affecting the fan-out effect  336  both make use of the measured value of at least one common sensor  341 . The lateral registration control/regulation device  342  aligns the respective partial printed image, in one color as a whole in its axial position. To this end the forme cylinder  304 , or the printing forme  310 , which is located on the cylinder  304 , is appropriately moved in an axial direction with respect to the web B, B′, such as, for example, by the use of an actuating member or an actuating element  343 . The sensor arrangement and, if required, portions of the lateral registration control/regulation device  342 , are employed for triggering the device  336  for affecting the fan-out effect, or vice versa. 
   So that, in a parallel manner, the sensor arrangement  341  of the lateral registration control/regulation device  342  is also usable with the device  336  for affecting the fan-out effect, in an advantageous first embodiment, as seen in  FIG. 4  the sensor arrangement  341  has at least two measuring points, or two sensors  341 , which two sensors  341  are arranged side-by-side in the, axial direction of the cylinders, and which each detect, respectively, one partial printed image portion that is located on the web B, B′, or detect the above-mentioned imprinted markers Ml . 1 , Ml . 2 , M 2 . 1 , M 2 . 2 . The sensors  341  can be embodied as image sensors, such as, for example, as reading heads and which are provided with the appropriate evaluation software of a system for color registration regulation. If the partial printed image, as a whole, differs, in a lateral direction, from its nominal position or its reference marker or reference image point, a correction takes place at the printing group and specifically at the forme cylinder  304 , which is causing the deviation, via the actuating device  343  for lateral registration. If the evaluation of the measurement, such as by use of markers M 1 . 1 , M 1 . 2 , M 2 . 1 , M 2 . 2 , or partial image points shows that, although the partial printed image has assumed the correct axial position, there is a distortion or a widening of the partial printed image, in comparison to the reference, correction takes place via the device  338  for affecting the fan-out effect. In the case of mixed effects, both corrections take place, of course, wherein a cycle of first correcting the lateral registration and then correcting the distortion is of advantage. 
   By the use of the markers from two of the printing units  300 , which are represented by way of example, an evaluation is explained, again by way of example, in what follows. The markers M 1 . 1 , M 1 . 2  should be defined here as reference markers and, for the sake of simplicity, the required axial distance of the following markers M 2 . 1 , M 2 . 2  of a series should equal zero, so that markers M 2 . 1 , M 2 . 2  should be aligned with the reference markers M 1 . 1 , M 1 . 2 . Preferably, the imprinted markers M 1 . 1  and M 1 . 2 , which preferably are viewed axially, are located in a center imprinted area which, assuming a correct web run, also corresponds approximately to the area of the web center M. The imprinted markers M 1 . 1  and M 1 . 2  can also be situated at a distance from the center of the printing area or the web area, as known from the locations of the printing formes. In the arrangement represented in  FIG. 4 , the evaluation of the four markers M 1 . 1 , M 1 . 2 , at M 2 . 1 , M 2 . 2  shows a deviation of the second partial printed image in the lateral registration which deviation, in this case, substantially corresponds to a deviation in the axial distance between the two center markers M 1 . 1  and M 2 . 1 , and to a deviation in the term of a fan-out, which substantially corresponds to the distance between the outer markers M 1 . 2  and M 2 . 2 , less a possibly existing lateral registration error. In the present case, the lateral registration error must be added to this distance between the outer markers, or, a lateral registration error, with a negative operational sign, must be subtracted, since, in this case, the lateral registration error and the fan-out error have effects on the two different sides of the web B, B′. 
   Therefore, in an advantageous embodiment of the first preferred embodiment, one of the sensors  341 , and the associated markers M 1 . 1 , M 2 . 1 , are arranged substantially centered with respect to the running web B, B′, or with respect to the full imprinted image width, and the other one of the sensors  341  is arranged in an area close to the edge. In this way, it is possible to make a quick statement, independent of the fan-out effect, regarding the lateral registration, and to achieve, at the same time, the largest possible resolution, in the course of determining the fan-out effect. 
   If the sensor  341  for use in detecting the lateral registration, is not always arranged centered in respect to the web B, B′, this combined procedure is advantageous to the extent that a statement regarding an error in the lateral registration can only be made after having knowledge of the extent of fan-out. By the use of a simultaneous, or of parallel, processing, it is possible to avoid an erroneous interpretation of a signal which is employed by the lateral registration control/regulation device  342 , for example. Thus, knowing at least one of the two measurement locations or image points, as discussed below, an extrapolation towards the web center is possible, from which extrapolation, the size of the lateral registration error can be derived, as a rule. 
   Therefore, the control device  339  and the lateral registration control/regulation device  342  can be modules of a common program, for example, whose steps are sequentially and, if required, are also cyclically, performed, wherein a common algorithm, for example, is assigned to the interpretation of the measured values and to subsequent error correction. 
   The control device  339  and the lateral registration control/regulation device  342  can also be embodied as two calculation algorithms which are separate from each other, but which preferably are coupled to each other. 
   It is possible, in these cases, to provide one unit, in accordance with existing software or hardware technology, and which is here identified as control device  345 , for both matters. 
   However, the control device  339  for use in affecting the lateral registration, and the lateral registration control/regulation device  342  can also be embodied as two, structurally separated hardware units. For example, this arrangement is advantageous when retrofitting existing arrangements, or when making use of finished accessories wherein, however, preferably a signal connection, at least for transmitting the lateral registration error to the lateral registration control/regulation device  342 , should be provided. 
   In an advantageous further development, in accordance with the present invention, the markers Ml . 1 , Ml . 2 , M 2 . 1 , M 2 . 2 , or at least a series of markers Ml . 1 , M 2 . 1 , and/or M 1 . 2 , M 2 . 2  of successive printing units  300 , are evaluated regarding their position, or regarding a spacing in the transport direction, with respect to each other, or with respect to a reference marker, in order to correct the circumferential registration, or the color registration of the partial printed images in relation to each other, such as shown in the coordinate cross in  FIG. 4 , a relative position of the markers following each other, as viewed in the y direction. If a deviation of one or of several of the partial printed images exists, the circumferential registration is corrected. The respective printing group, or its forme cylinder  304 , is rotated, in relation to its angular position in respect to the other or to the reference printing group by a non-represented actuating device, or by an individual drive mechanism. This evaluation, and respective triggering, if required, can also be performed from the control device  345 . 
   In a further development in accordance with the present invention, the positions or the distances between successive markers M 1 . 1 , M 2 . 1  and M 1 . 2 , M 2 . 2  of both series are evaluated regarding their position, or their distances, relative to each other, in the transport direction, or relative to a reference marker. If, when viewed in the transport direction, or the direction, y of the web B, B′, an error in the distance between the markers M 1 . 1 , M 2 . 1  of the one series deviates from an error in the corresponding distance between the markers M 1 . 2 , M 2 . 2  of the other series, an angular error in one of the partial printed images, such as may be, for example, caused by an exposure error when producing the printing forme, or by its erroneous placement on a cylinder, can be deduced. The respective partial printed image then is rotated by an angle φ with respect to the other partial printed image. This error is then counteracted by placing at least one of the forme cylinders into an oblique position, which is called the setting of an oblique registration, or cocking. 
   For example, the fan-out effect, together with the lateral registration, taken in the x direction, and/or the circumferential registration, taken in the y direction and/or the oblique registration, are thus monitored and are evaluated by the use of the sensors  341  and/or by the use of the control device  345 . 
   In a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in  FIG. 5 , a single sensor  341 , which detects the printed image, at least over a scanning width b 341 , is arranged in place of the two sensors  341  shown in  FIG. 4 , which two sensors  341  point by point detect the two series of markers, whereas the scanning width b 341  covers at least the position of the two series of markers. In the course of evaluating the recorded image from the sensor  341  which sensor  341  is, for example, embodied as a line camera or as a planar camera, as discussed below, a recognition of the markers M 1 . 1 , M 1 . 2 , M 2 . 1 , M 2 . 2 , which are printed in different colors, and which are, for example, configured in the form of crosses, initially takes place by the use of appropriate image processing software. Subsequently, an evaluation in the manner as described in connection with the first preferred embodiment is conducted. 
   In a third preferred embodiment, a sensor  341 , which detects the printed image of each of the partial printed images, which are of different colors, at least over a scanning width b 341  extending significantly in the axial direction, is arranged in place of the two sensors  341 , which are used for detecting the printed image and/or the markers in a point by point manner. Significant scanning width in this context means a width which allows the detection of two image points of a partial printed image, of one color, which are sufficiently axially spaced-apart from each other by use of the observed portion. These image points advantageously should lie sufficiently far apart from each other so that a change in the relative axial distance of the two image points, which are spaced apart from each other, can be detected with the required resolution. Two partial printed areas, which are axially spaced apart from each other, or two image points, or two image point groups of the same partial printed image now take the place of the two markers M 1 .x, M 2 .x of the same partial printed image. Again, corresponding to what had been said above, the partial printed images are brought into congruence as best as possible in that the lateral registration, the fan-out, the circumferential registration and/or the oblique registration are evaluated by the use of the image which is detected by the sensor  341 , and are corrected. Here, imprinted markers M 1 . 1 , M 2 . 1 , which are defined as reference markers, are not used as references. Instead, data defining preset nominal values are stored, preferably for each of the partial images or colors. In this connection, in one embodiment, as has already been indicated above, defined image points of the first partial imprinted image can be used as reference, and the remaining partial printed images, or image points of the partial printed images, can be aligned using this reference. Relative nominal positions, with regard to this reference, of the remaining partial printed image, or of their image points can, for example, be obtained from the recorded measured data of a print which is considered to be good, or advantageously can be obtained directly from image data of the printing pre-stage. In another embodiment, the relative positions of the relevant reference points, or image points of all of the partial printed images, printed in the various colors with respect to each other are obtained via the printing pre-stage and are stored as relative nominal positions, with respect to each other. 
   Since the effects of the relative lateral displacement, or fan-out of the image points grows with increasing web width b, b′, the minimum scanning width b 341  in the second and third preferred embodiments, taking into account the resolution of appropriate cameras and the expected quality of the printed image, should be at least a quarter of the maximum web width b which is to be processed in the printing press. In an improved embodiment of the present invention, the scanning width b 341  is at least half of this web width b and covers the printed image of the entire web half, starting at the web center M. In this variation, the fan-out effect, which as a rule, is formed approximately symmetrically, on each one half of the web, can be accurately determined and suitable counter-measures, such as by the individual, profiled triggering of nozzles, rollers, and the like can be determined and can be introduced, in a manner which is matched to the detected fan-out. Advantageously, the entire scanning width b 341  is evaluated with respect to the expansion change or fan-out. Here, the width of the sensor  341  is not to be understood as the scanning width b 341 , which scanning width b 341  is the width of its field of coverage on the web B, B′, which scanning width b 341  is schematically indicated in  FIG. 5  by dashed, diverging lines. 
   Preferably, in the second and third preferred embodiments an image sensor  341 , such as, for example, a color camera  341 , and in particular a digital semiconductor camera  341 , with at least one CCD chip, can be arranged, as the sensor  341 , at the outlet of the printing unit  300  of the printing press, which is the last one in the transport direction of the web B, B′. The image-recording area of the sensor  341  can preferably be aimed immediately and directly on the web B, B′, wherein the image-recording area of the image sensor  341  advantageously has at least the entire web width b, b′ as the scanning width b 341 , in the transverse direction. Thus, the image sensor  341  picks up an image, which can be electronically evaluated, of the entire width b, b′ of the imprinted web B, B′. The image sensor  341  is, for example, configured as a planar camera  341 . The recorded image is then evaluated, with regard to lateral registration, as well as to fan-out, and, if required, is also evaluated with regard to circumferential registration and/or to oblique registration, in an electronic evaluating device of the image sensor  341  itself and/or in the control device  345  having the fan-out control device  339  and/or the lateral registration control/regulation device  342 . Subsequently, actuation orders, if required, are issued to the respective actuating devices  338 ,  343 . The two image sensors  341  of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention can each be embodied as image sensors  341  having, in particular, a CCD chip. 
   In a further development of the present invention, in the case of the embodiment of the sensor  341  as a sensor  341 , which is detecting the print image over the entire width b of the web B, other parameters, which are relevant to the printing process, can also be controlled, or evaluated by an appropriate evaluation unit and, in case this may be required, can also be controlled automatically, so to speak, by the use of programs which are running in the evaluating unit. The evaluation and the correction of several parameters, which are relevant to the printing process, can take place in an essentially parallel manner by the same evaluating unit, such as, for example, the control unit  345 . It is possible, in a particularly advantageous manner, to evaluate the printed image, which was recorded by the image sensor  341 , in the course of a production run of the printing press, and which was forwarded, in the form of a mass of data, to the appropriate evaluating unit, to determine whether the print image, which was actually recorded in the image and which was evaluated, has a change in the tone value in comparison with a previously recorded and evaluated printed image, or in comparison with a stored reference, such as, for example, an actually recorded image which is checked during a running process, in comparison with a reference image. If the result of the check is a change in the tone value, it is possible, in a manner which is only schematically symbolized by an actuating member  347 , to change the color density, or the metering and/or the supply of ink to the printing press, in one or in several of the printing groups  304  by appropriate actuating commands for setting of the color metering devices, setting a roller or setting an ink temperature. 
   In the second and third preferred embodiments, the employment of a line camera, which is provided with permanent illumination, is also possible as an alternative to the preferred planar camera. The line camera can be provided, in particular, with a flash lamp. 
   In place of the nozzles  338 , it is also possible, in principle, to arrange rollers, which are not specifically represented, and which touch the web B, B′ or, in a particularly advantageous manner, to provide support elements  338  which guide the web B, B′ in a contactless manner, and which have, on their side facing the web B, B′, micro-openings through which compressed air flows. In contrast to the depicted nozzles  338 , the micro-openings in the support elements do not form a sharp air flow, but instead form an air cushion interposed between the surface of the support elements  338  and the web B, B′. In this case the control device  339  acts on actuating drives, which are not specifically shown, and which move the support elements  338  in a direction perpendicularly in respect to the web plane. The micro-openings can have a diameter of less than 500 μm, and advantageously of less than or equal to 300 μm, and in particular less of than or equal to 150 μm. In one embodiment, these micro-openings can be open pores of a porous material that is constituting the effective surface on the support element  338 , and in particular can be a sinter material with pores of a mean diameter or mean size of less than 150 μm, such as, for example, of 5 to 60 μm, and in particular of 10 to 30 μm. In another embodiment, these micro-openings represent the outward directed openings of micro-bores of a diameter of less than or equal to 300 μm, and in particular of between 60 and 150 μm. 
   As indicated in  FIG. 3  and as already mentioned above, in an advantageous embodiment, the printing group  301  includes the device  307  for accomplishing the, at least semi-automatic, changing of a printing forme  310  on the assigned forme cylinder  304 . The plate changing device  307  is configured in two parts and has a contact pressure device  344 , also called a “semi-automatic changer”  344 , which is arranged in the area of a nip point between the forme and transfer cylinders  303 ,  304 , and a magazine  346 , that is structurally separated from it, and that is provided with feeding and receiving devices for the printing formes  310 . 
   While preferred embodiments of methods and a device for influencing the fan-out effect of a web 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 changes in, for example, the specific structure of the printing units, the type of webs being printed, and the like could be made without departing from the true scope and spirit of the present invention which is accordingly to be limited only by the appended claims.