Patent Publication Number: US-7712415-B2

Title: Drive devices and method for driving a processing machine

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This U.S. patent application is a division of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/528,651, filed Mar. 21, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,321, issued Nov. 11, 2008. That application was the U.S. national phase, under 35 USC 371, of PCT/DE2003/002972, filed Sep. 9, 2003; published as WO 2004/028805 A1 on Apr. 8, 2004 and claiming priority to DE 102 43 454.9, filed Sep. 19, 2002, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to drive unit arrangements and to methods for driving a processing machine, in particular, a machine for processing webs. A processing machine has a plurality of units which are driven mechanically independently of each other by drive motors via drive units assigned to each one of them. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A drive unit arrangement is known from DE 37 30 625 A1. A primary station is assigned to each print unit, or to the folder of a printing press, which primary station receives operating set points from a higher-order control device and passes them on to the secondary stations of the components involved. 
     DE 42 14 394 C2 discloses a drive unit arrangement for a printing press without a longitudinal shaft. The folder is connected, with respect to data with the groups of print locations via a bus. The folder provides its position reference to the groups of print locations. A drive control, which is common for the drive units of a single group of print locations, performs the fine adjustment of these drive units with respect to each other, as well as in relation to the folder. 
     A drive connection is known from EP 1 287 987 A1. Set points for angle positions and for speeds are generated for the individual drive units and are transmitted to all of the drive units, at predetermined time intervals, via a network. 
     A drive control mechanism is known from EP 1 151 865 A2. Actual master shaft pulses, as well as phase corrections, for the individual drive units, are transmitted to the respective drive units via a common network. In one embodiment, no correction value is transmitted to the drive unit of the folder, since its position is used as a reference. 
     WO 97/11848 shows the architecture of a drive system, in accordance with which, the individual drive units of a printing press are connected with an electronic shaft via a first bus, and additionally are connected with a parametrization bus for parametrization. This document criticizes the drive architecture of EP 0 567 741 A1, in which the guide system is split into a higher-order guide system, and into autonomous print location groups, and in which the synchronisation of the print location groups takes place from a folder. 
     A drive system for a printing press is disclosed in 2002/124743. Drive data specifications are output to drive control units that are assigned to respective individual motors by the use of data processing devices by a central operating and control unit via a data network. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The object of the present invention is directed to providing drive unit arrangements and methods for driving a processing machine. 
     In accordance with the present invention, this object is attained by the provision of a drive unit arrangement of a processing machine that has a plurality of units, which are driven mechanically independently of each other, by drive motors via drive units which are assigned to each one of the drive motors. At least one signal line is connected to the drive units or to a lower order drive control unit of these units. Signals from a master shaft position of a virtual master shaft are carried by the at least one signal line. An offset, which defines a displacement of the angular position set point, with respect to the master shaft position, can be provided to the drive units or to a lower-order control unit via at least one second signal line. 
     The advantages which can be gained by the present invention lie, in particular, in that by using the position reference of the virtual or electronic master shaft it is easier to manipulate errors regarding measuring systems and/or mechanical drive systems occurring in the printing units, as well as ones occurring in the folder. Because of the lack of interaction, and because of the reference to a common virtual master shaft, it is possible to set offset values for the drive units of the printing units, as well as for the folder, with respect to the virtual master shaft and, in an advantageous embodiment, to specify them for a defined type of production or web track. 
     An embodiment of the present invention is of advantage wherein an offset value, with respect to the master shaft, can be set, or can be specified, for each rotatory drive unit of the print units, or for at least the drive units of the forme cylinders, which are driven independently of other forme cylinders, and the folder. These offset values are set, for example in the respective drive controller of the drive unit, or preferably in a lower-order drive control unit, or are stored there as offset. The specification of a defined offset value can be entered or can be changed, for example, at a control console or can be stored there for a defined type of production. The offset value can be called up there, and thereafter can be transmitted to the drive controllers or the lower-order drive control units. 
     The embodiment of the present invention is of advantage, wherein the processing of the control signals, for all of the relevant drive units, does not take place in a higher-order drive control unit. Only a higher-order master shaft movement is transmitted by this drive control unit. The specific processing for an individual drive unit takes place in the drive unit itself, or in a lower-order control device, on the basis of the master shaft movement and additional specific information, such as, for example, offset or deviation from an angular position set point. The signal line or network, which is provided for the master shaft, is not unnecessarily burdened by a large number of different jobs for each one of the individual drive units. Accordingly, the repetition frequency for the position information and/or the dependability of the position information can be increased. In one variation of the present invention, the generation of the higher-order master shaft movement is taken over by one of several cross-linked lower-order drive unit control devices, which can then be considered to be the higher-order drive control unit, or master. In this case, the cross linkage also only carries the signals of the higher-order master shaft movement. A drive unit control device, which would be provided separately, can be omitted in this case. 
     In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, networks differing from each other are provided for conducting the signals from the rotating electronic master shaft and for transmitting values which are specific to the drive units such as, for example, offset values with respect to the master shaft position. This serves the dependability in the transmission and speed in the course of data transmission. 
     An embodiment of the present invention is advantageous, wherein a lower-order drive control unit is provided between the drive unit to be controlled and the drive control unit which provides the master shaft position, which lower-order drive control unit picks up the overlapping master shaft position and, derived therefrom, performs the individual control, such as of angular position, or angular speed of the associated drive unit. In the case of a printing unit with several printing groups, or in the case of a printing tower, several drive units are advantageously assigned to this lower-order drive control unit. 
    
    
     
       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 first preferred embodiment of the drive unit in accordance with the present invention, in 
         FIG. 2 , a second preferred embodiment of the drive unit, in 
         FIG. 3 , a third preferred embodiment of the drive unit, in 
         FIG. 4 , a schematic representation of a drive unit, and in 
         FIG. 5 , a schematic representation of the relative positions during operation. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A processing machine for web-shaped materials, such as, for example, a printing press, and, in particular, a web-fed rotary printing press, has several units, which are mechanically independent of each other, and each such unit is driven by a drive motor M. These units, which are driven independently of each other, can work together, for example, either directly or indirectly, with a web, for example with a web of material to be imprinted, which is passing through the printing press. These units therefore must be aligned with respect to their relative position to the web, or with respect to each other. Such units can be printing towers  01 , individual printing units  02 , individual printing groups  03 , or individual cylinders  04 , such as, in particular, individual forme cylinders  04  of printing groups  03 . In the same way, such a unit can represent, for example, a unit  06 , which further processes the web after it has been imprinted, which further unit  06  can be, in particular, a folder  06 , perforating arrangements, punches, collecting arrangements, cutting arrangements, and the like, for example. Furthermore, such an independently driven unit can also be one or several guide elements  07 , such as, for example, traction rollers, skip slitters, registration rollers, etc. 
       FIG. 1  shows three such units, which are driven, mechanically independently of each other, by drive motors M. For example, the two units shown at the left in  FIG. 1  could be printing towers  01 , printing units  02 , printing groups  03  or cylinders  04 . The middle unit, or a further, not specifically represented unit, could, however, also be a guide element  07 . The right unit represents, for example, a further processing unit  06 , and in particular represents the folder  06 . 
     Drive units  08 , or regulating units  08 , which, in a simplified manner, are called drive units  08  with drive regulation in what follows, are assigned to the respective drive motors M, and are directly or indirectly connected with each other via at least one signal line  09 , and with a computing and data processing unit  11 , such as, for example, a computer  11 . The computing and data processing unit  11  can additionally have an operating unit, or can be connected with an operating unit  10 , for example a control console  10 . Basically, the drive units  08 , or the controllers, can be connected via signal lines  12  with the signal line  09  in series, which is not represented, directly in a ring or bus structure or, as represented, in a tree structure. 
     The at least one signal line  09  conducts signals of a reference master shaft position φ, which is specified by a computing unit  13 , for example a higher-order drive control unit  13 . Together with the computing unit  13 , the signal line  09  represents the so-called virtual master shaft  09 ,  13 , or electronic shaft for the units connected with it, by the use of which, the units are aligned with respect to their position. This virtual master shaft position φ is passed on to the drive units  08  as a set point or reference variable. 
     The computing and data processing unit  11  provides set points with regard to the desired production speed, to the higher-order drive control unit  13 , and in this way is connected with the drive unit  08  via the higher-order drive control unit  13 , the signal line  09 , for cross communication and the signal lines  12 . 
     A specific offset Δφ, for example an angular offset Δφ, can be preset in each controller  08 , which offset fixes a permanent, but adjustable displacement in relation to the master shaft position φPhi. This offset Δφ can be entered, for example, directly at the regulator  08  and/or via the computing and data processing unit  11  and/or can be stored and called up in a memory of the computing and data processing unit  11  for specific operating situations, in particular for specific web routings. If the signal line  09  is correspondingly configured, for example as a broad-band bus or as a broad-band network, the information regarding the respectively specified and fixed offset Δφ, as well as the “rotating” master shaft position φ, can possibly be provided over the common signal line  09 . The signal line  09  can additionally be connected with a control system  24 , which controls and/or regulates the actuators and drive units of the printing units  02  or printing groups  03  or folders  06  which differ from the drive motors M, such as ink supply, actuating movements of rollers and/or cylinders, dampening unit, positions, etc. This connection is represented by dashed lines. 
     The respective offset Δφ is transmitted, for example prior to the start of a production run, from the control console  10  or from the computing and data processing unit  11  to the drive units  08  and is stored there. In an advantageous embodiment, the offset Δφ i  can be changed during the operation or during the production run at the drive unit  08  itself, but in particular can be changed via the computing and data processing unit  11 . 
     In a variation of the present invention, the offset values Δφ i  for the various drive units  08  can also be stored in the higher-order drive control unit  13 . In this case, each drive unit  08  receives, as a set point, the sum of the rotating master shaft φ and the specific stored offset value Δφ i  of the respective drive unit  08  via the signal lines  09 ,  12  or, in situations of series connection, only  09 . 
     Thus all drive units  08 , for example the drive units  08  of the two first units, laid out as printing towers  01 , for example, as well as the drive unit  08  of the unit embodied as a folder  06 , respectively follow the rotating master shaft position φ of the higher-order drive control unit  13  with a respectively fixed offset value Δφ i  in respect to the absolute position of the master shaft position φ. 
     In contrast with  FIG. 1 , in  FIG. 2  a second signal line  14 , which is different from the first signal line  09 , has been provided for the transmission of the respective offset Δφ i  and, if required, further relevant data. Furthermore, for the connection between the first signal line  09  and the second signal line  14 , or between the higher-order drive control unit  13  and the drive unit  08 , a communications node  17 , for example a lower-order drive control unit  17 , is provided. 
     The computing unit  13  for specifying the master shaft position φ is connected, for example via the signal line  14 , with the computing and data processing unit  11 , from which it, in turn, receives input with respect to the production speed or the actual rpm set point, for example. Now the respectively actual master shaft position φ is specified by the higher-order drive control unit  13  and is fed into the signal line  09 . From there, the information regarding the rotating master shaft position φ is fed via the communications node  17  to the signal line  12  and is there directly provided to the drive units  08  which are relevant for the actual production run. A communications node  17  can, as represented in  FIG. 2 , be connected via the signal line  12 , for example a network  12  of a ring or bus topology, with several lower-order units each driven by a drive motor M such as, for example, printing units  02 , printing groups  03  or cylinders  04 . The lower-order units, which are combined in this way via a communications node  17 , will be called, in what follows, a group  18  of units or devices, which are mechanically driven independently of each other. In this case, the communications node  17  passes on, for example, the master shaft position φ from the signal line  09  to the drive units  08  of all lower-order units or devices, which take part within the scope of the production run, for example printing units  02  or printing groups  03  of this group  18 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 2 , the center unit represents such a group  18  of several sub-units, for example two printing units  02 , two printing groups  03  or two guide elements  07 , whose drive units  08  both receive the master shaft position φ via the communications node  17 . 
     In a first embodiment of the present invention, the production-specific offset values Δφ i  are forwarded from the computing and data processing unit  11 , or from the control console  10 , to the individual drive units  08  of the units, where they are stored and are further processed, together with the master shaft position φ. In this case, the forwarding takes place, for example, in the manner of a tree structure from the signal line  14  via a common signal line  16  per unit, or in a star shape via several separate signal lines  16  per unit to the drive units  08 , shown in solid lines. 
     In a second embodiment, shown in dashed lines the forwarding of the offset Δφ i  takes place from the signal line  14  via logical connections  16 ′ directly or indirectly to the respective communications node  17 . The physical embodiment of the logical connections  16 ′ can be provided directly or indirectly via further connections, such a bus couplers, bridges, etc. or, for example, via a control system  24 , as represented in  FIG. 1  or  3 . In this case, the signal line or lines  16  can be omitted. In a first variation of this embodiment, the specific offset Δφ i  is forwarded from the communications node  17  only via the signal line  12  to the appropriate drive unit  08  and is stored there. 
     In a second advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the communications node  17  is configured as a lower-order drive control unit  17  with a memory, and with its own intelligence, in such a way that the offset values Δφ i , which were specified for the associated drive units  08  and for the specific production run, are stored there, and that the drive units  08  participating in the production run are each provided with specific master shaft positions φ i ′, wherein (φ i ′=φ+Δφ i , addressed to them, for example as angular position set point φ i ′, by the lower-order drive control unit  17 . The interrelationship shown is intended to merely explain the principle here and in what follows. Of course, when following the specific master shaft position φ i ′, it is necessary to take into consideration the circumferences of the units to be driven, etc., so that an actual interrelationship has further unit-specific factors, for example. 
     Thus, the computing and data processing unit  11  is connected, on the one hand, with the drive units  08  via the higher-order drive control unit  13 , the signal line  09 , for cross communication, as well as with the signal lines  12 , provided, for example, as buses  12 . Information regarding the configuration, such as coupling in printing units  02  and/or printing groups  03 , or for the common production speed, can also be exchanged in this way. 
     The higher-order drive control unit  13  is connected with the appropriate drive unit  08  for transmitting information regarding the specific offset Δφ i , as described above, either via the signal line  14  and the signal lines  16 , or via the signal line  14 , the logical connection  16 ′, the communication nodes  17  and the signal lines  12 . 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in accordance with  FIG. 2 , the drive motors M, or the drive units  08  of the group  18 , are connected with each other and with the lower-order control unit  17 . The lower-order control units  17  of the groups  18  or units are connected with each other and with the higher-order drive control unit  13  via at least one signal line  09 . In addition, for transmitting the specific offset values Δφ, the computing and data processing unit  11  is connected in this embodiment with the drive units  08 , or the communications node  17 , via at least one second signal line  14 . 
     In an advantageous embodiment, the first signal line  09  is configured here as a real time-capable connection  09  with a fixed time frame for real time-relevant data and for deterministic time behavior. The first signal line or connection  09  can additionally have a channel in which, for example, data which are not real time-relevant, such as the transmission of the specific offset values Δφ i  in accordance with the embodiment in  FIG. 1 , for example, and/or information regarding the configuration, production speed, etc. in accordance with the embodiment in  FIG. 1 , are transmitted. 
     The signal line  12 , typically provided as a bus, is also configured in an advantageous embodiment, as a real time-capable connection  12  with a fixed time frame for real time-relevant data and deterministic time behavior. The connection  12  can additionally have a channel in which, for example, data which are not real time-relevant, such as the transmission of the specific offset values Δφ i , and/or information regarding the configuration, production speed, etc., are transmitted. 
     The signal lines  14  and  16  are preferably configured as a network  14 , or as a part of a network  14 . In an advantageous embodiment, this network  14  can operate in accordance with a stochastic access method. However, data transmission should be possible at least by half-duplex operation. 
       FIG. 3  shows an example of the drive unit of a printing press with several, and in this case with three, printing towers  01 , each of which has several printing groups  03 , depicted here as double printing groups  03 . Together with their drive units  08  and with the associated motors M, the printing groups  03  of a printing tower  01  constitute a group  18 . In particular, they constitute a print position group  18 , which is connected with the signal line  09  via the lower-order drive control unit  17  of this group  18 . However, the drive control unit  13  can also manage sub-groups  02  of printing groups  03 , for example printing units  02  or other divisions, each with assigned drive units  08 . Further units, which have their own lower-order drive control units  17 , for example one or several guide elements  07  or one or more folders  06 , are also connected with this signal line  09 . In this case, the signal line  09  is advantageously configured in accordance with a ring topology, and in particular is configured in the form of a double ring, and has one or more of the properties mentioned in connection with  FIG. 2 , above. 
     The signal line  09  is connected with several, depicted here as two, higher-order drive control units  13 , each of which can feed signals, which are different from each other, of a respective master shaft position φa, φb from a master shaft a, b into the signal line  09 . This is advantageous, for example, if it is intended to assign the printing press, or its printing towers  01  and/or printing units  02  and/or printing groups  03  and the associated folders  06 , as well as guide element  07 , to several sections  21 ,  22 , which can be operated separately or together. However, production runs and web tracks can pass over the separation between the sections, which separation is indicated in  FIG. 3  by a dashed line, and can be conducted from printing units  03  of the one section  21 ,  22  into printing units  03 , and/or the folders  06  of the other one. For example, the individual printing towers  01  can be assigned to different folders  06 . Inside a printing tower  01 , sub-groups, for example individual printing units  03 , can also be assigned to different webs with different web tracks, which different webs can be conducted to a common folder  06 , or even to different ones. Therefore, the sections  21 ,  22  should logically not be considered as rigid units. 
     The higher-order drive control units  13  each receive their specifications regarding the starting point and the production speed of the respective sections  21 ,  22 , and/or the web track, from a respectively assigned computing and data processing unit  11 , which, in turn, is connected with at least one control console  10 . In an advantageous embodiment, the two computing and data processing units  11  are connected with each other and with a further signal line  23 , which connects several, such as depicted here as two, control consoles  10  with each other. 
     The offset values Δφ i , which are relevant to the individual drive units  08  for the respective production run, are fed from the computing and data processing unit  11 , via the signal line  14 , to the lower-order drive control units  17  assigned to the respective drive unit  08  and are stored there in an advantageous embodiment, as described in connection with  FIG. 2 . These offset values Δφ i  are processed, together with the master shaft position φa, φb, to form the master shaft positions Δφ i ′. If sub-groups, such as, for example, printing units  03  of a group  18 , for example of a printing tower  01 , are assigned to two different webs, the lower-order drive control unit  17  processes, together with the offset value Δφ i  which was specified for the respective web, the respective master shaft position φa, φb of the master shaft a, b assigned to the respective drive unit  08 , depending on the association of the respective print position with the one or the other web. 
     However, in this example, the transmission to the lower-order drive control units  17  does not take place directly, but instead via a control system  24 , which is assigned to the respective group  18 , or to the unit having its own lower-order drive control unit  17 , such as, for example, a folder  06 . The control system is connected with the signal line  14 , or with the computing and data processing unit  11 , either via its own signal lines  25 , for example, or the line sections  25  are part of the signal line  14  embodied as a network  14 . For example, the control system  24  controls and/or regulates the actuating members and drive units, which are different from the drive motors M, of the printing units  02 , or of print position groups  18 , or of printing groups  03 , or folders  06 , for example the ink distribution, actuating movements of rollers and/or cylinders, dampening unit, positions, etc. The control system  24  has one or has several, particularly memory-programmable control units  26 . This control unit  26  is connected with the lower-order drive control unit  17  via a signal line  27 . In the case of several control units  26 , these are then also connected with each other via the signal line  27 . 
     In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the control system  24 , or its control unit or units  26  is or are releasably connected with the signal line  14  by coupling devices, which are not specifically represented, such as, for example, by bus couplers. Therefore, the group  18  can, in principle, be operated as a unit which is closed on itself, in which the control of the drive units  08  takes place via the train of the lower-order drive control unit  17  with the signal line  12 , and the control of the further functions of the group  18  takes place via the train of the control system  24 . Set points as well as actual values, and deviations can be input or output via the couplers. In this case, the lower-order drive control unit  17  performs the specification of a master shaft position φ. For this reason, and for reasons of redundancy, it is advantageous if all lower-order drive control units  17  are configured with the option of generating and specifying a master shaft position φ. 
     In the embodiment of the present invention, in accordance with the depiction of  FIG. 3 , the offset values Δφ i  are conducted from the signal line  14  via the respective control system  24  to the relevant lower-order drive control unit  17 . As described in connection with the preferred embodiment in  FIG. 2 , the offset values Δφ i  can be alternatively provided from there to the drive units  08  and can be stored and processed there. 
     With the preferred embodiments in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the higher-order drive control unit  13  can be omitted if, for example, one or several groups  18 , or one of the units with their own lower-order drive control unit  17 , such as, for example, the folder  06 , have a lower-order drive control unit  17 . The virtual master shaft, or the master shaft position φ, can then be specified by one of the drive control units  17 . 
     As described in connection with  FIGS. 2 and 3 , it is very advantageous to provide separate signal lines  09 , or  16 ,  16 ′,  14 ,  25 ,  27  for the rotation of a master shaft not yet adapted to the individual drive unit  08  and for the information regarding the angular position, offset values Δφ i , deviations from the registration. In this way, it is possible, for one thing, to attain the basic alignment of the individual drives  08  by transmitting and/or by changing the offset values Δφ i , as well as a correction of the angular position required during the production run, in view of the regulation of the linear registration, via the separate signal lines  16 ,  16 ′,  14 ,  25 ,  27  to the lower-order drive control units  17 , or the drive units  08  themselves. In case of a registration regulation, for example, an appropriate actuation value is conducted, via the signal line  27 , to the control unit  17  and is superimposed on the set point formed from the master shaft position and offset Δφ i  in the course of determining the specific angular position set point for the individual drive unit  08 . By the use of proceeding in this way, an increased flow of data over the signal line  09  conducting the master shaft data is avoided. It is also not necessary to conduct many different data packets, which are already matched to the respective drive unit  08 , over this signal line  09 . With respect to the individual drive unit  08 , this would result in a clearly reduced possible signal rate. The lower-order drive control units  17  merely manage a tightly restricted number of drive units  08 , so that the data in the signal lines  12  can be handled accordingly. This is not comparable to the number of all drive units  08  assigned to an entire section. 
     For all of the above-described embodiments of the present invention, at least one master shaft position φ, φa, φb is specified by at least one drive control unit  13 ,  17 , which is used by the drive units  08  of the different units, driven independently of each other, for the alignment of their respective position. A specific offset value Δφ i  can be assigned to each one of these drive units  08 , which offset value expresses the respective desired position in relation to the master shaft position φ, φa, φb, of the assigned master shaft a, b. Thus, for a defined production run, for example, specific offset values Δφ i , with respect to the master shaft a, b, which is relevant to this production run, are assigned to all drive units  08 , which are mechanically independent of each other, of the printing towers  01  or of the printing units  02  or the printing groups  03 , as well as to the assigned drive unit  08  of the folder  06  and, if required, guide elements  07 . 
     These offset values Δφ i  are substantially based on purely geometric conditions. For one, they are a function of the selected web track, i.e. of the web path between the individual units. Moreover, they can also be a function of an accidental or of a selected neutral position of the individual drive unit  08 . The latter does not apply to the individual drive unit  08 , if its defined neutral position coincides with the neutral position of the master shaft a, b. 
       FIG. 4  schematically represents the components of a drive unit  08  with a drive motor M. The drive unit  08  has at least one controller  28 , as well as a power element  29  for feeding in energy, for example. The drive unit  08  is connected with a sensor  21 , which, in particular, is provided as an angle pulse generator  31 , which reports the actual angle of rotation position of the drive motor M, or of the unit to be driven, to the controller  28 . The angle pulse generator  31  is connected with a shaft, which is not specifically represented, of the drive motor M and follows its rotary movement on a 1 to 1 basis, or in another defined way. The angle pulse generator  31  can also be arranged on the unit to be driven by the drive motor M. 
     For example, a basic setting of the drive units  08 , or the determination and fixation of the offset values Δφ i , now takes place as follows: 
     Prior to the first start-up, a so-called basic registration position, or 0-position, must be approached as the reference position in the printing units  02 , or in the printing groups  03 , and in the folder  06 . The same applies following the exchange of one or of several drive units  08  of the units or devices involved. This reference position is the position the folder  06  has with respect to registration in relation to the printing unit  02  or to the printing group  03 , or to the forme cylinder  04  and to the counter-pressure cylinder within a printing group  03 . In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the reference position is fixed by a mechanical visual marker at least at the forme cylinder  04 , and at the counter-pressure cylinders of the printing groups  03 , and at least at one of the cylinders, or rollers, of the folder  06 , and in particular at the cutting cylinder. 
     For this purpose, the drive unit  08 , or the drive motor M, is set mechanically, or by an electrical reverse movement, to the mechanical visual marker. The value from the angle pulse generator  31  is stored as the zero position, for example manually, or by the use of a service PC, at the drive  08 , or at its controller  28 . Memorizing can alternatively take place by use of the command “take up reference position” at the control console  10 , wherein the value of the connected angle pulse generator is also stored as the zero position in the drive unit  08 , or in its controller  28 . 
     Since, as a rule, the zero position, which is taken over from the mechanical visual marker merely represents a rough value, now the actual offset value Δφ i , or the angle offset Δφ i , in relation to the master shaft position φ, φa, φb, as a function of the web track and additional factors, and corresponding to the print image, or the cut following the first printing, is determined mechanically or by appropriate measuring devices. As a rule, the determination of the offset values Δφ i  is not made in the form of an angular measure, but as a length, measured, for example, in mm. However, this changes nothing in the basic principle of determination and storage, but only in connection with the further processing since, knowing the circumference of the respective units working together with the web, the linear measure can be converted into a angular measure and vice versa. 
     The value determined, for example in mm, of the offset Δφ i  is performed by the use of an input mask, for example, for the so-called print registration input, or the print offset. These offset values Δφ i , for example in mm, are passed on via the signal line  14  and, if provided, the signal line  23 , as explained above, to the drive units  08  or to the lower-order drive control units  17 . If the input is provided in mm, the values are converted to angle measurements. For example, the offset values Δφ i , if they are transmitted via the control systems  24 , in accordance with  FIG. 3 , are converted there to the corresponding offset values Δφ i  in the form of angle measurements. These values Δφ i , converted to angles, are passed on, in turn, by the control system  24 , or by the control units  26 , to the associated lower-order drive control unit  17  and are stored there in the form of offset values Δφ i  in angle measurements. 
     The offset Δφ i  for the drive unit  08  of the folder  06  regarding the so-called folding print offset is input in the same way at the control console  10  and/or the computing and data processing unit  11 . The storage of this offset value Δφ i  takes place in the drive unit  08  of the folder  06 . 
     In principle, offset values Δφ i  can assume any arbitrary values resulting from the offset with respect to the master shaft a, b. The offset value Δφ i  can also be zero for individual drive units  08  of the printing groups  03  or of the folder  06 , in which case there is no offset. 
     For automating, the manually determined offset values Δφ i , which are a function of the web track, can be stored via the control console  10  and, when this production run is repeated, these values can be recalled and can again be passed on to the drive units  08  over the above mentioned track. 
     If now the printing press, or the respective unit, is operated, drive unit  08  follows, with its neutral position plus its added offset Δφ i , the guide position φ, φa, φb and therefore is always in the correct position.  FIG. 5  schematically represents this state with the master shaft a, b, which is common for the printing group  03  and the folder  06 , and the master shaft position φ, φa, φb. The printing group  03 , or the drive unit  08  driving it, receives the position φ+Δφ DWj , i.e. the sum of the master shaft position φ, φa, φb and the offset Δφ DWj  which is specific for this web track, for the j-th printing group  03 , and for the folder  06 , or its drive unit  08 , the position φ+Δφ FAk , the sum of the master shaft position φ, φa, φb and the offset Δφ FAk  which is specific, for this web track for the k-th folder  06 . These connections represent, as already mentioned above, the simplified principle without any further unit-specific factors. 
     In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, a correction of the respective offset Δφ i  is also possible from the control console  10 , or from the computing and data processing unit  11 , during a production run, or with the press running. 
     Start-up, or the operation of the printing press takes place as follows, for example: 
     For preparing for a defined production run, all of the units or devices which are required for this production run, are configured manually from the control console  10 , or by the use of data which are prepared or memorized or read-in via a higher-order production system, and their drive units  08  are thus coupled to the appropriate master shaft a, b. 
     Drawing in the web or webs is subsequently possible, for example. To this end, the release of the movement of the master shaft a, b, takes place, for example, upon a command “draw in” if required, following a pre-warning by the system, that the network contractors of the drive units  08  have been turned on, and possibly another command. 
     In the same or similar way, start-up can take place with the web already drawn in or the webs drawn in. 
     During start-up or at a new start of the production run, the master shaft position φ, φa, φb is started from a defined stop position, such as angle position zero, or another fixedly preset value or, in an advantageous embodiment, from the last position, such as a last count or angle prior to taking up the motion again, which are stored, for example, in a permanent memory. All coupled drive units  08  required to maintain the registration must thereafter be aligned, corresponding to their preset conditions, offset values Δφ i , in accordance with this preset condition. 
     Periodically, at the end of a time interval of, for example 2 to 5 ms, a fresh guide position φ, φa, φb is put out by the higher-order drive control unit  13  to all drive units  08  involved in the production run, or to the lower-order drive control units  17 , via the signal lines  09 . During start-up, the master shaft a, b rotates at a reduced speed, or number of revolutions, for example corresponding to 1 m/min. At the start, the various drive units  08  can possibly be located arbitrarily “rotated” with respect to the master shaft a, b. 
     Now, the drive units  08  all follow this master shaft position φ, φa, φb, or the specific master shaft positions φ i ′, i.e. the press is running. If drive units  08 , for which there is the requirement of maintaining registration, for example the printing groups  03  and the folder  06 , still show deviations from the respectively specific master shaft positions φ i ′, they rotate faster or slower until they have reached the specific master shaft position φ i ′, i.e. are synchronized. 
     All guide elements  07  at the web, for example traction elements, are synchronized, at least with respect to their circumferential speed, with the master shaft position φ, φa, φb, or its angular speed. 
     In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the production speed is only increased, for example to a number of revolutions corresponding to a web speed of 5 m/min, after synchronous running, or synchronicity of position or speed, of all of the drive units  08  is acknowledged. 
     At a constant speed, the master shaft position φ, φa, φb is passed on every 2 to 5 ms, for example by the higher order drive control unit  13 , to the drive units  08 , or to the lower-order drive control units  17 . A command of “faster” results in an increased angular difference from the old to the new. When actuating “stop” and/or “block”, all of the drive units  08  guided by the master shaft a, b return, for example via a ramp, to zero revolutions, and the network contractors of the drive units  08  are shut off, for example. A folder brake becomes active in an advantageous embodiment. 
     By the use of the above-described way of operating, the master shaft a, b always specifies the position at any time, except for the above mentioned clock frequency of the position transmission, and all of the coupled drive units  08  follow this position. 
     The offset values Δφ i  determined, and corrected, if required for this production run, or web track, are stored and are specified, for example, in the computing and data processing unit  11  or in the control console  10 . If, at a later time, the same production run or web track is to be employed, these offset values Δφ i  can be called up and can be sent to the drive units  08 , or to the drive control units  13 , or, in particular, to the drive control unit  17 , via the above described routes. This can take place automatically, for example, with the call-up of a configuration, which configuration was previously stored or was transmitted, via a higher-order print shop administration system, to the control console  10 . 
     In accordance with a variation of the present invention, the master shaft position φ, φa, φb from the instantaneous angle position of a drive unit  08  of one of the units or devices is taken over on start-up or on a renewed production run. In this case, an offset value Δφ i  of zero exists between this drive unit  08  and the master shaft position φ, φa, φb, at least at the start. In the further course of events, the remaining coupled drive units  08 , with the requirement of maintaining registration, must be aligned in accordance with their preset conditions, offset values Δφ i  with the master shaft position φ, φa, φb, as described above. In this case, the master shaft a, b again specifies the position at each point in time, and all coupled drive units  08 , such as, for example, also the drive unit  08  used for aligning the master shaft a, b, follow this position. The drive unit  08  used for the alignment can then be charged for correction with an offset value Δφ i  not equal to zero in the further course of start-up and/or of the production run since, following the alignment of the master shaft a, b while standing still, all of the coupled drive units  08  align themselves only with the master shaft a, b. 
     Basically, the drive unit  08 , which is used for the alignment, can be any drive unit  08  which has the requirement of maintaining registration, such as, for example, a drive unit  08  of a printing group  03 . However, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the drive unit  08  of the folder  06 , or the position of a cylinder of the folder, for example the position of the cutting cylinder, is employed for the alignment. Following the alignment, i.e. during operation, for example, the drive unit of the folder  06  receives the input again from the common master shaft a, b. 
     In a third variation of the present invention, for the alignment and the operation of the master shaft a, b, the master shaft a, b is synchronized not only for alignment with the angular position of the unit or device used for alignment, for example the folder  06 , or its drive unit  08 . During the operation, it also receives its position permanently or cyclically from the position of this unit, or this device, for example from the folder. In this variation, the position of all remaining drive units  08  is specified by the position of this unit or this device, the offset value Δφ i  between this unit and the master shaft a, b is always zero. 
     In regard to the linear registration, circumferential and/or cutting registration, it is basically possible to distinguish between at least three types or errors: 
     The imprints or images of different webs are, for example, not in registration with each other, but the cut agrees at least with one imprint, or web. In this case, for example, the printer either compensates for the registration error by manually changing the track preset at the control console, for example a change of a linear registration roller between the last print position of the web in question and the folder  06 . However, a change of the offset values Δφ i  for the drive units  08  of the printing groups  03  of this web can also take place. Both variations can also take place automatically from a registration regulation unit. 
     If the imprints agree with each other, but the cut does not fit the imprint, the correction is possible from the control console by use of the so-called fold print offset, i.e. by a change of the offset Δφ i  for the drive unit  08  of the folder  06 . The offset of the drive unit  08  is changed to an appropriate value. 
     If in a printing operation, the position of the colored inks with respect to each other, does not agree in the circumferential direction, the offset value Δφ i  of one or of several of the printing groups  03  involved can be changed at the control console  10  manually or as aided by an appropriate regulating system with a sensor. Their relative positions, with respect to each other, can thus be changed. 
     While preferred embodiments of drive devices and of methods for driving a processing machine, 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 specific sizes of the cylinders, the structure of the drive motors, 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 following claims.