Patent Abstract:
The invention relates to a printing unit, comprising at least two pairs of two cylinders each, namely a transfer cylinder and an associated forming cylinder, whereby the transfer and forming cylinders are each embodied with a width sufficient for printing six newspaper pages, arranged axially next to each other and the transfer cylinder co-operates with a printing cylinder embodied as a satellite cylinder to form a printing head in a print-in-place arrangement.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention is directed to a printing unit and to a web-fed rotary printing press. The printing unit has at least two pairs of two cylinders each.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    DE 25 28 008 A1 shows a printing press for a direct printing method, and having forme cylinders which can be equipped with six printing plates in the axial direction, and with two printing plates in the circumferential direction, and having counter-pressure cylinders which can be supplied with three printing blankets in the axial direction, and with one printing blanket in the circumferential direction. The printing plates, which are arranged side-by-side, as well as the printing blankets, which are arranged side-by-side, are each arranged offset in the circumferential direction.  
           [0003]    DE 25 10 057 A1 also discloses a printing press for the direct printing method. The forme cylinder, which works together with a counter-pressure cylinder, supports six printing plates over its width and two printing plates on its circumference.  
           [0004]    A printing group with forme, transfer and counter-pressure cylinders is known from JP 56-021860 A. Each one of the three cylinders is driven by its own drive motor.  
           [0005]    A triple-width web-fed rotary printing press, with two formers arranged on two levels, that are located one on top of the other, is known from DE 41 28 797 A1.  
           [0006]    A printing press with printing groups of a width of six newspaper pages is known from “Newspapers &amp; Technology”, December 2000. The printing groups are configured as bridge printing groups. The transfer cylinders are covered by rubber blanket sleeves.  
           [0007]    WO 01/70608 A1 discloses a turning bar arrangement, in which two turning bars, which are substantially of a partial web width, are displaceably arranged on a support transversely to the direction of the incoming partial web. A register roller is arranged at the respective sides outside of the lateral frames. Its longitudinal axis extends substantially parallel with the lateral frame. It can also be displaced along a rail in a direction transverse to the direction of the incoming partial web.  
           [0008]    A folding assembly is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,501. Two formers are arranged above one another wherein, after passing over lead rollers, webs are linearly cut ahead of a third former, the partial webs are turned by 90° via a third former, and are subsequently combined into two strands and are conducted to the two formers which are arranged above one another.  
           [0009]    A folding assembly with two groups of formers, which are offset with respect to each other, is known from EP 1 072 551 A2. A harp, i.e. a group of collection, receiving or harp rollers, is arranged above each of the groups of formers, over which the respective partial webs are conducted to the assigned groups of formers.  
           [0010]    A folding assembly is known from WO 97/17200 A2. Cut partial webs, which are offset transversely with respect to each other, are conducted to various formers. The formers, that are arranged horizontally side-by-side, are also partially arranged vertically offset with respect to each other.  
           [0011]    DE 44 19 217 A1 shows a superstructure of a web-fed rotary printing press with a turning device. Partial webs are offset by one-half of a partial web width in order to conduct them on top of each other and to a common former.  
           [0012]    A six newspaper pages wide bridge printing group and a three-cylinder printing group are disclosed in DE 100 16 409 A1. The covering of the transfer cylinder with rubber blankets is alternating. The opening in the area of the shell surface has a width of, for example, between 1 and 3 mm in the circumferential direction.  
           [0013]    DE 198 03 809 A1 D1 discloses a printing group for four pages in newspaper format or for more, for example six or eight printed pages, located side-by-side, in book format.  
           [0014]    DE 101 20 134 A1 discloses, printing forme sections positioned side-by-side and in section a segment, independent from the other segment, for use in pressing on or holding a dressing.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0015]    The object of the present invention is directed to providing a printing unit and to providing a web-fed rotary printing press.  
           [0016]    In accordance with the present invention, this object is attained by the provision of a printing unit having at least two pairs of two cylinders each. Each pair includes a transfer cylinder and a forme cylinder. Both the transfer cylinder and the forme cylinder have a width sufficient to print six newspaper pages arranged axially side-by-side. A web-fed rotary printing press can have two of these printing units, with each such printing unit having four cylinder pairs. Each such cylinder pair consists of a transfer cylinder and a forme cylinder. The two printing units are each embodied as satellite printing units.  
           [0017]    The advantages to be gained by the present invention rest, in particular, in that a simple, cost-effective and space-saving construction, together with the provision of a high variability of the product or intermediate product, is made possible.  
           [0018]    Advantages also lie, in particular, in that, in comparison to double-width printing presses, the production dependability is considerably increased with the same target size of a product. Also, when retaining the number of printing units, the yield of the printing press, or of each printing group, can be increased by 50%.  
           [0019]    The number of roll changers, and their associated investment costs, the frequency of roll changes and the resultant loss of production dependability, as well as the set-up time when drawing in webs and the increase in cycle times, can all be reduced for the same production size in comparison with a double-width printing press.  
           [0020]    In an advantageous embodiment, the printing units are structured as nine-cylinder satellite printing units, which results in high precision of the ink register, and otherwise in a low-oscillation construction. Oscillations are also reduced by the advantageous arrangement, structure and fastening of dressings on the cylinders. For one, openings on the shell surface in the circumferential direction are minimized. It is furthermore also possible to arrange the openings, at least on the transfer cylinder, alternatingly offset in the circumferential direction, in such a way, that a closed shell surface always works together with the forme or satellite cylinder, at least over the length of a section of the forme or satellite cylinder. Thirdly, out-of-roundness and production costs are minimized because, although channels which are axially dispersed on the barrel over its entire effective length are provided, openings in the direction toward the shell surface only exist in the mentioned sections. Devices for fastening of dressing ends and/or fillers are selectively inserted into the channels.  
           [0021]    At least six devices for the axial positioning of printing formes are arranged in the channel or channels of the forme cylinders. These devices are embodied, for example, as register pins that are positively acting together with the printing forme ends, which are arranged inside the channel and which can be axially movable manually or by remote control.  
           [0022]    For equipping the forme cylinders with printing formes which can be reproduced with exact registration and color congruence, the configuration of the printing groups with associated pressing devices is advantageous. Because of these, it is possible to fix dressings, resting on the shell surface of the cylinders, in place by use of respectively at least one pressing element, as needed, while one end of a dressing or of several dressings is or are released for being removed or attached.  
           [0023]    The drive mechanism of the satellite cylinder, or cylinders, which is mechanically independent of the pairs of cylinders, offers particular advantages, with respect to a possibility of a variable operation. Thus it is possible, for example, to perform a set-up operation during production, for example a flying printing forme change, or a forme washing. On the other hand, a web can be drawn in while other cylinders, or other pairs of cylinders, are stopped or are being cycled through a set-up program. If rubber blankets, with positively or negatively conveying properties, are present, it is also advantageous to operate the satellite cylinder with a surface speed which differs from that of the remaining cylinders.  
           [0024]    In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, a superstructure of the printing press has at least one longitudinal cutting device with at least five cutters, which cutters are spaced apart from each other transversely to the paper conveying direction. In an advantageous embodiment, two register elements, which can be moved transversely, with respect to the paper conveying direction, are provided for each printing tower, or respectively for each eight print positions, for compensating for the paths of the partial webs. In a further development, these register elements can be structurally connected with respective turning devices, each of the width of a partial web. Also, subsequent guide elements, which are only assigned to partial webs, are, for example, substantially embodied to have only a partial web width. These configurations make possible a low-oscillation, and therefore also an exactly matching conveyance of the web. Fluctuations in the web tension, occurring, for example during load changes, or during a change of the printing speed, and caused by the inertia of long, thick guide elements only driven by the partial web or webs, can be effectively reduced.  
           [0025]    With a view to dependable operation and to a cost-saving construction, it is also advantageous to provide the possibility of turning a partial web by an odd-numbered multiple of half a partial web in the superstructure. With this, the draw-in and imprinting of partial webs of half a former width, for example a newspaper page can be omitted.  
           [0026]    In connection with the reduction of costs and for providing a space-saving construction, it is advantageous, in one embodiment, to place a so-called harp, i.e. a plurality of lead rollers which, as a rule, are not driven, ahead of only one of two formers, which are themselves arranged above one another. Webs can be transported from the harp to the other former. Strands of variable sizes or numbers of partial webs of the same alignment can be supplied to the two formers which are arranged vertically above one another.  
           [0027]    In one preferred embodiment, partial webs from one harp assigned to the one group of formers can be supplied to the other group of formers, and vice versa. In an advantageous embodiment, a so-called harp, i.e. a plurality of lead rollers, which are also called collecting or receiving rollers, is to be placed ahead of only one of two formers that are arranged above each other. Webs from the common harp can then be transferred to the other former. Strands of variable size, or numbers of partial webs of the same alignment, can be supplied to the two formers which are arranged vertically above one another.  
           [0028]    In an advantageous embodiment of a turning device, the partial web can be displaced, or is displaced, only by an odd-numbered multiple of half a partial web. In this way, it is possible, with little outlay, to avoid, for example, to have to imprint very narrow webs, or to provide additional printing units. The construction of at least one of the turning bars, which at least one bar can be moved transversely in respect to the web, allows a large amount of variability.  
           [0029]    The drive mechanism of rollers of the structure of the former and/or of the folding apparatus, which drive mechanism is mechanically independent from the printing units, is advantageous. This is the case particularly in respect to good registration and variable operation. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0030]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention are represented in the drawings and will be described in greater detail in what follows.  
         [0031]    Shown are in:  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 1, a web-fed rotary printing press in a lateral view, in  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 2, a schematic side view of a printing group, in  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 3, a schematic top plan view of a printing group, in  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 4, a cylinder dressing or cover, in a perspective representation, in  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 5, a forme cylinder, a: in a perspective representation, b: in longitudinal section, c: with a holding element, and d: with a holding element with a register arrangement, in  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 6, a transfer cylinder, a: in a perspective representation, b: in longitudinal section, c: with a holding element, d: with a filler element, e: a schematic longitudinal section, in  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 7, a device for pressing a dressing against a cylinder, in  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 8, a first preferred embodiment of a drive mechanism of a nine-cylinder printing unit, in  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 9, a second preferred embodiment of a drive mechanism of a nine-cylinder printing unit, in  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 10, a third preferred embodiment of a drive mechanism of a nine-cylinder printing unit, in  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 11, an embodiment of the preferred embodiment in accordance with FIG. 8, in  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 12, an outline of a superstructure, in  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 13, a first preferred embodiment of a short register device, in  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 14, a second preferred embodiment of a short register device, in  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 15, an example of a web turning assembly, in  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 16, a front view of a harp, with a turned web, in accordance with FIG. 15, in  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 17, a folding structure of a web-fed rotary printing press in accordance with the present invention, in  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 18, a side elevation view of the folding structure and with web guidance, and in  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 19, a front elevation view of the folding structure of the present invention, with web guidance.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0051]    A web-fed rotary printing press in accordance with the present invention, and represented, by way of example, in FIG. 1, has a left press section and a right press section, each section having at least two printing towers  01 . The printing towers  01  each have printing units  02  which are embodied to be, for example, at least of triple width, i.e. are configured for the imprinting, of respectively, six newspaper pages, which are arranged axially side-by-side. The printing units  02  are each embodied as satellite printing units  02 . The advantageous embodiment of each of the printing units  02  as a nine-cylinder satellite printing unit  02  assures a very good maintenance of color congruence, or a very small fan-out. The printing units  02  can also be embodied as ten-cylinder satellite printing units  02 , or possibly can also be embodied as printing units which can be operated in rubber-against-rubber printing, such as, for example, as several bridge printing units or as an H-printing unit  02 . Webs  03  from rolls, which are not specifically represented, are supplied to the printing units  02 , in particular by the use of roll changers which are also not specifically shown.  
         [0052]    One superstructure  04  for each section is provided downstream, in the direction of travel of a web  03  which is passing through the printing towers  01 , or printing units  02 , in this case, superstructure  04  is situated above the printing towers  01 , and in which superstructure  04  the web  03 , or the webs  03 , are cut by longitudinal cutting arrangements  06 . The resultant partial webs can possibly be offset and/or cambered, the linear register of the partial webs can be aligned by the use of register arrangements  08 , only depicted schematically in FIG. 1, and these partial webs can be guided above each other. Downstream, as viewed in the web running direction, the superstructure  04  has at least one so-called harp  09  including a plurality of harp or lead rollers, which are arranged above each other and which guide the webs  03 , or the partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c . The harp  09  determines the entry into the former of the webs  03  or of the partial webs that are conducted above each other. The webs  03  or partial webs undergo a change in direction as they pass through this harp  09 , and are thereafter combined into either one strand, or several strands, and are conducted to at least one folding structure  11 .  
         [0053]    In the printing press shown in FIG. 1, two folding structures  11  are arranged between the two press sections, which two folding structures  11  each have formers respectively arranged, on two different levels located above one another, for example. However, the printing press can also have only one common folding structure  11 , arranged between the sections, or can have only one section and one associated folding structure. Also, the respective folding structure  11  can be embodied with only one level of formers. One or a plurality of folding apparatus  12  can be assigned to each folding structure  11 .  
         [0054]    Each printing unit  02  has a plurality, in the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 four, printing groups  13 , by operation of which, ink from an inking unit  14  can be applied to the web  03  by operation of at least one cylinder  16  embodied as a forme cylinder  16 , as shown in FIG. 2. In the first embodiment of the printing unit  02  as a satellite printing unit  02 , the printing group  13  is configured as an offset printing group  13  for wet offset printing and has, in addition to the inking unit  14 , a dampening unit  20  and a further cylinder  17 , embodied as transfer cylinder  17 . Together with a cylinder  18  constituting a counter-pressure cylinder or thrust element, the transfer cylinder  17  forms a print position. In the example of FIG. 1, the counter-pressure cylinder  18  is embodied as a satellite cylinder  18  which, together with further transfer cylinders  17  of further printing groups  13 , constitutes further print positions when in the print-on position. In an embodiment of the printing groups as a double printing group for rubber-against-rubber printing, the counter-pressure cylinder  18  could also be embodied as a transfer cylinder  18 . If not required for their differentiation, identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols. However, a difference in their spatial position can exist and is disregarded as a rule when identical reference symbols are provided.  
         [0055]    In an advantageous embodiment, the inking unit  14  shown in FIG. 2 has an ink duct  15  which is extending laterally over six printed pages. In a different embodiment, three ink ducts  15 , each of which may be approximately two printed pages wide, are arranged side-by-side in the cylinder axial direction. In an advantageous embodiment, the dampening unit  20  is embodied as a spray dampening unit  20  with four rollers.  
         [0056]    In a first embodiment, the forme cylinder  16  has a circumference between 850 and 1,000 mm, and in particular between 900 and 940 mm. For example, for receiving two vertical printed pages, for example two newspaper pages in broadsheet format, the circumference is designed with two dressings or covers  19 , for example two flexible printing formes  19 , which can be fixed in place, one behind the other, in the circumferential direction on the forme cylinder  16 . The printing formes  19  can be fixed in place in the circumferential direction on the forme cylinder  16  and, in the configuration represented schematically in FIG. 3, can be individually exchanged in the form of individual printing plates  19 , each of which is equipped with one printed page in the axial direction.  
         [0057]    In the first embodiment, the length L16 of the usable barrel of the forme cylinder  16 , as shown in FIG. 3, is 1,850 to 2,400 mm, and in particular is 1,900 to 2,300 mm, and is configured in the axial direction, for receiving, for example, at least six vertical printed pages which are arranged side-by-side, and in particular for receiving newspaper pages in broadsheet format, as seen in FIG. 3, at sections A to F. In this case, it depends, inter alia, on the type of the product to be made whether only one printed page, or a plurality of printed pages are arranged side-by-side in the axial direction on a printing plate  19 . In an advantageous wider variation of the first embodiment, the length L16 of the usable barrel of the forme cylinder  16  lies between 2,000 and 2,400 mm.  
         [0058]    In a second embodiment, the forme cylinder  16  has a circumference, for example, of between 980 and 1,300 mm, and in particular of between 1,000 and 1,200 mm. In this case, the length of the usable barrel is, for example, 1,950 to 2,400 mm, and in particular is between 2,000 and 2,400 mm. The covering corresponds to the above mentioned embodiment.  
         [0059]    In the first embodiment, the transfer cylinder  17  also has a circumference of, for example, between 850 and 1,000 mm, and in particular of between 900 and 940 mm. The length L17 of the usable barrel of the transfer cylinder  17  in the first embodiment is, for example, 1,850 to 2,400 mm, and in particular is between 1,900 to 2,300 mm, and it is equipped, in the linear direction, with, for example, three dressings  21 , for example rubber blankets  21 , shown as sections AB to EF. They substantially extend in the circumferential direction over the entire circumference. Advantageously affecting the oscillating behavior of the printing group during operation, the rubber blankets  21  are arranged alternatingly offset in respect to each other, for example by 180°, as shown in FIG. 3. In the wider variation of the first embodiment, the length L17 of the usable barrel also lies between 2,000 and 2,400 mm.  
         [0060]    In the second embodiment, the transfer cylinder  17  has a circumference, for example, between 980 and 1,300 mm, and in particular between 1,000 and 1,200 mm. The length L17 of the usable barrel here is, for example, 1,950 to 2,400 mm, and in particular from 2,000 to 2,400 mm. The covering with dressings  21  corresponds to that of the first embodiment.  
         [0061]    In the first above mentioned embodiment, the diameters of the barrels of the cylinders  16 ,  17  lie, for example, between 270 to 320 mm, and in particular are approximately 285 to 300 mm in diameter. In the second above mentioned embodiment, the diameters of the barrels of the cylinders  16 ,  17  lie, for example, between approximately 310 to 410 mm, and in particular between 320 and approximately 380 mm. The ratio of the lengths of the usable barrels of the cylinders  16 ,  17  to their diameters should be 5.8 to 8.8, for example between 6.3 to 8.0, and in a wide embodiment, in particular between 6.5 to 8.0.  
         [0062]    The width or length of the barrel is here understood to be that length L16, L17 of the usable barrel which is suited for receiving dressings, covers or blankets  19 ,  21 . This barrel width also approximately corresponds to a maximally possible web width of a web  03  to be imprinted. In relation to the total length of the barrels of the cylinders  16 ,  17  it would be necessary here to add to this length L16, L17 of the usable barrel the width of possibly existing cylinder bearing rings, of possibly existing channels and of possibly existing shell surface areas which must be accessible, for example, for operating bracing and/or clamping devices.  
         [0063]    In an advantageous embodiment, the satellite or counter-pressure cylinder  18  also substantially has the above-mentioned dimensions and ratios of at least the associated transfer cylinder  17 .  
         [0064]    As schematically represented in FIG. 4, the dressings, covers or blankets  19 ,  21  are embodied as flexible plates, for example, wherein the dressing  21  embodied as a rubber blanket  21  is structured as a so-called metallic printing blanket  21 , having an elastic and/or compressible layer  22 , which is shown in dashed lines, and which is arranged on a support plate  23 . Only the reference symbols in regard to the metallic printing blanket  21  are connected by dashed lines in FIG. 4. As a rule, a plate-shaped printing forme  19 , or a support plate  23  for a rubber printing blanket, consists of a flexible, but otherwise dimensionally stable material, for example an aluminum alloy, and has two oppositely located ends  24 ,  26  to be fastened in or on the cylinder  16 ,  17 , and of a material thickness MS of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm, for example, and of preferably 0.3 mm, wherein, for being embodied as suspension legs  24 ,  26 , these ends  24 ,  26  are beveled or angled along a bending line, in relation to the elongated length l of the dressing  19 ,  21 , by an angle α, or β of between 400 and 140°, and preferably of between 450, 90° or 135°, as seen in FIG. 4. A leading end  24  of dressing  19 ,  21  is beveled, for example, at an acute angle α or of 400 to 50°, and in particular of 45°, and a trailing end  26  is beveled at an angle β of 80° to  1000 , and in particular of 90°. If only a single dressing  21  has been applied in the circumferential direction of the cylinder  16 ,  17 , and in particular of the circumferential direction of the transfer cylinder  17 , the length l of the dressing  21  nearly corresponds to the circumference of this transfer cylinder  17 .  
         [0065]    In principle, the beveled edges  24 ,  26  of the dressing  19 ,  21  can now be inserted into a slit-shaped opening, which extends axis-parallel, and in the longitudinal direction, on the circumference of the respective cylinder  16 ,  17 . The ends  24 ,  26  of the dressing  19 ,  21  are maintained in place by their shape, by friction or by deformation, for example. However, the dressing ends  24 ,  26  can also be basically fixed in place by application of a spring force, by pressure devices, or by a centrifugal force which is effective during the press operation. In an advantageous embodiment, the slit-shaped openings for printing plates  19 , arranged side-by-side in the axial direction on the forme cylinder  16 , are each arranged in alignment, for example are each arranged in the form of a continuous slit-shaped opening, as will be described subsequently, while the openings for the rubber blankets  21 , which are arranged side-by-side on the transfer cylinder  17 , are not continuously offset, but instead are arranged in alternation with each other by 180° in the circumferential direction. In a perspective view, as shown in FIGS. 5 a  and  b  there is depicted an example of a preferred embodiment of the forme cylinder  16 . Two channels  27  are provided in the forme cylinder  16 . Both of these channels  27  extend continuously, in the axial direction of the forme cylinder  16 , over at least the entire length of the six sections A to F on the barrel, as seen in FIG. 5 b . These two channels  27  are arranged offset, in respect to each other, for example by 180°, in the circumferential direction of the forme cylinder  16 . The two channels  27  are arranged underneath a shell surface  30  of forme cylinder  16 , in the interior of the cylinder  16  and are embodied as circular bores, for example, and each have a narrow, slit-shaped opening  28  facing toward the shell surface  30  of the cylinder  16  and extending over the length of the six sections A to Fig., as seen in FIG. 5 a . A slit width s16, in the circumferential direction of the opening  28  on the forme cylinder  16 , is less than 5 mm, and preferably lies in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm, as shown in FIG. 5 c.    
         [0066]    The beveled edges  24 ,  26  of the printing forme  19  can now each be inserted into one of the openings  28 , which are axis-parallel in the longitudinal direction on the circumference, and can be fixed in place, or at least the trailing end  26  can be fixed in place, by the use of a holding device  29 ,  31  which is arranged in the channel  27 .  
         [0067]    Here, the holding device  29 ,  31  has at least one clamping element  29  and a spring element  31 , as seen in FIG. 5 c . The trailing suspension leg  26 , as shown in see FIG. 4, which is beveled at right angles and which is not represented in FIG. 5 c , preferably comes into contact with a wall, which wall is substantially shaped in a complementary shape, to the bevel, of the opening  28 , and the trailing suspension leg  26  is pressed against the complementarily-shaped wall by the clamping element  29  by operation of a force that is exerted by the spring element  31  on the clamping element  29 . The suspension leg  24 , as seen in FIG. 4, which is beveled at an acute angle and which is not represented here, preferably comes into contact with a wall, which is substantially shaped complementary to the bevel  24 , of the opening  28 , which forms a suspension edge or suspension protrusion, together with the shell surface, angled at an acute angle α′ of 40° to 500, and in particular of 45°. An actuating device  32  is provided for releasing the clamping of the trailing end  26  in the channel  27  which, when actuated, acts counter to the force exerted by the spring element  31  on the clamping element  29  and pivots the clamping element  29  away from the wall, or from the end  26 .  
         [0068]    In an advantageous embodiment, not only one clamping element  29  is arranged in each channel  27 . Several clamping elements  29  are arranged axially side-by-side in the form of segments, each with at least one spring element  31 , over the length of the sections A to Fig., and which are represented “pulled out of” the cylinder  16  in FIG. 5 a . In the preferred embodiment, several, for example six, such clamping elements  29  in accordance with FIG. 5 c  are arranged for each section A to F, wherein a color congruence element  33  with a register block  35 , as shown in FIG. 5 d , is arranged centered between the clamping elements  29  of each section A to F, and in this case is arranged between the third and the fourth clamping element  29  of each section A to F. The register block  35 , or the congruence pin  35 , can be manually displaced and can be adjusted, in the axial direction, in a channel of the base  34 . In a further development, which is not specifically represented, the register block  35  can also be axially movable by use of a respective actuation device, for example by the use of a motor-driven threaded spindle, which actuation device is axially conducted in a hollow space of the channel  27 , or the color congruence element  33 , which remains unoccupied.  
         [0069]    In the embodiment represented in FIGS. 5 a - fd , the actuating devices  32  are embodied in such a way that, when operated, the holding device, or devices  29 ,  31 , i.e. all of the clamping elements  29 , are simultaneously closed, or released, over the length of the sections A to F. Each actuating device  32 , which is represented as being “pulled out of” the cylinder  16  in FIG. 5 a , is embodied as a reversibly deformable hollow body  32 , for example as a hose  32 , which hollow body  32  extends at least over the length of the sections A to F, extends axially in the channel  27 , and can be actuated by a pressure medium. In accordance with FIG. 5 c , this hose is arranged, working together with clamping elements  29 , in the channel  27  in such a way that, when it is actuated, it counteracts the spring elements  31  which self-lockingly close the holding device. Hose  32  is passed through the areas of color congruence elements  33 , as seen in FIG. 5 d.    
         [0070]    In a perspective view, shown in FIGS. 6 a  and  b  there is represented an example of an advantageous embodiment of the transfer cylinder  17 . Two channels  36 ,  37  are provided in the cylinder  17 . Both channels  36 ,  37  extend continuously in the axial direction of the cylinder  17  over at least the entire length of the six sections A to F, or sections AB, CD, EF, on the barrel, seen in FIG. 6 b . Channels  36 ,  37  are arranged offset with respect to each other, for example by 180°, in the circumferential direction of the cylinder  17 .  
         [0071]    The two channels  36 ,  37 , which are arranged underneath a shell surface  40 , and thus in the interior of the cylinder  17 , are embodied, for example, as circular bores, have a total, for example three, narrow, slit-shaped openings  38 ,  39 ,  41  facing toward the shell surface  40  of the cylinder  17 , as shown in FIG. 6 a , each of which openings  38 ,  39 ,  41  extends axially and at least over the length of a section AB, CD, or EF of the transfer cylinder  17 . Two of the three openings  38 ,  39  are connected with the same channel  36  and are arranged aligned with each other in the axial direction, but are spaced apart from each other, on the shell surface  40 . A section U without an opening, which extends the shape of the remaining shell surface  40 , and which is uninterrupted in particular, lies axially between the two openings  38 ,  39 . The two aligned openings  38 ,  39 , which, for example, are connected with the same channel  36 , are preferably the openings  38 ,  39  close to the cylinder end faces, wherein the third opening  41  extends axially at least over the center section CD of transfer cylinder  17  and is arranged offset by 180° with respect to the other openings  38 ,  39 . A slit width s17 of each of the uncovered openings  38 ,  39 ,  41  on the transfer cylinder  17  is respectively less than 5 mm in the circumferential direction, and preferably lies in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm, as seen in FIG. 6 c . It is possible, for production purposes, to provide radially extending bores  42  at respectively one of two ends of the slits  38 ,  39 ,  41  which, bores  42  in the operational state of the cylinder  17 , can be or are closed by the use of a stopper, which is not specifically represented, as seen in FIG. 6 b . The stopper has an exterior surface which extends the otherwise cylindrical contour of the cylinder  17  in the mounted state into the area of the bore  42 . In a section perpendicular with respect to the axis of rotation, respectively only one of the openings  38 ,  39 ,  41 , or an opening  38 ,  39 ,  42  shortened by the stoppers, is arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction of the cylinder  17  in an advantageous embodiment. In this sectional view, the openings  38 ,  39 ,  41 , or the opening  38 ,  39 ,  41  shortened by the stoppers, therefore do not intersect.  
         [0072]    Now the beveled edges  24 ,  26  of the rubber blanket  21  can each be inserted into one of the openings  38 ,  39 ,  41 , respectively and extending axis-parallel at the circumference, and can be, at least for the trailing end  26 , fixed in place by respectively at least one holding device  43 ,  44  which is arranged in the channel  36 ,  37 . Preferably the two ends  24 ,  26  of the same rubber blanket  21  are introduced through the same opening  38 ,  39 ,  41  into the same channel  36 ,  37 .  
         [0073]    Here, the holding device  43 ,  44  has at least one clamping element  43  and one spring element  44 , as seen in FIG. 6 c . The trailing suspension leg  26 , as seen in FIG. 4, which is beveled at right angles and which is not represented in FIG. 4 c , preferably comes into contact with a wall, which is substantially shaped complementary to the bevel, of the opening  38 ,  39 ,  41 , and is pressed against that complementarily shaped wall by the clamping element  43  by a force exerted by the spring element  44  on the clamping element  43 . The suspension leg  24 , as seen in FIG. 4, which is beveled at an acute angle and which is also not represented in FIG. 4 c , preferably comes into contact with a wall, which is substantially shaped complementary to the bevel, of the opening  38 ,  39 ,  41 , and which forms a suspension edge or a suspension protrusion, together with the shell surface  40 , at an acute angle α′ of 40° to  500 , and in particular of 45°. An actuating mechanism  46 ,  47 ,  48  is provided for releasing the clamping force applied to the trailing end  26  in the channel  36 ,  37  which, when actuated, acts counter to the force exerted by the spring element  44  on the clamping element  43  and pivots the clamping element  43  away from the wall. In an advantageous manner, at least one actuating mechanism  46 ,  47 ,  48 , which is represented “pulled out of” the cylinder  17  in FIG. 6 a , is provided for each of the three openings  38 ,  39 ,  41  in the respectively assigned channel  36 ,  37 .  
         [0074]    In an advantageous embodiment, not only is one clamping element  43  arranged in each channel  36 ,  37 , but several clamping elements  43  are arranged axially side-by-side in the form of individual segments, each with at least one spring element  44 , over the length of the sections AB, CD, EF, which are represented “pulled out of” the cylinder  17  in FIG. 6 a . In the preferred embodiment, several, for example ten, such clamping elements  43  in accordance with FIG. 6 c  are arranged for each section AB, CD, EF, and for each opening  38 ,  39 ,  41 . In sections AB, CD, EF of the respective channel  36 ,  37 , which do not have an opening facing toward the shell surface  40 , at least one filler element  49 , shown in FIG. 6 d  is arranged in the channel  36 ,  37  in place of the holding device  43 ,  44 , or of the holding devices  43 ,  44 . In the example, a plurality, for example eleven, of these filler elements  49  are arranged as individual segments in the respective section AB, CD, EF of the channel  36 ,  37  which has no opening. Respectively, one filler element  49 , as seen in FIG. 6 d , can also be arranged, centered between the holding devices  43 ,  44  of each section AB, CD, EF, i.e. in the area between the sections A and B, or E and F, here between the fifth and sixth clamping element  43 . Each filler element  49  has a cross section substantially adapted from the cross section of the channel  36 ,  37 , and at least one axially continuous opening  51 , through which an operating mechanism for the actuating devices  46 ,  47 ,  48  can be passed.  
         [0075]    In the embodiment represented in FIGS. 6 c  and  6   d , the actuating device  46 ,  47 ,  48  is embodied in such a way that, when the holding device  43 ,  44  of a section AB, CD, EF is actuated, all of the clamping elements  43  of a section AB, CD, EF, are simultaneously closed or released. In FIG. 6 a  the actuating devices  46 ,  47 ,  48  are represented “drawn out of” the cylinder  17 . In the front in the channel  36 , with two openings  38 ,  39 , one actuating device  46  or  47 , respectively extends over at least the corresponding length of the section AB or EF. The actuating device  48 , which is assigned to the center opening  41 , also extends over at least the corresponding length of the section CD. However, if it is advantageous for the supply of an operating mechanism, as shown in FIG. 6 a , it can also extend on at least one side as far as the front or end area of the cylinder  17 . Each of the actuating devices  46 ,  47 ,  48  is embodied as a reversibly deformable hollow body  46 ,  47 ,  48 , extending axially in the channel  36 ,  37 , and which can be actuated by a pressure medium, for example as a hose  46 ,  47 ,  48 .  
         [0076]    In accordance with FIG. 6 c , this hose  46 ,  47 ,  48  is arranged, working together with clamping elements  43 , in the channel  36 ,  37  in such a way that, when actuated, it counteracts the spring elements  44  which self-lockingly close the holding device  43 ,  44 . Through the areas of filler elements  49  to be bypassed, the hose is passed through these filler elements  49 , or through their opening  51 , as seen in FIG. 6 d.    
         [0077]    In a different embodiment of the channels  36 ,  37 , these can be embodied so they do not continuously extend over the entire length. For example, respectively one channel  36 ,  37 , if required, with an appropriate holding device, is provided in the area of each cylinder section AB, CD, EF, wherein the channel  37  of the center dressing  21  is offset by 180° in respect to the two outer ones. This is depicted, only schematically, in FIG. 6 e.    
         [0078]    In an embodiment which is particularly advantageous in connection with the printing units  02 , or in connection with cylinders  16 ,  17  of a width of six pages, a device  52  for pushing a dressing  19 ,  21  against a cylinder  16 ,  17 , and in particular for pushing a printing forme  19  against the forme cylinder  16  of at least one of the printing towers  01 , is assigned to at least two cylinders  16 ,  17 , in particular two forme cylinders  16 . This device  52  is referred to as a pressing device  52  in what follows. For example, use of this pressing device  52  is advantageous if it is intended to perform a rapid, for example a flying plate change, in two corresponding printing groups  13 . It is advantageous, in particular, for a rapid, dependable and exact product change if such a pressing device  52  is assigned to all of the forme cylinders  16  of a printing tower  01 . An appropriate pressing device  52  in accordance with the present invention has one or several pressing elements  53 ,  54 , for example strips, plungers or roller elements  53 ,  54 , which can be selectively placed against one or against several dressings  19 ,  21 . This makes possible a controlled and guided draw-on, or tensioning or a controlled releasing or removing of the dressing  19 ,  21 . It is also possible, by use of this pressing device  52 , to move one end  24 ,  26  of the dressing  19 ,  21  into the corresponding channel  27 ,  36 ,  37 , or into the opening  28 ,  38 ,  39 ,  41 , or to keep down a released end  24 ,  26 , or the partially released dressing  19 ,  21  in a desired position. The pressing device  52  extends along the cylinder  16 ,  17  at least in the entire area of the sections A to F, i.e. in the area of the barrel of the cylinder  16 ,  17  which is effective for printing.  
         [0079]    The embodiment of the pressing device  52  depicted in FIG. 7 is particularly advantageous in connection with the embodiment of the common actuating device  32  extending over all of the sections A to Fig., as described in FIG. 5. In this configuration, the draw-on, change and/or removal, individually or in groups, is also possible for six printing formes  19  that are arranged side-by-side on the forme cylinder  16 , without an increased outlay of actuating devices or of operating supply needing to provided within the forme cylinder  16 . Production, assembly and maintenance is also considerably simplified by this.  
         [0080]    For each section A to F, in the case of six dressings  19  arranged side-by-side, or for each section AB, CD, EF, in case of three dressings  21  arranged side-by-side, the pressing device  52  has at least one first pressing element  53 , for example one first pressing roller element  53 . In an advantageous embodiment, in accordance with FIG. 7, pressing device  52  also has a second pressing element  54 , for example a second pressing roller element  54  that is spaced apart from this first roller element  53  in the circumferential direction of the cylinder  16 ,  17 , for each section A to F, or for each section AB, CD, EF. In connection with the forme cylinder  16 , only the center sections B, C and D, as well as the roller elements  53 ,  54  assigned to these sections B, C and D, are represented in FIG. 7. A pressing device  52  including a first pressing roller element  53 , or a group of first pressing roller elements  53  arranged side-by-side in the axial direction, as well as, for example, a second pressing roller element  54 , or a group of second pressing roller elements  54  arranged side-by-side in the axial direction, is arranged for each section A to F, or AB to EF. In the example shown in FIG. 7, a first roller element  53  and a group of three second roller elements  54  for each section A to F, or AB to EF is represented. In view of the danger of possible tilting, and of possibly wrong axial orientation, the arrangement of groups of at least two roller elements  53 ,  54 , which can be moved independently of each other, is advantageous. A single roller element  53 ,  54  for a section A to F, or for sections AB to EF is embodied, for example, not as a roller  53 ,  54  extending in the longitudinal direction over almost the length of the sections A to F, or AB to EF, but as a roller element  53 ,  54  of a group only as a roller  53 ,  54  of, for example, at most a fraction of the length of the section A to F, or AB to EF.  
         [0081]    The roller elements  53 ,  54 , which are arranged axially side-by-side, as well as the roller elements  53 ,  54  which are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction, if both roller elements  53 ,  54  are provided, are, in principle, arranged, to be movable independently of each other, for example, on a cross arm  56 , or on several cross arms  56 . The sole first roller element  53 , or the group of first roller elements  53  of each section A to F, or AB to EF, as well as the sole second roller element  54 , or the group of second roller elements  54 , if provided, of each section A to F, or AB to EF, can be actuated independently of each other by their respective own actuating devices  57 ,  58 . These actuating devices  57 ,  88  are embodied as reversibly deformable hollow bodies  57 ,  58  which can be actuated by a pressure medium, and in particular are embodied as hoses  57 ,  58 . However, it is also possible to provide differently configured, such as electrically or magnetically actuable actuating devices. For stretching a dressing  16 ,  17  on one of the sections A to F, or AB to EF, the leading end  24  of the dressing, which leading end of the dressing  16 ,  17  is beveled at an acute angle, is inserted into the appropriate opening  28 ,  38 ,  39 ,  41 . The first roller element, or elements assigned to this section A to F, or AB to EF, as well as, if provided, the second roller element, or elements assigned to this section A to F, or AB to EF, are placed against the cylinder  16 ,  17 , or the against already suspended dressing  19 ,  21  to be drawn on. If one or if several dressings  19 ,  21  have already been arranged on the cylinder  16 ,  17  and are to remain there, the first and/or the second roller elements  53 ,  54  assigned to this section A to F, or AB to EF, are also placed against the respective dressing  19 ,  21 . If first and second roller elements  53 ,  54  are provided, in the course of the cylinder  16 ,  17  with the roller elements  53 ,  54  rolling off against each other, the second roller element  54  pushes the trailing beveled end  26  of the dressing  19 ,  21  into the opening  28 ,  38 ,  39 ,  41  when rolling across it. If only first roller elements  53  are provided, these perform the inserting pressure. In the course of this procedure, the roller elements  53 ,  54  remain stationary, while the cylinder  16 ,  17  is rotated in a production direction P, as seen in FIG. 7. The holding elements for the sections A to F, or AB to EF, for example the one or the several clamping elements, change into their or its holding or clamping position; i.e. are closed. After the holding elements has changed from its, or their release position into its, or their holding position, all of the roller elements  53 ,  54  of the affected section A to F, or AB to EF, or their dressings, are pulled back.  
         [0082]    When releasing a dressing  19 ,  21 , it is necessary to ascertain whether one or several dressings  19 ,  21  should remain on the cylinder  16 ,  17 . In this case, initially at least one of the roller elements  53 ,  54 , which is assigned to the remaining dressing  19 ,  21 , should be placed or is placed against this remaining dressing in the area of its trailing end  26 , or close to the opening  28 ,  38 ,  39 ,  41 . The roller element  53 ,  54  assigned to the dressing  19 ,  21  to be released can remain in place or is pulled back. The holding element for the sections A to F, or AB to EF is opened. The trailing end  26  of the dressing  19 ,  21  to be released will be released or removed from the channel  27 ,  36 ,  37  by its inherent tension, while the dressings  19 ,  21  which are to remain are held down by the roller elements  53 ,  54 . The holding element is then closed again. If the pressing device  52  has first and second roller elements  53 ,  54  respectively, the dressings  19 ,  21  which are to remain in place are advantageously held down by at least the second roller elements  54 . In connection with the dressing  19 ,  21  to be removed, at least the second roller element  54  is initially pulled back, so that the trailing end  26  can leave the channel  27 ,  36 ,  37 , and the first roller element  53  is placed against it, so that the already partially released dressing  19 ,  21  is still guided and maintained on the cylinder  16 ,  17 .  
         [0083]    Thereafter, the cylinder  16 ,  17  can be rotated, preferably opposite to the production direction P, until the leading end  24  can be removed from the channel  27 ,  36 ,  37  and the dressing  19 ,  21  can be removed. If, in the course of unclamping the dressing  19 ,  21 , no remaining dressings  19 ,  21  need to be considered, the roller elements  53 ,  54  relating to the dressing  19 ,  21  pertaining to the sections A to F, or AB to EF can, in principle, assume any arbitrary operating position during the procedure, and are preferably pulled away.  
         [0084]    It is thus possible to fix dressings  19 ,  21 , placed on the shell surface  30 ,  40  of the cylinder  16 ,  17 , in place, as needed, by respectively at least one pressing element  53 ,  54 , while an end  24 ,  26  of a dressing  19 ,  21 , or several dressings  19 ,  21 , is, or are released, i.e. is or are not pressed on.  
         [0085]    In an advantageous embodiment, cylinders  16 ,  17 ,  18  of the printing unit  02  are driven in such a way that the printing groups  13  of the printing unit  02  can each be rotatably driven by a drive motor  61 , as seen in FIG. 8, which is independent of the remaining printing units  13 . In the case of the satellite printing unit  02 , the satellite cylinder or cylinders can also be rotatably driven by a drive motor  61  mechanically independent of the associated printing groups  13 . Preferably, the drive motors  61  are embodied as electric motors which are regulated as to their angular position, for example as asynchronous, synchronous or d.c motors. In an advantageous further development, at least one gear  62 , in particular at least one reduction gear  62 , such as a pinion, an attached or a planetary gear, for example, is arranged between the drive motor  61  and the cylinder  16 ,  17 ,  18 , or the pair of cylinders  16 ,  17 ,  18 , to be driven. The individual drive mechanisms contribute to great flexibility, as well as to the avoidance of oscillations in the mechanical drive system, and therefore also contribute to a high quality of the product. In FIGS.  8  to  10 , only the components shown on the right side of the figures have respective reference symbols, since the left side corresponds to the right in a mirror-reversed way. Alternative configurations of possibly provided inking or dampening systems  14 ,  20  are suggested for the respective upper and lower printing groups, which should be alternatively applied to each other.  
         [0086]    All nine cylinders  16 ,  17 ,  18  in FIG. 8 each have their own drive motors  61 , which drive their respective cylinder  16 ,  17 ,  18 , for example via a gear  62 . The inking system  14 , which is represented at the top of FIG. 8 has, in addition to further, not specifically identified rollers, two distribution cylinders  63 , which can be rotatably driven together by the operation of their own motors  64 . For generating an axial stroke, the two distribution cylinders  63  can be axially moved and driven by a drive mechanism, which is not specifically represented. The inking system  14  represented at the bottom of FIGS. 8-10 has only one distribution cylinder  63 . The dampening system  20  represented at the top of FIGS. 8-10 has, in addition to further, not specifically identified rollers, two distribution cylinders  66 , which can be rotatably driven together by operation of their own motors  67 . For generating an axial stroke, the two distribution cylinders  66  can be axially moved and driven by a drive mechanism, which is not specifically represented. The dampening system  20  represented at the bottom of FIGS. 8-10 has only one distribution cylinder  66 . In a variation, which is indicated by dotted lines in the upper printing groups  13 , the inking and dampening system  14 ,  20  is rotatorily driven not by its own drive motor  64 ,  67 , but from a cylinder  16 ,  17 ,  18 , in particular from the forme cylinder  16 , via a mechanical coupling, for example via gear wheels and/or belts.  
         [0087]    In contrast to FIG. 8, the two cylinders  16 ,  17  of each printing group  13  are driven by a common drive motor  61  through the transfer cylinder  17  in the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 9. Driving can take place axially, for example via a gear  62 , or via a pinion driving a drive wheel of the transfer cylinder  17 . It is possible to transfer the power from the drive wheel of the transfer cylinder  17  to the drive wheel of the forme cylinder  16 . The drive connection  68 , represented as a connecting line, can take place in the form of a gear wheel connection or via belts, and is embodied so as to be encapsulated, in a further development. Regarding the driving of the inking system and possibly also the driving of the dampening system  14 ,  20 , via their own drive motors  64 ,  67  or via a cylinder  16 ,  17 ,  18 , what was discussed in connection with FIG. 8 can basically also be applied to FIG. 9.  
         [0088]    In contrast to FIG. 9, the two cylinders  16 ,  17  of each printing group  13  are driven by a common drive motor  61 , but through the forme cylinder  16  in the embodiment of the present invention in accordance with FIG. 10. Driving can again take place axially, for example via a gear  62 , or via a pinion driving a drive wheel of the forme cylinder  16 . It is possible to transfer the power from the drive wheel of the forme cylinder  16  to the drive wheel of the transfer cylinder  17 . The drive connection  68  can be embodied as explained in accordance with FIG. 9. Regarding the driving of the inking system and possibly of the dampening system  14 ,  20  via their own drive motors  64 ,  67  or a cylinder  16 ,  17 ,  18 , what was discussed in connection with FIG. 8 can again be basically also applied to FIG. 10.  
         [0089]    In contrast to the embodiment indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 8 or  9  without the individual rotatory driving of the inking and/or of the dampening system  14 ,  20 , it is however advantageous, in a further development, to transfer power from the transfer cylinder  17  to the inking and/or to the dampening system  14 ,  20 . It is thus possible to achieve an unequivocal moment flow and to possibly prevent otherwise occurring tooth profile changes. An embodiment of such a drive train is schematically represented in FIG. 11.  
         [0090]    The drive motor  61  drives a drive wheel  72 , via a pinion  71 , and a drive wheel  73  which is torsionally rigidly connected with the transfer cylinder  17 . The drive wheel  73  is either embodied wider than drive wheel  72 , or a second drive wheel  74  is connected with the transfer cylinder  17 . The widened or additional drive wheel  73 ,  74  drives a drive wheel  78  of the inking and/or dampening system  14 ,  20  via a drive wheel  77 , which drive wheel  77  is rotatably arranged on a journal  76  of the forme cylinder  16 . The drive wheels  72 ,  73 ,  74 ,  77 ,  78  are preferably embodied as gear wheels. For the case wherein the forme cylinder  16  is embodied to change its location by, for example, ±Delta L, for adjusting its axial position, at least the pinion gear  71 , as well as the drive wheels  72  to  74  are embodied with spur gear toothing. An encapsulated attached gear  62 ′, which is indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 11, can be additionally arranged between the drive motor  61  and the gear train  62  consisting of the pinion  71  and drive wheel  72 . Alternatively, driving of the forme cylinder  16  can also take place axially by the pinion  76  wherein, if required, an axial movement of the forme cylinder  16  takes place via a coupling which is not specifically represented, and which absorbs an axial relative movement between the forme cylinder  16  and the drive motor  61 . In this representation, the satellite or counter-pressure cylinder  18  is also driven via a pinion  71  from a drive wheel  79 , in particular a gear wheel  79 , assigned to it. In an advantageous embodiment, each drive train, that is driven by an independent drive motor  61 , is individually encapsulated, possibly in even smaller units, as represented in dashed lines in FIG. 11.  
         [0091]    The above-described embodiments of the printing unit  02 , or of the printing groups  13 , or of their cylinders  16 ,  17 ,  18 , or of the drive mechanism, allow low-oscillation, exactly color congruent printing of high quality with a small technical and spatial outlay, in regard to the attainable product size.  
         [0092]    After the web  03  of, for example, a width of six printed pages has been imprinted, it runs into the area of the superstructure  04 , as shown in FIG. 1, possibly via guide elements and/or traction rollers, which are not further identified, and is guided through the longitudinal cutting arrangement  06 , for example. The cutting arrangement  06  has, for example, a traction roller  81  driven by its own drive motor  80 , for example, and with which traction roller  81 , suitable pressing rollers can work together for preventing slippage, all as depicted in FIG. 12. The longitudinal cutting arrangement  06  and the traction roller  81  can also be embodied separately wherein, however, another roller preferably works, together with the longitudinal cutting arrangement  06 , as a counter-roller. The web  03  is longitudinally cut in this longitudinal cutting arrangement  06 , into several, for example into three webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  of partial width, and which are called partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  for short. These partial webs  03   a ,  03   b , and  03   c  are symbolized by center lines, with the lines  03   a ,  03   b  only being suggested. These partial webs  03 ,  03   b ,  03   c  are conducted to subsequent guide elements, for example to rollers of register arrangements  08 , to turning bars of turning devices  07 , to lead rollers for the entry into the former, or to traction rollers. In order to achieve a low oscillation web conveyance in regard to the web tension, individual, several, or all of the guide elements which are non-driven or which are driven only by friction with the web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , and which are intended for guiding the web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , can be embodied with a reduced length. In this way, it is possible to considerably reduce, beside the length, the great size of the guide elements otherwise required for presses of a width of six printed pages, and along with this, to reduce their inertia. The otherwise existing danger of oscillations in the web tension, which oscillations are existing, in particular, in connection with speed changes, is effectively reduced, which, in turn, affects the ability to maintain color congruence, and therefore the quality of the printing. The following remarks regarding guide elements of reduced length, ability for lateral changes, as well as the assignment of a register roller to another guide element, can be applied to the most various printing presses, but are of particular advantage in connection with wide, for example six plate-wide presses.  
         [0093]    A first preferred embodiment of at least a portion of the superstructure  04  is represented in FIG. 12 in a perspective, oblique view. By way of example, the partial web  03   b  is represented in FIG. 12 as a partial web  03   b  turned from the center in an outward direction. A second one of the partial webs  03   a ,  03   c  could be turned, for example by the use of a second such turning device  07 , also into another alignment. A second turning device, which is not specifically depicted, can be located, for example, above or below the first turning device  07 .  
         [0094]    As is customary, the turning device  07  has two parallel or crossed turning bars  82  as the guide element  82 , which two turning bars  82  form an angle of approximately 45°, or of approximately 135° with the conveying direction of the incoming partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , and by the use of which turning bars  82  an incoming web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  can be laterally offset or cambered. Advantageously, the turning bars  82  have a length L82, whose projection on the transverse extension of the incoming partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  is slightly greater, for example is 0% to 20% greater, than the width of the incoming partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , i.e. the turning bar length L82 is approximately 1.4 to 1.7 times that of the partial web width. The length L82 has been selected to be at least such, that its projection is less than or equal to twice the width of a partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  of a width of two pages, i.e. the length L82 is at most 2.8 times the partial web width. In an advantageous further development, the turning bars  82  are each separately seated on individual supports  83 , the location of which supports  83  can be changed transversely to the direction of the incoming partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  on at least one guide element  84 . The now “short” turning bars  82  can now be brought from the desired web guidance into the required position in accordance with the respective requirements. Possibly both turning bars  82  can be seated on such a support  83 .  
         [0095]    Offset, turned, transferred and/or cambered partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  as a rule undergo an offset in the running direction in comparison with other partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , and their linear register is therefore corrected by the use of a register arrangement  08 . The register arrangement  08  has as seen in FIG. 12, at least one roller  86  as a guide element  86 , which at least one roller  86  can be moved parallel with the running direction. In an advantageous manner, the guide element roller  86 , or several rollers  86 , of the register arrangement  08  have a length L86, which is slightly greater, for example between 0% to 20% greater, than the width of the incoming partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c . The length L86 is at least less than or equal to twice the width of a partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  of a width of two pages. In an advantageous further development, the register arrangement  08  is seated, in a displaceable manner, transversely to the direction of the incoming partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  on at least one guide element  87 . The now narrow register arrangement  08 , or its short rollers  86 , can now be brought from the desired web guidance into the required position in accordance with the respective requirements.  
         [0096]    Besides being cut, turned and possibly registered, the partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  is now conducted in the superstructure  04 , possibly by the use of further, non-driven guide elements, such as guide rollers, which are not specifically represented, until it finally is conducted to a lead or a harp roller  88  of the so-called harp  09 , which is shown in FIG. 1, and which is arranged upstream of the folding structure  11 . For straight-running webs  03 , or for partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , a registration roller  91 , extending over the full web width b03 and displaceable in the conveying direction, as well as a rerouting roller  92 , are, for example, arranged in the superstructure  04  upstream of the harp roller  89 .  
         [0097]    In an advantageous embodiment, again as seen in FIG. 12, a length L88 of a guide roller and/or of a harp roller  88 ,  93  is slightly greater, for example is 0% to 20% greater, than the width of the incoming partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c . The length L88 shown in FIG. 12, or L93, shown in FIG. 13 is at least less than or equal to twice the width of a partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  of a width of two pages. In the preferred embodiment, in accordance with FIG. 12, the “short” harp roller  88  is realized as a section  88  of a harp roller  89  which, in this embodiment, is divided, but which extends as a whole over a web  03  of a width of six printed pages. In this case, the several sections  88  of the harp roller  89  are rotatably seated independently of each other.  
         [0098]    However, instead, of or in addition to a section  88 , the “short” harp roller  88 ,  93  can also be embodied as a separate harp roller  93  arranged, on a frame, as represented in FIG. 13. The latter can then be arranged either fixed on the frame, or can be displaceable transversely to the direction of the incoming partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  on a support  94 , which support  94  is, in turn, mounted on a guide element  96 .  
         [0099]    Since the offset, in the course of turning, offsetting, cambering, or the like, only effects this partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  and is tied to its specific web guidance, it is possible, in an advantageous embodiment, to assign the required register arrangement  08  to at least one of the guide elements determining the course of the partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , such as, for example, the turning device  07 , or a turning bar  82 , or the harp  09 , or a “short” harp roller  93 .  
         [0100]    In FIG. 13, the “short” register arrangement  08  is assigned, for example, to the “short” harp roller  93  and can be displaced, together with the latter, on the guide element  96  transversely to the direction of the incoming partial web  03   b ,  03   c.    
         [0101]    In FIG. 14, the “short” register arrangement  08  is assigned, for example, to one of the “short” turning bars  82  and can be displaced, together with the latter, on the guide element  84  transversely to the direction of the incoming partial web  03   b . Although this arrangement is represented in FIG. 14 for crossed turning bars  82 , it is to be applied to the parallel turning bars  82  shown in FIG. 11. For the case of the turning bars  82  extending crossed, or orthogonally in respect to each other, at least one rerouting roller  97  or as depicted in FIG. 14, two rerouting rollers  97 , each with an axis of rotation extending perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the roller  81 , is or are provided.  
         [0102]    In an advantageous further development, two such “short” devices, which can be displaced together with the register and turning arrangement  08 ,  07 , or with the register or harp roller  93 , are arranged above or below each other per full web  03  in the superstructure  04  of a triple-wide printing press.  
         [0103]    The guide elements  84 ,  96 , as seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, of the previously discussed preferred embodiments, can be realized in various ways. For example, the guide elements  84 ,  96  can be embodied as spindles, each having a screw thread at least over parts of each spindle, and which spindles are rotatably seated on both sides and which can be rotatorily driven, for example, by a drive mechanism, which is not specifically represented. The supports  83 ,  94  can also be guided in rigid guide elements  84 ,  96 , for example on profiled strips in the manner of sliding blocks. In this case, the support  83 ,  94  can also be provided by means of a driveable spindle, or in another way.  
         [0104]    Various transitions or offsets of partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  over one or two partial web widths, or also over multiples of half a partial web width, are possible by the use of the transversely displaceable turning bar  82 . In the course of this, the imprinted partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  are aligned with one of several, here three, formers  101 ,  102 ,  103  of the folding structure  11 , as seen in FIG. 15, which three formers  101 ,  102 ,  103  are arranged side-by-side transversely to the web running direction. The transition takes place, for example, for meeting the requirements for different sizes of individual strands, or for finally intermediate or end products, wherein it is simultaneously intended to perform effective printing with as full as possible web widths.  
         [0105]    In an advantageous embodiment, the superstructure  04  has at least (n*(m/2−1) turning arrangements  07  for n full webs  03 ,  03 ′, for example n printing towers  01 , to be imprinted, each with a maximum width b03 of m printed pages. In the case of a printing press of a width of six pages and, for example, three webs  03 ,  03 ′, or three printing towers  01 , per section, six turning arrangements  07  per sector are advantageous.  
         [0106]    In an embodiment of a printing press with, for example, two sections of three printing towers  01  each and a total of six webs  03 ,  03 ′,  03 ″ of a width of four printed pages and intended for four-color imprinting on both sides, at least three turning arrangements  07  per section are arranged.  
         [0107]    In an advantageous embodiment of a printing press with, for example, two sections of two printing towers  01  each, and a total of six webs  03 ,  03 ′,  03 ″ of a width of four printed pages and intended for four-color imprinting on both sides, four turning arrangements  07  per section are arranged, for example. A product of a total size of 96 pages can then be produced in collection operation in this printing press with two sections, or a total of four printing towers  01  and with four webs  03 ,  03 ′. Besides the offset of a partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  by a whole number multiple of its partial web width b03a, a type of operation is advantageous wherein a partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  is offset by an odd-numbered multiple of half a partial web width b03a and/or former width i.e. the partial web is offset by a factor of 0.5, 1.5, 2.5 as seen in FIG. 15. This offset can take place by the use of long turning bars which are not specifically represented, and which are extending over the total width of the printing press, or the width b03a of the entire web  03 , but can also advantageously take place by the use of the above described “short” turning bars  82 . For example, the turning bars  82  are then arranged, as represented in FIG. 15, in such a way that the turning bar  82 , around which the partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  is first looped, is aligned over at least the entire width with a subsequent former  101 ,  102 ,  103 , while the second turning bar  82  is aligned with at least two adjoining halves of two subsequent side-by-side arranged formers  101 ,  102 ,  103 .  
         [0108]    The partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , which is offset by an odd-numbered multiple of half a former width b101, or by a partial web width b03a, thus runs “between” the formers  101 ,  102 ,  103 . This is represented in FIGS. 15 and 16 by the example of the former arrangement of a width of six printed pages at a partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  of a width of two pages, but can also be applied to presses of different widths. It is therefore unnecessary to imprint partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , each of a width of only one printed page, or partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , each of a width of one-half a former width b101 per se, and to conduct them through the printing press. A large variety in the products is nevertheless possible.  
         [0109]    The partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , offset by an odd-numbered multiple of half a partial web width b03a, is longitudinally cut upstream of the former  101 ,  102 ,  103  in an alignment between the two aligned formers  101 ,  102 ,  103  and moves toward the folding structure  11 , or the harp  09 , i.e. the undivided and/or divided harp roller  89  and/or the “short” harp roller  93  as seen in FIG. 16.  
         [0110]    A schematic section of FIG. 15 with harp rollers  89 ,  93 , which by way of example are differently embodied, is represented in FIG. 16 wherein, for example, the partial web  03   c  was offset from it original position, which is represented not darkened or filled out, by one and a half partial web widths b03a. If, for example, it is cut by use of a further longitudinal cutting device  104  upstream of the former  101 ,  102 ,  103 , so as to thereafter be respectively, either one printed page, or one newspaper page wide, each half of it can be conducted with the partial webs  03   a  and  03   b  to a former  101 ,  102 . The two intermediate products then each have, for example, at least one partial web  03   c   1 ,  03   c   2  of a formerly two printed pages wide partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c . In addition, partial webs  03   a ′,  03   b ′,  03   c ′ from other webs  03 ′ imprinted in another printing unit  02 , or in another printing tower  01 , can run up on one or several of the harp rollers  89 ,  93 . The partial webs  03   a ,  03   a ′,  03   c   1 ,  03   b ,  03   b ′,  03   c   2 ,  03   c ′ running aligned above or below each other can now, be combined into respective strands  109 ,  111 ,  112 , and can be fed to a former  101 ,  102 ,  103 . Thus, in the preferred embodiment, it is possible to create from two webs  03 ,  03 ′, each imprinted, for example in four colorson both sides in double-size or triple-size printing units, products or intermediate products, also called booklets or books, with the following number of pages, differing in accordance with the coverage of the forme cylinders  16  and the corresponding mode of operation of the folding apparatus  12 . With single production, i.e. the forme cylinder  16  is covered with two printing formes  19  of different printed pages A 1 , A 2  to F 1 , F 2 , or A 1 ′, A 2 ′ to F 1 ′, F 2 ′ for the second web  03 , in the circumferential direction, and with transverse cutting and collection taking place in the folding apparatus  12 , respectively two different booklets of ten printed pages each can be created by the strands  109  and  111 , and by the strand  112  two different booklets with four pages each can also be formed. A total product has, for example, 48 pages. If this printing press is operated in double production, i.e. the forme cylinder  16  is covered with two printing formes  19  of identical printed pages A 1 , A 1  to F 1 , or A 1 ′, A 1 ′ to F 1 ′, in the circumferential direction, and no collection takes place in the folding apparatus  12 , respectively two identical booklets following each other and with the above mentioned number of pages can be created by the strands  109 ,  11  and  112 . A total product of only 24 pages, but with double yield, is produced.  
         [0111]    In a further embodiment, the harp rollers  89 ,  93 , in particular if they are embodied as being undivided over their entire length, can be rotatorily driven by their own, non-represented drive motors. The drive motors for these harp rollers are then embodied controllable, for example with respect to their rpm, and possibly with respect to their position, and are connected with the printing press control device, or with an electronic guide shaft, for accepting desired reference variables.  
         [0112]    As represented in FIG. 17, the folding structure  11  has at least two formers  101 ,  106 , or  102 ,  107 , or  103 ,  108  which are arranged one above the other, and whose planes of symmetry S are respectively located in common alignment with a partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , respectively, which partial web is passing, in a straight line, through the printing press. In particular, the planes of symmetry S of the two formers  101 ,  106 , or  102 ,  107 , or  103 ,  108  arranged one above the other substantially coincide with a center plane M of a partial web  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c ,  3   a ′,  3   b ′,  3   c ′, or  3   a ″,  3   b ″,  3   c ″, or  3   a ′″,  3   b ′″,  3   c ′″, etc. of a width of two printed pages, running straight and only rerouted in the vertical direction. In FIG. 17, the partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , etc. are partially drawn in solid lines and are partially represented by dashed lines for reasons to be explained below in connection with FIG. 18.  
         [0113]    In accordance with FIG. 17, two groups, each of respectively three formers  101 ,  102 ,  103 , or  106 ,  107 ,  108 , which two groups being vertically offset in respect to each other, are arranged for the printing press of a width of six printed pages. For four printed pages wide printing presses, these can be respectively two, for eight printed pages wide printing presses there can be respectively four formers arranged side-by-side in each group. Respectively, one upper former and one lower former  101 ,  106 , or  102 ,  107 , or  103 ,  108  are aligned with each other in pairs in the above described manner and respectively with a center plane M. The three formers  101 ,  102 ,  103 , or  106 ,  107 ,  108 , of each group are arranged aligned with each other side-by-side transversely to the running direction of the partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  and, in an advantageous arrangement, the formers of each group are also positioned all substantially at the same level. However, if desired, they can also be vertically offset with respect to each other and/or can have different dimensions, however, in the latter case they at least partially intersect, for example in the horizontal plane.  
         [0114]    Viewed in the running direction of the web, the folding structure  11  has, at least upstream of one of the two groups of formers  101 ,  102 ,  103 , or  106 ,  107 ,  108  which are arranged on top of each other, the harp  09  defining the entry into the former of the webs  03 ,  03 ′, or of the partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , i.e. a group of several parallel lead or harp rollers  89 ,  93 , offset in the radial direction in respect to each other, over which the various webs  03 ,  03 ′, or partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , or  03   a ′,  03   b ′,  03   c ′, are transferred from the superstructure  04  into the folding structure  11 . Downstream of the harp rollers  89 ,  93  these webs or partial webs are combined into a strand  109 ,  111 ,  112 , or into several strands  109 ,  111 ,  112 . The future position of each partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , or  03   a ′,  03   b ′,  03   c ′ in the strand  109 ,  111 ,  112 , or of their printed pages in the intermediate and/or final product, is already fixed in the harp  09 , inter alia, by the selection of the relative position of the web or partial web in respect to the other partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , or  03   a ′,  03   b ′,  03   c ′ passing through the harp  09 . The harp rollers  89 ,  93  of a harp  09  are offset vertically and/or horizontally with respect to each other and are preferably seated as a modular unit in a common frame. Such a harp  09  can be provided, in principle, for each one of the groups of formers  101 ,  102 ,  103 , or  106 ,  107 ,  108  which are vertically offset from each other.  
         [0115]    To accomplish a savings in structural height, the two formers  101 ,  102 ,  103 , or  106 ,  107 ,  108 , which are arranged on top of each other, but which are aligned with each other in their plane of symmetry, respectively, have a common harp  09  in an advantageous embodiment as represented in FIG. 1 and FIG. 19. For n full webs  03 ,  03 ′ to be imprinted, for example for n printing towers  01  of a section, each of a maximum web width b03 of m printed pages, the harp  09  has, in an advantageous embodiment, at least (n*m/2) harp rollers  88 ,  89 ,  93 , whose axes of rotation are located substantially in a common plane, for example, and which harp rollers  88 ,  89 ,  93  are preferably seated in a common frame. In the present case of the printing press of a width of six pages and, for example, with two webs  03 ,  03 ′ or with two printing towers  01 , at least six harp rollers  88 ,  89 ,  93  for each harp  09  are advantageous.  
         [0116]    In an embodiment of a section of a printing press with three printing towers  01  and with three webs  03 ,  03 ′,  03 ″ intended for four-color printing on both sides, at least nine harp rollers  88 ,  89 ,  93  have been arranged per harp  09 . During collection operations, a product of a total size of 72 pages can then be created in this section.  
         [0117]    In an advantageous embodiment of a printing press with, for example, two sections, each of respectively three printing towers  01  and with a total of four webs  03 ,  03 ′,  03 ″ of a width of six pages intended for four-color printing on both sides, at least six harp rollers  88 ,  89 ,  93  per harp  09  of one section are arranged. These six harp rollers  88 ,  89 ,  93  per section, i.e. twelve in this case, can be arranged in two structurally separate harps  09 , for example via a common folding structure  11  or two folding structures  11 , but also in a structurally common harp  09 , for example in two rows. It is then possible to create a product with a total size of 96 pages during collecting operations in this printing press with two sections.  
         [0118]    In an advantageous embodiment of a printing press with, for example, two sections each of two printing towers  01  and with a total of four webs  03 ,  03 ′,  03 ″ of a width of six pages intended for four-color printing on both sides, at least six harp rollers  88 ,  89 ,  93  per harp  09  of one section are arranged. These six harp rollers  88 ,  89 ,  93  per section, i.e. twelve in this case, can be arranged in two structurally separate harps  09 , for example via a common folding structure  11  or two folding structures  11 , but also in a structurally common harp  09 , for example in two rows. It is then possible to create a product with a total size of 96 pages during collecting operations in this printing press with two sections.  
         [0119]    If only one folding structure  11  is provided for two sections, the number of required harp rollers  89 ,  93  must be determined in accordance with the configuration of the two sections. If the folding structure  11  is arranged between these two sections, either all of the harp rollers  89 ,  93  are arranged in one row or, for saving structural height, the harp rollers  89 ,  93  of each section are arranged in a row, and the rows are horizontally offset from each other in the radial direction. The harp rollers  89 ,  93  of the two rows are here arranged again in a common frame, for example.  
         [0120]    If, in fact and as indicated in FIG. 1, two folding structures  11  are provided for the two sections, it can nevertheless be advantageous to provide for at least one of the two harps  09  a number of harp rollers  89 ,  93 , possibly in the two above mentioned rows, which would be required for both sectors. Thus, an even greater amount of flexibility in production size and in production composition is provided. If required, webs  03 ,  03 ′ imprinted in one section can now be conducted for further processing to the harp  09  of the other section, and vice versa.  
         [0121]    As may be seen in FIG. 18, at least one of the partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , etc. passing through the common harp  09  arranged upstream of the upper former  101 ,  102 ,  103  can be or is conducted to the lower former  106 ,  107 ,  108 . Depending on the desired size of the individual intermediate products, such as booklets or books, more or fewer of the partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , etc. are to be transferred to the upper former  101 ,  102 , or  103 , or to the lower former  106 ,  107 , or  108 . Depending on the production requirement, it is possible, in this way, to send strands  109 ,  111 ,  112  to the upper former  101 ,  102 ,  103 , and strands  113 ,  114 ,  116  to the lower former  106 ,  107 ,  108 , respectively. For example, the partial webs shown in dashed lines in FIG. 17 are conducted as the strand  113 ,  114 ,  116  to the former  106 ,  107 ,  108 , respectively located at the bottom, and the partial webs shown in solid lines in FIG. 17 are conducted to the folder  101 ,  102 ,  103 , respectively located at the top. In this way, depending on where the “separation” into partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , etc. from the common harp  09  is located, a flexible production of differently sized intermediate products, such as booklets, books, or end products, is possible with a reduced outlay. A second row of harp rollers  89 ,  93  is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 18, by the use of which partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , for example from another section, can also be received, as described above.  
         [0122]    In the case of multi-colored products and when using the above-described folding structure  11  with a common harp  09 , it is advantageous, with regard to flexibility, to embody all printing units  02  or printing towers  01 , or the paths of the web  03 ,  03 ′ in the same color. For example, the web  03 ,  03 ′ and/or partial web  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c  etc., of the printing group  13  can be flexibly selected for a colored cover sheet, and the size of the intermediate products is variable.  
         [0123]    The above mentioned folding structure  11  with only one harp  09  for two groups of formers  101 ,  102 ,  103 , or  106 ,  107 ,  108 , with the two groups arranged on top of each other, is also suitable for other printing presses with different cylinder widths and cylinder circumferences. Such a folding superstructure  11 , consisting of two groups of formers  101 ,  102 ,  103 , and  106 ,  107 ,  108  arranged on top of each other and with a common harp  09 , can also be arranged above a third former with its own harp  09 . The described folding structure  11  with a harp  09  assigned to several formers  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  106 ,  107 ,  108  vertically offset in respect to each other can also be well applied to three formers  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  106 ,  107 ,  108  arranged on top of each other.  
         [0124]    Thus, the outer pages, for example of a book, can be assigned to a defined web course and/or to a defined printing tower/printing unit.  
         [0125]    By the use of the harp  09  assigned to several formers  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  106 ,  107 ,  108 , it is possible to process the partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , etc. located on top of each other, in a flexible manner, into books of different size, depending on the desired product, without a large outlay for additional, superfluous offsets of partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , etc. being required. For example, of four partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , etc. located on top of each other, it is possible, in one case, to conduct three webs to one former, and one web to the other former  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  106 ,  107 ,  108 , while at another time, respectively two partial webs  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , etc. are combined and are conducted to a former  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  106 ,  107 ,  108 . It is particularly advantageous that strands  109 ,  111 ,  112 ,  113 ,  114 ,  116 , which lie side-by-side, can be combined in different sizes, as represented in FIG. 17.  
         [0126]    In an advantageous embodiment, traction rollers  117 , and former inlet rollers  118 , respectively are arranged upstream of the formers  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  106 ,  107 ,  108  and have their own drive motors  119 . The same applies to traction rollers  121 , shown in FIG. 19, which are also provided in the folding structure  11 . In FIG. 19 the traction roller  117  for the lower group of the formers  106 ,  107 ,  108  is not visible. The respective drive motor  119  of the traction rollers  121  is represented in FIG. 19 only by darkening-in the respective traction roller  121 . In an advantageous embodiment, at least one such driven traction roller  121  is arranged downstream of each of the formers  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  106 ,  107 ,  108 , and works, together with pressing rollers, or with one pressing roller, via the strand  109 ,  111 ,  112 ,  113 ,  114 ,  116 . Besides this, the folding structure  11  preferably has non-driven guide rollers  122 , over which the strands  109 ,  111 ,  112 ,  113 ,  114 ,  116 , each of a width of one printed page, can be conducted.  
         [0127]    It is particularly advantageous, for example in a view toward maintaining or setting linear registers, if the folding apparatus  12 , as seen in FIGS. 1 and 19, has at least one of its own drive motors  120 , which drive motor  120  is independent of the printing units  02 . While the drive motors  119  of the traction or of the former inlet rollers  117 ,  118 ,  121  of the folding structure  11 , and/or of the driven traction rollers  81  of the superstructure  04  need only be embodied to be controlled in respect to a number of revolutions, or can be embodied to be controlled with respect to an angular position, in an advantageous embodiment, the drive motor  120  at the folding apparatus  12  is embodied to be controllable, or to be controlled, with respect to its angular position.  
         [0128]    It is thus possible, in an embodiment of the present invention, to preset an angular position in relation to a virtual electronic guide axis in the printing units  02  and the folding apparatus  12 , or their drive motors  61 ,  120 , which are driven mechanically independently of each other. In another embodiment, the angular position of, for example the folding apparatus  12 , or of its drive motor  120 , is determined, and on the basis of this determination, the relative angular position, with respect to it, of the printing units  02 , or of the printing groups  13 , is preset. The drive motors  80 ,  119  of the driven rollers  81 ,  117 ,  118  which, for example, are only controlled with respect to their number of revolutions, obtain the presetting of their number of revolutions from the printing press control, for example.  
         [0129]    By the embodiment of the web-fed rotary printing press with triple wide and double size transfer and forme cylinders, and the corresponding embodiment of the folding structure it is possible by use of a web, for example in double production, to produce  
         [0130]    a book with twelve pages, or  
         [0131]    a book with four pages and a book with eight pages, or  
         [0132]    two books with six pages, or  
         [0133]    three books with four pages, and further variations.  
         [0134]    The number of pages of the intermediate products which are then collected from two longitudinally folded sections are doubled with collection production.  
         [0135]    The respective number of pages should be doubled in connection with printing in tabloid format. The dimensioning of the cylinders  16 ,  17 ,  18 , as well as of the groups of folders  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  106 ,  107 ,  108  should be correspondingly applied to respective “horizontal” printed pages, wherein a section A, B, C has two horizontal printed pages in the circumferential direction, or running direction, of the web  03 ,  03 ′,  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , so that the forme cylinder  16  then has a circumference corresponding to four horizontal printed pages in tabloid format, for example. The number of printed pages in the longitudinal direction per web  03 ,  03 ′,  03   a ,  03   b ,  03   c , or cylinder  16 ,  17 ,  18 , or former width, remains.  
         [0136]    While preferred embodiments of a printing unit and of a rotary web-fed printing press, 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 type of web being printed, the particular composition of the printing formes and the dressings, and the like could be made without departing from the true

Technology Classification (CPC): 1