Abstract: Pre-folding rollers and pinch rollers (1, 2 3, and 4) of identical diameter are arranged one behind the other in the folding direction (A) and rotatably mounted between two plates (5). A second pre-folding roller (2) and a second pinch roller (4) are stationarily and rotatably mounted on the plate (5). The first pre-folding roller (1) is rotatably mounted at both its ends with its bearings (1a) on lever arms (6) pivotably arranged on the plates (5). Connecting arms (7) are linked to the bearings (1a), on which arms the second pinch roller (3) is rotatably mounted on bearings (3a). The connecting arms (7) are loaded by springs (13) transverse to a folding direction and are in contact with fixed stops (8a and 10 respectively). The stops (8a and 10) are so positioned that the pre-folding and pinch rollers (1, 2 3, and 4) do not touch, so that the bearings (1a, 2a, 3a, and 4a respectively) are not subjected to load while no folding is in progress.