Machine having a pneumatic drum for processing sheets of different formats

#This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119, of German Patent Application DE 10 2013 004 224.0, filed Mar. 11, 2013; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.

#The present invention relates to a machine having a pneumatic drum for processing sheets of different formats.

#The machines include machines for printing on sheets and machines for the further processing of printed sheets. Examples are printers, printing presses and die cutting machines.

#FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of a pneumatic drum with an actuating drive for format changes disposed internal to the drum; and

#FIGS. 2 and 3 are respective cross-sectional and front-elevational views of a pneumatic drum with an actuating drive for format changes disposed external to the drum.

#Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, there is seen a pneumatic drum 1 in a machine for processing sheets 2. The machine is a printing press. The pneumatic drum 1 is a vacuum drum that is used for conveying the sheets 2 and may thus be referred to as a sheet-conveying drum.

#The pneumatic drum 1 includes a shaft 3, an inner ring or inner sleeve 4, and an outer ring or outer sleeve 5. The pneumatic drum 1 has a gripper system 6 for clamping the leading edges of the sheets 2.

#The outer sleeve 5 has nozzle channels 7 for attracting the sheet 2 by suction. The nozzle channels 7 form rows along the circumference of the drum. The shaft 3 has a rotary joint 8 for suction air, electrical energy and control signals (data).