Machine for generating optically variable elements

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for aligning magnetic or magnetizable particles (P) contained in a coating medium (06) applied to one side of a web or sheet-like substrate (02), said device having: a first alignment device (33; 33'), which is arranged in the transport path of the substrate (02) to be transported and has a plurality of magnets (44) in the region of its side facing the transport path, in order to align at least some of the particles (P) contained in the coating medium (06) in a defined manner in the surface region having the coating medium (06) for generating image information, wherein the alignment magnets (44) of the first alignment device (33; 33') and the substrate (02) to which the coating medium (06) containing the particles (P) is applied move synchronously with each other at least over a section of the transport path. At least one further alignment device (42; 43), which is arranged relative to the first alignment device (33; 33') in front of or opposite it in the transport path of the substrate (02) to be transported and is arranged on the transport path fixed relative to the machine frame in an operation-related manner, is assigned in the transport path of the substrate (02) to be transported. In addition, the invention relates to a printing press having such a device and to a method for aligning magnetic or magnetizable particles (P).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for producing optically variable elements. Background Art

[0002] EP2845732B1 discloses a printing press having a screen printing unit and a device for aligning magnetic or magnetizable particles contained in printing ink or paint, wherein the device has a drum with a plurality of magnetic field generating elements on its circumference and a dryer in the transport path directed at a location on the drum where the substrate has not yet left the drum.

[0003] A magnetically acting device according to a first embodiment is disclosed in US7,047,883B2, which can be arranged in an on-line configuration with a printing device and includes a plurality of permanent magnets adjacent to each other in the substrate path. The magnetic or magnetizable particles contained in the printing ink can be aligned by the permanent magnets while the substrate is guided past the magnets. In another embodiment, such magnets are provided on the drum jacket of a drum on which a substrate web printed with printing ink containing magnetic or magnetizable particles is guided.

[0004] EP3178569A1 discloses a device for manufacturing a layer with an optical effect, wherein two drums each including magnets on their drum jackets are arranged one after another in the substrate path, and a substrate web printed with printing ink containing magnetic or magnetizable particles is guided through the drums. With the help of a dryer and a mask that partially covers the printed area, a first sub-region can be oriented and dried first, and then another sub-region can be aligned by the magnets of the second drum and dried.

[0005] WO2015 / 086257A1 relates to a method for manufacturing an optically variable effect layer, wherein in one step, at least a part of small flaky magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles is biaxially aligned.

[0006] DE102018127936A1 relates to a printing press having a screen printing device, a plate cylinder with imaging elements arranged in a matrix, i.e., in rows and columns, a first magnet drum, and a second magnet drum arranged downstream, the magnet drums including first and second magnet elements in the region of their jacket surfaces. A first element can be aligned by the first magnet element, and a second element that at least overlaps the first element can be aligned by the second magnet element. The magnet elements are each arranged in a matrix on the circumference of the magnet drum.

[0007] A machine for aligning magnetic particles in a pre-applied printing ink is disclosed in DE102018205883A1. In the substrate path, according to one embodiment, two magnet rollers are arranged one after the other, and according to another embodiment, even three magnet rollers are arranged one after the other. For example, with two magnet rollers pointing to the same side of the substrate, two different printing areas can be aligned in different patterns by the two magnet rollers. Here, after the first area is aligned, it is dried, and then another area is aligned by means of the second magnet roller.

[0008] In DE102010041398A1, it is proposed that the magnetic particles contained in the printing ink are aligned by an acting element which is magnetized ferromagnetically offline in a first embodiment or, in a second embodiment, online by an external magnetic field. In the case of an acting element outside the machine, such an acting element is tensioned on a plate cylinder, a printing plate cylinder, a rubber cylinder or an impression cylinder for operation. For the case of online exposure, the magnetization representing the magnetic image is completely generated by electromagnets pointing to the substrate path guided by the cylinder. Here, a plurality of electromagnets are arranged in the circumferential direction, and through these electromagnets, when the printing material passes through, the corresponding magnetization action is repeated in sequence. A magnetizable thin plate or film can support the magnetization effect emitted by the electromagnets because the dynamic magnetization is reflected there and enhances the dynamic effect.

[0009] DE102018122160A1 relates to a sheet-fed printing press and discloses a large number of different machine configurations. Here, primarily an embodiment with a screen printing unit and at least one subsequently arranged magnetic alignment device is disclosed, the magnetic alignment device having at least one alignment magnet for aligning the magnetic particles contained in the printing ink. The alignment should be carried out after the printing ink has been applied in this solution. Alternatively or additionally, the alignment can be carried out during and / or before the application of the ink. At least one alignment device should preferably be integrated in at least one alignment roller and / or arranged in an aligned manner on at least one alignment roller.

[0010] WO2019 / 141453A1 discloses a method for manufacturing an optical effect, in which, in one embodiment, a substrate with magnetic particles contained in the printing ink is guided through a magnet roller with a magnet element having a magnetic effect in order to align the particles. Here, the magnet element can also be loaded with a magnetic field by a magnet device fixedly arranged on the circumference of the magnet roller. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a machine for generating optically variable elements.

[0012] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of the machine according to the invention for producing optically variable elements.

[0013] Advantages achieved by the invention include, in particular, that the substrate with the optically variable elements has a three-dimensional imprint of high quality and / or improved contrast and / or higher brightness and / or improved 3D effect, ie a spatial imprint can be produced.

[0014] After the application of a printing ink with magnetic or magnetizable particles, the particles are present in a more or less disordered manner in the ink matrix. By subsequently aligning one or more sub-areas in the previously printed area to produce image information, such as alphanumeric characters, image motifs or patterns, also referred to below as imaging or image-generating alignment, a portion of the particles is specifically aligned in such a way that the desired optical effect is produced when viewing the printed image. This is achieved by an alignment device that introduces the corresponding image information, also referred to here for short as "imaging" or "image-generating".

[0015] Particularly advantageous is an embodiment in which the particles applied to the printing material by printing ink (for example at least in surface areas that are critical for the image or subject to be displayed) are combined with a further alignment device for pre-orientation or simultaneous orientation at at least one point in time or during a period of time before or during cooperation with an alignment device provided for alignment of imaging or image generation.

[0016] Another alignment device for pre-orientation makes it possible for at least the surface area directly adjacent to the pattern or motif to have a homogenized appearance in the finished product, in that the particles present there are not randomly oriented, thereby providing a low-contrast background relative to the image motif or pattern. By means of a targeted and, for example, standardized orientation of the particles at least in the vicinity of the imaging surface area, a higher contrast between the image motif or pattern and the background can be achieved. In the case of imaging alignment and, for this purpose, at least temporarily simultaneous orientation, in a corresponding magnetic field design, even spatial effects can be achieved by superposition.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the alignment device for imaging or introducing image information is designed and configured such that the magnets of the alignment device for imaging alignment and the substrate material printed with a particulate-containing printing ink move synchronously with each other at least in a section of the conveying path, while one or some other alignment devices are arranged fixedly relative to the machine frame on the conveying path according to the operating conditions, that is, the magnets of one and / or some other alignment devices for pre-orientation or simultaneous orientation are arranged fixedly relative to the machine frame according to the operating conditions or maintain their positions unchanged during operation, that is, different from the alignment device for imaging or generating an image, this alignment device does not move synchronously with the substrate material. Here, the alignment device for imaging is preferably designed as a rotatable drum, such as a magnet drum, which carries magnet elements for imaging alignment on its circumference and supports and / or conveys the substrate material on at least one corner sector on its circumference.

[0018] A particularly advantageous device for aligning magnetic or magnetizable particles contained in a coating medium applied to one side of a web or a sheet-like substrate includes a first alignment device arranged in the conveying path of the substrate to be conveyed and having a plurality of magnets in the region of its side facing the conveying path, so as to align at least a part of the particles contained in the coating medium in a defined manner respectively in the surface region having the coating medium. Among them, the magnets of the first alignment device for alignment and the substrate loaded with the particulate-containing coating medium move synchronously with each other at least in a section of the conveying path. In the conveying path of the substrate to be conveyed, at least one additional alignment device is assigned in front of or opposite the first alignment device, and this alignment device is arranged fixedly relative to the machine frame on the conveying path according to the operating conditions, and this alignment device has a plurality of magnets with fixed positions in the device during operation.

[0019] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, another alignment device for pre-orientation arranged in front of the first alignment device in the conveying path of the substrate to be conveyed is provided with a plurality of magnets in such a way that, by means of these magnets, pre-orientation of the particles is achieved in at least the surface region adjacent to the sub-region related to the image information or including the image information to be generated, and / or another alignment device for simultaneous orientation is provided with one or more magnets, and these magnets are arranged on the conveying path on the side of the conveying path opposite to the first alignment device in such a way that the same and / or adjacent surface regions of the surface region including the image information to be generated cooperate with the first alignment device and the other alignment device simultaneously at at least one position in the conveying path.

[0020] Advantageously, the aligning device for pre-orientation includes magnets in such a way that: by means of the magnets, in at least the surface area adjacent to the sub-area related to the image information or including the image information to be generated, especially continuously in the coating thickness, i.e., the thickness of the applied coating medium, or at least in the visible surface layer, at least in terms of the distribution of the projections of the longitudinal axes of the particles onto the substrate plane, a uniform pre-orientation of the particles or the majority of the particles can be achieved. The magnets of another aligning device arranged in front of the first aligning device are preferably designed and oriented in such a way that in the corresponding surface area including the image information to be generated, the particles or the majority of the particles are especially continuously aligned parallel to each other or otherwise uniformly aligned in the coating thickness or at least in the visible surface layer, especially with respect to the axes of their distribution in the longitudinal and width directions, i.e., biaxially, so as to produce a uniform optical imprint on this surface area.

[0021] Here, the above-mentioned uniform pre-orientation or alignment includes both the ideal case, in which all the particles in the surface area under consideration are especially uniformly pre-oriented or aligned in the entire coating thickness or at least in the visible surface layer in the above-mentioned manner, and there may also be less ideal but still advantageous design solutions, in which almost all of the previously randomly oriented particles, i.e., at least ninety percent or at least the majority, i.e., more than 50%, are uniformly pre-oriented or aligned. Also in these cases, the surface area under consideration has a part of randomly oriented particles but the main part is uniformly oriented particles, and such a surface area forms a greater contrast for the image information to be introduced into this surface area compared to completely randomly oriented particles.

[0022] In a machine including such a device, in the path of the substrate between the substrate reservoir and the product receiving device, a printing device is provided, which has an imaging cylinder preferably designed as a plate cylinder, and the imaging cylinder has a large number of imaging printing subjects or groups of imaging printing subjects on its circumference. The imaging printing subjects or groups of imaging printing subjects are arranged in columns spaced equidistantly from each other transversely to the conveying direction on the circumferential length corresponding to the length of the printed image, and in rows spaced equidistantly from each other in the conveying direction on the cylinder width corresponding to the width of the printed image. And the relevant other aligning device includes a number of magnets corresponding to the number of columns, and these magnets are arranged in the conveying path in such a way that the groups of printing subjects or imaging printing subjects are at least partially aligned laterally with the lateral positions of the magnets of the other aligning device along the conveying path.

[0023] When aligning magnetic or magnetizable particles contained in a coating medium applied to one side of a web-like or sheet-like substrate, by means of a first aligning device including a magnet, in a surface area having the coating medium, at least a part of the particles contained in the coating medium for generating image information are aligned in a defined manner, while the magnet for alignment of the first aligning device and the substrate applied with the coating medium containing particles are moved synchronously with each other at least in a section of the conveying path. Further, at least in the surface area containing the image information to be generated, before reaching the first aligning device, the magnetic particles are aligned parallel to each other or otherwise, at least in terms of the distribution of the non-spherical particles observed in the projection of the longitudinal axis onto the substrate plane, by another aligning device, and / or during cooperation with the first aligning device, while by means of another aligning device opposed to the first aligning device on the conveying path, a magnetic field is applied to align the particles.

[0024] Further details and design variations can be obtained in the following embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and are introduced in more detail below.

[0026] Wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a machine for generating optically variable elements on a substrate;

[0028] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a substrate printed with an optically variable coating medium in a printing element, wherein, in the left figure a), there is only an aligning device that acts as an imaging device or can introduce image information, and in the right figure b), alignment is performed by applying at least one additional aligning device that realizes pre-orientation and / or simultaneous orientation;

[0029] Figure 3 shows Figure 1 an enlarged view of the printing unit in;

[0030] Figure 4 shows according to Figure 1 an enlarged view of a device for aligning magnetic or magnetizable particles according to a first embodiment in;

[0031] Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of a device for aligning magnetic or magnetizable particles according to a second embodiment having two magnet rollers;

[0032] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a magnet roller;

[0033] Figure 7 Exemplarily according toFigure 4 An embodiment shows a detailed view of a magnetic or magnetizable particle alignment scheme;

[0034] Figure 8 An isometric view shows an alignment device disposed in a machine for pre - orienting magnetic particles, the alignment device being equipped, for example, with magnets and inserts and a gripper for removing such magnets or inserts;

[0035] Figure 9 shows Figure 8 a separate view of the alignment device fully equipped with magnets in;

[0036] Figure 10 shows Figure 9 a perspective enlarged view in;

[0037] Figure 11 A detailed view shows an embodiment in which a magnet is detachably fixed to a carrier frame of the alignment device;

[0038] Figure 12 An isometric view shows an alignment device disposed in a machine for simultaneously orienting particles in a working position (solid line) and an equipped or deactivated position (indicated by dashed lines);

[0039] Figure 13 A detailed view shows the magnet from a diagram of the magnet in a pivoted - out position. Detailed Description

[0040] A machine 01, such as a printing press 01, especially a security printing press 01, for generating optically variable elements 03 on a substrate 02, such as a web - like or sheet - like printing material 02, includes: an application device 04, such as a printing unit 04, by means of which an optically variable coating medium 06, such as an optically variable printing ink 06 or paint 06, can be applied in a full - surface or sub - region manner in the form of a printed element 08 on at least a first side of the substrate 02, such as the printing material 02, at at least one application site, such as a printing site; and a device 07 for aligning particles P contained in the optically variable coating medium 06 applied to the substrate 02 and responsible for achieving optical variability (see, for example, Figure 1 ). This device 07 is also hereinafter simply referred to as the alignment device 07, or since the device achieves the imaging of an optically variable pattern or motif by aligning the particles P in a defined manner, it is also called an imaging alignment device 07. The application of the coating medium 06 containing the particles P and the subsequent imaging alignment are feasible, for example, on the left side of Figure 2 ( Figure 2In a) of , the alignment of previously randomly oriented particles P is schematically shown according to the illustration of label I. Here, the Roman numeral I represents state I, in which the coating medium 06 has been applied and is present randomly oriented, and the Roman numeral III represents state III, in which imaging alignment has been performed.

[0041] The printing element 08 composed of the variable coating medium 06, which is applied to the substrate 02 by the applying device 04 before being processed by the aligning device 07, can correspond in size and position to the optical variable image element 03 to be generated or, if necessary, can also be larger than it and, if necessary, even extend over the surfaces of a plurality of printed sheets 09. In the case of a larger printing element 08, for example, the optical variable element 03 is not generated by alignment over the entire surface coated with the optical variable coating medium 06.

[0042] The particles P responsible for achieving optical variability are contained here in the coating medium 06, such as printing ink 06 or paint 06. Magnetic or magnetizable non-spherical particles P, such as pigment particles P, are also hereinafter referred to as magnetic debris. These particles preferably have a non-spherical, flat shape with a longitudinal axis extending in the longest extension direction, an axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the width direction, and a thickness extending towards both axes and smaller than the length and width.

[0043] The machine 01 is preferably used for manufacturing printed sheets 09, such as securities 09, in particular banknotes 09 or intermediate products of such securities 09, such as printed material segments containing a printing pattern of a plurality of such securities 09. The substrate 02, such as the printing material 02, can be formed from, for example, paper based on cellulose or preferably based on cotton fibers, from synthetic material polymers or their mixed products. Before being coated in the above-mentioned applying device 04, the substrate can be uncoated or already coated, the substrate can be unprinted or already printed one or more times or can have been machined in other ways. A plurality of printed sheets 09, such as banknotes 09 to be manufactured, are arranged side by side in rows with respect to one another, and a plurality of such rows of printed sheets 09 or their printing patterns are arranged one after another in the transport direction T with respect to one another or are arranged during the process of processing the substrate 02 (as Figure 2 shown).

[0044] The machine 01 implemented as a printing press 01 can in principle include one or more printing units 04, which have one or more printing units for any printing method. However, in a preferred embodiment, the machine includes a printing unit 04 having at least one printing device 11; 12 operating according to the flexographic printing method or preferably according to the screen printing method, by means of which an optically variable coating medium 06 is applied or can be applied to the first side of the substrate 02. By the mentioned printing methods, especially the screen printing method, a greater layer thickness can be applied compared to other printing methods. Here, the expression "first side" of the substrate 02 or the substrate 02 is arbitrarily selected and shall mean the side of the substrate 02 on which the optically variable coating medium 06 is applied or has been applied or can be applied.

[0045] In the shown preferred design, the printing press 01 includes a substrate reservoir 13, such as an unwind 13 or preferably a sheet feeder 13, and the substrate 02 in the form of a web or preferably a sheet is fed from the unwind (if necessary through other printing or processing units) to the printing unit 04, such as a flexographic printing unit or especially a screen printing unit 04, where the optically variable coating medium 06 is applied or can be applied using at least one printing device 11; 12, such as a flexographic printing device or especially a screen printing device 11; 12. In the shown advantageous embodiment, two screen printing devices 11; 12 are provided, which are preferably combined in the same printing unit 04 and form two printing stations for the same side of the substrate 02, here the first side, between respective printing cylinders 14; 16, such as screen printing cylinders 14; 16 and a common impression cylinder 17 (see, for example, Figure 4 ). By designing the screen printing devices 11; 12, the coating medium 06 can also be applied with a greater layer thickness. In the transport path between the two printing stations, a drying and / or curing device 18, such as an ultraviolet dryer 18, can be provided that is directed at the first side of the substrate 02 that can be transported through the printing unit 04. The optically variable coating medium 06 can be applied and / or can be applied by only one or two screen printing devices 11; 12.

[0046] Preferably, the printing apparatuses 11; 12 include plate cylinders 14; 16 as imaging cylinders, which have a large number of, in particular, the same type and / or the same imaging printing subjects or in particular the same type and / or the same groups of imaging printing subjects on the circumference. The imaging printing subjects or groups of imaging printing subjects are arranged in a plurality of, for example, a certain number, for example, between 4 and 8, in particular between 5 and 7, for example 6 columns spaced equidistantly from each other transversely to the conveying direction T and in a plurality of rows spaced equidistantly from each other in the conveying direction T over the cylinder width corresponding to the width of the printed image, over a circumferential length corresponding to the length of the printed image. The printing subjects are designed in the form of relief engraving in the case of the printing apparatuses 11; 12 operating according to flexographic printing, and in the preferred case of the printing apparatuses 11; 12 operating according to screen printing, they are designed in the form of stencils (Durchdruckschablonen).

[0047] The printing unit 04 applying the optically variable coating medium 06 can convey the substrate 02 to the aligning device 07 by means of the conveying mechanism of the first conveyor 19. In the case of a web-shaped substrate 02, this can be one or more positively driven or undriven rollers, through which the substrate 02 is guided or can be guided into the aligning device 07 on the input side. In the preferred case of a single-sheet substrate 02, i.e., a single sheet of substrate 02 passing through the machine 01, the mechanism for conveying the single sheet is provided as the conveying mechanism.

[0048] In an embodiment not shown, such a mechanism for conveying a single sheet can be formed by one or more transfer cylinders or drums, which receive the single sheet of substrate 02 from the printing unit 04, for example, from the impression cylinder 17, and, if necessary, output it to the aligning device 07 on the input side through one or more additional transfer cylinders or drums. However, in the embodiment shown here, the first conveyor 19 is designed as a gripper carousel conveyor 19, for example, a so-called chain gripper conveyor 19, which includes a circulating traction mechanism 21 that rotates around on both frame sides, for example, an endless chain 21, which carries gripper slats 22 distributed transversely to the conveying direction T. By means of the gripper slats 22, the leading end of the single sheet can be gripped, so that the single sheet of substrate 02 can be conveyed along the conveying path and, at the destination, can be output to the corresponding conveying or receiving mechanism. Preferably, sprocket wheels 23; 24, also referred to as chain gripper wheels 23; 24, are present respectively at least in the handover area where the single sheet of substrate 02 exits the printing unit 04 and in the area where the single sheet of substrate 02 is output to the aligning device 07.

[0049] After passing through the alignment device 07 described in more detail below, the printing material 02 can be guided, by means of another conveying mechanism such as a second conveying device 26, to a product receiving device 27 for receiving the printing material 02 processed and / or processed in the machine 01, for example an upcoiler 27 in the case of a web-shaped printing material 02, or preferably a stack delivery device 27 in the case of a single-sheet printing material 02. In the case of a web-shaped substrate 02, this can again be one or more forced or unforced rollers which continue the conveying path of the first conveying system 19 through the alignment device 07, and the substrate 02 can be guided or can be guided into the upcoiler 27 on the input side via said rollers. For the preferred case of a single-sheet printing material 02, the mechanism for conveying the single sheets is provided as the conveying mechanism.

[0050] As described above, these rollers can be formed by one or more transfer cylinders or drums which receive the single sheets of the printing material 02 from the alignment device 07 and output them downstream to the stack delivery device 27. Preferably, the second conveying device 26 is designed, like the first conveying device, as a gripper carousel conveyor 26, for example a chain gripper system 26, with a circulating traction mechanism 28 which rotates, for example an endless chain 28, one or more sprockets 31 or chain gripper wheels 31 and gripper slats 29, by means of which the single sheets of the printing material 02 are received in sections from the conveying path of the alignment device 07 and are conveyed, for example, to the stack delivery device 27 (see, for example Figure 1 )

[0051] On the conveying path remote from the alignment device 07, additional drying devices with one or more dryers 32, for example radiation dryers, pointing at the first side of the printing material 02 can be provided. In a refinement not shown, a cooling device is provided on the conveying path between the alignment device 07 and the stack conveying device 27, in particular behind the additional drying device in the conveying path between the alignment device 07 and the product receiving device 27. The cooling device can be implemented, for example, as a cooling roller which is arranged between the second conveying device 26 from the alignment device 07 and a third conveying device 26 which is also implemented as a gripper carousel conveyor, for example a chain gripper system. In a further refinement, inspection devices not shown, for example area scanners or line scanners, are provided and are, for example, directed at a shell surface segment in the conveying path which is designed as a cooling roller or in another form.

[0052] The aligning device 07 described in detail below is basically arbitrary in its design, design variants or configuration, but is preferably arranged or can be arranged in the machine 01 or printing press 01 as described above. In an advantageous design, the aligning device is designed in the form of a module and can be incorporated into the transport path of the machine 01 by means of interfaces on the input side and output side with the open-ended segments of the transport systems continuing upstream and downstream.

[0053] The aligning device 07 for introducing optically variable elements 03, for example for forming an optically variable effect, into an optically variable coating medium 06 which has been applied in advance, for example in the form of printed elements 08, to a substrate 02, in particular a printing substrate 02, comprises a defined transport path along which the substrate 02 to be transported through the aligning device 07 is effectively connected in a defined manner, in an input region (in which the substrate 02 to be processed and having the optically variable coating medium on its first side is transported or can be transported), to an aligning device 33; 33' which generates a magnetic field and comprises magnets 44, preferably in such a way that the magnets 44 for imaging alignment of the aligning device 33; 33' and the substrate 02 printed with a printing ink 06 containing particles P move synchronously with one another at least over a segment of the transport path. Preferably, the aligning device 33; 33' is a magnetically acting roller 33; 33', abbreviated to magnet roller 33; 33', on the circumference of which magnets 44 are arranged and through which the printing substrate 02 is guided or transported in the direction of the output region of the aligning device 07. Preferably, the printing substrate 02 with the previously printed elements 03 is guided through the magnet roller 33; 33' in an outward-facing state.

[0054] The term "magnet" 44 is understood here to mean, in addition to a one-piece or individual, optionally engraved permanent magnet or individual electromagnet, a plurality of individual permanent magnets and / or electromagnets which together form a magnetically acting unit 44 in order to achieve, for example by superposition, a defined external magnetic field which in particular causes a deviation from the field of a single magnetic dipole. The first side with the optically variable coating medium 06 is to be understood in particular as meaning: for example, the side on which the optically variable coating medium 06 has been applied or can be applied or has been applied by means of an application device 04 upstream in the transport path.

[0055] For easier conceptual differentiation from the other alignment devices 42; 43 described in detail below, the above-described first alignment devices 33; 33' that introduce image information (also simply referred to here as "imaging" alignment devices 33; 33') are presented in a manner that introduces image information generated by the magnetic action of the alignment devices 33; 33'. Here, imaging is understood as various, especially non-uniform, image information caused by the alignment of magnetic particles, and the image information can basically be given by patterns, alphanumeric symbols, graphical expressions, or combinations thereof.

[0056] In the transport path, in principle, two such first or imaging or image-information-introducing alignment devices 33; 33', especially rollers 33; 33', can also be provided, and the alignment devices are arranged on the same side or different sides of the substrate 02 to be transported along the transport path (for example, see Figure 5 ). In the Figure 5 example, the alignment devices are arranged on the same side of the transport path, and a roller 34 designed as a transport or transfer roller 34 is provided between the alignment devices.

[0057] In an embodiment having a first alignment device or an alignment device that generates or introduces image information, at least one additional alignment device 42; 43 is assigned to the first alignment device 33; 33' before and / or simultaneously.

[0058] However, in an embodiment having two first or imaging alignment devices, at least one additional alignment device 42; 43 is assigned to each alignment device 33; 33' before and / or simultaneously.

[0059] Attached to the first alignment device 33; 33' or the magnet drum 33; 33' that images in the manner described above, in a particularly advantageous first embodiment, relative to the first alignment device 33, at least one additional alignment device 42 for pre-orientation is arranged upstream in the transport path of the substrate 02 to be transported, which has a plurality of magnets 46 that are particularly arranged in a fixed position during operation in the machine or device, such that: through these magnets, in these surface regions that are at least adjacent to the imaging sub-region, pre-orientation of the particles P can be achieved. In particular, the magnets 46 of the second alignment device 42 are designed and oriented in such a way that the particles P passing through the surface region of the effective region of the magnet are aligned with each other, for example, parallel to each other or in some other uniform manner, at least with respect to the distribution of their longitudinal axes in the substrate plane. However, the magnets 46 of the second alignment device 42 are preferably designed and oriented in such a way that the particles P passing through the surface region of the effective region of the magnet are aligned with each other biaxially, for example, parallel to each other or in some other uniform manner, in order to produce a uniform optical imprint on this surface region. This means, for example, that the particles P are aligned with each other, for example, parallel to each other or in some other uniform manner, both with respect to their longitudinal direction and with respect to their distribution in the width direction. Although, ideally, a uniform, substantially parallel alignment is preferred against the background of subsequently loading image information, in another way, a uniform optical imprint or a uniform alignment can also be considered as a color or intensity distribution that is continuous in one direction, i.e., that changes without a stepwise perceptible change. This situation is obtained, for example, by a slow and continuous, i.e., non-stepwise transformation, change in slope of the relevant axis distribution in one direction.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the magnets 46 are designed and configured in such a way that: through the magnetic field they generate, particles P that are, for example, planar and constructed with a length greater than the width are aligned in the relevant surface region of the image element 03 with their flat sides parallel to the substrate surface and / or with their longitudinal extensions all pointing in the same direction. The term "magnet" 46 should here be understood in particular, in addition to a one-piece or individual, possibly sculpted permanent magnet or electromagnet, as a magnetic action unit 46 formed by a combination of a plurality of individual permanent magnets and / or electromagnets, in order to, for example, achieve a defined, particularly externally magnetic field deviating from a single magnetic dipole field through superposition. The magnet is preferably realized in the form of a complex structure composed of a plurality of permanent magnets as the magnetic action unit 46.

[0061] In an embodiment (not shown), in front of the first aligning device 33; 33' designed as a magnet roller 33; 33', there is arranged another aligning device for pre-aligning the particles P. And for the conveying device 19 arranged in front of the magnet roller 33; 33', instead of the gripper carousel conveyor 19, a conveying roller (similar to the conveying roller 34, for example) is arranged in front. The additional aligning device 42 for pre-aligning is preferably constructed on the circumference of the conveying roller 34 as shown in Figure 5 and preferably has a curved magnet 46'.

[0062] Instead of or in addition to the additional first aligning device 42, in a particularly advantageous embodiment or improvement, there is provided another aligning device 43 for simultaneous alignment, which has one or more magnets 47. The magnets are arranged on the conveying path on the side opposite to the first aligning device 33 of the conveying path, such that: the same and / or adjacent surface regions of the same image elements 03 to be produced by applying the coating medium to the substrate 02 cooperate with the first aligning device and another aligning device 33; 43 for simultaneously aligning the particles P at at least one position in the conveying path. In other words, the particles P of the graphic element 03 are loaded with an aligning force by the magnetic field of the magnet 44 of the first aligning device 33 at at least one position in the conveying path, and at the same time, the same and / or other particles P of the same graphic element 03 are loaded with an aligning force by another aligning device 33 for simultaneous alignment. The term "magnet" 47 here, in addition to a one-piece or individual, possibly engraved permanent magnet or electromagnet, should be understood as a combination of a plurality of individual permanent magnets and / or electromagnets to form a magnetic action unit 47, so as to achieve a specific, especially an external magnetic field deviating from the single magnetic dipole field, for example, by superposition. These magnets are preferably realized in the form of a magnetic action unit 44 through a complex structure composed of a plurality of permanent magnets.

[0063] In Figure 2 on the right side ( Figure 2 b) of ), the effect of pre-alignment and / or simultaneous alignment is schematically shown. Here, the Roman numeral II represents state II, in which the coating medium 06 has been pre-aligned or simultaneously aligned, for example, but the imaging alignment in the above-mentioned manner has not occurred or has been ignored in the illustration.

[0064] Details and preferred implementation details of the additional aligning device 42 for pre-aligning and the additional aligning device 43 for simultaneous alignment are presented in more detail below.

[0065] The first or only magnetic roller 33 is preferably arranged on its second side in the transport path of the substrate 02 to be transported such that: the magnetic roller points outwards when the substrate passes through the first or only magnetic roller 33 with its first side, which is coated in particular upstream on-line with an optically variable coating medium 06.

[0066] The magnetic roller 33 has a plurality of magnets 44 in its outer circumferential region, which are used to orient at least a part of the magnetic or magnetizable particles P of the coating medium 06 applied to the substrate 02. Magnets are generally considered to be magnetically effective devices that continuously or switchably generate (in particular, a magnetic field strong enough for aligning the particles P contained in the coating medium 06 on the substrate 02 guided on the magnetic roller as described here) a magnetic field at least towards the side of the transport path. The magnets 44 can be formed by electromagnets or by a combination of one or more permanent magnets and / or one or more electromagnets to form one or more permanent magnets with or without a sculptured structure. Whether it is a single magnet element or a combination of multiple magnet elements, such as permanent magnets and / or electromagnets, the magnet elements that are associated and form an overall effect are hereinafter simply referred to as magnets 44. Such magnets can, for example, be composed of a combination of multiple differently aligned permanent magnets that together provide an externally acting magnetic field.

[0067] In the case of the above-mentioned multiple sheets 09, for each substrate 02, for example, each substrate segment or each single sheet of the substrate or substrate single sheet 02, multiple rows of magnets 44 are provided or can be provided on the circumference at intervals from each other transversely to the transport direction T. These magnets correspond to the pattern of the magnetic field elements 03 to be loaded on the substrate 02 during unwinding. By guiding the substrate 02 on the magnetic roller 33 in the above-described manner, where, for example, during transport on the first roller 33, its first side points outwards, the particles P are aligned or oriented by means of the magnets 44, i.e., for example, through the substrate 02. An un-equipped roller is also referred to here as a roller body, and such a roller can be equipped with magnets 44 and act as a magnetic roller 33.

[0068] The magnets 44 are preferably arranged detachably on the roller 33, if necessary, together with corresponding holding elements, such that: in the assembled state, the magnets can be arranged at defined positions on the circumference of the roller 33 and can preferably be completely removed from the roller 33 and / or can be positioned axially and / or circumferentially on the circumference of the roller 33.

[0069] For this purpose, the magnet 44 is arranged or can be arranged in or on a plurality of, for example, 4 to 8, in particular 5 to 7, for example 6, axially spaced-apart annular elements 37 that are preferably axially positionable, where, in or on these annular elements 37, at least one, preferably a plurality, for example 2 to 12, advantageously 5 to 10 magnets 44 are respectively arranged or can be arranged successively and preferably circumferentially positionably with respect to each other in the circumferential direction (for example, see Figure 6 ). In the region of the outer circumference of the annular element 37, it is closed, for example, by a surrounding cover 48, for example a top cover 48 integrally connected to an annular rib or an inserted top plate 48, in which, for example, the above-mentioned suction opening 49 and an unmarked recess are provided at corresponding positions of the magnet element 44 (as Figure 6 shown by way of example in a part of the right annular element 37 in the figure). Alternatively, a top plate 48 that extends axially over all the annular elements 37 can be provided, and the top plate includes recesses and / or suction openings 49 at relevant positions. The suction opening 49, especially the following suction channel 51, is connected to a vacuum pump holding pipeline through, for example, an end-side rotary joint.

[0070] In the case of the web-shaped substrate 02, the magnet roller 33 can be designed without any holding mechanism acting on the substrate 02. If necessary, the above-mentioned suction air openings can be provided on the circumference, which are connected to a vacuum pump and ensure that the substrate 02 firmly abuts against the shell surface. For the preferably single-sheet substrate 02 here, on the circumference of the roller 33, a holding mechanism 36, for example a gripper 36 of a so-called gripper slat, is preferably provided, by means of which the leading end thereof picks up the single sheet 02 of the substrate to be conveyed via the roller 33 and can be held during the rotation of the roller 33 beyond a certain angular range. Here, the magnet roller 33 designed in this way is used to transport the substrate 02 at the same time.

[0071] The magnet roller 33 is rotatably supported on both sides in the frame walls 38; 39 of the frame that carries the components of the alignment device 07, for example the side members 38; 39.

[0072] If it has been mentioned, the applied particles P, for example, at least in the surface area related to the image or subject to be displayed, before or upstream of the alignment device 33; 33' provided for imaging alignment or during at least one time point or a time period during the cooperation with the alignment device 07 provided for imaging alignment, can be oriented by means of at least one additional alignment device 42; 43 for pre-orientation and / or for simultaneous orientation (for example, see Figures 8 to 12 ).

[0073] Use Figure 2The schematic diagram in Figure 2 shows the alignment using only the imaging alignment devices 33; 33’ in a) of Figure 2 , and in contrast, on the right - hand side in b) of Figure 2 , the use of at least one additional alignment device 42; 43 for pre - orientation and / or simultaneous orientation is shown. In the latter case, for example, alternatively outside the image subject or pattern, existing particles P with random orientations become ordered, for example, aligned parallel or otherwise uniformly and thus form a background that provides improved contrast for the pattern or subject of particles P with different orientations.

[0074] Another alignment device 42 for pre - orientation is preferably arranged fixed relative to the machine frame on the transport path according to the operating conditions.

[0075] The magnets 46 of the additional alignment device for achieving pre - orientation are preferably arranged on the side of the transport path opposite to the side where printing was last performed in the previous transport path or the side where the coating medium 06 was applied. In other words, the magnets 46 are preferably arranged on the non - last or newly printed face of the substrate 02 being transported.

[0076] Although in principle a one - piece or multi - piece magnet 46 can be arranged over the entire effective width of the alignment device 42, another alignment device 42 for pre - orientation preferably has a plurality of, for example, 4 to 8, especially 5 to 7, for example 6, magnets 46 spaced apart from each other transversely to the transport direction T. Thereby, the interference caused by unwanted field overlap is minimized.

[0077] In order to be able to adapt by replacement and / or to be able to operate in a simple manner without pre - orientation, the magnets 46 of the additional alignment device 42 are detachably arranged on the carrier frame 52. Additionally or alternatively, the carrier frame 52 together with the magnets 46 can be removably arranged in the frame of the alignment device 07.

[0078] In a particularly advantageous refinement of the magnets 46 that are separable and removable from the carrier frame 52, these magnets can be replaced with fillers 56, for example guide plates 56. This enables operation without this additional alignment and without the particles P being "disturbed" by the magnets 46 in their positions. At the same time, the substrate 02 is protected from damage by the filler 56.

[0079] In order to remove or insert the magnets 46, for example, a gripping tool 63, for example a gripper 63, is provided, and the gripping tool includes a magnetic or magnetizable element in the region cooperating with the magnets 46. To avoid point - like contact of the gripper 63 with the magnet surface, the gripper 63 can include a plate that can be laid flat on the magnet surface.

[0080] In an advantageous design, the filling piece 56 can be made of a magnetizable material, such as magnetizable stainless steel. In this embodiment, the filling piece can also be held for removal or insertion by a separable gripping tool 64, such as a separable gripper, which, for example in the region cooperating with the filling piece 56, includes magnetic acting elements, such as one or more permanent magnets.

[0081] In an advantageous design, the magnets 46 of another aligning device 42 for pre-orientation are arranged on the carrier frame 52 in an adjustable manner in a horizontal direction, transversely to the conveying direction T, so that, for example, sheets 09 of different formats and / or sheets 09 with graphic elements 03 positioned differently on the sheet 09 can be manufactured.

[0082] For this purpose, the magnets 46 of this other aligning device 42 are supported in a laterally displaceable manner on one or more cross beams 53, for example guided in one or more guides 57, such as linear guides 57.

[0083] To determine the position in the desired location, a holding mechanism 58 is provided, such as a clamping mechanism 58, which is preferably manually operable without tools. This can be, for example, a handwheel by means of which a bolt can be brought into contact with and removed from the cross beam 53 carrying the magnet 46.

[0084] For example, in order to be able to create and / or ensure a defined distance between the magnet 46 and the substrate 02 or its conveying path, when observed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying path, the magnet 46 approaches the stop mechanism 59. Preferably, the magnet 44 is loaded or can be loaded by spring force, such as by one or more spring elements 62, with a force directed in the direction of the conveying path, in particular towards the stop mechanism 59.

[0085] The stop mechanism 59 can be designed as an adjustable mating element 59 and can be implemented, for example, by a mating screw 59. Here, depending on the arrangement, the screw head of the mating screw can form the stop, or as shown here, the lower head ring or a washer held by this head ring.

[0086] Preferably, the magnets 46 of the other aligning device 42 are fixed or can be fixed to the holder 54 by the mating screw 59, wherein, for example, by the screwing depth of the screw, the distance from the conveying plane of the substrate 02 can be adjusted.

[0087] In an advantageous design, the magnet 46 can be easily separated from the carrier rack 52, for example, from a holder 54 that holds the magnet 46 and is arranged on the cross beam 53 in a laterally movable manner, such as a bracket 54. Here, the bracket 54 can include a carrier plate 69 on its upper side, and the magnet 46 is fixed or fastened to the carrier plate 69. The magnet 46 of the other alignment device 42 is held, for example, by connectors 59, 61; 67; 68 that act in a form-fitting manner in the direction of the conveying path, and the connectors can be separated by the movement of the magnet 46 having at least one movement component in a plane extending parallel to the conveying plane.

[0088] This form-fitting connection can be formed, for example, on one side, for example, at one end, by the above-mentioned mating screw 59 and a specifically keyhole-shaped recess 61 with a correspondingly formed oblong hole or slit 61, and, for example, correspondingly on the other side, for example, at the other end, also by a stop mechanism 67 that acts, for example, in the direction of the conveying path, in the same way as a mating screw 67 that also acts as a mating element 67, and the mating screw is also inserted into a recess 68, such as an oblong hole 68 also formed in a keyhole shape or preferably a slit 68 that is open on the edge side (see, for example, Figure 11 ). The assembly screws 59; 67 and the recesses 61; 68 can be recessed in a cavity 65 included in the magnet 46, such as a so-called pocket 65, where the mating screw abuts against the bottom of the cavity 65 with its stop surface, or in the case of accommodating the magnet 46 at the bottom, it abuts against the bottom.

[0089] In an advantageous refinement, a blowing device 78 can be provided, by means of which the substrate 02 is pressed against the magnet 46. Here, the blowing device 78 can include a blowing pipe 79 that extends transversely to the conveying direction T and has a blowing opening pointing in the direction of the conveying path, and the blowing opening is supplied by a blowing air source through an inlet pipe. Thus, a defined position and / or due to the close contact, as uniform a magnetic field as possible is achieved in the coating.

[0090] In the case of conveying by means of the gripper slewing conveyor 19, all or at least one or more grippers of the gripper slats 22 can be made of a non-magnetic or non-magnetizable material.

[0091] As already mentioned above and as shown in Figure 1 、 Figure 4 and Figures 8 to 10 The magnet 46 of the other alignment device 42 that achieves pre-orientation can be arranged on a straight conveying path section and has a planar shape that extends longitudinally in the conveying direction T at least on the side facing the conveying path. This is the case, for example, when the conveying device 19 has a straight section in the area of the alignment device 42.

[0092] However, especially in front of the alignment device 07 or the imaging alignment device 33; 33', there is a curved conveying path section, such as the conveying roller 34. The magnet 46 of another alignment device 42 is arranged on the curved conveying path section, such as formed by the circumferential section of such a rotating conveying mechanism, and at least on the side facing the conveying path, has a curved shape extending along the conveying path, especially an arc-shaped curve.

[0093] Instead of or preferably in addition to the mentioned first additional alignment device 42, the above-mentioned second additional alignment device 43 is advantageously provided with one or more magnets 47, which are arranged on the conveying path on the opposite side of the first alignment device 33 on the conveying path.

[0094] The alignment device 43 provided for orientation is also preferably arranged on the conveying path relative to the machine frame fixed according to the operating conditions.

[0095] The magnet 47 of the alignment device 43 is preferably arranged on the circumference of the imaging alignment device 33 designed as a magnet roller 33 on the opposite side of the conveying path.

[0096] Another alignment device 43 provided for simultaneous orientation preferably includes a plurality of, for example, 4 to 8, especially 5 to 7, for example 6 magnets 47 spaced apart from each other transversely to the conveying direction T.

[0097] Preferably, the magnet 47 of the additional alignment device 43 is arranged on the carrier frame 71, and the carrier frame 71 is supported in the machine frame of the device in a position-variable manner such that the magnet 47 can be moved from the working position to an equipment position or a stop position with a greater distance from the conveying path relative to the working position, and can also be moved from the equipment position or the stop position to the working position.

[0098] For this purpose, the carrier frame 71 carrying the magnet 47 of the additional alignment device is preferably pivotally supported in the machine frame of the alignment device 07 around an axis 72 extending transversely to the conveying direction T, such as a pivot axis 72.

[0099] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, for example, regarding high production capacity, the magnet 47 of another alignment device 43 is movably or adjustably arranged on the carrier frame 71 in the horizontal direction transversely to the conveying direction T.

[0100] For this purpose, the magnet 47 of another alignment device 43 is supported in a laterally movable manner on, for example, one or more cross beams 73. By a holding device 76 designed as a clamping mechanism 76, for example, similar to the above-mentioned clamping mechanism 58, the holding device can be fixed in the required position.

[0101] For this purpose, the magnets 47 of the further aligning device 43 are supported in a laterally displaceable manner on one or more crossbeams 77, for example by means of corresponding holders 77, such as one or more brackets 77, and are guided in one or more guides 74, such as linear guides 74.

[0102] In particular, in the case of the imaging aligning devices 33; 33' as a preferred embodiment of the magnet drums 33; 33', the magnets 47 of the further aligning device 43 for simultaneous orientation are arranged on a curved section of the conveying path, in particular on the circumference of the magnet drums 33; 33', and have, at least on the side facing the conveying path, a curved shape extending longitudinally along the conveying path, in particular a shape curved in an arc segment.

[0103] Regardless of the arrangement of only one or two further aligning devices 42; 43, in a preferred embodiment, drying and / or curing devices 41; 41' are arranged on the conveying path in such a way that: the drying and / or curing devices act on parts of the conveying path that are still within the effective range of the imaging aligning devices 33; 33'.

[0104] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the drying and / or curing devices 41; 41', the drying and / or curing devices are directed at a circumferential segment of the magnet drum 33; 33' that forms the first aligning device 33 and is located in the conveying path.

[0105] Preferably, such drying and / or curing devices 41; 41' are designed as radiation dryers 41; 41', in particular as ultraviolet radiation dryers 41; 41' and / or as LED dryers 41; 41', in particular as UV-LED dryers 41; 41'.

[0106] In an advantageous embodiment of the machine 01, the respective further aligning devices 42; 43 have a number of magnets 46; 47 corresponding to the number of columns mentioned above, for example 4 to 8, in particular 5 to 7, for example 6 columns, which are arranged in the conveying path such that: the printed motif or the imaging printed motif group is at least partially aligned laterally with the lateral positions of the magnets 46; 47 of the relevant further aligning device 42; 43 along the conveying path.

[0107] List of reference numerals

[0108] 01 Machine for generating optically variable elements, printing press, security printing press

[0109] 02 Substrate, printing material, single sheet of printing material, single sheet of substrate

[0110] 03 Element

[0111] 04 Coating device, printing unit, flexographic printing unit, screen printing unit

[0112] 05 -

[0113] 06 Coating medium, printing ink, paint

[0114] 07 Device for aligning magnetic particles in a graphic element, aligning device

[0115] 08 Printed graphic element

[0116] 09 Print sheet, security document, banknote

[0117] 10 -

[0118] 11 Printing device, flexographic printing device, screen printing device

[0119] 12 Printing device, flexographic printing device, screen printing device

[0120] 13 Substrate reservoir, uncoiler, feeder

[0121] 14 Printing plate cylinder, screen printing cylinder

[0122] 15 -

[0123] 16 Printing plate cylinder, screen printing cylinder

[0124] 17 Impression cylinder

[0125] 18 Drying and / or curing device, UV dryer

[0126] 19 Conveyor, gripper carousel conveyor, chain gripper system

[0127] 20 -

[0128] 21 Rotating traction mechanism, rotating chain

[0129] 22 Gripper slat

[0130] 23 Sprocket wheel, chain gripper wheel

[0131] 24 Sprocket wheel, chain gripper wheel

[0132] 25 -

[0133] 26 Conveying system, gripper carousel conveyor, chain gripper system

[0134] 27 Product receiving device, rewind, stack delivery device

[0135] 28 Rotating traction mechanism, rotating chain

[0136] 29 Gripper slat

[0137] 30 -

[0138] 31 Sprocket, chain gripper wheel

[0139] 32 Dryer, radiant dryer

[0140] 33 First aligning device, roller, magnetic roller

[0141] 34 Roller, conveyor roller, transfer roller

[0142] 35 -

[0143] 36 Holding mechanism, gripper

[0144] 37 Ring element

[0145] 38 Frame wall, side part

[0146] 39 Frame wall, side part

[0147] 40 -

[0148] 41 Drying and / or curing device, radiant dryer, ultraviolet radiation dryer, ultraviolet dryer, UV - LED dryer

[0149] 42 Second aligning device

[0150] 43 Other aligning devices

[0151] 44 Magnet, magnetic acting unit

[0152] 45 -

[0153] 46 Magnet, magnetic acting unit

[0154] 47 Magnet, magnetic acting unit

[0155] 48 Cover part, cover, top plate

[0156] 49 Suction opening

[0157] 50 -

[0158] 51 Suction channel

[0159] 52 Bearing frame

[0160] 53 Cross beam

[0161] 54 Retaining part, bracket

[0162] 55 -

[0163] 56 Filler part, guide plate

[0164] 57 Guide part, linear guide

[0165] 58 Holding mechanism, clamping mechanism

[0166] 59 Stop mechanism, mating element, mating screw

[0167] 60 -

[0168] 61 Recess, oblong hole, slit

[0169] 62 Spring element

[0170] 63 Gripping tool, gripper

[0171] 64 Gripping tool, gripper

[0172] 65 Depression, cavity

[0173] 66 -

[0174] 67 Stop mechanism, mating element, mating screw

[0175] 68 Recess, oblong hole, slit

[0176] 69 Carrier plate

[0177] 70 -

[0178] 71 Carrying rack

[0179] 72 Pivot shaft

[0180] 73 Cross beam

[0181] 74 Guide, linear guide

[0182] 75 -

[0183] 76 Holding mechanism, clamping mechanism

[0184] 77 Holder, support

[0185] 78 Blowing device

[0186] 79 Blowing pipe

[0187] 33’ Another first aligning device, roller, magnetic roller

[0188] 41’ Drying and / or curing device, ultraviolet radiation dryer, ultraviolet dryer, UV - LED dryer

[0189] 46’ Magnet

[0190] P particles, pigment particles

[0191] T Transport direction

[0192] Ⅰ State (random orientation)

[0193] Ⅱ State (orientation)

[0194] Ⅲ State (imaging and alignment)

Claims

1. A machine (01) for generating optically variable graphic elements (03) on a web-shaped or sheet-shaped substrate (02), the machine comprising: A printing material reservoir (13); at least one printing unit (04) having at least one printing device (11; 12), by means of which the substrate (02) guided through the machine (01) on the transport path is printed and / or can be printed on at least the first side with a coating medium (06) containing magnetic or magnetizable particles (P); a product receiving device (27) for receiving the substrate (02) processed in the machine (01) and a device (07) for aligning magnetic or magnetizable particles arranged between at least one printing unit (04) and the product receiving device (27) in the transport path of the substrate (02), the magnetic or magnetizable particles being contained in the coating medium (06) applied to the first side of a web-shaped or sheet-shaped substrate (02), wherein the at least one printing device (11; 12) includes a printing plate cylinder (14; 16) as an imaging cylinder, the printing plate cylinder having a plurality of imaging printing motifs or groups of imaging printing motifs on its circumference, the printing motifs or groups of imaging printing motifs being arranged in a plurality of columns spaced equidistantly from each other transversely to the transport direction (T) over a circumferential length corresponding to the length of the printed image and in a plurality of rows spaced equidistantly from each other in the transport direction (T) over a cylinder width corresponding to the width of the printed image, wherein the device (07) for aligning magnetic or magnetizable particles (P) includes a first aligning device (33; 33'), the first aligning device being arranged in the transport path of the substrate (02) to be transported and having a plurality of first magnets (44) in the region of its side facing the transport path, so that in each surface region having the coating medium (06), at least a part of the particles (P) contained in the coating medium (06) are aligned in order to generate image information, wherein the plurality of first magnets (44) for alignment of the first aligning device (33; 33') and the substrate (02) to which the coating medium (06) containing the particles (P) is applied can move synchronously with each other at least over a section of the transport path of the substrate (02), characterized in that the device (07) for aligning magnetic or magnetizable particles (P) includes at least one further first aligning device (42; 43) arranged in front of the first aligning device (33; 33') in the transport path of the substrate (02) to be transported, the at least one further first aligning device being arranged in a fixed manner relative to the frame in association with the operation on the transport path of the substrate (02), and the at least one further first aligning device having a plurality of second magnets (46) spaced apart from each other transversely to the transport direction (T) and remaining fixed in position during operation in the at least one further first aligning device transversely to the transport direction (T), wherein the number of the second magnets (46) corresponds to the printing plate cylinder (14;The number of columns of imaging printing substrates or groups of imaging printing substrates on the circumference of (16), including that a plurality of second magnets (46) in the at least one additional first aligning device (42) are arranged in the conveying path of the substrate (02) in such a way that the printing substrate or the group of imaging printing substrates are respectively at least partially aligned with the lateral position of at least one second magnet (46) among the plurality of second magnets (46) of the additional first aligning device (42) along the conveying path of the substrate (02), wherein the plurality of second magnets (46) are positioned such that when the substrate (02) printed with the coating medium (06) passes through the at least one additional first aligning device (42), the plurality of particles (P) contained in the coating medium (06) are pre-oriented, and wherein the plurality of first magnets (44) of the first aligning device (33; 33') are positioned to additionally orient the particles (P) in the coating medium (06) printed on the substrate (02) after the at least one additional first aligning device (42) pre-orients the plurality of particles (P).; 2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein The first aligning device (33; 33') is formed by a magnetic roller (33; 33'), which is arranged in the conveying path of the substrate (02) to be conveyed and has a plurality of first magnets (44) in the region of its outer circumference.

3. The machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A drying and / or curing device (41) is arranged on the conveying path in such a way that the drying and / or curing device acts on a part of the conveying path that is still within the effective range of the first aligning device (33; 33').

4. The machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drying and / or curing device (41) is directed at a circumferential segment located in the conveying path of the first aligning device (33; 33') designed as a magnetic roller (33; 33'), and / or the drying and / or curing device (41) is designed as an ultraviolet radiation dryer and / or an LED dryer.

5. The machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Another first aligning device (42) for pre-orientation is arranged in front of the first aligning device (33; 33') in the conveying path, such that through the arrangement and alignment of the second magnets (46), in the surface area including the image information to be generated, at least in terms of the parallel distribution of the projections of the longitudinal axes of the particles (P) onto the substrate plane, a uniform pre-orientation of the particles (P) is achieved or can be achieved. The particles have a non-spherical flat shape, which has a longitudinal axis extending in the longest extension direction, an axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the width direction, and a thickness extending towards both axes and smaller than the length and width.

6. The machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second magnets (46) of the other first aligning device (42) arranged in front of the first aligning device (33; 33') are designed and oriented in such a way that in the corresponding surface area including the image information to be generated, the particles (P) are uniformly aligned parallel to each other in a biaxial manner with respect to their axes extending in the longitudinal and width directions, so as to produce a uniform optical imprint on the surface area.

7. The machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second magnets (46) of the other first aligning device (42) arranged in front of the first aligning device (33; 33') are in contact with the corresponding stop mechanism (59) when observed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying path, and / or are loaded by one or more spring elements (62) with a force directed towards the substrate path direction.

8. The machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second magnets (46) of the other first aligning device (42) arranged in front of the first aligning device (33; 33') are held by corresponding connectors that act in a form-locking manner along the direction of the conveying path, and the connectors can be separated by the corresponding second magnets (46) moving with at least one movement component in a plane extending parallel to the conveying plane.

9. The machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second magnets (46) of the other first aligning device (42) arranged in front of the first aligning device (33; 33') are arranged on a linear conveying path segment and have a planar shape that extends longitudinally in the conveying direction (T) at least on the side facing the conveying path.

10. The machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second magnet (46) of the additional first aligning device (42) is arranged on a curved section of the conveying path formed by a circumferential section of the rotating conveying mechanism, and has a curved shape extending longitudinally in the conveying direction (T) at least on the side facing the conveying path.

11. The machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A filler (56) is provided, and the second magnet (46) of the additional first aligning device (42) can be replaced by the filler, and / or a gripper (63) is provided, by means of which the second magnet (46) of the additional aligning device (42) can be picked up by magnetic force.

12. The machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, An additional second aligning device (43) for simultaneous orientation with a plurality of third magnets (47) is provided, and the plurality of third magnets are arranged on the conveying path on the side of the conveying path opposite to the first aligning device (33; 33') in such a way that the same surface area of the surface area containing the image information to be generated is simultaneously engaged with the first aligning device and the additional second aligning device (33; 43) for simultaneous orientation at at least one part of the conveying path.

13. The machine according to claim 12, characterized in that, The third magnets (47) of the additional second aligning device (43) for simultaneous orientation are on the side of the conveying path opposite to the first aligning device (33; 33'), and are arranged on the circumference of the first aligning device (33; 33') designed as a magnet drum (33; 33').

14. The machine according to claim 12, wherein, The additional second aligning device (43) has a plurality of third magnets (47) spaced apart from each other transversely to the conveying direction (T) transversely to the conveying direction (T).

15. The machine according to claim 12, characterized in that, The plurality of third magnets (47) of the additional second aligning device (43) can be adjusted and / or can be separately arranged on the second carrier frame (71) in the horizontal direction transversely to the conveying direction (T).

16. The machine according to claim 15, characterized in that, The third magnets (47) of the additional second aligning device (43) that can be adjusted and / or can be separately arranged on the second carrier frame (71) transversely to the conveying direction (T) are supported movably in the transverse direction on one or more second cross beams (73) and / or can be fixed in the desired position by a second clamping mechanism (76).

17. The machine according to claim 15, wherein, The second carrier frame (71) carrying the third magnets (47) of the additional second aligning device (43) for simultaneous orientation is supported pivotably about an axis (72) extending transversely to the conveying direction in the frame of the device (07) for aligning magnetic or magnetizable particles (P).

18. The machine according to claim 12, characterized in that, The additional second aligning device (43) has a number of third magnets (47) corresponding to the number of columns, and the third magnets are arranged in the conveying path in such a way that the printed material or the group of imaging printed materials is at least correspondingly partially aligned with the lateral positions of the third magnets (47) of the additional second aligning device (43) along the conveying path.

19. The machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plurality of second magnets (46) of the additional first aligning device (42) can be adjusted and / or can be separately arranged on the first carrier frame (52) in the horizontal direction transversely to the conveying direction (T).

20. The machine according to claim 19, characterized in that, The second magnet (46) of the additional first aligning device (42) that is adjustable transversely to the conveying direction (T) and / or is separably arranged on the first carrier frame (52) is supported movably in the transverse direction on one or more first crossbeams (53) and / or can be fixed in a desired position by a first clamping mechanism (58).

21. The machine (01) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that It is designed as a security printer (01).

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