EP3877182B1 - Device and printing machine for producing a security element on a substrate - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device and a printing machine for producing security elements on a substrate, in particular a security element with a coating agent containing magnetic or magnetizable particles, according to the preamble of claim 1 or 11.

through the EP 2 845 732 B1 discloses a printing machine with a screen printing unit and a device for aligning magnetic or magnetizable particles contained in the printing ink or the paint, the device comprising a cylinder with a plurality of elements that cause a magnetic field on the circumference and a dryer directed at a point in the transport path , at which the substrate has not yet left the cylinder.

the EP 1 745 940 B1 a two-stage coating of an article for security printing in a two-stage printing or painting of an article with ink or paint containing magnetic particles. In a first step, the article is printed/painted with a first ink/color with a predetermined pattern, then exposed to a magnetic field and finally dried to fix the magnetic particles. In a second stage, the article is printed with a magnetic ink or paint, preferably with a lower concentration, subjected to a magnetic field and dried. In a first embodiment, the second printing/painting takes place on the same side of the article over the printed image of the first pattern, in a second embodiment on the other side of the article, which is transparent in this case.

In the CN 105034570B a substrate is used to produce magnetic printed matter or multi-printed with magnetic ink and then successively passed over two magnetic drums, where the magnetic ink is oriented in mutually different sub-areas of the printing section by the two magnetic drums. It is only dried after passing through the magnetic drums. In first exemplary embodiments, the differently oriented sub-areas are spaced apart from one another, while in one example the sub-areas to be aligned by the two magnetic drums can overlap. Since drying is only carried out after the second alignment, the overlapping section receives the orientation from the last magnetic drum. On the one hand, this procedure should enable more complex magnetic patterns and at the same time reduce the formation of deformations in the substrate, as they are supposed to occur with conventional repeated printing, orientation and drying.

the WO 2016/030819 A1 relates to a combined printing machine for screen printing with magnetically variable ink and subsequent orientation and drying and subsequent intaglio printing. and a subsequent screen printing. A wide variety of variants of the embodiments of the invention described there should be possible there, including the arrangement of more than one screen printing unit and more than one magnet unit.

the EP 2 484 455 A1 discloses, in one of several embodiments, a security element having two layers of magnetic ink printed one on top of the other, oriented and cured, wherein the first cured coating can be produced, ie applied, oriented and cured, or vice versa after the second cured coating. The steps of applying, orienting and curing can be repeated at will to produce additional coatings on the substrate and/or the coatings. In another embodiment, magnetic ink is only printed on in one pass, this is oriented and dried in a sub-area, and this is then also done in another sub-area oriented and dried.

In the US 2011/0017081 A1 discloses a conventional machine with two screen printing cylinders placed on the same impression cylinder, in which connection a system for drying the ink printed by the first screen printing cylinder is to be provided in the event that the two screen printing cylinders print in the same zones one above the other. Different possibilities for the arrangement and design of one or more magnetic cylinders are proposed.

the DE 10 2016 204 549 A1 relates to a dryer device, by means of which the printing material can be acted upon in tracks of a variable number and/or variable width and/or position, using the example of a screen printing unit, a numbering unit and an offset printing unit. In one embodiment, the screen printing unit comprises two screen printing cylinders working together with the same impression cylinder and a dryer located between them. A magnetic cylinder can be provided in the transport section downstream of the screen printing unit.

through the EP 2 433 798 A1 discloses a printing machine with two screen printing units and a downstream magnetic cylinder, on the lateral surface of which a drying device is directed and which comprises magnetic elements that can be adjusted in the circumferential direction and in the axial direction.

The invention is based on the object of creating a device and a printing machine for producing security elements on a substrate.

The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 and 11 respectively.

The advantages that can be achieved with the invention are, in particular, that substrates with complex optically variable image elements can be produced very variably and/or with high quality and/or precision. In this case, in particular, a structure can be produced which, by means of a plurality of effective layers one on top of the other, can be recognized as changing image effects or images with the viewing angle. In particular, specially designed carrier media that absorb the magnetic particles and/or lower particle concentrations in the upper layer, ie applied as the second layer or on the other side of a transparent substrate, can be used to perceive the image directly or possibly via the substrate below depending on the viewing angle layer vary.

On the other hand, by fixing the image from the first layer before another printing takes place at the same place, an uncontrolled mixing of the first and second substances and/or indistinct borders at the edges can be avoided.

A device according to the invention for the production of security elements comprises a first printing unit, through which a substrate conveyed along a transport path can be printed using a first coating agent with a plurality of spaced-apart first printed image elements, a first arranged in the transport path downstream of the first printing unit and comprising magnetic elements on the circumference Magnetic cylinder, one to the first magnetic cylinder or in the transport path downstream drying and/or curing device, through which the coating medium of the first printed image elements printed by the first printing unit is and/or can be dried and/or cured at least superficially and/or at least in part, but preferably in each case in full, a second printing unit arranged downstream of the first magnetic cylinder and the drying and/or curing device, a second magnetic cylinder arranged in the transport path downstream of the second printing unit and also comprising magnetic elements on the circumference, and a drying and/or arranged in the transport path associated with or downstream of the second magnetic cylinder Curing device, through which at least the coating medium of the printed image elements printed by the second printing unit is and/or can be dried and/or cured at least superficially and/or at least in part, but preferably in each case in full. The substrate is transported inline between the individual processing stations via appropriate conveyor systems.

In the inline production of security elements on a preferably sheet-shaped substrate, the substrate is first printed with a plurality of printing elements using a first coating agent containing magnetic particles. Downstream in the transport path, particles contained in the first coating agent previously applied to the substrate are aligned by the action of magnetic field lines and aligned at least superficially and/or at least partially dried and/or hardened. Subsequently, the substrate is printed downstream using a second coating agent containing magnetic particles with second print image elements in such a way that the first and second print image elements - e.g. B. in the substrate plane - at least overlap before particles contained downstream in the second coating agent previously applied to the substrate are aligned by a renewed action of magnetic field lines and finally the second coating agent after the alignment of the particles contained at least superficially and/or at least in each case partially dried and/or cured

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the or at least some of the magnetic elements of the first magnetic cylinder and/or the second magnetic cylinder are arranged on a basic cylinder body so that they can be adjusted individually or in groups with regard to their axial and/or circumferential position. This has special advantages, for example, especially when using two optically effective effects in combination, e.g. B. with regard to the quality and/or variability in the results to be achieved.

Basically independent of, but advantageously also in combination with the above advantageous embodiment, in a particularly advantageous embodiment the forme cylinder, in particular screen printing cylinder, of the first printing unit applying the first coating medium and a forme cylinder, in particular screen printing cylinder, of the second printing unit applying the second coating medium - at least in one Operating situation - mechanically driven in rotation independently of one another, preferably in each case by a motor which is mechanically independent of the respectively cooperating impression cylinder, e.g. B. electric motor single drive, driven in rotation. This makes it possible, for example, to set a circumferential register between the two corresponding printed image elements in a particularly simple manner and/or to move to a setup and/or parking angle position of the independently driven forme cylinders, in particular screen printing cylinders, independently of one another.

Basically independently of, but advantageously also in combination with one or more of the above advantageous embodiments, in a particularly advantageous embodiment - at least for drying the lower layer or the layer applied in a first printing unit - a particularly narrow-band radiation dryer, advantageously an LED dryer, is used as the dryer. in particular UV-LED dryers, used and/or a dryer through which the substrate is viewed transversely to the direction of transport can only be acted upon in sections, ie in a plurality of sections spaced apart from one another, or is acted upon by radiation. This means that the heat input is low and material stress and/or deformation is as low as possible. In addition to or instead of this, the dryer is advantageously dimensioned or operated or operable in such a way that - tailored to the exposure time during operation - only partial drying of the coating medium layer, i.e. an outer partial layer of the coating, is dried and thus essentially the subsequent drying Particles perceived as security element are fixed in their position.

Basically independently of, but advantageously also in combination with, one or more of the above advantageous embodiments, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, the at least one printing unit for printing the lower layer is designed with a printing form that is set up with the substrate along its printing or repeat length to print several - in particular equivalent - spaced apart columns of print image elements transverse to the transport direction from each other - in particular equivalent. In particular, an area coverage of the printed image applied as the lower layer on the usable area on the substrate given by the printed image length and printed image width is less than 50%, preferably less than 30%. Magnetic elements on the first and/or second magnetic cylinder are preferably arranged on a basic cylinder body so that they can be adjusted individually or in groups with regard to their axial and/or circumferential position.

Basically independently of, but advantageously also in combination with one or more of the above advantageous embodiments, in a particularly advantageous embodiment the first and/or second magnetic cylinder is mounted between frame walls of the machine frame in such a way that it can be replaced - in particular without removing one of the frame walls or can be removed to carry out set-up work.

Further details and variants can be found in the following exemplary embodiments, which can be combined individually or in groups—if there is no contradiction—with one another or with one of the above-described versions of the device, the machine and/or the method.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

Fig. 1

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel für eine Maschine zur Herstellung eines Sicherheitselementes auf einem Substrat;

Fig. 2

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel für eine Maschine zur Herstellung eines Sicherheitselementes auf einem Substrat;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung eines in ersten Druckbildelementen mit einem ersten optisch variablem Beschichtungsmittel bedruckten Substrates a) in Draufsicht und b) im Querschnitt;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung des mit ersten Druckbildelementen aus Fig. 3 nach einer zumindest partiellen magnetischem Ausrichtung zu einem in Draufsicht wahrnehmbaren ersten Bildinhalt a) in Draufsicht und b) im Querschnitt;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung des Substrates aus Fig. 3 mit zweiten, über die ersten Druckbildelemente mit einem zweiten optisch variablen Beschichtungsmittel gedruckten Druckbildelementen a) in Draufsicht und b) im Querschnitt;

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung des Sicherheitselement nach dem Beschichten mit dem zweiten Beschichtungsmittel und einem zumindest partiellen Ausrichten der magnetischen oder magnetisierbaren Partikel der zweiten Druckbildelemente a) in Draufsicht und b) im Querschnitt;

Fig. 7

eine vergrößerte Darstellung der Druckeinheiten und mit jeweils nachgeordneter Ausrichtvorrichtung aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 8

eine vergrößerte Darstellung der Druckeinheiten und mit jeweils nachgeordneter Ausrichtvorrichtung aus Fig. 2;

Fig. 9

eine Schrägansicht einer Ausführung eines Formzylinders mit einer Vielzahl von matrixartig in Zeilen und Spalten am Umfang vorgesehenen Druckelementen;

Fig. 10

eine Schrägansicht einer Ausführung eines Magnetzylinders mit mehreren Ringelementen, die in Umfangsrichtung jeweils eine Mehrzahl von Magneten tragen;

Fig. 11

eine Ansicht von schräg unten auf einen abschnittsweise wirksamen Trockner in ersten Ausführung;

Fig. 12

eine Ansicht von schräg unten auf einen abschnittsweise wirksamen Trockner in zweiter Ausführung.

Show it:

1

a first exemplary embodiment of a machine for producing a security element on a substrate;

2

a second exemplary embodiment of a machine for producing a security element on a substrate;

3

a schematic representation of a substrate printed in first print image elements with a first optically variable coating medium a) in top view and b) in cross section;

4

a schematic representation of the first print image elements 3 after an at least partial magnetic alignment to a first image content perceptible in plan view a) in plan view and b) in cross section;

figure 5

a schematic representation of the substrate 3 with second printed image elements printed over the first printed image elements with a second optically variable coating agent a) in top view and b) in Cross-section;

6

a schematic representation of the security element after coating with the second coating agent and an at least partial alignment of the magnetic or magnetizable particles of the second printed image elements a) in top view and b) in cross section;

7

shows an enlarged view of the printing units and each with a downstream alignment device 1 ;

8

shows an enlarged view of the printing units and each with a downstream alignment device 2 ;

9

an oblique view of an embodiment of a forme cylinder with a multiplicity of printing elements provided in a matrix in rows and columns on the circumference;

10

an oblique view of an embodiment of a magnetic cylinder with a plurality of ring elements, each carrying a plurality of magnets in the circumferential direction;

11

a view obliquely from below of a sectional effective dryer in the first embodiment;

12

a view obliquely from below of a sectional effective dryer in the second embodiment.

A machine 01; 01', e.g. B. Printing press 01; 01', advantageously rotary printing machine 01; 01', in particular security printing machine 01; 01', for generating optically variable image elements 03, in particular security elements 03, on a substrate 02, e.g. B. a web or sheet of printing material 02, comprising a first application device 06; 16, e.g. B. a printing unit 06; 16, through which optically variable coating means 11, e.g. B. optically variable ink 11 or paint 11, at least one application point, z. B. pressure point, on at least a first side of the substrate 02, z. B. of the printing substrate 02, can be applied over the entire surface or preferably in partial areas in the form of first printed image elements 12, a second application device 07; 17, e.g. B. a printing unit 07; 17, through which at least one second optically variable coating means 13, z. B. optically variable ink 13 or paint 13, at least one application point, z. B. pressure point, on at least the same first side of the substrate 02, z. B. of the printing substrate 02, can be applied over the entire surface or preferably in partial areas in the form of second printed image elements 14, as well as between the first and second application device 06; 07; 16; 17 arranged in the transport path device 08; 18 for aligning the particles contained in the optically variable coating medium 11 applied to the substrate 02 and responsible for the optical variability, and one of the second application device 07; 17 downstream device 09 in the transport path; 19 for aligning the particles contained in the optically variable coating material 13 applied to the substrate 02 and responsible for the optical variability. These devices 08; 18; 09; 19 are also referred to below as alignment devices 08; 18; 09; 19 denoted.

Before the treatment by the respective alignment device 08; 18; 09; 19 by the upstream application device 06, 16; 07; 17 applied to the substrate 02 print image elements 12; 14 of variable coating means 11; 13 can correspond in size and position to the optically variable picture elements 03 to be generated or possibly also be smaller or larger than these, possibly even several panels 04 extending over the surface. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second print image elements 12; 14 are at least partially applied to one another on the substrate 02, in particular printed onto the substrate 02, in such a way that the first and the second printed image elements 12; 14 pairs at least overlap, e.g. that the first at least not over the second print image elements 12; 14 protrude, preferably in such a way that the first and the second print image element 12; 14 on top of each other and are in congruence with each other. In the case of larger print image elements 12; 14 is not, for example, on the entire optically variable coating means 11; 13 coated surface by aligning an optically variable image information, a motif or a character string, in the optically variable image element 03 generated. In the figures, such image information is indicated by way of example as a circular disc or spherical cap with a three-dimensional effect embossed into the printed image element 12 underneath by magnetic alignment.

The particles responsible for the optical variability are here in the respective coating means 11; 13, e.g. B. Ink 11; 13 or the paint 11; 13, magnetic or magnetisable, non-spherical particles, e.g. B. pigment particles, also referred to here as magnetic particles or flakes. In this case, they can in the first and second coating means 11; 13 may be provided in different concentrations and/or color effects in the respective carrier medium.

The machine 01; 01' is for the production of panels 04, e.g. B. securities 04, in particular banknotes 04, or with multiple benefits 04, z. B. the printed images of securities 04 printed and in the machine 01; 01' treated substrate sheet 02' as intermediate products 02'. The substrate 02, e.g. B. substrate 02, can by - z. B. cellulose- or preferably cotton-fiber-based paper, be formed by plastic polymer or by a hybrid product thereof. Before coating in the aforementioned first application device 06; 16 uncoated or already coated, it can be unprinted or already printed once or several times or have been mechanically processed in some other way. On a substrate section, ie a longitudinal section of web-shaped substrate 02 or a sheet of a sheet-shaped substrate 02, e.g. g. substrate sheets 02 or in particular printing material sheets 02, are preferably several, e.g. B. three to eight, especially four to seven, benefit 04, e.g. g. printed images 04, banknotes to be produced in a row next to each other and several such rows of copies 04 or their printed images arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T or arranged during the processing of the substrate 02 (e.g. indicated in Figures 3 to 6 ).

The printing press 01; 01' machine 01: 01' can in principle have two or possibly more printing units 06; 16; 07; 17, each with one or more printing units 21; 22; 31; 32 of any printing process. In a preferred embodiment, however, it comprises two printing units 06; 16; 07; 17 each having at least one printing unit 21; 22; 31; 32, through which the first or second optically variable coating means 11; 13, e.g. B. on the same first side of the printing substrate 02, is or can be applied. By means of the printing methods mentioned, in particular the screen printing method, a greater layer thickness can be applied compared to other printing methods. The expression “first side” of the substrate 02 or printing material 02 has been chosen arbitrarily and is intended to designate that side of the printing material 02 on which the optically variable coating medium 11; 13 is or was or can be applied.

In the case of a transparent substrate 02, the application of the first coating medium 11 to produce the first printed image elements 12 and the application of the second coating medium 13 to produce the second printed image elements 14 can, in principle, also be carried out on two different sides of the substrate 02. A corresponding arrangement of a printing unit 21; 22 of the first printing unit 06; 16 and a printing unit 31; 32 of the second printing unit 07; 17 on different sides of the transport path is to be provided or set up accordingly.

The printing press 01; 01' also includes at least one printing substrate template 26, e.g. B. a roll unwinder or preferably a sheet feeder 26, of which the Z. B. web-shaped or preferably sheet-shaped substrate 02 - if necessary via further printing or processing units - the first optically variable coating medium 11; 13 applied printing unit 06; 16, e.g. B. flexographic or in particular screen printing unit 06; 16, with at least one printing unit 21; 22, e.g. B. flexo or especially screen printing unit 21; 22, is or can be fed, and downstream of the second printing unit 07; 17 a product receptacle 27 for receiving the product in the machine 01; 01' processed and/or processed substrate 02, e.g. g. a rewinder for web-type substrate 02 or a stack delivery device 27, in the preferred case for sheet-type substrate 02.

Although in each printing unit 06; 16; 07; 17 only one printing unit 21; 22; 31; 32 can be provided, in an advantageous embodiment, in at least the second printing unit 07; 17, e.g. B. flexographic or in particular screen printing unit 07; 17 several, in particular two printing units 31; 32, e.g. B. flexo or especially screen printing units 31; 32, provided between each forme cylinder 33; 34, e.g. B. a screen printing cylinder 33; 34, and a - for example, common -back pressure cylinder 38 two pressure points for z. B. form the same side of printing material 02 (see, for example, in 7 and 8 ). The at least second printing unit 07; 17 next to the second printing unit 31; 32 at least one further printing unit 32; 31. By running it as a screen printing unit 31; 32, the coating agent 13 can also be applied in a thicker layer. It can with only one or - if available - with two screen printing units 31; 32 of the second printing unit 07; 17 optically variable coating agent 13 can be applied or applied.

The first printing unit 06; 16, as mentioned, one or, in an embodiment variant that is advantageous in terms of color, several, in particular two, printing units 21; 22, in particular screen printing units 21; 22, between each forme cylinder 23; 24, e.g. B. a screen printing cylinder 23; 24, and a - for example common - impression cylinder 28 two pressure points for z. B. the same side of the printing substrate 02 form (see also example in 1 and 7 ). In another embodiment variant, the first printing unit 06; 16 with only one printing unit 21, in particular a screen printing unit 21, which is located between a forme cylinder 23, e.g. B. a screen printing cylinder 23, and a common impression cylinder 28 forms a printing point (see example in 2 and 8 ).

The respective impression cylinder 28; 38 is preferably triple-circumference, i. H. designed to hold three substrate sheets 02 in circumference.

The respective printing unit 21; 22; 31; 32 as imaging cylinder 23; 24; 33; 34, a forme cylinder 23; 24; 33; 34 with a large number of, in particular similar and/or the same, imaging elements 39, e.g. B. Printed subjects or, in particular similar and/or the same, groups of imaging printed subjects 39 on the circumference, which z. B. matrix-like in several columns spaced equidistantly from one another transversely to the transport direction T and on a cylinder width corresponding to the width of the printed image in several rows spaced equidistantly from one another in the transport direction T (see e.g. 9 ). In the case of a printing unit 21; 22 n type of high pressure reliefs and in the preferred case of a working after screen printing printing unit 31; 32 in the form of stencils. The repeating imaging elements 39 or groups are ready for operation on the imaging cylinder 23; 24; 33; 34 is provided in the grid of the copies 04 to be printed on its circumference. Printing in the first printing unit 06; 16 via the imaging elements 39 - preferably using the first coating medium 11 - is preferably carried out in such a way that the area coverage of the print image applied as the lower layer using the first coating medium 11 on the usable area on the substrate 02 defined by the print image length and print image width is less than 50 %, preferably less than 30%. A printing form of the forme cylinder 23; 24 thus comprises an area effective for ink transfer, e.g. B. raised relief surface or permeable stencil surface of less than 50%, in particular less than 30%.

The matrix-like arranged imaging elements 39 or possibly groups of imaging elements 39 on a first forme cylinder 23; 24 in at least one first printing unit 21; 22 of the first printing unit 06; 16 and the imaging elements 39 or groups of imaging elements 39 on a second forme cylinder 33; 34 in at least one printing unit 31; 32 of the second printing unit 07; 17 are on the respective forme cylinder 23; 24; 33; 34 are preferably arranged in the same pattern in such a way that the first forme cylinder 23; 24 along the transport path through the machine 01; 01' conveyed substrate 02 using the first coating means 11 via the z. B. matrix-like arranged imaging elements 39 or groups printed print image elements 12 and from the second forme cylinder 33; 34 along the transport path to the second printing unit 07; 17 funded substrate 02 using the second coating means 13 on the z. B. matrix-like arranged image-forming elements 39 or groups of image-forming elements 39 printed print image elements 14 or groups of print image elements 14 of at least all overlap, in particular the first at least not over the second print image elements 12; 14 protrude, preferably the first and the second print image element 12; 14 are each in line with each other. The relative axial and angular position between the first and second forme cylinders 23; 24, 33; 34 in the transport path as given or established.

In an advantageous embodiment, one or more forme cylinders 23; 24, in particular screen printing cylinders 23; 24, one or more printing units 21; 22 of the first printing unit 06 and one or more forme cylinders 33; 34, in particular screen printing cylinder 33; 34, one or more printing units 31; 32 of the second Printing unit 07 in at least one operating situation, e.g. B. at least as part of setting up, stopping and / or (re)starting the printing unit 21; 22; 31; 32 or the printing press, but preferably also during a production operation, mechanically driven in rotation independently of one another, preferably in each case by a motor mechanically independent of the respectively interacting impression cylinder, e.g. B. electric motor single drive, rotationally driven or drivable. Possibly. However, these can be independent of each other, but together with the respective cooperating impression cylinder 28; 38 be driven. With this mechanically independent drive, for example, a circumferential register between the two corresponding printed image elements can be set in a particularly simple manner and/or a set-up and/or standstill angular position of the independently driven forme cylinders 23; 24; 33; 34, in particular screen printing cylinder 23; 24; 33; 34, can be approached independently of one another. In principle, these individual drives can be used as set-up drives in addition to a separable drive coupling to a plurality of components of the respective printing unit 06; 07 or more printing units 056; 07 be provided in production driving the main drive. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, however, these individual drives are set up and provided for the relevant forme cylinder 23; 24; 33; 34 also mechanically independent of each other during production, preferably also mechanically independent of the respective impression cylinder 28; 38 to drive rotationally. Before or during the start-up of the machine, at least one of the two independently driven forme cylinders 23; 24; 33; 34 and/or before or during the switching on of one of the printing units 21; 22; 31; 32 is at least the associated forme cylinder 23; 24; 33; 34 is synchronized to a setpoint angular position synchronous with the machine phase position, ie initially operated at a rotational speed that is lower or higher than the machine speed, until it has the desired or required relative angular position to the machine phase position, ie to the position of the substrate sections conveyed through the printing press.

The first and the second alignment device 08; 18; 09; 19 each comprise at least one magnetically active cylinder 41 located in the transport path; 42, in particular magnetic cylinder 41; 42, over which the substrate sheets 02 are guided in at least one rotational angle range of at least 30°, preferably at least 60°, and the magnetic particles of the previously applied and not yet dried coating material 11; 13 corresponding to one of the magnetic cylinder 41; 42 outgoing course pattern of magnetic field lines are oriented.

The respective magnetic cylinder 41; 42 has, in the area of its outer circumference, a plurality of elements 43 that produce a magnetic field, or magnetic elements 43 for short, which match an orientation of at least some of the magnetic or magnetizable particles of the coating medium 11; 13 serve. The magnet elements 43 can be formed by permanent magnets with or without engraving, by electromagnets or by combinations of one or more permanent magnets and/or one or more electromagnets and are independent of whether a magnet element 43 is a single magnet element or a combination of several Permanent and/or electromagnets are referred to below as “magnets” 43 . These can be removable and/or rotatable about a radially running axis and/or adjustable with regard to their axial and/or circumferential position individually or in groups on a cylinder base body and together with this the respective magnetic cylinder 41; 42 train.

In the case of the aforementioned plurality of copies 04 per substrate section or printing material or substrate sheet 02 - e.g. B. matrix-like - in the scope of several, z. B. at least four, rows of several, z. B. three to eight, in particular four to seven, spaced apart transversely to the transport direction T magnetic elements 43 are provided or can be provided, which in processing with the through the machine 01; 01' conveyed substrate 02, preferably with the pattern of the substrate 02 to be subjected to magnetic fields in the next upstream printing unit 06; 07, 16; 17 applied print image elements 12; 14 correspond or coincide. With the above-mentioned conveying of the substrate 02 via the magnetic cylinder 41; 42, the particles are aligned or oriented by means of the magnetic field lines caused by the magnetic elements 43, possibly also through the substrate 02.

The preferably matrix-like on one or the first magnetic cylinder 41 of the first alignment device 08; 18 arranged magnets 43 and on one or the second magnetic cylinder 42 of the second alignment device 09; 19 are arranged on the respective circumference in the same pattern in such a way that the effective locations of the magnets 43 of the first magnetic cylinder 41 and the effective locations of the magnets 43 of the second magnetic cylinder 42 at least all overlap and are preferably essentially congruent. The relative axial and angular position between the first and second magnetic cylinders 41; 42 in the transport path as given or established.

The magnetic elements 43 can -. B. according to the pattern and the arrangement of the benefit 04 or the imaging elements 39 of a forme cylinder 23; 24; 33; 34 of the printing unit 06; 16; 07; 17 - in or on several, e.g. B. in three to eight, in particular in four and seven, axially spaced from each other and preferably in the axial direction positionable ring elements 44 or can be arranged, wherein in or on these ring elements 44 in turn at least one, preferably several, z. B. between two and twelve, advantageously between five and ten, magnetic elements 43 are arranged or can be arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction and preferably in the circumferential direction (see e.g. 10 ). The ring elements 44 are in the area of their outer circumference, for example, by peripheral covers 46, z. B. with the annular ribs integrally connected ceilings 46 or patch cover plates 46, closed, in which z. B. suction openings 47 and not designated recesses at the respective location of the magnetic elements 43 are provided (indicated as an example for a part of the right-hand ring element 44 in 10 ). Alternatively, a cover plate that extends axially over all ring elements 44 can be provided, which includes the recesses and/or suction openings 47 at the relevant points. The suction openings 47, in particular the suction channels located underneath, are in line connection with a vacuum pump. For example, in the magnetic cylinder 41; 42, a line running centrally in the axial direction is provided, which is connected at the end via a rotary feedthrough 48 to a vacuum line or vacuum source and is in line connection on the cylinder side with the suction openings 47 or suction channels.

The magnetic cylinder 41; 42 can be designed without additional holding means if the substrate 02 is in web form. For the case of a sheet-like substrate 02, which is preferred here, on the circumference of the cylinder 41; 42 preferably holding elements 49, z. B. gripper 49 of a so-called gripper strip, provided through which a cylinder 41; 42 to be conveyed substrate sheet 02 was taken with its leading end and during a rotation of the cylinder 41; 42 can or is held over a range of angles. A magnetic cylinder 41 configured in this way; 42 also serves to transport the substrate 02.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the first and/or the second magnetic cylinder 41; 42 is mounted between the frame walls of the machine frame in such a way that it can be removed for a change or to carry out set-up work, in particular without removing one of the frame walls. However, this means a “planned” or “operational” removal or reinsertion that differs from disassembling or dismantling the relevant structural unit. For this purpose, for example, at least on the drive side, a torsionally rigid, detachable connection between the magnetic cylinder 41; 42 or cylinder pin and a subsequent drive shaft is provided, the separation point is within the clear width between the frame walls Furthermore, the first and the second alignment device 08; 18; 09; 19 at least one on the transport path behind or preferably in the area of the magnetic cylinder 41; 42 arranged drying and / or curing device 51; 52, e.g. B. a particularly narrow-band radiation dryer 51; 52 (such as UV dryer 51; 52), advantageously LED dryer 51; 52, in particular UV LED dryer 51; 52. This is preferably arranged on the transport path in such a way that in the direction of the lateral surface of the at least one magnetic cylinder 41; 42 is directed in an angular range over which the substrate sheet 02 passes through the magnetic cylinder 41; 42 is promoted. The drying and/or curing device 51; 52 to a point in the second half of the magnetic cylinder 41; 42 running transport route. In order to avoid unnecessary heating, the works as a radiation dryer 51; 52 running drying and / or curing device 51; 52 preferably in a narrow-band wavelength range that promotes curing, e.g. B. in a wavelength band with a spectral half-width related to the radiant power of at most 50 nm, preferably at most 30 nm. The radiation maximum is preferably at a wavelength of 385 ± 25 nm, in particular 385 ± 15 nm.

At least that of the first alignment device 08; 18 associated drying and / or curing device 51, but advantageously the two alignment devices 08; 18; 09; 19 assigned drying and/or curing device 51; 52 is or are preferably designed and/or set up in such a way that the substrate 02 viewed transversely to the transport direction T is only in sections, ie in several, e.g. B. in three to eight, in particular in four to seven, spaced sections in spaced tracks can be acted upon or is acted upon by radiation. The position of the tracks in the machine 01; 01' with the axial position of the rows of printed or to be printed print image elements 12; 14 or corresponds to or is aligned with the axial position of the circumferential direction on the forme cylinder 23; 24; 33; 34 running rows of imaging elements 39 and/or with the axial position of the associated magnetic cylinder 41; 42 provided rows of magnetic elements 43.

In one embodiment, this can be done in that the radiation dryer 51; 52 running drying and / or curing device 51; 52 several, for example a number of three to eight, in particular four to seven, spaced-apart radiators 51.x; 52.x, e.g. B. dryer heads 51.x; 52.x, each comprising a single or a plurality of single radiation sources, e.g. B. LEDs may have. Preferably, the or at least a part of these dryer heads 51.x; 52.x can be displaced transversely to the transport direction T and/or the distance between them can be changed in or on the alignment devices 08; 18; 09; 19 arranged. Depending on the number of columns in the blank 04, one or more dryer heads 51.x; 52.x out of service, i. H. be deactivated and be spent, for example, in a peripheral parking position.

In another advantageous embodiment, the substrate 02 can be acted upon in a plurality of spaced-apart sections in spaced-apart tracks, in that the radiation dryer 51; 52 running drying and / or curing device 51; 52 a one- or two-dimensional array of radiation sources arranged next to one another transversely to the transport direction T, e.g. B. LEDs, in particular UV-LEDs, which via control means in spaced groups 51.y; 52.y can be activated according to the tracks to be loaded, while between these groups 51.y; 52.y lying radiation sources remain deactivated. Preferably these groups are 51.y; 52.y variable and/or configurable in their number and/or position and/or width via the associated control means.

The second alignment device 09; 19 associated drying and / or curing device 52 can in principle also with a across the substrate width continuously effective radiator with one or a plurality of radiation sources.

Irrespective of the possibility of drying in sections or advantageously in addition to this, at least the first or both of the alignment devices 08; 18; 09; 19 is dimensioned or operated or operable in an advantageous embodiment in such a way that--coordinated with the exposure time during operation--only partial drying of the coating agent layer, d. H. an outer partial layer of the previously applied coating agent 11; 13 , is dried and the position of the near-surface particles perceived in the later image or security element 03 is essentially fixed. Here is a length-specific radiant power z. B, at a maximum of 8 kW, in particular a maximum of 6 kW, per meter of substrate width, d. H. refers to one meter of substrate width of the substrate 02 to be treated, the substrate width meaning the extent of the substrate sheet 02 running transversely to the direction of transport T.

Not only, but especially for the embodiment in which the magnetic cylinder 41; 42 can be removed for a change or to carry out set-up work, the associated drying and/or curing device 51; 52 scheduled or operationally from the magnetic cylinder 41; 42 can be parked in such a way, e.g. B. pivoted so that they are parked on the side of the employed drying and / or curing device 51; 52 clears the way for good accessibility or, in the case of planned or operational removal, the way for this.

As already mentioned above, the first alignment device 08; 18 in the transport path on a conveyor section 53 between a further upstream, here as the first printing unit 06; 16 designated printing unit 06; 16 and a further downstream, here as a second printing unit 07; 17 designated printing unit 07; 17, while the second alignment device 09; 19 in the transport path on a conveyor line 54 downstream of further downstream, here as a second printing unit 07; 17 designated printing unit 07; 17 is arranged. This applies in principle to all the above-mentioned versions and variants of the printing units 06; 16; 07; 17, printing units 21; 22; 31; 32, alignment devices 08; 18; 09; 19, magnetic cylinders 41; 42 and drying and/or curing device 51; 52, and regardless of the concrete configuration of the above-mentioned conveying sections 53; 54, but preferably in combination with one or more versions and/or variants of the printing units 06; 16; 07; 17 and/or printing units 21; 22; 31; 32 and/or alignment devices 08; 18; 09; 19 and/or magnetic cylinders 41; 42 and/or drying and/or curing device 51; 52 and/or configurations of one or both of the conveyor sections 53; 54

In a first embodiment between the printing units 06; 07 lying conveyor line 53 (see example 1 and 7 ) This includes at least one on revolving traction means 58; 59 based conveyor 56; 57, which z. B. as a so-called chain gripper system 56; 57 is executed. This preferably includes a circumferential traction means 58 on both sides of the frame; 59, e.g. B. circulating chains 58; 59, which run transversely to the transport direction T and are only shown as an example at one point here gripper strips 67; wear 69 Through the gripper bars 67; 69, leading ends of substrate sheets 02 can be gripped at a pick-up location, the substrate sheets 02 can be transported along the transport path and can be delivered to the subsequent conveying or pick-up means at the destination. Preferably, at least in the area where the substrate sheet 02 is received, e.g. g. from a conveying or receiving means of the first printing unit 06 or the first receiving device 08, and in the area where the substrate sheet 02 is delivered to the subsequent conveying or receiving means, e.g. B. on conveying or receiving means of the first alignment device 08 or on conveying or receiving means of the second printing unit 07, in each case a chain wheel 61; 62; 63; 64, also called chain gripper wheel.

In a - e.g. B. in terms of a modular design - advantageous embodiment of the first embodiment, both in the conveyor section 53.1 between the first printing unit 06 and the first aligning device 08, and in the conveyor section 53.2 between the first aligning device 08 and the second printing unit 07, such a system is mounted on a revolving traction means 58; 59 based conveyor 56; 57 provided. The substrate sheets 02 are, for example, in the area of a first sprocket wheel 61 directly from the impression cylinder 28 of the first printing unit 06 or from holding means 66 provided on its periphery by the traction means 58; 59 entrained gripper strips 67 taken over the circulating traction means 58; 59 is transported to the first alignment device 08, where it is transferred directly to the single or first magnetic cylinder 42 or to the holding means 49 provided on the circumference in the area of a second chain wheel 62. The substrate sheets 02 are picked up by the single or last magnetic cylinder 41 of the first alignment device 08 or its chain wheel 62 in the area of a third chain wheel 63 by gripper bars 69 of the second conveyor device 57; 56 and transported via the circulating traction means 59 to the second printing unit 07, where they are transferred in the area of a fourth chain wheel 64, if necessary to an upstream transport cylinder or preferably directly to the impression cylinder 38 of the second printing unit 07 or to holding means 68 provided in the area of its circumference .

For example, in connection with this first embodiment, the first conveying line 53 comprises both the first and second printing unit 06; 07 two printing units 23; 24; 33, 34

The second conveyor line 54 can be divided into a first and/or second conveyor line section 54.1; 54.2 basically based on a gradual transfer between cylinders and drums. In the embodiment shown here, however, this conveyor section 54 is also equipped with at least one circulating traction mechanism 73; 74, in particular chains 73; 74, based conveyor 71; 72 which, as above, have sprockets 76; 77; 78; 79 as well as here, however includes gripper strips, not shown. Preferably, both in the conveyor section 54.1 between the second printing unit 07 and the second aligning device 09, and in the conveyor section 54.2 between the second aligning device 09 and the product receptacle 27, such a system, on circulating traction means 73; 74-based conveyor 71; 72 provided. For transport from the second printing unit 07 to the alignment device 09 and from there to the product holder 27 via the respective sprockets 76; 77; 78; 79 and holding means 49 also provided on the magnetic cylinder 42 of the second alignment device 09 applies accordingly above with the difference that the substrate sheets 02 at the end of the second conveyor line section 54.2, e.g. B. before the end sprocket 79 is placed on a stack or attached to a transport cylinder upstream of the product receptacle 27 on the input side, e.g. B. a cooling cylinder or an inspection cylinder.

In a second embodiment for the first conveyor section 53 between the two printing units 16; 17 is in at least one, preferably in both, of the conveyor line sections 53.1; 53.2 a conveyor device 81 based on a successive transfer between transport cylinders and/or transport drums; 82 provided (see e.g. 2 and 8 ).

For this purpose, at least one rotating transport body 83; 84, e.g. B. cylinder or drum 83; 84, in particular transport cylinder or drum 83; 84, with respective holding means 86; 87 on the circumference, e.g. B. gripper bars 86; 87, provided. Advantageously, this is an odd number, preferably exactly one transport body 83; 84

The substrate sheets 02 are e.g. B. from the impression cylinder 28 of the first printing unit 16, preferably triple in size and comprising three holding means 66 on the circumference, or from holding means 66 provided on its circumference, to holding means 86 of a rotating transport body 83 directly adjoining downstream, and from this, e.g. B. transferred indirectly via further transport elements or preferably directly to the single or first magnetic cylinder 42 or to holding means 49 provided on the circumference. After rotating the magnetic cylinder or cylinders 41 of the first alignment device 18, the substrate sheets 02 are e.g. B. from the - preferably single-sized and comprising a holding means 49 on the circumference - the last or only magnetic cylinder 41 of the first alignment device 18 or from the holding means 49 provided on its circumference to holding means 87 of a rotating transport body 84 directly adjoining downstream and from this z. B. indirectly via further transport elements or preferably directly to the - preferably triple-sized and comprising three holding means 68 on the circumference - impression cylinder 38 of the second printing unit 17 or by holding means 68 provided on its circumference (see e.g. 2 and 8 ).

In a preferred embodiment, on both sides of the first alignment device 18 as a conveyor 71; 72 only one, but preferably double-sized transport body 83; 84, e.g. B. as a transport cylinder 83; 84 or transport drum 83; 84, provided.

The conveyor section 54 located downstream of the second printing unit 17 and containing the second aligning device 19 can in principle also be designed on both sides of the aligning device 19 based on a transfer between cylinders and drums or - as described in the example above - two circulating traction means 73; 74-based conveyor 71; 72 (see e.g. 2 and 8 ).

For example, in connection with this second embodiment of the first conveyor section 53, the first printing unit 16 comprises only one printing unit 23.

In a z. B. with regard to the sheet transfer number advantageous modification above, on circulating traction means 58; 59; 73; 74-based configuration of the first and/or second conveyor section 53; 54, the two conveyor line sections 53.1; 53.2; 54.1; 54.2 of this conveyor section 53; 54 by only one continuous, circulating traction means 58; 59; 73; 74 based conveyor 56; 71 be executed, wherein the one or more magnetic cylinders 41; 42 of the relevant alignment device 08; 18; 09; 19 e.g. B. with frontally associated sprockets for a detour of the traction means 58; 59; 73; 74 and/or is/are formed with axially extending recesses for immersion of the gripper bars.

In further explanations for the design of the conveying sections 53; 54, mixed variants could also be provided for special requirement profiles: In a modification, for example, the first or second conveyor section 53.1; 53.2 of the first conveyor section 53, as described in the first exemplary embodiment, can be realized by a conveyor device based on a circulating traction mechanism, while the other, as described in the second exemplary embodiment, can be implemented as a gradual transfer between rotating transport bodies 83; 84 based is executed. Likewise, the first or second conveyor line section 54.1; 54.2 of the second conveyor section 54, as explained in the first exemplary embodiment, can be realized by a conveyor device based on a circulating traction means, while the other, as described in the second exemplary embodiment, can be implemented as a gradual transfer between rotating transport bodies 83; 84 based is executed. Also, the first or the second conveyor section 53; 54 in the manner described above with a two conveyor line sections 53.1; 53.2; 54.1; 54.2 continuous conveying device 56; 71 be executed, while the other of the conveyor sections 53; 54 divided in a way mentioned above, both on traction means or on Transport body based or mixed, can be formed.

In the event that in a printing unit 06; 16; 07; 17 two printing units 23; 24; 33; 34 are provided, in an advantageous development in the transport path between the two printing points of the relevant printing unit 06; 16; 07; 17 a drying and/or curing device 88 directed towards the first side of a printing substrate 02 to be conveyed through printing unit 04; 89, e.g. B. a particularly narrow-band radiation dryer 88; 89 (such as UV dryer 88; 89), advantageously LED dryer 88; 89, in particular UV LED dryer 88; 89 may be provided.

In a likewise advantageous development of the printing press 01; 01' is downstream of the second alignment device 09; 19 a drying and/or curing device 36, e.g. B. a radiation dryer 36, in particular a UV dryer 36, for thorough drying of the coating material 11 applied to the substrate 02; 13 provided.

Particularly in connection with a stack delivery 27 comprising several stacking locations, in an advantageous further development in the transport path downstream of the second aligning device 09; 19 an inspection device 37 is provided, which z. B. works in the incident light method and includes a directed to the point of impact in the transport path camera next to a directed onto the transport path light source. Substrate sheets 02" that are considered defective or have a faulty printed image can then be collected as waste 02" on one of the stacks, while so-called good sheets are placed on another stack.

Reference List

.01

Machine for generating optically variable image elements, printing press, rotary printing press, security printing press

01'

Machine for generating optically variable image elements, printing press, rotary printing press, security printing press

02

substrate, printing material, printing material sheet, substrate sheet

02'

Substrate sheet, treated, intermediate

02"

Substrate sheet, damaged, waste

03

Picture element, security element

04

Use, printed image, security, banknote

05

-

06

Application device, first, printing unit, flexographic printing unit, screen printing unit

07

Application device, second, printing unit, flexographic printing unit, screen printing unit

08

Device for aligning magnetic particles in picture elements, alignment device

09

Device for aligning magnetic particles in picture elements, alignment device

10

-

11

Coating agent, printing ink, varnish

12

Print image element, first

13

Coating agent, printing ink, varnish

14

Print image element, second

15

-

16

Application device, first, printing unit, flexographic printing unit, screen printing unit

17

Application device, second, printing unit, flexographic printing unit, screen printing unit

18

Device for aligning magnetic particles in picture elements, alignment device

19

Apparatus for aligning magnetic particles in picture elements, alignment device

20

-

21

Printing unit, flexographic printing unit, screen printing unit

22

Printing unit, flexographic printing unit, screen printing unit

23

Cylinders, forme cylinders, screen printing cylinders

24

Cylinders, forme cylinders, screen printing cylinders

25

-

26

Printing material template, sheet feeder

27

Product pick-up, stack delivery

28

Impression cylinder

29

-

30

-

31

Printing unit, flexographic printing unit, screen printing unit

32

Printing unit, flexographic printing unit, screen printing unit

33

Cylinders, forme cylinders, screen printing cylinders

34

Cylinders, forme cylinders, screen printing cylinders

35

-

36

Drying and/or curing device, radiation dryer, UV dryer

37

inspection device

38

Impression cylinder

39

Element, imaging, print subject

40

-

41

cylinder, magnetic cylinder

42

cylinder, magnetic cylinder

43

element, magnetic element, magnet

44

ring element

45

-

46

Cover, ceiling, cover plate

47

suction port

48

rotary joint

49

holding element, gripper

50

-

51

Drying and/or curing device, radiation dryer, UV dryer, LED dryer, UV LED dryer

51.x

radiator, dryer head

51.y

group

52

Drying and/or curing device, radiation dryer, UV dryer, LED dryer, UV LED dryer

52.x

radiator, dryer head

52.y

group

53

conveyor line

53.1

conveyor section

53.2

conveyor section

54

conveyor line

53.3

conveyor section

53.4

conveyor section

55

-

56

Conveyor, chain gripper system

57

Conveyor, chain gripper system

58

traction means, chain

59

traction means, chain

60

-

61

Sprocket

62

Sprocket

63

Sprocket

64

Sprocket

65

-

66

holding means

67

gripper bar

68

holding means

69

gripper bar

70

-

71

conveyor

72

conveyor

73

traction means, chain

74

traction means, chain

75

-

76

Sprocket

77

Sprocket

78

Sprocket

79

Sprocket

80

-

81

conveyor

82

conveyor

83

Transport body, cylinder, drum, transport cylinder, transport drum

84

Transport body, cylinder, drum, transport cylinder, transport drum

85

-

86

Holding means, gripper bar

87

Holding means, gripper bar

88

Drying and/or curing device, radiation dryer, UV dryer, LED dryer, UV LED dryer

89

Drying and/or curing device, radiation dryer, UV dryer, LED dryer, UV LED dryer

T

transport direction

Claims (15)

1. Apparatus for producing security elements (03) on a substrate (02), comprising

   - a first printing couple (21; 22), by which a substrate (02) conveyed along a transport path is and/or can be printed with a plurality of spaced-apart first print image elements (12) using a first, magnetic particle-containing coating medium (11),

   - a second printing couple (31; 32), by which the substrate (02) is and/or can be printed with spaced-apart second print image elements (14; 12) using a second, magnetic particle-containing coating medium (13),

   - a first magnetic cylinder (41), which is arranged in the transport path downstream of the first printing couple (21; 22) and comprises, on the circumference, magnetic elements (43) for aligning magnetic particles,

   - a first drying and/or curing device (51), which is assigned to the first magnetic cylinder (41) or is arranged in the transport path downstream thereof and by which the magnetic particle-containing coating medium (11) of the first print image elements (12) printed by the first printing couple (21; 22) is or can be dried and/or cured at least superficially and/or at least in part in each case,

   - a second magnetic cylinder (42), which is arranged in the transport path downstream of the first magnetic cylinder (41) and likewise comprises magnetic elements (43) for aligning magnetic particles, and

   - a second drying and/or curing device (52),

   - wherein the magnetic elements (43) of the first magnetic cylinder (41) and/or of the second magnetic cylinder (42) are arranged on a cylinder main body in such a way that they can be adjusted individually or in groups with regard to their axial and/or circumferential position,

   characterized in that

   - the second drying and/or curing device (52) is assigned to the second magnetic cylinder (42) or is arranged in the transport path downstream thereof,

   - at least the coating medium (13) of the plurality of spaced-apart second print image elements (14) printed on the substrate (02) is and/or can be dried and/or cured at least superficially and/or at least in part in each case by means of the second drying and/or curing device (52),

   - the second printing couple (31; 32) is provided in the transport path between the first and the second magnetic cylinder (41; 42), and

   - the first and/or the second drying and/or curing device (51; 52) is designed to act on the substrate (02) conveyed along the transport path, namely to act thereon in multiple, axially spaced-apart lanes of variable spacing.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the drying and/or curing device (51; 52) assigned to the first and/or the second magnetic cylinder (41; 42) or arranged downstream thereof is designed to apply radiation to the substrate (02) moving past, namely to apply radiation thereto in sections, i.e. in multiple, spaced-apart lanes, as viewed transversely to the transport direction (T).
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drying and/or curing device (51; 52) assigned to the first and/or the second magnetic cylinder (41; 42) or arranged downstream thereof is arranged on the transport path in such a way that it is directed to act in the direction of the lateral surface of the relevant magnetic cylinder (41; 42) in an angle range over which the substrate sheet (02) is conveyed resting on the magnetic cylinder (41; 42).
4. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that image-producing elements (39) or groups of image-producing elements (39) on the circumference of a forme cylinder (23; 24) of the first printing couple (21; 22) and image-producing elements (39) or groups of image-producing elements (39) on the circumference of a forme cylinder (33; 34) of the second printing couple (31; 32) are arranged on the respective forme cylinder (23; 24; 33; 34) in the same pattern such that the print image elements (12) or groups of print image elements (12) printed by the first printing couple (21; 22) using the first coating medium (11) and the print image elements (14) or groups of print image elements (14) printed downstream by the second printing couple (31; 32) using the second coating medium (13) all at least overlap in pairs.
5. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that a forme cylinder (23; 24) of the first printing couple (21; 22) and/or a forme cylinder (33; 34) of the second printing couple (31; 32) comprises, on the circumference, image-producing elements (39) or groups of image-producing elements (39) arranged in the manner of a matrix in multiple rows extending in the axial direction and multiple columns extending in the circumferential direction.
6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the first magnetic cylinder (41) has on the circumference a pattern of magnetic elements (43) that corresponds to the pattern of the image-producing elements (39) or groups of image-producing elements (39) of the forme cylinder (23; 24) of the first printing couple (21; 22), and/or the second magnetic cylinder (42) has on the circumference a pattern of magnetic elements (43) that corresponds to the pattern of the image-producing elements (39) or groups of image-producing elements (39) of the forme cylinder (33; 34) of the second printing couple (31; 32) .
7. Apparatus according to claim 2 and according to any one of claims 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the spaced-apart active lanes of the drying and/or curing device (51; 52), which acts in sections, correspond in terms of their axial position to columns of image-producing elements (39) or groups of image-producing elements (39) extending in the circumferential direction on the forme cylinder (23; 24; 33; 34) and/or to a number of copies (04) to be produced on the substrate (02) transversely to the transport direction.
8. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that the first printing couple (21; 22) and the second printing couple (31; 32) are coupled to one another via a first conveyor line (53), which transports the substrate (02) in the form of individual substrate sheets (02) and guides them over the first magnetic cylinder (41).
9. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the respective printing couple (21; 22; 31; 32) comprises, as an image-producing cylinder (23; 24; 33; 34), a forme cylinder (23; 24; 33; 34) having on the circumference a plurality of image-producing elements (39) or groups of image-producing elements (39) which are arranged in the manner of a matrix in multiple columns equidistantly spaced apart transversely to the transport direction (T) over a circumferential length corresponding to the print image length and in multiple rows equidistantly spaced apart in the transport direction (T) over a cylinder width corresponding to the print image width, wherein the image-producing elements (39) or groups of image-producing elements (39) arranged in the manner of a matrix on a first forme cylinder (23; 24) in at least a first printing couple (21; 22) of a first printing unit (06; 16) and the image-producing elements (39) or groups of image-producing elements (39) on a second forme cylinder (33; 34) in at least one printing couple (31; 32) of a second printing unit (07; 17) are arranged on the respective forme cylinder (23; 24; 33; 34) in the same pattern such that the print image elements (12) printed on the substrate (02) conveyed along the transport path through the machine (01; 01'), which are printed by the first forme cylinder (23; 24) using the first coating medium (11) via the image-producing elements (39) or groups arranged in the manner of a matrix, and the print image elements (14) or groups of print image elements (14) printed on the substrate (02) conveyed along the transport path to the second printing unit (07; 17), which are printed by the second forme cylinder (33; 34) using the second coating medium (13) via the image-producing elements (39) or groups of image-producing elements arranged in the manner of a matrix, at least all overlap.
10. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that the first and/or second magnetic cylinder (41; 42) is mounted between frame walls of the machine frame in such a way that it can be removed on a planned basis for replacement or to allow makeready work to be carried out.
11. Printing machine (01; 01') for the inline production of security elements (03) on a substrate (02), comprising

    - a printing material infeed (26), from which the substrate (02) is fed into the printing machine (01; 01') for processing,

    - an apparatus that forms a processing line for processing the substrate (02), said apparatus comprising

    - a first printing couple (21; 22), by which a substrate (02) conveyed along a transport path can be printed with a plurality of spaced-apart first print image elements (12) using a first, magnetic particle-containing coating medium (11),

    - a first alignment device (08; 18), designed as a first magnetic cylinder (41) and arranged in the transport path downstream of the first printing couple (21; 22) and comprising, on the circumference, magnetic elements (43) by which particles contained in the first coating medium (11) can be aligned,

    - a first drying and/or curing device (51), which is assigned to the first magnetic cylinder (41) or is arranged in the transport path downstream thereof and by which the magnetic particle-containing coating medium (11) of the first print image elements (12) printed by the first printing couple (21; 22) can be dried and/or cured at least superficially and/or at least in part in each case,

    - a second printing couple (31; 32), by which the substrate (02) can be printed, downstream of the first drying and/or curing device (51), with spaced-apart second print image elements (14) using a second, magnetic particle-containing coating medium (13),

    - a second alignment device (09; 19), designed as a second magnetic cylinder (42) and likewise comprising magnetic elements (43),

    - a second drying and/or curing device (52),

    - wherein the magnetic elements (43) of the first magnetic cylinder (41) and/or of the second magnetic cylinder (42) are arranged on a cylinder main body in such a way that they can be adjusted individually or in groups with regard to their axial and/or circumferential position,

    - and a downstream product receiving unit (27) for receiving the substrate (02) processed in the printing machine, Characterized in that

    - the second printing couple (31; 32) is arranged downstream of the first drying and/or curing device (51),

    - particles contained in the second coating medium (13) can be aligned by the second magnetic cylinder (42),

    - the second drying and/or curing device (52) is assigned to the second magnetic cylinder (42) or is arranged in the transport path downstream thereof, and in that at least the coating medium (13) of the second print image elements (14) can be dried and/or cured at least superficially and/or at least in part in each case by said second drying and/or curing device, and

    - the first and/or the second drying and/or curing device (51; 52) is designed to act on the substrate (02) conveyed along the transport path, namely to act thereon in multiple axially spaced-apart lanes of variable spacing.
12. Printing machine according to claim 11, characterized in that an inspection device (37) directed towards the transport path and/or a further drying and/or curing device (36) and/or a conveyor device (71; 72) based on circulating tractive means (73; 74) is provided between the second alignment device (09; 19) and the product receiving unit (27), and/or in that the first and the second printing couple (21; 22; 31, 32) are respectively part of two printing units (06; 07; 16; 17), and at least the second printing unit (07; 17) comprises at least one further printing couple (32; 31) in addition to the second printing couple (31; 32).
13. Printing machine according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the printing couples (21; 22; 31; 32) are designed to print substrate sheets (02) with a variable number and/or length of rows of copies (04) to be printed one next to the other, said rows extending transversely to the transport direction (T), and/or with a variable number and/or width of columns of copies (04) to be printed one behind the other, said columns extending in the transport direction (T).
14. Printing machine according to claim 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that a forme cylinder (23; 24) of the first printing couple (21; 22), which applies the first coating medium, and a forme cylinder (33; 34) of the second printing couple (31, 32), which applies the second coating medium, are or can be mechanically driven in rotation independently of one another in at least one operating situation.
15. Printing machine according to claim 11, 12, 13 or 14, characterized by the printing machine being designed as a sheet- fed printing machine and/or for the inline production of security elements (03) on sheet-form substrate (02).

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