EP3086947B1 - Printing forme device, printing unit and method for printing an identification mark onto the printing stock in the exact target position - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing forme device and a printing unit for applying identification markings to a printing material. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for printing an identification mark with precise positioning on the printing material. The printing material can in particular be a preliminary product (blank) of a value or security document, for example a bank note, a check or another security document.

Banknotes, checks and other securities issued in large numbers are usually provided with a number in order to ensure that each individual piece is clearly identified. In the case of banknotes, the numbering can also contain information about the issuing office, the printer or the position of the banknote on a multiple-up and the like. The identification numbers of a bank note are usually formed by a combination of letters and numbers. The same or similar may also apply to other securities.

To produce banknotes, they are first printed on sheets of the special paper intended for their manufacture and then separated. The banknotes are then collected (collated) into bundles, care being taken to ensure that the banknotes within the bundles are numbered consecutively. The same generally applies to other securities, such as checks.

In order to provide the value or security documents with the identification numbers, the documents are generally first essentially completed, ie provided with all the security features and imprints required for these documents. The respective identification numbers are then printed on these pre-products of the documents. These numbers can be printed on the document in different places and in different orientations. For example, Series 2 EURO banknotes contain one each associated serial number on the back twice in different places, whereby the two printed numbers are arranged at 90° to each other.

To generate these printed numbers, number systems are used that generate the serial numbers on the banknotes. The numbering printed with these devices must be consecutive on the banknotes. This means that the number printing changes from banknote to banknote, namely by one number unit. Suitable devices have been developed for this pressure.

Out of DE 20 2007 019 477 U1 discloses an electromechanical banknote numbering device that has a numbering unit with rotatable numbering wheels that carry alphanumeric symbols, the numbering wheels being arranged next to one another and rotating about a common axis of rotation. The numbering device further includes electromechanical actuators for adjusting the position of the numbering wheels. The electromechanical actuators are located entirely inside the numbering device and are mechanically autonomous. They have a plurality of independent drive units for actuating a corresponding plurality of numbering wheels. A portion of the total numbering wheels may be operated by independent drive means and a remaining portion of the numbering wheels may be manually operable. Each drive device has at least one electric motor, which drives the associated numbering wheel via a gear arrangement, the gear arrangement having a first reduction factor. The electric motor is a brushless DC motor with electronic commutation. Each electric motor is coupled to the gear assembly via a reduction gear. The reduction gear provides an additional reduction in the output speed of the electric motor to the gear assembly, the reduction gear being a miniature planetary gear train. The alphanumeric symbols on the numbering wheels are raised and reversed.

Out of DE 60 2005 000 255 T2 a method for applying markings to security papers is also known, in which at least one composite identity marking is formed from a first identity marking and at least one second identity marking. The two marks are created by different marking stations, the second marking station being a laser marking station. A sheet is created for marking, on which a basic design of the notes is printed identically on fields of the sheet and these fields correspond to the individual notes in such a way that when the slurs are cut into individual notes, stacks of consecutively numbered notes are formed. The numbering machine includes a pair of marking stations spaced on the outer periphery of a roller and around the roller. For printing, the sheet is guided around the roller and printed using the marking stations.

Also the pamphlets DE 27 23 103 , EP 0 286 317 as well as EP 0 167 196 describe numbering printing units or devices for printing banknotes in particular with sequential numbers.

When using such number systems, it has been found that the identity markings are only partially generated within a predetermined surface area, but in some cases are partially printed on the surface outside of this area. For example, when printing banknotes as multiple copies in sheet-fed printing, serial numbers are applied to these sheets. These are often not printed within tolerance. This leads to the rejection of the corresponding banknote or the entire sheet, so that the defective prints have to be reprinted separately. Since there is also the requirement to collate the banknotes into bundles after printing and separating by cutting the sheets in ascending or descending order of the serial numbers, a logistical problem arises since the missing rejects have to be added to the bundle in the correct position after a reprint.

With the current production of EURO banknotes, reprints are no longer classified, but the rejects are destroyed without replacement. Reprinted banknotes are then provided with serial numbers which are appended to the serial numbers used.

The present invention is therefore based on the problem that the identification marks on a value or security document, for example the surface of a security, are not always generated at the intended location, so that one object of the present invention is to ensure that the identification marks are always can be generated within a given surface area.

The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 and 10 respectively. Advantageous developments of the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

If features and elements are mentioned in the singular in the description and in the claims of the present application, for example 'identification mark', 'number system', 'actuator', 'sensor', 'print field', 'transfer roller', 'counter pressure roller', 'inking unit ', 'printing form device', 'identification mark', 'marking field', is in the relevant place below in addition, the corresponding feature or element is also to be understood in the plural and vice versa, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Insofar as the term "printing material" is used in the description and in the claims of the present application, it is to be understood as meaning a preferably flat material that can preferably be in the form of a sheet or web and made of a dimensionally stable, tear-resistant and resistant to everyday use chemically resistant material is formed. The sheet or web can be single or multiple use. The printing material can be formed, for example, by a non-woven fabric or a film. The nonwoven fabric can be made from paper or cotton fibers. Printing material made from paper fibers can be in the form of paper, paperboard or cardboard. In particular, the film can be produced from a polymer or polymer mixture. The polymer can in particular consist of polycarbonate (PC), in particular bisphenol A polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), derivatives thereof, such as glycol-modified PET (PETG), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polymethyl methacrylate ( PMMA), polyimide (PI), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylphenol (PVP), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), in particular thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), acrylonitrile butadiene Styrene copolymer (ABS) and derivatives thereof. In addition, the printing material can also be made from several of these materials, either by mixing the non-woven fabrics and/or polymers together or by connecting several layers of these materials together, for example by gluing, laminating, extruding or the like. The polymers can be either unfilled or filled. In the former case, they are preferably transparent or translucent. If the polymers are filled, they are opaque. The above information relates both to films to be joined together and to liquid formulations that are applied to a preliminary product, such as a protective coating. The product is preferably made from 3 to 12, preferably 4 to 10 films. A laminate formed in this way can then be coated on one or both sides with a protective lacquer.

Insofar as the term 'value or security document' is used in the description and in the claims of the present application, this includes, for example, a passport, identity card, driver's license or another ID card or an access control card, a vehicle registration document, vehicle registration document, visa, a Customer card, health card, chip card, a company ID card, proof of entitlement, membership card, bill of lading or other proof of entitlement, a security, for example a cheque, means of payment, in particular a banknote, a check, bank, credit or cash payment card, a gift or shopping voucher, tax stamps, postage stamps, tickets, (game) tokens or an adhesive label (e.g. for product security) or understand any other ID document. The document is in particular a bank note, a check or another security.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above problem, there is provided a printing forme device for applying identification marks to a printing material. According to the invention, this device has at least one number system (Numerota) arranged on a rotatable holding element, the position of which on the rotatable holding element can be adjusted at least parallel to an axis of rotation of the rotatable holding element or parallel to the lateral surface of the rotatable holding element and additionally, if necessary, also in the radial direction. The at least one number system can be adjusted by means of an actuator in each case to adjust the setting of the printing position.

In addition, a printing unit for applying identification markings to a printing material is created, which has at least one printing forme device according to the invention. The printing unit also has at least one counter-pressure roller and at least one inking unit. The printing unit is designed so that the ink originating from the at least one inking unit reaches the at least one printing form device and from there onto the printing material.

Furthermore, a printing unit for applying identification markings to a printing material is created, which has at least one printing forme device according to the invention. The printing unit also has at least one transfer roller, at least one counter-pressure roller and at least one inking unit. The printing unit is designed so that the ink originating from the at least one inking unit reaches the at least one printing forme device, from there to the at least one transfer roller and from there to the printing material.

1. (a) Bedrucken des Bedruckstoffes mit mindestens einer Identifikationsmarkierung;
2. (b) Ermitteln der Position der mindestens einen Identifikationsmarkierung auf dem Bedruckstoff;
3. (c) Vergleichen der ermittelten Position der mindestens einen Identifikationsmarkierung mit einer Sollposition; und
4. (d) Verstellen der Position des mindestens einen Nummernwerkes auf dem rotierbaren Halteelement mittels jeweils eines Aktors zur Anpassung der Einstellung der Druckposition.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is also a method for printing an identification mark with precise position on a printing material by means of a printing unit having at least one printing forme device according to the invention provided. The printing forme device has at least one numbering system on a rotatable holding element, with the position of the numbering system on the rotatable holding element being adjustable at least parallel to an axis of rotation of the rotatable holding element or parallel to the lateral surface of the rotatable holding element, and optionally also in the radial direction. The process includes the following process steps:

1. (a) printing the printing material with at least one identification mark;
2. (b) determining the position of the at least one identification marking on the printing material;
3. (c) comparing the determined position of the at least one identification mark with a target position; and
4. (d) Adjusting the position of the at least one number system on the rotatable holding element by means of an actuator in each case to adjust the setting of the printing position.

It has been found that the printing material used for printing is stretched transversely to the transport direction as a result of the printing process by rolling out, specifically in particular at the leading edge (upper edge) of a piece of printing material. A closer look shows that, for example, sheets of printing material are deformed in a trapezoidal shape due to the distortion, with the longer base side of the trapezium forming the leading edge (in the transport direction in the printing press). This means that the identification markings, for example serial numbers on banknotes, are printed outside of the tolerance, particularly in the corner areas of the sheets, markings in the edge areas being particularly affected because of the trapezoidal deformation. The printing of several identification markings rotated by 90° relative to one another is also particularly problematic, since the tolerance for these markings printed along the transport direction is even lower in this case. The adjustability of the individual number sets minimizes rejects during the production of value or security documents and reduces the downtime of the printing press for fine adjustment of the number sets, which has previously been done manually and for which the printing press has to be opened and the color carriage driven away.

Furthermore, the structure of the printing unit with the printing forme devices is particularly critical if a large number of numbering units are provided in a matrix-like arrangement for printing multiple-up sheets, i.e. in rows and columns on the casing of the printing forme roller, with the numbering units in a column, i.e. one behind the other in the transport direction, located number works are kept together and their position in the printing unit could therefore be adjusted together at best. Since the deformation of the printing material has an effect on the printing material in particular in the printing areas in the edge area, an adjustment to a target position would only be successful for a single numbering system in a column or only for a few numbering systems.

The number systems of the printing forme devices can be used in particular as in DE 20 2007 019 477 U1 specified be trained.

Thus, the printing forme device can in particular have one or more numbering machines with rotatable numbering wheels, which can carry alphanumeric symbols. The numbering wheels are arranged next to each other in a numbering system and rotate around a common axis of rotation. The numbering machine can also have electromechanical actuation devices for setting the (rotational) position of the numbering wheels. The electromechanical actuators are preferably located entirely within the numbering machines and are mechanically autonomous. They preferably have a plurality of independent drive units for actuating a corresponding plurality of numbering wheels. A portion of the total numbering wheels may be operated by independent drive means and a remaining portion of the numbering wheels may be manually operable. Each drive device can have at least one electric motor, which drives the assigned numbering wheel via a gear arrangement. The gear arrangement preferably has a first reduction factor. The electric motor can be a brushless DC motor with electronic commutation. Each electric motor may be coupled to the gear assembly via a reduction gear. Preferably, the reduction gear provides a reduction in the output speed of the electric motor in addition to the gear arrangement. The reduction gear can preferably be a miniature planetary gear train. Alphanumeric or other symbols to be printed on the numbering wheels may be raised and reversed to allow indirect letterpress printing.

The rotatable holding element is preferably in the form of a circular cylinder. Alternatively, it can be approximately circular-cylindrical, ie it can have an at least approximately rotationally symmetrical lateral surface which is produced by rotating a generating line which is also only approximately straight. The holding element is preferably rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The (longitudinal) axis of rotation of the holding element with the numbering units attached to it is arranged in a plane parallel or approximately parallel to a line of contact of the printing material with the numbering units and perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the transport direction of the printing material in the printing press or printing unit. The rotational speed of the holding element depends on the feed speed of the printing material relative to the printing forme device. The linear speeds of the printing material and the peripheral speed of the printing forme device are preferably the same as the numbering units in a plane in which they touch the printing material during the printing process.

The at least one numbering system is attached to the rotatable holding element, with the attachment allowing the position of the numbering system on the holding element to be adjusted. This adjustability is preferably implemented essentially parallel to the axis of rotation of the holding element, namely essentially perpendicular to the transport direction of the printing material. As an alternative to this, the adjustability can also be implemented essentially or additionally parallel to the lateral surface of the holding element and essentially parallel to the transport direction. These possibilities of adjustability mean that the setting of the printing position on the printing material can be adjusted. In addition to the above options, it can also be provided that the position of the numbering system on the holding element can be adjusted in the radial direction, i.e. its height above the printing material. This allows further adjustments to be made to the printing of the identification marks.

By rotating the holding element with the numbering systems attached to it, the latter are each positioned over defined points of the printing material as the printing forme device rotates, so that the identification markings can be printed on the printing material by means of the numbering systems. The number works are preferably detachably fastened to the holding element. For example, the numbering machines can be attached to the holding element by means of brackets, for example two brackets for each numbering machine, namely one each on two opposite sides of the numbering machine, and/or by means of a sliding guide. For this purpose, for example, holding element rings can be located on the holding element, which are either detachably or non-detachably connected to the holding element, or the holding element is designed on the outside so that the holding element rings are designed in one piece with the holding element. The number works can preferably be detachably attached to these holding element rings. The holding element rings preferably enclose the holding element on a path running perpendicularly to the axis of rotation. The retaining element rings have suitable fastening elements for fastening the number works, or these fastening elements are provided on the number works or on both components together. For example, projections for attaching (resilient) clamps, sliding guides (for example dovetail guides) or the like can be provided, for example, on the holding element rings.

In order in particular to solve the problem that the deviation of the actual position of a print field for a print object from its target position on the printing material, on which a identification mark is to be printed, depends on the position at which the respective print field is located on a printing material sheet or a printing material web, a preferred development of the present invention provides that the position of each numbering system can be adjusted independently of the positions of other numbering systems on the holding element . As explained above, the distortion of the printing material due to the printing process in the printing press is greater at the leading edge of the printing material than at the trailing edge. In addition, of course, there is also a difference between paths running in edge regions and a central path (where at most a negligible deviation of the actual position from the target position occurs). Therefore, the requirements for a position setting for the different number systems on the holding element are different.

In contrast, in a simplified embodiment of the present invention, all number systems that are arranged in the same plane perpendicular to the axis of the holding element can only be adjusted together. For example, all number systems that are attached to a holding element ring can be adjusted together. For this purpose, the retaining element ring can be adjustable relative to the retaining element, i.e. the retaining element ring can be displaced in the axial direction on the retaining element, and/or the retaining element ring can be rotated relative to the retaining element.

The at least one number system can be adjusted by means of an actuator in each case. For example, the actuator can be an electromechanical actuator, preferably a servomotor, namely a position-controlled servo drive, which is formed from a servo motor with a servo controller. The servomotor can be any motor, for example a DC motor, asynchronous motor or synchronous motor. The actuator can act on the numbering system by means of a gear, preferably a reduction gear, so that it can be moved parallel or perpendicular to the axis of rotation or in the circumferential direction of the holding element for position adjustment along an adjustment path. For this purpose, the actuator and possibly a gear can be arranged within the holding element if this has an interior space for accommodating the actuator and the gear.

In a further preferred development of the present invention, there is at least one sensor with which the respective deviation of the actual positions of the identification markings from their desired positions can be determined.

For this purpose, the at least one sensor can be arranged at a point in the transport direction behind the printing unit in the vicinity of the movement path of the printing material, so that it preferably detects the position of printed objects, for example printed banknote objects, and the identification markings contained therein, for example by means of optical, magnetic , electromagnetic or some other detection method, so that the actual position of the print fields for the printed objects and/or the marking fields for the identification markings on the printing material can be determined, for example calculated, from this.

The at least one sensor can either output the deviation of the actual position from the target position in the form of an electrical signal or, for example, enable an operator to visually check the positioning. If the sensor is a camera, for example, an operator can see from the visualized positions of the currently printed identification marks whether these have been printed within the specified marking fields or already partially outside of these fields, and possibly also whether the markings are already at the edge of the fields, but still inside. This would allow the operator to manually adjust the position of any or all of the number works. In this case, the operator could actuate the actuators by exerting actuating pulses on them. For this purpose, the operator can be in a control station and adjust the actuators centrally from there. Therefore, the printing machine does not have to be opened for the adjustment process.

Camera systems can be used as a sensor, which can also be used to read, record and control the printed serial numbers.

In a further preferred development of the present invention, the at least one actuator can be controlled (inline feedback) by an electrical signal (actuating pulse) generated by the at least one sensor. The actual position of the printed identification mark is first determined from the electrical signal from the sensor and the deviation from its target position is calculated from this. This deviation results in a Actuating pulse that is delivered to the actuator so that it adjusts (adjusts) the position of the associated number system. The position of the at least one identification mark is thus preferably determined in method step (b) by means of the at least one sensor, and then the deviation of the determined position from the target position is calculated and output in the form of an electrical signal. The sensor can output the electrical signal that reflects the deviation of the determined position from the target position, the method between method step (c) and method step (d) comprising the following further method step:
(c1) Transmission of the electrical signal to the at least one actuator, which suitably adjusts a position of the at least one number set on the rotatable holding element of the printing forme device.

Consequently, the actuating pulse can be generated either manually or as a result of a regulation. Manual control requires an operator to monitor the deviation of the actual position of the identification mark from the target position. A regulation that includes a control chain from the sensor via a control member to the actuator enables automatic adjustment of the actuator.

In this case, too, the sensor can be formed by a camera, for example. Using image processing suitable for this purpose, the printed objects and the exact positions of the identification markings or the marking fields for these markings within the printed objects can then be recorded from the data determined with the camera. The actual positions of the last printed identification markings can in turn be calculated from this data and the deviations of the actual positions from the target positions can be calculated from these. The deviations determined are forwarded to the actuators as actuating pulses, so that they position the corresponding number systems in a suitable manner on the holding element. In a corresponding manner, sensors can also be used which are based on physical principles other than the optical detection of the printed objects.

The adjustment of the positions of the number systems can either be carried out continuously when there is a deviation from an ideal position of an identification marking or only when an identification marking is no longer within the marking field lies or threatens to leave it, for example, during the next printing process. In the former case, the positions of the numbering systems are constantly determined between two consecutive printing processes if an adjustment is required due to a detected deviation. In the latter case, an adjustment only takes place if the marking is no longer completely within the marking field when it was last printed or is already at its edge. For example, a smaller tolerance field can also be defined within the marking field, in which the marking should always be located, with the actuator being addressed for adjustment when the marking leaves this tolerance field.

In a further preferred development of the present invention, the printing material is preferably formed by a printed sheet. Identification markings can be produced in marking fields on the printing material by means of the printing forme device, the marking fields being arranged in printing fields which are arranged in a matrix having n rows and m columns. The rows run transversely to a transport direction of the printing material, and the columns run parallel to the transport direction. A numbering system is arranged on the rotatable holding element, corresponding to the n×m print areas, with n and m integers being greater than zero. These number systems form segments of the printing forme device.

If, for example, 40 banknotes are to be produced from a sheet of printing material by printing 40 banknote prints on the front side of the sheet of printing material and corresponding prints on the back, for example five banknote prints in eight rows that follow one another in the transport direction, n=8, m=5 results in a total of 40 identification marks (serial numbers) on the substrate sheet. If two identification marks are to be printed in each print field, a total of 80 identification marks must be printed on the printing material sheet. These can of course be produced with a single printing form device in a single printing unit, which has all, namely 80, number units. However, first identification markings are preferably first printed in a first printing operation with a first printing unit in first marking fields and then second identification markings are printed in a second printing operation with a second printing unit in second marking fields. The same applies in the case of even more identification markings in each print field. Preferably, in the above example, 40 series of numbers on each of the two brackets attached. However, all 80 identification marks are preferably printed in one print run. This is preferred where the identification markings are on the same side of the banknote, such as with the Euro 1 series or the Euro 2 series.

If the subsequently isolated value or security documents, for example banknotes, are to be collated into bundles with identification marking values that follow one another in ascending or descending order, the identification markings must be applied to the printing material sheet in such a way that a corresponding collation in the specified manner is possible without any problems. In the above example, for example, the printed objects (printed banknotes) in the first row on the printing material sheet are to be provided with successive identification marks, as are the printed objects in the subsequent rows, with the marking values of the identification marks of a last printed object in a row and a first printed object in the following consecutive row. If, as in the example above, several identification marks are to be applied in the area of a printed object, these are identical.

In order to generate these identification markings, the number systems are to be attached and controlled on the holding element in such a way that they can print the identification markings on the printed objects on the printing material sheet, as explained. The number systems are on the rotatable holding element, for example, in a relative arrangement to one another that corresponds to that of the printed objects on the printing material sheet, ie the relative arrangement of the markings in the matrix-shaped printing fields results when the printing forme device rolls on the printing material. If necessary, several number sets are grouped together in a predetermined spatial arrangement in order to apply several (identical) markings in the area of a printed object (print field). In the case of a matrix-like arrangement in the rows, successive marking values are set on the numbering machines, the marking value of numbering machines of the last matrix element in a row increasing by one unit to the marking value of numbering machines of the first matrix element of the following row. After all identification markings of a sheet of printing material have been printed, the marking values of all number systems are set to new values, the now lowest value being one unit higher than the highest marking value of the previously printed one substrate sheet. The other number systems are set as explained above.

In the embodiment of the present invention explained above, the positions of all number systems can be adjusted independently of one another. Or only the positions of some number sets are adjustable, while the positions of others are not adjustable. For example, the positions of numbering machines located in a central transport area can be fixed (not adjustable) on the holding element, while the positions of numbering machines located in the edge area can be adjusted. Accordingly, it can be provided that although the positions of all number systems are adjustable, some number systems are not equipped with corresponding actuators, so that they can only be fine-tuned manually. In this embodiment, the fact is taken into account that it is to be expected that deviations of the determined positions from the target positions are significant only in the edge area of the printing material, while the deviations in the middle area are relatively small.

In a further preferred development of the present invention, the printing forme device can be used in a printing unit for direct relief printing. In this case, the printing unit has, in addition to at least one printing forme cylinder (printing forme device) provided with the numbering units, a counter-pressure roller and at least one inking unit, with the printing unit being designed so that the ink originating from the at least one inking unit is applied to the at least one printing forme device and from gets onto the printing material there. Alternatively, indirect relief can also be used (letterset). In this case, the printing unit has, in addition to at least one printing forme cylinder (printing forme device) provided with the numbering works, an inking unit that supplies ink to the numbering works, and also a rubber blanket cylinder (transfer roller) to which the numbering works transfer the color and from which the color print is made the printing material is transferred, as well as a pressure cylinder (counter pressure roller). If printing is to be done with a single color, it is sufficient that only one inking unit and one printing forme cylinder are provided. In the case of multi-color printing, several inking units and printing form devices must be provided according to the number of colors.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the printed object can be designed in such a way that the marking fields are covered by a but are surrounded by material detectable in a different spectral range, for example in the IR or UV range, so that the position of an identification mark printed in the marking field can be easily detected without the material surrounding the marking field and thus indicating being visually perceptible . In this case, the actual position of the identification marking is easily detected by the contrast of the identification marking to the material surrounding the marking field, which can be detected in the corresponding spectral range. The material may be in a surface area immediately adjacent to the marking field. It can be incorporated into the printing material or applied to it, for example printed on.

Fig. 1

zeigt die Rückseite einer Banknote in einer schematischen Darstellung mit zwei Identifikationsmarkierungen;

Fig. 2

zeigt einen Druckbogen zur Herstellung von Banknoten mit acht Reihen von jeweils fünf Banknotennutzen;

Fig. 3

zeigt den Versatz der Identifikationsmarkierungen auf unterschiedlichen Druckfeldern auf einem Druckbogen aufgrund der trapezförmigen Auswalzung des Druckbogens;

Fig. 4

zeigt zwei in einer Druckmaschine hintereinander beförderte Druckbogen mit einer durch die Auswalzung verursachten Trapezverformung;

Fig. 5

zeigt ein Druckwerk in einer schematischen Seitenansicht;

Fig. 6

zeigt ein Nummernwerk für eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Druckformvorrichtung in einer isometrischen Darstellung;

Fig. 7

zeigt eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Druckformvorrichtung in einer schematischen Seitenansicht;

Fig. 8

zeigt eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Druckformvorrichtung in einer isometrischen schematischen Ansicht;

Fig. 9

zeigt einen Ausschnitt aus einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Druckformvorrichtung in einer schematischen Schnittansicht.

The following figures, which merely represent exemplary embodiments, serve to explain the invention in more detail:

1

shows the back of a bank note in a schematic representation with two identification markings;

2

shows a printed sheet for the production of banknotes with eight rows of five banknote blanks;

3

shows the offset of the identification markings on different print fields on a signature due to the trapezoidal rolling out of the signature;

4

shows two printed sheets conveyed one behind the other in a printing press with a trapezoidal deformation caused by the rolling;

figure 5

shows a printing unit in a schematic side view;

6

shows a number system for an embodiment of the printing block device according to the invention in an isometric view;

Figure 7

shows an embodiment of the printing forme device according to the invention in a schematic side view;

8

shows an embodiment of the printing form device according to the invention in an isometric schematic view;

9

shows a section of an embodiment of the printing forme device according to the invention in a schematic sectional view.

In the following description of the figures, the same reference symbols designate the same elements and/or elements with the same function.

In the 1 The reverse side 102 shown of a banknote 100 (document of value) is produced in the usual way by printing a printed image (printed object) 101 onto a printing material 105, here a cotton paper. This bank note 100 has an identification marking 200 in the form of a serial number made up of alphanumeric characters on the reverse side 102 shown for its unique identification, the serial number 200 being formed from two leading letters and ten digits. The full length serial number 200 is printed in a first marking field 310 in the upper right corner of the bill 100 . In addition, there is a fragment 200` of the serial number 200, which is formed from its last six digits, in a second marking field 320 approximately in the middle of the lower half of the banknote 100.

Banknotes 100 of this type are first produced in multiple copies 500, for example in a 5×8 matrix, by forming a 720 mm×650 mm printed sheet 500 with eight rows 520 of five printed fields/banknotes 510.xx each (in five columns 530). becomes ( 2 ). The printed print images 101 ( 1 ) are printed in the corresponding print fields 510.xx. For example, 8500 signatures are produced 500 per hour at a linear speed of 1.5 to 3 m/s. The two marking fields 310, 320 for the markings 200, 200', which are only indicated here, are located in each of the print fields 510.xx. The tolerance for the positioning of the markings 200, 200' on the individual banknotes 100 is 1.2 mm, for example.

Since the printed sheets 500 are mechanically stressed by the preceding imprints, the sheet material is rolled out. This results in a trapezoid shape, with the longer base side of the trapezoid forming the leading edge 501, 501' (in transport direction T in the printing press) ( 4 ; Distortion shown relative to transport path TB). Because the numbering systems 800 of the printing forme device 700 ( 8 ) apply the markings 200, 200` at predetermined positions on the printed sheet 500, 500', it can easily happen that the markings 200, 200` are not printed in the marking fields 310, 320 but partially outside of these fields 310, 320 ( 3 ).

The printing process used for number printing is letterset printing, which is an indirect letterpress process. Alternatively, a direct printing process can also be used. A printing device 600 suitable for the letterset printing process is shown schematically in figure 5 shown: The sheet 500, 500 'is coming from above between a printing cylinder (counter-pressure roller) 610 and a rubber-blanket cylinder 620, the counter-pressure roller 610 pressing the printed sheet 500, 500' against the rubber-blanket cylinder 620. An inking unit 630 supplies ink to the printing form cylinder 700 (printing form device) which carries the number trains 800 via intermediate transfer rollers 640 . The raised areas 811 of the marking elements 810 ( 6 , 7 , 9 ) are thus wetted with the ink and then press them onto the blanket cylinder 620, which takes the printed image by splitting the ink. The printed image is then transferred from the blanket cylinder 620 to the printed sheet 500, 500'.

The printing forme cylinder 700 has the number systems 800. Such number systems 800 are known. A typical numbering system 800 is in DE 20 2007 019 477 U1 described. An isometric view of such a number system 800 is in 6 shown. This numbering system 800 has a number of number disks 815 arranged next to one another with raised areas 811 with alphanumeric symbols on the end faces. The number disks 815 are rotatably mounted on an axle 820 . The disks 815 are each driven by a motor with gear reduction 830 so that the position of each individual disk 815 can be adjusted individually.

In the present case, the printing forme cylinder 700 is equipped with 40 numbering systems 800, which are arranged on a roller 710, which corresponds to the matrix-like arrangement of the banknotes 100 on the printed sheet 500, namely in eight rows of five numbering systems 800 ( 7 , 8th ). The number units 800 form segments of the surface of the printing forme cylinder, although these segments do not necessarily cover the entire surface, but only the angular range in the circumferential direction that corresponds to the extension of all rows 520 of printing fields 510.xx on the printing material 105 ( 7 ). The representations in 7 , 8th do not show that there are minimum distances between the individual numbering systems 800, which ensure that the positions of the numbering systems 800 can be adjusted independently of one another parallel to the lateral surface 711 of the roller 710. The number disks 815 of the numbering machines 800 protrude beyond the periphery of the roll.

In order to fasten the number systems 800, five seat rings (holding element rings) 720 (not shown) are fastened to the roller 710 with a diameter of, for example, 140 mm. The outer diameter of the seat rings 720 is 220 mm, for example. These seat rings 720 surround the roller 710 and have a recess for each number system 800 that they carry 721 as a sliding guide in the form of a dovetail guide parallel to the surface line of the roller 710 on ( 9 ). For this purpose, the numbering machines 800 themselves are equipped with a complementary dovetail 840 which is held in the dovetail guide 721 . In this way, the number systems 800 on the roller 710 can be adjusted along the generatrices, ie in the axial direction. The adjustment can be made by means of an actuator 850, for example a servomotor, which is located below the respective numbering system 800 inside the roller and which receives an actuating pulse from the outside. The actuator 850 acts via a driver tongue 860 of the numbering system 800, which reaches through a slot in the seat ring 720. The printing forme cylinder 700, which has the numbering systems 800, has a diameter of, for example, 370 mm.

For consecutive printing of a printing material 105, for example printing sheets 500 having printing fields 510.xx arranged in a matrix, the numbering systems 800 of the printing forme cylinder 700 are, for example, first set in such a way that they are set to consecutive marking values, i.e. for example YA123456770, YA123456771, YA123456772, ... starting from a first row of the number systems 800, which print the markings in the banknote printing fields 510.11, 510.12, 510.13 at the leading edge 501 of the printed sheet 500, and within the rows from left to right up to the last row, so that the printing fields 510.81, 510.82 , 510.83, 510.84, 510.85 of the last row 520 of the spread 500 get the marker values ..., YA123456808, YA123456809, YA123456810 ( 2 ).

After the first printed sheet 500 has been provided with the marking values, it passes a camera (sensor) 900, which reproduces the printed sheet 500 and forwards the data obtained to an image processing unit 910 ( 4 ), detecting the actual positions of the printed marks 200, 200'. If individual markings 200, 200' are not arranged completely within the marking fields 310, 320 provided for this purpose or are already approaching an edge of the fields, electrical actuating pulses 920 are sent to the actuators 850 of the numbering systems 800 of the printing forme device 700, which indicate the position of the corresponding Print fields 510.xx on the print sheet 500 correspond. As a result, the positions of these number systems 800 are adjusted. This position adjustment is made before the next (second) printed sheet 500' is provided with the markings 200, 200'.

Furthermore, the marking values of the number systems 800 are rearranged before the next (second) printed sheet 500' is printed, so that they now begin with the next marking value that has not yet been printed, i.e. starting with YA123456811, YA123456812, YA123456813, ... and ending in accordance with the example above with ..., YA123456848, YA123456849, YA123456850. By adjusting the position of the numbering systems 800, these markings 200, 200' are printed exactly in the marking fields 310, 320 provided for this purpose, so that the required tolerances are maintained.

In an alternative variant, the numbering can be carried out as follows with 40 copies per sheet: The print fields 510.xx with the sequence YA000000001, YA000000101, ... to YA000003801, YA000003901 are printed on a first sheet. On a second sheet that follows, the print fields 510.xx are accordingly printed with a number '2' at the end. The subsequent sheets are printed accordingly. The hundredth sheet is printed with YA000000100, YA000000200, ... to YA000003900, YA000004000. Sheet 101 begins with the numbering YA000004001. The following markings are numbered YA000004101, ... to YA000007801, YA000007901. Sheet 200 is numbered YA000004100, YA000004200, ... to YA000007900, YA000008000.

Reference List

100

Banknote, value or security document

101

Print image, print object

102

back

105

substrate

200

identification mark, serial number

200`

Identification mark, serial number fragment

310

first checkbox

320

second check box

500

Multiple use, printed sheet

501, 501'

leading edge

510.xx

Pressure field, (banknote) benefits

520

Line

530

Split

600

(Letterset) printing device, printing unit

610

Counter-pressure roller, pressure cylinder

620

blanket cylinder, transfer roll

630

inking

700

Printing form device, printing form cylinder

710

roller, holder

720

seat ring, retaining ring

721

Recess, sliding guide, dovetail guide

800

number system

810

marker element

811

raised area with alphanumeric symbols

815

dial

820

axis

830

Motor with gear reduction

840

dovetail

850

actuator, servomotor

860

driving tongue

900

camera, sensor

910

image processing unit

920

electrical signal, electrical actuating pulse

T

transport direction

TB

transport track

Claims (13)

1. Printing forme device (700) for applying identification marks (200, 200') to a printing substrate (105), comprising at least one numbering unit (800) which is arranged on a rotatable retaining element (710) and of which the position on the rotatable retaining element (710) is adjustable at least in parallel with an axis of rotation of the rotatable retaining element or in parallel with the lateral surface of the rotatable retaining element and, in addition, optionally also in the radial direction, characterized in that the at least one numbering unit (800) is adjustable by means of an actuator (850) in each case for adapting the setting for the printing position on the printing substrate.
2. Printing forme device (700) according to claim 1, characterized in that the position of each numbering unit (800) is adjustable independently of the positions of other numbering units (800).
3. Printing forme device (700) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one numbering unit (800) is adjustable by means of an electromechanical actuator (850) in each case.
4. Printing forme device (700) according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one electromechanical actuator (850) is formed by a servomotor in each case.
5. Printing forme device (700) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one actuator (850) is actuatable by an electrical signal (920) generated by at least one sensor (900) in each case, from which signal a target position of the numbering unit (800) is calculated in each case.
6. Printing forme device (700) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printing forme device (700) can generate identification marks (200, 200') on the printing substrate (105) in mark fields (310, 320) arranged in print fields (510, 510.xx) which are arranged in a matrix comprising n rows (520) and m columns (530), wherein the rows (520) extend transversely to a transport direction (T) of the printing substrate (105) and the columns (530) extend in parallel with the transport direction (T) and wherein a numbering unit (800) is arranged on the rotatable retaining element (710) in each case, so as to correspond to the n x m print fields (510, 510.xx), where n and m are integers that are greater than zero.
7. Printing forme device (700) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printing forme device (700) is configured for direct or indirect relief printing, such that the printing forme device (700) can be used in a printing unit (600) for the direct or indirect relief printing.
8. Printing unit (600) for applying identification marks (200, 200') to a printing substrate (105), comprising at least one printing forme device (700) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, at least one counter-pressure roller (610) and at least one inking unit (630), wherein the printing unit (600) is configured such that the ink coming from the at least one inking unit (630) reaches the at least one printing forme device (700), and from there reaches the printing substrate (105).
9. Printing unit (600) for applying identification marks (200, 200') to a printing substrate (105), comprising at least one printing forme device (700) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising at least one transfer roller (620), at least one counter-pressure roller (610) and at least one inking unit (630), wherein the printing unit (600) is configured such that the ink coming from the at least one inking unit (630) reaches the at least one printing forme device (700), from there reaches the at least one transfer roller (620), and from there reaches the printing substrate (105).
10. Method for printing an identification mark (200, 200') on a printing substrate (105) in a precise position by means of a printing unit (600), comprising at least one printing forme device (700) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the printing forme device (700) comprises at least one numbering unit (800) on a rotatable retaining element (710), wherein the position of the numbering unit (800) on the rotatable retaining element (710) is adjustable at least in parallel with an axis of rotation of the rotatable retaining element or in parallel with the lateral surface of the rotatable retaining element and optionally also in the radial direction, and wherein the method comprises the following method steps:

    (a) printing the printing substrate (105) with at least one identification mark (200, 200');

    (b) determining the position of the at least one identification mark (200, 200') on the printing substrate (105);

    (c) comparing the determined position of the at least one identification mark (200, 200') with a target position; and

    (d) adjusting the position of the at least one numbering unit (800) on the rotatable retaining element (710) by means of an actuator (850) in each case for adapting the setting for the printing position on the printing substrate.
11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that in method step (b), the position of the at least one identification mark (200, 200') is determined by means of at least one sensor (900), which outputs an electrical signal (920) reproducing the deviation of the determined position from the target position, and in that the method comprises the following further method step between method step (c) and method step (d):
    (c1) transmitting the electrical signal (920) to at least one actuator (850) that adjusts a position of the at least one numbering unit (800) on the rotatable retaining element (710) of the printing forme device (700).
12. Method according to any one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the at least one printing forme device (700) prints the printing substrate (105) with identification marks (200, 200') in mark fields (310, 320) arranged in print fields (510, 510.xx) which form a matrix comprising n rows (520) and m columns (530), wherein the rows (520) extend transversely to a transport direction (T) of the printing substrate (105) and the columns (530) extend in parallel with the transport direction (T), where n and m are integers that are greater than zero.
13. Method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the printing substrate (105) is a preliminary product of a value document or security document (100).

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