Device for aligning magnetic or magnetizable particles and machine for generating optically variable image elements

A device for aligning magnetic or magnetizable particles (P) contained in a coating agent (06) applied to one side of a web-format or sheet-format substrate (02), the device comprising:

• an alignment device (41;
• 42), which comprises one or more magnetic elements (43;
• 44) that, during normal operation, are fixed to a frame at a transport path so as to, in a working position (A), enter or be able to enter into magnetic interaction with magnetic or magnetizable particles (P) on the substrate (02) to be guided past the device along the transport path, the one or more magnetic elements (43;
• 44) being arranged at a carrier (46) that extends transversely to a transport direction (T) over a working width provided for processing the substrate (02),
• characterized in that the carrier (46) is mounted, on both sides, in or at at least a respective guide (47;
• 48), which are provided directly in frame walls (38;
• 39) of the frame carrying the alignment device (41;
• 42) or at or in side panels (54;
• 56) arranged at the frame walls (38;
• 39), and that the carrier (46) is mounted so as to be movable, together with the magnetic elements (43;
• 44), overall, by way of a translatory movement in or at the guides (47;
• 48), in a guided manner, along a movement path from the working position (A) into a makeready position (R) that is spaced apart from the working position (A), and that the guide (47;
• 48) is configured in a manner of a guide groove (47;
• 48), in which a corresponding carrier-side support element (49;
• 51) engages.