EP2384898B1 - Safety element for security papers, valuable documents or the like - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a security element for security papers, documents of value or the like having a support which is at least partially transparent or translucent, a print pattern having a line grid structure which codes an image and is arranged in a first layer on the support, an analyzer, which also has a line grid structure, wherein the analyzer is arranged in a second layer on the carrier, which is spaced from the first layer or laterally adjacent to the print pattern or provided on a separate carrier, the line grid structures of print pattern and analyzer matching each other are designed so that the image is perceived when viewed in a transparent view within a certain viewing angle range.

The invention further relates to a document of value with such a security element.

The invention relates to a manufacturing method for a security element for security papers, documents of value or the like, in which an at least partially transparent or translucent and a first and a second layer having carrier in its first layer with a print pattern having a line grid structure, the image wherein an analyzer is also provided which also has a line grid structure and wherein the analyzer is formed in a second layer on the carrier which is spaced from the first layer or formed laterally adjacent to the print pattern or formed on a separate carrier is made, the line grid structures of print pattern and analyzer are designed to match each other, that the Image is perceptible when viewed in review within a particular viewing angle range.

The DE 102004007379 B3 describes such a security element that has a print pattern on one front and another print pattern on the back. The two print patterns are designed as Moirémuster. An analyzer serves to reveal a hidden image by overlaying it with the print pattern. The two printing patterns can be arranged as linear line screens, wavy or circular lines, etc. The decoding by means of the analyzer can be achieved by a partial phase shift of the line grids on the front and back. It is also mentioned that two layers with mutually twisted line grids can be provided on the front side, which code two different images, which are made individually visible either by different analyzers or by different angular positioning, ie rotation, one and the same analyzer.

The WO 2007/115656 A2 also describes a security element with a dot or line pattern on the front and another dot or line print pattern on the back. In particular, these print patterns can be designed as a line grid and interact when viewed in phantom. It is also mentioned that when using line scans with the same, constant screen ruling on the front and back side in case of not accurate arrangement of the two print patterns beating effects in the review can occur. The line printing rasters can be modulated with regard to the line width, so that a known line modulation is used as the coding. So that information can be perceived in transmitted light, a translucent carrier material is provided. The line print pattern on the front is essentially a mirror image of the line print pattern on the back. However, areas are provided in which the printed patterns deviate from one another, so that a total of information is encoded, which is visible when viewed in transmitted light, however, is difficult to detect in the supervision.

The US 6997482 B2 also deals with a security element that has a first line pattern on one face and a second line pattern on the back. Both line patterns can be derived from a basic pattern and are designed in such a way that it is the interaction of the two line patterns in a visual inspection that makes it possible to recognize an image. The line patterns on the front and the back are modulated in such a way that they do not show any motif on their own in plan view, but the motif appears through a combination of the two modulations. The cited document also describes that this principle can be used to check the correct registration of the line patterns. This can be used in particular for setting a printing press. When the proper registration is achieved, the front line pattern interacts with the back line pattern so that the back line pattern is completely obscured by the front line pattern, thereby eliminating the modulation. On the other hand, if the registration is not correct, the back line pattern is only partially covered by the front line pattern.

EP 0967091 A1 describes a security element that attaches a raster image on the front and back of a film. The distance between the raster images caused by the thickness of the carrier causes a spatial arrangement which leads to changing moiré interferences when the viewing angle is changed. The raster images can be used in particular as a line pattern be designed. The originating from the same inventors EP 1089883 B1 also describes this security element. In addition, it should be mentioned here that another grid pattern, the grid dimensions of which are matched to the dimension of the line grid, can be used as a filter, which makes additional information, which is arranged in the line patterns, recognizable only after placing the filter. According to both documents it is provided that a viewer can perceive the desired image when viewed vertically. The contrast disappears as the viewing angle increases, until at a certain viewing angle a black area results. This effect is achieved by arranging the front line grid exactly above the back line grid.

The EP 1886827 A1 describes a security element that has print structures on the front and back which complement each other by having the print structures mating with each other.

The EP 1845496 A1 describes a security element having a Moirémuster on one side, wherein at a distance from this Moiremuster a filter is provided, preferably designed as a line structure that causes a viewing angle-dependent motif change in the perception of moire pattern. A similar structure is from the DE 102006061905 A1 and the WO 2007/127862 known.

Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to provide a simple as possible and yet greatest possible counterfeit security reaching security element.

This object is achieved according to the invention with a security element for security papers, documents of value or the like, with a carrier, which is at least partially transparent or translucent, a print pattern having a line grid structure encoding an image and arranged in a first layer on the support, an analyzer also having a line grid structure, the analyzer being arranged in a second layer on the support spaced apart from the first layer or disposed laterally adjacent to the print pattern or provided on a separate support, the line screen patterns of the print pattern and analyzer being matched to each other such that the image is located above the print pattern analyzer and when viewed in phantom is perceptible within a certain viewing angle range, wherein the line grid structure of the print pattern has a first and a second line grid, both in the first layer and are crossed against each other, the first line grid encoding the image and the second line grid the image Versc and the line grid structure of the analyzer is formed as a line grid which extends substantially parallel to the second line grid in the analyzer arranged above the print pattern, so that within the determined viewing angle range the line grid structure of the analyzer at least partially shadows the second line grid and thereby the image within the certain viewing angle range with better contrast is perceivable, as in plan view of the print pattern.

The object is further achieved with a production method for a security element for security papers, documents of value or the like, in which an at least partially transparent or translucent and a first and a second layer having carrier in its first layer with a print pattern having a line grid structure, a Image coded, wherein an analyzer is provided, which also has a line grid structure, and wherein the analyzer in a second Layer is formed on the carrier, which is spaced from the first layer, or is formed laterally adjacent to the print pattern or formed on a separate carrier, wherein the line grid structures of print pattern and analyzer are designed to match each other, that the image arranged above the print pattern Analyzer and when viewed in phantom within a certain viewing angle range is perceptible, wherein the line grid structure of the print pattern has a first and a second line grid, both in the first layer and are crossed against each other, the first line grid encoding the image and the second line grid Image is obscured, and the line grid structure of the analyzer is formed as a line grid, which extends in parallel with the second line grid in analyzer arranged above the print pattern, so that within the specific viewing angle range of the analyzer, the second Lini Enraster at least partially shaded and thus the image within the particular viewing angle range with better contrast is perceived, as in plan view of the print pattern.

The invention further relates to a value document having such a security element or a value document which has been produced using such a production method.

The invention achieves a higher degree of anti-counterfeiting security in that the print pattern encodes an image that is obscured by elements that are in the same plane as the elements that generate the image. A layered analysis or separation of the security element, as for example in the generic security element according to DE 102004007379 B3 possible, is thus prevented. In addition, the inventive concept has the advantage that no additional View angle dependence between the first line grid, which encodes the image, and the second line grid, which obscures the image may occur, since both line grids are arranged in the same plane.

Another advantage is that a much easier-to-manufacture structure of the security element is achieved, since only two layers are required, the z. B. can be conveniently placed on the front and back of the carrier.

The use of the two crossed line grids in the print pattern allows in contrast to DE 102004007379 B3 but above all, to work with a fixed analyzer. In the prior art, because of the different levels in which the two line grids are located, it was necessary to rotate the analyzer. It was therefore essential in practical implementation to provide this as an independent analysis part. According to the invention, however, the analyzer can now be firmly attached to the carrier. Only by this property, which is achieved only by the feature that the two line grids lie in one and the same plane and are crossed to each other, the security element can be used as a self-usable security feature. The suitability for use on value documents or credit cards, etc., is therefore achieved only by the inventive concept.

In an advantageous development, the second line grid of the print pattern can additionally encode a motif. Thus, the second line grid not only serves to obscure the image encoded by the first line raster, but also provides a (further) motif perceptible outside the particular viewing angle range along with the image.

The analyzer thus ensures that only the image is perceptible within the specific viewing angle range and, outside of the specific viewing angle range, the image with the motif. For the coding of the information in the line grids, in particular for the coding of the image in the first line grid, all known Linienrastermodulierungen in question, especially one-sided modulations, which are particularly easy to control typography and beyond a particularly good shading effect for the analyzer result.

Information encoded in the print pattern, i. H. The image in the first line grid and, if present, the motif of the second line grid can have different colors. Thus, both the obfuscation and the recognition of the combination of image and subject outside the particular viewing angle range can be required.

A particularly good shading effect by the analyzer results when the first and second line grids of the printed pattern lie at an angle of substantially 90 ° to one another, ie intersect at right angles.

The line spacing for the line grid can basically be freely selected. A good combination between easy recognizability and minimization of the printing outlay arises at a line spacing of the first and second line grid of 0.15 mm to 0.3 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.2 mm. The line modulation can then be between 0.05 mm and 0.15 mm.

The distance between the two layers on the carrier determines the angular range in which the recognizability of the image of the first line grid is given. ever the larger the distance, the larger the viewing angle range in which no shading occurs. The distance can be adjusted particularly comfortably if the first layer is arranged on the upper side and the second layer is arranged on the underside of the carrier. The thickness of the carrier then sets the distance. This results at the same time easy manufacturability.

The modulated line rasters can preferably be realized with a line width between 20 μm and 200 μm, particularly preferably between 50 μm and 150 μm.

The concept according to the invention provides that the analyzer ensures that, depending on the viewing angle range, the image coded by the first line grid is visible. Since a shading effect is used for this purpose, the analyzer must be at a distance from the first layer of the line screen which encodes the first image. This can be achieved by providing the analyzer in a second layer that is spaced from the first layer in which the print pattern is located. Alternatively, the analyzer can be arranged laterally next to the print pattern, so that the analyzer is folded over the print pattern by suitable folding of the carrier with the security substrate. The thickness of the carrier then automatically provides the appropriate distance required for the shading effect. As a third option, the analyzer may be provided on a separate carrier which is then placed over the print pattern to verify the security feature realized by the security element by means of the shading effect.

As mentioned above, the second line grid may encode a motif. The terms "image" in connection with the first line grid or "motif" in connection with the second line grid were only chosen for discriminating assignment to the corresponding elements or structures. The different terms should not be linked to different meaning. The same applies to the term "motif picture" which will be introduced later. These terms are merely intended to describe that image, motif and motif image each provide their own visually perceptible information. This may include, for example, graphic information, an image, a pattern, numbers, letters or other characters.

The shading effect according to the invention between the analyzer and the printed pattern can, as already mentioned above, be developed such that the second line grid codes a motif. Depending on the coding and arrangement of the analyzer, this motif can be perceived outside the specific viewing angle range together with the image of the first line grid or instead of the image. This is the case when the analyzer covers the image encoded by the first line raster in a certain viewing angle range, so that when looking through substantially only the motif encoded by the second line raster can be recognized with good contrast. This change between recognizability of image and motif gives the security element a particularly high protection against counterfeiting, since a user can detect a change between image and motif by tilting the security element.

For the first and the second line grid, a line width modulation can be used to achieve a gray-tone representation of the image or the subject. Particularly preferred is and a particularly effective shading effect shows a one-sided line width modulation.

Alternatively or in addition to a gray-tone representation, it is possible for the first or second line grid to encode the image or motif as a light / dark representation by providing corresponding recesses in the line grid. In these recesses then no line grid is present, so that the recessed area is then perceived without further structure. By recess, there is both a recess of the lines, i. a bright surface, as well as a recess of the line spaces, so to understand a dark area.

Particularly in the variant with recesses for image or motif coding, the analyzer can additionally encode a motif image, likewise by means of one or more recesses in the line grid of the analyzer. But this is also possible with gray-scale images.

The security element allows a particularly good visual impression when the carrier between the first and second layer is transparent or translucent. The security element itself can be applied to a further substrate, for example a banknote paper.

However, the transparency between the two layers of the security element can also be achieved particularly preferably by using a three-layer composite material made of plastic and paper as the carrier. In this case, a paper layer form the inner layer, which is connected to two outer layers of film, for example glued. An inverse construction with an internal foil layer is also possible. The indication of the number of layers is to be understood as the lower limit. The inner layer has a hole, so that a recess is formed in which the composite material is formed only from the two outer layers, such as film layers. The recess or the hole can through be filled with a bond. Preferably, the layers with print motif and analyzer are now arranged in the region of such a hole, ie above or below the hole. It is both possible to attach both layers to the outer surfaces of the composite. Optionally, one of the two or it can also be arranged both layers in the hole. It is always possible to fill the hole with a transparent adhesive. If such a bond is dispensed with, a relative movement between the two outer layers occurs when the carrier is bent. This relative movement leads to the same shading effect as a change in the angle of view when the security element is kept level. By bending the security element, the change between image and motif or image motif thus occurs in the same way, which results in additional security against counterfeiting.

The security element can be designed, in particular, as a security thread, tear-open thread, security strip, security strip, patch or as a label for application to a security paper, value document or the like. In particular, the security element can span transparent areas or recesses.

The security element is preferably applied to a banknote having a window area, to a card-based security document having a window area, such as a badge, a credit or debit card, or to a paper-bound identity document with a window area.

The term security paper is understood to mean, in particular, the precursor that can not yet be processed as a value document which, in addition to the security element according to the invention, also has further authenticity features, for example (such as luminescent substances provided in the volume) may have. Value documents are here understood, on the one hand, documents produced from security papers. On the other hand, value documents can also be other documents and objects which can be provided with the security feature according to the invention, so that the value documents have non-copyable authenticity features, whereby an authenticity check is possible and at the same time unwanted copies are prevented. Chip or security cards, such. Bank or credit cards are other examples of a value document.

Translucency or translucent in this description is understood to mean the partial translucency of a body, that is, the property of transmitting light without being transparent. Translucence is thus to be seen in contrast to transparency (= transparency of image or sight). The reciprocal property of translucency is opacity. For the purpose of this description, a body is translucent or transparent if the transmittance in the region of the visible optical radiation (= light) is at least 90%. At transmittances between 10 and 90%, the body is partially transparent or translucent.

The production method according to the invention can be developed so that the described preferred embodiments and embodiments of the security element are produced.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the specified combinations but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Fig.1

eine Schnittdarstellung durch ein Sicherheitselement,

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Schemadarstellung des Sicherheitselementes der Fig.1 von oben,

Fig. 3

eine Darstellung ähnlich der Fig. 2, jedoch von einer abgewandelten Ausführungsform des Sicherheitselementes,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung für den Aufbau des Sicherheitselementes der Fig. 2,

Fig. 5a bis c

Teilausschnitte aus den Linienrastern des Sicherheitselementes der Fig. 4,

Fig. 6

eine Darstellung ähnlich der Fig. 4 für eine abgewandelte Version des Sicherheitselementes,

Fig. 7 bis 10

schematische Schnittdarstellungen durch einen Träger des Sicherheitselementes der Fig.1,4 oder 6 in Form eines dreischichtigen Verbundmaterials und

Fig.11a-c

schematische Schnittdarstellungen eines Kartenkörpers, an dem das Sicherheitselement ausgebildet werden kann.

The invention will be explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which also disclose features essential to the invention. Show it:

Fig.1

a sectional view through a security element,

Fig. 2

a perspective schematic view of the security element of Fig.1 from above,

Fig. 3

a representation similar to the Fig. 2 but of a modified embodiment of the security element,

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of the structure of the security element of Fig. 2 .

Fig. 5a to c

Parts of the line grids of the security element of Fig. 4 .

Fig. 6

a representation similar to the Fig. 4 for a modified version of the security element,

Fig. 7 to 10

schematic sectional views through a support of the security element of Fig.1 . 4 or 6 in the form of a three-layer composite material and

11A-c

schematic sectional views of a card body on which the security element can be formed.

The figures are not shown to scale for clarity, especially in terms of thicknesses. Incidentally, elements which in different embodiments functionally and / or structurally resemble or correspond to the same reference numerals in all figures in order to avoid repeated descriptions. In the following description is the front of the security element in the representations of Fig.1 labeled top or front page. The back is accordingly the bottom or back side. This convention is merely for ease of description and is not intended to be limiting as to the construction and / or application of the security element.

Fig.1 shows simplified a section through a security element 1. The basis for the security element 1 is a carrier 2, which can be realized for example by a plastic film. This plastic film is transparent or even translucent, as will be explained later. The security element 1 can be provided, for example, for a banknote or a security card, such as a credit card. In particular, it may be arranged partially over a window provided in the corresponding value document.

At the top 3 of the carrier 2 is a first layer 19, formed by a print. The same applies to the bottom 4, which has a second layer 20 with a print. The imprint on both sides is in the form of a line grid structure. In the first layer 19 on the upper side 3 is a line grid structure 5, in the second layer 20 on the bottom 4, a line grid structure 6. Due to the thickness d of the carrier 2, the line grid structures are arranged at a corresponding distance from each other.

The figure further shows that the line grid structures 5 and 6 lie in a certain orientation relative to one another, so that the line grid structure 5 on the underside 4 at least shades a part of the line grid structure 5, if the security element within a certain viewing angle range, which in FIG Fig.1 is schematically illustrated with the angle α, viewed in phantom.

The line grid structure 5 on the underside 4 is a non-modulated line grid and, as will be explained, serves as an analyzer in the review of the security element 1.

The line grid structure 5 at the top is formed as a crossed pattern of a first line grid 7 and a second line grid 8. This is in Fig. 2 good to see that shows a perspective view of the security element 1 viewed from the top 3 of the carrier 2 forth. In Fig. 2 It is easy to see that the first line grid 7 is modulated. This type of line modulation, which is known to the person skilled in the art, causes the first line grid 7 to encode a picture. Without the line grid 8, this image would be clearly visible from the top 3. However, the second line grid 8 crossed to the first line grid 7 obscures the perception of the image coded in the first line grid, in particular because the line grid structures are so large that they are difficult or even imperceptible to the naked eye at normal viewing distance.

The structure of the line grid structure 5 on the upper side 3 of the carrier 2, requires that the image coded by the first line grid 7 is perceivable only under certain conditions with good contrast. These conditions are defined by the line grid structure 6 on the underside 4 of the carrier 2. The line grid structure 6 has for this purpose a line grid, which at the Bottom 4 is substantially parallel to the line grid 8. Depending on the viewing angle, the line grid of the line grid structure 6 on the underside 4 of the carrier 2 thus shades the second line grid 8 to different degrees. As a result, due to the interaction of the second line grid 8 and line grid of the line grid structure 6, slots remain for viewing the first line grid 7 and thus the image coded thereby whose slot width depends on the viewing angle. Thus, the contrast in the perception of the image encoded by the first line screen 7 is affected by the viewing angle.

The result is an impressive tilting effect through which the image encoded by the first line grid 7 emerges when the carrier 2 is tilted or disappears again.

In an in Fig. 3 illustrated embodiment of the invention, the line grid 8 encodes an additional motif. As a result, depending on the viewing angle, the combination of the image coded by the first line screen 7 and the image coded by the second line screen 8 is visible or not. In the case of complete shading of the second line grid 8 by the line grid of the line grid structure 6 on the underside 4 of the carrier 2, on the other hand, only the image which is coded by the first line grid 7 appears. As a result, the perspective image-dependent addition of the image to the subject is obtained.

According to the invention, the essential requirement for the support 2 is that it exhibits a certain degree of transparency or translucency. If one uses a transparent carrier, the image or the image supplemented by the motif appears in a transparent view particularly clearly. However, for certain cases, a translucent carrier may suffice.

In the embodiments of the Figures 2 and 3 By way of example, a translucent carrier 2 is used, which is arranged above a window 9, which is formed, for example, in a banknote or a security card.

Fig. 4 shows in a perspective view of the security element of Fig. 3 , The reproduced at the right edge of the drawing sheet FIGS. 5a to 5c show excerpts of the corresponding line grid, which in Fig. 4 are shown. Elements of the representation of Fig. 4 already using the Fig. 3 correspond to described elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

On the front side 3 of the carrier 2, a first line grid structure 5 is arranged in a first layer 19. It comprises a first and a second line grid 7, 8. The first and second line grids 7 and 8 cause a gray-tone reproduction of image information in the form of the image 12 or the motif 13 by unilateral line width modulation. The line grids 7, 8 are merely of easier recognizability half shown separately. In reality, they are combined in a first line grid structure 5 and provided as a crossed line grid in the first layer 19. The first line grid 7 lies at a 45 ° angle (for example with a line spacing of 0.1 mm and a modulated line width of 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm) and codes as a one-sided line grid as image 12 a closed eye. The thickenings of the line grid are aligned to the right as an example. However, the orientation has no further meaning. Furthermore, the second line grid 8 is present in the crossed first line grid structure 5, which is arranged at an angle of -45 °, by way of example. Line spacing and line thickness correspond to those of the first line grid 7. It shows as motif 13 in gray scale an open eye.

The line grid structure 6 of the analyzer is spaced from the first layer, by way of example in a second layer 20 on the back 4 of the carrier 2, mounted and extends at a -45 ° angle (line spacing, for example, 0.1 mm, line thickness 0.1 mm). It does not encode information.

By applying the crossed first line grid structure 5 in the first layer on the front side, comprising the first line grid 7 and the second line grid 8, the thickness of the carrier 2 (corresponding to the body depth) results in shading with respect to the second line grid structure 6 of the analyzer , With changing viewing angle of the observer in view, for example, by tilting the security element 1 horizontally and / or vertically, the said line grid structures overlap. The information of the image 12 (closed eye) recognizable in supervision disappears and the view of the second information of the subject 13 (opened eye) is released. Due to the change in viewing angle, the line grid structure 6 of the analyzer shifts optically in the direction of the line direction of the first line grid 7 due to the thickness of the carrier 2 and covers the second line grid 8.

Fig. 6 shows an alternative utilization of the shading effect. On the front side 3 of the carrier 2, in turn, in a first layer 19, a line grid structure 5 is applied, which consists of a first line grid 7 and a second, line grid 8 crossed thereto. The first line grid 7 is again at 45 °. Unlike in the embodiment of Fig. 4 However, it does not encode a gray-tone image, but has constant line spacing and constant line width. The information of the image 12 is effected by a recess in the line raster; it represents the value number "0". Of course, the recess can also be made inversely by filling the gaps of the Line grids are omitted. This is shown by way of example in the left part of the first line grid 7. Here is the value "5" to see.

The second line grid 8 shows no modulation in the region of the image 12. It is used exclusively for disguising the introduced in the first line grid 7 information. In view of the front side 3, one recognizes the value "0" with a 45 ° grid assignment in a darker cross-grid environment.

On the back of the carrier 2, the analyzer 6 is introduced as a decoding grid. He also has no gray tone modulation but in the form of a recess a picture motif 14, here the image of a flower.

By the applied to the front of the carrier 2 crossed first line grid structure consisting of the first line grid 7 and second line grid 8 comes in combination with the second line grid structure 5, which acts as an analyzer on the back of the carrier by the body depth or thickness of the wearer 2 to a shading effect. When the observer's angle of vision changes, the line grid is overlaid by tilting the security element. In this case, the second line grid structure 6 of the analyzer provided on the rear side interacts with the front grid, which is tilted by 90 ° thereto. The information of the image 12, which can be seen in supervision, disappears approximately and the view of the second information disappears, in this case the image motif 14 is released. The back line screen structure 6 of the analyzer shifts with increasing tilt due to the distance of the first layer 19 next to the crossed line grids 7 and 8 relative to the second layer 20 with acting as an analyzer line grid structure 6 optically in the transparency region of the image 12 and reduces its transparency. The result is a partial darkening or darkening of the image 12. The information of the flower coded by the back line grid structure 6 acting as an analyzer is visually highlighted and gains in visible dominance over the front information.

The production of all line grid structures is possible in a printing process. Alternatively, you can also print first continuous line grid and then remove them at the locations of the image 12 and the motif image 14 again. The term "print motif" should not be understood as limiting to simple printing processes, but also covers complex, multistage production processes. In this case, the production process may comprise in particular that only one of the two line grid structures is printed and the other is introduced either completely or by exposure to a previously provided and possibly already partially the line grid pattern recording layer by optical radiation, for example by laser action. This concept is particularly useful for personalizing card bodies.

The described shading effects can also be achieved by the linear grating structure 6 serving as an analyzer being realized as a cross-line grid. Even then, the line grid structure 6 designed as a cross-line grid shifts optically in the direction of the line modulation of the first line grid 7 or of the second line grid 8 when the substrate 2 is tilted and reduces its transparency, so that a partial darkening results. This dark zone can optionally be used for the introduction of further information.

For the security element described two layers are relevant, which must be spatially spaced. It is the first layer 19, in the first line grid structure 5, comprising the line grids 7 and 8, is arranged, and the second layer 20 with the second line grid structure 6 serving as decoding grid or analyzer. The spacing of these structures can be achieved particularly simply if the carrier 2 uses a multilayer composite which is composed of a sequence of paper and plastic film layers and has an internal paper or plastic film layer. In the FIGS. 7 to 10 For example, for such a carrier various attachment possibilities of the first layer 19 and the second layer 20 are shown.

The carrier 2 has two outer plastic film layers 15 and 17 and an inner paper layer 16. This has a hole 18. In the region of this hole, the first layer 19 and the second layer 20 are attached, so that the advantageous transparency of the carrier 2 between the Layers 19 and 20 is given. The hole 18 can optionally be filled with adhesive. In FIG. 7 the layers 19 and 20 are on the outsides of the outer plastic films 15 and 17. In Fig. 8 the layers 19 and 20 are applied on either side of one of the outer layers, in this case the plastic film 17. In Fig. 9 Both layers 19 and 20 are provided on the insides of the outer layers 15 and 17. In Fig. 10 Finally, one layer (in this case layer 20) is on the inside of an outer layer, the other layer (in this case layer 19) on the outside of the other outer layer. Of course, in the FIGS. 7 to 10 the positions of the first layer 19 and the second layer 20 are arbitrarily changed.

The use of a composite material for the carrier 2 has a further advantage. If one waives a connection, for example a bond, which produces composite layers in the region of the hole 18 Bending or bending of the carrier 2, a relative displacement of the first layer 19 and the second layer 20 whenever the first layer 19 and the second layer 20 are not on two sides of the same layer, as in FIG. 8 the case would be. The relative movement then results in the same shading effect as a change in viewing angle.

For the production of the described security element, a good registration between the line grid structures 5 and 6 is desirable. All printing methods suitable for this purpose are therefore suitable for the production, in particular offset printing method, gravure printing method, inkjet printing method, laser printing method, etc.

Of course, the printing of the line grid can also be performed in color, in particular 8 different colors can be used for the line grid structures 5 and 6 and / or for the first line grid 7 and the second line grid.

The FIGS. 11a to c schematically show sectional views through card body 21, where the security element according to the invention can be formed. The card bodies comprise transparent foils 22 and in the example of FIG 11A two opaque films 23, in the example of 11B an opaque film 23 or in the example of 11C two opaque printing layers 24. Thus, at least one opaque element is provided. Each opaque element 23/24 provided in the card body 24 has a hole 18. The security element is formed in the region of the hole, wherein at least one foil 22 or an opaque layer 23 ensures the distance between the first line grid structure and the second line grid structure. The card body of the FIGS. 11a to 11c allow in particular easy to personalize the security element. For example, this will be the second line grid structure nienrasterstruktur 6 of the analyzer in the card body provided by a suitable printing method. This analyzer is the same for all card bodies 21. At a suitable distance (relative to the card body thickness), the first line grid structure 5 is then applied by the action of optical radiation, for example a laser, or by a printing process. If one uses a printing method or an effect of optical radiation with which the printed information can be constantly changed, for example a laser printing method, an inkjet printing method or a thermal sublimation printing method, the personalization or individualization of the card body can be achieved simply by applying the first line grid structure. then z. B. can be configured as a document of identification or credit card. The first line grid structure 5 may include, for example, a portrait of a person in front and side view, or a portrait and a digit of a document of value or the initial letters of a holder name. This gives the advantage that a personalization of the document of value, a document of identification or a credit card is required only on one page. A further advantage is that the information is provided exclusively in the first line grid structure, whereby register variations to the second line grid structure can be tolerated to a certain extent.

The personalization can of course also take place in that a color change or a color change or a color removal for the production of the first line grid structure is used.

Of course, the security element according to the invention can also be combined with other security features in order to achieve a higher protection against imitation or copying.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

security element

2

carrier

3

top

4

bottom

5

Line grid structure

6

Line grid structure

7

first line grid

8th

second line grid

9

window

12

image

13

motive

14

motif

15.17

foil

16

paper layer

18

hole

19

first shift

20

second layer

21

card body

22

foil

23

opaque layer

24

covering printing layer

Claims (23)

1. Security element for security papers, value documents or the like, with

   - a carrier (2), which is at least partially transparent or translucent,

   - a printed pattern, which has a line grid structure (5) which encodes an image (12) and is arranged in a first layer (19) on the carrier (2),

   - an analyzer, which also has a line grid structure (6), wherein the analyzer is arranged in a second layer (20) on the carrier (2) which is at a distance from the first layer (19) or is arranged laterally next to the printed pattern or is provided on a separate carrier,

   - wherein the line grid structures (5, 6) of the printed pattern and the analyzer are designed to match each other such that the image (12) is perceptible inside a particular viewing angle range (α) in the case of the analyzer arranged over the printed pattern and when viewed by transmitted light,
   characterized in that

   - the line grid structure (5) of the printed pattern has a first and a second line grid (7, 8) which both lie in the first layer (19) and are crossed over each other, wherein the first line grid (7) encodes the image (12) and the second line grid (8) obscures the image (12), and

   - the line grid structure (6) of the analyzer is formed as a line grid which extends substantially parallel to the second line grid (8) in the case of the analyzer arranged over the printed pattern, with the result that inside the particular viewing angle range (α) the line grid structure of the analyzer at least partially shadows the second line grid (8) and the image is thereby perceptible in better contrast inside the particular viewing angle range (α) than when the printed pattern is viewed from above.
2. Security element according to claim 1, in which the second line grid (8) of the printed pattern encodes a motif (13) which is perceptible together with the image or instead of the image outside the particular viewing angle range (α).
3. Security element according to claim 1 or 2, in which the first and/or second line grid (7, 8) of the printed pattern encode the image (12) or the motif (13), respectively, as a rasterized half-tone representation by line-width modulation, preferably by one-sided line-width modulation.
4. Security element according to claim 1 or 2, in which the first and/or second line grid (7, 8) of the printed pattern encode the image (12) or the motif (13), respectively, as a bright/ dark representation by gap(s) in the line grid.
5. Security element according to claim 4, in which the analyzer encodes an image motif (14) by gap(s) in the line grid.
6. Security element according to one of the above claims, in which the first and second line grids (7, 8) of the printed pattern have different colours.
7. Security element according to one of the above claims, in which the first and second line grids (7, 8) of the printed pattern lie at an angle of essentially 90° to each other.
8. Security element according to one of the above claims, in which the distance between the lines of the first and second line grids (7, 8) of the printed pattern lies between 0.15 mm and 0.3 mm.
9. Security element according to one of the above claims, in which the first layer (13) is applied to the upper face (3) and the second layer (20) to the lower face of the carrier (2).
10. Security element according to one of the above claims, in which the carrier (2) comprises a three-layered composite of plastic film(s) and paper layers (15,16,17) adhesively secured to each other, in which either a plastic film or a paper layer forms an inner layer (16) of the three-layered composite, and plastic film(s) and paper layer(s) are arranged alternately, wherein the inner layer (16) has at least one hole (18), and the first and second layer (19, 20) are formed in the area of this hole (18), and preferably the first and/or the second layer (19, 20) is arranged on an inside, facing the hole (18), of one of the outer layers (15,17) of the three-layered composite.
11. Security element according to claim 10, in which the outer layers (15, 17) are not adhesively secured in the area of the hole (18), whereby the image (12) is also perceptible in better contrast when the carrier (2) is bent than when the printed pattern is viewed from above.
12. Value document with a security element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11.
13. Method for the production of a security element for security papers, value documents or the like, in which

    - an at least partially transparent or translucent carrier (2) having a first and a second layer (19, 20) is provided in its first layer (19) with a printed pattern, which has a line grid structure (5) which encodes an image (12), wherein an analyzer is provided which also has a line grid structure (6), and wherein the analyzer is formed in a second layer (20) on the carrier (2) which is at a distance from the first layer (19), or is formed laterally next to the printed pattern or is formed on a separate carrier,

    - wherein the line grid structures (5, 6) of the printed pattern and the analyzer are designed to match each other such that the image (12) is perceptible inside a particular viewing angle range (α) in the case of the analyzer arranged over the printed pattern and when viewed by transmitted light,
    characterized in that

    - the line grid structure (5) of the printed pattern has a first and a second line grid (7, 8) which both lie in the first layer (19) and are crossed over each other, wherein the first line grid (7) encodes the image (12) and the second line grid (8) obscures the image (12), and

    - the line grid structure (6) of the analyzer is formed as a line grid which extends substantially parallel to the second line grid (8) in the case of the analyzer arranged over the printed pattern, with the result that the analyzer at least partially shadows the second line grid (8) inside the particular viewing angle range (α) and the image (12) is thereby perceptible in better contrast inside the particular viewing angle range (α) than when the printed pattern is viewed from above.
14. Production method according to claim 13, in which the second line grid (8) of the printed pattern is provided with a motif (13) which is perceptible together with the image (12) or instead of the image outside the particular viewing angle range (α).
15. Production method according to claim 13 or 14, in which the first and/ or second line grid (7, 8) of the printed pattern are formed such that they encode the image (12) or the motif (13), respectively, as a rasterized half-tone representation by line-width modulation, preferably by one-sided line-width modulation.
16. Production method according to claim 13 or 14, in which the first and/or second line grids (7, 8) of the printed pattern encode the image (12) or the motif (13), respectively, as a bright/dark representation by gap(s) in the line grid.
17. Production method according to claim 16, in which the analyzer encodes an image motif (14) by gap(s) in the line grid.
18. Production method according to one of the above method claims, in which the two line grids (7, 8) have different colours.
19. Production method according to one of the above method claims, in which the first and the second line grids (7, 8) of the printed pattern lie at an angle of essentially 90° to each other.
20. Production method according to one of the above method claims, in which the distance between the lines of the first and second line grids (7, 8) of the printed pattern in each case lies between 0.15 mm and 0.3 mm.
21. Production method according to one of the above method claims, in which the first layer (19) is arranged on the upper face (3) and the second layer (20) on the lower face (4) of the carrier.
22. Production method according to one of the above method claims, in which the carrier (2) is produced as a three-layered composite of plastic film(s) and paper layers (15,16,17) adhesively secured to each other, in which either a plastic film or a paper layer forms an inner layer (16) of the three-layered composite, and plastic film(s) and paper layer(s) are arranged alternately, wherein at least one hole (18) is provided in the inner layer (16), and the first and second layers (19, 20) are formed in the area of this hole (18), and preferably the first and/or second layer (19, 20) is arranged on an inside, facing the hole (18), of one of the outer layers (15,17) of the three-layered composite.
23. Production method according to one of the above method claims, in which the outer layers (15, 17) are not adhesively secured in the area of the hole (18), whereby the image (12) is also perceptible in better contrast when the carrier (2) is bent than when the printed pattern is viewed from above.

Images