EP4219185A1 - Film, film strip, valuable document and relative production method - Google Patents

Abstract

Providing a film (1) for producing a multi-layer hybrid banknote (34) or its unfit precursor. The foil (1) has an inner side (4) and an outer side (2), the inner side (4) being designed for application to a further layer of the future hybrid bank note (34) or its unfit precursor, and the outer side (2) is designed in such a way that it is on the outside of the hybrid bank note (34) or its unfit preliminary stage. The film (1) has a matt layer (14) which is applied to the outside (2). The film (1) also has a security element (5, 6, 8, 10) which is applied to the inside (4). The matt layer (14) has at least one recess (16a-16d) which at least partially covers the security element (5, 6, 8, 10), so that the security element (5, 6, 8, 10) can be seen from above on the film ( 1) is visible through the recess (16a-16d).

Description

The invention relates to a foil for the production of a hybrid banknote or its unfit precursor, the foil having an inside and an outside. The inside is designed to be applied to a further layer of the later hybrid banknote or its unfit precursor, so that the outside of the hybrid banknote is then on the outside. The film has a matte layer applied to the outside and at least one security element applied to the inside.

Documents of value are already known in the form of so-called hybrid banknotes.

In a first variant, they have a film on a paper substrate, to which an ink-accepting layer, a banknote print and, on the very outside, a coating are applied. The same structure is usually found on the opposite side of the paper substrate. In the case of these hybrid banknotes, the banknote printing is therefore on the outside, ie applied to the outside of the foil, and can therefore be lost over time in circulation due to abrasion.

For this reason, a second variant is also known, in which the banknote printing is at the interface between the paper substrate and the foil. In order to avoid reflections on the film then lying on the outside, a full-surface matting is provided on the outside. With these hybrid banknotes, the banknote print is protected from abrasion by the foil.

It was found that in the second variant, security elements are less visible than in the first variant.

The object of the invention is to provide a film that is used to produce a hybrid banknote or its unfit preliminary stage and in which abrasion protection is combined with good visibility of security elements.

The invention is defined in claims 1, 8, 9, 13 and 14. The dependent claims relate to preferred configurations.

A foil for the production of a hybrid banknote or its unfit precursor is provided. The film has an inside and an outside, the inside being designed for application to a further layer of the later hybrid banknote or its unfit precursor, and the outside being designed in such a way that it lies on the hybrid banknote or its unfit precursor on the outside. The film has a matt layer on the outside. In addition, the film has at least one security element on the inside. The matt layer has a recess which at least partially covers the security element, so that the security element is visible through the recess when the film is viewed from above.

It is also possible to provide several spaced-apart security elements, with a recess being provided for each security element.

With the exception of the gap--in the case of several security elements there can also be several gaps--the matt layer preferably covers the outside completely. Then the (each) recess is made in the form of a window in the matte layer surface. The security element(s) is (are) on the inside, ie applied to the inside of the film. It can but other security elements can also be applied to the outside of the film. The recess is registered with the respective security element. If several security elements are arranged on the inside of the film, the matt layer preferably has a corresponding number of cutouts, so that each of the security elements is particularly preferably at least partially covered by a cutout. As a result, the at least one security element can be seen optimally in a plan view of the film, since it is not obscured by the matt layer thanks to the gap.

In a preferred embodiment, the recess completely covers the security element. The security element is therefore completely visible through the recess in a plan view of the film. Then the detectability of the security element is optimal.

The film is transparent to ensure optimal visibility of the security element, which is applied to the inside of the film. The foil is preferably made of a polymer, which enables better protection of the security element lying on the inside than foils made of paper. The security element is attached to the inside of the foil, i.e. on the inside from the point of view of the later hybrid banknote etc., so that the security element is protected by the foil from harsh circulating conditions (chemical, physical, mechanical), but at the same time due to the transparency of the foil by the Recess is clearly visible.

Optically variable security elements, so-called OVDs (=optical variable devices), are particularly preferably provided as security elements, since these particularly benefit from the gap in terms of visibility. It can, for example, be film elements in the form of strips or patches. The security element can be provided with a micro-relief (hologram, micro-mirror, matt structures, Sub-wavelength structures,...), a color shift coating (thin film color shift tfCS, liquid crystal lcCs, printed,...), an optically variable ink (OVI), an optically variable magnetic ink (OVMI) such as in WO 2009/033601 A1 described or SPARK from SICPA (optically variable interference pigment with an internal magnetic layer, which changes color depending on the viewing angle; a typical structure is absorber, dielectric, reflector, magnetic layer, reflector, dielectric, absorber), or effect pigments of all kinds, such as Iriodin, be provided. A microstructure can also be applied directly to the film, for example by embossing.

How the security element is applied to the film is not relevant. Thus, the security element, as described, can be formed directly on the film, e.g. by embossing or printing; then the film itself forms the substrate for the security element. It is also possible for the security element to be transferred to the film. L-foils (laminate), K-foils (lamination) and T-foils (transfer) can be used when transferring or laminating a provided foil security element onto the foil. The L-foil itself has an adhesive layer. The K-foil does not have an adhesive layer that is only applied during the lamination process between the foil security element and the foil. The T-foil itself is equipped with an adhesive layer and a backing layer, with the backing layer being removed after application.

The matte layer can be a pigmented ink print on the outside of the film. It is then applied to the outside in some areas using known printing techniques, such as gravure printing, flexographic printing, screen printing, etc. Area(s) of the recess(es) are not printed. Alternatively, the outside of the film can also be treated with a laser (e.g. excimer laser) in The desired areas can be matted by changing the surface or introducing a scattering micro-relief. The recesses can be omitted here.

Alternatively, the film can first be matted over the entire surface on the outside (e.g. by pressure or laser radiation) and then smoothed out again in the area of the gap with an appropriate varnish or by thermal calendering, so that scattering resulting from the matt layer is reduced in this area or is minimized to create the recess.

A film is provided which is used to produce a hybrid banknote or its unfit precursor, as a result of which the hybrid banknote or its unfit precursor is better protected against a tampering attack since the security elements are on the inside. The matting is left out on the film in the areas relevant for the security elements, preferably only there and otherwise over the entire surface on the outside. The security elements are therefore easy to see and therefore appear more attractive. The human authenticity check is improved due to the improved recognizability of the security element. Automatic verification of authenticity has also been improved.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one further security element is applied to the outside of the film, with the matt layer also being omitted in this area. The options already mentioned for the security element come into consideration here, such as printing with different inks or also introducing a micro-relief by embossing or applying a film security element. The matt structure is also particularly preferably omitted in this area.

However, it can also span the area so that the security element is covered by the matt layer on the outside.

The film itself can be present like an individual film security element as an L, K, T film (description see above). An adhesive layer is particularly preferably applied to the inside of the film. The film is then designed in such a way that it can be laminated onto a substrate body using an appropriate machine (e.g. NotaLamina from KBA-NotaSys SA, Lausanne).

In a further preferred embodiment, the security element is only machine-readable. "Machine-readable only" means that the information in the security element can only be read by mechanical devices. The only machine-readable security element is not visible to an observer with the naked eye; it increases the security against counterfeiting. Preferably, the machine-readable security element on the inside of the film can be seen with the naked eye and can include machine-readable elements such as, for example, infrared light-absorbing substances (IRA); materials transparent to infrared light (IRT); magnetic substances; fluorescent or phosphorescent materials excitable by ultraviolet radiation; luminescent substances that absorb and/or emit electromagnetic radiation and have a clearly characteristic absorption or emission spectrum; Mixtures of the substances mentioned. In one variant, these substances can be arranged both on a substrate body of the hybrid banknote or its unfit precursor and also on the foil, with the information provided on the substrate body and the foil complementing one another to create a key-lock principle. The film can provide machine-readable security elements on one or both sides, whereby the machine authenticity detection is improved. Of course, the only machine-readable security elements can also be applied to the inside and the outside.

A structure is particularly preferably applied to the outside, which creates external tactility, i.e. the structure can be perceived, for example, with the human sense of touch, e.g. with the index finger. It can be implemented as a separate layer or through the matt layer. For example, a laser can be used to introduce structures into the outside and/or the matt layer that can be detected with the human sense of touch. For example, a foamable paint can be used. This color is irreversibly foamed by radiation, allowing structures that can be felt. The structure, which creates the tactility, can either already take place in the form of the later tactile pattern, e.g. Braille writing, ornaments, patterns, guilloches, grid images - or - in a flat basis, e.g. as a square, into which a laser can then be added afterwards tangible information is inscribed, e.g. a pattern, ornament, braille, raster image, but also individual information, e.g. a serial number or number. The foamable color can also contain a color change at the same time, so that the information can be perceived both visually and haptically. Alternatively, tactile elements can also be incorporated or applied by means of blind embossing or transparent screen printing.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, identification information, for example a serial number or number, is applied to the inside, the outside and/or the matt layer. One (or more) area(s) on the film can be provided with a laserable transparent or inconspicuous color which can be removed at a later point in time, for example after lamination the bank note can be provided with a laser in these areas with information, for example with the identification information.

It is further preferred if the film consists of a biodegradable material. For example, a compostable film or compostable security elements, in particular film security elements or security threads, would be possible; this improves sustainability.

The film can have a so-called physical tamper evident effect. Then predetermined breaking points are provided against deconstruction (splitting, harvesting, ...) of the future hybrid bank note or its unfit preliminary stage; i.e. the film can be equipped with so-called weakening lines/predetermined breaking points, e.g. by laser etching, laser perforation, die-cutting, punching, etc. The security elements arranged on the inside can also contain corresponding weak points, so that they can be destroyed in the event of a possible manipulation. A so-called chemical tamper evident effect can also be introduced; then different chemical effects are generated by different adhesives, e.g. Due to the physical and chemical tamper evident effects, the film is better protected against splitting banknotes for the production of so-called composed notes, and thus the protection against counterfeiting is increased.

A foil web for the production of a hybrid banknote or its unfit preliminary stage is also provided, on which a plurality of foils are arranged in register with one another. The film web contains several films, each of which contains at least one, but preferably many, security elements, so that the individual security elements no longer have to be applied separately. It is therefore not only the security element on the film that is spatially registered in relation to one another, but many films and thus security elements on the film web. This reduces the costs and the production time for the individual foils. Since the security elements are preferably applied to the film web in one or a few application machines, a high degree of spatial registration is achieved. Banknote printers who want to produce ordinary hybrid banknotes and want to apply attractive, optically variable security elements need correspondingly expensive machines for spatial registration of this type. In addition, a large number of work steps are necessary to apply the security elements individually, which means that more time is required for the production of ordinary hybrid banknotes. In addition, due to the separate application of the individual security elements, they are not perfectly registered with one another, since each work step has a certain tolerance with regard to registration. These problems are avoided by the film web provided and the films arranged on it.

In the further production of the hybrid banknote, the foil web is particularly preferably applied in a registered manner to a finished printed sheet of banknotes, register marks both on the sheet of banknotes (e.g. watermark mark, print mark, recess, etc.) and on the foil web support the registered application. The security elements and the foils are then perfectly registered to each other and to the banknote sheet. Time and money are saved because the foils no longer have to be applied separately in several steps, but the foil web contains several foils and several security elements that are applied to the sheet of banknotes as a whole.

A document of value, such as a hybrid bank note, is also provided. The document of value has a substrate body which is connected to the film, the substrate body being connected, in particular glued, to the inside of the film. One film each is particularly preferably applied to both sides of the substrate body. The substrate body may be a paper substrate such as vegetable fibers (cotton). Foil composite substrates, e.g. paper substrates laminated on one or two sides, paper/foil/paper, foil/paper/foil, paper/foil are also possible. Polymer substrates are also an option. By applying the foil to the substrate body, for example, the banknote printing in circulation is protected against abrasion. In one variant, the edges of the foil and the substrate body can be laser-welded.

In a preferred embodiment, a window is provided in the substrate body. The security element can be registered with the window in such a way that the security element is completely or also only partially covered by the window. If the substrate body has a window (e.g. a hole in the paper or a transparent area in a polymer substrate) and a security element is provided on the document of value, the security element and the associated gap in the matt layer are preferably arranged on the film in such a way that the security element can be seen through the Windows of the substrate body can be seen from both sides. The security element preferably has a change in color depending on the viewing angle (e.g. a colour-shift coating) or other information - or - it has a different color depending on whether it is viewed from above or seen through.

In a further preferred variant, the substrate body also has a window, with the security element having the window in certain areas superimposed so that one cannot see through the window in this overlapping area. It becomes a recess due to the security element. The different sides (front and back of the hybrid banknote or its unfit precursor) have different effects, for example a color shift effect on one side and a silver-colored metallization on the other side.

A method of producing a hybrid banknote or its unfit precursor is also provided. In the method, the film has the inside and outside, the inside being designed for application to the further layer of the later hybrid bank note or its unfit precursor, and the outside being designed in such a way that it is attached to the hybrid bank note or its unfit precursor lies. In the process, the matt layer is applied to the outside and the security element is applied to the inside. The cutout is made in the matt layer and at least partially covers the security element, so that the security element becomes visible through the cutout in a top view of the film.

A method for producing the value document such as the hybrid banknote is also provided. The document of value has a substrate body which is connected to the film, the substrate body being connected, in particular glued, to the inside of the film.

The embodiments of the film or the document of value apply equally to the method for producing the multilayer hybrid bank note or its unfit precursor and the method for producing the document of value such as the hybrid bank note.

Fig. 1

eine Folie in Draufsicht auf die Außenseite,

Fig. 2

eine Folie in einer Schnittdarstellung,

Fig. 3

eine Folienbahn in Draufsicht,

Fig. 4

eine Hybridbanknote in Draufsicht, und

Fig. 5

eine Hybridbanknote in einer Schnittdarstellung.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which also disclose features that are essential to the invention. These embodiments are provided for illustration only and are not to be construed as limiting. For example, a description of an embodiment having a plurality of elements or components should not be construed as implying that all of those elements or components are necessary for implementation. Rather, other embodiments may include alternative elements and components, fewer elements or components, or additional elements or components. Elements or components of different exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another unless otherwise stated. Modifications and variations that are described for one of the embodiments can also be applicable to other embodiments. To avoid repetition, the same or corresponding elements in different figures are denoted by the same reference symbols and are not explained more than once. In the figures show:

1

a film in plan view of the outside,

2

a slide in a sectional view,

3

a film web in top view,

4

a hybrid banknote in top view, and

figure 5

a hybrid banknote in a sectional view.

1 shows a foil 1, which has an outer side 2 and an inner side 4, in a plan view of the outer side 2. On the foil 1 is a foil patch 5, a foil strip 6, a printing element 8 and a laser-ablatable or -modifiable ink 10 in two areas applied.

2 shows the film 1 in a sectional view. On the inside 4 of the film 1, the film patch 5, the printing element 8, the laserable color 10 and a machine-readable security element 12a are provided. On the outside 2 of the film 1 there is a matt layer 14 in which two recesses 16a and 16b are formed. There is also an adhesive layer 18 on the inside 4 of the film 1.

The inside 4 is designed and provided for applying the foil 1 to a substrate, preferably a paper substrate, of a future hybrid bank note. The outside 2 is then on the outside.

The film 1 according to Figures 1 and 2 is coated on its outside 2 with the matt layer 14, which has two recesses 16a, 16b. When viewed in plan view of the outside 2 like it 1 shows, at least two security elements can be seen on the inside 4 of the film 1 through the cutouts 16a, 16b, namely the film patch 5 through the cutout 16a and the pressure element 8 through the cutout 16b. Both the film patch 5 and the printing element 8, the laserable color 10 and the only machine-readable security element 12a are all applied to the inside 4 of the film 1. As a result, the safety elements in circulation are protected from abrasion and are more durable. Since the film 1 itself is transparent, the respective security element 5, 8 can be seen in its complete original appearance through the recess 16a, 16b. A clouding of the effect by the matt layer 14 is avoided by the recesses 16a, 16b. A gap above the only machine-readable security element 12a is not required, since it is not read out by means of optical machine recognition; it can be, for example, a magnetic, only machine-readable security element 12a, for the reading of which the opacifying effect of the matt layer 14 is not relevant.

An adhesive layer 18 is also applied to the inside 4 of the film 1, which serves to apply the film 1 to the substrate of the hybrid banknote or another document of value. This adhesive layer 18 is not absolutely necessary on the film 1; it can also be present on the substrate or added when the substrate is bonded to the foil (lamination).

As a security feature on the inside 4 or the outside 2 of the film 1, it is also possible, but not shown, to provide embossed structures, e.g. a microrelief, since the film 1 preferably consists of polymer. The security element is thus introduced directly into the film 1 and does not have to be applied or printed on.

3 shows a foil web 20 on which several foils 1 are arranged. The film web 20 is divided into a printed sheet 22, a first section 24 and a second section 26. They serve as edge strips and for registering a sheet of banknotes. Several foils 1 are arranged in foil rows 28 and foil columns 30 on the foil web 20 . Register marks 32 are also provided.

How 3 shows, a large number of films 1 can be provided in film rows 28 and film columns 30 registered with one another on a film web 20 become. The many security elements that are applied to the individual foils 1 are also all registered to one another on the foil web 20. Of course, further security elements can also be applied to the outside 2 of the foil 1, but even then they are closed to the foil web 20 those of the other slides 1 spatially perfectly registered. This reduces the costs and the production time enormously since the security elements are applied to the film 1 in parallel and not separately. Time is also saved since the foil web 20 can be applied as a whole to a sheet of banknotes, which enables a registered application of the individual foils 1 to the respective substrates of the banknote and thus significantly reduces the manufacturing costs and the manufacturing time. Precise registration of the film web 20 with the sheet of banknotes is achieved by the register marks 32, which are applied to the banknote sheet at specified points when the film web 20 is applied to the sheet of banknotes.

4 shows a hybrid banknote 34 with a substrate body 35 and a front 36 and a back 37 in plan view of the front 36. It is the foil patch 5, the printing element 8 in two areas, a serial number 38 in two areas, a window security thread 40 and a watermark 42 recognizable.

figure 5 shows the hybrid bank note 34 according to FIG 4 in sectional view. The film 1 is provided with the film patch 5 and the printing ink 8 on its inside 4 . On the front side 36 of the hybrid banknote 34, ie on the outside 2 of the foil 1, there is the matt layer 14, in which three recesses 16a, 16b, 16c are provided. The substrate body 35 has a window 44 and has an only machine-readable security element 12b and the watermark 42 embedded in it. The substrate body 35 is with the Film 1 connected to the adhesive layer 18. On the back 37 of the hybrid banknote 34, a film 1 is also applied by means of an adhesive layer 18, with a further matt layer 14 being applied to the outside of the film 1 on the back 37; it has a further recess 16d. Of course, this is not mandatory; the matt layer 14 can also be applied over the entire surface on the rear side 37, ie it can have no recess.

In the top view of the front side 36 of the hybrid banknote 34, the security elements 5, 8 and 12b can be seen through the cutouts 16a, 16b and 16c in the matting 14 and are therefore perceived in an unadulterated manner. In this embodiment, the only machine-readable security element 12b is not obscured by the matt layer 14 due to the recess 16c, so that machine recognition is preferably improved. For example, it can be a security element 12b that is only machine-readable and is read out by means of optical machine recognition. The optical machine recognition is improved or facilitated due to the recess 16c.

In addition, due to the window 44 partially overlapping it in the substrate body 35, the film patch 5 can also be seen when viewed from the rear side 37 in a plan view. In the area of the foil patch 5, the matting 14 on the back 37 has the recess 16d, through which the foil patch 5 on the back 37 is also perceived better, so that a clouding of the foil patch 5 when viewed from the back 37 from the matt layer 14 as a result is avoided by the recess 16d.

All security elements of the hybrid bank note 34 are arranged on the inside of the foil 1 or on the substrate body 35, ie lying on the inside and thus protected from abrasion in circulation, so that the longevity of the hybrid bank note 34 is increased. Due to the partial overlapping of the window 44 with the foil patch 5, different visual effects can also be produced on both sides of the hybrid banknote 34, for example a color shift effect on one side and a silver-colored metallization on the other side.

Reference List

1

foil

2

outside

4

inside

5

foil patch

6

foil strips

8th

pressure element

10

laserable color

12

only machine-readable security element

14

matte layer

16a-d

recess

18

adhesive layer

20

film web

22

press sheet

24

first section

26

second part

28

slide line

30

slide column

32

registration mark

34

hybrid banknote

35

substrate body

36

front

37

back

38

serial number

40

window security thread

42

watermark

44

Window

Claims (14)

Foil for the production of a hybrid banknote or its unfit precursor, the foil - has an inner side (4) and an outer side (2), the inner side (4) being designed for application to a further layer of the later hybrid banknote (34) or its unfit preliminary stage, and the outer side (2) being designed in such a way that that it is on the outside of the hybrid banknote (34) or its unfit precursor, - has a matt layer (14) applied to the outside (2), and - has a security element (5, 6, 8, 10) which is applied to the inside (4), characterized in that - the matt layer (14) has a recess (16a-16d) which at least partially covers the security element (5, 6, 8, 10) so that the security element (5, 6, 8, 10) can be seen from above on the film (1st ) is visible through the recess (16a-16d). Film according to Claim 1, characterized in that the recess (16a-16d) completely covers the security element (5, 6, 8, 10). Foil according to one of the above claims, characterized in that at least one further security element is applied to the outside (2), the matt layer (14) being omitted in the region. Film according to one of the above claims, characterized in that an adhesive layer (18) is applied to the inside (4). Film according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the security element (5, 6, 8, 10) is only machine-readable. Film according to one of the above claims, characterized in that a structure which creates an external tactile effect is applied to the outside (2) and/or the matt layer (14). Film according to one of the above claims, characterized in that a serial number (38) is applied to the inside (4), the outside (2) and/or the matt layer (14). Foil web (20) for the production of a hybrid banknote or its unfit preliminary stage, on which a plurality of foils (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 are arranged registered to one another. Document of value, such as a hybrid bank note, which has a substrate body (35) which is connected to the film (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, the substrate body (35) being connected to the inside (4) of the film (1), in particular is glued. Document of value according to Claim 9, characterized in that a film (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 is applied to both sides of the substrate body (35). Document of value according to one of Claims 9 or 10, characterized in that a window (44) is provided in the substrate body (35). Document of value according to Claim 11, characterized in that the security element (5, 6, 8, 10) is registered with the window (44) in such a way that the security element (5, 6, 8, 10) is completely covered by the window (44). Method for producing a hybrid banknote or its unfit precursor, in which - a foil (1) has an inner side (4) and an outer side (2), the inner side (4) being designed for application to a further layer of the later hybrid bank note (34) or its unfit preliminary stage, and the outer side (2 ) is designed in such a way that it is on the outside of the hybrid banknote (34) or its unfit precursor, - a matt layer (14) is applied to the outside (2), and - a security element (5, 6, 8,10) is applied to the inside (4), characterized in that - a recess (16a-16d) is introduced into the matt layer (14), which at least partially covers the security element (5, 6, 8, 10), so that the security element (5, 6, 8, 10) looks at the film from above (1) becomes visible through the recess (16a-16d). Method for producing a document of value, such as a hybrid banknote, which has a substrate body (35) which is connected to the film (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, the substrate body (35) being connected to the inside (4) of the film ( 1) is connected, in particular glued.

Images