DE102006044136B4 - Postage stamp and device for stamping the postage stamp - Google Patents

Abstract

Postage stamps,
- With an electrically conductive layer (3, 4), and
- With an overlying color layer (5) whose color changes when heated.

Description

The The invention relates to a postage stamp and a device and a method of stamping the postage stamp and a method for testing, whether the postage stamp is canceled and a method for checking the Postage stamp on authenticity.

On postage stamped frankings are postage stamps on successful promotion to devalue. By marking the postal stamp as canceled has, has the transport company the possibility recognize a reuse of the postage stamp. Also the Postal customer should be able to recognize whether the postage stamp is canceled. As the postal customer usually no over has a technical device for detecting the devaluation is the marking should be visually recognizable to the naked eye. A accidental franking of a mail piece with an already invalidated one Postage stamp can be thereby avoid. The labeling of the cancellation should be visually lean against previously known markings for cancellation, there are significant changes could not be recognized by the postal customers as such and so that unknowing false positives could occur more frequently.

The Postage stamps can be manually canceled with a postmark, which is time consuming and is staff-intensive.

modern Sorting systems work at speeds of up to 4 m / s, so that a manual devaluation is hardly possible anymore. Therefore, the Postage stamps machine with a fast inkjet printer devalued. However, such an ink jet printer is in the purchase and in the conversation expensive and expensive to wait.

It is also from the Swiss patent CH 460415 basically known to attach a metal layer on a stamp, wherein it can be determined that an electromagnetic field that can be generated by means of a coil in the metal layer causes the change of a physical quantity. This physical quantity is expressed in the measurable energy absorption of the metallic body. However, in view of the small area of a postage stamp, the high throughput speed and the wide variety of dimensions of the postal items, this procedure is useless for the cancellation and subsequent declaration of cancellation of the stamp.

From the German Offenlegungsschrift 30 17 088 A1 It is also known to generate codes on postal stamps by marking with an electrically conductive substance. For the reasons mentioned above, this method is not suitable in today's post office automation. The above also applies to the GDR patent DD 16 063 , in which Postwertzeichen be prepared with electrically conductive ink, so that the paper is prepared for a Polreagenz.

Of the The present invention is therefore based on the object, a postage stamp and to provide a device for canceling the postage stamp, which make it possible a non-contact Cancellation with high mailpiece throughput and at the same time a simple visual recognition of the cancellation for everyone to achieve. It is also intended to provide a postage stamp with the a fast-acting and low-maintenance operable device can be canceled.

A Another object of the invention is to provide a device for validating indicate the postage stamp, the device work quickly and should be operable low maintenance.

moreover a method for operating the device for the validation of the Postal mark, a method of checking if the postage stamp devalued is, and a method of testing of the postage stamp on authenticity.

Favorable Way, the device works to validate without contact. Ink is for the devaluation not necessary anymore.

The Task is by a postage stamp with the features according to claim 1 solved.

The Postage stamp according to the invention comprises an electrically conductive layer and a color layer arranged above it, whose color changes when heated.

The Task is by a device for stamping the Postwertzeichen with the features according to claim 4 solved.

The inventive device to validate the postage stamp includes an inductor, which is suitable in the electrically conductive layer of the postage stamp generate an alternating field-induced current and thus the layer to heat.

The The task is also complemented by a procedure for canceling the postage stamp with the features according to claim 11 solved.

In the method according to the invention for the validation of a postal value mark having an electrically conductive layer, by means of an in a field-induced current in the electrically conductive layer, in order to heat the layer and a color layer located above it, so that the color of the color layer changes.

The Task is performed by a method of testing whether an electrical conductive stamp having Postwertzeichen is canceled, with the features according to claim 12 solved.

at the method according to the invention for testing, whether a Postwertzeichen having an electrically conductive layer is validated, it is checked if the Color of postal stamp opposite one Reference color deviates. If this is the case, the postage stamp applies as devalued.

The Task is by a method for checking a postage stamp authenticity with the features of claim 13.

at the method according to the invention for testing of a postage stamp for authenticity, the postage stamp becomes one exposed to alternating magnetic field. The postage stamp is called Really viewed, if the color of the postage stamp at least changed in a predeterminable part of the postage stamp.

advantageous Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the specified in the dependent claims Features.

at an embodiment the postage stamp according to the invention the electrically conductive layer has a conductive, in particular a ferromagnetic dye or a conductive, in particular ferromagnetic film on.

at a further embodiment the postage stamp according to the invention the electrically conductive layer is shaped to be a graphic object forms.

at an embodiment the device according to the invention To validate the postage stamp, the inductor has an induction coil on.

at a further embodiment the device according to the invention for the cancellation of the postage stamp is generated by the inductor magnetic Alternating field high frequency.

at a third embodiment the device according to the invention to validate the Postwertzeichen a metal detector is provided to to detect whether a mailpiece has a metallic content. If this is the case, the postage stamp of this mailing can discharged in the normal process and in a separate way be devalued.

Favorable Manner, the device for the cancellation of the postage stamp a recognition device for recognizing the postage value.

To According to a further feature of the invention, the device for the Devaluation of postage stamp a shielding gas source around the postage stamp with a protective gas, in particular carbon dioxide and / or nitrogen, to wash around. By doing so leaves There is a risk that the postage stamp will change during the validation process inflamed, prevent.

Finally, can in the device according to the invention be provided for the devaluation of the postage stamp that the magnetic Alternate field is limited to the franking zone.

in the Below, the invention with several embodiments with reference to six figures further explained.

1 shows a possible embodiment of the postage stamp according to the invention in cross section.

2 shows the postage stamp according to the invention in the devalued state.

3 shows a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention for the validation of the postage stamp together with a postal item.

4 shows a section of the transport path for the mail items and along the transport path arranged detection and processing facilities.

5 shows a section of the transport path for the mail items and further along the transport path arranged detection and processing facilities.

6 shows a section of the transport path for the mail items and further along the transport path arranged processing facilities.

In 1 is a possible embodiment of the postage stamp according to the invention 1 shown in cross section. On a substrate 2 , which may be paper, for example, is an electrically conductive layer 3 . 4 Applied with a coat of paint 5 is covered. The color layer 5 can, as with the previously known Postwertzeichen, any motive and the value of the postage stamp play. The outer border of the he Postage stamp according to the invention may be the same border as the previously known Postwertzeichen.

The electrically conductive layer 3 . 4 may comprise a metallic, preferably ferromagnetic, dye or a metallic, preferably ferromagnetic, film. The shape of the electrically conductive layer 3 . 4 is chosen to match the shape of the validation mark. If the devaluation mark, for example, a plurality of parallel wave trains, so is the electrically conductive layer 3 . 4 shaped like that.

The color layer 5 is suitable to discolor when heated sufficiently. Dyes are usually the result of oxidation in the case of dyes. However, it is also possible to use dyes in which a chemical change which is initiated by sufficient heat action leads to discoloration.

In 2 the postal stamp according to the invention is shown in the canceled state. The devaluation is by the validation mark 6 . 7 visually recognizable.

3 shows a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention for validating a postage stamp 1 which on a mailing 8th is appropriate. To the postage stamp 1 to devalue, with the help of a devaluation unit, which is an inductor 9 includes, a magnetic alternating field 10 generated in the electrically conductive layer 3 . 4 generates an eddy current. The eddy current in turn generates due to the electrical resistance of the layer 3 . 4 a heating of the layer 3 . 4 and thus indirectly also a warming of those areas 6 . 7 the color layer 5 that are in close proximity to the shift 3 . 4 are located. Become these areas 6 . 7 the color layer 5 heated sufficiently, changes the color of these areas 6 . 7 , In this way, the devaluation of the postage stamp 1 visually recognizable. The shape of the areas 6 . 7 depends on the shape of the underlying electrically conductive layer 3 . 4 from. The areas 6 . 7 thus form the above-mentioned validation mark.

The cancellation unit preferably generates a localized alternating magnetic field that is sufficiently strong to heat up the layer 3 . 4 and the areas 6 . 7 to ensure sufficient discoloration. The performance of the devaluation unit can be influenced, inter alia, over the length of the devaluation unit. The structure of the validation unit depends on the transport speed of the sorting system.

Alternatively, an invisible, chemically modified area can be used to generate the optically recognizable cancellation mark 6 . 7 in the upper color layer 5 be provided by a large surface formed metallic layer 3 . 4 is heated. With sufficient warming, validation mark becomes visible.

4 shows a section of the transport route 18 for the mail and one along the transport path 18 arranged metal detector 11 and the contactless validator 12 , The mailings passed on the transport route 18 in the direction of the arrow, the metal detector 11 , Is through the metal detector 11 recognized that the mail item has no metallic content, the mail item is at a subsequent switch 19 on a transport route 18.1 then deflected to the Postwertzeichen located on the mail piece with the devaluation device 12 to devalue. Is through the metal detector 11 however, recognized that the mail item has a metallic content, such as a metal foil or a ballpoint pen, the mail item is at the switch 19 on a transport route 18.2 directed to the content of the mail piece not by the validation device 12 to warm up.

5 shows a section of the transport route 18 for the mail items as well as a detection device arranged along the transport path 13 for recognizing the postage stamp and the invalidating device 12 , Is by the detection device 13 recognized that it is a Postwertzeichen that with the invention described above devaluation 12 can be validated, the mailpiece by means of the subsequent switch 19 on the way 18.1 steered to the Postwertzeichen subsequently with the devaluation device 12 to devalue. Is by the detection device 13 however, recognized that it is a conventional Postwertzeichen, so the mail is at the switch 19 on a transport route 18.2 directed.

6 shows a section of the transport path for the mail items and further along the transport path arranged processing facilities. The mailpieces are at a first location 16 turned and at the letterhead 14 aligned. In this way it is achieved that the franking zone 15 at a defined distance from the letterhead 14 appears and thereby minimizes the area of the mail item that is exposed to the alternating magnetic field. Subsequently, the Postwertzeichen located on the mailpieces by means of the invalidation 12 devalued. In a second place 17 the mail items are turned again and aligned upright.

moreover may be provided a shielding gas source, not shown in the figures be that the postage stamp with a shielding gas, in the present Example carbon dioxide, lapped.

Thereby let yourself Prevent the postage stamp from occurring during or after the validation process inflamed.

By the use of a high-frequency alternating magnetic field can be given how deep the magnetic alternating field in the mailpiece can penetrate. In this way, the energy can be shallow on a surface Be focused on the area so that the risk is reduced a metallic content of the mail piece is heated.

Around to determine whether the postage stamp invalidated according to the invention is, is checked if the Color of postage stamp opposite differs from a reference color. If this is the case, the postage stamp applies as devalued.

Around the postal stamp according to the invention Authenticity will be checked the Postwertzeichen exposed to a magnetic alternating field. The Postage stamp is considered genuine if the color of the Postal value changed at least in a predeterminable part of the postage stamp.

The Previous description of the embodiments according to the present This invention is for illustrative purposes only and not for purpose the restriction the invention. Within the scope of the invention are various changes and modifications possible, without departing from the scope of the invention and its equivalents.

1

Postage stamps

2

substratum

3

electrical conductive layer

4

electrical conductive layer

5

coat of paint

6

discolored zone

7

discolored zone

8th

mailing

9

inductor

10

magnetic alternating field

11

metal detector

12

depreciation facility

13

contraption for postage stamp recognition

14

Letter receiving plate

15

franking

16

first Place to turn and align the mailing

17

second Place to turn and align the mailing

18

transport

18.1

transport

18.2

transport

19

switch

Claims (13)

Postage stamp, - with an electrically conductive layer ( 3 . 4 ), and - with an overlying color layer ( 5 ) whose color changes when heated. Postage stamp according to claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive layer ( 3 . 4 ) comprises an electrically conductive dye, preferably a ferromagnetic dye, or an electrically conductive foil, preferably a ferromagnetic foil. Postage stamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrically conductive layer ( 3 . 4 ) is shaped to form a graphic object. Device for stamping the postage stamp according to one of the claims 1 to 3, with an inductor ( 9 ), which is suitable in the electrically conductive layer ( 3 . 4 ) generate an alternating-field-induced current and thus the layer ( 3 . 4 ) to heat. Device according to claim 4, wherein the inductor ( 9 ) has an induction coil. Device according to claim 4 or 5, in which the inductor ( 9 ) Generatable alternating magnetic field ( 10 ) is high frequency. Device according to one of the claims 4 to 6, with a metal detector ( 11 ) to detect if a mailpiece has metallic content. Device according to one of the claims 4 to 7, with a recognition device ( 13 ) for recognizing the postage stamp. Device according to one of the claims 4 to 8, with a protective gas source, preferably a carbon dioxide source, the postal stamp with protective gas, preferably carbon dioxide, to wash around. Device according to one of the claims 4 to 9, wherein the alternating magnetic field ( 10 ) to a franking zone ( 15 ) is limited. Method for debonding a postal value mark having an electrically conductive layer, in which by means of an inductor ( 9 ) in the electrically conductive layer ( 3 . 4 ) an eddy current is generated to the layer ( 3 . 4 ) and an overlying color layer ( 5 ), so that the color of the color layer ( 5 ) changed. Method for checking whether a postage stamp having an electrically conductive layer has been invalidated, in which it is checked whether the color of the postage stamp ( 1 ) differs from a reference color. Method for checking a postage stamp for authenticity, - in which the postage stamp ( 1 ) an alternating magnetic field ( 10 ), and - in which the postage stamp ( 1 ) is considered genuine if the color of the postage stamp ( 1 ) at least in a predeterminable part of the postage stamp ( 1 ) changed.