DE102013221324A1 - Provided with at least one printing feature printed product, process for its preparation and transfer film - Google Patents

Abstract

The printed product 100 according to the invention with a particularly tamper-proof printed security feature 200, which can be produced by simple means and without expensive apparatus, has a printed product main body 400 with a first and a second main side 410, at least one of the two main sides 410 at least a pattern element 350 arranged in the form of a pattern 360, and wherein the at least one pattern element 350 contains a contrast substance K at least in each case in a layer region 320 arranged internally in the at least one pattern element 350. The at least one pattern element 350 is formed raised on the respective printed product main page 410 and inextricably connected to the printed product main body 400.

Description

The present invention relates to a printed product provided with at least one printing feature, to a method for producing the printed product provided with the at least one printing feature, and to a transfer film. In particular, the present invention relates to a provided with at least one printing feature value or security product, a process for its preparation and a transfer film, which can be used for the production of a value or security product. Value or security products may be, for example, a personal document, a check card, a non-personalized entitlement card, such as a ticket or a form of payment, or a value or security element intended for product assurance.

Value or security products, in particular securities or security documents, serve to verify the identity of a person or thing or a claim, for example, for payment of a sum of money or for the issue of a product or service. For this purpose, it must be ensured that the product can not be imitated, counterfeited or falsified with considerable effort. The product therefore contains security features whose imitation is extremely difficult or even practically impossible. For example, the product, such as banknotes, consists of a not readily available material. Additionally or alternatively, security features may be formed by special colors, for example luminescent or optically variable colors, optical elements such as holograms, tilt images, kinegrams, lens or prism arrays, also guilloches, mottling fibers, security threads and others. Furthermore, it is also necessary that the value or security documents are easy to produce.

As security features, for example, printed security features come into consideration, which are for example individualizing, such as a passport photograph of the owner of the document or the like. Such features can be generated, for example, by a thermal transfer method ( DE 100 47 460 A1 ).

Furthermore, in EP 1 518 708 B1 a thermal protective layer transfer layer is described which serves for application, for example, to an image. This transfer layer is initially on a substrate film. The transfer layer is formed by a layer sequence, namely, a release liner, a writable protective sheet, and a heat-sensitive resin adhesive sheet. The writeable protective layer is porous. The transfer layer is transferred from the substrate film to the image by a thermal transfer process. This achieves good moisture and solvent resistance and good writability with an aqueous ink.

Furthermore, in DE 601 31 180 T2 a security sheet is given as a printable substrate containing a translucent or translucent layer. This layer is applied to a paper sheet and is formed by a composition producible in an aqueous medium. This composition contains colloidal silica in the form of an aqueous dispersion, an elastic binder, also in the form of an aqueous dispersion, optionally a crosslinking agent and possibly other additives used in the paper industry. The applied composition is then dried.

In DE 10 2010 035 890 A1 there is provided a method of making a security document having a microporous laminatable printing sheet. The film has cavities for receiving ink on at least one surface. The ink is printed flat in at least one area on the surface. This film is assembled and laminated with other films to produce a document body.

In the case of printed security features, for example in the case of a printed image customizing the document, such as a passport photograph on an identity card, it is important for security against counterfeiting that the pattern elements that are visually perceptible in the printed security feature are arranged inside the document. Furthermore, to form another security feature of a value or security product, it is advantageous to provide a tactile perceptible feature.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to form a printing feature (printed security feature) of a valuable or security product which is particularly tamper-proof and which is preferably also perceivable haptically. Such a security feature should be feasible with simple means and without expensive apparatus. In particular, it is desired to be able to produce such security features using conventional methods and production devices.

These objects are achieved according to the present invention with the provided with at least one printing feature printed product, with the method for producing this printed product and with a transfer film, which is particularly suitable for the preparation of a printed product, according to the independent claims. preferred Embodiments of the present invention are defined in the subclaims.

The printed product can be a value or security product. The value or security product may be a value or security document or a security element or transfer element, i. an element which is permanently connected, for example, a sticker, label or the like, to an object to be protected against counterfeiting, counterfeiting or falsification.

Insofar as the term "value or security product" is used in the description and in the claims of the present application, this includes, for example, a passport, identity card, driver's license or another ID card or an access control card, a vehicle registration document, vehicle registration document, visa, check, Means of payment, in particular a banknote, a check, bank, credit or cash card, customer card, health card, chip card, a company card, proof of entitlement, membership card, gift or shopping voucher, bill of lading or other proof of entitlement, tax stamp, postage stamp, ticket, (Spiel -) To identify a token, adhesive label (for example for product protection) or another ID document. Such products are value or security documents. As a product according to the invention is also a security element to understand that has a printed security feature of the type (printing feature) and which can be permanently connected to an object to be protected, such as a good or a security or valuable document, such as a sticker, label or like. The value or security document may be in ID 1, ID 2, ID 3, or any other format, such as a booklet form, such as a passport-like item. It is generally formed by a laminate of a plurality of document layers, which are connected in register under the influence of heat and under increased pressure. These products should meet the standardized requirements, for example ISO 10373 . ISO / IEC 7810 . ISO 14443 , The product layers consist, for example, of a carrier material which is suitable for lamination.

The value or security product may be formed from a polymer selected from a group comprising polycarbonate (PC), especially bisphenol A polycarbonate or a polycarbonate formed with a geminally disubstituted bis (hydroxyphenyl) cycloalkane, polyethylene terephthalate (PET ), their derivatives such as glycol-modified PET (PETG), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyimide (PI), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl phenol (PVP), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), in particular thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) and derivatives thereof, and / or paper (cellulose) and / or cardboard and / or a glass and / or metal and / or a ceramic. In addition, the product can also be made of several of these materials, in particular if it is formed of several layers and the individual layers are formed of different materials. It preferably consists of PC or PC / TPU / PC. The polymers may be either filled or unfilled. In the latter case they are preferably transparent or translucent. If the polymers are filled, they are opaque. The above information relates both to films to be joined together and to liquid formulations applied to a precursor, such as a protective or topcoat. The product is preferably prepared from 3 to 12, preferably 4 to 10, films. Furthermore, in addition to the printing features according to the present invention, the films may carry additional print layers arranged on the outside of the value or security product or arranged internally thereon. A laminate formed in this way can finally be coated on one or both sides with the protective or topcoat or with a film. In particular, the film may be a volume hologram, a film with a surface hologram (for example a kinegraphic element) or a scratch-resistant film. Overlay layers formed in this way protect a security feature arranged underneath and / or give the document the required abrasion resistance.

As used in the specification and claims of the present application, the term "pattern" includes, but is not limited to, a somewhat distributed distribution of elements that provide an optical impression to the human eye and / or a tactile sensation perceivable by a person in two-dimensional arrangement on one or more surfaces, which give a self-contained representation, for example an image, picture element, character, in particular an alphanumeric character, a symbol, coat of arms, a line, formula or the like. For example, the pattern may contain information and therefore form an identifier. The visual impression is perceptible by contrasting surface areas, wherein a contrast between individual pattern elements by different hues, brightness or different surface textures (gloss, roughness or the like) is generated.

As far as in the description and in the claims of the present application, the term 'Sample element' is to be understood as a constituent element of a sample.

The printed product according to the invention has a printed product main body with a first and a second main side. At least one of the two main sides has at least one pattern element arranged in the form of a pattern. The pattern forms a printing feature according to the present invention. The at least one pattern element contains a contrast substance at least in each case in a layer region arranged internally in the at least one pattern element. This contrast substance is visually perceptible. The layer region is in particular in the form of a layer and extends over part of the printed product main body, i. forms in particular a position of the main body. The at least one pattern element is formed raised on the respective main page. It is permanently connected to the printed product main body. However, the contrast substance does not have to be limited to the layer area.

• a. Bereitstellen einer Kavitäten aufweisenden Folie und Bereitstellen eines Druckprodukt-Hauptkörpers mit einer ersten und einer zweiten Hauptseite und
• b. Beladen der Kavitäten der Folie von einer eine Beladungsseite bildenden Oberfläche der Folie mit einer Kontrastsubstanz, sodass sich die Kontrastsubstanz in einem Schichtbereich an der Beladungsseite in der Folie verteilt.

The method according to the invention comprises the following method steps:

• a. Providing a film having cavities and providing a printed product main body having a first and a second main side and
• b. Loading the cavities of the film from a loading side forming surface of the film with a contrast substance, so that the contrast substance distributed in a layer region at the loading side in the film.

• c. Übertragen mindestens eines Teilflächenbereiches der Transferfolie durch mechanische und vorzugsweise zusätzlich thermische Einwirkung auf den mindestens einen Teilflächenbereich auf den Druckprodukt-Hauptkörper, wobei der mindestens eine Teilflächenbereich der Transferfolie mit deren Oberfläche an der Beladungsseite mit dem Druckprodukt-Hauptkörper unlösbar verbunden und auf der jeweiligen Hauptseite ein Muster mit mindestens einem erhabenen Musterelement ausgebildet wird.

According to the invention, the film is a transfer film. The method has the following further method step:

• c. Transferring at least one partial surface region of the transfer film to the print product main body by mechanical and preferably additional thermal action on the at least one partial surface region, wherein the at least one partial surface region of the transfer film is non-detachably connected to the surface on the loading side with the printed product main body and inserted on the respective main side Pattern is formed with at least one raised pattern element.

The transfer film according to the invention has the open cavities towards the loading side of the transfer film. The cavities are loaded with the contrast substance.

The printed product may in particular be a value or security product. In this case, the printed product main body is a precursor of the value or security product, i. an article which can be converted into the value or security product (the printed product) by carrying out process steps (a), (b) and (c).

The printed product according to the invention, the inventive method and the transfer film according to the invention allow, for example, a simple production of an individualized value or security product, because the transfer film can be transferred with simple means individualizing on the printed product main body and there forms the printing feature. This printing feature is visually perceptible by its loading of the contrast substance, in particular a color substance, and moreover tactile (tactile) perceptible (tactile), but only if the printing feature on the printed product main body is formed by a pattern of raised pattern elements the thickness of the pattern elements on the printed product main body is sufficiently large (at least about 30 μm, more preferably at least about 100 μm thick and preferably at most 500 μm). The loading of the transfer film with the contrast substance can be realized very easily with conventional material application methods, for example with a dipping method. The individual pattern elements to be formed on the respective main page of the printed product main body can then be produced by a conventional thermal transfer method. Since the contrast substance is not on the outside of the pattern elements but in their internal volume, it is further ensured by the method according to the invention that the individualizing visual impression caused by the contrast substance is caused by the contrast substance internally contained in the raised pattern elements. Furthermore, it has also been found that, despite the loading of the cavities with the contrast substance, it is ensured that the raised pattern elements firmly adhere to the main sides of the printed product main body. Because the contrast substance in the pattern elements forms no layer at the interfaces between them and the printed product main body, which would allow a simplified separation of the pattern elements from the main body, since the contrast substance is not located at the interfaces. Rather, the contrast substance is distributed at least in a part of the inner volume of the pattern elements. Therefore, a contrast substance can also be selected which would otherwise facilitate detachment of the pattern elements from the main body.

Unlike in the case of in DE 10 2010 035 890 A1 laminating method described is not the entire transfer film connected to another substrate, there with other films into a laminate. Rather, only the partial surface areas of Transfer film corresponding to the pattern elements of the pattern to be formed, transferred to the printed product main body. The individualizing structuring is therefore realized according to the invention by means of the thermal transfer process on the example finished laminate printed product main body. A laminating step as in DE 10 2010 035 890 A1 is therefore unnecessary. Therefore, this method of individualization can also be carried out in an issuing office for value or security documents, which has the advantage for security reasons that individualized documents do not have to be transported outside of security areas.

The cavities in the transfer film absorb the contrast substance. Penetration is mediated by capillary forces. The contrast substance penetrates into the transfer foil and is held firmly there. If, after the loading of the cavities in the transfer film, there is still excess contrast substance on the loading side of the transfer film, this can be removed in a preferred embodiment of the present invention so that the contrast substance is ultimately only in the cavities. This can be done, for example, by doctoring off / wiping off excess contrast substance. Alternatively, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, it may also be provided to apply the contrast substance to the loading side in a predetermined amount so that the entire amount of the contrast substance is absorbed by the cavities and no contrast substance remains on the surface of the transfer film on the loading side.

The contrast substance may be a coloring substance or another visually perceptible substance, for example a metal. A coloring matter is a paint containing one or more pigments, or ink containing one or more dyes. The color substance may have a spectral color, black or gray hue. A metal can be precipitated from an ion of this metal as well as a reducing agent for this solution containing solutions in the cavities, so that a shiny metallic effect results. For example, a Fehling's solution (tartrate copper (II) complex in water) additionally containing a sugar or an aldehyde may be used to deposit copper or an alkaline silver nitrate and ammonia, and an aqueous solution containing silver or a sugar or aldehyde become. To generate the metal in the cavities, the transfer film is then heated.

For loading the cavities of the transfer film with the contrasting substance, a conventional coating method may be employed, for example, a printing method such as an offset or screen printing method, a doctor blade method, a roller coating method, a dipping method, a curtain coating method, a spin coating method or the like.

After loading the transfer film with the contrasting substance, the partial surface areas of the transfer film are transferred to these transfer sheet areas on the print product main body to form the pattern elements by mechanical action (pressing the transfer film on the print product main side) and thermal action (applying heat to the transfer film). wherein the layer region in which the cavities with the contrast substance contained therein come into contact with the main side of the printed product main body. The partial surface areas are then connected to the main body inseparably. For this purpose, the transfer film is pressed locally in the part surface areas corresponding to the pattern elements to be formed on the surface of the printed product main body and also heated. This leads in particular to the non-detachable connection when the material of the transfer film is formed by a thermoplastic material, so that it melts at least partially when heated. Otherwise, the transfer film on the contact side may also be chemically functionalized so that it bonds to the main body by supplying thermal energy. As an alternative or in addition to the thermal action which is used for non-detachably connecting the partial surface region of the transfer film to the printed product main side, it is also possible to select an action by means of electromagnetic radiation, for example UV radiation. As a result, a chemical reaction can take place at the interface between the partial surface area of the transfer film and the printed product main side, which leads to the insoluble compound.

For the heating, a tool is used, with which the transfer sheet is pressed surface area to the main side of the printed product main body. Such a tool, in particular a printing tool, is used for example in printing devices for thermal transfer method, such as a suitable stamp. The tool is supplied with heat, which then transfers it locally to the transfer film, or the tool is designed to generate the heat itself, for example via a resistance heater or an ultrasonic vibration device. Alternatively, it is also possible to use a separate tool for the heating, for example an electromagnetic radiation source, for example a laser device, whose radiation is absorbed in the transfer foil so that it heats up. The transfer film may for this purpose contain special absorber means, in particular selectively in the infrared spectral range absorbing substances (thermo-sensitive substances). These are preferably located in a region in the transfer film, which is arranged adjacent to the loading side. In this case, the transfer sheet in the patch area may first be brought into contact with the main side of the main body, and then the contacted patch area may be heated. In this case, the partial surface area is optionally additionally pressed onto the main side of the main body. After the non-detachable bonding, the part of the transfer film that has not been bonded to the main body, ie, does not correspond to the partial surface areas, may be mechanically separated from the bonded partial surface areas of the transfer film, which now form the pattern elements, and lifted off the main body. The mechanical separation of the partial surface areas of the transfer film from the film residual occurs, for example, by a punching operation, which is carried out by means of the tool for pressing and supplying the heat energy. If the heating takes place by means of electromagnetic radiation or electromagnetic radiation is used to trigger a chemical reaction, it can be passed through suitable pressing elements for this purpose. The pressing elements must be transparent / translucent for this purpose for the electromagnetic radiation. It can also be provided in addition to mechanically and / or chemically remove not connected to the main body parts of the transfer film, for example in a brushing and / or washing process, if they are not related to the film residue.

The material of the printed product main body may be any of the materials mentioned above for these products, in particular in the case of production of a value or security product. In principle, however, other materials and materials come into consideration, such as composites, especially fiber composites, from the materials mentioned and also filled materials, the composites and filled materials such as a base material of one of the materials mentioned and fillers or fibers such as polymer, Paper (cellulose), ceramics, glass, metal or the like are formed. In the case of the filled materials, the fillers may be formed by fibers, grains or other particles. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the printed product main body is formed from or may contain a polymeric material selected from PET and PC, which polymer may additionally contain fillers, for example for coloring.

The printed product main body can be a precursor for a value or security product, in particular for a value or security document. As such, the print product main body can be formed in the form of a preferably monolithic laminate of multiple layers. The individual layers can each be opaque or transparent or translucent. The precursor may already have other security features and / or an internally arranged electrical circuit, for example an RFID circuit with an RFID chip and an antenna, and / or electronic display elements on the outside. The printed product main body can be present in the format intended for end use or in a multiple use, from which, after carrying out the method according to the invention, the printed product equipped with the printing feature is formed by separating, for example cutting or punching, in the format provided. In the case of a precursor for a value or security product, the printed product main body can furthermore have the thickness required for this purpose: it can preferably be at least 500 μm and more preferably at least 700 μm. For the production of a value or security product, the thickness is preferably at most 2 mm and particularly preferably at most 1 mm. For the production of other products, the thickness can be adapted to the respective requirements. For example, in these cases, the thickness may preferably be at least 50 μm, more preferably at least 200 μm, and most preferably at least 700 μm. It may preferably be at most 5 mm, more preferably at most 2 mm, and most preferably at most 1 mm.

The material of the transfer film may also be any of the materials mentioned above for value or security products, in particular in the case of production of a value or security product. In principle, however, other materials are also suitable for the transfer film, with the materials and materials mentioned for the printed product main body basically being able to be used. However, the transfer film is transparent or translucent (translucent), so that the contrast substance is visible through the transfer film. Therefore, the material that makes up the transfer film is transparent or translucent. However, the transfer film can contain dyes or fillers, provided that the transparency or translucency of the transfer film is at least not significantly impaired. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transfer sheet is formed of or may contain a polymeric material selected from PET and PC. The thickness of the transfer film may preferably be at least 2 μm, more preferably at least 2.5 μm, even more preferably at least 5 μm and most preferably at least 7 μm. The transfer film is preferably at most 100 μm, more preferably at most 75 μm more preferably at most 50 microns and most preferably at most 25 microns thick. It can for example be 10 microns thick.

The cavities in the transfer film can be produced during their production or introduced into the latter after their production.

If the cavities are already produced during production, for example, the film may be provided with an expandable material during extrusion, which outgases at elevated temperature and produces the cavities. Alternatively, inorganic or organic materials which have a porosity may also be incorporated in the polymer material of the transfer film, for example silicon dioxide or aluminum oxide, which may be present in the form of nanoscale particles. Alternatively, larger particles with correspondingly small cavities can be used, for example zeolites. Such filled materials are exemplary in WO 2008/011919 A1 as a coating material containing inorganic nanoparticles. Therefore, this document is hereby incorporated in full, at least in any case with regard to the production of such materials, in the disclosure of the present application. These layers contain a polymer as a binder in an amount between 0.5 to 60 percent by weight, based on the total amount of inorganic nanoparticles. DE 10 2010 035 890 A1 also shows a process for producing a microporous film. In this case, a particulate material is extruded into a film. The particles have defined cavities. It may be, for example, zeolites or fullerenes. According to another in DE 10 2010 035 890 A1 specified manufacturing method, a suspension of polymer particles, such as PC particles, applied to a film carrier. The liquid components of the suspension are then evaporated so that the remaining PC particles combine to form a porous film. In this case, the film carrier may consist of PC or at least contain this. The PC particles can additionally be crosslinked by means of suitable present crosslinkers. Therefore, this document is hereby incorporated in full, at least in any case with regard to the production of such materials in the disclosure of the present application. As an alternative to the polymers mentioned there, the above-mentioned polymers which are suitable for the formation of the transfer film can also be used. Again alternatively, a foamed composition of a resin emulsion may be used. Such a manufacturing method with an acrylic ester resin is in DE 600 36 341 T2 described. Therefore, this document is hereby incorporated in full, at least in any case with regard to the production of such a polymer material in the disclosure of the present application. Insofar as polymers other than acrylic ester resins are used for such a process, for example PC or PET, appropriate adjustments to be made by a person skilled in the art are required. These materials can be made using the resin emulsion as well as foaming agents, foam stabilizers and thickeners.

If the cavities are formed in the transfer film only after the production thereof, they can be produced by perforating operations such as laser drilling (laser ablation, either thermally with a CO ₂ laser or by photolytic decomposition of the polymer material with a UV (excimer) laser) ,

The cavities may be formed by holes, depressions, cavities, channels, pores, recesses, cavities and the like. For example, the film material may be porous. The cavities can completely penetrate the transfer film or only partially. The cavities are preferably characterized by being elongate and having a length to diameter to thickness ratio of at least 5, more preferably at least 10, even more preferably at least 20, even more preferably at least 50, and most preferably at least 100. This ratio can be up to 5000, preferably up to 2000, more preferably up to 500 and most preferably up to 100. In particular, the cavities have a size in the micrometer range, i. the diameter / thickness of the cavities is in the range from 1 μm to 1000 μm, preferably in the range from 1 μm to 500 μm and very particularly preferably in the range from 1 μm to 100 μm. In principle, the cavities can also be smaller: their size can be, for example, at least 50 nm and more preferably at least 100 nm and a maximum of 1000 μm, more preferably a maximum of 500 μm and most preferably a maximum of 100 μm.

In order to achieve a secure connection of the partial surface areas of the transfer film on the main side of the main body, without this being impaired by the contrast substance, the cavities on the loading side of the transfer film preferably have the smallest possible opening cross-section, so that the surface portion of the transfer film material on this side is as large as possible is. The area fraction of the opening cross section of the cavities is preferably less than 50%, more preferably less than 40%, even more preferably less than 30%, even more preferably less than 20% and most preferably less than 10%, based on the area of the transfer film on this page.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cavities are located exclusively in a layer region adjacent to the loading side in the transfer film, wherein this layer region does not occupy the entire volume of the transfer film but only a layer portion thereof. The cavities are open to the surface on the loading side, so that the contrast substance can be introduced into them. The layer area may preferably occupy half the thickness of the transfer film or a smaller or larger proportion, for example, in a range of 5% to 40% or 60% to 90% of the thickness. As a result, only the material of the transfer film which has no cavities is located above this layer region. Such a material can be produced, for example, by applying a cavity-comprising layer to a support. The above-mentioned methods are suitable for this purpose (see, for example, those in EP 1 1518 708 B1 . WO 2008/011919 A1 and DE 10 2010 035 890 A1 specified method). Thus, the contrast substance in the printing feature also appears in an examination not only with the naked eye but also by means of a microscope as internal.

The contrast substance may be formed by any colorant suitable for a printing process, for example a printing ink containing the color-forming agents in the form of inorganic and / or organic pigments, or a printing ink containing the color-forming agents in the form of inorganic and / or organic dyes , Furthermore, the coloring matter may also be formed by a luminescent agent. The pigments or dyes may also be luminescent. Examples of printing inks and printing inks are in DE 10 2007 052 947 A1 specified. Therefore, this document is hereby incorporated in full, at least in any case with regard to the colors and inks specified therein in the disclosure of the present application. The luminescent agents can likewise be formed by inorganic and / or organic pigments and / or luminescent substances. They may be, for example, photoluminophores (fluorophores, phosphorophores), electroluminophores or Antistokes luminophores. Typically, the color substance contains other conventional ingredients, which also includes a printing ink or a printing ink, for example, binders, solvents and other conventional ingredients. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the binder is a PC derivative. Such PC derivatives are also in DE 10 2007 052 947 A1 specified. Also, therefore, this document is hereby incorporated in full, at least in any case with respect to the PC derivatives specified therein as a binder in the disclosure of the present application. The solvent may be aqueous or organic. In particular, it may be a mixture. The mixture can be purely organic or contain additional water. Such solvents are also in DE 10 2007 052 947 A1 specified. Also, therefore, this document is hereby incorporated in full, at least in any case with respect to the solvents specified therein, in the disclosure of the present application.

In a further preferred development of the present invention, the transfer film has regularly arranged thin regions, so that the partial surface areas to be applied can be easily mechanically separated from the remainder of the transfer film along thin regions which surround the partial surface regions. As a result, the partial surface areas can be separated very easily and precisely from the film residue that is not to be applied, because the thin areas represent desired separation points. Subliminal areas are located between the thin areas. The grid of the thin areas and the raised areas preferably extends over the entire area of the transfer film. As a result, a controlled shaping of the pattern elements is achieved. If the thin areas are arranged, for example, in a hexagonal grid (honeycomb structure), a regular edge structure of the pattern areas corresponding to this grid results.

The thin regions preferably do not extend completely through the transfer film. They are two-dimensionally rastered, ie formed in a preferably regular two-dimensional arrangement. Accordingly, the intermediate raised areas are regularly arranged. The thin areas may be formed, for example, by continuous trenches or by mutually spaced depressions or perforations. The trenches may additionally have perforations. The thin areas can either be formed exclusively by trenches, for example, have a uniform depth, or in addition to trenches with uniform depth perforations that completely penetrate the material of the film. Alternatively, there may be only perforations or trenches of varying depth or other types of thin areas. The cavities, recesses, recesses, recesses, openings, hollows and the like forming the thin regions are preferably in a regular one-dimensional or two-dimensional arrangement. For example, the thin areas may be formed in the form of a square, rectangular, parallelogram-like, hexagon-shaped, or even curved, borderline groups crossing each other at a predetermined arbitrary angle. By the grid of the thin areas are formed by grid cells (grid cells between the thin areas form pixels in raised form, so that a pixelated transfer film formed by the thin areas in grid form is formed). The pixels may be 'punctiform' or in the form of stripes or in some other form raised above the thin areas. The minimum dimensions of the grid cells are predetermined by the desired fineness of the film element. The more precisely the contours of the film element are to be traced, the finer the grid of the thin areas must be formed. For example, the grid has raster cells with lateral dimensions of 50 μm to 500 μm, preferably of 70 μm to 200 μm. The depth of the depressions or similar is determined by the total thickness of the film. The residual thickness (total thickness of the film minus the total depth of the recesses (in the case of thin regions on both sides of the film minus the sum of the mutually opposite recesses)) should be so small that the film preferably tears easily only in the thin regions. For example, the residual thickness may be 5 μm to 200 μm, more preferably 30 μm to 100 μm.

The thin regions may be formed by material removal or material transformation, for example by an etching or embossing process, after the production of the transfer film. Alternatively, the thin areas can also already be produced during the production of the transfer film, for example by targeted material build-up.

The printing features to be formed on the printed product main body may be screened or not screened. Any raised print features can be created on the main body. Therefore, it is possible not only to create the raised printing features in a single design, for example, for a larger set of value or security documents common to all of these documents, but also to form an individualized design of the printing feature for each individual document. Thus, the raised printing features can also be designed in the form of individualizing, in particular personalizing, markings, i. in the form of identifiers representing, for example, individualizing data of a person or thing to which the value or security document is assigned, either in plain text or in encrypted form. For example, in this way, the name or another characteristic of the person may be exalted. In this respect, the raised printing feature can encode information. For example, the raised marking can be represented by alphanumeric characters or, more preferably, Braille, in particular Braille. Thus, the raised print feature can be an authentication feature. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide an entire group of similar value or security documents with the same printing feature, for example banknotes with a value marking. In addition, the raised printing feature may also be a verification or authentication feature.

The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures, wherein the illustrated examples are merely exemplary in nature and have no limitation as to the scope of the described invention. They show in detail:

1 : a schematic representation of a value or security document in the form of an identity card; (a) isometric representation; (b) Cross-sectional view along section II in FIG 1a ;

2 : a schematic cross-sectional representation of the method steps of the method according to the invention; (a) providing the cavities comprising transfer film; (b) loading the cavities with the contrast substance; (c) placing the loaded transfer film on a printed product main body; (d) pressing a printing tool onto the transfer film and permanently bonding a partial area of the transfer film to the printed product main body; (e) removing the unconnected remainder of the transfer sheet from the printed product main body;

3 a schematic cross-sectional view of a printing product according to the invention provided with a printing feature;

4 : Top views of embodiments of printed products according to the invention provided with printing features; (a) representation of alphanumeric characters; (b) representation of a surface hatching; (c) representation of a two-dimensional distribution of euro symbols; (d) presentation of Braille writing; (e) presentation of a signature;

5 : schematic representation of the production of a transfer film with a cavitated layer area.

In the figures, like reference numerals designate elements having the same function or like elements.

A typical example of the formation of a printed product according to the invention provided with one or more printing features is a value or security document, for example an identity card 100 , Such a card is in 1a . 1b shown. This card is representative of other printed products reproduced. This card is for example as a laminate of several internal polymer layers 140 . 140 ' . 160 together. In 1b is a cross-sectional view along the section II in 1a shown the individual polymer layers as well as external protective lacquer layers 150 , which are intended to protect against abrasion. On an interior location 160 There is an electronic RFID circuit with a chip 161 and an antenna 162 , The individual layers are shown separately, but are no longer distinguishable in the laminated state, since they are fused together during lamination (monolithic structure). The polymer layers may consist of, for example, PC and / or PET or contain these materials. The individual layers can be unfilled or filled with fillers. In the latter case, they are opaque, otherwise transparent. The protective varnish is transparent, so that underlying information is visible from the outside. If the pattern elements on the card according to the present invention are to be perceived haptically, they must be significantly thicker than the protective lacquer coating that they cover.

The map 100 has a top 101 and a bottom 102 on. On the top there is a facial image 110 the owner of the card and two data fields, namely a first data field 120 and a second data field 130 with card and holder data in plain text and / or in coded form. The data in the first and in the second data field are produced by printing layers which are on an outer inner layer 140 of the document, but immediately under the outer layer of protective varnish 150 , are arranged.

The map 100 also contains an additional field 170 in which a copy of the facial image of the holder of the card is arranged. This facial image is in the form of a print feature 200 is formed according to the present invention and is formed by a pattern of a plurality of raised pattern elements, which are produced by the method according to the invention.

The inventive method for producing the with the at least one printing feature 200 provided printed product, namely the card 100 , is progressively in 2 shown schematically:
In a first process step ( 2a ) become a cavities 310 having transfer film 300 and a printed product main body 400 ( 2c ) provided on which the printing feature 200 to be produced according to the present invention. This step corresponds to process step (a) of the process according to the invention. For example, the main body may be an almost finished identity card that already has all the other security features, including the externally visible print features such as the facial image 110 the owner of the card as well as the data of the holder of the card in the data fields 120 . 130 , but not yet having the printing feature according to the present invention and optionally the protective lacquer layers to be applied externally 150 , The card may already be in the final format.

The cavities 310 comprising film 300 is designed as a transfer film, that is, it is partially in a further step of the method according to the invention on a main page 410 of the main body 400 applied and permanently connected to the main body. The transfer film can be formed, for example, from PC or PET and have a thickness of, for example, 10 μm. However, it may also be thicker, especially if it is to form a tactile security feature, in this case, for example, at least 30 microns and, for example, at most 500 microns. The transfer film is preferably transparent, but may also be translucent. The transfer film may be colored, but this coloring does not affect the visual perception of the cavities 310 should interfere with introducing contrast material. The transfer film has an upper side 301 and a bottom 302 on.

The transfer foil 300 has cavities on its underside 310 on, for example, as in 2a shown from the bottom 302 starting in the form of elongated channels are formed and extend into the film inside. Since these channels in a further process step (see 2 B ) are loaded with a contrast substance, the underside, to which the channels are open, formed as a loading side of the transfer film. The channels do not extend completely through the transfer film but end within the transfer film. The area in which the cavities are located forms the layer area 320 in the transfer foil. This layer region is located in the lower region of the transfer film adjacent to its loading side. The layer region thus extends exclusively to a layer-shaped subregion of the transfer film. For example, the channels may be formed by a method in which the layer region formed by the channels faces a support 600 are applied, wherein the channels in this process of application form (see 5 ). The entirety of layer area and carrier then forms finally the transfer film.

In a subsequent process step, the channels 310 loaded with a contrast substance K ( 2 B ). This process step corresponds to process step (b) of the process according to the invention.

The contrast substance K may be, for example, a coloring matter, for example an ink. Such an ink is exemplified in DE 10 2007 052 947 A1 specified. It contains, for example, a PC derivative as a binder in an organic solvent mixture and a pigment, for example, pigment black 28 , The channels 310 the transfer film 300 For example, they are loaded with this ink by a roller coating method. Preferably, prior to loading the channels, the transfer sheet has first been conditioned in an atmosphere formed by a vapor of the solvent mixture of the ink to saturate the channels with the solvent mixture. This ensures that the ink easily penetrates into the channels. Due to the chemical affinity of the PC ink to the PC film, the ink easily gets into the channels through the capillary forces.

Thereafter, the thus loaded transfer film 300 with the printed product main body 400 , namely the preproduct of the identity card, brought into contact ( 2c ). Individual partial surface areas 330 the transfer film loaded with the contrast substance K 300 are then using a tool suitable for this purpose 500 with the precursor 400 the map 100 inextricably linked. In 2d the partial area is shown in broken lines delimited by the rest of the transfer film. The not with the precursor 400 connected foil remainder 300 ' is then lifted ( 2e ). This process corresponds to process step (c) of the process according to the invention.

According to the in 2c shown step is the loaded transfer film 300 so on a main page 410 of the precursor 400 put up that layer area 320 in which are the channels 310 be in contact with this main page.

Then put a thermal printing tool 500 on a partial surface area 330 the transfer film 300 from above, the one to be formed pattern element 350 corresponds to 2e ). This tool can, for example, be a heated needle which punches out a small partial surface area of the transfer film pixel by pixel. For this purpose, this punch is on the top 301 the transfer film is pressed. Heat energy is transferred from the heated tool to the transfer foil. The resulting increase in temperature causes the transfer film in the pressed-on area partially melts, so that they interfere with the surface 410 of the precursor 400 the map 100 firmly connects. This process step can be carried out in a conventional thermal printing device.

Subsequently, the transfer film remainder 300 ' lifted off again ( 2e ). On the surface 410 of the precursor 400 the map 100 therefore remains a model element 350 back, which is permanently connected to the map surface. Within the pattern element is the layer area loaded with the ink K. 320 , Due to the partial melting of the transfer film material are the channels 310 not available anymore. For that, the ink has in the layer area 320 distributed. Since it is located on the side of the element adjacent to the card surface and is still overlaid by a non-loaded area, the ink is arranged inside the pattern element. This can also be checked with a microscope.

In 3 is a cross section of several sub-elements of the raised printing feature produced by the method according to the invention 200 on the map 100 shown. The individual sub-elements form pattern elements 350 the pattern forming the printing feature. The pattern elements are over the map surface 410 sublime and inextricably linked to it. They have a bottom and thus arranged inside layer area 320 Contrast substance, here the ink K, on. As a result, these pattern elements are separately visually perceptible with the human eye and, if the thickness of the pattern elements is sufficiently large (greater than 30 μm), can also be perceived haptically.

In 4 are diverse with the in 2 shown raised patterns produced 360 from a variety of pattern elements 350 shown.

In 4a is a group of multiple alphanumeric characters, each character being represented by a single pattern element 350 or is formed by a group of several, seamlessly juxtaposed pattern elements. If each character is formed by a single pattern element, the tool used to form the respective pattern element must 500 be formed in the shape of the pattern element to be formed. In the event that each character is composed of several individual pattern elements, the individual pattern elements can each have the same shape, for example a hexagonal or circular shape, so that they can always be produced with the same tool.

In 4b is a group of wavy lines shown on the printed product main body 400 Repeat flat. Again, each line can be defined by a single pattern element 350 or be formed by a plurality of seamless juxtaposed pattern elements. In this respect, the same applies as for the embodiment of 4a ,

In 4c is a group of '€' characters shown. The same applies here as for the embodiment of FIG 4b ,

In 4d Several characters are shown in Braille. The transfer film used for this purpose 300 must be at least 30 μm thick. Preferably, it is about 100 microns thick, so that the writing of a person can be easily perceived haptic. The individual Braille script points are by individual preferably circular pattern elements 350 educated.

In 4e is finally another embodiment of a raised pattern 360 shown in the form of a signature.

In 5 is a method for creating cavities 310 between polymer particles 370 in a layer area 320 a transfer film 300 shown schematically:
A suspension 380 of polymer particles 370 , For example, PC particles, is on a film carrier 600 For example, from a polymer, especially from PC, infused. Subsequently, all liquid components 390 the suspension evaporates, so that the remaining polymer particles combine with each other and one with cavities 310 layer area provided between the polymer particles 320 form. If instead of PC a metal strip is used as a film carrier, the layer area can be lifted off, so that a continuous cavities-containing transfer film is formed. The polymer particles may be partially dissolved in the suspension to enhance adherence of the polymer particles to each other upon evaporation of the liquid components. In addition, the polymer particles may have reactive groups on the surface to effect post-crosslinking so that the layer region has a firm internal cohesion.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

Printed product, value or security product, value or security document, identity card

101

Product top, document top, card top

102

Product base, document base, card base

110

Face image of the cardholder

120

first data field

130

second data field

140, 140 '

internal polymer layer

150

Protective lacquer layer

160

internal polymer layer for electronic circuit

161

RFID chip

162

antenna

170

Field for printing feature according to the present invention

200

Printing feature according to the present invention

300

Foil, transfer foil

300 '

Rest of the transfer film

301

Top of the transfer film

302

Bottom of the transfer film, loading side

310

Cavity, channel

320

layer region

330

Part area

350

pattern element

360

template

370

Polymer particles, PC particles

380

Suspension of polymer particles

390

Liquid components

400

Printed product main body, card precursor, film carrier

410

Main page of printed product main body, card surface

500

Thermal transfer tool, punching tool

600

film backing

K

Contrast substance, color substance, ink

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10047460 A1 [0003]
• EP 1518708 B1 [0004, 0035]
• DE 60131180 T2 [0005]
• DE 102010035890 A1 [0006, 0021, 0021, 0031, 0031, 0035]
• WO 2008/011919 A1 [0031, 0035]
• DE 60036341 T2 [0031]
• DE 102007052947 A1 [0036, 0036, 0036, 0055]

Cited non-patent literature

• ISO 10373 [0011]
• ISO / IEC 7810 [0011]
• ISO 14443 [0011]

Claims (12)

With at least one printing characteristic ( 200 ) provided printed product ( 100 ), comprising a printed product main body ( 400 ) with a first and a second main page ( 410 ), whereby at least one of the two main pages ( 410 ) at least one in the form of a sample ( 360 ) arranged pattern element ( 350 ) and wherein the at least one pattern element ( 350 ) at least in each case one in the at least one pattern element ( 350 ) arranged internally layer area ( 320 ) contains a contrast substance (K), characterized in that the at least one pattern element ( 350 ) on the respective print product main page ( 410 ) and formed with the printed product main body ( 400 ) is permanently connected. With a printing feature ( 200 ) provided printed product ( 100 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the contrast substance (K) is contained exclusively in that in the raised pattern elements ( 350 ) arranged internally layer area ( 320 ) is located. With a printing feature ( 200 ) provided printed product ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printed product ( 100 ) is a value or security product. With a printing feature ( 200 ) provided printed product ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printed product main body ( 400 ) is formed of a polymer material selected from polyethylene terephthalate and polycarbonate. With a printing feature ( 200 ) provided printed product ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one pattern element ( 350 ) is formed of a polymer material selected from polyethylene terephthalate and polycarbonate. Method for producing a device having at least one printing feature ( 200 ) provided printed product ( 100 ), comprising the following method steps: a. Providing a cavity ( 310 ) having foil ( 300 ) and providing a print product main body ( 400 ) with a first and a second printed product main page ( 410 ) and b. Loading the cavities ( 310 ) of the film ( 300 ) from one a loading side ( 302 ) forming surface of the film ( 300 ) with a contrast substance (K), so that the contrast substance (K) in a layer region ( 320 ) at the loading side ( 302 ) in the film ( 300 ), characterized in that the film ( 300 ) is a transfer film and that the process has the following further process step: c. Transfer of at least one partial area ( 330 ) of the transfer film ( 300 ) by mechanical action on the at least one partial area on the printed product main body ( 400 ), wherein the at least one partial area ( 330 ) of the transfer film ( 300 ) with its surface at the loading side ( 302 ) with the printed product main body ( 400 ) is undetachably connected and wherein on the respective printed product main page ( 410 ) a pattern ( 360 ) with at least one raised pattern element ( 350 ) is formed. Method for producing a print with a printing feature ( 200 ) provided printed product ( 100 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that for the permanent connection of the partial area ( 330 ) with the print product main page ( 410 ) additionally takes place a thermal action. Method for producing a print with a printing feature ( 200 ) provided printed product ( 100 ) according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the printed product ( 100 ) is a value or security product. Method for producing a print with a printing feature ( 200 ) provided printed product ( 100 ) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the cavities ( 310 ) exclusively in the layer area ( 320 ) at the loading side ( 302 ) in the transfer film ( 300 ) are located. Method for producing a print with a printing feature ( 200 ) provided printed product ( 100 ) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the printed product main body ( 400 ) and the transfer film ( 300 ) are formed of a polymer material selected from polyethylene terephthalate and polycarbonate. Method for producing a print with a printing feature ( 200 ) provided printed product ( 100 ) according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the contrast substrate (K) is a coloring substance and that the coloring substance contains a polycarbonate derivative as a binder. Transfer foil ( 300 ), having a loading side ( 302 ) of the transfer film ( 300 ) open cavities ( 310 ), where the cavities ( 310 ) are loaded with a contrast substance (K).

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