DE102015014039A1 - Security element with an optically variable structure - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a security element having an optically variable structure, which has an embossing element embossing structure which is combined with a coating contrasting with the surface of the security element such that at least portions of the coating are visible when viewed from a first viewing angle range when viewed under a second Viewing angle range but at least partially obscured, so that when tilting and / or turning the security element about an axis, a tilting effect arises. The invention further relates to an embossing tool and a method for producing such a security element. According to the invention, at least one second structure is arranged within the optically variable structure, wherein the second structure forms a scoring, a punching or a perforation of the security element, in order to allow buckling, bending or partial removal of the optically variable structure.

Description

The invention relates to a security element having an optically variable structure, which has an embossing element embossing structure which is combined with a coating contrasting with the surface of the security element such that at least portions of the coating are visible when viewed from a first viewing angle range when viewed under a second Viewing angle range but at least partially obscured, so that when tilting and / or turning the security element about an axis, a tilting effect arises. The invention further relates to an embossing tool and a method for producing such a security element.

For protection against counterfeiting, especially with color copiers or other reproduction methods, labels, packaging, folding cartons or other elements for product security and also data carriers, such as banknotes, securities, credit or ID cards, passports, certificates and the like, are equipped with optically variable security elements , The protection against counterfeiting is based on the fact that the visually and simply and clearly recognizable optically variable effect is not or only insufficiently reproduced by the abovementioned reproduction devices. In particular, the optically variable security elements have a corresponding feel, which is difficult to copy but easy to check without aids.

This is for example off WO 97/17211 a data carrier with an optically variable element is known, which consists of an embossed structure and a coating in the form of a printed image or line screen. The embossed structure or the coating are in this case supplemented by a partial change in their structure so that either an amplification of the already known optically variable effect occurs or at least one further visually recognizable effect occurs. The entirety of the optically variable effect produced by the combination of background and embossing and the added effect is visually discernible, but can not be reproduced by means of copying machines. Accordingly, it can serve as information for checking whether it is an original document, or in the presence of the optically variable effects, it can be ruled out that the document was produced using commercially available reproduction techniques.

Out WO 2004/022355 a data carrier with an optically variable structure is known, which has an embossed structure with raised areas and a surface of the data carrier contrasting first coating. The embossing structure and the coating are combined in such a way that a tilting effect is created when viewing in an alternating vertical and oblique manner. The first coating is only partially provided. At least in some areas, the optically variable structure has a second coating which also contrasts with the data carrier surface, which coating is arranged overlapping at least in some areas with respect to the first coating.

The invention is therefore the object of developing a generic security element such that the protection against counterfeiting is further increased.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, at least one second structure is arranged within the optically variable structure, wherein the second structure forms a scoring, a punching or a perforation of the security element, in order to allow buckling, bending or partial removal of the optically variable structure.

An optically variable structure in the sense of this invention is a structure whose visual appearance changes when the element is tilted. For example, when the optically variable structure is tilted, its color changes, a bar appears to move from one side to another, tilting displays different characters, or a so-called pumping effect appears in the form of an enlarging or reducing outline of an image motif.

A crease of the security element in the sense of this invention is an elongated, linear depression in the surface of the security element, which does not completely cut through the security element and produces a kink or separation edge. The groove is preferably embossed, cut, scratched or lasered into the surface of the security element and particularly preferably extends from one side of the surface of the security element to an opposite side of the surface of the security element.

A perforation of the security element in the sense of this invention is an at least partial severing of the security element in the form of blind holes, which do not completely sever the security element, or of holes which completely cut through the security element. The outline shape of such a blind hole or hole, for example, circular, elliptical, linear or in the form of any pattern be executed. Particularly preferably, a plurality of blind holes or holes is introduced into the security element, which are strung together in a line, so that a kink or separation edge is formed.

In a perforation of only a single hole or a small number of holes in the security element, the hole forms no kink or separation edge, but an opening through which, for example, a viewer can see through without optical aids or can be plugged into the other parts of a carton ,

A punching of the security element in the sense of this invention represents a perforation of the security element, which forms a tear-off or detachment edge for tearing or detachment of parts of the security element. The punching thus enables partial removal of the security element, with parts of the security element being removed and removed from the security element along a predetermined separation edge or in a predetermined pattern. By punching it is particularly advantageous possible to make opening a package recognizable, since when opening the packaging parts of the security element along the punching are removed and the security element is permanently changed and recognizable to a viewer.

According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the embossing structure consists of grid-shaped embossed elements, wherein the grid is designed in particular as a line grid with a constant grid. In particular, the embossing elements are configured in the shape of nubs, pyramids or roof-shaped roofs, whereby even more complex embossing structures can be used, as can be seen for example WO 2009/013000 A3 . WO 2013/045056 A1 or WO 2013/045055 A1 are known. Preferably, in this case, the second structure is executed linear, wherein the second structure is preferably arranged parallel to the line grid of the embossed structure but can also be arranged at any other angle to the line grid of the embossed structure.

In addition, it is particularly expedient if the embossed structure is divided into individual subregions. Here, the embossed structures are aligned in a partial area in one direction and the embossed structures in an adjacent partial area in a different direction. For example, the embossed structures of all partial areas are linearly arranged roof-shaped structures, the longitudinal edges of the horizontal-roof-shaped structures in one partial area pointing in one direction and in an adjacent partial area in another direction. For example, the longitudinal edges of the roof-shaped structures of adjacent subareas are arranged at right angles to one another.

The height and / or lateral dimension of the embossed structures or of the embossed structures is preferably 10 μm to 1000 μm, particularly preferably 30 μm to 500 μm and very particularly preferably 60 μm to 200 μm.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the security element is provided that the embossed structures are designed as a blind embossing or color-carrying embossing. In an embossing, a substrate, for example made of cardboard or paper, is pressed into indentations of an embossing stamp or a gravure printing plate and in this way is permanently deformed. In a blind embossing, the recesses are not filled with color, whereas in a color-guiding embossing the recesses are at least partially filled with color, so that the substrate is simultaneously deformed and printed. A blind embossing can also be produced by means of thermal processes, wherein a plastic substrate is thermally deformed by the action of heat.

According to a further embodiment, the embossed structures and / or the contrasting coating are designed in a pattern and thereby form a visually perceivable information in supervision. For example, they form a graphic image, an image, a number, a letter, a text or other characters. Particularly preferably, the information consists of positive or / and negative motives. In the case of a positive motif, in this case a motif element is itself applied to the substrate, whereas in the case of a negative motif, the area surrounding the motif element is applied to the substrate. For example, a positive subject is a letter printed in dark color on the light substrate. A negative motif is, for example, a surface applied in a dark color to the substrate, which has an unprinted area in the form of a letter within the area.

Supervision is within the meaning of this invention when the illumination and viewing is from the same side of the security element.

The substrate of the security element particularly preferably consists of paper or cardboard of natural fibers or of synthetic fibers or of a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers, or of at least one embossable plastic film. Further preferably, the substrate consists of a combination of at least two superimposed and interconnected different substrates, a so-called hybrid. This is the substrate for example, a combination of a paper and a plastic film, ie a paper substrate is covered on at least one side by a plastic film.

Valuables in which such a substrate or security element can be used are in particular product securing elements, such as labels, seals, packaging, folding boxes and the like.

The terms "front side" or "back side" of the substrate are relative terms, which may also be referred to as "the one" and "the opposite" sides, and which constitute the majority of the total surface area of the substrate or value document. Specifically, these terms do not include the side surfaces of a substrate that are negligibly small at a substrate thickness that is only about one millimeter in the case of card stock or fractions of a millimeter in paper, and are not usually provided with security features or coatings can. In particular, no optically variable effects can be achieved with the side surfaces.

The invention further comprises an embossing tool for producing a security element with an optically variable structure. The embossing tool has an engraving of a plurality of depressions, wherein the depressions consist of grid-like arranged linear and / or non-linear basic elements. According to the invention, at least one second structure is arranged within the engraving, wherein the second structure effects a scoring, a punching or a perforation of the security element, in order to allow buckling, bending or partial removal of the optically variable structure.

According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the second structure is designed as a line-shaped depression or elevation, each with rounded edges, so that the substrate of the security element is only mechanically deformed or embossed but not damaged.

Alternatively, the second structure may be embodied as a linear sequence of pointed or sharp-edged recesses or elevations, so that the substrate of the security element is cut or perforated.

According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the depth of the depressions or the height of the elevations is about 50% of the width of the depressions or the elevations. Such a width-to-depth ratio results, for example, in the engraving of the embossing tool with a rotating stylus whose tip is formed by flanks which are at an angle of 40 ° to one another.

The depth of the depressions or the height of the elevations is preferably 10 μm to 1000 μm, particularly preferably 30 μm to 500 μm and very particularly preferably 60 μm to 200 μm. It is understood that the embossed structures or embossed structures that are produced with such an embossing tool have a smaller depth or height than the depressions or elevations of the embossing tool itself, since a substrate is basically not completely in a depression or on a Increase an embossing tool can be pressed.

The invention further relates to a method for producing an above-mentioned security element with an embossing tool mentioned above. This has the particular advantage that both the optically variable structure and the second structure can be produced in a single embossing process, so that the security element according to the invention can be produced quickly and inexpensively.

Alternatively, the optically variable structure may be produced with a first stamping tool and the second structure with a second stamping tool. This means that the optically variable structure and the second structure are produced with separate stamping tools. It is irrelevant here whether the optically variable structure and then the second structure are first impressed into the substrate or vice versa. This method has the particular advantage that, for example, an individual punching can be produced, which can be adapted to customer requirements, without the embossing tool for the optically variable structure having to be changed.

The second structure can, however, be introduced into the substrate of the security element by means of other methods instead of using an embossing tool, for example by mechanical scribing or cutting or by a laser beam. When a laser beam is used, it partially or completely wears off the substrate, so that a scoring, a punching or a perforation of the security element is produced.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the specified combinations but also in other combinations, without departing from the scope of the present invention, insofar as this is covered by the scope of the claims. For example, a grooving or perforation may initially be considered Knickkante be used in the manufacture of a carton and then as a punch to separate or destroy the security element when opening the carton.

Reference to the following embodiments and the additional figures, the advantages of the invention will be explained. The embodiments represent preferred embodiments, to which, however, the invention should not be limited in any way. Furthermore, the representations in the figures of the better understanding are highly schematized and do not reflect the realities. In particular, the proportions shown in the figures do not correspond to the conditions present in reality and serve exclusively to improve the clarity. Furthermore, the embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are reduced to the essential core information for the sake of clarity. In the practical implementation much more complex patterns or images can be used.

In detail, show schematically:

1 a folding box in an oblique top view with a security element according to the invention around an edge or a corner,

2 a folding box in plan view with a security element according to the invention and a perforation as insertion opening for a folding tab,

3 a folding box in plan view with a security element according to the invention and a grooving or perforation as a bent edge,

4 an inventive security element with a punch for removing parts of the security element,

5 a sectional sheet for a carton in plan view with a security element according to the invention.

1 shows a folding box 1 in an oblique top view with a security element according to the invention 2 , The left illustration of 1 shows the security element 2 that around an edge 3 the carton 1 is arranged around, being in the area 3a the edge 3 the security element 2 has a scoring or perforation. The grooving or perforation allows a "sharp" edge around which the security element can be bent at a 90 ° angle.

The right picture of 1 shows the security element 2 that around a corner 4 the carton 1 is arranged around, wherein the security element 2 in the fields of 4a . 4b and 4c the corner 4 forming edges has a grooving or perforation. Again, the grooving or perforation allows "sharp" edges around which the security element can be bent at a 90 ° angle, leaving the "pointed" corner 4 arises.

This has the particular advantage that a viewer at the same time from different directions to the security element 2 looks. In an arrangement of the security element 2 on the edge 2 he looks at the same time on two differently inclined surfaces of the security element 2 and when arranged at the corner 4 even on three differently inclined surfaces of the security element 2 , In the case of an optically variable effect in the form of a color change, the observer thus simultaneously recognizes two or three different colors and, in the case of an optically variable effect in the form of an information change, two or three different pieces of information simultaneously.

2 shows a folding box 1 in plan view with a security element according to the invention 2 and a perforation 5 which consists of a single rectangular hole. The perforation 5 used in this embodiment as an insertion or wide slot for receiving the tab 7 a folding tab 6 , The length of the punching 5 is much longer than the width of the punching 5 , where the height is such that the tab 7 by a user comfortably in the punching 5 can be pushed without the tab 7 again from the punching 5 from slipping out.

The left illustration of 2 shows the folding box 1 before inserting the tab 7 in the perforation 5 , the right picture after plugging. The folding strap 6 is doing around the edge 8th in the direction of the arrow 9 kinked and with the tab 7 in the perforation 5 pushed.

3 shows a folding box 1 in plan view with a security element according to the invention 2 and a grooving or perforation 10 as a bending edge. The left illustration of 3 shows the folding box 1 before kinking the security element 2 around the crease or perforation 10 , the right figure after bending backwards.

4 shows a further embodiment of a carton 1 in plan view with a security element according to the invention 2 and a punching 11 in the form of a crossed-out circle in order to be able to detach or detach this part from the security element. The left illustration of 4 shows the folding box 1 before detaching the part of the security element 2 , the right figure after the release, for example, after opening the carton 1 ,

5 shows a cut sheet for a carton 1 in plan view with a security element according to the invention 2 , The security element 2 is on a glue flap 12 arranged. When folding the carton 1 becomes the security element 2 around the creases or perforations 13a and 13b Kinked so that it is at a corner of the adhesive flap 12 is located, similar to the right figure of 1 , and with the remaining carton 1 is glued. For a later opening of the carton 1 serve the creases or perforations 13a and 13b as a punch, along which the security element 2 ruptures and is thereby separated or destroyed in several parts, so that refilling, for example with plagiarism and inconspicuous re-bonding of the adhesive flap 12 is no longer possible.

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

• WO 97/17211 [0003]
• WO 2004/022355 [0004]
• WO 2009/013000 A3 [0013]
• WO 2013/045056 A1 [0013]
• WO 2013/045055 A1 [0013]

Claims (15)

A security element having an optically variable structure having an embossed element embossed structure combined with a coating contrasting with the surface of the security element so that at least portions of the coating are visible when viewed from a first viewing angle range, but at least partially viewed when viewed at a second viewing angle range be concealed, so that when tilting and / or rotating the security element about an axis, a tilting occurs, characterized in that within the optically variable structure at least one second structure is arranged, wherein the second structure, a grooving, a punching or perforation of the security element forms to allow buckling, bending or partial removal of the optically variable structure. A security element according to claim 1, characterized in that the embossing pattern consists of grid-shaped embossed elements, wherein the grid is designed in particular as a line grid with a constant screen ruling. Security element according to claim 2, characterized in that the second structure is executed linear, wherein the second structure is preferably arranged parallel to the line grid of the embossed structure. Security element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the embossed structure is divided into individual subregions. Security element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the height and / or lateral dimension of the embossed structures is 10 μm to 1000 μm, preferably 30 μm to 500 μm and particularly preferably 60 μm to 200 μm. Security element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the embossed structures are designed as a blind embossing or as an ink-carrying embossing. Security element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the embossed structures and / or the contrasting coating are designed pattern-shaped and form, for example, a visually perceivable in plan view graphic image, a picture, a number, a letter, a text or other characters. Embossing tool for producing a security element with an optically variable structure, wherein the embossing tool has an engraving of a plurality of depressions, wherein the recesses of grid-like arranged linear and / or non-linear basic elements, characterized in that within the engraving at least one second structure is arranged wherein the second structure causes a scoring, a punching or a perforation of the security element to allow a buckling, bending or partial removal of the optically variable structure. Embossing tool according to claim 8, characterized in that the second structure as a linear depression or elevation is carried out, each with rounded edges. Embossing tool according to claim 8, characterized in that the second structure is designed as a linear sequence of sharp edged depressions or elevations. Embossing tool according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the depth of the recesses or the height of the elevations is about 50% of the width of the recesses or the elevations. Embossing tool according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the depth of the recesses or the height of the elevations is 10 .mu.m to 1000 .mu.m, preferably 30 .mu.m to 500 .mu.m and particularly preferably 60 .mu.m to 200 .mu.m. Method for producing a security element according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the optically variable structure is produced with a stamping tool according to one of claims 8 to 12. Method for producing a security element according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the optically variable structure is produced with a first embossing tool and the second structure with a second embossing tool. Method for producing a security element according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the optically variable structure is produced by means of an embossing tool and the second structure by mechanical scribing or cutting or by a laser beam.

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