DE102021003199A1 - Security element with a marking layer with a plurality of gaps and method for producing a security element - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a security element (1) for a security document (21), having an optically variable layer (2), a marking layer (3) and a reflector layer (4), the reflector layer (4) between the optically variable layer (2) and of the marking layer (3), the marking layer (3) being arranged on a rear side (4a) of the reflector layer (4) facing away from the optically variable layer (2) and being designed to mark the rear side (4a) of the reflector layer (4). , wherein the marking layer (3) is designed as a control aid for a laterally correct arrangement of the security element (1) on the security document (21), the marking layer (3) having a plurality of gaps (7) at which the reflector layer (4) with respect to the marking layer (3) is exposed.

Description

The invention relates to a security element for a security document. The security element has an optically variable layer, a marking layer and a reflector layer. The reflector layer is formed between the effect layer and the marking layer. Furthermore, the marking layer is arranged on a rear side of the reflector layer, which faces away from the optically variable layer. The marking layer is designed to mark the back of the reflector layer or the back of the security element and serves as a control aid for the correct side arrangement of the security element on the security document. The invention also relates to a security document with a corresponding security element. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for producing a corresponding security element.

Security elements for security documents are known and usually serve to make counterfeiting, ie unauthorized copying, more difficult.

Security documents are designed, for example, as banknotes, ID cards, authorization cards or official documents such as a driver's license or birth certificates.

A banknote is a document that serves as a means of payment in a specific country or currency area, is issued by an authorized institution and is usually denominated in a round denomination of a currency unit.

Security elements for banknotes in particular are designed, for example, as security threads, security strips, film elements or holograms and can often only be inadequately replicated using simple production means, for example an off-the-shelf inkjet printer.

Certain security elements, such as the security threads mentioned, are usually introduced or integrated into the carrier substrate of the security document or applied to the carrier substrate during the production of the security document. Arranging, ie introducing or applying, such a security thread in or on the security document is a demanding process which usually takes place at high speed and requires the security element to be processed with the correct side. This is because such security elements are usually constructed asymmetrically and it is important for the function of the security element that it is installed on the correct side.

However, since the installation takes place at high speed and the front side of the security element often appears at least similar to the back side, the back side of the security element is usually coated with a marking layer. The marking layer is usually designed in a conspicuous color and/or has a reduced reflectivity compared to the reflector layer. The marking layer usually has a high contrast to the front side without a marking. When arranging the security element on the carrier substrate, the marking makes it possible to recognize more quickly whether the security element has rotated during the arrangement process and is no longer on the right side. A checking sensor is then arranged, for example, in such a way that it always sees the marking layer or always does not see it in the error-free production process. If this changes, a fault can be assumed.

A security thread is usually unwound from a spool or roll in order to be introduced into the carrier substrate. During unwinding or unwinding, the undesired twisting of the security thread can occur unintentionally. If the rotation is detected from the marking color, the security thread is usually rotated back to the right side in the production device and the defectively produced substrate with the security element on the wrong side is marked as scrap.

The present invention thus relates to security elements which have a marking layer.

The task is to create a security element with a marking layer which is more secure. It is also an object to create a method for producing a corresponding security element.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a security element and a method having the features according to the respective independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a security element, in particular a window security thread, for a security document, in particular a bank note. The security element has an optically variable layer, a marking layer and a reflector layer. The reflector layer is formed between the optically variable layer and the marking layer. The marking layer is on a side facing away from the optically variable layer Rear of the reflector layer arranged. Furthermore, the marking layer is designed to mark the rear side of the reflector layer. Furthermore, the marking layer is designed as a control aid for the correct side arrangement of the security element on the security document.

As an important idea of the invention, it is provided that the marking layer has a plurality of gaps at which the reflector layer is designed to be exposed with respect to the marking layer.

The invention is based on the knowledge that a security element with a marking layer can be made more secure by being formed with gaps in the marking layer. As a result of the gaps, the marking layer is provided with a second function, namely a security feature, in addition to its function as a control aid for the correct arrangement. The marking layer thus now has a dual function.

The cutouts therefore provide a security feature which is difficult for a counterfeiter to imitate without the appropriate equipment. This increases the security of the security element.

The optically variable layer can also have effect-free areas, such as negative text or plain text or demetallized areas. The first area preferably also includes the area of the effect-free areas, in particular of the negative text. The negative text or plain text is in particular a demetallised area, i.e. an area in a metallised, opaque or translucent environment which has at least a reduced metal layer thickness or no metal, so that this area is transparent or more translucent than the environment when viewed through.

The optically variable layer is designed in particular with an appearance that is dependent on the viewing angle. In particular, the optically variable layer has multiple layers and is formed from different layers of material.

In particular, the optically variable layer has a color shift effect. For example with absorber layer and dielectric layer.

Provision is also preferably made for the optically variable layer to be formed at least partially with metal. The metal is formed in particular as Cr and/or Al and/or Cu and/or Ni. The effect layer is preferably designed as a Cr, SiOx, Al layer.

The optically variable layer can be formed by a metallically pigmented printing ink.

However, the optically variable layer can also be formed with an embossing lacquer. The security element is made more secure as a result.

Provision is also preferably made for the marking layer to be in the form of opaque white. The opaque white is preferably in the form of a white printing ink.

Provision is furthermore preferably made for the security element to have a film layer on the side of the effect layer which is remote from the marking layer. The film layer can be formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), for example.

Provision is furthermore preferably made for the security element to be designed as a security thread, in particular as a window security thread. The marking layer is used in particular with security threads, since the probability of twisting during the insertion process is higher. The marking layer can thus also act as a security feature due to the gaps and take on a dual function. The window security thread is introduced into a substrate in particular in such a way that at least part of the security thread is exposed or visible or uncovered by the substrate.

Provision is also preferably made for the security document to be in the form of a banknote.

In particular, the security element also has a machine-readable element, preferably with magnetic properties and/or with a binary code.

The gaps can form a pattern, a character and/or a code, for example. The coding can, for example, be in the form of, in particular, a binary barcode or QR code. In particular, a bar code can be formed by the recesses. In addition or as an alternative, a binary pattern can also be formed by the cutouts.

In particular, the security element is rectangular, preferably in the form of a security thread.

In particular, the security element has a width and a length.

It is preferably provided that the recesses, in particular in the direction of the length of the security element, are of different sizes. In particular, the length of the security element is greater than the width. In the direction of the width of the security element, the gaps are preferably of the same size. As a result, a machine-readable code can be created and the security element is made more secure.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the security element has a width and a length, the length being a multiple of the width, and the gaps being formed over the entire width. This makes it easier to read the recesses with a machine test device.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that an adhesive layer is formed on the side of the optically variable layer that faces away from the reflector layer. The security element can be attached to a substrate or carrier element by the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer also allows the security element to be connected more effectively to a substrate, as a result of which an undesired detachment of the security element can be prevented. The security element is made more secure as a result.

Provision is furthermore preferably made for a carrier layer to be formed on the side of the optically variable layer which is remote from the reflector layer. The structure of the security element can be stabilized by the carrier layer and the security element is thereby formed more securely.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a further adhesive layer is formed on the side of the marking layer facing away from the reflector layer. The additional adhesive layer also allows the security element to be connected more effectively to a substrate, as a result of which an undesired detachment of the security element can be prevented. The security element is made more secure as a result.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the marking layer has at least one IR substance, which is designed to absorb infrared radiation, and a binary IR bar code is formed by the IR substance. This creates another security feature in addition to the cutouts. The security element is made more secure due to the combined effect of the IR material and the cutouts.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the marking layer is in the form of opaque white. Owing to its brightness and its usually high contrast with regularly occurring backgrounds, opaque white is particularly well suited for recognizing the back of the security element during incorporation into a security document.

In particular, it is provided that the viewing side of the security element, i.e. the side from which the security element is preferably viewed, is formed on the side of the optically variable layer facing away from the reflector layer.

The invention also relates to a method. In the method according to the invention, a security element for a security document, in particular a bank note, is produced.

• - Ausbilden einer optisch variablen Schicht;
• - Ausbilden eine Reflektorschicht, insbesondere auf der optisch variablen Schicht;
• - Anordnen einer Markierungsschicht an einer der optisch variablen Schicht abgewandten Rückseite der Reflektorschicht. Die Markierungsschicht ist zur Markierung der Rückseite der Reflektorschicht ausgebildet. Ferner ist die Markierungsschicht als Kontrollhilfe für eine seitenrichtige Anordnung des Sicherheitselements an dem Sicherheitsdokument ausgebildet.
• - Bereitstellen des erzeugten Sicherheitselements.

The following steps are carried out:

• - forming an optically variable layer;
• - forming a reflector layer, in particular on the optically variable layer;
• - Arranging a marking layer on a rear side of the reflector layer facing away from the optically variable layer. The marking layer is designed to mark the back of the reflector layer. Furthermore, the marking layer is designed as a control aid for a side-correct arrangement of the security element on the security document.
• - Providing the generated security element.

As an important idea, it is envisaged that the marking layer is formed with a plurality of recesses at which the reflector layer is exposed with respect to the marking layer.

The invention also relates to a security document with the security element according to the invention.

The security document is designed in particular as a banknote, identity card, passport or driver's license.

The preferred embodiments presented with reference to the security element according to the invention and their advantages apply correspondingly to the method according to the invention and to the security document according to the invention. The preferred embodiments presented with reference to the method according to the invention and their advantages apply correspondingly to the security element according to the invention and to the security document according to the invention.

Further features of the invention result from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below using a schematic drawing.

• 1 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselements mit einer optisch variablen Schicht, einer Markierungsschicht und einer Reflektorschicht, wobei die Markierungsschicht mehrere Aussparungen aufweist;
• 2 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels des Sicherheitselements mit Lücken in der Reflektorschicht;
• 3 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels des Sicherheitselements mit der Markierungsschicht mit einem IR-Stoff;
• 4 eine schematische Draufsichtdarstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels des Sicherheitselements mit streifenförmigen Aussparungen;
• 5 eine schematische Draufsichtdarstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels des Sicherheitselements mit geometrisch geformten Aussparungen;
• 6 eine schematische Draufsichtdarstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels des Sicherheitselements mit komplexen Aussparungen;
• 7 eine schematische Vorderansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitsdokuments mit dem Sicherheitselement als Fenstersicherheitsfaden; und
• 8 eine schematische Rückansicht des Sicherheitsdokuments mit dem Sicherheitselement als Fenstersicherheitsfaden.

show:

• 1 a schematic sectional representation of an embodiment of a security element according to the invention with an optically variable layer, a marking layer and a reflector layer, wherein the marking layer has a plurality of gaps;
• 2 a schematic sectional representation of a further exemplary embodiment of the security element with gaps in the reflector layer;
• 3 a schematic sectional representation of a further exemplary embodiment of the security element with the marking layer with an IR substance;
• 4 a schematic top view representation of a further exemplary embodiment of the security element with strip-shaped recesses;
• 5 a schematic plan view representation of a further embodiment of the security element with geometrically shaped recesses;
• 6 a schematic top view illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of the security element with complex gaps;
• 7 a schematic front view of an embodiment of a security document according to the invention with the security element as a window security thread; and
• 8th a schematic rear view of the security document with the security element as a window security thread.

Elements that are the same or have the same function are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

1 shows a schematic sectional view of a security element 1 with an optically variable layer 2, a marking layer 3 and a reflector layer 4.

In particular, the security element 1 is designed as a security thread.

The optically variable layer 2 has, in particular, an appearance that is dependent on the viewing angle.

The optically variable layer 2 can be multi-layered.

The optically variable layer 2 can be formed from Cr and/or SiOx and/or MgF2 and/or nitrocellulose, for example.

The reflector layer 4 reflects light and is formed of Al, for example. However, the reflector layer 4 can also be designed as a metal-colored layer, in particular silver-colored, chrome-colored, copper-colored or gold-colored. The reflector layer has a rear side 4a.

The marking layer 3 is preferably in the form of a high-contrast information color or warning color, for example opaque white, with respect to a front side 5 of the security element 1 . The front side 5 of the security element 1 is intended to be distinguished more clearly from a back side 6 of the security element 1 by the marking layer 3 . The marking layer 3 is designed to point in particular to the rear side 6 . The recognition and differentiation can be carried out, for example, using a camera and methods of image processing.

The front side 5 is preferably the main viewing side of the security element 1.

The security element 1 is preferably applied to a security document, in particular a bank note, with the rear side 6 first.

The marking layer 3 has a number of gaps 7 . The reflector layer 4 is formed so that it is exposed from the marking layer 3 at the locations of the recesses 7 .

A pattern 8, in particular a binary pattern, can be produced by the recesses 7. The cutouts 7 thus make it possible to provide information or a function that is additional to the marking function.

According to the exemplary embodiment, the recesses 7 are of different sizes and can therefore perform an extended coding function.

The gaps 7 can be produced, for example, by applying the marking layer 3 only in certain areas from the start and by keeping the gaps 7 free.

However, the recesses can also be created later, in that the locations of the recesses are uncovered again after the marking layer has been completely applied, for example by mechanical intervention, for example scratching or rinsing free, or by means of a laser.

It is also possible for the cutouts 7 to be created by covering the locations of the cutouts 7 on the reflector layer 4 and removing the covering again after the marking layer 3 has been completely applied.

The security element 1 can also have a carrier layer 9 . The carrier layer 9 is designed in particular to carry the optically variable layer 2 , the marking layer 3 and the reflector layer 4 . The carrier layer 9 can be designed as a carrier film, for example.

According to the exemplary embodiment, the carrier layer 9 is formed on the side of the optically variable layer 2 facing away from the marking layer 3 .

The security element 1 can also have a first adhesive layer 10 . According to the exemplary embodiment, the adhesive layer 10 is formed on that side of the optically variable layer 2 which is remote from the reflector layer 4 . In particular, the first adhesive layer is formed on the front side 5 .

The security element 1 can also have a second adhesive layer 11 . According to the exemplary embodiment, the second adhesive layer 11 is formed on the side of the marking layer 3 facing away from the optically variable layer 2 . In particular, the second adhesive layer 11 is formed on the rear side 6 .

Furthermore, the security element can have an optional intermediate layer 12 . If the intermediate layer 12 is present, the second adhesive layer 11 can be applied continuously with a uniform thickness. If the intermediate layer is not present, the second adhesive layer 11 extends, for example, into the cutouts 7 and can be in contact with the reflector layer 4 at the points or in the area of the cutouts 7 .

The marking layer can also have an IR substance 13 as an option. The IR substance 13 is designed to absorb infrared radiation.

2 shows the security element 1 in a schematic sectional view analogously to FIG 1 , wherein the reflector layer 4 has at least one recess 15. In particular, the reflector layer 4 has a plurality of recesses 15 . A so-called negative text can be generated through the recess 15 .

Furthermore, the marking layer optionally has a second IR substance 14 in addition to the first IR substance 13 . The second IR substance 14 can, for example, absorb radiation of a different wavelength or a different frequency band in the infrared spectral range than the first IR substance 13 .

3 shows the security element 1 in a schematic sectional view analogously to FIG 2 , wherein between the marking layer 3 and the reflector layer 4 a magnetic block 16 is formed.

The magnet block 16 can, in particular at least on the side facing the marking layer 3, be covered with a reflective coating 17, for example a metal pigment paint, e.g. Al.

4 shows a schematic plan view of the rear side 6 of the security element 1. A bar code 18, which is formed by the marking layer 3 and the gaps 7, can be seen.

5 FIG. 12 schematically shows a further exemplary embodiment of the rear side 6 of the security element 1 in a plan view. A pattern 8 is formed by the marking layer 3 and the gaps 7. FIG.

The shape of the respective recess 7 can vary as shown. The shape of the recess 7 can, for example, be such that a rectangle or a triangle is exposed from the marking layer 3 .

The security element 1 has a length l and a width b.

For reasons of clarity, only the direction of the width b and the length l is indicated in the following figures.

6 shows a schematic top view of another exemplary embodiment of the rear side 6 of the security element 1. The shape of the recess 7 can be such, for example, that a motif 19 is exposed from the marking layer 3. The motif 19 is, for example, a schematic portrait of a human face.

The first IR material 13 and the second IR material 14 can be present together in an overlapping area 20 .

7 shows schematically one side of a bank note 21 with the security element 1 as a window security thread. The security element 1 is partially completely embedded in a region 23 in a substrate 22 of the bank note 21 and in a further region 24 partially exposed from the substrate 22 at least on one side. The security element 1 can be seen from the front side 5 through the window, ie the further area 24 .

8th shows schematically the side of 7 opposite side of the banknote 21. According to the exemplary embodiment, the security element is completely covered when viewed from this side of the banknote 21. In the marked area 25, the back 6 of the security element 1 faces the viewer.

Claims (10)

Security element (1) for a security document (21), with an optically variable layer (2), a marking layer (3) and a reflector layer (4), the reflector layer (4) between the optically variable layer (2) and the marking layer ( 3) is formed, wherein the marking layer (3) is arranged on a rear side (4a) of the reflector layer (4) facing away from the optically variable layer (2) and is designed to mark the rear side (4a) of the reflector layer (4), the Marking layer (3) is designed as a control aid for a laterally correct arrangement of the security element (1) on the security document (21), characterized in that the marking layer (3) has a plurality of gaps (7) at which the reflector layer (4) with respect to the marking layer (3) is exposed. Security element (1) after claim 1 , A binary bar code (18) and/or a binary pattern (8) being formed by the recesses (7). Security element (1) after claim 1 or 2 , wherein the recesses (7) are of different sizes. The security element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the security element (1) has a width (b) and a length (1), the length (l) being a multiple greater than the width (b), and the gaps ( 7) is formed over the entire width (b). The security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an adhesive layer (10) is formed on that side of the optically variable layer (2) which is remote from the reflector layer (4). The security element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a carrier layer (9) is formed on that side of the optically variable layer (2) which is remote from the reflector layer (4). The security element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a further adhesive layer (11) is formed on that side of the marking layer (3) which is remote from the reflector layer (4). Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the marking layer (3) has at least one IR substance (13, 14) which is designed to absorb infrared radiation, and through the IR substance (13, 14) a binary Bar code is formed. The security element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the marking layer (3) is in the form of opaque white. Method for producing a security element (1) for a security document (21) with the steps: - Forming an optically variable layer (2); - forming a reflector layer (4); - Arranging a marking layer (3) on a rear side (4a) of the reflector layer (4) facing away from the optically variable layer (2), the marking layer (3) being designed to mark the rear side (4a) of the reflector layer (4), the marking layer (3) is designed as a control aid for a side-correct arrangement of the security element (1) on the security document (21); and - providing the security element (1) produced, characterized in that the marking layer (3) is formed with a plurality of gaps (7) at which the reflector layer (4) is exposed with respect to the marking layer (3).

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