DE4030493A1 - MULTI-LAYERED DATA CARRIER AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF - Google Patents

Abstract

The data support, partic an identity card or bond, has a surface section (3) giving optically variable effects pref a hologram, dependent on the angle of observation. At this section additional data in the form of letters, strips, patterns etc, is applied subsequently. The data is superimposed on the optically variable effect (4), and is likewise visually recongisable.

Description

The invention relates to a data carrier, in particular an identity card, security or the like, with a Area element (OVD) that has optically variable effects, which depend on the viewing angle as well as a Process for producing such a data carrier.

It is known to protect data carriers optically use variable elements (OVD, Optical Variable Devices), their visual effect on light diffraction, interference or the like. Be used in this connection especially holograms, kinegrams, Diffraction gratings and interference layer elements for protection credit cards, ID cards, banknotes, Security documents and the like. Such elements meet the traditional security requirements for human-verifiable authenticity features, d. H. high manufacturing costs on the one hand and clear verifiability without additional aids on the other hand. The OVD’s are also state of the art, which gives the assigned product a modern look give high-tech character.

Due to the high manufacturing costs, for example Embossed holograms comparatively expensive what their use as carriers of individual information so far restricted. The production of holograms is so far only economical in large quantities reasonable framework possible. To increase security against counterfeiting, but also for further customization of card series or single cards a need to look the same through additional holograms To make measures different from each other or a certain one despite using the same holograms Individualization in the area of the hologram too  enable. Through these additional measures would be different cards also visually in the hologram area distinguishable, although the holograms themselves do not have a direct difference.

Ideally, these measures should also be suitable the individual data that, for example, only the authorized users are assigned to an ID card, to include. So the problem is in large series of standard holograms at the latest when Apply the holograms to a data carrier in this way individualize that they are specific only to this a disk or at least only for a limited one Number of disks are.

The object of the invention is therefore to use a data carrier an optically variable element, in particular a hologram, propose in which the optically variable element is individualized through additional measures.

This problem is solved in that in the area of OVD Additional information in the form of characters, patterns or the like are provided, which, at the OVD later introduced, superimposed on the optically variable effect and are also visually recognizable.

Further developments of the invention are the subject of the subordinate ones and subordinate claims.

The invention is based on the finding that at almost all surface elements with optically variable viewing angles dependent effects Additional information are storable insofar as surface elements are used find where the optically variable effect is large is present and in which the optically variable effects due to structural changes, disturbances or inhomogeneities locally changed, damped or even changed in the layer structure  can be destroyed. If one forms these disorders in In the form of patterns, characters or symbols, so are it in the OVD arranged on a data carrier as Patterns, characters or symbols integrated and additional recognizable to those at special viewing angles visible optically variable effects are also recognizable. On in this way, individualizations of OVD's are possible because of the integration in the OVD on the one hand together with this are verifiable and on the other hand also by this before changes and manipulations to be protected.

The additional information according to the invention is preferred wise in one of the manufacture of OVD's the technology through the targeted introduction of faults in the layers producing the optically variable effect causes what in the simplest case by providing locally limited surface roughness in surface areas with otherwise comparatively low surface roughness and impressing this roughness into the OVD at Application to the data carrier is to be effected.

The term "surface roughness" is in the fiction reasonable sense to refer to the data carrier in the state hen in which the OVD is fixed on the data carrier.

When applied in so-called cold adhesive processes, the Surface at room temperature the necessary To exhibit roughness, which is necessary to visually to "disrupt" variable layers locally. At im Heißka elements to be applied by sheer or hot stamping process the roughness must still be at this temperature have a sufficient degree or at least with this Temperature appears in time to the ge desired effects. The latter aspect is of particular interest when using inks find where pigments or the like along with  thermoplastic binders are provided as these Printing inks in the dried state a smooth in itself Form surface through which the pigments of all things in a sufficiently heated state under pressure effect (laminating or hot stamping) on the surface can be noticed as "roughness". This is probably due to the fact that with a sufficiently high pigment proportion of the binder pushes aside and the harder pigments, so to speak, "stacked on top of one another stop ". Since the effect according to the invention is too low pigment content to thick layers of paint or in Connection with binders used in laminated pe fittings do not become sufficiently fluid, do not occur, is the "roughness" among other things by this Adjustable parameters.

Are suitable for producing the effects according to the invention thus regardless of the method by which the surface element is applied, surface structures in Data carriers by engraving, sandblasting, embossing, etching or the like are generated. When using Data carriers on which the optically variable elements in Hot lamination or hot stamping processes are applied, but one that is only available when hot is sufficient Roughness, d. H. for that are also in thermoplastic embedded pigments can be used.

Combinations of the two are of course also possible mentioned possibilities conceivable, such as. B. the partial Engrave a homogeneous pigmented exterior data carrier layer or the local elimination of surfaces surface roughness by covering with pigment-free smooth Layers or partial smooth ironing from flat seen roughness structures.  

In a first approximation, all elements are layer elements usable, on the one hand, for different viewing have different optical properties and on the other hand are so thin that the surfaces roughness these optical effects through surface finish formations (preferably in the microscopic range) visually changed. Meet these requirements essentially apply all thin ones using transfer technology glossy layers and apply accordingly diffraction gratings, holograms, kinegrams, interfaces boundary layer elements and the like.

The basic principle of the invention is as follows hand explained by various surface elements that prefabricated as a semi-finished product on so-called transfer belts and the transfer process to the actual data carriers are transferred.

The following embodiments of the invention will described using the drawing, for example. In this demonstrate:

Fig. 1 shows a known volume with up broke system OVD,

A data carrier with OVD, are provided in the extension proper OF INVENTION Additional information Fig. 2,

Fig. 3 shows the cross section through a transfer belt,

Fig. 4 shows the cross section through the known data carrier shown in FIG. 1,

Fig. 5 shows the cross-sectional ge by the data carrier Mäss FIG. 2.

Fig. 1 shows a conventional data carrier 1 , z. B. an ID card with a general print image 2 and an optically variable element 3 , which is designed in the present case as an embossed hologram and in which the holographic information is symbolized with wavy lines 4 .

Such data carriers 1 are usually constructed from a plurality of film layers in which the inner layers are opaque and are provided with printed images 2 on the front and back. In order to avoid damage, manipulation and falsification of the printed image 2 , the printed inner layers are usually covered with transparent film layers. As a rule, the optically variable elements, in this case hologram 3 , are applied to the outer surface of these transparent cover foils. This is done either by gluing (cold lamination process) or by lamination under the influence of heat and pressure using the so-called hot stamping or hot lamination process (hot lamination). Regardless of the application method, one always strives to arrange the preferably very thin hologram as continuously as possible on the card surface.

As is known, the common transfer holograms have a metallized reflection layer, which looks like a high-gloss mirror under special viewing angles, but clearly shows the holographic information under other viewing angles. Such holograms are integrated into the design of the data carrier, that is to say they are coordinated with the printed image 2 so that they form an optical unit together.

Fig. 2 shows the known ID card 1 , in which the additional information 5 according to the invention, in the present case in the form of the letter "A", are provided in the area of the embossed hologram 3 . The additional information 5 is integrated in the highly glossy metal layer of the hologram 3 as a matt structure. When viewing at different reflection angles, on the one hand, as usual, the holographic information is recognizable, but on the other hand, the additional information 5 , which is recognizable from almost all viewing angles and which is virtually overlaid by the holographic information, stands out due to the flat matt appearance of the general holographic information. Additional information 5 can be seen particularly clearly under the reflection angles at which the holographic effects cannot be recognized, but rather the metal layer only appears as a mirror. At the angles at which the holographic information appears particularly clearly, the additional information 5 is less visible because it is to a certain extent outshone by the holographic information.

The structure of a transfer hologram that can be used according to the invention is shown schematically in FIG. 3 without taking into account the actual proportions. The transfer belt consists of a carrier material 10 , for example a polyester film, a separating layer 12 arranged thereon, which melts at the laminating temperature and enables the carrier layer 10 to be detached. A protective lacquer layer 14 is provided adjacent to the separating layer 12 , which comes to rest as an outer layer after transfer of the transfer hologram to a data carrier and offers the hologram a certain mechanical protection. A thermoplastic layer 16 is provided under the protective lacquer layer 14 , into which the diffraction structures of the hologram are embossed with an embossing stamp. A metal layer 18 is evaporated onto the hologram structure. Depending on the manufacturing process, embossing and steaming can also be reversed in their order. Finally, a protective lacquer 20 and a hot-melt layer 22 lying thereon are usually provided on the embossed side of the layered composite. The metal layer 18 can also be evaporated so thin that it is partially permeable; a raster application of the metal layer or other variants is also conceivable.

With the aid of the carrier tape 10 , the embossed hologram 3 consisting of the layers 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 is transferred to the data carrier 1 .

The embossing hologram is transferred to the data carrier in the hot embossing process with the help of a so-called hot embossing stamp. The transfer tape with the hot-melt adhesive layer 22 is placed on the carrier layer 24 . The hot stamp is pressed with a defined pressure for a certain time, the separating layer 12 melting under the stamp and the hot adhesive layer 22 activated. After removing the hot stamp, the carrier tape 10 is pulled off. The parts of the hologram that are pressed by the hot stamping stamp adhere to the data carrier on the carrier layer 24 . The rest of the parts of the hologram, which were not arranged directly below the hot stamp, remain on the carrier tape and are removed with this from the data carrier 1 . The transfer belt is known per se and is not the subject of the invention.

The hot laminating process is similar Licher form, only that the disk with lamination plates is completely covered and heat and pressure act fully on the data carrier. That too trans ferender element thus, as far as this on Teilbe range of the disk should be limited on the Transfer ribbon already available in the dimensions in which it should be on the disk later.  

FIG. 4 shows the area of the hologram of the data carrier 1 shown in FIG. 1 in section. For the sake of simplicity, the card body 1, which generally consists of three or more layers, has been shown in one layer. The proportions of the layers are also not kept for better clarity. The card 1 , designed as a standard card, normally has a thickness of approximately 0.76 mm. The thickness of the transfer hologram is usually on the order of a few micrometers.

The layer structure in FIG. 4 now includes the data carrier 1 on which the hologram consisting of the layers 20, 18, 16 and 14 is attached by means of the adhesive layer 22 . In the thermoplastic layer 16 and the thin metal layer 18 , the holographic information 4 is embossed in a known manner as a microrelief. The layers 14 and 20 are out as resistant layers of lacquer, by which the hologram is protected from mechanical damage.

The layer structure 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 is so dimensioned and structured that it fi xed on the card body on the one hand forms a mechanically stable unit, but on the other hand has such low inherent stability that detachment from the card to destroy the Leads hologram. A more detailed description of the type of transfer holograms can be found, for example, in DE-OS 33 08 831.

In Fig. 5 the same layer structure is chosen as in Fig. 4, only that the additional information 5 is integrated as structural inhomogeneity in the layer structure.

As will be explained below, the additional information 5 can be produced in a wide variety of forms. In the present case ( FIG. 5), it is generated by additional printing information 6 , which are arranged under the hologram and which, when the OVD is applied, are pressed into the layers 20 and 18 carrying the hologram through the layer structure. The printing layer 6 be made of pigmented printing inks and preferably has a thickness of about 5 to 20 microns. The ratio of binder and pigment is chosen so that there is a good "filling" in the dry color layer, ie the pigments are continuously present across the layer ceiling. This is usually always the case with highly opaque pigment colors.

Because the printing inks vary depending on the components used are structured differently, the naming is one preferred mixing ratio not possible. Ver However, searches have shown that the desired effect with a large number of highly opaque and pigmented Printing inks can already be reached without additional measures. The intensity of the effect is ge for each printing ink separates experimentally. A subsequent one Change in intensity is by varying the Layer thickness or by changing the pigment or Binder compartment possible.

Particularly good results could be achieved with Screen printing inks from Wiederhold with company names drawings J 65, J 60, J 12 and J 20. As pigments carbon black, chrome yellow and titanium dioxide are particularly useful, however, this is not a limitation of the invention meant to mean these pigments.

The hologram 3 shown in section in FIG. 5 and arranged above the printing layer 6 is pressed onto the card surface by means of a hot lamination process under the action of pressure and heat. During the pressing process, the softening adhesive layer 22 was activated, whereby on the one hand an intimate connection with the card surface is achieved and on the other hand the screen printing layer is impressed into the layer structure of the transfer hologram.

The effect according to the invention is presumably produced by the fact that the thermoplastic binder of the pigmented printing ink softens the layer in the same way as the adhesive and yieldingly flows away to the side, but the pigments "remain stacked on top of one another" and thus, depending on the grain size, one more or form less rough surface structure. This structure is now embossed in the hologram layer 18 and generates disturbances in the relief structure of the hologram lying in the μ range, which are visually recognizable in the otherwise smooth metal surface. The disturbances generated in the same way dampen the holographic recording on the one hand and, on the other hand, produce matt surface structures that contrast well with the surroundings in the high-gloss metal layer and are thus visually recognizable.

Depending on the intensity of the pigment structure, the disorder is of the holographic effect in a wide range adjustable, d. H. it is both possible to use the holographi to completely eliminate the effect in these areas to dampen so weakly that the additional information mation only if you look closely at the gloss angle of the Metal layer is recognizable.

To generate the effects according to the invention, how already mentioned, various measures possible. In one most technical case are those for individualization selected information and data in the areas of Card in which they are to be applied later Hologram should appear with pigmented print  color applied. Bring in via this print image holographic surface element in hot lamination or in Hot stamping transfer process, so are the printed ones Surface areas in the later hologram as matt surfaces in the otherwise high-gloss metallic layer of the Recognizable hologram. The hologram effects are through these measures more or less depending on the intensity strongly dampened, but usually not completely destroyed, so that one can recognize from certain viewing angles visible overlay of the two information is recognizable.

According to further embodiments of the invention, the printed additional information can also be printed on the adhesive layer 22 of the transfer hologram by means of the pigment-containing printing ink and transferred together with this onto the data carrier 1 .

There is also the option of on the disk to print a pigment-containing print layer over a large area and then the areas in the later hologram should appear unchanged, either by To remove engraving again or with clear lacquer or to cover the like.

It is also possible in the sense of the invention instead correspond to the pigment-containing large-area print layer appropriately filled cover sheets to use either also partially abge with clear varnish or the like are covered or where transfer holograms are used be in which the adhesive layer the additional information tions can be varied in thickness accordingly.

From the multitude of possible variations in following to further illustrate the invention described some concrete examples.  

example 1

On a multi-layer card with outside Transparent cover films become a print in the OVD area image (alphanumeric characters, patterns etc.) in the sieve printing process applied. The screen printing was done with a 70s sieve (70 meshes per centimeter) and under Repeat screen printing ink J 65 (with soot Pigment). The originally pasty Screen printing ink was 10% thinner (Wie derhold JVS) added.

On the hardened print image, which is a dry had a layer thickness of about 20 µ, a ha standard transfer hologram laminated.

After removing the transfer film, the hologram was in the unprinted areas with high brilliance. in the In the area of the screen printing characters, these were considered to be sharp bounded and clearly recognizable from all viewing angles bare matt structures available. The holographic The effect is still in the area of additional information visible, but only with strongly subdued quality.

Example 2

A card was used as in Example 1, i.e. H. a multi-layer structure with external clear visible cover foils. In the area of the OVD, Kar Character surface in the form of a grained Surface reliefs provided. This surface relief was polished by local sandblasting laminating plates.

A commercially available one was created over the relief structures Transfer hologram applied in the hot stamping transfer process brings.  

After removing the transfer ribbon, the writing was sign also as a sharply contoured matt structure identifiable in the respective view angles from the glossy structure of the hologram stand out clearly. The matt structures were in this Embodiment, however, out much weaker forms and primarily only in the gloss angle of the Metal layer visible. The holographic effect was in this case also in the areas of additional information mation so strong that this for the holo optimal viewing angle almost completely disappeared.

Example 3

A card like in example 1 was whole in the OVD area printed all over with screen printing ink (Repeat J 65, Sieve with 70 stitches per centimeter). After curing the color was a pattern in the screen printing area engraved or the screen printing ink in pattern form again away.

After covering with a transfer hologram were the engraved areas as shiny structures with clearly recognizable holographic effect in a matte environment with muted holographic Effect recognizable. The attenuation of the holographic Effects corresponded approximately to that of Example 1.

Example 4

A card was made with a large area as in Example 3 prepared screen printing field and after curing the Color partially with clear varnish (Repeat J 70, layer thickness about 20 µ) covered. About this arrangement became a commercially available hot transfer hologram embossed transfer process applied.  

After removing the transfer film were in the hologram the areas covered with clear varnish are highly glossy recognizable with undamped holographic effect. The additive appeared in the uncovered areas formations, as described in Example 1, as a matt Structures with a strongly damped holographic effect.

Example 5

On a card with large screen printing (correspond According to example 3), a transfer hologram was recorded sheer, in which the adhesive layer is patterned in the Thickness was varied. The thin areas of adhesive layer corresponded to the usual thickness for transfer holograms. The thick adhesive layer areas were by additional imprinted by about 15 microns.

After applying the hologram in a hot lamination process were the additional information (in the areas of thin adhesive layer) as matt structures as in Bei game 1 recognizable. In the areas of thick glue layer the hologram lay in undamped glossy Form before.

Example 6

On a card with outer transparencies (according to game 1) was a commercially available transfer hologram in the Hot stamping process applied. Before applying the Hologram was screen printed on the adhesive layer pattern with pigmented printing ink (Repeat J 65; 70s sieve) applied.

After removing the transfer film, the screen printing was done pattern exactly as in the previous examples in the highly shiny metal layer of the hologram as matt structure recognizable.  

Example 7

On a card where the outer layer is opaque, white PVC film with filler titanium oxide was cleared in the area of the OVD led negative print image provided (clear varnish J 70 the Repeat company, layer thickness about 10 µ). About the Clear coat was a high-gloss thin metal layer applied using the hot stamping process.

After peeling off the transfer film they were shiny metal layer that is not covered with clear lacquer Depending on the viewing angle, surface areas more or less noticeable than matt structures.

Example 8

On a card with transparent cover foils (correspond Example 1) was a hot transfer hologram embossing process applied. In the transfer hologram was from the back before being applied to the card side against a highly polished steel plate in pattern form a sandblasted relief is embossed. That way generated additional structures were already before the over on the card in the transfer hologram as a matte Pattern structures recognizable.

After applying the transfer hologram to the card The surface of the mat was laid using a hot stamping process structures in almost unchanged form before and were as in the previous examples under ver different viewing angles clearly visible.

Example 9

On a card as described in Example 1 a transfer interference element in the hot stamping transfer server  drive upset. Such interference elements are known and be for example in US-PS 38 58 977 wrote.

Before the transfer element was applied, this was from the back (adhesive layer) against a smooth Steel surface a patterned roughness structure embossed. The transfer element normally has one orange-gold color effect that changes under different viewing angle to an iridescent changed green color effect. The areas with the Zu Record information was now available for all viewers Recognize almost constant as a matt structure bar, which had a slightly iridescent yellow color.

After applying the Inter The reference elements were those created by the embossed structure tur generated additional information in almost the same Shape available.

Example 10

On a card as described in example 1 (sieve printing on transparent cover film), was a transfer interference element applied. After subtracting the Transfer films were the same in the screen printing areas Color change effects can be seen, as in the case of Game 9 described embodiment.

With the invention becomes a very simple and cheap Opportunity opened, OVD's with additional information equipments. The additional information can be drew on the optically variable effect, in intensity deliberately controlled either not very dominant or only seconds där effective or good from all angles be recognizable. The additional information is always recognizable and am with the optically variable effect  which is reflected in the overall impression of the optically variable Effects harmoniously.

The generation of the effects according to the invention can be seen in the known technologies of card making without integrate more. Usually optically vary able elements, especially holograms, in one of the last manufacturing steps on the laminated and already die-cut card applied. The for the fiction structures required according to additional information in one or more intermediate operations be generated. Depending on the Ma materials and the desired effects are required measures taken on the respective semi-finished cards and / or made on the finished cards.

Claims (22)

1. Data carrier, in particular ID card, security or the like, with a surface element (OVD), which has optically variable effects that are dependent on the viewing angle, characterized in that in the area of OVD ( 3 ) additional information ( 5 ) in the form of Characters, patterns or the like are provided, which are introduced at the OVD, superimposed on the optically variable effect ( 4 ) and are also visually recognizable. 2. Data carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional information ( 5 ) is in the form of locally limited structural changes, disruptions or inhomogeneities of the OVD. 3. Data carrier according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the additional information ( 5 ) are not made in the technology of the OVD's. 4. Data carrier according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the OVD ( 3 ) is a high-gloss metal layer, an interference layer structure or a diffraction structure, preferably a hologram. 5. Data carrier according to claim 1 to 4, characterized in that the OVD ( 3 ) is in the form of a thin multilayer film which is laminated onto the data carrier ( 1 ). 6. Data carrier according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the OVD ( 3 ) is an embossed hologram. 7. A data carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that the OVD ( 3 ) in addition to other layers th ( 14, 16, 20 ) additionally has a shiny thin metallic layer ( 18 ). 8. Data carrier according to claim 1 to 6, characterized ge indicates that the additional information due to locally limited changes in the surfaces structure of the data carrier, limited by local brought additives and / or by locally limited Ver Changes in layer thicknesses of the surface element be called. 9. A data carrier according to claim 8, characterized indicates that the additional information in the the disk surface adjacent in Form of different layer thicknesses or as an open printing of additives, especially those containing pigment Printing ink. 10. A data carrier according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the additives contain particles which have such a hardness and temperature resistance that they impress during their application in their shape in the OVD ( 3 ). 11. Data carrier according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the additives are applied by means of a printing process on the data carrier ( 1 ) or the OVD ( 3 ). 12. Data carrier according to claim 8, 9 or 10, characterized characterized in that the additives Pig printing inks containing binders and binders.   13. A data carrier according to claim 12, characterized shows that the pigments soot, chrome yellow and / or are titanium dioxide. 14. Data carrier according to at least one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that the Zu substitutes are applied in the screen printing process and in a dry layer thickness of about 5 to 20 microns gene. 15. A method for producing a data carrier, in particular an identification card, a security or the like, with optically variable surface elements characterized by the following method steps:

• Provision of the data carrier with a preferably smooth surface,
• Provision of the OVD, preferably as a surface element that can be applied in the trans fer process,
• - Providing the locally limited changes to the OVD or on the surface of the data carrier,
• Applying the surface element to the surface of the data carrier, preferably using heat and pressure,
• - If necessary, removing the carrier tape from the OVD fixed on the data carrier.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized records that to produce the locally limited changes to the data carrier or the OVD with a pigment-containing printing ink is printed.   17. The method according to claim 15, characterized records that to produce the locally limited changes in the data media, at least in the areas Chen, in which the surface element is applied, completely is printed over the entire area with pigment-containing printing ink and then certain areas of the printed layer targeted by mechanical or thermal engraving be removed. 18. The method according to claim 15, characterized records that to produce the locally limited changes in the data media, at least in the areas Chen, in which the surface element is applied, completely printed all over with pigment-containing printing ink or with a cover film filled with pigments and then the layer equipped with pigments locally covered with pigment-free layer areas the. 19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, there characterized in that the printing the data carrier or the transfer element in one over union printing process, preferably by screen printing to be led. 20. The method according to claim 19, characterized records that the printed additives and / or the locally delimited free layer areas in one preferred thickness of about 5 to 20 microns applied will. 21. The method according to claim 18 to 20, characterized ge indicates that the intensity of the changes Change in the optical properties of the OVD by the Pig ment concentration in the binder, the thickness of the additive layer of material, the roughness of the disk surface and / or the thickness of the locally delimited cover layers  is set. 22. The method according to claim 15, characterized records that to produce the locally limited roughness structures in the form of the Zu record information inserted in the OVD or the data carrier be shaped.