EP1651449B1 - Security paper for the production of security documents - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a security paper for the production of value documents, such as banknotes, passports, identity documents or the like, wherein the security paper has at least two large-area security elements, which are equipped with a visually verifiable, optically variable effect. The invention further relates to a transfer element and a value document having such a security element and to methods for producing security paper and value documents.

Security documents, such as banknotes, stocks, bonds, certificates, vouchers, checks, high-quality admission tickets, but also other papers that are prone to forgery, such as passports or other identification documents, are equipped with various security elements to increase their security against counterfeiting.

The term "security paper" is understood below to mean paper which serves as an intermediate for further processing into value documents and can already be equipped with security elements, such as watermarks, security threads, etc. Under "value document" is understood the finished product, so z. B. the printed banknote or the individualized passport.

The term "optically variable elements" is understood to mean elements which show different optical effects depending on the viewing and illumination angle. Such optically variable elements are often used as a security element for documents of value, since they can be checked visually on the one hand in a simple manner without additional aids, on the other hand, a high effort is required for their production and thus also for their imitation.

Various types of security elements with optically variable elements are known. A very easily visually verifiable and very conspicuous security feature are holograms that show different visual impressions, such as color impressions or information, from different viewing angles. Since the optically variable effect of the hologram can not be reproduced by a color copier, these security features provide very good protection against color copying.

In addition, security elements are known whose optical effect is generated by a layer containing optically variable pigments, such as. B. interference layer or liquid crystal pigments containing.

Also, thermochromic materials can be used as a security feature for value documents. By "thermochromism" is meant the occurrence of reversible color changes of solids with temperature changes. The cause of these color changes lies predominantly in changes in the crystal structure. From the EP 0 608 078 B1 is a security thread known with thermochromic properties. A plastic material is provided with a print or with signs that are caused by partial demetallization of a metal layer. Above this imprint or these negative signs, a thermochromic coating colored at normal temperature is arranged. Upon heating, the thermochromic coating becomes colorless, so that the underlying characters are recognizable. In addition, a thermochromic coating is described, which is colorless at normal temperature and becomes colored when heated, so that the characters disappear.

Such thermochromic security threads have the disadvantage that they are very narrow, and the thermochromic effect only in the relatively small Window areas can be seen, which is why the caused by the color change of the thermochromic material optical effect is very inconspicuous. Such security elements therefore offer no high protection against counterfeiting.

As a security feature also multi-layer thin-film elements can be used. The color impression of the thin-film element changes with the viewing angle, for example from green to blue, from blue to magenta or from magenta to green. This color effect is based on interference effects due to multiple reflections in the different sub-layers of the thin-film element and is for example in the document EP 0 395 410 B1 explained in detail.

These safety elements described in the prior art are imitated in the recent past but more frequently and better by counterfeiters. To increase the security against counterfeiting, therefore, the strategy is pursued to use security elements that require a lot of effort in the production. By "high effort" is meant primarily the cost and the low availability of the necessary production facilities. However, the production of the security elements to be produced in large quantities themselves should be possible on these relatively expensive production plants in an economic form.

That's how it is WO 2002/100656 A1 a security element known with a in an optically variable surface pattern, which is embedded in a composite layer of plastic. The optically variable surface pattern is visually recognizable, reflective, from predetermined viewing directions and is formed from a mosaic of surface elements with optically active structures. In addition, in at least part of the surface pattern, a plurality of identical partial surfaces with optically active structures arranged, which differ from the surrounding mosaic structure. The partial surfaces in this case have a maximum dimension of less than 0.2 mm and a length to width ratio of at least 3: 1. In each of the regions, the sub-areas in the dot pattern are aligned parallel to a preferred direction, the regions forming a hidden information determined by the preferred direction and invisible to the naked eye, which is reproduced as an artifact in a color copy of the area pattern.

Out US 4,705,300 is a multilayer thin-film element is known, which is transferred in the form of a round single element, a so-called patch on a banknote. In addition, a second multilayer thin-film element may be applied at another location of the banknote, which is executed in the form of a number and surrounded by a printed image.

Out EP 0 201 323 A2 . US Pat. No. 6,417,968 B1 . DE 38 40 037 A1 . US 4,140,373 A. . GB 2136 352 A and US 5 447 335 A a security element is known which consists of at least two security features.

Out AU 488 652 A For example, a banknote is known that consists of a laminate of at least two layers of plastic material, wherein an optically variable device is mounted on one layer. In addition, the banknote may also comprise further optically variable devices, so that the banknote as a whole has a hologram, liquid crystals and a moiré pattern.

Out US Pat. No. 6,089,614 A For example, a banknote is known with two iridescent patches, one of which is arranged on top of the banknote and one on the bottom of the banknote. The patches are thus arranged on opposite sides of the banknote.

Out US Pat. No. 5,944,927 (This document discloses the preamble of claim 1) is a security paper with two channel-like recesses known, in each of which a security element is introduced, both security elements overlap several times. The two security elements are preferably designed as an endless element in the form of a security thread.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a security paper with security elements, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the security against counterfeiting of security papers and documents of value should be improved while at the same time facilitating production.

This object is achieved by the security paper having the features of the main claim. A transfer element, a value document and method for producing security papers and value documents are the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the finding that the security against forgery of security papers and documents of value are thereby improved can provide security papers and documents of value with at least two large-area security elements which have an optically variable effect.

The present invention therefore relates to a security paper for the production of value documents, such as banknotes, passports, identity documents or the like, wherein the security paper has at least two large-area security elements with a visually verifiable, optically variable effect.

According to the invention, large-area security elements, each with an optically variable effect, are combined with one another. The large-area processing facilitates the recognition for a viewer and thus allows a secure examination of the authenticity of the value document.

In the context of the present invention, the term "large-area security elements" covers security elements which cover at least 1% of the area of the security paper or of the value document. Preference is given to large-area security elements which cover at least 5%, particularly preferably at least 10%, in particular at least 20% and very particularly preferably at least 25% of the area of the security paper or the value document.

The security elements facilitate the examination by the user due to their size and clear recognizability. Since the authentication is done using the variable effects of the security elements, they must be easily recognizable. For this reason, large-area security elements are preferred which cover at least 1 cm ² , more preferably 4 cm ² , in particular 10 cm ² and most preferably 25 cm ^{2 of} the surface of the security paper or the value document.

In principle, in the context of the present invention, all known security elements with a variable optical effect can be combined in any desired manner with one another on a security paper. Although the following describes security papers and value documents that are equipped with two security elements, the number of security elements per security paper or per value document is of course not limited to two. In principle, any number of security elements can be present on the security paper or the value document. Preferably, the security elements on a document have different optical effects, which are optionally in contrast to each other.

Preference is given to security elements which have a thermochromic layer. Thermochromic substances which are opaque below a predetermined temperature and at least translucent above this temperature are preferably used for the thermochromic layer. In certain applications, it may be useful to use thermochromic substances that are translucent or transparent below a predetermined temperature and opaque above that temperature. The transition temperature of the thermochromic substances is preferably above the ambient temperature, for. In the range of 25 ° C to 60 ° C, preferably 30 ° C to 60 ° C.

Particular preference is given to using multilayer thin-film elements as security elements. Likewise, the security elements may contain optically variable pigments, in particular interference layer pigments, liquid crystal pigments or luminescent pigments. In addition, security elements come into question which have a layer in which diffraction structures in the form of a relief structure are present. To be favoured In this context, holograms, in particular embossed holograms, used as security elements.

In the context of the present invention, particular preference is also given to security elements having recesses in the form of characters and / or patterns. The equipment of security elements with a so-called negative font leads to a further increase in security and better protection against counterfeiting. This negative writing is e.g. formed by metal-free areas in an otherwise continuous metallic coating of the carrier material of the security element. In the backlight, the element itself appears dark because of the opaque metallic coating. The metal-free areas stand out from this dark background easily recognizable bright.

The special securing effect of the negative writing lies in particular in the complex and complex production process which requires special printing inks and a large number of work steps. As the metal layer, an aluminum layer is preferably used in this context. In addition, in the regions described above as "metal-free", a thermochromic and / or fluorescent layer may alternatively be arranged.

Methods for producing recesses in the form of characters or patterns are described, for example, in the document EP 0 330 733 A1 specified. There, in particular, a production process is described in which a thermoplastic resin ink is printed on the metal-coated side of a film, which softens upon heating and intimately bonds with the metal layer. If one laminates such a pretreated film under heat and pressure against a second untreated film and separates the two films after cooling, then the ink becomes the sign or patterns corresponding portions of the metallic coatings removed from the first film.

Furthermore, security elements made of translucent or transparent materials can also be used. If two transparent security elements are applied, which both have certain patterns, and at least partially overlap these security elements, the result is a moire effect when superimposed, representing a visually easily verifiable and at the same time tamper-proof security feature.

Preferably, a security element is designed as a lens. If this security element applied at least overlapping over a second security element, the second security element appears visually changed visually, such. B. enlarged, reduced or distorted.

In addition, all security elements with a variable optical effect can additionally be equipped with feature substances, such as magnetic and / or conductive and / or luminescent substances. The security against counterfeiting is further increased by such additional feature substances.

The security elements can be arranged on the front or back of the security paper.

According to the invention, the security elements are arranged overlapping. In this case, it is particularly preferred in the context of the present invention that the security elements are arranged so that they become a realistic or abstract image or to complement a text. As a result, the recognizability for the viewer and at the same time the security against counterfeiting are significantly improved.

An "image" is generally understood to be a visually readable information. These include both photorealistic representation as well as line motifs, ie abstract representations. Realistic representations include portraits, landscape motifs, animal motifs and buildings. Due to the increased image information, a photorealistic representation leads to a significantly improved identification or recognizability for the viewer. For abstract representations is z. As to coats of arms, buildings, flags, patterns, characters and codes, all of which can be provided both in perspective and in area representation. As further examples, a text or individual letters or figures may be mentioned, which are formed, for example, by two overlapping security elements. If security elements with different optically variable effects are used, usually only parts of the text or the figure can be recognized, while at a certain angle the two parts are complementary to the complete text or to the complete figure. It should be noted that the outline of the security elements can be chosen freely.

When using overlapping security elements, it is particularly preferred if a patch is disposed over a strip, and in particular it is preferred to overlap a patch over a hologram strip or hologram patch over a strip of multi-layer thin-film element.

The security elements are in the form of individual elements, such. As a patch, or in the form of endless elements, such as. B. stripes applied. The strips are preferably processed by a roll and the patches are preferably placed individually on sheets.

The present invention also comprises a transfer element for applying security elements to a security paper, wherein the transfer element has a carrier material on which at least two of the security elements described above are arranged. In the simplest form, the transfer material thus consists of a carrier layer, in particular a transparent plastic film, and at least two security elements. The transfer element used is preferably a hot stamping foil.

The transfer element is prepared on a separate carrier layer in the reverse order as it later comes to rest on the security paper. Subsequently, the layer structure of this carrier material in the desired outline shape is transferred to the object of value by means of an adhesive. Preferably, a hot melt adhesive is used for this purpose. In order to define the outline shape of the security element, an adhesive layer can be provided either only in the areas to be transferred or the adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive, is activated only in the areas to be transferred. The carrier layer can be removed after the transfer of the layer structure of the security element or remain as a protective layer as an integral part of the security element on the layer structure.

As already described in connection with the security paper according to the invention, the individual security elements are also arranged on the transfer element at least partially overlapping. The security elements are preferred arranged so that they complement each other to a realistic or abstract image or to a text.

The security paper according to the invention is preferably equipped with the security elements after papermaking, the security elements being connected to the security paper such that they can not be pulled off again without destroying the security paper or the security elements. The security element does not have to be integrated into the paper production process and is nevertheless forged against the security. In addition, the security elements are protected in multiple ways against counterfeiting attempts. The variable optical effect can not be faithfully reproduced with copy machines or other reproduction techniques, so that such counterfeiting attempts can already be detected visually easily and quickly.

The security paper according to the invention can then be processed to any value documents. If, for example, banknotes are produced from the security paper, then the security paper is usually cut into sheets with several uses, which can then be processed in corresponding printing presses. Each benefit has at least two of the security elements described above.

During the printing process, the security element can also be overprinted, at least partially, whereby the security against forgery of the value document is further increased, in particular if a tactilely sensible steel gravure printing is used for the overpressure.

Depending on the arrangement of the security elements on the security paper, the various security elements on the front and / or back, overlapping on the value document arranged. Particularly preferred are embodiments that allow a very easy visual verification of the authenticity of the value document. In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the security elements are arranged so that they complement each other to a realistic or abstract image or to a text.

The security paper according to the invention can be used for the production of any type of value documents, such as passports, shares, visas, identity cards, documents, entrance tickets, accompanying papers of the transport system, security labels or checks, etc. The value documents can in turn be attached as counterfeit protection element to any products, such as CD's, perfumes, pharmaceutical products, packaging of all kinds.

The present invention also encompasses a method for producing a security paper or value document according to claim 27. The production of the different variable optical effects on separate transfer elements leads to a significant reduction of rejects. The reason for this lies in the technology separation in the production of the different security elements with variable optical effect.

In addition, the present invention also includes a method for producing a security paper or value document, according to claim 28.

This method has the advantage that several security elements can be transferred in one step by a transfer element to the security paper.

Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures. For better clarity, a true-to-scale representation is omitted in the figures.

Fig. 1a

zwei Sicherheitselemente, nämlich einen Streifen und ein Patch, als Transferelemente;

Fig. 1b

eine Aufsicht auf ein Wertdokument nach einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in schematischer Darstellung mit übereinander aufgebrachten Sicherheitselementen gemäß Fig. 1a;

Fig. 2a

fünf Sicherheitselemente, nämlich einen Streifen und vier Patches, als Transferelemente;

Fig. 2b

die fünf Sicherheitselemente gemäß Fig. 2a als ein Transferelement;

Fig. 2c

eine Aufsicht auf ein Wertdokument nach einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in schematischer Darstellung mit aufgebrachtem Transferelement gemäß Fig. 2b;

Fig. 3

eine Aufsicht auf ein Wertdokument nach einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in schematischer Darstellung.

Show it:

Fig. 1a

two security elements, namely a strip and a patch, as transfer elements;

Fig. 1b

a plan view of a document of value according to an embodiment of the invention in a schematic representation with superposed security elements according to Fig. 1a ;

Fig. 2a

five security elements, namely a strip and four patches, as transfer elements;

Fig. 2b

the five security elements according to Fig. 2a as a transfer element;

Fig. 2c

a plan view of a document of value according to a further embodiment of the invention in a schematic representation with applied transfer element according to Fig. 2b ;

Fig. 3

a plan view of a document of value according to another embodiment of the invention in a schematic representation.

Fig. 1a shows two individual elements, namely a strip 12 and a patch 11, as transfer elements, which are applied individually to the security paper. The security strip is z. B. worked by roll and applied to the paper roll. Thereafter, the sheets are cut with the individual benefit and applied to this then the patch placed as a single element. Fig. 1b shows a banknote produced in this way 10 with superimposed security elements. The separate application, on the one hand on role, on the other hand, via single placement, facilitates the production of the security paper or value document insofar as only one security element is to be placed exactly.

Fig. 2a shows individual patches 21, the first with a strip 22 on a common transfer element 23 according to Fig. 2b be combined. This transfer element with the combined security elements is then transferred to the banknote 20 ( Fig. 2c ).

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment in which on the front and on the back of the banknote 50 each have a security element 51, 52 is applied. Seen in the backlight, the security elements are at least partially overlapping.

The individual elements shown in the figures preferably have thin-film or diffraction-optical effects.

Claims (28)

1. A security paper for producing value documents (10, 20, 50), such as bank notes, passports, identification documents or the like, wherein the security paper has security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) with a visually verifiable, optically variable effect, characterized in that the security paper comprises at least two security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52), each covering respectively an area of at least 1 cm² of the area of the security paper or of the value document (10, 20, 50), that at least two of the security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) are arranged in an overlapping fashion and that at least one security element is applied in the form of a single element (11, 21, 52), such as e.g. a patch, and at least one security element is applied in the form of an endless element (12, 22, 51), such as e.g. a stripe.
2. The security paper according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) is a multilayer thin-film element.
3. The security paper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) contains optically variable pigments, in particular interference layer pigments, liquid crystal pigments or luminescent pigments.
4. The security paper according to at least one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) has a layer in which diffractive structures are present in the form of a relief structure.
5. The security paper according to claim 4, characterized in that the security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) is a hologram.
6. The security paper according to at least one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) has a thermochromic layer.
7. The security paper according to at least one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) has gaps in the form of characters and/or patterns.
8. The security paper according to claim 7, characterized in that the gaps are arranged in a metal layer, preferably an aluminum layer.
9. A security paper according to claim 7, characterized in that in the gaps there is arranged a thermochromic layer.
10. The security paper according to at least one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) consists of a translucent or transparent material.
11. The security paper according to at least one of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) is configured as a lens.
12. The security paper according to at least one of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) is provided in the form of characters and/or patterns.
13. The security paper according to at least one of the claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) contains additional feature substances, such as magnetic and/or conductive and/or luminescent substances.
14. The security paper according to at least one of the claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the security element (11,12, 21, 22, 51, 52) is connected with the security paper in such a fashion that they cannot be separated without destruction.
15. The security paper according to at least one of the claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) are so arranged that they complement each other to form a realistic or abstract image or a text.
16. The security paper according to claim 15, characterized in that a patch (11) is arranged to overlap over a stripe (12) of a multilayer thin-film element.
17. The security paper according to claim 15, characterized in that a patch (21) is arranged to overlap over a hologram stripe (23).
18. The security paper according to claim 15, characterized in that a hologram patch is arranged to overlap over a stripe of a multilayer thin-film element.
19. The security paper according to claim 15, characterized in that two translucent or transparent security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) are used which have patterns that show a moiré effect upon superimposition.
20. The security paper according to claim 15, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) is configured as a lens, said security element is applied at least in an overlapping fashion over a second security element, and said second security element appears changed upon visual verification, such as e.g. magnified, reduced in size or distorted.
21. A transfer element (23) for applying security elements on a security paper, characterized in that the transfer element (23) has a carrier material on which at least two security elements (21, 22) as defined in the claims 1 to 20 are arranged in an overlapping fashion.
22. The transfer element (23) according to claim 21, characterized in that the security elements (21, 22) are so arranged that they complement each other to form a realistic or abstract image or a text.
23. The transfer element (23) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the transfer element (23) is configured as a hot stamping foil.
24. A value document (10, 20, 50) such as a banknote, passport, credit card, identification document or the like, characterized in that the value document has at least two security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) as defined in the claims 1 to 20, and arranged in an overlapping fashion.
25. The value document (10, 20, 50) according to claim 24, characterized in that the value document has a print, in particular an intaglio print, at least overlapping with at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52).
26. The value document (10, 20, 50) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) are so arranged that they complement each other to form a realistic or abstract image or a text.
27. A method for producing a security paper or value document (10, 20, 50) characterized in that at least two security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) as defined in the claims 1 to 20, are produced on transfer elements (23) each having a carrier material, wherein respectively one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) is arranged on a transfer element (23), and the security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) are then applied on a security paper or a value document (10, 20, 50) in an overlapping fashion.
28. A method for producing a security paper or value document (10, 20, 50), characterized in that at least two security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) as defined in the claims 1 to 20, are produced on a transfer element (23), as defined in the claims 21 to 23, wherein at least two security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) are arranged in an overlapping fashion on a transfer element (23), and the security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) are then applied on a security paper or a value document (10, 20, 50).

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