EP3727871A2

EP3727871A2 - Value document

Info

Publication number: EP3727871A2
Application number: EP18829824.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Manfred Heim
Original assignee: Giesecke and Devrient Currency Technology GmbH
Current assignee: Giesecke and Devrient Currency Technology GmbH
Priority date: 2017-12-19
Filing date: 2018-12-19
Publication date: 2020-10-28
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-19
Also published as: DE102017130588A1; WO2019121965A3; CN111511570A; EP3727871B1; EP3828002A1; WO2019121965A2; EP3828002B1; CN111511570B

Abstract

The invention relates to a value document, such as a banknote (1), a cheque, a credit card or other payment card, an identification card or the like, which has a front side (9) and a back side (10), displays an image (3) that is recognizable by the unaided eye in the top view at least from the front side (9), has specific dimensions (B, H) in the top view, and has a substrate body (2) which, in the top view, has the specific dimensions (B, H) and is structured by at least one transparent film (11, 12) which also has the specific dimensions (B, H) in the top view. According to the invention, the image (3) that is recognizable from the front side (9) is produced by a first embossed structure (14), which is metallized at least in sections and which is arranged on one side of the first film (9) and which has a lateral, i.e. crosswise to the top view direction, varying profiling and/or metallization, wherein the first embossed structure (14), which is metallized at least in sections, is formed on a front side of the film facing the front side, and a second embossed structure (14), which is metallized at least in sections, is formed on a back side of the film facing the back side (10), and at least one of the metallized embossed structures (14) is covered with a leveling cover layer (22).

Description

W e r t d o k m e n t

The invention relates to a document of value, such as a banknote, a check, a credit or other payment card, an identity card or the like, which has a front and a back, in plan view at least from the front shows a recognizable with the unaided eye representation in plan view has certain dimensions and has a substrate body, which has the certain dimensions in the plan view and is constructed of at least one transparent film, which also has the certain dimensions in the plan view, the front side A recognizable representation is produced by a first, at least partially metallized embossed structure which is arranged on one side of the first film and has a laterally, ie transversely to the top view, a varying profiling and / or metallization.

The invention further relates to a document of value, such as a banknote, a check, a credit card or other payment card, an identification card or the like, which has a front and a back, in top view at least from the front of a recognizable with the unaided eye Dar Position shows, in plan view has certain dimensions and a substrate body, which has the certain dimensions in the plan view and is composed of a first and a second transparent film, which also have the particular dimensions in the plan view and which are connected to one another by an intermediate layer, so that inner sides of the films face each other and outer sides of the films away from the intermediate layer, the outer side of the first film facing towards the front side and the outer side of the second film toward the rear side, wherein the recognizable from the front view by a first, at least partially metallized Embossed structure is created on the inside the first film is arranged, and laterally, ie transversely to the top view direction, a varying profiling and / or metallization has.

For value documents, such as banknotes, foil-based security features, eg. As holograms, optically variable elements and / or transparent window can be used. They are produced on foil and later applied to the banknote paper. Film elements give banknotes additional security against counterfeiting, but are difficult with regard to the accuracy of the passport to the printed image and the watermark. There is also the risk that foil elements will come off when a banknote is being circulated.

From WO 2016/096095 Al a generic value document is known, which is constructed completely from a film body. The film body consists of two films, which are connected to one another via an intermediate layer. At the sides facing the intermediate layer, the films each carry subwavelength structures. All optical views presented by the value document are generated by these sub-wavelength structures. Other image-forming elements are deliberately excluded.

Currently, there are banknotes with different substrates. Paper, polymer and mixed forms of paper and polymer in the form of so-called hybrid banknotes are known. For each type of banknote, special process steps are required to apply security elements to the banknote paper or to generate security notes when the banknotes are printed on the banknote paper. For polymer banknotes, color retention during circulation is problematic. The problems and requirements mentioned not only exist with regard to banknotes, ie paper or foil-based value documents, but also to cards of payment transactions or identification cards. The term "value document" is therefore understood here to include sheet-like value documents, such as banknotes, checks, etc., as well as comparatively rigid value documents, for example security, ID or payment cards.

The invention has for its object to provide a document of value, in which film-based security elements can be easily combined with security elements that are generated by displaying images, etc., Another object of the invention is to provide a document of value that is particularly durable while in circulation. The invention is defined in independent claims 1 and 6. The dependent claims relate to advantageous developments of the invention.

The invention provides for a value document which consists entirely of a film body. The value document has certain dimensions in plan view. The film body has the same dimensions in plan view. From the front is a representation recognizable. This is produced by a first, at least partially metallized embossed structure. The embossing structure has a varying profiling and / or metallization transversely to the direction of the top view.

In a first variant of the invention, the substrate body is constructed of at least one transparent film and carries the first embossing structure on the the front zugelegenen foil front. In this first variant, a second, at least sectionally metallized embossed structure is formed on a rear side of the foil facing the back. At least one of the metallized embossed structures is covered with a leveling covering layer.

In one embodiment, the embossing structure has microlenses, as are known for moire magnifiers. In embodiments, the embossed structure can be used in parts, that is, ten in Abschnit- be formed as Sub _W avelength structure and have a periodicity from 150 nm to 500 nm or aperiodically formed with structure sizes from 150 nm to 500 nm. In embodiments, at least one opaque section is provided between the first and second embossing structures. This may have a laterally structured opacity.

In a second variant, the substrate body is additionally constructed from a second transparent film, which also has the given dimensions in plan view. The two films are connected to one another via an intermediate layer so that inner sides of the films face away from one another and outer sides of the films from the intermediate layer. The outer side of the first film points towards the front side, the outer side of the second film toward the rear side of the substrate body. The first metallized embossed structure is arranged on the inside of the first foil and has microlenses or micromirrors. In embodiments of the second variant, the value document in plan view from the rear side shows a further representation recognizable by the unaided eye. This is produced by a second, at least partially metallized embossed structure, which is arranged on the inside or outside of the second film. This second embossed structure likewise has a laterally varying profiling and / or metallization, at least in sections.

In embodiments of the first or second variant, the first and the second embossing structure form a window in opposite regions, in which the representation through the first embossing structure with the further representation by the second embossing structure in a view to a motif complements. Optionally, the first and second embossing structures in the region of the window can have an asymmetrical profile, and in reflection they can produce a motif that disappears in a transparent manner.

For all embodiments, the first embossing pattern may be formed at least in one region as a microstructure having a period of 500 nm to 2 μm, which may be formed, for example, by 500 nm. B. represents a hologram or a picture with tilting or movement effect.

The invention uses surface-structured banknotes over the entire surface, which show a viewer a representation which is produced by embossing structures. The conventional printed image of a value document, for example a banknote, is simulated by the embossing structure with the lateral variation of profile / periodicity. The embossed structures offer the representation not only in specular reflection, but z. B. in a higher order of diffraction, for example, the first or further diffraction orders They are designed so that the representation over a wide range of viewing angles, which is almost or completely the same of a conventional print image, is recognizable. Due to the fact that the printed image of the document of value is reflected by full-surface embossing structures, the conventional printing process in banknote production is superfluous. The embossed structure is covered in the first variant and therefore robust against environmental influences. In the second variant, it lies inside the substrate body. In addition, all desired security features such as holograms, micromirrors etc. can be produced in a single embossing step. Furthermore, viewing / translucent effects can easily be realized in windows. The production of the value document is thus significantly simplified. The appearance of the first diffraction order increases the security against counterfeiting compared to conventional banknotes.

In one embodiment, the representation is produced by the embossed structure, which is arranged on the film lying overhead in the viewing direction and on the inside there. In order to avoid an effect by the film lying down in the viewing direction, it is preferable for the intermediate layer to be opaque at least in sections. In the sections provided with an opaque intermediate layer, the representation is then effected exclusively by the embossed structure on the film lying in the direction of viewing at the top. Of course, it is possible to laterally structure the interlayer in terms of its opacity, for example to create a deliberate interaction between viewing and translucent effects. In a particularly preferred embodiment, both films are provided on their insides with metallized embossed structures with microlenses and / or micromirrors, ie the value document also shows in plan view from the back another, recognizable with the unaided eye Dar-position, by a second , At least partially metallized embossed structure is produced, which is arranged on the inside of the second film and which is at least partially formed as a sub-wavelength structure with laterally varying profiling and / or periodicity. The outer side of the second film forming the rear side and the rear side of the intermediate layer facing the second side are preferably free of imprints which contribute to the wide representation. A value document designed in this way then generates a representation exclusively on the front side and on the back side, exclusively through the embossed structure. Even a value document designed in this way no longer requires any printing process during the production.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second embossing structures form a solid in opposite regions. For this window, the metallization of the embossed structures is relevant. In the window area, preferably no metallization is provided. This can be achieved in that the metallization is not applied from the beginning in the window area or that a metallization is subsequently removed again in the window area, for example by removal with a laser or the use of a so-called wash ink. Both means are known to those skilled in the art.

It is also possible to provide in the region of the window on both inner sides of the films metallized embossed structures, which show a motif in plan view from the front and the back and parts of the window so leave open that the embossed structures in one go complement a motive.

In a simplest case, the intermediate layer and / or covering layer may consist of a dielectric with which the inner sides of the films are laminated. It is also possible to design the value document as a so-called hybrid value document, for example as a hybrid banknote, if the intermediate layer comprises a banknote paper. Particularly preferred here is a banknote paper which has a watermark, wherein the embossed structures form a window in the region above the watermark. This will make the watermark visible through the window.

A colored effect of the representation can be achieved by the fact that there is a color layer on the film or the films or the film is / are colored. Alternatively or additionally, the intermediate layer can be colored.

Banknotes are examples of value documents that are individualized. You have a serial number. With the value document according to the invention, this serial number can be generated particularly simply by omitting, for example, the metallization in a pattern or subsequently removing it, so that the value document is individualized. It is therefore preferred that the metallization be omitted or removed in a pattern individualizing the value document, in particular in a pattern representing a serial number.

Within the meaning of this description, metallization is to be understood as meaning a coating which consists of metal or contains the metal. Also is one Layer structure possible, which consist of a composite layer, which has metal deposits. However, it can also consist of a multilayer structure in which one or more layers are metallic. For the production of the document of value by means of embossing methods, direct exposure techniques, for. B. with the help of a laserwriter in question. The original of the embossed structure is written via direct exposure with the help of a laserwriter in a photoresist coated substrate and then removed the exposed portion of the photoresist. More elaborate methods for original production, such as electron beam or focussed ion beam exposure methods, allow a particularly fine embossing structure to be formed, and the original thus obtained can then be galvanically formed, thus producing an embossing stamp as a master with which an embossing cylinder is produced Finally, the structure is replicated via a stamping process in, for example, UV varnish on film or directly (eg by hot embossing in the surface of the film) Alternatively, a nanoimprint process can be used the metallization of the embossed film surface, for example with a reflection layer and / or a structure effecting a color effect, for example an interference layer structure, and / or a color layer, for example a color-fix coating Electron beam vapor deposition, sputtering or thermal evaporation under vacuum in Question: Finally, the film is laminated together with the intermediate layer.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained not only in the combinations indicated, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The invention will be explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which also disclose features essential to the invention. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a banknote and Fig. 2 to 5 are sectional views of various embodiments of

Embossing structures of the banknote of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a banknote 1 structured surface-wide with an embossed structure, which is constructed from a substrate body 2, which has a height H and a width B. In a first embodiment, the substrate body 2 is provided on inner surfaces in each case with an embossing structure which, for. B. at least partially micromirror and / or microlenses provides. In other embodiments, the embossed structures are formed on both sides of the same film. Both will be explained in more detail below with reference to the sectional views of FIGS. 2 to 5, which show various embodiments of the embossing structure.

The banknote 1, which is an example of a value document, provides a viewer from the front, which is shown in FIG. 1, with a representation 3, as is customary for banknotes. The representation 3 may comprise, for example, a graphically designed background 4, a moiré image 5, a hologram 6, a value 7 and a serial number 8. It is also possible to provide a window 19 in which the banknote is partially transparent. For example, see-through effects may be present in the window 19, ie a motif that is visible on the front complements with a motif visible on the back in view of another motif.

The substrate body 2 with the height H and the width B is made up of at least one film of the same dimensions, as can be seen in more detail in the sectional views of FIGS. 2 to 4, which show embodiments for the banknote 1. The sectional views of Figures 2 to 4 differ with respect to the embodiment of the banknotes. They have in common is that an embossed structure is provided, which includes in some variants microlenses. In the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 4, the substrate body comprises two films, in the embodiment of FIG. 5 a film.

2, an upper side 9, which can be seen in FIG. 1, is at the top, and a rear side 10 is at the bottom. The substrate body 2 comprises a first film 11, the outwardly facing surface of which forms the front side 9, and a second film 12, the outside of which forms the rear side 10. A dielectric 13 is located between the first film 11 and the second film 12 as an intermediate layer. A first embossed structure 14 is formed on the inside of the first film 11 and a second embossing structure 15 on the inside of the second film 12 formed laterally varying structure and / or metallization tion. Specifically, depending on the embodiment, they comprise a different selection of microlenses 16, which interact with a microimage structure 18 _Z arranged in an intermediate layer 17 and form, for example, a known moiré magnifier in order to produce the moiré image 5. Furthermore, a hologram structure or other microstructure 24 may be provided in the embossed structure 14. Also it is possible to have one Mirror structure 20, which consists of differently inclined micro mirrors and thus produces a tilting effect. Furthermore, the embossed structures can also have subwavelength structures 21 with a laterally varying profile and / or laterally varying periodicity. Details for the execution of the sub-wavelength structure can be found in the already cited references: DE 102011115589 A1, WO 2012/156049 A1, WO

2014/023415 Al, DE 102009012300 Al, Y. Yu, L. Wen, S. Song, and Q. Chen, "Transmissive / Reflective Structural Color Filters: Theory and Applications," Journal of Nanomaterials, vol. 2014, Article ID 212637, 17 pages, 2014.

doi: 10.1155 / 2014/212637 and H. Lochbihler, "Colored images generated by metallic subwavelength gratings," Opt. Express. 17, 12189-12196 (2009). With regard to the construction of the subwavelength structures, the disclosure content of these publications is fully incorporated here. Due to their structure, the microstructures 24 differ further from the sub-wavelength structures 20, which have feature sizes in the range of the light wavelength. The microstructures 24 are significantly longer (from 0.6 pm) and generate z. B. diffractive effects, while the subwavelength structures cause interference effects of the light waves.

The selection of the different embossing structures can be made depending on the embodiment and the desired design for the banknote 1. In particular, the assignment to the films 11 and 12 made in FIG. 2 is purely exemplary.

For many embossing structures, it is necessary for the embossing structures to be metallized in order to produce an effect or an image. In the area of the window 19, this metallization has been removed again after application. which does not exist from the beginning. The distance can z. B. by means of a laser or using a wash. The same applies to an individualization of the banknote 1 by the serial number 8, which is likewise produced by an individual removal of the metallization.

The first embossed structure 14 on the inside of the first film 11 is visible from the front side 9 when viewed and forms the representation 3, that is to say, for example. For example, both the background 4, and the image 5 and the value 7 - either alone or in conjunction with conventional Druckbil- countries on the outside of the film. The hologram 6 is z. B. generated by a portion of the embossed structure, which has a suitable periodicity. Holograms are known to be formed by lattice regions or microstructures with periods of 0.6 to 2 gm.

The first and second foils 11 and 12 are transparent. Preferably, they are each a plastic film. In the production of the substrate body 2, the films 11 and 12 are embossed with the embossed structures 14 and 16 and subsequently provided with the metallization, for example by a vapor deposition process. Subsequently, the two films are connected to one another via the intermediate layer, which forms the dielectric 13, for example by lamination. The dielectric 13 may preferably be a polymer. In order to take the front 9 and the back 10 the usual gloss for film, which is reinforced by the metallization of the embossed structures, the outer surfaces of the sheets 11, 12 provided with a matting, for example in the form of a not shown embodiments Coating that creates a slightly scattering surface. In order to prevent the embossment structure 15 from appearing on the second film when viewed from the front side, it is preferable to make the intermediate layer 17 opaque. This is shown in FIG. 3. The opacity of the material between the embossed structures 14 and 15 ensures that when the front side 9 is viewed, only the embossed structure 14 contributes to the display, when viewed from the back 10 only the embossed structure 15 Opacity can be realized, for example, by means of an opaque intermediate layer 17, preferably an opaque white or a colored adhesive layer or laminating layer. In a further embodiment, the opaque layer 17 can be provided with a locally varying opacity.

If the structural body 2 of the banknote 1 has a window 19, the opaque layer 17 is naturally interrupted in this area by a transparent window 23, as shown in FIG. 4.

5 shows an embodiment with only one film 11, which is provided on both sides with the embossed structures 14, 15. In this case, at least one of the embossed structures is covered with a cover layer 22 which equalizes the upper side. Also, the embodiment of Fig. 5 shows that the embossing pattern may have a gap on one of the two sides or on both sides by no embossing. When using refractive microlenses 16, a cover with a leveling covering layer is disadvantageous since the lens effect could be nullified. A leveling is possible when reflective lenses are used, so micro concave mirror. To produce the substrate body 2, the embossed structures are preferably produced in one operation in a double embossing system. In general, the production of the value document comprises the following steps: First, the relief structure for an original having the dimensions of the document of value is produced, for example with the height H and the width B of the banknote 1. This relief structure is produced for example by means of a laser writing process or a mask process in a photoresist. From the original structure, a stamp is then produced as master, for example by copying the relief structure into a nickel mold by means of galvanic molding or into a photopolymer. With the help of this stamp, an embossing cylinder is now produced, which replicates the relief structure of the original on the surface of the embossing cylinder. Usual steps for producing a stamping cylinder are the galvanic impression of a replica in nickel and drawing the structured nickel foil onto a stamping cylinder. With the embossing cylinder produced in this way, the original structure is then often molded into the film on a plastic film web in a continuous process in UV varnish or by means of a hot embossing process. The film web embossed in this way contains, transversely to the web direction, lines in which several regions of width B and height H lie next to one another. The lines are repeated along the film web. The film web embossed in this way is then coated with a thin metal layer, preferably aluminum, silver, chromium, copper, gold or alloys thereof. Also, semi-metal layers, for example, silicon, germanium, carbon and silicon oxide (preferably with a Si: O ratio of less than one). As coating processes, a high-vacuum vapor deposition by means of vapor deposition or sputtering or other coating processes are suitable. In this way, film webs for the first film 11 and possibly the second film 12 are produced.

In the two-part variant, these are then on their insides, d. H. those sides which contain the metallized embossed structures. In this case, an internal substrate, such as a banknote paper can be laminated. Subsequently, the thus produced banknotes 1 are separated by cutting. The production of demetallisierten areas or a window takes place before joining the two films. For example, it is possible to print the film webs with a wash ink at the corresponding locations where windows are to be located later, before the metallization is carried out. After metallization, the material and paint are removed by a washing process, as known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the metallization can be removed by irradiation with suitable laser radiation. In this way, the serial numbers 8 can also be stored in the film; the material is preferably removed on one side in a pattern corresponding to the serial number 8. The contrast arises later by the view of the inside of the backside film or on the inner substrate or dielectric.

The matting can be produced on the film web by lamination of a scattering layer on the outside or by plasma melting of the film surface. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

bill

substrate body

presentation

background

Moiré image

hologram

declaration of value

serial number

front

back

first slide

second foil

dielectric

first embossed structure

Second embossing structure

microlenses

interlayer

Micrograph structure

micromirror

subwavelength

topcoat

window

microstructure

Claims

Patent claims

A value document, such as a banknote (1), a check, a credit card or other payment card, an identity card or the like, which has a front (9) and a back (10), in plan view at least from the 9 shows a representation (3) which can be seen with the unaided eye, has certain dimensions (B, H) in plan view, and has a substrate body (2) which, in plan view, has the determined dimensions (B, H ) and is constructed from at least one transparent foil (11, 12) which likewise has the specific dimensions (B, H) in plan view, the representation (3) recognizable from the front side (9) being distinguished by a first, at least sections of metallized embossed structure (14) is produced, which is arranged on one side of the first film (9) and has a laterally, ie transversely to the top view direction, a varying profiling and / or metallization, dadu rch gez nz e I do not think that the first, at least in sections a metallized embossed structure (14) is formed on a foil front side facing the front side, and a second, at least partially metallized embossed structure (14) is formed on a reverse side of the foil (10) and at least one of the metallized embossed structures ( 14) is covered with a leveling covering layer (22).

2. Document of value according to claim 1, characterized in that the embossing structure (14) comprises microlenses (16) and / or micromirrors (20).

3. value document according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the embossed structure (14) is formed in sections as a sub-wavelength structure (21) and there has a periodicity of 150 nm to 500 nm or aperiodic there with a feature size of 150 nm to 500 nm is trained.

4. document of value according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that between the embossed structures (14, 15) at least one opaque portion (17) is provided.

5. document of value according to claim 4, characterized in that the section (17) has a laterally structured opacity.

6. A value document, such as a banknote, a check, a credit or other payment card, an identification card or the like, which has a front (9) and a back (10), in plan view at least from the front side (9) 3 shows an illustration (3) which can be seen with the unaided eye, has certain dimensions (B, H) in plan view, and has a substrate body (2) which has the specific dimensions (B, H) in plan view and of a first and a second one transparent film (11, 14) is constructed, which also have the specific dimensions (B, H) in the plan view and which are interconnected by an intermediate layer, so that inner sides of the films facing each other and the outer sides of the films away from the intermediate layer , wherein the outer side of the first film (11) facing the front (9) and the outside of the second film (12) to the back (10), wherein the recognizable from the front (9) representation (3) by a first, at least The metal-coated embossed structure (14), which is arranged on the inner side of the first film (9) and has a varying profiling and / or metallization laterally, that is to say transversely to the direction of the top view, can not be produced in that the embossing structure (14) has microlenses (16) and / or micromirrors (20).

7. value document according to claim 6, characterized in that the value document (1) in plan view of the back (10) another with the shows that the rear side (10) recognizable representation by a second, at least partially metallized embossed structure (15) is arranged on the inside or outside of the second film (12), at least partially a laterally varying profiling and / or metallization.

8. Document of value according to one of claims 1 to 5 or according to claim 7, characterized in that the first and second embossing structure (14, 15) form a window (19) in opposite areas, in which the representation by the first embossing structure (14) supplemented with the further representation by the second embossing structure (15) in a view to a motif.

9. value document according to claim 8, characterized in that the first and second embossing structure (14, 15) in the region of the window (19) have an asymmetrical profile, and generate in reflection a motif which disappears in the see.

10. value document according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the first embossing structure (14) at least in an area as

Microstructure (24) is formed with a period of 500 nm to 2 pm, which is a hologram.