ES2874580T3 - Data carrier with a window security thread - Google Patents

Abstract

Data carrier (10), in particular valuable or security document, with a substrate (12) comprising at least one layer of paper, wherein a window security thread (14) is embedded in the substrate (12), which is visible on at least one surface of the substrate in certain window areas (16), where the window areas (16) comprise micro-windows (20) generated with papermaking technology, having an edge (22) generated during manufacturing of paper with characteristic irregularities, characterized in that the width of the window generated with papermaking technology transverse to the direction of the thread is less than 0% of the width of the thread and lies between 0.2 mm and 4 mm, and the outlines of the windows generated with papermaking technology represent characters or an encoding, in particular a series of letters or numbers.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Data carrier with a window security thread

The invention relates to a data carrier, in particular a document of value or security, with a substrate comprising at least one layer of paper with an embedded window security thread.

Data carriers, such as banknotes, stocks, loans, certificates, vouchers, checks, high-value entry cards, but also other papers with the risk of forgery, such as passports or other identity documents, are used for protection. They often provide security features that allow a verification of the authenticity of the document of value and that at the same time serve as protection against unauthorized reproduction. In this connection, the security elements can be designed in the form of a security thread fully or partially embedded in the data carrier.

The incorporation of a security thread in banknote paper is described, for example, in WO 2004/050991 A1. In this regard, the security thread is unwound from a driven roll during the papermaking process and a constant mechanical tension is ensured by monitoring the tensile force of the security thread.

Window security threads are security threads that are not applied to a surface of a data carrier substrate, nor are they fully embedded in the substrate. Rather, they are partially embedded in the substrate, so that they are visible on one or both opposite surfaces of the substrate only in certain window areas.

To obtain data carriers with window security threads, bronze screen fabrics with stamped brass seals are brought into a multi-rib shape, in order to create support surfaces for the security thread to be incorporated during the manufacture of paper. However, from the designer's point of view, the possible configurations are severely limited in this respect and all known window thread variants have windows which are open over the entire width of the thread.

Document DE 102005022018 A1 refers to a security paper with at least two continuous openings, one of which is generated during the manufacture of the paper and has characteristic irregularities in the edge area and a second is generated after the manufacture of the paper. by cutting or punching with a sharply limited edge area. Starting from this, the invention aims to specify a data carrier of the type mentioned at the beginning with an attractive appearance and high security against counterfeiting.

This object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Improvements of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a generic data carrier provides that the window areas comprise micro-windows generated with papermaking technology, which have an edge generated during papermaking with characteristic irregularities and whose width transversely to the direction of the thread is less than 50% of the width of the wire and is between 0.2 mm and 4 mm.

The term window security thread is used within the scope of the present description not only for narrow security threads with a width of 4 mm or less, but also for wide security threads with a width of 4 mm to approximately 30 mm , which are also referred to in the patent literature as security bands. The embedding of such wide security threads during papermaking is described, for example, in EP 0625431 A1.

Within the scope of the invention, all window areas of a data carrier can be designed in the form of micro-windows or the data carrier can also have conventional window areas in addition to micro-windows.

The length of the micro-windows in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wire (also partially referred to as the height of the micro-windows) is advantageously between 0.2 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 3 mm and particularly preferably between 0.5mm and 1mm. Alternatively or additionally, the width of the micro-windows in the transverse direction of the wire is preferably between 0.3 mm and 3 mm, especially preferably between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

In a particularly advantageous way, provision can be made for the window regions to comprise a plurality of micro-windows located next to one another in the transverse direction of the wire. In this respect, these micro-windows are advantageously not exactly at the same height in the transverse direction of the wire, but rather they are always offset by a fraction of the window height from each other. In other words, a straight line in the transverse direction of the wire cuts several of the mentioned micro-windows, however, respectively at different points along the extension in height of the micro-windows.

In advantageous configurations, the width of the micro-windows in the transverse direction of the wire is even less than 40%, preferably less than 30% of the width of the yarn.

According to the invention, the window areas comprise micro-windows, the outlines of which represent characters or an encoding, in particular a series of letters or numbers, such as a currency symbol or a value number. In particular, in the case of wide security threads, the micro-windows can also be made in the form of a face or portrait representation.

In advantageous configurations, the window areas comprise a plurality of micro-windows, the spatial arrangement of which forms a pattern. In this regard, the individual micro-windows are not necessarily configured in the form of a pattern per se, the above-mentioned pattern is rather formed by the arrangement of all the micro-windows. Such a motif can consist in particular of letters, characters or figures, which are made up of micro-windows as small modules. In this regard, the contours of the micro-windows can be configured the same and also different. It is also possible that both the contours of the micro-windows and their spatial arrangement respectively represent a motif or an information. These motifs or information can be related to one another or complement each other by forming global information. Micro-windows can also form lattice, point cloud-like, or strip-shaped windows.

In a further development of the invention, the micro-windows, as thin spots in the paper layer of the substrate, are part of a watermark that protrudes laterally beyond the window security thread. In this way, the micro-windows can be integrated into an overall design of the data carrier, thereby further increasing the intent value and the security against imitation. The watermark can complement, continue or repeat in the same or modified way in particular a pattern formed by the contour or the spatial arrangement of the micro-windows.

According to another equally advantageous development of the invention, a pattern formed by the contour or arrangement of the micro-windows is continued by any other security feature beyond the window security thread. The other security feature can be, for example, a printing layer, a color layer, a laser cut zone, a watermark, a foil or a hologram. In such a configuration, the other security feature can also complement, continue or repeat in the same or modified way a pattern formed by the outline or arrangement of the micro-windows. The window security thread is advantageously provided with diffraction structures, liquid crystal layers, thin-layer structures, recesses in opaque layers, in particular metallic, fluorescent substances, magnetic, conductive and / or metallic layers.

The invention also contains a drainage screen for the manufacture of security paper with a window security thread, which protrudes in certain window areas on a surface of the security paper and is embedded inside the security paper in areas located in the middle. The drainage screen comprises a support screen, which is provided in a partial area with an injection molding insert, which is embossed with the pattern elements, which extend from a base body upwards and exceed the surface of the the support screen, which are configured in the shape of the window areas of the window security thread. In this regard, for the generation of micro-windows, the pattern elements comprise micro-pattern elements that, transversely to the running direction of the yarn to be embedded, have a width that is less than 50% of the width of the yarn and is between 0, 2mm and 4mm.

Furthermore, a drainage screen not according to the invention of the type mentioned above is disclosed, in which the drainage screen comprises a support screen, which in a partial area presents a screen embossing, which presents a relief with elements of motif, which extend beyond the surface of the supporting screen and which are configured in the form of the window areas of the window security thread. In this regard, for the generation of micro-windows, the pattern elements comprise micro-pattern elements that, transversely to the running direction of the yarn to be embedded, have a width that is less than 50% of the width of the yarn and is between 0, 2mm and 4mm.

The injection molding insert not according to the invention or the screen stamping not according to the invention comprises in this case several micromotif elements adjacent to each other transversely to the direction of movement of the thread for the generation of several micro-windows adjacent to each other in the direction cross section of the thread.

In both non-inventive drain screen configurations, the pattern elements preferably comprise micromotif elements, the outlines of which represent patterns, characters or an encoding, in particular a series of letters or numbers. Alternatively or additionally, the pattern elements comprise a plurality of micro pattern elements, the spatial arrangement of which forms a pattern, in particular letters, characters or figures.

In an improvement, the injection molding insert not according to the invention or the screen stamp not according to the invention has a relief of a watermark in the form of a watermark to be generated on the security paper next to the security elements. reason for the generation of the window zones of the window security thread. The relief of the watermark can complement, continue or repeat in the same or modified way in particular a pattern formed by the outline or the arrangement of the micromotif elements.

In injection molded insert drain screens, the insert is conveniently made of plastic hydrophobic, for example from polyoxymethylene. To reduce wear and tear during operation, wear-reducing additives can be added to the plastic.

Preferably the injection molding insert not according to the invention is arranged in a cutout area of the support screen and is connected only in an edge area preferably toothed with it. To do this, for example, with the aid of a laser cutting device at the point of the screen fabric, where the injection molding insert is provided, a recess can be produced which is somewhat smaller, for example 1 / 10mm less than the desired shape of the injection molding insert. The edge area can be designed in particular in the form of a pattern, preferably in a toothed shape. The injection molding insert can preferably be inserted or injected into this cutout section.

The support screen not according to the invention advantageously contains a screen fabric with at least each time a system of warp threads running in the longitudinal direction and weft threads running transversely to them, interwoven with each other, where the screen fabric It advantageously contains a metal fabric, in particular a bronze fabric, a mixed metal and plastic fabric, in particular a mixed bronze and plastic fabric, or a pure plastic fabric.

Furthermore, the injection molding insert not according to the invention preferably has a plurality of perforations, which ensure drainage during papermaking. The dimensions of these drain holes are selected so small that fibers do not adhere to them during papermaking. Typical perforation diameters are between 100 pm and a few hundred pm, for example about 500 pm. In advantageous developments, the perforations taper towards the upper design surface of the injection molding insert or the perforations are notched.

For the generation of an injection molding insert with an injection molding relief of the type described above, an injection molding tool can be used, which contains an injection molding cavity, into which plastic can be injected for the generation of the injection molding insert and which is provided with a multi-level tool embossment in the form of the inverted injection molding embossment. In this regard, the injection molding tool, including the injection molding cavity and the high resolution multilevel tool relief, can be formed by milling or by an additive manufacturing process as a sequence of layers of a plurality of layers of material connected to each other in a fixed way.

For the generation of a screen embossing of the type described above, an embossing bar can be used, which is provided with a high resolution multi-level embossing in the form of the inverted screen embossing. In this regard, the embossing bar, including the high resolution multilevel embossment, may be formed by milling or by an additive manufacturing process as a sequence of layers of a plurality of material layers fixedly connected to each other.

Particularly suitable additive manufacturing processes are selective laser sintering, selective laser melting, electron beam melting, 3D powder printing, melt coating, laser welding, jet modeling. multiple streams, a multiple jet procedure, stereolithography, laminated object modeling, film image transfer, or digital light processing.

Other particularities of the structure, properties and manufacture of the injection molding tool not according to the invention or of the stamping bar not according to the invention can be deduced from the application DE 102014008752.2.

Other exemplary embodiments, as well as advantages of the invention are explained below by means of the figures, in which representation a scaled and proportional reproduction has been dispensed with in order to increase clarity.

The exemplary embodiments, which are not supported by the appended claims, should not be construed as part of the invention.

They show:

FIG. 1 a schematic representation of a banknote with a security element according to the invention in the form of a window security thread,

Fig. 2 and 3 respectively a detailed representation of window areas with micro-windows of a banknote according to the invention seen from above,

Fig. 4 and 5 respectively a schematic representation of a drainage screen, which is used for the generation of micro-windows,

Fig. 6 top views of a banknote with a plurality of micro-windows, which are arranged in sets of micro-windows in the form of a euro symbol, where (a) shows a single set of micro-windows and (b) several sets of micro-windows arranged spaced in the longitudinal direction of the wire and offset from each other in the cross direction of the wire, and

Fig. 7 a configuration in which the design of a series of micro-windows produced with papermaking technology is followed by a printing pattern outside the security thread.

The invention is now explained on the example of window security threads for banknotes and other documents of value. Fig. 1 shows for this a schematic representation of a banknote 10 with a paper substrate 12, which is provided with a window security thread 14 according to the invention. The window security thread 14 protrudes into the window areas 16 on the surface of the bank note 10, while it is embedded within the bank note 10 in the rib areas 18 located in between.

In the representation of FIG. 1, all the window areas 16 of the window security thread 14 are schematically represented as a rectangle. As shown in the detailed representation of FIG. 2, the window areas 16 comprise micro-windows 20 generated with papermaking technology according to the invention, which in the exemplary embodiment are configured in the shape of the numbers "1" and "5" adjacent to each other in the transverse direction of the thread. , which together form the series of numbers "15". In view from above, the micro-windows 20 release the view of the window security thread 14 embedded in the paper, so that the security features arranged on the window security thread 14 become visible there, for example a diffraction structure or a color change coat. In the rib areas 18 between the window areas 16, the window security thread 14 is hidden by the paper layer 12 and therefore the security features arranged on it are not visible.

Since the micro-windows 20, as described below, have been generated during papermaking, they exhibit an edge 22 with characteristic irregularities, which in this description is also often referred to as a beard. In this regard, the irregular edge structure is caused by an irregular addition of fibers in the edge region by individual fibers penetrating the hole.

The width bM of the micro-windows 20 is clearly less than the width of the wire bF, which is, for example, 4 mm, and in the exemplary embodiment it is only about 1 mm (25% of the wire width, number "1 ") Or 1.5 mm (37.5% of the width of the wire, number" 5 "). The height hM of the micro-windows 20, that is, the extension in the longitudinal direction of the wire L is about 2 mm and is therefore also essentially less than the window areas of conventional window wires. As usual, the direction parallel to the longitudinal extension of the security thread is designated as the longitudinal direction of the thread L and the direction perpendicular to it is designated as the transverse direction of the thread Q.

Another particularity of the configurations according to the invention consists in that several micro-windows 20 can be positioned adjacent to each other in the transverse direction of the thread Q, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, for example, the numbers "1" and "5", which together form the series of numbers "15".

Fig. 3 shows another embodiment, in which the micro-windows 20 are arranged offset from one another in the shape of small stars with irregular beard 22 and a diameter of approximately bM = 1.5 mm at a distance of approximately 2 mm. The micro-windows 20 release the view of the window security thread 14 embedded in the paper, so that its security features can appear there. The size of the micro-windows bM is clearly smaller than the width of the wire bF (bM = 0.375 bF), furthermore two micro-windows 20 are partially arranged next to each other in the transverse direction of the wire Q, however, without being exactly the same height.

It goes without saying that the banknote 10 can have, next to the window areas with the micro-windows 20 described, also conventional window areas. However, since these are known, the present application does not go into them in more detail.

In order to generate configurations such as the micro-windows 20 described in relation to Figures 2 and 3 in the area of a window security thread 14, according to the invention the drainage screen 30 represented in FIG. 4 schematically in a section transversely to the running direction of the yarn.

The drainage screen 30 comprises a support screen 32 with a screen fabric 34, which is cut out in a partial area 40. The screen fabric 34 has at least each time a system of warp threads 36 running in the longitudinal direction and weft yarns running in the transverse direction 38, interwoven with each other. Within the framework of the present invention, the screen fabric can contain, for example, a metal fabric, in particular a bronze fabric, a mixed metal-plastic fabric, in particular a mixed bronze and plastic fabric, or else a pure fabric of plastic. The support screen 32 can contain both a single layer screen fabric, as well as a multilayer one, where for the simplest representation in the figure only a single layer screen fabric is shown.

A plastic injection molding insert 50 is arranged in the cutout partial region 40 of the screen fabric 34, which is connected at its edge to the screen fabric 34. The connection can in principle be made in multiple ways, for example by means of a plastic over-injection or subsequent injection, with the help of a plurality of fixing knots arranged along the edge, or also by welding or gluing. In the exemplary embodiment, a currently preferred variant is embodied, in which the injection molding insert 50 is injected directly into the cut-out partial region 40 of the screen fabric 34 with a corresponding tool mold and in this connection establishes a particularly intimate connection. with screen fabric.

The injection molding insert 50 has a relief 52 in the shape of the window areas 16 of the window security thread 14 and contains a base body 54, starting from which the pattern elements in the shape of the areas extend upward. window 16 and exceed the screen surface. In this regard, it is essential to the present invention that the pattern elements contain small micro-pattern elements 56, which are configured in the shape and size of the micro-windows 20 and extend upward with a sharp edge. In the exemplary embodiment, the relief 52 is manufactured by milling technology, so that the flanks 57 of the small micro-pattern elements 56 form an angle of approximately 15 ° with the normals to the surface.

During papermaking on a circular screen paper machine, the security thread 14 to be embedded is supplied to the drain screen 30 with the injection molding insert 50 as an endless element of a coil through a roller. detour. During the immersion of the injection molding insert 50 in the paper pulp, the security thread 14 rests on the pattern elements and in particular also the micro-pattern elements 56 of the injection molding insert 50.

Since there is a depression inside the drain screen 30, the water from the dispersion of water and pulp fibers is drawn into the drain screen. In this regard, the fibers are deposited on the surface of the drain screen 30 and the injection molding insert 50 and form the desired paper web. At the points where the security threads 14 rest on the pattern elements or the micro-motif elements 56, the security thread is drawn in through the depression in the drain screen, so that the mass of debris cannot be deposited there. fibers. Correspondingly, the security thread 14 remains in the areas of the pattern elements or of the micro-pattern elements 56 free of fiber mass, while in the surrounding areas the paper fibers are deposited and embed the security thread 14 in the paper. The pattern elements or micro-pattern elements 56 thus generate precisely the desired window areas or micro-windows 20 in the paper layer that is formed.

Due to the manufacture with papermaking technology of the microfibers 20, the edge area 22 of the micro-windows is not completely sharp, as for example in the case of a subsequent generation of holes by means of punching or laser cutting. Rather, in the edge area of the micro-windows 20 the fibers are deposited which penetrate somewhat unevenly into the opening and thus generate the characteristic beard.

The measure of edge sharpness or edge fuzziness of the micro-windows 20 can be predetermined by the three-dimensional shape of the micro-pattern elements 56. The micro-pattern elements, such as the micro-pattern elements 56 of FIG. 4, which have very steep flanks 57 and a small border width, generate border areas 22 with small irregularities, while micro-pattern elements with flatter flanks and larger border widths, such as for example the micro-pattern elements 58 shown in fig. 5, generate micro-windows 20 with strongly irregular edge areas 22.

In this regard, the edge width of a micro-pattern element is that width within which the height of a micro-pattern element falls from 90% of the maximum height to 10%. Micro-windows with only slightly irregular edge areas can be generated with micro-pattern elements 56 with an edge width of 0.6 mm or less, 0.5 mm or less, or even 0.4 mm or less. Micro-pattern elements 58 with an edge width of more than 0.6 mm, more than 1 mm or even more than 1.5 mm can, on the contrary, generate micro-windows with strongly irregular edge areas 22.

The injection molding insert 50 is further provided with a plurality of perforations 48, to ensure drainage during papermaking also in the area of the injection molding insert. In this regard, the diameter of the perforations 48 is selected so small that no fibers adhere to them during papermaking. Typical perforation diameters are between 100 gm and a few hundred gm, for example around 500 gm.

Figures 6 and 7 show other advantageous configurations of micro-windows according to the invention on banknotes or other data carriers. In the configuration of fig. 6 (a), the micro-windows 20 are configured in the shape of ovals with a dimension of 0.4 mm x 0.3 mm. Respectively, a plurality of oval micro-windows 20 form an array 24, the micro-windows 20 of which are arranged spatially relative to one another so that together they form the euro symbol "€" as a motif. As further shown in FIG. 6a, the assembly 24 contains several micro-windows 20 adjacent to each other in the transverse direction of the wire, however, these are never exactly at the same height in the transverse direction of the wire, but are always offset from each other by a fraction of the height of the micro window.

As in the configurations described above, the micro-windows 20 release the vision of the window security thread 14 embedded in the paper and the security features arranged on it can be seen, for example, formed by a printing layer, a colored layer or other functional layer.

In the configuration of fig. 6 (b), several sets 24 of micro-windows 20 are respectively arranged in the shape of the euro symbol €, spaced in the longitudinal direction of the wire L. In this respect, the sets 24 are somewhat offset from each other as a whole in the transverse direction Q, to compensate for fluctuations in the incorporation of the security thread 14 in the paper, for example, due to wobbling. If A designates the maximum distance at which a The security thread 14 can be incorporated into the security paper 12 in a staggered manner in the transverse direction Q due to the wobble, thus due to an offset of the euro symbol sets 24 up to a path A to the right and to the left is it can ensure that in the longitudinal direction some complete sets of symbols 24 are always placed directly on the security thread 14 and form the desired micro-windows in the form of the euro symbol.

The design of the micro-windows should not be limited to the security thread 14, but also continued laterally beyond, for example, in the form of a watermark or by other security feature. For illustration, fig. 7 shows a configuration in which a series of micro-windows 26 produced with papermaking technology is arranged on a window security thread 14 and, as described above, releases the view of the security features of the window security thread. 14 embedded. The circular disc-shaped micro-windows 26 have different sizes, however, they are all clearly smaller than the width of the thread, so that several micro-windows 26 are adjacent to each other in the transverse direction of the thread Q.

The formed pattern of the micro-windows 26 is continued out of the security thread 14 by a printing pattern 28 in the form of a printed dot cloud and is thus integrated into the overall design of the banknote 10. This also clearly increases the security against imitation of the banknote, since the security thread 14 cannot be replaced by a security thread without micro-windows 26 and since in addition the security thread 14 must be correctly oriented in the longitudinal direction with respect to the printing pattern 28.

Instead of a print layer, a pattern formed by the outline or arrangement of the micro-windows can also be continued, for example by a watermark. In this regard, the micro-windows, which nevertheless represent thin spots in the paper layer of a data carrier, are preferably part of a watermark, which protrudes laterally beyond the window security thread.

List of references

10 Banknote

12 Paper substrate

14 Window security thread

16 Window zones

18 nerve zones

20 Micro window

22 Edge with characteristic irregularities

24 Set of micro windows

26 Micro window

28 Print pattern

30 Drain screen

32 Support screen

34 Screen fabric

36 warp threads

38 Weft threads

40 Partial cropped area

48 Perforations

50 Watermark insert

52 Relief

54 Base body

56, 58 Micromotif elements

57 Flanks

L Longitudinal direction of the thread Q Transverse direction of the thread

Claims (8)

1. Data carrier (10), in particular document of value or security, with a substrate (12) comprising at least one layer of paper, where a window security thread (14) is embedded in the substrate (12) , which is visible on at least one surface of the substrate in certain window areas (16), where the window areas (16) comprise micro-windows (20) generated with papermaking technology, which present an edge (22) generated during the manufacture of paper with characteristic irregularities, characterized in that the width of the window generated with papermaking technology transversely to the direction of the thread is less than 50% of the width of the thread and is between 0.2 mm and 4 mm, and the outlines of the windows generated with papermaking technology represent characters or an encoding, in particular a series of letters or numbers. Data carrier (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of the micro-windows (20) in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wire is between 0.2 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 3 mm and particularly preferably between 0.5 mm and 1 mm, and / or because the width of the micro-windows in the transverse direction of the wire is between 0.3 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 1 mm. Data carrier (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the window areas (16) comprise several micro-windows (20) adjacent to each other in the transverse direction of the wire. Data carrier (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the width of the micro-windows (20) in the transverse direction of the wire is less than 40%, preferably less than 30% of the thread width. Data carrier (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the window areas (16) comprise a plurality of micro-windows (20), the spatial arrangement of which forms a pattern, in particular letters, characters or figures. Data carrier (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the micro-windows (20), as thin dots on the paper layer of the substrate (12), are part of a watermark that it projects laterally beyond the window security thread (14). Data carrier (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a pattern formed by the outline or arrangement of micro-windows (20) is continued by another security feature beyond the security thread of window (14). Data carrier (10) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the window security thread (14) is provided with diffraction patterns, liquid crystal layers, thin-layer patterns, recesses in opaque layers, in particular metallic, fluorescent materials, magnetic, conductive and / or metallic layers.