RU2809359C1 - Polymer support for obtaining polymer securities or polymer security documents - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: printing materials.

SUBSTANCE: polymer substrate (1) for producing polymer securities (2) or polymer security documents (3), to polymer security paper (2) or polymer security document (3), as well as to a method for producing polymer substrate (1). Polymer substrate (1) includes polymer support layer (4) and at least one security element (5), wherein security element (5) is applied to and/or inserted into polymer support layer (4), wherein primer (6) is applied to first side (7) of the substrate and/or second side (8) of the substrate of the polymeric substrate (1), at least in certain areas. Primer (6), at least in certain areas, is placed between polymer supporting layer (4) and protective element (5), and/or covers protective element (5) and/or polymeric supporting layer (4), at least in separate areas, and the areas of protective element (5) coated with primer (6) are less distinguishable than the areas of protective element (5) that are not coated with primer (6) and/or than the areas of polymer carrier layer (4) that are not coated with primer (6).

EFFECT: ability to provide the user with high protection against tampering.

18 cl, 11 dwg

Description

The invention relates to a polymer substrate for producing polymer securities or polymer anti-counterfeit documents, to a polymer security or polymer security document, as well as to a method for producing a polymer substrate.

Resin securities or resin security documents of the above type are generally used to enhance the counterfeit security of securities or security documents such as banknotes, identification cards, credit cards, debit cards, tickets, etc.

According to the prior art, with respect to polymer securities or polymer security documents, it is technically impossible to apply a security element with functional security elements in the form of a security thread. In particular, with polymer securities or polymer security documents, it is not possible to directly introduce into the polymer the industry-typical or traditional security thread that is currently common in securities or security documents made of paper or fiber. Polymer security papers or polymer security documents based on polymer substrates, in particular, are now often used for low denomination banknotes. These polymer banknotes - among other reasons for economic reasons - usually do not have expensive security features applied.

To overcome this drawback, security threads in polymer securities or polymer anti-counterfeit documents are imitated only by means of printing. However, security threads printed in this way, in comparison with those known in securities or security documents made of paper or fibers, cannot be economically produced with satisfactory quality, and thus cannot provide the user with a sufficiently high security against counterfeiting.

The object of the present invention was to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to provide a method for forming a polymer substrate by means of which polymer securities or polymer anti-counterfeit documents can be produced with one or more highly anti-counterfeiting security elements, respectively security elements with functional elements of protection.

This object is achieved by using a polymer substrate, a polymer security paper or a polymer security document, and a production method according to the claims.

The polymer substrate according to the invention for producing polymer securities or polymer anti-counterfeit documents includes a polymer carrier layer and at least one security element. It is provided here that the security element is applied to and/or inserted into the polymer carrier layer and that a primer is applied to the first side of the substrate and/or to the second side of the polymer substrate, at least in individual areas. In this case, the primer, at least in individual areas, is placed between the polymeric support layer and the protective element, and/or covers the protective element and/or the polymeric support layer, at least in individual areas, and the primer-coated areas of the protective element are less visible than areas of the protective element that are not coated with a primer, and/or areas of the polymer carrier layer that are not coated with a primer.

By means of the polymer substrate according to the invention, it is possible or a basis for the production of polymer securities or polymer anti-counterfeit documents with one or more highly anti-counterfeit security elements, or security elements with one or more functional security elements. On the basis of the polymer substrate according to the invention, the banknote manufacturer has at his disposal a starting material which, in principle, can be further processed in the same or similar way as paper for paper banknotes is processed. Thus, for example, a banknote manufacturer can create both paper banknotes and polymer banknotes using the same equipment and therefore technological operations, or also as a result of minor modifications. This provides an advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness of the entire production chain, while at the same time achieving high product quality.

At this point it should be pointed out that in the context of the invention, the term “security element” can refer to a variety of security elements known to those skilled in the art. For example, the security elements can be formed as security threads, security strips and the like, whereby, of course, other preferred types of security elements known to the person skilled in the art are also conceivable. In this case, one protective element can have one or many similar or different functional security elements, respectively, protective characteristics. Thus, with regard to security elements, we can talk about optically variable functional elements, optically distinguishable functional elements upon transmission or reflection, machine-readable functional elements that absorb electromagnetic waves and/or re-emitting substances, respectively, functional elements. For example, the security elements can be made as holograms, embossed layers, partially metallized layers, fluorescent layers, printed layers, and/or magnetic coding, and/or optically variable functional elements, in particular, we can talk about, for example, having color-variable tilting thin-layer element coatings. In this case, the functional security elements can be placed in or on the security elements, or can be built into them, which thereby act as a carrier for the functional security element or for the functional security elements. When the following description refers to a security element, it can therefore be a security element with a separately formed security element. Of course, it is also possible in principle that the security element is formed by only one security element. A primer can be described as either a single layer or a composite or coating of many layers. In this case, for example, we can talk about numerous similar, but also many different layers or layers.

The security element(s) formed in or on the polymeric substrate provide an additional means of protection against counterfeiting since the application of the primer reduces the visibility of one or more security elements. Those areas on the first and/or second side of the substrate on or in which a primer-coated protective element is formed are, according to the invention, less clearly visible than those areas of the polymer carrier layer with and/or without a primer placed above them. . A primer, which serves to coat one or more security elements, but can also enable subsequent individual printing on the polymer substrate by the banknote manufacturer, according to the invention is applied at least in selected areas to the one or more security elements and/or to the polymer support layer so that that at least selected areas become covered, and turn out to be invisible, or at least worse, respectively, less clearly visible, or less contrastingly distinguishable. This effect, that the primer-coated areas are less clearly distinguishable than the non-primer-coated areas, is then primarily noticeable and thus discernible to an observer when viewing that side of the polymer substrate substrate to which the primer is applied. Of course, the polymer substrate can also have a primer on both sides. Under these circumstances, the effect of less clear visibility of the coated areas would be visible on both sides of the substrate. It is also possible that one or more security elements are placed on or in both outer surfaces of the polymeric support layer. The at least one security element provides the advantage that the entire set of security elements known from the prior art, which are also used in conventional papers for the production of paper banknotes, can thereby be used. It can also advantageously be that the observer only discerns the primer-coated security element when viewing the polymer substrate in transmitted light.

When one or more security elements are incorporated into a polymeric support layer, it may be advantageous for the polymeric support layer to be formed thinner at the locations where the one or more security elements are to be inserted. Thus, it may be that the visibility of the security element is further reduced, or, correspondingly, that the location on which the security element is placed is hidden or “camouflaged”, since there are no or barely noticeable elevations. Here, depending on the circumstances, the primer can also contribute to the “masking” of places with protective elements.

It is also advantageous to provide that the primed areas of the security element are invisible in reflected light but visible in transmitted light, or that the primed areas of the security element are better visible in transmitted light than in a top view. This preferred embodiment can make it easier for the user to verify the authenticity of the polymer banknote by holding it in the light incident from the opposite side, or viewing it against the light. In this way, an additional contribution to the protection of polymer banknotes against counterfeiting can be achieved. It is also possible here that not the entire primed area of the security element viewed in transmitted light is visible, but only a part of it. For example, this is possible when the security element is formed by a thread or a strip of film with partial metallization. Thus, only partial metallization of the film strip would be visible in transmitted light. In partial metallization, the metal layer - to indicate only some examples - may contain spaces in the form of depicted symbols, letters, patterns, figurative motifs, geometric figures, watermarks and also lines.

According to one preferred embodiment, it may be that the security element and/or the polymeric support layer and/or the primer are covered with a coating layer, at least in certain areas, wherein the areas of the security element covered with the coating layer are less clearly visible, and/ or the areas of the polymer carrier layer that are not covered by the coating layer, and/or the areas of the primer that are not covered by the coating layer. This embodiment can be particularly advantageous in situations in which a primer is placed, at least in certain areas, between the polymer carrier layer and the protective element. In this way, by printing in selected areas - for example also during the printing of banknotes - optical effects can be achieved, and in particular a contrast of visibility between areas with a coating layer and areas without a coating layer can be created.

In addition, provision can be made for the primer to be applied using technical printing methods. In this way, a homogeneous and even primer or primer layer can be created in an economical manner. In particular, this can be advantageous during subsequent processing of the polymer substrate during subsequent banknote printing, and contribute to achieving high product quality. In addition to printing methods, it would of course also be possible and, in circumstances, preferable, for the primer to be applied by varnishing, dip coating, spray coating, or roller coating. It is also conceivable to apply the primer by vacuum coating methods, such as, for example, plasma coating, or physical vapor deposition (PVD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) coatings.

In addition, it can be provided that the primer is formed suitable for printing. Good printability may be important in subsequent processing of the polymer substrate during banknote printing, and may sometimes enable satisfactory or even high final quality of the polymer security paper or polymer security document. In addition, the good suitability of the primer or the polymer substrate for printing has a positive effect on the durability or wear resistance of the polymer banknote. For example, good printability can be achieved by using a smooth primer, or also by using an ink-receptive primer structure or material.

It is also an advantageous embodiment in which provision can be made for the primer to cover the entire area of the polymer support layer and/or the protective element. Sometimes, for reasons of protecting polymer banknotes from counterfeiting, it may be useful for the security element or security elements to be completely covered and thus indistinguishable or poorly visible when viewed, respectively, unclearly.

According to one embodiment, it is possible that the primer partially covers the polymer support layer and/or the protective element. Such areas of one or more security elements that are not coated with a primer and are therefore visible when viewed are typically referred to in the industry as windows. Security elements made in a similar manner in the form of a thread are often called thread-like windows. Such windows can be formed in the form of so-called half-windows, and in the form of through windows. In this case, semi-windows are called grooves in the primer on only one side of the polymer substrate, respectively, on the side of the primer. If the primer is applied to both sides of the polymer substrate, and the grooves are opposite each other, or at least partially opposite each other, or, respectively, overlap in the primer on both sides, then in the jargon they speak of a through window. These windows can facilitate the user to verify the authenticity of the polymer banknote in a simple and quick way. In addition, by partially covering one or more functional security elements, counterfeit protection can be improved, since imitation or counterfeiting of polymer banknotes is significantly more difficult due to the precise positioning of the windows.

In addition, it can be provided that the primer is formed diffusely, in particular that the primer gives the appearance of a white color in daylight. This embodiment can in particular have a positive effect on the polymer banknote formed from the polymer substrate, since the white primer layer, or surface, can allow the creation of particularly high-quality subsequent printing, or other application of figurative motifs, numbers and the like. Such layers or primers are also known as haze coats, or in English as “smoke layers”. The ink used in this is also called opacifying ink.

In addition, it can be provided that the polymer support layer is made of a synthetic material, in particular a translucent synthetic material, the polymer support layer preferably comprising at least one of the materials from the group consisting of polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetheretherketone (PEK), polyethyleneimide (PEI), polysulfone (PSU), polyaryletherketone (PAEK) ), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystal polymers (LCP), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin copolymers (COC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile copolymer, butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene terpolymer (EFEP), and/or mixtures, and /or copolymers, and/or composites of these materials, or obtained from at least one of these materials.

According to one particular embodiment, it is possible for the primer to have a thickness between 1 μm and 50 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 30 μm, particularly preferably between 7 μm and 25 μm, in particular between 10 μm and 20 μm. The low thickness of the primer, in particular, may have the advantage of facilitating the production of a thin polymer substrate. The final products, such as polymer banknotes, must also be thin so that they can be easily printed on and can also be stacked simply and space-savingly. Thus, by forming a thin, however, covering primer, a favorable base can be created. Furthermore, the polymer substrate can preferably have a thickness between 30 μm and 150 μm, preferably between 35 μm and 110 μm, particularly preferably between 50 μm and 100 μm, in particular between 65 μm and 90 μm. When one or more security elements are formed including a transfer film, which transfer film, in addition to one or more functional security elements, also includes a release carrier film, this carrier film may have a thickness between 6 µm and 100 µm, preferably between 8 µm and 50 µm, particularly preferably between 10 µm and 36 µm, in particular from 12 µm to 23 µm. The transferable security element, that is, that part of the security element from which the release carrier film has been separated after application to the polymer substrate, can have a thickness of from 1 μm to 50 μm, preferably a thickness of from 1 μm to 40 μm, particularly preferably from 2 μm to 30 µm, in particular from 5 µm to 20 µm.

According to one preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the security element is formed by at least one functional security element by means of optically variable functional elements, optically distinguishable by transmission or reflection of functional elements, machine-readable functional elements, and/or absorbing electromagnetic waves and/or re-emitting substances, respectively, functional elements. In this case, for example, we can talk about an embossed layer, a partially metallized layer, a fluorescent layer, a printed layer, magnetic coding, and/or an optically variable functional element, in particular in the form of a hologram and/or a color-variable base layer when tilted, for example, having at least one color-changing thin-layer element in the base layer when tilted. This embodiment has the advantage that the user can choose from an extensive list and numerous possible combinations of functional security elements. In this way, a high degree of protection against counterfeiting can be achieved.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a polymer substrate with at least one security element for the production of polymer securities or polymer anti-counterfeit documents, in particular for producing a polymer substrate according to one of claims 1 to 11 of the claims.

The following technological stages are provided:

- formation of a polymer carrier layer,

- creating at least one security element,

- applying a protective element to and/or into the polymer carrier layer,

- optional connection of the protective element with the polymer supporting layer,

- applying, at least in individual areas, a primer to the first side of the substrate and/or the second side of the substrate of the polymeric substrate, wherein the primer is applied, at least in individual areas, between the polymeric support layer and the protective element, and/or the protective element is coated with this primer and /or a polymer support layer, at least in individual areas, wherein the primed areas of the security element are less clearly distinguishable than the unprimed areas of the security element, and/or than the unprimed areas of the polymer support layer.

The method for producing a polymer substrate according to the invention makes it possible, or the basis, for producing polymer securities or polymer anti-counterfeit documents with one or more highly anti-counterfeiting security elements. The banknote manufacturer, by means of the polymer substrate according to the invention, has at his disposal a product which, in principle, can be further processed in the same or similar way as in the production of paper banknotes. Thus, the banknote manufacturer can, for example, produce both paper banknotes and polymer banknotes using the same equipment and therefore in the same technological operation. The polymer substrate produced according to the invention provides an advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness of the entire production chain, while at the same time achieving high product quality.

During the method, one or more security elements are applied to the polymer carrier material, wherein the security element includes at least one security element. Optionally, a process step can be performed that creates a preferably permanent connection between the security element and the polymeric support material. This connection can be made, for example, using a suitable adhesive material on the security element and/or on a polymer support material. Of course, it is also conceivable and possible that the connection is made, or stimulated, respectively accelerated, by the action of heat or pressure. In addition, the bonding can be facilitated or promoted by also possibly desirably embedding one or more security elements in the polymeric support layer. In particular, by embedding it is meant that one or more security elements are embedded in the polymeric support layer. In this case, in principle, recesses can be provided in the polymer support layer, into which recesses one or more security elements can be embedded. Alternatively, it is also possible that one or more security elements are embedded in the polymeric support layer, for which purpose the material of the polymeric support layer is extruded or also compacted. The security elements can preferably be embedded so deeply into the polymeric support layer that a continuous, i.e. smooth or approximately smooth surface of the substrate side is created, respectively, such that the security elements are not raised above the polymeric support layer and thereby the thickness of the polymer support layer is not increased.

By means of one or more security elements formed in or on a polymeric substrate, an additional measure of security against counterfeiting is provided, since the visibility of one or more security elements is reduced due to the applied primer. Those areas on the first and/or second side of the substrate on which or in which a protective element coated with a primer is formed are, according to the invention, less clearly visible than those areas of the polymer carrier layer with and/or without a primer placed above them . A primer, which serves to coat one or more security elements, but may also allow the banknote manufacturer to subsequently individually print on the polymer substrate, according to the invention, at least in selected areas, is applied to the one or more security elements and/or to the polymer support layer so that selected areas become covered and turn out to be invisible, or at least worse, respectively, less clearly visible, or less contrastingly distinguishable. It is also possible that one or more security elements are placed on or in both outer surfaces of the polymeric support layer. The at least one security element provides the advantage that the entire set of security elements known from the prior art, which are also used in conventional papers for the production of paper banknotes, can thereby be used.

In addition, it can be provided that the security element is formed by means of a transfer film comprising at least one functional security element and a releasable carrier film, wherein the releasable carrier film is removed after application or after optional bonding. This preferred embodiment makes it possible to apply at least one security element to a polymer substrate in a simple and precise manner. Additionally, numerous combination and design possibilities can be created with this embodiment.

This preferred embodiment makes it possible to apply at least one security element to a polymer substrate in a simple and precise manner. Additionally, numerous combination and design possibilities can be created with this embodiment. In addition, this embodiment offers the advantage that the part of the security element that remains without a supporting film on the polymer substrate can be made particularly thin. This is due to the fact that security elements with a detachable carrier film can be designed with very thin functional security elements.

In addition, it can be provided that the primer is applied using a technical printing method. In this way, a homogeneous and level primer or primer layer can be created in an economical manner. In particular, this can be advantageous during subsequent processing of the polymer substrate during subsequent banknote printing, and contribute to achieving high product quality. In addition to printing methods, it would of course also be possible and, depending on the circumstances, preferred, for the primer to be applied by varnishing, dip coating, spray coating, or roller coating. It is also conceivable to apply the primer by vacuum coating methods, such as, for example, plasma coating, or physical vapor deposition (PVD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) coatings.

It is also preferred that the polymer substrate be cut, in particular cut into sheets, before insertion of the security element and/or before application of the primer. This process step can create a technological advantage. For example, security elements can, if necessary, be applied to the cut sheets in a simpler and also more precise manner. It may also be more economical from a technological point of view when the polymer substrate is cut in a small number of pieces before introducing one or more security elements and/or before applying a primer. In addition, the introduction of protective elements and/or the application of a primer, as appropriate, is easier to carry out on small-format sheets, since they sometimes allow for easier handling. In particular, this can also be advantageous when the introduction of the security element and/or the application of the primer must be carried out on both sides of the substrate.

According to one embodiment, it is possible that the security element is applied directly onto and/or into the polymer support layer, or that the security element is applied to the polymer support layer in register. The direct application of one or more protective elements may be particularly appropriate when the primer would subsequently have to be applied over the entire area. Application in register, that is, under register-matching conditions, can then be advantageous and thus improve quality when it is provided that one or many security elements do not have to be completely covered with primer, that is, that so-called windows are created. In this case, it can be advantageous with regard to the high quality of the products when the planned or predetermined windows are not coated with a primer, or are coated only within tolerances.

According to the invention, a polymer security paper or a polymer security document with a polymer substrate including at least one security element is also provided. In this case, the polymer substrate is made according to paragraphs 1-11 of the formula of the invention, and/or the polymer substrate is manufactured by the method according to paragraphs 12-16 of the formula.

In addition, a preferred embodiment provides that the primer is applied to the first side of the substrate and/or the second side of the substrate of the polymeric substrate at least in separate areas, wherein the primer is placed between the polymeric support layer and the protective element, wherein the protective element and/or the polymer carrier layer is covered, at least in individual areas, with a covering layer, wherein the areas of the security element covered with the coating layer are less visible than the areas of the security element not covered with the coating layer, and/or than the areas of the polymer carrier layer not covered with the coating layer, and/or than the areas of primer not covered with the coating layer.

For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail by means of the following Figures.

As shown in each case in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a polymer substrate in cross section with three fully coated functional security elements;

Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the polymer substrate in cross section with two partially coated functional security elements;

Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of the polymer substrate in cross section with three fully coated functional security elements;

Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the polymer substrate in cross section with two partially coated and one fully coated functional security elements;

Fig. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of a polymer substrate in cross section with functional security elements applied on both sides;

Fig. 6 shows a sixth embodiment of the polymer substrate in cross section;

Fig. 7 shows a seventh embodiment of the polymer substrate in a top view, as well as four cross-sectional views 7a-7d thereof.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numbers, respectively, the same designations of structural elements, and the disclosed features contained throughout the description can expediently be transferred to equivalent parts with the same reference positions, respectively, the same designations structural elements. Also, positional data selected in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the Figure being directly described as well as represented, and this positional data can expediently be transferred to a new position when the position is changed.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a polymer substrate 1 in cross section with three fully covered security elements 5 or security elements 11, which are formed in one security element 5. This first embodiment also shows a polymer security paper 2 or a polymer security document 3, which were made from a polymer substrate 1. For example, as shown, a banknote printing layer 13 was applied to one side 7, 8 of the substrate, respectively the primer 6. This additional processing step can in particular be carried out in a printing house for the production of banknotes and/or securities. The printed layer 13 of the banknote may be formed for the pictorial reproduction of designs, numbers and the like, but can sometimes also have, or include, also additional functional security elements 11 or additional security elements 5. It may also be the case that the layer 13 of the banknote, as schematically shown in Figure 6, is designed as a cover layer 9. In particular, this may be advantageous when the primer 6 is placed between the polymeric support layer 4 and the functional security element 11 and/or the security element 5.

Figures 1-7, as appropriate, show independent embodiments of the polymer substrate 1, respectively, the method of producing the polymer substrate 1 described in the claims, and for the same parts the same reference numbers are used, respectively, the designations of the components, as in the previous Figure 1. In the following, embodiments according to Figures 1-7 are described together to avoid unnecessary repetition.

Figures 1 to 7 show by way of example seven possible embodiments of polymer substrates 1. In addition, Figures 1 and 6 also show exemplary embodiments of polymer securities 2 or polymer security documents 3. It should be specifically pointed out that numerous possible other embodiments, and the embodiments shown should be interpreted as exemplary only. When the security elements 5 are discussed below, the security elements 5 are understood to have one or more identical or different functional security elements 11 . However, in terms of readability, we are mainly talking only about the security elements 5.

Figures 1 to 7 show variously formed polymer substrates 1 including a polymer support layer 4 and at least one security element 5. Specifically, Figure 1 shows three security elements 5 with the same width 12 but different heights 14. Figure 2 shows polymer substrate 1 with two protective elements 5 with different widths 12. Figures 3 and 4 show three protective elements 5 with different widths 12 and heights 14. Moreover, the protective elements 5 and also the functional security elements 11 are presented in all Figures with a rectangular cross section . However, it is of course also possible that the security elements 5 and also the functional security elements 11 can have other geometric shapes. In addition, Figures 1-5 show that the security element 5 or security elements 5 are applied to the polymer support layer 4 (Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6), respectively, inserted into the polymer support layer 4 (Figure 5). The introduction of functional security elements 11 into the polymer support layer 4 can be carried out in the recesses provided for this purpose in the polymer support layer 4, and/or by applying pressure and/or increasing temperature. It is also conceivable that the polymer carrier layer 4 in the areas where the security elements 5 are to be applied has a reduced thickness so that the security element 5 can completely or almost completely fit into it. In this way, a polymer substrate 1 that is as smooth as possible can be obtained. In principle, alternative designs are also possible, but not clearly shown, in which the protective elements 5 are formed both in the polymer support layer 4 and on it. It is further possible, and where appropriate appropriate, for the security elements 5 to be applied not only to one side of the polymeric support layer 4, as shown in Figures 1-4, but also to both sides of the polymeric support layer 4, as shown in Figure 5. Figures 1-4 show that the primer 6 is applied to the first side 7 of the polymer substrate 1, at least in certain areas. When the security elements 5 are applied to both sides of the polymer carrier layer 4, it may also be appropriate for the primer 6 to be additionally applied to the first substrate side 7 and additionally to the second substrate side 8. For example, this can be done according to Figure 5. Figure 6 shows that it is also possible that the primer 6 is applied between the polymeric support layer 4 and the security elements 5. The three depicted security elements 5 are in this example placed on the primer 6. However, it can also be such that the security elements 5 are at least partially embedded in the primer 6.

In Figures 1-5, the primer 6 covers at least the security elements 5 in at least individual areas, wherein the areas of the security elements 5 covered with the primer 6 are less clearly visible than the areas of the security elements 5 not covered with the primer 6, and/or those not covered areas of the polymer support layer 4 coated with the primer 6. The areas of the security elements 5 coated with the primer 6 may preferably be less visible in the top view than the areas of the polymer support layer not coated with the primer 6. In Figures 1 and 3, the security elements 5 are completely coated with the primer 6 and are therefore invisible to the user who views the polymer substrate 1 from above in reflected light or, in comparison with uncoated areas, less visible or distinguishable. In Figure 2, the security elements 5 are in each case only partly or partially covered by the primer 6. These uncovered areas or areas are perceived by the user when viewed in reflected light as so-called windows 15. Since these windows 15 are only on one side of the polymer substrate 1, they are also called half-windows. Figure 4 shows the security element 5 without underlying primer 6, as well as a partially coated security element 5 and a fully coated security element 5. In each case, the uncoated and partially coated security element 5 are visible or distinguishable through the half-window. Figure 5 shows that the primer 6 can also be applied to the second side 8 of the substrate, at least in certain areas, that is to say partially. If the areas not covered with primer 6 are opposite each other, then the windows 15 formed in this way are called through windows. Figure 5 thus shows - as described visible from left to right - a through window, a half-window and a completely covered protective element 5. In Figure 6, a primer 6 is applied over the entire area to the first side 7 of the substrate, with three protective elements 5 placed on the primer 6. layer 9, which can be referred to as the printing layer 13 of the banknote, is partially applied to the first side 7 of the substrate. In this case, the covering layer 9 can completely or partially cover the protective elements 5, and thereby form a window. As shown, but it is also conceivable that the cover layer 9 does not cover the security elements 5.

It may also be the case that one or more security elements 5 are configured to include a transfer film. In this case, the transfer film can have one or more security elements 11 and a detachable carrier film, the transfer film being limited on its outer side by a detachable carrier film. In this case, it may be that the removable carrier film is removed during the production of the polymer substrate 1 after application or after optionally connecting the security element 11 or the security element 5 to the polymer carrier layer 4.

The areas of the security element 5 coated with the primer 6 can be invisible or only poorly visible in reflected light, and visible when viewed through the light. Alternatively, the areas of the security element 5 coated with the primer 6 can be better visible in transmission than in reflected light. For example, the user can hold the polymer substrate 1 with illumination from the opposite side, and thereby make the areas of the security elements 5 coated with the primer 6 optically distinguishable or visible.

In addition, it may be appropriate for the primer 6 to be applied using printing methods. In addition, the primer 6 can be made printable. In addition, the primer 6 can be formed to be diffusely scattering. In particular, it may be that the primer 6 gives the user the impression of a white color in incident natural or also artificial light. The primer 6 may have a thickness 10 between 1 μm and 50 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 30 μm, particularly preferably between 7 μm and 25 μm, in particular between 10 μm and 20 μm.

The polymeric support layer 4 may be formed from a synthetic material, in particular from a translucent synthetic material. The polymeric support layer 4 preferably contains at least one of polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetheretherketone (PEK), polyethyleneimide (PEI), polysulfone (PSU), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystal polymers (LCP), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) ), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin copolymers (COC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride ( PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene terpolymer (EFEP), and/or mixtures and/or copolymers and/or composites of these materials, or derived from at least one of these materials.

The one or more security elements 5 may be formed by at least one security element 11, which, for example, may be formed by optically variable functional elements, optically detectable functional elements by transmission or reflection, machine-readable functional elements, and/or electromagnetic wave absorption and/ or re-emitting substances, respectively, functional elements.

During the production of the polymer substrate 1 according to Figures 1 to 5, it may be expedient for the polymer substrate 1 to be cut, in particular cut into sheets, before the introduction of at least one security element 5 and/or before the application of the primer 6. In addition, the security element 5 can be applied directly to and/or inserted into the polymer support layer 4, or applied in register. Applying in register, accordingly, that is, under conditions of register matching, can be appropriate when the primer 6 is applied partially, thereby creating a window 15. It is important here that the primer 6 covers the intended window 15 due to imprecise register matching.

Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the polymer substrate 1 or the polymer substrate sheet 1 in a top view. In this case, the polymer substrate 1 is divided by means of finely drawn lines into zones, which indicate areas for polymer securities 2, respectively, polymer security documents 3 obtained from the polymer substrate 1 or from an additionally processed polymer substrate 1. Represented in the Figure 7, the leftmost column includes - by way of example only - six such zones. This left column is formed with a security element 5 clearly formed in the form of a security thread, wherein the security element 5 is coated in individual areas with a primer 6. When viewing the polymer substrate 1 from above, the observer distinguishes the areas coated with the primer 6 better than the areas of the security element not coated with the primer 6 5.

The second column in the left view of Figure 7 also includes six such zones. This second column on the left is made with a security element 5 clearly formed in the form of a security thread, however, here the security element 5 is completely covered with a primer 6. In this case, the areas of the security element 5 coated with a primer 6 can be invisible in reflected light, but visible in transmitted light Accordingly, areas of the protective element 5 coated with primer 6 can be better visible in transmission than in reflected light. This quasi-masking effect is shown in the second column from the left by means of bold lines, these lines indicating that the thread-like security element 5 is placed underneath.

Figures 7a-7d in each case show cross-sectional views of embodiments according to Figure 7. The cut positions of the cross sections according to Figures 7a to 7d are shown schematically in Figure 7, and are indicated by corresponding symbols and position-indicating arrows. Figures 7a and 7c show a section taken along the length of the security element 5 or the security thread, respectively. Figures 7b and 7d show cross-sectional views of the security element 5 or the thread, respectively.

The embodiment examples show possible embodiments, at which point it should be noted that the invention is not limited specifically to the embodiments shown, but rather various combinations of individual embodiments are also possible, and this possibility of variation is based on indications regarding the technical essence of the present invention within the scope of knowledge specialist competent in this technical field.

The scope of legal protection is determined by the claims of the invention. However, the description and drawings are provided for interpretation of the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described can represent independent technical solutions corresponding to the invention. The problem underlying the independent technical solutions corresponding to the invention can be determined from the description.

All data for value ranges in this specification should be understood to include any and all sub-ranges, for example, data from 1 to 10 should be understood to mean that, based on the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, include all sub-ranges, then is, all sub-ranges, starting with a lower limit of 1 or more and ending with an upper limit of 10 or less, for example, from 1 to 1.7, or from 3.2 to 8.1, or from 5.5 to 10.

For the sake of order, in conclusion, it should be noted that for a better understanding of the design, the elements were partly presented not to scale, and/or enlarged, and/or reduced.

List of reference items

1 polymer substrate

2 polymer security paper

3 polymer anti-counterfeit document

4 polymer carrier layer

5 protective element

6 primer

7 side of the substrate

8 side of the substrate

9 cover layer

10 thickness

11 security element

12 width

13th printed layer of the banknote

14 height

15 window.

Claims (26)

1. Polymer substrate (1) for producing polymer securities (2) or polymer anti-counterfeit documents (3), characterized in that the polymer substrate (1) includes a polymer carrier layer (4) and at least one security element (5 ), wherein the security element (5) is applied to and/or inserted into the polymeric support layer (4), and wherein the primer (6) is applied to the first side (7) of the substrate and/or the second side (8) of the substrate of the polymeric substrate (1 ), at least in some areas, wherein the primer (6), at least in certain areas, is placed between the polymer supporting layer (4) and the protective element (5), and/or the primer (6) covers the protective element (5) and/or the polymeric supporting layer (4), at least in certain areas, and the areas of the protective element (5) coated with the primer (6) are less distinguishable than those not coated with the primer ( 6) areas of the protective element (5), and/or areas of the polymer carrier layer (4) not covered with primer (6). 2. Polymer substrate (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the areas of the protective element (5) coated with the primer (6) are invisible in reflected light and visible in transmitted light, or that the areas of the protective element (5) coated with the primer (6) ) are visible better in transmitted light than in reflected light. 3. Polymer substrate (1) according to one of paragraphs. 1 or 2, characterized in that the protective element (5), and/or the polymeric supporting layer (4), and/or the primer (6), are covered with a covering layer (9), at least in certain areas, and covered with a covering layer (9) areas of the protective element (5) are less clearly distinguishable than areas of the protective element not covered with a coating layer (9), and/or than areas of the polymer carrier layer (4) not covered with a coating layer (9), and/or than areas not covered with a coating layer (9) cover layer (9) of the primer area (6). 4. Polymer substrate (1) according to one of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the primer (6) is applied using a technical printing method. 5. Polymer substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primer (6) is formed suitable for printing. 6. Polymer substrate (1) according to one of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the primer (6) covers the entire area of the polymer carrier layer (4) and/or the protective element (5). 7. Polymer substrate (1) according to one of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the primer (6) partially covers the polymer carrier layer (4) and/or the protective element (5). 8. Polymer substrate (1) according to one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the primer (6) is made diffusely scattering, in particular that the primer (6) gives the impression of a white color in daylight. 9. Polymer substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polymer support layer (4) is made of a synthetic material, in particular a translucent synthetic material, wherein the polymer support layer (4) preferably contains at least one of the materials from the group consisting of polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetheretherketone (PEK), polyethyleneimide (PEI), polysulfone (PSU), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystal polymers (LCP), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin copolymers (COC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and ethylene terpolymer , tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene (EFEP), and/or mixtures, and/or copolymers, and/or composites of these materials, or obtained from at least one of these materials. 10. Polymer substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primer (6) has a thickness (10) between 1 μm and 50 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 30 μm, especially preferably between 7 μm and 25 μm, in particular between 10 µm and 20 µm. 11. Polymer substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the security element (5) is formed with at least one security element (11), and at least one security element (11) is formed by optically variable functional elements, functional elements that are optically distinguishable by transmission or reflection, machine-readable functional elements, and/or electromagnetic wave-absorbing and/or re-emitting substances, respectively, functional elements. 12. A method for producing a polymer substrate (1) with at least one security element (5) for the production of polymer securities (2) or polymer anti-counterfeit documents (3), in particular for producing a polymer substrate (1) according to one of pp. 1-11, including stages - formation of a polymer carrier layer (4), - creating at least one security element (5), - applying a protective element (5) to and/or into the polymer carrier layer (4), - optional connection of the protective element (5) with the polymer supporting layer (4), - applying, at least in individual areas, a primer (6) to the first side (7) of the substrate and/or the second side (8) of the polymer substrate (1), wherein the primer (6) is applied, at least in individual areas, between the polymer load-bearing layer (4) and protective element (5), and/or the protective element (5) and/or the polymer supporting layer (4) are coated with this primer (6), at least in certain areas, and the areas of the protective element (5) coated with the primer (6) are less clearly distinguishable than those not coated primer (6) areas of the protective element (5), and/or areas of the polymer carrier layer (4) not covered with primer (6). 13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the security element (5) is formed by means of a transfer film comprising at least one security element (11) and a detachable carrier film, wherein the release carrier film is removed after application or after optional joining. 14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the primer (6) is applied using a technical printing method. 15. Method according to one of paragraphs. 12-14, characterized in that the polymer substrate (1) is cut, in particular cut into sheets, before introducing the protective element (5) and/or before applying the primer (6). 16. Method according to one of paragraphs. 12-15, characterized in that the security element (5) is applied directly to the polymer support layer (4) and/or inserted into it, or that the security element (5) is applied to the polymer support layer (4) in register. 17. A polymer security paper (2) or a polymer anti-counterfeit document (3) with at least one security element (5), including a polymer substrate (1), characterized in that the polymer substrate (1) is formed according to one of paragraphs. 1-11, and/or that the polymer substrate (1) is formed by the method according to one of paragraphs. 12-16. 18. A polymer security paper (2) or a polymer security document (3) according to claim 17, characterized in that the primer (6) is applied to the first side (7) of the substrate and/or the second side (8) of the substrate of the polymer substrate ( 1), at least in individual areas, wherein the primer (6) is placed between the polymeric support layer (5) and the protective element (5), wherein the protective element (5) and/or the polymeric support layer (4) is covered at least in certain areas, with a coating layer (9), and the areas of the protective element (5) covered with the coating layer (9) are less clearly visible than the areas of the protective element (5) not covered with the coating layer (9), and/or than those not covered with the coating layer layer (9) of the area of the polymer carrier layer (4), and/or than the area of the primer (6) not covered by the covering layer (9).