HK1243978B - Security element with effect pigments and an embossing structure and method for the production thereof - Google Patents

Description

Security element with effect pigments and embossed structure and method for producing the same

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a value and security document comprising a substrate having a front side and a back side, wherein an ink layer is applied to the front or back side of the substrate. A first pattern in the form of a pattern, symbol or code is incorporated into the ink layer. The first pattern is configured in the form of an embossed structure, which consists of a plurality of raised embossed elements with areas of different orientations, characterized by parameters such as size, contour form, relief form, reflectivity and spatial alignment. When the value and security document is tilted, the embossed structure exhibits a first tilting or motion effect by at least two different groups of embossed elements with different characteristic parameters that reflect incident light in different spatial areas. The embossed elements each have a lateral dimension greater than 30 μm and a height greater than 10 μm. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a corresponding value and security document.

Background Art

Universal value and security documents are known, for example, from EP 2 608 964 A2.

Value and security documents, such as banknotes, value documents or identification documents, as well as other valuable items, such as branded goods, are often provided for protection purposes by means of a security element, which allows verification of the authenticity of the data carrier and simultaneously serves as a protection against unauthorized reproduction. The security element can be configured, for example, as a security thread embedded in the banknote, as a cover foil for banknotes with a hole, as an applied security tape, as a self-supporting transfer element, or as a form applied directly to a characteristic area of the value document.

Security elements have a viewing angle-dependent visual effect and therefore play a special role in guaranteeing authentication, as even the most modern copiers cannot reproduce them. For this purpose, effect pigments are also used, which display different images at different viewing angles, thus creating a tilting effect.

Summary of the Invention

The invention is based on the object of developing a universal value and security element in order to further increase the protection against counterfeiting.

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

According to the present invention, the first pattern is combined with the second pattern in the form of a pattern, symbol or code, wherein the second pattern is arranged on the same side of the substrate as the first pattern. Here, the second pattern is configured in the form of an embossed structure, which consists of a plurality of raised embossed elements with areas of different orientations, characterized by parameters of size, contour form, relief form, reflectivity and spatial alignment. The embossed structure forms a second pattern with a second tilt or motion effect by different groups of embossed elements with different characteristic parameters that reflect incident light in different spatial areas. Here, the embossed elements each have a lateral dimension of less than 30 μm and a height of less than 10 μm. In addition, the pattern, symbol or code of the first pattern is at least partially adapted to the pattern, symbol or code of the second pattern.

WO 2007/079851 A1 discloses an embossed structure having embossed elements in the form of micromirrors with lateral dimensions of less than 30 μm and a height of less than 10 μm. Here, the combination of achromatic reflection of electromagnetic radiation, in particular light, at the micromirrors and chromophore interference structures (so-called “color shifts”) arranged on the surface of these micromirrors is described.

The combination of a first pattern with a first tilt or movement effect and a second pattern with an embossed structure with a second tilt or movement effect significantly increases the attention value and recognition value, as well as the security against counterfeiting of valuable and security documents. Furthermore, the second pattern in the form of an embossed structure provides an optical security feature, which also increases the security against counterfeiting of valuable and security documents, since the embossed structure can only be analyzed with considerable technical effort by forgers or imitators, making it difficult to imitate.

According to a preferred embodiment, the greater context results from the meaningful connection of two individual effects (i.e., the effect pigment and the embossed element), which allows the relationship between the individual effects to be better captured and thus easier to authenticate. The interaction of the two individual effects is meaningfully formed, which is only meaningful because of their special combination and thus provides additional authentication possibilities.

The invention has for its object letters or words, numerical values or numbers, patterns, portraits, combinations of the above or any geometrical form or graphic figure, such as an oval, a star or a wheel, for example.

According to the present invention, at least partial adaptation of an image to another image, or of a pattern, symbol or code of a first pattern to a pattern, symbol or code of a second pattern, means, for example

There is a relationship between the two images, designs or symbols, tilting the value and security document results in, for example, a change in the two images, from a graphic image (e.g. a star) to a denomination (e.g. the number 50),

The image or pattern both represent partial images of a total image, and the total image results from the interaction of the two partial images, e.g. one image represents the first part of a number or text and the other image represents the remainder of the number or text, or

Both images or designs show the same pattern or the same appearance

One image displays a name or designation and the other image displays a corresponding portrait or a corresponding graphic representation of the name or designation; for example, one image displays the name "bird" as text and the other image displays a graphic representation of the bird, or one image displays a person's name and the other image displays a portrait of the person.

In this context, "at least partially" means that at least a partial area of one image, pattern or design is adapted to a partial area of a second image, pattern or design, and the remaining partial area may not display or display another dynamic motion effect. Here, the total area of one image, pattern or design is preferably adapted to a partial area or the total area of another image, pattern or design.

Thus, according to the invention, for a viewer who looks beyond just one order or juxtaposition of the individual patterns, a logical relationship between the two images necessarily results.

According to the present invention, the first and second patterns have a distinctly similar, but not identical, appearance due to the characteristics of their associated, preferably different, manufacturing methods. Thus, for example, a second pattern can be created using a foil element (e.g., an embossed structure in a subsequently metallized thermoplastic or radiation-curing lacquer) that emits significantly more light than the first pattern, which is created using intaglio embossing with a screen-printing ink. At the same time, for example, the areas with the intaglio embossing can be tactile—i.e., feelable with a finger and, for example, noticeably rough or ribbed—while the second pattern created using the foil element has a smooth surface with no perceptible relief. Thus, an observer connects the two patterns and sees similar optical effects, yet also notices different properties. Therefore, a counterfeiter must also be able to reproduce these different properties and, therefore, typically must be proficient in two different manufacturing methods for the first and second patterns, which significantly hinders the creation of indistinguishable forgeries.

According to the invention, the second pattern is applied to the same side of the substrate as the first pattern. Here, the first and second patterns can be arranged directly or immediately on the surface of the substrate. Alternatively, the second pattern can also be arranged indirectly or non-immediately on the surface of the substrate, wherein in this case the second pattern is arranged on another substrate. The other substrate on which the second pattern is arranged is arranged directly on the substrate or at least partially within the substrate of the value and security document. According to another preferred embodiment, there is provided that the second pattern is arranged in the form of an embossed structure on a security thread or security tape, which is applied to the substrate or at least partially incorporated into the substrate. Preferred here are security threads, so-called window threads or cycloid threads, which are embedded in the substrate and are guided to the surface of the substrate at certain positions of the substrate, wherein the first pattern and the second pattern are arranged aligned with each other.

The ink layer is preferably translucent and is arranged in at least a localized area above the security thread or tape.

According to a preferred embodiment, a first pattern is provided that reflects two or more different pictorial patterns in different spatial regions, so that when the value and security document is moved accordingly, a first tilted or moving image is generated for the observer. Furthermore, the second pattern also creates the impression of a second tilted or moving image. The first tilted or moving image is at least partially adapted to the second tilted or moving image, and vice versa.

This creates two tilted or moving images whose appearance at least partially adapts to one another. For example, when the value or security document is tilted, the first tilted or moving image displays a rotating object. When the value or security document is tilted, the second pattern also conveys the impression of rotation, which follows or continues the rotation of the object in the first pattern. Particularly preferably, the second pattern is arranged around the first pattern, and both patterns rotate in the same direction, creating the impression of a single rotating object for the observer. In another advantageous embodiment, the rotational motion can also be reversed, resulting in a very dynamic motion.

"Translucency," within the meaning of this invention, means that an object, such as a substrate or ink layer, allows a certain percentage of the impinging light to pass through. When light strikes one side of the object, a portion of the light passes through the other side and exits the object. The greater the percentage of light that passes through relative to the impinging light, the more transparent the object. If the percentage is at least 90%, meaning the object passes the impinging light with little attenuation, like a window, the object is designated as transparent. However, objects that pass approximately 0% of the impinging light—i.e., where the percentage of light passing through relative to the impinging light is low or close to or equal to zero—are designated as opaque, non-transmissive, or non-transparent.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the laser inscription is coupled to at least one side of the substrate such that the laser inscription at least partially overlaps the first pattern as well as the second pattern.

The substrate according to the present invention can be implemented as a single-layer or multi-layer security paper. Multi-layer security paper comprises at least one layer of paper. The additional layers can also be formed from paper or from other materials, such as plastic foil. Particularly preferably, the security paper consists of cotton fibers, such as those used for banknotes.

The substrate can also preferably be made of paper from other natural fibers, preferably also synthetic fibers, i.e. a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers, or preferably at least one plastic foil. Furthermore, the substrate preferably consists of a combination of at least two different substrates stacked on top of one another and connected to one another, a so-called hybrid, for example a combination of plastic foil/paper/plastic foil, i.e. a paper substrate covered on each of its two sides by a plastic foil or paper/plastic foil/paper, i.e. a plastic foil substrate covered on each of its two sides by a paper substrate.

Details of the weight of the substrate used are described, for example, in document DE 102 43 653 A9, the implementation of which in this respect is fully incorporated into the present application. Document DE 102 43 653 A9 specifically states that the weight of the paper layer is generally 50 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² , preferably 80 g/m ² to 90 g/m ^2. Of course, any suitable weight can be used depending on the application.

Security elements or valuable documents in which such substrates or security papers can be used are, in particular, banknotes, stock certificates, bonds, deeds, vouchers, checks, high-quality tickets, but also other papers at risk of counterfeiting, such as passports and other identity documents, as well as cards, such as credit or debit cards, whose card body has at least one layer of security paper, and product protection elements, such as labels, seals, packaging, etc.

The simplified designated security paper or valuable document includes all the above materials, documents and product authentication means.

According to another preferred embodiment, the ink layer consists of at least one effect ink. In particular, the effect ink is a background, flexographic, or screen printing ink, particularly one with high reflectivity and a small pigment size. For example, UV-curable screen printing inks (silver, gold, bronze) exhibit these properties. Colors can be achieved by overprinting with glaze colors. Naturally, multicolored effects can also be achieved in this way.

Color-shifting inks based on interference layer pigments, inks based on pearlescent pigments or liquid crystal pigments are also suitable. Because banknote paper has a rough surface, it is advantageous to print the color-shifting ink onto the smooth surface of a plastic substrate or a multilayer substrate, the outwardly facing layers of which consist of a plastic layer, or to arrange a (invisible or visible) primer under the ink layer. This primer can be used as a background, for silk screen or flexographic printing, and smoothes the rough surface of the substrate. The pigments used in silk screen printing experience better alignment. In addition, the color film is smoother and has a higher reflectivity due to the UV-curing adhesive system.

Printing inks containing magnetic alignment effect pigments are explicitly excluded from the scope of protection of the present invention since they are cost-intensive to collect and handle.Alignment of the directionally reflective effect pigments is preferably provided by embossing, for example by intaglio blind printing.

It can be demonstrated that the higher reflectivity of the starting material leads to a better optical effect of the embossing. However, the primer beneath the screen-printed layer also enhances the effect due to the increased gloss in the optically active ink areas. The measured gloss values are combined in the following table by way of example:

Here, if printing is done over a primer, screen printing ink 1 is the lower screen printing layer or primer and screen printing ink 2 is the upper screen printing layer.

Gloss values are measured using a BYK-Gardner "Micro Gloss" glossmeter at an angle of 60° relative to the vertical. The glossmeter's measurement results are not relative to the amount of irradiated light, but rather to a black polished glass standard with a defined refractive index of 1.567. For this standard, the measured value is set to 100 gloss units.

Although the UV silver GD Silver 4410 itself shows very high reflectivity, the selective reflection color system has a significantly lower gloss value (15 to 30 gloss units), which can be increased to 35 to 50 gloss units by combining with a primer. In fact, overprinting the UV silver ink GD Silver 4410 with a background color leads to a reduction in the gloss value, however, the effect of the embossing is still very visible.

The size of the effect pigments is also crucial for the quality of the effect, as small pigments can significantly better follow the embossed structure, while larger pigments may break depending on the situation. Preferably, the effect pigment size is between 1 μm and 50 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 25 μm, in order to be able to emboss the ink layer, resulting in clearly recognizable changes in information or significantly more recognizable dynamic movement effects.

Alternatively, the ink layer can also consist of at least one vapor-deposited metal layer or a multi-layer thin-film interference layer as known, for example, from WO 2009/149831 A2.

The recesses within the overprint increase the design possibilities, making it possible to create a so-called "bimetallic" impression (silver/gold) even in plan view. Here, the gold hue is created by the yellow overprint on a silver background. If the yellow overprint is left blank in some areas, alternating gold and silver "bimetallic" areas are created.

The present invention further relates to a method for producing a value and security document according to the invention, wherein an ink layer is printed onto a substrate with effect pigments. All printing methods known from the prior art can be used, with screen printing or flexographic printing being particularly preferred. In flexographic printing, it is particularly preferred to apply an ink layer having a high layer thickness to the substrate, for example, using a screen roller, with an ink weight per unit area of 20 g/ ^m² .

The embossed structure is preferably produced, for example, by laser, using an embossing plate or embossing cylinder, particularly preferably a gravure printing plate or gravure printing cylinder, incorporating the embossed structure. The dimensions of the embossed structure are greater than 30 μm in the transverse direction, preferably from greater than 30 μm to 2000 μm, particularly preferably from greater than 30 μm to 300 μm, very particularly preferably from greater than 30 μm to 150 μm, and greater than 10 μm in the vertical direction, preferably from greater than 10 μm to 150 μm, particularly preferably from greater than 10 μm to 100 μm, very particularly preferably from greater than 10 μm to 60 μm.

Such an embossed structure is known, for example, from WO 2013/045055 A1.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the combination stated but also in other combinations without departing from the scope of the present invention, as long as this is covered by the scope of protection of the claims.

The advantages of the present invention will be explained with reference to the following exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodiments represent preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, for better understanding, the representations in the drawings are highly schematic and do not reflect actual conditions. In particular, the proportions shown in the figures do not correspond to actual existing relationships and are only used to improve clarity. In addition, for easier understanding, the embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are simplified to basic core information. In actual applications, more complex drawings or images can be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In particular, details of a value and security document according to the invention are schematically shown:

FIG1 has, in a first embodiment, a first pattern on a security thread and a second pattern in the form of an oval imprint,

FIG2 has, in a second embodiment, a first pattern on a security thread and a second pattern in the form of an oval imprint,

FIG3 has a first pattern on the security thread and a second pattern printed in digital form,

FIG4 has a first pattern on the security thread and a second pattern printed in the form of part of a number,

FIG. 5 has a first pattern in the form of a strip-shaped optically variable imprint and a second pattern arranged above it, which show the same pattern variation upon tilting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows an oval impression 1 impressed on one side of the substrate of a banknote. Here, impression 1 consists of a single embossed structure, invisible to the observer, that displays a secondary pattern with a dynamic motion effect in the form of moving lines. Within impression 1, there are recesses 2 in the form of the text "CT100" and recesses 3 in the form of the number "100."

Located to the right, next to the imprint 1, the security thread 4 is positioned so as to be incorporated into the banknote's substrate in the form of a window line. Here, three areas of the window line are arranged on the banknote's surface, and two areas are located between these areas of the cycloid line in the interior of the banknote's substrate and are therefore invisible. On the security thread 4, a first pattern 5, identical to the imprint, is present, depicting a motion effect with moving lines, created by effect ink. Within the effect ink, recesses 5 are present in the form of the text "CT100."

The number "100" here represents the denomination of the banknote and is therefore located on the security thread 4 as well as in the imprint 1. Therefore, an observer can recognize the logical relationship between the patterns of the security thread 4 and the imprint 1. Furthermore, the observer perceives both patterns as having the same, or at least very similar, motion effects.

FIG2 shows an example of an embodiment similar to FIG1 , in which here an oval imprint 1 is printed on the surface of the banknote so that it slightly overlaps the security thread 4. Furthermore, recesses 6 in the form of the number "100" are arranged in the imprint 1 so that they clearly protrude around the edge of the imprint 1 and continue or complement the imprint 1 as a black ink imprint. Furthermore, recesses 7 in the form of a portion of the text "CT100" are also arranged on the security thread 4 so that, together with the recesses in the imprint 1 and the black imprint on the banknote, they complement the overall text "CT100".

FIG3 shows an imprint 8 in the form of the number “100”. The contour shape of the imprint 8 thus corresponds to the recess on the security thread 4.

4 , the central area of the security thread 4 forms part of the numeral “1” of the imprint 9 . This area of the security thread and the imprint 9 therefore complement the numeral “100” . Thus, for the observer, an additional relationship is created between the security thread 4 and the imprint 1 .

FIG. 5 shows a detail of one side of a banknote with a strip-like security band 10 and an optically variable imprint 12 in a vertical plan view in FIG. 5 a .

The optically variable imprint 12 is formed from an ink layer of effect ink and, in some areas, displays a first pattern 11 in the form of the number "50", which transforms into a five-pointed star when tilted. The embossed structure 12 consists of parallel embossed elements, such as are known from WO 2013/045055 A1, and in some areas displays a first pattern 13.

The safety belt 10 also shows a tilted effect between the denomination "50" and the five-pointed star forming the second pattern. In a particularly advantageous variant, the "50" and the star can also appear convex, which is very striking and memorable for a smooth-feeling safety belt, such as one based on foil. The implementation of such tilted images with a raised effect is known, for example, from WO 2014/060089 A2.

When the banknote is tilted backwards about axis AA in the direction of the arrows, the representation of the two patterns thus changes from the number "50" to a five-pointed star which rises three-dimensionally and clearly from the surface and which additionally appears in the security band 10. When the banknote is tilted about axis AA, both patterns thus exhibit the same type of tilting effect.

In another variant, the patterns can also be tilted in exactly the opposite direction. Thus, in the example described, the safety belt 10 can display a star at a first tilt angle and the inscription 12 at the same tilt angle "50", while at a second tilt angle, the safety belt 10 can then display "50" and the inscription star.

Claims (12)

1. A valuable and security document comprising a substrate having a front side and a back side, wherein an ink layer is applied to the front side or back side of the substrate, a first pattern being incorporated into the ink layer in the form of a pattern, symbol or code, wherein the first pattern is configured in the form of an embossed structure consisting of a plurality of raised embossed elements having differently oriented areas, the embossed elements being characterized by parameters size, contour form, relief form, reflectivity and spatial alignment, and showing a first tilting or motion effect when the valuable and security document is tilted by at least two different groups of embossed elements having different characteristic parameters and reflecting incident light in different spatial areas, and wherein the embossed elements each have a lateral dimension greater than 30 μm and a height greater than 10 μm, characterised in that the first pattern and the second pattern are arranged in a manner that is consistent with each other. Two patterns are combined in the form of patterns, symbols or codes, wherein the second pattern is arranged on the same side of the substrate as the first pattern, wherein the second pattern is configured in the form of an embossed structure, which is composed of a plurality of raised embossed elements with different orientation areas, the embossed elements are characterized by parameter size, contour form, relief form, reflectivity and spatial alignment, and a second pattern with a second dynamic tilt or motion effect is displayed by at least two different embossed element groups with different characteristic parameters that reflect incident light in different spatial areas, and wherein the embossed elements have a lateral dimension of less than 30 μm and a height of less than 10 μm, respectively, wherein the pattern, symbol or code of the first pattern is at least partially adapted to the pattern, symbol or code of the second pattern. 2. The valuable and security document according to claim 1 is characterized in that the first pattern reflects two or more different picture patterns in different spatial areas, so that a first tilted or moving image is generated for an observer when the valuable and security document moves accordingly, and the second pattern reflects two or more different picture patterns in different spatial areas, so that a second tilted or moving image is generated for an observer when the valuable and security document moves accordingly, wherein the first tilted or moving image is at least partially adapted to the second tilted or moving image, or the second tilted or moving image is at least partially adapted to the first tilted or moving image. 3. A valuable and security document according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first pattern is arranged on a substrate and the second pattern is arranged on a security thread or security tape, which is applied to the substrate or at least partially integrated into the substrate. 4. A valuable and security document according to claim 3, characterized in that the security thread is a window or a cycloid, which is embedded in the substrate and is guided to the surface of the substrate at certain locations of the substrate, wherein the first pattern and the second pattern are arranged in alignment with each other. 5 . The value and security document according to claim 3 , characterized in that the ink layer is embodied as translucent and is arranged in at least one partial area above the security thread or band. 6 . The value and security document according to claim 1 , wherein the ink layer consists of at least one effect ink. 7. Value and security document according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a laser inscription is incorporated into at least one side of the substrate such that the laser inscription at least partially overlaps the first pattern and the second pattern. 8. The value and security document according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first pattern and the second pattern interact to form a common third pattern. 9. A method for producing a valuable and security document, said valuable and security document being formed from a substrate having a front side and a back side, wherein a layer of ink is applied to the front side or the back side of said substrate to form a first pattern in the form of a pattern, symbol or code, wherein said first pattern is configured in the form of an embossed structure, which consists of a plurality of raised embossed elements with different oriented areas, said embossed elements being characterized by parameters of size, contour form, relief form, reflectivity and spatial alignment, and showing a first tilting or motion effect when tilting said valuable and security document by at least two different groups of embossed elements with different characteristic parameters reflecting incident light in different spatial areas, and wherein said embossed elements each have a lateral dimension greater than 30 μm and a height greater than 10 μm, characterised in that said first pattern is configured in the form of an embossed structure, which consists of a plurality of raised embossed elements with different oriented areas, said embossed elements being characterized by parameters of size, contour form, relief form, reflectivity and spatial alignment, and wherein upon tilting said valuable and security document, a first tilting or motion effect is displayed by at least two different groups of embossed elements with different characteristic parameters reflecting incident light in different spatial areas, and wherein said embossed elements each have a lateral dimension greater than 30 μm and a height greater than 10 μm, characterised in that said first pattern is configured in the form of an embossed structure, which consists of a plurality of raised embossed elements with different oriented areas, The present invention relates to a substrate comprising a substrate having a plurality of raised embossed elements with different orientation areas, wherein the second pattern is combined with a second pattern in the form of a pattern, symbol or code, and wherein the second pattern is applied to the same side of the substrate as the first pattern, wherein the second pattern is configured in the form of an embossed structure, which is formed by a plurality of raised embossed elements with different orientation areas, the embossed elements being characterized by parameter size, contour form, relief form, reflectivity and spatial alignment, and a second pattern with a second tilt or motion effect is formed by at least two different embossed element groups with different characteristic parameters that reflect incident light in different spatial areas, and wherein the embossed elements have a lateral dimension of less than 30 μm and a height of less than 10 μm, respectively, wherein the pattern, symbol or code of the first pattern is at least partially adapted to the pattern, symbol or code of the second pattern. 10 . The method according to claim 9 , wherein the ink layer is printed on the substrate by a screen printing process or a flexographic printing process. 11 . The method according to claim 10 , wherein the ink layer consists of an effect ink. 12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the ink layer is embossed by gravure blind printing.