ES2397698T3 - Security paper to make security documents - Google Patents

Abstract

Security paper for manufacturing valuable documents (10, 20, 50), such as banknotes, passports, identity documents or the like, said security paper presenting security elements (11, 12, 21, 22,51, 52 ) with an optically variable effect that can be visually checked, characterized in that said security paper comprises at least two safety elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) that respectively cover a surface of at least 1 cm2 of the surface of the security paper or value document (10, 20, 50), because at least two whose security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) are overlapped and because at least one security element is applied in the form of an individual element (11, 21.52), such as a patch, and at least one security element being applied in the form of a continuous element (12, 22, 51), such as for example a strip.

Description

Security paper to make security documents

The invention relates to a security paper for manufacturing valuable documents, such as banknotes, passports, identity documents or the like, said security paper having at least two large surface security elements, which are provided with an optically variable effect that can be checked visually. The invention further relates to a transfer element and a value document with a security element of this type, as well as methods for manufacturing security paper and value documents.

Valuable documents, such as banknotes, stocks, loans, deeds, vouchers, checks, high-value tickets, but also other papers subject to forgery, such as passports or other identity documents, are provided with different elements security to increase your security against counterfeiting.

By "security paper" is meant in what follows a paper that serves as an intermediate product that must be transformed to obtain valuable documents and may already be provided with security elements, such as watermarks, security threads, etc. . "Value document" means the finished product, that is, for example, the printed banknote or the individualized passport.

By "optically variable elements" are understood the elements that show different optical effects depending on the angle of observation and the angle of illumination. Such optically variable elements are frequently used as security elements for valuable documents, since, on the one hand, they are easy to check visually without additional resources and, on the other hand, a great expense is required for their production and therefore also For fake.

Different types of security elements with optically variable elements are already known. A very striking security feature and very easy to check visually are the holograms that show different visual effects under different viewing angles, such as color effects or information. Since the optically variable effect of the hologram cannot be reproduced by a color photocopier, these security features offer very good protection against color photocopying.

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

Thermochromatic materials can also be used as a security feature for valuable documents. "Thermochromia" means the appearance of reversible color changes in solid substances with changes in temperature. The cause of these color changes lies mainly in changes in the crystalline structure. A security thread with thermochromic properties is known from EP 0608078 B1. A plastic material is provided with an impression or signs, produced by a partial demetalization of a metallic layer. On this impression or on these negative signs, a thermochromic coating having color at normal temperature is arranged. When heated, the thermochromic coating becomes colorless, which makes the signs under it visible. In addition, a thermochromic coating is described that is colorless at normal temperature and acquires color when heated, so that the signs disappear.

Such thermochromatic security threads have a disadvantage that they are very narrow and the thermochromic effect is only perceived in the relatively small window areas, whereby the optical effect caused by the color change of the thermochromatic material is very unimpressive. Therefore, security elements of this type do not offer great protection against counterfeiting.

As a safety feature, multilayer thin layer elements can also be used. The color effect of the thin layer element changes with the observation angle, for example from green to blue, from blue to magenta or from magenta to green. This color effect is based on interference effects caused by multiple reflections in the different partial layers of the thin layer element and is explained in detail for example in EP 0395410 B1.

However, in the recent past, these security elements described in the current state of the art have been imitated by counterfeiters more and more frequently and better. Therefore, in order to increase security against counterfeiting, the strategy of employing security elements that require a great expense for its production is followed. "Great expense" means, above all, the acquisition value and the low availability of the necessary production devices. However, in these relatively expensive production facilities, the very manufacture of safety elements to be produced in large quantities should be possible in a cost-effective manner.

Thus, a security element with an optically variable surface pattern is known from WO 2002/100656 A1, which is embedded in a plastic laminated composite. The optically variable surface drawing is reflective and can be visually perceived from predefined observation directions and is formed by a mosaic of surface elements with optically active structures. Additionally, a large number of identical partial surfaces with optically active structures that differ from the surrounding mosaic structure are arranged on at least a portion of the surface drawing. The partial surfaces here have a maximum dimension of less than 0.2 mm and a ratio between the length and width of less than 3: 1. In each of the zones, the partial surfaces are oriented in a matrix of points parallel to a privileged direction, the zones forming a hidden information determined by the privileged address and therefore not visible to the naked eye, than in a color copy of the surface drawing is reproduced as an artifact.

From US 4,705,300 a multilayer thin layer element is known which is transferred to a banknote in the form of a single round element, a so-called patch. Additionally, a second multilayer thin layer element can be applied elsewhere on the banknote, which is made in the form of a number and is surrounded by a print image.

From EP 0201323 A2, US 6417968 B1, DE 3840037 A1, US 4140373 A, GB 2136352 A and US 5447335 A there is known a security element consisting of at least two security features.

From AU 488652 A a banknote is known which is composed of a laminate of at least two layers of plastic material, an optically variable device being applied on one layer. The banknote may also additionally have other optically variable devices, so that the banknote in total has a hologram, liquid crystals and a moire motif.

From US 6089614 A a banknote with two iridescent patches is known, of which one is arranged on the upper side of the banknote and the other on the lower side of the banknote. Thus, the patches are arranged on opposite sides of the banknote.

From US 5944927 A (this document discloses the preamble of claim 1) a security paper with two depressions is known to channel modes in which a security element is respectively inserted, the two security elements overlapping several times. Both security elements are preferably made as a continuous element in the form of a security thread.

Therefore, the invention aims to provide a security paper with security elements that avoids the disadvantages of the current state of the art. It is especially intended to improve security against counterfeiting security papers and valuable documents and simplify manufacturing at the same time.

This objective is achieved by the security paper with the characteristics of the main claim. The independent claims aim at a transfer element, a value document and procedures for manufacturing security papers and value documents. The dependent claims are directed to advantageous improvements of the invention.

The invention is based on the knowledge that security against counterfeiting of security papers and valuable documents can be improved by providing security papers and valuable documents with at least two large surface security elements that have an effect. optically variable

The present invention therefore relates to a security paper for manufacturing valuable documents, such as banknotes, passports, identity documents or the like, said security paper having at least two large surface security elements having an effect optically variable that can be checked visually.

According to the invention, large surface security elements are combined with, respectively, an optically variable effect. The large processed area makes it easier for an observer to recognize and thus allows a safe verification of the authenticity of the value document.

Within the framework of the present invention, "large surface security elements" include security elements that cover at least 1% of the surface of the security paper or the value document. Large surface security elements covering at least 5% are preferred, especially at least 10%, in particular at least 20%, and with very special preference at least 25% of the security paper surface or of the value document.

With its size and its aptitude for unambiguous recognition, the security elements facilitate the verification by the user. Since the authenticity check is carried out by means of the variable effects of the security elements, they must be easily recognizable. For this reason, large surface security elements that cover at least 1 cm2 are preferred, with particular preference 4 cm2, in particular 10 cm2 and with very special preference 25 cm2 of the surface of the security paper or the value document.

Within the framework of the present invention, all known security elements with variable optical effect, combined with each other in any way, can in principle be applied to a security paper. The following describes security papers and valuable documents with two security elements, but, of course, the number of security elements per security paper or value document is not limited to two. In principle, the security paper or the value document can present any number of security elements. The security elements of a document preferably have different optical effects, if necessary contrasting each other.

Safety elements that have a thermochromic layer are preferred. For the thermochromic layer, thermochromic substances are preferably used that are opaque below a predetermined temperature and at least translucent above this temperature. For certain applications it may be convenient to use thermochromic substances that are translucent or transparent below a predetermined temperature and opaque above this temperature. The exchange temperature of the thermochromic substances is preferably above room temperature, for example in a range of 25 ° C to 60 ° C, preferably 30 ° C to 60 ° C.

As security elements, multilayer thin layer elements are used with special preference. The safety elements may also contain optically variable pigments, in particular interference layer pigments, liquid crystal pigments or luminescent pigments. In addition, the safety elements that have a layer in which there are diffraction structures in the form of a relief structure come into consideration. In this context, preferably holograms, especially embossed holograms, are used as security elements.

In the context of the present invention, security elements which have gaps in the form of signs and / or motifs are also used with particular preference. The provision of security elements with a so-called negative impression further increases security and improves protection against counterfeiting. This negative impression is formed, for example, by metal-free zones in an otherwise continuous metal coating of the support material of the security element. In backlight, the element itself appears dark due to the opaque metallic coating. The metal-free areas stand out from this dark background in a light tone easily noticeable.

The particular security effect of negative printing consists especially of the expensive and complex manufacturing process, which requires special inks and a large number of work operations. In this context, an aluminum layer is preferably used as the metal layer. In the areas described above as "metal free" a thermochromatic and / or fluorescent layer may also be arranged as an alternative.

EP 0330733 A1, for example, describes procedures for producing gaps in the form of signs or motifs. It describes in particular a manufacturing process in which a thermoplastic synthetic ink is printed on the metal-coated side of a sheet, which, when heated, softens and combines intimately with the metal layer. If, with a previously treated sheet, a second untreated sheet is coated under pressure and heat and then the two sheets are separated after cooling, together with the ink, the areas of the metal coatings corresponding to the signs are also removed from the first sheet or reasons.

In addition, safety elements of translucent or transparent materials can also be used. If two transparent security elements are applied, which present both certain motifs, and these security elements overlap at least partially, a moire effect is obtained with the superposition that constitutes a safety feature that is easy to check visually and at the same time safe. Against counterfeiting

A security element is preferably configured in the form of a lens. If this security element is applied, at least overlapping, on a second security element, the second security element appears optically modified in the visual check, for example enlarged, reduced or distorted.

In addition, all safety elements with variable optical effect can additionally be provided with distinctive substances, such as magnetic and / or conductive and / or luminescent substances. By means of such additional distinctive substances, security against counterfeiting is further enhanced.

The security elements may be arranged on the front or back of the security paper. According to the invention, the security elements are arranged overlapping. In the context of the present invention, it is especially preferred in this case that the security elements are arranged so that they complement each other to form a realistic or abstract image or a text. In this way the aptitude for recognition by the observer and at the same time the security against counterfeiting are significantly improved.

"Image" generally means visually readable information. This includes both a photorealistic representation and strokes, that is, abstract representations. For example, realistic portraits, landscape motifs, animal motifs and buildings are representations. Due to the high image information, a photorealistic representation significantly improves the identification or aptitude for recognition by the observer. In the case of abstract representations these are, for example, blazons, buildings, flags, drawings, signs and codifications, all of which can be provided both in a perspective representation and in a flat representation. As additional examples there may be mentioned a text or also single letters or figures, formed for example by two overlapping security elements. If security elements with different optically variable effects are used, as a rule only parts of the text can be recognized

or of the figure, while under a certain angle the two parts complement each other to form the complete text or the complete figure. It should be noted that the contour of the security elements can be freely chosen.

If overlapping security elements are used, the arrangement of a patch on a strip is especially preferred and in particular the application of an overlapping patch to a holographic strip or a holographic patch overlapping to a strip of a thin layer multilayer element is preferred.

The security elements are applied in the form of individual elements, such as a patch, or in the form of continuous elements, such as strips. The strips are preferably processed from a roll and the patches are preferably placed individually in sheets.

The present invention further comprises a transfer element for the application of security elements to a security paper, the transfer element having a support material on which at least two of the security elements described above are arranged. In its simplest form, the transfer material therefore consists of a support layer, especially a transparent plastic sheet, and at least two safety elements. A hot embossing sheet is preferably used as the transfer element.

The transfer element is prepared on a separate support layer in the opposite order to how it will then remain on the security paper. The stratified structure of this support material is then transferred to the object of value, with the desired contour shape, by means of a glue. A hot melt adhesive is preferably used for this purpose. In order to fix the contour shape of the security element, a layer of glue can be provided only in the areas to be transferred or the glue activated, such as a hot melt adhesive, only in the areas to be transferred. Once the stratified structure of the security element is transferred, the support layer can be removed or remain on the stratified structure as a protective layer, as a fixed integral part of the security element.

As already explained in relation to the security paper according to the invention, the different security elements are also arranged, at least partially, overlapping on the transfer element. The security elements are preferably arranged so that they complement each other to form a realistic or abstract image or text.

The security paper according to the invention is provided with the security elements preferably after paper is manufactured, the security elements being attached to the security paper so that they cannot be removed again without destroying the security paper or security elements. . Thus, the security element does not necessarily have to be integrated into the papermaking process and yet it is securely attached to the value paper against counterfeiting. In addition, security elements are protected in many respects against counterfeit attempts. The variable optical effect cannot be reproduced faithfully with photocopiers or other reproduction techniques, so that such attempts of falsification can already be recognized visually easily and quickly.

The security paper according to the invention can then be processed to obtain any valuable documents. If, for example, banknotes are produced from security paper, the latter is usually cut into sheets with several die-cut pieces, which can then be processed in corresponding printers. Each die-cut piece has at least two of the security elements described above.

During the printing process, the security element can also be overprinted together, at least in part, thereby increasing the security against counterfeiting of the value document, especially if for overprinting, a gravure printing with steel is used perceptible to the touch.

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

The security paper according to the invention can be used to produce any type of valuable documents, such as passports, actions, visas, identity cards, deeds, tickets, documentation in the transport sector, security labels or checks, etc. The valuable documents can in turn be set as an element of protection against counterfeiting to any products, such as CDs, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, packaging of all kinds.

The present invention further comprises a process for manufacturing a security paper or value document according to claim 27. The production of the various variable optical effects on separate transfer elements significantly reduces waste. The reason for this lies in the separation of technologies in the production of the different security elements with variable optical effect.

Furthermore, the present invention also comprises a method for manufacturing a security paper or value document according to claim 28. This method has the advantage of allowing the transfer to the security paper of several security elements in a work operation by means of an element transfer.

Examples of embodiment of the invention are explained below by means of the figures. For greater clarity, a scale representation has been dispensed with in the figures.

They show:

Figure 1a, two security elements, namely a strip and a patch, as transfer elements;

Figure 1b, a top plan view of a value document according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in a schematic representation with security elements according to Figure 1a applied one over the other;

Figure 2a, five security elements, namely a strip and four patches, as transfer elements;

Figure 2b, the five security elements according to Figure 2a as a transfer element;

Figure 2c, a top view of a value document according to another embodiment of the invention, in a schematic representation with a transfer element according to figure 2b applied;

Figure 3, a top view of a value document according to another embodiment of the invention, in a schematic representation.

Figure 1a shows two individual elements, namely a strip 12 and a patch 11, as transfer elements that are applied separately to the security paper. The safety strip is taken, for example, from a roll and applied on the paper roll. The sheets are then cut with the different die-cut pieces and then the patch placed as an individual element is applied on them. Figure 1b shows a banknote 10 thus produced, with security elements applied one on top of the other. The application separately, on the one hand by means of a roller and on the other hand by means of an individual placement, facilitates the production of the security paper or value document, since only one security element has to be placed exactly.

Figure 2a shows different patches 21, which are first combined with a strip 22 in a joint transfer element 23 according to Figure 2b. Next, this transfer element with the combined security elements is transferred to the banknote 20 (Figure 2c).

Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment in which a security element 51, 52 has been applied respectively to the front and back of the banknote 50. If viewed backlit, the security elements are at least partially overlapped. .

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

Claims (28)

one.

 Security paper for manufacturing valuable documents (10, 20, 50), such as banknotes, passports, identity documents or the like, said security paper presenting security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52 ) with an optically variable effect that can be visually checked, characterized in that said security paper comprises at least two security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) that respectively cover a surface of at least 1 cm 2 of the surface of the security paper or the value document (10, 20, 50), because at least two whose security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) are arranged overlapped and because at least one element of security is applied in the form of an individual element (11, 21, 52), such as a patch, and at least one security element is applied in the form of a continuous element (12, 22, 51), such as for example a strip

2.

 Security paper according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) is a multilayer thin layer element.

3.

 Safety paper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) contains optically variable pigments, especially interference layer pigments, liquid crystal pigments or luminescent pigments .

Four.

 Security paper according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) has a layer in which there are diffraction structures in the form of a structure raised.

5.

 Security paper according to claim 4, characterized in that the security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) is a hologram.

6.

 Security paper according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) has a thermochromic layer.

7.

 Security paper according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) has gaps in the form of signs and / or motifs.

8.

 Security paper according to claim 7, characterized in that the gaps are arranged in a metal layer, preferably an aluminum layer.

9.

 Security paper according to claim 7, characterized in that a thermochromic layer is arranged in the gaps.

10.

Security paper according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) is composed of a translucent or transparent material.

eleven.

 Security paper according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) is configured as a lens.

12.

 Security paper according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) is provided in the form of signs and / or motifs.

13.

 Security paper according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) additionally contains distinctive substances, such as magnetic and / or conductive substances and / or luminescent.

14.

 Security paper according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) is attached to the security paper in such a way that it is not possible to separate them without deterioration.

fifteen.

 Security paper according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) are arranged so that they complement each other to form a realistic or abstract image or text .

16.

 Security paper according to claim 15, characterized in that a patch (11) is arranged overlapped on a strip (12) of a multilayer thin layer element.

17.

 Security paper according to claim 15, characterized in that a patch (21) is arranged overlapped on a holographic strip (23).

18.

 Security paper according to claim 15, characterized in that a holographic patch is arranged overlapped on a strip of a multilayer thin layer element.

19.

 Security paper according to claim 15, characterized in that two translucent or transparent security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) are used which have motifs that, when overlapping, have a moire effect.

twenty.

 Security paper according to claim 15, characterized in that at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) is configured as a lens, this security element being applied, at least overlapping, on a second security element and this second security element appearing optically modified during the visual check, for example enlarged, reduced or distorted.

twenty-one.

 Transfer element (23) for applying security elements to a security paper, characterized in that said transfer element (23) has a support material on which at least two security elements (21, 22) are arranged overlapped. and as defined in claims 1 to 20.

22

 Transfer element (23) according to claim 21, characterized in that the security elements (21, 22) are arranged so that they complement each other to form a realistic or abstract image or text.

2. 3.

 Transfer element (23) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that said transfer element (23) is configured as a hot embossing sheet.

24.

 Value document (10, 20, 50), such as a banknote, a passport, a credit card, an identity document or the like, characterized in that said value document has at least two security elements (11, 12 , 21, 22, 51, 52) as defined in claims 1 to 20, which are arranged overlapping.

25.

 Value document (10, 20, 50) according to claim 24, characterized in that said value document has an impression, especially a gravure printing, at least overlapping at least one security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52).

26.

 Value document (10, 20, 50) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) are arranged so that they complement each other to form a realistic or abstract image or a text

27.

 Procedure for manufacturing a security paper or a value document (10, 20, 50), characterized in that at least two security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) are produced, as defined in claims 1 to 20, on transfer elements (23) respectively having a support material, a security element (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) being disposed on a transfer element

(23) respectively, and then applying the security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52), overlapping, to a security paper or a value document (10, 20, 50). 28. Procedure for manufacturing a security paper or a value document (10, 20, 50), characterized in that at least two security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) are produced, as is defined in claims 1 to 20, on a transfer element (23), as defined in claims 21 to 23, at least two security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) being arranged overlapping on a transfer element (23), and then applying the security elements (11, 12, 21, 22, 51, 52) to a security paper or a value document (10, 20, 50).  REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION The list of references cited by the applicant is only for the utility of the reader, not being part of the European patent documents. Even if the references have been carefully collected, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO rejects any responsibility in this regard.  Patent documents cited in the description

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EP 0608078 B1 [0007] • US 4140373 A [0013]

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EP 0395410 B1 [0009] • GB 2136352 A [0013]

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WO 2002100656 A1 [0011] • US 5447335 A [0013]

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US 4705300 A [0012] • AU 488652 A [0014]

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EP 0201323 A2 [0013] • US 6089614 A [0015]

•

US 6417968 B1 [0013] • US 5944927 A [0016]

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DE 3840037 A1 [0013] • EP 0330733 A1 [0029]