EP1503903B9 - Security element comprising metallic layers - Google Patents

Security element comprising metallic layers Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1503903B9
EP1503903B9 EP03718785.3A EP03718785A EP1503903B9 EP 1503903 B9 EP1503903 B9 EP 1503903B9 EP 03718785 A EP03718785 A EP 03718785A EP 1503903 B9 EP1503903 B9 EP 1503903B9
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
security element
layer
security
substrate
metal layers
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Revoked
Application number
EP03718785.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1503903B1 (en
EP1503903A2 (en
Inventor
Manfred Heim
Christian Schmitz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Giesecke and Devrient Currency Technology GmbH
Original Assignee
Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
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Application filed by Giesecke and Devrient GmbH filed Critical Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
Publication of EP1503903A2 publication Critical patent/EP1503903A2/en
Publication of EP1503903B1 publication Critical patent/EP1503903B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1503903B9 publication Critical patent/EP1503903B9/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
    • B42D25/36—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery comprising special materials
    • B42D25/373—Metallic materials
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/20—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose
    • B42D25/21—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose for multiple purposes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/20—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose
    • B42D25/23—Identity cards
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/20—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose
    • B42D25/29—Securities; Bank notes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
    • B42D25/355—Security threads
    • B42D2033/10—
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24942—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.] including components having same physical characteristic in differing degree
    • Y10T428/2495—Thickness [relative or absolute]

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a security element for security papers, banknotes, or identity cards, as well as a security paper and a document of value with such a security element. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods for producing the security element or the security paper and the value document with such a security element.
  • a security thread is proposed that is both visually and mechanically verifiable.
  • a translucent plastic film is coated with metal and this coating provided with recesses in the form of characters or patterns.
  • the security thread contains colorant and / or luminescent substances in the regions which coincide with the recesses, by means of which the characters or patterns differ in color contrasting from the opaque metal coating under suitable light conditions.
  • an aluminum layer is preferably used as the metal layer.
  • This security thread is embedded as a so-called "window security thread" in security papers, ie it is virtually woven into the paper during the formation of sheets of security paper so that it is freely accessible at regular intervals on the surface of the paper and only in the intermediate areas embedded in the paper is.
  • This security thread already meets a very high security standard.
  • the continuous metallic coating allows a mechanical verification of the electrical conductivity, while the recesses serve as a visual, for the viewer in transmission easily recognizable authenticity feature.
  • the thread has an additional from the viewer not easily recognizable feature, namely the Luminescence in the area of the recesses, which can also be checked by machine.
  • the metallic gloss of the window areas that is striking. This gloss can be imitated by simply sticking on aluminum foil elements. In the case of a fugitive examination alone in incident light, counterfeits of this kind could therefore be considered genuine banknotes.
  • the WO 99/67093 relates to security documents, such as banknotes, checks, and passports, as well as substrates for making such security documents.
  • a substrate for security documents comprises according to the teaching of WO 99/67093 a plurality of layers of polymeric material laminated together with at least one metal layer interposed between the layers.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object to propose a security element and a security paper and a document of value, which has an increased security against counterfeiting compared to the prior art.
  • the security element has a substrate on which at least two metal layers are preferably arranged one above the other and / or preferably on the same side of the substrate.
  • the metal layers are designed with regard to the respective layer thickness and the material used in each case such that they have different optical densities.
  • At least the optically denser layer preferably has recesses, that is to say that at least in a partial region on the substrate only the optically thinner layer of the at least two metal layers with different optical densities is present.
  • the metal layers are arranged one above the other, the two metal layers in particular directly adjoin one another, ie there are no further layers between the metal layers. The visual impression of such a security element can be imitated, if at all, only with great effort, especially if different-colored metal layers in complicated patterns with precisely defined layer thicknesses are applied, which are possibly also intertwined.
  • the metal layers have a different optical density, i. they show different transmission behavior.
  • the optically denser metal layer of the at least two metal layers hereinafter referred to as metal layer A
  • shows a lower transmission preferably not more than 30%, particularly preferably not more than 10%.
  • the optically thinner metal layer of the at least two metal layers hereinafter referred to as metal layer B
  • the metal layer A is perceived by the viewer as opaque due to the lower transmission, while the metal layer B shows semitransparent properties.
  • translucency translucency, i. the layer has a light transmission of less than 90%, preferably between 80% and 20%.
  • the transmission values are preferably determined in the visually visible spectral range, particularly preferably at a wavelength of 500 nm.
  • the optical density of a metal layer according to the invention depends on the metal used and on the layer thickness. Depending on the type of metal and depending on which transmission properties are to be achieved, a layer thickness of about 20 to 300 nm and for the metal layer B a layer thickness of about 2 to 20 nm can be assumed as a rough guide value for the metal layer A.
  • the metal layers can be applied to the substrate next to one another, overlapping or one above the other.
  • the layer order of the metal layers can be arbitrary.
  • the term metal layer A and metal layer B does not represent the order with respect to a carrier, but is merely intended to facilitate linguistically easier discrimination between optically dense and less dense layers.
  • the optically denser and then the optically thinner metal layer can first be applied to the substrate.
  • the layer order can be reversed. Which layer sequence is more suitable results in each individual case.
  • the metal layers are preferably arranged one above the other in the embodiment according to the invention.
  • the superimposed metal layers directly adjoin one another, ie no further layer is arranged between the metal layers A and B.
  • the metal layers A and B may be made of the same material, but also of different material.
  • the color combinations gold / silver, gold / copper, chrome / gold, chrome / copper are particularly suitable.
  • the metals may be, for example, aluminum, cobalt, copper, gold, iron, chromium, nickel, silver, platinum, palladium, titanium or other "non-ferrous metals" and any alloys thereof, such as Inconel, gold bronzes, silver bronzes.
  • aluminum is used for the optically denser layer A because of its low penetration depth for visible light and easier processability, and gold, copper, chromium, silver or iron as the optically thinner layer B because of its large penetration depth for visible light and its characteristic color.
  • the security against counterfeiting can be additionally increased if the recesses, ie the locations where the optically denser layer is absent or which are metal-free, do not merely have a simple shape, but also have the form of alphanumeric characters, patterns or logos are arranged in the form of a code, for example a bar code.
  • the optically denser metal layer may additionally have magnetic properties with a corresponding thickness. With a suitable arrangement of the recesses even a machine-readable coding can be introduced into the security element.
  • the substrate of the security element is preferably a plastic film. This can also be provided with diffraction structures in the form of a relief structure.
  • the diffractive structures may be any diffractive optical structures, such as holograms or grating structures (e.g., Kinegram®, pixelgrams).
  • the substrate consists of laminated films.
  • two films can be laminated together, wherein in each case a metal layer is present on the outside of a film.
  • Variant 1 metal layers of the same material
  • the metal layers A and B are made of the same material.
  • metal layers A and B aluminum may be evaporated on the substrate.
  • the different optical densities of the individual layers are achieved, for example, by varying the layer thickness.
  • the layer sequence in the security element is, for example, substrate, optically thin metal layer B, optically dense metal layer A.
  • the layer structure may also be substrate, optically dense metal layer A, optically thin metal layer B.
  • all three layers lie directly above one another and are not separated from one another by further layers.
  • the optically dense metal layer A is not applied over the entire surface, i. E. the opaque appearing layer A has recesses.
  • the security element In reflected light, the security element appears as a uniform surface coated over its entire area. The recesses are not visible.
  • recesses may also be located in the metal layer B. Effective effects always arise when the layers A and B are superimposed and a part of the recesses in the metal layers A and B are at least partially superimposed and preferably congruently arranged, or lie one above the other and preferably the recesses in the metal layer A are greater than the recesses in the semitransparent metal layer B.
  • the recesses in one or in both metal layers can be arranged in any desired form, combination and order.
  • the security element can be equipped with diffraction structures.
  • these are introduced at least into subregions of the substrate surface, preferably embossed, the metal layers coming to rest on the substrate surface with the diffraction structures.
  • the coating order will be substrate with diffraction structure / metal layer A / metal layer B.
  • the diffraction structures are particularly brilliant visible at the points where a metal layer, so no recess is present. In the area of the recesses, the diffraction structures are only very weak to not visible in transmitted light. In reflected light, the diffraction structures are visible both in the area of the metal layer and in the area of the excretions.
  • Variant 2 metal layers of different material
  • the metal layers A and B are made of different material.
  • aluminum may be vapor-deposited on the substrate as metal layer A and gold as metal layer B on the substrate.
  • the different optical densities of the individual layers are e.g. achieved by varying the layer thickness and / or the material.
  • the layer sequence in the security element and the arrangement of the recesses in the individual layers can be present as described in variant 1.
  • the recesses in the layer A can be clearly seen as light-transmissive areas.
  • the viewer despite the existing metal coating B in the region of the recesses in layer A, believes that fully transparent regions are visible until semitransparent regions.
  • the semitransparent regions are highlighted in color from the environment due to the different materials in layers A and B.
  • the security element does not appear as a uniform surface coated over the entire surface, but shows in the areas that are not coated with the optically denser metal, a different appearance, namely areas in the color of the second metal.
  • the recesses in the metal layer A are therefore also visible in incident light and have the color of the metal layer B.
  • recesses may also be located in the metal layer B. Effective effects always arise when the layers A and B are superimposed and part of the recesses in the metal layers A and B are at least partially superimposed and preferably congruently arranged or one above the other and preferably the recesses in the metal layer A are greater than that Recesses in the semitransparent metal layer B.
  • the recesses in one or in both metal layers can be arranged in any desired form, combination and order.
  • the security element can be equipped with diffraction structures. Preferably, these are introduced at least into subregions of the substrate surface, preferably embossed, the metal layers coming to rest on the substrate surface with the diffraction structures.
  • the coating order will be substrate with diffraction structures / metal layer A / metal layer B.
  • the diffraction structures are particularly brilliant visible at the points where a metal layer, so no recess is present. In reflected light, the diffraction structures can also be seen in places of the recesses.
  • the security element can be a security thread consisting of a self-supporting plastic film on which the various metal layers are applied.
  • This security thread can be at least partially incorporated into a security paper or security document. If the security thread is designed so that it looks identical from the front and back side, you do not even have to pay attention to the correct orientation. However, it is also conceivable to form the security element band or label-like and to attach to the surface of the security paper or value document.
  • the security element can also be designed as a transfer element or laminating film.
  • This variant is particularly advantageous when the security element is completely arranged on the surface of the security paper or value document.
  • the layer structure of the security element is prepared on a carrier film, usually a plastic film, and then transferred, for example, in a hot embossing process in the desired outline contours on the security paper or document of value.
  • the security element is arranged on the surface of the security paper or value document, then it can have any contour structures, such as, for example, round, oval, star-shaped, rectangular, trapezoidal or strip-shaped outline contours.
  • the security paper or security document to which the security element is applied has a through opening.
  • the security element is in this case arranged in the region of the opening and projects beyond this on all sides.
  • the security paper or security document has a security element in the form of a security thread.
  • the security element from the front and back of the paper or document from verifiable which significantly facilitates the authenticity check even for the inexperienced viewer.
  • the use of the security element according to the invention is not limited to the field of security documents.
  • the security element according to the invention can also be used advantageously in the field of product security for securing counterfeiting of any goods.
  • the security element can have additional anti-theft elements, such as a coil or a chip. The same applies to the security paper or security document provided with such a security element.
  • the application of the metal layers is preferably carried out with a vacuum evaporation plant, e.g. by sputtering or by electron beam vapor deposition.
  • the production of the recesses in the respective metal layers is preferably carried out by means of a washing process, as described in US Pat WO 99/23157 is described.
  • the security elements are thereby prepared as a security film, which has several benefits of the security element.
  • the base material forms a self-supporting, preferably transparent plastic film.
  • this plastic film corresponds to the plastic layer of the security element according to the invention.
  • the security elements are removed from an embossing foil, the plastic foil forms the carrier material of this transfer material onto which the plastic layer in the form of a lacquer layer is applied. In this lacquer layer or, in the case of security threads or labels, in the plastic film diffraction structures can be embossed.
  • the plastic layer of the security element according to the invention is preferably printed in gravure in the form of the later recesses.
  • a printing ink with a high pigment content is used, which is a porous, raised Coloring forms.
  • the different colored metal layers are vapor-deposited on the printed plastic layer.
  • the paint application and the overlying metal layer are removed by washing with a liquid, possibly combined with mechanical action.
  • a water-soluble ink is used so that water can be used as the liquid.
  • the washout can be assisted by mechanical means such as a rotating roller, brush or ultrasound.
  • the layers can be applied to one substrate each.
  • the coated substrates are then laminated together, preferably so that the coated sides of the substrates come to lie to each other.
  • the security element according to the invention can not be imitated by simple technical means and any attempt of adjustment is easy to recognize, but also due to the viewer easily recognizable, visually clearly perceptible color and transmitted / Auflicht bine shows the security element of the invention enormously improved security against counterfeiting.
  • the security element can not be produced by merely punching out foil, etching away or scraping off the metal layer, since the metallization technique must be controlled with simultaneous exact control of the layer thicknesses.
  • Fig.1 shows an inventive document of value in supervision.
  • this is a banknote 1.
  • This banknote has a strip-shaped security element 2 which extends over the entire width of the banknote 1 and spans a hole 3 in the banknote.
  • the illustrated security element is a security element consisting of a plastic layer and two metal layers of different optical density. At least in the optically denser layer, optionally also in the optically thinner layer, there are recesses.
  • the entire surface facing the viewer of the security element 2 is coated according to the invention, wherein in particular in the area of Loches 3 are visually perceptible effects described in the following figures.
  • the following figures each show the minimized to the basic idea of the invention layer structure.
  • additional layers such as adhesive layers or laminating films used for protecting the surface, may additionally be present and must be supplemented by the person skilled in the art, depending on the application.
  • Fig. 2a shows a detail of the cross section of the security element 2 along the line A - A in Fig.1 in a first embodiment.
  • the plastic film 4 which serves as a substrate for the still convinceddampfenden metal layers to recognize.
  • the diffraction structures 5 are introduced.
  • the diffraction structures could also be incorporated into an additionally applied lacquer layer.
  • a metal layer 6 On the side of the plastic film on which the diffractive structures are located, a metal layer 6 has been deposited directly adjacent to it, which is the optically denser metal layer A and which appears opaque when viewed.
  • the metal layer A consists of aluminum.
  • the diffraction structures are also present as in the plastic film 4.
  • recesses 8 which are any characters, alpha-numeric characters, patterns or logos.
  • the layer sequence substrate / layer A / layer B leads, in particular in the case of diffraction structures present in the substrate, to advantageously configured security elements.
  • Fig. 2b shows the in Fig. 2a shown section, as it shows when viewed in transmitted light.
  • the recess 8 is visible in transmitted light as a transparent area or as a semi-transparent area.
  • the recess 8, here in the form of a star, is bounded over its entire area by the silver-appearing aluminum layer 6.
  • Fig. 2c shows the same section in reflected light.
  • the recess 8 is no longer recognizable as such and the viewer is a seemingly full surface homogeneously coated security element.
  • a further embodiment of a security element according to the invention is shown in cross section.
  • the plastic film 4 was first coated with an optically thinner aluminum layer 7, on which in turn is a visually denser aluminum layer 6 with recesses 8.
  • a second optically thinner aluminum layer 7 was vapor-deposited again.
  • the two optically thinner aluminum layers 7 adjoin one another, wherein the layer thickness in sum of the two aluminum layers 7 is smaller than the layer thickness of the metal layer 6.
  • FIG. 3b An embodiment of a security element according to the invention is shown in cross-section, in which the optically denser layer 6 and the optically thinner layer 7 are not placed one above the other but next to one another.
  • a plastic film 4 with an optically thinner aluminum layer 7 only partially, for example, coated strip.
  • the optically denser aluminum layer 6 was applied in the interstices with registration or slightly overlapping with layer 7.
  • This embodiment also shows the same appearance when viewed from the front and back. In transmitted light, the observer sees on the band-shaped substrate transverse, alternately bright and dark stripes. In reflected light, the substrate appears uniformly silvery coated.
  • Fig. 4a shows a further embodiment in cross section.
  • the optically thinner layer B and then the optically denser layer A in contrast to the layer sequence in Fig. 2a applied.
  • This layer sequence is preferably used for non-embossed substrates.
  • This variant is characterized in that the optically thinner and optically denser layer are composed of different metals. The expert has no limits. Exemplary will be based on the Fig. 4a a possibility described on behalf of many others.
  • the optically thinner metal layer 9 made of aluminum is located on the substrate 4 in the left-hand figure region and the optically thinner metal layer 10 made of chromium in the right-hand figure region.
  • the metal layer 9 made of aluminum is another aluminum layer 11, however, designed as an optically denser layer.
  • the chromium coating is the optically denser metal layer 12 made of gold.
  • the optically denser layers of aluminum and gold were arranged so that a recess 8 results in the region at which the optically thinner layers 9 and 10 adjoin one another.
  • Fig. 4b shows the in Fig. 4a shown in cross-section of the security element when viewed in transmitted light. Looking at the security element from the direction of the optically denser layer, you can see the silvery appearing area 13 in the left image area and the right in the area The recess 8 is visible as a transparent cutout which projects into both the region 11 and the region 12.
  • Fig. 4c shows the same section in reflected light.
  • the viewer sees the security element as a full-surface, homogeneous, gleaming silver surface 13, while in the right figure area 14, a silver-colored portion 15, mostly surrounded by the gold-colored area 14, is visible.
  • Fig. 5a shows a further embodiment of the security element according to the invention 2.
  • both the optically thinner and the optically denser metal layer of aluminum On the substrate 4, the optically thinner aluminum layer 7 is first applied, wherein a recess 16 is already in this layer.
  • the optically denser aluminum layer 6 On the optically thinner aluminum layer 7, the optically denser aluminum layer 6 is applied so that the recesses in the optically denser layer 8 come to lie congruent with the recess 16 and on the other hand are on the optically thinner layer 7.
  • Fig. 5a a silvery band with transparent areas, which are designed as a square 17, on the other hand as a circle 18.
  • Fig. 6a shows a further embodiment of the security element according to the invention.
  • the recesses in both layers are arranged such that the recess 16 in the optically thinner layer and the recess 8 in the optically denser layer are arranged one above the other, wherein the recess 8 is larger than the recess 16.
  • the layer arrangement on the substrate 4 corresponds to that in FIG Fig. 5a , Looking at this security element in transmitted light, as in Fig. 6b shown, the viewer perceives a transparent area 19, which corresponds to the outline shapes of the recess 8. Recess 16 is not recognizable as such.
  • optically thinner layer 7 is perceived as transparent or semitransparent depends on the respective materials and layer thicknesses. This can be adjusted by the skilled person depending on the desired effect.
  • Fig. 7a shows an embodiment which has the same layer structure as Fig. 5a shows, however, differs from the embodiment Fig. 5a in that the optically thinner layer 7 is made of copper, the optically denser layer 6 of aluminum.
  • transmitted light as in Fig. 7b shown are in the region of the recesses 8 and 16 again transparent areas 20, 21 visible. If desired, the transmission property of the copper layer can be adjusted so that in area 21 the observer does not perceive a fully transparent recess, but recognizes a slightly greenish semitransparent region.
  • the recess 16 is still recognizable as a transparent region 20, while in the region of the recess 8, which rests on the copper layer, a circular, copper-colored element 21 appears in a silvery environment.
  • Fig. 8a Analogous to Fig. 6a is in Fig. 8a an embodiment shown in which the recess 8 comes to rest over the recess 16 and occupies a larger area than this.
  • Fig. 8a shows Fig. 8 a variant in which the optically denser layer 6 made of aluminum and the optically thinner layer 7 consists of copper.
  • the effect perceivable in transmitted light, as in Fig. 8b shown corresponds to the in Fig. 6b shown. That is, the transparent surface 22, which can be perceived by the viewer corresponds to the recess 8.
  • incident light shows Fig. 8c however, a different appearance than the one in Fig. 6c described.
  • Recess 16 can be seen as a transparent area 23 in the form of a rectangle, while the recess 16 can be perceived as a copper-colored triangle 22.
  • the remaining surface of the security element appears to be silver due to the aluminum layer.
  • Fig. 9a to 9e the process for producing a security element according to the invention, as in Fig. 5a and 7a shown, shown schematically.
  • the method is explained as an example for security threads or labels, but can of course be used in security elements with other layer sequences in an analogous manner.
  • the security elements are preferably produced as a security film, the has multiple benefits of the security element.
  • Starting point in the example shown here is a self-supporting plastic film 4. This is, as in Fig. 9a shown in a first step in the areas in which later the recesses 16, 8 should be present, printed with a high pigment ink 24, so that a large-pored imprint arises. Subsequently, the optically thinner metal layer 7 made of aluminum in this case is applied to the printed plastic film 4.
  • a vacuum vapor method is preferably used, in which the metals are vapor-deposited in succession, optionally via masks, onto the plastic film 4.
  • the metals are vapor-deposited in succession, optionally via masks, onto the plastic film 4.
  • no coherent metal layer forms due to the porous surface structure of the printing ink.
  • the provided with the metal layer 7 intermediate is in Fig. 9b shown.
  • the first imprint of wash color is used in the in Fig. 5a and 7a shown embodiment, the recess 16 are generated.
  • an imprint 25 with washing ink is again made at the desired location.
  • Fig. 9c shows here the printed with the ink 24, then coated with aluminum and in turn printed with ink 25 intermediate.
  • This intermediate is again coated with metal, for example with aluminum, to produce the optically denser layer 6 (see Fig. 9d ).
  • the imprint and the metal layer 6 or 6 and 7 present in these areas can be removed almost effortlessly by washing out.
  • water is used for washing.
  • the final product shows Fig. 9e ,
  • the metal layers 6 and 7 have the recesses 8 and 16.
  • the security film can then be cut into security elements of the desired shape.
  • the advantage of the washing process is that sharp and defined edges and contours are achieved so that this method can also produce very fine, high resolution characters or patterns in the metal layers.
  • the 10a to 13th show further variants of the security element according to the invention, wherein recesses are combined as positive or negative text and these can be present in one or both layers.
  • Figure 10a 1 shows an embodiment in which on the one hand the recesses 16 in the optically thinner layer 7 congruently come to lie with the recesses 8 in the optically denser layer 6 and on the other hand the recess 8 in the optically denser layer is substantially larger than the recesses 16. Due to this explicit arrangement of the recesses, the viewer always sees the lettering "PL 2000" in transmitted light as a transparent region, which is arranged on the one hand in an opaque field and on the other in a semitransparent field.
  • 10B is the layer structure of in Figure 10a shown security elements in cross section. The cross-sectional representation is limited to the representation of in Figure 10a shown two left fields.
  • FIG. 11A an embodiment is shown, in which the recesses in the optically denser and optically thinner layer coincide in one area and in a wider area the optically thinner layer is present over the entire surface, while the recesses are designed in the optically denser layer so that the words "PL 2000" stands out as a positive text of a semi-transparent background.
  • the associated layer structure is in 11B shown again, in turn, the two left boxes of in Fig. 11a shown security elements are shown.
  • FIG. 12a A security element is displayed which has areas in which the semitransparent word "PL 2000" appears in an opaque environment, while in other fields the opaque positive letter "PL 2000” appears in a semitransparent environment. This appearance is achieved in that the optically thinner layer 7 is present over the entire surface and the optically thicker layer 6 applied thereto is applied with the desired recesses for producing a positive or negative text.
  • Fig.12B shows the associated layer structure of the two left in Fig. 12a shown fields.
  • Fig. 13 different recess variants shown in the previous figures are combined.
  • this security element there is a semitransparent negative lettering "PL 2000” in an opaque environment, adjacent to a semitransparent field in which the opaque positive lettering "PL 2000” appears and in turn adjacent thereto is an opaque appearing field with the transparently appearing lettering " PL 2000 ".
  • the layer structure of these three fields corresponds to the layer structure Fig. 12b , combined with the layer structure of the first field, which in 11B is shown.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Sicherheitselement für Sicherheitspapiere, Banknoten, oder Ausweiskarten, sowie ein Sicherheitspapier und ein Wertdokument mit einem derartigen Sicherheitselement. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung Verfahren zur Herstellung des Sicherheitselements bzw. des Sicherheitspapiers und des Wertdokuments mit einem derartigen Sicherheitselement.The invention relates to a security element for security papers, banknotes, or identity cards, as well as a security paper and a document of value with such a security element. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods for producing the security element or the security paper and the value document with such a security element.

In der EP 0 330 733 A1 wird ein Sicherheitsfaden vorgeschlagen, der sowohl visuell als auch maschinell überprüfbar ist. Zu diesem Zweck wird eine lichtdurchlässige Kunststofffolie metallisch beschichtet und diese Beschichtung mit Aussparungen in Form von Zeichen oder Mustern versehen. Außerdem enthält der Sicherheitsfaden in den zu den Aussparungen deckungsgleichen Bereichen farbgebende und/oder lumineszierende Substanzen, durch die sich die Zeichen oder Muster unter geeigneten Lichtbedingungen von der opaken Metallbeschichtung farblich kontrastierend unterscheiden. Als Metallschicht wird vorzugsweise eine Aluminiumschicht verwendet. Dieser Sicherheitsfaden wird als so genannter "Fenstersicherheitsfaden" in Sicherheitspapiere eingebettet, d.h. er wird während der Blattbildung des Sicherheitspapiers quasi in das Papier eingewebt, so dass er in regelmäßigen Abständen an der Oberfläche des Papiers frei zugänglich und nur in den Zwischenbereichen vollständig in das Papier eingebettet ist.In the EP 0 330 733 A1 A security thread is proposed that is both visually and mechanically verifiable. For this purpose, a translucent plastic film is coated with metal and this coating provided with recesses in the form of characters or patterns. In addition, the security thread contains colorant and / or luminescent substances in the regions which coincide with the recesses, by means of which the characters or patterns differ in color contrasting from the opaque metal coating under suitable light conditions. As the metal layer, an aluminum layer is preferably used. This security thread is embedded as a so-called "window security thread" in security papers, ie it is virtually woven into the paper during the formation of sheets of security paper so that it is freely accessible at regular intervals on the surface of the paper and only in the intermediate areas embedded in the paper is.

Dieser Sicherheitsfaden genügt bereits einem sehr hohen Sicherheitsstandard. Die durchgehende metallische Beschichtung ermöglicht eine maschinelle Überprüfung der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit, während die Aussparungen als visuelles, für den Betrachter in Transmission gut erkennbares Echtheitsmerkmal dienen. Darüber hinaus weist der Faden ein zusätzliches vom Betrachter nicht ohne weiteres erkennbares Merkmal auf, nämlich die Lumineszenz im Bereich der Aussparungen, die ebenfalls maschinell überprüfbar ist. Bei flüchtiger Betrachtung von Banknoten, die einen derartigen Sicherheitsfaden aufweisen, fällt allerdings in erster Linie der metallische Glanz der Fensterbereiche ins Auge. Dieser Glanz kann durch einfaches Aufkleben von Alufolienelementen imitiert werden. Bei flüchtiger Prüfung allein im Auflicht könnten derartige Fälschungen daher für echte Banknoten gehalten werden.This security thread already meets a very high security standard. The continuous metallic coating allows a mechanical verification of the electrical conductivity, while the recesses serve as a visual, for the viewer in transmission easily recognizable authenticity feature. In addition, the thread has an additional from the viewer not easily recognizable feature, namely the Luminescence in the area of the recesses, which can also be checked by machine. However, when looking at banknotes having such a security thread, it is primarily the metallic gloss of the window areas that is striking. This gloss can be imitated by simply sticking on aluminum foil elements. In the case of a fugitive examination alone in incident light, counterfeits of this kind could therefore be considered genuine banknotes.

Die WO 99/67093 betrifft Sicherheitsdokumente, wie Banknoten, Schecks, und Pässe, sowie Substrate zur Herstellung solcher Sicherheitsdokumente. Ein solches Substrat für Sicherheitsdokumente umfasst gemäß der Lehre der WO 99/67093 eine Mehrzahl an Schichten aus Polymermaterial, die mitsamt mindestens einer zwischen den Schichten liegenden Metallschicht aufeinander laminiert sind.The WO 99/67093 relates to security documents, such as banknotes, checks, and passports, as well as substrates for making such security documents. Such a substrate for security documents comprises according to the teaching of WO 99/67093 a plurality of layers of polymeric material laminated together with at least one metal layer interposed between the layers.

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Sicherheitselement sowie ein Sicherheitspapier und ein Wertdokument vorzuschlagen, das im Vergleich zum Stand der Technik eine erhöhte Fälschungssicherheit aufweist.The invention is therefore based on the object to propose a security element and a security paper and a document of value, which has an increased security against counterfeiting compared to the prior art.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmale der unabhängigen Ansprüche gelöst. Weiterbildungen sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

Gemäß der Erfindung weist das Sicherheitselement ein Substrat auf, auf welchem wenigstens zwei Metallschichten vorzugsweise übereinander und/oder vorzugsweise auf derselben Seite des Substrates angeordnet sind. Die Metallschichten sind hinsichtlich der jeweiligen Schichtdicke und dem jeweils verwendeten Material derart ausgestaltet, dass sie unterschiedliche optische Dichten aufweisen. Zumindest die optisch dichtere Schicht weist vorzugsweise Aussparungen auf, d.h. dass zumindest in einem Teilbereich auf dem Substrat nur die optisch dünnere Schicht der mindestens zwei Metallschichten mit unterschiedlichen optischen Dichten vorliegt. Im Falle, dass die Metallschichten übereinander angeordnet sind, grenzen die beiden Metallschichten insbesondere direkt aneinander, d.h. es liegen keine weiteren Schichten zwischen den Metallschichten. Der optische Eindruck eines derartigen Sicherheitselements kann, wenn überhaupt, nur mit sehr hohem Aufwand imitiert werden, insbesondere wenn verschiedenfarbige Metallschichten in komplizierten Mustern mit genau definierten Schicht-dicken aufgebracht sind, die eventuell auch noch ineinander verschlungen sind.According to the invention, the security element has a substrate on which at least two metal layers are preferably arranged one above the other and / or preferably on the same side of the substrate. The metal layers are designed with regard to the respective layer thickness and the material used in each case such that they have different optical densities. At least the optically denser layer preferably has recesses, that is to say that at least in a partial region on the substrate only the optically thinner layer of the at least two metal layers with different optical densities is present. In the case that the metal layers are arranged one above the other, the two metal layers in particular directly adjoin one another, ie there are no further layers between the metal layers. The visual impression of such a security element can be imitated, if at all, only with great effort, especially if different-colored metal layers in complicated patterns with precisely defined layer thicknesses are applied, which are possibly also intertwined.

Die Metallschichten weisen eine unterschiedliche optische Dichte auf, d.h. sie zeigen unterschiedliches Transmissionsverhalten. Die optisch dichtere Metallschicht der wenigstens zwei Metallschichten, im Folgenden mit Metallschicht A bezeichnet, zeigt dabei eine geringere Transmission, bevorzugt maximal 30 %, besonders bevorzugt maximal 10 %. Die optisch dünnere Metallschicht der wenigstens zwei Metallschichten, im Folgenden mit Metallschicht B bezeichnet, zeigt eine höhere Transmission als Schicht A, bevorzugt mehr als 10 %, besonders bevorzugt 25 bis 80 %. Besonders ansprechende Effekte ergeben sich, wenn die Metallschicht A eine Transmission von maximal 10 % und die Metallschicht B eine Transmission von mindestens 50 % aufweist.The metal layers have a different optical density, i. they show different transmission behavior. The optically denser metal layer of the at least two metal layers, hereinafter referred to as metal layer A, shows a lower transmission, preferably not more than 30%, particularly preferably not more than 10%. The optically thinner metal layer of the at least two metal layers, hereinafter referred to as metal layer B, exhibits a higher transmission than layer A, preferably more than 10%, particularly preferably 25 to 80%. Particularly appealing effects arise when the metal layer A has a maximum transmission of 10% and the metal layer B has a transmission of at least 50%.

Die Metallschicht A wird aufgrund der geringeren Transmission vom Betrachter als opak wahrgenommen, während die Metallschicht B semitransparente Eigenschaften zeigt.The metal layer A is perceived by the viewer as opaque due to the lower transmission, while the metal layer B shows semitransparent properties.

Unter "Semitransparenz" ist hierbei Transluzenz zu verstehen, d.h. die Schicht weist eine Lichtdurchlässigkeit von unter 90%, vorzugsweise zwischen 80% und 20% auf.By "semitransparency" is meant translucency, i. the layer has a light transmission of less than 90%, preferably between 80% and 20%.

Der funktionale Zusammenhang zwischen Transmission T und optischer Dichte OD formuliert sich dabei wie folgt: OD = log ⁢ 100 T %

Figure imgb0001
The functional relationship between transmission T and optical density OD is formulated as follows: OD = log ⁢ 100 T %
Figure imgb0001

Die Transmissionswerte werden bevorzugt im visuell sichtbaren Spektralbereich ermittelt, besonders bevorzugt bei einer Wellenlänge von 500 nm.The transmission values are preferably determined in the visually visible spectral range, particularly preferably at a wavelength of 500 nm.

Die optische Dichte einer Metallschicht hängt erfindungsgemäß vom verwendeten Metall und von der Schichtdicke ab. Je nach Metallart und je nachdem, welche Transmissionseigenschaften erzielt werden sollen, kann als grober Richtwert für die Metallschicht A eine Schichtdicke von ca. 20 bis 300 nm und für die Metallschicht B eine Schichtdicke von ca. 2 bis 20 nm angenommen werden.The optical density of a metal layer according to the invention depends on the metal used and on the layer thickness. Depending on the type of metal and depending on which transmission properties are to be achieved, a layer thickness of about 20 to 300 nm and for the metal layer B a layer thickness of about 2 to 20 nm can be assumed as a rough guide value for the metal layer A.

Die Metallschichten können zum einen nebeneinander, überlappend oder übereinander auf dem Substrat aufgebracht werden.The metal layers can be applied to the substrate next to one another, overlapping or one above the other.

Grundsätzlich kann die Schichtreihenfolge der Metallschichten beliebig erfolgen. Die Bezeichnung Metallschicht A und Metallschicht B gibt nicht die Reihenfolge in Bezug auf einen Träger wieder, sondern soll lediglich eine sprachlich leichtere Unterscheidung zwischen optisch dichter und weniger dichter Schicht ermöglichen. Beispielsweise kann bei den übereinander liegenden Schichten auf das Substrat zuerst die optisch dichtere und dann die optisch dünnere Metallschicht aufgebracht werden. Genauso gut kann die Schichtreihenfolge umgekehrt werden. Welche Schichtreihenfolge geeigneter ist, ergibt sich in jedem Einzelfall.In principle, the layer order of the metal layers can be arbitrary. The term metal layer A and metal layer B does not represent the order with respect to a carrier, but is merely intended to facilitate linguistically easier discrimination between optically dense and less dense layers. For example, in the case of the layers lying one above another, the optically denser and then the optically thinner metal layer can first be applied to the substrate. Just as well, the layer order can be reversed. Which layer sequence is more suitable results in each individual case.

Die Metallschichten sind in der erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform vorzugsweise übereinander angeordnet. Insbesondere grenzen die übereinander angeordneten Metallschichten direkt aneinander, d.h. zwischen den Metallschichten A und B ist keine weitere Schicht angeordnet.The metal layers are preferably arranged one above the other in the embodiment according to the invention. In particular, the superimposed metal layers directly adjoin one another, ie no further layer is arranged between the metal layers A and B.

Die Metallschichten A und B können aus dem gleichen Material, aber auch aus unterschiedlichem Material bestehen. Bei Kombination unterschiedlicher Metalle eignen sich insbesondere die Farbkombinationen gold-/silberfarben, gold-/kupferfarben, chrom-/goldfarben, chrom-/kupferfarben.The metal layers A and B may be made of the same material, but also of different material. When combining different metals, the color combinations gold / silver, gold / copper, chrome / gold, chrome / copper are particularly suitable.

Bei den Metallen kann es sich beispielsweise um Aluminium, Kobalt, Kupfer, Gold, Eisen, Chrom, Nickel, Silber, Platin, Palladium, Titan oder andere "Buntmetalle" und beliebige Legierungen daraus, wie z.B. Inconel, Goldbronzen, Silberbronzen handeln. Vorzugsweise wird Aluminium für die optisch dichtere Schicht A wegen seiner geringen Eindringtiefe für sichtbares Licht und leichteren Verarbeitbarkeit, und Gold, Kupfer, Chrom, Silber oder Eisen als optisch dünnere Schicht B wegen ihrer großen Eindringtiefe für sichtbares Licht und ihrer charakteristischen Farbe verwendet.The metals may be, for example, aluminum, cobalt, copper, gold, iron, chromium, nickel, silver, platinum, palladium, titanium or other "non-ferrous metals" and any alloys thereof, such as Inconel, gold bronzes, silver bronzes. Preferably, aluminum is used for the optically denser layer A because of its low penetration depth for visible light and easier processability, and gold, copper, chromium, silver or iron as the optically thinner layer B because of its large penetration depth for visible light and its characteristic color.

Einige bevorzugte Materialkombinationen sind in der nachstehenden Tabelle zusammengefasst. T < 10 % Schicht A Alu Kupfer Gold Eisen Chrom Nickel Silber Platin Palladium Inconel T > 50 % Schicht B Alu D/A O O O M O M O Kupfer O D/A O O M O M O O O O Gold O O D/A OM O M O O O O Eisen O O O D/A M O O O Chrom O O O D/AM D/A M O O O Nickel O O OM O D/A O Silber O O O M O D/A O Platin O O O M O D/A O Palladium O O O M O D/A O Inconel O O O M O O O O D/A T: Transmission
O: visuell leicht wahrnehmbarer Farbkontrast
M: bei entsprechender Dicke entsteht maschinenlesbarer Magnetismus in Schicht A
D / A: im Auflicht erscheint das Sicherheitselement homogen metallisiert; im Durchlicht sieht man Aussparungen. Some preferred material combinations are summarized in the table below. T <10% layer A Alu copper gold iron chrome nickel silver platinum palladium Inconel T> 50% layer B Alu THERE O O OM O M O copper O THERE O OM O M O O O O gold O O THERE OM O M O O O O iron O O O THERE M O O O chrome O O O D / AM THERE M O O O nickel O O OM O THERE O silver O O OM O THERE O platinum O O OM O THERE O palladium O O OM O THERE O Inconel O O O M O O O O THERE T: transmission
O: visually easy to perceive color contrast
M: Machine-readable magnetism in layer A is produced with the appropriate thickness
D / A: in incident light, the security element appears homogeneously metallised; in the transmitted light you can see recesses.

Die Fälschungssicherheit kann noch zusätzlich erhöht werden, wenn die Aussparungen, also die Stellen, an denen die optisch dichtere Schicht nicht vorliegt oder die metallfrei sind, nicht lediglich eine einfache Form aufweisen, sondern die Form von alphanumerischen Zeichen, Mustern, oder Logos aufweisen oder auch in Form eines Codes, z.B. eines Balkencodes angeordnet sind.The security against counterfeiting can be additionally increased if the recesses, ie the locations where the optically denser layer is absent or which are metal-free, do not merely have a simple shape, but also have the form of alphanumeric characters, patterns or logos are arranged in the form of a code, for example a bar code.

Die optisch dichtere Metallschicht kann bei entsprechender Dicke zusätzlich magnetische Eigenschaften aufweisen. Bei geeigneter Anordnung der Aussparungen kann sogar eine maschinenlesbare Codierung in das Sicherheitselement eingebracht werden.The optically denser metal layer may additionally have magnetic properties with a corresponding thickness. With a suitable arrangement of the recesses even a machine-readable coding can be introduced into the security element.

Das Substrat des Sicherheitselements ist vorzugsweise eine Kunststofffolie. Dieses kann zudem mit Beugungsstrukturen in Form einer Reliefstruktur versehen sein. Die Beugungsstrukturen können beliebige beugungsoptische Strukturen, wie Hologramme oder Gitterstrukturen (z.B. Kinegramme®, Pixelgramme) sein.The substrate of the security element is preferably a plastic film. This can also be provided with diffraction structures in the form of a relief structure. The diffractive structures may be any diffractive optical structures, such as holograms or grating structures (e.g., Kinegram®, pixelgrams).

Es ist auch möglich, dass das Substrat aus zusammenkaschierten Folien besteht. Insbesondere können zwei Folien zusammenkaschiert werden, wobei jeweils eine Metallschicht auf der Außenseite einer Folie vorliegt.It is also possible that the substrate consists of laminated films. In particular, two films can be laminated together, wherein in each case a metal layer is present on the outside of a film.

Im Folgenden werden die unterschiedlichen Varianten im Schichtmaterial und -aufbau in Kombination mit Aussparungen und Beugungsstrukturen und deren unterschiedlichen Erscheinungsformen beschrieben. Selbstverständlich können alle Varianten miteinander in beliebiger Weise kombiniert werden.In the following, the different variants in the layer material and structure in combination with recesses and diffraction structures and their different manifestations are described. Of course, all variants can be combined with each other in any way.

Variante 1: Metallschichten aus gleichem MaterialVariant 1: metal layers of the same material

Bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel bestehen die Metallschichten A und B aus demselben Material. Zum Beispiel kann als Metallschicht A und B Aluminium auf das Substrat aufgedampft werden. Die unterschiedlichen optischen Dichten der einzelnen Schichten werden z.B. über Variation der Schichtdicke erreicht.In this embodiment, the metal layers A and B are made of the same material. For example, as metal layers A and B, aluminum may be evaporated on the substrate. The different optical densities of the individual layers are achieved, for example, by varying the layer thickness.

Der Schichtablauf im Sicherheitselement lautet beispielsweise Substrat, optisch dünne Metallschicht B, optisch dichte Metallschicht A. Alternativ kann der Schichtaufbau auch Substrat, optisch dichte Metallschicht A, optisch dünne Metallschicht B lauten. Vorzugsweise liegen alle drei Schichten direkt übereinander und sind nicht durch weitere Schichten voneinander getrennt. Die optisch dichte Metallschicht A ist dabei nicht vollflächig aufgebracht, d.h. die opak erscheinende Schicht A weist Aussparungen auf.The layer sequence in the security element is, for example, substrate, optically thin metal layer B, optically dense metal layer A. Alternatively, the layer structure may also be substrate, optically dense metal layer A, optically thin metal layer B. Preferably, all three layers lie directly above one another and are not separated from one another by further layers. The optically dense metal layer A is not applied over the entire surface, i. E. the opaque appearing layer A has recesses.

Betrachtet man dieses Sicherheitselement im Durchlicht, sind die nicht mit der opak erscheinenden Schicht A abgedeckten Bereiche als lichtdurchlässige Bereiche deutlich zuerkennen. Je nachdem, wie die Transmissionseigenschaften der optisch dünnen Metallschicht B eingestellt wurden, glaubt der Betrachter, trotz vorhandener Metallbeschichtung B im Bereich der Aussparungen in Schicht A volltransparente Bereiche bis semitransparente Bereiche wahrzunehmen.If one considers this security element in transmitted light, the areas not covered by the opaque layer A are clearly recognizable as light-transmissive areas. Depending on how the transmission properties of the optically thin metal layer B have been set, the viewer, despite the existing metal coating B in the region of the recesses in layer A, believes that fully transparent regions are visible until semitransparent regions.

Im Auflicht erscheint das Sicherheitselement als einheitliche vollflächig beschichtete Fläche. Die Aussparungen sind also nicht sichtbar.In reflected light, the security element appears as a uniform surface coated over its entire area. The recesses are not visible.

Neben den Aussparungen in der Metallschicht A können sich auch Aussparungen in der Metallschicht B befinden. Wirkungsvolle Effekte ergeben sich immer dann, wenn die Schichten A und B übereinander liegen und ein Teil der Aussparungen in den Metallschichten A und B mindestens teilweise übereinander liegen und vorzugsweise deckungsgleich angeordnet sind, oder übereinander liegen und vorzugsweise die Aussparungen in der Metallschicht A größer sind als die Aussparungen in der semitransparenten Metallschicht B.In addition to the recesses in the metal layer A, recesses may also be located in the metal layer B. Effective effects always arise when the layers A and B are superimposed and a part of the recesses in the metal layers A and B are at least partially superimposed and preferably congruently arranged, or lie one above the other and preferably the recesses in the metal layer A are greater than the recesses in the semitransparent metal layer B.

Die Aussparungen in einer bzw. in beiden Metallschichten können dabei in beliebiger Form, Kombination und Reihenfolge angeordnet werden.The recesses in one or in both metal layers can be arranged in any desired form, combination and order.

Zusätzlich kann das Sicherheitselement mit Beugungsstrukturen ausgestattet werden. Vorzugsweise werden diese zumindest in Teilbereiche der Substratoberfläche eingebracht, vorzugsweise eingeprägt, wobei die Metallschichten auf der Substratoberfläche mit den Beugungsstrukturen zu liegen kommen. Vorzugsweise wird die Beschichtungsreihenfolge Substrat mit Beugungsstruktur / Metallschicht A / Metallschicht B sein.In addition, the security element can be equipped with diffraction structures. Preferably, these are introduced at least into subregions of the substrate surface, preferably embossed, the metal layers coming to rest on the substrate surface with the diffraction structures. Preferably, the coating order will be substrate with diffraction structure / metal layer A / metal layer B.

Die Beugungsstrukturen sind besonders brillant an den Stellen sichtbar, an denen eine Metallschicht, also keine Aussparung vorliegt. Im Bereich der Aussparungen sind die Beugungsstrukturen im Durchlicht nur sehr schwach bis nicht sichtbar. Im Auflicht sind die Beugungsstrukturen sowohl im Bereich der Metallschicht als auch im Bereich der Ausspärungen sichtbar.The diffraction structures are particularly brilliant visible at the points where a metal layer, so no recess is present. In the area of the recesses, the diffraction structures are only very weak to not visible in transmitted light. In reflected light, the diffraction structures are visible both in the area of the metal layer and in the area of the excretions.

Variante 2: Metallschichten aus unterschiedlichem MaterialVariant 2: metal layers of different material

Bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel bestehen die Metallschichten A und B aus unterschiedlichem Material. Zum Beispiel kann als Metallschicht A Aluminium und als Metallschicht B Gold auf das Substrat aufgedampft werden. Die unterschiedlichen optischen Dichten der einzelnen Schichten werden z.B. über Variation der Schichtdicke und/oder des Materials erreicht.In this embodiment, the metal layers A and B are made of different material. For example, aluminum may be vapor-deposited on the substrate as metal layer A and gold as metal layer B on the substrate. The different optical densities of the individual layers are e.g. achieved by varying the layer thickness and / or the material.

Der Schichtablauf im Sicherheitselement und die Anordnung der Aussparungen in den einzelnen Schichten kann wie bei Variante 1 beschrieben vorliegen.The layer sequence in the security element and the arrangement of the recesses in the individual layers can be present as described in variant 1.

Betrachtet man dieses Sicherheitselement im Durchlicht sind die Aussparungen in der Schicht A als lichtdurchlässige Bereiche deutlich zu erkennen. Je nachdem, wie die Transmissionseigenschaften der optisch dünnen Metallschicht B eingestellt wurden, glaubt der Betrachter, trotz vorhandener Metallbeschichtung B im Bereich der Aussparungen in Schicht A volltransparente Bereiche bis semitransparente Bereiche wahrzunehmen. Gegebenenfalls heben sich die semitransparenten Bereiche aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Materialien in Schicht A und B von der Umgebung farblich ab.If one looks at this security element in transmitted light, the recesses in the layer A can be clearly seen as light-transmissive areas. Depending on how the transmission properties of the optically thin metal layer B have been set, the viewer, despite the existing metal coating B in the region of the recesses in layer A, believes that fully transparent regions are visible until semitransparent regions. Optionally, the semitransparent regions are highlighted in color from the environment due to the different materials in layers A and B.

Im Auflicht erscheint das Sicherheitselement nicht als einheitliche vollflächig beschichtete Fläche, sondern zeigt in den Bereichen, die nicht mit dem optisch dichteren Metall beschichtet sind, ein anderes Erscheinungsbild, nämlich Flächen im Farbton des zweiten Metalls. Die Aussparungen in der Metallschicht A sind also auch im Auflicht sichtbar und weisen die Farbe der Metallschicht B auf.In incident light, the security element does not appear as a uniform surface coated over the entire surface, but shows in the areas that are not coated with the optically denser metal, a different appearance, namely areas in the color of the second metal. The recesses in the metal layer A are therefore also visible in incident light and have the color of the metal layer B.

Neben den Aussparungen in der Metallschicht A können sich auch Aussparungen in der Metallschicht B befinden. Wirkungsvolle Effekte ergeben sich immer dann, wenn die Schichten A und B übereinander liegen und ein Teil der Aussparungen in den Metallschichten A und B mindestens teilweise übereinander liegen und vorzugsweise deckungsgleich angeordnet sind oder übereinander liegen und vorzugsweise die Aussparungen in der Metallschicht A größer sind als die Aussparungen in der semitransparenten Metallschicht B.In addition to the recesses in the metal layer A, recesses may also be located in the metal layer B. Effective effects always arise when the layers A and B are superimposed and part of the recesses in the metal layers A and B are at least partially superimposed and preferably congruently arranged or one above the other and preferably the recesses in the metal layer A are greater than that Recesses in the semitransparent metal layer B.

Die Aussparungen in einer bzw. in beiden Metallschichten können dabei in beliebiger Form, Kombination und Reihenfolge angeordnet werden. Zusätzlich kann das Sicherheitselement mit Beugungsstrukturen ausgestattet werden. Vorzugsweise werden diese zumindest in Teilbereiche der Substratoberfläche eingebracht, vorzugsweise eingeprägt, wobei die Metallschichten auf der Substratoberfläche mit den Beugungsstrukturen zu liegen kommen. Vorzugsweise wird die Beschichtungsreihenfolge Substrat mit Beugungsstrukturen / Metallschicht A / Metallschicht B sein.The recesses in one or in both metal layers can be arranged in any desired form, combination and order. In addition, the security element can be equipped with diffraction structures. Preferably, these are introduced at least into subregions of the substrate surface, preferably embossed, the metal layers coming to rest on the substrate surface with the diffraction structures. Preferably, the coating order will be substrate with diffraction structures / metal layer A / metal layer B.

Die Beugungsstrukturen sind besonders brillant an den Stellen sichtbar, an denen eine Metallschicht, also keine Aussparung vorliegt. Im Auflicht sind die Beugungsstrukturen auch an Stellen der Aussparungen erkennbar.The diffraction structures are particularly brilliant visible at the points where a metal layer, so no recess is present. In reflected light, the diffraction structures can also be seen in places of the recesses.

Die folgende Beschreibung ist nicht auf die Varianten 1 und 2 beschränkt sondern ist allgemein zu verstehen und gilt für alle Ausführungsformen gleichermaßen.The following description is not limited to variants 1 and 2 but is to be understood generally and applies equally to all embodiments.

Bei dem Sicherheitselement kann es sich um einen Sicherheitsfaden handeln, der aus einer selbsttragenden Kunststofffolie besteht, auf welcher die verschiedenen Metallschichten aufgebracht sind. Dieser Sicherheitsfaden kann zumindest teilweise in ein Sicherheitspapier bzw. Sicherheitsdokument eingebracht sein. Wird der Sicherheitsfaden so ausgeführt, dass er von Vorder- und Rückseite identisch aussieht, muss nicht einmal auf das seitenrichtige Einbringen geachtet werden. Es ist allerdings auch denkbar, das Sicherheitselement band- oder etikettenförmig auszubilden und auf der Oberfläche des Sicherheitspapiers bzw. Wertdokuments zu befestigen.The security element can be a security thread consisting of a self-supporting plastic film on which the various metal layers are applied. This security thread can be at least partially incorporated into a security paper or security document. If the security thread is designed so that it looks identical from the front and back side, you do not even have to pay attention to the correct orientation. However, it is also conceivable to form the security element band or label-like and to attach to the surface of the security paper or value document.

Alternativ kann das Sicherheitselement auch als Transferelement oder Kaschierfolie ausgeführt sein. Diese Variante ist besonders vorteilhaft, wenn das Sicherheitselement vollständig auf der Oberfläche des Sicherheitspapiers bzw. Wertdokuments angeordnet ist. In diesem Fall wird der Schichtaufbau des Sicherheitselements auf einer Trägerfolie, üblicherweise einer Kunststofffolie, vorbereitet und anschließend z.B. in einem Heißprägeverfahren in den gewünschten Umrisskonturen auf das Sicherheitspapier bzw. Wertdokument übertragen.Alternatively, the security element can also be designed as a transfer element or laminating film. This variant is particularly advantageous when the security element is completely arranged on the surface of the security paper or value document. In this case, the layer structure of the security element is prepared on a carrier film, usually a plastic film, and then transferred, for example, in a hot embossing process in the desired outline contours on the security paper or document of value.

Wird das Sicherheitselement auf der Oberfläche des Sicherheitspapiers bzw. Wertdokuments angeordnet, so kann es beliebige Umrissstrukturen, wie beispielsweise runde, ovale, sternförmige, rechteckige, trapezförmige oder streifenförmige Umrisskonturen aufweisen.If the security element is arranged on the surface of the security paper or value document, then it can have any contour structures, such as, for example, round, oval, star-shaped, rectangular, trapezoidal or strip-shaped outline contours.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform weist das Sicherheitspapier bzw. Wertdokument, auf welches das Sicherheitselement aufgebracht wird, eine durchgehende Öffnung auf. Das Sicherheitselement wird hierbei im Bereich der Öffnung angeordnet und überragt diese allseitig.According to a preferred embodiment, the security paper or security document to which the security element is applied has a through opening. The security element is in this case arranged in the region of the opening and projects beyond this on all sides.

In einer anderen bevorzugten Ausführungsform weist das Sicherheitspapier bzw. Wertdokument ein Sicherheitselement in Form eines Sicherheitsfadens auf.In another preferred embodiment, the security paper or security document has a security element in the form of a security thread.

In beiden Ausführungsformen ist das Sicherheitselement von Vorder- und Rückseite des Papiers bzw. Dokuments aus überprüfbar, was die Echtheitsüberprüfung auch für den ungeübten Betrachter deutlich erleichtert.In both embodiments, the security element from the front and back of the paper or document from verifiable, which significantly facilitates the authenticity check even for the inexperienced viewer.

Eine Imitation des Farbeffektes ist bei diesen Ausführungsformen deshalb besonders schwierig bzw. völlig auszuschließen.An imitation of the color effect is therefore particularly difficult or completely ruled out in these embodiments.

Die Verwendung des erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselements ist jedoch nicht auf den Bereich der Sicherheitsdokumente beschränkt. Das erfindungsgemäße Sicherheitselement lässt sich auch auf dem Gebiet der Produktsicherung zur Fälschungssicherung beliebiger Waren vorteilhaft einsetzen. Hierfür kann das Sicherheitselement zusätzliche diebstahlsichernde Elemente, wie beispielsweise eine Spule oder einen Chip aufweisen. Analoges gilt für das mit einem derartigen Sicherheitselement versehene Sicherheitspapier bzw. Wertdokument.However, the use of the security element according to the invention is not limited to the field of security documents. The security element according to the invention can also be used advantageously in the field of product security for securing counterfeiting of any goods. For this purpose, the security element can have additional anti-theft elements, such as a coil or a chip. The same applies to the security paper or security document provided with such a security element.

Das Aufbringen der Metallschichten erfolgt vorzugsweise mit einer Vakuumaufdampfanlage, z.B. mittels Sputtern oder mittels Elektronenstrahlauf dampfverfahren.The application of the metal layers is preferably carried out with a vacuum evaporation plant, e.g. by sputtering or by electron beam vapor deposition.

Die Erzeugung der Aussparungen in den jeweiligen Metallschichten erfolgt vorzugsweise mithilfe eines Waschverfahrens, wie es in der WO 99/23157 beschrieben ist. Die Sicherheitselemente werden dabei als Sicherheitsfolie, die mehrere Nutzen des Sicherheitselements aufweist, vorbereitet. Das Grundmaterial bildet eine selbsttragende, vorzugsweise transparente Kunststofffolie. Diese Kunststofffolie entspricht im Falle von Sicherheitsfäden oder Etiketten der erfindungsgemäßen Kunststoffschicht des Sicherheitselements. Werden die Sicherheitselemente aus einer Prägefolie herausgelöst, so bildet die Kunststofffolie das Trägermaterial dieses Transfermaterials, auf welches die Kunststoffschicht in Form einer Lackschicht aufgebracht ist. In diese Lackschicht oder, im Falle von Sicherheitsfäden oder Etiketten, in die Kunststofffolie können Beugungsstrukturen eingeprägt sein. Die erfindungsgemäße Kunststoffschicht des Sicherheitselements wird in Form der späteren Aussparungen vorzugsweise im Tiefdruck bedruckt. Hierfür wird eine Druckfarbe mit einem hohen Pigmentanteil verwendet, die einen porigen, erhabenen Farbauftrag bildet. Anschließend werden die verschiedenfarbigen Metallschichten auf die bedruckte Kunststoffschicht aufgedampft. In einem letzten Schritt schließlich wird der Farbauftrag und die darüber liegende Metallschicht durch Auswaschen mit einer Flüssigkeit, eventuell kombiniert mit mechanischer Einwirkung entfernt. Vorzugsweise wird eine wasserlösliche Druckfarbe verwendet, so dass als Flüssigkeit Wasser verwendet werden kann. Damit ist dieses Verfahren sehr umweltfreundlich und erfordert keine besonderen Schutzmaßnahmen. Dieses Verfahren hat ferner den Vorteil, dass die Aussparungen für beide oder mehrere Metallschichten in einem Arbeitsgang erzeugt werden.The production of the recesses in the respective metal layers is preferably carried out by means of a washing process, as described in US Pat WO 99/23157 is described. The security elements are thereby prepared as a security film, which has several benefits of the security element. The base material forms a self-supporting, preferably transparent plastic film. In the case of security threads or labels, this plastic film corresponds to the plastic layer of the security element according to the invention. If the security elements are removed from an embossing foil, the plastic foil forms the carrier material of this transfer material onto which the plastic layer in the form of a lacquer layer is applied. In this lacquer layer or, in the case of security threads or labels, in the plastic film diffraction structures can be embossed. The plastic layer of the security element according to the invention is preferably printed in gravure in the form of the later recesses. For this purpose, a printing ink with a high pigment content is used, which is a porous, raised Coloring forms. Subsequently, the different colored metal layers are vapor-deposited on the printed plastic layer. Finally, in a final step, the paint application and the overlying metal layer are removed by washing with a liquid, possibly combined with mechanical action. Preferably, a water-soluble ink is used so that water can be used as the liquid. Thus, this process is very environmentally friendly and requires no special protective measures. This method also has the advantage that the recesses for both or more metal layers are produced in one operation.

Das Auswaschen kann durch mechanische Mittel, wie eine rotierende Walze, Bürste oder Ultraschall unterstützt werden.The washout can be assisted by mechanical means such as a rotating roller, brush or ultrasound.

Alternativ zum Aufdampfen der Schichten auf ein Substrat können die Schichten auf jeweils ein Substrat aufgebracht werden. Die beschichteten Substrate werden dann zusammenkaschiert, vorzugsweise so, dass die beschichteten Seiten der Substrate zueinander zu liegen kommen.As an alternative to vapor deposition of the layers on a substrate, the layers can be applied to one substrate each. The coated substrates are then laminated together, preferably so that the coated sides of the substrates come to lie to each other.

Aufgrund dessen, dass das erfindungsgemäße Sicherheitselement nicht mit einfachen technischen Mitteln nachahmbar ist und jeder Versuch der Nachstellung leicht zu erkennen ist, aber auch aufgrund der für einen Betrachter leicht zu erkennenden, visuell deutlich wahrnehmbaren Farb- sowie Durchlicht-/ Auflichteffekte zeigt das erfindungsgemäße Sicherheitselement eine enorm verbesserte Fälschungssicherheit. Insbesondere kann das Sicherheitselement nicht durch bloßes Ausstanzen von Folie, Wegätzen oder Abkratzen der Metallschicht erzeugt werden, da die Metallisierungstechnik bei gleichzeitig exakter Kontrolle der Schichtdicken beherrscht werden muss. Weitere Ausführungsformen und Vorteile des erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselements bzw. Sicherheitspapiers und Wertdokuments werden anhand der Figuren erläutert. Die Darstellungen sind dabei schematisiert und entsprechen nicht unbedingt den tatsächlichen Größenverhältnissen und Proportionen.Due to the fact that the security element according to the invention can not be imitated by simple technical means and any attempt of adjustment is easy to recognize, but also due to the viewer easily recognizable, visually clearly perceptible color and transmitted / Auflichteffekte shows the security element of the invention enormously improved security against counterfeiting. In particular, the security element can not be produced by merely punching out foil, etching away or scraping off the metal layer, since the metallization technique must be controlled with simultaneous exact control of the layer thicknesses. Further embodiments and advantages of the security element or security paper and value document according to the invention are explained with reference to the figures. The illustrations are schematized and do not necessarily correspond to the actual proportions and proportions.

Es zeigen:

Fig.1
ein erfindungsgemäßes Wertdokument,
Fig. 2a
Schichtaufbau und Schnitt durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Sicherheitselement entlang der Linie A - A,
Fig. 2b
das Sicherheitselement gemäß Fig. 2a in Aufsicht bei Durchlicht,
Fig. 2c
das Sicherheitselement gemäß Fig. 2a in Aufsicht bei Auflicht,
Fig. 3a
Schichtaufbau und Schnitt durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Sicherheitselement entlang der Linie A - A,
Fig. 3b
Schichtaufbau und Schnitt durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Sicherheitselement entlang der Linie A - A,
Fig. 4a
Schichtaufbau und Schnitt durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Sicherheitselement entlang der Linie A - A,
Fig. 4b
das Sicherheitselement gemäß Fig. 4a in Aufsicht bei Durchlicht,
Fig. 4c
das Sicherheitselement gemäß Fig. 4a in Aufsicht bei Auflicht,
Fig. 5a
Schichtaufbau und Schnitt durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Sicherheitselement entlang der Linie A - A,
Fig. 5b
das Sicherheitselement gemäß Fig. 5a in Aufsicht bei Durchlicht,
Fig. 5c
das Sicherheitselement gemäß Fig. 5a in Aufsicht bei Auflicht,
Fig. 6a
Schichtaufbau und Schnitt durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Sicherheitselement entlang der Linie A - A,
Fig. 6b
das Sicherheitselement gemäß Fig. 6a in Aufsicht bei Durchlicht,
Fig. 6c
das Sicherheitselement gemäß Fig. 6a in Aufsicht bei Auflicht,
Fig. 7a
Schichtaufbau und Schnitt durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Sicherheitselement entlang der Linie A - A,
Fig. 7b
das Sicherheitselement gemäß Fig. 7a in Aufsicht bei Durchlicht,
Fig. 7c
das Sicherheitselement gemäß Fig. 7a in Aufsicht bei Auflicht,
Fig. 8a
Schichtaufbau und Schnitt durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Sicherheitselement entlang der Linie A - A,
Fig. 8b
das Sicherheitselement gemäß Fig. 8a in Aufsicht bei Durchlicht,
Fig. 8c
das Sicherheitselement gemäß Fig. 8a in Aufsicht bei Auflicht,
Fig. 9a bis 9e
Verfahren zur Herstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselements,
Fig. 10a bis 13
weitere Varianten des erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitsheitselements in Aufsicht bei Durchlicht und im Querschnitt.
Show it:
Fig.1
a value document according to the invention,
Fig. 2a
Layer structure and section through a security element according to the invention along the line A - A,
Fig. 2b
the security element according to Fig. 2a in supervision by transmitted light,
Fig. 2c
the security element according to Fig. 2a in supervision by reflected light,
Fig. 3a
Layer structure and section through a security element according to the invention along the line A - A,
Fig. 3b
Layer structure and section through a security element according to the invention along the line A - A,
Fig. 4a
Layer structure and section through a security element according to the invention along the line A - A,
Fig. 4b
the security element according to Fig. 4a in supervision by transmitted light,
Fig. 4c
the security element according to Fig. 4a in supervision by reflected light,
Fig. 5a
Layer structure and section through a security element according to the invention along the line A - A,
Fig. 5b
the security element according to Fig. 5a in supervision by transmitted light,
Fig. 5c
the security element according to Fig. 5a in supervision by reflected light,
Fig. 6a
Layer structure and section through a security element according to the invention along the line A - A,
Fig. 6b
the security element according to Fig. 6a in supervision by transmitted light,
Fig. 6c
the security element according to Fig. 6a in supervision by reflected light,
Fig. 7a
Layer structure and section through a security element according to the invention along the line A - A,
Fig. 7b
the security element according to Fig. 7a in supervision by transmitted light,
Fig. 7c
the security element according to Fig. 7a in supervision by reflected light,
Fig. 8a
Layer structure and section through a security element according to the invention along the line A - A,
Fig. 8b
the security element according to Fig. 8a in supervision by transmitted light,
Fig. 8c
the security element according to Fig. 8a in supervision by reflected light,
Fig. 9a to 9e
Method for producing a security element according to the invention,
10a to 13th
further variants of the security element according to the invention in supervision in transmitted light and in cross section.

Fig.1 zeigt ein erfindungsgemäßes Wertdokument in Aufsicht. Im gezeigten Beispiel handelt es sich um eine Banknote 1. Diese Banknote weist ein streifenförmiges Sicherheitselement 2 auf, das sich über die gesamte Breite der Banknote 1 erstreckt und ein Loch 3 in der Banknote überspannt. Bei dem dargestellten Sicherheitselement handelt es sich um ein Sicherheitselement, das aus einer Kunststoffschicht und zwei Metallschichten unterschiedlicher optischer Dichte besteht. Zumindest in der optisch dichteren Schicht, gegebenenfalls auch in der optisch dünneren Schicht, befinden sich Aussparungen. Die gesamte dem Betrachter zugewandte Oberfläche des Sicherheitselements 2 ist erfindungsgemäß beschichtet, wobei die insbesondere im Bereich des Loches 3 visuell wahrnehmbaren Effekte in den folgenden Figuren beschrieben sind. Zur besseren Anschaulichkeit zeigen die folgenden Figuren jeweils den auf den Erfindungsgrundgedanken minimierten Schichtaufbau. Weitere Schichten, wie Kleberschichten oder zum Schutz der Oberfläche verwendete Kaschierfolien etc. können selbstverständlich zusätzlich vorliegen und sind vom Fachmann je nach Anwendungsfall zu ergänzen. Fig.1 shows an inventive document of value in supervision. In the example shown, this is a banknote 1. This banknote has a strip-shaped security element 2 which extends over the entire width of the banknote 1 and spans a hole 3 in the banknote. The illustrated security element is a security element consisting of a plastic layer and two metal layers of different optical density. At least in the optically denser layer, optionally also in the optically thinner layer, there are recesses. The entire surface facing the viewer of the security element 2 is coated according to the invention, wherein in particular in the area of Loches 3 are visually perceptible effects described in the following figures. For better clarity, the following figures each show the minimized to the basic idea of the invention layer structure. Of course, additional layers, such as adhesive layers or laminating films used for protecting the surface, may additionally be present and must be supplemented by the person skilled in the art, depending on the application.

Fig. 2a zeigt ausschnittsweise den Querschnitt des Sicherheitselements 2 entlang der Linie A - A in Fig.1 in einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel. Hier ist die Kunststofffolie 4, die als Substrat für die noch aufzudampfenden Metallschichten dient, zu erkennen. In die Kunststoffschicht sind die Beugungsstrukturen 5 eingebracht. Alternativ könnten die Beugungsstrukturen auch in eine zusätzlich aufgebrachte Lackschicht eingebracht sein. Auf die Seite der Kunststofffolie, auf der sich die Beugungsstrukturen befinden, wurde direkt angrenzend eine Metallschicht 6 aufgedampft, bei der es sich um die optisch dichtere Metallschicht A handelt und die bei Betrachtung opak erscheint. Im vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel besteht die Metallschicht A aus Aluminium. Darüber befindet sich wiederum eine Metallschicht 7, nämlich die optisch dünnere Metallschicht B, die ebenfalls aus Aluminium besteht. In den Schichten 6 und 7 liegen ebenfalls die Beugungsstrukturen wie in der Kunststofffolie 4 vor. Zusätzlich befinden sich in der Schicht 6 Aussparungen 8, bei denen es sich um beliebige Zeichen, alpha-numerische Zeichen, Muster oder Logos handelt. Die Schichtreihenfolge Substrat / Schicht A/ Schicht B führt insbesondere bei im Substrat vorhandenen Beugungsstrukturen zu vorteilhaft ausgestalteten Sicherheitselementen. Fig. 2a shows a detail of the cross section of the security element 2 along the line A - A in Fig.1 in a first embodiment. Here is the plastic film 4, which serves as a substrate for the still aufzudampfenden metal layers to recognize. In the plastic layer, the diffraction structures 5 are introduced. Alternatively, the diffraction structures could also be incorporated into an additionally applied lacquer layer. On the side of the plastic film on which the diffractive structures are located, a metal layer 6 has been deposited directly adjacent to it, which is the optically denser metal layer A and which appears opaque when viewed. In the present embodiment, the metal layer A consists of aluminum. In turn, there is a metal layer 7, namely the optically thinner metal layer B, which also consists of aluminum. In the layers 6 and 7, the diffraction structures are also present as in the plastic film 4. In addition, in the layer 6 recesses 8, which are any characters, alpha-numeric characters, patterns or logos. The layer sequence substrate / layer A / layer B leads, in particular in the case of diffraction structures present in the substrate, to advantageously configured security elements.

Fig. 2b zeigt den in Fig. 2a gezeigten Ausschnitt, wie er sich bei Betrachtung im Durchlicht zeigt. Betrachtet man das Sicherheitselement von der unbeschichteten Seite des Substrates 4 aus, ist im Durchlicht die Aussparung 8 als transparenter Bereich bzw. als semitransparenter Bereich erkennbar. Die Aussparung 8, hier in Form eines Sternes, ist dabei vollflächig von der silber erscheinenden Aluminiumschicht 6 umgrenzt. Fig. 2b shows the in Fig. 2a shown section, as it shows when viewed in transmitted light. Looking at the security element of the uncoated Side of the substrate 4, the recess 8 is visible in transmitted light as a transparent area or as a semi-transparent area. The recess 8, here in the form of a star, is bounded over its entire area by the silver-appearing aluminum layer 6.

Fig. 2c zeigt den gleichen Ausschnitt in Auflichtbetrachtung. Die Aussparung 8 ist als solche nicht mehr erkennbar und dem Betrachter zeigt sich ein scheinbar vollflächig homogen beschichtetes Sicherheitselement. Fig. 2c shows the same section in reflected light. The recess 8 is no longer recognizable as such and the viewer is a seemingly full surface homogeneously coated security element.

In Fig. 3a wird eine weitere Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselementes im Querschnitt gezeigt. Hier wurde die Kunststofffolie 4 zunächst mit einer optisch dünneren Aluminiumschicht 7 beschichtet, auf der sich wiederum eine optisch dichtere Aluminiumschicht 6 mit Aussparungen 8 befindet. Auf die optisch dichtere Aluminiumschicht 6 wurde nochmals eine zweite optisch dünnere Aluminiumschicht 7 aufgedampft. Im Bereich der Aussparung 8 grenzen hierbei die beiden optisch dünneren Aluminiumschichten 7 aneinander, wobei die Schichtdicke in Summe der beiden Aluminiumschichten 7 kleiner ist als die Schichtdicke der Metallschicht 6. Der Vorteil dieser Ausführungsform besteht darin, dass es sich hierbei um ein symmetrisches Sicherheitselement handelt, d.h. bei Betrachtung von Vorder- und Rückseite das gleiche Erscheinungsbild bietet.In Fig. 3a a further embodiment of a security element according to the invention is shown in cross section. Here, the plastic film 4 was first coated with an optically thinner aluminum layer 7, on which in turn is a visually denser aluminum layer 6 with recesses 8. On the optically denser aluminum layer 6, a second optically thinner aluminum layer 7 was vapor-deposited again. In the region of the recess 8, the two optically thinner aluminum layers 7 adjoin one another, wherein the layer thickness in sum of the two aluminum layers 7 is smaller than the layer thickness of the metal layer 6. The advantage of this embodiment is that it is a symmetrical security element, ie when viewed from the front and back the same appearance offers.

In Fig. 3b wird eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselements im Querschnitt gezeigt, bei dem die optisch dichtere Schicht 6 und die optisch dünnere Schicht 7 nicht übereinander, sondern nebeneinander platziert sind. Zunächst wurde eine Kunststofffolie 4 mit einer optisch dünneren Aluminiumschicht 7 nur teilweise, z.B. streifenförmig beschichtet. In einem zweiten Schritt wurde die optisch dichtere Aluminiumschicht 6 in die Zwischenräume passergenau oder leicht überlappend mit Schicht 7 aufgebracht. Auch diese Ausführungsform zeigt bei Betrachtung von Vorder- und Rückseite das gleiche Erscheinungsbild. Im Durchlicht sieht der Betrachter auf dem bandförmigen Substrat quer dazu verlaufende, abwechselnd helle und dunkle Streifen. Im Auflicht erscheint das Substrat einheitlich silbrig beschichtet.In Fig. 3b An embodiment of a security element according to the invention is shown in cross-section, in which the optically denser layer 6 and the optically thinner layer 7 are not placed one above the other but next to one another. First, a plastic film 4 with an optically thinner aluminum layer 7 only partially, for example, coated strip. In a second step, the optically denser aluminum layer 6 was applied in the interstices with registration or slightly overlapping with layer 7. This embodiment also shows the same appearance when viewed from the front and back. In transmitted light, the observer sees on the band-shaped substrate transverse, alternately bright and dark stripes. In reflected light, the substrate appears uniformly silvery coated.

Fig. 4a zeigt ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel im Querschnitt. Bei dieser Variante wurde auf das Substrat 4 zuerst die optisch dünnere Schicht B und danach die optisch dichtere Schicht A im Gegensatz der Schichtreihenfolge in Fig. 2a aufgebracht. Diese Schichtfolge wird bevorzugt für nicht geprägte Substrate eingesetzt. Diese Ausführungsvariante zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass die optisch dünnere und optisch dichtere Schicht aus jeweils unterschiedlichen Metallen zusammengesetzt sind. Dem Fachmann sind hierbei keinerlei Grenzen gesetzt. Beispielhaft wird anhand der Fig. 4a eine Möglichkeit stellvertretend für viele andere beschrieben. Auf dem Substrat 4 befindet sich im linken Figurbereich die optisch dünnere Metallschicht 9 aus Aluminium und im rechten Figurbereich die optisch dünnere Metallschicht 10 aus Chrom. Über der Metallschicht 9 aus Aluminium befindet sich eine weitere Aluminiumschicht 11, allerdings als optisch dichtere Schicht ausgeführt. Über der Chrombeschichtung befindet sich die optisch dichtere Metallschicht 12 aus Gold. Die optisch dichteren Schichten aus Aluminium und Gold wurden dabei so angeordnet, dass sich eine Aussparung 8 in dem Bereich ergibt, an dem die optisch dünneren Schichten 9 und 10 aneinander grenzen. Fig. 4a shows a further embodiment in cross section. In this variant, on the substrate 4, first the optically thinner layer B and then the optically denser layer A in contrast to the layer sequence in Fig. 2a applied. This layer sequence is preferably used for non-embossed substrates. This variant is characterized in that the optically thinner and optically denser layer are composed of different metals. The expert has no limits. Exemplary will be based on the Fig. 4a a possibility described on behalf of many others. The optically thinner metal layer 9 made of aluminum is located on the substrate 4 in the left-hand figure region and the optically thinner metal layer 10 made of chromium in the right-hand figure region. Above the metal layer 9 made of aluminum is another aluminum layer 11, however, designed as an optically denser layer. Above the chromium coating is the optically denser metal layer 12 made of gold. The optically denser layers of aluminum and gold were arranged so that a recess 8 results in the region at which the optically thinner layers 9 and 10 adjoin one another.

Fig. 4b zeigt den in Fig. 4a im Querschnitt gezeigten Ausschnitt des Sicherheitselementes bei Betrachtung im Durchlicht. Betrachtet man das Sicherheitselement aus Richtung der optisch dichteren Schicht, sieht man im linken Bildbereich den silbrig erscheinenden Bereich 13 und im rechten Bereich den goldfarben erscheinenden Bereich 14. Die Aussparung 8 ist als transparenter Ausschnitt, der sowohl in den Bereich 11 wie auch in den Bereich 12 hineinragt, zu erkennen. Fig. 4b shows the in Fig. 4a shown in cross-section of the security element when viewed in transmitted light. Looking at the security element from the direction of the optically denser layer, you can see the silvery appearing area 13 in the left image area and the right in the area The recess 8 is visible as a transparent cutout which projects into both the region 11 and the region 12.

Fig. 4c zeigt denselben Ausschnitt im Auflicht. Im linken Figurbereich erscheint dem Betrachter das Sicherheitselement als vollflächige, homogene, silberglänzende Fläche 13, während im rechten Figurbereich 14 ein silberfarbener Teilbereich 15, größtenteils von dem goldfarbenen Bereich 14 umgeben, sichtbar ist. Fig. 4c shows the same section in reflected light. In the left figure area, the viewer sees the security element as a full-surface, homogeneous, gleaming silver surface 13, while in the right figure area 14, a silver-colored portion 15, mostly surrounded by the gold-colored area 14, is visible.

Fig. 5a zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselementes 2. Bei dieser Variante sind sowohl die optisch dünnere wie auch die optisch dichtere Metallschicht aus Aluminium. Auf das Substrat 4 wird zunächst die optisch dünnere Aluminiumschicht 7 aufgebracht, wobei sich bereits in dieser Schicht eine Aussparung 16 befindet. Auf die optisch dünnere Aluminiumschicht 7 wird die optisch dichtere Aluminiumschicht 6 so aufgebracht, dass die Aussparungen in der optisch dichteren Schicht 8 zum einen deckungsgleich mit der Aussparung 16 zu liegen kommen und sich andererseits über der optisch dünneren Schicht 7 befinden. Fig. 5a shows a further embodiment of the security element according to the invention 2. In this variant, both the optically thinner and the optically denser metal layer of aluminum. On the substrate 4, the optically thinner aluminum layer 7 is first applied, wherein a recess 16 is already in this layer. On the optically thinner aluminum layer 7, the optically denser aluminum layer 6 is applied so that the recesses in the optically denser layer 8 come to lie congruent with the recess 16 and on the other hand are on the optically thinner layer 7.

Betrachtet man das Sicherheitselement aus Fig. 5a im Durchlicht, erscheint dem Betrachter, wie in Fig. 5b gezeigt, ein silberglänzendes Band mit transparenten Bereichen, die zum einen als Quadrat 17, zum anderen als Kreis 18 ausgestaltet sind.Looking at the security element Fig. 5a in transmitted light, the viewer appears as in Fig. 5b shown, a silvery band with transparent areas, which are designed as a square 17, on the other hand as a circle 18.

Wie in Fig. 5c gezeigt, ergibt sich für den Betrachter im Auflicht ein anderes Bild. Hier kann die Aussparung 16, die mit Aussparung 8 deckungsgleich liegt, weiterhin als transparenter Bereich 17 wahrgenommen werden, während der Bereich 18 nicht mehr erkennbar ist, sondern sich das Sicherheitselement in diesem Bereich als scheinbar homogen beschichtetes Element präsentiert.As in Fig. 5c shown, results in the viewer in the incident light another picture. Here, the recess 16, which is congruent with recess 8, continue to be perceived as a transparent area 17, while the area 18 is no longer recognizable, but the security element presented in this area as a seemingly homogeneously coated element.

Fig. 6a zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsvariante des erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselementes. Auch bei diesem Element sind die optisch dünnere Schicht 7 und die optisch dichtere Schicht 6 aus dem gleichen Material, nämlich Aluminium. Die Aussparungen in beiden Schichten sind so angeordnet, dass die Aussparung 16 in der optisch dünneren Schicht und die Aussparung 8 in der optisch dichteren Schicht übereinander angeordnet sind, wobei die Aussparung 8 größer als die Aussparung 16 ist. Die Schichtanordnung auf dem Substrat 4 entspricht der in Fig. 5a. Betrachtet man dieses Sicherheitselement im Durchlicht, wie in Fig. 6b gezeigt, nimmt der Betrachter einen transparenten Bereich 19 wahr, der den Umrissformen der Aussparung 8 entspricht. Aussparung 16 ist als solche nicht erkennbar. Fig. 6a shows a further embodiment of the security element according to the invention. Also in this element, the optically thinner layer 7 and the optically denser layer 6 of the same material, namely aluminum. The recesses in both layers are arranged such that the recess 16 in the optically thinner layer and the recess 8 in the optically denser layer are arranged one above the other, wherein the recess 8 is larger than the recess 16. The layer arrangement on the substrate 4 corresponds to that in FIG Fig. 5a , Looking at this security element in transmitted light, as in Fig. 6b shown, the viewer perceives a transparent area 19, which corresponds to the outline shapes of the recess 8. Recess 16 is not recognizable as such.

Betrachtet man diesen Abschnitt im Auflicht, wie in Fig. 6c gezeigt, kann als transparenter Bereich nur noch Aussparung 16 wahrgenommen werden. Aussparung 8 wird wiederum als homogene Fläche, die von der restlichen opaken Schicht nicht unterschieden werden kann, wahrgenommen.Looking at this section in reflected light, as in Fig. 6c shown, only recess 16 can be perceived as a transparent area. Recess 8 is in turn perceived as a homogeneous surface, which can not be distinguished from the remaining opaque layer.

Inwieweit die optisch dünnere Schicht 7 als transparent oder semitransparent empfunden wird, hängt von den jeweiligen Materialien und Schichtdicken ab. Dies kann vom Fachmann je nach gewünschtem Effekt entsprechend eingestellt werden.To what extent the optically thinner layer 7 is perceived as transparent or semitransparent depends on the respective materials and layer thicknesses. This can be adjusted by the skilled person depending on the desired effect.

Fig. 7a zeigt eine Ausführungsform, die den gleichen Schichtaufbau wie Fig. 5a zeigt, unterscheidet sich jedoch von der Ausführungsform aus Fig. 5a darin, dass die optisch dünnere Schicht 7 aus Kupfer, die optisch dichtere Schicht 6 aus Aluminium besteht. Im Durchlicht, wie in Fig. 7b gezeigt, sind im Bereich der Aussparungen 8 und 16 wiederum transparente Bereiche 20, 21 erkennbar. Falls gewünscht, kann die Transmissionseigenschaft der Kupferschicht so eingestellt werden, dass im Bereich 21 der Betrachter keine volltransparente Aussparung wahrnimmt, sondern einen leicht grünlichen semitransparenten Bereich erkennt. Im Auflicht, wie in Fig. 7c gezeigt, ist die Aussparung 16 weiterhin als transparenter Bereich 20 erkennbar, während im Bereich der Aussparung 8, die auf der Kupferschicht aufliegt, ein kreisförmiges, kupferfarbenes Element 21 in silbriger Umgebung erscheint. Fig. 7a shows an embodiment which has the same layer structure as Fig. 5a shows, however, differs from the embodiment Fig. 5a in that the optically thinner layer 7 is made of copper, the optically denser layer 6 of aluminum. In transmitted light, as in Fig. 7b shown are in the region of the recesses 8 and 16 again transparent areas 20, 21 visible. If desired, the transmission property of the copper layer can be adjusted so that in area 21 the observer does not perceive a fully transparent recess, but recognizes a slightly greenish semitransparent region. In incident light, as in Fig. 7c 1, the recess 16 is still recognizable as a transparent region 20, while in the region of the recess 8, which rests on the copper layer, a circular, copper-colored element 21 appears in a silvery environment.

Analog zur Fig. 6a wird in Fig. 8a eine Ausführungsform gezeigt, bei der die Aussparung 8 über der Aussparung 16 zu liegen kommt und eine größere Fläche als diese einnimmt. Im Gegensatz zu dem Ausführungsbeispiel in Fig. 6a zeigt Fig. 8 eine Variante, bei der die optisch dichtere Schicht 6 aus Aluminium und die optisch dünnere Schicht 7 aus Kupfer besteht. Der im Durchlicht wahrnehmbare Effekt, wie in Fig. 8b gezeigt, entspricht dem in Fig. 6b gezeigten. D.h., die transparente Fläche 22, die der Betrachter wahrnehmen kann, entspricht der Aussparung 8. Im Auflicht zeigt Fig. 8c jedoch eine andere Erscheinungsform als die in Fig. 6c beschriebene. Aussparung 16 ist als transparenter Bereich 23 in Form eines Rechtecks erkennbar, während die Aussparung 16 als kupferfarbenes Dreieck 22 wahrgenommen werden kann. Die restliche Oberfläche des Sicherheitselements erscheint aufgrund der Aluminiumschicht als silberfarben.Analogous to Fig. 6a is in Fig. 8a an embodiment shown in which the recess 8 comes to rest over the recess 16 and occupies a larger area than this. In contrast to the embodiment in Fig. 6a shows Fig. 8 a variant in which the optically denser layer 6 made of aluminum and the optically thinner layer 7 consists of copper. The effect perceivable in transmitted light, as in Fig. 8b shown corresponds to the in Fig. 6b shown. That is, the transparent surface 22, which can be perceived by the viewer corresponds to the recess 8. In incident light shows Fig. 8c however, a different appearance than the one in Fig. 6c described. Recess 16 can be seen as a transparent area 23 in the form of a rectangle, while the recess 16 can be perceived as a copper-colored triangle 22. The remaining surface of the security element appears to be silver due to the aluminum layer.

In Fig. 9a bis 9e wird das Verfahren zur Herstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselementes, wie in Fig. 5a und 7a gezeigt, schematisch dargestellt. Das Verfahren wird exemplarisch für Sicherheitsfäden bzw. -etiketten erläutert, kann aber selbstverständlich bei Sicherheitselementen mit anderen Schichtfolgen in analoger Weise verwendet werden. Die Sicherheitselemente werden vorzugsweise als Sicherheitsfolie hergestellt, die mehrere Nutzen des Sicherheitselements aufweist. Ausgangspunkt im hier dargestellten Beispiel bildet eine selbsttragende Kunststofffolie 4. Diese wird, wie in Fig. 9a gezeigt, in einem ersten Schritt in den Bereichen, in welchen später die Aussparungen 16, 8 vorliegen sollen, mit einer stark pigmenthaltigen Druckfarbe 24 bedruckt, so dass ein großporiger Aufdruck entsteht. Anschließend wird die in diesem Fall optisch dünnere Metallschicht 7 aus Aluminium auf die bedruckte Kunststofffolie 4 aufgebracht. Hierfür wird vorzugsweise ein Vakuumdampfverfahren verwendet, bei dem die Metalle nacheinander, gegebenenfalls über Masken auf die Kunststofffolie 4 aufgedampft werden. Im Bereich des Aufdruckes 24 bildet sich aufgrund der porösen Oberflächenstruktur der Druckfarbe keine zusammenhängende Metallschicht aus. Das mit der Metallschicht 7 versehene Zwischenprodukt ist in Fig. 9b dargestellt.In Fig. 9a to 9e the process for producing a security element according to the invention, as in Fig. 5a and 7a shown, shown schematically. The method is explained as an example for security threads or labels, but can of course be used in security elements with other layer sequences in an analogous manner. The security elements are preferably produced as a security film, the has multiple benefits of the security element. Starting point in the example shown here is a self-supporting plastic film 4. This is, as in Fig. 9a shown in a first step in the areas in which later the recesses 16, 8 should be present, printed with a high pigment ink 24, so that a large-pored imprint arises. Subsequently, the optically thinner metal layer 7 made of aluminum in this case is applied to the printed plastic film 4. For this purpose, a vacuum vapor method is preferably used, in which the metals are vapor-deposited in succession, optionally via masks, onto the plastic film 4. In the area of the imprint 24, no coherent metal layer forms due to the porous surface structure of the printing ink. The provided with the metal layer 7 intermediate is in Fig. 9b shown.

Mithilfe des ersten Aufdrucks von Waschfarbe wird in der in Fig. 5a und 7a gezeigten Ausführungsform die Aussparung 16 erzeugt werden. Um die Aussparungen 8 zu erzeugen, wird nochmals ein Aufdruck 25 mit Waschfarbe an der gewünschten Stelle vorgenommen. Fig. 9c zeigt hierbei das mit der Druckfarbe 24 bedruckte, anschließend mit Aluminium beschichtete und wiederum mit Farbe 25 bedruckte Zwischenprodukt.The first imprint of wash color is used in the in Fig. 5a and 7a shown embodiment, the recess 16 are generated. In order to produce the recesses 8, an imprint 25 with washing ink is again made at the desired location. Fig. 9c shows here the printed with the ink 24, then coated with aluminum and in turn printed with ink 25 intermediate.

Dieses Zwischenprodukt wird wiederum mit Metall beschichtet, z.B. mit Aluminium, um die optisch dichtere Schicht 6 zu erzeugen (siehe Fig. 9d).This intermediate is again coated with metal, for example with aluminum, to produce the optically denser layer 6 (see Fig. 9d ).

Da sich im Bereich des Aufdrucks 24 und 25 keine geschlossene Metalloberfläche bildet, kann der Aufdruck und die in diesen Bereichen vorhandene Metallschicht 6 bzw. 6 und 7 nahezu mühelos durch Auswaschen entfernt werden. Vorzugsweise wird für das Auswaschen Wasser verwendet. Unter Umständen kann es nötig sein, zusätzlich Bürsten zu verwenden, die für ein vollständiges Entfernen des Aufdrucks 24 und 25 sorgen. Das Endprodukt zeigt Fig. 9e. Die Metallschichten 6 und 7 weisen die Aussparungen 8 und 16 auf. Die Sicherheitsfolie kann anschließend in Sicherheitselemente der gewünschten Form geschnitten werden.Since no closed metal surface forms in the area of the imprints 24 and 25, the imprint and the metal layer 6 or 6 and 7 present in these areas can be removed almost effortlessly by washing out. Preferably water is used for washing. Under certain circumstances it may be necessary to additionally brush use, which provide for a complete removal of the imprint 24 and 25. The final product shows Fig. 9e , The metal layers 6 and 7 have the recesses 8 and 16. The security film can then be cut into security elements of the desired shape.

Das Waschverfahren bietet den Vorteil, dass scharfe und definierte Kanten und Konturen erreicht werden, so dass mithilfe dieses Verfahrens auch sehr feine, hoch aufgelöste Zeichen oder Muster in den Metallschichten erzeugt werden können.The advantage of the washing process is that sharp and defined edges and contours are achieved so that this method can also produce very fine, high resolution characters or patterns in the metal layers.

Die Fig. 10a bis 13 zeigen weitere Varianten des erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselements, wobei Aussparungen als Positiv- oder Negativtext kombiniert sind und diese in einer oder beiden Schichten vorliegen können.The 10a to 13th show further variants of the security element according to the invention, wherein recesses are combined as positive or negative text and these can be present in one or both layers.

Fig.10a zeigt eine Ausführungsform, bei der zum einen die Aussparungen 16 in der optisch dünneren Schicht 7 deckungsgleich mit den Aussparungen 8 in der optisch dichteren Schicht 6 zu liegen kommen und zum anderen die Aussparung 8 in der optisch dichteren Schicht wesentlich größer ist als die Aussparungen 16. Durch diese explizite Anordnung der Aussparungen erscheint dem Betrachter der Schriftzug "PL 2000" im Durchlicht stets als transparenter Bereich, der zum einen in einem opaken Feld und zum anderen in einem semitransparenten Feld angeordnet ist. In Fig.10b ist der Schichtaufbau des in Fig.10a gezeigten Sicherheitselements im Querschnitt ersichtlich. Die Querschnittsdarstellung beschränkt sich dabei auf die Darstellung der in Fig.10a gezeigten beiden linken Felder. Figure 10a 1 shows an embodiment in which on the one hand the recesses 16 in the optically thinner layer 7 congruently come to lie with the recesses 8 in the optically denser layer 6 and on the other hand the recess 8 in the optically denser layer is substantially larger than the recesses 16. Due to this explicit arrangement of the recesses, the viewer always sees the lettering "PL 2000" in transmitted light as a transparent region, which is arranged on the one hand in an opaque field and on the other in a semitransparent field. In 10B is the layer structure of in Figure 10a shown security elements in cross section. The cross-sectional representation is limited to the representation of in Figure 10a shown two left fields.

In Fig.11a ist eine Ausführungsvariante gezeigt, bei der in einem Bereich die Aussparungen in der optisch dichteren und optisch dünneren Schicht deckungsgleich zu liegen kommen und in einem weiteren Bereich die optisch dünnere Schicht vollflächig vorliegt, während die Aussparungen in der optisch dichteren Schicht so ausgestaltet sind, dass sich der Schriftzug "PL 2000" als Positivtext von einem semitransparenten Hintergrund abhebt. Der zugehörige Schichtaufbau wird in Fig.11b dargestellt, wobei wiederum die beiden linken Felder des in Fig. 11a gezeigten Sicherheitselements dargestellt sind.In 11A an embodiment is shown, in which the recesses in the optically denser and optically thinner layer coincide in one area and in a wider area the optically thinner layer is present over the entire surface, while the recesses are designed in the optically denser layer so that the words "PL 2000" stands out as a positive text of a semi-transparent background. The associated layer structure is in 11B shown again, in turn, the two left boxes of in Fig. 11a shown security elements are shown.

In Fig. 12a wird ein Sicherheitselement dargestellt, das Bereiche aufweist, in denen der semitransparente Schriftzug "PL 2000" in opaker Umgebung erscheint, während in anderen Feldern der opake Positivschriftzug "PL 2000" in semitransparenter Umgebung erscheint. Dieses Erscheinungsbild wird dadurch erreicht, dass die optisch dünnere Schicht 7 vollflächig vorliegt und die darauf aufgebrachte optisch dickere Schicht 6 mit den gewünschten Aussparungen zur Erzeugung eines Positiv- bzw. Negativtextes aufgebracht wird. Fig.12b zeigt den dazugehörigen Schichtaufbau der beiden linken in Fig. 12a gezeigten Felder.In Fig. 12a A security element is displayed which has areas in which the semitransparent word "PL 2000" appears in an opaque environment, while in other fields the opaque positive letter "PL 2000" appears in a semitransparent environment. This appearance is achieved in that the optically thinner layer 7 is present over the entire surface and the optically thicker layer 6 applied thereto is applied with the desired recesses for producing a positive or negative text. Fig.12B shows the associated layer structure of the two left in Fig. 12a shown fields.

In Fig. 13 werden verschiedene in den vorherigen Figuren gezeigte Aussparungsvarianten miteinander kombiniert. So liegt bei diesem Sicherheitselement ein semitransparent erscheinender Negativschriftzug "PL 2000" in opaker Umgebung vor, benachbart von einem semitransparenten Feld, in dem der opak erscheinende Positivschriftzug "PL 2000" erscheint und wiederum hiervon benachbart liegt ein opak erscheinendes Feld mit dem transparent erscheinenden Schriftzug "PL 2000". Der Schichtaufbau dieser drei Felder entspricht dem Schichtaufbau aus Fig. 12b, kombiniert mit dem Schichtaufbau des ersten Feldes, das in Fig.11b gezeigt ist.In Fig. 13 different recess variants shown in the previous figures are combined. Thus, in this security element, there is a semitransparent negative lettering "PL 2000" in an opaque environment, adjacent to a semitransparent field in which the opaque positive lettering "PL 2000" appears and in turn adjacent thereto is an opaque appearing field with the transparently appearing lettering " PL 2000 ". The layer structure of these three fields corresponds to the layer structure Fig. 12b , combined with the layer structure of the first field, which in 11B is shown.

Claims (52)

  1. A security element (2) for security papers or documents of value (1), such as bank notes or ID cards, with a substrate (4) on which at least two metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) are disposed, characterized in that the metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) are designed with regard to respective layer thickness and respectively employed material in such a way that they have different optical densities.
  2. The security element (2) according to claim 1, wherein the at least two metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) are disposed on the same side of the substrate (4).
  3. The security element (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) lie directly one above the other.
  4. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the optically thinner layer (7; 9, 10) of the at least two metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) is present at least in those areas on the substrate (4), in which the optically denser layer (6; 11, 12) is not present.
  5. The security element (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least the optically denser layer (6; 11, 12) of the at least two metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) has gaps (8, 16).
  6. The security element (2) according to claim 5, wherein the gaps (8, 16) are present in the form of arbitrary characters, alphanumeric characters, patterns or logos or in the form of a bar code.
  7. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the optically thinner layer (7) is present all-over.
  8. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the optically denser layer (6; 11, 12) has a maximum transmission of 30 %, preferably maximally 10 %.
  9. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the maximum transmission of the optically denser metal layer (6; 11, 12) amounts to 10 % and the minimum transmission of the optically thinner metal layer (7; 9, 10) amounts to 50 %.
  10. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) consist of the same material.
  11. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) consist of different materials.
  12. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the metal can be aluminum, silver, copper, gold, iron, chromium, nickel, cobalt, platinum, palladium, titanium, Inconel, silver bronze, gold bronze or an alloy made of at least two of the aforementioned metals.
  13. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least two metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) have different layer thicknesses.
  14. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, wherein one metal layer (6; 11, 12) is designed opaque and one metal layer (7; 9, 10) semitransparent.
  15. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a part of the gaps (8, 16) in the at least two metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) is present in congruent fashion.
  16. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the layer thickness of the optically denser layer (6; 11, 12) amounts to between approx. 20 and 300 nm and the layer thickness of the optically thinner layer (7; 9, 10) amounts to between approx. 2 and 20 nm.
  17. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the substrate (4) is a plastic layer.
  18. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the substrate (4) has a diffraction structure (5) in the form of a relief structure.
  19. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the substrate (4) is a self-supporting plastic foil.
  20. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the substrate (4) is disposed on a carrier material.
  21. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the security element (2) is a transfer element.
  22. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the security element (2) is a self-supporting label.
  23. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the security element (2) has round, oval, star-shaped, rectangular, trapezoidal or strip-shaped outline contours.
  24. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the security element (2) is a security thread.
  25. The security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the security element (2) is a laminate foil.
  26. A security paper for producing documents of value (1), characterized in that it has at least one security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 25.
  27. The security paper according to claim 26, wherein the security element (2) is a security thread, which is at least partially embedded in the security paper.
  28. The security paper according to claim 26, wherein the security paper has a continuous opening (3), wherein the security element is disposed in the area of the opening and protrudes it on all sides.
  29. The security paper according to claim 26, wherein the security element (2) is a transfer element or a laminate foil, which is applied onto the surface of the security paper.
  30. The security paper according to at least one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the security element (2) has round, oval, star-shaped, rectangular, trapezoidal or strip-shaped outline contours.
  31. A document of value (1), such as a bank note or an ID card, characterized in that it has at least one security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 25.
  32. A transfer material or laminate foil for producing security elements (2), which transfer material or laminate foil has a carrier foil and a substrate (4), on which at least two metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) are disposed, characterized in that the metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) are designed with regard to respective layer thickness and respectively employed material in such a way that they have different optical densities.
  33. The transfer material or laminate foil according to claim 32, wherein the at least two metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) are disposed on the same side of the substrate (4).
  34. The transfer material or laminate foil according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) lie directly one above the other.
  35. The transfer material or laminate foil according to at least one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the optically thinner layer (7; 9, 10) of the at least two metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) is present at least in those areas on the substrate (4), in which the optically denser layer (6; 11, 12) is not present.
  36. The transfer material or laminate foil according to at least one of claims 32 to 35, wherein at least the optically denser layer (6; 11, 12) of the at least two metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) has gaps (8, 16).
  37. The transfer material or laminate foil according to at least one of claims 32 to 36, wherein the substrate (4) is a plastic layer.
  38. The transfer material or laminate foil according to at least one of claims 32 to 37, characterized in that the substrate (4) has a diffraction structure (5) in the form of a relief structure.
  39. A use of a security element (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 25 for protecting goods of any kind from forgery.
  40. A use of a security paper according to at least one of claims 26 to 30 for protecting goods of any kind from forgery.
  41. A use of a document of value (1) according to claim 31 for protecting goods of any kind from forgery.
  42. A method for producing a security element (2) for security papers or documents of values, such as bank notes or ID cards, with a substrate (4) on which at least two metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) are disposed, wherein the metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) have different optical densities, characterized by the following steps:
    a1) providing the substrate (4) in the form of a self-supporting plastic foil or in the form of a carrier material on which a plastic layer is disposed;
    b1) optionally, printing the substrate (4) with alphanumeric characters, patterns or logos using a printing ink (24) with a high pigment content and drying the printing ink (24) as to form a pored, raised inking;
    c1) applying the optically thinner metal layer (7; 9, 10) onto the, optionally, printed substrate (4);
    d1) printing the optically thinner metal layer (7; 9, 10) with alphanumeric characters, patterns or logos using a printing ink (25) with a high pigment content and drying the printing ink (25) as to form a pored, raised inking;
    e1) applying the optically denser metal layer (6; 11, 12) onto the optically thinner metal layer (7; 9, 10), wherein the two metal layers are designed with regard to respective layer thickness and respectively employed material in such a way that they have different optical densities;
    f1) removing the inking and the metal layer (6; 11, 12) or metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) lying thereabove or having penetrated the inking, by washing out with a liquid, possibly combined with mechanical action;
    g1) drying and, optionally, cutting the substrate (4) to size.
    or
    a2) providing the substrate (4) in the form of a self-supporting plastic foil or in the form of a carrier material on which a plastic layer is disposed;
    b2) printing the substrate (4) with alphanumeric characters, patterns or logos using a printing ink (24) with a high pigment content and drying the printing ink (24) as to form a pored, raised inking;
    c2) applying the optically denser metal layer (6; 11, 12) onto the printed substrate (4);
    d2) removing the inking and the metal layer (6; 11, 12) or metal layers (6; 11, 12) lying thereabove or having penetrated the inking, by washing out with a liquid, possibly combined with mechanical action;
    e2) applying the optically thinner metal layer (7; 9, 10) onto the optically denser metal layer (6; 11, 12), wherein the two metal layers are designed with regard to respective layer thickness and respectively employed material in such a way that they have different optical densities;
    f2) optionally, cutting the substrate (4) to size.
  43. The method according to claim 42, wherein the metal layers (6, 7; 9, 10, 11, 12) are applied by vapor deposition, optionally with the aid of masks.
  44. The method according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the substrate (4) is provided in the form of an endless ribbon and the method is performed continuously.
  45. The method according to at least one of claims 42 to 44, wherein the printing ink (24, 25) is water-soluble and water is used for washing out.
  46. The method according to at least one of claims 42 to 45, wherein the printing of the substrate (4) is effected by gravure printing.
  47. The method according to at least one of claims 42 to 46, wherein in step a1) or a2) the plastic layer is provided in the form of an endless plastic foil and in step g1) or f2) is cut into security threads of predetermined width.
  48. The method according to at least one of claims 42 to 47, wherein in step a1) or a2) the plastic layer is disposed on a specifically prepared carrier material, so as to form a transfer material that is cut into strips of predetermined width in step g1) or f2).
  49. The method according to at least one of claims 42 to 48, wherein a diffraction structure (5) is embossed into the substrate (4) before step b1) or b2).
  50. A method for producing a security paper for the production of documents of value (1), characterized by the steps of producing a security element in the form of a security thread according to at least one of claims 42 to 49 and of embedding the security thread in the security paper during the production of the security paper.
  51. A method for producing a security paper for documents of value (1), characterized by the steps of producing a security element (2) according to at least one of claims 42 to 49 and of applying the security element (2) onto the surface of the finished security paper.
  52. The method according to claim 51, characterized in that in the security paper there is incorporated during the papermaking an opening (3) which is afterwards closed at least on one side with the security element (2).
EP03718785.3A 2002-04-26 2003-04-23 Security element comprising metallic layers Revoked EP1503903B9 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10218897A DE10218897A1 (en) 2002-04-26 2002-04-26 Security element and process for its manufacture
DE10218897 2002-04-26
PCT/EP2003/004221 WO2003091042A2 (en) 2002-04-26 2003-04-23 Security element comprising metallic layers

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1503903A2 EP1503903A2 (en) 2005-02-09
EP1503903B1 EP1503903B1 (en) 2013-03-27
EP1503903B9 true EP1503903B9 (en) 2013-10-02

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03718785.3A Revoked EP1503903B9 (en) 2002-04-26 2003-04-23 Security element comprising metallic layers

Country Status (13)

Country Link
US (1) US8919820B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1503903B9 (en)
JP (1) JP4493004B2 (en)
KR (1) KR101205588B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1652945B (en)
BR (1) BRPI0309564B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2483467C (en)
DE (1) DE10218897A1 (en)
PL (2) PL371494A1 (en)
RU (1) RU2314930C2 (en)
UA (1) UA84401C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2003091042A2 (en)
ZA (1) ZA200408360B (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20060249042A1 (en) 2006-11-09
EP1503903B1 (en) 2013-03-27
PL371494A1 (en) 2005-06-27
PL408961A1 (en) 2014-09-15
UA84401C2 (en) 2008-10-27
KR101205588B1 (en) 2012-11-27
KR20050010769A (en) 2005-01-28
WO2003091042A3 (en) 2004-05-13
US8919820B2 (en) 2014-12-30
CA2483467C (en) 2013-06-18
CN1652945A (en) 2005-08-10
RU2314930C2 (en) 2008-01-20
BR0309564A (en) 2005-02-15
CN1652945B (en) 2010-09-29
JP4493004B2 (en) 2010-06-30
EP1503903A2 (en) 2005-02-09
RU2004134572A (en) 2005-08-10
CA2483467A1 (en) 2003-11-06
AU2003222834A1 (en) 2003-11-10
JP2005528997A (en) 2005-09-29
DE10218897A1 (en) 2003-11-06
BRPI0309564B1 (en) 2017-03-21
WO2003091042A2 (en) 2003-11-06
ZA200408360B (en) 2005-09-28

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