VALUABLE OR SECURITY DOCUMENT AND METHOD FOR ITS PRODUCTION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a valuable or security document and a method for its production, which consists of several layers that are joined together to form a composite body.

[0002] A security document is known from WO 2009 / 156 183 A1. This document is produced as a card-shaped document by lamination of several layers. It has at least one security feature, which is formed by a section on an end edge of the document. According to one embodiment, the document comprises a plurality of parallel lines extending across several layers along the end edge of the document, visible from the outside. These lines may be formed by a luminescent dye. Furthermore, the document may have a milled groove on its outer contour, extending across all end edges of the layers. This groove is then filled with a luminescent dye.In both embodiments, a change in the incorporated security features becomes visible upon delamination of the individual layers and subsequent joining.

[0003] Furthermore, EP 1 970 211 A1 describes a security document consisting of several layers. One or more end faces of the document are marked with data, in particular with text, lines, or a logo. If a layer is removed or replaced, this becomes visible because the originally printed and applied marking is altered. This method has the disadvantage that, firstly, working on the narrow end face is difficult, and secondly, by redesigning the end face and subsequently applying the marking, manipulation can be made invisible, as the marking can be copied.

[0004] US patent 2016 / 0332477 A1 discloses a valuable or security document with a data carrier consisting of several layers. A recess is provided in a middle layer in which a 3D object is inserted.

[0005] WO 2014 / 131647 A1 specifies a security element for a valuable or security document which, in order to achieve a higher level of protection against forgery, has a matrix of a large number of individually applied volume elements.

[0006] A method for producing images with a lens structure is known from US patent 2018 / 0257324 A1.

[0007] WO 2018 / 046582 A1 discloses a thermoplastic polymer powder and its use as a material for selective laser sintering.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of proposing a valuable or security document and a method for its production, which makes manipulation more difficult or prevents it.

[0009] This problem is solved by a security document as defined in claim 1. This enables a material-bonded connection to be formed immediately upon application of the three-dimensional structure by additive printing with the layer onto which the three-dimensional structure is applied. Due to this material-bonded connection, any tampering with the three-dimensional structure can be detected upon its removal.

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the security document provides that a three-dimensional structure made of a plastic material is applied to at least one layer of the data carrier by additive printing, and at least one further layer of plastic is applied to this three-dimensional structure. The plastic layers forming the composite body have a glass transition temperature lower than that of the plastic material of the three-dimensional structure. This allows the plastic layers to be firmly bonded together by lamination to form a composite body, while simultaneously ensuring that the three-dimensional structure is retained within the composite body after lamination. This three-dimensional structure, produced by the additive printing process, differs from a conventional print and is easily recognizable as such.This three-dimensional structure made of plastic material cannot be copied using a conventional printing process.

[0011] Preferably, the three-dimensional structure is formed by points, lines, surface sections, symbols, and / or geometric shapes. The design, arrangement, and combination possibilities are unlimited and can be selected according to the specific application. This three-dimensional structure can also be combined with other elements and / or security features. Preferably, pigments and / or luminescent dyes can be incorporated into the three-dimensional structure.

[0012] Advantageously, the three-dimensional structure extends to and borders an end face of at least one layer. This makes the three-dimensional structure visible from the outside.

[0013] Furthermore, it may be provided that at least one layer is applied to the three-dimensional structure, which is transparent or partially transparent. This applied layer can be a cover layer or a protective layer. This allows the three-dimensional structure to be visible from the outside across a planar area of ​​the data carrier. However, this three-dimensional structure is protected by the at least one layer applied to it.

[0014] A first three-dimensional structure is incorporated between the first and second layers of the composite body, and another three-dimensional structure is incorporated between two further layers. Thus, one or more three-dimensional structures can be provided in one or more layers of the data carrier between two layers of the composite body, thereby creating a defined arrangement that is visible from the outside.

[0015] Alternatively, it can be provided that at least one opaque layer with at least one transparent window is applied to the three-dimensional structure, and that the three-dimensional structure extends at least partially into the one transparent window. Such an arrangement also cannot be reproduced by a copying process.

[0016] Advantageously, the three-dimensional structure can also include any combination of the aforementioned design options.

[0017] Preferably, the three-dimensional structure is made from a single, uniform plastic material. Alternatively, several different plastic materials can be used, which may differ, for example, in color, additives, and / or admixtures, or the like. For example, pigments and / or luminescent dyes may be incorporated into the plastic material(s) used for the three-dimensional structure.

[0018] The three-dimensional structure positioned between two layers of plastic preferably has a height that is less than the thickness of the two adjacent plastic layers. This allows for complete encapsulation of the three-dimensional structure.

[0019] Alternatively, the three-dimensional structure applied to a layer of paper, cardboard, or corrugated board can be designed to be smaller in height than the thickness of the plastic layer covering the three-dimensional structure. This also provides protection and security for the three-dimensional structure through the layer on top.

[0020] Preferably, the three-dimensional structure has a height of less than 0.2 mm, preferably less than 0.05 mm. This allows these structures to be integrated into an existing composite body made of multiple layers of plastic without affecting the overall height of the structure.

[0021] Advantageously, the three-dimensional structure is made of a high-temperature-resistant thermoplastic, in particular polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The subsequent layers of plastic consist of a thermoplastic with lower temperature resistance. This ensures that the three-dimensional structure is maintained during the lamination of the layers to form the composite body.

[0022] Furthermore, the three-dimensional structure, which is applied to an outermost layer of the composite body, is preferably designed as a Braille script.

[0023] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a method for producing a security or valuation document as defined in claim 13. By applying a three-dimensional structure using additive printing, the plastic material is heated to a temperature which, immediately upon application of the three-dimensional structure to the at least one layer, enables at least partial melting of the layer, thus achieving a metallurgical bond.

[0024] Preferably, at least one further layer of plastic is applied to the at least one layer with the printed three-dimensional structure, and the plastic layers are laminated to form the composite body, with the three-dimensional structure being retained after lamination. This allows a security feature to be easily incorporated into the valuable or security document by applying a three-dimensional structure using an additive printing process. Such a security feature cannot be reproduced by a conventional printing or copying process.

[0025] Preferably, the three-dimensional structure is produced by one or more applied layers of one or different plastic materials. This allows the three-dimensional structure to be variable in height. Furthermore, the counterfeit protection of the three-dimensional structure can also be increased.

[0026] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a temperature is used for laminating the layers to form a composite body which is lower than the glass transition temperature of the plastic material for the three-dimensional structure. This ensures that the three-dimensional structure remains unchanged even after the layers have been laminated to form the composite body.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferred that the three-dimensional structure be formed by points, lines, area sections, symbols and / or geometric shapes. This allows for diverse design options and adaptation to other features on the data carrier.

[0028] The three-dimensional structure is preferably printed onto at least one layer in such a way that an end face of a printed section of the three-dimensional structure is flush with an end face of the at least one layer. This allows at least part of the three-dimensional structure to be visible from the outside after lamination.

[0029] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a transparent layer or a layer transparent in sections is applied to the three-dimensional structure. This allows the progression of the three-dimensional structure to be visible completely, section by section, or section by section in succession on the at least one layer. It is also possible to apply an opaque layer with at least one transparent window to the three-dimensional structure in order to make an area enclosed between two layers, in which the three-dimensional structure is embedded, visible from the outside.

[0030] Preferably, the three-dimensional structure is made from a single, uniform plastic material. This allows for cost- and time-optimized manufacturing. For applications with increased safety requirements, several different plastic materials can also be used to create the three-dimensional structure. These plastic materials can differ in color and / or additives, such as pigments, luminescent dyes, or the like.

[0031] In a data storage medium manufactured by laminating layers of plastic, the three-dimensional structure can have a height between the two plastic layers that is less than the thickness of the two layers. This allows for the secure integration of the three-dimensional structure between the two layers.

[0032] Alternatively, the composite body can, for example, have a layer of paper, cardboard, or carton, and this layer can be encased on both sides by a layer of plastic as an inner layer. If the three-dimensional structure is applied to a layer of paper, cardboard, or carton, the height of the three-dimensional structure is preferably less than the layer applied to the paper, cardboard, or carton.

[0033] Advantageously, the three-dimensional structure is applied with a height of less than 0.2 mm, preferably less than 0.05 mm.

[0034] In particular, a high-temperature resistant thermoplastic material, especially polyetheretherketone (PEEK), is provided for the production of the three-dimensional structure, which is applied to at least one layer of plastic with a low glass transition temperature.

[0035] The invention, as well as further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof, are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. The features that can be derived from the description and the drawings can be applied individually or in any combination according to the invention. The drawings show: Figure 1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of a security or valuation document, Figure 2 a perspective view of an alternative embodiment Figure 1 , Figure 3 a perspective view of an alternative embodiment Figure 1 , Figure 4 a perspective view of another alternative embodiment Figure 1 , and Figure 5 a perspective view of an embodiment of a security or valuation document according to the invention.

[0036] In Figure 1A first embodiment of a valuable or security document 11 is shown in perspective. This valuable or security document 11 consists of a data carrier 12 with an upper layer 3, a lower layer 5, and an intermediate or inner layer 4. The upper and / or lower layers 3, 5 can also be formed from one or more individual layers. These layers 3, 4, 5 form a composite body produced by lamination. The upper and / or lower layers 3, 5 have an outer circumferential end face 7. The inner layer 4 also has an outer circumferential end face 8. The end faces 7, 8 form a common outer contour of the composite body. This common outer contour can be produced by cutting and / or punching after the composite body has been manufactured. The end faces 7 of layers 3, 5 and the end face 8 of the inner layer 4 preferably lie in a common plane.

[0037] The upper and / or lower layers 3, 5 for the production of the composite body can consist of one or more plastic materials. In particular, these include or consist of polycarbonate (PC). Other alternatives may be: bisphenol-A polycarbonate, carboxy-modified PC, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), its derivatives such as glycol-modified PET (PETG), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyimide (PI), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylphenol (PVP), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), in particular thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), and / or their derivatives.

[0038] According to a first embodiment, the inner layer 4 is made of plastic or of one or more of the materials of the previously described layers 3, 5. Alternatively, the inner layer 4 can also be made of paper, cardboard or carton, or a mixture thereof.

[0039] The in Figure 1 The depicted security document 11 can be in the form of a card, for example in ID-1, ID-2 or ID-3 format. Such a security document 11 can be a national identity card, driver's license, visa, check / credit card, company ID, proof of authorization, membership card, voucher or the like.

[0040] The data carrier 12 can be configured for personalization, for example according to the ICAO standard. This includes an image 14 of the document holder, a machine-readable area 15, and further personalization data 16, such as name and date of birth.

[0041] Data carrier 12 may also include a transponder module in which the data of the document holder or other security features are stored.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 1 A three-dimensional structure 21 is provided on the outer layer 3. This three-dimensional structure 21 is preferably applied by an additive printing process.

[0043] This three-dimensional structure 21 can be formed from points, lines, symbols and / or other geometric shapes. In the embodiment shown below. Figure 1The three-dimensional structure 21 is intended to consist, for example, of a curved line 27. This three-dimensional structure 21 is raised above the plane of the outer layer 3. Layers 3, 4, and 5 can already be laminated before the three-dimensional structure 21 is applied to the outer layer 3. Alternatively, the three-dimensional structure 21 can be printed onto the outer layer 3, and subsequently, layers 3, 4, and 5 can be laminated to form a composite body.

[0044] The embodiments and variants as well as designs of the three-dimensional structure 21 described below can also be applied exclusively to the outer layer 3 of the data carrier 12 or composite body according to Figure 1 be planned.

[0045] In the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 2A three-dimensional structure 21 is provided between the inner layer 4 and the outer layer 3. This three-dimensional structure 21 is printed onto the inner layer 4. Preferably, an additive printing process is used for printing a plastic material. Subsequently, the outer layer 3 is applied, and then layers 3, 4, and 5 are laminated to form a composite body.

[0046] The three-dimensional structure 21 can be formed from points, lines, symbols and / or other geometric shapes. In the embodiment according to Figure 2The three-dimensional structure 21 is designed to consist, for example, of three lines 27, 28, 29. This three-dimensional structure 21, in particular the lines 27, 28, 29, extends to the end face 7, 8 of the outer layer 3 and the inner layer 4. This makes the three-dimensional structure 21 visible from the outside after the data carrier 12 has been manufactured. Starting from this visible end face 7, 8 of the three-dimensional structure 21, it can extend in any shape and manner into the planar area between layer 3 and layer 4. In the exemplary embodiment, the outer layer 3 is opaque in the area of ​​the three-dimensional structure 21. Therefore, the course of the three-dimensional structure 21 is visible as dashed lines in transmitted light.

[0047] The three-dimensional structure 21 can be provided adjacent to only one end face 7, 8, so that it is visible. Alternatively, the three-dimensional structure 21 can be visible on two end faces of the composite body, as shown in Figure 1 is depicted, or may be visible on several end faces of the composite body.

[0048] The cross-sectional geometry of the three-dimensional structure 21 can be round, semicircular, or include other geometries.

[0049] The three-dimensional structure 21 is preferably applied to the at least one layer 3, 4, 5 by an additive printing process. Preferably, the plastic material is melted and extruded through a nozzle. Alternatively, a plastic powder and / or liquid epoxy resin can be applied to the layers 3, 4, 5, which is then solidified with a laser beam. In particular, the three-dimensional layer 21 is applied as a microstructure, for example, with a structure thickness, in particular a line thickness, of less than 0.1 mm, and in particular less than 0.05 mm. This three-dimensional structure 21 is made of a high-temperature-resistant thermoplastic. PEEK is preferably used.

[0050] By using a plastic for layers 3, 4, 5, or paper, cardboard, and / or carton for the inner layer 4, the three-dimensional structure 21 can retain its printed shape after the layers 3, 4, 5 are laminated to form a composite body. The lamination temperature for producing the composite body is preferably lower than the glass transition temperature of the plastic material used to produce the three-dimensional structure 21.

[0051] In Figure 3 is an alternative embodiment to Figure 2 This alternative embodiment differs in that the outer layer 3 is designed as a transparent layer 3. This outer layer 3 can also be transparent only in the area of ​​the three-dimensional structure 21. This allows the three-dimensional structure 21 to be visible both at the end edge 7, 8 and when viewing the data side of the data carrier.

[0052] In Figure 4 An alternative design of the security document 11 is shown. The outer layer 3 is opaque and, for example, has a transparent window 24 through which the three-dimensional structure 21 is visible. The three-dimensional structure 21 is also visible on the end face 7, 8 of layers 3, 4. These three-dimensional structures 21 according to Figure 3 The two three-dimensional structures 21 can be formed independently of one another. Alternatively, a connection between the two three-dimensional structures 21 can be provided, for example, by extending an end face 26 of a line 27 of the three-dimensional structure 21 from the end face 7, 8 of layers 3, 4 into the window 24. The adjacent line 28 can be formed analogously. Preferably, this line 28 differs from the first line 27 in color or in its outer cross-section. The same applies to the third line 29.

[0053] One of the lines 27, 28, 29 can also be provided between the inner layer 4 and the lower layer 5. If the inner layer 4 also has a transparent window 24 like the outer layer 3, one of these lines 27, 28, 29 between the lower layer 5 and the inner layer 4 can also be detected from a top view of the data carrier 12. Thus, three-dimensional structures 21 in different layers of the data carrier 12 are visible from the outside.

[0054] In Figure 5Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the security document 11 according to the invention. For example, a three-dimensional structure 21 is provided between the outer layer 3 and the inner layer 4. Likewise, a three-dimensional structure 21 is provided between the inner layer 4 and the outer lower layer 5. The three-dimensional structures 21 can adjoin and be visible at the end face 7, 8. These three-dimensional structures 21 can be arranged in a specific way to form, for example, a pattern or a security feature on the outer contour of the data carrier 12.

[0055] For example, the three-dimensional structures 21, which are formed in the form of lines, surface sections, or the like, can also be provided with metallic or other particles. With an outer opaque layer, the course, contour, and / or shape of such a three-dimensional structure 21 can be detected and its authenticity verified using a suitable reading device. Reference symbol list

[0056] 3. Outer layer 4. Inner layer 5. Outer layer 7. Front side 8. Front side 11. Valuable or security document 12. Data carrier 14. Image 15. Machine-readable line 16. Personalization data 21. Three-dimensional structure 24. Window 26. Front side 27. Line 28. Line 29. Line

Claims

1. A security or value document (11) having a data carrier (12) formed from a plurality of layers (3, 4, 5), wherein at least two layers (3, 4, 5) are made of plastic and the layers (3, 4, 5) form a composite body, - a three-dimensional structure (21) made of a plastic material being applied to the at least one layer (3, 4, 5) by an additive method, and - wherein the layers (3, 4, 5) of plastic for forming the composite body have a glass transition temperature which is lower than the glass transition temperature of the plastic material of the three-dimensional structure (21), characterized in that a first three-dimensional structure (21) is present between the first and the second layer (3, 4; 4, 5) a first three-dimensional structure (21) and between the second and a further layer (4, 5; 3, 4) or two further layers an at least further three-dimensional structure (21) is provided.

2. Security or value document according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one further layer (4, 5, 3) made of plastic is applied to the three-dimensional structure (21), which has a glass transition temperature that is lower than the glass transition temperature of the plastic material of the three-dimensional structure (21).

3. Security or value document according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the three-dimensional structure (21) is formed by dots, lines, surface sections, symbols and / or geometric shapes and preferably contains color pigments and / or luminescent pigments.

4. Security or value document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the three-dimensional structure (21) on the at least one layer (3, 4, 5) is adjacent to at least one end face (7, 8) of the layers (3, 4, 5).

5. Security or value document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the three-dimensional structure is applied to at least one layer (3, 4, 5) and the further layer (4, 5, 3) resting thereon is transparent or transparent in sections.

6. Security or value document according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the three-dimensional structure (21) is applied to at least one layer (3, 4, 5) and the further layer (4, 5, 3) resting thereon is formed in an opaque manner with at least one transparent window (24), and the three-dimensional structure (21) extends at least partially into the transparent window (24).

7. Security or value document according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the three-dimensional structure (21) is formed from a uniform plastic material or from a plurality of mutually different plastic materials.

8. Security or value document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the three-dimensional structure (21) has a height between two layers (3, 4; 4, 5) which is smaller than the thickness of the two adjacent layers (3, 4; 4, 5).

9. Security or value document according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the three-dimensional structure (21) having a height is applied to a layer of paper, paperboard or cardboard which is smaller than the thickness of the layer (3, 4, 5) of plastic which is applied to the three-dimensional structure (21).

10. Security or value document according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the three-dimensional structure (21) is applied to a height of less than 0.2 mm, preferably less than 0.05 mm.

11. Security or value document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the three-dimensional structure (21) consists of a high-temperature-resistant thermoplastic, in particular PEEK, and at least one layer (3, 4, 5) of plastic covering the three three-dimensional structure (21) is covered by a layer (3, 4, 5) of plastic has a glass transition temperature which is lower than that of the high-temperature-resistant thermoplastic, in particular PEEK.

12. Security or value document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a Braille writing is applied as a three-dimensional structure (21) to the at least one layer (3, 4, 5).

13. Method for producing a security or value document (11), in which a data carrier (12) is formed from a plurality of layers (3, 4, 5), at least two layers (3, 4, 5) consisting of a plastic, and the at least two layers (3, 4, 5) being joined to one another to form a composite body, wherein a three-dimensional structure (21) made of a plastic material is applied to the at least one layer (3, 4, 5) by an additive method, the glass transition temperature of which is higher than the glass transition temperature of the layers (3, 4, 5) made of plastic, for forming the composite characterized in that a first three-dimensional structure (21) is provided between the first and the second layer (3, 4; 4, 5) and at least one further three-dimensional structure (21) is provided between the second and a further layer (4, 5; 3, 4) or two further layers.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one further layer (4, 5, 3) made of plastic is applied to the layer (3, 4, 5) printed with the three-dimensional structure (21), and that the layers (3, 4, 5) made of plastic are laminated to form the composite body, the three-dimensional structure (21) being retained after lamination.

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a temperature for laminating the layers (3, 4, 5) into the composite body is controlled to be lower than the glass transition temperature of the plastic material of the three-dimensional structure (21).