Tactile structures on valuable objects

Abstract

Security element for a valuable item, wherein the security element consists of a substrate onto which a tactilely detectable structure is printed. According to the invention, the tactilely detectable structure consists of a first optically detectable printed element (1) in the form of a layer of ink, which is at least partially printed onto the substrate of the security element, and a second tactilely detectable printed element (2) in the form of a layer of ink, wherein the second printed element is arranged on the first printed element and only partially covers the first printed element.The first printing element forms a visually identifiable base on which the second printing element is arranged, resulting in a printing element consisting of a base formed by the first printing element, the base supporting the second printing element, which in turn is arranged on the base, such that an observer visually perceives almost exclusively the first printing element and tactilely perceives almost exclusively the second printing element. The invention further relates to a printing tool for producing such a security element.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a security element for a valuable item, in particular a banknote, a label for product security or outer packaging, wherein the security element consists of a substrate onto which a tactilely detectable structure is printed.

[0002] The invention further relates to a printing tool for producing a security element for a valuable item from a substrate, in particular a banknote, a label or outer packaging, wherein an engraving is incorporated into the surface of the printing tool to produce a tactilely detectable structure.

[0003] To identify banknotes and determine their authenticity, numerous elements are applied that are both machine-readable and verifiable with simple tools. A human-made feature is particularly desirable, one that requires no special equipment and can be perceived even in poor lighting conditions. Embossing and tactile features that utilize both visual appearance and feel are especially suitable for this purpose.

[0004] Severely visually impaired or blind people, on the other hand, have only limited access to the desired features. They perceive particularly large and high-contrast denomination numbers. Similarly, they use different banknote lengths, such as finger lengths or a measuring template, to identify banknote values. However, this method fails when banknotes of different denominations have the same length and width.

[0005] As already mentioned, tactile features also play a role in identification. However, it has become apparent that these initially noticeable markings lose considerable height during the circulation of the banknotes. Practical tests with subjects from the Bavarian Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (BBSB) have shown that particularly sharp-edged designs or textured surfaces are perceived as especially clear.

[0006] From EP 3124284 B1, a safety element is known in which a tactilely detectable structure is embossed into the substrate, the tactilely detectable structure consisting of a first embossed structure and a second embossed structure. The second embossed structure is arranged within the first embossed structure, such that the first embossed structure forms a base for the second embossed structure, on which the second embossed structure is arranged. The overall result is an embossed structure consisting of a base formed by the first embossed structure, the base surrounding the second embossed structure, which in turn is arranged on the base.Since the second embossing structure is significantly higher than the first embossing structure, the tactility of the tactilely perceptible structure arises essentially from the second embossing structure; the base merely serves to prevent possible substrate damage that could result from the embossing of the second embossing structures.

[0007] However, a disadvantage of the safety element of EP 3124284 B1 is that it can be used almost exclusively as a tactile element and does not show any further visually recognizable information.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the objective of further developing a generic safety element in such a way as to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] This problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] According to the invention, the tactilely detectable structure consists of a first optically detectable printing element in the form of a layer of ink, which is at least partially printed onto the substrate of the security element, and a second tactilely detectable printing element in the form of a layer of ink, wherein the second printing element is arranged on the first printing element and only partially covers the first printing element. The first printing element forms an optically detectable base on which the second printing element is arranged. The result is a printing element consisting of a base formed by the first printing element, the base supporting the second printing element, which is in turn arranged on the base. The second printing element is preferably at least approximately the same height as the first printing element, so that the tactility of the tactilely detectable structure is essentially created by the second printing element.The base surface serves as a visually detectable security element. The second printed element is not, or almost not, visually detectable. Therefore, a viewer visually perceives almost exclusively the first printed element, but tactilely perceives almost exclusively the second printed element.

[0011] A particular advantage of the invention is therefore that a safety element consisting of an optically detectable first printing element is combined with a tactilely detectable second printing element in such a way that the second printing element is not or almost not optically visible compared to the first printing element.

[0012] Preferably, the second printing element consists of the same printing ink as the first printing element and is produced in the same printing process as the first printing element.

[0013] According to the invention, the area of ​​the second pressure element in the lateral direction (i.e., parallel to the surface of the substrate) is significantly smaller than the area of ​​the first pressure element in the lateral direction, preferably at least 10 times smaller, and particularly preferably at least 40 times smaller. The second pressure element is thus located on the surface of the first pressure element like one or more small islands.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the second pressure element consists of one or more individual pressure elements arranged on the base formed by the first pressure element. The individual pressure elements can, for example, each be formed by knob-shaped elements, such as hemispherical or pyramidal knobs. One or more roof-shaped structures are also possible, for example, in the form of a gable roof or a hipped roof.

[0015] The tactilely perceptible structure has a base area that is significantly larger in terms of extent and width than the actual tactilely perceptible structure of the second pressure element.

[0016] The base, for example, has a length of 1500 µm to 3000 µm and a width of 1000 µm to 2000 µm. The second printing elements are designed, for example, as pyramid-shaped studs with a diameter of 100 µm to 200 µm. With a base width of 1500 µm and a length of 2200 µm, and a stud diameter of 120 µm, six individual studs on the base result in an area coverage of approximately 50, meaning the total area of ​​all studs is about 50 times smaller than the area of ​​the base. The individual studs are spaced 800 µm apart in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0017] In the above example, the base and the bumps each have a height or thickness of the paint layer of approximately 60 µm.

[0018] The second printing element is preferably 5 µm to 800 µm, particularly preferably 10 µm to 400 µm and most preferably 15 µm to 300 µm narrower than the base area.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the height of the base surface or the first embossing structure in relation to the surrounding substrate surface is 15 µm to 200 µm, preferably 30 µm to 150 µm and particularly preferably 40 µm to 100 µm.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the height of the tactilely detectable structure relative to the surrounding substrate surface is 60 µm to 2500 µm, preferably 100 µm to 1500 µm, and particularly preferably 150 µm to 1000 µm, for tactile structures used for product security labels or outer packaging, such as folding cartons for pharmaceuticals. When the security element is used in banknotes, the height of the tactilely detectable structure relative to the surrounding substrate surface is lower, ranging from 20 µm to 400 µm, preferably 30 µm to 300 µm, and particularly preferably 40 µm to 250 µm.

[0021] The height of the tactilely detectable structures can vary within the security element; that is, the individual tactilely detectable structures can have different heights at different locations. Furthermore, the lateral dimensions of the individual tactile structures, their spacing from one another, or their distribution on the base surface can vary. Additionally, the colored layer of the tactilely detectable structures can incorporate machine-detectable and / or optically detectable features, such as magnetic, thermochromic, fluorescent, or phosphorescent substances. A particular advantage here is that the varying dimensions and / or distribution of the tactilely detectable structures and / or the additional machine-detectable and / or optically detectable features create a metrologically and / or optically detectable coding system.This coding can, for example, vary depending on the nomination of a banknote series, so that the respective nomination can be better recognized by visually impaired people.

[0022] The invention also relates to a printing tool for producing a security element of the aforementioned type for a valuable item from a substrate, in particular a banknote, a label, or outer packaging, in which an engraving is incorporated into the surface of the embossing tool to produce an optically and a tactilely detectable structure. According to the invention, the engraving consists of a first engraving with a first depth and a second engraving with a second depth, the second engraving being arranged within the first engraving. The first engraving forms a base for the second engraving, in which the second engraving is arranged. The first engraving produces the first optically detectable printing element, and the second engraving produces the second tactilely detectable printing element.

[0023] The engravings corresponding to the printed structures on the substrate must, as is known, be larger than the printed elements in both their lateral dimensions and their engraving depth. This is because, even with the highest mechanical pressure applied during the printing process, the ink cannot be completely transferred to and adhere to the substrate. When printing on a cotton substrate, the engraving depth is at least 30 µm, preferably at least 40 µm, and particularly preferably at least 50 µm. For example, the height of the printed elements is approximately 90% of the engraving depth. On a plastic substrate, the height of the printed elements may, for example, be only 30% of the engraving depth.

[0024] Such a printing tool is in particular an intaglio printing plate or an intaglio printing cylinder, each of which is designed to carry ink.

[0025] The engraving can be applied to the printing tool or a preform used to manufacture or mold the printing tool, for example, by mechanical engraving or laser engraving. With a mechanical engraving tool in the form of a rotating stylus, the tip of the stylus preferably has an angle of approximately 40°, so that the engraving depth is about 50% of the engraving width. If the intaglio printing plate or its precursors are engraved with a laser beam, virtually any aspect ratio and slope is possible.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the gravure printing is carried out as a multi-color ink-carrying gravure printing process, in which the printing ink consists of a combination of magnetic and / or non-magnetic and / or fluorescent and / or phosphorescent and / or thermochromic pigments.

[0027] The substrate of the security element most preferably consists of paper made from cotton fibers, such as that used for banknotes, or from other natural fibers, or from synthetic fibers, or from a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers, or from at least one plastic film. More preferably, the substrate consists of a plastic substrate or a plastic film. Even more preferably, the substrate consists of a combination of at least two different substrates arranged one above the other and connected to each other, a so-called hybrid. In this case, the substrate consists, for example, of a plastic film-paper-plastic film combination, i.e., a paper substrate is covered on both sides by a plastic film, or of a paper-plastic film-paper combination, i.e., a plastic film substrate is covered on both sides by paper.

[0028] Information on the weight of the substrate used is given, for example, in German patent application DE 102 43 653 A9, the details of which are incorporated in full into this application. German patent application DE 102 43 653 A9 states in particular that the paper layer typically has a weight of 50 g / m² to 100 g / m², preferably 80 g / m² to 90 g / m². Of course, any other suitable weight can be used depending on the application.

[0029] The security element can be applied to the substrate of the valuable item itself or to a separate substrate, which is then applied to the substrate of the valuable item. For example, the security element can be applied to a plastic substrate, such as a patch or strip, and then the security element along with the plastic substrate is applied to the substrate of the valuable item.

[0030] Valuables for which such a security element can be used include, in particular, banknotes, shares, bonds, certificates, vouchers, checks, high-value tickets, but also other documents susceptible to forgery, such as passports and other identification documents, as well as product security elements such as labels, seals, packaging, package inserts and the like.

[0031] The simplified term "valuable item" includes all of the above-mentioned materials, documents and product security devices.

[0032] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations without leaving the scope of the present invention, insofar as this is covered by the scope of protection of the claims.

[0033] The advantages of the invention are explained with reference to the following exemplary embodiment and the accompanying figure. This exemplary embodiment represents a preferred embodiment, to which, however, the invention is in no way limited. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, the illustrations in the figure are highly schematic and do not reflect actual conditions. In particular, the proportions shown in the figure do not correspond to the relationships found in reality and serve solely to improve clarity. Moreover, for the sake of clarity, the embodiment described in the following exemplary embodiment has been reduced to the essential core information. In practical implementation, significantly more complex patterns or images may be used.

[0034] In detail, the single figure shows Fig. 1 A schematic view of a safety element according to the invention from a slant above.

[0035] The Fig. 1 The image shows, in a view from a slant above the front, a first printing element 1 in the form of a rectangular base made of a layer of color, on the surface of which there are six second printing elements 2 in the form of pyramid-shaped bumps made of a layer of color.

[0036] The second printed element 2 uses the same ink as the first printed element 1, and is produced in the same printing process as the first. The corresponding printing form has a recess that creates the base or first printed element in one printing process, and within this recess are six further small recesses that create the bumps or second printed elements in the same printing process.

[0037] The lateral direction, i.e. the direction parallel to the surface of the substrate, lies in the plane spanned by the x and y axes.

[0038] In this embodiment, the base has a length L of 2200 µm and a width B of 1500 µm. The second pressure elements each have a diameter of 120 µm and a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction 1 and in the transverse direction b of 800 µm each.

[0039] The thickness or height H of the first printing element 1 or the ink layer is 65 µm, the thickness or height h of the individual second printing elements 2 or the corresponding ink layer is 60 µm.

[0040] In summary, the respective dimensions are: B = 1500 µm L = 2200 µm H = 65 µm b = 800 µm 1 = 800 µm d = 120 µm h = 60 µm

Claims

1. Security element for a valuable item made of a substrate, in particular a banknote, a product security label or outer packaging, wherein the security element consists of a substrate on which a tactilely detectable structure is printed, characterized by the fact thatThe tactilely perceptible structure consists of a first optically recognizable printing element in the form of a color layer, which is at least partially printed onto the substrate of the security element, and a second tactilely perceptible printing element in the form of a color layer, wherein the second printing element is arranged on the first printing element and only partially covers the first printing element, wherein the first printing element forms an optically recognizable base on which the second printing element is arranged, resulting in a printing element consisting of a base formed by the first printing element, wherein the base supports the second printing element, which in turn is arranged on the base, such that an observer optically recognizes almost exclusively the first printing element and tactilely perceives almost exclusively the second printing element.

2. Safety element according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe area of ​​the second pressure element in the lateral direction is at least 10 times smaller, preferably at least 40 times smaller, than the area of ​​the second pressure element in the lateral direction.

3. Safety element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the second printing element consists of one or more individual printing elements arranged on the base formed by the first printing element.

4. Safety element according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that The individual second printing elements are each formed by knob-shaped elements, for example in the form of roof-shaped, hemispherical or pyramid-shaped knobs.

5. Safety element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The height of the first printing element relative to the surrounding substrate surface is 15 µm to 200 µm, preferably 30 µm to 150 µm and particularly preferably 40 µm to 100 µm.

6. Safety element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The height of the tactilely detectable structure in relation to the surrounding substrate surface for tactile structures for labels for product security or outer packaging is 60 µm to 2500 µm, preferably 100 µm to 1500 µm, particularly preferably 150 µm to 1000 µm.

7. Safety element according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that The height of the tactilely detectable structure in relation to the surrounding substrate surface for tactile structures for banknotes is 20 µm to 400 µm, preferably 30 µm to 300 µm and particularly preferably 40 µm to 250 µm.

8. Printing tool for producing a security element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an engraving is incorporated into the surface of the printing tool to produce a tactilely detectable structure, characterized by the fact thatthe engraving consists of a first engraving with a first depth and a second engraving with a second depth, wherein the second engraving is arranged within the first engraving, wherein the first engraving forms a base surface for the second engraving on which the second engraving is arranged.

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