EP3521052A1 - Security element transfer material and method for producing a security element transfer material - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a security element transfer material which has a security element layer composite with security elements to be transferred, namely transfer elements, and a temporary support, comprising a) the step of providing a security element layer composite on the temporary support in the form of an endless belt ( 61) with a longitudinal direction along the band and a transverse direction perpendicular thereto b) the step of providing the security element layer composite with incised outlines such that a longitudinally repeating sequence of spaced-apart transfer element groups (64) are produced and the transfer element Groups are each formed by a transversely parallel and adjoining plurality of transfer elements and each of the individual transfer element groups (64) of an upper and a lower, each extending in the transverse direction c) the step of weeding (66), wherein the excess material of the security element layer composite outside the transfer element groups is removed; d) the step of cutting of the resulting endless belt to one of the plurality of corresponding number of endless belts (65) with transfer elements, in which there is only one transfer element in the transverse direction

Description

The invention relates to a security element transfer material having a security element layer composite, which has a plurality of layers, and a temporary support, which is detachably connected to the security element layer composite, for transferring security elements to a valuable article, such as a security paper, a value document or a brand name, to authenticate the valuables. The invention also relates to methods of making the security element transfer material.

Valuables, such as branded goods or documents of value, in particular banknotes, are often provided with security elements which allow verification of the authenticity of the object of value and at the same time serve as protection against unauthorized reproduction. Frequently, the security elements used for this purpose are not provided individually but in the form of transfer belts with a plurality of security elements, each designed as a transfer element. Characteristic of transfer belts is that the security elements are prepared on a carrier layer, wherein the order of the layers of the transfer elements must be reversed, as it should be present later on the object to be protected. The carrier layer is typically removed from the layer structure of the security elements during transfer. On the opposite side of the carrier layer, the transfer tapes have an adhesive layer, usually of a heat-sealing adhesive, which melts during the transfer of the security elements and glued the security elements with the object to be secured. The transfer tape is placed on the article with the heat seal adhesive layer and pressed by means of a heated transfer punch or a transfer roller and in the outline of the heated transfer punch transferred to the object. Transfer elements, transfer belts and the transfer of transfer elements to target substrates are for example in EP 0 420 261 B1 and in the WO 2005/108108 A2 described.

Instead of shaping the transfer elements by the transfer punch during the transfer process, the individual transfer elements can already be prefabricated in the desired outline shape on the transfer belt. The prefabrication of separate individual security elements is particularly useful if the security elements have a layer structure which makes exact separation of the entire layer structure during the transfer process difficult. This is usually the case when the layer structure of the security element to be transmitted contains a carrier substrate, for example a plastic film. Support substrates within the layer construction of security elements are required when the security elements have to be made particularly stable, for example when they have to be self-supporting, because they are to be used for closing a through opening in the object to be secured. Depending on the object and size of the opening to be closed, high demands can be placed on the stability of the security elements. Banknotes, for example, are exposed to high stresses during their orbit, are tapped, kinked and may be exposed to moisture. The security elements must be able to withstand these stresses as well as the banknote paper itself, since otherwise there would be the danger that after a certain circulation time the through opening in the banknote would be exposed.

In the prior art it is known for a detachment of a patch from a transfer film composite by means of appropriately shaped sealing plates, for example To provide punching lines as predetermined breaking points (see eg WO 2013/190048 A1 ).

Furthermore, it is known in the prior art, with a sufficiently stable composite film, to punch in the patch shape before the application and to de-mesh the films (see, for example, US Pat WO 2010/031543 A1 ). The FIG. 5 illustrates that of the prior art WO 2010/031543 A1 Known procedure in which the patch forms or patch outlines 52 are punched in the transfer film composite designated by the reference number 51 with a punch. Thereafter, the step of weeding 56 takes place, ie the part of the transfer film composite which lies outside the patch outline 52 is peeled off. In this way, initially, as an intermediate product, a wide transfer belt 53 is obtained on which the individual transfer elements 54 are prefabricated in the desired outline shape. The wide transfer belt 53 is subsequently cut into individual, narrow transfer belts, namely strips 55, wherein a patch 54 is arranged along the width of the strips 55. The strips 55 can then be wound up on spools. Later, in the course of producing a value document, the individual transfer patches can be applied or applied to the respective value document substrates by the strips 55 wound on the coils.

A major disadvantage of in the FIG. 5 The method according to the prior art shown in the fact that the weeding 56 is associated with a relatively high loss of material. The grid to be removed must have sufficient stability, ie a certain minimum width between the resulting transfer elements or transfer patches is required, so that the grid does not tear in the step of weeding. For example, it may be necessary for the grid to have, for example, a minimum width of 3 mm between them having resulting transfer elements. For example, if the transfer elements are 15 mm wide, the result is a strip width of 18 mm, of which only 15 mm are actually used. The 3 mm for the grid cause undesirable costs because in this example 3/18 = 1/6 = 16.7% of the produced film must be sacrificed for the grid.

The object of the present invention is therefore to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art and to find a way to reduce costs in the provision of a security element transfer material in the form of a continuous material. In particular, should be obtained from the same amount of film ultimately a larger amount of transfer elements.

The object is achieved by the method for producing a security element transfer material and by the security element transfer material obtainable therefrom according to the independent claims. Specific embodiments of the invention are set forth in the respective dependent claims.

Summary of the invention

• 1. (First aspect of the invention) A method of producing a security element transfer material comprising a security element layer composite with security elements to be transferred, namely transfer elements, and a temporary carrier
  1. a) the step of providing a security element layer composite on the temporary support in the form of an endless belt having a longitudinal direction along the belt and a transverse direction perpendicular thereto;
  2. b) the step of providing the security element layer composite with cut-out contours so that a longitudinally repeating sequence of spaced-apart transfer element groups are generated and the transfer element groups are each formed by a transversely parallel and adjacent plurality of transfer elements, and each of the individual transfer element groups is surrounded by an upper and a lower transversely extending incised outline, respectively, and two lateral, longitudinally extending, incised outlines;
  3. c) the step of derangement, wherein the excess material of the security element layer composite outside the transfer element groups is removed;
  4. d) the step of cutting the resulting endless belt to one of the plurality of corresponding number of endless belts with transfer elements, wherein in the transverse direction only one transfer element is located at a time.
• 2. (Preferred Embodiment) A method according to clause 1, wherein in step c) the excess material of the security element layer composite is formed outside the transfer element groups on the one hand in the form of strips running along the transverse direction which are spaced apart between the longitudinally repeating sequence On the other hand, in the form of two lateral, running along the longitudinal direction strips is formed.
• 3. (Preferred embodiment) Procedure according to clause 1 or 2, wherein
  • the security element laminate has a plurality of layers, including at least one feature layer, optionally a permanent support substrate, and a peek, wherein the peek is the layer that after transfer of a security element to a first layer Valuable object facing a viewer, and wherein the viewing layer may be identical to the feature layer or the optional permanent carrier substrate; and
  • the temporary carrier is detachably connected to the viewing layer of the security element laminate.
• 4. (Preferred Embodiment) A method according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the temporary carrier comprises a carrier layer composite consisting of a first and a second temporary carrier substrate, which are permanently bonded by means of an adhesive layer.
• 5. (Preferred Embodiment) A method according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the incisions forming the incised contour lines optionally partially penetrate into the temporary carrier.
• 6. (Preferred Embodiment) A method according to Clause 4, wherein the incisions forming the incised contour lines optionally partially or completely sever the first temporary carrier substrate and optionally partially or completely sever the adhesive layer, but not penetrate into the second temporary carrier substrate, so that the temporary carrier complete carrier layer composite can be separated.
• 7. (Preferred Embodiment) A method according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the feature layer comprises an embossing lacquer layer optionally provided with one or more of the following layers, namely a metal layer, a metallic effect color-based layer, one of color pigments or fluorescent pigments based layer, a liquid crystal layer, a color-shift effect layer, in particular a reflector / dielectric / absorber three-layer structure has, a layer with matt structures, as for example in the WO 2007/107235 A1 is disclosed, or a printed colored motif layer.
• 8. (Preferred embodiment) Method according to clause 7, wherein the embossing lacquer layer is provided with a relief structure, in particular a relief structure with microstructures and / or nanostructures.
• 9. (Preferred Embodiment) Method according to one of the clauses 1 to 8, wherein in step c), namely the step of weeding out, in which the excess material of the security element layer composite outside the transfer element groups is removed, weeding by means of a preceding, register-precise laminating a separate film on the areas to be removed of the security element layer composite takes place, wherein the separate film in the non-removable areas of the security element layer composite, namely to be generated transfer element areas, recesses.
• 10. (Preferred Embodiment) A method according to clause 9, wherein the dimensions of the recesses of the separate film are chosen to be slightly larger than the dimensions of the non-removable areas of the security element layer composite, namely the transfer element areas to be created, so that they remain in the weeding is avoided by remnants of the separate film on the transfer elements to be generated.
• 11. (Preferred Embodiment) Method according to one of the clauses 1 to 8, wherein in step c), namely the step of weeding out, in which the excess material of the security element layer composite outside the transfer element groups is removed, weeding by means of a preceding, register-accurate lamination of a separate, full-surface, ie no recesses having, film on the security element layer composite takes place, the separate film is provided only in the areas to be removed areas of the security element layer composite with adhesive.
• 12. (Preferred Embodiment) A method according to clause 11, wherein the dimensions of the non-adhesive areas of the separate film are chosen to be slightly larger than the dimensions of the non-removable areas of the security element laminate, namely the transfer element areas to be created in the weeding a remains of remnants of the separate film is avoided at the transfer elements to be generated.
• 13. (Preferred embodiment) Method according to one of the clauses 9 to 12, wherein the weeding takes place by means of a separation winding in which the laminated on the security element layer composite, separate film at an angle α in a range of 5 ° to 85 °, preferably in a range of 15 ° to 75 °, more preferably in a range of 30 ° to 60 °, and most preferably 45 ° relative to the transverse direction, is endlessly wound from the endless belt to thereby rupture the portions of the security element laminate to be removed to avoid.
• 14. (Preferred Embodiment) Method according to one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the transfer element groups generated in step b), each formed by a transversely parallel and adjoining plurality of transfer elements, are substantially transversely or diagonally, for example, at an angle to about 45 ° relative to the transverse direction, are formed.
• 15. (Second aspect of the invention) A security element transfer material comprising a security element laminate having security elements to be transferred, namely transfer elements, and a temporary support obtainable by the method according to any one of clauses 1 to 14.
• 16. (Preferred Embodiment) A security element transfer material according to clause 15, wherein the security element transfer material is an endless belt having transfer elements with only one transfer element in the transverse direction, the transfer elements being cut off laterally flush with the temporary carrier.
• 17. (Preferred Embodiment) The security element transfer material of clause 15 or 16, wherein the layered composite material outside the outline of the transfer elements is removed from the security element layer composite such that the security element transfer material has gaps in the security element layer composite, while the temporary support has no gaps having.

Detailed description of the invention

1. a) den Schritt des Bereitstellens eines Sicherheitselement-Schichtverbunds auf dem temporären Träger in Form eines Endlosbandes mit einer Längsrichtung entlang des Bandes und einer dazu senkrechten Querrichtung;
2. b) den Schritt des Versehens des Sicherheitselement-Schichtverbunds mit eingeschnittenen Umrisslinien, sodass eine sich in Längsrichtung wiederholende Folge zueinander beabstandet vorliegender Transferelement-Gruppen erzeugt werden und die Transferelement-Gruppen jeweils durch eine in Querrichtung parallel und aneinander angrenzend vorliegende Mehrzahl an Transferelementen gebildet sind und jede der einzelnen Transferelement-Gruppen von einer oberen und einer unteren, jeweils in Querrichtung verlaufenden, eingeschnittenen Umrisslinie, und zwei seitlichen, in Längsrichtung verlaufenden, eingeschnittenen Umrisslinien umgeben sind;
3. c) den Schritt des Entgitterns, bei dem das überschüssige Material des Sicherheitselement-Schichtverbunds außerhalb der Transferelement-Gruppen entfernt wird;
4. d) den Schritt des Schneidens des erhaltenen Endlosbandes zu einer der Mehrzahl entsprechenden Anzahl an Endlosbändern mit Transferelementen, bei denen sich in Querrichtung jeweils nur ein Transferelement befindet.

The method according to the invention for producing a security element transfer material which has a security element layer composite with security elements to be transferred, namely transfer elements, and a temporary carrier comprises:

1. a) the step of providing a security element layer composite on the temporary support in the form of an endless belt having a longitudinal direction along the belt and a transverse direction perpendicular thereto;
2. b) the step of providing the security element layer composite with cut-out contours so that a longitudinally repeating sequence of spaced-apart transfer element groups are generated and the transfer element groups are each formed by a transversely parallel and adjacent plurality of transfer elements, and each of the individual transfer element groups is surrounded by an upper and a lower transversely extending incised outline, respectively, and two lateral, longitudinally extending, incised outlines;
3. c) the step of derangement, wherein the excess material of the security element layer composite outside the transfer element groups is removed;
4. d) the step of cutting the resulting endless belt to one of the plurality of corresponding number of endless belts with transfer elements, wherein in the transverse direction only one transfer element is located at a time.

The removal of the excess security-element laminar material is referred to herein as "weeding," also as "scarfing," because the excess security-element laminar material forms a continuous grid (with recesses in the form of the security elements remaining on the temporary carrier) which is analogous to a separation coil can be deducted from the temporary carrier or removed or removed.

The security element transfer material according to the invention is typically a continuous material, usually a belt several hundred meters in length and a width of a few millimeters / centimeter to several meters. The security element transfer material has a security element layer composite, ie the actual security element material, and a temporary carrier, ie the material on which the security elements are "stored".

The security element laminate has a plurality of layers, including, optionally, a permanent support substrate, typically a plastic film, a feature layer, and a peek layer. The term "one (one, one, one)" in the present invention is to be understood as "at least one". If necessary, the security element layer composite can also contain a plurality of optional permanent carrier substrates and / or multiple feature layers. The security element layer network usually contains several feature layers. A feature layer (or functional layer) is a layer that has visually detectable or machine detectable features. Examples which may be mentioned are metal layers, layers of metallic effect paints, layers with color pigments or fluorescent pigments, liquid crystal layers, coatings with a color shift effect, layers with matt structures, as described, for example, in US Pat WO 2007/107235 A1 Colored printed motif layers, layer combinations such as a color-shaded layer with a color shift effect, layers with magnetic pigments, etc. are not disclosed. The materials, layer sequences and types of application are not limited in any way and basically all materials and methods are applicable a person skilled in the field of security elements are known. The term "permanent" carrier substrate expresses that this carrier substrate is not removed during the transfer of the security element on an object to be secured, but rather is part of the security element layer composite and is transferred to the object to be secured. Since the security elements can be used, for example, to cover through openings, wherein the presence of an opening should remain recognizable, it is preferred to use transparent or translucent permanent carrier substrates. For example, films of polyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate, of polyethylene or polypropylene are suitable. Under the Blickschicht is to be understood the layer, which faces after the transmission of a security element on a valuable object to a viewer. The viewing layer may be identical to a feature layer or the permanent carrier substrate.

The security element laminate is connected to a temporary support either directly or by means of a release layer. The release layer is conventional and facilitates the detachment of the security elements from the temporary carrier during the transfer process to a valuable item. The temporary support is located on the side of the security element layer composite facing an observer after the transmission of the security elements.

The temporary carrier may in particular consist of a carrier layer composite, as in the WO 2010 / 031543A1 is described.

The cutting of the outline shapes of the security elements is preferably carried out by means of a laser, as this allows the best precision to be achieved. However, the term "cutting" generally means all methods known to a person skilled in the art for delimiting the individual security elements from the endless material, for example punching.

It is preferred that the resulting transfer elements or patches are provided with a heat seal adhesive and under pressure and at a temperature above 50 ° C, often above 90 ° C or even above 110 ° C on a value document substrate, such as a banknote substrate (For example, paper, a polymer substrate or a paper / foil / paper composite or foil / paper / foil composite) apply or apply. Alternatively or additionally, the adhesive for bonding to the substrate may be UV-curing. The application can be carried out as a sheet application or roll-to-roll.

The security element transfer material according to the invention is basically suitable for product security of goods of any kind, in particular for the authenticity assurance of security papers and value documents. The term "security paper" is understood to mean a precursor that can not yet be processed to a value document, which besides the security element can have further authenticity features. Security paper is usually available as a continuous material and will be processed at a later date. Value documents are in particular banknotes, certificates, checks, identity documents, identity cards, credit cards and the like.

With particular advantage, the security element transfer material according to the invention, which has security elements which have a particular stability due to their optional permanent carrier substrate, is used to close through openings in value documents. If the permanent carrier substrate of the security elements is transparent, the functional layers (feature layers) can be designed such that a viewer can see through the security element at least in some areas.

The present invention will be further illustrated by means of figures. It should be noted that the figures are not true to scale and not proportions. Furthermore, certain features disclosed in a figure are not only in combination with the others in the corresponding figure disclosed features applicable. On the contrary, features described in connection with a specific embodiment can each be combined independently with features from other embodiments or, more generally, can be used in the security element transfer material according to the invention.

Fig. 1

einen Querschnitt durch ein Sicherheitselement-Transfermaterial des Standes der Technik,

Fig. 2

eine Aufsicht auf ein Sicherheitselement-Transfer-material, wie es entweder in Fig. 1 oder in Fig. 4a bis 4d dargestellt ist,

Fig. 3

eine Aufsicht auf ein Wertdokument mit einem Sicherheitselement aus einem Sicherheitselement-Transfermaterial,

Fig. 4a bis Fig. 4d

Verfahrensstadien bei der Herstellung eines weiteren Sicherheitselement-Transfermaterials, jeweils dargestellt im Querschnitt entlang der Linie A-A' von Fig. 2,

Fig. 5

die Herstellung eines Sicherheitselement-Transfermaterials gemäß dem Stand der Technik;

Fig. 6

eine erfindungsgemäße Herstellung eines Sicherheits-element-Transfermaterials;

Figuren 7 bis 9

ein erfindungsgemäßes Beispiel für das Vorgehen beim Entgittern;

Figuren 10 bis 12

ein weiteres erfindungsgemäßes Beispiel für das Vorgehen beim Entgittern;

Fig. 13

ein Ausführungsbeispiel für eine vorteilhafte Trennwicklung;

Figuren 14 bis 16

weitere Ausführungsbeispiel für temporäre Träger mit darauf aufgebrachten Transferelementen.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a cross section through a security element transfer material of the prior art,

Fig. 2

a top view of a security element transfer material as it is either in Fig. 1 or in Fig. 4a to 4d is shown

Fig. 3

a plan view of a security document with a security element of a security element transfer material,

Fig. 4a to Fig. 4d

Process stages in the production of a further security element transfer material, each shown in cross section along the line AA 'of Fig. 2 .

Fig. 5

the production of a security element transfer material according to the prior art;

Fig. 6

an inventive production of a security element transfer material;

FIGS. 7 to 9

an inventive example of the procedure for weeding;

FIGS. 10 to 12

another example according to the invention for the procedure of weeding;

Fig. 13

an embodiment of an advantageous separation winding;

FIGS. 14 to 16

further embodiment of temporary carrier with transfer elements applied thereon.

In the figures, like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts.

Fig. 1 shows a security element transfer material of the prior art, shown in cross section along the line AA 'of Fig. 2 , The security element transfer material has a temporary carrier 16 and a security element layer composite 15 consisting of the feature layers 4, 5 and 2, the permanent carrier substrate 3, an adhesive layer 6, a primer layer 7 and a heat-seal adhesive layer 8. The feature layer 4 is the Blickschicht, ie after the transfer of security elements or transfer items on valuables, it is facing the viewer. The layer 4 here is a liquid crystal layer applied over part of the area, the areas 4 'being the liquid crystal areas. Another feature layer is a metallized hologram, consisting of the embossing lacquer layer 5 and the vapor-deposited metal layer 2. The metal layer 2 has recesses 2 ', which form a negative writing. The metallization 2 is provided substantially only in the areas of the security element transfer material constituting the later security elements. The security element layer composite 15 and the temporary carrier 16 are connected by means of a release layer 9.

The lines 20 and 20 'indicate how the security element laminate is cut to pre-cut the security elements in their outline shapes. As can be seen, the cuts 20 and 20 'penetrate into the plastic film forming the temporary support 16. The plastic film is destabilized by the cuts and can easily tear at the points of incisions with slight strains, as they are practically unavoidable in the course of the transfer process of the security elements.

Fig. 2 In plan view, a security element transfer material in which the security elements are precut is shown. This may be a prior art security element transfer material 1, as shown in FIG Fig. 1 shown as a cross section of a portion along the line AA ', or to another security element transfer material 1 of the prior art, as in FIGS. 4a to 4d , each represented as a cross section of a portion along the line AA 'act.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a document of value, which has a security element 10 of a security element transfer material 1. The FIGS. 2 and 3 will be explained later in more detail.

Fig. 4a shows a cross section through a portion of another security element transfer material 1 of the prior art along the line AA 'of Fig. 2 , The illustration corresponds to the representation of the security element transfer material of the prior art of Fig. 1 , The structure of the security element laminate 15 is the same as that in FIG Fig. 1 illustrated security element transfer material of the prior art. Also in the case of the further security element transfer material 1, the security element layer composite 15 is connected to a temporary carrier 16 by means of a release layer 9. In contrast to the security element transfer material according to the FIG. 1 However, this is not a single film, but a carrier layer composite of a first temporary carrier substrate 17 and a second temporary carrier substrate 18, which are non-detachably connected by means of an adhesive layer 19. The two temporary carrier substrates are plastic films, for example films made of PET, and the adhesive layer 19 consists of a cationic radiation-curable adhesive, for example UVCS0002 from XSYS. In addition, 2K PU systems are particularly suitable as adhesives. The security element layer composite 15 has a total thickness of about 25 microns, the PET films 17 and 18 each have a thickness of about 12 microns, and the adhesive layer 19 has a thickness of about 3 microns in the dry state.

The FIGS. 4b to 4d each show the same view as Fig. 4a but in other processing states of the security element transfer material 1.

Fig. 4b shows the security element transfer material, after using a CO ₂ laser (wavelength 10600 nm), the outline forms 21 (see Fig. 2 ) of the later security elements 10 were cut into the security element layer composite 15. The cuts are shown as lines 20, 20 '. The cut 20 cuts through not only the security element layer composite 15 but also the first temporary carrier substrate 17, and at the point 20 'the cut penetrates far into the adhesive layer 19.

In the security element transfer material 1, when the outline shapes 21 have been cut at a time when the adhesive of the layer 19 has not yet fully cured, after a certain time, the in Fig. 4c illustrated state. How out Fig. 4c As can be seen, the incision 20 'in the adhesive layer 19 is completely cured. The cuts 20 and 20 'in the temporary carrier substrate 17 are still clearly visible, but if the cutting of the outline shapes occurs early enough, the adhesive of the layer 19 is still sufficiently fluid and reactive that it at least a little way into the cuts of the temporary carrier substrate 17 penetrates and glued the cuts.

Subsequently, the excess material of the security element layer composite 15, in the cross-sectional representations, the material between the cuts 20 and 20 'removed (so-called "weeding"), whereby in the security element layer composite 15 gaps 22 arise. This condition is in Fig. 4d shown. On both sides of the gap 22 are security elements or transfer elements 10. In the top view of the Fig. 2 It can be seen that the security elements or transfer elements 10, in Fig. 2 represented as their outlines 21, now represent "islands" on the temporary support 16. The islands are surrounded by areas 22 where there is no longer any security element laminar material. Fig. 2 shows the security element transfer material 1 as an endless belt, in which there is only one security element in the direction of the width.

Fig. 3 shows a banknote 30, which has a through opening 31. The through opening 31 is closed with a foil patch 10, which has a larger area than the through opening 31. The foil patch 10 is a security element of a security element transfer material 1, as for example in the FIGS. 4a to 4d is shown. In addition, the Banknote 30 still another security element, the security thread 40, on. For applying the security element 10 to the banknote 30, webs with banknotes 30 (uncut) and security element transfer material webs with the security elements or transfer elements 10, as in FIG Fig. 4d represented, brought together so that in each case a security element 10 with a through opening 31 is congruent. For this purpose, the security elements 10 must be prefabricated in the security element transfer material 1 in the appropriate sizes and distances. Under elevated temperature and elevated pressure, a security element 10 is glued to a banknote 30 in each case. The hatched area 4 'represents the area of the security element 10 in which liquid crystal material is located. The regions 2 'are the recesses in the metallization 2, through which a viewer can essentially see through the security element 10.

FIG. 5 illustrates those in the prior art (see for example the WO 2010/031543 A1 ) known generation of an example in the FIG. 2 shown security element transfer material in the form of an endless belt 55, in which in the direction of the width in each case only one security element or transfer element (also referred to herein as transfer patch) 54 is located. In the course of the production of the endless belt 55 one starts from the broader endless belt 51, in which the patch forms 52 of the later, 6-fold juxtaposed security elements are punched. The endless belt 51 corresponds to the example in the FIG. 1 or in the Figure 4c shown, cut security element layer composite, in which the security elements are pre-cut in their outline shapes. Subsequently, the step of derangement (see the block arrow 56), in which the material between the cuts 20 and 20 ', is removed, whereby gaps are formed in the security element laminate (this state is in Fig. 4d shown). On both sides of the gap are security elements or transfer elements 54. In the top view of the Fig. 5 it can be seen that the security elements 54 now represent islands on the temporary support. The islands are surrounded by areas where there is no longer any security element laminar material. Thereafter, the wide endless belt 53, namely the temporary carrier on which six rows of security elements or transfer elements 54 are arranged in parallel, is cut into individual, strip-shaped endless belts 55 (see the block arrow 57). The strip-shaped endless belts 55 are then wound onto spools. The transfer elements 54 arranged on the wound-up strips 55 can later be applied from the strips 55, for example, to banknote paper.

In the in the FIG. 5 As shown in the prior art, the weeding 56 is associated with a relatively high material loss. The grid (namely that in the FIG. 1 or the Figure 4c shown, between the cuts 20 and 20 'to be removed material) must have sufficient stability and a certain minimum width between the security elements or transfer elements, so that it does not crack during Weeding 56.

On the basis of the following exemplary embodiments according to the invention, possibilities for reducing costs in the provision of anti-lattice security elements or transfer elements are shown. The aim is to obtain from the same amount of film ultimately a larger amount of security elements or transfer elements.

• einem Stanzen oder Schneiden zumindest der oberen und unteren Umrisslinien der entstehenden Transferelemente;
• einem Entgittern, wobei mindestens zwei Transferelemente quer zur Laufrichtung der Endlosfolie (also in Querrichtung) durch einen nicht entgitterten Bereich verbunden bleiben;
• einem Schneiden, insbesondere einem Feinschnitt, bei dem zumindest die genannten zwei Transferelemente in Querrichtung durchtrennt werden und optional zusammen mit ihrer darunter befindlichen temporären Trägerfolie auf verschiedenen Spulen aufgewickelt werden.

According to the present invention, the manufacture of a transfer patch film is based on

• punching or cutting at least the upper and lower contour lines of the resulting transfer elements;
• a weeding, wherein at least two transfer elements remain connected transversely to the direction of the endless film (ie in the transverse direction) by a non-entailed area;
• a cutting, in particular a fine cut, in which at least the said two transfer elements are severed in the transverse direction and optionally wound together with their underlying temporary carrier film on different coils.

The above procedure is based on the FIG. 6 described in more detail. The FIG. 6 illustrates those in the prior art (see for example the WO 2010/031543 A1 ) known generation of an example in the FIG. 2 shown security element transfer material in the form of an endless belt 65, wherein in the direction of the width only one security element or transfer element (also referred to herein as transfer patch) 64 'is located. In the course of the production of the endless belt 65 one starts from the broader endless belt 61, in which the patch forms 62 of the later, juxtaposed and initially in non-incised condition interconnected security elements or transfer elements are punched, namely in the form of an upper and a lower Outline and two lateral outlines, with the four outlines surrounding the transfer element group (the outlines are shown in dashed lines). Subsequently, the step of weeding out takes place (see the block arrow 66), in which the transfer elements are substantially meshed transversely to the running direction of the endless belt, whereby at least two of the later transfer elements remain connected to one another in the non-incised state in the transverse direction (see in FIG FIG. 6 , Center, the transfer element group 64 arranged on a temporary support 63). After that, the wide Endless belt 63, namely the temporary carrier on which at least two security elements or transfer elements 64 are arranged parallel in a non-cut, interconnected state, cut into individual, strip-shaped endless belts 65 (see the block arrow 67). The strip-shaped endless belts 65 are then wound up on spools. The transfer elements 64 'arranged on the wound-up strips 65 can later be applied, for example, to the banknote paper by the strips 65.

In the invention, in the FIG. 6 As shown, the weeding 66 is associated with a relatively small material loss.

The transfer patch film 65 obtainable by the method according to the invention is, in particular, such that the transfer elements or transfer patches 64 'are cut flush with the temporary carrier film in the transverse direction and the regions between the transfer elements 64' are de-meshed in the running direction of the endless film.

The transfer elements 64 'preferably have at least one optically variable element.

The inventive transfer element production can largely according to the prior art, see for example the WO 2010/031543 A1 , known methods take place. The security element layer composite arranged on the temporary support can in particular have optically variable security features, such as embossed holograms, volume holograms, metallic and / or color-changeable coatings, micromirror arrangements and / or sub-wavelength structures, in particular Subwavelength grating for the production of structural colors or moth eyes, have.

It can also be provided to provide microlenses alone or in combination with associated microimages, for example for the production of a moire magnifier, on a transfer element according to the invention. Exemplary slide assemblies are eg from the WO 2017/035437 A1 known.

The transfer elements obtainable according to the invention do not necessarily have to be a permanent stabilizing film (see, for example, the permanent carrier substrate 3 in FIGS FIGS. 1 . 4a-4d ), ie the security element layer composite merely optionally includes a permanent carrier substrate. A permanent stabilizing film may be advantageous, because it gives a certain degree of stability to tearing off a layer to be peeled off when weeding it out. On the remaining transfer elements, however, such a permanent stabilizing film is associated with disadvantages. On the one hand, the thickness of the transfer elements increases, which may be undesirable when used on banknotes, for example. On the other hand, in the case of a security patch applied to a banknote, in view of protection against manipulation and forgery, only a slight stability against tearing of the security patch in the event of a manipulative detachment from the banknote may be desired.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a separate, stabilizing film 71 is applied only in the areas which are later de-meshed in the step of weeding. This procedure is based on the FIG. 7 explained in more detail:
In the course of the production of in the FIG. 6 shown endless belt 65 is based on the wider endless belt 61, in which the patch molds 62 of the later, juxtaposed and initially in non-incised state interconnected security elements or transfer elements are punched, namely in the form of an upper and a lower contour and two lateral Outlines, where the four outlines surround the transfer element group (the outlines are shown in dashed lines). Furthermore, a separate, stabilizing film 71 is provided which has recesses in the regions of the security element layer composite which are not to be removed, namely the transfer element regions to be produced. The separate, stabilizing film 71 is then laminated register-accurate on the endless belt 61. The lamination can be effected in particular by means of an adhesive layer located on the separate, stabilizing film 71.

According to a preferred variant, the dimensions of the recesses of the separate film 71 are chosen to be slightly larger than the dimensions of the areas of the security element layer composite that are not to be removed, namely the transfer element areas to be produced, so that, when weeding out, remnants of the separate film (eg Adhesive residues) is avoided at the transfer elements to be generated. In the FIG. 8 the lamination composite 72 produced from the endless belt 61 and a separate stabilizing film 71 is shown, the dimensions of the recesses of the separate film 71 being slightly greater than the dimensions of the non-removable regions of the security element laminate, namely the transfer element regions to be produced, are selected.

When wecking in the FIG. 8 shown Kaschierverbunds 72, the stabilizing film 71 is peeled off and with it the underlying areas of the security element layer compound outside the desired patch shapes. In the course of de-lattice, the transfer elements are, as it were, de-meshed in strips transversely to the running direction of the endless belt, wherein at least two of the later transfer elements remain connected to one another in a non-incised state in the transverse direction (see in FIGS FIG. 9 , left, the transfer element groups 64 arranged on the temporary support 63). Thereafter, the wide endless belt 63, namely the temporary carrier on which at least two security elements or transfer elements are arranged in parallel in a non-cut, interconnected state 64, cut into individual, strip-shaped endless belts 65 (see the block arrow 67). The strip-shaped endless belts 65 are then wound up on spools. The transfer elements 64 'arranged on the wound-up strips 65 can later be applied, for example, to the banknote paper by the strips 65.

According to an alternative approach to that in the FIGS. 7 to 9 As shown, the recesses in the separate, stabilizing film 71 may be smaller than the later patches instead of larger. This results in the later patches a "frame" of the stabilizing film 71. Also, the stability of the later patches can be reduced and eg the protection against manipulation, in particular a detachment of a patch from a banknote and applying the detached patch to a counterfeit Banknote, increase.

Another method for weeding is based on the FIGS. 10 to 12 explained. In the course of the production of in the FIG. 6 shown endless belt 65 one goes again from the wider endless belt 61, in which the patch shapes 62 of the later, juxtaposed and initially in In the state of non-incised state, interconnected security elements or transfer elements are stamped, namely in the form of an upper and a lower outline and two lateral outlines, wherein the four contours surround the transfer element group (the contours are shown in dashed lines). The step of weeding out, in which the excess material of the security element layer composite outside the transfer element groups is removed, takes place by means of register-accurate lamination of a separate, full-surface, ie no recesses, film 81 on the security element layer composite, wherein the separate film 81 is provided with adhesive only in the areas to be removed of the security element layer composite. The areas provided with adhesive are in the FIG. 10 simplified illustrated by the solid line 82.

According to a preferred variant, the dimensions of the non-adhesive regions of the separate film 81 are chosen to be slightly larger than the dimensions of the non-removable regions of the security element layer composite, namely the transfer element regions to be created, so that the remaining material remains in the de-jitter separate film (eg adhesive residues) is avoided on the transfer elements to be generated.

In the FIG. 11 the lamination composite 83 produced from the endless belt 61 and the separate, stabilizing film 81 is shown. The separate film 81 is provided with adhesive only in the areas to be removed of the security element layer composite.

When wecking in the FIG. 11 shown laminated composite 83, the stabilizing film 81 is peeled off and with it the underlying areas of the security element layer compound outside the desired patch shapes. In the course of de-lattice, the transfer elements are, as it were, de-meshed in strips transversely to the running direction of the endless belt, wherein at least two of the later transfer elements remain connected to one another in a non-incised state in the transverse direction (see in FIGS FIG. 12 , left, the transfer element groups 64 arranged on the temporary support 63). Thereafter, the wide endless belt 63, namely the temporary carrier on which at least two security elements or transfer elements are arranged in parallel in a non-cut, interconnected state 64, cut into individual, strip-shaped endless belts 65 (see the block arrow 67). The strip-shaped endless belts 65 are then wound up on spools. The transfer elements 64 'arranged on the wound-up strips 65 can later be applied, for example, to the banknote paper by the strips 65.

According to an alternative approach to that in the FIGS. 10 to 12 The method shown initially starts from the wide endless belt 61, wherein no patch forms 62 are punched or cut. The un-punched endless belt 61 is, as in the FIG. 10 shown, glued to the separate, provided with adhesive regions 82 film 81 to a laminated composite. Only then is the punching or cutting in of patch outlines (in the FIG. 11 shown with a dashed line). Above the resulting patches the non-bonded stabilizing film 81 is removed, for example by suction or by blowing away by means of compressed air. Then, the step of weeding and the further processing to individual transfer belts, as in the FIGS. 11 to 12 shown.

Optionally, prior to weeding, the bond between the transfer layers to be removed and the separate stabilizing film may be increased by e.g. is melted by heating a present on the transfer layers heat seal adhesive and provides for an additional bond between the transfer layers and the stabilizing, separate film.

For example, in the FIG. 6 In the individual case, the film 61 shown on the left can be relatively difficult to entangle, in particular because the grid, which is very narrow in the longitudinal direction or running direction of the endless belt 61, may tear easily in the separation winding. According to a preferred variant is therefore not cross-wound directionally (ie at an angle to the direction perpendicular to the direction α = 0 °), but as in the FIG. 13 shown at a suitable angle α, which is selected in particular in a range of 5 ° to 85 °, preferably in a range of 15 ° to 75 °, more preferably in a range of 30 ° to 60 ° and particularly preferably at 45 °.

In a punching or a cutting, as in the FIGS. 6 to 12 is shown, result in the end rectangular patches. Of course, it is just as possible to create other patch shapes, such as in the Figures 14 . 15 and 16 shown.

The FIG. 14 shows a film 93, which according to an alternative variant in the FIG. 6 (Middle) or in the FIG. 9 (left) or in the FIG. 12 , (left) can replace film 63 shown.

The wide endless belt 93, namely the temporary carrier, on the successive groups of three security elements or transfer elements 94th are arranged parallel in a non-cut, interconnected state, can be cut in a further step to individual, strip-shaped endless belts.

The FIG. 15 shows a further foil 103, which according to an alternative variant in the FIG. 6 (Middle) or in the FIG. 9 (left) or in the FIG. 12 , (left) can replace film 63 shown.

The wide endless belt 103, namely the temporary carrier, on which successive groups of three security elements or transfer elements 104 are arranged parallel in a non-incised, interconnected state, can be cut in a further step to individual, strip-shaped endless belts.

Furthermore, the arrangement of the patches does not have to be exactly perpendicular to the running direction of the endless belt (as in the FIG. 6 (Center), FIG. 9 (Left), FIG. 12 (left), in the FIG. 14 and in the FIG. 15 shown), but adjacent patches can also be offset in the direction of travel, see for example the FIG. 16 ,

The FIG. 16 shows a wide endless belt 113, namely a temporary carrier, are arranged on the successive groups of three security elements or transfer elements 114 in parallel in a non-cut, interconnected state. The endless belt 113 can be cut in a further step to individual, strip-shaped endless belts. The transfer elements 114 are offset or inclined in the running direction of the endless belt 113. In this way, an even greater variety of patches can be created with respect to the patch outline.

Claims (17)

A method of producing a security element transfer material comprising a security element layer composite with security elements to be transferred, namely transfer elements, and a temporary carrier a) the step of providing a security element layer composite on the temporary support in the form of an endless belt having a longitudinal direction along the belt and a transverse direction perpendicular thereto; b) the step of providing the security element layer composite with cut-out contours so that a longitudinally repeating sequence of spaced-apart transfer element groups are generated and the transfer element groups are each formed by a transversely parallel and adjacent plurality of transfer elements, and each of the individual transfer element groups is surrounded by an upper and a lower transversely extending incised outline, respectively, and two lateral, longitudinally extending, incised outlines; c) the step of derangement, wherein the excess material of the security element layer composite outside the transfer element groups is removed; d) the step of cutting the resulting endless belt to one of the plurality of corresponding number of endless belts with transfer elements, wherein in the transverse direction only one transfer element is located at a time. The method of claim 1, wherein in step c) the excess material of the security element layer composite outside the transfer element groups on the one hand in the form of extending along the transverse direction strip, which is arranged between the longitudinally repeating sequence of spaced-apart transfer element groups are formed, and on the other hand in the form of two lateral, running along the longitudinal direction strips. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the security element laminate has a plurality of layers, including at least one feature layer, optionally a permanent support substrate, and a peek, wherein the peek is the layer facing a viewer after the transfer of a security element to a valuable article, and wherein the Blickschicht may be identical to the feature layer or the optional permanent carrier substrate; and - The temporary carrier is detachably connected to the viewing layer of the security element layer composite. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the temporary carrier comprises a carrier layer composite, which consists of a first and a second temporary carrier substrate, which are permanently bonded by means of an adhesive layer. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the incisions forming the incised contour lines optionally partially penetrate into the temporary carrier. The method of claim 4, wherein the incisions forming the incised contour lines optionally partially or completely cut through the first temporary carrier substrate and optionally partially or completely sever the adhesive layer, but not penetrate into the second temporary carrier substrate, so that the temporary carrier can be separated as a complete carrier layer composite. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the feature layer comprises an embossing lacquer layer optionally provided with one or more of the following layers, namely a metal layer, a metallic effect color-based layer, a color pigment or fluorescent pigment-based layer, a liquid crystal Layer, a layer having a color shift effect, which in particular has a reflector / dielectric / absorber three-layer structure, a layer with matt structures, as disclosed, for example, in WO 2007/107235 A1, or a printed colored motif layer. The method of claim 7, wherein the embossing lacquer layer is provided with a relief structure, in particular a relief structure with microstructures and / or nanostructures. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in step c), namely the step of weeding, in which the excess material of the security element layer composite outside the transfer element groups is removed, the weeding by means of a preceding, register-accurate lamination of a separate film on the areas of the security element layer composite to be removed take place, the separate film having recesses in the areas of the security element layer composite which are not to be removed, namely the transfer element areas to be produced. The method of claim 9, wherein the dimensions of the recesses of the separate film are slightly larger than the dimensions of the non-removable areas of the security element layer composite, namely the transfer element regions to be generated, are selected so that in Weighing off a remains of the remainder of the separate film is avoided at the transfer elements to be generated. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in step c), namely the step of derangement, in which the excess material of the security element layer composite outside the transfer element groups is removed, the weeding by means of a preceding, register-accurate lamination of a separate, full-surface ie no recesses having, foil on the security element layer composite takes place, the separate film is provided only in the areas to be removed areas of the security element layer composite with adhesive. A method according to claim 11, wherein the dimensions of the non-adhesive areas of the separate film are chosen to be slightly larger than the dimensions of the non-removable areas of the security element laminate, namely the transfer element areas to be created, so that there is no residue remaining on weeding the separate film is avoided on the transfer elements to be generated. Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the weeding takes place by means of a separation winding, wherein the laminated on the security element layer composite, separate film at an angle α in a range of 5 ° to 85 °, preferably in a range of 15 ° to 75 °, more preferably in a range of 30 ° to 60 ° and particularly preferably at 45 ° relative to the transverse direction of the endless belt is separated by a wound, to avoid in this way tearing of the areas to be removed of the security element layer composite. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the transfer element groups generated in step b), each formed by a transversely parallel and adjoining plurality of transfer elements, are substantially transversely or diagonally, e.g. at an angle of up to about 45 ° with respect to the transverse direction. A security element transfer material comprising a security element laminate having security elements to be transferred, namely transfer elements, and a temporary support obtainable by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14. The security element transfer material according to claim 15, wherein the security element transfer material is an endless belt having transfer members having only one transfer member in the transverse direction, the transfer members being cut off laterally flush with the temporary carrier. The security element transfer material of claim 15 or 16, wherein from the security element layer composite the layered composite material is removed outside of the outline shapes of the transfer elements such that the security element transfer material has gaps in the security element layer composite while the temporary support has no gaps.

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