EP1273705A1 - Method and apparatus for preparing a substrate with security elements for security documents - Google Patents

Abstract

In a banknote security printing process a security mark is printed as an endless foil web of predetermined width which is then presented to the paper web. The foil is esp. sub-divided into the required dimensions shortly before application to the paper web. The foil is longitudinally cut by knife (6) into continuous webs (2) which are then registered on and applied to the paper web (14). The security mark is a thread which is fully or partly embedded within the paper web during manufacture of the paper web, or is bonded to the web surface. alternatively, the foil is a transfer foil, a paper web, or self-adhesive labels which are applied in a punch-process. Also claimed is an assembly for the production of security-printed documents incorporating a reservoir for the security mark, a merge-unit, and a cutter unit.

Description

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a substrate with security elements, at least from the substrate two security documents can be formed, each at least have one of the security elements.

Banknotes, stamps, bank cards and other security documents are usually made from substrates that are in the process of completion the layer structure or the printing a multiple of the width and length of a security document. Only in a last process step this substrate is in the individual security documents cut or punched. This so-called multi-use technology has the Advantage that security elements are present during the manufacture of the substrate or be provided in the substrate in a very economical manner can.

Banknotes, for example, often have a security thread that over the entire width of the banknote is either complete or is at least partially embedded in the banknote paper. For the production in a continuous process, these banknotes become wide and quasi endless paper web into which the Security threads are also continuously embedded. This method is explained in more detail, for example, in EP 0 625 431 A1. The width of the Paper web corresponds to a multiple of the length of a banknote, so that correspondingly many security threads in parallel during paper production must be brought up to the paper web. The one with the security threads provided paper web is finally cut into multi-use sheets, with the appropriate imprint. In one last Step these sheets are cut into the individual banknotes.

The production of the security threads is completely independent of paper production in separate production lines. There are continuous foils processed, the width of which is a multiple of the width of a security thread and then cut into the individual security threads (EP 0 381 112 A1). The security threads are on supply spools wrapped and cached until use in the paper machine.

Security documents such as banknotes can alternatively also be secured. are provided completely on the surface of the security document lie. The security elements can also do this brought to the substrate in the form of strips and by gluing, Laminating or transferring can be connected to the substrate. The strip-shaped security element can be used as a self-adhesive film or also be formed as an embossing film, in which after connecting the Adhesive layer with the substrate, the carrier film is peeled off and only the Layer structure of the security element remains on the substrate (DE 198 53 444 A1). The strip-shaped security elements are produced similar to the security threads already explained. The layer structure The security elements are placed on a continuous film, the width of which is a multiple corresponds to the width of the security element, prepared. Subsequently the continuous film is cut into individual endless belts, the width of which is usually corresponds to the width of a security element. These endless belts are continuously brought up to the substrate and the security elements depending on the method used.

In a similar manner, label-shaped security elements are attached to the Transfer substrate. Here are made from the endless belt, as is the case with the generation strip-shaped security elements is used, corresponding Labels are punched out and glued to the substrate. Using An embossing film is only the layer structure of the Transfer security elements.

Common to all these known methods is that the substrate has a width and length that is a multiple of the width and length of a security document corresponds, so that always a larger number of narrow Endless belts on which the security elements are present or which themselves form the security elements, parallel and closely adjacent to each other must be fed. The endless belts are made of spools unrolled and over using a complicated transport mechanism Transport and deflection rollers brought up to the substrate. Although these continuous and parallel introduction of large security elements offers economic advantages, depending on the type of security document and / or security elements also have various disadvantages.

Endless belts that are used as security threads and therefore mostly only have a width of 1 to 2 mm, jam, for example easy in the coil winding or twisting when winding or unwinding, which is problematic when the endless belts are fed correctly is.

When producing very small security documents, e.g. Stamps, are a very large number of uses of the substrate with security elements equip, so that a corresponding number of coils are required, all of them must be controlled according to the register and must be accommodated to save space.

The object of the present invention is therefore a method and a Device for producing a substrate with security elements for To provide which the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art Avoid technology.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous refinements and developments are the subject of subclaims.

According to the invention, the security elements are in the form of an endless film, the width of which is a multiple of the width of a security element, in a storage facility. From there, the continuous film is over a feed device is fed to the substrate, the continuous film only shortly before the substrate and the continuous film are brought together a dividing device is divided into endless belts. This eliminates that separate pre-cutting of the continuous film and intermediate storage of the endless tapes on spools. The endless belts according to the invention either form even the security elements or serve as intermediate supports for the final Security elements. This is especially the case if it is the endless belts are stamping foils or label material.

The continuous film is preferably over shortly before being brought together their width is divided into endless belts by means of cutting knives. The width this endless belt preferably corresponds to the width of a security element. In each case one of the endless belts becomes a certain series of benefits assigned to the substrate and to it via a multi-track version Feeder introduced. The connection between security element and substrate, as already explained in the introduction, depends on Process used by lamination, gluing or embedding in the Substrate material. A particular advantage of this procedure is that that all endless belts are the same length and therefore the same End time, making the connection to the next continuous film special is simple.

The register accurate feeding is also much less complicated than in State of the art, since only a single endless belt for register accuracy must be monitored. The remaining endless belts are fed automatically also register accurate.

According to a preferred embodiment, the substrate is a paper web, into the several security threads in parallel during their manufacture be fully or partially embedded. According to the invention the security threads are in the form of a continuous film of a predetermined width prepared. Depending on the design of the security thread, there are various Configurations of the continuous film possible. Should the security thread only have a certain machine testable property, so in the simplest case, the continuous film will consist of a plastic film, the entire surface with a corresponding machine-testable layer, such as for example, a magnetic layer, metal layer, etc. is provided. Frequently However, security threads are also provided with printed images in the longitudinal direction of the thread run, any form of Patterns or alphanumeric characters, optically effective structures and / or visually visible and / or only machine-readable codes, Additives or coatings are to be understood. You can also use any Combinations of such printed images and coatings on the film be applied.

The printed images extend in a constant form over the entire Thread length, whereby patterns or typefaces are repeated as often as required. In this case, in the simplest case, the continuous film is made from a plastic film exist that over their width in a parallel arrangement with the Print patterns or lettering is printed. You can choose between the smaller or larger unprinted spaces are provided in parallel patterns become. The continuous film can also have a plurality of plastic films, if the structure of the security element or security thread this requires. The design of the continuous film is in no way limited.

This continuous film is unwound from a spool and sent to the paper machine introduced. Shortly before the paper machine comes the continuous film With the help of cutting knives cut across their width into endless belts correspond to the individual security threads. The running out of the knife factory Cut endless belts are fed directly to the paper screen and embedded in the paper web. Alternatively, it goes without saying also possible, the endless belts or security elements on the surface to attach the finished paper web, such as gluing. The method according to the invention has the advantage that only one winding unit is required for all threads, and on this spool the whole Endless film is present that cannot jam or twist.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the endless belts form Transfer tapes, which consist of a carrier film and the layer structure of the Security elements exist, the layer structure of the security element when merging the transfer belt with the substrate on the Transfer substrate at least partially and the carrier film usually is then withdrawn again. Here, too, is an endless film prepared, the width of which is a multiple of the width of the endless belts or of the security elements to be transferred. Analogous to that based on In the example described in the security threads, the continuous film becomes short before merging with the substrate into the individual endless belts cut and fed these to the respective rows of benefits on the substrate. The substrate can be sheet-like or arc-shaped Trade materials made of paper and plastic or the like. The after the cutting of the continuous film brought up to the substrate can be used for security elements in the form of continuous Strips or in the form of labels of predetermined outline shapes transfer.

According to a further alternative, the endless belts can be used instead of as transfer material be designed as label material, with labels from the Endless tapes are punched out and transferred to the substrate.

Further exemplary embodiments and advantages of the invention are illustrated of the figures explained.

Fig. 1

eine Vorrichtung zum registergenauen Aufbringen von Etiketten auf ein Substrat,

Fig. 2

schematisch die Einbettung von Sicherheitsfäden in ein Papier-substrat auf einer Rundsiebpapiermaschine.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a device for register-accurate application of labels to a substrate,

Fig. 2

schematically the embedding of security threads in a paper substrate on a circular paper machine.

1 explains how diffraction structures 15 can be transferred in register form to a substrate in register form. In which In the present case, the substrate is banknote paper with five Series of benefits, each banknote having a diffraction structure 15 should.

The endless film 2 consists of a carrier film on which the Layer structure of a diffraction-optical security element 15 is provided is. The production of such a film is for example in the EP 0 675 006 B1 (51 0330).

The continuous film is unwound from a spool 3. During the unwinding process can the continuous film 2 along the edges of the later from the Endless film 2 to be divided out endless belts 14 by means of perforating disks 4 be perforated. The endless film 2 is passed over a knife block 5, which divides the continuous film 2 into endless belts 14. If the continuous film 2 perforated during unwinding, the perforation of the continuous film 2 is a Guide for the cutting knife of the knife block 5.

In the illustrated embodiment, the number of knives is 6 on the Knife block 5 by 1 larger than the number of endless belts 14 into which the Endless film 2 is divided so that two edge strips 16, 17 remain be wound up on waste rolls 18. The endless belts 14 arrive finally to a device 7 which ensures that the endless belts 14 at a precisely defined distance from each other and a precisely defined one Position are brought together with the substrate 1. In the illustrated Embodiment is this merging device 7 as a feed roller formed, which has tracks 7a, in which the individual endless belts 14 run. However, there are also other configurations of this merging device conceivable.

The endless belts 14 are on a pulley 8 with the continuous substrate 1 rolled off from a supply roll 9a. While the substrate 1 together with the endless belts 14 via the transfer roller 8 runs, the diffraction structures 15 in the transfer process from the Transfer endless belts 14 to the substrate. Usually the Transfer roller 8 heated, so as an adhesive layer located on the endless belts to activate.

The diffraction structures 15 are distributed over the substrate 1 in such a way that after cutting the substrate 1 into individual security documents each of these security documents with a security element consisting from the diffraction structures 15 is provided. That with the diffraction structures The finished substrate is then placed on a second supply roll 9b wound up. The remaining carrier film 30 of the endless belts 14 is wound on a waste spool 10.

While the feed roller 7 with its tracks 7a for a register-related merging of the endless belts 14 with the substrate 1 with respect to the Transverse alignment is responsible, the longitudinal registration of the Diffraction structures 15, based on the individual security documents of the substrate 1 is determined by means of a register control device 11 and controlled, which is shown here only in principle. A discrepancy found the specified register position is achieved by stretching the continuous film 2 balanced. This is used in the illustrated embodiment in its vertical position (double arrow) displaceable expansion roller 12. Other constructive solutions for stretching the continuous film 2 are self-evident can also be used. This also applies to the register control device 11, in particular also at a different location than that in the figure shown, can be arranged.

Also the transmission device for the individual security elements can be designed completely different, e.g. if the structure of the continuous film this requires. In contrast to the present example, the continuous film can, for example also consist of a backing film covering its entire surface with the layer structure of the security element, such as Diffraction structures should be provided. Should also from this continuous film Labels are transferred to the substrate 1, so is a transfer device necessary, the adhesive of the transfer film only in certain areas activated and thus ensures that the layer structure only in this The area adheres to the substrate and detaches from the endless belt.

However, the invention can also be used very advantageously in the production of use very small objects such as stamps. going one example of a paper substrate with 20 rows of 20 mm rows Spread out and should each benefit with a 10 mm wide diffraction structure must be provided, either 20 Endless tapes can be unwound or it must be of a 400 mm wide Continuous film can be transferred down, with 50% of the continuous film unused stay. With the invention it is now possible to have a 200 mm wide To use continuous film that is about to merge with the Substrate is divided into 10 mm wide endless belts. That way neither a large number of winding units necessary, nor does film material have to get wasted.

2 shows schematically how the method according to the invention in the manufacture of security paper with at least partially embedded Security threads can be used. The layer structure of the security threads is prepared as a continuous film 2 and sent to the paper machine 35 introduced. Shortly before the paper machine 35, the continuous film 2 guided over a knife block 5 and there into the individual security threads 30 cut. These individual security threads 30 are about a corresponding drinking water system, which here only by a pulley 31 is indicated, brought up to the paper screen 32. With this Paper sieve 32 is a circular sieve that is in a paper pulp filled vat rotates. For reasons of clarity, a This vat is not shown. The principle of paper making with Security threads are described, for example, in EP 0 625 431, already mentioned A1 explained in more detail. After the security threads 30 have been brought up to the Paper screen 32, these are embedded in the forming paper web 33. In the example shown, the security threads 30 are only in some areas embedded in the paper web 33 and occur in certain areas, the Windows 34, directly to the surface. Such embedded security threads 30 are called "window security threads". The advantage is also here the invention in that a variety of winding units for the individual Security threads 30 can be saved.

If necessary, between the dividing device and the dividing device or introduction point additional devices, such as deflection rollers or the like, can be provided for the same long feed paths for each Ensure endless belt.

Of course, the substrate does not necessarily have to be a paper web but can be made of any other material, such as also consist of a plastic film. Likewise, it is not mandatory that the substrate is formed in a web shape. It can also be arched Substrates are used. It is only essential that the Substrate has a width and / or length that is a multiple of an individual Security document is.

The cutting device shown in the figures as a knife block for the continuous film can be designed in any way. For example, it can are rotating knives or the like.

Claims (18)

Method for producing a substrate with security elements, wherein at least two security documents can be formed from the substrate, each of which has at least one of the security elements, characterized in that the security elements are produced as a continuous film with a predetermined width, this continuous film is brought up to the substrate and the continuous film is divided into the individual security elements shortly before the substrate and the continuous film are brought together. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the continuous film is divided into endless belts shortly before being brought together over its width. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the division of the continuous film (2) is carried out by means of cutting knives (6). Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the endless belts are brought to the substrate in register. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the register control takes place on the basis of an endless belt (14). Method according to at least one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the endless belts form security threads which are connected to the substrate as security elements. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that the substrate is a paper web, and the security threads are completely or partially embedded in the paper web during the manufacture of the paper web. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the endless tapes are glued to the surface of the substrate. Method according to at least one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the continuous film forms a transfer film which consists of a carrier film and the layer structure of the security element, the layer structure of the security element being at least partially transferred to the substrate when the transfer belt is brought together with the substrate and the carrier film is then removed again. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the substrate is a paper web, and the layer structure of the security element is transferred to the paper web in the form of continuous strips. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the substrate is a paper web, and the layer structure of the security element in the form of labels of predetermined outline shape is transferred to the paper web. Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the continuous film is designed as a label material, and that when the substrate and the continuous film or continuous tape are brought together, labels are punched out of the continuous film or continuous tape and transferred to the substrate as a security element. Device for producing a substrate with security elements, wherein at least two security documents can be formed from the substrate, each having at least one of the security elements, the device comprising the following devices: a storage device for the security elements, which is provided there in the form of an endless film of a predetermined width that is a multiple of the width of a security element, a feed device for bringing together the substrate and the continuous film, a dividing device for dividing the continuous film into the security elements shortly before the substrate and the continuous film are brought together. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the storage device is a coil on which the continuous film is wound. Apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the dividing device has cutting knives with which the endless film is divided over its width into endless belts. Device according to at least one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the feed device between the dividing device and the substrate is designed to be multi-lane in order to be able to feed the endless belts spatially separated from one another to the substrate. Device according to at least one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the device has a register control for merging the continuous film and / or endless belts and the substrate in register. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the device has a stretching device for stretching the endless film, the stretching device being controlled as a function of the position of at least one endless belt determined by the register control.

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