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EP1404531B1 - Security element - Google Patents

Security element Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1404531B1
EP1404531B1 EP02762299A EP02762299A EP1404531B1 EP 1404531 B1 EP1404531 B1 EP 1404531B1 EP 02762299 A EP02762299 A EP 02762299A EP 02762299 A EP02762299 A EP 02762299A EP 1404531 B1 EP1404531 B1 EP 1404531B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
security element
coating
element according
code
magnetic
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP02762299A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1404531A1 (en
Inventor
Manfred Heim
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
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Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
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Publication date
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Publication of EP1404531A1 publication Critical patent/EP1404531A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1404531B1 publication Critical patent/EP1404531B1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
    • B42D25/355—Security threads

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a security element, in particular for bank notes, which has a carrier material and a magnetic code and / or an independent code based on electrical conductivity, hereinafter referred to as conductivity code, and further comprises an optical code.
  • the invention further relates to a security document, in particular a banknote, with such a security element.
  • the security element is in particular a security thread.
  • Security threads are used as a security feature in a wide variety of products, especially security papers.
  • One of the most well-known applications for which the highest security requirements are imposed is the incorporation of the security thread in banknote paper, the optical code in most cases forming positive or negative writing that can be tested by transmitted light with the naked eye.
  • the optical code can also or additionally be a code that can be tested with optical devices, in particular a bar code ( WO 99/28852 ).
  • the security thread beyond the optical code is usually equipped with other security features, in particular with an electrically conductive coating and / or a coating with magnetic properties, these coatings are arranged one above the other.
  • These safety features are checked by machine and are therefore referred to as "machine features".
  • the optical code is usually formed by the machine features themselves, by the associated coatings form either a positive font or - by corresponding recesses in the coatings - a negative font.
  • a common way of producing the optical code is to partially demetallize a metallized strand, either by removing the overlying layer of magnetic properties (EP 0 748 896 A1 ), or so arranged is that it does not interfere with the demetallizing zones, or is applied so thinly that the demetallized areas of the security thread are visually recognizable in the transmitted light despite the existing magnetic layer ( EP 0 498 186 A1 ).
  • the electrically conductive coating can also be applied as a metal-pigment-containing printing ink, for example silver bronze ( EP 0 516 790 B1 , Figure 8).
  • the magnetic layer can additionally be rendered electrically conductive by admixing soot particles, so that all three security features-magnetic, electrically conductive, negative writing-are generated simultaneously by printing a single layer.
  • This magnetic code can consist of magnetic material or of material that can be detected by means of magnetoresistors (EP 0 610 917 A1 ), whereby the code not only due to the local material distribution, but also due to different magnetoresistive properties ( EP 0 610 917 A1 ) or different magnetic layer thicknesses ( EP 0 914 970 A2 ) or different magnetic properties, such as remanence properties or coercivity, WO 99/28852 ) is detectable.
  • the magnetic coating may have a corresponding inscription which is printed on the magnetic layer by means of customary printing ink ( EP 0 610 917 A1 . EP 0 748 896 A1 ).
  • the WO 99/28852 therefore proposes to arrange the magnetic layer and the electrically conductive metal layer in register over each other so that they completely cover each other.
  • this measure only succeeds if the security thread is viewed from only one side or at least possesses an opaque base material.
  • the security thread is usually transparent, so that a different appearance would result depending on the viewing side.
  • security thread is in EP 0 516 790 B1 and EP 0 748 896 A1 proposed to completely cover the magnetic coating on both sides with the electrically conductive material, so that the paper in the transmitted and transmitted light results in a uniform appearance.
  • EP 0 914 970 A2 proposes to "mask" a magnetic bar code by applying masking bars therefrom in the areas between the magnetic bars magnetic material are provided, which differ from the magnetic code forming beam only by the material thickness - and thus by the intensity of the magnetic feature -.
  • a potential counterfeiter is thereby visually misled, as he will first assume that the marking bars are part of the magnetic code.
  • very high demands must be placed on the production quality of the security thread and the quality of the measuring device for checking the security thread, so that the marking bars are reliably recognized as such and are not added to the magnetic code.
  • the object of the present invention is now to provide a security element, in particular for banknotes, which is not readily to be regarded as all security features and which can be manufactured with little effort and reliably tested.
  • the obfuscation of the security features of the security element according to the invention is based inter alia on the fact that different security features are applied to a carrier material and these different security features are formed by materials which are not distinguishable visually, ie with the naked eye.
  • the carrier material may be an opaque or transparent material, preferably plastic, more preferably transparent plastic.
  • the obfuscation according to the invention is based on the fact that in addition to the technically testable security features ("machine features"), that is to say in addition to the coating with the electrically conductive material and / or the coating with the magnetic material, a further coating is provided which does not has characteristic physical properties of the machine features, which is therefore not electrically conductive or does not have the special magnetic properties.
  • machine features that is to say in addition to the coating with the electrically conductive material and / or the coating with the magnetic material.
  • This further coating of "neutral” material covers at least areas of the security element that are not covered by the machine features. Since the observer can not distinguish between the individual materials, the result is a visually recognizable pattern, for example a bar code or a combination of characters (hereafter "optical code”), which comprises a synopsis of the areas covered by machine features and that of the neutral material covered areas is formed. The viewer remains concealed as to whether and at which point of the optical code there may be machine features.
  • the machine feature areas and the neutral material covered areas of the security element may be separated from each other in the simplest case. However, a more effective obfuscation arises when the regions adjoin one another or else preferably overlap one another partially or even completely.
  • a particularly preferred embodiment provides that it is the security element is a security thread, and that each longitudinal portion of the security thread is provided with at least one of the coding materials, so that the security thread over its entire length with optically the same material is coated.
  • This continuous coating preferably has as optical code recesses in the form of negative writing. In this case, the viewer will first believe that he has a conventional, fully coated security thread, which has the typical recesses in the form of negative writing.
  • the production of the security element according to the invention is particularly simple if the different coating materials are based on optically identically acting printing inks, to which particles having the machine-testable characteristics are admixed.
  • the optical code associated, uncoated areas of the security element then need not be generated by a complex Demetallmaschinesvon, but can simply remain unprinted. Therefore, the invention is particularly suitable for a transparent security thread, which is embedded in the paper visible in transmitted light.
  • the machine-testable coating materials and the neutral material are opaque, preferably dark, and are preferably based on the same printing ink.
  • thermochromic and / or luminescent security feature can be integrated into the security element, in particular a thermochromic and / or luminescent security feature.
  • the security element is a security thread, ie the security element has the form of a thread or strip, which is at least partially embedded in a document material, such as banknote paper, or can also be arranged on the surface.
  • a document material such as banknote paper
  • the security element has the form of a thread or strip, which is at least partially embedded in a document material, such as banknote paper, or can also be arranged on the surface.
  • FIGS. 1 to 4 show the security element in each case in plan view and, below, schematically in side view.
  • the top view shows the appearance of the security element as it is for the viewer when used a white or bright security element in the supervision or when using a transparent security element presented in the transmitted light.
  • the side view shows the respective layer structure of the security element. If it is a security thread, the width is usually in the range of 1 to 2 mm. All figures show only a short section of the security thread, which is usually produced as a continuous thread.
  • the preferred embodiments of the invention provide three security features, an optical, a magnetic and an electrically conductive security feature, wherein to produce these security features, coating materials are selected that are optically indistinguishable and which are applied to the security element 1 by a suitable method, preferably by printing in the form of printing inks.
  • a suitable method preferably by printing in the form of printing inks.
  • the printing technology processes are, for example, screen, gravure, offset and flexographic printing, screen and gravure printing being preferred.
  • the security features can also be applied by any other suitable method, such as spraying or vapor deposition method. When using vapor deposition technologies, vacuum coating methods are preferred.
  • the optical code 20 consists of characters 20a and 20d and bars 20b, 20c in trapezoidal shape.
  • the Individual components 20a to 20d of the optical code 20 are each formed on the security element 1 from a specific coating material.
  • the component 20a "G &D” is formed by a coating 50 of neutral material without special physical properties.
  • the optical code constituent 20b and the constituent 20d "PL" are formed by a magnetic coating 40.
  • the optical code component 20c is formed by an electrically conductive coating 30.
  • the respective font components 20a and 20d thus have different physical properties, and also the trapezoidal beams 20b, 20c have different but different physical properties than the lettering components 20a, 20d.
  • the coating is present on a transparent plastic carrier 10, so that the optical code 20 is visible in transmitted light when the security element 1 is stored, for example, in banknote paper or another security document.
  • FIG. 2 shows a security element according to the invention 1
  • the optical code 20 is a bar code, which is formed by differently long, evenly spaced bars. The viewer will initially believe that they have a standard bar code in front of them.
  • the individual bars of the bar code 20 are formed by different coating materials, namely by electrically conductive coating sections 30, magnetic coating sections 40 and neutral coating sections 50 which are neither magnetically nor electrically conductive.
  • electrically conductive coating sections 30, magnetic coating sections 40 and neutral coating sections 50 which are neither magnetically nor electrically conductive.
  • the coating sections 50 thus serve to complete the optical code 20, and it would be different from the illustration FIG. 4 sufficient when the coating portions 50 are adjacent to the magnetic and / or electrically conductive portions 40 and 30, respectively. However, this requires a very precise manufacturing accuracy in order to avoid gaps between the individual coating sections. Due to the ease of manufacture, in particular in the printing method, preference is therefore given to an arrangement of the coating sections in which overlapping coating sections overlap. Manufacturing tolerances are not critical in this case.
  • the coating is as in Fig.1 , on a plastic carrier 10 before.
  • FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the security element 1 according to the invention, in which the optical code 20 in turn character 20a and bar 20b, 20c comprises.
  • the bars 20c with the negative writing "PL" consist of an electrically conductive coating 30 and the bar 20b with the negative writing "G &D” consists of a neutral, opaque ink 50.
  • the electrically conductive coating 30 thus forms a conductivity code that is suitable for the However, the observer is not recognizable in his or her special code form since the observer will assume that the neutral coating area 50 is also part of the code.
  • the security element has a third code, namely a magnetic code 40, which is formed by section-wise printing of the bars 20a, 20b with magnetic ink 40. The portions of the magnetic code 40 are outside the negative writing 20a, so that the magnetic code 40 as a classic bar code can be produced in the simplest way in the printing process.
  • the coating is as in Fig. 1 , on a plastic carrier 10 before.
  • FIG. 4 again shows a security element 1 according to the invention, which counteracts the observer as a continuously coated security element with negative writing 20.
  • the security element has a conductivity code 30 and a different magnetic code 40, which are formed by respective coatings 30, 40. Areas of the security element not covered by the coating areas 30, 40 were previously printed with a neutral, opaque ink 50. However, the coating sequence is irrelevant for the purposes of the invention, since in each case a completely opaque printed according to the appearance security element 1 is formed, which has the same appearance from both sides even in the case of a transparent element.
  • the coating is as in Fig. 1 , on a plastic carrier 10 before.
  • the coatings may also be present on different sides of the carrier material 10.
  • the magnetic code-forming regions 40 of the security element can be subdivided into subclasses that differ in their magnetic remanence and / or their coercive field strength. These different classes of magnetic regions can be distinguished from one another by their different magnetic properties in identification machines.
  • the different magnetic and machine-detectable properties of the subclasses can be adjusted by means of different magnetic materials or by means of a material which varies in quantity and / or pigment distribution. Under pigment distribution is for example the pigment size or the packing of the pigments (density) to understand.
  • the magnetic materials may be both hard and soft magnetic materials and mixtures thereof.
  • Suitable magnetic paints are hard-magnetic pigments incorporated in binders, for example Fe 3 O 4 and soft magnetic powder paints, for example of Fe or NiFe.
  • the electrically conductive areas 30, just like the magnetic areas 40 e.g. produced using printing inks in the printing process.
  • This has the advantage that the visual appearance of the electrically conductive paint can be easily adapted to the visual appearance of the magnetic ink.
  • it is possible without any effort to provide recesses or special contours in the electrically conductive coating to form the optical code, without requiring, for example, a complex demetallization process.
  • the colors of the type Elektrodag Acheson or incorporated in binder carbon black e.g. Printex XE2B from Degussa Hüls.

Landscapes

  • Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Printing Methods (AREA)
  • Paints Or Removers (AREA)
  • Bidet-Like Cleaning Device And Other Flush Toilet Accessories (AREA)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Medicines Containing Antibodies Or Antigens For Use As Internal Diagnostic Agents (AREA)
  • Shielding Devices Or Components To Electric Or Magnetic Fields (AREA)

Abstract

A security element is equipped with first code of magnetic material and/or second code of electroconductive material and has in addition third, optically read-able code, for example as negative writing and/or as a bar code, which is present in the magnetic and/or electroconductive code or is produced preferably together with third, neutral material, the neutral material not being either electroconductive or magnetic. According to the invention it is provided that all three aforementioned materials are indistinguishable to the viewer optically, that is, with the naked eye, and therefore appear as a uniform coating made of a single material.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Sicherheitselement, insbesondere für Banknoten, das ein Trägermaterial und einen Magnet-Code und/ oder einen davon unabhängigen Code auf der Basis von elektrischer Leitfähigkeit, im Folgenden mit Leitfähigkeits-Code bezeichnet, und des Weiteren einen optischen Code aufweist. Die Erfindung betrifft des Weiteren ein Sicherheitsdokument, insbesondere eine Banknote, mit einem solchen Sicherheitselement. Bei dem Sicherheitselement handelt es sich insbesondere um einen Sicherheitsfaden. Sicherheitsfäden werden als Sicherheitsmerkmal in unterschiedlichsten Produkten verwendet, insbesondere in Sicherheitspapieren. Eine der bekanntesten Anwendungen, an die höchste Sicherheitsanforderungen gestellt werden, besteht in der Einlagerung des Sicherheitsfadens in Banknotenpapier, wobei der optische Code in den meisten Fällen eine im Durchlicht mit bloßem Auge prüfbare Positiv- oder Negativschrift bildet. Der optische Code kann aber auch oder zusätzlich ein mit optischen Geräten prüfbarer Code sein, insbesondere ein Balkencode ( WO 99/28852 ).The invention relates to a security element, in particular for bank notes, which has a carrier material and a magnetic code and / or an independent code based on electrical conductivity, hereinafter referred to as conductivity code, and further comprises an optical code. The invention further relates to a security document, in particular a banknote, with such a security element. The security element is in particular a security thread. Security threads are used as a security feature in a wide variety of products, especially security papers. One of the most well-known applications for which the highest security requirements are imposed is the incorporation of the security thread in banknote paper, the optical code in most cases forming positive or negative writing that can be tested by transmitted light with the naked eye. The optical code can also or additionally be a code that can be tested with optical devices, in particular a bar code ( WO 99/28852 ).

Um die Nachahmung des Sicherheitsfadens zu erschweren, ist der Sicherheitsfaden über den optischen Code hinaus üblicherweise mit weiteren Sicherheitsmerkmalen ausgestattet, insbesondere mit einer elektrisch leitfähigen Beschichtung und/oder einer Beschichtung mit magnetischen Eigenschaften, wobei diese Beschichtungen übereinander angeordnet sind. Diese Sicherheitsmerkmale werden maschinell geprüft und daher auch als "Maschinenmerkmale" bezeichnet. Der optische Code wird zumeist durch die Maschinenmerkmale selbst gebildet, indem die zugehörigen Beschichtungen entweder eine Positivschrift oder - durch entsprechende Aussparungen in den Beschichtungen - eine Negativschrift bilden. Eine übliche Art der Erzeugung des optischen Codes besteht darin, einen metallisierten Faden partiell zu demetallisieren, wobei die darüber liegende Schicht mit magnetischen Eigenschaften entweder mit entfernt wird ( EP 0 748 896 A1 ), oder so angeordnet ist, dass sie mit den demetallisierenden Zonen nicht interferiert, oder so dünn aufgetragen wird, dass die demetallisierten Bereiche des Sicherheitsfadens trotz der vorhandenen magnetischen Schicht im Durchlicht visuell erkennbar sind ( EP 0 498 186 A1 ).To complicate the imitation of the security thread, the security thread beyond the optical code is usually equipped with other security features, in particular with an electrically conductive coating and / or a coating with magnetic properties, these coatings are arranged one above the other. These safety features are checked by machine and are therefore referred to as "machine features". The optical code is usually formed by the machine features themselves, by the associated coatings form either a positive font or - by corresponding recesses in the coatings - a negative font. A common way of producing the optical code is to partially demetallize a metallized strand, either by removing the overlying layer of magnetic properties ( EP 0 748 896 A1 ), or so arranged is that it does not interfere with the demetallizing zones, or is applied so thinly that the demetallized areas of the security thread are visually recognizable in the transmitted light despite the existing magnetic layer ( EP 0 498 186 A1 ).

Anstatt die elektrisch leitfähige Schicht durch Metallbedampfung des Sicherheitsfadens herzustellen, kann die elektrisch leitfähige Beschichtung auch als metallpigmenthaltige Druckfarbe, z.B. Silberbronze, aufgebracht werden ( EP 0 516 790 B1 , Figur 8). Alternativ kann die magnetische Schicht durch Beimischung von Rußpartikeln zusätzlich elektrisch leitfähig gemacht werden, so dass durch Drucken einer einzigen Schicht alle drei Sicherheitsmerkmale - magnetisch, elektrisch leitfähig, Negativschrift - gleichzeitig erzeugt werden.Instead of producing the electrically conductive layer by metal vapor deposition of the security thread, the electrically conductive coating can also be applied as a metal-pigment-containing printing ink, for example silver bronze ( EP 0 516 790 B1 , Figure 8). Alternatively, the magnetic layer can additionally be rendered electrically conductive by admixing soot particles, so that all three security features-magnetic, electrically conductive, negative writing-are generated simultaneously by printing a single layer.

Darüber hinaus ist es bekannt, die Schicht mit magnetischen Eigenschaften so aufzubringen, dass sie einen besonderen Code bildet ( EP 0 914 970 A2 ). Dieser Magnetcode kann aus magnetischem Material oder aus Material, welches mittels Magnetoresistoren detektierbar ist, bestehen ( EP 0 610 917 A1 ), wobei der Code nicht nur aufgrund der örtlichen Materialverteilung, sondern auch aufgrund von unterschiedlichen magnetoresistiven Eigenschaften ( EP 0 610 917 A1 ) oder unterschiedlichen Magnetschichtdicken ( EP 0 914 970 A2 ) oder unterschiedlichen magnetischen Eigenschaften, wie Remanenzeigenschaften oder Koerzivität, ( WO 99/28852 ) detektierbar ist.Moreover, it is known to apply the layer of magnetic properties so that it forms a special code ( EP 0 914 970 A2 ). This magnetic code can consist of magnetic material or of material that can be detected by means of magnetoresistors ( EP 0 610 917 A1 ), whereby the code not only due to the local material distribution, but also due to different magnetoresistive properties ( EP 0 610 917 A1 ) or different magnetic layer thicknesses ( EP 0 914 970 A2 ) or different magnetic properties, such as remanence properties or coercivity, WO 99/28852 ) is detectable.

Aus der WO 99/28852 ist es darüber hinaus bekannt, nicht nur die magnetische Beschichtung in besonderer Codeform aufzubringen, sondern durch abschnittsweises Aufbringen der elektrisch leitfähigen Metallschicht auch einen besonderen Leitfähigkeits-Code zu erzeugen.From the WO 99/28852 It is also known not only to apply the magnetic coating in a special code form, but also to generate a special conductivity code by applying the electrically conductive metal layer in sections.

Falls der optische Code im Durchlicht nicht sichtbar zu sein braucht, kann die Magnetbeschichtung, anstatt beispielsweise mit Aussparungen in Form einer Negativschrift versehen zu sein, eine entsprechende Beschriftung besitzen, die mittels üblicher Drucktinte auf die Magnetschicht aufgedruckt ist ( EP 0 610 917 A1 , EP 0 748 896 A1 ).If the optical code need not be visible in transmitted light, instead of being provided, for example, with recesses in the form of negative writing, the magnetic coating may have a corresponding inscription which is printed on the magnetic layer by means of customary printing ink ( EP 0 610 917 A1 . EP 0 748 896 A1 ).

Ein allgemeines Anliegen bei Sicherheitsfäden besteht darin, dass potentielle Fälscher auf das Vorhandensein der Maschinenmerkmale nicht aufmerksam werden sollen. Das ist aber nicht ohne weiteres zu vermeiden, da eine magnetische Beschichtung üblicherweise ein völlig anderes Erscheinungsbild besitzt als eine elektrisch leitfähige, metallisch glänzende Metallbeschichtung.A common concern with security threads is that potential counterfeiters should not become aware of the presence of the machine features. However, this is not to be avoided easily, since a magnetic coating usually has a completely different appearance than an electrically conductive, shiny metallic metal coating.

Die WO 99/28852 schlägt daher vor, die magnetische Schicht und die elektrisch leitfähige Metallschicht registergenau übereinander anzuordnen, so dass sie sich gegenseitig vollständig verdecken. Diese Maßnahme hat aber nur dann Erfolg, wenn der Sicherheitsfaden von nur einer Seite betrachtet wird oder zumindest ein opakes Grundmaterial besitzt. Bei Sicherheitsfäden in Banknoten, deren optischer Code im Durchlicht geprüft wird, ist der Sicherheitsfaden aber üblicherweise transparent, so dass sich je nach Betrachtungsseite ein anderes Erscheinungsbild ergäbe. Für diesen Fall des beidseitig sichtbaren Sicherheitsfadens wird in EP 0 516 790 B1 und EP 0 748 896 A1 vorgeschlagen, die magnetische Beschichtung beidseitig vollständig mit dem elektrisch leitfähigen Material abzudecken, so dass sich im Papier im Auf- und Durchlicht ein einheitliches Erscheinungsbild ergibt.The WO 99/28852 therefore proposes to arrange the magnetic layer and the electrically conductive metal layer in register over each other so that they completely cover each other. However, this measure only succeeds if the security thread is viewed from only one side or at least possesses an opaque base material. For security threads in banknotes whose optical code is checked in transmitted light, however, the security thread is usually transparent, so that a different appearance would result depending on the viewing side. In this case of the visible on both sides security thread is in EP 0 516 790 B1 and EP 0 748 896 A1 proposed to completely cover the magnetic coating on both sides with the electrically conductive material, so that the paper in the transmitted and transmitted light results in a uniform appearance.

Einen anderen Weg der Verschleierung geht die EP 0 914 970 A2 , welche vorschlägt, einen magnetischen Balkencode zu "maskieren", indem in den Bereichen zwischen den magnetischen Balken Maskierungsbalken aus demselben magnetischen Material vorgesehen werden, die sich von den Magnet-code bildenden Balken nur durch die Materialstärke - und damit durch die Intensität des magnetischen Merkmals - unterscheiden. Ein potentieller Fälscher wird dadurch optisch in die Irre geleitet, da er zunächst annehmen wird, dass die Markierungsbalken Bestandteil des magnetischen Codes sind. An die Fertigungsqualität des Sicherheitsfadens sowie die Messgerätequalität zum Prüfen des Sicherheitsfadens sind jedoch sehr hohe Anforderungen zu stellen, damit die Markierungsbalken zuverlässig als solche erkannt und nicht dem Magnetcode zugerechnet werden.Another way of concealment is the EP 0 914 970 A2 which proposes to "mask" a magnetic bar code by applying masking bars therefrom in the areas between the magnetic bars magnetic material are provided, which differ from the magnetic code forming beam only by the material thickness - and thus by the intensity of the magnetic feature -. A potential counterfeiter is thereby visually misled, as he will first assume that the marking bars are part of the magnetic code. However, very high demands must be placed on the production quality of the security thread and the quality of the measuring device for checking the security thread, so that the marking bars are reliably recognized as such and are not added to the magnetic code.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es nun, ein Sicherheitselement, insbesondere für Banknoten zur Verfügung zu stellen, dem nicht ohne weiteres alle Sicherheitsmerkmale anzusehen sind und das mit geringem Aufwand zu fertigen und zuverlässig prüfbar ist.The object of the present invention is now to provide a security element, in particular for banknotes, which is not readily to be regarded as all security features and which can be manufactured with little effort and reliably tested.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch ein Sicherheitselement mit den Merkmalen der nebengeordneten Patentansprüche gelöst. In davon abhängigen Ansprüchen sind vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen und Weiterbildungen der Erfindung angegeben.This object is achieved by a security element with the features of the independent claims. In dependent claims advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are given.

Die erfindungsgemäße Verschleierung der Sicherheitsmerkmale des Sicherheitselements beruht unter anderem darauf, dass auf ein Trägermaterial unterschiedliche Sicherheitsmerkmale aufgebracht werden und diese unterschiedlichen Sicherheitsmerkmale durch Materialien gebildet werden, die optisch, das heißt mit dem bloßen Auge, nicht voneinander unterscheidbar sind. Bei dem Trägermaterial kann es sich um ein opakes oder transparentes Material handeln, vorzugsweise um Kunststoff, besonders bevorzugt um transparenten Kunststoff.The obfuscation of the security features of the security element according to the invention is based inter alia on the fact that different security features are applied to a carrier material and these different security features are formed by materials which are not distinguishable visually, ie with the naked eye. The carrier material may be an opaque or transparent material, preferably plastic, more preferably transparent plastic.

Konkret basiert die erfindungsgemäße Verschleierung darauf, dass zusätzlich zu den technisch prüfbaren Sicherheitsmerkmalen ("Maschinenmerkmale"), das heißt zusätzlich zu der Beschichtung mit dem elektrisch leitfähigen Material und/ oder der Beschichtung mit dem magnetischen Material eine weitere Beschichtung vorgesehen ist, die gerade nicht die charakteristischen physikalischen Eigenschaften der Maschinenmerkmale besitzt, die also nicht elektrisch leitfähig ist bzw. nicht die besonderen magnetischen Eigenschaften aufweist.Specifically, the obfuscation according to the invention is based on the fact that in addition to the technically testable security features ("machine features"), that is to say in addition to the coating with the electrically conductive material and / or the coating with the magnetic material, a further coating is provided which does not has characteristic physical properties of the machine features, which is therefore not electrically conductive or does not have the special magnetic properties.

Diese weitere Beschichtung aus "neutralem" Material deckt zumindest auch Bereiche des Sicherheitselements ab, die von den Maschinenmerkmalen nicht abgedeckt sind. Da der Betrachter zwischen den einzelnen Materialien nicht unterscheiden kann, ergibt sich für ihn ein visuell erkennbares Muster, beispielsweise ein Balkencode oder eine Zeichenkombination (nachfolgend: "optischer Code"), welches durch eine Zusammenschau der durch Maschinenmerkmale abgedeckten Bereiche und der durch das neutrale Material abgedeckten Bereiche gebildet wird. Dem Betrachter bleibt dabei verborgen, ob und an welcher Stelle des optischen Codes sich möglicherweise Maschinenmerkmale befinden.This further coating of "neutral" material covers at least areas of the security element that are not covered by the machine features. Since the observer can not distinguish between the individual materials, the result is a visually recognizable pattern, for example a bar code or a combination of characters (hereafter "optical code"), which comprises a synopsis of the areas covered by machine features and that of the neutral material covered areas is formed. The viewer remains concealed as to whether and at which point of the optical code there may be machine features.

Die Maschinenmerkmalsbereiche und die mit neutralem Material abgedeckten Bereiche des Sicherheitselements können im einfachsten Fall voneinander getrennt vorliegen. Eine effektivere Verschleierung ergibt sich aber, wenn die Bereiche aneinander grenzen oder aber vorzugsweise einander teilweise oder gegebenenfalls auch vollständig überlappen. Eine besonders bevorzugte Ausführungsform sieht vor, dass es sich bei dem Sicherheitselement um einen Sicherheitsfaden handelt, und dass jeder Längsabschnitt des Sicherheitsfadens mit zumindest einem der Codierungsmaterialien versehen ist, so dass der Sicherheitsfaden über seine gesamte Länge mit optisch gleich wirkendem Material beschichtet ist. Diese durchgehende Beschichtung besitzt vorzugsweise als optischen Code Aussparungen in Form einer Negativschrift. In diesem Falle wird der Betrachter zunächst glauben, dass ihm ein herkömmlicher, vollflächig beschichteter Sicherheitsfaden vorliegt, der die typischen Aussparungen in Form einer Negativschrift besitzt. Die Herstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselements ist besonders einfach, wenn die unterschiedlichen Beschichtungsmaterialien auf optisch gleich wirkenden Druckfarben basieren, denen Partikel mit den maschinenprüfbaren Merkmalen zugemischt sind. Die dem optischen Code zugehörigen, unbeschichteten Bereiche des Sicherheitselements brauchen dann nicht durch ein aufwändiges Demetallisierungsverfahren erzeugt zu werden, sondern können einfach unbedruckt bleiben. Besonders geeignet ist die Erfindung daher für einen transparenten Sicherheitsfaden, der im Papier eingelagert im Durchlicht sichtbar ist. Zum Zwecke der Kontrasterhöhung im Durchlicht sind die maschinenprüfbaren Beschichtungsmaterialien sowie das neutrale Material opak, vorzugsweise dunkel, und basieren vorzugsweise auf derselben Druckfarbe.The machine feature areas and the neutral material covered areas of the security element may be separated from each other in the simplest case. However, a more effective obfuscation arises when the regions adjoin one another or else preferably overlap one another partially or even completely. A particularly preferred embodiment provides that it is the security element is a security thread, and that each longitudinal portion of the security thread is provided with at least one of the coding materials, so that the security thread over its entire length with optically the same material is coated. This continuous coating preferably has as optical code recesses in the form of negative writing. In this case, the viewer will first believe that he has a conventional, fully coated security thread, which has the typical recesses in the form of negative writing. The production of the security element according to the invention is particularly simple if the different coating materials are based on optically identically acting printing inks, to which particles having the machine-testable characteristics are admixed. The optical code associated, uncoated areas of the security element then need not be generated by a complex Demetallisierungsverfahren, but can simply remain unprinted. Therefore, the invention is particularly suitable for a transparent security thread, which is embedded in the paper visible in transmitted light. For the purpose of increasing the contrast in transmitted light, the machine-testable coating materials and the neutral material are opaque, preferably dark, and are preferably based on the same printing ink.

Zusätzlich können weitere Sicherheitsmerkmale in das Sicherheitselement integriert sein, insbesondere ein thermochromes und/ oder lumineszierendes Sicherheitsmerkmal.In addition, further security features can be integrated into the security element, in particular a thermochromic and / or luminescent security feature.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform handelt es sich bei dem Sicherheitselement um einen Sicherheitsfaden, d.h. das Sicherheitselement weist die Form eines Fadens oder Streifens auf, der zumindest teilweise in ein Dokumentenmaterial, wie z.B. Banknotenpapier eingebettet wird, oder auch auf der Oberfläche angeordnet sein kann. Die folgenden Beispiele werden daher auch anhand dieser bevorzugten Form beschrieben. Es ist allerdings im Rahmen der Erfindung ebenso möglich, dem Sicherheitselement jede beliebige andere Umrissform zu geben.According to a preferred embodiment, the security element is a security thread, ie the security element has the form of a thread or strip, which is at least partially embedded in a document material, such as banknote paper, or can also be arranged on the surface. The following examples are therefore also described in terms of this preferred form. It is, however, in the frame The invention also possible to give the security element any other outline shape.

Nachfolgend wird die Erfindung beispielhaft anhand der begleitenden Figuren beschrieben. Die in den Figuren gezeigten Proportionen entsprechen nicht unbedingt den in der Realität vorliegenden Verhältnissen und dienen vornehmlich zur Verbesserung der Anschaulichkeit. Darin zeigen:

Fig. 1
ein Sicherheitselement mit voneinander beabstandeten Magnet- code, Leitfähigkeits-Code und optischem Code;
Fig. 2
ein Sicherheitselement mit einem Leitfähigkeits-Code, der teil- weise von einem Magnetcode überlagert ist und mit diesem sowie mit einer dritten Beschichtung einen optischen Code bildet;
Fig. 3
ein Sicherheitselement mit einem magnetischen Code, der ei- nem optischen Code aus elektrisch leitfähigen und neutralen Beschichtungsabschnitten überlagert ist; und
Fig. 4
ein durchgehend beschichtes Sicherheitselement mit einem Leitfähigkeits-Code, darüber einem Magnetcode und einer neutralen Beschichtung zwischen den beiden Codes, sowie einem optischen Code in Form einer Negativschrift in der durchgehenden Beschichtung.
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The proportions shown in the figures do not necessarily correspond to the conditions existing in reality and serve primarily to improve the clarity. Show:
Fig. 1
a security element with spaced magnetic code, conductivity code and optical code;
Fig. 2
a security element with a conductivity code which is partially overlaid by a magnetic code and forms with this and with a third coating an optical code;
Fig. 3
a security element having a magnetic code superimposed on an optical code of electrically conductive and neutral coating portions; and
Fig. 4
a continuous coated security element with a conductivity code, above a magnetic code and a neutral coating between the two codes, as well as an optical code in the form of a negative writing in the continuous coating.

Die Figuren 1 bis 4 zeigen das Sicherheitselement jeweils in Aufsicht und, darunter, schematisch in Seitenansicht. Die Draufsicht zeigt das Erscheinungsbild des Sicherheitselements, so wie es sich dem Betrachter bei Verwendung eines weißen oder hellen Sicherheitselements in Aufsicht oder bei Verwendung eines transparenten Sicherheitselements im Durchlicht präsentiert. Die Seitenansicht zeigt den jeweiligen Schichtaufbau des Sicherheitselements. Handelt es sich um einen Sicherheitsfaden, liegt die Breite üblicherweise im Bereich von 1 bis 2 mm. Alle Figuren zeigen lediglich einen kurzen Abschnitt des Sicherheitsfadens, der üblicherweise als Endlosfaden produziert wird.The FIGS. 1 to 4 show the security element in each case in plan view and, below, schematically in side view. The top view shows the appearance of the security element as it is for the viewer when used a white or bright security element in the supervision or when using a transparent security element presented in the transmitted light. The side view shows the respective layer structure of the security element. If it is a security thread, the width is usually in the range of 1 to 2 mm. All figures show only a short section of the security thread, which is usually produced as a continuous thread.

In den Figuren sind gleiche Schichtmaterialien durchgehend mit einheitlichen Bezugsziffern bezeichnet.In the figures, the same layer materials are denoted by uniform reference numerals throughout.

Aufgrund der erhöhten Sicherheit und der besonderen Irreführung des Betrachters und potentiellen Fälschers sehen die bevorzugten Ausführungsformen der Erfindung drei Sicherheitsmerkmale vor, ein optisches, ein magnetisches und ein elektrisch leitfähiges Sicherheitsmerkmal, wobei zur Erzeugung dieser Sicherheitsmerkmale Beschichtungsmaterialien gewählt werden, die optisch nicht voneinander unterscheidbar sind und die mit einem geeigneten Verfahren, vorzugsweise drucktechnisch in Form von Druckfarben auf das Sicherheitselement 1 aufgebracht werden. Bei den drucktechnischen Verfahren handelt es sich beispielsweise um Sieb-, Tief-, Offset- und Flexodruck, wobei Sieb- und Tiefdruck bevorzugt sind. Selbstverständlich können die Sicherheitsmerkmale auch mit jedem anderen geeigneten Verfahren, wie sprüh- oder bedampfungstechnischem Verfahren aufgebracht werden. Bei Verwendung von Bedampfungstechnologien sind Vacuumbeschichtungsverfahren bevorzugt.Due to the increased security and the particular misleading of the viewer and potential counterfeiter, the preferred embodiments of the invention provide three security features, an optical, a magnetic and an electrically conductive security feature, wherein to produce these security features, coating materials are selected that are optically indistinguishable and which are applied to the security element 1 by a suitable method, preferably by printing in the form of printing inks. The printing technology processes are, for example, screen, gravure, offset and flexographic printing, screen and gravure printing being preferred. Of course, the security features can also be applied by any other suitable method, such as spraying or vapor deposition method. When using vapor deposition technologies, vacuum coating methods are preferred.

In Figur 1 ist eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselements 1 dargestellt. In diesem Falle besteht der optische Code 20 aus Schriftzeichen 20a und 20d sowie Balken 20b, 20c in Trapezform. Die einzelnen Bestandteile 20a bis 20d des optischen Codes 20 werden auf dem Sicherheitselement 1 jeweils aus einem bestimmten Beschichtungsmaterial gebildet. Der Bestandteil 20a "G&D" wird gebildet durch eine Beschichtung 50 aus neutralem Material ohne besondere physikalische Eigenschaften. Der Bestandteil 20b des optischen Codes und der Bestandteil 20d "PL" werden durch eine magnetische Beschichtung 40 gebildet. Der Bestandteil 20c des optischen Codes wiederum wird durch eine elektrisch leitfähige Beschichtung 30 gebildet. Die jeweiligen Schriftbestandteile 20a und 20d haben somit unterschiedliche physikalische Eigenschaften, und auch die trapezförmigen Balken 20b, 20c haben unterschiedliche, aber wiederum andere physikalische Eigenschaften als die Beschriftungsbestandteile 20a, 20d. Der Betrachter ahnt von diesen unterschiedlichen Eigenschaften zunächst nichts, da die Beschichtungsmaterialien des optischen Codes 20 für das bloße Auge nicht voneinander unterscheidbar sind. Die Beschichtung liegt auf einem transparenten Kunststoffträger 10 vor, so dass der optische Code 20 im Durchlicht sichtbar ist, wenn das Sicherheitselement 1 beispielsweise in Banknotenpapier oder einem anderen Sicherheitsdokument eingelagert ist..In FIG. 1 an embodiment of a security element 1 according to the invention is shown. In this case, the optical code 20 consists of characters 20a and 20d and bars 20b, 20c in trapezoidal shape. The Individual components 20a to 20d of the optical code 20 are each formed on the security element 1 from a specific coating material. The component 20a "G &D" is formed by a coating 50 of neutral material without special physical properties. The optical code constituent 20b and the constituent 20d "PL" are formed by a magnetic coating 40. In turn, the optical code component 20c is formed by an electrically conductive coating 30. The respective font components 20a and 20d thus have different physical properties, and also the trapezoidal beams 20b, 20c have different but different physical properties than the lettering components 20a, 20d. The observer initially has no idea of these different properties, since the coating materials of the optical code 20 are indistinguishable from the naked eye. The coating is present on a transparent plastic carrier 10, so that the optical code 20 is visible in transmitted light when the security element 1 is stored, for example, in banknote paper or another security document.

Figur 2 zeigt ein erfindungsgemäßes Sicherheitselement 1, dessen optischer Code 20 ein Balkencode ist, der durch unterschiedlich lange, gleichmäßig beabstandete Balken gebildet wird. Der Betrachter wird hier zunächst glauben, einen üblichen Balkencode vor sich zu haben. Wie aber anhand der Seitenansicht des Sicherheitselements 1 zu erkennen ist, werden die einzelnen Balken des Balkencodes 20 durch unterschiedliche Beschichtungsmaterialien gebildet, nämlich durch elektrisch leitfähige Beschichtungsabschnitte 30, magnetische Beschichtungsabschnitte 40 und neutrale Beschichtungsabschnitte 50, die weder magnetisch noch elektrisch leitfähig sind. Es liegt somit ein Leitfähigkeits-Code 30 aufgrund der elektrisch leitfähigen Beschichtungsabschnitte 30, ein Magnetcode 40 aufgrund der magnetischen Beschichtungsabschnitte 40 und ein optischer Code 20 aufgrund der Gesamtheit der elektrisch leitfähigen, der magnetischen und der neutralen Beschichtungabschnitte 30, 40, 50 vor. FIG. 2 shows a security element according to the invention 1, the optical code 20 is a bar code, which is formed by differently long, evenly spaced bars. The viewer will initially believe that they have a standard bar code in front of them. However, as can be seen from the side view of the security element 1, the individual bars of the bar code 20 are formed by different coating materials, namely by electrically conductive coating sections 30, magnetic coating sections 40 and neutral coating sections 50 which are neither magnetically nor electrically conductive. There is thus a conductivity code 30 due to the electrically conductive coating portions 30, a magnetic code 40 due to the magnetic Coating portions 40 and an optical code 20 due to the entirety of the electrically conductive, the magnetic and the neutral coating portions 30, 40, 50 before.

Die Beschichtungsabschnitte 50 dienen somit der Vervollständigung des optischen Codes 20, und es wäre, abweichend von der Darstellung nach Figur 4, ausreichend, wenn die Beschichtungsabschnitte 50 an die magnetischen und/ oder elektrisch leitfähigen Abschnitte 40 bzw. 30 lediglich angrenzen. Das setzt aber eine sehr exakte Fertigungsgenauigkeit voraus, um Spalten zwischen den einzelnen Beschichtungabschnitten zu vermeiden. Bevorzugt wird daher wegen der einfacheren Herstellbarkeit insbesondere im Druckverfahren eine Anordnung der Beschichtungsabschnitte, bei der sich aneinander grenzende Beschichtungsabschnitte überlappen. Fertigungstoleranzen sind in diesem Falle unkritisch. Die Beschichtung liegt, wie in Fig.1, auf einem Kunststoffträger 10 vor.The coating sections 50 thus serve to complete the optical code 20, and it would be different from the illustration FIG. 4 sufficient when the coating portions 50 are adjacent to the magnetic and / or electrically conductive portions 40 and 30, respectively. However, this requires a very precise manufacturing accuracy in order to avoid gaps between the individual coating sections. Due to the ease of manufacture, in particular in the printing method, preference is therefore given to an arrangement of the coating sections in which overlapping coating sections overlap. Manufacturing tolerances are not critical in this case. The coating is as in Fig.1 , on a plastic carrier 10 before.

Figur 3 zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselements 1, bei dem der optische Code 20 wiederum Schriftzeichen 20a und Balken 20b, 20c umfasst. Die Balken 20c mit der Negativschrift "PL" bestehen aus einer elektrisch leitfähigen Beschichtung 30 und der Balken 20b mit der Negativschrift "G&D" besteht aus einer neutralen, opaken Druckfarbe 50. Die elektrisch leitfähige Beschichtung 30 bildet somit einen Leitfähigkeits-Code, der für den Betrachter allerdings in seiner speziellen Codegestalt nicht erkennbar ist, da der Betrachter annehmen wird, dass auch der neutrale Beschichtungsbereich 50 Bestandteil des Codes ist. Zusätzlich weist das Sicherheitselement einen dritten Code auf, nämlich einen Magnetcode 40, der durch abschnittsweises Bedrucken der Balken 20a, 20b mit Magnetfarbe 40 gebildet wird. Die Teilbereiche des Magnetcodes 40 liegen außerhalb der Negativschrift 20a, so dass der Magnetcode 40 als klassischer Balkencode in einfachster Weise im Druckverfahren herstellbar ist. Die Beschichtung liegt, wie in Fig. 1, auf einem Kunststoffträger 10 vor. FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the security element 1 according to the invention, in which the optical code 20 in turn character 20a and bar 20b, 20c comprises. The bars 20c with the negative writing "PL" consist of an electrically conductive coating 30 and the bar 20b with the negative writing "G &D" consists of a neutral, opaque ink 50. The electrically conductive coating 30 thus forms a conductivity code that is suitable for the However, the observer is not recognizable in his or her special code form since the observer will assume that the neutral coating area 50 is also part of the code. In addition, the security element has a third code, namely a magnetic code 40, which is formed by section-wise printing of the bars 20a, 20b with magnetic ink 40. The portions of the magnetic code 40 are outside the negative writing 20a, so that the magnetic code 40 as a classic bar code can be produced in the simplest way in the printing process. The coating is as in Fig. 1 , on a plastic carrier 10 before.

Figur 4 zeigt wiederum ein erfindungsgemäßes Sicherheitselement 1, das dem Betrachter als durchgehend beschichtetes Sicherheitselement mit Negativschrift 20 entgegentritt. Das Sicherheitselement besitzt einen Leitfähigkeits-Code 30 und einen davon verschiedenen Magnetcode 40, die durch entsprechende Beschichtungen 30, 40 gebildet werden. Von den Beschichtungsbereichen 30, 40 nicht abgedeckte Bereiche des Sicherheitselements wurden zuvor mit einer neutralen, opaken Druckfarbe 50 bedruckt. Die Beschichtungsreihenfolge ist für die Zwecke der Erfindung jedoch unerheblich, da in jedem Falle ein dem Erscheinungsbild nach vollständig opak bedrucktes Sicherheitselement 1 entsteht, das auch im Falle eines transparenten Elements von beiden Seiten dasselbe Erscheinungsbild besitzt. Die Beschichtung liegt, wie in Fig. 1, auf einem Kunststoffträger 10 vor. FIG. 4 again shows a security element 1 according to the invention, which counteracts the observer as a continuously coated security element with negative writing 20. The security element has a conductivity code 30 and a different magnetic code 40, which are formed by respective coatings 30, 40. Areas of the security element not covered by the coating areas 30, 40 were previously printed with a neutral, opaque ink 50. However, the coating sequence is irrelevant for the purposes of the invention, since in each case a completely opaque printed according to the appearance security element 1 is formed, which has the same appearance from both sides even in the case of a transparent element. The coating is as in Fig. 1 , on a plastic carrier 10 before.

Im Falle eines transparenten Sicherheitselements können die Beschichtungen auch auf unterschiedlichen Seiten des Trägermaterials 10 vorliegen.In the case of a transparent security element, the coatings may also be present on different sides of the carrier material 10.

Die den Magnetcode bildenden Bereiche 40 des Sicherheitselements können in Unterklassen aufgeteilt sein, die sich in ihrer magnetischen Remanenz und/oder ihrer Koerzitivfeldstärke unterscheiden. Diese verschiedenen Klassen der magnetischen Bereiche lassen sich anhand ihrer unterschiedlichen magnetischen Eigenschaften in Identifikationsmaschinen voneinander unterscheiden. Die unterschiedlichen magnetischen und maschinell nachweisbaren Eigenschaften der Unterklassen können dabei mittels unterschiedlicher magnetischer Materialien oder mittels eines Materials, das in Menge und/oder Pigmentverteilung variiert, eingestellt werden. Unter Pigmentverteilung ist beispielsweise die Pigmentgröße oder die Packung der Pigmente (Dichte) zu verstehen.The magnetic code-forming regions 40 of the security element can be subdivided into subclasses that differ in their magnetic remanence and / or their coercive field strength. These different classes of magnetic regions can be distinguished from one another by their different magnetic properties in identification machines. The different magnetic and machine-detectable properties of the subclasses can be adjusted by means of different magnetic materials or by means of a material which varies in quantity and / or pigment distribution. Under pigment distribution is for example the pigment size or the packing of the pigments (density) to understand.

Bei den magnetischen Materialien kann es sich sowohl um hart- wie auch um weichmagnetische Materialien und deren Mischungen davon handeln.The magnetic materials may be both hard and soft magnetic materials and mixtures thereof.

Als Magnetfarben kommen in Bindemittel eingebrachte hartmagnetische Pigmente, bespielsweise Fe3O4 und weichmagnetische Pulverfarben, beispielsweise aus Fe oder NiFe, in Betracht.Suitable magnetic paints are hard-magnetic pigments incorporated in binders, for example Fe 3 O 4 and soft magnetic powder paints, for example of Fe or NiFe.

Die elektrisch leitfähigen Bereiche 30 werden genau wie die magnetischen Bereiche 40 z.B. mittels Druckfarben im Druckverfahren erzeugt. Das hat den Vorteil, dass das optische Erscheinungsbild der elektrisch leitfähigen Farbe ohne weiteres an das optische Erscheinungsbild der Magnetfarbe angepasst werden kann. Des Weiteren ist es ohne Aufwand möglich, Aussparungen oder besondere Konturen in der elektrisch leitfähigen Beschichtung zur Bildung des optischen Codes vorzusehen, ohne dass beispielsweise ein aufwändiger Demetallisierungsprozess notwendig wird. Zum Drucken der leitfähigen Bereiche können beispielsweise die Farben des Typs Elektrodag der Firma Acheson oder in Bindemittel eingebrachter Ruß, z.B. Printex XE2B der Firma Degussa Hüls, verwendet werden.The electrically conductive areas 30, just like the magnetic areas 40, e.g. produced using printing inks in the printing process. This has the advantage that the visual appearance of the electrically conductive paint can be easily adapted to the visual appearance of the magnetic ink. Furthermore, it is possible without any effort to provide recesses or special contours in the electrically conductive coating to form the optical code, without requiring, for example, a complex demetallization process. For printing the conductive areas, for example, the colors of the type Elektrodag Acheson or incorporated in binder carbon black, e.g. Printex XE2B from Degussa Hüls.

Claims (22)

  1. A security element (1) comprising a carrier material (10) which is equipped with a first coating (40) made of magnetic material and forming a first code, and a second coating (30) made of electroconductive material and forming a second code, and which in addition possesses a third, optically readable code (20) which is formed at least in certain areas by a third coating (50) made of nonmagnetic, nonelectroconductive material and covering at least partial areas of the security element which are not covered by the first coating and/or by the second coating, wherein said three coatings (30, 40, 50) are not mutually distinguishable with the naked eye.
  2. The security element according to claim 1, wherein the carrier material comprises transparent plastic.
  3. The security element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the security element is configured in the form of a thread or strip.
  4. The security element according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the nonmagnetic, nonelectroconductive coating (50) partly or completely overlaps the coating (40) of the first code and/or the coating (30) of the second code.
  5. The security element according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the nonmagnetic, nonelectroconductive coating (50) adjoins the coating (40) of the first code and/or the coating (30) of the second code.
  6. The security element according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the three coatings (30, 40, 50) do not overlap.
  7. The security element according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein each longitudinal portion of the security element is provided with at least one of said three coatings (30, 40, 50).
  8. The security element according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the optically readable code (20) comprises negative or positive writing.
  9. The security element according to claim 8, wherein the negative or positive writing is present only in areas of the security element that are not covered either by the first, magnetic coating (40) or by the second, electroconductive coating (30).
  10. The security element according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein on both sides of the security element at least one of the three coatings (30, 40, 50) is present.
  11. The security element according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the coating (40) of the first code comprises magnetic materials that differ in their magnetic remanence and/or coercive field strength.
  12. The security element according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the security element possesses a thermochromic security feature.
  13. The security element according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the security element possesses a luminescent security feature.
  14. The security element according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the materials of said three coatings (30, 40, 50) are printing inks.
  15. The security element according to claim 14, wherein the printing inks are opaque.
  16. The security element according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the electroconductive material comprises binder-incorporated carbon black.
  17. The security element according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the magnetic material comprises binder-incorporated magnetic pigments.
  18. The security element according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the magnetic material comprises a magnetically soft powder ink.
  19. A security document comprising at least one security element according to any of claims 1 to 18.
  20. A bank note comprising at least one security element according to any of claims 1 to 18.
  21. A method for producing a security element according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein said coatings (30, 40, 50) are applied to the security element, being preferably printed thereon.
  22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the coatings are printed on by screen printing.
EP02762299A 2001-06-28 2002-06-24 Security element Expired - Lifetime EP1404531B1 (en)

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DE10131153A DE10131153A1 (en) 2001-06-28 2001-06-28 security element
DE10131153 2001-06-28
PCT/EP2002/006966 WO2003002355A1 (en) 2001-06-28 2002-06-24 Security element

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DE102020109155A1 (en) 2020-04-02 2021-10-07 Koenig & Bauer Ag Bank note or document each with at least one security element applied to a substrate by printing

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US20040207194A1 (en) 2004-10-21
RU2004100821A (en) 2005-02-27
DE10131153A1 (en) 2003-01-16
UA74910C2 (en) 2006-02-15
US7037606B2 (en) 2006-05-02
WO2003002355A1 (en) 2003-01-09
CA2451548A1 (en) 2003-01-09
CN100352668C (en) 2007-12-05
CN1522204A (en) 2004-08-18
CA2451548C (en) 2012-04-17
EP1404531A1 (en) 2004-04-07
DE50213888D1 (en) 2009-11-12
ATE444183T1 (en) 2009-10-15
RU2290316C2 (en) 2006-12-27

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