Patent Grant
10434813
This application claims priority based on an International Application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, PCT/EP2016/057654, filed Apr. 7, 2016, which claims priority to DE102015105285.7, filed Apr. 8, 2015.
The invention relates to a method for producing a document, as well as a document.
Documents, in particular tickets or vouchers are predominantly provided locally by vending machines such as for example travel ticket vending machines or cash registers. For this purpose, the tickets, travel tickets or vouchers are provided with individualized items of information such as for example an overprint which indicates the date of issue or date of expiry. In particular, the thermal printing process or the thermal transfer printing process have proved successful for introducing the information.
In the case of the thermal printing process, substrates which already contain a color-generating substance are used. For introducing the printing, a print head with a plurality of heating elements is brought into direct contact with the substrate and the color-generating substance is heat-activated point by point. However, in the case of the thermal printing process, the direct contact of the print head with the substrate is disadvantageous. The print head hereby becomes worn out, in particular through abrasive wear, which in turn results in shortened maintenance intervals and thus reduced service lives. Thus, particles rubbed off through the abrasive wear and further dirt particles which occur increasingly, in particular in the case of travel ticket vending machines directly exposed to weather and environmental influences, shorten the lifetime of the print head.
In the case of the thermal transfer printing process, a transfer ply of a hot-stamping film is transferred to a substrate pixel-wise by means of a print head. It is disadvantageous here that the decoration layer applied hereby to the substrate can for example be largely removed by scraping or by using solvents. The use of the thermal transfer process, in particular for use in value or security documents, such as for example tickets, is hereby greatly restricted as documents printed in this way can be easily manipulated and therefore have little protection against forgery.
The object of the invention now is to provide a method for producing a document, as well as a document which avoid the disadvantages of the state of the art.
This object is achieved by a method for producing a document, in particular a security document with a thermographic substrate, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) provision of the thermographic substrate which is caused to undergo a color change in at least one first region depending on the temperature effect; b) arranging a film element in such a way that the film element is arranged between the at least one first region of the thermographic substrate and a thermal print head; c) introducing at least one first item of information by means of the thermal print head by activating the color change in the at least one first region of the thermographic substrate, wherein the thermal print head, during the introduction of the at least one first item of information, is in contact with the film element in such a way that the temperature effect causing the activation of the color change is transferred from the thermal print head through the film element to the at least one first region of the thermographic substrate. This object is further achieved by a document, in particular a security document, with a thermographic substrate, in particular produced according to the method according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the thermographic substrate which can be caused to undergo a color change by means of a thermal print head depending on temperature effect, has at least one first item of information in at least one first region, and wherein the at least one first item of information is formed by an activation of the color change in the at least one first region of the thermographic substrate.
The film element can have one or more layers which form a layered composite. It is thus possible that the film element is a film element comprising one or more layers.
It has been shown here that the temperature effect necessary in the thermographic substrate for activating the color change is transferred through the film element to the thermographic substrate in such a way that the color change is activated in the thermographic substrate by the temperature effect. During the transfer of the temperature effect necessary for the activation of the color change onto the thermographic substrate, the thermal print head is not directly in contact with the thermographic substrate here. Rather, the temperature effect necessary for the activation of the color change is transferred through the film element to the thermographic substrate. On the one hand, the thermal print head is hereby not in contact with the document, whereby wear of the thermal print head, in particular through abrasive wear, is reduced. On the other hand, the first item of information is introduced into the thermographic substrate by means of activation of the color change in the first regions. A first item of information introduced into the thermographic substrate in this way cannot be easily removed simply by scraping or by using solvents. Thus, the thermal print head is protected from wear and environmental influences by the film element arranged between the thermographic substrate and the thermal print head when the first item of information is introduced, whereby the maintenance intervals and thus the service life are increased. Furthermore, it is hereby achieved that the thermographic substrate or further layers applied to the thermographic substrate need to have lower requirements, in particular with respect to temperature resistance and sliding capability.
The film element which is arranged between the thermal print head and the thermographic substrate, or between the thermal print head and the further layers applied to the thermographic substrate, makes possible the use of thermographic substrates or thermographic substrates with applied further layers which could not be used in the thermal printing process until now because of their temperature resistance and sliding capability.
By “thermographic substrate” is meant here a substrate which can be locally caused to undergo a color change depending on temperature effect. The thermographic substrate comprises color-producing substances which, under the effect of temperature, in particular under the effect of heat, react chemically and produce the color change. It is thus possible that the thermographic substrate is a thermal paper which has a thermosensitive layer in which pigments, binders, colorformers, developers and auxiliary materials are contained. Leuco dyes which appear colorless in crystalline form or in a pH-neutral environment are preferably used as colorformers. By contrast, in a melt with an acid environment, the leuco dyes appear colored. For example, such leuco dyes can be immobilized in a matrix with an acid. Heating the matrix above the melting point results in a chemical reaction, such that the leuco dyes now appear colored due to absorption of light from the visible wavelength range. Thus, for example, a white thermographic substrate can appear black in the region activated by the temperature effect. Furthermore, it is also possible that a color change for example from yellow to violet can be caused in the thermographic substrate due to the temperature effect.
By “temperature effect” is here meant the effect of warmth or heat on the thermographic substrate. When the at least one first item of information is introduced, there is firstly a temperature difference between the thermal print head or its heating elements and the thermographic substrate, such that the thermal print head has a higher temperature compared with the thermographic substrate. The warmth here is the energy which is transferred from the location with the high temperature to the location of low temperature. The warmth transport can take place via thermal conduction, thermal radiation or convection. Thus, it is for example possible that thermal energy is transferred by means of thermal conduction. Thus, for example, if the thermal print head has a temperature of 100° C. and the thermographic substrate a temperature of 30° C., there is a temperature effect such that the warmth of the thermal print head acts on the thermographic substrate and activates the color change in the thermographic substrate.
By “color change” is here meant both a change from colorless to colored and a change in color between two different colors. It is thus possible for example that the thermographic substrate is caused by the temperature effect to undergo a color change from colorless to blue. A change in color of the thermographic substrate from red to magenta is also possible, for example, through activation of the color change. By “colored” is here meant any color which can be represented in a color model such as e.g. the RGB color model (R=red; G=green; B=blue) or the CMYK color model (C=cyan; M=magenta; Y=yellow; K=black) as a color dot within a color space. A change in the chromaticity can also bring about a change in contrast for example from white to black or from dark green to light green.
Furthermore, it is possible that in step c), with the side facing away from the thermal print head, the film element is in contact with the document, in particular the security document, and/or the thermographic substrate, such that the temperature effect causing the activation of the color change is transferred from the thermal print head through the film element to the at least one first region of the thermographic substrate.
Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are referred to in the dependent claims.
Preferably, in step c), one or more first layers of the film element are applied to the document, in particular security document, in the at least one first region, by means of the thermal print head.
Furthermore, it is possible that one or more layers of the film element are formed as a carrier layer and one or more first layers of the film element are formed as a transfer ply detachable from the carrier layer wherein, in step c), the transfer ply is applied to the document, in particular security document, in the at least one first region, by means of the thermal print head. The film element is preferably formed as a transfer film, in particular thermal transfer film. It is thus possible that the transfer ply is formed by one or more first layers of the film element.
The document advantageously has one or more first layers in the at least one first region, wherein the one or more first layers are arranged accurately fitting the at least one first item of information in the at least one first region of the thermographic substrate.
It is hereby achieved that the first item of information introduced in the first region of the thermographic substrate and the one or more first layers of the film element applied in the first region, are arranged accurately fitting, i.e. precisely positioned relative to each other. Furthermore, in a single process step, both the color change is produced in the thermographic substrate and the one or more first layers of the film element are applied to the document. The process times and the production costs are hereby reduced. Furthermore, by the one or more first layers applied in the first regions, a protection of the first item of information also introduced in the first regions of the thermographic substrate is also achieved. Through the additionally applied one or more first layers which are applied accurately fitting the first item of information in the thermographic substrate, the item of information introduced into the thermographic substrate is protected for example vis-à-vis environmental influences or solvents which are applied to the thermographic substrate. Thus, the item of information introduced into the thermographic substrate is protected vis-à-vis mechanical and chemical influences. The stability of the item of information introduced into the thermographic substrate is hereby increased. The protection against forgery and the protection vis-à-vis manipulation of the document is also further increased hereby, as the first item of information is provided several times and thus redundantly in the first regions, i.e. both by the one or more first layers of the film element applied to the document, and by the color change introduced into the thermographic substrate. Thus if, for example, the one or more first layers are removed in the first region of the document, the first item of information is thus still recognizable in the first regions in the thermographic substrate. Such manipulations are also easily recognizable as, for example, under one or more colored first layers of the document which are removed by scraping, a thermographic layer which is caused to undergo a black color change is arranged, which appears after the scraping.
Furthermore, it is advantageous if, in at least one second region, the temperature effect causing the activation of the color change is selected such that, in the at least one second region, the at least one first item of information is not introduced into the thermographic substrate and the one or more first layers of the film element are applied to the document, in particular security document, by means of the thermal print head, for the representation of at least one second item of information.
The document advantageously has one or more first layers in at least one second region, for the representation of at least one second item of information, wherein the thermographic substrate does not have the at least one first item of information in the at least one second region.
Here, in the first region, both the color change is activated in the thermographic substrate and the one or more first layers of the film element are applied to the document. In the second region, only the one or more first layers of the film element are applied to the document. The document thus has regions that represent an item of information, which are formed only by the one or more first layers of the film element. Thus, for example, items of information which have less relevance can be applied in the second region by means of the one or more first layers of the film element, and items of information which have high relevance, such as for example an expiry date, can be applied in the first region by means of the one or more first layers of the film element and, furthermore, be introduced by the color change in the thermographic substrate.
Furthermore, it is possible that the at least one first region and the at least one second region lie in the maximum recording range of the thermal print head, wherein the maximum recording range corresponds to the maximum area of the thermal print head with which the thermal print head is in contact with the film element during the introduction of the first item of information in step c). The at least one first region and the at least one second region are thus partial regions of the maximum recording range of the thermal print head. It is thus possible that the at least one first item of information in the at least one first region and the at least one second item of information in the at least one second region are substantially produced simultaneously. The thermal print head preferably has different temperatures in the at least one first region and in the at least one second region, in particular such that the at least one first item of information is introduced in the at least one first region and the one or more first layers of the film element are applied to the document, in particular security document, by means of the thermal print head, and that the at least one first item of information is not introduced in the at least one second region and the one or more first layers of the film element are applied to the document, in particular security document, by means of the thermal print head, for the representation of the at least one second item of information.
By the term “recording range” is here meant a defined area, which corresponds to the maximum area of the thermal print head by means of which the color change can be brought about in the thermographic substrate by temperature effect, and with which the thermal print head is in contact with the film element during the introduction of the first item of information in step c). It is thus possible, for example, to cause the color change throughout the entire recording range. Furthermore, it is also possible to cause the color change only in one or more regions, in particular in the first region of the recording range.
Furthermore, it is advantageous that the at least one first region and/or the at least one second region is formed patterned, in particular in the form of lettering. A pattern can, for example, be a graphically formed outline, a figural representation, an image, a motif, a symbol, a logo, a portrait, an alphanumeric character, a text and the like.
Furthermore, it is possible that the one or more first layers of the film element are transparent in the at least one first region and not transparent in the at least one second region. The first item of information hereby appears in the first region in the color which is caused by the activation of the color change of the thermographic substrate and the second item of information is recognizable in the second region by means of the non-transparent one or more first layers of the film element.
The resolution of the at least one first item of information in the at least one first region and/or the resolution of the at least one second item of information in the at least one second region is preferably more than 200 dpi, preferably more than 300 dpi, further preferably more than 600 dpi.
Furthermore, it is possible that the resolution is different in the X and Y directions. In the direction of travel the paper, this is determined in particular by the paper feed of the printer. Transversely to the direction of travel of the paper, this is determined by the size of and distance between the heating elements of the print head.
Furthermore, it is possible that the thermographic substrate provided in step a) is caused to undergo at least two color changes in at least two first regions depending on the temperature effect, wherein the at least two color changes are caused when at least two different temperature limits are exceeded. The protection against forgery of the document can be further increased hereby.
Furthermore, it is possible that the at least two different temperature limits differ by more than 5° C., preferably more than 10° C., further preferably by more than 15° C.
Depending on the design of the one or more first layers in the at least one first region and/or in the at least one second region of the document, the optical impression of the document can be changed and the protection against forgery further increased. The one or more first layers of the film element in the at least one first region and/or the at least one second region are preferably applied to the document, in particular security document, by means of the thermal print head, in such a way that the produced document, in particular security document, comprises the one or more first layers. Possibilities for the design of the one or more first layers of the film element are described below.
The one or more first layers of the film element preferably comprise an adhesive layer.
The adhesive layer preferably has a layer thickness between 0.1 μm and 10 μm, preferably between 0.5 μm and 5 μm, further preferably between 0.8 μm and 3 μm.
The application weight of the adhesive layer is preferably 1 g/m2 to 4 g/m2, preferably 1.5 g/m2 to 3 g/m2. Here and in the following, an application weight of approximately 1 g/m2 corresponds to a resulting layer thickness of the dry layer of approximately 1 μm.
It is advantageous that the adhesive layer comprises acrylates, PVC (=polyvinyl chloride), PUR (=polyurethane) or polyester.
Furthermore, it is advantageous that at least one layer of the one or more first layers has color pigments and/or dissolved dyes.
The at least one layer having the color pigments and/or dissolved dyes preferably has a layer thickness between 0.1 μm and 10 μm, preferably between 0.3 μm and 3 μm, further preferably between 0.5 μm and 2 μm.
The application weight of the at least one layer having the color pigments and/or dissolved dyes is preferably 1 g/m2 to 3 g/m2, preferably 1.5 g/m2 to 2.5 g/m2.
The at least one layer having the color pigments and/or dissolved dyes preferably comprises PMMA (=polymethyl methacrylate), PVC, silicon dioxide, PPF (=polydialkylphosphate), polyester resin, maleic resin or formaldehyde resin.
It is possible that the at least one layer having the color pigments and/or dissolved dyes is present in at least one first partial region of the at least one first region and/or of the at least one second region and is not present in at least one second partial region of the at least one first region and/or of the at least one second region.
Furthermore, it is possible that the at least one first partial region and/or the at least one second partial region is formed patterned. A pattern can, for example, be a graphically formed outline, a figural representation, an image, a motif, a symbol, a logo, a portrait, an alphanumeric character, a text and the like.
The at least one layer having the color pigments and/or dissolved dyes is advantageously transparent, semi-transparent or translucent.
The at least one layer having the color pigments and/or dissolved dyes preferably has different color pigments and/or dissolved dyes in at least two third partial regions of the at least one first region and/or of the at least one second region, wherein the different color pigments and/or dissolved dyes in the at least two third partial regions correspond to different colors, in particular of the RGB color space.
It is advantageous if the at least two third partial regions are formed patterned. A pattern can, for example, be a graphically formed outline, a figural representation, an image, a motif, a symbol, a logo, a portrait, an alphanumeric character, a text and the like.
It is also possible that the at least two third partial regions are arranged according to a grid.
A first color is advantageously produced in step c) by color change of the thermographic substrate in the at least one first region, and the one or more first layers of the film element which are applied to the document, in particular security document, in the at least one first region in step c), are formed colored in a second color at least in regions, wherein the first color and the second color are different colors, in particular of the RGB color space.
Furthermore, it is advantageous if the film element arranged in step b) has one or more dyes and/or one or more adhesives, and in step c) the one or more dyes and/or the one or more adhesives are melted on during application.
According to a further preferred embodiment example, the one or more first layers of the film element comprise a transparent protective varnish layer. It is advantageous if the transparent protective varnish layer comprises PMMA, PVC, acrylate or carnauba wax.
The transparent protective varnish layer preferably has a layer thickness between 0.1 μm and 10 μm, preferably between 0.3 μm and 1 μm, further preferably between 0.5 μm and 1 μm.
The application weight of the transparent protective varnish layer is preferably 0.1 g/m2 to 1 g/m2, preferably 0.3 g/m2 to 0.6 g/m2, further preferably 0.35 g/m2 to 0.5 g/m2.
The one or more first layers of the film element preferably comprise a replication varnish layer. It is advantageous if the replication varnish layer comprises PMMA or styrene copolymer.
The replication varnish layer preferably has a layer thickness between 0.1 μm and 10 μm, preferably between 0.3 μm and 3 μm, further preferably between 0.5 μm and 2 μm.
The application weight of the replication varnish layer is preferably 0.1 g/m2 to 2.5 g/m2, preferably 0.15 g/m2 to 2 g/m2, further preferably 0.2 g/m2 to 1.5 g/m2.
According to a further preferred embodiment example, the film element arranged in step b) has a replication varnish layer, a detachment layer and a transparent protective varnish layer, wherein a relief structure is molded into the replication varnish layer at least in regions, and wherein the detachment layer is arranged between the replication varnish layer and the transparent protective layer, and wherein the replication varnish layer is facing the thermal print head, and in step c) the transparent protective varnish layer is applied to the document, in particular security document, by means of the thermal print head in such a way that a relief structure that is inverted with respect to the relief structure of the replication varnish layer is molded into the transparent protective varnish layer. It is hereby achieved that the negative form of the relief structure molded into the replication varnish layer in step b) is molded onto the transparent protective varnish layer and this transparent protective varnish layer has the relief structure on its free upper side on the document.
The detachment layer is preferably formed as a wax layer. The application weight of the wax layer is preferably 0.005 g/m2 to 0.1 g/m2, preferably 0.0075 g/m2 to 0.05 g/m2. The detachment layer can alternatively also consist of a strongly filming acrylate and/or also be part of the protective varnish layer and have a layer thickness of from 1 μm to 5 μm, preferably 1 μm to 3 μm.
Furthermore, it is possible that the replication varnish layer is formed by a UV-cross-linkable varnish and the relief structure is molded into the replication varnish layer by means of UV replication. The relief structure is molded onto the uncured replication varnish layer by the action of a stamping tool and the replication varnish layer is cured before and/or directly during and/or after the molding by irradiation with UV light.
Furthermore, it is possible that the replication varnish layer and/or the transparent protective varnish layer is stained It is thus possible that the replication varnish layer and/or the transparent protective varnish layer have color pigments and/or dissolved dyes.
It is advantageous that a relief structure is molded into the surface of the replication varnish layer and/or into the surface of the transparent protective varnish layer at least in regions, in particular a diffractive relief structure selected from the group Kinegram® or hologram, zero-order diffraction structure, blazed grating, in particular asymmetrical saw-tooth relief structure, diffraction structure, in particular linear sinusoidal diffraction grating, or crossed sinusoidal diffraction grating or linear single- or multi-step rectangular grating, or crossed single- or multi-step rectangular grating, light-diffracting and/or light-refracting and/or light-focusing micro- or nanostructure, binary or continuous Fresnel lens, binary or continuous Fresnel freeform surface, diffractive or refractive macrostructure, in particular lens structure or microprism structure, mirror surface, mat structure, in particular anisotropic or isotropic mat structure, or combinations of these structures.
The one or more first layers of the film element preferably comprise a reflective layer, in particular a metal layer and/or an HRI or LRI layer (HRI—high refraction index, LRI—low refraction index). Furthermore, it is possible that the reflective layer has a multilayer system made of several reflective layers arranged next to each other and/or over each other, for example metal layers and/or HRI layers or alternating HRI and LRI layers.
It is also possible that the reflective layer is formed as a metal layer made of chromium, aluminum, gold, copper, silver or an alloy of such metals. The metal layer is preferably vapor-deposited in a vacuum in a layer thickness of from 10 nm to 150 nm.
Furthermore, it is also possible that the reflective layer is formed by a transparent reflective layer, preferably a thin or finely-structured metallic layer or a dielectric HRI or LRI layer. Such a dielectric reflective layer consists, for example, of a vapor-deposited layer made of a metal oxide, metal sulfide, e.g. titanium oxide or ZnS etc. with a thickness of from 25 nm to 500 nm.
The reflective layer can be structured by means of known processes, in particular removed in regions. For example, this can take place by means of known etching processes and/or washing processes or also by means of structuring processes as are described for example in WO 2006084685 A2, WO 2006084686 A2, WO 2011006634 A2 or DE 102013108666 A1.
It is possible that the one or more first layers of the film element comprise one or more primer layers. The interlayer adhesion between those layers between which the primer layer is arranged in each case can hereby be set in a targeted manner and thereby improved.
A primer layer of the one or more primer layers is advantageously arranged between the adhesive layer and the reflective layer.
The one or more primer layers preferably have a layer thickness between 0.01 μm and 2 μm, preferably between 0.05 μm and 1 μm, further preferably between 0.1 μm and 0.6 μm.
According to a further preferred embodiment example, at least one layer of the one or more first layers of the film element has pigments which, in the case of irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the case of irradiation with UV light, further preferably in the case of irradiation with IR light (UV=ultraviolet; IR=infrared), emit light from the range of the wavelength range visible to the human eye, in particular in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm. The protection against forgery of the document is hereby further improved, as such a layer can be imitated only with difficulty.
The application weight of the layer having pigments which, in the case of irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, emit light from the range of the wavelength range visible to the human eye, is preferably 0.5 g/m2 to 2 g/m2, preferably 0.75 g/m2 to 1.5 g/m2.
At least one layer of the one or more first layers of the film element preferably has optically variable pigments and/or at least one layer of the one or more first layers of the film element has a thin film layer system which has one or more space layers, the layer thickness of which is selected so that the thin film layer system, by means of interference of the incident light, generates a color shift effect dependent on the observation angle, in particular out of the range of the wavelength range visible to the human eye. Such a thin film layer system is characterized in particular by one or more space layers. The optically effective layer thickness of these space layers, preferably for a specific viewing angle, fulfils the λ/2- or λ/4 condition for a wavelength A in particular in the range of visible light. The thin film layer system can here consist of a single layer, of a layer system with one or more dielectric layers and one or more metallic layers or of a layer stack with two or more dielectric layers.
By “optically variable pigments” is here meant in particular pigments which produce a color effect that is dependent on the observation angle, in particular due to interference effects. In order to produce such a color-change effect with a high degree of brilliance, the pigments should have a similar orientation to each other. Such pigments are for example optically variable pigments (OVPs). Furthermore, the at least one layer of the one or more first layers with the optically variable pigments preferably has a binder. Such combinations of binders and pigments are for example optically variable inks (OVI®) which produce an optically variable color impression, in particular due to interference effects. OVIs typically have to be printed in significant layer thicknesses in order to produce a recognizable color-change effect with a high degree of brilliance.
By the term “observation angle” is meant here both the observation angle at which the document is viewed by an observer and also the angle at which the document is illuminated by an illumination device. By “observation angle” is meant the angle formed between the surface normal of the plane spanned by the upper side of the document and the observation direction of an observer. Likewise, by “observation angle” is meant the angle formed between the surface normal of the plane spanned by the upper side of the document and the illumination direction of an illumination device. Thus, for example, at the observation angle of 0° an observer views the surface of the document perpendicularly, and at a viewing angle of 70° an observer views the document at a shallow angle. If the observation direction of the observer or the illumination direction of the illumination device changes, the observation angle consequently changes.
The application weight of the at least one layer having the optically variable pigments and/or the layer having the thin film layer system is preferably 0.5 g/m2 to 20 g/m2, preferably 1.0 g/m2 to 10 g/m2.
Furthermore, it is possible that the reflective layer and/or the layer having the pigments and/or the layer having the optically variable pigments and/or the layer having the thin film layer system is present in at least one fourth partial region of the at least one first region and/or of the at least one second region and is not present in at least one fifth partial region of the at least one first region and/or of the at least one second region. It is hereby made possible, for example, that the color change in the thermographic substrate is recognizable to an observer in the at least one fifth partial region of the at least one first region.
The at least one fourth partial region and/or the at least one fifth partial region is advantageously formed patterned. A pattern can, for example, be a graphically formed outline, a figural representation, an image, a motif, a symbol, a logo, a portrait, an alphanumeric character, a text and the like.
It is possible that the at least one fourth partial region and the at least one fifth partial region are arranged according to a grid.
Furthermore, it is possible that the grid widths are greater than the resolution limit of the naked human eye, in particular that the grid widths are greater than 300 μm. It is hereby achieved that the color change in the thermographic substrate in the at least one first region is recognizable to an observer.
Furthermore, it is also possible that the grid widths are smaller than the resolution limit of the naked human eye, in particular that the grid widths are smaller than 300 μm.
The grid is preferably a one-dimensional and/or two-dimensional grid.
Furthermore, it is advantageous that the grid is a periodic and/or non-periodic grid.
The grid can advantageously be formed such that, in particular when a correspondingly gridded test element is overlaid, a Moiré effect is produced. However, several correspondingly gridded layers can also be provided in the film element and/or on the substrate for the production of such a Moiré effect. It is also possible that the one grid is arranged in one layer, in particular one of the one or more first layers, of the film element and the other grid is formed by the color change in the thermographic substrate.
Furthermore, it is advantageous that the one or more first layers are transparent, semi-transparent or translucent. It is hereby possible, for example, that the color change in the thermographic substrate is recognizable to an observer through the one or more first layers of the film element. It is hereby also possible to produce mixed colors for example according to the RGB color model, by superimposition of the color of the one or more first layers of the film element and the color of the color change in the thermographic substrate.
According to a further preferred embodiment example
a layer of the film element arranged facing the thermographic substrate in step b), is formed in such a way that adhesion to the thermographic substrate and/or the document is prevented, and/or a layer of the film element arranged facing the thermal print head in step b) is formed in such a way that a sufficient hot smear resistance is achieved. Through such a design of the film element, it is achieved that a thermal transfer printer can be used for activating the color change in the thermographic substrate of the document, as no layers of the film element are applied to the document. The temperature effect causing the activation of the color change is, however, transferred from the thermal print head through the film element to the thermographic substrate.
It is thus possible that the method is carried out by means of a thermal transfer printer. It is hereby possible to introduce the at least one first item of information into the thermographic substrate of the document by means of a thermal transfer printer. Furthermore, as explained, it is possible to apply one or more first layers to the document in the same process step. Carrying out the method by means of a thermal transfer printer thus makes further cost advantages possible.
The temperature effect in step c) is preferably more than 50° C., preferably more than 55° C., further preferably more than 60° C., still further preferably more than 90° C. Furthermore, it is possible that the temperature effect in step c) is between 50° C. and 200° C., preferably between 55° C. and 175° C., further preferably between 60° C. and 150° C. No hard upper limits are set for the temperature effect for activating thermal papers. The practical limit is currently set by the performance of the thermal print head and the reduced need for higher temperatures.
In step c) the thermal print head advantageously has a temperature of more than 70° C., preferably more than 75° C., further preferably more than 80° C., still further preferably more than 100° C., at least in regions. It is also possible that, in step c) the thermal print head, at least in regions, has a temperature between 70° C. and 220° C., preferably between 75° C. and 210° C., further preferably between 80° C. and 200° C., still further preferably between 90° C. and 195° C.
Furthermore, it is advantageous that the thermographic substrate provided in step a), at least in regions, has one or more second layers that are transparent at least in regions, wherein the one or more second layers are arranged between the film element and the thermographic substrate, when observed perpendicularly to the plane spanned by the upper side of the thermographic substrate, and that in step c), the temperature effect causing the activation of the color change is transferred through the one or more second layers to the at least one first region of the thermographic substrate.
The document, in particular the security document, at least in regions, preferably has one or more second layers that are transparent at least in regions, wherein the one or more second layers cover the at least one first item of information introduced into the at least one first region of the thermographic substrate at least in regions, when observed perpendicularly to the plane spanned by the upper side of the thermographic substrate.
The one or more second layers are advantageously arranged between the thermographic substrate and the one or more first layers of the film element, when observed perpendicularly to the plane spanned by the upper side of the thermographic substrate.
Furthermore, it is possible that the one or more second layers have a decorative layer with at least one optical security feature, in particular an optical security feature recognizable in incident light, which is arranged in a transparent and/or opaque fourth region of the one or more second layers.
The decorative layer advantageously has one or more layers providing the security feature, which contain one or more elements selected from the group: a security print, a UV or IR print, a microprint, a layer containing optically variable pigments, a refractive element, a diffractive element, an anisotropic mat structure, a relief hologram, a volume hologram, a zero-order diffraction structure, a thin film layer effect generating a color shift effect dependent on the viewing angle and/or a cross-linked liquid crystal layer.
In step c), the parameters temperature and time are preferably selected such that the temperature effect causing the activation of the color change is transferred from the thermal print head through the film element to the at least one first region of the thermographic substrate. The parameter time is predominantly determined by the material properties and the mass ratios of the film element arranged in step b), the temperature effect by means of the thermal print head and/or the temperature of the document. Furthermore, it is possible that the parameters temperature and time are also determined by the one or more second layers having the thermographic substrate at least in regions, which are arranged between the thermographic substrate and the film element.
According to a further preferred embodiment example of the invention the document, in particular the security document, on the side of the thermographic substrate facing away from the one or more first layers of the film element and/or the side of the thermographic substrate facing away from the one or more second layers has one or more third layers in at least one fifth region.
The one or more third layers are advantageously optically invariable layers, in particular printed color layers.
Furthermore, it is possible that the one or more third layers have pigments which, in the case of irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the case of irradiation with UV and/or IR light, emit light from the range of the wavelength range visible to the human eye, in particular in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm.
According to a further preferred embodiment example of the invention, the document, in particular the security document, comprises at least one sealing layer.
It is thus possible that the method further comprises the following steps which are carried out, in particular after step c): d) application of at least one sealing layer to the document, in particular the security document.
The at least one sealing layer is preferably a transparent, in particular a transparent and clear layer.
Furthermore, it is advantageous if, in step d), the at least one sealing layer is applied by means of lamination, in particular by means of cold lamination.
The at least one sealing layer is advantageously a protective film, in particular a self-supporting protective film. It is thus also possible that the method further comprises a step of providing at least one sealing layer, in particular at least one protective film, which is carried out in particular between steps c) and d).
Furthermore, it is possible that the at least one protective film forms a pouch. A pouch is a pocket or bag formed by the protective film, into which the document, in particular the security document is inserted, in particular after step c). It is here possible that such a pouch is closed on one, two or three sides, wherein the unclosed three, two or one sides serve for inserting the document, in particular the security document.
Furthermore, it is advantageous if the document, in particular the security document, is laminated with the at least one protective film. It is also possible that the document, in particular security document, is laminated in between a first protective film and a second protective film, in particular when observed perpendicularly to the plane spanned by the upper side of the thermographic substrate. It is thus possible that the document, in particular security document, is laminated on one or both sides with a first protective film and/or a second protective film. Furthermore, it is also possible that the document, in particular security document, after insertion into the pouch formed from the protective film, is laminated into the pouch. It is advantageous here, that the lamination temperature lies below the activation temperature of the thermal paper.
The document, in particular the security element, is hereby protected from environmental influences, such as vis-à-vis mechanical stress, chemical influences (for example against plasticizers) or humidity. It is thus possible that a document, in particular security document, advantageously after introduction of the at least one first item of information after step c), is arranged between two protective films and is laminated with the two protective films, with the result that the document, in particular security document, is hereby protected vis-à-vis environmental influences.
It is advantageous if the at least one protective film comprises PET, PETG, BOPP (=biaxially oriented polypropylene) or PP (=polypropylene). The at least one protective film preferably has a layer thickness between 20 μm and 300 μm, preferably between 30 μm and 250 μm.
Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one protective film comprises an adhesive layer. It is thus possible, for example, that each of the two protective films between which the document, in particular security document, is arranged, has an adhesive layer in each case. The adhesive layer preferably has an activation temperature of less than 80° C., preferably of less than 60° C.
Furthermore, it is possible that the adhesive layer is a cold adhesive layer. The activation temperature of the cold adhesive layer advantageously lies at room temperature, preferably between 15° C. and 30° C., further preferably between 19° C. and 25° C., still further preferably between 20° C. and 24° C.
The adhesive layer preferably has color pigments and/or dyes and/or UV absorbers. It is thus possible that the adhesive layer is stained by means of the dyes.
The adhesive layer is preferably a transparent, in particular a transparent and clear, adhesive layer.
It is also possible that the at least one sealing layer is a protective varnish layer.
In step d) the at least one protective varnish layer is preferably applied by means of printing, casting or spraying onto the document, in particular the security document.
The layer thickness of the at least one protective varnish layer is preferably between 0.1 μm and 100 μm, further preferably between 1 and 50 μm.
At least one protective varnish layer is advantageously a layer curable by means of UV light. A layer curable by means of UV light preferably comprises acrylates, polyester acrylates, polyurethane and/or polyurethane acrylates. Furthermore, it is possible that a layer curable by means of UV light has solvents. The curing of such layers preferably takes place by drying, in particular by evaporation of solvents and/or by irradiation by means of UV light.
Furthermore, it is possible that the at least one protective varnish layer is a water-based layer. A water-based protective varnish layer preferably comprises starch derivatives, methyl cellulose and/or polyvinyl alcohol with inorganic additives. The curing of such layers preferably takes place by drying, in particular by evaporation of the water content and/or by curing through esterification.
Furthermore, it is also possible that the at least one protective varnish layer is a solvent-based layer. A solvent-based protective varnish layer preferably comprises acrylates and/or polyurethane. The curing of such layers preferably takes place by drying, in particular by evaporation of the solvent, and/or by an isocyanate reaction, in particular using an isocyanate-based cross-linker.
It is also possible that the at least one protective varnish layer comprises reaction resins, in particular based on epoxy resin. The curing of such layers preferably takes place by drying, in particular by evaporation of the solvent, and/or by chemical cross-linking by polyaddition.
The temperature in the case of curing through drying, in particular in the case of evaporation of water and/or solvents, is preferably less than 80° C., preferably less than 60° C., further preferably less than 40° C.
It is also advantageous if the at least one sealing layer, in particular the at least one protective film and/or adhesive layer and/or protective varnish layer, has pigments, in particular UV light-filtering or -absorbing pigments. It is thus possible that the at least one sealing layer, in particular the at least one protective film and/or adhesive layer and/or protective varnish layer, is formed such that it filters or absorbs UV light, in particular light in the wavelength range between 100 nm and 380 nm, preferably between 200 nm and 380 nm, further preferably between 280 nm and 380 nm. The further layers of the document, in particular the security document, which are arranged under or between the at least one protective film and/or adhesive layer and/or protective varnish layer, when observed perpendicularly to the plane spanned by the upper side of the thermographic substrate, are hereby protected from UV light.
The pigments, in particular the UV light-filtering or -absorbing pigments preferably have titanium oxide and/or zinc oxide. The concentration of such pigments in the at least one sealing layer, in particular in the at least one protective film and/or adhesive layer and/or protective varnish layer, is preferably between 0.1 percent by weight and 15 percent by weight, preferably between 0.2 percent by weight and 10 percent by weight, further preferably between 0.5 and 5 percent by weight.
Furthermore, it is possible that the pigments, in particular the UV light-filtering or -absorbing pigments, have triazines, benzotriazoles, benzophenones, oxalanilides, and/or piperidines. The concentration of such pigments in the at least one sealing layer, in particular in the at least one protective film and/or adhesive layer and/or protective varnish layer, is preferably between 0.01 percent by weight and 10 percent by weight, preferably between 0.1 percent by weight and 5 percent by weight.
The document, in particular the security document, is preferably a ticket, a voucher, a travel ticket, a label, a till receipt, a price tag, a timetable, an account statement, a medical and/or technical graph paper, a lottery ticket, a fax paper or an ID document.
Embodiment examples of the invention are explained below by way of example with the aid of the accompanying figures which are not drawn to scale.
The upper side of the thermographic substrate 2 spans a plane which, as shown in
The thermographic substrate 2 comprises a thermosensitive layer 31 and a base layer 30. In
The base layer 30 is preferably a paper layer, in particular with a layer thickness between 35 μm and 400 μm. The layer thickness of the base layer 30 in
The thermosensitive layer 31 preferably comprises color-producing substances which, under the effect of warmth, react chemically and activate the color change 15. The thermosensitive layer 31 preferably has pigments, binders, colorformers, developers and auxiliary materials. Leuco dyes which appear colorless in crystalline form or in a pH-neutral environment are preferably used as colorformers. In a melt with an acid environment, the leuco dyes appear colored because of the opened lactone ring. For example, such leuco dyes can be immobilized in a matrix with an acid. Heating the matrix above the melting point results in a chemical reaction, such that the leuco dyes now appear colored due to absorption of light from the visible wavelength range. Phenols such as Bisphenol A (BPA) or Bisphenol S (BPS) can be used as developers for example. Further examples of colorformers are triarylmethane-based dyes, diphenylmethane-based dyes, spiro-based dyes and fluorane-based dyes. Furthermore, the developers can be selected from organic or inorganic development materials. Examples of inorganic development materials are activated clay, attapulgite, colloidal silica, aluminum silicate and the like. Examples of organic development materials are phenolic compounds, salts of phenolic compounds or aromatic carboxylic acids and the like with polyvalent metals such as e.g. zinc, magnesium, aluminum, calcium, titanium, manganese, tin, nickel and the like and/or pyridine complexes of zinc thiocyanates.
After drying, the thermosensitive layer 31 preferably has an application weight of from 1 g/m2 to 10 g/m2, oven-dry, preferably 2 g/m2 to 7 g/m2, oven-dry. As shown in
To activate the color change 15 in the region 10a, as shown in
The film element 5 is advantageously in contact with the document 1 and/or the thermographic substrate 2 with the side facing away from the thermal print head 6 in such a way that the temperature effect causing the activation of the color change 15 is transferred from the thermal print head 6 through the film element 5 to the region 10a of the thermographic substrate 2.
The thermal print head 6 preferably has a field with a plurality of heating elements such as for example heating resistors. The resolution of the item of information introduced by means of the thermal print head is advantageously more than 150 dpi, preferably more than 300 dpi, further preferably more than 600 dpi. The maximum width of the thermal print head 6, with which the thermal print head is in contact with the film element 5 during the introduction of the item of information is preferably at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, further preferably at least 50 mm, still further preferably at least 100 mm.
In
Depending on the feed of the thermographic substrate 2 in the direction of the feed direction 28 and/or activation of the heating elements of the thermal print head 6, it is possible to vary the color change 15 in size and shape. Thus, for example, the region 10v has a greater extent than the region 10a in the direction of the x-axis.
Thus,
The carrier layer 41 is preferably a layer made of plastic, for example of polyester with a layer thickness between 6 μm and 125 μm. The carrier layer 41 shown in
As shown in
In
The temperature effect which is required for activation of the color change 15 in the thermographic substrate 2, is preferably higher than the temperature effect which is required for application of the transfer ply 40a to the document 1. The energy of the temperature effect for application of the transfer ply 40a to the document 1 is advantageously less than 82.5%, preferably less than 80%, of the energy of the temperature effect which is required for activation of the color change 15 in the thermographic substrate 2. Because of this lower energy requirement of the temperature effect for application of the transfer ply 40a to the document 1, it is thus possible, for example in the region 11a to apply solely the transfer ply 40a to the document 1, but not to activate the color change 15 in the thermographic substrate. In
The thermal print head 6 in
Design variants of the thermographic substrate 2 of
Thus
The protective layer 32, also referred to as a coating, is preferably a polymer layer, in particular a polymer coating. Typical polymers here are PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), also modified PVA as well as copolymers with acrylic acids (acrylates) which result with cross-linking temperatures of approximately less than 70° C. (the cross-linking temperature must be below the reaction temperature of the thermally sensitive layer). Typical grammages lie between 1 g/m2 and 5 g/m2 oven-dry. The thickness of the protective layer 32 is usually between 1 μm, and 3 μm. (The thicker the layer, the better the protection, but the thermosensitive layer 31 becomes all the more insulated and thus the dynamic sensitivity becomes all the more impaired.) Pigments, for example PCC, and pyrogenic silicic acid, can also be added to the composition for the protective layer 32. The more pigments are contained, the better the printability of the thermographic substrate 2, for example by means of inkjet or offset printing, but the less good the impermeability and thus the protective function of the coating. In addition, part of the protective layer 32 has lubricants added, which are melted on during the thermal printing, make possible sliding of the thermal print head 6 and thus reduce abrasion. These are usually stearates (for example zinc or calcium soaps). As these substances have oily contents, the printability for example by means of inkjet or offset printing of the protective layer 32 diminishes in the case of higher contents. The protective layer 32 protects the thermographic substrate 2 for example vis-à-vis mechanical stress, chemical influences (for example against plasticizers), environmental influences, such as air humidity, or vis-à-vis printing optionally applied to the thermographic substrate 2. Furthermore, it is possible that the protective layer 32 is applied both to the upper side of the thermographic substrate 2 and to the lower side of the thermographic substrate 2.
The intermediate layer 33 is preferably a paper layer, in particular a paper coating which consists mainly of mineral pigments (for example calcium carbonate, kaolin) and/or hollow sphere pigments and polymer binders. The layer thickness is between 2 μm and 12 μm, the grammage between 3 g/m2 and 15 g/m2 oven-dry. The intermediate layer 33 makes possible an even and smooth surface, to which the thermosensitive layer 31 is applied. A high resolution and a high image quality are hereby made possible. Furthermore, a heat input into the base layer 30 is prevented and thus the sensitivity properties of the thermosensitive layer 31 are improved.
The protective layer 32 and/or the intermediate layer 33 can also be arranged on both sides of the base layer 30 in order to confer a good flatness on the thermographic substrate 2, but also to improve the impermeability (for example against starch solution) or the printability (pigment coating). The flatness is partially optimized merely with a rehumidifying system, i.e. water.
The layer 34 is preferably a printed color layer 34 with a layer thickness between 0.8 μm and 10 μm. Furthermore, it is possible that the layer 34 is a layer which has pigments which, in the case of irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the case of irradiation with UV and/or IR light, emit light from the range of the wavelength range visible to the human eye, in particular in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm. It is possible that the layer 34 is applied in regions. Furthermore, it is possible that the regions in which the layer 34 is applied in regions, are formed patterned, for example in the form of a logo or alphanumeric character. Furthermore, a pattern can, for example, be a graphically formed outline, a figural representation, an image, a motif, a symbol, a portrait, a text and the like.
The second layers 60 comprise a protective varnish layer 60a, a replication varnish layer 60b, a reflective layer 60c and a bonding layer 60d. The layers 60b and 60c here form a decorative layer 61. The protective varnish layer 60a is preferably formed transparent. It is also possible that the protective varnish layer 60a is stained at least in regions. The protective varnish layer 60a preferably has a layer thickness of 1 μm. The protective varnish layer 60a is preferably a layer of PMMA, PVC, acrylate and/or carnauba wax.
The replication varnish layer 60b preferably consists of a thermoplastic replication varnish layer with a layer thickness between 1 μm and 5 μm. In the surface of the replication layer 60b oriented to the reflective layer 60c, a relief structure is molded at least in regions by means of a corresponding replication tool using heat and pressure, with the use of a thermoplastic replication layer. Furthermore, it is also possible that the replication varnish layer 60b is formed by a UV-crosslinkable varnish and the relief structure is molded into the replication varnish layer 60b by means of UV replication. The relief structure is molded onto the uncured replication varnish layer 60b by the action of a stamping tool and the replication varnish layer 60b is cured before and/or directly during and/or after the molding by irradiation with UV light.
The relief structures can be the relief structure of a 2D/3D hologram, which is generated holographically and is copied onto a replication master. Furthermore, the relief structures can also be computer-generated holograms and diffractive elements, for example a Kinegram®. Such relief structures preferably have a spatial frequency between 100 lines/mm and 5000 lines/mm and optionally have a plurality of different regions which are covered with relief structures which differ in their spatial frequency, their azimuth angle and/or relief form, and thus generate a desired optically variable appearance. Furthermore, the relief structures can also be relief structures which form mat structures, in particular anisotropic mat structures. By anisotropic mat structures is meant here mat structures the scattering characteristics of which are dependent on the observation angle and thus exhibit an optically variable appearance. These mat structures are preferably generated holographically, but can also be formed by a corresponding computer-generated arrangements of diffractive elements.
Furthermore, it is possible that the relief structures form refractive elements, for example lenses, microlens grids or microprisms. Furthermore, it is also possible that the relief structures form a zero-order diffraction structure. These diffraction structures are formed by gratings, in particular regular gratings, for example crossed gratings or linear gratings, in which the spacing of the individual structural elements with respect to each other is smaller than a wavelength A in the visible light range. A striking optically variable security feature is provided by such relief structures, in which a color change is shown to the observer on turning.
The reflective layer 60c is preferably a metal layer and/or an HRI or LRI layer (HRI—high refraction index, LRI—low refraction index).
It is thus possible that the reflective layer 60c is formed as a metal layer made of chromium, aluminum, gold, copper, silver or an alloy of such metals. The metal layer is preferably vapor-deposited in a vacuum in a layer thickness of from 10 nm to 150 nm.
Furthermore, it is also possible that the reflective layer 60c is formed by a transparent reflective layer, preferably a thin or finely-structured metallic layer or a dielectric HRI or LRI layer. Such a dielectric reflective layer consists, for example, of a vapor-deposited layer made of a metal oxide, metal sulfide, e.g. titanium oxide etc. with a thickness of from 25 nm to 500 nm.
Furthermore, it is possible that the reflective layer 60c is shaped in regions. It is also possible that the reflective layer 60c is formed patterned. A pattern can, for example, be a graphically formed outline, a figural representation, an image, a motif, a symbol, a logo, a portrait, an alphanumeric character, a text and the like. For this purpose, the reflective layer 60c can be structured by means of known processes, in particular removed in regions. For example, this can take place by means of known etching processes and/or washing processes.
In
The bonding layer 60d is preferably a cold adhesive layer, by means of which the second layers 60 are applied to the layer 32. By cold adhesive layer is here meant an adhesive layer with which the adhesive force provided by the adhesive layer is activated between the layers 60c, 32 surrounding the cold adhesive layer solely by pressing the layers 60c and 32 together, i.e. is activated without using heat. Conventional adhesives curing without the effect of pressure and irradiation or adhesives curing under the effect of pressure are used as cold adhesives for example. Furthermore, it is also possible that a UV-curable adhesive layer is used. The curing of the UV-curable adhesive layer preferably takes place with UV radiation of a wavelength between approximately 250 nm and approximately 400 nm. The bonding layer 60d is preferably formed transparent in the wavelength range visible to the human eye, in particular formed transparent and clear. By “transparent” is meant a transmissivity in the wavelength range visible to the human eye of more than 50%, further preferably more than 80%, further preferably of 90%. By “clear” is meant a layer in which less than 50%, further preferably less than 80% of the light transmitted through the layer is scattered. The bonding layer 60d preferably has a layer thickness between 1 μm and 10 μm, preferably between 1 μm and 5 μm.
Advantageously, the second layers 60 are applied to the thermographic substrate by means of cold-embossing, with the result that undesired color changes in the thermosensitive layer 31 are prevented during application of the second layers 60.
Design variants of a film element 5 or of the first layers of a film element 5 are explained below.
Furthermore, it is possible that the film element 5 has a further optional varnish layer, not shown in more detail, between the layers 45 and 48, which varnish layer is for example used as an etch resist for structuring a metal layer applied over the whole surface. The optional varnish layer and/or replication varnish layer 50 and/or the transparent protective varnish layer 44 is preferably stained.
Thus, it is for example possible that the replication varnish layer 50 is stained yellow. With respect to the design of the regions 16 and/or the regions 17, reference is made here to the above statements.
The application weight of the layer 52 is preferably between 1.0 g/m2 and 10 g/m2. Furthermore, it is possible that the layer 52 is applied in regions, in particular patterned. For example, alphanumeric characters can be formed. It is also possible that the layer 52 is formed as a thin film layer system. A thin film layer system has one or more space layers, the layer thickness of which is selected so that the thin film layer system, by means of interference of the incident light, generates a color shift effect dependent on the observation angle, in particular out of the range of the wavelength range visible to the human eye. Such a thin film layer system is characterized in particular by one or more space layers. The optically effective layer thickness of these space layers, preferably for a specific viewing angle, fulfils the λ/2 or λ/4 condition for a wavelength λ in particular in the range of visible light. The thin film layer system can here consist of a single layer, of a layer system with one or more dielectric layers and one or more metallic layers or of a layer stack with two or more dielectric layers. The film element 5 of
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