Application device

An apparatus for applying security elements, comprises at least one value document substrate transport device for transporting a value document substrate web, at least one security elements transport device for transporting a security elements carrier band having a plurality of security elements, wherein the security elements carrier band has a first and a second main surface which oppose each other, each security element has a first and a second main surface which oppose each other, each security element is arranged with its first main surface on the first main surface of the security elements carrier band, and each security element has adhesive properties at its second main surface, wherein the apparatus has an application region in order to apply the security elements with their second main surface onto the value document substrate web. A security elements carrier band and a value document involve the apparatus.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to an apparatus for applying security elements, a security elements carrier band, a method for applying security elements.

Value documents as intended by the invention are, inter alia, bank notes, shares, bonds, deeds, vouchers, checks, air tickets, high-value admission tickets, labels for product authentication, credit cards or cash cards, but also other documents at risk of forgery, such as passports, identification cards or other identity documents.

Value documents, in particular bank notes, are usually produced from paper substrates, polymer substrates or combinations of paper and polymer which have particular security features, such as a security thread at least partly incorporated into the paper or a watermark. As further security features, so-called window foils, security threads, security bands can be bonded/laminated to the value document or incorporated therein. Security elements usually comprise a polymer or polymer compositions as a carrier material or base material. Typically, security elements have optically variable security features such as holograms or certain color-shift effects to thereby guarantee better anti-forgery security. The particular advantage of optically variable security elements is that the security features on said security elements cannot be imitated by mere copying using a copying machine, since effects of an optically variable security feature are lost or even only appear black through copying.

There already exist apparatuses for applying elements. For illustrating these apparatuses, reference is made toFIG. 6which illustrates the present situation according to the prior art.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to supply an apparatus which makes it possible to apply security elements onto value document substrates with lower time expenditures and at lower costs.

A first aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus for applying security elements, comprisingat least one value document substrate transport device for transporting a value document substrate web,at least one security elements transport device for transporting a security elements carrier band having a plurality of security elements, whereinthe security elements carrier band has a first and a second main surface which oppose each other,each security element has a first and a second main surface which oppose each other,each security element is arranged with its first main surface on/at the first main surface of the security elements carrier band, and each security element has adhesive properties at its second main surface, whereinthe apparatus has an application region in order to apply the security elements with their second main surface onto the value document substrate web.

Advantageously, by the present apparatus having the application region in which the security elements are applied with their second main surface onto the value document substrate web, it can be achieved that the security elements in spite of a narrower arrangement on the security elements carrier band can be transferred reliably and with high process speeds onto the value document substrate web.

Further advantageously, the material usage required for the security elements carrier band can be decreased by the present apparatus.

The value document substrate transport device is preferably designed as a roll-to-roll device. In an initial state the value document substrate web is wound on a roll or cylinder. Alternatively, the value document substrate web is present as an endless substrate. The value document substrate web is transported through the application region by means of one or several conveyor rolls of the value document substrate transport device. In so doing, a value document substrate web, which in its initial state is wound on a roll, is unwound/unrolled.

Preferably, after passing the application region, the value document substrate web is again wound onto a roll or a cylinder. Further preferably, after the application region the value document substrate web can be fed to one or several further processing region(s) before the value document substrate web is wound onto a roll or a cylinder or is made up into sheets.

Preferably, before the application region there can be arranged one or several processing regions.

The security elements transport device is preferably designed as a roll-to-roll device. In an initial state the security elements carrier band is wound on a roll or cylinder. Alternatively, the security elements carrier band is present as an endless band. By means of one or several conveyor rolls of the security elements transport device the security elements carrier band is transported through the application region. In so doing, a security elements carrier band which in the initial state is wound on a roll is unwound/unrolled.

Preferably, after passing the application region the security elements carrier band without security elements is again wound onto a roll or a cylinder.

The adhesive properties of the security elements at the second main surface thereof can be achieved, for example, by an adherent layer or adhesive layer laid on the security elements. In particular, a heat-sealing adhesive can be used as an adhesive.

Preferably, the adhesive forces or the adhesiveness which act or acts between the first main surface of the security elements carrier band and the first main surface of the security elements are lower than the adhesive forces or the adhesiveness which act between the second main surface of the security elements and the value document substrate web.

In the application region the security elements are transferred from the security elements carrier band onto the value document substrate. In the application region the security element is detached from the security elements carrier band and—in particular simultaneously—laid onto the value document substrate.

The security elements are preferably of a multi-layer design. Preferably, a security element comprises a carrier material, such as a foil element and/or one or several lacquer layers and/or one or several adhesive layers and/or one or several metal layers and/or one or several semi-metal layers and/or dielectric layers.

The security element can comprise a foil element which leads to self-supporting properties of the security element. This security element is also referred to as self-supporting security element, in particular L-LEAD or L-patch.

The security element can be configured without foil element leading to self-supporting properties of the security element. This security element is also referred to as a non-self-supporting security element, in particular as a T-LEAD or T-patch.

Preferably, the value document substrate web and the security elements carrier band have substantially the same transport direction in the application region.

Particularly preferably, the value document substrate web and the security elements carrier band have the same transport direction in the region in which the transfer/the applying of the security elements onto the value document substrate web takes place.

Preferably, the apparatus transports the security elements carrier band and the value document substrate web in a roll-to-roll method through the application region.

Preferably, the value document substrate web in the application region has a speed of between 40 m/min. and 150 m/min. Preferably, the speed of the security elements carrier band in the application region is lower than that of the value document substrate web.

Preferably, the apparatus has an application device in the application region. Preferably, the application device comprises one or several application rolls or one or several transfer rolls. Preferably, the application device comprises one or several application wedges. The application wedge (or the application roll) are in particular arranged for detaching the security elements from the security elements carrier band and for laying these onto the value document substrate. Further preferably, the application device has one or several calender rolls or rollers. Preferably, an application wedge is arranged next to a calender roll. Preferably, the application wedge is heated. Preferably, the calender roll is heated.

Preferably, the heated application wedge serves to activate an adhesive of the security elements and thus promoting an adherence to the value document substrate web. Subsequently, the security elements can be finally fixed onto value document substrate web with the help of the heated calender roll. The calender roll/roller can have a width which corresponds to the width of the value document substrate web. Alternatively, the calender roll/roller can have a width which corresponds to the width of a security element.

Preferably, the application device has a width, i.e. in the direction transverse to the transport direction of the security elements carrier band, in the region of 20 mm to 1500 mm.

Advantageously, the apparatus has a counterpressure device in the application region, which supplies a counterpressure opposing the application device, in particular opposing the application roll and/or the calender roll. The counterpressure device is preferably a counterpressure roll/counterpressure cylinder.

Advantageously, this decreases or avoids additional action of force onto the value document substrate web and/or the security elements carrier band.

Further preferably, the application region is arranged between a feeding region and a removing region of the security elements carrier band.

Further preferably, the security elements carrier band surrounds the circumference of the application device by 40% or more or by at least 40%. Preferably, the application device is heatable. Preferably, the application device is designed to heat the security elements carrier band. Preferably, the security elements carrier band surrounds the circumference of the application device in such a way that a heat transfer from a heated application device to a security elements carrier band is possible. Further preferably, a heating device for heating the security elements carrier band in the application region can be provided, in order to activate the adhesive properties of the security elements at the second main surface thereof and to thereby promoting an adherence of the security elements to the value document substrate web upon application.

Further preferably, the apparatus has an application angle γ. The application angle γ is preferably in a region of 5° to 40° and/or 5° to 30° and/or 5° to 25° and/or 5° to 20° and/or 5° to 15° and/or 5° to 10° and/or 8° to 20° and/or 8° to 15°.

Further preferably, in the removing region the security elements carrier band and the value document substrate web enclose an angle β.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises at least one processing region which is arranged before the application region. Preferably, a processing region is a cutting region and/or a punching region. Preferably, in a cutting region and/or a punching region the value document substrate web can be processed. For example, so-called windows or holes of different forms can be introduced into the value document substrate web. Preferably, these windows or holes are later closed by the application of security elements.

Preferably, the following statements regarding the security elements carrier band, the method for application as well as the value document apply analogously also to the above-described apparatus.

A further aspect relates to a security elements carrier band having a plurality of security elements, whereinthe security elements carrier band has a first and a second main surface which oppose each other,each security element has a first and a second main surface which oppose each other,each security element is arranged with its first main surface at the first main surface of the security elements carrier band, andthe second main surface of each security element has adhesive properties for application to the value document substrate web.

Preferably, the security elements are fixed onto the value document substrate web on account of the adhesive properties.

Preferably, the security elements carrier band comprises a carrier foil as a carrier band material. Particularly preferably, the carrier material includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and/or polypropylene (PP), the carrier material made of PET or PP is particularly preferred.

Preferably, the security elements have a distance of 5 mm to 80 mm in the direction of the transport direction of the security elements carrier band.

Preferably, the security elements have a distance of 5 mm to 200 mm in the direction transverse to the transport direction of the security elements carrier band.

Preferably, the security elements carrier band has adhesive properties on its first main surface.

Advantageously, during the transport in the above-described apparatus the security elements thus adhere to the security elements carrier band at the first main surface of the security elements carrier band until reaching the application region. However, the adhesive properties are adjusted such that in the application region the security elements are detachable from the first main surface of the security elements carrier band in order to be applied onto the value document substrate web.

Preferably, the security elements carrier band has discrete regions on its first main surface which have the adhesive properties, and these discrete regions are covered by security elements.

Advantageously, the adhesive properties are thus present only in the regions which are covered by the security elements.

Preferably, these discrete regions are smaller than the first main surface of each security element, so that respectively the first main surface of the security elements is connected partially, via the discrete regions, with the security elements carrier band.

Preferably, the first main surface of each security element has no self-adhesive properties.

Advantageously, the adhesive properties between the security elements and the security elements carrier band are adjusted in such a way that the security elements are (easily) detachable from the security elements carrier band.

Preferably, the second main surface of the security elements carrier band has non-stick properties.

Preferably, the second main surface of the security elements carrier band has a non-stick coating, such as a wax layer, for non-stick properties.

Alternatively or additionally, a separating band is arranged at the second main surface of the security elements carrier band.

Preferably, the separating band is provided when the security elements carrier band is rolled up on a roll/cylinder for preventing a connection of the second main surface of the security elements with the second main surface of the security elements carrier band.

Preferably, the security elements are patches and/or (LEAD) strips. Preferably, the patches can be configured as L-patches and/or T-patches. Preferably, the (LEAD) strips can be configured as L-LEAD and/or T-LEAD. A security strip (or thread) is provided for extending over the entire width (or length) of a substrate, for example, of the value document. A patch as a security element is smaller in its length and width, normally substantially smaller, than the substrate (for example of the value document) for which the patch is provided.

Preferably, the security elements have a length in the direction of the transport direction of the security elements carrier band of 5 mm to 70 mm. Preferably, the security elements have a width of 5 mm to 40 mm, preferably 5 mm to 20 mm in the direction transverse to the transport direction of the security elements carrier band.

Preferably, the security elements have security features which are configured as relief structures, such as holograms, microlenses, micromirrors, moth-eye structures, microcavities. Alternatively or additionally, the security elements have security features which are configured as two- or multi-layer thin-film structures/elements, such as they are used for color-shift effects. Alternatively or additionally, the security elements have security features, which are configured as printed patterns, where UV-fluorescent and/or magnetically alignable effect pigments can be contained. Alternatively or additionally, the security elements have security features, which are configured as negative characters and/or negative patterns. Preferably, the security features are designed in such a way that they are visible in plan view and/or in transmission view.

Preferably, the statements with respect to the apparatus and the following statements regarding the method for applying as well as to the value document apply to the above-described security elements carrier band analogously.

A further aspect relates to a method for applying security elements, comprisingsupplying at least one value document substrate transport device which transports a value document substrate web,supplying at least one security elements transport device which transports a security elements carrier band having a plurality of security elements, whereinthe security elements carrier band has a first and a second main surface which oppose each other,each security element has a first and a second main surface which oppose each other,each security element is arranged with its first main surface on/at the first main surface of the security elements carrier band, andeach security element has adhesive properties/adhesive layer at its second main surface,applying the security elements onto the value document substrate web in such a way that the security elements are fixed with their second main surface onto the value document substrate web.

Preferably, the statements with respect to the apparatus and the following statements regarding the method for applying hold for the above-described security elements carrier band analogously.

In the step of applying, the security element is detached from the security elements carrier band and preferably simultaneously laid onto the value document substrate.

A security element according to this invention can contain in particular a foil or a multi-layer substrate, wherein the multilayer substrate can also have a combination of fabric substrates and foils. For example, the security element can comprise a window region which serves to fill, or bridge, a hole in a value document or in the paper substrate of the value document. In other words, with the security element there can be incorporated a security window in a value document or laid thereon. Preferably, the region to be coated is arranged in the window region of the security element. Alternatively, the security element can be laid onto a value document, for example laminated or bonded thereto. The security element can be a security thread or security band, windowed thread, patch or the like.

A further aspect relates to a value document, in particular a bank note, having a value-document substrate and at least one security element which has been manufactured by means of one or a plurality of the previously described method steps and/or from the described aspects.

A security element is laid preferably onto a value document substrate web, and a value document substrate web is made up into value document substrate sheets and then into value document substrate copies. Value document substrate serves as a basis for a value document substrate web. Value document substrate can be manufactured from natural polymer, such as cotton, synthetic polymer, such as polypropylene or a combination of natural and synthetic polymer, which is also referred to as a paper polymer combination.

The upper side and underside of the value document as well as those of the security element can also be referred to as main surfaces. Said main surfaces render relevant information to a viewer. Consequently, the main surfaces are visible to a viewer viewing a value document having a security element. For example, a main surface of a bank note can render the value of the bank note as well as its serial number. Accordingly, an upper side and underside of a security element, like those of a value document, can also be regarded as first and second main surfaces.

Preferably, the statements with respect to the value document hold analogously for the previously described apparatus, for the previously described security elements carrier band as well as for the previously described method for applying.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1aand 1brespectively show a schematic plan view of a main surface of a value document100with a value document substrate102and a security element104, the security element104being firmly connected with the value document substrate102. The security element104is laid on the value document substrate with its second main surface. The security element104was applied on the value document substrate102with the apparatus according to the invention or with the method according to the invention. The value document substrate102comes from a value document substrate web, as shown e.g. inFIG. 2with reference sign202.

The security element104has a region106having security features which comprises a negative-pattern region108aand a color-shift or thin-film element region110a. Furthermore, a negative-pattern region could have any shape or design. Preferably, a negative-pattern region enables a viewer to recognize the negative-pattern region in plan view and/or in transmission view. Further preferably, the negative-pattern region can have a different color appearance in plan view compared to transmission view (so-called transmission-view color effects).

FIG. 1ashows the number 45 as a negative-pattern region108a. Furthermore, the security element104inFIG. 1ais configured as a so-called LEAD strip. This LEAD strip can be configured as a T-LEAD or as an L-LEAD. InFIG. 1b, the negative-pattern region has three strips not represented here. Furthermore, the security element104inFIG. 1bis configured as a so-called patch. This patch can be configured as a T-patch or as an L-patch.

According to an embodiment, in the value document substrate102according toFIG. 1aor1bin the region106there can be provided a window or hole which is covered or closed by the security element104.

A strip, and likewise a patch, can further have any shape (outside contour) or design (layer construction).

If the security element104is configured as an L-LEAD or as an L-patch, it contains preferably a carrier material. The carrier material is made preferably of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

FIG. 2shows a schematic representation of a detail of an apparatus200for applying security elements210onto a value document substrate web202. The value document substrate web202is transported from a feeding region ZFB into an application region AB and then into a removing region AFB. The transport of the value document substrate web202is effected in the transport direction TR. In the application region AB security elements210aarranged on a security elements carrier band204are transferred or applied onto the value document substrate web202. The security elements210bapplied on the value document substrate web202are then firmly connected with the value document substrate web202or fixed thereon. For saving material, the security elements210, as long as they are arranged on the security elements carrier band204, are lined up one behind the other with a smaller distance d (see security elements210a) than after applying on the value document substrate web202. After applying the security elements have a greater distance dAfrom each other (see security elements210b).

Preferably, by applying the security elements there is changed only the distance in the transport direction, while the distance transverse to the transport direction may remain the same. In particular, the distance dAis greater than the distance d.

In the application region AB there is provided an application device206which supports the applying/transferring of the security elements210onto the value document substrate web202. The application device206is an application roll. Preferably, a counterpressure device208can be provided in the application region AB to support the transfer of the security elements210onto the value document substrate web202, on the one hand, and to reduce the mechanical loads on the value document substrate web202caused by the application roll206, on the other hand.

In the feeding region ZFB the value document substrate web202and the security elements carrier band204enclose an angle α. In the removing region AFB the value document substrate web202and the security elements carrier band204enclose an angle β.

According to the example ofFIG. 2, the application angle γ is determined in particular by the size or the diameter of the application roll206and by the angles α and β.

FIG. 3shows a schematic sectional representation of a detail300of a security elements carrier band with a security element. The security elements carrier band comprises a carrier material or carrier band material310. The security elements carrier band has a first main surface HF1T and a second main surface HF2T. Preferably, the first main surface HF1T has adhesive properties. Preferably, the adhesive properties are supplied by at least one layer308. Preferably, the layer308is an adhesive layer308which is laid on the carrier band material310. The second main surface HF2T may have non-stick properties. Preferably, the carrier band material310can have a non-stick layer312laid thereon, like a wax layer. On the first main surface HF1T of the security elements carrier band there is arranged a security element which comprises, for example, the layers302,304and306. The security element has a first main surface HF1S and a second main surface HF2S. The security element is arranged with its first main surface HF1S at the security elements carrier band or fixed thereon.

The security element has adhesive properties at its second main surface HF2S, so that the security element with its second main surface HF2S can be fixed at a value document substrate web or applied thereon. Preferably, the security element has a layer302which is configured as an adhesive layer to fix the security element at a value document substrate web. The adhesive layer can be a heat-sealing adhesive layer. At its first main surface HF1S the security element preferably has no self-adhesive properties. The security element according to one embodiment may comprise a carrier material, so that the security element has self-supporting properties. Such a carrier material can be, for example, a carrier foil. The layer306or304can be configured as a carrier foil. The security element can further include one or several decorative layers such as lacquer and/or metal layers and/or printed layers which may also correspond to the layers304or306.

As can be recognized in the Figures, between the security elements arranged on the security elements carrier band with a distance from each other there is a free region. In the free region there is no multi-layer structure, at least none of the layers of the security element, such as the layers304and306, and further preferably no complete layer on the security elements carrier band.

If a security element, as represented inFIG. 3, is laid on a value document substrate web, as explained with regard toFIG. 2, and this value document substrate web (202) is made up into individual bank notes, value documents according toFIGS. 1aand 1bcan be obtained.

FIG. 4shows a schematic representation of a detail300of a security elements carrier band having a security element which substantially corresponds to the objects explained with regard toFIG. 3. The substantial difference betweenFIG. 3andFIG. 4is the layer308a. According toFIG. 4, the layer308ais configured as a discrete region, so that the adhesive properties of the security elements carrier band are present only in the region of layer308a.

FIG. 5shows a schematic representation of a detail of an apparatus500for applying security elements510onto a value document substrate web502. The value document substrate web502is transported from a feeding region ZFB into an application region AB and then into a removing region AFB. The transport of the value document substrate web502is effected in the transport direction TR. In the application region AB security elements510aarranged on a security elements carrier band504are transferred or applied onto the value document substrate web502. The security elements510bapplied on the value document substrate web502are then firmly connected with the value document substrate web502or fixed thereon. For saving material, the security elements510, as long as they are arranged on the security elements carrier band504, are lined up one behind the other with a smaller distance d (see security elements510a) than after applying on the value document substrate web502. After applying the security elements have a greater distance dAfrom each other (see security elements510b).

Preferably, by applying the security elements there is changed only the distance in the transport direction, while the distance transverse to the transport direction may remain the same. In particular, the distance dAis greater than the distance d.

In the application region AB there is provided an application wedge506aas well as a calender roll506bas an application device which supports the applying/transferring of the security elements510onto the value document substrate web502. Preferably, one or several counterpressure devices (not shown) can be provided in the application region AB to support the transfer of the security elements510onto the value document substrate web502, on the one hand, and to reduce the mechanical loads on the value document substrate web502caused by the application wedge506aand/or the calender roll506b, on the other hand. The calender roll506bis preferably heated.

In the feeding region ZFB the value document substrate web502and the security elements carrier band504enclose an angle α.

The apparatus500has an application angle γ. Preferably, the application angle γ is adjusted substantially by the application wedge506a. The application angle γ is preferably in a region of 5° to 40° and/or 5° to 30° and/or 5° to 25° and/or 5° to 20° and/or 5° to 15° and/or 5° to 10° and/or 8° to 20° and/or 8° to 15°.

FIG. 6shows a schematic representation of a detail600of an apparatus according to the prior art. Here, in an application region the transport direction of a web material602opposes the transport direction of a transport band604. The transport band604transports the elements610awhich then are laid onto the web material602as elements610d.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

100value document102value document substrate104security element106region with security features108negative-pattern region110thin-film element region200detail of the apparatus204security elements carrier band206,506application device208counterpressure device210a,210b,510a,510bsecurity elements302,304,306,308layer310carrier band material312non-stick coatingHF1T first main surface of security elements carrier bandHF2T second main surface of security elements carrier bandHF1S first main surface of security elementHF2S second main surface of security element