DE102017006507A1 - structural element - Google Patents

Abstract

Structural element comprising a three-dimensional representation of an object, comprising: - a reflection image structure of the object, which is present as a relief structure with reflective relief elements in a relief structure plane, and which makes the representation of the object appear three-dimensional to the viewer; and - a multicolor color image of the object, which is arranged to the reflection image structure, that for the viewer, the representation of the object appears multicolored and three-dimensional.

Description

The invention relates to a structural element, which is provided in particular for the identification of products. The invention also relates to a method for producing the structural element as well as a product or a product packaging, which is equipped with the structural element.

To generate a spatial impression for the viewer, it is known, for example, to represent an object in perspective, to provide it with shading or to use consciously blurred areas.

There are now a number of sometimes very complex or technically demanding procedures, such as holograms in various variants to convey a spatial impression. The cost of such technologies is often comparatively high.

For high-security elements, such as security threads, security strips or patches for banknotes, it is known, for example, that the individual reflector elements of a metallized relief structure of reflector elements can be aligned in a motif area in such a way that the observer has the impression of a curved motif. Examples of corresponding applications are WO 2013/007374 A1 and WO 2014/060089 A2 ,

On this basis, the invention has for its object to provide a decorative structural element that is particularly inexpensive to produce.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

A structural element comprises a reflection image structure of an object. The reflection image structure is present as having reflective relief elements in a relief structure plane. For the viewer, the reflection image structure makes the representation of the object appear three-dimensional. The structural element further comprises a multicolored color image of the object. The color image is arranged in such a way to the reflection image structure that for the viewer the representation of the object appears multicolored and three-dimensional.

The structural element can be produced in a particularly cost-effective manner since both the reflection image structure and the color image can be produced by printing technology (or embossing technology and printing technology).

The object is represented by means of the color image and the reflection image structure, which can be selected and produced independently of each other. It is particularly advantageous that the color image can be created with a low positional accuracy to the reflection image structure. In particular, the color image only needs to be arranged with a positional tolerance of up to 0.2 mm, preferably up to 1 mm, to the reflection image structure. For example, the positional tolerance is greater than the lateral size of a relief element.

The color image is preferably a printed color image and / or the relief structure is an embossed relief structure (or structure in a surface). The embossing is preferably carried out in a carrier layer. The carrier layer may be transparent, semitransparent or opaque. The relief structure is produced in particular by means of blind embossing, that is to say for example by means of colorless intaglio or gravure printing or by deep or high embossing. It would also be conceivable to carry out the embossing and the application of the color image together, in particular in a color-guiding high or low-pressure step.

In advantageous embodiments, the color image and / or the reflection image structure is semitransparent. A semitransparent color image may lie directly on or above the semitransparent or opaque reflection image structure. With a semitransparent reflection image structure, the (semitransparent or opaque) color image may be immediately below or below the reflection image structure. In the case of a relief structure in the upper side of a transparent support layer, the color layer may even lie on the lower side.

The color image itself-in particular in its multicolor-can be designed in such a way that it additionally supports the three-dimensional impression generated by the reflection image structure for the viewer, for example by shades, changes in hue or similar graphic design means.

In preferred embodiments, the reflection image structure comprises a reflective layer, which is produced in particular by means of a printing process. The reflective layer can be applied before or after the introduction (in particular embossing) of the relief structure - in particular over the whole area. As a reflective layer, a high refractive or a metallic layer could be used. Preferably, the reflective layer is created by printing a paint (or a paint) with metallic pigments. The metallic pigments are nanoscale pigments or planar pigments, in particular with an average length in the range of 0.5 to 10 microns. The planar pigments can be rigid or so flexible, that they adapt to the relief structure. Much less cost effective, it would be to vaporize the reflective layer (CVD, PVD).

The reflective layer is particularly preferably produced by means of a printing process (for example offset, screen printing), then printed in color using a printing process and then (blind) embossed. Alternatively, the reflective layer is first embossed and then printed in color. In further preferred embodiments, the reflective layer is applied to the carrier layer as a film application (for example as a hot or cold transfer film) or as a laminated metallic layer. It is then printed in color using a printing process and (optional before or after printing).

Advantageously, the structural element on the front side shows the multicolored and three-dimensional representation of the object. The structure element can show another object or the same object in another representation to the viewer on the back. On the back side, for example, a further color image and / or a further reflection image structure are provided on an opaque carrier layer. On a transparent or semitransparent carrier layer, below the color image and the reflection image structure, there may be either another color image which interacts with the reflection image structure or another reflection image structure which interacts with the color image. The color image (F), the reflection image structure (R) and the further element, as a color image ( F2 ) or reflection image structure ( R2 ), may be present together on one side or distributed on the front and back of the carrier layer (FR / F2, RF / R2, F / R F2, R / F R2). For example, a transparent support layer may be provided with only one reflective layer, the front color image, and another back color image, such that an arched representation of the object (eg, an apple) on the front side and an inverted convex representation of another object (such as an aquarium glass) from the back ) arises.

In particularly preferred embodiments, during a movement, such as tilting and / or turning, of the structural element, the multicolor predetermined by the color image remains unchanged. The hue, ie the a * and b * values in a LAB color space, remains unchanged; the brightness, ie the L value, can change. The reflection image structure shows the viewer a changing reflection behavior when tilting and / or rotating the structural element. In particular, the reflection image structure is adapted so that the highlight moves on the three-dimensional appearing object.

• - eine begrenzte reliefstrukturfreie Fläche, und/oder
• - eine reliefstrukturierte unbunte Fläche.

Die reliefstrukturfreie Fläche ist in Form eines Zeichens oder Motivs ausgebildet. Sie ist vorzugsweise beabstandet von dem ersten Bereich angeordnet, um die Erkennbarkeit des Objekts im ersten Bereich nicht zu schwächen. In einer anderen Ausgestaltung umgibt die begrenzte reliefstrukturfreie Fläche, eine reliefstrukturierte Fläche. Die umgebene reliefstrukturierte Fläche bzw. dessen Außenkontur kann dadurch besonders hervorgehoben werden.The structural element can also comprise further relief structure areas. In a first region, the relief structure forms the reflection image structure, and in another region, the relief structure comprises:

• - A limited relief structure surface, and / or
• - a relief textured achromatic surface.

The relief-structure-free surface is in the form of a character or motif. It is preferably arranged at a distance from the first region in order not to weaken the recognizability of the object in the first region. In another embodiment, the limited relief-structure-free surface surrounds a relief-structured surface. The surrounding relief-structured surface or its outer contour can be particularly emphasized.

The reflection image structure includes a plurality of reflective relief elements. The reflective relief elements of the reflection image structure are typically of a first type of relief element. The relief elements of the relief structure lie in a common relief structure level. Although the reflection image structure generates a three-dimensional representation of the object, but is an overall flat structure - especially without an object-related relevant height. The relief height of the reflection image structure corresponds to the maximum height of one of the relief elements. The relief elements in particular have a plane reflecting surface, wherein the relief elements may differ by their inclination and azimuth angle. Preferably, the relief elements are mosaic-like, so full of space, arranged. A plurality of similarly formed relief elements forms the relief structure in the first area. The orientation (eg inclination and azimuth angle) of the relief elements is chosen as a function of their lateral position so that incident light is reflected at the relief elements in the same direction in which the three-dimensional object would reflect the light. In particular, the reflection image structure produces a domed, three-dimensional representation of the object, which in reality would have a curved surface. The reflective relief elements have a minimum size of more than 10 .mu.m, preferably more than 30 .mu.m, in particular more than 100 .mu.m, but are at most 1 mm in size. The minimum size, for example a width, a diagonal, a diameter or an edge length (honeycomb shape) of a relief element, is measured laterally, ie with respect to the relief structure plane. The height of the relief elements (embossing height) is a maximum of 300 .mu.m, preferably at most 150 .mu.m, more preferably at most 100 .mu.m, and is in particular in the range of 10 to 120 .mu.m, preferably 25 to 100 .mu.m, particularly preferably 25 to 50 microns. Preferably, the aspect ratio (height to Width) at 1: 1.3. The surface of the relief elements is between 100 μm ² and 1 mm ² , preferably between 900 μm ² and 250,000 μm ² , in particular between 10,000 μm ² and 250,000 μm ² , more preferably between 90,000 μm ² and 250,000 μm ² .

• - räumliche Ausrichtung des Reliefelementes, insbesondere Neigungswinkel und/ oder Azimutwinkel, und
• - Strukturhöhe des Reliefelements.

The reflective relief elements of the reflection image structure differ in one or more of the parameters:

• - Spatial orientation of the relief element, in particular angle of inclination and / or azimuth angle, and
• - Structure height of the relief element.

• - Außenkontur des Reliefelements, und/ oder
• - Größe des Reliefelements, und/ oder
• - Reflexionsgrad des Reliefelements.

The structural element preferably further comprises at least relief elements of a second type of relief element. The second type of relief element differs with respect to one or more of the parameters of the first type of relief element:

• - Outer contour of the relief element, and / or
• - Size of the relief element, and / or
• - Reflectance of the relief element.

• - räumliche Ausrichtung des Reliefelementes, insbesondere Neigungswinkel und/ oder Azimutwinkel, und
• - Strukturhöhe des Reliefelements.

The relief elements of the second type of relief element may also differ from one another in one or more of the parameters:

• - Spatial orientation of the relief element, in particular angle of inclination and / or azimuth angle, and
• - Structure height of the relief element.

• - modifiziert sind.

A structural element may additionally comprise an optically variable element. In particular, the optically variable element may be present in a second region. The optically variable element may be formed at least partially by the relief structure. The optically variable element exhibits a tilting effect, thus representing a subject, such as a sign, pattern or object, only in a predetermined tilting or rotation angle range. For example, linear relief elements can be present in a second region, which is local on an edge of the relief element - by a print, a surface variation (such as matting) or additional embossing elements

• - are modified.

The structural element can be created directly on a product or a product packaging. The relief structure is preferably introduced into the surface of the product or the product packaging. The structural element serves as a marking for the product. In the present case, the product is an end product or a product for an end user (or user).

The structural element is not easy to replicate. This applies in particular if, in addition to the three-dimensional and colored representation, it comprises further regions with relief structures and / or optically variable elements. It can also be referred to as a simple security element.

A method for producing a structural element which produces a three-dimensional appearance of an object comprises the following steps. A reflection image structure of the object is created, wherein the reflection image structure is created as a relief structure of a surface and comprises reflective relief elements, and wherein the reflection image structure makes the representation of the object appear three-dimensional to the viewer. A multicolored color image of the object is created, which is arranged to the reflection image structure, that for the viewer, the representation of the object appears multicolored and three-dimensional.

As already stated, the order in which the color image and the reflection image structure or parts thereof are created can be chosen differently. Thus, for example, a carrier layer can already be reflective (or metallized) or a carrier layer with a reflective color (in particular with metallic nano- or platelet pigments) can be printed (for example by screen printing). On the reflective layer, the color image can be printed (for example, in offset printing) and then provided by embossing with the relief structure. Alternatively, the relief structure is introduced into the reflective layer and then the color image is printed (for example by inkjet printing). A carrier layer may alternatively be first embossed and then provided with the reflective layer and the color image. Screening, offset, intaglio, inkjet or digital printing are particularly suitable as printing methods for printing the color image. Different color components, such as RGB components, can be printed consecutively in several print sub-steps.

Further exemplary embodiments and advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures, in the representation of which a representation true to scale and proportion has been dispensed with in order to increase the clarity.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Strukturelements in Aufsicht,
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung des Strukturelements im Querschnitt, und
• 3 ein Strukturelement zusammen mit weiteren Reliefstrukturen in Aufsicht.

Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a structural element in supervision,
• 2 a schematic representation of the structural element in cross section, and
• 3 a structural element together with other relief structures in supervision.

1 shows a structural element in top view. The structural element comprises a Reflection image structure 120 an object, such as an apple, and a color image 140 of the object.

The cross section of the structural element 100 is in 2 shown. A carrier layer 110 , For example, a transparent packaging film, is with a relief structure 120 Mistake. On the carrier layer 110 is a reflective layer 130 , For example, a metal layer arranged. On the metal layer is the color layer of the multicolor color image 140 , The color layer 140 is semitransparent. It includes for illustration in this example, three different colored areas 141 . 142 and 143 ,

The viewer sees the structural element 100 from the top. The individual relief elements 121 . 122 The relief structure are aligned so that the reflection image structure 120 created for the viewer a curved three-dimensional representation of the object. The principle of such an alignment is over WO 2013/007374 A1 and WO 2014/060089 A2 known. Through the semitransparent color image 140 above the reflection image structure 120 For the viewer, a colored and three-dimensional image of the object is created.

As in 1 recognizable, the relief elements can 121 . 122 . 125 be designed as honeycomb or regular hexagons. The relief elements 121 . 122 the relief picture structure 120 contain as numerical indication the inclination angle of the relief element 121 . 122 , Around an uneven relief element are in rings each relief elements with a tilt angle of 10 . 25 . 40 . 60 and 40 Grad arranged. The inclination is oriented in each case in the direction of the central relief element (azimuth angle). Outside the relief picture structure 120 lying relief elements 125 are optional and would be flat in this example.

The differently colored areas 141 . 142 . 143 of the color image are chosen by their color and arrangement so that they additionally support the three-dimensional impression of the object. The color image is preferably a true color image, that is to say it can comprise any desired color value levels-not just regionally.

It can also be seen in both figures that the color image and the reflection image structure can be designed independently of one another for the object. A raster of the reflection image structure is independent of a raster of the color image. The position of the grid to each other and / or an exact arrangement of the color image to the reflection image structure is not significant for the three-dimensional multi-color representation of the object. Changes can thus be implemented inexpensively and the positional accuracy in the manufacturing process no increased demands.

Some variants are based on 2 be briefly indicated. Is the reflection layer 130 Semitransparent, could be the color layer 140 also under the reflection layer 130 lie. The relief structure can be created by embossing. Advantageously, the carrier layer 110 is embossed directly and then reflection layer 130 and the color layer 140 applied. Alternatively, the existing reflection layer and / or color layer is coined.

Is the carrier layer 110 transparent so the structural element shows on the back (in 2 from below) looks at an inversely curved reflection image of the object. By semi-transparent or opaque back printings, for example, a different colored representation of the object (red shaded instead of green shaded apple) could be created for the viewer of the back. If the back print is semitransparent, the curvature would also be inverse on the reverse side (the red apple, arched on the front side out of the relief structure plane, appears as a green apple, arched behind the relief structure plane).

In 3 is an advanced structure arrangement 200 shown in which the structural arrangement 100 with other elements 220 . 230 . 240 combined. The other elements 220 . 230 . 240 can in particular in the same operation, in particular also by means of embossing (and optional color imprint) can be generated. The mosaic-like relief structure in the area of the structural element 100 becomes with a different, here linear relief structure, 220 combined in a second area. The second area may surround or border the first area. Especially the outer contour of the object can be emphasized by the change of the relief element type. A first subarea 240 of the second area 220 is devoid of love, so unstructured in its height. The Limits of the Relief-Free Subarea 240 are indicated by dashed lines. The relief-free subarea 240 is independent of the viewing angle a reflective, possibly monochrome overprinted area.

In a second subarea 230 is formed by the relief structure, an optically variable element with a tilting effect. The linear relief structure 220 additionally embossed in the sub-area on a flank, so that depending on the viewing angle of the sub-area 230 is perceived as a separate area. The local modification of the sub-area can be done by imprinting or embossing. Corresponding solutions for the subarea 230 for example, in WO 2013/045055 A1 described in more detail.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

structural element

110

support surface

120

Reflection image structure

121, 122, 125

Reflective relief elements

130

reflective layer

140

color

141,142,143

color ranges

200

Structural element carrier

220

Linear relief elements

230

Modified linear relief elements

240

Relief-free area

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2013/007374 A1 [0004, 0031]
• WO 2014/060089 A2 [0004, 0031]
• WO 2013/045055 A1 [0038]

Claims (15)

Structural element comprising a three-dimensional representation of an object, comprising: a reflection image structure of the object, which is present as a relief structure with reflective relief elements in a relief structure plane, and which makes the representation of the object appear three-dimensional to the viewer; and a multicolor color image of the object, which is arranged in such a way to the reflection image structure, that for the viewer the representation of the object appears multicolored and three-dimensional. Structure element after Claim 1 characterized in that the color image and / or the reflection image structure are semitransparent. Structure element after Claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the color image is arranged with a positional tolerance of 0.2 mm, preferably up to 1 mm, to the reflection image structure. Structural element according to one of Claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the color image is a printed color image and / or the reflection image structure is a structure embossed into the surface. Structural element according to one of Claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the reflection image structure comprises a reflective layer, which has been produced in particular by means of a printing process. Structural element according to one of Claims 1 to 5 characterized in that at a tilting and / or a rotation of the structural element - the reflection image structure for the viewer produces a changing reflection behavior and / or - the predetermined by the color image multicolor remains unchanged. Structural element according to one of Claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the embossed structure comprises the reflection image structure in a first region and in a further region: a limited surface free of relief structure, and / or a relief-structured achromatic surface. Structural element according to one of Claims 1 to 7 characterized in that the reflective relief elements of the reflection image structure are of a first type of relief element and the structural element further comprises at least relief elements of a second type of relief element. Structure element after Claim 8 characterized in that the relief element types differ with regard to one or more of the parameters: outer contour of the relief element, and / or size of the relief element, and / or reflectance of the relief element. Structural element according to one of Claims 1 to 9 characterized in that the reflective relief elements of the reflection image structure differ in one or more of the parameters: - spatial orientation of the relief element, in particular inclination angle and / or azimuth angle, - structure height of the relief element. Structural element according to one of Claims 1 to 10 characterized in that it additionally comprises an optically variable element. Structural element according to one of Claims 1 to 11 characterized in that the reflective relief elements have a lateral size of more than 30μm, in particular more than 100μm. Product or product packaging with a structural element according to one of the preceding claims. Method for producing a structural element, in particular according to one of Claims 1 to 13 which comprises a three-dimensional representation of an object, comprising: - creating a reflection image structure of the object, wherein the reflection image structure is created as a relief structure with reflective relief elements in a relief structure plane, and wherein the reflection image structure makes the representation of the object appear three-dimensional to the viewer; and - creating a multicolored color image of the object which is arranged in such a way to the reflection image structure that for the viewer the representation of the object appears multicolored and three-dimensional. Method according to Claim 14 , characterized in that the relief structure is introduced into the surface of a product or a product package.

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