DE102017123310A1 - Triple mirror film for a traffic and / or license plate, retroreflective shield, method of making a triple mirror foil, and method of making a retroreflective shield - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a triple mirror foil (16) for arrangement on a shield plate (14) for a traffic sign and / or license plate, comprising a foil (20) of a transparent plastic with a first surface (22) of the foil (20) at least Sectionally formed and / or integrally formed microstructured cusp mirror structure (24), the microstructured cusp mirror structure (24) comprising a plurality of triple mirrors (26) each having at least three mutually perpendicular mirror surfaces (28) for retroreflection, and the cusp mirrors (26) in the surface the first surface (22) are formed and mirror surfaces (28) which are formed from one of the first surface (22) spaced second surface (30) of the film (20) made of specular.

Description

The invention relates generally to a triple mirror foil for mounting on a shield plate for a traffic sign and / or license plate, wherein the triple mirror foil is formed of a transparent plastic, has a microstructured cusp mirror structure, and on the microstructured cusp mirror structure, a protective layer is disposed. In addition, the invention relates to a retroreflective shield in which the triple-mirror foil according to the invention is arranged on a shield plate made of a transparent plastic. Furthermore, the invention comprises a method for producing a triple mirror foil, and a method for producing a retroreflective shield.

Retroreflective sheeting based on separately formed transparent microprismatic elements embedded in the transparent material of the sheeting are known in the art. Retroreflection is based on total internal reflection of light at the prism faces of the microprismatic elements. The prism faces of the microprismatic elements form corner mirrors, i. Mirror structures having three mutually perpendicular mirror surfaces. Due to their geometry they exhibit retroreflection, i. light incident on a triple mirror is reflected back in the direction of incidence.

For total internal reflection at the prism faces, it must be ensured that these prism faces form an interface between two high refractive index difference media, e.g. between glass or a transparent plastic on the one hand and air on the other. For this purpose, air-filled chambers are formed in the previously known from the prior art films, which adjoin the prismatic surfaces of the embedded microprismatic elements. Such films are offered, for example, by the company 3M under the designations EGP (engineering grade prismatic), HIP (high intensity prismatic), VIP (visual impact performance) and DG3 (diamond grade ™). Retroreflective sheeting of similar construction and properties is also offered by the other companies Avery, KCI, NCI and Orafol. Reference is made to the corresponding data sheets of the companies mentioned.

It is known that total internal reflection provides a largely lossless reflection, so that very high reflection values are achieved by this effect. By the appearance of the effect in the interior of a transparent body at the boundary layer to another, optically thinner medium no mirror surfaces must be provided separately or manufactured. Furthermore, there is no problem that the reflectance of the mirror surfaces can be affected by external influences, for example by contamination.

Although these microprismatic reflective films have good to very good optical properties and mechanically embossed variants are available, so they are very expensive at the time of application due to their complex mechanical structure. Also, these films have less advantageous recycling properties because they are constructed from a variety of different materials.

Vehicle license plates with retroreflective properties are known in the art. Such license plates have, for example, a metal plate with a front side laminated, retroreflective sheeting. A legend can be impressed mechanically in the metal plate, so that a raised structure is formed on the upper side. On the raised structure, a color layer is applied by means of a thermal transfer printing. Such license plates are thus made of a metal. In addition, they are designed in several parts and include different materials that can complicate the recycling of a license plate. In addition, the manufacture of a license plate due to the retroreflective sheeting is expensive.

Also known are license plates, which are made of a transparent plastic, wherein on a back of the license plate a retroreflective sheeting is adhered to provide the retroreflective properties of the license plate. Before the retroreflective sheeting is adhered to the transparent shield plate, a legend is previously printed on the retroreflective sheeting. Thus, in the legendary area, the retroreflective sheeting no longer has retroreflective properties. Such a known license plate is also constructed in several parts and can complicate the return process of a license plate. Due to the use of the retroreflective sheeting, the known license plate is expensive to manufacture.

From the DE 603 09 702 T2 is a backlit license plate known. The license plate has a transparent retroreflective sheeting which is adhered to a transparent polymeric carrier sheet by means of a transparent adhesive layer. The retroreflective sheeting is arranged to be rotated toward the light source and the support sheet is aligned with the viewer. The license plate includes a raised lettering that is colored on its raised surface to make it opaque or less make transparent compared to the background of the license plate. The raised lettering is formed by embossing the laminate of the carrier sheet and the retroreflective sheeting. The license plate also has a sealing film spaced from the retroreflective sheeting via sealing locations. An air cushion is formed between the retroreflective sheeting and the sealing film. A disadvantage are the aufaufende structure of the sealing film or the large space requirement of the license plate and the elaborate production of the license plate.

The EP 1 477 368 B1 describes a glowing license plate. The license plate comprises a light guide having on one side a light source for illuminating the light guide. On a front surface of the light guide, a label is arranged, on which a legend is glued. Between the optical waveguide and the license plate a retroreflective sheeting is arranged, wherein the retroreflective sheeting does not have a microprismatic triple mirror structure, but is formed macroscopically. A disadvantage is the multi-layered and complex structure of the license plate.

There is a continuing need to further develop retroreflective sheeting, which, like the microprismatic foils mentioned above, is based on total internal reflection and will be referred to as "triple mirror sheeting" in the following, in order to reduce their production costs and space requirements. Furthermore, there is a continuing need to further develop retroreflective tags to reduce their cost of manufacture and to facilitate traceability. In addition, there is a desire to provide a method by which a triple mirror foil or a retroreflective shield can be produced inexpensively.

The present invention has set itself the task of specifying a triple mirror foil, which is inexpensive to produce and may have a reduced space requirement. Another object of the invention is to provide a retroreflective shield which is inexpensive to manufacture, reduced in construction height and easily recyclable. In addition, a further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing a triple mirror foil and a retroreflective shield, with which the triple mirror foil and / or the retroreflective shield can be produced inexpensively.

The object is achieved with a triple mirror foil having the features of claim 1, a method for producing a triple mirror foil according to the feature of claim 20, a retroreflective shield with the features of claim 34 and a method for producing a retroreflective shield having the features of the claim 40th

Advantageous and / or preferred embodiments or further developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims, which individually or in combination may constitute an aspect of the invention. All combinations as well as isolated combinations between the features of the triple mirror foil, the retroreflective shield, the process for producing the triple mirror foil and the method for producing the retroreflective shield can be used together. Furthermore, it is also provided and possible in each case to combine one or more features of the triple mirror foil, the retroreflective shield, the method for producing the triple mirror foil and the method for producing the retroreflective shield as desired.

According to the invention, a triple-mirrored foil is provided for arrangement on a shield plate for a traffic sign and / or license plate, comprising a foil of a transparent plastic with a microstructured triple mirror structure formed at least in sections on a surface of a first surface of the foil. The microstructured triple mirror structure comprises a plurality of triple mirrors each having three mirror surfaces arranged at right angles to one another for retroreflection. According to the invention, the triple mirrors are formed in a first surface of the film and integrally therewith. They each have mirror surfaces, which are designed to be reflective for incident on a second surface of the film and passing through the film light due to total internal reflection.

It is thus an aspect of the invention that the triple mirror foil has a foil which is formed from a transparent plastic. On a first surface of the film, a microstructured triple mirror structure is formed at least in sections.

The first surface of the film is preferably the back side of the film, which usually faces the motor vehicle when the triple mirror film is arranged on a shield plate of a license plate arranged on a motor vehicle. The microstructured cusp mirror structure is formed in this first surface of the film. This means that the microstructured triple mirror structure is formed directly in the film.

Such a triple mirror foil has a significantly simplified mechanical structure compared to the prior art previously known triple mirror foils which are based on embedded microprismatic elements. It is therefore cheaper to produce and particularly easy to recycle due to their purity.

In principle, it is also possible, instead of retroreflective structures, which are each based on three mutually perpendicular mirror surfaces, to resort to alternative mirror geometries, which may for example be based on a larger number of mirror surfaces, which are not arranged at right angles to each other.

Preferably, the triple mirror foil can be arranged on a shield plate, the shield plate having an increased rigidity in relation to the triple mirror foil.

The microstructured triple mirror structure has a plurality of triple mirrors with at least three mutually perpendicular mirror surfaces for retroreflection. Microstructured preferably means that a depth of the triple mirror structure has a length between 100 μm to 400 μm, preferably between 100 μm and 300 μm and particularly preferably 150 μm. The depth of the tri-mirror structure preferably indicates a distance from the first surface to the lowest point of the triple mirror.

The mirror surfaces are formed from a first surface of the film at a distance formed second surface of the film of specular. The second surface is thus the outward side facing the viewer in a sign mounted on a motor vehicle. On the second surface of the film, further layers, preferably also the shield plate, can be arranged.

Another idea of the invention is that a protective layer is arranged on the microstructured cusp mirror structure. The protective layer covers the triple mirror structure formed and / or formed in the first surface of the film and is bonded to the film at least partially in a materially bonded manner. In this way, the microstructured triple mirror structure can be protected against external influences, in particular against moisture, in particular if the protective layer is bonded to the film in a materially bonded manner along an outer circumferential connecting line.

The moisture protection of the protective layer can ensure that a layer of an optically thinner medium, in particular of air and / or gas, is formed adjacent to the microstructured triple mirror structure. A light beam, which preferably impinges on the mirror surfaces of the triple mirror of the microstructured triple mirror structure formed on the first surface from the outside over the second surface of the film, can be reflected by a total internal reflection. The internal total reflection provides a retroreflection of the triple mirror foil.

The protective layer is preferably arranged without spacing from the microstructured triple mirror structure. Spaced apart means that the protective layer is arranged without a spacer element on the triple mirror structure, so that the overall height of the triple mirror foil can be reduced. It has surprisingly been found that spacer elements can be omitted, i. that even with a direct mechanical contact of the protective layer with the raised areas of the triple mirror structure, a degree of retroreflectivity sufficient for a proper use of the triple-mirror foil according to the invention is ensured.

Thus, a triple mirror film is given, which in addition to their aforementioned advantageous properties continues to have an increased resistance to external influences and has a reduced height.

In a preferred development, the triple-mirrored film further comprises an adhesive layer for the adhesive (and thus cohesive) connection of the film to a protective layer.

A transparent plastic is preferably to be understood as a plastic which is translucent without significant parts of it being absorbed. Preferably, the plastic is optically clear and / or has a transmission of 80% to nearly 100%. Non-translucent plastics are excluded for the film.

An advantageous development of the invention is that a hydrophobic coating is applied to the triple mirror structure. A hydrophobizing coating is preferably a moisture and / or liquid repellent, in particular water repellent, coating. The hydrophobicizing coating may preferably be a polymer based coating. The hydrophobization of the microstructured cusp mirror structure may prevent and / or reduce moisture adhesion in the microstructured cusp mirror structure such that an air interface may be provided on the microstructured cusp mirror structure for total internal reflection. In this way, the retroreflective properties of the triple mirror foil can be retained in a moist environment if there is any local damage to the triple mirror foil. The Protective layer can be applied directly to the microstructured cusp mirror structure.

Preferably, the protective layer is sprayed on. Thus, the height of the triple mirror foil can be reduced.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the protective layer is a dimensionally stable substrate, in particular a shield plate. This is arranged on the microstructured cusp mirror structure. The substrate has an increased stiffness relative to the triple mirror foil.

Advantageously, the triple mirror foil is arranged directly on the substrate, ie without a spacer element between the triple mirror structure and the substrate. A gas and / or air cushion may be arranged between the individual triple mirrors of the microstructured triple mirror structure and the substrate formed as a protective layer so that at least in regions an optically thinner medium for total reflection is arranged and / or formed adjacent to the microstructured triple mirror structure. By forming the protective layer as a substrate, it is possible to dispense with an additional protective layer, as a result of which the overall height for a triple mirror foil protected against external influences can be reduced.

It is not necessarily contemplated that the protection view has a stiffness compared to the triple mirror foil. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the protective layer is not dimensionally stable protective film. This protective film can also be arranged without spacing on the microstructured triple mirror structure. The protective film can easily be adapted to the surface of the microstructured cusp mirror structure.

In an advantageous development of the triple-mirror foil according to the invention, the latter furthermore has a second adhesive layer for the adhesive bonding of the protective layer to a dimensionally stable substrate.

In principle, the protective layer, in particular the protective film, can be flat and / or structureless. Such a protective layer is easy and inexpensive to produce. An advantageous development of the invention is that the protective layer has a structure, preferably a polygonal structure, in particular a honeycomb structure. In this way, the stability, in particular the tear strength, of the protective layer can be increased.

The protective layer can be preferably glued, laminated and / or welded onto the triple mirror foil, in particular the triple mirror structure. A full-surface cohesive connection between the protective layer and the triple-mirrored film is generally undesirable, but if the cohesive connection is suitably embodied, e.g. not precluded by an adhesive layer of a low-refractive adhesive adhesive.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is that the film has on its first surface a circumferential, preferably flat edge on which the protective layer is arranged, preferably glued and / or laminated and / or welded. The peripheral edge preferably has no structure, so that a hermetically sealed and weather-resistant connection between the edge and the protective layer can be produced.

A further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is that the film on its first surface next to the peripheral edge forms one or more webs extending from one side of the peripheral edge over the entire extent of the film to the opposite side of the peripheral edge , Preferably Stecke are formed in two mutually orthogonal directions oriented spatial directions. These webs form a support for the protective layer, so that reliably form a plurality of air-filled chambers between the microstructured areas of the film and the protective layer.

Particularly preferably, these webs also have a flat upper surface with which the protective layer can be adhesively bonded, e.g. by means of welding or by means of an adhesive layer arranged between web and protective film.

has, on which the protective layer arranged, preferably glued and / or laminated and / or welded, is.

1. a. auf einer der mikrostrukturierten Tripelspiegelstruktur zugewandten Seite der Schutzschicht;
2. b. auf einer der mikrostrukturierten Tripelspiegelstruktur abgewandten Seite der Schutzschicht;
3. c. auf der ersten Oberfläche der Folie; und/oder
4. d. auf der zweiten Oberfläche der Folie.

An advantageous development of the invention is that the triple mirror foil has a legend, in particular a license plate legend, and / or a security feature. These are arranged as follows:

1. a. on a side of the protective layer facing the microstructured cusp mirror structure;
2. b. on a side of the protective layer facing away from the microstructured cusp mirror structure;
3. c. on the first surface of the film; and or
4. d. on the second surface of the film.

The legend or the security feature are preferably visually perceptible.

For example, a legend and / or a security feature may be printed or formed by means of lasering on a side of the protective layer facing the microstructured triple mirror structure and / or on the second surface of the film. The formation of legend or security feature as separate elements, such as individually formed alphanumeric characters, which may be punched out of a colored plastic film, for example, or security holograms, is possible.

The legend and / or the security feature are preferably opaque, so that in the region of the legend and / or the security feature, the retroreflective properties of the triple mirror foil may be reduced, whereby the legend and / or the security feature may become visible to a viewer. If the legend and / or the security feature are arranged on one side of the protective layer which faces the microstructured triple mirror structure or the first surface of the film, the legend and / or the security feature can sometimes be only partially visible, because before the printed legend or the security feature, the microstructured corner mirror structure is arranged and thus incident light can be reflected. Under retroreflective illumination, the retroreflected light outshines the legend or security feature. When viewed under diffuse lighting, however, the legend or security feature is clearly perceptible.

On the other hand, if the legend and / or the security feature is located on the second surface of the film, increased visibility of the legend and / or the security feature can be achieved even under retroreflective conditions since the retroreflective cusp mirrors are covered by an opaque legend.

The use of a microstructured triple mirror structure to realize retroreflective properties of the triple mirror film offers the significant advantage that such microstructures can be printed in the easiest way by means of common printing processes, even if the surfaces to be printed are inclined to the print head. By means of such printing methods, e.g. Security features such as watermarks, bar or QR codes or sovereign symbols or even alphanumeric characters e.g. a license plate legend are printed on the corner mirror structure. For this, e.g. Common industrial inkjet printers are used. But also thermal transfer printing method, which will be discussed in more detail below, can be used. In principle, all known from the prior art printing methods are suitable, which allow printing of plastic surfaces that are inclined to the printhead and allow a working distance of the surface to be printed from the printhead in the range of several tens to a few hundred microns.

The printing of the mirror surfaces destroys the total internal reflection at such mirror surfaces and thus locally suppresses the retroreflectivity of the license plate. Thus, symbols imprinted on the mirror surfaces or the like are. not only under diffuse illumination, but also under retroreflective conditions, e.g. in such a design of a license plate legend or even in the application of macroscopic security features as over substantially the entire height or width of the triple mirror foil extending wavy lines is advantageous.

Particular advantages are obtained when the printed characters or symbols are printed in a color that corresponds substantially to the background color of a shield produced using the triple-mirror film according to the invention, in particular license plate, or the color of a further laminated on the back of the shield plate further protection - or color foil. In this case, the printed sign or symbol is practically invisible under diffuse illumination, but clearly recognizable under retroreflective conditions.

The mirror surfaces of the triple mirrors can, for example, be triangular, here in particular equilateral, or quadrangular, here in particular square. Triple mirror mirrored mirrors are also referred to as "full cube corner" retroreflectors. The latter are particularly preferably used in the context of the present invention, since they have a particularly high retroreflectivity over a large range of angles of incidence.

In principle, it is conceivable that the microstructured triple mirror structure is introduced directly during the production of the triple mirror foil. Likewise, it is also conceivable that the microstructured triple mirror structure is formed in an already produced triple mirror foil.

Microstructured triple mirror structures in a transparent plastic can advantageously be produced by molding from a master, for example in an injection molding process or by an embossing process by means of a microstructured embossing punch or embossing roll, which can be flat or cylindrical, for example.

The master may for example consist of a metallic material such as steel.

A master for a triple mirror structure with triple mirrors with triangular mirror surfaces can be produced for example by a machining mechanical machining of a metallic surface, for example by three regular grating of adjacent V-shaped grooves are introduced into the surface by milling, which are oriented at 60 ° relative to each other ,

A master for a triple mirror structure with triple mirrors with square mirror surfaces can be produced, for example, by a removing micromechanical laser machining of a metallic surface.

An advantageous development of the invention lies in the fact that the microstructured triple play structure can be embossed into the surface and / or punched and / or rolled in. In this way, the microstructured corner mirror structure can be formed in a simple manner during the production of the triple mirror foil or also subsequently into a flat triple mirror foil already produced.

In an advantageous development of the transparent plastic film is therefore mechanically imprinted at ambient temperature or optionally at elevated temperature.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is that the transparent plastic of the film is a thermoplastic material. A thermoplastic material may preferably be heated for the production process of the film, so that the film can be produced in a simple manner. A thermoplastic material has the particular advantage that this is easily deformed by supplying heat.

It is advantageously provided that the transparent plastic is a polymeric plastic. The plastic preferably has a polycarbonate and / or Makrolon®. Makrolon® has proven to be a particularly advantageous thermoplastic transparent plastic which is easily deformable, in particular embossable, is.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the mirror surfaces have a substantially triangular or substantially quadrangular configuration. In a quadrangular configuration of the mirror surfaces, it is preferably provided that the mirror surfaces are square.

According to the invention, the microstructured triple mirror structure has, at least in regions, a plurality of triple mirrors. The cusp mirrors are preferably spaced and most preferably substantially contiguous. In this way, the microstructured triple mirror structure has a plurality of preferably juxtaposed triple mirrors. The more triple mirrors are formed in the triple mirror foil, the more light can be reflected by the respective triple mirrors.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the film has a film thickness between 0.2 mm and 1 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 0.8 mm. In this way, a triple mirror foil having a reduced thickness can be provided.

It is a particular advantage of the triple-mirror foil according to the invention that it can be wound up and / or rolled up even in very small radii, since it does not comprise any embedded microprismatic elements. In this way, the triple mirror foil can be easily stored and / or transported.

• - Bereitstellen einer Folie aus einem transparenten Kunststoff;
• - Einbringen einer mikrostrukturierten Tripelspiegelstruktur auf und/oder in die erste Oberfläche der Folie durch Prägen und/oder Heißprägen und/oder Walzen und/oder Pressen, wobei die mikrostrukturierte Tripelspiegelstruktur eine Mehrzahl von Tripelspiegeln mit jeweils drei rechtwinklig zueinander angeordneten Spiegelflächen zur Retroreflexion umfasst und die Tripelspiegel in der ersten Oberfläche der Folie und einstückig mit dieser ausgebildet sind und jeweils Spiegelflächen aufweisen, die für auf eine zweite Oberfläche der Folie einfallendes und durch die Folie hindurchtretendes Licht aufgrund von interner Totalreflexion spiegelnd ausgebildet sind.

The invention additionally relates to a method for producing a triple-mirrored film, comprising at least the following steps:

• - Providing a film of a transparent plastic;
• Introducing a microstructured triple mirror structure onto and / or into the first surface of the film by embossing and / or hot stamping and / or rolling and / or pressing, wherein the microstructured triple mirror structure comprises a plurality of triple mirrors each having three mutually perpendicular reflecting surfaces for retroreflection; Correction mirrors in the first surface of the film and formed integrally therewith and each having mirror surfaces, which are formed to mirror for incident on a second surface of the film and passing through the film light due to total internal reflection.

It is thus an idea that initially a film made of a transparent plastic is provided. In this film, a microstructured corner mirror structure is introduced.

This can preferably take place in that the microstructured triple mirror structure is rolled into the film, preferably by means of an embossing roller described above. Thus, an advantageous development of the invention lies in the fact that the microstructured triple mirror structure is introduced by means of a negative mold into the surface on the first surface of the film. For this purpose, it can be provided that a negative mold of the microstructured triple play structure is formed on a roll, which after the manufacturing process of Film is rolled over the surface of the first surface of the film, preferably by applying a contact pressure, to form the microstructured triple play structure in the surface, respectively. In addition, a stamp designed as a negative mold of the microstructured triple play structure can be provided, by means of which the microstructured triple play structure can be punched and / or stamped into the surface of the film. For the stamping process and / or the rolling process it can be provided that the roller, the stamp and / or the film are previously heated.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the triple mirror structure does not extend over the entire surface of the triple mirror foil, but saves certain areas. Thus, it has proved to be advantageous if certain areas of the surface in which, in the case of an intended individualized sign, certain information such as e.g. Nationality flag, symbols of sovereignty or insurance or registration information of a vehicle are arranged, are not formed retroreflective. A triple mirror foil provided for producing such a shield thus has at least microscopic, preferably macroscopic, coherent surface areas in which no triple mirrors are arranged. Accordingly, in embossing tool provided for producing such a film, there are surface areas covered with negative patterns of the triple mirrors to be incorporated in the shield, and adjacent surface areas which are free from negative patterns.

In a preferred development of the method according to the invention, in a further method step, a protective layer is adhesively bonded to the film such that the protective layer covers and / or integrates the triple mirror structure formed and / or integrally formed in the first surface of the film and at least partially bonded to the film. Advantageously, the protective layer is adhesively bonded and / or laminated and / or welded on.

This protective layer and its integral connection with the film can be formed in such a way that the microstructured triple mirror structure is protected against external influences, in particular against moisture.

It is not regularly provided in the context of the present invention for a spacer element to be formed and / or arranged between the protective layer and the triple mirror structure. This is not excluded.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, in a further method step, an adhesive layer for the adhesive bonding of the film with a protective layer is applied to the film.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that in a further process step, a hydrophobic coating is applied to the microstructured triple mirror structure, preferably by injection molding. In this way, a hydrophobizing coating can be applied in a simple manner to the triple mirror structure.

An advantageous development of the invention is that the protective layer is a protective film which is not dimensionally stable and applied to the microstructured triple mirror structure, in particular glued and / or laminated and / or welded. In this way, the protective film can be arranged in a simple manner cohesively on the first surface of the film, and in this way possibly provide protection against external influences for the microstructured cusp mirror structure.

The protective film may consist of the same material as the film, but need not. Material identity can provide advantages in terms of weldability of both films. In addition, the recycling of the film according to the invention is simplified.

If different materials are used for the film and the protective film, the material properties of the two components can be specifically optimized. Thus, the material of the film may be particularly well suited for incorporation of the microstructured cusp mirror structure, e.g. By contrast, the material of the protective film have a particularly high resistance to tearing or a particularly good thermal weldability.

Preferably, the protective film has a smaller thickness than the film, in particular a thickness which is less than 500 micrometers and more preferably less than 200 micrometers.

According to a preferred development of the invention, it is provided that the protective layer is a dimensionally stable substrate, in particular a shield plate, onto which the film provided with the microstructured triple mirror structure is applied, in particular adhesively bonded and / or laminated and / or welded on. The substrate has an increased stiffness relative to the film and can serve as a carrier board. Due to the cohesive of film and substrate can be a tight connection and in order to protect the microstructured triple mirror structure from external influences. This applies in particular if the cohesive connection of film and protective layer, in particular substrate, forms a peripheral seal of the microstructured triple mirror structure.

Further advantageously, it is provided that in a further method step, a circumferential, preferably flat edge is formed on the first surface of the film.

On this, in a further process step, the protective layer, i. the protective film or shield plate, arranged and locally cohesively connected to the film or the triple mirror film, preferably glued and / or laminated and / or welded, is. In this way, a circumferential, weather-resistant sealing of the microstructured triple mirror structure can be provided.

In an alternative approach, a circumferential, preferably flat edge is formed on a surface of the substrate in a further method step.

In this case, in a further method step, the triple mirror foil is arranged and locally bonded to the substrate, preferably adhesively bonded and / or laminated and / or welded on. In this way, a circumferential, weather-resistant sealing of the microstructured triple mirror structure can be provided

In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention for producing a triple mirror foil, a legend and / or a security feature is formed on the triple mirror foil in a further method step.

1. a. auf einer der mikrostrukturierten Tripelspiegelstruktur zugewandten Seite der Schutzschicht;
2. b. auf einer der mikrostrukturierten Tripelspiegelstruktur abgewandten Seite der Schutzschicht;
3. c. auf der ersten Oberfläche der Folie; und/oder
4. d. auf der zweiten Oberfläche der Folie.

The legend or security feature is arranged as follows:

1. a. on a side of the protective layer facing the microstructured cusp mirror structure;
2. b. on a side of the protective layer facing away from the microstructured cusp mirror structure;
3. c. on the first surface of the film; and or
4. d. on the second surface of the film.

The invention also relates to a retroreflective shield, in particular a traffic sign and / or a license plate, wherein the shield comprises a triple-mirror foil according to claim 1 or one or more of the claims back to claim 1 and a shield plate, wherein the triple mirror foil and the shield plate captive with each other are connected.

In a first advantageous embodiment of this invention, the shield plate is transparent and the second surface of the film of the triple mirror foil is oriented towards the shield plate out. Preferably, the shield plate in this embodiment consists of a transparent plastic. By way of example, PMMA, PC, PA and PS may be mentioned here.

In a second advantageous embodiment of this invention, the shield plate is formed transparent or non-transparent and the second surface of the film of the triple mirror foil is oriented away from the shield plate. Preferably, the shield plate in this embodiment consists of a plastic material which may be transparent or non-transparent, or of a metallic material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Again suitable PMMA, PC, PA and PS are mentioned as suitable plastics.

Particular advantages arise when the shield plate is mechanically embossed at ambient temperature or at elevated temperature.

In a preferred embodiment, the sign on a raised or recessed embossed license plate legend.

1. a. auf der von der Tripelspiegelfolie abgewandten Oberfläche der Schildplatine, sofern die Schildplatine transparent ist,
2. b. auf der zur Tripelspiegelfolie hin orientierten Oberfläche der Schildplatine,
3. c. auf der von der Schildplatine weg orientierten Oberfläche der Tripelspiegelfolie, oder
4. d. auf der zur Schildplatine hin orientierten Oberfläche der Tripelspiegelfolie, bevorzugt auf der ersten Oberfläche der Folie.

In a further preferred embodiment, the retroreflective shield according to the invention has an optically recognizable license plate legend or a security feature. In this embodiment, the optically recognizable license plate legend or security feature is preferably arranged as follows:

1. a. on the surface of the shield plate facing away from the triple mirror foil, provided the shield plate is transparent,
2. b. on the surface of the shield plate oriented toward the triple mirror foil,
3. c. on the surface away from the shield plate surface of the triple mirror foil, or
4. d. on the screen plate towards the oriented surface of the triple mirror film, preferably on the first surface of the film.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a retroreflective shield according to the invention has a shield plate made of a transparent plastic and a triple mirror foil which is captively connected to the shield plate and which in turn comprises a foil made of a transparent plastic with a microstructured at least partially formed and / or molded in a first surface of the foil Tripelspiegelstruktur, wherein the microstructured triple mirror structure comprises a plurality of triple mirrors each having at least three mutually perpendicularly arranged mirror surfaces for retroreflection. The mirror surfaces are formed from a first surface of the second surface formed spaced second surface of the film of specular. Preferably, a protective layer is arranged on the microstructured triple mirror structure without spacing from the microstructured triple mirror structure.

It is advantageously provided that the film is arranged with its first surface or its second surface on the shield plate. If the film is arranged with its first surface on the shield plate, the shield plate is preferably formed as a protective layer. Thus, the height of the retroreflective shield can be reduced. Alternatively it can be provided that the film is arranged with its second surface on the shield plate. The film then additionally has a protective layer which covers the first surface comprising the microstructured cusp mirror structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the protective layer is a hydrophobic coating of the microstructured triple mirror structure. The hydrophobicizing coating is preferably a liquid- and / or moisture-repellent, in particular water-repellent, coating. The hydrophobicizing coating may preferably be a polymer based coating. The hydrophobization of the microstructured cusp mirror structure may prevent and / or reduce moisture adhesion in the microstructured cusp mirror structure such that an air interface may be provided on the cusp mirror structure for total internal reflection. In this way, the retroreflective properties of the retroreflective shield can be maintained even in humid environments. The protective layer can be applied directly to the triple mirror structure. Thus, the space requirement of the retroreflective shield can be reduced.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the protective layer is the shield plate, which is arranged without spacing on the microstructured triple mirror structure. In this way, the shield plate is disposed on the first surface of the foil and covers the microstructured cusp mirror structure. At least in sections, an air cushion and / or a gas cushion can form between the individual triple mirrors and the shield plate in order to provide an optically thinner medium at the boundary layer of the microstructured triple mirror structure. The design of the shield plate as a protective layer, the height of the retroreflective shield can be reduced.

An advantageous development of the invention lies in the fact that the protective layer is a protective film which is arranged on the microstructured triple mirror structure without spacing. In this case, it is preferably provided that the film is arranged with its second surface on the shield plate. Compared to the shield plate, the protective film has a reduced rigidity, so that the protective film can easily adapt to the contour of the first surface of the film.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the second surface of the film and / or the surface of the shield plate, which is remote from the second surface of the film, can be printed. In this way, a legend and / or a security feature can be printed on the film and / or the shield plate.

The legend and / or the security feature is preferably formed opaque.

The legend and / or the security feature may preferably be printed, lasered and / or glued. If the legend and / or the security feature is printed, this can preferably be done by means of an inkjet printer or a thermal transfer process.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the shield plate and the triple mirror foil are embossable, in particular heat embossable, and / or each have an embossable plastic. In this way, a raised or recessed legend can be imprinted into the shield via a stamping tool.

In such a legend, in an advantageous development of the invention, a color layer is applied, preferably by means of a thermal transfer printing process. The color layer preferably has a black color. However, it is not limited thereto and may be any other opaque color. In this manner, retroreflection can be reduced, inhibited, and / or inhibited by the color coat applied to the legend's legend, thus making the legend vis-a-vis the retroreflective portion of the film visible to a viewer.

It is advantageously provided that a legend is embossed in the section of the film having the microstructured triplex mirror structure and / or in the shield plate. By imprinting the legend in the section containing the microstructured triplex mirror structure, the microstructured cusp mirror structure are locally damaged, so that the retroreflective properties are reduced in the legend area, whereby the legend can be made visible to a viewer under retroreflective conditions.

It is advantageously provided that the shield plate has a thickness between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 4 mm. In this way, a shield plate is provided, which has a shield thickness which is easily stampable by means of a stamping tool. In addition, the shield thickness is comparable to the thickness of known shield thicknesses, so that the shield plate can be arranged in a simple manner in the usual shield holders. Compared to the metal tag, the plastic retroreflective shield may be lighter in weight.

1. a. Bereitstellen einer formstabilen Schildplatine,
2. b. Bereitstellen einer Tripelspiegelfolie gemäß Anspruch 1, und
3. c. Auflaminieren der Tripelspiegelfolie auf eine Oberfläche der Schildplatine.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a retroreflective shield. A method according to the invention comprises the following method steps:

1. a. Providing a dimensionally stable shield plate,
2. b. Providing a triple mirror foil according to claim 1, and
3. c. Laminating the triple mirror foil on a surface of the shield plate.

In a preferred development of this method, in a further method step, a raised or deepened characteristic legend is introduced into the composite of shield plate and triple mirror foil.

By imprinting a legend into the section having the microstructured cusp mirror structure, the microstructured cusp mirror structure can be locally damaged so that the retroreflective properties in the region of the legend are reduced, whereby the legend can be made visible to a viewer.

It is advantageously provided that the legend is embossed by means of cold or hot stamping. While the former means inserting the legend into the shield plate, which as well as the embossing tools used for embossing, is at ambient temperature, the latter means that the retroreflective shield and / or the embossing tool heats to an appropriate temperature for deforming the shield plate and the triple mirror foil in order to form the legend in the retroreflective shield by an embossing operation, which is preferably carried out in an embossing device. By the term heat-embossable is meant that the retroreflective shield and / or the embossing tool to a temperature between 100 ° C and 150 ° C, preferably between 120 ° C and 130 ° C, heated. The embossing of the legend can be done gently by the hot embossing process to reduce the risk of breaks in the shield plate during the embossing process.

A preferred development of the aforementioned method according to the invention provides that a color layer, preferably by means of a thermal transfer printing method, is applied to the raised or deepened alphanumeric characters of a legend. In this manner, retroreflection can be reduced, inhibited, and / or inhibited by the color coat applied to the protrusions of the legend to thereby make the legend vis-a-vis the surrounding retroreflective areas of the sign visible to an observer.

A further preferred development of the method is characterized in that, in a further method step, an optically recognizable license plate legend or a security feature is formed on the shield.

1. a. auf der von der Tripelspiegelfolie abgewandten Oberfläche der Schildplatine, sofern die Schildplatine transparent ist,
2. b. auf der zur Tripelspiegelfolie hin orientierten Oberfläche der Schildplatine,
3. c. auf der von der Schildplatine weg orientierten Oberfläche der Tripelspiegelfolie, oder
4. d. auf der zur Schildplatine hin orientierten Oberfläche der Tripelspiegelfolie, bevorzugt auf der ersten Oberfläche der Folie.

Here, the following arrangement of the optically recognizable license plate legend or the security feature has proved to be particularly advantageous:

1. a. on the surface of the shield plate facing away from the triple mirror foil, provided the shield plate is transparent,
2. b. on the surface of the shield plate oriented toward the triple mirror foil,
3. c. on the surface away from the shield plate surface of the triple mirror foil, or
4. d. on the screen plate towards the oriented surface of the triple mirror film, preferably on the first surface of the film.

A preferred development of the method disclosed herein is that the film is arranged with its first surface or its second surface on the shield plate.

If the film is arranged with its first surface on the shield plate, the shield plate is preferably formed as a protective layer. Thus, the height of the retroreflective shield can be reduced.

Alternatively it can be provided that the film is arranged with its second surface on the shield plate. The film then additionally has a protective layer on the first surface having the microstructured triple mirror structure.

• 1: eine seitliche Schnittdarstellung eines ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen retroreflektierenden Tripelspiegelfolie,
• 2: eine seitliche Schnittdarstellung eines zweiten bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen retroreflektierenden Tripelspiegelfolie,
• 3: ein retroreflektierendes Schild in einer Aufsicht gemäß einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 4: eine seitliche Schnittdarstellung des retroreflektierenden Schilds entlang der in 3 gezeigten Schnittlinie A-A gemäß einem ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 5: eine Ansicht eines Tripelspiegels einer mikrostrukturierten Tripelspiegelstruktur gemäß dem ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 6: eine seitliche Schnittdarstellung des retroreflektierenden Schilds entlang der in 3 gezeigten Schnittlinie B-B mit einer aufgedruckten Legende auf der zweiten Oberfläche der Tripelspiegelfolie, gemäß dem ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 7: eine seitliche Schnittdarstellung des retroreflektierenden Schilds entlang der in 3 gezeigten Schnittlinie B-B mit einer aufgedruckten Legende auf einer Oberfläche der Schildplatine gemäß dem ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 8: eine seitliche Schnittdarstellung des retroreflektierenden Schilds entlang der in 3 gezeigten Schnittlinie B-B mit einer geprägten Legende, gemäß dem ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 9: eine seitliche Schnittdarstellung des retroreflektierenden Schilds entlang der in 3 gezeigten Schnittlinie B-B, gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, und
• 10: eine seitliche Schnittdarstellung des retroreflektierenden Schilds entlang der in 3 gezeigten Schnittlinie B-B mit einer geprägten Legende, gemäß dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following embodiments. The embodiments are not limiting, but rather to be understood as exemplary, but they should enable the skilled person to carry out the invention. The Applicant reserves the right to make individual or several of the features disclosed in the exemplary embodiments the subject matter of patent claims or to include such features in existing claims. The embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to figures. In these show:

• 1 FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a first preferred embodiment of a retroreflective triple mirror film according to the present invention. FIG.
• 2 FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a second preferred embodiment of a retroreflective triple mirror film according to the present invention. FIG.
• 3 a retroreflective shield in a plan view according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
• 4 FIG. 4: a side sectional view of the retroreflective shield along the in. FIG 3 shown section line AA according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention,
• 5 FIG. 3: a view of a triple mirror of a microstructured triple mirror structure according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, FIG.
• 6 FIG. 4: a side sectional view of the retroreflective shield along the in. FIG 3 shown section line BB with a printed legend on the second surface of the triple mirror film according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention,
• 7 FIG. 4: a side sectional view of the retroreflective shield along the in. FIG 3 shown section line BB with a printed legend on a surface of the shield plate according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention,
• 8th FIG. 4: a side sectional view of the retroreflective shield along the in. FIG 3 shown section line BB with an embossed legend, according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention,
• 9 FIG. 4: a side sectional view of the retroreflective shield along the in. FIG 3 shown section line BB , According to a second embodiment of the invention, and
• 10 FIG. 4: a side sectional view of the retroreflective shield along the in. FIG 3 shown section line BB with an embossed legend, according to the second embodiment of the invention.

1 shows a first embodiment of a triple mirror foil according to the invention 16 for arrangement on a shield plate for a road sign and / or license plate. It includes a foil 20 from a polymeric, transparent and thermoplastic plastic, for example from Makrolon®. The thickness of the film is 500 microns.

On a first surface 22 the foil 20 is in sections a microstructured triple mirror structure 24 educated. The microstructured triple mirror structure 24 includes a plurality of triple mirrors 26 each with three mutually perpendicular mirror surfaces 28 for retroreflection. Such a triple mirror is exemplary in 5 shown.

The triple mirrors 26 are in the first surface 22 the foil 20 and integrally formed with this. They each have three mirror surfaces 28 on that for a second surface 30 the foil 20 incident and through the film 20 passing through light are formed due to total internal reflection mirror. The triple mirrors 26 the triple mirror structure 24 are formed adjacent to each other.

Furthermore, the triple mirror foil 16 a protective film 32 on that in the first surface 22 the foil 20 trained triple mirror structure 24 covers.

The protective layer is considered non-dimensionally stable protective film 32 formed and at least partially cohesively with the film 20 connected. For this purpose, the triple mirror foil comprises 16 an adhesive layer 29 for the adhesive bonding of the film 20 with the protective film 32 on.

The protective film is made of polymeric, transparent and thermoplastic plastic, for example Makrolon®. The thickness of the protective film 32 is 150 microns.

The protective film is in touching contact with raised areas of the triple mirror structure 24 stands.

The foil 20 has one on the first surface 22 trained, circumferential, preferably flat edge 38 on, with the protective film over the adhesive layer 29 is connected cohesively.

In this embodiment, reference is made to the microstructured cusp mirror structure 24 a hydrophobic coating 48 applied.

The triple mirror foil 16 according to this embodiment, a first security feature 45 which is on one of the microstructured triple mirror structure 24 facing side of the protective film 32 is arranged. Depending on the arrangement of the triple mirror foil on a substrate, this security feature is not visible under all viewing conditions, since it can be outshone by retroreflected light under retroreflective conditions.

The triple mirror foil 16 according to this embodiment also has a second security feature 46 which is on the first surface 22 the foil 20 and thus on the triple mirror structure 24 is arranged. This security feature is visible under all viewing conditions because it is not outshone by retroreflected light.

Both security features are printed on the respective surfaces. As they are in the space between film 20 and protective film are included, they can, without a partial destruction of the structure of the film 20 and protective film 32 existing network are not manipulated.

The extent of the triple mirrors 26 perpendicular to the first surface 22 the foil 20 is in the illustrated embodiment 250 microns.

Finally, the triple mirror foil according to this embodiment has a second adhesive layer 31 on top of that of the second surface of the film 20 applied and provided for a full-surface bonding with a license plate plate made of a transparent plastic.

2 shows a second embodiment of a triple mirror foil according to the invention 16 whose structure is the structure of the triple mirror foil 16 according to 1 corresponds to the arrangement of the second adhesive layer 31 , In this second embodiment, the second adhesive layer 31 on the outer surface of the protective film 32 applied. It is in turn provided for a full-surface bonding with a license plate plate made of a non-mandatory transparent plastic or a metallic material.

The second adhesive layer 31 is with a liner 47 covered from a silicone-coated paper, prior to attachment of the triple mirror foil 16 is peeled off at a substrate surface.

The triple mirror films 16 According to the preceding embodiments, even with a small radius can be wound or rolled up.

For producing a triple mirror foil according to the first exemplary embodiment, a foil is used in a first step 20 made of a transparent plastic.

In a second step, a microstructured triple mirror structure 24 by embossing with a structured embossing roll in a first surface 22 the foil 20 brought in. In this case, the microstructured triple mirror structure comprises 24 a plurality of triple mirrors 26 each with three mutually perpendicular mirror surfaces 28 like these in 5 are shown. The triple mirrors 26 be in the first surface 22 the foil 20 and integrally formed with this. They each know mirror surfaces 28 on that for a second surface 30 the foil 20 incident and through the film 20 passing through light are formed due to total internal reflection mirror.

The incorporation of the microstructured triple mirror structure 24 in the first surface 22 the foil 20 is carried out by means of a structured embossing roller so that on the first surface 22 the foil 20 a the corner mirror structure 24 circumferential, closed and flat edge 38 on the slide 20 is trained. At the same time, the triple mirror structure becomes 24 with a heated textured embossing roll in the first surface 22 the likewise heated foil 20 brought in.

In a further method step, the second security feature 46 on the first surface 22 the foil 20 and thus on the triple mirror structure 24 arranged by an ink jet printing method.

In a further method step, a hydrophobicizing coating is applied to the microstructured cusp mirror structure 24 sprayed, with the peripheral edge 38 is omitted.

In a further process step, the protective film 32 provided.

In a further method step, the first security feature 45 on the protective film 32 arranged by an ink jet printing method.

In a further process step, the film 20 and the protective film 32 so merged that the first surface of the film 20 is oriented to the protective film and the surface of the protective film 32 , on which the first security feature 45 is arranged, to the film 20 is oriented.

In a further method step, a first adhesive layer 29 for the adhesive bonding of the film 20 with a protective film 32 on the circumferential, closed and flat edge 38 the first surface 22 the foil 20 is applied.

In a further process step, the non-dimensionally stable protective film 32 by means of the first adhesive layer 29 cohesively with the circumferential, closed and flat edge 38 the first surface 22 the foil 20 connected, such that the protective film 32 in the first surface 22 the foil 20 formed microstructured triple mirror structure 24 covers.

In a further method step, the second adhesive layer 31 for the adhesive connection of the triple mirror foil 26 with a dimensionally stable substrate 34 , in particular a shield plate, on the protective film 32 applied.

In a last process step, the second adhesive layer 31 covered with a liner of 47 a silicone-coated paper.

The 3 shows a retroreflective shield 10 in a supervision. You can see a surface 12 of the retroreflective shield 10 holding a shield board 14 made of a transparent plastic and one on the shield plate 14 arranged triple mirror foil 16 having. The shield 10 also has a legend 18 on. The surface 12 of the retroreflective shield 10 is facing a viewer, so this is the legend 18 can perceive optically. In 3 the section lines A: A and B: B are shown, to which reference will now be made.

In 4 is a side sectional view of the retroreflective shield 10 along the in 3 shown section line AA shown. The cut AA is in an area of the retroreflective shield 10 led in which no legend 18 is trained.

The triple mirror foil 16 comprises a film according to the invention 20 which is formed of a transparent plastic. On a first surface 22 the foil 20 is at least partially a microstructured corner mirror structure 24 educated. The first surface 22 is the back of a slide 20 that usually, namely when the film 20 on the tortoise board 14 a arranged on a motor vehicle license plate is arranged facing the motor vehicle. The microstructured triple mirror structure 24 is on the first surface 22 the foil 20 trained or arranged.

The microstructured triple mirror structure 24 has a plurality of triple mirrors 26 with at least three mutually perpendicular mirror surfaces 28 for retroreflection, the triple mirrors 26 in the first surface 22 are formed and the mirror surfaces 28 exhibit. In the present exemplary embodiment, microstructured means that the triple mirror structures have a depth of 150 μm. The depth of the triple mirror structure 24 gives the distance of the first surface 22 from the lowest point of the triple mirror 26 at.

The mirror surfaces 28 are from one of the first surface 22 spaced formed second surface 30 the foil 20 formed from specular. The second surface 30 is therefore the outward side, which is in a mounted on a motor vehicle sign 10 facing the viewer.

In this embodiment, on the second surface 30 the foil 20 the shield board 14 arranged. The shield plate 14 points opposite the foil 20 a higher rigidity and can thus as a support plate of the shield 10 be considered. Basically, the film can 20 on the shield board 14 be laminated, glued and / or welded. In the present embodiment, the shield plate 14 on the second surface 30 the foil 20 with a transparent adhesive or a second adhesive layer 31 glued. Thus, the shield plate 14 and the foil 20 cohesively and captively connected.

The foil 20 points to the first surface 22 , spaced apart from the microstructured triple mirror structure 24 , a protective layer 32 on. The protective layer 32 is formed in the present embodiment as a protective film. About the protective film 32 becomes the microstructured cusp mirror structure 24 protected from external influences, in particular from moisture. Unbearable means that the protective film 32 without a spacer on the triple mirror structure 24 is arranged. In this way, the overall height of the retroreflective shield 10 be reduced.

Between the individual triple mirrors 26 and the protective film 32 can be an air cushion 34 form so that adjacent to the cusp mirror structure 24 a layer of an optically thinner medium can be formed. A ray of light 36 , preferably from the outside via the Schildpatine 14 on the mirror surfaces 28 of the triple mirror 26 the one on the first surface 22 the foil 20 formed microstructured cusp mirror structure 24 can thus be reflected by an internal total reflection. The internal total reflection becomes a sign 10 provided with retroreflective properties. Thus becomes a retroreflective shield 10 indicated that increased resistance towards external influences and may have a reduced height.

Basically, the protective layer on the first surface 22 the foil 20 , in particular on the triple mirror structure 24 glued, laminated and / or welded on. In the present embodiment, the film 20 on the first surface 22 a circumferential, preferably flat edge 38 on top of that the protective film 32 arranged, in particular glued, is. The surrounding edge 38 has no structure, leaving a weather-resistant connection between the edge 38 and the protective film 32 can be produced.

The protective layer may be structureless. Such a protective layer is easy and inexpensive to produce. In the present exemplary embodiment, the protective layer has a structure, in particular a honeycomb structure. In this way, the stability, in particular the tear strength, of the protective layer can be increased.

In 3 is a triple mirror 26 the in 2 microstructured triple mirror structure shown 24 shown in detail. The triple mirror 26 has three mirror surfaces arranged at right angles to each other 28 on. The outside of the shield plate 14 striking light beam 36 is over the second surface 30 the foil 20 to the mirror surfaces 28 guided. The light beam 36 meets the first mirror surface 28a of the triple mirror 26 , The first mirror surface 28a reflected the light beam 36 at the right angle to the first mirror surface 28a arranged second mirror surface 28b , From the second mirror surface 28b becomes the light beam 36 on the third mirror surface 28c reflected at right angles to the second mirror surface 28b is arranged. The third mirror surface 28c reflects the light beam 36 so this over the second surface 30 the foil 20 and the shield plate 14 exit.

4 shows a side sectional view of the retroreflective shield 10 along the in 1 shown section line BB according to the first embodiment. On the second surface 30 the foil 20 is the legend 18 printed. The legend 18 includes one or more characters and / or numbers and is formed of an opaque material and / or has an opaque color. In the field of legend 18 becomes the microstructured cusp mirror structure 24 thus covered by the opaque paint, so that the retroreflective properties of the film 20 in the field of legend 18 reduced and / or inhibited. A ray of light 36 that on the legend 18 meets, is not reflected or only to a limited extent, so that the legend 18 opposite to the legend 18 surrounding area and can be visible to a viewer. Due to that the legend 18 between the shield plate 14 and the foil 20 is arranged, this is protected from external influences.

The protective film formed as a protective film 32 can be transparent but also colored. In the present case, the protective layer is formed in white.

The legend 18 can with a printer, in particular an inkjet printer and / or a color printer, on the second surface 30 the foil 20 be printed. Due to the flat training of the legend 18 may be the height of the retroreflective shield 10 be reduced.

In terms of process technology, it is provided that prior to joining the triple mirror film 16 with the shield plate 14 first the legend 18 on the second surface 30 the foil 20 is printed. Subsequent to the imprint of the legend 18 on the second surface 30 will the shield board 14 on the second surface 30 the foil 20 glued.

5 shows a side sectional view of the retroreflective shield 10 along the in 1 shown section line BB according to the first embodiment. In contrast to 4 is the legend 18 not on the second surface 30 the foil 20 arranged but on a surface 40 the shield plate, which is on one of the second surface 30 the foil 20 turned away side of the shield plate 14 is arranged. The legend 18 is opaque and can preferably with a printer on the surface 40 printed on the shield plate. The legend 18 partially covers the microstructured triple mirror structure 24 so that the retroreflective properties of the film 20 in the field of legend 18 reduced and / or inhibited. A ray of light 36 that on the legend 18 meets, is not reflected or only to a limited extent, so that the legend 18 opposite to the legend 18 surrounding area and can become visible.

In terms of process technology, in contrast to 6 first the retroreflective shield 10 by connecting the shield plate 14 with the triple mirror foil 16 getting produced. Following can be on the retroreflective shield 10 , especially on the surface 40 the shield plate, the legend 18 printed and / or glued on.

In 8th is a side sectional view of the retroreflective shield 10 along the in 1 shown section line BB shown in the first embodiment, the legend 18 into the retroreflective shield 10 is impressed. The legend 18 is in the microstructured corner mirror structure 24 having portion of the film 20 and in the shield plate 14 imprinted, leaving on the surface 40 shield plate a sublime structure 42 is trained. By memorizing the legend 18 into the microstructured triple mirror structure 24 comprising section may be the microstructured cusp mirror structure 24 on the first surface 22 locally damaged, so that the retroreflective properties in the field of legend 18 are reduced. On the survey 42 the legend 18 is an opaque color layer 44 , preferably by means of a thermal transfer printing applied. The color layer 44 preferably has a black color. In this way, through the paint layer 44 Retroreflection in the field of legend 18 reduced and / or suppressed to the legend 18 to make visible.

The embossing can preferably be carried out by means of an embossing tool. For this purpose, it may be provided that the retroreflective shield 10 and / or the embossing tool are heated to material stresses in the retroreflective shield 10 during the embossing process.

9 shows a side sectional view of the retroreflective shield 10 along the in 1 shown section line BB , According to a second embodiment. In contrast to the first embodiment, in which the shield plate on the second surface 30 the foil 20 the triple mirror foil 16 is arranged in the second embodiment, the triple mirror foil 16 on the surface 40 the shield plate arranged so that the first surface 22 the foil 20 the shield board 14 is facing.

On the first surface 22 the foil 20 is the protective layer 32 arranged in the form of a protective film. The triple mirror foil 16 comes complete with the protective film 32 on the surface 40 the shield board 14 glued. Thus, first the triple mirror foil 16 which are then on the Schildplatte 14 is arranged. On the second surface 30 the foil 20 is the legend 18 printed.

In 10 is a side sectional view of the retroreflective shield 10 along the in 3 shown section line BB , according to the second embodiment. Unlike the in 9 shown retroreflective shield 10 is in 8th the protective layer 32 not formed by a protective film, but by the shield plate 14 , This means that the shield plate 14 unequally on the first surface 22 the foil 20 arranged and / or glued. In this way, the overall height of the retroreflective shield 10 be reduced. The legend 18 is in the retroreflective shield 10 imprinted, so the survey 42 on the second surface 30 the foil 20 is trained. On the survey 42 is the color layer 44 applied.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Retroreflective shield

12

Surface of the retroreflective shield

14

sign board

16

Tripelspiegelfolie

18

Legend

20

foil

22

First surface of the film

24

Microstructured triple mirror structure

26

prismatic

28

mirror surface

29

adhesive layer

30

second surface of the film

31

second adhesive layer

32

protective layer

34

bubble

36

beam of light

38

edge

40

Surface of the shield plate

42

Sublime structure of the legend

44

coat of paint

45

first security feature

46

second security feature

47

liner

48

hydrophobic layer

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

• DE 60309702 T2 [0008]
• EP 1477368 B1 [0009]

Claims (44)

A triple mirror film (16) for mounting on a shield plate (14) for a traffic sign and / or license plate, comprising a foil (20) of a transparent plastic, characterized by a first surface (22) of the foil (20) at least in sections formed and / or molded microstructured cusp mirror structure (24), wherein: a. the microstructured cusp mirror structure (24) comprises a plurality of triple mirrors (26) each having three mutually perpendicularly arranged mirror surfaces (28) for retroreflection, and b. the triple mirrors (26) are integrally formed with and integrally formed in the first surface (22) of the film (20) and each having mirror surfaces (28) incident on and through the film on a second surface (30) of the film (20) (20) passing light are formed due to total internal reflection mirroring. Triple mirror foil (16) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it further comprises a protective layer (32) which covers and / or formed in the first surface (22) of the film (20) and / or integrally molded triple mirror structure (24) and at least partially cohesively connected to the film (20) , Triple mirror foil (16) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that it further comprises an adhesive layer for adhesively bonding the film (20) to a protective layer (32). Triple mirror foil (16) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the protective layer (32) is in touching contact with raised portions of the cusp mirror structure (24). Triple mirror foil (16) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the protective layer (32) is a dimensionally stable substrate. Triple mirror foil (16) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the protective layer (32) is a non-dimensionally stable protective film. Triple mirror foil (16) according to Claim 6 , characterized in that it further comprises a second adhesive layer for adhesively bonding the protective layer (32) to a dimensionally stable substrate. Triple mirror foil (16) after Claim 6 , characterized in that the protective film has a structuring, preferably a polygonal structuring, in particular a honeycomb structure. Triple mirror foil (16) after Claim 2 , characterized in that the film (20) on the first surface (22) formed circumferential, preferably flat edge (38), with which the protective layer (32) is integrally connected. A triple mirror foil (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a hydrophobic coating applied to the microstructured cusp mirror structure (24). A triple mirror foil (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a legend (18) and / or a security feature arranged as follows: a. on a side of the protective layer (32) facing the microstructured cusp mirror structure (24); b. on a side of the protective layer (32) facing away from the microstructured corner mirror structure (24); c. on the first surface (22) of the film (20); and / or d. on the second surface (30) of the film (20). A triple mirror foil (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extension of the triple mirrors (26) perpendicular to the first surface (22) of the foil (20) is between 100 μm to 400 μm, preferably between 100 μm and 300 μm, and especially preferably 150 microns, is. Triple mirror foil (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transparent plastic of the foil (20) is mechanically embossable. A triple mirror foil (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transparent plastic of the film (20) is mechanically embossable at ambient temperature or at elevated temperature. A triple mirror foil (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transparent plastic of the film (20) is a thermoplastic material and / or a polymeric plastic. Triple mirror foil (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mirror surfaces (28) are formed substantially triangular or substantially quadrangular. A triple mirror foil (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of triple mirrors (26) of the triple mirror structure (24) are spaced apart or adjacent to one another. A triple mirror foil (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film (20) has a film thickness between 0.2 mm and 1 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 0.8 mm. A triple mirror foil (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the triple mirror foil (16) can be wound up and / or rolled up. Method for producing a triple-mirrored film (16), comprising at least the following steps: a. Providing a film (20) of a transparent plastic; b. Introducing a microstructured triple mirror structure (24) onto and / or into a first surface (22) of the film (20) by embossing and / or hot stamping and / or rolling and / or pressing, wherein the microstructured triple mirror structure (24) comprises a plurality of triple mirrors ( 26) each having three mutually perpendicularly arranged mirror surfaces (28) for retroreflection and the triple mirrors (26) in the first surface (22) of the film (20) and integrally formed therewith and each having mirror surfaces (28), which for a second surface (30) of the film (20) incident and through the film (20) passing light due to total internal reflection mirror are formed. Method according to Claim 20 , characterized in that in a further method step, a protective layer (32) is materially bonded to the film (20), such that the protective layer (32) formed in the first surface (22) of the film (20) and / or molded-in corner mirror structure (24) covers and at least partially cohesively connected to the film (20). Method according to Claim 21 , characterized in that the protective layer (32) is glued and / or laminated and / or welded. Method according to Claim 20 or 21 , characterized in that in a further process step, an adhesive layer for adhesive bonding of the film (20) with a / the protective layer (32) is applied to the film (20). Method according to Claim 21 , characterized in that the protective layer (32) is a dimensionally stable substrate. Method according to Claim 21 , characterized in that the protective layer (32) is a non-dimensionally stable protective film. Method according to Claim 21 , characterized in that in a further method step, a second adhesive layer for adhesive bonding of the triple mirror foil (26) with a dimensionally stable substrate on the protective layer (32) is applied. Method according to Claim 20 , characterized in that in a method step, a circumferential, preferably flat edge (38) formed on the first surface (22) of the film (20) is formed on the film (20). Method according to Claim 20 , characterized in that in a further method step, a hydrophobic coating is applied to the microstructured cusp mirror structure (24), preferably by injection molding. Method according to Claim 20 or 21 , characterized in that in a further method step, a legend (18) and / or a security feature is formed on the triple mirror foil, which are arranged as follows: a. on a side of the protective layer (32) facing the microstructured cusp mirror structure (24); b. on a side of the protective layer (32) facing away from the microstructured corner mirror structure (24); c. on the first surface (22) of the film (20); and / or d. on the second surface (30) of the film (20). Method according to Claim 20 , characterized in that the extension of the triple mirrors (26) perpendicular to the first surface (22) of the film (20) between 100 .mu.m to 400 .mu.m, preferably between 100 .mu.m and 300 .mu.m, and particularly preferably 150 .mu.m. Method according to Claim 20 , characterized in that the triple mirror structure (24) at ambient temperature or at elevated temperature in the first surface (22) of the film (20) is introduced. Method according to Claim 20 , characterized in that the microstructured triple mirror structure (24) is introduced by means of a negative mold in the first surface (22) of the film (20). Method according to Claim 20 , characterized in that the film (20) has a film thickness between 0.2 mm and 1 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 0.8 mm. Retroreflective shield, in particular a road sign and / or a license plate, comprising: a. a dimensionally stable shield plate (14), and b. a with the shield plate (14) captively connected triple mirror foil (16) according to Claim 1 , Retroreflective shield according to Claim 34 , characterized in that the shield plate is transparent and the second surface of the film (20) of the triple mirror foil (16) is oriented towards the shield plate. Retroreflective shield according to Claim 34 , characterized in that the shield plate is formed intransparent and the second surface of the film (20) of the triple mirror foil (16) is oriented away from the shield plate. Retroreflective shield according to Claim 34 , characterized in that the shield plate is mechanically embossable at ambient temperature or at elevated temperature. Retroreflective shield according to Claim 37 , characterized in that the shield has a raised or recessed stamped license plate legend. Retroreflective shield according to Claim 34 , characterized in that the shield has an optically recognizable license plate legend or a security feature. Retroreflective shield according to Claim 39 , characterized by the following arrangement of the optically identifiable tag legend or security feature: a. on the side facing away from the triple mirror foil (18) surface of the shield plate, if the shield plate is transparent, b. on the surface of the shield plate oriented towards the triple mirror foil (18), c. on the surface of the triple mirror foil (18) oriented away from the shield plate, or d. on the surface of the triple mirror foil (18) oriented toward the shield plate, preferably on the first surface (22) of the foil (20). A method of making a retroreflective shield, comprising the steps of: a. Providing a dimensionally stable shield plate, b. Providing a triple mirror foil (18) according to Claim 1 , c. Laminating the triple mirror foil (18) onto a surface of the shield plate. Method according to Claim 40 , characterized in that in a further process step, a raised or recessed stamped legend legend in the composite of shield plate and triple mirror foil (18) is introduced. Method according to Claim 41 , characterized in that in a further method step, an optically detectable license plate legend or a security feature is formed on the shield. Method according to Claim 43 , characterized by the following arrangement of the optically identifiable tag legend or security feature: a. on the side facing away from the triple mirror foil (18) surface of the shield plate, if the shield plate is transparent, b. on the surface of the shield plate oriented towards the triple mirror foil (18), c. on the surface of the triple mirror foil (18) oriented away from the shield plate, or d. on the surface of the triple mirror foil (18) oriented toward the shield plate, preferably on the first surface (22) of the foil (20).

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