EP3337674B1 - Valuable document - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a layer structure, a value document with a layer structure and a method for producing a value document.

Valuable documents in the sense of the invention include banknotes, shares, bonds, certificates, vouchers, checks, air tickets, high-quality admission tickets, product security labels, credit or cash cards, but also other documents prone to forgery, such as passports, identification cards or other identification documents.

Valuable documents, especially banknotes, are usually made from paper substrates that have special security features, such as have a security thread at least partially incorporated into the paper and a watermark. Paper substrates are usually made from natural polymer, such as cotton fibers, synthetic polymer, such as polyamide fibers, or combinations of natural and synthetic polymer (s). Furthermore, documents of value can also be made entirely of synthetic polymer. Finally, documents of value can be constructed, for example, in multiple layers. For example, For example, a document of value may have a document of value substrate made of natural polymer, wherein after applying various security features, foils / layers of synthetic polymer are applied to / on this document of value substrate. Security features usually provide special tactile and / or optically perceptible effects. Tactile security elements can be tactile embossments or reliefs, for example. Optical security elements can be holograms or color shift effects, for example.

DE 10 2009 053 925 A1 uses a slat structure in a security element to completely block or unblock the view of a motif depending on the viewing angle through the - optionally metallized - slats (blind effect). In DE 10 2010 047 250 A1 In a surface, randomly varying reflective facets are described pixel by pixel in an area.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a security element which can be manufactured in a simple manner and connected to a document of value substrate and at the same time provides a very recognizable optical effect.

This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

• -- bei Betrachtung im Auflicht unter einem ersten Betrachtungswinkel einfallendes Licht an den verteilten Spiegelflächen reflektiert, wodurch die Erkennbarkeit der Darstellung unterdrückt ist, wobei unter dem ersten Betrachtungswinkel die Helligkeit des an den verteilten Spiegelflächen reflektierten Lichts das Licht überstrahlt, welches an der Darstellung reflektiert wird und in das Auge des Betrachters einfällt; und
• -- bei Betrachtung im Auflicht unter einem zweiten Betrachtungswinkel die Darstellung erkennbar ist.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a layer structure for a security element, in particular a document of value, comprising a multiplicity of distributed mirror surfaces for connection to a document of value substrate, the multiplicity of distributed mirror surfaces being designed to cover a representation, the distributed mirror surfaces being represented by reflection regions are applied to a relief with a large number of relief elements, are formed and cover the reflection areas between 10% to 90% of the surface of the relief, or the distributed mirror surfaces by a highly refractive reflection layer which is applied to a relief with a large number of relief elements, are formed, each relief element having an orientation which is defined by an angle of inclination and an azimuth angle, wherein

• - When viewed in incident light at a first viewing angle, incident light is reflected on the distributed mirror surfaces, whereby the recognizability of the display is suppressed, with the brightness of the light reflected on the distributed mirror surfaces outshining the light which is reflected on the display under the first viewing angle and falls into the eye of the beholder; and
• - When viewed in incident light from a second viewing angle, the display is recognizable.

The reflection regions preferably cover between 25% and 75% of the surface of the relief. Furthermore, the reflection areas preferably cover 30% up to 50% of the surface of the relief. The reflection regions preferably cover 50% of the surface of the relief. The reflection areas are preferably opaque reflection areas.

In particular, the distributed mirror surfaces are formed by the combination of reflection areas and the relief.

In particular, when viewing the layer structure in incident light from a first viewing angle - at which incident light is reflected on the distributed mirror surfaces and thereby suppressing the recognizability of the representation - a flat gloss is visible to a viewer due to the reflection on the distributed mirror surfaces. The gloss or the reflection of light is so intense that the view applied can hardly be perceived by the viewer or can no longer be seen.

In particular, when viewing the layer structure in reflected light from a second viewing angle, the display of the mirror surfaces can be released, and the display is therefore visible to an observer.

In particular, when viewing the layer structure in incident light from a second viewing angle, interference with the viewing of the display due to reflections on the mirror surfaces is avoided.

The representation is preferably applied to / on the layer structure. The representation is particularly preferably part of the layer structure. Alternatively, the representation is applied to a main surface of the value document substrate and the layer structure covers the representation. A value document substrate comprises a first and a second main area, that face each other and provides information such as denomination, watermark etc. to a viewer.

The expression “a representation on a main surface of the value document substrate” is to be understood in particular to mean that a representation is applied to a main surface of the value document substrate by means of printing technology. In particular, the expression "a representation on a main surface of the value document substrate" can be understood to mean a representation applied to or on a main surface. According to one embodiment, this can include that the means for forming the representation, such as printing inks, at least partially penetrate into the value document substrate. According to an alternative embodiment, the means for forming the representation do not penetrate the value document substrate, but are only in surface contact with at least one of the main surfaces.

The expression “a multiplicity of distributed mirror surfaces on a main surface, which cover the representation, the representation being suppressed by the distributed mirror surfaces as a function of a viewing angle” is to be understood in particular to mean that the representation between one of the main surfaces of the value document substrate and the layer element or the plurality of distributed mirror surfaces is arranged. In other words, the plurality of distributed mirror surfaces is arranged in a thickness direction over the representation.

Furthermore, the layer structure preferably comprises a carrier substrate. The distributed mirror surfaces are preferably arranged on / above the carrier substrate. The representation is preferably arranged between the carrier substrate and the distributed mirror surfaces. Alternatively, the carrier substrate arranged between the representation and the distributed mirror surfaces. Furthermore, alternatively, the distributed mirror surfaces are arranged between the carrier substrate and the representation.

Providing the representation on / on the layer structure has the advantage that the combination of distributed mirror surfaces and representation is achieved in register even when wobbling on or wobbling introduction into a value document substrate. This is particularly the case if the layer structure is designed as a security thread / tape.

The carrier substrate is preferably transparent. The carrier substrate is preferably a film element or film-like. For example, the carrier substrate comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and / or polypropylene (PP).

The layer structure is or is preferably firmly connected to the value document substrate.

In a further embodiment, the carrier substrate is removed before or after the layer structure has been applied to a value document substrate. In this case, no representation is firmly connected to the carrier substrate.

Each relief element has an orientation that is defined by an angle of inclination and an azimuth angle. In other words, the orientation of a relief element is determined by its angle of inclination and its azimuth angle.

Each relief element preferably has an angle of inclination in the range from 0 ° to 60 °.

The relief particularly preferably spans a plane. A relief layer, which comprises the relief, particularly preferably spans the plane. The angle of inclination of a relief element corresponds to the angle which is enclosed by the surface normal of the plane and the surface normal of a relief element. The azimuth angle indicates the orientation of the surface normal within the plane spanned by the relief.

Some relief elements preferably have an average orientation which corresponds to a fixed inclination angle and a fixed azimuth angle. Furthermore, further relief elements preferably have a deviation between 0 ° and 15 ° from the specified angle of inclination. Alternatively or additionally, the further relief elements have a deviation between 0 ° and 15 ° from the fixed azimuth angle.

In particular, a deviation based on the angle of inclination can be understood to mean the difference between the angle of inclination of the relay element with a medium orientation and the angle of inclination of the relay element with a different angle of inclination.

Furthermore, a deviation based on the azimuth angle can be understood to mean the difference between the azimuth angle of the relay element with a medium orientation and the azimuth angle of the relay element with a different azimuth angle.

For example, the angle of inclination of the surface normal of a relief element with a medium orientation can be 35 °. A relief element with a deviation of 3 ° from this central orientation (35 °) can then have an angle of 32 ° or 38 ° to the surface normal.

For example, the azimuth angle of the surface normal of a relay element with a medium orientation can be 0 °. A relief element with a deviation of 3 ° from this azimuth angle (0 °) can then have an azimuth angle of 3 ° or 357 °.

For example, a relief element with a medium orientation can have an inclination angle of 15 ° and an azimuth angle of 40 °. A relief element with a deviation of 3 ° from this central orientation (15 °; 40 °) then shows e.g. an angle of inclination of 12 ° or 18 ° or an azimuth angle of 37 ° or 43 °.

The variation around the central orientation can advantageously prevent an observer from perceiving disruptive diffraction effects.

Furthermore, the variation around the central orientation advantageously means that the viewing angle at which the recognizability of the representation is suppressed is increased. As a result, an observer cannot see the display even if the viewing angle varies by a few degrees.

A plurality of relief elements with a first mean orientation or a deviation from this first mean orientation preferably form a first group. Furthermore, preferably a plurality of relief elements with a second middle orientation or a deviation from this second middle orientation form a second group. The mean orientation of the first group and the mean orientation of the second group preferably differ.

The mean orientation of the first group and the mean orientation of the second group preferably differ by at least 5 °, particularly preferably by at least 10 °. Particularly preferably, the angle of inclination of the first group and the angle of inclination of the second group differ by at least 5 °, particularly preferably by at least 10 °. Particularly preferably, the azimuth angle of the first group and the azimuth angle of the second group differ by at least 5 °, particularly preferably by at least 10 °.

The viewing angles of two groups advantageously differ. As a result, part of the display covered by a first group is released to a viewer at a certain viewing angle, while another part of the display covered by a second group is suppressed by a viewer from this specific viewing angle.

Consequently, the display or the areas of the display that are / are covered by several groups of the distributed mirror surfaces are suppressed or released at different viewing angles. It is therefore possible to successively see a (different) part of the display by moving the value document substrate, such as tilting and / or rotating the value document substrate.

The mirror surfaces of the second group can suppress the recognizability of the entire representation or of an area of the representation by reflection.

• unter einem ersten Betrachtungswinkel durch die erste Gruppe der erste Bereich nicht erkennbar und der zweite Bereich erkennbar,
• unter einem zweiten Betrachtungswinkel der erste Bereich und der zweite Bereich der Darstellung erkennbar und
• unter einem dritten Betrachtungswinkel durch die zweite Gruppe der zweite Bereich nicht erkennbar und der erste Bereich erkennbar.

When a first area of the display is covered by (the mirror surfaces) a first group and a second area of the display is covered by the second group, the incident light is on

• from a first viewing angle the first group cannot see the first area and the second area can be seen,
• the first region and the second region of the representation can be seen from a second viewing angle and
• from a third viewing angle, the second area cannot be recognized by the second group and the first area can be recognized.

• unter einem ersten Betrachtungswinkel durch die erste Gruppe die ganze Darstellung nicht erkennbar,
• unter einem zweiten Betrachtungswinkel die ganze Darstellung erkennbar und
• unter einem dritten Betrachtungswinkel durch die zweite Gruppe der Bereich der Darstellung nicht erkennbar.

When the entire representation is covered by (the mirror surfaces) a first group and an area of the representation is covered by a second group, the incident light is on

• from a first viewing angle, the entire group cannot be recognized by the first group,
• the entire representation can be seen from a second viewing angle and
• from a third viewing angle, the area of the illustration cannot be recognized by the second group.

The areas of representation mentioned could be understood as independent representations, in particular they can be perceived and suppressed independently. The characteristics and effects that apply to representations therefore apply analogously to display areas. The effect of the mirror surfaces of the second group (s) is analogous to the effect of the first group, in particular only the viewing angle is different and optionally only the part of the display that is covered by the second group is affected. Additional display areas can be created with their own (second) Groups are covered and their visibility is suppressed depending on the viewing angle.

In the following three paragraphs, some variants are described in which the mirror surfaces of the second group (s) are provided to supplement the representation. The second groups do not suppress the display or an independent display area.

The mirror surfaces on the first group of relief elements suppress the recognizability of the representation. The mirror surfaces on the second group (s) of relief elements create an additional element that can be perceived by the viewer. The mirror surfaces of the second group appear to the viewer as a (metallic, preferably silver) shiny surface. The additionally perceptible element can in particular be independent of the representation and / or be adapted to the representation. If the representation includes, for example, (own / primary) information (for example a number, a letter, a shape or a pattern) and a background, the second group can cover at least part of the background and / or provide additional information. For example, the second group can form an outer edge for the display or form a border of the information, in each case with a constant edge width or a varying edge width.

Different approaches are conceivable so that the mirror surfaces of the second group appear to the viewer as a (metallic) shiny surface (without suppressing the recognizability of the entire representation). The mirror surfaces of the second group preferably have a lower percentage coverage of the relief and / or a smaller total surface than the mirror surfaces of the first group. The percentage (or the total area) is lower for the second group by at least a factor of 2 (p2 <= p1 / 2), preferably a factor of 3 (p2 <= p1 / 3), particularly preferably a factor of 5 (p2 <= p1 / 5). The surface of the second groups preferably consists of filigree surface elements such as lines and / or points. The width of a surface element in the direction of its smallest extent is preferably less than 300 μm, particularly preferably less than 100 μm. Alternatively or additionally, mirror surfaces of the second group can be less reflective (semi-transparent, matt, different material) than the mirror surfaces of the first group.

With additional (instead of "suppressive") second groups, the following behavior results. The image cannot be seen in incident light from the first viewing angle. The reflections from the mirror surfaces on the first group of relief elements suppress the visibility of the entire representation. When viewed from at least a second viewing angle, the (entire) representation can be seen. The part of the representation that is not covered by the mirror surfaces of the second group can be seen in incident light from a third viewing angle. When viewed from the third viewing angle, the (non-suppressive) mirror surfaces of the second group create the additional perceptible element for the viewer.

The second groups preferably supplement the display from a third viewing angle, the second / third viewing angle lying between the first and the third or first and the second viewing angle when moving about a given axis. When the viewing angle changes in a predetermined direction, for example by a tilting or rotating movement about a predetermined axis, is thus one after the other suppresses, recognizable and supplements recognizable or suppresses, supplements recognizable and recognizable.

The further comments again apply in general, that is to say in particular to all groups or independently of a second group which may be present.

The reflection regions preferably cover between 10% to 90%, particularly preferably between 25% to 75%, in particular between 30% to 50%, of the surface of the relief visible from the first viewing angle.

Furthermore, a relief element preferably has a structure width in the range from 0 μm to 50 μm. Furthermore, a relief element preferably has a structure width in the range from 0.5 μm to 10 μm, particularly preferably 1 μm to 5 μm. Furthermore, a relief element preferably has a structural height of less than or equal to 20 μm.

Alternatively or additionally, the relief is formed by an embossed structure in an embossed layer. The relief can be formed by an embossed structure in an embossed layer.

Alternatively or additionally, a relief element can have a substructure. A substructure can e.g. Include hologram structures or sub-wavelength structures. A plurality of relief elements preferably have a substructure, which together form information, so that information such as text, pattern, value number can be recognized by an observer.

A structured reflection layer preferably defines the reflection areas and non-reflecting areas. The structured one is preferred Reflection layer a reflection layer with recesses. Each recess defines a non-reflective area.

In particular, non-reflecting areas are to be understood as areas that have a lower degree of reflection than the reflection areas under the same light incidence conditions.

In particular, the non-reflective areas can be non-opaque areas.

The structured reflection layer is particularly preferably applied as a coating on the relief.

The cutouts preferably have a width of less than or equal to 300 μm. As an alternative or in addition, adjacent cutouts have a spacing of less than or equal to 300 μm. Adjacent cutouts preferably have a regular width. Adjacent recesses preferably have a regular spacing. The recesses are particularly advantageously so small that they cannot be individually resolved by the human eye, and then have e.g. dimensions of less than about 100 µm at least in one direction.

The viewer is preferably essentially completely visible to an observer. In particular, the expression “essentially completely visible” is to be understood to mean that a viewer has the impression that he can see the representation or the part of the representation completely — that is, undisturbed, ie without rastering or missing parts.

A structured reflection layer preferably defines the reflection areas and non-reflecting areas, the reflection areas being present as islands on the relief. Each island is surrounded by a non-reflective area.

The structured reflection layer is particularly preferably applied as a coating on the relief.

An embossing layer preferably covers the representation. The embossing layer has an embossing structure that includes the relief with the relief elements. At least one structured reflection layer is applied to the relief elements. The structured reflection layer is preferably a metal layer. As an alternative or in addition, a structured, highly refractive layer is at least partially applied as a reflection layer on the relief elements. The structured high-index layer is preferably a high-index dielectric layer or high-index semi-metallic layer.

Alternatively or additionally, an at least semitransparent, high-index layer is applied as a reflection layer to the relief elements. The high-index layer is preferably a high-index dielectric layer or high-index semi-metallic layer.

A mirror surface is preferably formed by a reflection layer on / above a relief element. In other words, a combination of relief element and reflection layer constitutes a mirror surface. The reflection layer is preferably at least one metal layer and / or at least one high-index layer and / or a multilayer coating which changes color when tilted. Such multilayer coatings can consist, for example, of a three-layer system absorber-dielectric-reflector.

Aluminum, silver, copper, chromium, nickel, iron or alloys of these metals are preferably used as materials for the metal layer as the reflection layer.

The metal layer is preferably applied by means of a vapor deposition process. Alternatively, the metal layer is applied in the form of a metal particle dispersion. In this case, metal particles are present in a binder as flakes or so-called flakes. This metal particle dispersion or flakes can be applied, for example, by means of a printing process. The flakes are so small or thin that they adapt to the structure of the relief or follow it.

The highly refractive (dielectric) layer preferably has a thickness in the range from 10 nm to 200 nm as the reflection layer of a distributed mirror surface. The refractive index difference between the embossing layer and the high-index layer as the reflection layer is preferably at least 0.15, preferably at least 0.3. Zinc sulfide and / or titanium oxide are preferably used as materials for the high refractive index layer.

The islands preferably have a width of less than or equal to 300 μm. Adjacent islands are preferably at a distance from one another of less than or equal to 300 μm. Adjacent islands preferably have a regular width. Adjacent islands are preferably at regular intervals.

The distributed mirror surfaces are preferably designed such that an observer cannot perceive any diffraction effects. The structuring of the structured reflection layer is preferably below the resolution limit of the human eye, so that a viewer cannot distinguish the reflection areas and the non-reflecting areas from one another.

The distributed mirror surfaces are preferably designed as depressions in the relief. Alternatively or additionally, the distributed mirror surfaces are formed as elevations in the relief. The representation is preferably a representation produced by printing. As an alternative or in addition, the representation has laser-generated elements, such as color changes and / or blackening produced by the laser beam. Alternatively or additionally, the display is based on translucent colors. Alternatively or additionally, the display is based on scattering colors. Alternatively or additionally, the display is based on opaque colors. Alternatively or additionally, the display has, in particular UV-active, luminescent colors (fluorescence, phosphorescence or anti-Stokes radiation). Alternatively or additionally, the representation is based on a reflection layer, preferably a metal layer. Furthermore, the representation preferably has cutouts, so that so-called plain text or negative signs are present. In particular, the cutouts are transparent or translucent, so that a see-through effect can be seen in the area of the cutouts. Alternatively or additionally, the representation includes a foreground with a motif and an opaque background. Furthermore, the representation is preferably based on a combination of one or more translucent colors or color layers and an (additional) reflection layer. The translucent color (s) or color layer (s) is / are preferably arranged between the embossing layer and the (additional) reflection layer. This (additional) The reflection layer is not the reflection layer of the distributed mirror surfaces. Furthermore, the value document is preferably opaque in the area that has the representation.

The depressions or elevations are preferably leveled in a leveling layer. For example, a leveling layer can be a primer layer and / or a protective lacquer layer and / or a heat seal lacquer layer.

Advantageously, the previously described layer structure enables the reflection areas to be applied to the relief without high demands on the registration accuracy or tolerances. In particular, no elaborate coating methods have to be used, the reflective layer having to be applied directed to the relief. It is also advantageous that the relief can be produced very precisely, so that there are only slight deviations from a previously defined relief shape. As a result, the viewing angles or viewing angle ranges can be determined very precisely. In comparison, magnetically alignable pigments in a binder cannot be aligned / oriented nearly as precisely. Abrupt changes in orientation in particular are not possible with such pigments. Such pigments also have a relatively large size distribution. Finally, the distribution of the pigments in the binder can hardly be influenced.

This results in the particular advantage that a security element can be provided that can be produced quickly and inexpensively at the same time and at the same time provides a good optical effect.

It is also advantageous that the reflection layer can in principle be applied to each relief element. In contrast, the conventional slat effect is only required on certain slats, i.e. Flanks of a relief to apply the reflective layer. In the case of conventional lamella structures, in the case of a relief with a sawtooth profile, one flank of the sawtooth must remain free of the reflective layer, while only the other flank is to be coated with the reflective layer. Therefore, the flanks have to be coated very precisely, which means that the manufacturing effort is very high.

It is also advantageous that the reflection areas only have to cover the surface of the relief to a relatively small extent, namely less than 90%, so that the recognizability of the representation is nevertheless substantially suppressed in suitable viewing situations. Such viewing situations essentially exist when light is reflected on the distributed mirror surfaces and falls into the eye of the beholder. In this case, the brightness of the light reflected on the distributed mirror surfaces outshines the light which is reflected in the display and falls into the eye of the beholder. The effect is therefore advantageously not dependent on complete shielding of the image.

Furthermore, the layer structure described can advantageously be produced very thinly, so that the layer structure is suitable for a security thread, a security tape as well as for the so-called T-LEAD (transfer strip) or L-LEAD (laminate strip).

It is also advantageous that the layer structure in combination with other security features, such as holograms, micromirror arrangements, such as in the RollingStar® security thread, arch effects, sub-wavelength structures, Colorshift effects, fluorescence features, and / or electrical or magnetic security features can be used. For example, the previously described layer structure and additionally a hologram can be provided on a security thread or strip.

This combination can exist side by side, i.e. A layer structure according to the invention is present on a security thread or strip in a first area and, for example, a hologram or a subwavelength structure in another area.

However, the security features mentioned in the penultimate paragraph can also advantageously be integrated directly into a layer structure according to the invention. In particular, the mirror surfaces can be formed by a color-shifting interference coating ("colors shift") as a reflection area. Furthermore, substructures, for example hologram structures or subwavelength structures, can be applied / provided directly on the relief elements or directly on the reflection areas of the mirror surfaces. Such sub-wavelength structures as substructures can in particular also produce colors (structural colors) or color changes. It is particularly advantageous to provide such sub-wavelength structures on at least some of the distributed mirror surfaces, so that when viewed in incident light from a first viewing angle, incident light is not only reflected on the distributed mirror surfaces, but at the same time the reflected light has a specific color. In other words, the sub-wavelength structures influence the color of the reflected light. The color of the reflected light can also be different in certain areas, for example due to different sub-wavelength structures which produce different colors. This means that a viewer can not only perceive a homogeneously monochrome reflection. The sub-wavelength structures can be distributed over different mirror surfaces in such a way that a viewer can perceive several colors. Alternatively or additionally, the substructures, such as subwavelength structures or holograms, can be distributed over different mirror surfaces in such a way that, for example, additional information (for example text, symbol or value number) can be recognized by an observer.

• einem Wertdokumentsubstrat mit einer ersten und einer zweiten Hauptfläche, die einander gegenüberstehen,
• einer Darstellung auf einer der Hauptflächen des Wertdokumentsubstrats, und
• einem Schichtaufbau gemäß einer oder mehrerer der vorstehend erläuterten Ausführungen, wobei der Schichtaufbau auf der ersten Hauptfläche des Wertdokumentsubstrats aufgebracht ist.

Another aspect relates to a value document

• a value document substrate with a first and a second main surface, which face each other,
• a representation on one of the main surfaces of the value document substrate, and
• a layer structure according to one or more of the embodiments explained above, wherein the layer structure is applied to the first main surface of the value document substrate.

The document of value is preferably a banknote. A value document substrate comprises, for example, paper substrate (s), such as synthetic and / or natural polymers, in particular polymer fibers. Hybrid substrates, for example consisting of paper and plastic layers, are also used for value document substrates. In particular, a value document can have a value document substrate, such as single or multilayer paper layers, into / onto which the layer structure according to the invention is then applied / introduced, and then one or more plastic layers are applied.

In particular, the statements relating to the first aspect and its preferred embodiments apply to the value document in an analogous manner.

According to one embodiment, the layer structure is also applied to the first main surface of the value document substrate. According to a further embodiment, the layer structure is applied to the second main surface of the value document substrate.

• - Bereitstellen eines Wertdokumentsubstrats mit einer ersten und einer zweiten Hauptfläche, die einander gegenüberstehen;
• - Aufbringen einer Darstellung auf eine der Hauptflächen;
• - Aufbringen einer Schicht mit einer Vielzahl von verteilten Spiegelflächen auf die erste Hauptfläche, die die Darstellung bedecken, wobei die verteilten Spiegelflächen durch Reflexionsbereiche, die auf einem Relief mit einer Vielzahl von Reliefelementen aufgebracht sind, gebildet sind, das Relief geneigte Flächen bezogen auf die erste Hauptfläche aufweist, wobei jedes Reliefelement eine Orientierung aufweist, die durch einen Neigungswinkel und einen Azimutwinkel definiert ist, und die Reflexionsbereiche zwischen 10 % bis 90 % der Oberfläche des Reliefs bedecken, wobei
• -- bei Betrachtung der ersten Hauptfläche im Auflicht unter einem ersten Betrachtungswinkel einfallendes Licht an den verteilten Spiegelflächen reflektiert wird, wodurch die Erkennbarkeit der Darstellung unterdrückt wird, wobei unter dem ersten Betrachtungswinkel die Helligkeit des an den verteilten Spiegelflächen reflektierten Lichts das Licht überstrahlt, welches an der Darstellung reflektiert wird und in das Auge des Betrachters einfällt, und
• -- bei Betrachtung der ersten Hauptfläche im Auflicht unter einem zweiten Betrachtungswinkel die Darstellung erkennbar wird.

Another aspect relates to a method for producing a value document comprising the steps:

• - Providing a value document substrate with a first and a second main surface, which face each other;
• - Applying a representation on one of the main surfaces;
• - Applying a layer with a plurality of distributed mirror surfaces on the first main surface, which cover the representation, the distributed mirror surfaces being formed by reflection regions which are applied to a relief with a plurality of relief elements, the relief inclined surfaces relative to the first Main surface, wherein each relief element has an orientation defined by an angle of inclination and an azimuth angle, and the reflection areas cover between 10% to 90% of the surface of the relief, wherein
• - When viewing the first main surface in incident light, incident light is reflected from the distributed mirror surfaces at a first viewing angle, whereby the recognizability of the representation is suppressed, the brightness of the light reflected at the distributed mirror surfaces from the first viewing angle outshining the light that is on the representation is reflected and falls into the eye of the beholder, and
• - When viewing the first main surface in reflected light from a second viewing angle, the display becomes recognizable.

• Erzeugen einer Schicht mit einem Relief mit einer Vielzahl von Reliefelementen, die auf das Wertdokumentsubstrat aufgebracht wird;
• Erzeugen einer strukturierten Reflexionsschicht auf dem Relief, vorzugsweise mittels Metalltransfer, Bedruckung, physikalischer oder chemischer Bedampfungsverfahren;
• Erzeugen einer Reflexionsschicht auf dem Relief, vorzugsweise mittels Metalltransfer, Bedruckung, physikalischer oder chemischer Bedampfungsverfahren; und Strukturieren der Reflexionsschicht durch selektives Entfernen der Reflexionsschicht in vorbestimmten Bereichen des Reliefs, vorzugsweise mittels Metalltransfer, Trennwickeln, Ätzen, Waschverfahren oder Lasern.

The step “applying a plurality of inclined mirror surfaces” preferably comprises one or more of the following steps:

• Producing a layer with a relief with a plurality of relief elements, which is applied to the value document substrate;
• Producing a structured reflection layer on the relief, preferably by means of metal transfer, printing, physical or chemical vapor deposition processes;
• Producing a reflection layer on the relief, preferably by means of metal transfer, printing, physical or chemical vapor deposition processes; and structuring the reflective layer by selectively removing the reflective layer in predetermined regions of the relief, preferably by means of metal transfer, separating wraps, etching, washing processes or lasers.

The relief is preferably produced by creating an embossed structure in an embossed layer.

In particular, the comments on the first aspect and its preferred embodiments apply to the method in an analogous manner.

The invention is explained below on the basis of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in the illustration of which a true-to-scale and proportioned reproduction has been dispensed with in order to increase clarity.

Fig. 1a, 1b

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines Ausschnitts eines Wertdokuments mit Sicherheitselement gemäß einer Variante;

Fig. 1c

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Wertdokuments mit einem Sicherheitselement;

Fig. 2a

eine schematische Darstellung in Draufsicht auf ein Wertdokument mit Sicherheitselement gemäß einer Variante bei Betrachtung unter einem ersten Betrachtungswinkel;

Fig. 2b

eine schematische Darstellung in Draufsicht auf ein Wertdokument mit Sicherheitselement gemäß einer Variante bei Betrachtung unter einem zweiten Betrachtungswinkel;

Fig. 3a

eine schematische Darstellung in Draufsicht auf ein Wertdokument mit Sicherheitselement gemäß einer weiteren Variante unter einem ersten Betrachtungswinkel;

Fig. 3b

eine schematische Darstellung in Draufsicht auf ein Wertdokument mit Sicherheitselement gemäß einer weiteren Variante unter einem zweiten Betrachtungswinkel;

Fig. 4a-h

eine schematische Darstellung zum Herstellungsverfahren eines Wertdokuments gemäß einer ersten Variante;

Fig. 5a-e

eine schematische Darstellung zum Herstellungsverfahren eines Wertdokuments gemäß einer zweiten Variante;

Fig. 6-8

Aufsichten von schematischen Darstellungen von Schichtaufbauten verschieden verteilter Spiegelflächen;

Fig. 9-11

schematische Schnittdarstellungen eines Ausschnitts eines Wertdokuments mit unterschiedlichen verteilten Spiegelflächen; und

Fig. 12

schematische Schnittdarstellung eines Ausschnitts eines Sicherheitselements mit Substrukturen auf dem Relief.

Show it:

1a, 1b

is a schematic sectional view of a section of a value document with security element according to a variant;

Fig. 1c

a perspective view of a value document with a security element;

Fig. 2a

a schematic representation in plan view of a document of value with security element according to a variant when viewed from a first viewing angle;

Fig. 2b

a schematic representation in top view of a document of value with security element according to a variant when viewed from a second viewing angle;

Fig. 3a

a schematic representation in plan view of a document of value with security element according to a further variant from a first viewing angle;

Fig. 3b

a schematic representation in plan view of a document of value with security element according to a further variant from a second viewing angle;

4a-h

a schematic representation of the manufacturing process of a value document according to a first variant;

5a-e

a schematic representation of the manufacturing process of a value document according to a second variant;

Fig. 6-8

Top views of schematic representations of layer structures of differently distributed mirror surfaces;

Fig. 9-11

schematic sectional views of a section of a document of value with different distributed mirror surfaces; and

Fig. 12

schematic sectional view of a section of a security element with substructures on the relief.

1a , 1b show a sectional illustration of a section of a value document 100 with a security element 101, which has a value document substrate 102, a representation 104 and distributed mirror surfaces 108, 108 '. The distributed mirror surfaces 108, 108 'are formed by relief elements 107, 107' of an embossed structure 106 and the reflection region 109 (for example metal layer) arranged on the relief elements 107, 107 '. A non-reflecting area 116 is arranged next to the reflecting area 109. The representation 104 is arranged between the second main surface HF _{2 of} the value document substrate 102 and the distributed mirror surfaces 108, 108 '.

The distributed mirror surfaces 108, 108 'are arranged on or on the first main surface HF _{1 of} the value document substrate 102 and thus cover the representation 104. Depending on the viewing angle and angle of the incident light, the representation 104 is not recognizable (viewing direction 110) or released (viewing direction) 112). When viewing the first main surface HF _{1 of} the value document substrate 102 in incident light from a first viewing direction 110, an observer can essentially only perceive the incident light reflected on the distributed mirror surfaces 108. In other words, the distributed mirror surfaces 108 prevent the perception of the representation 104, in particular by strong light reflection in the direction of the first viewing direction 110. It should be noted here that the distributed mirror surfaces 108 'produce an analogous effect to the distributed mirror surfaces 108 if the viewer is from one corresponding viewing direction (not shown) looks at the first main surface HF ₁ .

When the first main surface HF _{1 is} viewed in incident light from a second viewing direction 112, the display 104 is visible or recognizable to an observer. The viewing situation - characterized by the position and extent of the light source, the position of the viewer and the orientation of the security element - plays a decisive role in the recognizability of the display 104: If the light is reflected directly from the mirror surfaces 108 to the viewer, then the display is 104 not recognizable because it is outshone by the mirror surfaces. In other viewing situations in which the mirror surfaces do not light up, however, the viewer can see the representation.

The distributed mirror surfaces 108, 108 'can, as in Fig. 1b shown that have angles of inclination γ, γ '. Furthermore, the distributed mirror surfaces 108 and 108 ′ have different azimuth angles. In this example, the azimuth angles of the distributed mirror surface 108 and the distributed mirror surface 108 'differ by 180 °.

The relief or the embossed structure 106 spans a plane. The angle of inclination γ, γ 'of the relief elements 107, 107' corresponds to the angle which is included by the surface normal 114 of the plane and the surface normal 107N, 107N 'of the relief elements 107, 107'.

The relief elements 107, 107 'preferably have a structure width SW of up to 50 μm. The relief elements 107, 107 'preferably have a structural height SH of up to 20 μm.

The reflection region 109 is metallic, for example. Alternatively, a highly refractive material can also be used as the reflection area.

The representation 104 is, for example, a representation produced by printing technology. The representation 104 can be produced in particular by means of a printing technique or a combination of different printing techniques and / or color (s) or color systems. The representation 104 can preferably also comprise laser-generated elements. Furthermore, the representation 104 can preferably also be produced from a combination of translucent colors and an additional reflection layer. Here, the translucent color layer or the translucent color layers are arranged between the embossed structure 106 or the distributed mirror surfaces and the additional reflection layer.

Fig. 1c shows a perspective view of the value document 100, which comprises a representation 104, an embossed structure 106 and a plurality of reflection areas 109, as previously described. In particular shows Fig. 1c schematically the plane 118 which is spanned by the relief or the relief layer 106. By tilting the value document 100 about a tilt axis, such as the tilt axes KA1 or KA2, and / or rotating about a rotation axis, such as the rotation axis RA, a viewing angle or a viewing direction can be changed so that the representation 104 (not shown) becomes recognizable or visible or is suppressed.

Fig. 2a shows a schematic illustration in plan view of a document of value 200 with a security element 214 when viewed from a first viewing angle. The security element 214 is, for example, analogous to that in FIGS Figures 1a and 1b security element 114 described. In particular, the security element 214 comprises a representation and distributed mirror surfaces. The security element 214 is applied to or on the first main surface of a value document substrate 202.

When viewing the first main surface from the first viewing angle, an observer cannot perceive the representation of the security element 214, since this is suppressed by the reflection of the incident light on the distributed mirror surfaces.

By tilting the value document 200 about a tilt axis KA2, the viewing angle in incident light onto the first main surface of the value document substrate 202 can be changed so that the representation of the security element 214 is visible. This situation is in Fig. 2b shown schematically. The representation according to Fig. 2b corresponds to a viewing of the first main surface of the value document substrate from a second viewing angle. How out Fig. 2b can be seen, the representation 204, which represents the number "45" and a background, is visible to an observer. A portion of the cut along section line II of the Figures 2a, b corresponds essentially to the sectional view according to Figure 1a ,

Figures 3a and 3b show a schematic illustration of a value document 300 with a security element 314 and a value document substrate 302. The security element 314 comprises a plurality of distributed mirror surfaces, which are arranged on / on the first main surface of the value document substrate 302, and cover a representation of the security element 314. A majority of the distributed mirror surfaces each have the same average orientation and thus form a group. A further plurality of distributed mirror surfaces, which likewise have the same average orientation and inclination, form a further group.

According to the variant of 3a, 3b the security element 314 has the four areas B1, B2, B3 and B4. Each of these areas comprises a plurality of distributed mirror surfaces, which have certain mean orientations and deviations therefrom for the respective area. By rotating the value document 300 about an axis of rotation (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing), an observer can successively see or not see the part of the display or the display area A, B, C and D that is distributed in each case by a corresponding area B1 ... B4 Mirror surfaces are covered with fixed orientations.

Figures 4a to 4h show schematically representations of the manufacturing process of a value document according to a first variant. Fig. 4a shows a carrier substrate 402 and an embossing layer 400 applied thereon. In an (embossing) step, the embossing layer 400 is embossed, so that a relief / embossing structure 404 is produced, as in FIG Fig. 4b shown. In a further step, reflection areas 406 are then applied to relief elements of relief 404, as in FIG Fig. 4c shown. The relief elements which have the reflection regions 406 form the distributed mirror surfaces.

The reflection areas can here preferably be applied by means of vapor deposition processes, for example vapor deposition processes. Alternatively, the metal layer is applied in the form of a metal particle dispersion. In this case, metal particles are present in a binder as so-called flakes. This metal particle dispersion or flakes can be applied, for example, by means of a printing process. The flakes are so thin that they adapt to the structure of the relief or follow it.

In particular, reflection areas can be generated by structuring a (homogeneous) reflection layer by selective removal by means of an etching process. In this case, an etching can be applied, for example, printed on the reflection layer in regions, which removes the reflection layer in these regions. Alternatively, the selective removal can be carried out using a so-called washing process. Here, a so-called wash color is applied to the relief in some areas, for example printed. Only then is the reflective layer applied. The reflective layer is removed in the areas where the wash color was applied as soon as an aqueous solution comes into contact with the substance. Regarding the washing process, reference is made to the document WO 99/13157 A1 directed.

According to a further embodiment, the carrier substrate 402, as in FIG Fig. 4d shown, have been removed from the relief 404 in order to be able to apply the mirror surfaces without the carrier substrate 402 to the first main surface HF _{1 of} a value document substrate 410. In this case, the first main surface HF _{1 of} the value document substrate 410 has a representation 408. It should be noted here that auxiliary layers are at least temporarily applied on the relief side, so that the carrier substrate 402 can be removed without the structure of the relief being impaired. After the relief 404 has been applied to the value document substrate 410, one or more of the auxiliary layers can be removed again. Fig. 4e shows a document of value substrate 410 on which the representation is applied and, above it, a relief, as in FIG Fig. 4d shown, is applied.

Alternatively, as in Fig. 4f shown, the representation 408 are applied to a side of the carrier substrate 402 opposite the relief 404. This layer structure can then be connected to a value document substrate 410, as in FIG Fig. 4g shown. Whether representation 408 first and then the relief 404 applied to the carrier substrate 402 is open. Furthermore, auxiliary layers can be applied at least in the meantime, for example to increase the stability of the structure during production. Furthermore, additional layers, not shown, such as primer layers, release layers, adhesive layers etc. can be used.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, as in Fig. 4h a leveling layer 412 may be provided. The leveling layer 412 can, for example, already in a production stage, as in FIG Fig. 4d shown, applied. The leveling layer 412 protects the reflective layer.

With a structure like in Fig. 4h the relief structures are thus molded into both the embossing layer and the leveling layer, and it ultimately does not matter for the optical effect which layer was embossed first and which layer levels the embossing of the other layer. This is how the structure could look like Fig. 4h can also be achieved in that the layer 412 is first embossed separately and then laminated onto the representation 408, the relief structures then being molded into a laminating lacquer between layer 412 and the representation 408, the laminating lacquer then being in place of the embossing layer.

In particular, the Figures 4c and 4d represents a layer structure according to the invention. In particular, the relief elements are inclined with respect to the surface normal of one of the contact surfaces 407a or 407b of the layer structure.

Figures 5a to 5e show schematic representations of the manufacturing process of a value document according to a second variant. Fig. 5a shows a carrier substrate 502, on which an embossed layer with an embossed structure / relief 500 is applied. The relief 500 has elevations 504a and depressions 504b. A reflection layer 506 is applied to the relief, which has low adhesion. The reflection layer 506 has the regions 506a and 506b. The areas 504a of the relief 500 correspond to the areas 506a of the reflective layer 506. The areas 504b of the relief 500 correspond to the areas 506b of the reflective layer 506. The reflective layer 506 is selectively removed in a next step, the areas 506a of the reflective layer 506 be removed. Due to the low adhesion, the selective removal of the reflection layer is possible. This creates a structured reflection layer 506. The depressions 504b of the relief 500 and the regions 506b of the reflection layer 506 each form distributed mirror surfaces.

For example, the reflective layer 506 on the ridges 504a can be removed by separation wrapping. Here, for example, a film can be laminated onto the reflection layer 506, which is essentially only in contact with the reflection layer 506 in the region of the elevations 504a. If the laminated film is removed again in a next step, the reflection layer 506 on the elevations 504a is removed together with the film. With regard to explanations on metal transfer or separation winding, reference is made to the publication DE 10 2012 018 774 A1 pointed. This process works ideally if the reflective layer is not applied firmly to the embossed structures.

In a further step, a representation 508 can optionally be applied to the carrier substrate 502. In this case, representation 508 applied to a surface of the carrier substrate 502 that is opposite to the surface that the relief 500 has.

The distributed mirror surfaces, as in Fig. 5c can be separated from the carrier substrate 502, and applied via a representation 508 on or above a first main surface HF _{1 of} a value document substrate 510 (see Fig. 5e ). Alternatively, a structure as in Fig. 5d shown, can be applied to a first main surface HF _{1 of} a value document substrate 510. Furthermore, auxiliary layers can be applied, at least in the meantime, in order, for example, to increase the stability of the structure during manufacture or application to a value document substrate. Furthermore, additional layers, not shown, such as primer layers, release layers, adhesive layers, etc. can be used.

Figures 6 to 8 schematically show a plan view of a layer structure which comprises distributed mirror surfaces. 6 and 7 show a structured reflection layer that defines reflection areas 602, 702 and non-reflecting areas 604, 704, wherein the reflection areas are present as islands on the relief and each island is surrounded by a non-reflecting area 604, 704. The islands can have a width IW of less than or equal to 300 μm. Adjacent islands can have a distance of less than or equal to 300 µm. Adjacent islands preferably have a regular width IW and / or a regular distance RA. Fig. 6 shows a structured reflection layer, which defines reflection areas 602 and non-reflecting areas 604, which are arranged like a checkerboard on a relief with a plurality of relief elements. The reflection areas 602 and the non-reflecting areas 604 have regular distances from one another, namely a grid spacing RA.

Fig. 8 FIG. 14 shows a structured reflective layer defining reflective areas 802 and non-reflective areas 804, the structured reflective layer being a reflective layer with cutouts 804 and each cutout 804 being a non-reflective area.

The cutouts can have a width AW of less than or equal to 300 μm. Adjacent recesses can have a distance of less than or equal to 300 µm. Adjacent cutouts preferably have a regular width AW and / or a regular distance RA.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a section of a value document with a layer structure 900. The layer structure 900 has distributed mirror surfaces which correspond to those in FIGS Figure 4 and 5 differentiate mirror surfaces shown. Also Fig. 10 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a section of a value document with a layer structure 1000. The layer structure 1000 has distributed mirror surfaces that correspond to those in FIGS Figure 4 . 5 and 9 differentiate mirror surfaces shown.

Fig. 11 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a section of a value document with a layer structure 1100, which shows a variant with elevations and depressions 5a-e shows.

Fig. 12 shows a layer structure 1200, this layer structure is comparable to the layer structure 1100 according to Fig. 11 , In contrast to the layer structure 1100, mirror surfaces 1202 have a substructure. Such a substructure can form a sub-wavelength grating and / or a hologram.

Not all mirror surfaces of a layer structure preferably have such substructures. Rather, some defined mirror surfaces can have such substructures that are distributed in such a way that a viewer can perceive information such as text, numbers, characters and / or patterns.

A layer structure can, for example, be designed such that when viewed in incident light from a first viewing angle, the viewer can see visible additional information when the mirror surfaces light up. As an alternative or in addition, provision may be made for additional recesses to be made in the mirror surfaces or the reflection areas in regions (for example in the form of a value number, a symbol or lettering). Alternatively or additionally, the orientation of some relief elements can be selected in such a way that no reflection takes place at these relief elements under the first viewing angle (no lighting up). In particular, mirror surfaces can be provided which are not inclined at least in some areas (inclination angle 0 °).
For example, mirror surfaces of a certain orientation can be provided, which together form characters such as letters, these mirror surfaces consisting of non-inclined mirror surfaces (surface normal parallel to the normal to the substrate). When viewed from a certain angle, the inclined mirror surfaces light up and outshine the representation as well as the non-inclined mirror surfaces that form the sign (letter). Therefore, in this viewing situation, neither the characters (letters) nor the representation can be seen. When changing the viewing angle, the display becomes visible, for example, while the characters (letters) cannot be recognized. Only in a third viewing situation, when the non-inclined mirror surfaces, which form the characters (letters), do they become recognizable against the background of the representation.

• Aufbringen der Darstellung auf das Wertdokumentsubstrat;
• Aufbringen einer Prägeschicht auf das Trägersubstrat und Einbringen eines Reliefs (z.B. Sägezahnprofil);
• Aufbringen z.B. Aufdrucken einer Waschfarbe auf bestimmte Bereiche des Reliefs (strukturiertes Aufbringen);
• vollflächiges Aufbringen einer Reflexionsschicht (z.B. Metallisieren mittels Bedampfen);
• selektives Entfernen der Reflexionsschicht durch Waschen, so dass die Reflexionsschicht dort entfernt wird, wo vorher die Waschfarbe verdruckt wurde;
• ggf. Aufbringen von einem oder mehreren Schicht mit Primer und/oder Schutz- und/oder Heißsiegellack;
• Aufkleben der Sicherheitsfolie auf das Wertdokumentsubstrat über der Darstellung
• Optional Abziehen der Trägerfolie

In particular, the following manufacturing steps for layer structures (for example according to the Fig. 4 ) be performed:

• Applying the representation to the value document substrate;
• Applying an embossing layer to the carrier substrate and introducing a relief (eg sawtooth profile);
• Applying, for example, printing a wash color onto certain areas of the relief (structured application);
• full-surface application of a reflection layer (eg metallization by means of vapor deposition);
• selectively removing the reflective layer by washing so that the reflective layer is removed where the wash color was previously printed;
• optionally applying one or more layers with primer and / or protective and / or heat seal lacquer;
• Stick the security film on the document substrate above the illustration
• Optional removal of the carrier film

• Aufbringen der Darstellung auf ein Trägersubstrat;
• Aufbringen einer Prägeschicht und Einbringen eines Reliefs (z.B. Sägezahnprofil) auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite des Trägersubstrats;
• vollflächiges Aufbringen einer Reflexionsschicht (z.B. Metallisieren mittels Bedampfen);
• Aufbringen, z.B. Aufdrucken eines Resistlacks auf bestimmte Bereiche des Reliefs (strukturiertes Aufbringen);
• selektives Entfernen der Reflexionsschicht durch Ätzen, so dass die Reflexionsschicht dort entfernt wird, wo vorher kein Resistlack verdruckt wurde;
• ggf. Entfernen des verbliebenen Resistlacks;
• Aufbringen von einer oder mehreren Schichten mit Primer und/oder Schutzlack auf die Seite mit den Spiegelflächen
• Aufbringen von Heißsiegellack auf die Darstellung;

In particular, the following manufacturing steps for layer structures (for example according to the Fig. 4 ) be performed:

• Applying the representation on a carrier substrate;
• Application of an embossing layer and introduction of a relief (eg sawtooth profile) on the opposite side of the carrier substrate;
• full-surface application of a reflection layer (eg metallization by means of vapor deposition);
• Application, for example printing a resist varnish on certain areas of the relief (structured application);
• selectively removing the reflective layer by etching, so that the reflective layer is removed where no resist has previously been printed;
• if necessary, removing the remaining resist lacquer;
• Apply one or more layers of primer and / or protective varnish to the side with the mirror surfaces
• Applying heat seal lacquer to the display;

• Aufbringen der Darstellung auf ein Trägersubstrat oder ein Wertdokumentsubstrat;
• Aufbringen einer Prägeschicht und Einbringen eines Reliefs mit Erhöhungen und Vertiefungen;
• vollflächig nicht haftfestes Aufbringen einer Reflexionsschicht (z.B. Metallisieren mittels Bedampfen und verwenden eines geeigneten Prägelacks, der Ablösen der Reflexionsschicht erlaubt)
• Aufkaschieren einer mit einem Klebstoff beaufschlagten Folie geeigneter Dicke;
• Trennwickeln und dabei Abziehen der Metallschicht von Erhöhungen;

Vorteilhaft ist hierbei, dass die Größe, Orientierung und Verteilung der Spiegelflächen exakt definiert bzw. auf die Prägestruktur gepassert sind.In particular, the following manufacturing steps for layer structures (for example according to the Fig. 5 . 9 and 11 ) be performed:

• Applying the representation on a carrier substrate or a value document substrate;
• Applying an embossing layer and introducing a relief with elevations and depressions;
• application of a reflective layer over the entire surface (e.g. metallization by means of vapor deposition and use of a suitable embossing lacquer which allows the reflective layer to be removed)
• Lamination of a film of suitable thickness to which an adhesive has been applied;
• Separating wrapping and thereby peeling the metal layer from ridges;

It is advantageous here that the size, orientation and distribution of the mirror surfaces are precisely defined or fitted to the embossed structure.

• Aufbringen der Darstellung auf ein Trägersubstrat oder ein Wertdokumentsubstrat;
• Aufbringen einer Prägeschicht und Einbringen eines Reliefs mit Erhöhungen und Vertiefungen;
• Übertragen von Reflexionsbereichen auf das Relief, indem auf einem Transferband eine Reflexionsschicht und eine strukturierte Klebstoffschicht angeordnet ist und in einem Transferschritt die strukturierte Klebstoffschicht direkt auf das Relief aufgebracht wird, wobei gleichzeitig mit der strukturierten Klebstoffschicht auch die Reflexionsschicht strukturiert übertragen wird. Die Reflexionsschicht wird jedoch nur dort übertragen, wo die strukturierte Klebstoffschicht auf dem Relief angeordnet ist. Das Transferband mit der "restlichen" Reflexionsschicht wird vorzugsweise in einem Rolle-zu-Rolle-Verfahren abtransportiert.

In particular, the following manufacturing steps for layer structures can be carried out:

• Applying the representation on a carrier substrate or a value document substrate;
• Applying an embossing layer and introducing a relief with elevations and depressions;
• Transfer of reflection areas to the relief in that a reflection layer and a structured adhesive layer are arranged on a transfer belt and the structured adhesive layer is applied directly to the relief in a transfer step, the reflection layer also being transferred in a structured manner with the structured adhesive layer. However, the reflection layer is only transferred where the structured adhesive layer is arranged on the relief. The transfer ribbon with the "remaining" reflective layer is preferably removed in a roll-to-roll process.

• Aufbringen der Darstellung auf Trägersubstrat oder Wertdokumentsubstrat;
• Aufbringen einer Prägeschicht und Einbringen eines Reliefs mit Erhöhungen und Vertiefungen;
• Aufbringen einer strukturierten Klebstoffschicht auf das Relief;
• Aufbringen von Reflexionsbereichen auf das Relief, indem auf einem Transferband eine Reflexionsschicht angeordnet ist und in einem Transferschritt die Reflexionsschicht in den Bereichen auf das Relief übertragen wird, wo die Klebstoffschicht vorliegt. Das Transferband mit der "restlichen" Reflexionsschicht wird vorzugsweise in einem Rolle-zu-Rolle-Verfahren abtransportiert.

In particular, the following manufacturing steps for layer structures can be carried out:

• Applying the representation on a carrier substrate or value document substrate;
• Applying an embossing layer and introducing a relief with elevations and depressions;
• Applying a structured adhesive layer to the relief;
• Applying reflection areas to the relief, in that a reflection layer is arranged on a transfer belt and in a transfer step the reflection layer is transferred to the relief in the areas where the adhesive layer is present. The transfer ribbon with the "remaining" reflective layer is preferably removed in a roll-to-roll process.

The timing of the manufacturing steps described can be varied. It is also possible to take steps from the various described here Combine procedures with each other. In this respect, the methods described here serve only as examples.

In particular, the layer structure described here can have additional layers, such as primer layers, release layers, adhesive layers, etc., which are not explicitly mentioned.

Finally, it should be mentioned again that the above representations are schematic representations, that is to say that size relationships, dimensions and contour profiles do not necessarily correspond to reality. These representations are only intended to provide a qualitative impression.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100, 200, 300

value document

102, 202, 302, 410, 510

Value document substrate

104, 204, 408.508

presentation

107, 107 '

element in relief

107N, 107N '

Surface normal of the relief element

108, 108 '

distributed mirror surface

109, 406, 506

reflection regions

110

first viewing direction

112

second viewing direction

114, 404, 500

Relief, embossed structure

214.314

security element

400

embossing layer

402, 502

carrier substrate

407a, 407b

contact area

504a

increases

504b

wells

506a, 506b

Areas of the reflective layer

HF ₁

first main area

HF ₂

second main area

γ

tilt angle

B1, B2, B3, B4

Areas of distributed mirror surfaces

SW

Forest-wide

SH

structure height

RA

pitch

Claims (14)

1. A layer structure for a security element, in particular a value document, comprising a multiplicity of distributed mirror areas (108) for connecting to a value document substrate, wherei n
   the multiplicity of distributed mirror areas (108) are configured to cover a representation (104), wherein
   the distributed mirror areas (108) are formed by reflective regions which are applied to a relief with a multiplicity of relief elements, and the reflective regions cover between 10% to 90% of the surface of the relief or the distributed mirror areas are formed by a highly refractive, transparent or semitransparent reflective layer which is applied to a relief with a multiplicity of relief elements, wherein
   each relief element has an orientation which is defined by an inclination angle and an azimuth angle,

   - when viewed in incident light at a first viewing angle (110), incident light is reflected on the distributed mirror areas (108), wherein at the first viewing angle (110) the recognizability of the representation (104) is suppressed by the light reflected on the distributed mirror areas (108), wherein at the first viewing angle the brightness of the light reflected on the distributed mirror areas outshines the light reflected on the representation and impinges in the eye of the viewer, and

   - when viewed in incident light at a second viewing angle (112), the representation (104) is recognizable.
2. The layer structure according to claim 1, wherein each relief element has an inclination angle in the range of 0é to 60é.
3. The layer structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein some relief elements have an average orientation which corresponds to a predetermined inclination angle and a predetermined azimuth angle, and
   further relief elements have a deviation of up to about 15é from the predetermined inclination angle and/or the predetermined azimuth angle.
4. The layer structure according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein several relief elements with a first average orientation or a deviation from this first average orientation form a first group, and
   several relief elements with a second average orientation or a deviation from this second average orientation form a second group, and
   the average ori entati on of the first group and of the second group differs, namely by least 5é, preferably by at least 10é,
   wherein an average orientation corresponds to a predetermined inclination angle and a predetermined azimuth angle.
5. The layer structure according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein a relief element has a structure width of up to 50 ≈m; and/or
   has a structure height of less than or equal to 20 ≈m; and/or the relief is formed by an embossed structure in an embossed layer; and/or a relief element has a substructure.
6. The layer structure according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein a structured reflective layer defines the reflective regions and non-reflective regions, wherein the structured reflective layer is a reflective layer with recesses and each recess is a non-reflective region, wherein the structured reflective layer is preferably a structured metallic reflective layer.
7. The layer structure accordi ng to claim 6, wherein the recesses have a width of less than or equal to 300 ≈m; and/or
   adjacent recesses have a spacing of less than or equal to 300 ≈m, preferably adjacent recesses have a regular width; and/or a regular spacing.
8. The layer structure according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein a structured reflective layer defines the reflective regions and the non-reflective regions, wherein the reflective regions are present as islands on the relief and each island is surrounded by a non-reflective region, wherein the structured reflective layer is preferably a structured metallic reflective layer.
9. The layer structure accordi ng to claim 8, wherein the islands have a width of less than or equal to 300 ≈m, and/or
   adjacent islands have a spacing of less than or equal to 300 ≈m, preferably adjacent islands have a regular width and/or a regular spacing.
10. The layer structure according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the distributed mirror areas are configured with a variation of the orientation of the relief elements around an average orientation that corresponds to a predetermined inclination angle and a predetermined azimuth angle, so that a viewer can perceive no diffraction effects, and/or the structuring of the structured reflective layer is below the resolution limit of the human eye, so that a viewer cannot distinguish the reflective regions and the non-reflective regions from each other.
11. The layer structure according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the distributed mirror areas are configured as depressions in the relief and/or are configured as elevations in the relief; and/or
    the layer structure comprises the representation; and/or
    the representation is a representation manufactured by printing technology; and/or
    the representation has laser-generated elements; and or
    the representation is based on translucent inks; and/or
    the representation is based on scattering inks; and/or
    the representation is based on a reflective layer; and/or
    the representation has recesses; and/or
    the representation comprises a foreground with a motif and an opaque background; and/or
    the representation comprises one or several translucent inks and a reflective layer equipped with recesses or not equi pped with recesses.
12. A value document, in particular a banknote, having

    - a value document substrate (410) with a fi rst and a second main area whi ch are disposed opposite to each other,

    - a representation (408) on one of the main areas, and

    - a layer structure (404, 406) accordi ng to at least one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the layer structure is applied to the first main area (HF1) of the value document substrate.
13. A method for manufacturing a value document (100), comprising the steps of:

    - supplying a value document substrate (102) with a first and a second main area which are disposed opposite to each other;

    - applyi ng a representation (104) to one of the main areas (HF1);

    - applyi ng a layer with a multiplicity of distributed mirror areas (108) to the first main area (HF1) which cover the representation (104), wherein
    the distributed mirror areas (108) are formed by reflective regions which are applied to a relief with a multiplicity of relief elements, the relief has inclined areas with reference to the fi rst main area, and the reflective regions cover between 10% to 90% of the surface of the relief, or the distributed mi rror areas are formed by a highly refractive, transparent or semitransparent reflective layer which is applied to a relief with a multiplicity of relief elements, wherein each relief element has an orientation which is defined by an inclination angle and an azimuth angle,

    - when the first main area is viewed in incident light at a first viewing angle (110), incident light is reflected on the distributed mirror areas, wherein at the fi rst viewing angle (110) the recognizability of the representation (104) is suppressed by the light reflected on the distributed mirror areas (108), wherein at the fi rst viewing angle the brightness of the light reflected on the distributed mirror areas outshines the light reflected on the representation and impinges in the eye of the viewer, and

    - when the first main area is viewed in incident light at a second viewing angle (112), the representation (104) becomes recognizable.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the step of applying a multiplicity of inclined mirror areas comprises one or several of the following steps of:

    - producing a layer with a relief with a multiplicity of relief elements, in particular by producing an embossed structure in an embossed layer, wherein the layer with the relief is applied to the value document substrate;

    - producing a structured reflective layer on the relief, preferably by means of metal transfer, printing, physical or chemical vaporization methods;

    - producing a reflective layer on the relief, preferably by means of metal transfer, printing, physical or chemical vaporization methods; and structuring the reflective layer by selective removal of the reflective layer in predetermined regions of the relief, preferably by means of metal transfer, separation winding, etching, washing methods or lasering.

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