EP2635444B1 - Security element and method for producing a security element - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a security element, in particular a value document, and to methods for producing a security element.

In the field of ID documents, it is known to use transparent security elements which have an optically variable appearance in reflection, but nevertheless have sufficient transmissivity to provide information arranged beneath these security elements, for example individualized information about the person of the owner of the ID document, still to be made visible or preserved. For example, describes the US 5411296 Such a security element, which comprises a plastic film in which the surface relief of a hologram is molded. This plastic film is further deposited over the entire surface with arranged in a regular grid point-shaped metal areas. Underneath this security element, the substrate of an ID document, for example a passport, is then arranged, on which, for example, the photograph of the passport holder and details of his / her person are applied. This individualized information is thus visible as background behind the hologram arranged in the foreground.

The EP 0 193 334 A2 relates optically cards and methods for their preparation.

The WO 2008/095706 A1 describes a security element in the form of a multilayer film body for viewing in reflected light and in transmitted light, wherein the security element has a transparent or semi-transparent region for the human viewer in transmitted light.

The invention is now the task of specifying an improved security element and an improved method for producing a security element.

This object is achieved by a security element and a method for producing a security element according to the independent claims.

It has surprisingly been found that the brilliance of a reflective security feature provided in a per se transparent region can be improved by the invention. If, for example, the first zones are additionally additionally overlaid with a relief structure generating an optically variable effect and a decorative layer with a second information is provided below the opaque metallic layer, the brilliance of both the first and the second increases for the human observer second information surprisingly over the known in the prior art solutions.

Usually, it is generally assumed that at a viewing distance which corresponds approximately to the normal reading distance, ie approximately 20-40 cm, the resolution limit of the unarmed human eye is approximately 300 μm, This means that objects smaller than about 300 μm can no longer be reliably resolved, ie they can no longer be perceived as individual objects.

Thus, it is possible by the invention to cover sensitive areas in a personalized or individualized document, such as a photo or a validity date or a serial number, by a security feature based on an opaque reflection layer, without appreciably impairing the visibility of this area and of this information , The personalized or individualized information can thus be perfectly recognized even under poor ambient light conditions and the security feature allows the verification of the authenticity and the integrity of the document.

Another advantage is that the fine structuring of the reflection layer in the register, i. in a register-accurate, i. Precise arrangement, the design elements no impairment or design limitation of the diffractive feature result, except for a reduction in brightness. Furthermore, the substructuring of the reflection layer in the design elements is preferably adapted to the size and shape of the design elements in order to avoid problems that would arise, for example, with regular rastering of a reflection layer. Thus, studies have shown that, in particular, fine lines can only be displayed insufficiently with a regular rastering of the reflection layer.

If, as described above, the information, in particular personalized or individualized information, is inscribed in a laser-sensitive decorative layer arranged below or above the opaque reflection layer by means of a laser, the following method is preferably used for this purpose: Laser is controlled such that the areas with opaque reflection layer are omitted when writing the information or at least applied with reduced power. For this purpose, on the one hand, for example by means of a corresponding optical sensor, it can be detected whether the region which is to be processed by the laser has or does not have an opaque reflection layer. Furthermore, it is also possible to determine this information from a previously stored data set which includes the design of the opaque reflection layer. In the areas in which the information is to be inscribed but an area with opaque reflection layer is provided, either the power of the laser is reduced or the writing of the information in this area by means of the laser is omitted.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the security element has a replication layer, in which an optically active surface relief, in particular for generating an optically variable effect, is formed at least in regions in the first zones. This surface relief preferably has one or more relief structures selected from the group diffractive grating, hologram, blazed grating, linear grating, cross grating, hexagonal grating, asymmetric or symmetric grating structure, retroreflective structure, refractive or diffractive microlens, refractive or diffractive microprism, zero-order diffraction structure, moth-eye structure or anisotropic or isotropic matte structure.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to locally vary the parameters of the relief structure, for example the orientation of grid grooves, the profile shape or the pattern depth or several of these parameters in combination.

Furthermore, lattice structures can be curved or have a stochastic variation of at least one lattice parameter, such as, for example, spacing, structure depth or profile shape.

Also, the surface relief may consist of regular, partially regular or random, arrays of peaks or valleys. In addition, the surface relief may have a step-shaped profiled shape and these steps may in particular have a uniform height. Further, this surface relief may comprise an additive or subtractive superposition of two or more of the above-mentioned relief structures. A diffractive grating is understood to mean a relief structure having a spatial frequency of 100 to 5000 lines / mm, whose structural elements preferably have a structure depth between 0.1 and 20 μm, in particular between 0.1 and 10 μm. As Blazegitter preferably relief structures are used with triangular structural elements, which are spaced from each other between 0.2 and 10 microns. Cylindrical lenses or spherical lenses with a focal length of 5 to 500 μm and / or a structure depth of 0.1 to 50 μm are preferably used as microlenses.

Microprisms used are preferably microprisms which have a structure depth of 0.1 to 25 μm, have a structure width at the base of 5 to 300 μm and are preferably spaced apart between 5 and 300 μm.

Matt structures with a corellation length between 0.2 and 20 μm are preferably used as matt structures. As zero-order diffraction structures, it is preferable to use regular structures having a spatial frequency of more than 2000 lines / mm.

In this case, the surface relief preferably has different regions which are covered with different relief structures described above. Different relief structures are understood to be relief structures which differ in the shape of the structural elements and / or in their arrangement relative to one another in one or more structural parameters, for example have a different spatial frequency and / or a different azimuth angle. The regions may have borderlines to adjacent regions at which the abovementioned properties of the relief structures change abruptly. Furthermore, continuous local transitions of the parameters of the relief structures are possible. Furthermore, quasi-continuous local transitions of the parameters of the relief structures are possible, e.g. a local interlacing, i. Nesting boxes or the alternating arrangement of subregions of the respective adjacent relief structures in a transition region.

It is furthermore of particular advantage if the surface relief is provided in the register, ie in the exact position relative to the first zones. Thus, it is particularly advantageous if, in the second zones and / or in the background area, no surface relief is molded into the replication lacquer layer or a surface relief is formed there, which differs from the surface relief shaped in the first zones. Thus, for example, the surface relief in the second zones and / or in the background region is only determined by the production-related surface roughness of the replication lacquer layer and thus has, for example, a structure depth or a roughness depth of less than 100 nm, or has a different pattern there from the relief structure in the first zones Relief structure on, in particular a relief structure whose aspect ratio differs from the surface relief molded in the first zones by at least 25%, in particular by at least 50%. Here, the aspect ratio is the ratio of relief depth to the width of the structural elements of the Relief structure understood. It has been shown that the brilliance and also the security against forgery of the security element can be significantly increased by such a configuration of the surface relief shaped into the replication lacquer layers. Thus, for example, register-accurate, ie positionally accurate alignment of the surface relief to the first zones can be realized only by considerable technological effort and forgery attempts or manipulation attempts are immediately recognizable, for example, in the case of detachment or manipulation of one of the layers optically variable information due to the resulting Passer deviations, ie deviations From the positional accuracy of the orientation of the surface relief to the first zones, is immediately changed and so counterfeits can be clearly identified.

In this case, the surface relief is preferably shaped in the surface of the replication layer facing the opaque reflection layer and shaped, in particular, into the interface between the replication layer and the opaque reflection layer.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in each case a microlens or a microprisma is molded as a surface relief into the replication lacquer layer in a multiplicity of first zones. The surface formation and area dimension of the respective first zones laid down by the microlens or by the microprism are in this case selected in particular such that the respective microlens or the respective microprism occupies the entire area of the respective first zone. The structuring of the opaque reflection layer in the pattern region thus takes place exactly in the register, ie in position relative to the individual lenses, so that each lens completely has the reflection layer, but the background has completely no reflection layer and is transparent or translucent or translucent. As a result, the brilliance of Security features of the security element and its security against counterfeiting further improved.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the area fraction of the respective first zones, which is occupied by the surface relief, varies locally in the pattern area. This makes it possible to vary the brightness in which the pattern area appears in different viewing directions and thus to increase the optical complexity of the security feature provided by the security element. It is particularly advantageous to keep the area size of this first zone constant. This further provides the advantage that the visual appearance of a possibly provided under the opaque optical reflection layer second optical information is not affected and so these changes in brightness appear particularly concise.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, first zones, preferably each of the first zones of a design element or of the pattern area, are subdivided into n subzones in which different relief structures are shaped as a surface relief into the replication layer, where n ≥ 2. For example, in a first Sub-zone a diffractive grating, in a second sub-zone a matt structure and in a third sub-zone a mirror surface shaped as a relief structure. This makes it possible to provide an optical security feature that is difficult to imitate in the pattern area. Thus, it is possible, for example, to generate optically variable effects in the pattern area, which can not be realized by a hologram and which, for example, can not be realized in an unregistered, ie not positionally accurate arrangement of first zones to a relief structure.

It is also advantageous if in each case one of the subzones of each of these first zones is assigned to a viewing direction. For example, m viewing directions are provided, and each of these first zones has n ≥ m subzones each associated with one of the m viewing directions. The partial zones of the first zones assigned to a viewing direction are preferably covered with the same relief structure. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the area size of the respective subzones is varied locally to determine the local brightness in the respective subzone associated viewing direction. Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible that subzones of the first zones are each assigned to one of k color components. It is thus possible, for example, for three color components (RGB, meaning, for example, red-green-blue) to be provided and first zones each having three sub-zones, of which in each case a first of the color component R, a second of the color component G and a third of the color component B are assigned , Again, it is advantageous if the one and the same color component associated sub-zones have the same relief structure. Furthermore, it is also possible here for the area size of the respective subzones to be varied locally to determine the local brightness and the color value. This makes it possible to generate in a transparent region in reflection visible true color images and / or in different directions in their brightness and / or color varying images as a security feature. Already with k = 2, images can be created that produce a true color impression. Although the color space is limited, it is still sufficient for many applications. The advantage is in particular that only 2 subzones are needed. On the other hand, with k≥2, in particular k≥3, the representable color space can be increased, while more subzones are needed as a disadvantage.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if first zones have a partial zone in which no relief structure is molded into the replication layer. That's the way it is, for example it is possible for the first optical information to have a brightness which differs locally in reflection, which is determined by the respective local area size of the first zone and is superimposed by an optically variable information which is determined by the type and area ratio of the relief structures formed in the respective first zones the surface relief is determined. Furthermore, this also generates different information in transmission and in reflection by the security element.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the width, length and / or spacing of the first zones in a moiré region are varied to generate hidden moiré information which, when superimposed with an associated moiré verification element, is the third information in the moiré region becomes visible.

For example, the moire area is divided into a moire background area and a moire pattern area.

For example, the width, length and / or spacing of the first zones in the moire background region and the moire pattern region have slightly different parameter values (selected in the region of the raster widths of the moire verification element features), such that when superimposed with the moire pattern element. Verification element of the moire pattern area becomes visible against the moire background area. As a verification element can serve printed, metallized or otherwise structured one-dimensional or two-dimensional grid, in particular one-dimensional or two-dimensional microlens grid or line grid. The differences in the parameter values (width, length, and / or spacing) for moire pattern area and moire background area and the corresponding ones Parameter values of the moiré verification element typically differ in the range of 0.1% to 10%.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a substructuring of the optically active surface relief is provided within the optically active surface relief of the first zones for generating a hidden moire information, wherein the hidden moire information becomes visible as a third information when superposed with an associated moire verification element , Thus, for example, the relief shape and / or the texture depth and / or the azimuth angle and / or the spatial frequency of the optically active surface relief in the moire background region and in the moire pattern region of the hidden moire information are slightly different and also slightly different from the corresponding ones Parameters of the moire verification element selected so that when superimposed with the moire verification element of the moire pattern area is visible against the moire background area.

The moire verification element may be printed, metallized or otherwise structured one-dimensional or two-dimensional rasters, in particular one-dimensional or two-dimensional microlens rasters or line rasters. The differences in parameter values (width, length, and / or spacing) for moire pattern area and moire background area and the corresponding parameter values of the moiré verification element typically differ in the range of 0.1% to 10%. For example, the moire pattern area and / or the moire background area may be in the form of one-dimensionally compressed design elements that are moire-enlarged by the moiré verification element and exhibit dynamic effects when the moire verification element is moved.

Particularly interesting here are animated, in particular one-dimensional or two-dimensional moiré effects, which become visible when tilting the security element and / or during a relative movement of the moiré verification element relative to the pattern region of the hidden moire information.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first zones are arranged in the pattern area according to a one- or two-dimensional grid, wherein the screen width is in particular between 5 and 1000 .mu.m, more preferably between 20 and 500 .mu.m, even more preferably between 25 and 250 .mu.m. The raster can be a periodic raster. However, it is also possible that it is an irregular or a stochastic grid, which is particularly adapted to the shape of the design elements.

It is also particularly advantageous if the area ratio of the first zones in the pattern region is between 1 and 80%, in particular between 2 and 50%.

It is further preferred if the distances between the first zones are between 25 and 250 μm and / or that the width and / or length of the first zones is selected in the range of 5 to 100 μm.

The first zones are useful as a polygon, in particular rectangular or as a trapezoid, wherein the corners may also be rounded, or elliptical, in particular circular. Furthermore, the first zones may also have simple figurative shapes or motifs, such as a letter, a symbol or a logo.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pattern area comprises one or more design elements, each in the form of a line are formed, the width of which in particular by at least a factor of 10 is greater than the length. The pattern area thus comprises a pattern composed of one or more lines. Preferably, one or more of these lines are shaped in the form of a guilloche.

The width of the lines is preferably between 5 and 250 μm, more preferably between 10 and 100 μm.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first zones of such a design element are arranged according to a one-dimensional grid along the longitudinal direction of the respective line, so that in each case only a first zone is provided across the width of the line. It is possible that each of the first zones occupies the entire width of the line and the width of the first zone corresponds to the width of the line. However, it is also possible for the extent of the first zone to vary in the direction of the width of the line, wherein, in particular, the extent of the first zone in the longitudinal direction of the line and / or the spacing of the first zones is constant. It has been found that the contour sharpness of the first information can be increased by such a configuration of the first zones.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that along the respective line the area size of the first zones varies in order to generate locally different brightness intensities in reflection. This is preferably realized as set out above. Furthermore, it is also possible for the distances between the first zones to vary along the line so as to generate locally different brightness intensities in reflection.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the shape and size of the first zones to the dimensions of the design elements of the molded into the reflective layer Surface reliefs are adapted, as already stated above. In this case, it is further advantageous that different relief structures assigned to different zones are shaped as surface reliefs. Furthermore, it is also possible that-as already explained above-the first zones associated with a line are subdivided into n sub-zones, whereby the subdivision into subzones, the number of subzones as well as the relief structures formed in the subzones preferably also from line to line are different.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the pattern region comprises one or more design elements, in the region of which one or more first zones are formed as a line, which follow the outer and / or inner contour of the design element. The width of these lines is preferably between 20 and 300 microns. Furthermore, it is also preferred that a plurality of first zones are formed as parallel lines, which follow the outer and / or inner contour of the design element. Further, it is also possible that these lines are partially interrupted.

As the opaque reflection layer, a reflective layer of metal is preferably used. The layer thickness of the reflection layer is in this case selected so that less than 30% of the light visible to humans transmits through this layer. Furthermore, it is also possible to use one or more transparent reflection layers, for example HRI or LRI layers (HRI = High Refraction Index, LRI = Low Refraction Index) and these transparent or translucent reflection layers with an underlying layer To combine opaque layer, for example, to underlay with an opaque lacquer layer.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the opaque reflection layer consists of or comprises an electrically conductive material and furthermore a fourth, provides electrically readable information by shaping the first zones as RF elements (RF = Radio Frequency) or by influencing the Flächenleitfähigkeit the first zones, for example, by appropriate spacing of the first zones.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to galvanically reinforce the opaque reflection layer, if it consists of an electrically conductive material, and thus in particular to apply a galvanic reinforcement layer thickness between 0.2 and 20 μm. It has been found that, as a result, the properties of the security element with respect to a particularly subsequent laser personalization can be improved. If, for example, a laser-sensitive layer is provided below the opaque reflection layer, which is irradiated with personalization or individualization of the security element for writing information with a laser, this layer avoids destruction of the opaque reflection layer and improves the visual appearance of the security features of the security element.

As already stated above, the security element has a decorative layer for generating a second optically perceivable information, which is arranged with respect to the viewing direction of the security element below the opaque reflection layer. When viewing the security element, the first and the second optically perceivable information overlap, so that the second optically perceptible information is protected against forgery and manipulation. The second optically perceptible information is preferably a personalized or individualized information, for example personal data of a holder of an ID document, such as passport number, serial number, name, photo of the passport holder, etc. The second optically Perceptible information, which is provided, for example, by corresponding shaping or irradiation of the decorative layer, is shaped and / or arranged in such a way that it overlays both the pattern area and the background area at least in each case in regions.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that all layers of the security element arranged above the opaque reflection layer with respect to the viewing direction of the security element are at least partially transparent or translucent. However, these layers can also be translucently colored, partially transparent, partially translucent or partially scattering. The properties may also vary locally in terms of transparency.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the security element is designed both as a security element acting in transmission and in reflection, and thus all layers of the security element arranged below the opaque reflection layer with respect to the viewing direction of the security element are transparent or translucent.

The security element can be designed, on the one hand, as a transfer film or laminating film which has the opaque reflection layer. It is also possible that the security element is formed by a value document, for example a banknote, an ID document, a credit card, etc., or a label for product assurance, which preferably also comprises various further layers in addition to the opaque reflection layer.

The width, length and / or spacing of the first zones of the security element are preferably varied in order to generate a hidden moire information which, when superposed with an associated moire verification element, becomes visible as third information, the first zones being in particular a 1-d or 2 -d Moire train.

Preferably, the pattern area of the security element is shaped in the form of a macroscopically visible design and has a width and / or a length of more than 1 mm at each location.

Preferably, the first zones are arranged in the pattern area of the security element according to a one- or two-dimensional grid, wherein the grid width is in particular between 5 and 1000 microns.

Preferably, the distances between the first zones are between 25 and 250 μm and / or the width and / or length of the first zones is between 5 and 200 μm.

Preferably, the pattern region of the security element comprises one or more design elements, in the region of which first zones are formed as one or more, in particular parallel lines, which follow the outer contour and / or inner contour of the respective design element.

The opaque reflection layer of the security element preferably consists of metal, of a combination of a transparent reflection layer with metal or of one or more transparent reflection layers and an opaque lacquer layer.

Preferably, the opaque reflective layer is or includes an electrically conductive material and provides fourth electrically readable information by forming the first zones as RF elements or by affecting the sheet conductivity by the spacing of the first zones.

The opaque reflection layer preferably has a galvanic reinforcing layer with a layer thickness between 0.2 and 20 μm.

• Bereitstellen eines Sicherheitselements,
• Einschreiben einer personalisierten Information in eine unterhalb der opaken Reflexionsschicht angeordnete lasersensitive Dekorschicht mittels eines Lasers, wobei beim Einschreiben die opake Reflexionsschicht zwischen dem Laser und der Dekorschicht angeordnet ist.

The method for producing a security element, in particular a value document, preferably comprises the steps:

• Providing a security element,
• Writing personalized information into a laser-sensitive decorative layer arranged below the opaque reflection layer by means of a laser, the opaque reflection layer being arranged between the laser and the decorative layer during writing.

Preferably, the laser is controlled such that areas with opaque reflection layer are omitted when writing the personalized information or at least applied with reduced power.

• Fig. 1a zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer Draufsicht auf ein Sicherheitselement mit einem vergrößerten Ausschnitt.
• Fig. 1b zeigt eine schematische Darstellung eines vergrößerten Ausschnitts des Sicherheitselements nach Fig. 1a.
• Fig. 2 zeigt eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines Ausschnitts aus einem Sicherheitselement.
• Fig. 3 zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht auf ein Sicherheitselement.
• Fig. 4a bis 4c zeigen jeweils eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen Teilbereich eine Reflexionsschicht eines Sicherheitselements.
• Fig. 5a zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen Teilbereich einer Replizierschicht eines Sicherheitselements.
• Fig. 5b zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen Teilbereich einer Reflexionsschicht eines Sicherheitselements.
• Fig. 6a zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen Teilbereich einer Replizierschicht eines Sicherheitselements.
• Fig. 6b zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen Teilbereich einer Reflexionsschicht eines Sicherheitselements.
• Fig. 7 zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen Teilbereich eines Sicherheitselements.
• Fig. 8 zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen Teilbereich einer Reflexionsschicht eines Sicherheitselements.

In the following, the invention will be explained by way of example with reference to several embodiments with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

• Fig. 1a shows a schematic representation of a plan view of a security element with an enlarged detail.
• Fig. 1b shows a schematic representation of an enlarged section of the security element after Fig. 1a ,
• Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a section of a security element.
• Fig. 3 shows a schematic plan view of a security element.
• Fig. 4a to 4c each show a schematic plan view of a portion of a reflective layer of a security element.
• Fig. 5a shows a schematic plan view of a portion of a replication layer of a security element.
• Fig. 5b shows a schematic plan view of a portion of a reflective layer of a security element.
• Fig. 6a shows a schematic plan view of a portion of a replication layer of a security element.
• Fig. 6b shows a schematic plan view of a portion of a reflective layer of a security element.
• Fig. 7 shows a schematic plan view of a portion of a security element.
• Fig. 8 shows a schematic plan view of a portion of a reflective layer of a security element.

Fig. 1a shows a security element 1, the layer structure exemplified in Fig. 2 is shown.

The security element 1 has a substrate layer 11, a decorative layer 12, an optional adhesive layer 13, a reflection layer 14, an optional replication layer 15, an optional layer 16 and an optional layer 17. In addition to these layers, the security element 1 may comprise further layers.

The security element 1 is preferably formed by a security document, in particular by an ID document, for example a passport, a driving license or an access card. However, it is also possible for the security element 1 to be a value document, for example a banknote, credit card or the like.

The substrate layer 11 may consist, for example, of a paper substrate or a plastic substrate or a sequence of a plurality of paper and / or plastic layers, in particular connected to a laminate or extrudate. The substrate layer 11 preferably has a layer thickness between 25 and 2000 .mu.m, more preferably between 40 and 1000 .mu.m.

The decorative layer 12 preferably consists of one or more preferably colored lacquer layers.

The coloring of the decorative layer 12 or the lacquer layers forming it can be effected, for example, by dissolved dyes or else by means of pigments or combinations of dyes and pigments. In particular, these may be UV-fluorescent or IR-stimulable dyes or pigments. The coloring of the decorative layer 12 can also be effected by optically variable dyes or pigments, so-called OVI® (OVI = Optically Variable Ink), i. depending on the viewing situation, e.g. depending on the viewing and / or illumination angle, different visual appearance having dyes and / or pigments.

These paint layers are formed to provide a visually perceptible information and thus provide, for example, in Fig. 1a schematically illustrated optical information 23 and 24 ready. Thus, the decorative layer 12 is, for example, in one area of the security element 1 in the form of an image of the owner of the security element 1 as optical information 23 and in another area of the security element 1 in the form of a text specifying the owner of the security element 1, for example comprising the name of the owner , its address and / or its ID number formed. Furthermore, the decorative layer may also have non-personalized or individualized information, such as one or more security prints. The lacquer layers of the decorative layer 12 preferably consist of one or more lacquer layers differently colored with respect to the substrate layer 11 and may also comprise, in addition to dyes or "normal" color pigments, effect pigments such as thin film layer pigments, liquid crystal pigments or metal pigments or effect pigments aligned by magnetic fields. When using color pigments In the decorative layer 12, it is also possible that the information 23 and 24 have an optically variable appearance, for example, show a color change effect. The security pressure may have optically variable components and optically non-variable components. The security printing can also have other, in particular non-optical security features.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the decorative layer 12 consists of a laser-sensitive material or comprises one or more layers of a laser-sensitive material into which, for example, the optical information 23 and / or 24 are inscribed by means of a laser. Laser-sensitive material here means a material which is excited by the action of a laser to change the color or is thereby at least partially and / or partially removed.

The decorative layer 12 and the substrate layer 11 can also be dispensed with. Furthermore, it is also possible that further or different layers than the adhesive layer 13 are arranged between the reflective layer 14 and the decorative layer 12, or the reflective layer 14 directly follows the decorative layer 12.

The layers 13 to 17 can be formed, for example, by a transfer film 110 or by the transfer layer of a transfer film. In this case, the layer 16 is formed by a release layer and the layer 17 by a carrier layer. The layers 13 to 15 then form the transfer layer, which remains on the carrier substrate 11 after the carrier layer 17 and the release layer 16 have been removed. This can be additional in the FIG. 2 not shown, such as one or more protective layers, which increase the resistance to abrasion or chemical attack. Also, the adhesive layer 13 may consist of several layers, such as a primer and one or more layers of different Adhesive layers. Further additional transferred layers may be interlayer adhesive layers or barrier layers. The carrier layer 17 in this case preferably consists of a plastic film, for example a polyester film, with a layer thickness between 6 and 200 μm. The plastic film can also be made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate) or BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene).

Furthermore, it is also possible for the layers 13 to 17 to form a laminating film. In this case, the layer 16 is formed by an adhesion-promoting layer and the layer 17 by a plastic film, which can also function as a protective layer or cover layer of the security element 1. In this case, the layer 17 is preferably also formed by a transparent plastic film with a layer thickness between 6 and 200 microns, preferably made of polyester, PET, BOPP or polycarbonate (PC). In addition to or instead of the layers 16 and 17, the security element 1 may also comprise one or more further, preferably transparent layers, which, for example, also serve the function of a cover layer for protection against mechanical and / or chemical effects in the case of a card-shaped formation of the security element. The adhesive layer 13 is preferably made of a hot melt adhesive, in particular a heat-activatable thermoplastic adhesive, a layer thickness between 0.2 and 30 microns. The replication layer 15 preferably consists of a thermoplastic replication varnish having a layer thickness between 0.2 and 10 μm. In the replication layer 15, a surface relief 18 is formed by the application of heat and pressure by means of a stamping tool. It is also possible for the replication layer 15 to consist of a UV-curable material and for the surface relief 18 to be shaped into the replication layer 15 by UV replication.

Instead of multiple layers 15, 16, 17, only a single layer may be present, which performs several functions. Thus, for example, can be replicated directly into a polymer film and then this film are connected with or without the aid of an adhesive layer to a security element. Suitable materials are, for example, PC or PET. Typical layer thicknesses of the polymer film are in the range from 8 to 500 .mu.m, preferably in the range from 12 to 250 .mu.m, more preferably in the range from 20 to 150 .mu.m.

The reflection layer 14 is preferably made of an opaque metal layer, for example of aluminum, copper, silver, gold, chromium or an alloy of these metals. In this case, opaque means a reflection layer whose transmission is less than 30%, preferably less than 10%, in the range of the wavelength range of the light visible to the human observer. If the reflection layer 14 is formed by a metal layer, the layer thickness of this metal layer is selected accordingly so that the metal layer forms an opaque reflection layer according to this definition. Such a metallic reflection layer preferably has a layer thickness greater than 10 nm, in particular greater than 15 nm.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the reflection layer 14 consists of several layers. For example, it is possible for the reflection layer 14 to comprise one or more dielectric reflection layers, for example a sequence of high and low refractive index layers (HRI or LRI layers) or a high or low refractive index layer, which is further provided with an opaque layer Formation of an opaque reflection layer is underlaid.

Furthermore, it is also possible for an additional dielectric reflection layer to be provided below or above the reflection layer 14, in particular over the full area, only in the pattern area, only in the background area or is provided only in the areas in which the reflection layer 14 is not provided.

For example, layers of ZnS, TiO ₂ , SiO x or MgF ₂ , which preferably have a layer thickness between 25 and 2500 nm, can be used as dielectric reflection layers.

Furthermore, semiconducting layers are possible, such as Si, Ge, PbS, ZnSe, GaAs.

Metallically acting reflection layers can also be applied by a printing process, for example as finely dispersed nanoparticles or thin metallic flakes in a pressure varnish. Furthermore, the reflection layer can also be formed as a photonic crystal.

The opaque layer used is preferably an opaque lacquer layer which has a transmissivity of less than 30% in the wavelength range of the light visible to the human observer. This lacquer layer is preferably applied by means of a printing process. Furthermore, the lacquer layer can be dyed and, for example, produce a color impression in reflection.

Furthermore, the reflection layer can also consist of a dielectric layer or a sequence of a plurality of dielectric layers, which are covered by a metallic layer. By suitable choice of the layers and their thicknesses, in particular interesting color effects can be achieved if the dielectric layers are transparent or translucent.

As in Fig. 1a 1, the security element 1 has a pattern area 21 comprising a plurality of design elements 22 and a background area 20 surrounding the design elements 22. The design elements 22 of the pattern area may also have an identical shape and form a repetitive pattern. Furthermore, it is also possible for the design elements to form complementary motifs, for example a figural representation, or to be designed, for example, in the form of numbers, symbols or letters for generating optically perceptible information. Further, it is particularly preferred that the design elements are formed in the form of lines, which forms, for example, a guilloche or a complex line pattern, as will be explained in more detail below.

Preferably, the pattern area 21 is formed in the form of a macroscopically visible design, that is to say the shape of the pattern area 21 determined by the design elements 22 is visible to the human observer from a viewing distance of approximately 30 cm. The design elements 22 of the pattern region 21 thus preferably have a length of more than 50 μm, preferably of 300 μm, and a width of more than 5 μm, preferably of more than 10 μm, at each point. In this case, the background area 20 is dimensioned at least so large that the pattern area 21-as set out above-can be recognized in front of the background area 20. The background region 20 therefore preferably completely surrounds the design elements 22 formed in each case from a coherent region and has a width and / or length of more than 1 mm, preferably of more than 2 mm.
The design elements 22 may also be bounded by the edge of the security element 1 and need not be completely surrounded by the background area.

In addition, further design elements may be present which have a reflection layer over their entire surface or zones which have a smallest dimension greater than 300 μm.

The background region 20 may also be formed by one or more additional layers forming additional security features, which preferably has been applied to the substrate layer 11 in a separate production step. These further layers can be individualized or personalized and / or have a conventional hologram, Kinegram®, which has diffractive structures with one or more full-surface or partial reflection layers, and / or a volume hologram and / or a three- or multi-layer thin-film structure (Fabry-Perot ) and / or have a liquid crystal element. Furthermore, these layers can also comprise combinations of the aforementioned examples and thus provide a plurality of security features, in particular in the background area.

The reflection layer 14 is not provided in the background area 20 and is provided in the pattern area in first zones 31, but not in second zones 32. The first zones 31 are here spaced less than 300 microns apart, preferably spaced apart from 25 to 250 microns and have a smallest dimension of less than 300 microns, preferably between 5 and 100 microns. The smallest dimension here means the width of the first zones 31, that is to say the smallest distance between two edge points of the zone which lie on a common straight line running through the centroid of the zone.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the reflection layer 14 is provided in the pattern region in inverse form and thus in one or more first zones 31 provided and is not provided in one or more second zones 32. The first zones 31 are in this case, as already described above, spaced less than 300 microns apart, preferably between 25 and 250 microns apart and in this regard, reference is made to the above statements.

Preferably, the area size of the first zones and their spacing is selected such that the area ratio of the first zones on the pattern area 21 and / or the respective first zones on the respective design element 22 is between 1 and 80%, in particular between 5 and 50%, for example 15%. is.

For example, in the respective design elements 22, the reflection layer 14 is as in FIG Fig. 1a divided - in point or rectangular first zones 31 divided, in which the reflection layer 14 is provided, and which are surrounded by a second zone 32 in which the reflection layer 14 is not provided. In the background area 20 surrounding the design element 22, the reflection layer 14 is not provided.

Further, it is also possible that in the respective design element 22, the reflection layer 13 - as in Fig. 1b shown - is not provided in point or rectangular first zones 31, which are surrounded by a second zone 32 in which the reflection layer 14 is provided. In the background area 20 surrounding the design element 22, the reflection layer is not provided.

Furthermore, it is also possible that a part of the design elements 22 according to the in Fig. 1a shown arrangement and a part of the design elements 22 of the security element 1 in the in Fig. 1b shown arrangement are designed. It is also possible that the security element 1 for one or more Design elements 22, in whose pattern region 21, the reflection layer 14 is provided in the first zones 31, but not in the one or more second zones 32 and one or more design elements 22 are provided in the pattern area 21, the reflection layer 14 in one or more second Zones 32, but not provided in the first zones 31.

Such a configuration of the reflection layer 14 ensures that the design element 32 is still sufficiently transparent so that optically perceptible information provided below the design element 32 is visible through the substantially opaque reflection layer 14, but that information then subsequently differs from one in reflection superimposed on visible information, which is determined by the shape of the pattern area 21 and the surface relief 18.

As in Fig. 2 In this case, the surface relief 18 is preferably register-accurate, ie, aligned with the first zones 31. The reflection layer 14 and the surface relief 18 are thus formed by processes registered with each other. Registered processes means that the relative positions of the particular pattern-shaped reflection layer 14 and the particular pattern-shaped surface relief 18 are aligned relative to each other during the individual process steps, for example by means of in particular optically detectable register marks. Preferably, this achieves the result that the surface relief 18 is not molded in the background area 20 and / or in the one or more second zones 32 or that a surface relief is provided there which differs from the surface relief 18 molded in the zones 31, in particular its aspect ratio differs from the surface relief 18 by at least 50%.

It is thus of particular advantage if the relief structures determining the optically variable appearance of the pattern region 22 are shaped only in the zones 31 of the replication layer 15 and, in particular in the production of the security element 1, the shaping and arrangement of the zones 31 as a function of that for the corresponding optical element variable effect to be provided surface relief 18 takes place.

In order to produce the security element 1, the release layer or adhesion-promoting layer 16 is firstly applied, for example by means of printing, to the carrier layer 17, then the replication layer 15 is applied over the entire surface, for example by means of printing and then in the region of the first zones 31, the surface relief 18, as already explained above, molded into the replication layer 15. Then, preferably, in the register for this purpose, that is, in a related position, the reflection layer 14 is applied or patterned. For this purpose, it is possible, for example, for the reflection layer 14 to be applied over the entire surface, for example by vapor deposition or sputtering, and then by positive or negative etching, by means of a washing process, by mechanical ablation or by laser ablation in the region of the second zones 32 and in the background region 20 is removed again. Furthermore, it is also possible for the reflection layer 14 to be applied only in the region of the first zones 31, for example by means of a vapor deposition mask. Reflection layers can also be applied locally by means of a printing process. The material of the reflection layer is dispersed in the printing ink, for example, or the reflection layer forms in a chemical or physical reaction during and / or after printing, and the locally applied pressure serves only to define the opaque regions, for example by local deposition. Furthermore, it is also possible to register these processes, ie to achieve the positional accuracy of the processes in the first zones 31 on the one hand and in the second zones 32 and in the second Background area 20 on the other hand, different relief structures are molded, the properties of which are then used in particular for register-accurate, that is positionally accurate structuring of the reflection layer 14.

In FIG. 2 a structure is shown in which the replication layer 15 lies between the reflection layer 14 and the viewer. However, the layer sequence can also be reversed, ie the reflection layer 14 between replication layer 15 and viewer are. In many embodiments, the opaque reflection layer 14 is sufficiently thin and thus follows the surface relief sufficiently accurately, so that the surface relief has an optical effect when viewed from both sides.

If, as explained above, a multilayered layer sequence consisting of one or more transparent or translucent dielectric reflection layers and an opaque layer is used as the reflection layer, it is also possible for the dielectric reflection layer to be provided over the entire area in the security element and only for structuring or structured Applying the opaque layer takes place, so that the reflection layer 14 forms an opaque reflection layer in the region of the first zones 31 and forms a transparent or translucent reflection layer in the second zones 32 in each case. A further advantageous variant consists in that an opaque metallic reflection layer is provided in the zones 31 and that a substantially transparent HRI layer is present partially or completely in the background area 20 as a further reflection layer.

The surface relief 18 is preferably composed of one or more relief structures which are selected from the group diffractive grating, hologram, blazed grating, linear grating, cross grating, hexagonal grating, asymmetric or symmetrical grating structure, retroreflective structure, refractive or diffractive grating diffractive microlens, refractive or diffractive microprism, zero-order diffraction structure, moth-eye structure or anisotropic or isotropic matte structure, or a superposition of two or more of the aforementioned relief structures. For example, it is possible for different relief structures to be provided in different regions of the first zones 31 or for different relief structures to be provided in different first zones 31 or for different relief structures in different design elements 22. This makes it possible to achieve that different design elements show a different optically variable appearance, that different areas of the pattern area 21 or different area of a design element 22 show different colors or a different brightness or that thereby optically variable effects can be generated which, for example, not can be imitated by means of a holographic surface relief.

The consideration of the security element 1 takes place in accordance with the viewing direction 10.

In the production of the security element 1, the decorative layer 12 is applied, for example, to the substrate layer 11 by means of a printing process, and then the transfer film 110 is applied to the surface of the substrate layer 11 printed with the decorative layer 12. Furthermore, it is also possible for the decorative layer 12 to be printed on the adhesive layer 13 or on the replication layer 15. Furthermore, it is also possible for the personalized information 23 and 24 to be written into the decorative layer 12 by means of a laser after completion of the security element 1 or during the production of the security element 1, in which case the laser preferably lies on the side of the reflection layer 14 opposite the decorative layer 12 is arranged.

Fig. 3 shows a section of a security element 2. The security element 2 in this case has a background area 20 and a pattern area 21, which is formed by a plurality of line-shaped design elements 20, of which in Fig. 3 two design elements 22 are shown by way of example in sections. The layer structure of the security element 2 corresponds to the layer structure of the security element 1 and reference is made to the preceding comments on the security element 1.

The security element 2 further has optical information 25 which is provided by the decorative layer 12 arranged below the reflection layer 14 and which, as in FIG Fig. 3 shown, the background area 20 and also the pattern area 21 partially overlaid.

As already stated above, the pattern region 21 has, in the case of the security element 2, two or more design elements 22, which are shaped in the form of lines. In this case, a line is understood to be a design element whose width is at least a factor of 10 greater than its length. Preferably, the width of the lines is between 5 and 250 microns, for example, the width of the lines is 50 microns. As in Fig. 3 indicated, the line-shaped design elements 22 on first zones 31 and second zones 32, which are arranged according to a one-dimensional grid along the longitudinal direction of the respective lines. It is so provided only a first zone 31 across the width of the respective line. According to the embodiment Fig. 3 In this case, the respective first zone 31 occupies the entire width of the lines, the width of the first zones 31 thus corresponds to the width of the respective line. As in Fig. 3 illustrated here, the width of the respective first zones 31 is constant and is for example between 5 and 250 microns, more preferably between 10 and 100 microns. Their spacing varies, causing the human viewer the brightness of these design elements varies along the line. The first zones 31 are here, as described above or later with reference to the figures Fig. 4a . Fig. 4c or Fig. 6a to Fig. 7 described, with surface structures of the surface relief 18 occupied. However, it is also possible to dispense with an impression of the surface relief 18 in the first zones 31.

Fig. 4a shows an example of a section of a security element 3, which is constructed according to the security element 2 and the security element 1. With regard to the structure of the security element 3 is so on the preceding statements to the figures Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 directed. As in Fig. 4a illustrated, the pattern region 21 in this case also linear design elements 22, of which in Fig. 4a three design elements 221, 222, 223 are shown by way of example. The design elements 221 to 223 each have a sequence of first zones 31 and second zones 32, as shown in FIG Fig. 4a is shown. The first zones 31 of the design elements 221, 222, 223 are each covered with different relief structures, as shown in FIG Fig. 4a indicated by the different hatching of these zones.

The division of the design elements 221 to 223 into first zones and second zones is in this case individually adapted to each of the design elements 221 to 223, so that no disturbing effects, such as a moiré pattern or a larger interruption occur. The distances of the first zones 31 to each other are selected such that a viewer with unarmed eye recognizes three continuous lines. For example, the distances of the first zones 31 to one another are less than 300 μm.

The distances between the zones 31, their shape and size can vary along the line. Criteria for designing the first zones are, for example, the avoidance of interfering collisions with other, adjacent design elements 22 or to avoid Moire interference with underlying optical information, such as provided by the decorative layer 12 optical information.

In the case of the use of line-shaped design elements 22, it is particularly preferred here for the arrangement and shaping of the first zones and their occupation with relief structures of the surface relief 18 as described below with reference to the figures Fig. 4b to Fig. 4c to design. Such design elements can in this case for example in the security element after Fig. 1 or at security elements 2 and 3 Fig. 3 or Fig. 4 be used.

Fig. 4b shows three different ways to make a line-shaped design element 22. This shows Fig. 4b three line-shaped design elements 224, 225 and 226. The design elements 224 to 226 are each formed in the form of a line, as has been exemplified above for the design elements 22 of the security element 2.

The design element 224 has a sequence of first zones 31 separated by a respective second zone 32. Along the line, the size of the first zones 31 varies here in order to generate a locally different intensity, in particular of an optically variable effect. As in Fig. 4b In this case, the extent of the first zones 31 in the direction of the width of the line is varied, whereas the extent of the first zones 31 in the longitudinal direction of the line and / or the spacing of the first zones 31 from each other is constant along the line. Research has shown that this allows the brightness of the design element to be varied along the line without distorting the brightness of underlying information in the area along the line.

In the design element 225, the area size of the first zones 31 along the line is made constant. The first zones 31 are subdivided here into two subzones 33 and 34, in which case only the subzones 34 are covered with relief structures of the surface relief 18 and the divider zones 33 are not covered with a surface relief or form a mirror surface. As in Fig. 4b In this case, the area size of the partial zones 33 and 34 varies along the line, while the area size of the zones 31 remains constant. Thus, the average transmission of the design element 225 along the line remains constant, but the brightness in different viewing directions and / or the color of the design element 225 varies along the line. Furthermore, it is also possible here for the first zones 31 to be subdivided into more than two subzones, which are covered with different relief structures, as later also by way of example with reference to the figures Fig. 4c . Fig. 6a and Fig. 7 is explained.

The design element 226 thus also has first zones 31, which are subdivided into two subzones 34 and 35, which are covered with different relief structures.

The targeted variation of the local area density, that is to say the area extent of the first zones 31 and their spacing as well as the occupation of the first zones 31 with relief structures can be used to display additional information. For example, a viewer in the mirror reflex can recognize macroscopic image information or text without affecting the representation in the diffractive optical feature thereof. This additional information can also consist in a polarization feature, which is only recognizable when viewed through a suitable filter.

In addition, the distances and the area size of the first zones 31 can be suitably varied so that a viewer recognizes a first diffractive feature and, when viewed through a suitable filter, an independent moiré pattern becomes visible. As already mentioned above, hidden information can be coded here, for example by deviation of the area size and / or spacing from the corresponding arrangement of opaque surfaces or lenses of a moiré verification element, which information is visible only when superposed with the moiré verification element.

In addition, the arrangement of the first zones 31 relative to one another and / or the arrangement of relief structures within the respective first zone can be used to encode further information.

Fig. 4c shows, by way of example, a number of further possibilities for subdividing first zones 31 into subzones which are occupied by different relief structures. Fig. 4c Thus, a first zone 311, which is divided into sub-zones 34 and 35, a first zone 312, which is divided into sub-zones 34 and 35 and a sub-zone 313, which is divided into sub-zones 34, 35 and 36. The partial zones 34, 35 and 36 are each covered with different relief structures. In this case, for example, the sub-zone 34 is underlaid with a diffraction grating, which generates a dynamically colored Kinegram® and occupies the sub-zones 35 with an anisotropically scattering matt structure. Thus, for example, a design element provided with first zones 311 can show a dynamically colored Kinegram® from one viewing direction, while a static achromatic feature with the same graphic content can be recognized from another viewing direction. In the first zone 313, three partial zones are provided, which, for example, also show a different optical feature under different viewing directions, or are also covered with grid structures which show a different color and thus allow the formation of a true color image in the pattern region 21, the relative area fraction of the subzones 34, 35 and 36 determining the color tone and the area size of the first zone 313 the respective local brightness (intensity).

By the configuration and the arrangement of the first zone 31 as above with reference to the figures Fig. 4a - Fig. 4c 1, it is thus possible to form line-shaped design elements 22 which convey a different visual impression along the line in different viewing directions and / or have a locally different color and / or a locally different brightness and / or transparency. The use of line-shaped design elements, as set forth above, along the line arranged first zones 31, allow a contour-sharp representation of fine lines in the pattern area, which provided with a regular screening of a reflection layer and an unregistrierten, ie not accurate registration with in-line areas provided Relief structures can only be mimicked inadequate. It provides a security element that is difficult to imitate and manipulate.

A further possibility for the arrangement of first zones 31 in a design element 31 and the corresponding arrangement of relief structures of the surface relief 18 for this purpose will be described below by way of example with reference to FIGS Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b explained.

Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b illustrate on the one hand the formation of the surface relief molded into the replication layer 18 or the structuring of the reflection layer 14 in a partial region of a design element 227.

As in Fig. 5b indicated here, first zones 31 are provided, which are covered with the opaque reflection layer 14 and which are surrounded by a second zone 32. In the register, that is, in relation to this are, as in Fig. 5a 31, microlenses 181 are formed in the replication layer 18 in the first zones 31. These microlenses may be formed as refractive lenses or as diffractive lenses. As in the figures Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b is shown, the structuring of the metal layer 14 takes place here exactly in the register, that is, in position relative to the lenses 181, so that each lens 181 is completely covered with the reflection layer 14, but the surrounding areas are completely transparent or translucent. By adapting the first zones to the shape of the lenses 181 and the registered, ie positional arrangement of the lenses 181 to the reflective layer 14, it is possible to increase the transparency of the design element 227 or the contrast compared to an unregistered, ie not positionally accurate arrangement of the security feature.

Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b illustrate a further possibility of the formation and arrangement of first zones 31 and relief structure of the surface relief 18 to each other. The Fig. 6a illustrates the arrangement of molded into the replication layer 18 relief structures and Fig. 6b the arrangement and formation of the first zones in the reflection layer 14 in a partial region of a design element 228.

The zones 31 are here arranged in the form of a regular two-dimensional grid and shaped in the form of rectangles. It is also possible that the grid is not regular in this case and in particular also adapted to the contour of the design element 228. The zones 31 can furthermore also have a different shape or vary in their surface size, as has already been described above in relation to line-shaped design elements.

Each of the first zones 31 is here subdivided into four partial zones, namely the partial zones 34, 35, 36 and 37, which - as already explained above - can have different relief structures. The filling of the partial zone 34 with a relief structure 182 is in Fig. 6a shown by way of example.

The relief structures in the sub-zones 34 to 37 are used, for example, to represent four different contents, which are visible, for example, in different viewing directions. In this case, the partial zones can have, for example, diffractive relief structures, for example diffractive gratings, refractive relief structures or also scattering relief structures or even mirror surfaces. For example, each zone is 31, as in Fig. 6a shown, divided into four subzones, each of the subzones is associated with a respective viewing direction and the occupancy of the respective subzones, for example, the brightness information of the recognizable in the associated viewing direction image corresponds.

As already stated above, the first zones 31 in this exemplary embodiment are preferably spaced apart between 25 and 250 μm and the dimensions of the first zones 31 are preferably in the range between 5 and 100 μm. The fill factor, that is to say the occupancy of the design element 228 with first zones 31, is preferably approximately 15%, so that 85% of the area remains transparent.

Fig. 7 shows a section of a design element 229. The design element 229 has first zones 31, which are separated by a second zone 32 from each other. As in Fig. 7 indicated, the area size of the first zones 31 varies locally, so here-as already set out above for line-shaped design element - the local total intensity or brightness of the pattern area is varied. Further, the first zones 31 are divided into sub-zones 34, 35 and 36. In the Sub-zones 34, 35 and 36 are provided with different relief structures, for example diffraction gratings, which have a different spatial frequency different or a different azimuth angle. As in Fig. 7 indicated that in addition to the area size of the zones 31 and the relative area size of the zones 34, 35 and 36 to each other. If, for example, relief structures in the subzones 34, 35 and 36 are thus shaped as relief structures which impart a different color impression, then the overall areal color of the subzones 34 to 36 and the brightness of the area 31 of the zones can be Intensity can be adjusted. By means of these measures, it is possible to vary the color and the brightness locally in a design element and thus to provide, for example, a true color image which superimposes individualized second information as first information.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a design element 230 of the pattern area 21, which has line-shaped first zones 31, which are separated from each other by second zones 32. Furthermore, the design element 230 is surrounded by the background area 20.

As in Fig. 8 1, the first zones 31 are formed as parallel lines which follow the outer and inner contours of the design element 230. The width of these lines is preferably between 5 and 250 microns, more preferably between 10 and 100 microns. The design element 230 is preferably a design element whose width and / or height is greater than 1 mm, preferably greater than 2 mm. The design element 230 is as in FIG Fig. 8 shown as an example formed as a letter. However, the design element 230 may also have a different shape, for example be formed in the form of another letter or a number, or also show a figurative representation, a coat of arms or a pictogram. It is also possible that the design element has both one or more lines which follow the inner and / or outer contour or also have further lines which are not arranged parallel to the inner and / or outer contour and which, for example, an adaptation to a different from the outer contour Allow inner contour. Furthermore, it is also possible that the line-shaped first zones 31 have a different width and, for example, due to a width modulation of the line-shaped first zones 31 give a visually recognizable figurative representation, or that the line-shaped first zones 31 are regionally interrupted regularly, irregularly or stochastically and not like in Fig. 8a represented in each case form a closed line. However, the lines can also be applied completely independently of the outer shape of the design element 230 and consist for example of parallel or concentric lines. Medium surface coverages in the range of 5 to 40% are particularly advantageous since they permit both sufficient reflection and high transmission. Furthermore, distances of the lines in the range 10-200 μm are advantageous.

Instead of lines, the design element 230 may also include a reflective layer in the form of fine text or figurative representations, symbols, letters, numbers, or logos. The details are revealed to an observer only when inspected with an aid, such as a magnifying glass or a microscope. The local brightness distribution which can be recognized by the unaided eye observer can be influenced, for example, by the size of the text, the font, the spacing of the letters or the coverage of microstructures.

Again, it is particularly advantageous if - as stated above - the surface relief 18 is provided in registry with the zones 31. Furthermore, the surface relief may also have subzones 31 along the line-shaped first zones, which zones are covered with different relief structures in order to generate the effects already explained above.

The security element 1 can also have a pattern area 21 which has different design elements 22. For example, one or more line-shaped design elements, which according to FIGS Fig. 3 to Fig. 4c are formed, one or more design elements, which are formed according to the design element 227, one or more design elements, which are formed as the design elements 228 or 229, and / or one or more design elements, which are formed as the design element 230, are combined , Through such combinations of different design elements, a security element can be provided, which is characterized by a particularly high security against counterfeiting.

Claims (15)

1. Security element (1), in particular document of value, having a pattern region (21) consisting of one or more design elements (22), the shaping of said pattern region (21) providing a first piece of optically perceptible information, and having a background region (20) at least regionally surrounding the one or more design elements of the pattern region, wherein the security element (1) has an opaque reflection layer (14) which is not provided in the background region (20) and is provided in the pattern region (21) in first zones (31) but not in one or more second zones or is provided in one or more second zones but not in first zones (31), wherein the first zones (31) are spaced apart from one another by less than 300 µm and have a smallest dimension of less than 300 µm, characterised in that the security element (1) has a decorative layer (12) for generating a second piece of optically perceptible information (23, 24, 25) which is superimposed at least regionally on both the pattern region (21) and the background region (20), wherein the decorative layer (12) is arranged below the opaque reflection layer (14) with respect to the viewing direction (10) of the security element (1), and wherein all layers (13) of the security element which are arranged between the opaque reflection layer (14) and the decorative layer (12) are transparent or translucent.
2. Security element (1) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the surface proportion of the first zones (31) on the pattern region (21) is between 1 and 80 %, in particular between 2 and 50 %.
3. Security element according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   all layers (15, 16, 17) of the security element (1) which are arranged above the opaque reflection layer (14) with respect to the viewing direction (10) of the security element (1) are at least regionally transparent or translucent and/or translucently coloured, and/or all layers of the security element which are arranged below the opaque reflection layer with respect to the viewing direction of the security element are at least regionally transparent or translucent.
4. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the security element (1) has a replication layer (15) in which an optically active surface relief (18) is moulded in the first zones (31) at least regionally, in particular for generating an optically variable effect, wherein the surface relief (18) comprises, in particular, one or more relief structures selected from the group of diffractive grating, hologram, blazed grating, linear grating, crossed grating, hexagonal grating, asymmetrical or symmetrical grating structure, retroreflective structure, microlens, microprism, zeroth order diffraction structure, moth-eye structure or anisotropic or isotropic matt structure, or a superposition of two or more of the above-mentioned relief structures.
5. Security element (1) according to claim 4,
   characterised in that
   no surface relief is moulded in the replication lacquer layer (15) in the second zones (32) and/or in the background region (20), or a surface relief is moulded whose aspect ratio differs from the surface relief moulded in the first zones by at least 50%, and/or the surface relief (18) is moulded in the surface of the replication layer (15), said surface facing towards the opaque reflection layer (14), in particular is moulded into the boundary face between replication layer (15) and opaque reflection layer (14).
6. Security element (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5,
   characterised in that
   a microlens or a microprism is respectively moulded as a surface relief (181) into the replication layer (15) in a plurality of first zones (31), wherein, in particular, the respective microlens or the respective microprism occupies the entire surface of the respective first zone (31).
7. Security element (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6,
   characterised in that
   the surface proportion of the respective first zones (31) which is covered by the surface relief varies locally in the pattern region (21).
8. Security element (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7,
   characterised in that
   each of the first zones (31) is divided into n sub-zones (32-36), in which different relief structures are moulded into the replication layer (15) as the surface relief, wherein n ≥ 2.
9. Security element (1) according to claim 8,
   characterised in that
   each of the sub-zones (31-36) of each first zone (31) is assigned to one of m viewing directions, wherein the surface area of the respective sub-zones is varied more locally for determining the local brightness in the viewing direction assigned to the respective sub-zone, and/or each of the sub-zones (32-36) of each first zone (31) is respectively assigned to one of k colour components, wherein the surface area of the respective sub-zone is varied locally for determining the local brightness and the colour value.
10. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the first piece of optical information has a locally different brightness in reflection, which is determined by the respective local surface area of the first zones (31) and/or is superimposed by a piece of optically variable information, which is determined by the type and the respective surface area of the relief structures of the surface relief (18) moulded in the first zones (31).
11. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the pattern region (21) comprises one or more design elements (22, 221 - 226), which are respectively formed in the shape of a line whose width is preferably larger than its length by at least a factor of 10, wherein the width of the line is, in particular, between 5 and 250 µm, preferably between 10 and 100 µm.
12. Security element (1) according to claim 11,
    characterised in that
    different relief structures are moulded as the surface relief in the first zones (31) which are assigned to different lines (221 to 223).
13. Security element (1) according to one of claims 11 or 12,
    characterised in that
    the distances between the different zones (31) vary along the respective line, and/or the extension of the first zones (31) in the direction of the width of the line (224, 226) varies, wherein, in particular, the extension of the first zones (31) in the longitudinal direction of the line (224, 226) and/or the spacing of the first zone (31) is constant, and/or the surface area of the first zones varies along the respective line in order to generate locally different brightnesses or intensities in reflection.
14. Security element (1) according to one of claims 11 to 13,
    characterised in that
    the first zones (31) are arranged according to a one-dimensional grid along the longitudinal direction of the respective line (221 to 226), such that only one first zone (31) is respectively provided across the width of the line.
15. Method for producing a security element (1), in particular document of value, comprising the steps of:

    providing a transparent transfer film (110) having a region which is divided into a pattern region whose shaping provides a first piece of information, and into a background region (20) at least regionally surrounding the pattern region,

    forming an opaque reflection layer (14) in the transfer film (110) which is not provided in the background region (20) and is provided in the pattern region (21) in first zones (31) but not in one or more second zones (32), or is provided in the pattern region in one or more second zones (32) but not in first zones (31), wherein the first zones (31) are spaced apart from one another by less than 300 µm and have a smallest dimension of less than 300 µm,

    applying the transfer film to a substrate (11) in such a manner that a personalised decorative layer (12) is arranged between the transfer film (110) and the substrate (11), said personalised decorative layer (12) providing a second piece of optically perceptible information (23, 24, 25), wherein the second piece of optically perceptible information (23, 24, 25) is superimposed at least regionally on both the pattern region (21) and the background region (20), and wherein all layers (13) of the security element which are arranged between the opaque reflection layer (14) and the decorative layer (12) are transparent or translucent.

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