EP4015231A1 - Security element with an optical effect layer - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a security element (1) with increased protection against counterfeiting, which has at least a first region (2) with structures (4) which are designed as achromatic, reflective structures and a group is formed by means of a plurality of structures (4) whose alignments are matched to one another in such a way that the structures (4) depict a view (6) of an image motif (9) in an observation room, with the security element (1) having different viewing angles and/or a light source as a movement effect of the image motif (9). (10) has dependent views (6) of the motif (9), in each view (6) the structures (4) of a group are designed to light up and the groups are disjoint in pairs. Furthermore, an optical effect layer (7) is provided, wherein the structures (4) are completely or partially covered by the optical effect layer (7) and/or are embedded in the optical effect layer (7), so that they are surrounded by the optical effect layer (7).

Description

The invention relates to a security element, in particular for securities, security paper or security objects, such as banknotes, identity cards, credit cards, the security element having at least a first area with structures, which structures are designed as achromatic, reflective structures and a group is formed by means of a plurality of structures , the alignments of which are coordinated in such a way that the structures in an observation room depict a view of an image motif, with the security element having different views of the image motif as a movement effect of the image motif, depending on a viewing angle and/or a light source, with the structures in each view of a group and the groups are disjoint in pairs.

Security elements of the type mentioned above are usually used in order to increase the protection against counterfeiting of securities or security papers, such as banknotes, identity cards, credit cards, ATM cards, tickets, etc.

In the EP3362827 A1 describes a security element consisting of a substrate; and on a surface of the substrate, an array of micromirrors that receive ambient light and responsively display an image in a plane that is spaced a distance from the surface of the substrate, the image comprising a plurality of pixels and the array of micromirrors for each of the pixels includes a set of the micromirrors each having a reflective surface oriented to reflect ambient light to a point on the plane corresponding to one of the pixels.

From the PCT application WO2018206148 A1 a security element according to the preamble of claim 1 has become known. In the known solution, security elements are provided with micro-mirrors, which light up at a specific viewing angle with a given illumination and the security element represents a light/dark motif with a spatial resolution and, as a movement effect for the motif, shows different views of the motif that depend on the viewing angle, by showing in each view a subset the micromirror lights up, which subsets are nested in one another with regard to the position of their micromirrors. The subsets of the micromirrors are mathematically disjoint in pairs, which means that each micromirror is present in only one subset.

The object of the present invention is to create a security element with increased security against forgery.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a security element of the type mentioned at the outset in that an optical effect layer is provided, and;
the structures are completely or partially covered by the optical effect layer; and/or the structures are embedded in the optical effect layer, so that the structures are surrounded by the optical effect layer.

The advantage achieved in this way is that such an overlapping position of the first area to form the image motif designed as a moving image and the second area to form at least one optical appearance or an optical effect creates a high variety of combinations and designs. The protection against counterfeiting of the security element designed in this way is thus increased even further. The motion picture formed by the structures is thus combined directly with the optical effect produced or caused by the optical effect layer to form an overall picture. A viewer of the security element can thus quickly and reliably determine the authenticity by a purely visual inspection without the aid of aids.

Embedding the structures in the effect layer has the advantage of simultaneously increasing the security against forgery and improving the stabilization of the structures.

It can be advantageous if the achromatic, reflecting structures are in the form of micromirrors. Since a micromirror only lights up at a certain viewing angle due to the law of reflection and does not reflect at all other viewing angles, it is possible to depict the motif in the views with high brilliance and spatial resolution.

A preferred embodiment provides that the optical effect layer is designed as a thin-layer element and has at least one absorber layer and at least one spacer layer.

In addition, it can be provided that the optical effect layer designed as a thin-layer element is designed as a color-shifting layer or comprises a color-shifting layer.

Furthermore, the optical effect layer configured as a thin-layer element can also include at least one reflection layer, with the at least one spacer layer being arranged between the at least one absorber layer and the at least one reflection layer.

A further embodiment provides that the reflection layer is applied to the structures, in particular printed and/or vapor-deposited.

A possible embodiment can be designed in that the optical effect layer contains color-shifting pigments, in particular interference pigments, or liquid crystal pigments

Furthermore, it can be advantageous that a color shift effect occurs in the optical effect layer when the light source is moved and/or the observation angle is changed.

The optical effect layer preferably has metallic pigments and/or magnetic pigments and/or colored pigments and/or dyes.

A further embodiment is characterized in that the optical effect layer has at least one layer that reinforces the color shift effect on a side facing away from a visible side.

In addition, it can be advantageous if the optical effect layer is printed and/or vapor-deposited onto the structures.

A further embodiment is characterized in that the optical effect layer has at least one liquid crystal layer, in particular a cholesteric liquid crystal layer.

A further preferred embodiment provides that, in addition to the optical effect layer, the security element has an optically non-linear layer or an optically non-linear layer and/or a layer which contains fluorescent pigments and/or fluorescent substances

An alternative embodiment is characterized in that several structures of a group are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the arrangement of the structures forms several individual symbols, which symbols are contained in the view of the image motif.

This entails a further advantage, since an additional security feature is included as a result of this refinement.

It can also be advantageous for the security element to be equipped with further color-shifting layers, in particular layers with color-shifting pigments or liquid crystals and/or with machine-readable features, the machine-readable features being in particular magnetic codes, electrically conductive layers, electromagnetic waves absorbing and/or re-emitting substances.

A further possible and possibly alternative embodiment has the features that the security element has additional layers, which additional layers include in particular protective lacquers, heat-sealing lacquers, adhesives, primers and/or foils.

A preferred embodiment provides that the security element comprises a carrier layer made of a plastic, the plastic being formed in particular from a translucent and/or thermoplastic plastic, and that the carrier layer preferably comprises at least one of the materials from the group polyimide (PI), polypropylene ( PP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polyetherketone (PEK), polyethyleneimide (PEI), polysulfone (PSU), polyaryletherketone (PAEK ), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystalline polymers (LCP), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin copolymers (COC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and E ethylene tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene fluoroterpolymer (EFEP) and/or mixtures and/or copolymers of these materials or is made from at least one of these materials.

It can also be advantageous that the at least one absorber layer contains at least one metallic material, in particular selected from the group consisting of nickel, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, palladium, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, aluminum, silver, copper and/or alloys of these materials or is made from at least one of these materials.

According to one development, it is possible for the at least one reflection layer to contain at least one metallic material, in particular selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, aluminum, gold, platinum, niobium, tin, or nickel, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt and palladium or Alloys of these materials, in particular cobalt-nickel alloys or at least one high-index dielectric material with a refractive index greater than 1.65, in particular selected from the group consisting of zinc sulfide (ZnS), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ), carbon (C ), indium oxide (In ₂ O ₃ ), indium tin oxide (ITO), tantalum pentoxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ), cerium oxide (CeO ₂ ), yttrium oxide (Y ₂ O ₃ ), europium oxide (Eu ₂ O ₃ ), iron oxides such as iron(II,III) oxide (Fe ₃ O ₄ ) and iron(III) oxide (Fe ₂ O ₃ ), hafnium nitride (HfN), hafnium carbide (HfC), hafnium oxide (HfO ₂ ), lanthanum oxide (La ₂ O ₃ ), magnesium oxide (MgO), neodymium oxide (Nd ₂ O ₃ ), praseodymium oxide (Pr ₆ O ₁₁ ), samarium oxide (Sm ₂ O ₃ ), antimony trio xid (Sb ₂ O ₃ ), silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si ₃ N ₄ ), silicon monoxide (SiO), selenium trioxide (Se ₂ O ₃ ), tin oxide (SnO ₂ ), tungsten trioxide (WO ₃ ), high-index organic monomers and / or high-index organic polymers or is made of at least one of these materials.

Furthermore, a spacer layer can contain at least one low-index dielectric material with a refractive index of less than or equal to 1.65, in particular selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ), metal fluorides, for example magnesium fluoride (MgF ₂ ), aluminum fluoride (AlF ₃ ), cerium fluoride (CeF ₃ ), sodium aluminum fluoride (e.g. Na ₃ AlF ₆ or Na ₅ Al ₃ Fl ₄ ), silicon oxide (SIO _x ), silicon dioxide (SiO ₂ ), neodymium fluoride (NdF3), lanthanum fluoride (LaF ₃ ), samarium fluoride (SmF ₃ ), barium fluoride (BaF ₂ ), calcium fluoride (CaF ₂ ), lithium fluoride (LiF), low-index organic monomers and/or low-index organic polymers or at least one high-index dielectric material with a refractive index greater than 1.65, in particular selected from the group zinc sulfide ( ZnS), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ), carbon (C), indium oxide (In ₂ O ₃ ), indium tin oxide (ITO), tantalum pentoxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ), cerium oxide (CeO ₂ ), Yttrium Oxide (Y ₂ O ₃ ), Europium Oxide (Eu ₂ O ₃ ), iron oxides such as ferrous oxide (Fe ₃ O ₄ ) and ferric oxide (Fe ₂ O ₃ ), hafnium nitride (HfN), hafnium carbide (HfC), hafnium oxide (HfO ₂ ), lanthanum oxide (La ₂ O ₃ ), magnesium oxide (MgO), neodymium oxide (Nd ₂ O ₃ ), praseodymium oxide (Pr ₆ O ₁₁ ), samarium oxide (Sm ₂ O ₃ ), antimony trioxide (Sb ₂ O ₃ ), silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si ₃ N ₄ ), silicon monoxide (SiO), selenium trioxide (Se ₂ O ₃ ), tin oxide (SnO ₂ ), tungsten trioxide (WO ₃ ), high-index organic monomers and/ or high refractive index organic polymers or be made of at least one of these materials.

For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

Fig. 1

ein Sicherheitselement in Draufsicht mit den Ansichten eines Bildmotivs

Fig. 2

ein möglicher Schichtaufbau eines erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselements

Fig. 3

eine Ausführungsform eines Sicherheitselements

Fig. 4

eine Ausführungsform eines Sicherheitselements

Fig. 5

einen möglichen Schicht- und/oder Lagenaufbau des Sicherheitselements

Fig. 6

eine Ausführungsform der optischen Effektschicht mit farbkippenden Pigmenten

Fig. 7

ein Ausschnitt einer Ausführungsform eines Sicherheitselements in Draufsicht

Fig. 8

a und b; weitere Ausführungen der optischen Effektschicht

Fig. 9

eine besondere Ausführung einer Anordnung der Strukturen

They each show in a greatly simplified, schematic representation:

1

a top view of a security element with views of an image motif

2

a possible layer structure of a security element according to the invention

3

an embodiment of a security element

4

an embodiment of a security element

figure 5

a possible layer and/or layer structure of the security element

6

an embodiment of the optical effect layer with color-shifting pigments

7

a section of an embodiment of a security element in plan view

8

a and b; further versions of the optical effect layer

9

a particular execution of an arrangement of the structures

As an introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numbers or the same component designations, it being possible for the disclosures contained throughout the description to be applied to the same parts with the same reference numbers or the same component designations. The position information selected in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., is related to the figure directly described and shown and these position information are to be transferred to the new position in the event of a change of position.

A movement effect is to be understood here as meaning a wide variety of possibilities, such as the arrangement of the structures for the design of the individual views of an image motif regards. This can be a movement of a displayed object, symbol or the like perceived as a translation, but also an enlargement/reduction or distortion/transformation or rotation thereof. The illustrations of the image motif shown in the figures are only to be understood as an example for clarification and do not restrict the arrangement of the structures.

In the following description, the achromatic, reflecting structures are referred to as micromirrors for better understanding, but they can also be optically active facets or other optically active elements, which can be designed to illuminate as structures of a group.

Since, due to the law of reflection, such an element only lights up at a certain viewing angle and does not reflect at all other viewing angles, it is possible to depict the motif in the views with high brilliance and spatial resolution.

The change or the perceived movement effect between individual views depends on the alignment of the individual groups. The difference in the angular position or the mirror alignment of the respective groups thus influences the amount of the viewing angle to be changed or the inclination or the angle of incidence of the light from a light source.

Several groups can be arranged nested within one another, so that the movement effect creates a "flowing" impression, for example, if the individual views are arranged one inside the other.

The movement effect of a motif itself can be formed by any number of views, so it can consist of just two views, but also from a large number of views, which is possible by arranging structures in the available area of a security element.

In addition, the movement effect can also be divided into movement groups, so that, for example, two different images can be seen in the motif, which are dependent on the starting angle and the direction of movement of the viewing angle, whereby only one of the images can be seen at a time. If, for example, a bank note with such a security element is tilted in the longitudinal direction, the movement of a letter is perceived, and if it is tilted transversely to the longitudinal direction, for example the movement of a number.

The figures are described comprehensively and the same components or parts are always provided with the same reference symbols. Furthermore, the term "layer" is generally used for a multi-layered component composite that belongs together. Each of the layers described below can therefore also comprise a plurality of layers, preferably connected to one another or adhering to one another.

the 1 shows a security element 1, in particular for securities, banknotes, card applications or security papers, in a highly stylized representation that is not to scale.

The security element 1 has at least one first area 2 and at least one second area 3 . The at least one first area 2 is arranged below the second area 3 in the illustrated location or position of the security element 1 , but can also be embedded in it, so that the second area 3 merely surrounds the first area 2 . The two areas 2, 3, or the layers or plies forming them, are designed differently from one another and are described in more detail below.

The at least one first region 2 comprises structures 4, which structures 4 are designed as optically active elements, for example as micromirrors 5.

A group is formed by means of a plurality of structures 4, the orientations of which are coordinated with one another in such a way that a view 6 of an image motif 9 is depicted through the structures 4 in an observation space, with the security element 1 showing different views 6 of the image motif 9, so that changes in the viewing angle and/or movement of the light source 10 create a so-called movement effect of the image motif 9.

The groups are disjoint in pairs, which means that the respective structures 4 are contained in only one group and individual groups therefore do not share any structures 4 .

The second region 3 surrounding and/or covering or overlying the first region 2 at least in sections is formed by an optical effect layer 7 . The optical effect layer 7 can also be in the form of an optically variable layer or be referred to as such. That layer or ply bearing the structures 4 is in turn covered over the whole area or partially by the effect layer 7 . The term "covered" is used below to mean an arrangement in which at least one surface section of at least one of the surfaces of the layer or ply carrying the structures 4 is covered by the effect layer 7 is covered. Some possible exemplary embodiments for the arrangement of the layers and plies are shown and described below.

The optical effect layer 7 can have or form an optically variable effect dependent on the viewing angle and/or the illumination angle and/or the type of illumination. The optically variable effect can be, for example, a top view/transparency effect and/or a color-shifting effect and/or a fluorescence effect or the like. The optical effect layer 7 can also be formed from a plurality of layers or can include them.

In the 2 a possible layer structure of a security element 1 according to the invention is shown. The security element 1 comprises at least a first region 2 with the structures 4 which are embodied as achromatic, reflective structures, for example as micromirrors 5 , and a second region 3 which is embodied as an optical effect layer 7 . The structures 4 are completely or partially covered by the optical effect layer 7 and/or can be embedded in it. The micromirrors 5 shown belong to a group and light up under a view 6 of the image motif that is dependent on a viewing angle and/or a light source 10 .

The security element 1 can also include a carrier layer 14 . The carrier layer 14 can be formed from a plastic material. Furthermore, the carrier layer 14 can also form several layers. The plastic can be formed from a translucent and/or thermoplastic plastic material. At least one of the materials from the group polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ether ketone, (PEEK) Polyetherketone (PEK), Polyethylenimide (PEI), Polysulfone (PSU), Polyaryletherketone (PAEK), Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), Liquid Crystal Polymers (LCP), Polyester, Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyamide (PA) , polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin copolymers (COC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and ethylene tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene -Fluoroterpolymer (EFEP) and/or mixtures and/or copolymers of these materials or be made from at least one of these materials. The carrier layer can be a Thickness of 5 microns to 1000 microns, particularly preferably a thickness of 10 microns to 50 microns.

A further alternative possibility would be to provide a further layer 19 of its own to accommodate the structures 4 . The further layer 19 can be applied directly to the carrier layer 14 . The further layer 19 is indicated with a dashed line. For example, the further layer 19 can be formed by an embossing varnish, which is shaped in accordance with the arrangement of the structures 4. This can in turn be done by means of a molding device or a molding element in an embossing process. The layer 19, in particular the embossing lacquer layer, with the structures formed therein can have a thickness of 0.5 μm to 300 μm, in particular from 0.8 μm to 50 μm, preferably from 1 μm to 10 μm.

In the 3 a further embodiment of a security element 1 is shown.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, the structures 4 form the at least one first region 2 of the security element 1, the at least one first region 2 being covered or overlaid at least in sections by the at least one second region 3 and/or being embedded in it.

The at least one second region 3 is formed by the optical effect layer 7, which can optionally be designed as a so-called thin-layer element, which has a thin-layer structure or can itself be referred to as a thin-layer structure. The layer thickness of the individual layers or plies forming the thin-film element is greatly exaggerated and not drawn to scale.

The optical effect layer 7 designed as a thin-layer element comprises at least one absorber layer 11 and at least one spacer layer 12. Further possible additional layers or layers of the optical effect layer 7 are described in the following figures.

The at least one absorber layer 11 can include at least one metallic material, in particular selected from the group consisting of nickel, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, palladium, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, aluminum, silver, copper and/or alloys of these materials be made of at least one of these materials.

The at least one spacer layer 12 can be formed from a dielectric material, for example. Furthermore, the at least one spacer layer 12 can contain at least one dielectric material with a low refractive index with a refractive index of less than or equal to 1.65, in particular selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ), metal fluorides, for example magnesium fluoride (MgF ₂ ), aluminum fluoride (AlF ₃ ), Cerium fluoride (CeF ₃ ), sodium aluminum fluoride (e.g. Na ₃ AlF ₆ or Na ₅ Al ₃ Fl ₄ ), silicon oxide (SIO _x ), silicon dioxide (SiO ₂ ), neodymium fluoride (NdF3), lanthanum fluoride (LaF ₃ ), samarium fluoride (SmF ₃ ), barium fluoride (BaF ₂ ), calcium fluoride (CaF2), lithium fluoride (LiF), low-index organic monomers and/or low-index organic polymers or at least one high-index dielectric material with a refractive index greater than 1.65, in particular selected from the group Zinc Sulfide (ZnS), Zinc Oxide (ZnO), Titanium Dioxide (TiO ₂ ), Carbon (C), Indium Oxide (In ₂ O ₃ ), Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), Tantalum Pentoxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ), Cerium Oxide (CeO ₂ ), yttrium oxide (Y ₂ O ₃ ), Europi umoxide (Eu ₂ O ₃ ), iron oxides such as iron(II,III) oxide (Fe ₃ O ₄ ) and iron(III) oxide (Fe ₂ O ₃ ), hafnium nitride (HfN), hafnium carbide (HfC), hafnium oxide ( HfO ₂ ), lanthanum oxide (La ₂ O ₃ ), magnesium oxide (MgO), neodymium oxide (Nd ₂ O ₃ ), praseodymium oxide (Pr ₆ O ₁₁ ), samarium oxide (Sm ₂ O ₃ ), antimony trioxide (Sb ₂ O ₃ ), silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si ₃ N ₄ ), silicon monoxide (SiO), selenium trioxide (Se ₂ O ₃ ), tin oxide (SnO ₂ ), tungsten trioxide (WO ₃ ), high-index organic monomers and / or high-index organic polymers include or at least be made of one of these materials.

As mentioned, the optical effect layer 7 embodied as a thin-layer element can be arranged or applied on the structures 4 . It is also possible to apply the entire thin-film element to the structures 4 as an optical effect layer 7 . However, it would also be possible to apply only individual layers or plies of the optical effect layer 7 one after the other or in groups. The optical effect layer 7 or individual plies or layers of the same can be applied in a wide variety of ways, depending on the material selected. Imprinting and/or vapor deposition and/or painting may be mentioned as possible examples.

In addition to the optical effect layer 7 embodied as a thin-layer element, further layers can be provided, for example an optically non-linear layer or an optically non-linear layer. Such a layer or such materials or layers forming this layer are also referred to as IR upconverters or UV downconverters. These can be materials which have a visible color under the influence of electromagnetic radiation outside the visible wavelength range of light. Such materials can be excited to emit visible light under these conditions, for example when irradiated with infrared (IR) (λ>780 nm) and/or ultraviolet (UV) light (λ<380).

If, for example, a printed image is provided as the optical effect layer 7 for the security element 1, a partially opaque printing ink, such as white, and/or a semi-transparent metallization can be used. Among other things, a matt and/or glossy degree of gloss can be formed.

A protective layer 15, for example, can be provided as the uppermost layer on the optical effect layer 7, which protects the entire layer and/or layer structure from mechanical damage such as scratches, grooves or the like. The protective layer 15 could also be arranged on the side of the carrier layer 14 facing away from the optical effect layer 7 . An arrangement on both sides would also be conceivable. A planar formation of the security element 1 can preferably also be achieved by means of the protective layer 15, as indicated by a dashed line in FIG Fig.3 is indicated.

The basic structure of the security element 1 in 4 corresponds to that, like this one in the 3 and has been shown and described. The optical effect layer 7 can also comprise at least one reflection layer 13 as an additional layer. The at least one spacer layer 12 is arranged between the at least one absorber layer 11 and the at least one reflection layer 13 . The reflection layer 13 is applied or arranged on the structures 4 here, and can in particular be printed and/or vapor-deposited onto them. In addition, the structures 4 of different groups are shown, as indicated by the inclination of the micromirrors 5. It is also possible to reverse this order in the optical effect layer, so that the absorber layer is arranged on the structures and then the spacer layer and the reflection layer. Thus, the arrangement would be according to the order of structures—absorber layer—spacer layer—reflection layer.

It should be mentioned here that the layer structure and the arrangement of further layers depend on the type of attachment of the security element to a security object in this case, the side of the security element to be viewed after attachment is decisive. Thus, as shown in the figures, the visible side can be viewed from above, but it is also possible to view the security element from a visible side from below, for example through a carrier.

At this point it should be noted that the phrase "a layer is applied to something" is to be understood in such a way that the layer can be applied directly, or that there is another or there may be several intermediate layers. At this point it should also be pointed out that one or more intermediate layers can be arranged between the layers described in this document. It is therefore not absolutely necessary for the layers described to contact one another. It should also be pointed out that the term layer in this document is to be understood in such a way that a layer can also be made up of a number of sub-layers.

The at least one reflection layer 13 can be at least one metallic material, in particular selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, aluminum, gold, platinum, niobium, tin, or nickel, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt and palladium or alloys of these materials, in particular cobalt -Nickel alloys or at least one high-index dielectric material with a refractive index greater than 1.65, in particular selected from the group consisting of zinc sulfide (ZnS), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ), carbon (C), indium oxide (In ₂ O ₃ ), indium tin oxide (ITO), tantalum pentoxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ), cerium oxide (CeO ₂ ), yttrium oxide (Y ₂ O ₃ ), europium oxide (Eu ₂ O ₃ ), iron oxides such as iron(II ,III) oxide (Fe ₃ O ₄ ) and ferric oxide (Fe ₂ O ₃ ), hafnium nitride (HfN), hafnium carbide (HfC), hafnium oxide (HfO ₂ ), lanthanum oxide (La ₂ O ₃ ), magnesium oxide (MgO ), neodymium oxide (Nd ₂ O ₃ ), praseodymium oxide (Pr ₆ O ₁₁ ), samarium oxide (Sm ₂ O ₃ ), antimony trioxide (Sb ₂ O ₃ ), silicon carbide (SiC), Silicon nitride (Si ₃ N ₄ ), silicon monoxide (SiO), selenium trioxide (Se ₂ O ₃ ), tin oxide (SnO ₂ ), tungsten trioxide (WO ₃ ), high-index organic monomers and/or high-index organic polymers or made from at least one of these materials be. This applies to all reflection layers 13 described in the exemplary embodiments.

The arrangement or application of the optical effect layer 7 or its layers to the structures 4 can take place, for example, by a printing process and/or a vapor deposition process or by several of the same. But it could also be the materials described above or Additives of the reflection layer 13 form a component or a layer of the optical effect layer 7. In particular, these can be printed or vapor-deposited and thus form a separate layer of the optical effect layer 7 .

the figure 5 shows a possible layer and/or layer structure of the security element 1 comprising the structures 4 and the optical effect layer 7. The carrier layer 14 is also indicated. The optical effect layer 7 comprises a layer 20 which has or forms a high refractive index (HRI=high refractive index). The layer 20 is arranged closer to the structures 4 or directly adjacent to them. At this point, however, it should also be explicitly pointed out that the layer 20 can only be an optional embodiment and further development, regardless of its design.

In the figure 5 It is also shown that although the structures 4 are formed on a further layer 19, the further layer 19 is not applied directly to the carrier layer 14. For this purpose, an intermediate layer 21 can be provided, which is formed, for example, by an adhesion promoter, a primer, an adhesive or the like.

In addition, the structures 4 of the first region 2 in the figure 5 nested in groups. As shown, micromirrors 5 belonging to one group can be arranged between the micromirrors 5 of another group, as indicated by their orientation or inclination.

Furthermore, an optical effect layer 7 embodied as a thin-film element can also be embodied as a color-shifting layer or comprise a color-shifting layer. Any variations of the optical effects are also possible by appropriate combinations of the most different layers or strata. This makes it possible, for example, for a color-shift effect to occur in the optical effect layer 7 designed as a color-shifting layer or in the color-shifting layer when the light source is moved and/or the viewing angle is changed.

Furthermore, in addition to the optical effect layer 7, metallic pigments and/or magnetic pigments and/or fluorescent pigments and/or fluorescent substances and/or colored pigments and/or dyes can be provided.

The metallic pigments in the optical effect layer 7 can be selected from the group consisting of Al and/or Cu and/or Ag and/or Au and/or Ni and/or Cr and/or Pt and/or Pd and/or TiO ₂ and/or Cr oxide and/or ZnS and/or ITO and/or Bi oxide and/or ATO and/or FTO and/or ZnO and/or Al ₂ O ₃ and/or Zn chromate and/or Fe oxide and/or or CuO can be selected. To form a printed image as an optical effect layer 7 or a layer thereof, the metallic pigments can be mixed into an ink, for example.

The metallic pigments, in particular Al and/or Cu and/or Ag and/or Au and/or Ni and/or Cr and/or Pt and/or Pd and/or TiO ₂ and/or Cr oxides and/or ZnS and /or ITO and/or Bi oxide and/or ATO and/or FTO and/or ZnO and/or Al ₂ O ₃ and/or Zn chromate and/or Fe oxides and/or CuO and/or color shifting interference pigments and /or SiO ₂ pigments can also be added to a lacquer, which together form the optical effect layer 7 or a layer thereof.

The optical effect layer 7 can also contain color-changing pigments, for example. In the 6 one of the color-changing pigments 16 is shown as a detail in a greatly enlarged view. Thus, the color-shifting pigments 16 can each comprise at least one absorber layer 11, at least one spacer layer 12 made of a dielectric material and at least one reflection layer 13. In the present exemplary embodiment, the individual layers of the color-shifting pigment 16 are arranged in layers one above the other. In this case, the spacer layer 12 is arranged between the reflection layer 13 and the absorber layer 11 .

However, it would also be possible to select a physical arrangement of the layers relative to one another in which the reflection layer 13 is arranged on the inside and is surrounded by the spacer layer 12, in particular is completely surrounded around the circumference. The spacer layer 12 can in turn be surrounded by the absorber layer 11, in particular be completely surrounded by it, as indicated.

This means that when the light source 10 moves and/or the observation angle changes, a color-shift effect is created in the optical effect layer 7 by means of the color-shifting pigments 16 .

It would also be possible to add a separate intermediate layer, such as an adhesion promoter layer or adhesion promoter layer, a primer layer or primer layer or the like to be provided between the structures 4 forming the first region and the optical effect layer 7 . The arrangement or application of the optical effect layer 7 to the structures 4 can thus take place either directly and/or with the interposition of its own additional intermediate layer.

The optical effect layer 7 preferably has at least one layer 18 that enhances the color effect on a side 17 facing away from a visible side. The color-shifting effect can be intensified by the layer 18 that intensifies the color effect, for example when using color-shifting pigments 16 or a liquid crystal layer. From the user's line of sight, the layer 18 that intensifies the color effect lies behind the color-changing pigments or the liquid crystal layer.

In the 7 an embodiment of a security element 1 is shown, in which the structures 4 are embedded in the optical effect layer 7, they are only partially surrounded by the optical effect layer 7. Furthermore, a protective layer 15 can in turn be arranged on the structures 4 and/or the optical effect layer 7 . In this configuration, a reflection-intensifying layer is preferably arranged on the structures 4, which is not shown in more detail.

In the Figures 8a and 8b possible embodiments of the arrangement of an optical effect layer 7 on the structures 4 are also shown.

In Figure 8a the optical effect layer 7 is applied over the entire surface of the structures 4 and in Figure 8b the structures 4 are partially covered by the optical effect layer 7, as shown, in the edge regions. The configurations of the optical effect layer 7 can in turn include all the previously described configurations and additional layers and be designed accordingly.

In the 9 a special embodiment of an arrangement of the structures 4 of the at least one first area 2 is shown. Several structures 4 of a group are arranged relative to one another in such a way that this arrangement of structures 4 forms several individual symbols 8 , which symbols 8 are contained in view 6 of image motif 9 , or view 6 is also formed by that of symbols 8 becomes. The individual micromirrors 5 which form a symbol 8 are at a smaller distance from one another than from the other micromirrors 5 in the same group. In the embodiment shown, the micromirrors 5 are shown enlarged and not to scale, in order to show a possible formation of the symbols 8 to show clearly. The symbols 8 are embodied as a “T” in the form shown, for example. However, under "symbol" all possible shapes are indicated which represent a structure, a pattern or a recognizable shape. The symbols 8 of a group can also be designed differently. These symbols 8 can be seen with the naked eye, or else only under magnification.

In addition, the optical effect layer 7 can be designed in such a way that it produces an effect that emphasizes the symbols 8 or improves their recognizability.

In the Figures 7-9 a further and possibly independent embodiment of the security element is shown, the same reference numerals or component designations as in the preceding figures being used again for the same parts. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding figures.

Again, it should be pointed out that the term "micromirror" is only used as a possible variant and to improve understanding of the achromatic, reflecting structures, but it can also be a matter of optically effective facets or other optically effective elements, which as structures of a Group can be formed flashing.

The exemplary embodiments show possible variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated variants of the same, but rather that various combinations of the individual variants with one another are also possible and this possibility of variation is based on the teaching on technical action through the present invention in skills of the specialist working in this technical field.

The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings should be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can represent independent inventive solutions. The task on which the independent inventive solutions are based can be found in the description.

All information on value ranges in the present description is to be understood in such a way that it also includes any and all sub-ranges, e.g. the information to is to be understood in such a way that all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit and the upper limit, are also included, i.e. all sub-ranges starting with a lower limit of or greater and ending at an upper limit of or less, e.g., up to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to.

Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be pointed out that some elements are shown not to scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced in size for a better understanding of the structure.

list of reference numbers

1

security element

2

first area

3

second area

4

structures

5

micro mirror

6

Opinion

7

optical effect layer

8th

symbols

9

motif

10

light source

11

absorber layer

12

spacer layer

13

reflective layer

14

backing layer

15

protective layer

16

color shifting pigments

17

opposite side

18

reinforcing layer

19

another layer

20

location

21

intermediate layer

Claims (20)

Security element (1), in particular for securities, security paper or security objects, such as banknotes, identity cards, credit cards,
wherein the security element (1) has at least a first region (2) with structures (4), which structures (4) are embodied as achromatic, reflective structures, and wherein a group is formed by means of a plurality of structures (4) whose orientations are matched to one another in this way are that through the structures (4) in an observation room a view (6) of an image motif (9) is displayed, with the security element (1) as a movement effect of the image motif (9) different from a viewing angle and/or a light source (10) has dependent views (6) of the image motif (9), wherein in each view (6) the structures (4) of a group are designed to light up, the groups being disjoint in pairs;
characterized in that an optical effect layer (7) is provided and;
that the structures (4) are completely or partially covered by the optical effect layer (7).
and/or that the structures (4) are embedded in the optical effect layer (7), so that the structures (4) are surrounded by the optical effect layer (7). Security element (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the achromatic, reflecting structures are designed as micromirrors (5). Security element (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the optical effect layer (7) is designed as a thin-layer element and has at least one absorber layer (11) and at least one spacer layer (12). Security element (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the optical effect layer (7) designed as a thin-layer element is designed as a color-shifting layer or comprises a color-shifting layer. The security element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical effect layer (7) designed as a thin-layer element further comprises at least one reflection layer (13), the at least one spacer layer (12) is arranged between the at least one absorber layer (11) and the at least one reflection layer (13). The security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reflective layer (13) is applied to the structures (4), in particular printed and/or vapor-deposited. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical effect layer (7) contains color-changing pigments, in particular interference pigments or liquid crystal pigments The security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a color shift effect occurs in the optical effect layer (7) when the light source (10) is moved and/or when the viewing angle is changed. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical effect layer (7) has metallic pigments and/or magnetic pigments and/or colored pigments and/or dyes. The security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical effect layer (7) has at least one layer (18) reinforcing the color shift effect on a side (17) facing away from a visible side. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical effect layer (7) is printed and/or vapor-deposited onto the structures (4). Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical effect layer (7) has at least one liquid crystal layer, in particular a cholesteric liquid crystal layer. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition to the optical effect layer (7) there is an optically non-linear layer or an optically non-linear layer and/or a layer which contains fluorescent pigments and/or fluorescent substances is The security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of structures (4) of a group are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the arrangement of the structures forms a plurality of individual symbols (8), which symbols (8) in the view ( 6) of the motif (9) are included. The security element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the security element (1) is equipped with further color-shifting layers, in particular layers with color-shifting pigments or liquid crystals and/or with machine-readable features, the machine-readable features being in particular Magnetic coding, electrically conductive layers, electromagnetic waves absorbing and / or re-emitting materials. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the security element (1) has additional layers, which additional layers include in particular protective lacquers, heat-sealing lacquers, adhesives, primers and/or foils. The security element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a carrier layer (14) made of a plastic, the plastic in particular being formed from a translucent and/or thermoplastic plastic, and in that the carrier layer preferably consists of at least one of the materials from the group polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone, (PEEK) polyetherketone (PEK), polyethyleneimide (PEI) , polysulfone (PSU), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystalline polymers (LCP), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin copolymers (COC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and ethylene tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene fluoroterpolymer (EFEP) and/or mixtures and/or copolymers of these materials or is made from at least one of these materials. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one absorber layer (11) contains at least one metallic material, in particular selected from the group consisting of nickel, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, palladium, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, includes niobium, aluminum, silver, copper and/or alloys of these materials or is made from at least one of these materials. The security element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one reflection layer (13) contains at least one metallic material, in particular selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, aluminum, gold, platinum, niobium, tin, or nickel, titanium , vanadium, chromium, cobalt and palladium or alloys of these materials, in particular cobalt-nickel alloys or at least one high-index dielectric material with a refractive index greater than 1.65, in particular selected from the group zinc sulfide (ZnS), zinc oxide (ZnO), Titanium Dioxide (TiO ₂ ), Carbon (C), Indium Oxide (In ₂ O ₃ ), Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), Tantalum Pentoxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ), Cerium Oxide (CeO ₂ ), Yttrium Oxide (Y ₂ O ₃ ), Europium oxide (Eu ₂ O ₃ ), iron oxides such as iron(II,III) oxide (Fe ₃ O ₄ ) and iron(III) oxide (Fe ₂ O ₃ ), hafnium nitride (HfN), hafnium carbide (HfC), hafnium oxide ( HfO ₂ ), lanthanum oxide (La ₂ O ₃ ), magnesium oxide (MgO), neodymium oxide (Nd ₂ O ₃ ), praseodymium oxide (Pr ₆ O ₁₁ ), samarium oxide (Sm ₂ O ₃ ), antimony trioxide (Sb ₂ O ₃ ), silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si ₃ N ₄ ), silicon monoxide (SiO), selenium trioxide (Se ₂ O ₃ ), tin oxide (SnO ₂ ), tungsten trioxide (WO ₃ ), high-index organic monomers and/or high-index organic polymers or is made from at least one of these materials. The security element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one spacer layer is a low refractive dielectric material with a refractive index less than or equal to 1.65, in particular selected from the Aluminum oxide group (Al ₂ O ₃ ), metal fluorides, for example magnesium fluoride (MgF ₂ ), aluminum fluoride (AlF ₃ ), cerium fluoride (CeF ₃ ), sodium aluminum fluorides (e.g. Na ₃ AlF ₆ or Na ₅ Al ₃ Fl ₄ ), Silicon oxide (SIO _x ), silicon dioxide (SiO ₂ ), neodymium fluoride (NdF3), lanthanum fluoride (LaF ₃ ), samarium fluoride (SmF ₃ ), barium fluoride (BaF ₂ ), calcium fluoride (CaF ₂ ), lithium fluoride (LiF), low refractive index organic monomers and /or low-index organic polymers or at least one high-index dielectric material with a refractive index greater than 1.65, in particular selected from the group zinc sulfide (ZnS), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ), carbon (C), indium oxide (In ₂ O ₃ ), indium tin oxide (ITO), tantalum pentoxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ), cerium oxide (CeO ₂ ), yttrium oxide (Y ₂ O ₃ ), europium oxide (Eu ₂ O ₃ ), iron oxides such as iron(II ,III) oxide (Fe ₃ O ₄ ) and ferric oxide (Fe ₂ O ₃ ), hafnium nitride (HfN), hafnium carbide (HfC), hafnium oxide (HfO ₂ ), lanthanum oxide (La ₂ O ₃ ), magnesium oxide (MgO), neodymium oxide (Nd ₂ O ₃ ), praseodymium oxide (Pr ₆ O ₁₁ ), samarium oxide (Sm ₂ O ₃ ), antimony trioxide (Sb ₂ O ₃ ), silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si ₃ N ₄ ), silicon monoxide (SiO), selenium trioxide (Se ₂ O ₃ ), tin oxide (SnO ₂ ), tungsten trioxide (WO ₃ ), high-index organic monomers and/or high-index organic polymers or is made from at least one of these materials .

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