Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
  • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
  • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
  • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
  • B42D25/36—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery comprising special materials
  • B42D25/364—Liquid crystals
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
  • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
  • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
  • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
  • B42D25/324—Reliefs
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
  • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
  • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
  • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
  • B42D25/328—Diffraction gratings; Holograms
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
  • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
  • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
  • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
  • B42D25/351—Translucent or partly translucent parts, e.g. windows
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
  • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
  • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
  • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
  • B42D25/36—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery comprising special materials
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
  • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
  • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
  • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
  • B42D25/36—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery comprising special materials
  • B42D25/378—Special inks
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
  • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
  • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
  • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
  • B42D25/36—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery comprising special materials
  • B42D25/378—Special inks
  • B42D25/391—Special inks absorbing or reflecting polarised light
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
  • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
  • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
  • B42D25/40—Manufacture
  • B42D25/405—Marking
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
  • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
  • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
  • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
  • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
  • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
  • G02F1/1334—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods based on polymer dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
  • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
  • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
  • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
  • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
  • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
  • G02F1/1335—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
  • G02F1/133504—Diffusing, scattering, diffracting elements
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
  • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
  • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
  • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
  • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
  • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
  • G02F1/1343—Electrodes
  • G02F1/13439—Electrodes characterised by their electrical, optical, physical properties; materials therefor; method of making
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
  • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
  • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
  • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
  • G02F1/137—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
  • G03H—HOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS
  • G03H1/00—Holographic processes or apparatus using light, infrared or ultraviolet waves for obtaining holograms or for obtaining an image from them; Details peculiar thereto
  • G03H1/0005—Adaptation of holography to specific applications
  • G03H1/0011—Adaptation of holography to specific applications for security or authentication
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
  • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
  • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
  • B42D25/20—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose
  • B42D25/23—Identity cards
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
  • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
  • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
  • B42D25/20—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose
  • B42D25/29—Securities; Bank notes
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
  • G02F2202/00—Materials and properties
  • G02F2202/04—Materials and properties dye

Definitions

• the invention relates to a security element, a security document having at least one security element, a transfer film having at least one
• Security documents such as banknotes, passports, ID cards,
• safety features light-diffractive »diffractive structures such as holograms may have.
• Security elements provide the viewer with memorable optically variable effects, for example when tilting the security element. Also used as security elements optically variable thin film layer elements that convey a viewer under different viewing angles, for example, a different color impression.
• security elements can be found today on a variety of security documents, such as banknotes, so that the layman hardly considered them in everyday use, whereby counterfeiting or manipulation are recognized less frequently, especially by lay people.
• the invention is now based on the object to provide an optically variable security element with an improved visual appearance. This task is characterized by a security element for identifying a
• Security document in particular a banknote or an ID document, having a top side and a bottom side, wherein the security element has at least one electrically variable in their optical effect layer, in which the at least one in their optical effect electrically changeable layer in an electric field orientable
• the at least one in their optical effect electrically changeable layer further comprises rod-shaped dye molecules, and further the Alignments of the longitudinal axes of the rod-shaped dye molecules as a function of the orientations of the longitudinal axes of the spatially
• the liquid crystals which can be aligned in the electric field are designed in such a way that the liquid crystals which can be aligned in the electric field
• a security document in particular a banknote or an I D document, with at least one
• Security element is arranged detachably on a carrier film of the transfer film. It is also possible that the security element is integrated in a laminating film. Furthermore, this object is achieved by a method for
• Contrast enhancement increases the recognition rate for laymen, especially under unfavorable lighting conditions.
• Such a contrast enhancement is achieved without increasing the layer thickness of the electrically variable in their optical effect layer. As a result, such a
• Security element on security documents with a small thickness, such as banknotes, are used without the overall impression, the substitutability or durability of the security document by the
• Security element are significantly influenced.
• such a security element can be designed to be flexible, so that the
• Security element for example, cost as a film body in one
• the contrast enhancement is achieved by the liquid crystal molecules in combination with the rod-shaped dye molecules or by the liquid crystals, which are simultaneously referred to as
• Liquid crystals have different absorption coefficients for
• electromagnetic radiation in particular in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm and preferably between 430 nm and 690 nm, for
• the at least one has in its optical effect
• variable layer different rod-shaped dye molecules and different simultaneously acting as dye molecules
• Liquid crystals which have different absorption spectra and in particular at different wavelengths have their absorption maximum, on. These differ thus in the color, which they for the
• the longitudinal axes of the rod-shaped dye molecules are variable depending on the alignments of the longitudinal axes of the spatially adjacent liquid crystal alignable in the electric field, incident light is absorbed by the rod-shaped dye molecules depending on the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules and thus depending on the orientation of the rod-shaped dye molecules.
• the rod-shaped dye molecules can thus absorb incident light in addition to the effects caused by the liquid crystals.
• the liquid crystals acting as dye molecules are alignable like liquid crystals in an electric field and simultaneously act as
• Dye molecules acting liquid crystals in the electric field certain wavelengths of incident light are absorbed to different degrees, since the same time acting as dye molecules liquid crystals have different absorption coefficients for different molecular axes. By simultaneously acting as dye molecules
• Liquid crystals a change between an opaque, colored state of the electrically variable in their optical effect layer and a transparteren state of the electrically variable in their optical effect layer is achieved.
• the change in the intensity of the color arises here through the
• Dye molecules acting liquid crystal and their orientation to the incident light certain wavelengths are absorbed more strongly.
• Dye molecules and / or the same time acting as dye molecules gossigkristaHe achieved, so that no further layers are necessary for this change.
• the small layer thickness of the electrically variable in their optical effect layer while changing between a more opaque, colored state and a more transparent,
• Dye molecules in particular with absorption maxima in different wavelength ranges to mix together This can be achieved by
• Adjustment of the respective mixing ratio and a different color than that of the pure rod-shaped dye molecules can be adjusted.
• rod-shaped dye molecules with one or more conventional dyes Do not align with the molecular axes of the liquid crystals to mix.
• a mixed color A which results from the absorption spectra of the respective rod-shaped and conventional dye molecules.
• changeable layer changes only the orientation of the rod-shaped dye molecules and thus their absorption coefficient at a certain wavelength.
• the absorption spectrum of the conventional dye molecules is not influenced thereby, so that this results in a new, different from color A color B.
• This color B is dominated by the color of the conventional dye molecules.
• the opaque state of the electrically changeable layer in terms of its optical effect is also referred to as an opaque, closed, switched off, colored or de-energized state.
• the more transparent state of the layer, which is electrically variable in its optical effect, also becomes a transparent, open, color-weaker or switched-on state
• the optical effect of the electrically changeable layer relates, for example, to the degree of transmission, the color, the optical density, the polarization of the light or the light scattering.
• Under color is understood to mean any color in a color model such.
• the layer which is electrically variable in its optical effect can thus change the coloration under the action of an electric field from a first color point to a second color point within a color space.
• a change of color can also be a
• Change the contrast for example, from black to white or from dark-green to light-green.
• a change of color can also be a
• the transmittance, the color, the optical density, the polarization of the light or the light scattering of at least one of their optical effect electrically variable layer can be changed depending on the applied voltage continuously between two extreme values, eg. B.
• the rod-shaped dye molecules are based on their
• Chopsticks form with their longitudinal axes on the longitudinal axes of spatially adjacent in the electric field alignable liquid crystals. If, for example, the alignment of the longitudinal axes of the liquid crystals that can be oriented in an electric field is changed by an electric field, the longitudinal axes of the rod-shaped dye molecules are aligned in accordance with the differently oriented longitudinal axes of the in the electric field
• the rod-shaped dye molecules in this case depend in particular according to the spatially adjacent Liquid crystals off. Spatially adjacent here are those liquid crystals which directly surround the corresponding rod-shaped dye molecules. Since the spatial extent of the rod-shaped dye molecules along their longitudinal axis is significantly greater than the extension of the rod-shaped dye molecules along their transverse axis and thus their length is significantly greater than their width, the rod-shaped dye molecules have a length-to-width ratio, which differs from 1 differentiates. Preferably, this ratio is greater than or equal to 2, preferably greater than or equal to 3, and more preferably greater than or equal to 5.
• viewing angle means both the angle at which the at least one layer of the security element which is electrically variable in its optical effect is viewed by a viewer, and the angle at which the at least one layer of the security element which is electrically variable in its optical effect illuminated by a lighting device.
• the viewing angle is that between the surface normal of the bottom of the
• Security element spanned level and the viewing direction of an observer included angles understood. Likewise is called
• Viewing angle understood between the surface normal of the plane defined by the underside of the security element plane and the illumination direction of a lighting device included angle. For example, a viewer looks perpendicular to the surface of the security element at the viewing angle of 0 °, and at a viewing angle of 70 °, a viewer looks at the camera at a shallow angle
• Safety element Changes the viewing direction of the observer or the illumination direction of the illumination device, consequently, the viewing angle changes.
• the alignment efficiency of the longitudinal axes of the rod-shaped dye molecules with respect to the longitudinal axes of the liquid crystal alignable in the electric field is between 50% and 100%, preferably between 70% and 100%. The higher the alignment efficiency of the longitudinal axes of the rod-shaped dye molecules based on the
• rod-shaped dye molecules having the same orientation as the alignable in the electric field liquid crystals.
• An alignment efficiency of 30% means that, for example, the longitudinal axes of 300 rod-shaped dye molecules of a total of 1000
• rod-shaped dye molecules have the same orientation as the alignable in the electric field liquid crystals.
• the rod-shaped dye molecules are soluble, nonionic, chemically, photochemically and / or electrochemically stable dye molecules. This makes it possible to use the duration of the Security elements increase, for example, the optical
• rod-shaped dye molecules are conjugate dye molecules, preferably conjugated, aromatic dye molecules. Further, it is possible that the rod-shaped dye molecules are linear, polycyclic, aromatic, conjugated dye molecules.
• Such dye molecules have suitable absorption properties for light in a wavelength range which is visible to the human eye, in particular in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm.
• Dye molecules have one or more heteroatoms, in particular one or more nitrogen atoms or one or more oxygen atoms. In this way, the absorption properties of the rod-shaped dye molecules can be further influenced. Furthermore, it is also possible that the rod-shaped dye molecules have at least one molecule based on an anthraquinone dye and / or an azo dye.
• the liquid crystals which can be oriented in an electric field and which are designed in such a way that the liquid crystals which can be aligned in the electric field simultaneously act as dye molecules include molecules from the group of oligo (p-phenylene-vinylenes) (OPV) , in particular OPV oligomers. It is advantageous if the oligomers of at least two, preferably three phenylene-vinylene blocks exist
• the liquid crystals acting simultaneously as dye molecules have a maximum of ten phenylene-vinylene units and in particular only five phenylene-vinylene units (pentamers). This results in a sufficiently low phase transition temperature between the liquid crystal phases which is compatible with roll-to-roll printing processes.
• the concentration of the rod-shaped dye molecules in the at least one electrically variable in their optical effect layer is between 0.05 weight percent and 4 weight percent, preferably between 0.15
• Percent by weight and 2.0 percent by weight and more preferably between 0.5 percent by weight and 2.0 percent by weight.
• the rod-shaped dye molecules absorb light in a visible to the human eye wavelength range, preferably in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm, more preferably in
• Field vector perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped dye molecules a lower absorption for a certain wavelength of incident light undergoes as light, whose electric field vector is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped dye molecules.
• light propagating parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped dye molecules experiences less absorption than light which propagates perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped dye molecules.
• Wavelength with the strongest absorption in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm.
• the ratio of the light absorbed by the rod-shaped dye molecules, which is polarized perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped dye molecules, to absorbed light which is polarized parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped dye molecules at least 2, preferably at least 4, more preferably at least 10, and more preferably at least 20.
• the rod-shaped dye molecules can produce a switchable color.
• the rod-shaped dye molecules can thus determine the sparkleness of the at least one layer which is electrically changeable in its optical action, in particular in the more opaque, colored state.
• the rod-shaped dye molecules can thus for example produce the colors red, green, magenta, black, cyan, yellow, blue as color point within a color space, for example of the CMYK color model.
• the at least one in their optical effect electrically changeable layer mechanically reinforced.
• a support layer contributes, on the one hand, to the mechanical stabilization of the at least one layer that is electrically variable in its optical effect and, on the other hand, to standardize the distance between further layers that the security element has.
• a first and second electrode layer between which at least a part of the at least one in their optical effect electrically changeable layer is arranged, of importance.
• Such a standardization of the distance makes it possible to keep the electric field as constant as possible over the region of the at least one layer which is electrically variable in its optical effect and to homogeneously switch the optical effect of the at least one electrically variable layer.
• the support layer is designed to be electrically insulating. As a result, an electrical short circuit, for example, between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is avoided. Furthermore, it is possible that a sealing or optical delimitation of the at least one layer which is electrically variable in its optical effect and / or an optimization of the adhesion of further layers can be achieved by the support layer.
• the support layer it is possible for the support layer to form a frame around one or more subregions of the at least one layer that is electrically changeable in its optical effect. This makes it possible to further mechanically stabilize the at least one in their optical effect electrically changeable layer.
• the frame forms a visually recognizable design element.
• a visually recognizable design element may be, for example, a graphically-designed outline, a figurative representation, an image, a motif, a symbol, a logo, a portrait, a pattern, an alphanumeric character, a text, and the like.
• the support layer is colored, in particular if the support layer has one or more dyes and / or pigments. It is also possible that the support layer is colored in areas. Thus, the support layer can be present in regions as an opaque colored support layer and / or as a partially transparent support layer. According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the support layer is present in one or more first zones and does not exist in one or more second zones, wherein the support layer in the one or more first zones has a height between 1 pm and 50 pm, preferably between 2 ⁇ m and 30 ⁇ m, more preferably between 3 ⁇ m and 20 ⁇ m. It has surprisingly been found that the mechanical stability of the at least one layer which is electrically variable in its optical effect can be further improved by means of a support layer configured in this way.
• the distance between the one or more first zones is between 5 pm and 500 pm, preferably between 10 pm and 300 pm, more preferably between 20 pm and 150 pm, and that the security element in the one or more second Zones which has at least one electrically variable in their optical effect layer.
• the layer which is electrically variable in its optical action typically has a high content of liquid crystals, in particular a proportion between 50% and 99% of liquid crystals, on.
• liquid crystals are preferably uncrosslinked or only slightly cross-linked in order to ensure the required mobility for the switching of the layer which is electrically variable in its optical effect.
• the stability of the security element is increased and thus reduces its susceptibility to mechanical damage.
• the distance between the one or more first zones is constant. Further, it is also possible that the distance between the one or more first zones varies, for example, in a uniform grid or even randomly or pseudo-randomly varied.
• the one or more first zones are arranged according to a one-dimensional or two-dimensional grid.
• a pattern in particular for the presentation of a first information, are configured.
• a pattern may be, for example, a graphically designed outline, a figurative representation, an image, a motif, a symbol, a logo, a portrait, an alphanumeric character, a text, and the like.
• the security element has a first electrode layer and a second one
• Electrode layer between which at least a portion of the at least one in their optical effect electrically changeable layer is arranged is particularly preferred. It is particularly preferred if the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are formed as an upper and lower electrode layer, which are arranged above or below the at least one in their optical effect electrically variable layer.
• Location labels above / above and below / below here is the relative position with respect to an observer of the security element, in particular applied to a substrate, such as a
• an upper electrode layer is located closer to an observer than a lower electrode layer.
• Electrode layer of the upper electrode layer It is now possible that the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are formed perpendicular to the plane defined by the underside of the security element and at least a part of the at least one layer which is electrically variable in its optical effect is arranged between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.
• Voltage to the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is generated in the space between the two electrodes, an electric field, which aligns the alignable in an electric field
• Liquid crystals changed.
• the electrodes can be connected to a power source which generates the electrical voltage.
• the optical effect of at least one in their optical effect electrically changeable layer can be done by a voluntary action of a user, eg. B. by bending a piezoelectric energy source or actuation of a button or other switching element with a triggered thereby applied to the electrodes with an electrical voltage and / or the at least one in their optical effect electrically changeable layer with a
• the solar cell can be, for example, an organic, in particular flexible, solar cell that can be produced by means of printing technologies.
• Other possible sources of energy include batteries, capacitors, or one or more
• Antenna elements by external, on the one or more
• Antenna elements acting electromagnetic fields can generate electrical signals. These electrical signals have the necessary for the circuit of at least one electrically variable in their optical effect layer necessary power and / or
• the electric field between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer has field strengths in the range of 0.25 ⁇ 10 4 V / cm to 5.0 ⁇ 10 4 V / cm, preferably in the range of 0.75-10 4 V / cm to 3.5-10 4 V / cm and more preferably in the range of 0.75 0 4 V / cm to 2.5-10 4 V / cm.
• the electrode layers are preferably made of materials with a good electrical conductivity of more than 10 -3 S / cm and preferably more than 1 S / cm, where it is possible for the first electrode layer and / or the second electrode layer to comprise a layer of polyethylene dioxythipes
• first electrode layer and / or the second electrode layer may be a layer of indium tin oxide (ITO).
• ITO indium tin oxide
• Such layers are transparent, electrically conductive layers.
• first electrode layer and / or the second electrode layer is / are transparent or semi-transparent.
• first electrode layer and / or the second electrode layer is a thin metal layer of gold, silver, chromium, copper or aluminum, in particular with a layer thickness between 0.5 nm and 50 nm, or fine wires or Filigree lines of the above-mentioned metals, in particular with a diameter or width between 1 pm and 100 pm.
• the first electrode layer and / or the second electrode layer consists of a
• the first electrode layer and / or the second electrode layer consist of a double layer, wherein the first layer of this double layer of filigree lines of silver or aluminum with a width of z. B. 5 pm and a thickness of the filigree lines of z. B. 30 nm and a mean distance of the filigree lines of z. B. 200 pm and the second layer of this double layer is a full-surface layer of Polyethylendioxythipen
• the second layer may alternatively consist of ITO (indium tin oxide).
• Electrode layer provided in a first region and not provided in a second region, wherein the first region is designed pattern-shaped, in particular configured to display a second information.
• a pattern may be, for example, a graphically designed outline, a figurative representation " an image, a motif, a symbol, a logo, a portrait, an alphanumeric character, a text, and the like. That's the way it is
• the upper electrode layer it is possible for the upper electrode layer to be reflective, metallized. It is advantageous to provide the metallization only partially, z. As filigree lines or other graphical elements with low surface coverage, the visibility of the underlying
• the first electrode layer is first in at least a third area
• Electrode layer consists of several layers, wherein not all of the layers must have a good conductivity. So can
• the first electrode layer consist of a replication lacquer layer into which first microstructures in at least a third area are formed, and a metal layer, which is applied at least partially directly in the form of a metallization on the Replizierlack harsh.
• the metal layer forms the conductive layer of the first electrode layer and, in addition, clearly shows the optical effects generated by the first microstructures.
• the at least one third region has one or more partial regions, into which at least two different first regions
• Microstructures in particular two different color effects generating first microstructures are molded. This makes it possible, the
• Falsification security of the security element to further increase, for example, several different and memorable color effects are generated for a viewer in the sub-areas.
• the area occupancy of the individual subareas is such that they can be resolved by the unarmed human eye and / or can not be resolved by the unaided human eye.
• the individual color effects of the individual subregions are superimposed on a human observer such that they produce a mixed color, for example, according to the RGB color model.
• the first electrode layer is the first electrode layer
• Support layer is absent, and does not have in the one or more first zones in which the support layer is present. It is thus possible for the support layer or the one or more first zones of the support layer to form a partial layer of the first electrode layer.
• the one or more first zones of the backing layer may be molded into the replication lacquer layer of the first electrode layer, and first microstructures may be molded in the spaces between the one or more first zones.
• the first electrode layer has a metal layer which is in the form of a metal layer
• the first microstructures produce at least one color effect in the range of the wavelengths visible to the human eye, in particular in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm.
• the first microstructures produce the at least one color effect by light scattering and / or refraction and / or interference,
• the first microstructures are first diffractive relief structures and / or binary microstructures and / or multi-stage microstructures.
• diffraction structures zero order are selected from the group Kinegram ®, holograms, diffraction structures zero order, blazed grating, in particular asymmetric sawtooth relief structures, diffractive structures in particular linear sinusoidal grating or crossed sinusoidal diffraction grating or linear single or multi rectangular grid or crossed single- or multistage Rectangular gratings, mirror surfaces, matt structures, in particular anisotropic or isotropic matt structures, or combinations of these structures.
• the binary microstructures consist of a base plane parallel to the plane defined by the underside of the security element and a plurality of first elements, wherein first element surfaces of the first elements each extend substantially parallel to the base plane and wherein the first element surfaces of the first first
• Security element extending direction are spaced at a first distance which is chosen so that in particular by interference of the light reflected at the base surface and the first element surfaces light and / or in particular by interference of the light transmitted through the first element surfaces and the base surfaces in the transmitted light Color is generated.
• the first distance is between 150 nm and 1500 nm. It is also possible that the binary microstructures are designed such that they generate the color in the first diffraction order or in scattered light.
• the first elements are formed and arranged such that at least 10% of the incident light, in particular between 20% of the incident light and 90% of the incident light, more preferably between 30% and 70% of the incident light from the Zero order is deflected, in particular, is deflected by scattering or diffraction. Further, it is possible that at least a lateral extent of the projection of each first element onto the ground plane is between 0.25 pm to 50 m, preferably between 0.75 and 10 pm, and / or that the minimum distance of adjacent first elements is not greater than 300 ⁇ and in particular between 0.5 and 300 pm, preferably between 0.5 pm and 50 ⁇ is selected. Furthermore, it is possible for the shaping and / or positioning of the first elements to be varied pseudorandomly.
• the binary microstructures consist of a plurality of adjacent second elements, wherein second
• Element surfaces of the second elements are arranged parallel to each other and the second elements each have a subsequent to the respective second element surface edge, wherein the second element surfaces
• Element faces standing are spaced at a second distance, wherein the second distance between 150 nm and 1500 nm.
• at least three second elements are arranged such that the height of the binary microstructures corresponds to at least three times the second distance.
• the binary microstructures thus have a stepped or stepped pyramidal configuration.
• Such binary microstructures are also called multistage microstructures.
• the second elements it is possible for the second elements to follow an envelope, the envelope having a spatial frequency between 100 lines / mm and 2000 lines / mm and a height of more than 500 nm. It is also possible that the envelope has an asymmetric relief profile.
• Microstructures particularly memorable color effects or contrast changes in conjunction with the at least one in their optical effect electrically changeable layer can be achieved.
• the color effects produced by such first shaped diffractive relief structures and / or binary microstructures are of the more opaque state in their optical effect electrically changeable layer completely covered or obscured.
• the color effects of such first diffractive relief structures and / or binary microstructures formed in this way are clearly recognizable. As a result, high-contrast changes can be achieved.
• the layer which is electrically variable in its optical effect can be perceived as a homogeneous colored, opaque layer as long as the liquid crystals and the rod-shaped dye molecules are not aligned in an electric field.
• the effects of the first diffractive relief structures and / or the binary microstructures are masked.
• the layer which is electrically variable in its optical action becomes transparent and consequently, for example, the color effect of a binary microstructure becomes recognizable to a viewer.
• the second electrode layer has in at least a fourth region second microstructures, in particular second diffractive relief structures selected from the group Kinegram ® or holograms, diffraction structures zero order, blazed grating, in particular asymmetric sawtooth relief structures, diffractive structures in particular linear sinusoidal grating or crossed sinusoidal
• the at least one electrically variable layer in its optical effect on a plurality of spheres, which comprises the liquid crystals and the
• the spheres have a diameter of 0.1 ⁇ to 40 pm.
• the layer thickness of the at least one electrically variable layer having the plurality of spheres is at most 90 ⁇ m, preferably at most 45 ⁇ m, particularly preferably at maximum 15 ⁇ m. The thicker the layer thickness, the more effectively scatters or absorbs the
• first microstructures of the first or lower electrode layer visible to a viewer.
• the spheres are in one
• the liquid crystals in the spheres preferably remain mobile.
• the at least one layer which is electrically variable in its optical effect is arranged between a first alignment layer with a first preferred direction and a second alignment layer with a second preferred direction.
• the longitudinal axes of the liquid crystals are aligned in accordance with the first preferred direction of the first alignment layer or of the second preferred direction of the second alignment layer.
• surfactants such as surfactants, in particular to use lecithins, silanes or polyimides.
• the orientations of the longitudinal axes of the liquid crystals preferably rotate continuously from the first preferred direction to the second preferred direction.
• the rod-shaped dye molecules follow the rotation of the liquid crystals between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer. Further, it may be provided that in the electric field
• Alignable liquid crystals are cholesteric liquid crystals.
• first alignment layer and / or the second alignment layer is configured to be transparent or semi-transparent.
• the second alignment layer may be transparent and the first alignment layer to be reflective.
• Alignment layer is rotated, in particular rotated by 45 ° or 90 °. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the second preferred direction of the second alignment layer and the first preferred direction of the first
• Alignment layer have the same orientation.
• the first alignment layer and / or the second alignment layer have the same orientation.
• Relief structure determines the first preferred direction of the first alignment layer and / or the second preferred direction of the second alignment layer. It has surprisingly been found that the longitudinal axes of the liquid crystal also on diffractive relief structures, in particular on high-frequency diffractive relief structures such. B, zero-order diffraction structures. As the orientation of the longitudinal axes of the rod-shaped dye mole changes with the orientation of the longitudinal axes of the liquid crystals, the rod-shaped dye molecules follow the alignment of the liquid crystals.
• the first alignment layer and / or the second alignment layer has the third diffractive relief structure in at least one fifth region and a fourth diffractive relief structure in at least one sixth region, wherein the third diffractive relief structure and the fourth diffractive relief structure are in at least differ one of the parameters azimuth angle, grating period or lattice depth.
• the at least one fifth area and / or the at least one sixth area can be designed in a pattern, in particular for the purpose of displaying third information.
• a pattern can For example, a graphically designed outline, a figurative representation, an image, a motif, a symbol, a logo, a portrait, an alphanumeric character, a text and the like.
• the third diffractive relief structure and / or the fourth diffractive relief structure is a high-frequency, in particular sinusoidal, relief structure with a grating period between 190 nm and 500 nm, preferably 300 nm to 420 nm, and a grating depth of 50 nm to 500 nm, preferably 80 nm to 250 nm.
• Such high-frequency relief structures are also
• the security element has a reflection layer, in particular an HRI or LRI layer or a metal layer.
• the reflection layer is formed by a transparent reflection layer, for example a thin or finely structured metallic layer, for.
• a transparent reflection layer for example a thin or finely structured metallic layer, for.
• a dielectric HRI or LRI high refraction index - HRI, low refraction index - LRI.
• Such a dielectric reflection layer consists for example of a vapor-deposited layer of a metal oxide, metal sulfide, z. Example, titanium oxide, etc. with a thickness of 10 nm to 150 nm.
• the security element has at least one first polarizer layer.
• the at least one first polarizer layer may linearly polarize the light passing through the at least one first polarizer layer.
• Polarizer layer wherein between the at least one first polarizer layer and the second polarizer layer at least a portion of the at least one in their optical effect electrically changeable layer is arranged. Since only light which is the same can pass through the first polarizer layer and through the second polarizer layer
• Polarizer layer and / or the second polarizer layer absorbed.
• the second polarizer layer it is possible for the second polarizer layer to linearly polarize the light passing through the second polarizer layer.
• the at least one first polarizer layer and / or the one second polarizer layer is a layer of semicrystalline polymer.
• the at least one first polarizer layer and / or the one second polarizer layer has a layer thickness between 5 [im and 15 pm, preferably between 7 pm and 10 pm. This is the one by the use of a first Poiarisator Mrs and / or a second
• Polarizer layer possible, the contrast between an opaque state of the electrically variable in their optical effect layer and a more transparent state of the optical effect in their optical
• such a security element can be used on security documents with a small thickness, such as banknotes, without the overall impression, the usability or durability of the
• the at least one first polarizer layer and / or the one second polarizer layer has a chromaticity.
• the at least one first polarizer layer and / or the one second polarizer layer can have a transmission of light in the wavelength range between 400 nm and 550 nm of less than 30%.
• Security element on at least a first color filter layer, wherein the at least one in their optical effect electrically changeable layer and the at least one first color filter layer overlap each other at least partially.
• the security element has a second color filter layer, wherein at least part of the at least one electrically variable layer is arranged between the at least one first color filter layer and the second color filter layer and the at least one first color filter layer and the second color filter layer differ are colored.
• the at least one first color filter layer and / or the second color filter layer forms a pattern with differently colored
• a pattern may be, for example, a graphically designed outline, a figurative representation, an image, a motif, a symbol, a logo, a portrait, an alphanumeric character, a text, and the like.
• the security element has at least one effect layer, which influences the visual appearance of the security element.
• the at least one effect layer is an optically invariable layer, in particular at least one printed color layer.
• the at least one effect layer is an optically variable layer, in particular at least one color layer which has a binder and optically variable pigments.
• Optically variable pigments are to be understood here in particular as pigments, which, in particular due to interference effects, produce a color effect that is dependent on the viewing angle. In order to produce such a color-changing effect with high brilliance, the pigments must have a similar orientation to each other.
• Such pigments are, for example, optically variable pigments (OVP).
• a binder is understood as meaning a liquid material which contains various pigments and which can be transferred together with the pigments by means of a printing process.
• binders and pigments are, for example, optical variable inks (engl, opticaily variable ink - OVI ®), which generate in particular by interference effects an optically variable color impression.
• OVIs must be printed in large film thicknesses to produce a recognizable, high brilliance color-changing effect.
• the at least one effect layer a is possible that the at least one effect layer a
• Replizierlacksicht is in which fifth diffractive relief structures are formed, in particular Kinegram ® or holograms, Nulit order diffraction structures, Blazegitter, in particular asymmetric sawtooth relief structures, diffraction structures, in particular linear or crossed sinusoidal
• Replizierlacksicht are at least partially metallized. According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the at least one varies electrically in their optical effect
• the changeable layer in a predetermined manner. It is possible for the at least one layer, which can be changed electrically in terms of its optical effect, to have a linear extension over the width of the layer
• Has layer thickness change, or a radially outgoing from a point layer thickness change Since a thicker area of the at least one layer electrically changeable in its optical effect requires a longer time span or a higher electric field in order to change between the more opaque, colored state and the more transparent, weaker color state, in this way, with time and / or or with the applied voltage locally variable state change can be generated. For example, so also optical effects similar to a
• Movement effect of at least one electrically variable in their optical effect layer can be achieved.
• the security element perpendicular to that of the
• Security element for example, especially for thin and flexible
• Security element may be applied to check, as often as desired between the opaque state and the more transparent state of the at least one in their optical effect electrically changeable layer can be changed. It is particularly preferred if the security element as a whole is transparent or at least semi-transparent, provided that the at least one layer which is electrically variable in its optical effect is also switched into the transparent state. Seffle-transparent here is an optical density (OD) for a wavelength of 550 nm of less than 1, 0, preferably less than 0.6, more preferably less than 0.4, more preferably less than 0.3 and in particular preferably less than 0.2, understood.
• OD optical density
• the security element has at least one energy source controlling the at least one layer which is electrically variable in its optical effect, which can be, for example, a piezoelectric energy source with at least one layer of piezoelectric material.
• the energy source is a mechanically flexible designed
• Fluoropolymers and especially copolymers derived therefrom are also useful.
• the security element is arranged at least in regions in a transparent area of the security document and / or a window of the security document. By this arrangement, both sides of the security element are visible to a viewer. This makes it possible that the security element depending on
• Viewing direction viewing from the front or back
• incidence of light reflected light or transmitted light
• state of at least one in their optical effect electrically changeable layer more opaque, colored state or
• the security document may be, for example, a banknote, security, stock, credit card, bank card, cash card, customer card, ticket or an ID document such as an identification card, visa, driving license, in particular a chip card or a passport.
• Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b show schematic sectional views of a
• Fig. 1c shows a schematic sectional view of a
• Fig. 1d shows a schematic, enlarged detail of
• Fig. 2a and Fig. 2c show a schematic sectional view of a
• FIGS. 2b and 2d show a schematic top view of the
• FIGS. 3a and 3b show schematic sectional views of a
• FIGS. 4a to 4f show schematic plan views
• FIGS. 5a to 5e show schematic plan views
• 6a to 6c show schematic sectional views of a
• FIGS. 7a to 7c show schematic plan views
• FIG. 8 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a
• 9a and 9c show a schematic sectional view of a
• Fig. 9b and Fig. 9d show a schematic plan view of
• FIG. 10 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a
• Fig. 11 shows a schematic sectional view of a
• FIGS. 12a to 12c show schematic plan views
• FIGS. 13a and 13b show schematic sectional views of a security element
• Fig. 14 shows a schematic sectional view of a
• FIGS. 15a to 15f show schematic plan views
• FIG. 16a and FIG. 16b show a schematic sectional view of a
• Security document shows a schematic sectional view of a security document shows a schematic sectional representation of a transfer sheet
• FIG. 1 a and 1 b show a security element 1 with an upper side 10 and a lower side 20, which has an electrically variable in its optical effect layer 1 1, a first electrode layer 30, a second
• Electrode layer 31, an auxiliary layer 23, a support layer 21 and a reflective layer 60 has.
• the security element can, for. B. be attached by means of an adhesive layer on a substrate, wherein the adhesive layer z. B. between the reflective layer 60 and the substrate is arranged.
• the first electrode layer 30 and the second electrode layer 31 are embodied here as the lower electrode layer 30 and the upper electrode layer 31, between which at least a part of the layer 1 1 which is electrically variable in its optical effect is arranged.
• To the electrode layers 30, 31 can for generating an electric field between the Electrode layers 30, 31 are applied a voltage.
• the upper electrode layer 30 and the second electrode layer 31 are embodied here as the lower electrode layer 30 and the upper electrode layer 31, between which at least a part of the layer 1 1 which is electrically variable in its optical effect is arranged.
• Electrode 31 is preferably transparent, transient or semi-transparent z. B. from ITO or (PEDOT) / PSS trained. It is also possible that the
• Electrode layers as thin yetall harshen for example of gold, silver, chromium, copper or aluminum, in particular with a layer thickness between 0.5 nm and 50 nm, or as fine wires or filigree lines of the above metals, in particular with a diameter or width between 1 ⁇ and 100 m are formed.
• the optional auxiliary layer 23 may be, for example, an adhesive layer, an adhesion promoter layer, a stabilization layer, a protective layer, a leveling layer or a base layer.
• the support layer 21 which is perpendicular to that of the bottom 20 of the
• Seen security element spanned plane at least partially forms a frame around the electrically modifiable in their optical effect layer 1 1, for example, consist of a UV-cured lacquer.
• the support layer 21 contributes to a standardization of the distance between the first electrode layer 30 and the second electrode layer 31 in the region of the electrically variable in their optical effect layer 1 1, so that the electric field over the range of the electrically variable in their optical effect layer 11 is as constant as possible and the electrically variable in their optical effect layer 11 switches homogeneous.
• a sealing or optical delimitation of the at least one electrically variable layer 1 1 and / or an optimization of the adhesion of the second electrode layer 31 can be achieved.
• the support layer 21 can also be used as a delimiting frame for the applied in the liquid state in their serve optical effect electrically changeable layer 1 1, so that the electrically variable in their optical effect layer 1 1 register accurate, ie, relative position relative to the other layers applied locally limited, in particular printed and / or can be scrapered.
• the support layer 21 is formed electrically insulating to an electric
• the reflection layer 60 is formed as a metal layer, for example of gold, silver, chromium, copper or aluminum. It is also possible for the reflective layer 60 to be of a transparent or semi-transparent
• Reflection layer is formed, for example, a thin or finely structured metallic layer or a dielectric HRI or LRI (high refraction index - HRI, low refraction index - LRI).
• a dielectric reflection layer consists for example of a vapor-deposited layer of a metal oxide, metal sulfide, z. As titanium oxide, etc. with a thickness of 10 nm to 150 nm.
• the layer 11, which is electrically variable in its optical effect has spheres 19 which have liquid crystals 12 and rod-shaped dye molecules 13.
• the spheres Preferably, the spheres have a diameter of 0.1 pm to 40 pm.
• the layer thickness of the electrically variable in their optical effect layer 1 1 with the plurality of spheres 19 is a maximum of 90 pm, preferably a maximum of 45 pm, more preferably a maximum of 15 pm.
• the spheres 19 are bound, for example, in a polymer matrix of monomers which are polymerized by means of ultraviolet (UV) light.
• Fig. 1 c shows an enlarged view of a sphere 19, which
• Liquid crystals 12 and rod-shaped dye molecules 13 has.
• Fig. 1d again shows an enlarged view of a section 18 of Fig. 1c, which comprises a liquid crystal molecule 12 having a longitudinal axis 16 and a transverse axis 17 and a rod-shaped dye molecule 13 with a
• Longitudinal axis 14 and a transverse axis 15 shows.
• Suitable rod-shaped dye molecules 13 are, for example
• a and Q independently of one another nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur, preferably oxygen or sulfur, more preferably sulfur, and wherein R1 and R2 independently represent an unsubstituted or substituted aryl radical or an unsubstituted or substituted Heteroaryl, preferably an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl radical, means.
• R1 and R2 may be the same or different from each other.
• a suitable aryl radical preferably has at least 8 C atoms, more preferably 6 C atoms to 14 C atoms.
• a suitable aryl radical is, for example, a phenyl radical, a naphthyl radical, an anthryl radical or
• Phenanthrylrest preferably a phenyl radical.
• a suitable heteroaryl radical is, for example, a pyridyl radical, a quinoline radical or a 3-isoquinoline radical.
• the abovementioned aryl radicals, preferably phenylresyene, or heteroaryl radicals may have at least one C 1 to C 8 alkyl radical, having at least one C 1 to C 8 heteroalkyl radical, having at least one C 1 to C 8 alkoxy radical, having at least one C 1 to C 8 alkylsulfanyl radical, having at least one hydroxy radical and having at least one sulfanyl radical or substituted with at least one halogen atom.
• An aforementioned C1 to C5 alkyl radical is, for example, methyl, ethyl, 1-propyl, 2-propyl, n-but-1-yl, n-but-2-yl, t-but-1-yl or t-but-2-one yl.
• An aforementioned C1 to C8 heteroalkyl radical is, for example, methylamino, dimethylamino,
• Alkoxy is, for example, methoxy, ethoxy or propoxy.
• An aforementioned C1 to C8 alkylsulfanyl group is, for example, methylsulfanyl, ethylsulfanyl or propylsulfanyl.
• Suitable halogen atoms are, for example, fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.
• rod-shaped dye molecules 13 are, for example, anthraquinone dyes of the formulas (2) to (4).
• Suitable anthraquinone dyes of the formula (2) to (4) are commercially available from Nematel GmbH & Co. KG, Mainz, Germany.
• the rod-shaped dye molecules 13 are selected from the group consisting of 1, 5-bis (phenylsulfanyl) anthracenes-9,10-diones, 1, 5-bis (p-tolylsulfanyl) anthracenes-9,10- dione, 1, 5-bis [(4-tert-butylphenyl) sulfanyl] anthracenes-9,10-diones and mixtures thereof. It has proven useful when the concentration of rod-shaped
• Dye molecules 13 in the optically electrically modifiable layer 11 is between 0.05 weight percent and 4 weight percent, preferably between 0.15 weight percent and 2.0 weight percent, and more preferably between 0.5 weight percent and 2.0 weight percent.
• Suitable liquid crystals 12 are, for example, the mixture E7 from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
• a suitable polymer matrix can be prepared by polymerizing the monomers NOA65 from Norland Optical Adhesives, Cranbury, USA.
• the proportion of the liquid crystals 12 in the electrically variable in their optical effect layer 1 1 is for example between 50% and 99%. If no voltage is applied to the electrode layers 30, 31, the liquid crystals 12 are aligned isotropically on average, ie statistically or
• the rod-shaped dye molecules 13 are also aligned isotropically on average. Incident light is scattered on the one hand by the differences in the refractive index between the liquid crystals 12 and the polymer, and on the other hand partly, i. H. absorbed as a function of the orientation of the longitudinal axes 14 of the rod-shaped FarbstoffmoSeküle 13. As a result, the electrically variable layer 1 1 is opaque in its optical effect. Depending on
• the opacity of the electrically variable in their optical effect layer 1 1 in the de-energized, d. H. turned off state improved and optionally produces a colorfulness.
• the opacity, d. H. the opacity depends on the thickness along the
• the opacity is dependent on the temperature. The higher the temperature, the higher the opacity, especially due to the
• FIGS. 2 a to 2d illustrate the mode of operation of a security element 1 having a layer 11 which is electrically variable in its optical effect, a first electrode layer 30, a second electrode layer 31, a
• Auxiliary layer 23 a support layer 21 and a reflective layer 80.
• a viewer 5 looks from above onto the security element 1, which is illuminated in incident light with white light from a light source 6.
• the layer 1 1 which is electrically variable in its optical effect can be switched between an opaque state as shown in FIG. 2 a and a transparent state as shown in FIG. 2 c.
• Dye molecules 13 absorbed.
• the rod-shaped dye molecules 13 generate in Fig. 2a due to their light-absorbing property to the viewer 5 a color, d. H. here a red color.
• the electrically variable layer 1 1 in its optical effect is consequently opaque and has a red color. Ideally, only a small proportion of the incident light reaches the reflection layer 60. In this case, the proportion of the light which reaches the reflection layer 80 in the opaque state determines the contrast of the layer 1 which is electrically variable in its optical effect electrically changeable
• the security element 1 thus appears, for example, opaque red except for the frame 22 formed by the support layer 21, as shown in FIG. 2b, since the layer 11 which is electrically variable in its optical effect is opaque and red.
• Reflective layer 60 reflects and again traverses the layer 11 that is electrically variable in its optical effect. The observer 5 can thus recognize the light reflected by the reflection layer 60, since both the
• rod-shaped dye molecules 13 is minimal.
• the layer 11 of the security element 1 which is electrically variable in its optical effect, is thus transparent except for the frame 22 formed by the support layer 21, as shown in FIG. 2d.
• the material of the support layer 21 may also be transparent
• FIG. 3a and Fig. 3b show a further embodiment of the
• Security element 1 which is a first
• variable layer 11 has.
• the first electrode layer 30 and the second electrode layer 31 are configured here as lower electrode layer 30 and upper electrode layer 31.
• the lower electrode layer 30 has first microstructures in the region 37. Further, the lower electrode layer 30 in the zones 27 a
• the metal layer 30m lets through the first
• Microstructures generated optical effects clearly emerge or amplifies the generated optical effects.
• the upper electrode layer 31 and / or the lower electrode layer 30 can consist of several layers.
• the lower electrode layer 30 can be made from a
• Replizierlackmaschine exist, in which at least partially first
• Microstructures are formed, and a metal layer exist, which is applied at least partially in the form of a metallization on the Replizieriack Mrs.
• the metal layer then forms the conductive layer of the lower electrode layer 30 and clearly reveals the optical effects generated by the first microstructures.
• the support layer 21 is present in the zones 26 and not present in the zones 27.
• the support layer 21 has in the zones 28 a height 28 between 1 pm and 50 pm, preferably between 2 pm and 30 m, more preferably between 3 pm and 20 pm.
• the distance 29 between the zones 26 is between 5 pm and 500 pm, preferably between 10 pm and 300 pm, more preferably between 20 pm and 150 pm.
• the security element 1 in the zones 27 the electrically variable in their optical effect layer 11. As shown in Fig. 3a, the distance 29 between the zones 26, in which the support layer 21 is present, constant. However, it is also possible that the distance 29 varies.
• the support layer 21 can be printed, for example, in the zones 28.
• the support layer 21 is designed to be electrically insulating, so that an electrical short circuit between the lower
• Electrode layer 30 and the upper electrode layer 31 is avoided. It is also possible that the support layer 21 is formed from a photoresist.
• a photoresist for this purpose, for example, a partial layer, in particular an aluminum layer, is applied in regions to a transparent base layer. On the partially applied metal layer, a photoresist is applied, the photoresist is exposed through the partially applied yetall harsh through.
• the partially applied metal layer thus serves as
• Exposure mask for the photoresist When using a negative resist the exposed areas remain as a support layer 21 in the zones 26. Alternatively, it is also possible to use a positive resist.
• the photoresist can for example be printed or scrape.
• the effect layer 68 is on the viewer 5 side facing
• the effect layer 68 influences the optical appearance of the security element 1.
• the effect layer 68 in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b is embodied here as a printed color layer and thus an optically invariable layer.
• the at least one effect layer 68 is an optically variable layer, in particular at least one color layer which has a binder and optically variable pigments.
• the effect layer 68 may be a printed layer of an optically variable ink ( OVI® ) which produces an optically variable color impression, in particular due to interference effects.
• OVI® optically variable ink
• Repüzierlacksicht is in which diffractive relief structures are formed, in particular Kinegram ® or holograms, diffraction structures Nullter Order, Blazegitter, in particular asymmetric sawtooth relief structures, diffraction structures, in particular linear or crossed sinusoidal
• the layer 11 In the opaque state, the layer 11, whose optical effect can be changed electrically, as shown in FIG. 3 a, d. H. if no voltage to the
• Electrode layers 30, 31 is applied, incident light of a light source 6 for a maximum scattered and on the other absorbed by the rod-shaped dye molecules 13.
• the one in their optical effect electrically changeable layer 11 is thus opaque and has, for example, a black color. In the transparent state of electrical in their optical effect
• the incident light from the light source 6 can pass through to the metallization 30m of the lower electrode layer 30, diffracted or refracted there at the first microstructures, or if no microstructures are present on the first microstructure
• Metallization 30m reflected and again traverses the electrically optical changeable layer 11.
• the observer 5 can thus the optical effects generated by the first microstructures or the Detect reflected light, since both the light scattering of the liquid crystals 12 and the absorption of the rod-shaped dye molecules 13 is minimal.
• FIGS. 4a to 4f show plan views of design variants of a support layer. As shown in FIGS. 4a to 4f, it is possible that the support layer is present in the zones 26 and is absent in the zones 27 and that the zones 26 are patterned, in particular for
• a pattern may be a graphically designed outline, a figurative representation, an image, a motif, a symbol, a logo, a portrait, an alphanumeric
• the support layer in the zone 28 is formed like a checkerboard
• the support layer in the zones 28 is formed cross-shaped
• the support layer in the zones 28 is formed in the zones 28 in the form of an alphanumeric character
• the support layer in the zones 26 is formed in a line shape with different widths.
• the support layer in the zone 26 is honeycomb-shaped
• the support layer is formed in the zone 26 as a rotated by 45 ° checkerboard pattern.
• the distance between the zones 28 is typically between 5 ⁇ m and 500 ⁇ m, preferably between 10 ⁇ m and 300 ⁇ m, more preferably between 20 ⁇ m and 150 ⁇ m.
• FIGS. 5a to 5e show plan views of design variants of a support layer of a security element 1.
• Fig. 5a shows a frame formed by the support layer 22, a demetallillone in a region 35 pattern in the form of a star electrode.
• the electrode is metallized.
• 5b shows a patterned, in the form of a star formed by the support layer wide frame 22, and the metallized electrode in the region 36th
• FIG. 5c again shows a star-shaped wide frame 22 formed by the support layer, the frame 22 additionally forming narrow webs and framing the subregions 24 in each case.
• FIG. 5 d shows a frame 22 formed by the support layer and the star-shaped metallized electrode in region 36, wherein the support layer is present in zone 26 and is absent in zones 27.
• the zone 26 is in this case formed like a checkerboard.
• FIG. 5 e shows a frame 22 formed by the support layer and the star-shaped metallized electrode in the region 36, wherein the support layer is present in the zones 26 and is not present in the zones 27.
• the zones 26 are in this case formed in a cross shape.
• 6a to 6c show sectional views of an electrode of a
• Fig. 6a shows a lower electrode 30 to which a metallization 30m, for example of gold, silver, chromium, copper or aluminum is applied over the entire surface. Furthermore, the lower electrode has a supporting layer 21 in the zones 26.
• Fig. 6b shows a lower electrode 30, wherein the lower electrode 30 and the support layer 21 form a layer or are merely connected. For example, it is possible that the lower electrode consists of several layers, for example one
• Replication lacquer layer and a metallization 30m wherein the support layer 21 is present on the demetallized areas, i. H. in contact with the
• Replication lacquer layer is. This can be z. B. be realized via a lithography step. Support layer 21 and replication lacquer layer in this case consist of different material. Alternatively, the zones 26 of the support layer 21 may, for example, also be molded into the replication lacquer layer, as in FIG. 6b shown. In the zones 27, ie in the interstices of the zones 26, the metallization 30 m is applied, which forms the electrically conductive layer of the lower electrode layer 30. Next it is possible that the
• Metallization 30 m in the zones 26, the zones 27 and on the flanks of the present in the zones 26 support layer 21 is applied, as shown in Fig. 6c.
• FIGS. 7a to 7c show schematic plan views
• FIG. 7a shows the region 37 of a lower electrode, which has different microstructures in the partial regions 38, 39, 40, 41.
• the subregion 38 has a mirror surface
• the subregion 39 an isotropic one
• Subarea 41 a second binary microstructure, which has a different color effect to the first binary microstructure in the range of visible to the human eye wavelengths, in particular in
• Wavelength range from 380 nm to 780 nm, generated.
• the first distance between the first element surfaces of the first elements and the base surface of the first binary microstructure is z. B. 380 nm and the first distance of the second binary microstructure is z. B. 450 nm.
• Fig. 7b shows a further embodiment variant of a portion 37 of a lower electrode, which in the sub-areas 38, 39 and 42 different
• the subregion 42 has a high-frequency diffractive relief structure, in particular a zero-order diffraction structure based on a crossed grating with asymmetrical grating profile, the color impression of this high-frequency diffractive relief structure being gold-colored at a steep viewing angle of, for example, 10 °.
• FIG. 7 c shows a further embodiment variant of a region of a lower electrode which has different microstructures in the subregions 39, 40 and 41.
• the subregions 39, 40 and 41 the above is here
• Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of the invention
• Security element 1 which auxiliary layers 23, a first electrode layer 30, a second electrode layer 31, a support layer 21, a
• Polarizer layer 64 and one in their optical effect electrically
• changeable layer 1 1 has. With regard to the layers 21 and 23, reference is made here to the above statements.
• the first electrode layer 30 and the second electrode layer 31 are configured here as lower electrode layer 30 and upper electrode layer 31.
• the lower electrode layer 30 has a microstructure in the region 37, for example a computer-generated hologram.
• Electrode layer 30 here consists of two partial layers, in particular a replication lacquer layer and a metallization 30 m.
• the replication lacquer layer consists for example of a thermoplastic lacquer in which a surface structure is molded by means of heat and pressure by the action of an embossing tool. Furthermore, it is also possible for the replication lacquer layer to be formed by a UV-crosslinkable lacquer and for the surface structure to be shaped into the replication lacquer layer by means of UV replication. The surface structure is affected by the action of a
• the replication lacquer layer preferably has a layer thickness between 0.2 pm and 2 m.
• the layer thickness of the replication lacquer layer in FIG. 8 is 0.5 ⁇ m and it is an at least partially chemically crosslinked one
• Surface structure is preferably Kinegram ®, holograms, blazed grating, in particular asymmetric sawtooth relief structures,
• Diffraction structures in particular linear sinusoidal diffraction gratings or crossed sinusoidal diffraction gratings or linear single or multi-level rectangular gratings or crossed single or multi-level rectangular gratings,
• the binary microstructures to consist of a base area parallel to the plane defined by the lower side of the security element and a plurality of first elements, the first element areas of the first elements each extending substantially parallel to the base plane, and the first element areas of the first Elements and the base are spaced in a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the security element extending direction with a first distance, which is chosen so that in particular by interference of the at the base and the first
• the binary microstructures consist of a plurality of adjacent second elements, wherein the second element surfaces of the second elements are arranged parallel to one another and have an edge adjoining the second element surfaces of the second elements, wherein the second element surfaces of adjacent second elements are spaced in a direction perpendicular to the second element surfaces at a second distance or a multiple of the second distance, wherein the second distance between 150 nm and 1500 nm.
• a metallization 30m is applied to the replication lacquer layer.
• the metallization is preferably a metal layer of chromium, aluminum, gold, copper, silver or an alloy of such metals, which is vapor-deposited in vacuo in a layer thickness of 0.01 ⁇ m to 0.15 ⁇ m.
• the reflection layer is formed by a transparent reflection layer, for example a thin or finely structured metallic layer or a dielectric HRI or LRI (high refraction index) layer (HRI, low refraction index - LRI).
• HRI or LRI high refraction index
• Such a dielectric reflection layer consists for example of a vapor-deposited layer of a metal oxide, metal sulfide, titanium oxide, etc. of a thickness of 10 nm to 150 nm.
• the metallization 30m in FIG. 8 is electrically conductive and therefore forms the electrically conductive layer of the lower electrode 30 ,
• the upper electrode layer 31 has in the region 33 has a microstructure, for example a Kinegram ® or holograms, diffraction structures zero order, blazed grating, in particular asymmetric sawtooth relief structures, diffractive structures in particular linear sinusoidal grating or crossed sinusoidal diffraction grating or linear single or multi rectangular grid, or crossed single or multi-level rectangular gratings,
• a microstructure for example a Kinegram ® or holograms, diffraction structures zero order, blazed grating, in particular asymmetric sawtooth relief structures, diffractive structures in particular linear sinusoidal grating or crossed sinusoidal diffraction grating or linear single or multi rectangular grid, or crossed single or multi-level rectangular gratings,
• diffractive and / or photorefractive and / or light-focusing micro- or nanostructures binary or continuous Fresnel lenses, binary or continuous Fresnel freeform surfaces, diffractive or refractive
• Macrostructures in particular lens structures or microprism structures,
• Electrode layer 31 here consists of two partial layers, in particular a replication lacquer layer and a metallization 31 m.
• the electrically variable in its optical effect layer 11 has in Fig. 8 on a varying thickness. As shown in FIG. 8, the thickness of the electrically variable layer 11 varies linearly across the film body, from a first, smaller thickness at the left layer edge to a second, larger thickness at the right layer edge. Since thicker electrically variable layers 11 in their optical effect require more voltage to switch from the opaque to the transparent state, the change in thickness of the layer 11, which is electrically variable in its optical effect, may, for example, result in a transparency which propagates over the security element 1 with increasing voltage, generated.
• the polarization layer 64 for example, polarizes incident light linearly. This makes it possible, the contrast between the opaque state of the electrically variable in their optical effect layer 11 and the
• the polarization layer 84 is preferably a layer of semicrystalline polymer and has a layer thickness between 2 pm and 20 pm, preferably between 5 pm and 15 pm, particularly preferably between 7 ⁇ and 10 pm, on. Further, the polarizing layer 64 may be colored. For example, the polarization layer may be green.
• FIGS. 9a to 9d show a further embodiment of the invention
• Security element 1 which is a first
• Alignment layer 51 and an electrically variable in their optical effect layer 1 1 has.
• the electrode layers 30 and 31, the support layer 21, the reflection layer 80 and the polarizer layers 63 and 84 reference is made here to the above statements.
• the first electrode layer 30, the first polarizer layer 83, and the first alignment layer 50 are formed here as lower layers.
• Alignment layer 51 are formed here as upper layers.
• the electrically variable layer 11 has liquid crystals 12 and rod-shaped dye molecules 13. The
• Liquid crystals 12 have electrical anisotropy and birefringence and are capable of rotating the polarization direction of polarized light.
• the rod-shaped dye molecules 13 change their orientations of the longitudinal axes depending on the orientations of the longitudinal axes of the spatially adjacent electric field-alignable liquid crystals 12 as described above.
• the lower alignment layer 50 and the upper alignment layer 51 each have a preferred direction. For example, the
• the alignment layers 50, 51 shown in FIGS. 9a and 9c are made transparent here. Furthermore, it is also possible that, for example, the lower alignment layer 50 is reflective. Likewise, the polarizer layers 63, 64 and the upper electrode layer 31 are transparent in FIGS. 9a and 9c.
• the orientations of the longitudinal axes of the liquid crystals 12 rotate continuously from the first preferred direction to the second preferred direction. Since the orientation of the longitudinal axes of the rod-shaped dye molecules 13 having the optically modifiable layer 1 1 varies with the orientation of the longitudinal axes of the liquid crystals 12, the rod-shaped dye molecules 13 follow the rotation of the liquid crystals 12 between the first alignment layer and the second one alignment layer. Without applied voltage, the rod-shaped dye molecules 13 align parallel to the plane of the security element as shown in FIG. 9a. The security element appears in color.
• liquid crystals 12 are aligned parallel to the electric field.
• Liquid crystals 12 in the vicinity of the alignment layers 50, 51 require a greater voltage for this than liquid crystals 12, which are farther away from the alignment layers 50, 51, since the
• Liquid crystals in the vicinity of the alignment layers 50, 51 also experience a force for alignment according to the preferred directions of the alignment layers 50, 51. Due to the predominantly perpendicular to the plane of the
• the security element aligned rod-shaped dye molecules 13
• the security element appears less colored or almost colorless. Furthermore, the color impression and the color intensity also depends on the orientation of the security element
• Polarizer layers 63, 84 from.
• the embodiments of the polarization layers 63, 64, the alignment layers 50, 51 and the electrically variable in their optical effect layer 11 determine whether incident light from a light source 6, the security element 1 in response to a possible applied
• Embodiments of a security element 1 with different configurations of the polarization layers 83 and 84, the alignment layers 50 and 51 and the layer 11 that can be electrically changed in terms of its optical effect are described below.
• the safety element 1 According to an embodiment variant of the safety element 1, the
• the upper polarizer layer 64 and the lower polarizer layer 63 linearly polarize incident light. Will from the bottom of the
• Security plane 1 spanned plane spanned a coordinate system with the coordinate axes perpendicular to each other x and y, so is the preferred direction of the upper alignment layer 51 parallel to the x-
• Polarizer layer 84 linearly polarized in the x direction.
• the liquid crystals 12 are capable of
• the polarization direction of the light Passing through the lower alignment layer 50, the polarization direction of the light is further rotated by 90 ° and is thus linearly polarized in the y direction.
• the light linearly polarized in the y direction is emitted from the lower
• Polarization layer 63 absorbs, since the transmission axes of the lower polarizer layer 63 are parallel to the x-axis.
• the security element 1 thus appears opaque to the observer 5 in the yellow color determined by the rod-shaped dye molecules 13, as shown in FIG. 9b.
• Passage through the upper polarizer layer 64 in the x-direction linearly polarized light can now pass through to the reflection layer 60, since it can pass through the lower polarization layer 63, in which the transmission axes lie parallel to the x-axis.
• the light is reflected at the reflection layer 60 and can be the polarization layers 63 and 64, the
• Alignment layers 50, 51 and the electrically variable in their optical effect layer 11 again happen.
• the security element 1 appears transparent to a viewer 5 except for the frame 22 formed by the support layer 21, as shown in FIG. 9d.
• the observer 5 thus sees, when the voltage is applied, the reflection layer 60 or effects of microstructures which are molded into a replication lacquer layer provided with the reflection layer 60.
• the upper polarizer layer 64 and the lower polarizer layer 63 linearly polarize incident light, and the
• Transmission axes of the linear Polansator Anlagen 63, 64 are parallel to a direction inclined by 45 ° with respect to the x-axis.
• the layer thickness of the electrically variable in their optical effect layer 11 here corresponds to that of a ⁇ / 2 plate.
• the incident light from the light source 6 is through the upper
• Polarizer layer 64 linearly polarized in a direction inclined by 45 ° with respect to the x-axis inclined direction. The polarization directions remain after passing through the alignment layers 50, 51.
• Polarization direction of the incident light is rotated by the electrically variable in their optical effect layer 11 due to their layer thickness such that the light after passing through the electrically variable in their optical effect layer 11 is linearly polarized in a direction inclined by 135 ° relative to the x-axis ,
• Such polarized light is emitted by the lower polarization layer 63 because the transmission axes of the lower polarizer layer 63 are parallel to a direction inclined by 45 ° with respect to the x-axis.
• the security element 1 thus appears to the viewer 5 opaque in a color determined by the rod-shaped dye molecules 13, since light can not pass through the layers of the security element 1 and the rod-shaped dye molecules 13 absorb the incident light.
• the liquid crystals 12 and correspondingly the rod-shaped dye molecules 13 align parallel to the electric field as described above, so that the liquid crystal molecules of the layer 11 which is electrically variable in its optical effect do not direct the polarization direction of the light rotate by 90 ° and continue to have the rod-shaped dye molecules 13 due to their orientation only a minimal absorption.
• the security element 1 thus appears transparent to the observer 5, since incident light forms the layers of the
• Dye molecules barely absorb the incident light. 10 shows a further preferred embodiment of a
• Security element 1 which comprises a conductive, reflective first alignment layer 50r, a second electrode layer 31, a
• Support layer 21 a second polarizer layer 64, a second
• the first alignment layer 50r has a diffractive relief structure.
• the diffractive relief structure is preferably a high-frequency, in particular sinusoidal relief structure having a grating period between 190 nm and 500 nm, preferably 300 to 420 nm, and a grating depth of 50 nm to 500 nm, preferably 80 nm to 250 nm.
• Such high-frequency Relief structures are also called sub-wavelength gratings or zero-order diffraction structures. It has surprisingly been found that the longitudinal axes of the liquid crystals also align with diffractive relief structures.
• the first alignment layer 50 r is reflective. So it is possible, for example, that the first
• Alignment direction layer 50r is formed multi-layered.
• the first alignment layer may consist of a replication lacquer layer in which the diffractive relief structure is shaped, and have a metallization which, on the one hand, forms the conductive part of the first
• Alignment layer 50r achieved.
• the layer thickness of the electrically variable in their optical effect layer 1 1 here corresponds to that of a ⁇ / 4-plate, so that the electrically variable in their optical effect layer 1 1 in the de-energized
• Security element 1 thus appears opaque to a viewer 5.
• the liquid crystals 12 and, correspondingly, the rod-shaped dye molecules 13 align themselves parallel to the electric field as described above, so that the liquid crystal molecules 12 have an electrical optical effect
• changeable layer 11 does not change the polarization direction of the light and further the rod-shaped dye molecules 13 have only a minimal absorption due to their orientation. Incident light can thus pass through the layers 31, 64, 51, and 11 of the security element 1 and is reflected at the first alignment layer 50 r. An observer can thus recognize the optical effects generated by the sinusoidal relief structure of the first alignment layer 50r.
• Fig. 11 shows a further preferred embodiment of a
• Security element 1 which comprises a conductive, reflective first alignment layer 50r, a second electrode layer 31, a
• Support layer 21 a second alignment layer 51 and an electrically variable in their optical effect layer 11 has.
• layers 31, 51, 21, 11 and 50r reference is made here to the above statements.
• the security element of FIG. 11 thus has in comparison to the
• Security element of FIG. 10 no upper or second polarization layer.
• Liquid crystals 12 with their longitudinal axis and thus also the
• rod-shaped dye molecules 13 parallel to the groove structures of the alignment layers 51, 50r. As described above, the rod-shaped dye molecules 13 in this orientation have their maximum absorption.
• FIGS. 12a to 12c show plan views of design variants of alignment layers of a security element 1.
• FIG. 12a shows a first or lower alignment layer which is sinusoidal
• FIG. 12 b shows a lower alignment layer which has sinusoidal relief structure in the region 58 with a grating period of 250 nm and in the star-shaped region 55 has a sinusoidal relief structure with a grating period of likewise 250 nm.
• FIG. 12 c shows a lower alignment layer which has a sinusoidal relief structure in the region 57, which differs from the sinusoidal relief structure in the cruciform region 58 by the grating period, the grating depth and the azimuth angle.
• Fig. 13a and Fig. 13b show a further preferred embodiment of a security element 1 according to the invention, which is a
• Reflection layer 60 a first electrode layer 30, a second
• Electrode layer 31 a support layer 21, an auxiliary layer 23, a
• Dye molecules 13 specific color.
• the liquid crystals 12 and correspondingly the rod-shaped dye molecules 13 align parallel to the electric field as described above and the absorption of the rod-shaped dye molecules 13 is as above described minimal.
• Fig. 14 shows another preferred embodiment of a
• Security element i according to the invention, which is the optional
• Color layers 66 and 67 has. With regard to the layers 30, 31, 21, 11, and 68, reference is made here to the above statements.
• the color layers 66, 67 at least partially overlap the layer 11, which is electrically variable in its optical effect. Furthermore, at least some of the layer 11, which is electrically variable in its optical effect, is arranged between the color layers 66, 67. Further, it is possible that the color layers are colored differently, for example, the color layer 66 may be colored green and the color layer 67 may be colored red. Further, it is possible that the color layers 66, 67 a pattern with
• the color layer 67 may have a pattern in the form of an image, such as a star, with the color layer 67 being colored blue in the region of the star.
• 15a to 15f show plan views of security elements 1 to
• Figs. 15a, 15c and 15e show, respectively
• FIGS. 15b, 15d and 15f show the top views of the security elements 1 in FIG.
• the security elements of Fig. 15a to Fig. 15f are such designed such that they have in the opaque state of the electrically variable in their optical effect layer for a viewer all a milky, cloudy and colored at the same time appearance.
• additional color effects become apparent to the viewer, as shown in FIGS. 15b, 15d and 15f.
• These additional color effects are in the opaque state of Fig. 15a, 15c, 15e possibly shadowy or not visible.
• the security element 1 of FIG. 15b in the areas 38, 39 and 40 shows different color effects which, as described above, differ from different microstructures, which are the first
• Electrode layer are generated.
• the area 39 it is possible for the area 39 to appear red to a viewer, the area 38 to appear blue to a viewer, and the area 40 to have a hologram which remains hidden to a viewer in the opaque state.
• Fig. 15d shows a security element 1 having a frame 22 forming the letter "K", where the area 41 of the letter "K" appears red to a viewer, the area 42 appears blue to a viewer, and the area 43 is transparent .
• the frame 22, on the other hand appears dark or black and can be recognized as a darker region even in the opaque state, as shown in FIG. 15c.
• Fig. 15f shows a security element 1, which in the
• 16a and 16b show a further embodiment in which a security element 1 is placed over a substrate of a security document 2 preferably completely penetrating window 71 is arranged. In this way, the security document 1 can be viewed from both sides, both in reflected light and in transmitted light.
• Security document 2 may be, for example, a banknote.
• the window 71 may have a punched hole in it
• Paper banknote or a passbook page It is possible for a viewer 5 to view the security document 2 and the security element 1 applied to the security document 2 both in incident light and in transmitted light from the front side of the security document 2 or both in reflected light and in transmitted light from the back of the security document 2 in FIGS. 16a and 16b.
• Fig. 17 shows a security document 2, e.g. B. a paper banknote, in which a paper substrate of the security document 2 preferably completely penetrating window opening 71 is formed, for. B. by punching.
• the security document 2 has a thickness of at most 1000 ⁇ m, in particular a thickness in the range from 20 to 200 ⁇ m, in this case preferably in the range from 50 to 140 ⁇ m.
• piezoelectric energy source 70 includes. The in their optical effect electrically changeable layer 1 1 of the security element 1 is so
• Electrode layer 30, 31 is applied.
• the electrode layers 30, 31 have a layer thickness in the range from 1 nm to 500 nm, preferably in the range from 10 nm to 200 nm. In this case, the electrode layers 30, 31 may be opaque or at least locally transparent.
• the formation of the electrode layers 30, 31 takes place in particular when forming metallic or non-metallic inorganic electrode layers 30, 31, preferably by vapor deposition or sputtering, or in particular during the formation of polymeric electrode layers 30, 31 by common printing methods, such as screen printing, inkjet printing, high-pressure, intaglio or gravure printing a squeezing. But also the use of a transfer film for the formation of electrode layers 30, 31 by means of hot or cold stamping is possible.
• Electrodes layers 30, 31 form an electrically conductive connection through the security element 1 through to the layer 11 which is electrically variable in its optical effect.
• the auxiliary layer 23 is preferably a protective layer.
• the protective layer is preferably formed as a carrier film, which is self-supporting, or as a protective lacquer layer, which is not self-supporting due to their small layer thickness.
• the protective layer is preferably formed colorless or colored transparent.
• other piezoelectric materials such as polyamides, polyurethanes, fluoropolymers and especially copolymers derived therefrom, as well as ferroelectric liquid crystal elastomers are useful.
• Other possible piezoelectric materials are printable composite materials of piezoelectric particles z. B. from lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or zinc oxide (ZnO) embedded in an organic matrix or inorganic piezoelectric materials such as PZT layers or ZnO nanowire arrays, which are transferred to a flexible support material, eg. B. via laser liftoff.
• PZT lead zirconate titanate
• ZnO zinc oxide
• the layer of piezoelectric material 75 preferably has a layer thickness of not more than 200 ⁇ m, preferably of not more than 50 ⁇ m, more preferably not more than 25 ⁇ m.
• layer thicknesses in the range up to 200 ⁇ m, preferably up to 100 ⁇ m, have proven to be practicable.
• Such thin layers of piezoelectric material are in particular by printing in one or more
• the layer 11, which can be changed electrically in terms of its optical effect is exposed to the influence of the electric field generated by the effect the piezoelectric power source 70 is generated by bending it between the first and second electrode layers 30, 31 becomes transparent or opaque.
• the energy source 70 may be activated not only by bending but also thermally via a temperature gradient applied across the layer of piezoelectric material 75.
• Fig. 18 shows a transfer sheet 3. It has been proven, if the
• Security element 1 is provided on a transfer film 73, so that an application of the security element 1 can be done on a security document 2 by means of embossing.
• a transfer film 3 has at least one security element 1 according to the invention, wherein the at least one security element 1 is arranged on a carrier film 73 of the transfer film 3 and can be detached therefrom.
• a release layer 74 is usually present here in order to be able to release the security element 1 from the carrier film 73 of the transfer film 3 after embossing.
• the optional transparent protective layer 23 designed as a protective lacquer layer and furthermore the remaining structure of the security element 1 are preferably present.
• the security element 1 can be fixed to the security document 2 by means of an adhesive layer 69, in particular of a cold or hot glue.
• the adhesive layer 69 can also already be formed by a carrier film which adjoins the security element 1.

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