SECURITY ELEMENT FOR SECURITY PAPERS OR SECURITY PAPERS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a security element for securities or security papers, wherein the security element has a first side and a second side opposite the first side and at least one color-shifting first region perceptible when viewed from the first side, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Security elements of this type are typically used to increase the counterfeit security of securities or security documents, such as banknotes, ID cards, credit cards, debit cards, tickets, etc. DE102007061827A1 discloses a security element of the type mentioned above. Other relevant security elements are known from EP2522529A2, EP1700711A2, EP3514585A1, EP2965920A1, and EP1806238A2.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to create a security element with increased security against counterfeiting, which is easy to produce and easy to verify.

[0004] This object is achieved by a security element according to claim 1.

[0005] The inventive solution significantly increases the forgery security of securities and security papers. This is achieved in particular by the fact that the first and second areas create the same color impression for an observer, and only when the security element is tilted by a certain viewing angle do the first and second areas become color-differentiated. Advantageously, the security element according to the invention is simple to manufacture compared to more complex security features and, moreover, its authenticity is easy to verify even by a less experienced observer or user.

[0006] It should be explicitly pointed out at this point that, in the context of the invention, the term “area” refers to a visual impression created for a viewer. The areas described are therefore surface sections that a viewer can perceive. For example, an area may be recognizable or visible from more than one side of the security feature. This can be achieved, for example, by a color-constant printing ink being recognizable in the area, which is applied to one side of a transparent carrier layer and is also recognizable in the same way or in sections on the second side of the transparent carrier layer. An area which, due to manufacturing reasons, was applied to a first side of the security element can therefore also be visible, at least in sections, on a second side of this security element.The term area does not refer to a specific structure or concrete layer structure as such, but rather to the optical effect perceptible in the section.

[0007] According to the invention, the security element, viewed from the first side, exhibits at least one first color-shifting effect and at least one first color impression that is independent of a viewing angle and coordinated with the color-shifting effect. The security element, viewed from the second side, can exhibit at least one second color-shifting effect and at least one second color impression that is independent of a viewing angle and coordinated with the second color-shifting effect. "Matched" in the present context means that, at a specific viewing angle, coordinated color impressions appear identical to an observer.

[0008] According to the invention, an interaction of the first color-shifting effect and the first viewing angle-independent color impression is not perceptible from the second side, and an interaction of the second color-shifting effect and the second viewing angle-independent color impression is not perceptible from the first side.

[0009] A color-shifting feature that can be perceived on both sides can be produced using only one color-shifting layer, which can prove to be extremely useful both in terms of counterfeit security and from an economic point of view.

[0010] Furthermore, it can be expedient if the security element has a color-shifting third region on the second side, wherein the third region produces the same color impression as the second region under at least a first viewing angle and wherein the third region has a different color impression than the second region under at least a second viewing angle different from the first viewing angle and / or that the security element has a fourth region on a second side with a color impression that is independent of a viewing angle, wherein the first region produces the same color impression as the fourth region under at least a first viewing angle and wherein the first region has a different color impression than the fourth region under at least a second viewing angle different from the first viewing angle.

[0011] This refinement can be particularly advantageous because the double-sided application of color-shifting and viewing-angle-independent areas offers a wide variety of design options and thus also allows for a high level of counterfeit protection. For high levels of counterfeit protection, it can also be particularly advantageous if security features can be applied to both sides of a security document or security paper.

[0012] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first region and the second region form a continuously closed surface with the same color impression at the at least one viewing angle at which the first region and the second region have the same color impression. The displayed motif is thus not visually recognizable to a viewer.

[0013] This has the positive effect that the first and second areas are visually indistinguishable from one another, or rather, do not stand out from one another. This can also contribute to increasing the security element's counterfeit security. Generally, even untrained observers are able to recognize whether the color impression of the areas on a page is identical at a certain viewing angle, or whether the areas differ from one another. If the color-shifting and viewing-angle-independent areas are directly adjacent to one another, even a layperson can generally determine whether they are identical or not.

[0014] Furthermore, it can be provided that the third region and the second region form a continuously closed surface with the same color impression under the at least one viewing angle under which the third region and the second region have the same color impression and / or that the first region and the fourth region form a continuously closed surface with the same color impression under the at least one viewing angle under which the first region and the fourth region have the same color impression.

[0015] This also has the effect that the third and second areas or the first and fourth areas do not appear to be different from one another or stand out from one another to an observer, which can have an additional positive effect on the security element's resistance to counterfeiting.

[0016] Also advantageous is an embodiment according to which it can be provided that the first region and the third region are arranged opposite one another at least in sections and / or that the second region and the fourth region are arranged opposite one another at least in sections.

[0017] This makes it possible to implement two security features on a single security element, which means that this security element can be made relatively small. If the first area and the third area are arranged opposite one another in a specific way that is defined by the production of the security element, this can have a beneficial effect on counterfeit security. How or to what extent the first and third areas are arranged opposite one another can be defined during register matching. For example, the first and third areas can match in shape and size and be arranged congruently one above the other. Alternatively, it can also be useful if the first and third areas are arranged opposite one another and with a defined offset.

[0018] According to a further development, it is possible that the first area and the third area are identical in color and / or that the second area and the fourth area are identical in color.

[0019] This training can contribute positively to the cost-effective development of the safety element. It can also lead to the creation of visually appealing designs.

[0020] Furthermore, it may be expedient if the first region and / or the third region and / or the second region and / or the fourth region is designed as a letter, number, character, symbol or part of an image or pattern.

[0021] Furthermore, it may be provided that the letter, number, character, symbol or part of an image or pattern is formed differently on the first side and on the second side.

[0022] The formation of letters, numbers, characters, symbols, or parts of an image or pattern, especially contours of various shapes and sizes, can easily provide a high level of counterfeit security. Particularly with complex or elaborate contours and shapes, imitation can be extremely difficult.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment, it is possible that at least on the first side a color-shifting fifth region is formed, which produces the same color impression as the second region before changing the viewing angle and which produces the same color impression as the first region before changing the viewing angle after changing the viewing angle.

[0024] This feature allows for a wide range of design and layout options, allowing for the creation of both highly counterfeit-proof and visually appealing security elements. Of course, it would also be conceivable and possibly expedient to create another color-constant, or viewing-angle-independent, area instead of or in addition to the color-shifting fifth area. Such an additional area could advantageously be formed by a true-color image or by black or silver colors.

[0025] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first region and / or the third region has at least one layer that enhances the color shift effect, in particular a layer of dark color and / or a layer of metal oxides such as, for example, substoichiometric aluminum oxide.

[0026] For example, the layer enhancing the color-shift effect can be applied to the liquid crystal layer or the layer of color-shift pigments, so that the layer of color-shift pigments or the liquid crystal layer is arranged between the layer enhancing the color-shift effect and a carrier layer. However, the layer enhancing the color-shift effect can also be arranged between the carrier layer and the layer of color-shift pigments or the at least one liquid crystal layer. Furthermore, it is also possible for the carrier layer to be arranged between the layer enhancing the color-shift effect and the layer of color-shift pigments or the liquid crystal layer.

[0027] At this point, it should be noted that one or more intermediate layers can be arranged between the at least one layer enhancing the color-shift effect and the carrier layer and / or the at least one layer of color-shifting pigments or the at least one liquid crystal layer. Furthermore, it should be noted that the term "layer" in this document is to be understood to mean that a layer can also be composed of several sublayers.

[0028] Furthermore, it can be provided that the color-shifting thin-film structure has at least one absorber layer and at least one spacer layer made of a dielectric material.

[0029] Also advantageous is an embodiment according to which it can be provided that the color-shifting thin-film structure has at least one reflection layer, wherein the spacer layer is arranged between the reflection layer and the absorber layer.

[0030] According to a further development, it is possible for a carrier layer to be made of plastic, in particular of a translucent and / or thermoplastic plastic, wherein the carrier layer preferably comprises at least one of the materials from the group polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyethyleneimide (PEI), polysulfone (PSU), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystalline polymers (LCP), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin copolymers (COC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polyvinyl fluoride (PVF),Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene fluoroterpolymer (EFEP) and / or mixtures and / or copolymers of these materials or is made from at least one of these materials.

[0031] Furthermore, it may be expedient if the carrier layer has a thickness of 5 µm to 1000 µm, particularly preferably a thickness of 8 µm to 50 µm.

[0032] Furthermore, it can be provided that the layer enhancing the color-shift effect, in particular a layer of dark color and / or a layer of metal oxides such as substoichiometric aluminum oxide, is applied to the at least one liquid crystal layer or the at least one layer of color-shifting pigments, so that the at least one layer of color-shifting pigments or the at least one liquid crystal layer is arranged between the at least one layer enhancing the color-shift effect and a carrier layer, or that the at least one layer enhancing the color-shift effect is arranged between the carrier layer and the at least one layer of color-shifting pigments or the at least one liquid crystal layer,or that the carrier layer is arranged between the at least one layer enhancing the color-shift effect and the at least one layer of color-shifting pigments or the at least one liquid crystal layer.,

[0033] Furthermore, it can be provided that the at least one absorber layer comprises at least one metallic material, in particular selected from the group nickel, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, palladium, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, aluminum, silver, copper and / or alloys of these materials, or is made from at least one of these materials.

[0034] According to a particular embodiment, it is possible for the at least one spacer layer to comprise at least one low-refractive dielectric material having a refractive index of less than or equal to 1.65, in particular selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), metal fluorides, for example magnesium fluoride (MgF 2 ), aluminum fluoride (AlF 3 ), silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon dioxide (SiC 2 ), cerium fluoride (CeF 3 ), sodium aluminum fluorides (e.g. Na 3 AlF 6 or NasAl 3 F 14 ), neodymium fluoride (NdF 3 ), lanthanum fluoride (LaF 3 ), samarium fluoride (SmF 3 ), barium fluoride (BaF 2 ), calcium fluoride (CaF 2 ), lithium fluoride (LiF), low-refractive organic monomers and / or low-refractive organic polymers or at least one high-refractive dielectric material having a refractive index greater than 1.65, in particular selected from the group zinc sulfide (ZnS), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), carbon (C), indium oxide (In 2 O 3 ), indium tin oxide (ITO), tantalum pentoxide (Ta 2 O 5 ),Cerium oxide (CeO 2 ), yttrium oxide (Y 2 O 3 ), europium oxide (Eu 2 O 3 ), iron oxides such as iron(II,III) oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ) and iron(III) oxide (Fe 2 O 3 ), hafnium nitride (HfN), hafnium carbide (HfC), hafnium oxide (HfO 2 ), lanthanum oxide (La 2 O 3 ), magnesium oxide (MgO), neodymium oxide (Nd 2 O 3 ), praseodymium oxide (Pr 6 O 11 ), samarium oxide (Sm 2 O 3 ), antimony trioxide (Sb 2 O 3 ), silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ), silicon monoxide (SiO), selenium trioxide (Se 2 O 3 ), tin oxide (SnO 2 ), tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ), high-index organic monomers and / or high-index organic polymers or is made from at least one of these materials.

[0035] According to an advantageous development, it can be provided that the at least one reflection layer comprises at least one metallic material, in particular selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, aluminum, gold, platinum, niobium, tin, or nickel, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt and palladium or alloys of these materials, in particular cobalt-nickel alloys or at least one high-index dielectric material with a refractive index of greater than 1.65, in particular selected from the group consisting of zinc sulfide (ZnS), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), carbon (C), indium oxide (In 2 O 3 ), indium tin oxide (ITO), tantalum pentoxide (Ta 2 O 5 ), cerium oxide (CeO 2 ), yttrium oxide (Y 2 O 3 ), europium oxide (Eu 2 O 3 ), iron oxides such as iron(II,III) oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ) and iron(III) oxide (Fe 2 O 3 ), hafnium nitride (HfN), hafnium carbide (HfC), hafnium oxide (HfO 2 ), lanthanum oxide (La 2 O 3 ), magnesium oxide (MgO), neodymium oxide (Nd 2 O 3 ), praseodymium oxide (Pr 6 O 11 ),Samarium oxide (Sm 2 O 3 ), antimony trioxide (Sb 2 O 3 ), silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ), silicon monoxide (SiO), selenium trioxide (Se 2 O 3 ), tin oxide (SnO 2 ), tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ), high-index organic monomers and / or high-index organic polymers or is made from at least one of these materials.

[0036] In particular, it may be advantageous if the security element is equipped with machine-readable features, wherein the machine-readable features are in particular magnetic codes, electrically conductive layers, substances that absorb and / or re-emit electromagnetic waves.

[0037] Furthermore, it can be provided that the security element has additional layers, which additional layers comprise in particular protective varnishes, heat-sealing varnishes, adhesives, primers and / or films.

[0038] This allows the specialist to create tailored or optimized security elements based on their expertise and the specific requirements of an application area.

[0039] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0040] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a security element, Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a security element, Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a security element, Fig. 4 shows a section through a fourth embodiment of a security element, Fig. 5 shows a section through a fifth embodiment of a security element, Fig. 6 shows a section through a sixth embodiment of a security element.

[0041] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and these positional information must be applied analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position.

[0042] The characters, especially the Figures 1 to 3 , or the Figures 4 to 6 are described comprehensively in a summary to avoid unnecessary repetition. Figures 1 to 3 or in the Figures 4 to 6 Where appropriate, independent embodiments of the security element are shown.

[0043] The embodiments according to the Figures 1 to 3 each show a security element 1 for securities or security papers, wherein the security element 1 has at least one color-shifting first region 3 on a first side 2. It is provided that the security element 1 has a second region 4 on the first side 2 with a color impression that is independent of a viewing angle 5, 6. When a viewing angle 5, 6 changes in the first region 3, a color-shift effect occurs, wherein the first region 3 produces the same color impression as the second region 4 under at least one first viewing angle 6. Under at least one second viewing angle 5, which differs from the first viewing angle 6, the first region 3 has a different color impression than the second region 4.

[0044] In the Figures 1 to 3It is also shown that the security element 1, when viewed from the first side 2, has at least a first color-shifting effect and at least one first color impression that is independent of a viewing angle 5, 6 and coordinated with the color-shifting effect. When viewed from the second side 7, the security element 1 has at least a second color-shifting effect and at least one second color impression that is independent of a viewing angle 5, 6 and coordinated with the second color-shifting effect. An interplay of the first color-shifting effect and the first viewing angle 6-independent color impression is not perceptible from the second side 7, and an interplay of the second color-shifting effect and the second viewing angle 5-independent color impression is not perceptible from the first side 2.

[0045] According to Figure 1The at least one color-shifting first region 3 is recognizable, at least in sections, on a second side 7 opposite the first side 2. The color-shifting first region 3 is perceptible as a star on the first side 2 and as the number ten on the second side 7. When the element is tilted, the star or the number ten "disappears" against the color-constant background, which in the design example is formed by the respective color-constant regions 4, 9. The color-constant regions 4, 9 can be formed, for example, by a blue printing ink. The color-shifting first region 3 can be perceived as green when viewed at the second viewing angle 5 and in the same blue as that of the color-constant regions 4, 9 at the first viewing angle 6. As an alternative embodiment, the Figure 2that the at least second region 4, with a color impression that is independent of a viewing angle 5, 6, is recognizable at least in sections on a second side 7 opposite the first side 2. The color-constant second region 4 is perceptible as a star on the first side 2 and as the number ten on the second side 7. When the element is tilted, the star or the number ten is not visually recognizable against the color-shifting background, which in the design example is formed by the respective color-shifting regions 3, 8. The color-constant region 4 can, for example, be formed by a blue printing ink. The color-shifting regions 3, 8 can be perceived as green when viewed at the second viewing angle 5 and in the same blue as that of the color-constant region 4 at the first viewing angle 6.

[0046] In the Figure 2It is shown by way of example that the security elements 1 can have a color-shifting third region 8 on a second side 7 opposite the first side 2, with a color impression dependent on a viewing angle 5, 6. The third region 8 can produce the same color impression as the second region 4 under at least one first viewing angle 6, and the third region 8 can have a different color impression than the second region 4 under at least one second viewing angle 5 different from the first viewing angle 6.

[0047] But it can also be and is due to the Figure 1It is shown that a security element 1 has, on a second side 7, a fourth region 9 with a color impression independent of a viewing angle 5, 6. The first region 3 can produce the same color impression as the fourth region 9 under at least one first viewing angle 6, and the first region 3 can have a different color impression than the fourth region 9 under at least one second viewing angle 5 different from the first viewing angle 6.

[0048] The safety elements 1 in the Figures 1 to 3 are shown as circular as an example, although various other and possibly advantageous shapes or contours are also conceivable. Figures 1a , 2a and 3aIn this case, the first side 2 and the second side 7 of the security element 1 are shown at the viewing angle 5, at which the color-shifting first area 3 and the color-shifting third area 8 produce a different color impression than the color-constant second area 4 and the color-constant fourth area 9. The Figures 1b , 2b and 3b show the first side 2 and the second side 7 of the security element 1 under the viewing angle 6 at which the color-shifting first area 3 and the color-shifting third area 8 produce the same color impression as the color-constant second area 4 and the color-constant fourth area 9.

[0049] The Figure 1b, shows that the first area 3 and the fourth area 9 can form a continuously closed surface with the same color impression under the at least one viewing angle 6, under which the first area 3 and the fourth area 9 have the same color impression. In the Figures 2b and 3b it is shown that the third region 8 and the second region 4 can form a continuously closed surface with the same color impression under the at least one viewing angle 6 under which the third region 8 and the second region 4 have the same color impression.

[0050] The color-constant first region 3 and the color-constant third region 8 can be arranged opposite one another, at least in sections. Alternatively or additionally, the color-constant second region 4 and the color-constant fourth region 9 can also be arranged opposite one another, at least in sections. It is also conceivable and possibly expedient for the first region 3 and the third region 8 to be identical in color and / or for the second region 4 and the fourth region 9 to be identical in color.

[0051] This possible color similarity is in the Figures 1 to 3 represented by similar hatching.

[0052] Advantageously, the first region 3 and / or the third region 8 and / or the second region 4 and / or the fourth region 9 can be designed as a letter, number, character, symbol or part of an image or pattern. These letters, numbers, characters, symbols or parts of an image or pattern can - as in the Figures 1 to 3 shown - on the first page 2 and on the second page 7 can be designed differently. An example is shown in the Figure 1 The first area 3 is represented in the shape of a star and the third area 8 as the number "10". Alternatively, the second area 4 is represented in the Figure 2arranged in a star shape, and the fourth area 9 as the number "10." Of course, a wide variety of other, particularly more complex, arrangements are conceivable. Those skilled in the art know that more complicated designs are significantly more forgery-proof than simple ones. Thus, the skilled person can decide whether to choose a design in which defined color-shifting areas "disappear" or, alternatively, "appear."

[0053] In the views from viewing angle 6, from which the first and second areas 3, 4 and the third and fourth areas 8, 9 create the same color impression, thus "disappearing" the number- or star-shaped areas, respectively, the respective "disappeared" areas are represented by dashed lines. However, these dashed lines are not actually visible to the viewer, so the viewer has the impression of a continuous color area without transitions.

[0054] Combinations of these effects are also conceivable, as in the Figure 3 shown. It may be that, for this purpose, a color-shifting fifth region 10 is formed at least on the first side 2. This can produce the same color impression as the color-constant second region 4 before changing the viewing angle 5, 6. After changing the viewing angle 5, 6, this can produce the same color impression as the color-shifting first region 3 before changing the viewing angle 5, 6. In this way, the effect can be achieved that, due to the change in the viewing angle, defined elements, images, or symbols "disappear," while others "appear" to a viewer. The second side 7 according to Figure 3b is designed identically to the first page 2 in the Figure 2b , however, the color-shifting second area 4 in the Figure 3b is designed as a star and not as a number.

[0055] The Figures 1 , 2 and3 show, as already described, the color shift effect when the viewer's viewing angle 5, 6 is changed. It is, of course, possible to change the viewing angle 5, 6 by the viewer tilting the security element 1 themselves, or, for example, by the viewer changing their own viewing position. Figures 1a , 2a and 3a show the respective reference state at an original viewing angle 5, while the Figures 1b , 2b and 3b reproduce the respective optical impression after changing the viewing angle 6. How much the viewing angle must be changed for a viewer to perceive a color-shifting effect depends greatly on the type or formation of the color-shifting area.

[0056] Optionally, it is advantageous if the first, third and / or fifth region 3, 8, 10 has a layer with color-shifting pigments, in particular with interference pigments, pigments with a color-shifting thin-film structure 11 or liquid crystal pigments, or a layer with a color-shifting thin-film structure 11.

[0057] It may also be that the first, third and / or fifth region 3, 8, 10 has at least one liquid crystal layer, in particular at least one cholesteric liquid crystal layer.

[0058] The first, third and / or fifth region 3, 8, 10 may further comprise at least one layer enhancing the color shift effect, in particular a layer of dark color and / or a layer of metal oxides such as substoichiometric aluminum oxide.

[0059] If the first, third and / or fifth region 3, 8, 10 has a color-shifting thin-film structure 11, this can have at least one absorber layer 12 and at least one spacer layer 13 made of a dielectric material.

[0060] In addition, the color-shifting thin-film structure 11 can have at least one reflection layer 14, wherein the spacer layer 13 can be arranged between the reflection layer 14 and the absorber layer 12.

[0061] Advantageously, a carrier layer 15 can be made of plastic, in particular of a translucent and / or thermoplastic plastic.This carrier layer 15 can preferably contain at least one of the materials from the group polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyethyleneimide (PEI), polysulfone (PSU), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystalline polymers (LCP), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin copolymers (COC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and Ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene fluoroterpolymer (EFEP) and / or mixtures and / or copolymers of these materials or be made from at least one of these materials.

[0062] The carrier layer 15 can have a thickness 16 of 5 µm to 1000 µm, particularly preferably a thickness 16 of 8 µm to 50 µm.

[0063] In the first, third and / or fifth region 3, 8, 10, the layer enhancing the color-shift effect, in particular a layer of dark color and / or a layer of metal oxides such as, for example, substoichiometric aluminum oxide, can be applied to the at least one liquid crystal layer or the at least one layer of color-shifting pigments.This is such that the at least one layer of color-shifting pigments or the at least one liquid crystal layer is arranged between the at least one layer enhancing the color-shift effect and a carrier layer 15, or that the at least one layer enhancing the color-shift effect is arranged between the carrier layer 15 and the at least one layer of color-shifting pigments or the at least one liquid crystal layer, or that the carrier layer 15 is arranged between the at least one layer enhancing the color-shift effect and the at least one layer of color-shifting pigments or the at least one liquid crystal layer.

[0064] If an absorber layer 12 is provided, it preferably comprises at least one metallic material, in particular selected from the group consisting of nickel, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, palladium, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, aluminum, silver, copper and / or alloys of these materials, or is made of at least one of these materials.

[0065] If a spacer layer 13 is arranged, it advantageously comprises at least one low-refractive dielectric material with a refractive index less than or equal to 1.65, in particular selected from the group aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), metal fluorides, for example magnesium fluoride (MgF 2 ), aluminum fluoride (AlF 3 ), silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ), cerium fluoride (CeF 3 ), sodium aluminum fluorides (e.g. Na 3 AlF 6 or Na 5 Al 3 F 14 ), neodymium fluoride (NdF 3 ), lanthanum fluoride (LaF 3 ), samarium fluoride (SmF 3 ), barium fluoride (BaF 2 ), calcium fluoride (CaF 2 ), lithium fluoride (LiF), low-refractive organic monomers and / or low-refractive organic polymers or at least one high-refractive dielectric material with a refractive index greater than 1.65, in particular selected from the group zinc sulfide (ZnS), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), carbon (C), indium oxide (In 2 O 3 ), indium tin oxide (ITO), tantalum pentoxide (Ta 2 O 5 ), cerium oxide (CeO 2 ),Yttrium oxide (Y 2 O 3 ), europium oxide (Eu 2 O 3 ), iron oxides such as iron(II,III) oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ) and iron(III) oxide (Fe 2 O 3 ), hafnium nitride (HfN), hafnium carbide (HfC), hafnium oxide (HfO 2 ), lanthanum oxide (La 2 O 3 ), magnesium oxide (MgO), neodymium oxide (Nd 2 O 3 ), praseodymium oxide (Pr 6 O 11 ), samarium oxide (Sm 2 O 3 ), antimony trioxide (Sb 2 O 3 ), silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ), silicon monoxide (SiO), selenium trioxide (Se 2 O 3 ), tin oxide (SnO 2 ), tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ), high-index organic monomers and / or high-index organic polymers or is made of at least one of these materials.

[0066] If a reflection layer 14 is formed, it can comprise at least one metallic material, in particular selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, aluminum, gold, platinum, niobium, tin, or nickel, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt and palladium or alloys of these materials, in particular cobalt-nickel alloys or at least one high-index dielectric material with a refractive index of greater than 1.65, in particular selected from the group consisting of zinc sulfide (ZnS), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), carbon (C), indium oxide (In 2 O 3 ), indium tin oxide (ITO), tantalum pentoxide (Ta 2 O 5 ), cerium oxide (CeO 2 ), yttrium oxide (Y 2 O 3 ), europium oxide (Eu 2 O 3 ), iron oxides such as iron(II,III) oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ) and iron(III) oxide (Fe 2 O 3 ), hafnium nitride (HfN), hafnium carbide (HfC), hafnium oxide (HfO 2 ), lanthanum oxide (La 2 O 3 ), magnesium oxide (MgO), neodymium oxide (Nd 2 O 3 ), praseodymium oxide (Pr 6 O 11 ), samarium oxide (Sm 2 O 3 ), antimony trioxide (Sb 2 O 3 ),Silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ), silicon monoxide (SiO), selenium trioxide (Se 2 O 3 ), tin oxide (SnO 2 ), tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ), high-index organic monomers and / or high-index organic polymers or be made from at least one of these materials.

[0067] It may also be that the Figures 1 to 3 shown security elements 1 are equipped with machine-readable features. These can be, in particular, magnetic codes, electrically conductive layers, and materials that absorb and / or re-emit electromagnetic waves.

[0068] In addition, the security element 1 can have additional layers, which additional layers include, in particular, protective varnishes, heat-sealing varnishes, adhesives, primers, and / or foils. Generic designs and their advantages are well known to those skilled in the art and will therefore not be explained in more detail here.

[0069] In the Figures 4 to 6 Three conceivable, simplified structures of security elements 1 are shown in sectional view by way of example. It goes without saying that the described embodiments are to be understood merely as examples and that methods are generally known to the person skilled in the art to realize a structure corresponding to the security element 1 according to the invention. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made here to the previous, detailed description of the Figures 1 to 3 referred to or referred to.

[0070] In the Figure 4a relatively simple layer structure is shown. The security element 1 is formed by a transparent carrier layer 15, wherein the carrier layer 15 is provided on one side with color-shifting and color-constant features. A color-constant fourth region 9 is applied to the carrier layer 15 in sections, i.e. not over the entire surface, whereby cutouts 18 are formed. This color-constant fourth region 9 is, for example, completely covered by a color-shifting first region 3, whereby the color-shifting first region 3 in particular also comprises the cutouts 18. As the outermost layer, a printing ink is applied in sections as a second color-constant region 4, whereby it can be expedient if the color of the color-constant fourth region 9 and the color of the color-constant second region 4 are identical.Viewed from the first side 2, a user can see the second color-constant region 4 and also the recesses 18 of the first color-shifting region 3 not covered by the second color-constant region 4. Since the first color-shifting region 3 is preferably an opaque layer, the color-constant fourth region 9 is not visible when viewed from the first side 2. When the security element 1 is tilted from a first viewing angle 5 to a second viewing angle 6, the color of the first color-shifting region 3 changes such that it creates an identical color impression for the viewer as the second color-constant region. Viewed from the second side 7, a user can see the color-constant fourth region 9, applied in sections, through the transparent carrier layer 15, as well as parts of the color-shifting first region 3 in the recesses 18.Also, when viewed from the second side 7, when the security element 1 is tilted from a first viewing angle 5 to a second viewing angle 6, the impression is created that the color of the first color-shifting region 3 changes in such a way that this creates an identical color impression for the viewer as the fourth color-constant region 9. The carrier layer 15 can have a thickness 16 of 5 µm to 1000 µm, particularly preferably a thickness 16 of 8 µm to 50 µm. It is conceivable that the color-shifting region 3, as described above, has a layer with color-shifting pigments, in particular interference pigments, pigments with a color-shifting thin-film structure 11 or liquid crystal pigments. Advantageously, layer structures with liquid crystal pigments can have dark layers or reflection layers comparable to thin-film structures 11.Of course, it's not absolutely necessary for the color-shifting areas 3 to be fully formed, as shown. Their shape, size, and configuration can advantageously be adapted to any conceivable design.

[0071] In the Figure 5Another conceivable layer structure is shown schematically. The basic structure of the security element 1 is formed by a transparent carrier layer 15, wherein the carrier layer 15 is provided with color-constant features on both sides. A color-shifting first region 3 is applied over the entire surface of the carrier layer 15. According to the example, it is provided that the color-shifting region 3 is designed as a color-shifting thin-film structure 11. Expediently, the thin-film structure 11 can be designed on both sides and opaque, so that a color-shifting effect can be recognized both when viewed from the first side 2 and from the second side 7. For this purpose, the double-sided color-shifting thin-film structure 11 can be formed by a first absorber layer 12, a first spacer layer 13, an opaque reflection layer 14, a second spacer layer 13 and a second absorber layer 12, as shown and described starting with the carrier layer 15.A first color-constant region 4 can be formed in sections on the thin-film structure 11 acting as a color-shifting region 3. A second color-constant region 9 can be arranged in sections on the second side 7 of the security element 1, or on the second side of the carrier layer 15, as shown. From the first side 2, an observer can recognize the second color-constant region 4 applied in sections, as well as, in the recesses 18, the underlying color-shifting first region 3, which is formed by the opaque reflection layer 14, the second spacer layer 13, and the second absorber layer 12 of the thin-film structure 11.From the second side 7, a viewer can see the fourth color-constant region 9, applied in sections, as well as the underlying color-shifting first region 3 in the recesses 18, which is formed by the opaque reflective layer 14, the first spacer layer 13, and the first absorber layer 12 of the thin-film structure 11. The two color-constant regions 4, 9 can, if necessary, also be arranged directly above one another, so that the same motif is displayed to a viewer on both sides 2, 7. The embodiment variant according to . Figure 5can enable a multitude of design variants. In particular, the double-sided thin-film structure 11 can be constructed in such a way that the color-shifting effect is different on the two sides 2, 7. For example, it is conceivable that the thin-film structure 11, viewed from the first side 2, appears blue at a first viewing angle 5 and green at a second viewing angle 6. The printing ink of the second color-constant region 4 can, for example, produce the same green color impression. In addition, the thin-film structure 11, viewed from the second side 7, can appear green at a first viewing angle 5 and blue at a second viewing angle 6. The printing ink of the fourth color-constant region 9 can, for example, produce the same blue color impression.

[0072] Another possible variant is the Figure 6 roughly schematically sketched. According to Figure 6A security element 1 is provided, which can be formed by two transparent carrier layers 15. A color-constant second region 4 - for example, in the color blue - can be formed between the two carrier layers 15, either over the entire surface or only in sections. In this case, it may be necessary for the color-constant second region 4 to be applied with the aid of a laminating adhesive 17, by means of which a sufficient adhesive effect can be achieved between the two carrier layers 15, or between the printing ink of the color-constant second region 4 and the carrier layers 15. A color-shifting first region 3 can be applied in sections on the first side 2 of the security element 1, and a color-shifting third region 8 can be applied in sections on the second side 7 of the security element 1.The two color-shifting regions 3, 8 can expediently be thin-film structures 11, which—as seen from the carrier layers 15—can be formed by an opaque reflective layer 14, a spacer layer 13, and an absorber layer 12. Since the reflective layer 14 is preferably an opaque layer, the respective underlying structure is not visible to a viewer. Thus, a viewer sees the color-shifting first region 3 on the first side 2, as well as the color-constant second region 4 through the transparent carrier layer 15 in the recesses 18 formed as a result of the section-by-section application. If the viewer looks at the second side 7 of the security element 1, they see the color-shifting third region 8, as well as the color-constant second region 4 through the transparent carrier layer 15 in the recesses 18 formed as a result of the section-by-section application.

[0073] The carrier layer 15 can have a thickness 16 of 5 µm to 1000 µm, particularly preferably a thickness 16 of 8 µm to 50 µm. In particular, the carrier layer 15 can advantageously be thicker than the regions 3, 4, 8, 9 arranged on the sides 2, 7.

[0074] The first region 3 and the third region 8 can be arranged opposite one another, at least in sections. Furthermore, the second region 4 and the fourth region 9 can be arranged opposite one another, at least in sections. In particular, it is possible for the regions 3, 4, 8, 9 to display different letters, numbers, characters, symbols, or parts of an image or pattern on both sides.

[0075] The scope of protection is determined by the claims.

[0076] All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0077] For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, in order to better understand the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference symbol list

[0078] 1Security element 2First side 3First area 4Second area 5Viewing angle 6Viewing angle 7Second side 8Third area 9Fourth area 10Fifth area 11Thin-film structure 12Absorber layer 13Spacer layer 14Reflection layer 15Carrier layer 16Thickness 17Laminating adhesive 18Recess

Claims

1. A security element (1) for papers of value or security papers, wherein the security element (1) has a first side (2) and a second side (7) opposite the first side (2), wherein the security element (1) on the first side (2) has at least one color-shifting first region (3) which is perceptible when viewed from the first side (2), wherein the first region (3) has a layer with color-shifting pigments, in particular interference pigments, pigments with a color-shifting thin-layer structure (11) or liquid crystal pigments, or a layer with a color-shifting thin-layer structure (11) or at least one liquid-crystal layer, in particular at least one cholesteric liquid crystal layer, wherein the security element (1) has at least one second region (4) with a printing ink which produces a color impression independent of a viewing angle (5, 6) when viewed from the first side (2), wherein a color-shifting effect is produced in the first region (3) when a viewing angle (5, 6) is changed, wherein the first region (3) produces the same color impression as the second region (4) when viewed from the first side at at least a first viewing angle (6), and wherein the first region (3) has a different color impression than the second region (4) when viewed from at least a second viewing angle (5) which differs from the first viewing angle (6), characterized in that the security element (1) has a color-shifting third region (8) with a second color-shifting effect on the second side (7), wherein the third region (8) comprises a layer with color-shifting pigments, in particular interference pigments, pigments with a color-shifting thin-layer structure (11) or liquid crystal pigments, or a layer with a color-shifting thin-layer structure (11) or at least one liquid crystal layer, in particular at least one cholesteric liquid crystal layer, wherein the security element (1), when viewed from the second side (7), has a second region with a printing ink which produces a color impression independent of a viewing angle (5, 6), wherein the color-shifting third region (8) has the same color impression as the second color-constant region under a first viewing angle and a different color impression under at least a second viewing angle (5) which differs from the first viewing angle (6), wherein an interaction of the first color-shifting effect and the first color impression independent of the viewing angle (6) is not perceptible from the second side (7), and an interaction of the second color-shifting effect and the second color impression independent of the viewing angle (5) is not perceptible from the first side (2).

2. The security element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the third region (8) produces the same color impression as the second region (4) under at least one first viewing angle (6), and wherein the third region (8) has a different color impression than the second region (4) under at least a second viewing angle (5) different from the first viewing angle (6), and / or that the security element (1) has a fourth region (9) on a second side (7) with a color impression independent of a viewing angle (5, 6), wherein the first region (3) produces the same color impression as the fourth region (9) under at least a first viewing angle (6) and wherein the first region (3) has a different color impression than the fourth region (9) under at least a second viewing angle (5) which differs from the first viewing angle (6).

3. The security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first region (3) and the second region (4) form a continuously closed surface with the same color impression under the at least one viewing angle (6) at which the first region (3) and the second region (4) have the same color impression.

4. The security element (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the third region (8) and the second region (4) form a continuously closed surface with the same color impression under the at least one viewing angle (6) at which the third region (8) and the second region (4) have the same color impression, and / or that the first region (3) and the fourth region (9) form a continuously closed surface with the same color impression under the at least one viewing angle (6) at which the first region (3) and the fourth region (9) have the same color impression.

5. The security element (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the first region (3) and the third region (8) are arranged opposite one another at least in some sections and / or that the second region (4) and the fourth region (9) are arranged opposite one another at least in some sections.

6. The security element (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the first region (3) and the third region (8) are identical in color and / or that the second region (4) and the fourth region (9) are identical in color.

7. The security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first region (3) and / or the third region (8) and / or the second region (4) and / or the fourth region (9) is formed as a letter, number, sign, symbol or part of an image or pattern.

8. The security element (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the letter, number, sign, symbol or part of an image or pattern are formed differently on the first side (2) and on the second side (7).

9. The security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a color-shifting fifth region (10) is formed at least on the first side (2), which region produces the same color impression as the second region (4) before the viewing angle (5, 6) is changed and which, after the viewing angle (5, 6) is changed, produces the same color impression as the first region (3) before the viewing angle (5, 6) is changed.

10. The security element (1) according to one of preceding claims, characterized in that the first region (3) and / or the third region (8) has at least one layer which enhances the color-shifting effect, in particular a layer of dark color and / or a layer of metal oxides such as, for example, hypostoichiometric aluminium oxide.

11. The security element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the color-shifting thin-layer structure (11) has at least one absorber layer (12) and at least one spacer layer (13) of a dielectric material.

12. The security element (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the color-shifting thin-layer structure (11) has at least one reflection layer (14), wherein the spacer layer (13) is arranged between the reflection layer (14) and the absorber layer (12).

13. The security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a carrier layer (15) is formed from a plastic material, in particular from a light-permeable and / or thermoplastic material, wherein the carrier layer (15) preferably comprises at least one of the materials from the group of polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone, (PEEK) polyetherketone (PEK), polyethylene imide (PEI), polysulfone (PSU), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystalline polymers (LCP), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin copolymers (COC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyvinylcholride (PVC) ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF),polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-fluoropolymer (EFEP) and / or mixtures and / or copolymers of these materials or is made of at least one of these materials.

14. The security element (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the carrier layer (15) has a thickness (16) of 5 µm to 1000 µm, particularly preferably a thickness (16) of 8 µm - 50 µm.

15. The security element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the layer enhancing the color-shifting effect, in particular a layer of a dark color and / or a layer of metal oxides, such as hypo stoichiometric aluminum oxide, is applied to the at least one liquid crystal layer or the at least one layer of color-shifting pigments, such that the at least one layer of color-shifting pigments or the at least one liquid crystal layer is arranged between the at least one layer enhancing the color-shifting effect and a carrier layer (15), or that the at least one layer enhancing the color-shifting effect is arranged between the carrier layer (15) and the at least one layer of color-shifting pigments or the at least one liquid crystal layer, or that the carrier layer (15) is arranged between the at least one layer enhancing the color-shifting effect and the at least one layer of color-shifting pigments or the at least one liquid crystal layer.

16. The security element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the at least one absorber layer (12) comprises at least one metallic material, in particular selected from the group of nickel, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, palladium, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, aluminum, silver, copper and / or alloys of these materials or is made of at least one of these materials.

17. The security element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the at least one spacer layer (13) comprises at least one low refractive index dielectric material having a refractive index of less than or equal to 1.65, in particular selected from the group of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), metal fluorides, for example magnesium fluoride (MgF2), aluminum fluoride (AlF3), silicon oxide (SIOx), silicon dioxide (SiO2), cerium fluoride (CeF3), sodium aluminum fluorides (e.g. Na3AlF6 or Na5Al3F14), neodymium fluoride (NdF3), lanthanum fluoride (LaF3), samarium fluoride (SmF3) barium fluoride (BaF2), calcium fluoride (CaF2), lithium fluoride (LiF), low refractive index organic monomers and / or low refractive index organic polymers, or at least one high refractive index dielectric material having a refractive index of greater than 1.65, in particular selected from the group of zinc sulfide (ZnS), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), carbon (C), indium oxide (In2O3), indium tin oxide (ITO), tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5), cerium oxide (CeO2), yttrium oxide (Y2O3), europium oxide (Eu2O3), iron oxides such as iron (II,III) oxide (Fe3O4) and iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3), hafnium nitride (HfN), hafnium carbide (HfC), hafnium oxide (HfO2), lanthanum oxide (La2O3), magnesium oxide (MgO), neodymium oxide (Nd2O3), praseodymium oxide (Pr6O11), samarium oxide (Sm2O3), antimony trioxide (Sb2O3), silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si3N4), silicon monoxide (SiO), selenium trioxide (Se2O3), tin oxide (SnO2), tungsten trioxide (WO3), high refractive index organic monomers and / or high refractive index organic polymers, or is made of at least one of these materials.

18. The security element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the at least one reflection layer (14) comprises at least one metallic material, in particular selected from the group of silver, copper, aluminum, gold, platinum, niobium, tin, or of nickel, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt and palladium, or alloys of these materials, in particular cobalt-nickel alloys, or at least one high refractive index dielectric material having a refractive index of larger than 1.65, in particular selected from the group of zinc sulfide (ZnS), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), carbon (C), indium oxide (In2O3), indium tin oxide (ITO), tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5), cerium oxide (CeO2), yttrium oxide (Y2O3), europium oxide (Eu2O3), iron oxides such as iron (II,III) oxide (Fe3O4) and iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3), hafnium nitride (HfN), hafnium carbide (HfC), hafnium oxide (HfO2), lanthanum oxide (La2O3), magnesium oxide (MgO), neodymium oxide (Nd2O3), praseodymium oxide (Pr6O11), samarium oxide (Sm2O3), antimony trioxide (Sb2O3), silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si3N4), silicon monoxide (SiO), selenium trioxide (Se2O3), tin oxide (SnO2), tungsten trioxide (WO3), high refractive index organic monomers and / or high refractive index organic polymers, or is made of at least one of these materials.

19. The security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the security element (1) is equipped with machine-readable features, wherein the machine-readable features in particular are magnetic coding, electrically conductive layers, materials absorbing and / or remitting electromagnetic waves.

20. The security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the security element (1) has additional layers, said additional layers comprising in particular protective lacquers, heat-sealing lacquers, adhesives, primers and / or films.