Security element with structures

Abstract

The invention relates to a security element (1) for securities, security papers or security items, with at least one visible side (2), comprising a first area (3) with first structures (4), wherein the first structures (4) represent a motif, and a second area (5) with second structures (6), wherein the second area (5) forms a background for the motif and wherein, under a first viewing angle, the motif stands out from the background.It is provided that, under a second viewing angle different from the first viewing angle, the brightness or color impression of the second area (5) differs from the brightness or color impression of the first area (3) for an observer, or differs only slightly, so that the motif under the second viewing angle is less clearly visible to an observer with the naked eye compared to the background than under the first viewing angle, or is not visible at all.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a security element for securities, security papers or security items, with at least one visible side, comprising a first area with first structures, wherein the first structures represent a motif, and a second area with second structures, wherein the second area forms a background for the motif and wherein, under a first viewing angle, the motif stands out from the background.

[0002] Security elements of the type mentioned above are used to protect against counterfeiting of securities, such as banknotes, tickets, etc., security papers and security documents, such as identity cards.

[0003] For enhanced counterfeit protection, motifs on security features are often implemented using relief structures. Security features incorporating relief structures in the form of diffractive, reflective, or refractive elements, which create effects such as movement, 3D simulation, holographic effects, or similar motifs, are well-known in the field. If the entire security feature is not covered with the motif, there is usually a background area that must be distinct from the motif to make it easily recognizable. This background area is typically designed without a reflective layer, as a metallized surface, with color-shifting coatings, or in the form of a micromirror structure, often arranged randomly.The known embodiments have in common that the described background effects always create a clear contrast difference compared to the depicted motif from all viewing angles, so that the motif is shown to be particularly effective.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to create a security element with increased protection against counterfeiting.

[0005] It should be noted here that, in the context of the invention, the term "safety element" can refer to various types of safety elements familiar to those skilled in the art. For example, safety elements can be designed as safety threads, safety strips, safety patches, and the like. Of course, other types of safety elements known to those skilled in the art are also conceivable.

[0006] This task is solved by a safety element of the type mentioned above in that, under a second viewing angle different from the first viewing angle, the brightness or color impression, or contrast, of the second area does not differ from the brightness or color impression, or contrast, of the first area for an observer, or only differs slightly, so that the motif under the second viewing angle is less clearly visible to an observer with the naked eye compared to the background than under the first viewing angle, or is not visible at all.

[0007] The solution according to the invention creates a completely new effect by coordinating the contrast between the background and the subject area in such a way that the subject is not recognizable or only barely recognizable under certain viewing angles. This unexpected effect increases the complexity of the security element and thus contributes significantly to enhanced protection against counterfeiting.

[0008] Both the background and the subject area feature a relief structure. The relief structure of the background area is designed in such a way that, under a certain viewing angle, or range of viewing angles—for example, a very shallow viewing angle—the perceived brightness of the subject area and the background area appears adjusted, appearing, for instance, to the viewer as equally bright. Thus, under these altered viewing conditions, the optical distinction between the two areas disappears or blurs, and they essentially merge into one another.

[0009] According to an advantageous further development, the first and second areas may be arranged directly adjacent to each other, at least in some areas. This is particularly true when viewing the security element from the perspective of its visible side. This allows the effect of equalizing the brightness or color impression, or the contrast, to be especially effective, thus further increasing counterfeit protection.

[0010] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the first area is a single, continuous section, or that it is composed of two or more separated sub-sections. This is particularly true when viewing the security element from its visible side. This allows for a wide variety of designs, thus further increasing counterfeit protection.

[0011] Another option may stipulate that the motif must be at least a portrait, a landscape, a building and / or an animal and / or a pattern and / or an abstract geometric sign, logo or alphanumeric character and / or an icon and / or a symbol and / or a code and / or a sequence of characters.

[0012] The counterfeit protection can be further increased by including achromatic and / or reflective structures, in particular micromirrors, and / or refractive structures, in particular microlenses, and / or diffractive structures, in particular holograms, in the first structures and / or the second structures.

[0013] Further training may also provide that the initial structures reflect the motif into different spatial areas, so that the viewer experiences a changing impression of the motif when the viewing angle changes, when the safety element is tilted and / or when a light source is moved.

[0014] A changing motif impression can, for example, involve a translational movement, a rotational movement, a pumping or running effect, a segmentation of an original motif into an exploded view or vice versa, a flip effect, a particularly morphic change, an appearance and / or disappearance, an enlargement and / or reduction, or any combination of one or more of these effects.

[0015] It is conceivable, and equally advantageous, if the second structures represent static and / or viewing-angle-independent information.

[0016] It has also proven useful if the first structures and the second structures are formed with a reflective layer.

[0017] For example, the relief structure in the image might create a motion effect. In this case, the relief structures of both areas could be coated with a reflective layer of metal. The motion effect might appear as bright movement due to specular reflection against a darker background. As the viewer tilts to a shallower angle, the background may appear increasingly brighter, and the brightness levels may even out. Thus, at the second viewing angle, for example, a very shallow one, the motion effect itself is no longer visible or perceptible; instead, the entire first and second areas—the entire image and the background—appear equally bright. It is also conceivable that the motion effect becomes increasingly diffuse, so that at a shallow viewing angle, both areas appear equally dark.

[0018] Another embodiment may provide that the first structures and the second structures are formed with an optical effect layer, wherein the optical effect layer comprises a thin-film element with at least one absorber layer and at least one spacer layer, or wherein the optical effect layer contains color-shifting pigments, in particular interference pigments, or liquid crystal pigments, or wherein the optical effect layer comprises metallic pigments and / or magnetic pigments and / or color pigments and / or dyes.

[0019] A possible structure of a thin-film element can have the following layer sequence: structure - spacer layer - absorber layer or structure - absorber layer - spacer layer.

[0020] For example, a color-shifting coating might be used, creating an additional combination with a color-shifting effect. Alternatively, or in addition to a movement effect created by the initial structures, the initial structures might also create a 3D impression within the motif area.

[0021] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the brightness or color impression, or contrast, of the first area and the brightness or color impression, or contrast, of the second area differ when viewing the visible side at least approximately orthogonally, and if the brightness or color impression, or contrast, of the first area and the brightness or color impression, or contrast, of the second area do not differ or differ only slightly when viewing the security element at a shallow angle.

[0022] Alternatively, the reverse effect is also conceivable. It is possible that the perceived brightness or color, or contrast, of the first area and the perceived brightness or color, or contrast, of the second area may not differ at all or only slightly when viewed at least approximately orthogonally from the viewing side, and that the perceived brightness or color, or contrast, of the first area and the perceived brightness or color, or contrast, of the second area may differ when viewing the security element at a shallow angle.

[0023] Another advantageous variant for increasing counterfeit protection can provide that the brightness or color impression, or contrast, of the first area and the brightness or color impression, or contrast, of the second area differ when viewed at least approximately orthogonally from the front; and that the brightness or color impression, or contrast, of the first area and the brightness or color impression, or contrast, of the second area do not differ or differ only slightly when the security element is viewed at an angle of at least approximately 45°; and that the brightness or color impression, or contrast, of the first area and the brightness or color impression, or contrast, of the second area differ at a shallow angle. Alternatively, the reverse effect would also be conceivable.Such a three-phase effect can be particularly characteristic and easily recognizable, and difficult to forge, thus further increasing security against counterfeiting.

[0024] It has also proven extremely advantageous if, when the security element is tilted from the first to the second viewing angle or vice versa, the subject becomes increasingly prominent against the background. This can create a transition effect, or a "fading-in and fading-out" impression.

[0025] It is also conceivable and advantageous that when the security element is tilted from the first to the second viewing angle, or vice versa, the subject recedes more and more into the background. This can create a transition effect, or a "fading-in and fading-out" impression.

[0026] A preferred embodiment provides that the optical effect layer or coating, designed as a thin-film element, is designed as a color-tilting layer or comprises a color-tilting layer.

[0027] Furthermore, the optical effect layer or coating, designed as a thin-film element, can also include at least one reflection layer, wherein the at least one spacer layer is arranged between the at least one absorber layer and the at least one reflection layer.

[0028] A possible structure of a thin-film element can have the following layer sequence: structure - reflection layer - spacer layer - absorber layer or relief structure - absorber layer - spacer layer - reflection layer.

[0029] Another training method involves applying the reflective layer to the first and second structures, in particular by printing and / or vapor deposition.

[0030] Furthermore, it can be advantageous that a color shift effect occurs in the optical effect layer when the light source is moved and / or the viewing angle is changed.

[0031] The optical effect layer preferably contains metallic pigments and / or magnetic pigments and / or color pigments and / or dyes.

[0032] Another embodiment is characterized in that the optical effect layer has at least one layer on a side facing away from the viewing side that enhances the color shift effect.

[0033] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the optical effect layer is printed and / or vapor-deposited onto the relief structures.

[0034] Another embodiment is characterized in that the optical effect layer has at least one liquid crystal layer, in particular a cholesteric liquid crystal layer.

[0035] Another preferred embodiment provides that, in addition to the optical effect layer, the security element includes an optically non-linear layer or layer and / or a layer containing fluorescent pigments and / or fluorescent substances. Optically non-linear layers or layers, or the materials forming these layers, are also referred to as IR upconverters or UV downconverters. These materials can exhibit a visible color under the influence of electromagnetic radiation outside the visible wavelength range of light. Such materials can be excited to emit visible light under these conditions, for example, upon irradiation with infrared (IR) (λ > 780 nm) and / or ultraviolet (UV) light (λ < 380 nm).Furthermore, it is possible that the optical effect layer contains photoluminescent pigments and / or photoluminescent substances which exhibit emission in the IR range when excited with electromagnetic radiation.

[0036] Furthermore, a strongly absorbing dielectric material, such as germanium, can be used as an additional layer. This additional layer can, for example, be applied to the color-shifting optical effect layer, which can be designed in the form of a thin-film element.

[0037] It may also be advantageous for the security element to be equipped with further color-changing layers, in particular layers with color-changing pigments or liquid crystals and / or with machine-readable features, wherein the machine-readable features are in particular magnetic codings, electrically conductive layers, electromagnetic wave-absorbing and / or re-emitting substances.

[0038] Another possible and, if applicable, alternative embodiment has the features that the security element has further or additional layers, which additional layers include, in particular, protective layers, for example, protective varnishes, heat-seal varnishes, adhesives, primers and / or films.

[0039] A preferred embodiment provides that the safety element comprises a support substrate or a support layer made of a plastic, wherein the plastic is in particular made of a translucent and / or thermoplastic plastic, and that the support layer preferably comprises at least one of the materials from the group consisting of 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 crystal polymers (LCP), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin copolymers (COC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE). Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF),Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene fluoroterpolymer (EFEP), cellulose- or lignin-based plastics, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), thermoplastic starch (TPS), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and / or at least one recycled and / or biodegradable and / or marine-degradable plastic and / or mixtures and / or copolymers of these materials, or is made from at least one of these materials.

[0040] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the at least one absorber layer 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.

[0041] According to a further development, it is possible that the at least one reflective layer consists of 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 a high-refractive-index dielectric material with a refractive index greater than 1.65, in particular selected from the group consisting of zinc sulfide (ZnS), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (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). 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 (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 from at least one of these materials.

[0042] Furthermore, a spacer layer can consist of at least a low-refractive-index dielectric material with a refractive index of less than or equal to 1.65, in particular selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), metal fluorides, for example magnesium fluoride (MgF₂), aluminum fluoride (AlF₃), cerium fluoride (CeF₃), sodium aluminum fluorides (e.g., Na₃AlF₆ or Na₅Al₃F₁₄), silicon dioxide (SiOₓ), silicon dioxide (SiO₂), 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 a high-refractive-index dielectric material with a refractive index greater than 1.65, in particular selected from the group consisting of Zinc sulfide (ZnS), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (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 comprise at least one of these materials. be manufactured.

[0043] Furthermore, it may be provided that the coating is or comprises a metal layer and / or a metal effect layer, in particular a metal effect paint and / or a metal effect varnish and / or a metal effect ink and / or a metallic material, in particular selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, aluminium, gold, platinum, niobium, tin, or from nickel, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt and palladium or alloys of these materials, in particular cobalt-nickel alloys.

[0044] The counterfeit protection can be further increased by making the optical effect layer a partial coating and by depicting a portrait, a landscape, an abstract geometric symbol, a logo or an alphanumeric character and / or an icon and / or a code and / or a sequence of characters through the optical effect layer.

[0045] The first and second structures can be directly embossed into the substrate or carrier layer. This can be done, for example, by heating the carrier layer and embossing the structures using an embossing tool, such as an embossing roller. Alternatively, a separate layer, particularly an embossing lacquer layer, can be used to hold the structures. This additional layer can be applied directly to the carrier layer. In both cases, the structures can be introduced using an embossing process with a molding device or molding element.

[0046] The object of the invention is also achieved, independently of the above, by a security or security instrument comprising a security element according to one of the claims or as described above. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made here to the preceding sections of the description.

[0047] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0048] They each show, in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 a safety element in top view when viewed from a first observation angle, Fig. 2 the safety element made of Fig. 1 In top view when viewed from a second viewing angle, Fig. 3 shows a possible layer structure of a safety element, Fig. 4 shows another possible layer structure of a safety element.

[0049] 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.

[0050] It should be mentioned at the outset that the layer structure, as well as the arrangement of further layers, depends on how the safety element is attached to a safety object, since the side of the safety element being viewed after attachment is decisive. Thus, the visible side can be viewed from above, as shown in the figures, but it is also possible to view the safety element from below, e.g., through a support.

[0051] It should be noted that the phrase "a layer is applied to something" is to be understood as meaning that the layer can be applied directly, or that one or more intermediate layers may be present between the applied layer and the surface to which the layer is applied. It should also be noted that one or more intermediate layers may be arranged between the layers described in this document. Therefore, it is not essential that the described layers are in contact with each other. Furthermore, it should be noted that the term "layer" in this document is to be understood as meaning that a layer can also be composed of several sublayers.

[0052] As far as possible, the characters are described below in a single overview to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0053] The figures show a security element 1 for securities, security papers, or security items. The security element 1 shown in the figures can be contained within a security or security paper. The security element 1, with at least one visible side 2, comprises a first area 3 with first structures 4, wherein the first structures 4 represent a motif. In the Figs. 1 and 2 The motif is shown as a triangle, exemplary and representative of a multitude of conceivable motifs. Of course, much more complex representations are also possible. Furthermore, the security element 1 has a second area 5 with second structures 6, whereby the second area 5 forms a background for the motif, and where, from a first viewing angle, the motif stands out from the background. Fig. 1 shows a view of the visible side 2 of the safety element 1 from a first observation angle.

[0054] The intention is that, from a second viewing angle different from the first, the brightness or color impression of the second area 5 will not differ, or will differ only slightly, from the brightness or color impression of the first area 3 for an observer. Fig. 2 shows a view of the visible side 2 of the safety element 1 from a second viewing angle. In the Fig. 2 It is evident that, from the second viewing angle, the subject appears less distinct against the background to an observer with the naked eye than from the first viewing angle, or perhaps not at all. This is illustrated by the gradual aligning of the hatching patterns in the different areas.

[0055] As in the Figs. 1 and 2As shown, the first area 3 and the second area 5 can be arranged directly adjacent to each other, at least in some areas. In the example shown, the first area 3 is completely surrounded by the second area 5. Of course, a reverse arrangement would also be conceivable. Likewise, a partial or area-by-area adjoining of areas 3 and 5 would be possible. Alternatively, and not shown in the figure, areas 3 and 5 could also be arranged at a distance from each other, with, for example, another area forming between them.

[0056] Safety element 1 according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first area 3 is a continuous area, or that the first area 3 is formed from two or more spaced-apart sub-areas. In the Figs. 1 and 2Area 3 is shown as a single, continuous piece. However, to depict more complex motifs, arranging area 3 into sub-areas would also be conceivable.

[0057] The motif may be at least a portrait, a landscape, a building and / or an animal and / or a pattern and / or an abstract geometric sign, a logo or an alphanumeric character and / or an icon and / or a symbol and / or a code and / or a sequence of characters. As already described, the motif is in the Figs. 1 and 2 formed in the shape of a triangle.

[0058] It is possible that the first structures 4 and / or the second structures 6 comprise achromatic and / or reflective structures, in particular micromirrors, and / or refractive structures, in particular microlenses, and / or diffractive structures, in particular holograms.

[0059] Furthermore, it is possible that the first structures 4 reflect the motif into different spatial areas, so that the viewer experiences a changing impression of the motif when the viewing angle changes, when the safety element 1 is tilted and / or when a light source is moved.

[0060] It is also conceivable that the second structures 6 represent static and / or viewing-angle-independent information.

[0061] It is possible that the first structures 4 and the second structures 6 are formed with a reflective layer 7. This is shown in the exemplary embodiment of a layer structure in the Fig. 3 sketched. The reflective layer 7 completely covers the first structures 4 and the second structures 6.

[0062] A further training provides that the reflective layer 7 is applied to the first structures 4 and to the second structures 6, in particular by printing and / or vapor deposition.

[0063] It is also possible that the first structures 4 and the second structures 6 are formed with an optical effect layer, wherein the optical effect layer comprises a thin-film element with at least one absorber layer 10 and at least one spacer layer 11. Such an embodiment is described in the Fig. 4 shown as a simplified layer structure. The optical effect layer, or the thin-film element, completely covers the first structures 4 and the second structures 6.

[0064] Alternatively, the optical effect layer may contain 8 color-shifting pigments, in particular interference pigments, or liquid crystal pigments, or the optical effect layer may contain metallic pigments and / or magnetic pigments and / or color pigments and / or dyes.

[0065] Furthermore, it may be provided that the optical effect layer 8 designed as a thin-film element or the coating is designed as a color-tilting layer or comprises a color-tilting layer.

[0066] Furthermore, the optical effect layer 8, which is designed as a thin-film element, or the coating, can further comprise at least one reflective layer 7, wherein the at least one spacer layer 11 is arranged between the at least one absorber layer 10 and the at least one reflective layer 7. However, this is not shown in the figure.

[0067] It is possible that the brightness or color impression of the first area 3 and the brightness or color impression of the second area 5 differ when viewing the side 2 at least approximately orthogonally, and that the brightness or color impression of the first area 3 and the brightness or color impression of the second area 5 do not differ or differ only slightly when viewing the safety element 1 at a shallow angle.

[0068] It is also conceivable that a brightness or color impression of the first area 3 and a brightness or color impression of the second area 5 are different when viewing the visible side 2 at least approximately orthogonally, and that a brightness or color impression of the first area 3 and a brightness or color impression of the second area 5 do not differ or differ only slightly when viewing the safety element 1 at an angle of at least approximately 45°, and that a brightness or color impression of the first area 3 and a brightness or color impression of the second area 5 are different at a shallow angle.

[0069] It may be that if the safety element 1 is tilted from the first to the second viewing angle or vice versa, the subject will stand out more and more against the background.

[0070] Furthermore, it is possible that if the safety element 1 is tilted from the first to the second viewing angle or vice versa, the subject will recede more and more into the background.

[0071] Furthermore, it can be advantageous that a color shift effect occurs in the optical effect layer 8 or in the coating that produces an optical effect when the light source is moved and / or the viewing angle is changed.

[0072] The optical effect layer 8 preferably comprises metallic pigments and / or magnetic pigments and / or color pigments and / or dyes.

[0073] It is also possible that the optical effect layer 8 has at least one layer on a side facing away from the viewing side 2 that enhances the color shift effect.

[0074] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the optical effect layer 8 is printed and / or vapor-deposited onto the first structures 4 and onto the second structures 6.

[0075] Another embodiment is characterized in that the optical effect layer 8 has at least one liquid crystal layer, in particular a cholesteric liquid crystal layer.

[0076] Another preferred embodiment provides that the safety element 1, in addition to the optical effect layer 8, includes an optically non-linear layer or an optically non-linear layer and / or a layer containing fluorescent pigments and / or fluorescent substances.

[0077] Furthermore, a strongly absorbing dielectric material, such as germanium, can be used as an additional layer. This additional layer can, for example, be applied to the color-shifting optical effect layer 8, which can be designed in the form of a thin-film element.

[0078] It may also be advantageous for the security element 1 to be equipped with further color-changing layers, in particular layers with color-changing pigments or liquid crystals and / or with machine-readable features, wherein the machine-readable features are in particular magnetic codings, electrically conductive layers, electromagnetic wave-absorbing and / or re-emitting substances.

[0079] Another possible and, if applicable, alternative embodiment has the features that the safety element 1 has further or additional layers, which additional layers include, in particular, protective layers 9, for example, protective varnishes, heat-seal varnishes, adhesives, primers and / or films.

[0080] A preferred embodiment provides that the safety element 1 comprises a support substrate 12 or a support layer made of a plastic, wherein the plastic is preferably made of a translucent and / or thermoplastic plastic, and that the support layer preferably comprises at least one of the materials from the group consisting of polyimide PI, polypropylene PP, monoaxially oriented polypropylene MOPP, biaxially oriented polypropylene BOPP, polyethylene PE, polyphenylene sulfide PPS, polyetheretherketone PEEK, polyetherimide PEI, polysulfone PSU, polyaryletherketone PAEK, polyethylene naphthalate PEN, liquid crystal polymers LCP, polyester, polybutylene terephthalate PBT, polyethylene terephthalate PET, polyamide PA, polycarbonate PC, cycloolefin copolymers COC, polyoxymethylene POM, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ABS, polyvinyl chloride PVC, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene ETFE, polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE, polyvinyl fluoride PVF, and polyvinylidene fluoride. PVDFEthylene tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene fluoroterpolymer EFEP, cellulose- or lignin-based plastics, polyhydroxyalkanoates PHA, thermoplastic starch TPS, polylactic acid PLA, polycaprolactone PCL, polybutylene succinate PBS, and polybutylene adipate terephthalate PBAT and / or at least one recycled and / or biodegradable and / or marine-degradable plastic and / or mixtures and / or copolymers of these materials, or is made from at least one of these materials.

[0081] Furthermore, it may be advantageous that the at least one absorber layer 10 comprises at least one metallic material, in particular selected from the group consisting of nickel, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, palladium, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, aluminium, silver, copper and / or alloys of these materials, or is made of at least one of these materials.

[0082] According to a further development, it is possible that the at least one reflective layer 7 consists of 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 a high-refractive-index dielectric material with a refractive index greater than 1.65, in particular selected from the group consisting of zinc sulfide (ZnS), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (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 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-refractive-index organic monomers and / or high-refractive-index organic polymers, or is made from at least one of these materials.

[0083] Furthermore, a spacer layer 11 can be at least a low-refractive-index dielectric material with a refractive index of less than or equal to 1.65, in particular selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), metal fluorides, for example magnesium fluoride (MgF₂), aluminum fluoride (AlF₃), cerium fluoride (CeF₃), sodium aluminum fluorides (e.g., Na₃AlF₆ or Na₅Al₃F₁₄), silicon oxide (SiOₓ), silicon dioxide (SiO₂), neodymium fluoride (NdF₃), lanthanum fluoride (LaF₃), samarium fluoride (SmF₃), barium fluoride (BaF₂), calcium fluoride (CaF₂), lithium fluoride (LiF₂), low-refractive-index organic monomers and / or low-refractive-index organic polymers, or at least a high-refractive-index dielectric material with a refractive index greater than 1.65, in particular selected from the group consisting of zinc sulfide (ZnS) and 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 Eu₂O₃Iron 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 be made from at least one of these materials.

[0084] Furthermore, it may be provided that the coating is or comprises a metal layer and / or a metal effect layer, in particular a metal effect paint and / or a metal effect varnish and / or a metal effect ink and / or a metallic material, in particular selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, aluminium, gold, platinum, niobium, tin, or from nickel, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt and palladium or alloys of these materials, in particular cobalt-nickel alloys.

[0085] The counterfeit protection can be further increased by the fact that the optical effect layer 8 is a partial coating and that the coating represents a portrait, a landscape, an abstract geometric symbol, a logo or an alphanumeric character and / or an icon and / or a code and / or a sequence of characters.

[0086] The first structures 4 and the second structures 6 can be used as in the Figs. 3 and 4The structures are shown to be embossed directly into the substrate 12 or into the carrier layer. This can be done, for example, by heating the carrier layer and embossing the structures using an embossing tool, such as an embossing roller. Another alternative possibility, not shown in the figures, would be to provide a separate additional layer, in particular an embossing lacquer layer, to receive the structures 4, 6. This additional layer can be applied directly to the substrate 12. In both variants, the structures can be introduced using an impression device or an impression element in an embossing process.

[0087] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiment variants, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in this technical field due to the teaching on technical action by the present invention.

[0088] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be consulted for the interpretation of the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can, in themselves, represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be found in the description.

[0089] 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.

[0090] Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that, for a better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference symbol list

[0091] 1 Safety element 2 Visible side 3 First area 4 First structures 5 Second area 6 Second structures 7 Reflection layer 8 Optical effect layer 9 Protective layer 10 Absorber layer 11 Spacer layer 12 Carrier substrate

Claims

1. Security element (1) for securities, security papers or security objects, with at least one visible side (2), comprising a first area (3) with first structures (4), wherein the first structures (4) reproduce a motif, and a second area (5) with second structures (6), wherein the second area (5) forms a background for the motif and wherein the motif stands out from the background at a first viewing angle, characterized in that at a second observation angle different from the first observation angle, a brightness or color impression of the second area (5) differs for a viewer not or only slightly from a brightness or color impression of the first area (3), so that the subject stands out less clearly against the background at the second observation angle for a viewer with the naked eye than at the first observation angle, or does not stand out at all.

2. Security element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first region (3) and the second region (5) are arranged directly adjacent to one another, at least in some regions.

3. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first area (3) is a contiguous area, or that the first area (3) is formed from two or more spaced-apart sub-areas.

4. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the motif represents at least a portrait, a landscape, a building and / or an animal and / or a pattern and / or an abstract geometric sign, logo or an alphanumeric character and / or an icon and / or a symbol and / or a code and / or a sequence of characters.

5. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe first structures (4) and / or the second structures (6) comprise achromatic and / or reflective structures, in particular micromirrors, and / or refractive structures, in particular microlenses, and / or diffractive structures, in particular holograms.

6. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first structures (4) reflect the motif into different spatial areas, so that the viewer sees a changing impression of the motif when the angle of observation changes, when the security element (1) is tilted and / or when a light source moves.

7. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second structures (6) represent static and / or viewing angle-independent information.

8. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe first structures (4) and the second structures (6) are formed with a reflection layer (7).

9. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first structures (4) and the second structures (6) are formed with an optical effect layer, wherein the optical effect layer comprises a thin-film element with at least one absorber layer (10) and at least one spacer layer (11), or wherein the optical effect layer contains color-shifting pigments, in particular interference pigments, or liquid crystal pigments, or wherein the optical effect layer comprises metallic pigments and / or magnetic pigments and / or color pigments and / or dyes.

10. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thata brightness or color impression of the first area (3) and a brightness or color impression of the second area (5) are different when the visible side (2) is viewed at least approximately orthogonally, and that a brightness or color impression of the first area (3) and a brightness or color impression of the second area (5) do not differ or differ only slightly when the security element (1) is viewed at a flat angle.

11. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thata brightness or color impression of the first area (3) and a brightness or color impression of the second area (5) are different when the visible side (2) is viewed at least approximately orthogonally, and that a brightness or color impression of the first area (3) and a brightness or color impression of the second area (5) do not differ or differ only slightly when the security element (1) is viewed at an angle of at least approximately 45°, and that a brightness or color impression of the first area (3) and a brightness or color impression of the second area (5) are different at a flat angle.

12. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the security element (1) is tilted from the first to the second viewing angle or vice versa, the motif becomes increasingly more prominent compared to the background.

13. Security element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the security element (1) is tilted from the first to the second observation angle or vice versa, the motif increasingly recedes from the background.

14. Security or security paper characterized in that it comprises a security element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13.

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