Security element for valuable papers, security papers or security objects

Abstract

The invention relates to a security element (1) for securities, security papers or security items (2), and to a security, security paper or security item (2). The security element (1) has a first side (3) and a second side (4), as well as a carrier layer (5). A region is provided with structures (6), an optical effect layer (7), and a layer (8) of a lacquer containing a luminescent substance and at least one binder, wherein the structures (6), the optical effect layer (7), and the layer (8) of a lacquer containing a luminescent substance and at least one binder at least partially overlap.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a security element for securities, security papers, or security items, comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the security element has a carrier layer. The invention further relates to a security, security paper, or security item, in particular a banknote.

[0002] Security features of the type mentioned above are commonly used to increase the counterfeit protection of securities, security documents or security items, such as banknotes, identity cards, credit cards, debit cards, tickets, etc.

[0003] To increase the counterfeit protection of security features known in the prior art, various security features are combined by arranging them side by side or one above the other, resulting in novel or special effects. For example, security features are known from the literature that incorporate relief structures in the form of diffractive, reflective, or refractive structures, creating effects such as movement, simulation of a 3D impression, hologram effect, or the like. Relief structures are combined, for instance, with color-shifting coatings, so that the effects produced by the embossed structures are additionally enhanced with a tilt-angle-dependent color-shifting effect.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to create a security element with increased counterfeit protection, which has a new appearance or a new optical effect compared to known designs.

[0005] This problem is solved by a safety element of the type mentioned above, in that it comprises an area with structures, an optical effect layer, and a layer of a lacquer containing luminescent substances, in particular luminescent substances and / or luminescent dyes, and at least one binder, wherein the structures, the optical effect layer, and the lacquer containing luminescent substances and at least one binder overlap at least partially. Preferably, the luminescent substances are fluorescent substances, in particular fluorescent pigments and / or fluorescent dyes. It should be noted here that the structures can be micro- or nanostructures.

[0006] By combining structures or relief structures with an optical effect layer, in particular with a layer that produces at least one optically variable effect, for example a color-shifting layer, and an additional luminescent coating, the counterfeit protection of security features and of security paper equipped with such a security feature can be significantly increased. This is achieved by combining features visible under standard lighting (i.e., visible in the visible wavelength range of light) with features visible only under UV light or under mixed lighting of visible and UV light.

[0007] The luminescent materials, especially the luminescent pigments, are not visible in the visible wavelength range of light, or the luminescent paint is not visible in the visible wavelength range. However, when exposed to electromagnetic waves outside the visible spectrum (ultraviolet (UV) (λ < 380 nm) and / or infrared (IR) (λ > 780 nm) radiation), they can be excited to emit visible light and thus become visible to an observer. Furthermore, it is possible that the optical effect layer contains photoluminescent pigments and / or photoluminescent materials that exhibit emission in the IR range when excited by electromagnetic radiation.

[0008] In particular, the design and arrangement according to the invention can generate novel effects that were previously unknown, thereby significantly increasing counterfeit protection. Since all three effects—structures or embossing, the optical effect layer (especially the color-shifting effect layer), and the luminescent layer—are arranged to overlap completely or partially, the effects can be ideally combined and coordinated, and combinatorial effects can be exploited. The three effects can thus occur in the same area on the security element, and the coordination of the features is immediately recognizable to the observer, regardless of whether the observer is a layperson or an expert.

[0009] An optical effect layer can have one or more colors, and the color(s) of the optical effect layer and the luminescent color visible under UV light may be matched. Thus, the colors can be identical, or a mixed color can be created and perceived under mixed illumination from visible and UV light.

[0010] According to a further development, it can be provided that the layer of a lacquer containing a luminescent substance and at least one binder, in a dried state, has a transmittance of at least 75%, preferably 80%, particularly preferably 85%, especially in the visible wavelength range or in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0011] In the visible wavelength range of light, the luminescent layer is therefore invisible and only becomes visible when illuminated with UV light. Using such a transparent luminescent layer, the underlying optical effect layer and / or the underlying structures can, for example, be covered without altering or influencing their perceptible optical effect.

[0012] Transparency or transmission describes the permeability of a medium, in this case a layer or coating, to electromagnetic waves or light. The term transmittance is a material property defined as the ratio of wave intensity in front of and behind the medium or coating. Transmittance is therefore a measure of the amount or intensity of electromagnetic waves or light transmitted and takes values ​​between 0 and 1, or between 0% and 100%.

[0013] A transparent or essentially transparent luminescent layer, invisible in the visible wavelength range, is advantageously only detectable under UV light or under mixed illumination of visible and UV light. This further increases counterfeit protection. Furthermore, a luminescent layer that is virtually invisible under visible light has the advantage that it does not alter, and in particular does not negatively affect, the optical effects of the optical effect layer, for example, a color-shifting coating, and the preferably underlying structures or relief structures under daylight conditions.

[0014] According to further training, it may be provided that the structures include achromatic and / or reflective and / or refractive and / or diffractive and / or micromirrors and / or at least a hologram-forming, in particular embossing hologram, and / or microlens-forming structures.

[0015] This has the advantage that various effects, such as motion effects, 3D effects, holograms, especially embossed holograms, or the like, can be combined, thus further increasing counterfeit protection.

[0016] The structures can be incorporated directly into a carrier layer or into another layer, in particular into an embossed lacquer layer, and in particular can be embossed using a molding device.

[0017] According to further training, the optical effect layer can be designed as a thin-film element and includes at least one absorber layer and at least one spacer layer. This further increases counterfeit protection.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the optical effect layer may also contain color-shifting substances, especially interference substances, or liquid crystal substances.

[0019] According to a further development, it can be provided that when viewing one side, in particular a visible side, of the safety element, the layer of a lacquer containing luminescent substances and at least one binder is arranged above the optical effect layer, and that the optical effect layer is arranged above or below the structures.

[0020] This applies at least to those areas where the three layers or effects partially overlap. This has the advantage that the three different effects can be combined in a particularly effective and visually memorable way, thus further increasing counterfeit protection.

[0021] According to further training, it can be provided that the layer of a lacquer containing luminescent substances and at least one binder and the optical effect layer and / or the structures are arranged on the same side or on different sides of the substrate layer.

[0022] Depending on the type and properties of the substrate layer, various optical effects can be achieved in combination.

[0023] According to a further development, it can be provided that the layer, consisting of a lacquer containing a luminescent substance and at least one binder, is arranged partially or completely over the optical effect layer and / or over the structures. This is preferred when viewing the safety element from a visible side.

[0024] Particularly preferred here is the further development of a luminescent layer which partially covers the underlying optical effect layer and / or the underlying structures, and additionally also extends beyond the areas with the optical effect layer and the structures, so that the luminescent layer is perceptible in UV light as an extension or as a pictorial addition to the underlying motifs.

[0025] According to a further development, it can be provided that a first motif is formed by the layer of a lacquer containing a luminescent substance and at least one binder, and that a second motif is formed by the optical effect layer, and / or that a third motif is formed by the structures, wherein the motifs are at least partially identical and / or wherein the motifs complement each other at least partially, so that an overall motif is formed, and / or wherein the motifs are arranged congruently on top of each other at least partially.

[0026] This allows for the realization of various combinatorial and particularly memorable, and therefore highly counterfeit-proof, arrangements in the visible wavelength range of light and in UV light.

[0027] According to a further development, it can be provided that the optical effect layer reproduces at least one color, preferably at least two colors, in the visible wavelength range of light, and that the layer, consisting of a lacquer containing luminescent substances and at least one binder, is excited to emit visible light and reproduces a color when irradiated with electromagnetic waves outside the visible spectrum (ultraviolet (UV) (λ < 380 nm) and / or infrared (IR) (λ > 780 nm) radiation), wherein, in particular, in mixed lighting comprising visible light and electromagnetic waves outside the visible spectrum, the colors are perceptibly coordinated.

[0028] By "matched" we mean that at least one color of the optical effect layer and at least one color of the luminescent layer have the same or at least a very similar color appearance, and ideally are perceived as having the same color, especially in mixed lighting.

[0029] According to a further development, it can be provided that the optical effect layer reproduces at least one color, preferably at least two colors, in the visible wavelength range, and that the layer, consisting of a lacquer containing luminescent substances and at least one binder, is excited to emit visible light and reproduces a color when irradiated with electromagnetic waves outside the visible spectrum (ultraviolet (UV) (λ < 380 nm) and / or infrared (IR) (λ > 780 nm) radiation), and that in a mixed illumination comprising visible light and electromagnetic waves outside the visible spectrum, another color is perceptible.

[0030] According to further training, it can be provided that the layer of a lacquer containing a luminescent substance and at least one binder does not affect, in particular alter, the perceptibility of the structures and / or the perceptibility of the optical effect layer in the visible wavelength range.

[0031] According to a further development, it can be provided that one or more of the motifs, in particular the first motif of the layer consisting of a luminescent lacquer containing at least one binder, is subdivided into colored grid areas, wherein adjacent grid areas of the motif partially overlap and an overlap area of ​​adjacent grid areas is smaller than one of the grid areas on its own, wherein each grid area of ​​the motifs is assigned at least one color and at least the areas of the carrier layer corresponding to the respective grid areas minus the corresponding overlap areas are covered with at least one colorant of the respective assigned color, wherein the overlap areas between adjacent grid areas are covered with the colorant which has the color that is assigned to one of the grid areas overlapping in the respective overlap areas.

[0032] Preferably, a security element according to this further development is manufactured according to a method which has become known through EP3877193B1 of the same applicant.

[0033] This means that, using the luminescent layer made of a lacquer containing luminescent materials and at least one binder, not only pure block stripes but also multicolored representations can be created.

[0034] According to further training, it may be stipulated that the binder is selected from the group of binders based on polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), nitrocellulose, polyester (PE), epoxy, polyvinyl acetate and polystyrene (PS), and / or acrylate, in particular PE acrylate, PET acrylate, urethane acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), ethylene acrylate copolymers, styrene acrylates and / or epoxy acrylate, and / or their copolymers and terpolymers, and / or mixtures thereof.

[0035] According to further training, it may be provided that the luminescent substances contain, or consist of, inorganic luminescent substances.

[0036] The use of inorganic luminescent substances allows for particularly good durability of the coating, and especially high colorfastness and color stability. This is particularly true under the influence of electromagnetic radiation in the UV wavelength range.

[0037] The at least one optical effect layer can be formed by or comprise first structures, wherein the first structures reflect a motif into different spatial areas, so that a moving image is created for the viewer when a light source is moved accordingly, when the safety element is tilted and / or when the viewing angle is changed.

[0038] It is also advantageous to have a design in which it can be provided that the moving image is perceptible to the viewer as a continuous movement of several motif sections when a light source is moved accordingly, when the safety element is tilted and / or when the viewing angle is changed.

[0039] According to further training, it is possible that the first structures include achromatic and / or reflective structures, such as micromirrors, and / or refractive structures, such as microlenses, and / or diffractive structures, such as holograms, especially embossed holograms.

[0040] Furthermore, it may be provided that the optical effect layer in which a motif is formed is designed as a thin-film element and has 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 has metallic pigments and / or magnetic pigments and / or color pigments and / or dyes.

[0041] According to a particular design, it is possible that the optical effect layer is printed and / or vapor-deposited onto the first structures.

[0042] The motif and / or the interruption area, in particular the optical effect layer in which the motif and / or the interruption area is formed, may comprise a metallic effect paint and / or a metallic effect lacquer and / or a metallic 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.

[0043] According to an advantageous further development, it can be provided that the optical effect layer in which a motif is formed has a color-shifting effect and contains a color-shifting thin-film element or color-shifting pigments, in particular interference pigments, or liquid crystal pigments.

[0044] The optical effect layer can have at least one color-shifting layer on a side facing away from the visible side of the security element. This color-shifting layer is, in particular, a dark-colored layer and / or a layer of metal oxides, such as substoichiometric aluminum oxide. For example, the color-shifting layer can be applied to a liquid crystal layer or a layer of color-shifting substances, such that the color-shifting layer or the liquid crystal layer is positioned between the color-shifting layer and the substrate. Alternatively, the color-shifting layer can also be positioned between the substrate and the color-shifting layer or the at least one liquid crystal layer.Furthermore, it is also possible that a carrier layer is arranged between the layer that enhances the color-shifting effect and the layer of color-shifting substances or the liquid crystal layer.

[0045] The optical effect layer can have at least one liquid crystal layer, in particular a cholesteric liquid crystal layer.

[0046] The optical effect layer can be designed as an optically non-linear layer or layer and / or as a layer containing luminescent materials and / or luminescent materials. 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, when irradiated with infrared (IR) (λ > 780 nm) and / or ultraviolet (UV) light (λ < 380 nm).

[0047] The described structures can be incorporated directly into the substrate layer or into a further layer, particularly an embossing lacquer layer, and especially embossed using a molding device. The structures can be embossed directly into a substrate layer. For example, by heating the substrate layer and embossing the structures using an embossing tool, such as an embossing roller. Another alternative would be to provide a separate further layer to accommodate the structures. This further layer can be applied directly to a substrate layer. For example, the further layer can consist of an embossing lacquer that is shaped according to the arrangement of the structures. This, in turn, can be done using a molding device or a molding element in an embossing process.

[0048] The arrangement or application of the optical effect layer to the structures or the metal layers and / or metal effect layers can be achieved, for example, by a printing process and / or a vapor deposition process, or several of these. However, the materials or additives of the reflective layer described below could also form a component or layer of the optical effect layer. These can be printed or vapor-deposited, in particular, and thus form a separate layer of the optical effect layer.

[0049] In particular, it can be advantageous if the optical effect layer is designed as a thin-film element and has at least one absorber layer and at least one spacer layer.

[0050] The at least one absorber layer may comprise 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 may be made of at least one of these materials.

[0051] Furthermore, it may be provided that the optical effect layer designed as a thin-film element further comprises at least one reflection layer and / or a second absorber layer, wherein the at least one spacer layer is arranged between the at least one first absorber layer and the at least one reflection layer and / or the at least one second absorber layer.

[0052] The reflective layer can be applied or arranged on structures, and in particular, it can be printed and / or vapor-deposited onto them. It is also possible to reverse this order in the optical effect layer, so that the absorber layer is arranged on the structures, followed by the spacer layer and the reflective layer. Thus, the arrangement would be: structures - absorber layer - spacer layer - reflective layer. However, instead of the aforementioned reflective layer, another absorber layer can also be used.

[0053] The at least one reflective layer can be at least a metallic material, in particular selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, aluminum, gold, platinum, niobium, tin, or from 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 (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.

[0054] The at least one spacer layer can be 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 (SiO₃), 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 are manufactured from at least one of these materials. be.,

[0055] Furthermore, it may be provided that the optical effect layer is a partial layer or comprises a partial layer, wherein a motif is represented by the partial layer.

[0056] According to an advantageous further development, it can be provided that, when viewing at least one side of the security element, the luminescent layer is closer to an observer than the optical effect layer.

[0057] According to an advantageous further development, it can be provided that the carrier layer is formed from a translucent, in particular transparent, plastic.

[0058] The safety element comprises a carrier layer, in particular a carrier film, made of a plastic, wherein the plastic may in particular be made of a translucent and / or thermoplastic plastic. The carrier layer may preferably be at least one of the following materials: polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyethyleneimide (PEI), polysulfone (PSU), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystalline polymers (LCP), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin copolymers (COC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene fluoropolymer (EFEP), cellulose- or lignin-based plastics, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), thermoplastic starch (TPS), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polybutylene adipate rephthalate (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 be made from at least one of these materials.

[0059] According to an advantageous embodiment, the layer of a lacquer containing luminescent substances and at least one binder may have a layer thickness of at most 8 µm, preferably at most 4 µm, and particularly preferably at most 2 µm, when dried. In the case of very highly diluted lacquers, the layer of a lacquer containing luminescent pigments and at least one binder may also have a layer thickness of at most 1 µm when dried.

[0060] With such a thin layer thickness, a high transmittance of the luminescent layer can be achieved easily and effectively.

[0061] According to an advantageous embodiment, the binder may comprise at least 30 wt%, preferably at least 40 wt%, and particularly preferably at least 50 wt%. This applies in each case to the dried state of the luminescent layer.

[0062] A high transmittance of the layer can be achieved particularly well with a quantity of binder in the specified proportions. Generally, the transmittance increases with the amount of binder present.

[0063] According to an advantageous embodiment, the quantity of luminescent substances can be at least 0.5 wt%, preferably at least 1.0 wt%, and particularly preferably at least 3.0 wt%. This applies in each case to the dried state of the luminescent layer.

[0064] A high transmittance of the layer can be achieved particularly well with a high quantity of luminescent substances in the specified proportions. Generally, the transmittance increases, meaning the layer becomes more transparent, as the number of substances decreases.

[0065] According to an advantageous further development, it can be provided that the refractive index difference between the luminescent substances and the binder is between 0.3 and 0.01, preferably between 0.1 and 0.01, particularly preferably between 0.05 and 0.01.

[0066] In this process, the binder and the luminescent substances in the formulation of the varnish can be coordinated in such a way that a high degree of transmission is achieved, while at the same time a strong fluorescence intensity can advantageously be achieved.

[0067] According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the maximum material size of the luminescent substances is 50 µm, preferably 10 µm, particularly preferably 5 µm.

[0068] Luminescent substances with a material size according to the specified values ​​advantageously exhibit a particularly good fluorescence intensity and at the same time enable a high transmittance of the dried layer.

[0069] To produce the luminescent layer, transparent luminescent pigments or dyes can be dissolved in a suitable solvent, such as diacetone alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, ethoxypropanol, monoethylene glycol, methoxypropanol, methoxydipropanol, n-propanol, methoxybutanol, n-butanol, ethoxypropanol, butyl glycol, hexane, cyclopentanone, acetone, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, cyclohexanone, isopropyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, methoxypropyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, special gasoline, toluene, water, xylene, or methyl isobutyl ketone, at elevated temperature, preferably up to the boiling point of the solvent. Once the pigments or dye are completely dissolved, the mixture is stirred into a standard transparent lacquer. Suitable standard transparent lacquer compositions include, for example, lacquers from the list above.

[0070] It is standard practice in the industry to use or consider the material parameters "haze" (wide-angle scattering) and "clarity" (near-angle scattering) instead of, or in addition to, the transmittance value to describe transparency or transmission. Common standards for determining these material properties are ISO 13468 (Determination of the total light transmittance of transparent materials), ISO 14782 (Determination of the haze value of transparent materials), and ASTM D1003 (Testing of haze and light transmittance of transparent plastics). Wide-angle scattering (haze) leads to a loss of contrast and a milky appearance. This effect is also referred to as haze or clouding. Viewing a black letter with sharp edges on a white background through a sample with wide-angle scattering results in a milky appearance.The contrast between the white background and the black lettering is reduced.

[0071] Near-angle scattering (clarity, image sharpness) causes small deviations in the light at high intensity. A black letter with sharp edges on a white background appears blurry when viewed through a sample exhibiting near-angle scattering. The letter's contours are distorted. This effect, known as image sharpness or clarity, determines how well fine details are discernible. It is important to note that image sharpness decreases with increasing distance between the sample and the object, while the effect of haze remains constant.

[0072] According to an advantageous further development, it can be provided that the layer in the dried state has a clarity value of 80, preferably at least 90, particularly preferably at least 95.

[0073] According to an advantageous further development, it can be provided that the layer in the dried state has a haze value of at most 20, preferably at most 15, particularly preferably at most 10.

[0074] According to an advantageous further training, it may be provided that the layer is formed over the entire surface or partially.

[0075] According to an advantageous embodiment, the security element may have at least one optical effect layer, in particular at least one layer producing at least one optically variable effect, wherein the layer and the optical effect layer are arranged on the same side or on different sides of the carrier layer.

[0076] An optical effect layer can have one or more colors, and the color(s) of the optical effect layer and the luminescent color visible under UV light may be coordinated. The colors can be identical, or a mixed color can be created and perceived under mixed illumination from visible and UV light. The optical effect layer can also be dichroic (dichroic filter, dichroic mirror). This could be achieved, for example, by applying multiple layers or combinations of metal oxides. Furthermore, the optical effect layer can be iridescent. The iridescent layer, in combination with other layers, can produce different color impressions. Finally, the optical effect layer can be electrochromic or thermochromic.

[0077] According to an advantageous further development, it can be provided that a layer of lacquer containing a luminescent substance and at least one binder represents a motif.

[0078] The motif of the layer can 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.

[0079] According to an advantageous further development, it can be provided that the optical effect layer represents a first motif and that the motif of the luminescent layer and the first motif represent complementary motifs or the same motif.

[0080] Likewise, the first motif of the optical effect layer can represent 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.

[0081] According to a beneficial further training, it may be intended that it is a window safety element.

[0082] This allows the high transmission or high transparency to be particularly effective.

[0083] As is known per se, the security element can have additional layers, which may include, in particular, protective coatings, heat-seal coatings, adhesives, primers, and / or films. Protective coatings can protect the entire layer and / or layer structure from mechanical damage such as scratches, grooves, or the like. A protective layer can be applied to one or both sides. Preferably, a protective layer can also be used to achieve a flat surface for the security element.

[0084] The object of the invention is also achieved, independently of the above, by a security, security paper or security object in that it has at least one security element according to one of the claims, or according to the description.

[0085] To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the preceding descriptions and the advantages explained.

[0086] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0087] They each show, in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 An embodiment of a safety element in top view when illuminated with light in the visible wavelength range, Fig. 2 the embodiment from Fig. 1 Top view when illuminated with light in the visible wavelength range and at a different viewing angle, Fig. 3 shows the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1 Top view under UV light or mixed light, Fig. 4, the embodiment from the Figs. 1 to 3 In sectional view, Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of a safety element in sectional view.

[0088] It should be noted at the outset that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or component designations, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated, and these positional designations must be applied analogously to the new position if the position changes.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] The Figures 1 to 3Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a security element 1 or of securities, security papers or security items 2 in a top view, from various viewing angles and under different lighting conditions. Figure 4 shows the exemplary embodiment from the Figs. 1 to 3 in sectional view. In the Figure 5 Another embodiment of a safety element 1 is shown in sectional view.

[0092] The exemplary embodiments are described below in a single overview as far as possible to avoid unnecessary repetition. It goes without saying, and follows from the advantageous developments described at the outset, that the exemplary embodiments described below are merely illustrative and, in particular, are by no means to be understood as preferred or even exhaustive.

[0093] The embodiments of security elements 1 or of securities, security papers or security items 2 with a security element 1 shown in Figures 1 to 7 each have a first side 3 and a second side 4. Depending on the type and application, both sides 3, 4 or only one of the two sides 3, 4 may be a visible side 13.

[0094] The figures show that each security element 1 has a carrier layer 5. It is provided that the security element 1 has an area with structures 6, an optical effect layer 7, and a layer 8 made of a lacquer containing luminescent materials and at least one binder, wherein the structures 6, the optical effect layer 7, and the layer 8 made of a lacquer containing luminescent materials and at least one binder overlap at least partially in this area. These layers 6, 7, and 8 are shown in particular in the sectional views according to the figures. Figs. 4 and 5 Simplified representation. The optical effect layer 7 can be arranged above or below the structures 6.

[0095] It is possible that a first motif 14 is formed by the layer 8, which consists of a lacquer containing luminescent materials and at least one binder, and that a second motif 15 is formed by the optical effect layer 7, and / or that a third motif 16 is formed by the structures 6, wherein the motifs 14, 15, 16 are at least partially identical and / or complement each other at least partially and / or are arranged congruently on top of each other at least partially.

[0096] A conceivable synergistic effect of the three security features or the three layers 6, 7, 8 is revealed by a combined view of the Figs. 1 to 3In simplified terms, the optical effect layer 7 completely overlays the structures 6. The structures 6, or rather the third motif 16 formed by the structures, has the shape of a crescent moon. These structures 6, or rather this motif 16, can be perceived by an observer as a hologram, in particular an embossed hologram, when illuminated with light in the visible wavelength range.

[0097] The Fig. 2This embodiment also shows the same effect when illuminated with light in the visible wavelength range, but with a changed viewing angle of the observer or when the safety element 1 is tilted. Due to the tilting, a moving image is perceptible because of the optical effect layer 7. In this embodiment, this is perceptible as a second motif 15 in the form of a crescent moon, waning and, when tilted, waxing. The optical effect layer 7 covers a larger area than the structures 6, or also covers areas of the carrier layer 5 or an embossing lacquer 17 in which no structures 6 are formed. A detailed description of a possible layer structure for implementing the embodiment of the Figs. 1 to 3 The following is based on the Fig. 4 .

[0098] The Fig. 3This embodiment shows illumination with electromagnetic waves in the UV or infrared range, or with a mixture of UV or infrared electromagnetic waves and visible wavelength light. The luminescent layer 8 extends over the structures 6 and the optical effect layer 7, thus completely covering both. The optical effect layer 7 can be arranged above or below the structures 6.

[0099] In the example shown, the luminescent layer 8 forms a first motif 14 in the shape of a sun. Under pure UV illumination, only the first motif 14, or the sun, may be visible. Under mixed illumination, the structures 6 and / or the optical effect layer, and thus also the second and / or third motifs 15, 16, or the moons, may be visible. This is indicated by a dashed line.

[0100] The motif 14 of the luminescent layer 8 can be one or more colors matched to the motif 16 of the structures 6, so that, especially under mixed lighting, a matching color impression is generated for a viewer.

[0101] This color coordination can also be achieved through the optical effect layer 7, so that all three motifs 14, 15, 16 are coordinated with each other.

[0102] In particular, if the structures 6 create a 3D impression, this effect can be overlaid or at least partially supplemented by the luminescent layer 8.

[0103] It is possible that one or more of the motifs 14, 15, 16, in particular the first motif 14 of layer 8, is subdivided into colored grid areas, wherein adjacent grid areas of motif 14, 15, 16 partially overlap and an overlap area of ​​adjacent grid areas is smaller than one of the grid areas on its own, wherein grid areas of motifs 14, 15, 16 are each assigned at least one color and at least the areas of the carrier layer 5 corresponding to the respective grid areas minus the corresponding overlap areas are covered with at least one colorant of the respective assigned color, wherein the overlap areas between adjacent grid areas are covered with the colorant which has the color that is assigned to one of the grid areas overlapping in the respective overlap areas.

[0104] In the Figs. 1 to 3A section line is drawn in each case. Fig. 4This is a sectional view corresponding to the position of this section line. In a highly simplified representation, a layer of embossing varnish 17 is applied to a substrate 5. The layer of embossing varnish 17 can be a full-surface layer, as shown. The structures 6, which form the third motif 16, or the waning moon, are partially embedded in this embossing varnish 17. An optical effect layer 7, in the form of the second motif 15, or the waning and waxing moon, is applied to the structures 6 and also to another area of ​​the embossing varnish 17, as shown in the example. The structures 6 and the optical effect layer 7 are covered by the luminescent layer 8, which consists of a varnish containing luminescent materials and at least one binder. The entire layer structure is covered by a layer of primer 18. In the example shown, the substrate 5 forms the bottom layer.the side 4 of the safety element 1 facing away from a visible side 13. The visible side 13 is bounded by the primer 18 and forms the first side 3 of the safety element.

[0105] Another exemplary layer structure is shown in cross-sectional view in the Fig. 5 The setup here is similar to that in the Fig. 4The second, lowermost side 4, which faces away from the visible side 13, is again a carrier layer 5. An embossing varnish 17 is applied to the carrier layer 5, and structures 6 are embedded in this embossing varnish 17. An optical effect layer 7, in the special form of a thin-film element 9, is arranged on the structures 6. A reflective layer 12 is arranged directly on the structures 6, a spacer layer 11 is arranged on the reflective layer 12, and an absorber layer 10 is arranged on the spacer layer 11. The luminescent layer 8, consisting of a varnish containing luminescent materials and at least one binder, is then arranged on the absorber layer 10, thus forming the first side 3, or the visible side 13.

[0106] The layer 8, consisting of a lacquer containing luminescent substances and at least one binder, may, in a dried state, have a transmittance of at least 75%, preferably 80%, particularly preferably 85%, especially in the visible wavelength range.

[0107] It is also conceivable that the structures comprise 6 achromatic and / or reflective and / or refractive and / or diffractive and / or micromirrors and / or at least a hologram, in particular an embossed hologram, forming and / or microlens forming structures.

[0108] The optical effect layer 7 can, as in the Fig. 5 illustrated, be designed as a thin-film element 9 and have at least one absorber layer 10 and at least one spacer layer 11.

[0109] When considering a side 3, 4, in particular a visible side 13, of the safety element 1, the layer 8 can be arranged over the optical effect layer 7, consisting of a lacquer containing luminescent materials and at least one binder, and the optical effect layer 7 can be arranged over the structures 6.

[0110] It is possible that layer 8, consisting of a lacquer containing luminescent materials and at least one binder, and the optical effect layer 7 and / or the structures 6 are arranged on the same side or on different sides of the substrate layer 5.

[0111] The layer 8, consisting of a lacquer containing luminescent materials and at least one binder, can be arranged partially or completely over the optical effect layer 7 and / or over the structures 6.

[0112] It is possible that the optical effect layer 7 reproduces at least one color in the visible wavelength range, and that the layer 8, consisting of a luminescent lacquer containing at least one binder, reproduces at least one color when irradiated in the UV or infrared range, whereby, in particular, in mixed illumination encompassing visible light and electromagnetic waves in the UV or infrared range, the colors are perceptibly coordinated.

[0113] The optical effect layer 7 can reproduce at least one color in the visible wavelength range, and the layer 8, consisting of a lacquer containing luminescent substances and at least one binder, can reproduce at least one color in UV light, whereby in mixed illumination encompassing visible light and UV light another color may be perceptible.

[0114] It is also conceivable that the layer 8, consisting of a lacquer containing luminescent materials and at least one binder, does not affect the perceptibility of the structures 6 and / or the perceptibility of the optical effect layer 7 in the visible wavelength range.

[0115] The binder may be selected from the group of binders based on polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), nitrocellulose, polyester (PE), epoxy, polyvinyl acetate and polystyrene (PS), and / or acrylate, in particular PE acrylate, PET acrylate, urethane acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), ethylene acrylate copolymers, styrene acrylates and / or epoxy acrylate, and / or their copolymers and terpolymers, and / or mixtures thereof.

[0116] It is also conceivable that the luminescent substances contain, or consist of, inorganic luminescent substances.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] All references to value ranges in this description are to be understood as encompassing any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g., the reference 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e., 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.

[0120] 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 numeral list

[0121] 1 Security element 2 Security paper, security paper or security item 3 First side 4 Second side 5 Carrier layer 6 Structures 7 Optical effect layer 8 Luminescent layer 9 Thin-film element 10 Absorber layer 11 Spacer layer 12 Reflection layer 13 Visible side 14 First motif 15 Second motif 16 Third motif 17 Embosser varnish 18 Primer

Claims

1. Security element (1) for securities, security papers or security articles (2) with a first side (3) and a second side (4), wherein the security element (1) has a carrier layer (5) and an area with structures (6), an optical effect layer (7) and a layer (8) of a lacquer containing luminescent substances and at least one binder, wherein the structures (6), the optical effect layer (7) and the layer (8) of a lacquer containing luminescent substances and at least one binder overlap at least partially.

2. Safety element (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the layer (8) of a lacquer containing a luminescent substance and at least one binder in a dried state, in particular in the visible wavelength range, has a transmittance of at least 75%, preferably 80%, particularly preferably 85%.

3. Safety element (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized by the fact that the structures (6) include achromatic and / or reflective and / or refractive and / or diffractive and / or micromirrors and / or at least hologram-forming and / or microlens-forming structures.

4. Safety element (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized by the fact that the optical effect layer (7) is designed as a thin-film element (9) and has at least one absorber layer (10) and at least one spacer layer (11).

5. Safety element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that When viewing one side (3, 4), in particular a visible side (13), of the safety element (1), the layer (8) of a lacquer containing a luminescent substance and at least one binder is arranged above the optical effect layer (7), and the optical effect layer (7) is arranged above or below the structures (6).

6. Safety element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the layer (8) consisting of a lacquer containing a luminescent substance and at least one binder and the optical effect layer (7) and / or the structures (6) are arranged on the same side or on different sides of the substrate layer (5).

7. Safety element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the layer (8) consisting of a lacquer containing at least one luminescent substance and at least one binder is arranged partially or completely over the optical effect layer (7) and / or over the structures (6).

8. Safety element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thata first motif (14) is formed by the layer (8) of a lacquer containing a luminescent substance and at least one binder, and a second motif (15) is formed by the optical effect layer (7), and / or a third motif (16) is formed by the structures (6), wherein the motifs (14, 15, 16) are at least partially identical and / or complement each other at least partially and / or are arranged congruently on top of each other at least partially.

9. Safety element (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized by the fact that the optical effect layer (7) reproduces at least one color in the visible wavelength range, and the layer (8) consisting of a luminescent lacquer containing at least one binder reproduces at least one color in UV light, wherein, in particular, in mixed illumination encompassing visible light and UV light, the colors are perceptibly coordinated.

10. Safety element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the optical effect layer (7) reproduces at least one color in the visible wavelength range, and the layer (8) consisting of a lacquer containing luminescent substances and at least one binder reproduces at least one color in UV light, wherein in a mixed illumination encompassing visible light and UV light another color is perceptible.

11. Safety element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The layer (8) consisting of a lacquer containing a luminescent substance and at least one binder does not affect the perceptibility of the structures (6) and / or the perceptibility of the optical effect layer (7) in the visible wavelength range.

12. Safety element (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by the fact thatone or more of the motifs (14, 15, 16), in particular the first motif (14) of the layer (8) of a luminescent lacquer containing at least one binder, is subdivided into colored grid areas, wherein adjacent grid areas of the motif (14, 15, 16) partially overlap and an overlap area of ​​adjacent grid areas is smaller than one of the grid areas on its own, wherein grid areas of the motifs (14, 15, 16) are each assigned at least one color and at least the areas of the carrier layer (5) corresponding to the respective grid areas minus the corresponding overlap areas are covered with at least one colorant of the respective assigned color, wherein the overlap areas between adjacent grid areas are covered with the colorant which has the color that is assigned to one of the grid areas overlapping in the respective overlap areas.

13. Safety element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the binder is selected from the group of binders based on polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), nitrocellulose, polyester (PE), epoxy, polyvinyl acetate and polystyrene (PS), and / or acrylate, in particular PE acrylate, PET acrylate, urethane acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), ethylene acrylate copolymers, styrene acrylates and / or epoxy acrylate, and / or their copolymers and terpolymers, and / or mixtures thereof.

14. Safety element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the luminescent substances contain, or consist of, inorganic luminescent substances.

15. Security, security instrument or security item (2), characterized by the fact that it has at least one safety element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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