Security element

Abstract

Security element (1) for securing data carriers or valuable documents, comprising: - a substrate (2), - an embossed structure (3) arranged at least partially on the substrate, which preferably forms a microstructure or a diffractive structure, - a deposited metal layer (4) which, as a reflective layer for the embossed structure, is arranged at least partially directly on the embossed structure and follows the course of the embossed structure in order to achieve an optical effect together with the embossed structure, - a metallic printing layer (5) which does not follow the embossed structure (3) if it is arranged partially over the embossed structure (3) or over the deposited metal layer (4), where that deposited metal layer (4) is arranged directly on the embossed structure, wherein, for the simple production of metallic-appearing patterns or information in combination with embossed structures,that the metallic printing layer (5) does not overlap with the deposited metal layer (4) at least in certain areas, whereby, in reflected light with regard to the embossing structure (3), a first area (6) of the deposited metal layer (4) is visible next to a first area (7) of the metallic printing layer (5) in the visible wavelength range.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a security element for securing data carriers or valuable documents, comprising a support substrate, an embossing structure arranged at least partially on the support substrate, which preferably forms a microstructure or a diffractive structure, a deposited metal layer which, as a reflective layer for the embossing structure, is arranged at least partially directly on the embossing structure and follows the course of the embossing structure in order to achieve an optical effect together with the embossing structure, a metallic printing layer which does not follow the embossing structure, provided that it is arranged partially over the embossing structure or over the deposited metal layer, where that deposited metal layer is arranged directly on the embossing structure.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods for manufacturing such a security element and to a data carrier or a security document comprising the security element. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Security features that, for the protection of data carriers or valuable documents, include at least one optical element comprising an embossed structure with a deposited metal layer as a reflective layer, are known from the prior art. These security features are integrated into the data carriers or valuable documents to increase their counterfeit protection.

[0004] Data carriers and valuable documents are typically flat elements with two flat sides, and at least one security feature can be located on one of these flat sides. The security feature may then be visible in reflected light from only one flat side, or it may be visible, at least partially, from both sides. The latter is particularly true for a security thread on a banknote, which may be visible, at least partially, on both flat sides of the banknote. Both data carriers and valuable documents can be partially transparent or have openings, in which case the security feature can be located in this transparent or material-free section and be visible from both sides, similar to a window security feature.

[0005] The deposited metal layer can also be left outside the embossed structure to form metallic, shiny patterns or information. To increase counterfeit protection, two different deposited metal layers have also been used in such security elements, although this requires several additional process steps, in particular the removal of the second metal layer from areas that should not be embossed with it.

[0006] From EP 2257841 A2, security elements in the form of security strips are known, where colored metallic effect colors are additionally printed onto an embossed hologram consisting of an embossed lacquer layer and a vapor-deposited metal layer. These colors form a background for a further, overlying phase-retarding layer made of nematic liquid crystal material. Here, metallic effect colors are used to modify the color appearance of the embossed lacquer layer. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a security element for protecting data carriers or valuable documents that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and allows for the simple production of metallic-looking patterns or information in combination with embossed structures that have a deposited metal layer as a reflective layer. In particular, fewer process steps should be necessary for its production than for two deposited metal layers, without negatively affecting the counterfeit protection of the security element.

[0008] This problem is solved by a security element for protecting data carriers or valuable documents according to claim 1. This element comprises: a support substrate, an embossing structure arranged at least partially on the support substrate, which preferably forms a microstructure or a diffractive structure, a deposited metal layer which, as a reflective layer for the embossing structure, is arranged at least partially directly on the embossing structure and follows the course of the embossing structure in order to achieve an optical effect together with the embossing structure, a metallic printing layer which does not follow the embossing structure, provided that it is arranged partially over the embossing structure or over the deposited metal layer, where that deposited metal layer is arranged directly on the embossing structure, and is characterized in that the metallic printing layer does not overlap with the deposited metal layer, at least in some areas, wherein, in reflected light with regard to the embossing structure, a first area of ​​the deposited metal layer is visible next to a first area of ​​the metallic printing layer in the visible wavelength range.

[0009] In particular, it may be provided that the first surface area of ​​the metallic printed layer does not overlap with the deposited metal layer. In this case, both first surface areas of the safety element are visible from both sides.

[0010] The metallic printing layer thus appears metallic in reflected light, essentially just as metallic as the deposited metal layer. In this way, it is impossible to distinguish with the naked eye in the visible wavelength range whether the metallic printing layer is printed or deposited, especially vapor-deposited. Applying the metallic printing layer requires only one step, whereas depositing an additional metal layer would require at least one further step: either removing the additional metal layer from areas where it is not desired, such as areas of the embossed structure intended to create an optical effect, e.g., by laser ablation or etching, or first applying a wash ink to those areas where no additional metal layer is desired, and then demetallizing it by washing away the wash ink and the additional metal layer applied over it.

[0011] The security element according to the invention can therefore be manufactured more easily and economically, while still being correspondingly counterfeit-proof. The security element according to the invention can be used in particular as a security thread for banknotes.

[0012] The embossed structure, which preferably forms a microstructure or a diffractive structure, can advantageously be formed from an embossing lacquer, but could also be produced by hot stamping. The embossed structure can be applied directly to the substrate or via one or more intermediate layers, such as a primer or an adhesive layer. For a transfer application, the intermediate layer can be an adhesion-reducing layer that later allows the substrate to be separated from the embossed structure.

[0013] The embossing lacquer can be either thermoplastic or radiation-cured, for example, UV or electron beam cured. Radiation-cured embossing lacquers are particularly economical because, firstly, the embossing itself can be produced in-situ in the same process step in which the embossing lacquer is applied to the substrate, and secondly, in the case of a transfer application of the security element, the desired transfer properties or adhesion to the substrate can be adjusted via the composition of the embossing lacquer and / or the intensity of the radiation curing.

[0014] The embossed structure is preferably a microstructure or a diffractive structure. An area without an embossed structure, i.e., a flat area, may exist adjacent to the embossed structure. Therefore, the entire surface area of ​​the substrate does not need to have an embossed structure; it can, however, have an embossed coating across its entire surface, with some areas featuring an embossed structure and others not.

[0015] Within the scope of the present invention, a microstructure is understood to be a structure comprising an arrangement of protrusions and depressions forming microstructural elements, wherein the microstructural elements are characterized by a structural spacing of 1 micrometer or more. A structural spacing, also referred to as structural size, of 1 micrometer or more ensures, for example, in a safety element with such a microstructure, that this microstructure is largely achromatic, i.e., without disturbing color separation. Examples of such microstructures are micromirror structures, microlens structures, or other achromatic structures. The microstructure thus produces, as an optical effect, for example, a mirror effect, which differs for micromirrors oriented in different directions, or a lens effect, because the individual microlenses cause a magnification of the elements depicted below.

[0016] A diffractive structure, as used here, refers to a structure that diffractes incident light, thus producing a diffraction effect as an optical phenomenon. The diffractive structure can be implemented, for example, as a line grating (one-dimensional) or a cross grating (two-dimensional). The dimensions of the grating-like structures, i.e., the spacing of the (one-dimensional) lines or (two-dimensional) protrusions, are on the order of the wavelength of the incident light, which is generally visible light. The diffractive structure can, for example, form a hologram, such as a surface texture hologram, or a kinegram.

[0017] The deposited metal layer, hereinafter also referred to as the metal layer, adapts to the embossed structure as a reflective layer in the areas of this structure, so that the structure of the embossed structure, preferably the microstructure or the diffractive structure, is preserved in the reflective layer and the optical effect occurs. Preferably, the deposited metal layer is applied over the entire surface using a vacuum evaporation process, electron beam evaporation, or sputtering, and those areas where no metal layer is desired are removed by washing, etching, or laser ablation. The metal layer preferably comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gold, chromium, silver, copper, tin, platinum, nickel, and their alloys.

[0018] The embossed pattern and the deposited metal layer can be identical, since the primary function of the deposited metal layer is to serve as a reflective layer for the embossed pattern. However, in order to achieve certain additional effects with the metallic printing layer, which will be explained later, the deposited metal layer can also be located outside the embossed pattern, for example, on a flat area of ​​the material, such as the embossing varnish that otherwise forms the embossed pattern. No optical effect occurs in a flat area; only the metallic color of the metal layer is visible in visible light.

[0019] The metallic printing layer is produced by applying a printing ink containing metallic pigments, preferably the pigments containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of aluminium, gold, chromium, silver, copper, tin, platinum, nickel and their alloys.

[0020] The metallic printing layer can overlap with the metal layer in certain areas, but it must always have at least one area that does not overlap. If the metallic printing layer also overlaps the embossed structure in at least one area, or if it is positioned above the metal layer that is directly on top of the embossed structure, it does not follow the structure but rather flattens it. Therefore, no optical effect occurs in the area where the metallic printing layer overlaps the embossed structure. However, it is essential that the metallic printing layer does not overlap with the metal layer in certain areas so that, in at least one area of ​​the security element, the metallic printing layer is visible alongside the deposited metal layer—that is, both the metallic printing layer and the deposited metal layer are visible there.These two adjacent, metallic-looking areas can be used together to create a pattern or information (such as letters or numbers).

[0021] If the first area of ​​the deposited metal layer is not positioned on the embossed structure, it is ensured that no optical effect occurs there and only the two different, metallic-appearing areas—that of the deposited metal layer and that of the metallic printed layer—are visible to the viewer. This can be useful for diffractive structures. With microstructures, no color-changing optical effect would occur anyway.

[0022] If the first surface area of ​​the deposited metal layer and the metallic printing layer do not overlap, then effects between the two different, metallic-appearing surface areas can be seen in the reflected light from both sides of the security element.

[0023] In a first embodiment of the invention, the first surface area of ​​the deposited metal layer, when viewed in reflected light, produces a different color impression in the visible wavelength range than the first surface area of ​​the metallic printing layer. If metals or alloys of different colors are used for the deposited metal layer and for the metallic printing layer, they can together represent a pattern or an image. Possible colors of the metals or alloys can be silver, gold, copper, etc., or whitish, yellowish, reddish, etc.

[0024] In a second embodiment of the invention, the first surface area of ​​the deposited metal layer, when viewed in reflected light, produces the same color impression in the visible wavelength range as the first surface area of ​​the metallic printing layer, the latter additionally containing components that are not visible in white light. The observer would not be able to distinguish between the two metallic-appearing areas with the naked eye in daylight or under white light illumination. This offers the possibility of incorporating further components into the metallic printing layer that are not visible without aids.

[0025] It can be provided that the metallic printing layer contains a luminescent dye in at least one area. A luminescent dye is a dye that is excited by the supply of energy and emits photons when transitioning to its ground state. Preferably, photoluminescence will be used; that is, the dyes are excited by photons and then exhibit fluorescence or phosphorescence. Excitation can be achieved by appropriate illumination in the suitable frequency range (usually IR, visible, UV), and only the luminescent light then reveals a difference relative to the deposited metal layer, thus creating, or intentionally forming, an additional anti-counterfeiting feature: a pattern that is not visible in white light. This pattern can have a specific color visible to the naked eye (e.g., red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet).However, it is not impossible that the pattern formed by the luminescent dye is only visible in the non-visible wavelength range when excited, or—in addition to the visible wavelength range—also visible in the non-visible wavelength range, for example, because the luminescent dye has several emission maxima at different wavelengths. It would therefore be conceivable, for instance, that the luminescent dye emits infrared radiation after excitation, so that the pattern cannot be detected with the naked eye, but only with a suitable detector.

[0026] Alternatively, it can be designed so that different areas of the metallic printing layer contain different luminescent dyes, resulting in varying luminescence colors within the layer. Excitation can again be achieved through appropriate illumination in the relevant frequency range, or if necessary, in several suitable frequency ranges (usually IR, visible, UV). Only the luminescent light then reveals a difference relative to the deposited metallic layer, thus creating an additional anti-counterfeiting feature: a two- or multi-colored pattern, invisible to white light, appears within the contours of the first area of ​​the metallic printing layer. This pattern can be intentionally created. It can consist of two or more specific visible colors (e.g., red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet).However, it is not impossible that the pattern formed by the various luminescent dyes, when excited, is only visible in the non-visible wavelength range in certain areas, or—in addition to the visible wavelength range—also visible in the non-visible wavelength range. It would therefore be conceivable that at least one of the luminescent dyes emits infrared radiation after excitation (only or in addition to the color visible to the naked eye), so that the pattern of this luminescent dye can only, or also, be detected with a suitable detector.

[0027] In principle, even in the first embodiment of the invention, the metallic printing layer could additionally contain components that are not visible in white light.

[0028] Particularly in the second embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if the first surface area of ​​the deposited metal layer and the first surface area of ​​the metallic printing layer are arranged such that they adjoin each other. This is because, with the naked eye in white light, no pattern or information is discernible due to the differences between the two coatings; the first surface area of ​​the deposited metal layer and the first surface area of ​​the metallic printing layer form a single, unified surface with the same color appearance. In particular, the first surface area of ​​the deposited metal layer can surround the first surface area of ​​the metallic printing layer, or vice versa.

[0029] However, even in the first embodiment of the invention, it can be advantageous if the first surface area of ​​the deposited metal layer and the first surface area of ​​the metallic printing layer are arranged so that they abut each other. In particular, here too, the first surface area of ​​the deposited metal layer can surround the first surface area of ​​the metallic printing layer, or vice versa. In this way, a pattern or information is created with a continuous metallic-appearing surface that generates at least two different color impressions.

[0030] One possible layer sequence for the safety element according to the invention is: carrier substrate, embossed structure, deposited metal layer, metallic printing layer. Thus, all applied layers are located on one side of the carrier substrate. For this purpose, for example, the embossed structure is first applied to the carrier substrate – directly or via an adhesive or primer layer – at least partially, then the deposited metal layer is applied directly to this, at least partially, and then the metallic printing layer is applied. This printing layer can be printed onto the existing layered composite of carrier substrate, optionally adhesive or primer layer, embossed structure, and deposited metal layer, in which case it is printed onto the side of the deposited metal layer. The metallic printing layer can be printed directly onto the embossed structure or the deposited metal layer.A primer may be applied between the metallic coating and the metallic printing ink. Alternatively, the metallic printing layer may be applied to a carrier film, which is bonded to the rest of the layer structure, comprising at least the substrate, the embossed structure, and the deposited metallic layer.

[0031] Another possible layer sequence for the safety element according to the invention is: metallic printing layer, carrier substrate, embossed structure, deposited metal layer. Thus, a portion of the applied layers—at least the embossed structure and the deposited metal layer—are located on one side of the carrier substrate, while at least the metallic printing layer is located on the other side of the carrier substrate. For this purpose, for example, the embossed structure is first applied—at least partially—to one side of the carrier substrate, either directly or via an adhesive or primer layer. The deposited metal layer is then applied directly to this embossed structure, at least partially. The metallic printing layer is then applied to the other side of the carrier substrate. The metallic printing layer can be printed directly onto the other side of the carrier substrate.A primer may be applied between the substrate and the metallic printing ink prior to printing. Alternatively, the metallic printing layer may be applied to a carrier film, which is then adhered to the other (unprinted) side of the substrate. It is also conceivable that the metallic printing layer, either by printing or on a carrier film, is first bonded to one side of the substrate, and only then is at least the embossed structure and the deposited metal layer applied to the other side of the substrate.

[0032] There are basically two possibilities for the inventive method for producing a safety element according to the invention, whereby the steps are carried out in the specified order: First possibility: Producing an embossed structure, preferably a microstructure or a diffractive structure, on a support substrate; depositing a metal layer, which serves as a reflective layer for the embossed structure, at least in some areas directly onto the embossed structure, so that the deposited metal layer follows the contour of the embossed structure in order to achieve an optical effect together with the embossed structure; (optionally applying a primer for the metallic printing layer to the deposited metal layer); applying a metallic printing layer to the layer assembly consisting of at least the support substrate, the embossed structure, and the deposited metal layer in such a way that, at least in some areas, it does not overlap with the deposited metal layer and does not follow the embossed structure, provided that it is arranged in some areas directly above the embossed structure or above the deposited metal layer.where the deposited metal layer is arranged directly on the embossing structure, wherein, in reflected light viewed from the embossing structure, a first surface area of ​​the deposited metal layer is visible next to a first surface area of ​​the metallic printing layer in the visible wavelength range. Second possibility: at least partially applying a metallic printing layer to one side of the substrate (either directly onto the substrate or via an intermediate layer, such as a primer), creating an embossing structure, preferably a microstructure or a diffractive structure, on the other side of the substrate, depositing a metal layer, which serves as a reflective layer for the embossing structure, at least partially directly onto the embossing structure, so that the deposited metal layer follows the contour of the embossing structure in order to achieve an optical effect together with the embossing structure.and the deposited metal layer does not overlap with the metallic printing layer, at least in some areas. Third possibility: Creating an embossed structure, preferably a microstructure or a diffractive structure, on the other side of the substrate; depositing a metal layer, which serves as a reflective layer for the embossed structure, at least in some areas directly onto the embossed structure, so that the deposited metal layer follows the contour of the embossed structure to achieve an optical effect together with the embossed structure; and the deposited metal layer does not overlap with the metallic printing layer, at least in some areas; applying a metallic printing layer to one side of the substrate, at least in some areas (either directly onto the substrate or via an intermediate layer, such as a primer).

[0033] The features mentioned in the dependent claims of the safety element according to the invention can be implemented accordingly in the method according to the invention.

[0034] The security element is designed for viewing in reflected light, i.e., when illuminated from one side and viewed from the same side. The side of the security element that bears the embossed structure and the deposited metal layer is illuminated and viewed, so that the optical effect of, for example, the microstructure or diffractive structure is visible.

[0035] Even when viewing the other side, the side facing away from the embossed structure, in reflected light, the optical effect of the embossed structure is still visible with a transparent substrate and transparent or translucent (e.g., colored) embossing varnish. When viewed in transmitted light, no optical effect is visible in the area of ​​the embossed structure.

[0036] Preferably, both the substrate and the embossed structure are transparent. In particular, if the security element is not detached and transferred from the substrate and is to be viewed in reflected light from the side of the substrate or in transmitted light, it is essential that the substrate and the embossed structure are transparent or at least translucent.

[0037] In general, it is noted here that the security element can be surface-treated, coated, or laminated on one or both surfaces, for example, coated or laminated with plastics, or painted, in order to protect the security features present on the security element against mechanical, physical, and / or chemical influences. A protective layer can, for example, be based on nitrocellulose, acrylates and their copolymers, polyamides and their copolymers, polyvinyl chlorides and their copolymers, or consist of a cross-linking varnish. Furthermore, the security element can be provided with an adhesive layer on one or both sides to enable it to be attached to or embedded in a data carrier or valuable document. This adhesive layer can be in the form of a heat-sealable, cold-sealable, or self-adhesive coating.

[0038] It is, of course, possible that the security feature has more than one area with an embossed structure. The additional areas may have the same embossed structure or different embossed structures than the first. Accordingly, the security feature may have several visible arrangements of a first surface area of ​​the deposited metal layer next to a first surface area of ​​the metallic printed layer. In particular, a specific embossed structure and a specific arrangement of first surface areas may be repeated in one direction, especially periodically, e.g., if the security feature is designed as a security strip or security thread.

[0039] In principle, plastic films, especially flexible ones, can be used as carrier substrates, for example made of polypropylene (PP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyimide (PI), 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), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene fluoropolymer (EFEP), cellulose- or lignin-based plastics, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), thermoplastic starch (TPS), polylactic acid (PLA),Polycaprolactone (PCL), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and / or made from at least one recycled and / or biodegradable and / or marine-degradable plastic, and / or from copolymers of the aforementioned materials and / or from mixtures of several of the aforementioned materials.

[0040] The carrier substrate is generally planar and preferably has a thickness of 5-700 µm, more preferably 5-200 µm, and particularly preferably 5-50 µm. If the security element is to form a security strip or a security thread, the width of the carrier substrate is typically 0.5 to 30 mm, and particularly 0.8 to 20 mm.

[0041] The security feature is intended to be used particularly in connection with data carriers or valuable documents; that is, the security feature is part of a valuable document or data carrier to increase protection against forgery. Of course, other applications of the security feature are not excluded. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0042] The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments. The drawings are exemplary and are intended to illustrate the inventive concept, but in no way to restrict it or even to represent it exhaustively. They show Fig. 1 shows a top view of the safety element according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section through the safety element according to the invention. Fig. 1 along the section line AA, Fig. 3 a top view only of the deposited metal layer in Fig. 1 , Fig. 4 a top view of only the metallic printing layer in Fig. 1 . WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0043] According to Fig. 1 The security element 1 is formed by a carrier substrate 2 with various coatings. The carrier substrate 2 can be a transparent plastic film. One side is coated with an embossing varnish 9, which is applied only in a circular area with an embossed structure 3. In its finished state, this can, for example, be a hologram 8 (see Fig. 2 ) realize. The embossed structure 3, as well as selected areas—here, an interrupted, zigzag-shaped wide band and individual small circles outside this band—are provided with a deposited metal layer 4. This can be achieved, for example, by applying wash ink to those areas that are not to bear a metal layer 4 later, subsequently depositing a metal layer 4 over the entire substrate 2, and then washing off the wash ink along with the metal layer 4 above it. The metal layer 4 follows the course of the embossed structure 3, so that together they achieve the desired optical effect. Outside the embossed structure 3, the embossing lacquer 9 forms a flat surface, so that a metal layer 4 located there has no optical effect. It would also be conceivable for the embossed structure 3 to extend beyond the area of ​​the hologram 8 (for example, upwards, where in Fig. 1 (no metal layer 4 is provided), but the deposited metal layer 4 is later removed, for example by laser treatment, etching or washing off a wash color applied there before the deposition of the metal layer 4.

[0044] The area of ​​metal layer 4 that forms the zigzag-shaped wide band is interrupted by areas that show areas of the metallic printing layer 5.

[0045] The metal layer 4 alone is in Fig. 3 depicted.

[0046] Likewise, according to Fig. 1 A metallic printing layer 5 is applied to the support substrate 2 in certain areas, forming a continuous, zigzag-shaped narrow band, with individual small circles within this band not coated with the metallic printing layer 5. The metal layer 4 is arranged within these small circles.

[0047] The metallic printing layer 5 alone is in Fig. 4 depicted.

[0048] In reflected light, a circular hologram and subsequently two metallic-looking zigzag-shaped bands are visible in the area of ​​the embossed structure 3, one formed by the metal layer 4 and the other by the metallic printing layer 5. Thus, there is a first surface area 6 of the deposited metal layer 4, which, in addition to a first surface area 7 (see Fig. 2 ) of the metallic printing layer 5 is visible, which does not overlap with the deposited metal layer 4. The first surface area 6 of the metal layer 4 is not located on the embossed structure 3 here. The first surface area 6 of the metal layer 4 does not overlap with the metallic printing layer 5 at all – the latter has a circular recess in which – viewed from above – the circular first surface area 6 of the metal layer 4 is located.

[0049] If the metal layer 4 and the metallic printing layer 5 produce a different color impression due to the different metals or alloys they contain, a two-color pattern can be represented with only one deposited metal layer 4 and one metallic printing layer 5. In this case, small circles in a zigzag-shaped band and two bands appearing in different metallic colors. For example, a copper layer, which appears reddish, could be used as metal layer 4, making the small circles and the wide band appear copper-colored, while a metallic printing layer 5, containing silver and appearing whitish, could be used, making the narrow band appear silver-colored as far as can be seen from above.

[0050] If the metal layer 4 and the metallic printing layer 5 produce the same color impression due to similar metals or alloys contained within them, and a corresponding size and density of metal particles in the metallic printing layer 5, then the viewer would not perceive any difference between the two layers in visible light; adjacent areas of the metal layer 4 and the metallic printing layer 5 would appear as one surface. He would see Fig. 1 A grid of two zigzag lines of different widths, offset from each other, would be visible, interrupted only by the hologram 8 in the area of ​​the embossed structure 3. In particular, the small circles in the metallic printing layer 5 would not be discernible.

[0051] If components not visible in white light, such as UV-activated fluorescent substances, are added to the metallic printing layer 5, the different materials of the metal layer 4 and the metallic printing layer 5 can be made visible. When the security element is illuminated with UV light, the metallic printing layer 5 appears in a fluorescent color visible to the naked eye, e.g., green. It would also be conceivable to add different fluorescent dyes to different areas of the metallic printing layer 5, so that these areas appear in different fluorescent colors when illuminated with UV light.

[0052] In Fig. 2 The layer structure of safety element 1 consists of Fig. 1 shown, along the section line AA in Fig. 1 On one side of the substrate 2, here the top side, a full-surface layer of embossing lacquer 9 is applied, which only exhibits a corresponding embossing structure 3 in the area of ​​the later hologram 8. The metal layer 4 is only present in the area of ​​the embossing structure 3 and in the small circles, of which only one is visible here, forming the first surface area 6 of the deposited metal layer 4. No embossing structure 3 is present below the first surface area 6. A primer or an adhesive layer could be provided between the substrate 2 and the embossing lacquer 9 to improve the permanent bond.

[0053] On the other side of the substrate 2, here on the underside, a metallic printing layer 5 is applied to it in certain areas. To the left and right of the projection of the first surface area 6, this forms the first surface area 7 of the metallic printing layer 5, which, viewed from above, does not overlap with the metal layer 4 in reflected light. Thus, the metallic printing layer 5 is visible to the naked eye next to the circular first surface area 6 of the metal layer 4. Where the embossed structure 3 is located, which is coated with the metal layer 4, the metallic printing layer 5 cannot be seen.

[0054] The metallic printed layer 5 could also be arranged on a carrier film (not shown), which could then be glued to the substrate 2 from below. Alternatively, the metallic printed layer 5 could be applied to the existing layered structure in the same pattern as shown.

[0055] However, those areas of the metal layer 4 that are to be visible from above would then also have to be left out, i.e., the embossed structure 3 and the intersection areas with the band-shaped sections of the metal layer 4 without small circles - see the dashed representation of the metallic printing layer 5 in Fig. 1 . When the metallic printing layer 5 is applied on top of the existing layer assembly, this can be done by printing directly onto the layer assembly, or again by printing onto a carrier film, which is then glued onto the layer assembly from above.

[0056] Considering security element 1 in Fig. 2 From above, one gets the view according to Fig. 1 : A hologram 8 can be seen in the area of ​​the embossed structure 3 and metallic-looking zigzag-shaped bands.

[0057] If metal layer 4 and metallic printing layer 5 appear in the same color, a metallic-looking grid consisting of a wide and a narrow zigzag band is visible from above in visible light, without UV excitation, outside of the hologram 8. The small circles in the narrow band are not visible. The hologram 8 is also visible from below in reflected light under visible light, without UV excitation, with a transparent (or at least translucent) substrate 2 and a transparent (or at least translucent) embossing varnish 9, in the area of ​​the embossing structure 3, insofar as it is not obscured by the metallic printing layer 5 (see the dashed representation of the metallic printing layer 5 in Figure 1). Fig. 1 Furthermore, a continuous metallic pattern can be seen, which consists of a superposition of patterns formed from metal layer 4 (excluding the area of ​​the embossed structure 3) and metallic printing layer 5. Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 If UV-activated fluorescent dyes are present in the metallic printing layer 5, then when excited by UV light from above, only those areas of the metallic printing layer 5 that are not covered by the metallic layer 4 are visible. From below, the entire narrow band of the metallic printing layer 5 is visible as luminous under fluorescent light, with the exception of the small circles. This corresponds to the representation in Fig. 4 .

[0058] If metal layer 4 and metallic printing layer 5 do not appear in the same color, a metallic-looking grid consisting of a wide and a narrow zigzag band can be seen outside the hologram 8 from above in visible light, without UV excitation, with the two bands appearing in different metallic colors. The small circles in the narrow band are then visible. Also from below, in reflected light under visible light, without UV excitation, with a transparent (or at least translucent) substrate 2 and a transparent (or at least translucent) embossing varnish 9, a two-colored metallic pattern can be seen outside the hologram 8, resulting from a superposition of the patterns from Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 consists of the pattern made up of Fig. 4 overlapping areas with Fig. 3 Concealed. If UV-activated fluorescent dyes are contained in the metallic printing layer 5, then when UV excited from above, only those areas of the metallic printing layer 5 that are not covered by the metallic layer 4 are visible. From below, the entire narrow band of the metallic printing layer 5 is visible as luminous under fluorescent light, with the exception of the small circles. This again corresponds to the representation in Fig. 4 . REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0059] 1 Safety element 2 Carrier substrate 3 Embossed structure 4 Deposited metal layer 5 Metallic printing layer 6 First surface area of ​​the deposited metal layer 7 First surface area of ​​the metallic printing layer 8 Hologram 9 Embossed varnish

Claims

1. Security element (1) for securing data carriers or valuable documents, comprising: - a substrate (2), - an embossed structure (3) arranged at least partially on the substrate, which preferably forms a microstructure or a diffractive structure, - a deposited metal layer (4) which, as a reflective layer for the embossed structure, is arranged at least partially directly on the embossed structure and follows the course of the embossed structure in order to achieve an optical effect together with the embossed structure, - a metallic printing layer (5) which does not follow the embossed structure (3), provided that it is arranged partially over the embossed structure (3) or over the deposited metal layer (4), where that deposited metal layer (4) is arranged directly on the embossed structure. characterized by thatthe metallic printing layer (5) does not overlap with the deposited metal layer (4) at least in some areas, whereby in reflected light, with a view to the embossing structure (3), a first area (6) of the deposited metal layer (4) is visible next to a first area (7) of the metallic printing layer (5) in the visible wavelength range.

2. Safety element (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first surface area (7) of the metallic printing layer (5) does not overlap with the deposited metal layer (4).

3. Safety element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the first surface area (6) of the deposited metal layer (4) is not arranged on the embossing structure (3).

4. Safety element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the first surface area (6) of the deposited metal layer (4) and the metallic printing layer (5) do not overlap each other.

5. Safety element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The first surface area (6) of the deposited metal layer (4) seen in reflected light in the visible wavelength range produces a different color impression than the first surface area (7) of the metallic printing layer (5).

6. Safety element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that The first surface area (6) of the deposited metal layer (4) when viewed in reflected light produces the same color impression in the visible wavelength range as the first surface area (7) of the metallic printing layer (5), which additionally contains components that are not visible in white light.

7. Safety element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the metallic printing layer (5) contains a luminescent dye in at least one area.

8. Safety element (1) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact thatdifferent areas of the metallic printing layer (5) contain different luminescent dyes, which result in a different luminescence color of the metallic printing layer in different areas.

9. Safety element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the first surface area (6) of the deposited metal layer (4) and the first surface area (7) of the metallic printing layer (5) are arranged such that they are adjacent to each other.

10. Safety element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The layer sequence is: substrate (2), embossing structure (3), deposited metal layer (4), metallic printing layer (5).

11. Safety element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that The layer sequence is: metallic printing layer (5), carrier substrate (2), embossing structure (3), deposited metal layer (4).

12. Safety element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the metallic printing layer (5) is arranged on a carrier film, which is bonded to the remaining layer structure, comprising at least the carrier substrate (2), the embossing structure (3) and the deposited metal layer (4).

13. A method for manufacturing a security element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the following steps in the specified order: - producing an embossed structure (3), preferably forming a microstructure or a diffractive structure, on a support substrate (2), - depositing a metal layer (4), which serves as a reflective layer for the embossed structure (3), at least partially directly onto the embossed structure (3), such that the deposited metal layer (4) follows the contour of the embossed structure (3) in order to achieve an optical effect together with the embossed structure, - applying a metallic printing layer (5) to the layer assembly consisting of at least the support substrate (2), the embossed structure (3), and the deposited metal layer (4) such that the printing layer does not overlap with the deposited metal layer (4) at least partially and does not follow the embossed structure (3).provided that it is arranged in certain areas above the embossing structure or above the deposited metal layer, where that deposited metal layer is arranged directly on the embossing structure, wherein, in reflected light with regard to the embossing structure (3), a first area (6) of the deposited metal layer (4) is visible in the visible wavelength range next to a first area (7) of the metallic printing layer (5), for a security feature according to one of claims 1-10 and 12, or comprising the following steps in the specified order: - at least partially applying a metallic printing layer (5) to one side of the support substrate (2), - producing an embossing structure (3), which preferably forms a microstructure or a diffractive structure, on the other side of the support substrate (2), - depositing a metal layer (4), which serves as a reflective layer for the embossing structure (3), at least partially directly on the embossing structure (3),such that the deposited metal layer (4) follows the contour of the embossed structure (3) to achieve an optical effect together with the embossed structure, and the deposited metal layer (4) does not overlap with the metallic printing layer (5) at least in certain areas, for a security feature according to one of claims 1 to 9 and 11 to 12, or comprising the following steps in the specified order: - producing an embossed structure (3), preferably forming a microstructure or a diffractive structure, on the other side of the support substrate (2), - depositing a metal layer (4), which serves as a reflective layer for the embossed structure (3), at least in certain areas directly onto the embossed structure (3), such that the deposited metal layer (4) follows the contour of the embossed structure (3) to achieve an optical effect together with the embossed structure,and the deposited metal layer (4) does not overlap with the metallic printing layer (5) at least in certain areas, - at least in certain areas, the application of a metallic printing layer (5) to one side of the support substrate (2), for a security feature according to one of claims 1 to 9 and 11 to 12.

14. Data carrier or security document comprising a security element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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