EP1556228B1 - Identification card and method for the production thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a safety document (11) comprising at least one paper layer (4) coated with a transparent plastic layer (2, 3, 6, 7, 13) on the two surfaces thereof. The inventive method makes it possible to produce an identification card which embodied in a particularly simple and safe form since the paper layer (4) consists of a safety paper containing at least one safety characteristic (5, 8, 10, 15, 16) and the plastic layers (2, 3, 6, 7, 13) are made of a thermoplastic material which is melt in such a way that a transparent envelop (13) is produced exclusively by a high pressure and/or at a high temperature.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a security document with at least one paper layer, which is covered on both sides by a respective transparent plastic layer, as well as a method for producing such a security document and a use of such a security document.

STATE OF THE ART

Plastic cards for use as identification cards, membership cards, driving licenses, police and military identity cards or credit cards are usually single-layered or multi-layered and consist for example of polycarbonate. Typically, such a plastic card is provided with a printing in the form of a thermal printing or laser printing (eg laser engraving). In the case of multilayer plastic cards, these usually have a core component, which is covered on both sides with layers of plastic.

Especially in the area of badges, the trend lately has been increasingly towards plastic cards, as they have long been used in connection with credit card application. Identification documents that were previously issued on paper, whereby the personalizing data by means of a typewriter, a dot matrix printer, etc. were written down and the image was stuck as a photo, are increasingly on Switched plastic cards. Plastic cards as identity cards already exist, for example, in some states for driver's licenses, personal tickets or identity cards, etc. As security features, such plastic cards have, in particular, security prints, holograms or kinegrams (the appearance of which changes depending on the viewing angle). Also machine-readable encodings, such as magnetic stripes (as usual with credit cards), chips, transponders, or barcodes can be present. As an additional security component to ensure sufficient security against counterfeiting, the personalization data of such cards were applied in relatively complex processes, for example by means of laser engraving, in which a middle layer of the card is described by means of laser. For this purpose, such a layer must be activated accordingly, ie the plastic must be mixed with specific, activatable via the laser components.

Although there are generally reservations with regard to the use of paper in the case of plastic cards, in particular due to the sensitivity of paper to moisture, multilayer plastic cards have also been used in which a carrier layer made of plastic is provided with at least one paper layer, in particular with paper layers on both sides Core component made of plastic are glued. These paper layers are compared to the carrier layer made of plastic, which gives the card their stability, comparatively thin and are used for applying an imprint. These cards can be printed in a simpler way, in particular by means of an inkjet printer. After the application of the print, the paper layer and the print arranged on it are often covered by a cover layer, in particular a cold or hot laminated film, to protect the print against wear or removal, as well as a hologram, a Guillauchendruck on this cover sheet as security features etc. may be applied. Such cards have also been used as a simple ID cards, if no particularly high security requirements are given, for example, as club cards or the like.

For identity cards with high security standards, especially government identity documents, such cards were due to the possibilities of forgery previously considered inappropriate.

GB-A-2129371 discloses a security document with a security paper which is covered on both sides by a transparent thermoplastic polyethylene layer. The two polyethylene layers are each connected to a protective layer.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is therefore based on the object, a novel security document, in particular for use as identification card, credit card, driver's license, police and military identity card or membership card to propose, which can be easily and inexpensively manufactured, while having a high level of security. This in connection with security documents with at least one paper layer, which is covered on both sides by a respective transparent plastic layer.

The solution to this problem is achieved in that it is a security paper with at least one security feature in the paper layer, and that it is a thermoplastic material in the plastic layers, which alone under application of elevated pressure and / or elevated temperature to a transparent envelope is fused, wherein at least in sections an edge region is present, in which the plastic layers of both sides of the paper layer adjoin one another directly, wherein the plastic layers exclusively comprise thermoplastic material having a glass transition point above 100 ° C.

The essence of the invention is therefore to be able to use on the one hand the technology of security features for papers well known from the field of security papers (banknotes, checks, share documents, etc.) directly for the field of security documents in the sense of plastic cards. Traditionally, these two areas (security papers vs. plastic cards) are different areas where almost each of their own security feature technology exists. A simple and cost-effective production of a security document according to the invention is provided by the fact that a security paper with corresponding security features is to a certain extent converted into a plastic card by melting into a thermoplastic matrix. On the one hand, this thermoplastic matrix performs the protective functions for the paper layer (s) which are embedded and on the other

Side is ensured by this matrix, the usual stiffness required. On another central plastic support can be dispensed with. In addition, this matrix or transparent envelope has a zone in the edge region in which at least sections of paper have no paper layer. In other words, in this area, this transparent envelope or plastic layer is formed over the entire thickness of the card. Without leaving such a border area, a security document surrounded by plastic layers can be separated, so to speak, in the middle, by slitting the paper layer centrally parallel to the paper plane, breaking the internal cohesion of the paper layer. This is easily possible without a closed edge region, in particular, since the applied plastic layers act as levers and thus cleavage of the paper layer is possible at the lowest load. In particular, in the case of coated, finely ground papers with fine fibers (for example, ink-jet papers are usually such papers) such splitting is easily possible. The paper cleavage is barely possible by such inventively fused edge regions and the fusion of the substrate (security paper) with the plastic. This increases the security massive. The security document may be, for example, a credit card, an identification card or a membership card.

An essential feature of the solution proposed here is that, in principle, the use of adhesives or adhesion promoters for producing adhesion between the plastic layer and the paper layer or between the plastic layers (in the edge region) is dispensed with. It turns out, in fact, that paper layers and thermoplastic synthetic layers, despite their very different chemical behavior (technical thermoplastic vs. cellulose), can partially melt together, to some extent embedding the paper layer in the plastic.

Actually, in other words, it is not a lamination process, but rather a fusion process or a meltdown, because a layer structure may be present in this matrix, especially if the same polymers are on both sides used in the security paper, can no longer be identified.

Particularly noteworthy in this context is the fact that even polymers without actual melting point, such. As polycarbonate or high amorphous polyamides when heated over the glass transition point and under application of pressure yield such a laminate structure. In a preferred embodiment, therefore, polycarbonate (Makrofol ID 6-2 from Bayer, DE) is used, while in another preferred embodiment, a high-amorphous polyamide (eg Grilamid TR90 from Ems Grivory, CH) is used.

Namely, the use of adhesives, whether in the form of heat-activatable adhesives or other systems as known in the art, presents a multitude of problems. For example, when using plastic layers which have an adhesive layer on the side facing the paper, clouding occurs in the transparent layer after the lamination process, which is presumably due to the interface between the adhesive layer and the plastic layer (foils). This is not possible in the present case, since due to the preferably identical plastic layers in the lamination process, a homogeneous plastic block is formed on which such interface effects can not occur.

The waiver of adhesives but above all has safety-related consequences. Are namely used plastic layers, which adhesion promoter resp. Having adhesives, so naturally arise layer structures, the different layers (adhesive, plastic layer) have different physical and chemical properties. These different properties can be used to separate these layers.

For example, using a normal heat-activatable adhesive typically has a melting point or glass transition point that is comparatively low, typically in the range of 90 ° C to 120 ° C. In addition, however, there is a plastic layer with usually much higher melting point or glass transition point of z. B. more than 140 ° C. This difference can be exploited by counterfeiters to the Separate layer structure, this can be done without leaving an irreversible damage to the plastic layers. Accordingly, the embedding of a paper between two plastic layers, wherein at least one on the inside has an adhesive layer, can be easily separated and counterfeiting can be limited prevented.

In contrast, in the present case, it is preferred to use exclusively plastic layers which have a flow temperature, respectively. Have melting temperature or glass transition temperature, which is above 120 ° C, preferably above 140 ° C and more preferably in a range between 150 ° C and 180 ° C. Accordingly, during the lamination or fusion process, a substantially chemically and physically homogeneous block of plastic is formed, which no longer has a layer structure which could subsequently be used to separate counterfeiters.

In addition, there is the advantage that when using only such plastic layers with a high flow temperature under the required production conditions, the paper is embedded much deeper into the plastic layers. In this case, there is a penetration of the thermoplastic polymer mass into the paper, with an extremely stable and intimate connection between the paper layer and the plastic layer is formed, which makes a subsequent separation of paper and plastic or destruction of the paper structure as well as impossible. In addition, a card with a rigidity that meets today's standardized requirements for cards, and how it is not possible when using adhesion promoters.

Moreover, the frequent problems of delamination during intensive use when using adhesives can be completely avoided, on the one hand due to the stronger bond between plastic and paper, and on the other hand to the fact that the plastic layer is not made of different materials. When using adhesives or adhesive layers, the paper is only embedded in the usually very thin adhesive layers, which in turn reduces the security against counterfeiting.

Preferably, the plastic layers are substantially identical films, d. H. films with approximately the same physical properties. In particular, only films of identical material are used, so that an actually homogeneous block of a thermoplastic material is formed. The melting point or the glass transition point of the innermost, d. H. Thus, the layer of plastic layers arranged directly on each side of the paper layer does not differ from the corresponding melting point or glass transition point of the outer layers if several layers of plastic are used for the production on one side of the paper layers. In particular, the innermost layer does not have a lower melting point or glass transition point than further outwardly arranged plastic layers.

When using partially or highly amorphous polyamides such as those offered by Ems Grivory (CH), a combination of different types is possible or even advantageous in the context of the invention. For example, two topsheets of one type of polymamide (eg, the Grilamid TR 90 type from Ems Grivory, CH) may be made into a frame layer of a second polyamide type (eg, the Grivory G21 type from Ems Grivory, CH) solid composite laminated or fused. Both types are highly amorphous polyamides, which have no actual melting point, but only a glass transition point and give the invention, practically insoluble compound that can be mixed with conventional adhesives such. B. can not achieve hot glue.

In this particular case, it may be advantageous if the glass transition temperatures of the different layers differ, especially if long process times are necessary for lamination of identical layers due to the high viscosity of the polymer. Such, still at high temperatures above the glass transition point polymer can, with the help of at least one inner or outer layer of a low viscosity at the processing temperature polymer in a short time and with low temperature stress for the internal security document. Also in this case, where two different types of polymer are joined together, the result is an intimate bond, unlike the compound with the aid of an adhesive. The excellent combination of different types of polyamides with sometimes very different thermal, optical and mechanical properties is typical of this class of polymers.

A particularly high-claimable product according to the invention can be achieved if e.g. two highly transparent cover layers of a highly amorphous polyamide with inner layers of a high-tenacity polyamide, z. B. the type Grilamid 55 LY by Ems Grivory (CH) is connected. The elastomeric inner layer allows for a product which is much more stressable on bending and impact than a product of sheer layers with substantially similar mechanical properties.

The security feature can basically be security features in the field of security papers. In other words, for example: watermarks in the paper layer, in the paper layer at least partially or partially embedded security elements such as security or Melierfasern, planchettes, etc., applied to the paper magnetic stripe or chips, RFIDs, applied to the paper security prints, especially in Shape of a fluorescent imprint (possibly with polarizing properties), barcodes or an Intaglio imprint. Generally possible are so-called OVDs, i. optical variable devices, e.g. Holograms or kinegrams, which can be applied as films in the form of patches or stripes. In addition, security strips with additional features such as safety fonts, fluorescent imprints or coatings, etc. Of course, combinations of these mentioned security features can be used. Also possible are taggants (e.g., as an up-converter, anti-Stokes using, for example, LUMILUX Green UC-2 from Honeywell), iridescent coatings or overprints, transparencies, micro resp. Nano imprints.

According to a first preferred embodiment of the security document according to the invention, the thermoplastic material is preferably transparent thermoplastic polycarbonate (PC), but also thermoplastic polyamide, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS), polyethylene ( PE) or polypropylene (PP) or mixtures or different layers thereof. Typically, the plastic layers on each side of the paper layer together with the paper layer have a thickness (total card thickness) which is at least 0.5 mm to preferably at least 0.7 mm. So come z. B. plastic layers of about 100 - 200 or even 300 microns on each side in question, and paper layers of about 200 - 500 microns thickness.

With such a security document, a transparent zone remains at least in sections in the edge area. To compensate for the thickness of the paper, it is possible according to another preferred embodiment of the invention to design the document so that the paper layer has a slightly smaller size than the plastic layers surrounding it on both sides, so that at least partially a transparent edge region remains on the edge, and in this edge region one or more further frame layers are arranged made of plastic, which have an inner punched, in which the paper layer is fitted. Since such a section-wise transparent edge area u. U. the optical requirements of a plastic card is not met, it is possible to color this edge area specifically. This can, if no frame position is used, done by at least one of the two plastic layers in the region of the otherwise transparent edge is modified accordingly. This can be realized in a particularly simple manner by using just one or more layers of plastic for a frame position, and this frame layer is made of suitably colored or modified plastic, so that the card subsequently has a uniform appearance over its entire surface which matches the known credit cards or identity cards.

A further preferred embodiment of the present invention which is particularly associated with security stripes or watermarks is interesting, and also a special form of security, as they are in the field of conventional credit cards or identity cards, which are made entirely of plastic, is not known, can be provided, characterized in that the paper layer is formed such that the security document is at least partially translucent at least in view of a light source. Namely, plastic cards such as prior art credit cards are usually not translucent and, accordingly, there are no security features specific to the transparency of the card in such plastic cards.

A further preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the paper layer has at least one side, in particular in the form of a photo and / or personal details applied especially by means of an inkjet printer imprint. This simple way of personalizing such a security document makes its manufacture particularly simple and cost-effective. Typically, security papers are used correspondingly for the paper layer, which already have a coating which makes these security papers suitable for printing with an inkjet printer. It should be ensured that the inks used in conjunction with the coating are designed such that they show no negative effects such as bleeding, smearing, etc. during the manufacturing process of the card (melting of the plastic layers). Ink penetrates deeply into the paper when printing. the coating, and since usually ink-jet papers, as already mentioned above, easily break up (paper cleavage), resulting from the use of inkjet technology, a further increase in security

Further preferred embodiments of the security document according to the invention are described in the dependent claims.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing a security document, as described above. The method is characterized in that the at least one paper layer (this is usually a security paper) after its personalization, in particular under With the aid of an inkjet printer, on both sides of at least one, but preferably a plurality of plastic films, preferably of polycarbonate or preferably highly amorphous polyamides, is surrounded, and this layer structure without further use of adhesives under the sole application of pressure and / or elevated temperature to a transparent , essentially the paper layer is fused on all sides enclosing case arise in the edge region zones in which the plastic layers over the entire thickness of the card are fused together.

It proves to be advantageous in this case to use for fusion a combination of elevated temperature of below the glass transition temperature of the plastic used in the region, and pressure of more than 10 ⁶ Pa (eg in the range of 1.5x10 ⁶ Pa), with a specific preferred Profile for pressure and temperature is driven. For example, in a laminator first the temperature in the case of polycarbonate is driven in the range of about 160 degrees Celsius, by then the pressure on in the range of 1.4x10 ⁶ Pa is increased, then the temperature is lowered to about 120 degrees Celsius and then again the pressure is increased slightly in the range of 1.5x10 ⁶ Pa or even 1.57x10 ⁶ Pa.

As already mentioned above, it may prove advantageous to use one or more transparent or colored frame layers in addition to the plastic films around the paper layer. In order to obtain the most accurate outline of the card, the security document should also be punched into its final shape after fusing to the envelope in the laminator.

Further preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention for producing a security document are described in the dependent claims.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of a security document as described above as a credit card, identification card or membership card.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1

zeigt Schnitte durch erfindungsgemässe Sicherheitsdokumente, wobei in a) ein Schnitt durch ein Sicherheitsdokument vor dessen Verschmelzung mit jeweils einer einzigen Kunststofflage und mit eingebettetem Sicherheitselement darstellt, b) einen entsprechenden Schnitt unter Verwendung von mehreren Kunststofflagen auf jeder Seite sowie mit einem aufgedruckten oder aufgeklebten Sicherheitsmerkmal, c) einen entsprechenden Schnitt unter Verwendung von zwei Rahmenlagen und einem Wasserzeichen in der Papierlage, sowie d) einen Schnitt durch ein fertiges, d. h. verschmolzenes Sicherheitsdokument; und

Fig. 2

Aufsichten auf erfindungsgemässe Sicherheitsdokumente, wobei in a) eine Karte mit umlaufendem Rand dargestellt ist und in b) eine Karte mit gezahntem Rand.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

2 shows sections through security documents according to the invention, wherein a) shows a section through a security document prior to its fusion with a single plastic layer and with embedded security element, b) a corresponding section using a plurality of plastic layers on each side and with a printed or affixed security feature, c) a corresponding section using two frame layers and a watermark in the paper layer, and d) a section through a finished, ie fused security document; and

Fig. 2

Supervision of security documents according to the invention, wherein in a) a card with a peripheral edge is shown and in b) a card with a serrated edge.

WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Fig. 1 shows various embodiments, wherein the figures 1 a) to c) each show sections through unferkige identification cards, in which the plastic layers arranged on both sides have not yet merged.

Fig. 1a) shows the simplest embodiment. A paper layer 4 is placed between two transparent layers 2 and 3. The upper transparent layer 2 and the lower transparent layer 3 are formed in this case as a single plastic layer. The two plastic layers 2 and 3 are formed larger than the paper layer 4, so that each edge of the two plastic layers protrude beyond the paper layer 4. In this border area, the plastic layers 2 and 3 will merge directly upon fusion.

In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 a) to c), in each case the plastic layers 2 and 3 are already essentially shown in their final dimensioning. Of course it is also possible to use the two layers in Form of an endless strip or strip or to deliver as a web, and only punch out the finished cards behind the laminator. The same applies to the paper layer 4, these can also be supplied in the form of a strip or tape, but this will be described below.

The plastic layers are preferably polycarbonate. However, other thermoplastics are conceivable and possible, for example polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS or the like. In principle, the plastic layers 2 and 3 must be layers of a thermoplastic material which allows the layers to melt together at temperatures or pressures without damaging the paper layer 4 or security elements or imprints present in or on the paper layer during the laminating or fusion process to take. In other words, typically, the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin layers should be below about 150 to 180 or 200 degrees Celsius; H. Polycarbonate can barely be used. In addition, of course, at least one of the two plastic layers should be transparent, so that the information applied to the paper layer 4 information respectively the arranged in or on the paper layer 4 security elements remain visible after fusing. In other words, the supplied plastic layer does not necessarily have to be transparent before fusion, but rather after fusion to a shell surrounding the paper layer.

In the context of the present exemplary embodiments, the plastic film used was a polycarbonate film available from Bayer, DE under the name Makrofol ID 6-2. Thicknesses of 50 μ, 100 μ, 150 μ and 300 μ were used. In order to be able to ensure the required thickness in an exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 a), a polycarbonate foil of a thickness of 300 μ is used correspondingly on each side. Namely, if such a card is used as an identity card, the card must meet international standards, in particular the standard ISO / IEC 7810, in which it is stipulated among others that the thickness of such Identifikadonskarte must be 0.76 millimeters, the tolerance in the range of +/- 0.008 mm. Polycarbonate is also suitable in relation to this standard insofar as the required rigidity can be met (see Chapter 8.1.1 of ISO / IEC 7810). Optionally, the plastic films may also have polarizing properties. If possible, these should still be substantially present after the lamination process if the corresponding safety effect ("flip-flop" effect with rotating polarization of the irradiated UV or IR light) is to be observable in combination with the underlying fluorescent security ink.

Quite generally, in the context of the present invention, it is also possible to produce the card instead of double-sided plastic foils for fusion, by embedding the security paper in a (more or less loose) environment of plastic (eg PC) granules, and then this is melted under the action of pressure and temperature to form a solid matrix. For this purpose, the card is placed in a mold, which is filled with granules before or after, and then fused in a laminator or fusion device under pressure and / or temperature.

The paper layer 4 is a security paper with at least one security feature, preferably a combination of several security features. The paper ply 4 should be printable with an ink jet printer, ie, it should have coatings that allow for the receptivity and fixation of such inks to the substrate. Specifically, in the present case, a paper with a stroke known by the name of Digisafe from Landqart, CH, was used. The paper had a basis weight of 90 g / m ² . It turns out in general terms that the paper should be as thin as possible for high security that the ink penetrates a substantial portion of the paper thickness and thus a paper cleavage is difficult. On the other hand, of course, the paper still has to be thick enough to ensure the required opacity and printing properties.

The paper layer 4 has in the example according to FIG. 1 a) a security feature in FIG Form of embedded in the paper layer security element 5. It may be z. This may be, for example, a security strip (eg a plastic strip dampened with a metallic layer, fluorescent colors may optionally additionally be incorporated), which is either embedded in the paper pulp in such a way that it does not touch the surface of the paper layer 4 at any point , or in the form of a so-called "window" strip (window thread), which emerges in sections on the one and / or other surface. Such security strips and their embedding in the paper are well known in the field of banknotes. Also in question are so-called mottled fibers.

Fig. 1b) shows a section through a corresponding embodiment, in which now but the plastic layers 2 and 3 are not formed as individual layers, but rather multi-layered. In this particular case, four foils are arranged one above the other as plastic layer 6 or 7 on each side of the paper layer 4. The individual layers have a thickness of z. B. 100 μ. In the embodiment according to FIG. 1 b), the paper layer 4 has a security feature in the form of a printed or glued security element 8. B. a security imprint, as is known from the field of banknotes to be. Intaglio printing, printing with fluorescent or phosphorescent security inks or pigments, micro prints, barcodes or the like are possible.

Alternatively or additionally, as security features in question, for example. Taggants, iridescent prints, planchettes, micro prints etc ..

Also possible as security elements 8 as shown in Fig. 1b) are, for example, on the paper layer 4 glued or otherwise applied elements such as kinegrams, holograms, chips, magnetic strips (but these can also be applied later outside), RFID's (Radio Frequency Induced Devices). Here u. U. be taken to ensure that these security elements are not damaged in the fusion or lamination process, ie it must be used plastics whose glass transition temperatures are correspondingly low respectively which can be melted under a correspondingly lower pressure, the Glass transition temperatures but still higher (typically> 120 ° C) than those common hot-melt adhesive, otherwise no real fusion of the matrix can take place.

In addition to these security elements applied to the paper layer 4, the invention permits the introduction of additional security elements which require verification or fault-free operation of a transparent substrate. Such security elements are, for example, polarized absorbing and / or emitting films, dichroic mirrors, color filters, UV-absorbing filters, effect gratings, etc. These can be introduced, for example, in the frame position or in a recess of the paper layer.

Fig. 1c) shows a further embodiment in which in addition to the two over the entire surface extending plastic layers 6 and 7 respectively (in this special case two) specific frame position 9 is arranged. This frame layer 9 has a central punching, in which the paper layer 4 is fitted as accurately as possible. On the one hand, the purpose of such a frame layer 9 can be to prevent a rejuvenation in the area of the edges during the lamination process due to the fact that no paper layer is present in this edge region. On the other hand, it is also possible to color this frame layer 9 or to use a specifically colored or untransparent plastic, so that in those edge regions where the paper layer 4 does not reach to the outer edge of the finished card, not the entire card appears transparent ,

In Fig. 1c) as a security element, a watermark 10 is indicated schematically. This is a particularly preferred security element in the context of the present invention, since it is not used in connection with conventional plastic cards, is very difficult to imitate, and is a so-called "human-feature", ie a security feature, which is directly from Eye z. B. when holding against the light can be verified without the aid of special equipment. Most preferably, the watermark 10 is a so-called grayscale watermark, which can only be produced under special conditions using specialized paper machines and from the field of security papers (in particular banknotes) is known.

The layer structures according to FIGS. 1 a) to c) are fused in a lamination process to the actual identification card 11, as shown in FIG. 1 d). The example given here refers to a card with a thickness of 0.76 +/- 0.08 mm in accordance with the ISO standard. For this purpose, the layer structures are exposed in a laminator increased pressure or elevated temperature, wherein the temperature or the pressure are preferably adjusted so that the range of the glass transition of the plastic films used is achieved. Preferably, special profiles are driven, so for example in the present case using polycarbonate, the temperature was first raised to 157.7 degrees Celsius, then held stationary for about 50 seconds, then cooled for about 50 seconds with a fan, then an increased pressure of 1.42x10 ⁶ Pa applied, then cooled down to constant pressure down to about 120 degrees Celsius, then the pressure further increased to about 1.5x10 ⁶ Pa or even 1.57x10 ⁶ Pa. Finally, it was cooled to 30 degrees Celsius and the laminator reopened. In the specific case, a laminator from Oakwood, US, was used. Subsequently, the cards were punched out to obtain a clearly defined peripheral edge.

Looking at Fig. 1d), a slight taper in the thickness of the card is shown on the left side in the region of the edge 14. Such a taper can occur if no frame position 9 is used, which represents a compensation for the paper layer 4 which is not present at the edge , On the right side, an ideally displayed edge area is visible. In FIG. 1d), a gap is shown between the paper layer 4 and the fused sleeve 13 for illustrative reasons, but in fact an intimate connection between the paper layer and the plastic films occurs during the lamination process. Plastic enters the paper fibers during the lamination process or in the coatings of the paper layer 4 and anchored the envelope 13 with the paper layer 4. Accordingly, it is no longer possible even after lamination to separate a plastic layer from the paper layer, without at least parts of the uppermost Layer of the paper layer are entrained with the plastic layer. This results in an inherently higher Security of such an identification card. A security feature that is additionally possible with the present technology consists of punching specific in the paper layer (if necessary, consequences of holes forming a text or numbers) into which the plastic layers subsequently penetrate when melting.

Fig. 2 shows plan views of embodiments. In the case of Fig. 2a), an identification card is shown, which has a circumferential transparent edge 14. In the area of this peripheral edge 14, the shell 13 is completely fused, and accordingly it is also almost impossible, in contrast to the usual glued or glued cards to separate the upper and lower plastic layer from each other and thus possibly make replicas of such identification card. The identification card 11 has a security strip 15 embedded in the paper, as well as a watermark 10, which, just like the security strip 15, can be seen in particular in a transparent manner. In addition, the identification card has an imprint 16, with which the card is personalized. This imprint 16 is produced, for example, with an inkjet printer prior to lamination. In addition or on the other hand, of course, a color photo can be printed, as well as other information, according to the intended use accordingly.

Fig. 2b) shows an embodiment in which the transparent edge 14 is not formed fully encircling. The paper layer here has a toothed edge, analogous to a stamp. Correspondingly, sections with transparent edge regions 14 result. Of course, these edge regions 14 can be colored, so that the card no longer has a transparent region when viewed. The toothed edge has the advantage that such a paper layer with appropriate pre-punching (analogous to a stamp sheet) can be fed as a whole as a web. Such a paper web can be printed as a whole, then covered on both sides by one or more plastic layers and then sent through a laminator. The resulting surface must then be punched only in a registered manner to the individual cards 11.

• Typischerweise findet nach dem Stand der Technik eine Plastikkarte Verwendung, bei welcher die Personalisierung mittels Laserengraving durchgeführt wird. Dazu ist eine aktive Polycarbonatschicht erforderlich, die mittels Lasershahl beschriftet werden kann. Die vorgeschlagene Karte verwendet im Gegensatz in einfacher Weise Sicherheitspapier, auf welcher ein Sicherheitsdruck o. ä. aufgebracht ist Personalisierung erfolgt mittels Inkjet. Die Beschriftung mittels Laserengraving bietet für sich keine zusätzliche Sicherheit, da dies durch einen Laserkopierer oder -drucker imitiert werden kann. Bei der Laserengravingkarte muss die Sicherheit über zusätzliche Elemente wie OVD's eingebracht werden. Beim Inkjet gemäss der vorliegenden Erfindung kann die Tinte gegenüber Standardtinten zusätzlich zum Beispiel verändert werden, so dass sie schwierig zu imitieren ist. Möglichkeiten sind:
  • UV- oder IR aktive Komponenten
  • Farbschattierungen
• Diese können mit einfachen Instrumenten wie z.B. einer UV-Lampe oder mit einem OCR-B Reader geprüft werden bzw. sind einfach von Auge sichtbar. Durch Eintrag von Reaktivfarbstoffen, die eine Farbänderung nach Anwendung mit Bleichmitteln (Tintenkillern), Säuren, Lösungsmitteln oder Laugen bewirken kann das Papier gegenüber Manipulationen geschützt werden, was bei der reinen Plastikkarte nicht möglich ist. Ein grosser Vorteil des Inkjetdruckers besteht in seiner Fähigkeit, farbige Bilder in exzellenter Fotoqualität zu drucken. Laserengraving bietet nur die Möglichkeit von Schwarz/Weissbildern in relativ tiefer Auflösung.
• In Bezug auf die Hülle wird nach dem Stand der Technik Polycarbonat mit der aktiven Schicht verschmolzen. Im Gegensatz dazu wird im vorliegenden Fall das Papier als Inlay in einer Polycarbonatschicht mit anderen Polycarbonatschichten verschmolzen. Bei der vorgeschlagenen Karte mit dem Sicherheitspapierkern, welcher in sich selber bereits einem hochgesicherten Dokument entspricht, wie es z.B. in Pässen verwendet wird, kommt all das hinzu, was die reine Plastikkarte zu bieten hat. Diesbezüglich sind keine Einschränkungen gegeben. Durch besondere Ausgestaltung des Randbereichs der Folie, welche das Sicherheitspapier enthält, können noch weitere Klippen für den Fälscher eingebaut werden. Dieser Bereich kann auch farbig bedruckt werden, so dass beliebige Gestaltungsvarianten möglich sind. Tests haben gezeigt, dass das Auftrennen der Papier-, Plastikkombination sehr schwierig ist, weil einerseits der Kunststoff zu einem einheitlichen Körper verschmolzen wird und keine offensichtliche Schichtstruktur mehr aufweist, andererseits weil die Tinte beim Druck tief ins Papier eindringt und ausserdem beim Fusionierprozess in den Kunststoff diffundiert. Es kann also nicht einfach eine Schicht manipuliert werden, weil das Originalbild immer noch auf der anderen Schicht vorhanden und somit sichtbar ist. Dies erhöht den Aufwand für den Fälscher beträchtlich. Bei der neuentwickelten Karte kann ebenfalls eine lasersensitive Schicht mit eingearbeitet werden, so dass eine nachträgliche Beschriftung mit dieser Technologie möglich ist, falls dies gewünscht wird.
• In Bezug auf die Oberfläche werden bei einer Plastikkarte nach dem Stand der Technik typischerweise als Sicherheitsmerkmale Holo-, Kinegramme, Perforierungen, spezielle Drucktechnologien, Prägungen, taktile Features etc. verwendet. Da die hier vorgeschlagene Karte die gleiche Oberflächenbeschaffenheit aufweist wie eine Plastikkarte nach dem Stand der Technik, ergeben sich keine Einschränkungen gegenüber der reinen Plastikkarte. Die im Papier eingetragenen Sicherheiten wie das Wasserzeichen, der Faden, die Melierfasem etc. sind durch die Karte sichtbar und als Sicherheitselemente sehr hochwertig. Dies bietet die Möglichkeit, besser geschützte Karten zu wesentlich tieferen Kosten anbieten zu können. Falls diese Oberflächen-Features trotzdem gewünscht werden, können Karten hergestellt werden, die ein unglaublich hohes Sicherheitsniveau aufweisen. Denn es gilt zu bedenken, dass die Sicherheit einerseits durch die Qualität der Sicherheitsmerkmale bestimmt wird, andererseits aber durch Kombination von unterschiedlichen Merkmalen stark erhöht, gleichsam potenziert wird. Unterschiedliche Technologien eng miteinander verwoben und auf engstem Raum angewandt erhöhen den Aufwand für den Fälscher extrem stark. Manipulationen am Dokument oder gar eine Totalfälschung werden dadurch so schwierig, dass sie sich wirtschaftlich nicht mehr lohnen.
• Auch in Bezug auf die Ausrüstung mit Datenträgern stehen die vorgeschlagenen Karten dem Stand der Technik nicht nach. Magnetstreifen können zum Beispiel entweder auf die Papierlage oder aber auch bevorzugt erst auf die fertige Kartenaussenseite aufgebracht werden.

In principle, the proposed method offers the following advantages compared with the prior art:

• Typically, the prior art uses a plastic card in which personalization is performed by laser engraving. For this purpose, an active polycarbonate layer is required, which can be labeled by means of Lasershahl. In contrast, the proposed card used in a simple way security paper on which a security printing o. Ä. Applied is personalization by means of inkjet. The inscription by means of laser engraving offers no additional security, since this can be imitated by a laser copier or printer. In the case of the laser engraving card, the safety must be introduced via additional elements such as OVDs. In the inkjet according to the present invention, in addition to standard inks, for example, the ink can be changed so as to be difficult to mimic. Possibilities are:
  • UV or IR active components
  • shades
• These can be tested with simple instruments such as a UV lamp or with an OCR-B reader or are easily visible by eye. By introducing reactive dyes that cause a color change after use with bleach (ink killers), acids, solvents or alkalis, the paper can be protected against manipulation, which is not possible with the pure plastic card. A big advantage of the inkjet printer is its ability to print color images in excellent photo quality. Laser engraving offers only the possibility of black and white images in relatively low resolution.
• With respect to the shell, according to the prior art, polycarbonate is fused to the active layer. In contrast, in the present case, the paper is fused as an inlay in a polycarbonate layer with other polycarbonate layers. For the proposed card with the security paper core, which in itself already corresponds to a highly secured document, as it is used eg in passports, is added all that, what the pure plastic card has to offer. There are no restrictions in this regard. By special design of the edge region of the film, which contains the security paper, even more cliffs can be installed for the counterfeiter. This area can also be printed in color, so that any design variants are possible. Tests have shown that the separation of the paper and plastic combination is very difficult, because on the one hand the plastic is fused into a uniform body and has no obvious layer structure, on the other hand because the ink penetrates deep into the paper during printing and also during the fusion process in the plastic diffused. It is not easy to manipulate a layer because the original image is still present on the other layer and therefore visible. This considerably increases the effort for the counterfeiter. With the newly developed card, a laser-sensitive layer can also be incorporated, so that subsequent labeling with this technology is possible, if desired.
• With respect to the surface, in a prior art plastic card, typically holo, kinegrams, perforations, special printing technologies, embossments, tactile features, etc. are used as security features. Since the card proposed here has the same surface finish as a plastic card according to the prior art, there are no restrictions compared to the pure plastic card. The securities entered in the paper such as the watermark, the thread, the Melierfasem etc. are visible through the card and as security elements of very high quality. This provides the opportunity to offer better protected cards at much lower cost. If these surface features are still desired, cards can be produced that offer an incredibly high level of security. Because it is important to remember that security is determined on the one hand by the quality of the security features, but on the other hand by the combination of different features increased, as it were potentized. Different technologies closely interwoven and applied in the smallest possible space increase the expenditure for the counterfeiter extremely strongly. Manipulation of the document or even a total fake are so difficult that they are no longer economically worthwhile.
• Also with regard to the equipment with data carriers, the proposed cards are not in the state of the art. Magnetic strips can be applied, for example, either to the paper layer or else preferably only to the finished card outer side.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Identification card, still unconnected

2

upper transparent layer

3

lower transparent layer

4

security paper

5

embedded in 4 security element

6

upper transparent layer, multi-layered

7

lower transparent layer, multilayer

8th

4 printed or affixed security feature

9

Framework situation around the security paper

10

Watermarks (schematic representation)

11

finished identification card

12

bevelled edge area

13

transparent shell, fused

14

transparent border area

15

security patrols

16

imprint

17

toothed edge

Claims (17)

1. A security document (11) with at least one paper sublayer (4), both sides of which have been covered, in each case by a transparent plastics layer (2, 3, 6, 7, 13), wherein the paper sublayer (4) is a security paper with at least one security feature (5, 8, 10, 15, 16), and the plastics layers (2, 3, 6, 7, 13) are a thermoplastic material which has been fused solely with use of elevated pressure and/or of elevated temperature to give a transparent sheath (13), where, at least in one or more sections, there is a marginal region (14) in which the plastics layers (2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 13) immediately adjoin one another, characterized in that the plastics layers (2, 3, 6, 7, 13) encompass exclusively thermoplastic material with a glass transition temperature above 100°C.
2. The security document (11) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the plastics layers (2, 3, 6, 7, 13) have been fused without further assistance of adhesion promoters such as adhesives to give a sheath (13).
3. The security document (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastics layers (2, 3, 6, 7, 13) are composed of one and the same thermoplastic material.
4. The security document (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastics layers (2, 3, 6, 7, 13) encompass exclusively thermoplastic material with a glass transition temperature above 120°C, particularly preferably in the range from 140 to 200°C.
5. The security document (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a card for identification and/or authentication of the carrier with, if appropriate, subsequent issue of right to access or right to acquisition, and in particular is a credit card, an identification card, an access card, or a members' pass.
6. The security document (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the security feature is a watermark (10) in the paper sublayer (4) or is a security element (5) embedded at least in part or in one or more sections within the paper sublayer (4), e.g. in particular a security strip (15) or variously colored fibers, or is a OVD, RFID, or chip, or magnetic strip (8) applied to the paper sublayer (4), or is a security print applied to the paper sublayer (4), in particular in the form of an applied fluorescent print (8) or of an applied intaglio print (8), or is a combination of these security features.
7. The security document (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermoplastic material is preferably transparent thermoplastic polycarbonate (PC), or else transparent thermoplastic polyamides, polyphthalamides, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS), or a mixture or combination thereof.
8. The security document (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastics layers (2, 3, 6, 7, 13) on each side of the paper sublayer (4), and the paper sublayer (4) together have a thickness which is at least 0.5 mm to preferably at least 0.7 mm.
9. The security document (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the size of the paper sublayer (4) is somewhat smaller than that of the plastics layers (2, 3, 6, 7, 13) which surround it on both sides, so that, at least in one or more sections, there is a remaining transparent colorless or a remaining colored opaque, or a remaining colorless opaque marginal region (14) at the margin, and that one or more further frame sublayers (9) composed of plastic have been arranged in this marginal region (14), and have an inner stamped-out region into which the paper sublayer (4) has been fitted.
10. The security document (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the design of the paper sublayer (4) is such that the security document is to some extent translucent at least when viewed in front of a light source.
11. The security document (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one side of the paper sublayer (4) has an applied print (16), in particular applied by means of an ink-jet printer, in particular in the form of a photo and/or personal details.
12. A process for production of a security document (11) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, after the at least one paper sublayer (4) has been personalized (16), in particular with the aid of an ink-jet printer, it is surrounded on both sides, in each case by at least one, but preferably by a plurality of, plastics foils, preferably composed of polycarbonate, and this layer structure is fused with use of pressure and/or of elevated temperature to give a transparent sheath (13) in essence enclosing the paper sublayer (4) on all sides, without further assistance of adhesion promoters, such as adhesives, wherein the plastics layers (2, 3, 6, 7, 13) encompass exclusively thermoplastic material with a glass transition temperature above 100°C.
13. The process as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that use is made only of plastics layers (2, 3, 6, 7, 13) composed of one and the same thermoplastic material.
14. The process as claimed in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a combination of elevated temperature in the range below the glass transition temperature of the plastic used and pressure of more than 10⁶ Pa to 1.6 x 10⁶ Pa is used for the fusion process, and a specific profile is particularly preferably traversed here in relation to pressure and temperature.
15. The process as claimed in any of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, in addition to the plastics foils (2, 3, 6, 7), one or more transparent colorless or transparent colored or opaque colorless or opaque colored frame layers (9) or a combination thereof are used around the paper sublayer (4).
16. The process as claimed in any of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, after the fusion process to give the sheath (13), the security document (11) is stamped to give its final form.
17. The use of a security document (11) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11 as a card for identification and/or authentication of the carrier with, if appropriate, subsequent issue of right to access or right to acquisition, and in particular as an identity card, a credit card, an identification card, an access card, or a members' pass.

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