WO2011134661A1

WO2011134661A1 - Method and device for imprinting value or security documents

Info

Publication number: WO2011134661A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/002136
Authority: WO
Inventors: Axel Schwarzmeier; Peter Wolff
Original assignee: Muehlbauer Ag
Priority date: 2010-04-29
Filing date: 2011-04-28
Publication date: 2011-11-03
Also published as: DE102010018734B3; EP2563591A1; EP2563591B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for imprinting value or security documents (10) comprising a character matrix (12) in which a plurality of characters (14) for imprinting security documents are arranged, a matrix drive for moving the characters in an X-direction and a Y-direction, a ram (16) that can be moved in the Z-direction in order to impinge on a matrix character to be actuated, a ram drive by which the ram is pushed in the Z-direction, whereby the security document is imprinted with the selected character, and a feed unit for feeding security documents in the X-direction or Y-direction. The ram can be moved within a region of the character matrix in which the characters are arranged, such that the ram can be positioned in an impingement position relative to a character. In addition, the ram and the character matrix can be moved independently of each other and relative to one another in the X-direction and Y-direction. The character matrix, together with the ram, can be moved within a printing region (30) of the security document to be imprinted such that each character arranged in the character matrix can be positioned within the printing region of the security document in order to provide as large a printing area as possible. Rapid positioning of the character to be printed and rapid imprinting of the security document are thus achieved.

Description

Method and device for printing on

Value or security documents

description

priority

The present international patent application claims the priority of the German patent application 10 2010 018 734.8 of April 29, 2010.

background

Here, a method and apparatus for printing value or security documents will be described. A value or security document may in particular be a personal document in the form of a book, for example a passport or the like, but also, for example, a banknote, lottery ticket, or check.

Today, securities or security documents are often manufactured centrally, with the exception of personalization data, and then provided with personalization locally, for example at registration offices, at authorities or in companies that are authorized to issue such value and security documents. In the Perso ^¬ alization the respective owners of the value and security document individually significant text, numeric and / or image data (for example name and address of the owner, date of birth, place of birth, photograph of the holder, biometric data of the holder, etc.) entered in the value and security document. These text, numeric and / or image data are directly readable by a viewer.

Security documents, such as passports and other identity documents, are usually at least partially personalized by machine. Among other things, alphanumeric characters are printed on the security documents, the numbers of the individual security documents being different.

There are several approaches to printing value or security documents quickly and reliably. It should be possible to print each value or security document with a different combination of numbers or letter combination or characters. It is also important when printing value or security documents that the largest possible print area is provided, ie that at least approximately the entire value or security document can be printed by a printing unit and that it is also possible in this printing area to print every digit. to print each letter or character of the printing unit on the value or security document.

At present, for printing, for example, value or security documents in the form of bills, lottery tickets, checks or ID cards, printing units are often used which have a plurality of type wheels. Each of these type wheels contains on its circumference the complete character set required for printing. Numbers, names or barcodes are formed by individual types of the type wheels. When changing the name or number, at least one wheel must be rotated by at least one position. However, if the characters differ in more than one position, as is the case with names and personal data, for example, several type wheels must be rotated by several positions. This is very time consuming and requires a complex structure of the type wheel. If a special character is needed, which is rarely used and therefore not provided on the type wheel, the entire printing unit must be replaced in the known systems. The changeover times for such installations and extensions also take a lot of time.

State of the art

DE 17 69 025 U discloses a numbering machine for printing presses with a spinning over the number wheels preventing blocking member. Therein, DE 17 69 025 shows an ordinary numbering machine with several numbered wheels whose overspinning, that is to say skipping a position to a position further than desired, is to be prevented.

DE 18 95 145 U likewise discloses a numbering machine for printing presses. In this numbering the number wheels are made of plastic, thereby ensuring a longer running time of the printing units and to prevent the spinning of the digit wheels.

DE 89 10 915 U1 discloses a device for producing inscriptions on metal surfaces. This device has a type carrier having a plurality of types, in which the types are arranged in columns and rows. Parallel to the columns and the rows, the type carrier can be moved by means of drive elements in order to bring a type into a labeling position. A sturdy embossing or marking stamp then presses the type in a labeling position on the workpiece underneath. The device shown in DE 89 10 915 is designed for the marking of metal surfaces and has des- half also dimensions that is not suitable for a device for printing on security documents. Furthermore, a fast and flexible printing can not be achieved.

EP 0 091 579 A2 discloses a machine for embossing type marks. The machine has a controllable embossing head and a controllable drive device. The embossing head has a daisy wheel, the types of which are actuated individually by a plunger and thereby perform the embossing. The drive means and the embossing head are for positioning and for embossing in two mutually perpendicular directions relative to each other movable. A portal on which the embossing head is arranged moves over a workpiece to be embossed. In one direction, the entire portal is moved by pulling spindles, which are arranged next to the area on which the workpiece is embossed. In the direction perpendicular thereto, the embossing head is also moved by means of pulling spindles, which are arranged in the gantry over the area on which the workpiece is embossed, until the desired position has been reached. The embossing machine shown in EP 0 091 579 A2 is designed primarily for embossing larger metal workpieces. Therefore, it is not possible for this device to be used for embossing security documents. Similarly, the structure and the embossing process is not suitable for printing security documents.

DE 101 06 897 AI shows a labeling device for z. As films, cardboard, plastic coated wires, cables or the like. The labeling device has tempered printing types for hot stamping, which are arranged on a displaceable type carrier. The type carrier is designed as a flat type range, connected to a motor drive, and controlled via an electronic interface.

In addition to the type carrier and a pressure mechanism is driven in the form of one or more pressure pad. The motor drive is designed as a linear drive. The pressure mechanism has its own drive, which cooperates by an electronic control with the motor drive of the type carrier.

The individual types of pressure can be tempered separately and are arranged so that a heat transfer to the type carrier is largely avoided. The type carrier is linearly displaceable in one or more directions. The type carrier moves in a horizontal plane. The type carrier can also be moved linearly along a curved line. In this case, following a linear movement in a first direction, a return movement necessarily follows in a direction opposite to the first direction. Thus, a starting position or a starting point can only be reached again by means of the return movement.

The type carrier may have a carriage. The carriage is mounted so that its together with the type carrier has a degree of freedom. On the first carriage, a second carriage is arranged to extend the degrees of freedom of the type carrier to two degrees of freedom.

DE 696 294 78 T2 shows a punch press with a working head containing therein a plunger and a tool that can be operated and moved at a high speed. The punch press is intended for punching flat workpieces, in particular for carrying out various types of work on flat, sheet-metal workpieces.

The working head is mounted to the frame with the plunger and the tool moving in the direction of the Y-axis. The first and second workpiece movement / positioning devices are respectively mounted on both sides in the X-axis direction in the movable area of the working head. This makes it possible to punch the workpiece at high speed. In addition, it is not necessary for the first and second Werkstückbewegungs- positioning device to penetrate into the movable region of the working head. As a result, it is possible to avoid interference with the working head so that the dead zone is absent.

The first and second workpiece movement / positioning devices each have an X-axis support having a plurality of workpiece clamps, a feed spindle for moving a nut member integrated with the X-axis support, and a drive motor for rotating the feed spindle , Thus, while z. For example, when the workpiece is positioned by the first or second workpiece moving / positioning device, the second or first workpiece moving / positioning device is moved to an arbitrary workpiece holding / standby position to position the workpiece. The workpiece is positioned in the X-axis direction by the first workpiece moving / positioning device. In addition, the working head is moved in the direction of the Y-axis in the movable area to punch the workpiece. Next, the workpiece is moved from the first workpiece movement positioning device to the second workpiece movement / positioning device. The workpiece is positioned by the second workpiece movement positioning device. The working head is moved in the direction of the Y-axis in the movable area to punch the workpiece.

DE 10 2006 031 387 B3 discloses an embossing apparatus and method for embossing cards. The embossing device has an embossing device, a plunger, a stationary striking mechanism, an embossing matrix and a feed unit. Cards are brought to the embossing device by the feed unit. There, the embossing matrix is moved in the X and / or Y direction with respect to the region of the card to be embossed, and then the tappet, which can be moved vertically, is moved by means of the

Schlagwerk pressurized so that the card is embossed. A disadvantage of the disclosed embossing device that an exchange of types and the largest possible pressure range, especially for security documents such. B. identity documents, can not be achieved.

Furthermore, technological background to the presently disclosed method and the corresponding devices for printing security documents known from DE 60 2005 000 255 T2, DE 10 2006 015 828 AI, DE 10 2006 001 700 AI, DE 10 2004 009 422 AI, DE 60 312 176 T2, DE 60 129 312 T2, DE 19 836 503 B4 and DE 19 740 920 A1.

Problems of the prior art

A disadvantage of devices and methods known from the prior art are the limited possibility of printing an entire security document, also in the form of a card, banknote, check, etc., or the complex structure or the complex method of printing in one shortest possible processing / printing time. Another disadvantage of the prior art is the inflexibility of most systems. Often it is inevitable that a printing unit does not contain a certain (special) character and then the character must be introduced into the printing unit later. For devices that work with a type matrix, this can be done more easily because usually the replacement of a type is sufficient. This is problematic, however, with closed printing unit systems, such. B. a printing unit with type wheels. Do the dishes offer However, prior art systems and methods that use a type matrix have the advantage of rapid type replacement, however, such known systems have other disadvantages. In order to provide the largest possible printing area on the security document to be printed, only devices with a complex structure are known in the prior art.

Thus, for example, in DE 89 10 915 Ul each type can be applied in a printing area, but the structure is very complex or very extensive and takes up a lot of space. The drive shown in DE 89 10 915 Ul via lifting elements also allows no quick selection and no quick positioning of the type carrier.

In addition, with the methods and devices shown in the prior art, it proves difficult or impossible to apply any type of progression or arrangement of a lettering to a security document. Such lettering, for example, S-shaped, wavy or sloping, serve inter alia as a security feature. The application of not linear running labels is difficult with a printing unit with type wheels. In other systems, this is only partially possible and difficult to realize, because to generate such a gradient a type to be printed variable over the entire pressure range and also fast to small distances (in both the X and Y direction) must be movable. An apparatus and a method by which this can be achieved satisfactorily are not shown in the prior art.

No methods and devices are also shown, which, in addition to providing a wide pressure range, preferably a pressure range which comprises the entire security document flexible, enabling a fast and simp ^¬ chen type exchange, take up little installation space and also a rapid Print on security documents.

The disclosed methods and apparatuses also show no special solution for printing security documents. These are usually distinguished by the fact that unlike, for example, identification cards, they have several pages and are printed in the opened state. This is another difficulty which can not be sufficiently solved with the methods and devices shown in the prior art and the problem can not be solved sufficiently. Underlying task

It is therefore an object to provide a method for printing value or security documents and a device for printing value or security documents, with the problems of the prior art avoided or at least reduced.

Suggested solution

A device for printing value or security documents that solves this problem has a type matrix in which several types for printing security documents are arranged. A matrix drive is used to move the types in an X and a Y direction. A plunger movable in the Z direction serves to push a type of the type matrix to be actuated. A plunger drive is used to push the plunger in the Z direction, thereby printing the security document with the selected type. A feeder unit is used to feed value or security documents in the X or Y direction. The plunger is movable within a region of the type matrix in which the types are arranged so that the plunger is positionable to a type in an impact position. In addition, the plunger and the type matrix are movable independently of one another and relative to one another in the X and Y directions. The type matrix together with the plunger is movable within a printing area of the value or security document to be printed in such a way that each type arranged in the type matrix can be positioned within the printing area of the security document in order to provide the largest possible printing area.

Overall, with the presented arrangement is possible to achieve a fast, flexible printing of security documents in the largest possible pressure range, the device can take up little space and a quick and easy change of single or more types allowed.

By a movable type matrix and a relative to independently movable plunger rapid positioning of the type to be printed and a fast printing of the value or security documents is achieved. For this purpose, any desired course or arrangement forms of a lettering can be achieved with such a device. The relative to and movable together with the movable type matrix ram can realize on the security document any conceivable inscription within a short time and with very short travel distances. Thus, for example, an S-shaped, wavy or oblique course of the lettering are possible. Likewise, all characters or symbols in various forms can be printed on the security document.

In one embodiment, the feed unit has a transport element which has elevations in the transport direction in order to hold valuable or security documents and / or that the distance between these elevations is only so great that value or security documents are to be inserted and transported between these elevations , These surveys define subjects that correspond to the size and extent of each security document to be printed. The feed unit in this embodiment serves for a predeterminable orientation and positioning of the value or security documents in the area in which the security or security document is printed.

In one embodiment, the device has a pressure belt unit with a pressure belt, which can be guided between a value or security document located in the printing area and one of the abutting types of the type matrix. Such guidance of the printing tape does not interfere with maintenance or replacement of the type matrix or types.

The region in which the ram is movable relative to the type matrix and the region of the type matrix in which the types are arranged cover one another in one embodiment. Thus, short travels are realized, which minimizes the time required to print the individual value or security documents.

The plunger and the ram drive form a unit in one embodiment and can only be moved together in the X or Y direction. Such an embodiment simplifies the control of the plunger and the ram drive as they are moved together.

In one embodiment, the types in the type matrix are arranged in columns and rows or honeycomb. This facilitates the selection of types and their control. A honeycomb arrangement also offers the advantage that many types can be arranged in a small space and due to their shape and thus smaller distance from adjacent types, the travel paths are further reduced and the distances between the operations of the plunger for printing the security documents even further minimized become. In the method for printing value or security documents, in a first step security documents in an X or Y direction are fed by a feed unit to a type matrix. Thereafter, the type matrix, in which several types are arranged for printing value or security documents relative to a printing area of the value or security document to be printed, is moved in the X and Y directions by a matrix drive, so that the printing area and the type matrix cover each other at least partially. In a next step, a plunger and a plunger drive are moved to push the plunger in the Z direction within a region of the type matrix in which the types are arranged, so that the plunger is positioned in a butting position by a drive in X or Y direction for the ram and the ram drive. Subsequently, the plunger and the type matrix are moved independently of one another and relative to each other in the X and Y directions and the type matrix is moved together with the plunger within a printing area of the value or security document to be printed, so that each type arranged in the type matrix is within the printing range of the value or security document is positioned. For this purpose, a printing tape is guided between a value or security document to be printed and a type of the type matrix to be actuated, and the plunger drive is actuated so that the plunger is pushed in the Z direction against a type in order to pass through the value or security document in a final step the type to be printed by the pushed in the Z direction by the ram drive plunger to print.

With such a method, a type is brought into the print position quickly and precisely in a print area which encompasses the entire value or security document to be printed, as well as the printing of value or security documents. The method of the type matrix and the ram achieves rapid positioning of the type to be printed and fast printing of the value or security documents. For this purpose, any desired course or arrangement forms of a lettering can be achieved with such a method. The relative to and movable together with the movable type matrix ram can realize any value on the security document or any possible lettering within a short time and with very short travel distances. Thus, for example, an S-shaped, wavy or oblique course of the lettering are conceivable. Likewise, all characters or symbols in various forms can be printed on the value or security document. In a variant of the method, the printing of the value or security documents and the positioning of the type matrix in the X or Y direction are effected as a function of the movement of the value or security documents fed by the feed unit in the X or Y direction.

The plunger and the ram drive can be moved relative to the type matrix only in the region of the type matrix in which the types are arranged in a method. This allows to realize short travels and to minimize the distances between the individual operations of the ram for printing the value or security documents.

The ram and the ram drive are moved in a procedure only together in the X or Y direction. Such an embodiment simplifies the control of the plunger and the ram drive as they are moved together.

Short description of the drawing

Other objects, features, advantages and applications will be apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments to be understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. All described and / or illustrated features alone or in any combination form the subject matter disclosed herein, also independent of their grouping in the claims or their relationships. The dimensions and proportions of the components shown in the figures are not necessarily to scale; They may vary in to implement embodiments of Illustrates ^¬ clear.

Fig. 1 shows schematically a plan view of an arrangement of a type matrix and a plunger with ram unit, and a feed unit with security documents.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation in plan view of a security document, as well as a type matrix and a plunger with ram unit.

Fig. 3a shows schematically a plan view of a type matrix with honeycomb types.

Fig. 3b shows schematically a plan view of a type matrix with triangular types. Fig. 4 shows a schematic comparison of a honeycomb to a square type.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of the printing tape unit in a side view. Detailed description of Ausführunqsvarianten

In Fig. 1, a feed unit with transport elements 26 is shown. On the transport elements 26 of the feed unit are located at regular intervals elevations 28, between which security documents 10 are arranged. The value or security documents 10 consist for example of an envelope, between which there are several pages on which personal data, security features and other information and features are applied or applied. The value or security documents 10 are in an open state on the transport elements 26 and between the elevations 28 of the transport elements 26 of the feed unit. The thus configured transport elements 26 thus form a Noppenriementransport. In the opened state of the security documents 10, two sides 22a and 22b of the security document 10 are in a position to be printed. The dashed line in the value or security documents 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2 indicates the middle of the value or security documents 10. The value or security documents 10 are fed in the transport direction 24 (represented by the arrow 24), in the Y direction, to a device for printing.

The printing apparatus has a type matrix 12 in which a plurality of types 14 for printing value or security documents 10 are arranged. The device further comprises a matrix drive (not shown), with which the type matrix 12 can be moved in an X and a Y direction. The apparatus also includes a plunger 16 which can be moved in the Z-direction to abut a type 14 of the type matrix 12 to be actuated and a plunger drive (not shown in detail) which can push the plunger 16 in the Z-direction. whereby the value or security document 10 is printed with a selected type 20. The ram drive and plunger 16 together form a ram unit 18. The Z-direction is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 in the drawing, i. runs perpendicular through the XY plane. Furthermore, the device has the feed unit for feeding value or security documents 10, in the Y direction in FIG. 1.

The types 14 have on the side facing the value or security document 10 elevations and depressions, the letters, numbers, symbols, characters and other illustrative forms. The embodiment of the types 14 is rectangular in the examples shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, or else square, wherein other configurations of the types 14 may also appear meaningful.

A hexagonal configuration of the types 14, for example, enables a honeycomb arrangement of the types 14 in the type matrix 12. In addition to saving space, the device for printing value or security documents 10 and the type matrix 12 can also be made smaller shortened time for starting selected types 20. If the distance between the elevations and / or depressions of two types 14 is small, the time is also reduced, as opposed to two types 14 whose elevations and / or depressions are spaced a greater distance to drive the plunger 16 from this type 14 to the adjacent type 14.

A printing tape unit guides a printing tape 40 between a security document 10 in the printing area 30 and the side with the peaks and valleys of one of the types 14 to be tapped. When the selected type 20 is pushed by the tappet unit 18, the selected type 20 is placed on the printing tape 40 and the value or security document 10 is pressed so that the value or security document 10 is printed with the character or symbol corresponding to the selected type 20.

Alternatively, printing without a pressure belt unit and pressure belt 40 would be conceivable if the device is intended to produce elevations or depressions in a correspondingly designed document. A corresponding document may for example be a card laminated from several layers of plastics. Also, bumps or depressions and printing with a printing-belt unit can be realized by a device for printing security documents 10.

The plunger 16 and the ram drive are also moved in an X and Y direction. This is done by a further drive (not shown) for the plunger unit 18 and for the plunger 16 and the plunger drive for pushing the plunger 16 in the Z direction. As a result, each type 14 of the type matrix 12 can print any location of the value or security document 10. The printing area 30 therefore comprises the entire value or security document 10. The type matrix 12 is added to together with the plunger unit 18 within the printing area 30 of the value or security document 10 to be printed. In addition, the type matrix 12 and the ram unit 18 are moved relative to each other. This allows each type 14 to be positioned in any position of the printing area 30. Despite the provision of a maximized print area 30 comprising the entire value or security document 10, the arrangement and construction of the device for printing value or security documents 10 occupy only a small space.

In Fig. 2, a value or security document 10 is shown, above which the type matrix 12 with the types 14 is in an outermost printing position. In order for the print area 30 to comprise all of the value or security document 10, both on page 22a and page 22b, the type matrix 12 may be moved within a region 36 bounded by the dotted line 38 in FIG. 2 and the ram 16 ram drive or the ram unit 18 can be moved within a range 32 - limited in Fig. 2 by the dashed line 34. The type matrix 12 and the ram unit 18 depending on the size of the value or security document 10 and the type matrix 12, ie depending on the number, size and shape of the types 14, within the respective range 32, 36, which is adapted to these sizes, proceed.

In the outermost printing position, the type matrix 12 is located in an edge region of the region 36 in which it can be moved, and the ram unit 18 is located in an edge region of the region 32 in which it can be moved. The plunger 16 of the plunger unit 18 is disposed over a selected type 20, which is also located in an edge region, an outermost region of the type matrix 12. The plunger 16 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 here serves only the schematic representation thereof, and thus does not have to be selected in the (size) ratio plunger 16 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 Type 20 - correspond.

When printing security documents 10, the delivery unit places value or security documents 10 in an area in which the value or security document 10 is printed. Subsequently, the type matrix 12, in which several types 14 are arranged for printing the type matrix 12, is moved relative to the printing area 30 of the security document 10 to be printed by the matrix drive in the X and Y directions, so that the printing area 30 and the type matrix 12 at least partially cover each other. The pestle 16 and the ram drive for pushing the plunger 16 in the Z direction, are moved within a region of the type matrix 12, in which the types 14 are arranged by the drive for the plunger 16 and the plunger drive in the X and Y directions, so that Plunger 16 is positioned in a thrust position to a type 14. Thereafter, the plunger 16 and the type matrix 12 are independently moved relative to each other in the X and Y directions. The type matrix 12 and the plunger 16 are thus moved together within the printing area 30 of the security document 10 to be printed, so that each type 14 arranged in the type matrix 12 can be positioned within the printing area 30 of the security document 10. When the plunger 16 is over a selected type 20 and the position of the value or security document 10 to be printed, the plunger drive is actuated and the plunger 16 is pushed in the Z direction against the selected type 20. Between a type to be actuated 14 or the selected type 20 and the value or security document 10, a printing tape 40 is guided past by a printing tape unit, so that by printing the plunger 16 of the plunger drive, the value or security document 10 is printed.

By the common method of the type matrix 12 and the plunger unit 18 and the plunger 16 with the plunger drive, it is possible to bring different types 14 in every position on the value or security documents 10 within very short time intervals. In addition, various, arbitrary course or arrangement forms of a lettering or a string can be realized. While the type matrix 12 is moved, the plunger 16 is moved simultaneously. If the type matrix 12 and the plunger 16 are moved in only one direction, the result is a shortened travel time, since during the movement of the type matrix 12, e.g. in the X direction of the plunger 16 is also moved in the X direction.

With the apparatus for printing security documents 10, it is possible to print all the characters on the security document 10. In addition, it is possible to apply curved, wavy or also oblique courses of a lettering or a character string to the security document 10. Due to the mobility of the type matrix 12 and the plunger 16 in the X and Y directions, as well as the mobility relative to each other, the arrangement or positioning of characters and / or symbols on the value or security document 10 virtually no limits. Labels on the edge of a page 22a and / or 22b are therefore also possible. The method of the type matrix 12 and the plunger 16 with respect to the printing area 30 of the value or security document 10 is carried out in coordination with the speed of transport of the value or security documents 10 on the

Transport elements 26 of the feed unit in the transport direction 24. The transport speed can thus in the method of the type matrix 12 and the plunger 16, the selection or the start of a certain position, i. Positioning of the plunger 16 over a selected Type 20 support. However, the feed unit can also be stopped for printing the value or security documents 10.

A type matrix 12 with honeycomb types 14c is shown schematically in FIG. 3a. By means of a honeycomb or hexagonal shape of the types 14, a large number of types 14 can be arranged in the type matrix 12 to save space. For example, the character or symbol of a square type 14b does not fill the entire printing area, i. the page on which the elevations and depressions are contained and which thereby form the sign or symbol of this type 14. In a honeycomb type 14c, however, almost the entire printing surface is filled.

4, a square type 14b and a honeycomb type 14c, both of which contain the letter "a" as a character, are schematically shown on top of each other, as can be seen from the schematic representation of FIG 14b for a sign or symbol (here: letter "a") have a different space requirement. Since the character fills only a certain area of the square type 14b, the area of the square type 14b, which contains no elevations and / or depressions for the character, takes up unused space in the type matrix 12.

It would therefore also be possible to form the square type 14b so as to have a rectangular shape and to reduce it around the areas which have no projections and / or depressions for representing characters and / or symbols. However, this would also mean that the types 14 have different shapes and sizes, but this is not desirable because a uniform shape and size of the types 14 not only, but especially in automatic processes is beneficial. Also, through a uniform type shape and large type matrix 12, all types 14 can accommodate. Type matrices 12 adapted to such specific type sizes and shapes are thus not required. 3b schematically shows a type matrix 12 with triangular types 14. In such an embodiment, the types 14 are also designed such that a large number of types 14 can be arranged in the type matrix 12 to save space. This also shortens the startup time of the plunger 16 to a type to be actuated 14, and thereby the selection time of this type 14. Depending on the required characters or symbols, it may be useful to choose a special type shape (eg selection of triangular types 14 for characters / Symbols that are regularly wide but not high).

Regardless of the shape of the individual types, the types 14a may be used at the outer edge of the type matrix 12, for example, for special characters that are not often needed and therefore seldom selected. In addition, in all type matrices 12, the types 14 that are likely to be used frequently (in the English language for letters eg the type 14 with the letter "e") can be placed in the middle of the type matrix 12 and those which are probably less frequently used, at the edge (with letters eg the type 14 with the letter "x"). Such an arrangement of the types 14 in the type matrix 12 overall shortens the start-up and selection time of types 14, especially types 14, which are frequently used and located close to one another.

The types 14, 14a, 14c shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b result in shortened startup and selection times for printing security documents 10, as well as a fast method for printing the value or security documents 10.

In Fig. 5 is a pressure belt unit is shown schematically. This comprises at least one supply roll 44, on which a printing tape 40 is rolled up, and a take-up roll 46, which receives the printing tape 40 guided between the security document 10 and the type matrix 12. In Fig. 5, the printing tape 40 via two pulleys 42 to, and out of the type matrix 12 and the security document 10 out. The direction of advancement of the printing belt 40, both as shown in Fig. 5, can be from the supply roll 44 to the take-up roll 46, as well as in the opposite direction, i. that the supply roll 44 is arranged at the point at which in Fig. 5, the pickup roller 46 is arranged, and vice versa.

The printing tape 40 is passed over the deflection rollers 42 between the security document 10 and the type matrix 12, in which a plurality of types 14 are arranged. In this case, the region in which the pressure belt 40 extends beyond the safety is passed over the area 36, limited by the dotted lines 38, in which the type matrix 12 is movable. The plunger 16 with the plunger drive or the plunger unit 18 can be moved in the area 32, limited by the dashed lines 34. The print area 30 in this embodiment also includes the entire value or security document 10, both page 22a and page 22b.

Above the type matrix 12 is the plunger 16 with the plunger drive (in Fig. 5 for simplicity of illustration only schematically indicated), which together form the plunger unit 5. Upon actuation of the plunger 16 in the Z direction by the plunger drive, a type 14 arranged in the type matrix 12 is pressed against the value or security document 10 and by means of the print tape 40 on the side 22a of the security document 10 the character or type 14 corresponding Symbol generated.

However, the pressure band 40 can also be guided in a different manner than shown in FIG. 5 between the security document 10 and the type matrix 12. Thus, in one embodiment, the printing tape unit is moved together with the type matrix 12, so that the printing tape 40 is guided only in the area between the type matrix 12 and the security document 10 in the X direction. The drive (s) for the print ribbon unit are not shown to illustrate the print ribbon unit and an exemplary arrangement thereof in an apparatus for printing value or security documents 10.

The matrix drive, the ram drive and other drives, e.g. the drive for the plunger 16 and the plunger drive or the plunger unit 18 or the drive for the pressure belt unit can be realized by electric motors, but also by means of other devices, for example hydraulic or pneumatic actuators. In addition, sensors and other detection devices may be provided which are necessary or helpful for the control of such a device for printing security documents 10. The device for printing value or security documents 10 can also be designed as part of a device for processing and processing security documents 10.

The device and method details discussed above are presented in conjunction. It should be noted, however, that they are independent of each other and can also be freely combined with each other. The ratios of the individual parts and sections thereof to one another and their depreciation shown in the figures. Measurements and proportions are not meant to be limiting. Rather, individual dimensions and proportions may differ from those shown.

Claims

claims

Device for printing value or security documents (10) with a type matrix (12) in which several types (14) for printing security documents (10) are arranged,

a matrix drive to move the type matrix (12) in an X and a Y direction,

a Z-direction movable plunger (16) for pushing an actuated type (14) of the type matrix (12),

a ram drive, through which the plunger (16) is pushed in the Z direction, whereby the value or security document (10) is printed with a selected type (20), and

a feed unit for feeding security documents (10) in the X or Y direction, wherein

the plunger (16) is movable within a region of the type matrix (12) in which the types (14) are arranged such that the plunger (16) can be positioned to a type (14) in an impact position,

the plunger (16) and the type matrix (12) are movable independently of each other and relative to each other in the X and Y directions, and

the type matrix (12) is movable together with the plunger (16) within a printing area (30) of the value or security document (10) to be printed so that each type (14) arranged in the type matrix (12) is movable within the printing area (30 ) of the value or security document (10) is positionable.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the feed unit has a transport element (26), which in the transport direction (24) elevations (28) to hold value or security documents (10) and / or that the distance between these elevations (28 ) is only so large that value or security documents (10) are to be inserted and transported between these surveys (28).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device for printing value or security documents (10) has a pressure belt unit with a pressure belt (40) which between a in the printing area (30) located value or security document (10) and one of the abutting Types (14) of the type matrix (12) is feasible.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the region in which the plunger (16) is movable relative to the type matrix (12) and the region of the type matrix (12) in which the types (14) are arranged to cover each other.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plunger (16) and the plunger drive form a unit and can only be moved together in the X or Y direction.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the types (14) in the type matrix (12) are arranged in columns and rows or honeycomb.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the matrix drive, the ram drive and the drive for the plunger (16) and the plunger unit (18) and / or the drive for the pressure belt unit are realized by electric motors or hydraulic or pneumatic actuators.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein sensors and other detection means are provided for controlling the device in cooperation with a dedicated and established control unit.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the type matrix (12) is provided with honeycomb / hexagonal types (14c), with square types (14b) or triangular types (14).

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the types (14a) at the outer edge of the type matrix (12) carry special characters and the types (14), which are used more frequently are arranged centrally in the type matrix 12 and those which are less commonly used, are arranged on the edge.

11. A method of printing value or security documents (10) comprising the steps of:

Feeding value or security documents (10) in an X or Y direction through a feed unit to a type matrix (12);

Method of the type matrix (12) in which a plurality of types (14) for printing value or security documents (10) are arranged, relative to a print area (30) of the value or security document (10) to be printed, in X and Y - Direction by a matrix drive, so that the pressure area (30) and the type matrix (12) at least partially overlap each other; Method of a plunger (16) and a plunger drive for pushing the plunger (16) in the Z direction within a region of the type matrix (12) in which the types (14) are arranged, so that the plunger (16) in a thrust position a type (14) is positioned by a drive in the X or Y direction for the plunger (16) and the ram drive;

Moving the plunger (16) and the type matrix (12) independently of each other and relative to each other in the X and Y directions;

Method of the type matrix (12) together with the ram (16) within a printing area (30) of the value or security document (10) to be printed such that each type (14) arranged in the type matrix (12) is within the printing area (30). the value or security document (10) is positioned;

Guiding a printing tape (40) between a value or security document (10) and a type (14) of the type matrix (12) to be actuated;

Actuating the plunger drive, so that the plunger (16) is pushed in the Z direction against a type (14); and

Printing the value or security document (10) by the type (14) actuated by the plunger (16) pushed in the Z direction by the ram drive.

The method of claim 11, wherein printing the value or security documents (10) and positioning the type matrix (12) in the X or Y direction in response to movement of the value fed by the feed unit in the X or Y direction or security documents (10).

The method of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the plunger (16) and the ram drive are moved relative to the type matrix (12) only within the area of the matrix type (12) in which the types (14) are arranged ,

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the plunger (16) and the plunger drive are moved only together in the X or Y direction.