DE102010018734B3 - Method and device for printing value or security documents - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for printing value or security documents has a type matrix in which several types for printing security documents are arranged, a matrix drive to move the types in an X and a Y direction, a ram that can be moved in the Z direction, in order to push a type of the type matrix that is to be actuated, a plunger drive by which the plunger is pushed in the Z direction, whereby the security document is printed with the selected type, and a feed unit for feeding security documents in the X or Y direction. The plunger can be moved within a region of the type matrix in which the types are arranged such that the plunger can be positioned in an impact position for a type. In addition, the plunger and the type matrix can be moved independently of one another and relative to one another in the X and Y directions. The type matrix together with the plunger can be moved within a printing area of the 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. A movable type matrix and a movable plunger enable fast positioning of the type to be printed and fast printing of the security documents. For this purpose, any shape or arrangement of lettering can also be achieved with such a device.

Description

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.

Securities or security documents are today often produced centrally up to personalization data and then provided with personalization locally, for example at registration offices, at authorities or in companies which are authorized to issue such value and security documents. During personalization, the individual holder of the value and security document will receive individually identifying textual, numerical and / or pictorial data (for example the name and address of the holder, date of birth, place of birth, photograph of the holder, biometric data of the holder, etc.) in the Value and security document entered. 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 in the 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. When printing value or security documents, it is also important to provide as large a print area as possible. H. that the entire value or security document can be printed by a printing unit and that it is also possible to print in this printing area every digit, every letter or every 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 the circumference of all characters that are needed in the 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 that is rarely used and therefore not shown on the 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 locking device that prevents the number wheels from being thrown over. It shows DE 17 69 025 an ordinary Numbering with multiple number wheels whose overspinning, that is skipping a position in a position further than desired, to be prevented. DE 18 95 145 U also 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 an apparatus for producing labels 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. In the DE 89 10 915 The device shown is designed for marking metal surfaces and therefore also has dimensions that are 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 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 portal over the area on which the workpiece is embossed, until the desired position has been reached. In the EP 0 091 579 A2 The embossing machine shown is primarily designed 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.

The DE 101 06 897 A1 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.

The DE 696 294 78 T2 shows a punch press with a working head, which contains 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 workpiece movement 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.

Further printing units are disclosed in US 3,215,245 A . DE 30 47 390 C2 . DE 27 15 813 A1 . DE 15 61 361 A . DE 15 61 360 A . DE 10 52 417 B and DE 10 01 290 A ,

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 in X and / or Y-direction with respect to the area to be embossed card moved and then the plunger, which can be moved vertically, applied by the percussion with a pressure, 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, methods and devices for printing security documents are known DE 60 2005 000 255 T2 . DE 10 2006 015 828 A1 . DE 10 2006 001 700 A1 . DE 10 2004 009 422 A1 . 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 all known in the prior art devices and methods are the limited ability to print an entire value or security document, even in the form of a card, banknote, check, etc., or the complex structure or the complex process 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. However, the prior art devices and methods employing a type matrix offer the advantage of rapid type replacement, but the known systems suffer from other disadvantages. In order to provide the largest possible printing area on the security document to be printed, only devices which have a complex structure are known in the prior art.

For example, at DE 89 10 915 U1 Each type is applied in a printing area, but its structure is very complex or very extensive and takes up a lot of space. The in DE 89 10 915 U1 In addition, drive shown by means of lifting elements does not allow a quick selection and no fast procedure 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 oblique, serve inter alia as a security feature. The application of not straight running inscriptions is not possible 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 printing area and also quickly 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.

In addition, no methods and devices are shown which, in addition to providing a large print area, preferably a print area comprising the entire security document, are flexible, permit a quick and easy type exchange, take up little space and also require fast printing Perform 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 that 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 which it is possible to achieve a fast, flexible printing of security documents in the largest possible pressure range, wherein the device takes up little space and a quick and easy change of types is possible.

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 serves to supply value or Security documents in 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 ram 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.

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 conceivable. 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 one another 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 area of the value or security document. 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 procedure is in a pressure range, which covers the whole to be printed Value or security document includes, a type quickly and accurately placed in the print position, as well as the printing of value or security documents allows. 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 or security document any conceivable writing 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 differ from illustrated in embodiments to be implemented.

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

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

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

3b schematically shows a plan view of a type matrix with triangular types.

4 shows a schematic comparison of a honeycomb to a square type.

5 shows a schematic representation of the printing tape unit in side view.

Detailed description of the embodiments

In 1 is a feeder unit with transport elements 26 shown. On the transport elements 26 The feed unit is 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 lie in an open state on the transport elements 26 and between the surveys 28 the transport elements 26 the feed unit. The transport elements designed in this way 26 thus form a Noppenriementransport. In the opened state of value or security documents 10 There are two sides 22a and 22b of the security document 10 in a position where they can be printed. The dashed line in the value or security documents 10 in 1 and 2 indicate the middle of value or security documents 10 at. The value or security documents 10 be in the transport direction 24 (represented by the arrow 24 ), in the Y direction, fed to a device for printing.

The printing apparatus has a type matrix 12 on, in the several 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 device also has a plunger 16 which are traversed in the Z direction can be a type to be operated 14 the type matrix 12 to push, and a ram drive (not shown) on which the plunger 16 can collide in the Z direction, causing the value or security document 10 with a selected type 20 is printed. The ram drive and the ram 16 together form a ram unit 18 , The Z direction goes in the 1 and 2 into the drawing, ie perpendicular to the XY plane. Furthermore, the device has the feed unit for feeding value or security documents 10 , in 1 in the Y direction, up.

The types 14 indicate the value or security document 10 On the other side, there are elevations and depressions that can form letters, numbers, symbols, signs and other representative forms. The design of the types 14 is in the in 1 and 2 shown examples rectangular, or even square, with other embodiments of the types 14 may also make sense.

For example, a hexagonal design of the types 14 allows a honeycomb arrangement of the types 14 in the type matrix 12 , This results in addition to the space savings, the device for printing value or security documents 10 as well as the type matrix 12 even smaller builds, a shorter time to start off selected types 20 , Is the distance between the elevations and / or depressions of two types 14 small, so the time is reduced, as opposed to two types 14 , whose elevations and / or depressions have a greater distance to the plunger 16 of this type 14 to the adjacent type 14 to drive.

A pressure belt unit leads between one in the printing area 30 located security document 10 and the side with the elevations and depressions of one of the types to be impacted 14 a printing tape 40 , When bumping the selected type 20 through the ram unit 18 , becomes the selected type 20 on the pressure belt 40 and the value or security document 10 pressed so that the value or security document 10 with the selected type 20 corresponding sign or symbol is printed.

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

The pestle 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 ram unit 18 or for the plunger 16 and the ram drive for pushing the plunger 16 in the Z direction. This allows any type 14 the type matrix 12 any place of the value or security document 10 print. The printing area 30 therefore includes the entire value or security document 10 , The type matrix 12 is together with the ram unit 18 within the print area 30 the value or security document to be printed 10 method. In addition, the type matrix 12 and the ram unit 18 proceed relative to each other. This will allow each type 14 in every position of the print area 30 can be positioned. In addition to providing the largest possible, the entire value or security document 10 comprehensive pressure range 30 , the arrangement and structure of the device take on the printing of value or security documents 10 only a little space.

In 2 is a value or security document 10 represented, above which the type matrix 12 with the types 14 is in an extreme printing position. So that the pressure range 30 the entire value or security document 10 , both side 22a as well as page 22b , includes, the type matrix 12 within a range 36 be dealt with - limited in 2 through the dotted line 38 - and the pestle 16 with ram drive or the ram unit 18 can within a range 32 be moved - in 2 bounded 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 area 32 . 36 , which is adapted to these sizes, proceed.

In the outermost printing position is the type matrix 12 in a border area of the area 36 in which it can be moved, and the ram unit 18 is located in a border area of the area 32 in which she can be trafficked. The pestle 16 the ram unit 18 is over a selected type 20 arranged, which are also in a border area, an outermost area of the type matrix 12 , is located. The in the 1 . 2 and 5 illustrated ram 16 This serves only the schematic representation of this, and thus does not have that in the 1 . 2 and 5 shown (size) ratio - ram 16 to selected type 20 - correspond.

When printing security documents 10 become value or security documents through the feeder unit 10 placed in an area where the value or security document 10 is printed. Subsequently, the type matrix 12 in which several types 14 for printing the type matrix 12 are arranged, relative to the printing area 30 of the security document to be printed 10 move through the matrix drive in the X and Y directions, so that the pressure range 30 and the type matrix 12 at least partially cover each other. The pestle 16 and the plunger drive for pushing the plunger 16 in the Z direction, become within a range of the type matrix 12 in which the types 14 are arranged by the drive for the plunger 16 and move the plunger drive in the X and Y directions, so that the plunger 16 in a push position to a type 14 is positioned. After that, the pestle 16 and the type matrix 12 independently of each other and relative to each other in the X and Y directions. The type matrix 12 and the pestle 16 thus become together within the print area 30 of the security document to be printed 10 procedure, so that each in the type matrix 12 arranged type 14 within the print area 30 value or security document 10 can be positioned. When the pestle 16 over a selected type 20 and the position of the security or value document 10 is to be printed, the ram drive is actuated and the plunger 16 in Z-direction against the selected type 20 encountered. Between a type to be operated 14 or the selected type 20 and the value or security document 10 becomes a printing tape 40 passed by a pressure belt unit, so that by pressing the plunger 16 from the ram drive, the value or security document 10 is printed.

Through the common procedure of the type matrix 12 and the ram unit 18 or the plunger 16 with the ram drive, it is possible within very short time intervals different types 14 in every position on the value or security documents 10 bring to. In addition, various, arbitrary course or arrangement forms of a lettering or a string can be realized. While the type matrix 12 is moved simultaneously becomes the plunger 16 method. Be the type matrix 12 and the pestle 16 Only move in one direction, so results in a shorter travel time, since during the movement of the type matrix 12 z. B. in the X direction of the plunger 16 is also moved in the X direction.

With the device for printing security documents 10 It is possible to have all the characters on the security document 10 to print. In addition, it is possible curved, wavy or oblique gradients of a lettering or a string on the security document 10 applied. Due to the mobility of the type matrix 12 and the pestle 16 in the X and Y directions, as well as the mobility relative to each other, are the arrangement or positioning of characters and / or symbols on the value or security document 10 no limits. Labels on the edge of a page 22a and or 22b are therefore possible.

The procedure of the type matrix 12 and the pestle 16 in terms of the pressure range 30 value or security document 10 takes place in coordination with the speed of transport of the value or security documents 10 on the transport elements 26 the feed unit in the transport direction 24 , The transport speed can thus in the method of the type matrix 12 and the pestle 16 the selection or the approach to a certain position, ie positioning of the plunger 16 over a selected type 20 , support. The feeder unit can also be used for printing value or security documents 10 be stopped.

In 3a is schematically a type matrix 12 with honeycomb types 14c shown. Through a honeycomb or hexagonal shape of the types 14 can save a lot of types 14 in the type matrix 12 to be ordered. For example, the character or symbol fills a square type 14b not the entire printing area, ie the side on which the elevations and depressions are contained, and thus the sign or symbol of this type 14 form, out. In a honeycomb type 14c By contrast, almost the entire printing area is filled.

In 4 are schematically a square type 14b and a honeycomb type 14c , both of which contain the letter "a" as a character, shown above each other. From the schematic representation of 4 it will be apparent that a honeycomb type 14c and a square type 14b for a character or symbol (here: letter "a") have a different space requirement. Because the character only covers a specific area of the square type 14b fills, takes the area of the square type 14b that contains no elevations and / or depressions for the character, unused space in the type matrix 12 to complete.

It would therefore also be possible to use the square type 14b such that it has a rectangular shape, and that it is reduced by the areas which have no elevations and / or depressions for displaying characters and / or symbols. But this would also lead to the types 14 different shapes and sizes, but this is not desirable because a uniform shape and Size of types 14 not only, but especially in automatic methods is beneficial. Also, by a uniform type shape and size, a type matrix 12 all types 14 take up. Type matrices adapted to such specific type sizes and shapes 12 , are therefore not needed.

3b schematically shows a type matrix 12 with triangular types 14 , In such an embodiment are also the types 14 designed so that space-saving a variety of types 14 in the type matrix 12 can be arranged. This also shortens the startup time of the ram 16 to a type to be operated 14 , and thereby the selection time of this type 14 , Depending on the required characters or symbols, it may be useful to choose a specific type shape (eg selection of triangular types 14 characters / symbols that are regularly wide but not high).

Regardless of the shape of each type, the types 14a at the outer edge of the type matrix 12 For example, you can use special characters that are not needed often and are therefore seldom selected. In addition, in all types of matrices 12 the types 14 , which are probably used frequently (in German parlance, for example, the type 14 with the letter "e") in the middle of the type matrix 12 and those that are not likely to be used often on the edge (for example, type 14 with the letter "x"). By such an arrangement of types 14 in the type matrix 12 Total is the startup and selection time of types 14 especially the guys 14 , which are often used and arranged close to each other, shortened.

By the in 3a and 3b shown types 14 . 14a . 14c This results in shorter start-up and selection times for printing security documents 10 , as well as a fast process for printing the value or security documents 10 ,

In 5 schematically a pressure belt unit is shown. This includes at least one supply roll 44 on which rolled up a printing tape 40 is located, and a pickup roll 46 that between the security document 10 and the type matrix 12 guided print tape 40 , picks up. In 5 becomes the printing tape 40 over two pulleys 42 to, and from the type matrix 12 and the security document 10 gone, guided. The direction of feeding the print tape 40 can, both in 5 shown from the supply roll 44 to the take-up roll 46 take place, as well as in the opposite direction, ie that the supply roll 44 is located at the location at the in 5 the pickup role 46 is arranged, and vice versa.

The printing tape 40 is over the pulleys 42 between the security document 10 and the type matrix 12 in which several types 14 are arranged, passed. In this case, the area in which the printing tape extends 40 over the security document 10 is passed over the area 36 , bounded by the dotted lines 38 in which the type matrix 12 is movable. The pestle 16 with the ram drive or the ram unit 18 can in the field 32 limited by the dashed lines 34 to be traded. The printing area 30 also includes in this embodiment the entire value or security document 10 , both side 22a as well as page 22b ,

Above the type matrix 12 is the ram 16 with the ram drive (in 5 for simplicity of illustration only schematically indicated), which together the ram unit 5 form. When operating the plunger 16 in the Z direction by the ram drive, one in the type matrix 12 arranged type 14 against the value or security document 10 pressed and by means of the pressure belt 40 on the website 22a of the security document 10 the type 14 corresponding character or symbol generated.

The printing tape 40 But it can also be done in a different way than in 5 shown between the security document 10 and the type matrix 12 be guided. Thus, in one embodiment, the print ribbon unit is combined with the type matrix 12 proceed so that the pressure band 40 only in the area between the type matrix 12 and the security document 10 is guided in the X direction. The drive (s) for the print ribbon unit are illustrative of the print ribbon unit and an exemplary arrangement thereof in an apparatus for printing value or security documents 10 not shown.

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

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 dimensions and proportions shown in the figures are not to be understood as limiting. Rather, individual dimensions and proportions may differ from those shown.

Claims (10)

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 the type matrix ( 12 ) to move in an X and a Y direction, a movable in the Z direction plunger ( 16 ) to a type to be operated ( 14 ) of the type matrix ( 12 ), a plunger drive through which the plunger ( 16 ) in the Z-direction, whereby the value or security document ( 10 ) with a selected type ( 20 ) and a feeding unit for feeding security documents ( 10 ) in the X or Y direction, the plunger ( 16 ) within a region of the type matrix ( 12 ), in which the types ( 14 ) are arranged, is moved so that the plunger ( 16 ) to a type ( 14 ) is positionable in a push position, the plunger ( 16 ) and the type matrix ( 12 ) are movable independently of one another and relative to one another in the X and Y directions, and the type matrix ( 12 ) together with the plunger ( 16 ) within a print area ( 30 ) of the value or security document to be printed ( 10 ) is movable so that each in the type matrix ( 12 ) type ( 14 ) within the print area ( 30 ) of the value or security document ( 10 ) is positionable. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the feed unit comprises a transport element ( 26 ), which in the transport direction ( 24 ) Surveys ( 28 ) to provide value or security documents ( 10 ) and / or that the distance between these surveys ( 28 ) is only so large that between these surveys ( 28 ) Value or security documents ( 10 ) are to be used and transported. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus for printing value or security documents ( 10 ) a printing tape unit with a printing tape ( 40 ), which between one in the pressure range ( 30 ) 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 ) relative to the type matrix ( 12 ), and the area of the type matrix ( 12 ), in which the types ( 14 ) are arranged, cover each other. 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. 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. Method for printing value or security documents ( 10 ) with the steps: supplying value or security documents ( 10 ) in an X or Y direction through a feed unit to a type matrix ( 12 ); Method of type matrix ( 12 ), in which several types ( 14 ) for printing value or security documents ( 10 ) are arranged relative to a printing area ( 30 ) of the value or security document to be printed ( 10 ), in the X and Y directions by a matrix drive, so that the pressure range ( 30 ) and the type matrix ( 12 ) at least partially cover each other; Procedure of a ram ( 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 push position to a type ( 14 ) by a drive in the X or Y direction for the plunger ( 16 ) and the ram drive; Procedure of the ram ( 16 ) and the type matrix ( 12 ) independently of each other and relative to each other in the X and Y directions; Method of type matrix ( 12 ) together with the plunger ( 16 ) within a print area ( 30 ) of the value or security document to be printed ( 10 ), so that each in the type matrix ( 12 ) type ( 14 ) within the print area ( 30 ) of the value or security document ( 10 ) is positioned; Passing a printing tape ( 40 ) between a value or security document ( 10 ) and a type to be actuated ( 14 ) of the type matrix ( 12 ); Actuate the ram drive so that the ram ( 16 ) in the Z direction against a type ( 14 ) is encountered; and printing the value or security document ( 10 ) by the type ( 14 ), which come from the pushed in the Z direction by the plunger drive ram ( 16 ) is pressed. Method according to claim 7, wherein the printing of the value or security documents ( 10 ) and the positioning of the type matrix ( 12 ) in the X or Y direction as a function of the movement of the value or security documents fed by the feed unit in the X or Y direction ( 10 ) he follows. Method according to one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the plunger ( 16 ) and the ram drive only within the range of the type matrix ( 12 ), in which the types ( 14 ), relative to the type matrix ( 12 ). Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the plunger ( 16 ) and the ram drive are only moved together in the X or Y direction.

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