EP0917966B1 - Identification document - Google Patents

Abstract

An identification document, eg a passport, comprises numerous pages (3) which are bound together at a seam to form a book. At least one page is a data page, has two layers (7,8,9) and contains information. One of the layers is transparent and extends beyond the seam (14). The layers at the information point are joined to form an inseparable laminate.

Description

The invention relates to an identification document, such as a passport or the like, consisting of several sheets, which at one interface to one Book bound and at least one sheet of which is a data sheet forms, which is provided with information, and at least from two layers there is, at least one of the layers being transparent, and another layer known for security papers Has authenticity features, and the format of the layers is chosen so that it covers the range of Protruding the junction and thus a connection in the area of the junction of the data sheet with the remaining sheets of the identification document ensure, and a method for producing such Identification document.

Passports are usually in the form of a small book that consists of one Linen or plastic cover and several sheets of paper. to Increasing counterfeit security is usually one side of the passport, which is the personal data such as name, birthday, photo, signature etc. wearing, with a transparent film structure, partially printed on the inside provided so that this data is not directly accessible.

In the non-prepublished WO 98/19870, which is a prior art 54 (3) and (4) EPC, a passport is described which has an information page by thermosetting plastic layers is formed and personalized by laser inscription. The information page however, has no additional authenticity features, such as Watermark, steel intaglio, or a security thread on how to are known for security papers.

The production of a passport is also described in EP 0 364 730 A2. Here is the paper or plastic sheet, which with the user-related Data should be provided, first with the transparent Laminated plastic film. This laminated data sheet is then included the other non-laminated sheets bound into a book, whereby the Format of the data sheet is selected so that it over the interface of the Passes protrudes and thus forms one at the end again appearing border area is integrated into the passport. In one last Step is the data sheet using a laser beam with the user-related Provide data.

However, these known passbooks have in the data sheet in the area of No satisfactory bending properties at the interface, since after only a few Bending cycles at the seam of the book first cracks appear in the laminate. Finally, after a few more stresses on the laminate side the complete break.

The invention is therefore based on the object of an identification document propose which has improved bending properties and the premature risk of breakage at the interface is reduced.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further training is the subject of the subclaims.

The invention is based on the basic idea, the layer structure of the data sheet only in the area of the information to be protected to connect inseparable laminate and in the area of the seam ensure that at least some of the layers of the datasheet are not juxtaposed be liable. That is, the paper and / or film layers that form the data sheet are still in the area of the interface as individual separate Sheets or foils.

In this way, the personalization side is made up of several individual layers held in the seam. Because of the flexibility of each Layers therefore only occur after a large number of bending cycles to the first cracks, which are usually only present in one of the layers. If one of the layers breaks, the data sheet is still covered by the other layers in the passport book.

Another advantage of the invention is that the rigidity of the laminate side strong due to the more flexible individual foils in the area of the interface is reduced, so that the passport book in the area of the invention Data sheet pops up much less than with the known passbooks, in which a fully laminated data sheet is integrated.

This effect can be improved by additional measures by subjecting the seam to additional heat treatment becomes. The ones that protrude in the rear area of the passport book Sheets bent so that they fit snugly against the paper sides. A an alternative option is to close the protruding films as far as possible shorten that they no longer transmit forces to the fitting cover. To have to however, it may not be possible to shorten all film pages. ever depending on the film thickness and rigidity of the films used, it may already be sufficient only to shorten some of the foil pages, i.e. to thin out the film bundle, to prevent the film sides from fanning out.

In its simplest embodiment, the data sheet can consist of an inlet layer and a transparent cover film, both of the same format exhibit. The inlet layer preferably consists of a security paper, any authenticity features known for security papers has, such as a watermark, steel intaglio, or a security thread. Depending on the purpose and level of security of the identification document can also be made of a transparent or opaque plastic film exist. It is also possible to remove the cover film assemble several plastic films.

According to a preferred embodiment, the data sheet consists of a Inlet layer and two multilayer cover films, which are made up of individual Assemble plastic films. The inlet layer is between the Cover foils arranged. Again, the inlet layer can be made from a security paper or consist of one or more plastic films. The for The plastic films used can be made from different Plastic materials are made and / or different additives for example, affect the absorption of laser radiation. The layer thicknesses used are also variable. Both for the cover films but also for the inlet layer, plastic foils are preferred made of PC, PETG or HDT-PETG.

With the multilayer structure described, it is not absolutely necessary that all layers in the area of the interface as separate individual layers available. So some of the cover sheet layers and / or inlet layers also connected to a laminate in the area of the seam become. This can be useful, for example, if some of the used Layers have a particularly small thickness, so they are very are unstable.

The inlet layer does not necessarily have to be the same format as that Cover films have, but can be chosen quite small. It can be chosen, for example, so that the inlet layer is not in the The area of the seam protrudes and is completely enclosed by the cover foils is so that a so-called edge welding occurs.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the data sheet have a format which corresponds to the format of a double page of the Identity document corresponds, so that at the end not only one Border area of the data sheet appears, but a complete one, too written or inscribable personalization page is available. The one from the or the cover film / n covered inlet layer can also do the same or have a smaller format. However, the inlet layer can also consist of two separate sheets of paper, each of the continuous Cover foil are covered so that the inlet layers only by the Cover sheet can be kept in the bound book.

The number of plastic films used for the individual cover films can also vary and need not be symmetrical. That's the way it is possible to assemble the cover film from two or more plastic films and to use only a plastic film for the second cover film. This can be useful, for example, if on one Side is arranged a special security element that a certain Layer thickness needed. This is for example with a so-called "Laser tilt image" the case. This security element consists of a lens field and is combined with an image motif below it in such a way that when changing the viewing angle different Parts of the picture become visible. This image motif can be achieved through the lens structure are generated with a laser (EP 0219 012) Element needs a layer thickness that is at least the focal length of the lenses equivalent.

The use of several plastic films, the layer thickness of which varies the lamination added to the required total thickness also has the Advantage that the properties of the plastic films optimally match the respective Purpose can be customized. With a laser tilt image the surface area in which the lenses are arranged may Laser absorb hardly any while in the focal plane of the lenses arranged layer for radiation of the marking laser highly absorbent must be carried out. The plastic films can therefore be different heavily mixed with laser absorbing additives become.

According to the invention, however, it must be ensured in any case that at least some of the layers in the area of the seam, which are sewn by a Thread or a bond can not be formed are interconnected.

The identification document and the data sheet can of course be used other security elements, such as optically variable diffraction structures (Holograms, kinegrams, etc.) or similar.

The separation of the individual layers in the area of the interface can be done according to the invention done in different ways. According to a preferred Embodiment become connection-inhibiting in the area of the interface Print layers are provided, for example in screen printing or offset printing can be applied to the individual layers. In the subsequent Lamination of the data sheet only connect the layers in the unprinted area to an inseparable laminate while in the area of the separating layers despite the effects of heat and pressure the individual layers are available.

Alternatively, it is also possible to cover the layers in the region of the the lamination process so that they cause the connection Heat and pressure parameters are not exposed at all. The individual or some of the layers of the data sheet are about adhesive layers connected with each other, so the separation of the individual layers in the area of the interface very simply by making this area is not coated with adhesive.

Further embodiments and advantages of the invention are based on the Figures explained in more detail. It should be noted that this is only are schematic representations that are by no means true to scale, which are only intended to illustrate the invention.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines aufgeklappten Identifikationsdokuments,

Fig. 2

Querschnitt eines laminierten Datenblattes gemäß der Erfindung für das Identifikationsdokument nach Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

Schnitt durch eine Laminiervorrichtung für die Herstellung eines laminierten Datenblattes gemäß Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

Schnitt durch eine Laminiervorrichtung für die Herstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines laminierten Datenblatts,

Fig. 5

schematische Darstellung einer zusätzlichen Wärmebehandlung im Nahtbereich.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of an opened identification document,

Fig. 2

Cross-section of a laminated data sheet according to the invention for the identification document according to FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

Section through a laminating device for the production of a laminated data sheet according to FIG. 2,

Fig. 4

Section through a laminating device for the production of a further embodiment of a laminated data sheet,

Fig. 5

schematic representation of an additional heat treatment in the seam area.

1 shows an identification document 1 according to the invention, such as, for example a passport made from a plastic or linen envelope 2 with a front cover sheet 2a and a rear cover sheet 2b, one Personalization page 3, a second data sheet 4, a third data sheet 5 and a blank sheet 6. Sheets 4, and 6 and, if necessary further sheets, not shown, are preferably made of paper or another material with a surface texture, the later Entries (extensions, visas etc.) allowed. The data sheet 4 carries, as shown in the figure, for example, information about children of the Passport holder. The passport number is also in the lower area of data sheet 4 stamped. The personalization page 3 represents the invention Data sheet and consists of two transparent cover foils, between which one with a security print and a watermark provided paper inlay is included. The data sheet 3 points in the present Notice a smooth surface area 30 in which machine readable Data lines are arranged. In addition, the data sheet 3 the name 31, the date of birth 32, the place of birth 33, and the signature 34 of the holder of this identification document 1. This user-related Data 31, 32, 33, 34 become just like the machine-readable data inscribed in the finished laminated data sheet 3 by means of a laser. In the region 30, the laser intensity can be controlled so that only discoloration inside the data sheet, i.e. the paper and plastic layers takes place while the outer plastic surface is undamaged and thus remains smooth. The label with the user-related data on the other hand, it is preferable to use a slightly higher laser power so that the surface of the cover film is also changed and a tactile one Microrelief is created. In addition to all this data, the identification document depending on the intended use, of course, with further information and security elements. So the passport can for example, a photo of the passport holder, also inserted with a laser exhibit.

The format of data sheet 3 is chosen so that it fits a bit exceeds and thus with the formation of a reappearing at the appropriate Edge area 35 is integrated into the passport. If this edge area 35 is very short, the interface itself already takes a lot of the bending movement and also reduces the risk of breakage.

Fig. 2 shows the data sheet 3 in cross section. It consists of a paper or plastic liner 9 and two cover films 7 and 8, the cover films 7, 8 have different layer thicknesses. In the surface of the cover film 7 is embossed a lens structure 13, which together with below the Lens structure and not shown here information Laser tilt image forms. The cover sheet 7 and the ticking 9 are in the range of the data to be protected is connected so that an insoluble bond arises. The format of the paper or plastic insert 9 can be selected that it is completely surrounded by the foils 7 and 8, as shown in Fig. 2. In the area of arrow 14 is the interface of the passport can be realized by sewing in a thread or by Gluing the individual passport pages.

The cover film 7 originally consists of two individual plastic films 10 and 11 (indicated by the dash 15), which, however, also during of the lamination process into one unit. Only in the area the interface 14, the films 10 and 11 do not adhere to one another or form in no composite layer in this area. The cover film 8 has in the shown Example only a plastic film 12.

Data sheet 3 is thus about the individual plastic films 10, 11 and 12 sewn into the book-shaped identification document 1.

Alternatively, the data sheet can also be designed as a double page, so that in the rear area of the identification document 1 not only one Edge area of the films 10, 11 and 12 is visible, but an entire additional document page is created, which can also be labeled. This personalization page would thus be symmetrical with respect to that in FIG. 2 Interface 14 shown constructed. Here too, the cover foils are designed that they do not form a bond in the area of the seam. The inlet layer can also have a format that exactly that of the cover films corresponds so that there is no edge welding around the data sheet. In this case, it is not only important to ensure that the plastic films of the cover foils do not adhere to one another, but also no liability to that Material of the content is available.

Fig. 3 shows schematically the lamination process of a data sheet 3, as in Fig. 2 is shown. Here the individual layers of data sheet 3, i.e. the plastic film 12, the ticking 9 and the plastic films 11 and 10 arranged one above the other. Previously, plastic films 10, 11 and 12 printed on the mutually facing surfaces with a separating layer 16, which ensures that the plastic films 10, 11 and 12 in this area do not form a bond during the lamination process. This Layer structure is in a laminating device 20 consisting of two Laminating plates 21 and 22 inserted. The laminating plate 21 has in its Surface on the relief structure 23 negative to the relief structure 13. Under the influence of heat and pressure, the layer structure then becomes one Laminate connected, only in those provided with the separating layers 16 Areas, the film structure is retained, i.e. are the slides 10, 11 and 12 still as individual films.

4 also shows the principle of a laminating device 40 in cross section. Here, too, the laminating device 40 basically consists of two Laminating plates 41 and 42, the laminating plates shown in FIG. 4 have no surface structures, so the finished data sheet also no surface structures, e.g. the lens structure shown in Fig. 2 but has completely flat surfaces. Between the laminating plates 41, 42 is the layer structure of a further embodiment of the data sheet shown in an exploded view. This Variant is in the format of a double page of the finished identification document 1, so that the data sheet according to FIG. 4 contains Identification document no marginal area 35, as shown in Fig. 1, having. Instead, it is also in the back of the pass a full personalization page that has the same layer structure has, like that located in the front part of the identification document Personalization page. The two personalization pages or data sheets are denoted in Fig. 4 by the reference numerals 50a and 50b. In The center of the layer structure shown in FIG. 4 is the later interface 47 indicated by a dash-dotted line. Accordingly, they are Separating layers 46 are also arranged in the central region of the layer structure. In the present example, however, not all layers were marked with one Provide separation layer. The layers 43a and 43b and 44a and 44b have no such separation layer 46, so that after the lamination process also form an inseparable bond in the area of the interface 47 become. The remaining layers 43c, 44c and 45 were either one-sided or provided on both sides with a separating layer 46 to ensure that during the lamination process no liability to the neighboring ones Layers arises.

The layer structure of the data sheets 50a, 50b shown in FIG. 4 is symmetrical regarding the inlet 45, i.e. the cover layers 43, 44 have the same Number of film layers and the same film thickness. moreover In the example shown, the inlet layer 45 has the same format as that Cover foils 43, 44.

The passport book according to the invention has the advantage that the rigidity of the Laminate side due to the more flexible individual foils in the area of the seam is greatly reduced, so that the passport book opens much less than with the known passport books. This popping up of the passport in However, area of the laminate side can be further reduced by the interface is subjected to additional measures.

5 schematically shows one possibility for such an additional treatment the interface. In the case shown, heat treatment takes place the seam on the finished passport. Here is the back cover 2b folded away, the protruding film sides are sewn around the Paper pages bent and by a pressure element 55 in this Position held. The area of the interface is now heated and thereby the thermoplastic films are deformed, as in Fig. 5 by the arrows 56 indicated. The heating can, for example, by means of a hot air dryer respectively. The temperature required for the deformation depends on used film material in the range of about 100 to 150 ° C. The heat application only takes place over a short period of time, for example up to 5 sec. Then the passport is held in the same position, possibly the pressure increases a little while the thermoplastic material cooled in air. Then the pressure element 55 is removed and the passport is sent to any further processing steps.

According to an alternative method, the laminated passport page can also be used be bent according to the sewing. Another option is there in cutting individual slides back so far that the remaining ones Fan out the foils less so that the fitting cover is no longer is pushed away.

Claims (24)

1. An identification document (1), such as a passport or the like, consisting of a plurality of sheets (3, 4, 5, 6, 50a, 50b) which are bound into a book at a seam (14, 47) and at least one sheet of which forms a data sheet (3, 50a, 50b) provided with information (31-34) and consisting at least of two layers (9-12, 43b-c, 44b-c, 45), at least one of the layers being transparent, and a further layer having authenticity features known for antifalsification papers, and the format of the layers being selected so that they protrude beyond the area of the seam (14, 47) thereby ensuring a connection of the data sheet (3, 50a, 50b) with the other sheets (4, 5, 6) of the identification document (1) in the area of the seam (14, 47), and the layers (9-12, 43b-c, 44b-c, 45) being connected into an inseparable laminate in the area of the information (31-34) but not sticking together in the area of the seam (14, 47).
2. The identification document of claim 1, characterized in that one (9, 45) of the layers consists of paper or plastic and another layer (10-12, 43a-c, 44a-c) of a transparent plastic foil.
3. The identification document of claim 1, characterized in that at least two layers (10-12, 43a-c, 44a-c) consist of transparent plastic foils which are connected with an inlay layer (9, 45) at least partly into a laminate.
4. The identification document of claim 3, characterized in that the transparent plastic foils (10, 11, 43a-c, 44a-c) are disposed on the same surface of the inlay layer (9, 45) and form a cover foil (7, 43, 44).
5. The identification document of claim 4, characterized in that the cover foil (43, 44) comprises further plastic layers (43a, 43b, 43c, 44a, 44b, 44c), some of the plastic foils (43a, 43b, 43c, 44a, 44b, 44c) and optionally the inlay layer (45) being connected into a laminate in the area of the seam (47).
6. The identification document of at least one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the format of the cover foil (43, 44) corresponds to the format of a double page of the identification document (1) and the seam (47) is disposed in the middle of said double page.
7. The identification document of any of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the format of the inlay layer (9, 45) corresponds to or is smaller than the format of the cover foil (7, 8, 43, 44).
8. The identification document of at least one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the inlay layer (9, 45) is provided with a cover foil (7, 8, 43, 44) on both sides.
9. The identification document of at least one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the inlay layer (9, 45) consists of paper or an opaque plastic foil.
10. The identification document of at least one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the plastic foils (10, 11, 12, 43a-c, 44a-c) consist of different plastic materials and/or contain different additives.
11. The identification document of at least one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the plastic foils (10, 11, 12, 43a-c, 44a-c) consist of PC, PETG or HDT-PETG.
12. The identification document of at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the seam (14, 47) is formed by a sewn-in thread or gluing.
13. The identification document of at least one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the data sheet (3, 50a, 50b) has user-related data (31, 32, 33, 34) which are incorporated by means of a laser.
14. A method for producing an identification document (1), such as a passport or the like, wherein a plurality of sheets (3-6, 50a, 50b) are bound into a book at a seam (14, 47) and which has at least one data sheet (3, 50a, 50b) consisting of at least two layers (9-12, 43b-c, 44b-c, 45) and being provided with information (31-34), and the two layers (9-12, 43b-c, 44b-c, 45) being prepared or treated, before binding of the identification document (1) and during production of the data sheet (3, 50a, 50b), in such a way that they are connected into an inseparable laminate in the area of the information (31-34) but are not interconnected in the area of the seam (14, 47), the two layers (9-12, 43b-c, 44b-c, 45) being provided with a connection-inhibiting printed layer or not coated with adhesive or left out during a laminating process in the area of the seam (14, 47).
15. The method of claim 14, characterized in that the layers (9-12, 43a-c, 44a-c, 45) are laminated under the action of heat and pressure.
16. The method of claim 15, characterized in that the connection-inhibiting layer is applied by screen printing or offset printing.
17. The method of at least one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the data sheet (3, 50a, 50b) is subjected to additional measures in the area of the seam (14, 47) so as to prevent the book from bursting open in the area of the data sheet (3, 50a, 50b).
18. The method of claim 17, characterized in that the data sheet (3, 50a, 50b) is deformed in the area of the seam (14, 47) by the action of heat after binding of the passport in such a way that the layers of the data sheet (3, 50a, 50b) cling to the other sheets (4-6) bound into the document (1).
19. The method of claim 17, characterized in that the data sheet (3, 50a, 50b) is deformed thermoplastically before binding in such a way that during subsequent binding it clings in the area of the seam (14, 47) to the other sheets (4-6) sewn into the book.
20. The method of claim 17, characterized in that the data sheet (3, 50a, 50b) has a format exceeding the document format so that the layers of the data sheet (3, 50a, 50b) protrude beyond the seam (14, 47), and at least one of the layers projecting beyond the seam (14, 47) is cut back to an extent which prevents the book from bursting open in the area of the data sheet (3, 50a, 50b).
21. The identification document of claim 1, characterized in that the authenticity features include a watermark, steel intaglio printing or a security thread.
22. The identification document of claim 8, characterized in that the layer thicknesses are variable.
23. The identification document of claim 8, characterized in that the number of plastic foils (10-12, 43a-c, 44a-c) used for the cover foils (7, 8, 43, 44) is not equal.
24. The identification document of claim 8, characterized in that the inlay layer (9) has a smaller format than the cover foils (7, 8) and is completely enclosed thereby and does not protrude into the area of the seam (14).

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