EP3352992B1 - Method and device for producing a security document - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a security document, in particular a book-like security document.

Book-like security documents, e.g. so-called passport books, usually comprise a cover and several data pages. The data pages can be connected in a book block, preferably by means of a thread.

Such book-like security documents are produced by providing one or more data pages or the book block and the book cover in an unfolded state. The data page or the book block is then attached to the book cover. After attachment, the combination of data page or book block and book cover is folded, preferably along a fold edge. The folding then creates the closed state of the book-like security document, in which the cover encloses the data page or the book block.

The EN 10 2012 108 454 A1 discloses a book-like document and a method for producing it with a book cover and with several data pages, the book cover having a folding area, the data pages being permanently bound into the folding area of the book cover at least in sections by welding or laminating. The document discloses that the book cover, an endpaper, the personalization data page and a data page are placed on top of one another in an unfolded state and aligned. A connection of these components is then formed in this unfolded state.

The EN 10 2008 023 045 A1 discloses a passport with a plasticized data page and/or plasticized endpaper and other paper sheets that are connected to one another in the middle area and form a fold or folding edge there. This publication also discloses that an entire, unfolded sheet, which consists of a large number of layers on top of one another with the fleece strip temporarily fixed in between, is placed in a conventional laminating heat press and laminated there. Part of the fleece strip protrudes from the edge of the sheet and is not laminated. This untreated part later forms the fold edge. Thus, according to this teaching, lamination takes place first and then folding.

The DE 199 32 173 A1 discloses a laminating device for sealing or sealing flat material with the aid of at least one plastic laminating film coated with an adhesive. This document does not disclose a folding process.

The EN 60 2004 000 286 T2 discloses an identity card having a layered plastic structure with first and second core layers of plastic material fused together.

The EN 10 2005 009 328 B4 discloses a device for mechanically folding a substantially flat sheet of material, with a drive device for the sheet of material and a clamping device and with a folding stamp device, wherein the folding stamp device has a folding region which is designed to introduce a folding force exclusively in the region of a fold of the sheet of material by means of a wiping movement. This document does not disclose lamination.

The EP 2 555 139 A1 discloses a security document with an RFID unit integrated in a substrate with a slot. Further technological background can be found in the DE 197 32 712 A1 , EN 10 2012 108 454 A1 , EN 10 2006 003 360 A1 , US 4,158,587 A and US 6,145,882 A .

The technical problem is to create a method and a device for producing a security document which reduce the production time and the installation space of the device for production. A further technical problem is to improve the unlocking behavior of a produced security document.

The solution to the technical problem results from the objects having the features of claims 1 and 14. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention result from the subclaims.

A basic idea of the invention is that a lamination process also serves to fold the security document.

A method for producing a security document is proposed. The security document can in particular be a book-like security document. This may mean that the security document is in book format. In this case, the security document can be closed or opened in the finished state. The finished state may indicate a ready-to-use state.

The finished security document can have at least one folding or folding edge that allows the security document to be opened or flipped open and individual pages of the security document to be turned or folded over. When the finished security document is closed, i.e. folded, an outer side of the folding edge can form a book spine.

In the method, a first document part and at least one further document part are provided. Preferably, the first document part is a cover part, which can also be referred to as a binding part. In the finished state, the cover part forms the book cover. The cover part can be made of a plastic, e.g. a polymer. Furthermore, the cover part can be made of a polymer fiber composite. This can comprise, for example, a fabric, fleece or paper as a carrier material, which is filled with latex and starch, for example. Furthermore, the cover part can have a decorative cover layer made of acrylate or PVC. At least one graphic element, for example an embossing, can be arranged on an outer side of the cover part, in particular in an area which forms a front side of the security document in the finished state.

The further document part is preferably a book content part, which can also be referred to as a book block. The book content part can comprise at least one, but preferably several, book pages or book double pages. A book page can be a data page or a visa page, whereby the data or visa page is used in particular for entering a visa. The book content part preferably also comprises a so-called data card or passport card page. The data card or passport card page can be, for example, a plastic card or a paper data page that has one or preferably several security features. The data card can also be designed as a passport card, for example. The data card can also have features that identify or personalize a person authorized to keep the security document. For example, the passport card page can have or encode a photo and personal data of the holder.

The book content part can also include a flyleaf or endpaper. This endpaper can be stronger than a data or visa page. The endpaper can also be printed on one side only and form the inside of the cover part after it has been glued to the cover part with the unprinted side.

The book content part preferably comprises several double pages placed on top of each other and aligned with each other, which are connected to each other. This connection can be made, for example, by a thread with which the double pages are sewn together. The connection of the double pages can be made in an area that forms the fold edge in the finished state of the security document. In this way, all components of the book block can be sewn together.

The first and the further document parts can preferably be provided in an unfolded state. This can mean that both the first and the further document parts are provided without an existing fold or crease edge or without a finished fold or crease edge. For example, both the first and the further document parts can be provided in an unbent or flat state. This does not exclude the first and/or the further document parts from each having a fold area. In the fold area, for example, a so-called fold mark, for example a groove or creasing, can be present.

Furthermore, the first and the at least one further document part are connected to one another by a joining process. In the joining process, a material-locking connection can be established between the first and the further document part. For example, both the first document part and the at least one further document part can each have one or more connecting surface(s), wherein in the joining process a full-surface material-locking connection is established with respect to these connecting surface(s). The connecting surface(s) of the first document part can, for example, comprise the entire surface of an outer side (top or bottom) of the first document part or at least a partial area thereof in the unfolded state. Accordingly, the connecting surface of the at least one further document part can comprise the entire surface of an outer side (top or bottom) of the further document part or at least a partial area thereof.

To carry out the joining process, the first document part and the at least one further document part can be arranged relative to each other and/or so that the document parts lie against each other in the area of their connecting surfaces.

The joining process involves applying or exerting a joining force on the connecting surface(s). The joining force can therefore refer to a force that serves to create the connection between the document parts. The joining force can, for example, press the first and the other document parts together.

The joining process can be carried out in one joining step. The joining step can be part of a folding joining step, as explained in more detail below.

Furthermore, the first and at least one further document part are folded. In the context of this invention, folding means the production of a sharp folding edge, which can also be referred to as a fold line or fold break. The folding edge produced by folding, in particular the finished folding edge, can enable the finished security document to be turned over.

In particular, both the first and the further document parts can be folded in a central area.

The folding is done in one folding step.

Folding involves applying or exerting a folding force on the document parts. The folding force can therefore refer to a force that is used to produce the sharp folding edge.

According to the invention, a joining force applied in a folding-joining step forms at least a part of the folding force required for folding. The joining force applied in the folding-joining step thus forms at least a part of the folding force required for complete folding. Complete folding here refers to the complete production of a folding edge, i.e. the finished folding edge.

It is also possible that the folding force applied in the folding-joining step forms at least part of the joining force required for joining.

In other words, the folding and joining to produce the security document takes place at least partially simultaneously. Thus, the folding step or at least a partial step of the folding is carried out simultaneously with the joining step or simultaneously with at least a partial step of the joining. It is possible, for example, to arrange the first and the further document part in an unjoined and unfolded state (document part composite) relative to one another, for example to align them so that the composite of the unjoined and unfolded document parts can be introduced into a folding-joining device in such a way that this then exerts a folding force on the document part composite to form the crease edge, the folding force simultaneously forming a joining force or the joining force simultaneously forming a folding force. The unfolded state can also refer to an incompletely folded state.

During the complete folding performed by the folding-joining step, the security document can be provided in a closed state.

This advantageously results in a reduction in the production time required for the production of the security document, since folding and joining no longer take place in separate process steps. At the same time, the required installation space is advantageously reduced, since both a folding device and a structurally separate joining device no longer have to be provided.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the first and the at least one further document part are connected to one another by lamination. Lamination refers to a joining process in which thermal energy is supplied to the document parts and in which a lamination force or a lamination pressure is exerted on the document parts or the document part composite. In particular, the lamination can be a hot lamination with simultaneous pressing. Furthermore, a lamination force applied during lamination forms at least part of the folding force required for complete folding. The thermal energy and/or the lamination force can be exerted on the document part composite by a lamination device, for example. For this purpose, the lamination device can comprise a roller or a pair of rollers. The roller or the pair of rollers can be driven by a corresponding drive device. The roller or the pair of rollers can thus be used to draw in the document parts or the document part composite from a feed area into the lamination device. Furthermore, the lamination device can also comprise a heating plate which has at least one heating device. This can be brought into thermal contact with the document part composite. It is also conceivable that a roller and a heating plate of the lamination device are mechanically coupled. This means that they can be moved together, in particular along a vertical direction, at the same time.

Lamination advantageously results in a further reduction in production time. Particularly in comparison with joining using dispersion adhesives, lamination does not require a long drying time of several days. Another advantage is that it results in a reliable mechanical connection between the document parts.

In a further preferred embodiment, a document subassembly made up of the first and the at least one further document part is transported by at least one folding means into or through a joining area or into a feed area of a folding-joining device. In the joining area, the joining force is applied by at least one joining means. The folding means can be designed in particular as a folding blade. In addition to the folding means, a folding device can also comprise further elements for carrying out the folding. For example, the folding means can contact or actuate the document subassembly in the previously explained folding area of the further document part in order to effect transport into the joining area. For example, the folding means can exert a transport force on the folding area of the further document part and thus on the document subassembly. The joining means can comprise a joining press. The joining press can in particular be designed as a pair of joining rollers or comprise such a pair. Thus, the document subassembly can be transported by the folding means into or through the working area of the joining press, in particular into or through the intermediate area between the joining rollers of the joining roller pair.

The joining device can comprise other elements in addition to the joining means. For example, the joining device can also comprise a feed device for feeding in the partial document assembly. The feed device can be provided by a driven roller, for example. This driven roller can in turn be the joining means or a part of it.

If the joining device comprises a feed device for transporting the document subassembly into the joining area, the document subassembly can be transported by the at least one folding means into a working area of the feed device, wherein the document subassembly is then transported further into or through the joining area by the feed device.

The joining device may also comprise a means for generating thermal energy.

This advantageously results in a further reduction in the installation space requirements, since a transport device for transporting the document parts to the joining device is formed by a part of the folding device.

In a further embodiment, in a pre-joining step, one or more subsections of the first document part are connected to one or more subsections of the at least one further document part. A subsection can in particular be a subsection of the previously explained connecting surface of the respective document part. For example, 5% to 60%, preferably 10% to 45%, of the connecting surface(s) can be connected to one another in the pre-joining step. This means that with regard to the connecting surfaces, no full-surface connection is made in the pre-joining step. This can also be referred to as selectively connecting the document parts.

The bond strength of the connection produced in the pre-joining step can be lower than the bond strength of the material-fit connection produced in the joining step. However, the connection produced in the pre-joining step can also be a material-fit connection.

The pre-insertion step is carried out before the folding-joining step. In particular, the pre-insertion step can be carried out when the first and at least one further document part are in an unfolded state. This can mean that after the pre-insertion step has been carried out, the desired fold of the finished security document is not produced or at least not completely produced.

It is conceivable, for example, that the first and the other document parts are connected to each other by lamination in the pre-assembly step. This is explained in more detail below.

It is also conceivable to arrange the first and the other parts of the document in an unfolded state so that they fit together precisely. The pre-assembly step can then be carried out in this state.

The document subassembly thus pre-assembled can then be fed to the folding and joining device to carry out the folding and joining step.

This has the advantage that the probability of an unwanted shift of the document parts relative to one another is reduced when the folding and joining step is carried out, since this unwanted shift is prevented by the pre-joining. However, since the pre-joining only takes place in parts of the connecting surfaces, there is still sufficient room for movement in the folding and joining step for a relative movement of the document parts to enable the relative shift between the document parts that occurs during folding. This relative shift occurs because, due to the thickness of the book block, different bending radii arise for the individual layers of the book block. For example, the cover part has the largest bending radius and the middle sheet in the fully folded book has the smallest bending radius. A relative shift can also occur if a plastic data card is inserted into the front half of the book, whereby this is usually 6-10 times thicker than a paper page and thus a strong asymmetry arises between the front and back halves of the book. When the document parts are connected over the entire surface and then folded, tension is created between the document parts because the first document part, in particular the cover part, is overstretched during folding. This tension is thus advantageously avoided or reduced.

Alternatively, the connection can be made using ultrasound-based joining or pre-joining processes.

In a further embodiment, the first document part and the at least one further document part are pre-joined in a folding area. The folding area of the Document parts were explained previously. Alternatively, the first document part and at least one further document part are inserted outside the fold area.

Preferably, the first document part and the at least one further document part are pre-attached in a strip-shaped region or in several strip-shaped regions. Further preferably, the first and the at least one further document part are pre-attached in a region of the front side of the book-like security document in the finished state.

In a further embodiment, the connection is made in the pre-joining step by applying a pre-joining force and by transferring thermal energy. In particular, a lamination can be carried out in the pre-joining step to produce the connection. The pre-joining step can be carried out by a pre-joining device. The pre-joining device can thus be another lamination device.

This advantageously results in a sufficiently stable connection of the document parts being produced in the pre-joining step, which enables transport to the folding-joining device and the execution of the folding-joining step, whereby the previously explained probability of the occurrence of an undesirable tension between the document parts in the finished state is further reduced.

In a further embodiment, a pre-joining temperature is lower than a joining temperature. In other words, less thermal energy is required to produce the connection in the pre-joining step than to produce the material-locking connection in the folding-joining step.

A joining temperature in the folding-joining step can, for example, be in the range from 80°C to 150°C. A pre-joining temperature can, for example, be in the range from 50°C to 90°C.

If, as explained in more detail below, an adhesive is used for lamination, this adhesive can flow into a porous structure in the area of the connecting surfaces of the document parts due to the higher joining temperature in the folding-joining step and thus create the material-locking connection. Due to the lower At the pre-joining temperature, the adhesive can be plasticized in the pre-joining cut and thus provide the desired adhesive strength for joining the document parts together. However, due to the lower pre-joining temperature, the adhesive does not yet flow into the porous structure.

The adhesive can be a latently reactive adhesive, as explained in more detail below. For example, the adhesive can be polyurethane or vinyl acetate. The adhesive can also be a hot melt adhesive that contains polyolefin and/or polyamide and/or polyvinyl acetate as a component. The adhesive can also be an adhesive based on a latently reactive PUR formulation.

Furthermore, the selection of a pre-joining temperature that is lower than a joining temperature advantageously results in an adhesive being used cooling down more quickly. This in turn enables a shorter time period between the implementation of the pre-joining step and the implementation of the folding-joining step. Preferably, the folding-joining step is carried out or initiated at a predetermined lower temperature at which the adhesive is able to absorb shear and tensile forces occurring in the pre-joined zone.

In a further embodiment, a document subassembly made up of the first and the at least one further document part is pre-folded and/or bent in at least one folding preparation step. In the sense of this invention, pre-folding means that the folding edge to be produced is produced partially, but not completely. The pre-folded document subassembly therefore does not have the complete folding edge of the finished security document. This means that an incompletely folded state can be produced. In the incompletely folded state, an angle in a range of 45° to 135° can be present between the two side halves of a middle sheet of the document subassembly.

In this case, the document subassembly can be introduced into the joining area or into the feed area of the folding-joining device with the pre-folded area first, e.g. by means of the folding means explained above.

Alternatively or cumulatively, the document part composite can be bent. For example, the document part can be convex towards the joining area or towards the The feed area of the folding and joining device must be bent in order to then introduce the convexly curved document subassembly into its joining area and/or feed area.

Thus, in the fold preparation step, a fold preparation state of the document subassembly is created that differs from the folded state and from the unfolded state. This advantageously simplifies the implementation of the fold-joining step, since in particular the introduction into the joining area is simplified. A further advantage is that the pre-fold acts as a target folding point and thus allows more precise positioning of the fold or the fold edge.

In a further embodiment, a pre-joining force applied in the pre-joining step forms at least part of the pre-folding force and/or bending force required to carry out the fold preparation step. In this case, the document part assembly can be pre-folded in the fold preparation step. In this and the other embodiments, the folding area can include the pre-joining area or vice versa. For example, the pre-folding can produce an incomplete folding edge in the central area of the document part assembly, with this central area forming the spine after the complete folding. At the same time, the first document part and the further document part can be connected to one another in this central area.

This advantageously results in a further reduction in production time, since the pre-joining step and the fold preparation step are carried out at least partially simultaneously. Furthermore, a further reduction in installation space is advantageously achieved, since the devices for carrying out the pre-joining step or the fold preparation step can also be designed at least partially as a common device.

In a further embodiment, the document part composite consisting of the first and the at least one further document part is transported by the at least one folding means into or through a pre-insertion area, wherein the pre-insertion force is applied in the pre-insertion area by at least one pre-insertion means. The pre-insertion means can consist of the folding means or comprise the folding means. In this case, the Folding means applies both the pre-folding force and at least part of the pre-joining force to the document subassembly.

Of course, the pre-joining means can also be designed as a different means from the folding means or not include the latter. For example, the pre-joining can be carried out by a pressing device. In addition to applying the pre-joining force, the pressing device can also transfer energy, in particular thermal energy, to the document subassembly. The pressing device can be designed in such a way that the pre-joining force and possibly thermal energy is only applied in the previously explained subsection.

The device for applying the pre-joining force can also be designed as a sonotrode, in particular as an ultrasonic sonotrode, or a transparent glass plate through which radiant heaters shine.

It is conceivable that the pre-joining means, in particular the pressing device, comprises or forms the folding means or another folding means. For example, an edge of the pre-joining means can be used as a folding edge. In this case, a part of the document subassembly that protrudes over this edge can be bent over this edge. This can be done, for example, by a relative movement between the protruding part and the edge and/or by actuation by means of a suitable actuating device.

Alternatively, the document subassembly is transported through a bending area by the at least one folding means, wherein the document subassembly is bent in the bending area. For example, the document subassembly can be bent in such a way that a convexly curved section of the document subassembly is oriented towards the joining area and can be transported into the joining area. In a further embodiment, the first document part is a cover part and the at least one further document part is a book block of a document book. This was explained previously. In particular, the cover part can be made of an acrylic-coated fabric, fiber material or paper, for example. The cover part can also be made of a PVC-coated material.

In a further embodiment, the first document part and/or the at least one further document part is provided with an adhesive coating. The adhesive coating applies an adhesive to a surface of the first document part and/or the at least one further document part that is to be connected. In this case, only the first document part can be provided with an adhesive coating. Alternatively, only the further document part can be provided with an adhesive coating. Further alternatively, both the first and the further document part can be provided with the adhesive coating.

The adhesive of the adhesive coating can in particular be a latently reactive adhesive.

After providing the first and/or at least one further document part with the adhesive coating, the document parts can be brought together with a precise fit. This can mean that the document parts are aligned with each other in such a way that the parts of the surface to be joined lie against each other and the edges of the document parts are aligned with each other as desired.

The adhesive of the adhesive coating can be adhesive, sticky or non-adhesive at an operating temperature, for example at room temperature. Preferably, the adhesive coating is non-adhesive at the operating temperature. In this case, an adhesive force can be greater than an adhesive force, wherein the adhesive force in turn is greater than the connection force in a non-adhesive connection. The adhesive of the adhesive coating can be applied to the corresponding surfaces of the document part/parts for provision, for example by an application device.

In a further embodiment, a carrier material provided with an adhesive is provided. The adhesive is then transferred from the carrier material to the first document part and/or the at least one further document part. The carrier material can in particular be silicone paper. The carrier material serves as a transport medium for the adhesive. For example, the first document part can be provided. The silicone paper provided with the adhesive can then be applied to the surface(s) of the first document part to be connected. After the adhesive has been transferred, the Carrier material can be removed without adhesive. This means that a first document part provided with an adhesive coating can be provided. In the same way, alternatively or cumulatively, a further document part provided with an adhesive coating can be provided.

It is possible, for example, to provide one or both parts of the document with an adhesive layer by applying a dispersion or melt in a liquid state. This can be done in a pre-processing step. The dispersion or melt can also be dried after application but before further processing.

For example, to transfer the adhesive from the carrier material to the document part, energy, in particular thermal energy, can be transferred to the composite of carrier material and document part. For example, an activation temperature (transfer temperature) can be set in the area of the surfaces to be coated. This transfer temperature can preferably be lower than a bonding temperature, with the adhesive being so liquid at the bonding temperature that it flows into the porous structure of the document part(s). The transfer temperature can be the same as the pre-joining temperature or deviate from it by only a predetermined (small) amount.

Furthermore, a sonotrode, a heated roller or a heated spreader plate can be used for transfer.

It is conceivable that the adhesive is only applied to part of the surface(s) to be bonded later. For example, the adhesive can only be applied to an inner area of the surface(s), with edge areas being free of adhesive after application. Since the adhesive becomes liquid during bonding, it can flow into the edge areas in later process steps, but adhesive leakage can be avoided.

For example, it is conceivable that the carrier material is smaller in at least one dimension than the surface to be joined later. For example, the carrier material can be narrower and/or shorter than the first or at least one further document part in the unfolded state.

The provision of a carrier material advantageously results in a simple provision of one or both parts of the document with an adhesive coating.

A device for producing a security document is also proposed. The security document to be produced has, as previously explained, a first document part and at least one further document part. The device serves to carry out a method for production according to one of the embodiments explained in this disclosure. Accordingly, the device and its components are designed such that such a method can be carried out using the device.

The device comprises at least one folding-joining device.

According to the invention, a joining force applied by the folding-joining device forms at least a part of the folding force required for folding, in particular complete folding. A folding force applied by the folding-joining device can also form at least a part of the joining force required for joining. The folding-joining device can therefore apply at least a part of the joining force and at least a part of the folding force to the document parts or a document subassembly made up of both document parts. The folding-joining device can comprise one or more folding means for generating and transmitting the folding force. The folding-joining device can also comprise one or more joining means for generating and transmitting the joining force. One or one of the folding means can form or comprise one or one of the joining means. Alternatively, one or one of the joining means can form or comprise one or one of the folding means. Furthermore, the folding-joining device can comprise at least one means for generating and transmitting energy, in particular thermal energy, to the document subassembly.

In other words, in the folding-joining device, at least part of a folding device is provided by at least part of a joining device or vice versa. The folding-joining device is a lamination device or part thereof. This can be designed as previously explained.

Furthermore, the device can comprise one or more transport devices for transporting the document parts or the document part composite.

In a further embodiment, the device comprises a folding means, wherein a document subassembly made up of the first and the at least one further document part can be transported by the at least one folding means into or through a joining area, wherein the joining force is applied in the joining area by at least one joining means. Alternatively, the document subassembly can be transported by the folding means into a feed area of the folding-joining device. In the feed area, a transport device of the folding-joining device can then transport the document subassembly into the joining area. This transport device can, for example, comprise at least one roller which draws the document subassembly into the joining area by rotating.

A device designed in this way results in the advantages already explained with regard to the method.

In a further embodiment, the device comprises a pre-joining device for carrying out the pre-joining step explained above. The pre-joining device can be designed as a further joining device. In particular, the pre-joining device can be designed as a separate device from the folding-joining device. The pre-joining device can thus connect one or more sections of the first document part to one or more sections of the at least one further document part. The device can comprise a transport device for transporting the pre-joined document subassembly from the pre-joining device to the folding-joining device. The pre-joining device can thus be arranged in front of the folding-joining device along a production transport path of the document parts or the document subassembly.

The provision of the pre-joining device and the pre-joining made possible by this device result in the advantages already explained with regard to the method.

In a further embodiment, the device comprises at least one pre-folding device and/or a bending device for carrying out a fold preparation step. The fold preparation step was explained above. The pre-folding device can thus be a further folding device. The pre-folding device can partially, but not completely, bend the folded edge to be produced. However, the production of an incomplete fold edge is not mandatory. For example, the document subassembly can also be bent in such a way that a convexly curved section of the document subassembly is transported into the joining area.

The pre-folding device and/or the bending device enable the previously explained fold preparation step to be carried out. The corresponding advantages have already been explained with regard to the process.

In a further embodiment, the device comprises at least one device for providing an adhesive coating and/or at least one device for transferring an adhesive from a carrier material to the first and/or the at least one further document part. This was explained above.

Overall, the proposed device advantageously has a very compact design. Furthermore, the drying times are very short, which means that intermediate storage of the joined document parts is not necessary or only necessary for a short period of time. This advantageously reduces the throughput time of the entire production process. Furthermore, the unlocking behavior of the finished security document is improved, as tensile stresses in the cover part are reduced when closed.

Fig. 1

einen schematischen Querschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung,

Fig. 2

einen schematischen Querschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung in einer weiteren Ausführungsform,

Fig. 3

einen schematischen Querschnitt durch eine Vorfügeeinrichtung,

Fig. 4

einen schematischen Querschnitt durch eine Vorfügeeinrichtung in einer weiteren Ausführungsform und

Fig. 5

ein schematisches Flussdiagramm eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

The invention is explained in more detail using an embodiment. The figures show:

Fig.1

a schematic cross-section through a device according to the invention,

Fig.2

a schematic cross section through a device according to the invention in a further embodiment,

Fig.3

a schematic cross-section through a pre-joining device,

Fig.4

a schematic cross section through a pre-joining device in a further embodiment and

Fig.5

a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention.

In the following, the same reference symbols designate elements with the same or similar technical features.

Fig.1 shows a schematic cross-section through a device 1 for producing a book-like security document 2. A document subassembly 2 comprises a cover part 3 and a book block. The book block comprises data pages 4 and an endpaper 5. In a central area of the book block, the data pages 4 and the endpaper 5 are sewn together via a seam connection 6 (see e.g. Fig.4 ). It is of course possible that the Fig.1 The partial document assembly 2 shown also includes a passport card page (not shown). The book-like security document is produced from the partial document assembly 2 by joining and folding.

Also shown is an adhesive coating 7 which is arranged between an outer surface of the flyleaf and an inner surface of the cover part 3. The adhesive for providing the adhesive coating can be a hot-melt adhesive, wherein the hot-melt adhesive can be made of PUR, PVA, PE, POR, PA, for example. The adhesive 7 is preferably provided in the form of a hot-melt adhesive film.

Furthermore, the Fig.1 The device 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a folding-joining device 8. This folding-joining device 8 comprises a first pair of rollers 9, which provide pressing rollers. The rollers of this first pair of rollers 9 are driven by a drive device (not shown) in such a way that the document subassembly 2 consisting of the cover part and the book block is drawn in a transport direction x between the rollers of the first pair of rollers 9. As a result, the document subassembly 2 is also transported by the folding-joining device 8. A joining force is also applied to the document subassembly 2 by the pair of rollers 9. This joining force is applied by the document subassembly 2 being pressed together during transport through the gap between the rollers of the first pair of rollers 9. This joining force forms part of the folding force required to produce a complete folding edge 10. In the device shown in FIG. 1, Fig.1 In the state shown, the cover part 3 and the endpaper 5 can be adhesively connected to one another via the adhesive 7. This can mean that the cover part 3 and the flyleaf 7 are attached to one another in such a way that non-destructive displacement relative to one another is still possible. The folding edge 10 enables the book-like security document to be opened and turned over in the finished state of the security document.

The folding-joining device also comprises a further pair of rollers 11, wherein the rollers of the second pair of rollers 11 comprise or form a heating device (not shown). Thermal energy can thus be transferred to the document subassembly 2 in the folded state by the rollers of the second pair of rollers 11. The further pair of rollers 11 can also exert a joining force on the document subassembly 2. In particular, the amount of thermal energy transferred can be selected such that a desired melting temperature of the adhesive is set.

Preferably, the folding-joining device can comprise several pairs of rollers, each of which can comprise or form heating devices. Furthermore, the folding-joining device can comprise one or more further pairs of rollers or sheets, each of which can comprise or form a cooling device. This can add cooling zones for the folding-joining device.

This melting temperature can also be referred to as the joining temperature. This allows the adhesive 7 to melt and penetrate into the porous structures of the cover part 3 and the flyleaf 5. This enables a material-locking connection of the cover part 3 and the flyleaf 5 in the folded state. Since, as previously explained, the cover part 3 and the flyleaf 5 are still movable relative to one another when fully folded, when the document part assembly 2 is transported through the gap between the rollers of the first roller pair 9, the cover part 3 and the flyleaf 5 will shift relative to one another in such a way that in the folded state and thus in the closed state of the finished security document, there are no tensile or compressive stresses in the cover part 3 and/or the flyleaf 5. The material-locking connection can then be established in this stress-free state. This results in a security document which, when closed, has no tensile or compressive stresses in the cover part 3 and/or the endpaper 5. This in turn advantageously improves the so-called unlocking behavior.

The intermediate areas between the rollers of the roller pairs 9, 11 form a joining area of the joining-folding device 8.

The device 1 further comprises a folding means designed as a folding blade 12. This folding blade 12 can be moved in and against the transport direction x, for example by means of a drive device (not shown). The folding blade 12 can transport the document subassembly 2 along the transport direction x into the space between the rollers of the first roller pair 9 and thus into the joining area. The folding blade 12 is thus part of the folding device provided by the folding-joining device 8. It is shown that the folding blade 12 mechanically contacts an inner surface of the innermost data sheet 4 in a central area of the book block. The interaction or interaction between the rollers of the roller pair 9 and the folding blade 12 enables the security document 2 to be completely folded, in particular the production of the folding edge 10. The folding blade advantageously enables the folding edge 10 to be formed in a precisely positioned manner.

The folding-joining device 8 can comprise a laminating device which, for example, comprises the first and the further pair of rollers 9, 11.

Fig. 2 shows a device 1 according to the invention in a further embodiment. In addition to the device Fig.1 The embodiment shown comprises the Fig.2 illustrated embodiment of the device 1 a pair of bending rollers 13, which provides a bending device for a document subassembly 2. This pair of bending rollers 13 enables the implementation of a folding preparation step in which the document subassembly 2 is bent, in particular from an unbent state of the document subassembly 2. A distance between rollers of the pair of bending rollers 13 and thus also their gap is greater than the distance between the rollers of the first pair of rollers 9. The document subassembly 2 in the unbent state can be transported by the folding blade 12 along the transport direction x through the gap of the pair of bending rollers 13, whereby a bent state of the document subassembly 2 is produced. In particular, the document subassembly 2 is convexly curved along the transport direction x towards the first pair of rollers 9. This facilitates the introduction of the document subassembly 2 into the joining area.

Further in Fig. 2 shown that the cover part 3 and the flyleaf 5 are connected to each other in two sections 14a, 14b. These sections 14a, 14b are in Fig. 2 shown as hatched areas of the adhesive 7. In the Fig. 2 In the state shown, it is possible that the adhesive 7 is not adhesive at an operating temperature of the device 1 for production, e.g. at room temperature. This can mean that the cover part 3 and the flyleaf 5 are not glued to one another at this operating temperature in the areas outside the sub-areas 14a, 14b. However, in the sub-areas 14a, 14b, an adhesive or sticky connection is made between the cover part 3 and the flyleaf 5, for example by a pre-joining device. Preferably, a material connection or an adhesive connection can be made in only one of the sub-areas 14a, 14b.

The first partial area 14a can be a marginal area between the cover part 3 and the flyleaf 5 in the area of the front of the finished book-like security document 2. The further partial area 14b can be a central area between the cover part 3 and the flyleaf 5. This central area can also be referred to as a folding area, since in this area the Fig.1 shown folded edge 10 is produced.

Producing the connection in one or both partial areas 14a, 14b advantageously makes it possible for the desired precise alignment between the cover part 3 and the book block to not be changed or to not be changed by more than a predetermined tolerable amount during the folding and joining step carried out subsequently, while at the same time a closed state of the security document 2 that is as stress-free as possible can be produced.

Fig.3 shows a schematic cross section through a pre-joining device 15. The pre-joining device 15 comprises a profile element 16, which has a triangular-shaped notch or depression 17 in the area of a surface. The pre-joining device 15 also comprises a heating device 18, which is arranged in the area of the notch 17, whereby thermal energy can be transferred from the heating device 18 to the notch 17. In Fig.3 It is shown that the document subassembly 2, which includes the cover part 3 and the book block, is pressed or pressed into the notch 17 by means of the folding blade 12. In this case, a central area of the document subassembly 2 is pressed into the notch 17. In In this central area, in the subsequent folding and joining step, the Fig.1 shown fold edge 10 is produced. This central area can form a book spine in the finished state of the security document 2. By pressing in the document sub-assembly 2, the document sub-assembly 2 is pre-folded. This means that the fold edge 10 completely produced in the fold-joining step is partially, but not completely, produced. Before and/or during and/or after pressing in, thermal energy can be transferred from the heating device 18 to the central area of the document sub-assembly 2. The amount of thermal energy transferred can be selected in such a way that a pre-joining temperature is set. This pre-joining temperature in the central area can be lower than the joining temperature set in the fold-joining step carried out subsequently. By setting the pre-joining temperature, however, the adhesive 7 can be plasticized in such a way that an adhesive connection is produced between the cover part 3 and the endpaper 5 in the further sub-area 14b.

The Fig.3 The state of the security document 2 produced can be referred to as the pre-folded state. It is possible to insert the security document 2 in this pre-folded state into the joining area of the joining-folding device 8 (see Fig.1 ). Of course, it is also possible to additionally bend the security document 2 in the pre-attached state through a gap between a pair of bending rollers 13 (see Fig.2 ) to transport.

In Fig.4 a schematic cross section through a pre-joining device 15 is shown in a further embodiment. This pre-joining device 15 can comprise a base plate 19 on which the document subassembly 2 comprising cover part 3 and book block is arranged. The pre-joining device 15 can also comprise one or more pressing cylinders 20a, 20b. The pressing cylinders 20a, 20b can in turn each comprise a heating device 21a, 21b. A pre-joining force can be exerted on a peripheral region of an edge of the document subassembly 2 by the first pressing device 20a. Furthermore, thermal energy can be transferred from the heating device 21a to this region before and/or during and/or after the exertion of this pre-joining force. This can be used, for example, to set the pre-joining temperature explained above, whereby the cover part 3 and the endpaper 5 are connected to one another in the first region 14a explained above. Alternatively or cumulatively, a pre-joining force in a central region of the document part composite 2. Before and/or during and/or after the application of this joining force 14b, thermal energy can be transferred from the heating device 21b to this central region. As explained above, this can produce a connection in the further region 14b between the cover part 3 and the flyleaf 5.

Fig.5 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention for producing a security document 2 (see Fig.1 ). In a first step S1, a cover part 3 and a book block are provided, the book block comprising an endpaper 5 and data pages 4. In a second step S2, a carrier material coated with an adhesive 7, for example a silicone paper, is applied to the cover part 3. The carrier material is applied to the connecting surface(s) of the cover part 3, which are later connected to the endpaper 5. In a third step S3, the adhesive 7 is transferred from the carrier material, for example by transferring thermal energy, to a composite of carrier material and cover part 3. The carrier material is then removed, for example peeled off. In a fourth step S4, the book block and the cover part 3 are aligned relative to one another and placed against or on one another.

In a fifth step S5, the resulting document subassembly 2 is pre-joined. As previously explained, a connection can be made between the cover part 3 and the endpaper 5 of the book block in a central area of the document subassembly. This can be done by exerting a pre-joining force and by transferring thermal energy to/into this central area. In this pre-joining step, a pre-folded state of the security document 2 can also be created. In a sixth step S6, a folding-joining step is carried out, in particular by the Fig.1 shown folding-joining device 8. In this folding-joining step, the fully folded state of the security document 2 is produced. In the folding-joining step, a joining force can also be exerted on the (pre-joined) document subassembly 2, wherein the joining force provides at least part of the folding force for producing the complete fold. Furthermore, as previously explained, in the folding-joining step, thermal energy can also be transferred to the document subassembly 2, in particular to the already folded document subassembly. This can lead to the melting of the adhesive which can then penetrate into porous structures of the cover part 3 and the endpaper 5 and thus create a material-tight connection.

List of reference symbols

1

Device for producing a security document

2

Security document

3

Cover part

4

data sheet

5

Endpaper

6

Seam connection

7

Adhesives

8th

Folding-joining device

9

first pair of rollers

10

Fold edge

11

additional pair of rollers

12

Folding blade

13

Bending roller pair

14a, 14b

Sub-areas

15

Pre-joining device

16

Profile element

17

notch

18

Heating device

19

Base plate

x

Transport direction

S1

first step

S2

second step

S3

Third step

S4

fourth step

S5

fifth step

S6

sixth step

Claims (17)

1. Method for producing a security document (2), wherein a first document part and at least one further document part are provided, wherein the first as well as the further document part each have at least one joining surface for abutting one another, wherein the first and the at least one further document part are joined together by a joining method by applying a joining force to a joining surface of the document parts, wherein the first and the at least one further document part are folded to produce a fold line by applying or exerting a folding force on the document parts,
   characterized in that
   in a folding-joining step, an applied joining force forms at least part of the folding force required for complete production of the fold line and the folding and joining are carried out at least partially simultaneously, the first and the at least one further document part being joined to one another by lamination, a lamination force applied during the lamination forming at least part of the folding force required for complete folding.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a document part composite comprising the first and the at least one further document part is transported by at least one folding means into or through a joining region or into a feed region of a folding/joining device (8), the joining force being applied in the joining region by at least one joining means.
3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in a prejoining step, one or more partial section(s) of the first document part is/are joined to one or more partial section(s) of the at least one further document part, the prejoining step being carried out at a time before the fold-joining step.
4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the first document part and the at least one further document part are prejoined in a folding region or outside a folding region.
5. Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the joining in the prejoining step is carried out by applying a prejoining force and by transferring thermal energy.
6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that a prejoining temperature is lower than a joining temperature.
7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in at least one folding preparation step, a document part composite comprising the first and the at least one further document part is pre-folded and/or bent for incomplete production of the fold line.
8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that a prejoining force applied in the prejoining step for joining one or more partial section(s) of the document parts forms at least part of the prefolding force and/or bending force required for carrying out the folding preparation step.
9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the document part composite comprising the first and the at least one further document part is transported by the at least one folding means into or through a prejoining region, the prejoining force being applied in the prejoining region by at least one prejoining means, or in that the document part composite is transported by the at least one folding means through a bending region, the document part composite being bent in the bending region.
10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first document part is a cover part (3) and the at least one further document part is a book block of a document book.
11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first document part and/or the at least one further document part is provided with an adhesive coating.
12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that a carrier material provided with the adhesive is provided, the adhesive (7) being transferred from the carrier material to the first document part and/or the at least one further document part.
13. Device for producing a security document, wherein the security document (2) comprises a first document part and at least one further document part, wherein the first as well as the further document part each comprise at least one connecting surface for abutting against one another, wherein the device (1) comprises at least one fold-joining device (8),
    characterized in that
    a joining force applied by the fold-joining device (8), which is applied to a joining surface of the document parts for joining the document parts, forms at least part of the folding force required for folding and applied or exerted on the document parts to completely produce a fold line, wherein the fold-joining device is a laminating device or a part thereof and the folding and joining can be carried out at least partially simultaneously.
14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a folding means, wherein a document part composite comprising the first and the at least one further document part can be transported by the at least one folding means into or through a joining region or into a feed region of the fold-joining device (8), wherein the joining force is applied in the joining region by at least one joining means.
15. Device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a prejoining device (15) for carrying out a prejoining step.
16. Device according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the device (1) comprises at least one prefolding device (15) and/or a bending device for carrying out a folding preparation step.
17. Device according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the device (1) comprises at least one device for providing an adhesive coating and/or at least one device for transferring an adhesive (7) from a carrier material to the first and/or the at least one further document part.

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