Method for printing a security document having a character string deviating from a linear orientation, numbering machine therefor, and security document

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for printing a security document having a character string (24) deviating from a linear orientation, a numbering machine (2, 102, 202) and a numbering unit therefor. It also relates to the use of such devices and to security documents printed with said character strings (24). With regard to further increasing the security against forgery of security documents printed with corresponding character strings (24), in particular serial numbers, compared to known solutions, the invention proposes the use of at least two different numbering machines (2, 102, 202) for applying a single character string (24), in particular a serial number, to a security document. Accordingly, the division of the printing of a character string (24), in particular a serial number, between two different numbering machines (2, 102, 202) is preferred.

Description

[0001] Title

[0002] Method for printing a security document with a character sequence that deviates from a linear orientation, numbering device therefor, and security document

[0003] Description

[0004] The present invention relates to a method for printing a security document with a character string deviating from a linear orientation, a numbering device and a numbering unit therefor, the use of such devices, and security documents printed with said character strings.

[0005] Specifically, the invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1, a numbering machine according to claim 10, a numbering unit according to claim 17, a use according to claim 18, and a document, in particular a security document, according to claim 19.

[0006] Known numbering machines for printing a security document with a character string generally comprise a plurality of type wheels arranged next to one another, each of the type wheels having printing surfaces spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, with engravings being arranged on the printing surfaces for generating a character.

[0007] Such numbering machines are known, among others, from EP 0 718 112 Al, DE 295 01 349 Ul, DE 44 46 273 Al, DE 10 2006 052 183 Al and DE 10 2011 100 847 Al.

[0008] Numbering machines are used primarily for applying, and in particular printing, a security feature to security documents. In this context, the numbering machine can also be referred to as a numbering printing machine or a printing machine.

[0009] In particular, known numbering units are used to apply serial numbers to security documents, especially banknotes. In a common arrangement, a numbering unit is mounted reversibly—i.e., fixedly but detachably as required—on a retaining ring of a numbering machine (printing press). The numbering unit is located on the outside of the retaining ring, and the type wheels of the unit are arranged on the side facing away from the retaining ring. The retaining ring is generally mounted on a numbering shaft of the numbering machine. Furthermore, the numbering units are located on the outside of the retaining ring.

[0010] The sheet to be printed (in particular, a sheet of paper with banknotes to be numbered) is then fed to the numbering machine. In the numbering machine, the retaining ring, with the numbering units fixed to the outside of the ring, rolls onto the sheet to be printed. The individual security documents are each provided with a security feature, in particular a serial number, by the individual numbering units. Generally, a plurality of retaining rings are provided per numbering shaft and a plurality of numbering units per retaining ring, namely distributed around the circumference of the retaining ring.

[0011] Numbering machines generally also have a mechanism that advances the set serial number by one unit at a desired position after each printing process, or with each rotation of the machine and its retaining ring, so that the next document can be printed with a free or subsequent serial number. To do this, the relevant type wheel of the numbering machine is usually rotated by one position.

[0012] The numbering mechanism can be divided into two parts, with an upper and a lower part (upper and lower parts). The lower part can be firmly but removably attached to the retaining ring, particularly via a clamp.

[0013] Such numbering machines are known, among others, from the present applicant's patent documents WO 2022 / 053109 A1, WO 2022 / 053110 A1, and WO 2022 / 053111 A1. The content of these documents is hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure.

[0014] The generic subject matter mentioned above is also already known from the present applicant's patent documents DE 10 2015 212 059 B4 and EP 3 121 026 B1. The content of these documents is hereby incorporated into the present disclosure by reference.

[0015] The present invention is based on the object of overcoming the disadvantages resulting from the prior art.

[0016] The present invention is also based on the object of further increasing the security against forgery of security documents printed with corresponding character strings, in particular serial numbers, compared to known solutions.

[0017] This object is initially achieved by a method of the type mentioned at the outset, which is further developed by the characterising features of claim 1.

[0018] According to this, when printing a document with a character string that deviates from a linear orientation, at least two different numbering machines are used to print this character string.

[0019] Further objects according to the invention are a numbering machine according to claim 10, a numbering unit according to claim 17, a use according to claim 18, and a document, in particular a security document, according to claim 19.

[0020] A numbering machine according to the invention has a plurality of wheels arranged next to one another, wherein at least one wheel is a type wheel with printing surfaces spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, wherein engravings for producing a character are arranged on the printing surfaces.

[0021] A numbering unit according to the invention consists of at least two of these numbering units, wherein at least two spaced-apart rows of type wheels and / or switching wheels are present within the numbering unit, in particular wherein the rows are arranged parallel to one another.

[0022] A document according to the invention, in particular a security document, is obtained by a method according to the invention, wherein the document is printed with a character sequence that deviates from a linear orientation as a result of the method. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0023] The present invention preferably and essentially aims at the use of at least two different numbering machines for applying a single character string, in particular a serial number, to a security document.

[0024] Accordingly, it is preferable to divide the printing of a character string, in particular a serial number, between two different numbering machines.

[0025] In this respect, a preferred feature of the invention consists in a distribution of the mechanical switching process between two independently operating switching mechanisms.

[0026] Preferably, two different numbering machines, preferably arranged adjacent to each other, operate mechanically independently of each other. Furthermore, a visual production inspection can be provided.

[0027] An advantage of the present invention is a new possibility of displaying a serial number produced by pressing or impressing a type into the substrate to be printed, i.e., in the "letterpress printing process", so to speak.

[0028] By dividing the printing of a single character string between at least two (i.e. two or more) different numbering machines, previously unknown shapes and / or orientations of character strings can be achieved, which drastically increases the security against counterfeiting.

[0029] It should be noted that the present invention relates exclusively to printing with numbering machines, such as those described, for example, in the aforementioned publications. This concerns the aforementioned numbering machines with type wheels and engravings that operate according to the "letterpress printing process." This means that type is mechanically pressed onto or into the substrate to be printed.

[0030] In particular, the invention does not relate to the production of character strings using inkjet or laser printers. While any form of character string can be realized, these do not offer adequate protection against counterfeiting. Therefore, the numbering machines described above continue to be used to print serial numbers on security documents.

[0031] The aspects of the invention are discussed in further detail below, with reference being made in part to non-limiting advantageous refinements, developments, exemplary embodiments, and embodiments of the invention. The features of the previously discussed and subsequent advantageous refinements, developments, exemplary embodiments, and embodiments can be implemented individually or in any desired combination, thereby creating further advantageous refinements of the invention.

[0032] Throughout the present discussion of refinements, developments, exemplary embodiments, and embodiments of the devices, methods, and products according to the invention, uses of the devices and products according to the invention are also described. These uses are expressly also within the scope of the present invention.

[0033] The features of advantageous developments of devices according to the invention described above and below can also be implemented in a corresponding manner in processes, products, and uses according to the invention, either individually or in any combination, thereby creating even further advantageous embodiments of the invention. The same applies in the reverse case, i.e., features of advantageous developments of processes, products, and uses according to the invention can also be implemented in a corresponding manner in devices according to the invention.

[0034] In a first preferred development of the method according to the invention, a numbering machine is used which has a plurality of wheels arranged next to one another, including at least one type wheel with printing surfaces spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, wherein engravings for producing a character are arranged on at least some of the printing surfaces.

[0035] Preferably, a numbering machine is used which, viewed across adjacently arranged type wheels, has engravings for generating a character on every second, every third, or every (n + 1) type wheel, where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 3. Particularly preferably, a numbering machine is used which has adjacently arranged printing wheels, in particular type wheels, and non-printing wheels, in particular type wheels without engravings or indexing wheels, wherein a printing wheel prints a character of the character sequence, while a non-printing wheel does not print a character of the character sequence, and thus omits or leaves free the corresponding position of the character sequence.

[0036] More preferably, an omitted position of the character string can then be printed with a second numbering machine or with a further (i.e. a third, fourth, etc.) numbering machine.

[0037] It is advantageous to use a numbering device which is arranged on the outside of the retaining ring of a numbering machine, wherein the type wheels of the numbering device are arranged on the side facing away from the retaining ring.

[0038] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, a mechanical switching operation, in particular for changing the value of a character string to be printed, and in particular after a printing operation, is distributed among at least two independently operating switching mechanisms. These can, in particular, be the switching mechanisms of two different numbering machines, each of which serves to advance the character string to be printed by one increment, in particular with each revolution of the retaining ring of a numbering machine.

[0039] Preferably, two or more different numbering machines, preferably arranged adjacent to one another, can operate mechanically independently of one another.

[0040] Preferably, at least two numbering units can be used, which are arranged adjacent to one another on a holding ring of a numbering machine, and are spaced apart from one another or directly adjacent to one another.

[0041] A first advantageous development of the numbering machine according to the invention is characterized in that, viewed across adjacently arranged type wheels, every second, every third, or every (n + l)-th type wheel, where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 3, has engravings for generating a character. A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized by adjacently arranged printing wheels, in particular type wheels, and non-printing wheels, in particular type wheels without engravings or indexing wheels, wherein a printing wheel can print a character of a character sequence, while a non-printing wheel cannot print a character of the character sequence, and thus the corresponding position of the character sequence remains free.

[0042] Preferably, a non-printing wheel is arranged next to a printing wheel in the numbering machine. Further preferably, a non-printing wheel can be arranged next to each printing wheel.

[0043] A numbering machine in which at least one engraving of a type wheel is placed off-center on the respective printing surface is advantageous.

[0044] Further preferably, one of the, several or all engravings can be placed off-center on the respective printing surface, viewed perpendicular to the orientation of a character string that can be printed by the numbering device.

[0045] For example, if a horizontal character string is applied, the engravings are preferably spaced upwards or downwards from the center layer. This case is illustrated by the exemplary embodiments in Figure 3 explained below.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, one, several or all of the engravings may be placed off-center on the respective printing surface along the alignment of a character string that can be printed by the numbering device.

[0047] In the examples shown in the attached Figure 3, the engravings would also be shifted to the right or left on the printing surfaces in such a case. However, this is not the case in the present Figure 3.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the document according to the invention, the printed character string is a serial number.

[0049] Preferably, two different numbering units, which can print a number sequence in the manner according to the invention, are arranged adjacent to one another. This particularly applies to an arrangement on a retaining ring of a numbering machine. The numbering units can be spaced apart from one another or arranged directly adjacent to one another (without a gap). Alternatively, but also preferably, two or more individual numbering units can be combined to form a mechanical numbering unit, which numbering unit can in turn be fastened, in particular, to the retaining ring of a numbering machine. The combination can preferably be achieved by screwing or clamping individual numbering units together.

[0050] Such an arrangement of two or more numbering units, or a numbering unit consisting of two or more adjacent numbering units, could also be considered by a person skilled in the art to be a single numbering unit. However, it is crucial that, in contrast to the prior art, there are several spaced-apart rows of type wheels.

[0051] Numbering machines according to the invention can be designed as either vertical or horizontal numbering machines. A vertical numbering machine applies a character string to the document that extends in the circumferential direction of the retaining ring. A horizontal numbering machine applies a character string to the document that extends perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the retaining ring.

[0052] The choice of a vertical or horizontal numbering device depends on the orientation in which a character string must be applied to the document. Many banknotes bear both a vertical and a horizontal serial number, so both of the above-mentioned numbering devices or types can be used in production. Other banknotes bear only vertical or horizontal serial numbers.

[0053] Examples of implementation

[0054] The embodiments of the invention described below are given by way of example and not in a restrictive manner.

[0055] A character sequence, in this case a serial number, is applied to security documents, particularly banknotes and / or securities. In contrast to the previously common application method using a single numbering machine, the 12-digit serial number, for example, is distributed across two numbering machines. The engraving is arranged in such a way that an oval, or "eye-shaped," serial number is created.

[0056] The switching sequence of the serial number is preferably distributed across two numbering machines. This may require additional switching discs in each numbering machine. a) The distribution of a serial number when printing with one numbering machine (according to the state of the art) is, for example, as follows:

[0057] FROM 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

[0058] A = Hand-adjustable letter wheel

[0059] B = Hand-adjustable letter wheel

[0060] 0 = Manually adjustable dial

[0061] 9 = Hand-adjustable dial

[0062] 8 = Hand-adjustable dial

[0063] 7 = Hand-adjustable dial

[0064] 6 = Hundred thousandth wheel, switches after 100000 x printing

[0065] 5 = Ten thousandth wheel, switches after 10000 x printing

[0066] 4 = Thousands wheel, switches after 1000 x prints

[0067] 3 = Hundreds wheel, switches after 100 x printing

[0068] 2 = Ten-digit wheel, switches after 10 presses

[0069] 1 = Single wheel, switches with each press

[0070] In the known numbering machine, each wheel prints one character of the character sequence. b) When applying the serial number using two numbering machines (according to the invention), the distribution of the wheels is preferably as follows; for clarity, the wheels that do NOT print are designated with lowercase letters:

[0071] 1. First numbering machine:

[0072] a b 0 b 8 b 6 c 4 d 2 e

[0073] A = Hand adjustable letter wheel b = Spacer wheels -> print NOT

[0074] 0 = Manually adjustable dial

[0075] 8 = Hand-adjustable dial

[0076] 6 = Hundred-thousand wheel, switches after 100,000 x printing c = Ten-thousand wheel, switches after 10,000 x -> does NOT print

[0077] 4 = Thousands wheel, switches after 1000 x printing d = Hundreds wheel, switches after 100 x printing -> does NOT print

[0078] 2 = ten-digit wheel, switches after 10 x pressing e = one-digit wheel, switches with each pressing -> does NOT print

[0079] The placement of the engravings on the printing wheels of the first numbering unit is off-center on the printing surfaces, creating an arched shape:

[0080] 8 6

[0081] 0 4

[0082] A2

[0083] As a result, the first numbering unit only prints every second digit of the desired character string. The digits of the character string NOT printed by the first numbering unit are printed by the second numbering unit:

[0084] 2. Second numbering unit b B b 9 b 7 f 5 g 3 hlb = spacer wheels -> print NOT

[0085] B = Hand-adjustable letter wheel

[0086] 9 = Hand-adjustable dial

[0087] 7 = Manually adjustable number wheel f = Hundred-thousand-second switching wheel, switches after 100,000 x printing -> does NOT print

[0088] 5 = Ten thousandth wheel, switches after 10000 x printing

[0089] 4 = Thousands switching wheel, switches after 1000 x printing -> does NOT print

[0090] 3 = Hundreds wheel, switches after 100 x printing

[0091] 2 = Ten-position dial, switches after 10 x printing -> does NOT print

[0092] 1 = Single wheel, switches with each press

[0093] The placement of the engravings on the wheels to be printed is also preferably off-center on the printing surfaces in the second numbering machine, so that an arched shape is created:

[0094] B1

[0095] 9 3

[0096] 7 5

[0097] By "printing" the two numbering machines into each other, an elliptical serial number is created, for example, which would not be possible with one numbering machine:

[0098] 8 6

[0099] 0 4

[0100] A2

[0101] B1

[0102] 9 3

[0103] 7 5

[0104] Further advantageous embodiments and preferred forms of representation can be found in the attached figures.

[0105] In addition to the advantageous refinements, developments, and exemplary embodiments of the teaching already discussed, further exemplary embodiments of devices, methods, products, and uses according to the invention, illustrated in the drawings within the scope of Figures 1 to 3, are explained in more detail below. However, the examples discussed with reference to the drawings do not limit the invention to the examples shown. The discussion of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings also generally illustrates preferred refinements and developments of the teaching.

[0106] Further developments of the advantageous embodiments and exemplary embodiments described above with features of the exemplary embodiments below, just like further developments of the exemplary embodiments described below with features of the embodiments and exemplary embodiments described above, expressly form further advantageous embodiments of the invention and are thus part of the present disclosure.

[0107] They show:

[0108] Figure 1 shows on the left a frontal view and on the right a side view of a preferred embodiment of the numbering machine according to the invention,

[0109] Figure 2 shows two embodiments of the numbering machine according to the invention arranged side by side in a perspective view, and

[0110] Figure 3 is a partly schematic representation of a total of five further preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0111] Fig. 1 shows a front view on the left and a side view on the right of a preferred embodiment of the numbering unit 2 according to the invention. The numbering unit 2 consists of a base body 4, which has a recess 6 at the bottom for the reversible fixing of the numbering unit 2 to the retaining ring of a numbering machine (not shown). In the upper area, the numbering mechanism 8 of the numbering unit 2 is formed in or on the base body 4. On the left is the lever 10 of a switching mechanism 12 in order to automatically set the numbering mechanism 8 of the numbering unit 2 to the next higher value of the character sequence when the retaining ring rotates. This is known in itself. Perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the retaining ring (not shown) and on the top of the numbering unit 2, this has a row of wheels 14 arranged next to one another.Below are several type wheels 16, which have printing surfaces 18 spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, wherein engravings (not shown in Figs. 1 and 2) are arranged on the printing surfaces 18 for producing one character each.

[0112] The numbering machines 2 shown in Fig. 1 and 2 are horizontal numbering machines 2 which generate a character string extending perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the retaining ring of the numbering machine (not shown).

[0113] Here in Fig. 1, the numbering machine has two (indirectly) adjacent printing wheels 14, namely type wheels 16. Each printing wheel 14 can print one character of a character sequence. A character is always generated by the engravings on the printing surfaces 18, which are currently oriented facing upwards. These engravings then roll along the support ring of the numbering machine on the substrate to be printed, thus generating the character sequence.

[0114] Here, the numbering unit 2 has, in addition to the type wheels 16, also non-printing wheels 14. This non-printing wheel 14 is a so-called indexing wheel 20, which has no engraving on its exterior. Although the non-printing wheel 14 is positioned at the corresponding position in the character string to be printed, it does not print any character there, leaving the corresponding position in the character string empty. The missing character is then printed at this position by a second numbering unit 2.

[0115] Fig. 2 shows two exemplary embodiments of numbering units 2, 102, 202 according to the invention arranged side by side in a perspective view. The first numbering unit 102 shown on the left corresponds to that shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The second numbering unit 202 shown on the right in Fig. 2 differs from the first numbering unit 102 with respect to the arrangement of the printing and non-printing wheels 14.

[0116] In both numbering units 2, 102, and 202, printing and non-printing wheels 14 are always arranged alternately next to one another. At the position in the set of wheels 14 where the first numbering unit 102 has a printing type wheel 16, the second numbering unit 202 has a non-printing indexing wheel 20, and vice versa.

[0117] Thus, during consecutive printing of a substrate, the first numbering unit 102 first prints positions 1, 3, 5, etc. of the desired character string. The second numbering unit 202, when positioned appropriately relative to the substrate, will then "print" into the already partially printed character string and add the missing positions 2, 4, 6, etc. of the character string.

[0118] The first numbering unit 102 and the second numbering unit 202 can thus also be regarded as a numbering unit or combined as such.

[0119] Fig. 3 shows a partially schematic representation of a total of five further preferred embodiments of the invention. The various embodiments are shown vertically spaced from top to bottom.

[0120] Shown on the right is a schematic, mirrored top view of the printing surfaces 18 of two adjacently arranged numbering units 2 according to the invention. The numbering units 2 each have 12 type wheels 16 arranged next to one another.

[0121] In each numbering unit 2, only the printing surface 18 of every second type wheel 16 is covered with an engraving 22, since the entire character string 24 shown on the left is generated by the "interlocking" of the two adjacent numbering units 2.

[0122] In the first example (shown at the top), the first type wheel 16 on the far left of the upper numbering unit 2 is engraved with an engraving 22, while the corresponding position remains free on the lower numbering unit 2. For the second type wheel 16 from the left, this is reversed, and so on.

[0123] The numbering units 2 shown are horizontal numbering units 2, which generate a character string 24 extending perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the numbering machine's retaining ring (not shown). In the right-hand illustration, it is clearly visible that the engravings 22 of the type wheels 16 are offset vertically off-center on the respective printing surface 18.

[0124] Depending on the positioning of the engravings 22 on the printing surfaces 18, the character strings 24 shown on the left can be applied, namely printed, on a security document on the basis of the invention.

[0125] For example, oval, elliptical, offset and / or parallel character strings can be generated, as can be clearly seen from the examples shown in Fig. 3.

[0126] In the cases shown, the vertical offset between characters adjacent in the horizontal direction is only made possible by the use of two adjacent numbering units 2 and by their vertical spacing with respect to the positioning relative to the substrate during printing; the character strings 24 shown cannot be generated with conventional numbering units.

[0127] Embodiments

[0128] In addition to the advantageous refinements, developments, and exemplary embodiments already discussed, the invention is described below with reference to further specific preferred embodiments, which, however, do not limit the invention to the described embodiments. These embodiments are expressly incorporated into the present description.

[0129] Further developments of the advantageous embodiments and exemplary embodiments described above with features of the embodiments below, just like further developments of the embodiments described below with features of the embodiments and exemplary embodiments described above, expressly form further advantageous embodiments of the invention and are thus part of the present disclosure.

[0130] Embodiment 1: Method for printing a document, in particular a security document, with a character string deviating from a linear alignment, wherein at least two different numbering machines are used to print a character string.

[0131] Embodiment 2: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein a numbering machine is used which has a plurality of type wheels arranged next to one another, wherein each of the type wheels has printing surfaces spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, wherein engravings for producing a character are arranged on at least some of the printing surfaces.

[0132] Embodiment 3: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein a numbering mechanism is used which, viewed across the adjacently arranged type wheels, has an engraving for generating a character on every second, every third, or every (n + l) type wheel; where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 3.

[0133] Embodiment 4: Method according to one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein a numbering device is used which is arranged on a holding ring of a numbering machine (printing machine).

[0134] Embodiment 5: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein a numbering mechanism is used which is arranged on the outside of the holding ring of the numbering machine, wherein the type wheels of the mechanism are arranged on the side facing away from the holding ring.

[0135] Embodiment 6: Method according to one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein a mechanical switching operation, in particular for changing the value of a character string to be printed, and in particular after a printing operation, is distributed between at least two independently operating switching mechanisms.

[0136] Embodiment 7: Method according to one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein two or more different numbering machines, preferably arranged adjacent to one another, operate mechanically independently of one another.

[0137] Embodiment 8: Method according to one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least two numbering units are used, which are arranged adjacent to one another, in particular on a holding ring of a numbering machine, and thereby spaced apart from one another or directly adjacent to one another (without spacing).

[0138] Embodiment 9: Method according to one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least two numbering units are used which are combined to form a mechanical numbering unit, wherein within the numbering unit there are at least two spaced-apart rows of type wheels, in particular wherein the rows are arranged parallel to one another.

[0139] Embodiment 10: Method according to one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein vertical numbering machines and / or horizontal numbering machines are used.

[0140] Embodiment 11: Method according to one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein a numbering machine is used in which at least one engraving of a type wheel is placed off-center on the respective printing surface.

[0141] Embodiment 12: Method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein a numbering machine is used in which the engravings of one of the, individual or all of the type wheels are placed off-center on the respective printing surface, viewed perpendicular to the orientation of the character string.

[0142] Embodiment 13: Method according to one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein a numbering machine is used in which the engravings of one of the, individual or all of the type wheels are placed off-center on the respective printing surface along the alignment of the character string.

[0143] Embodiment 14: Method for printing a document, in particular a security document, with a character string deviating from a linear orientation, optionally according to one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein the method further comprises at least one of the features discussed in the above description.

[0144] Embodiment 15: Method for printing a document, in particular a security document, with a character string deviating from a linear alignment, optionally according to one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein the method is designed according to one of the embodiments set out in the above description, or at least has one feature thereof.

[0145] Embodiment 16: Numbering machine for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding embodiments.

[0146] Embodiment 17: Numbering unit for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding embodiments, in particular a method according to embodiment 9.

[0147] Embodiment 18: Use of a numbering machine according to embodiment 16 or a numbering unit according to embodiment 17 for carrying out a method according to one or more of the preceding embodiments 1 to 15.

[0148] Embodiment 19: A document, in particular a security document, which is printed with a character string deviating from a linear orientation by performing a method according to one or more of the preceding embodiments 1 to 15. Embodiment 20: A document according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the printed character string is a serial number.

[0149] Embodiment 21: Numbering machine according to embodiment 16, or numbering unit according to embodiment 17, or document according to embodiment 19 or 20, wherein the respective article further comprises at least one of the features discussed in the above description.

[0150] Embodiment 22: Numbering machine according to embodiment 16, or numbering unit according to embodiment 17, or document according to embodiment 19 or 20, wherein the respective article is designed according to one of the embodiments set out in the above description, or has at least one feature thereof.

[0151] List of reference symbols

[0152] 2 numbering machine

[0153] 102 First numbering machine, numbering machine

[0154] 202 Second numbering machine, numbering machine

[0155] 4 basic bodies

[0156] 6 Recess

[0157] 8 Numbering mechanism

[0158] 10 levers

[0159] 12 Switching mechanism

[0160] 14 wheels

[0161] 16 Type wheel

[0162] 18 printing area

[0163] 20 ratchet wheel

[0164] 22 engraving

[0165] 24 character string

Claims

Claims 1. Method for printing a document, in particular a security document, with a character string (24) deviating from a linear alignment, characterized in that at least two different numbering units (2, 102, 202) are used to print a character string (24).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a numbering machine (2, 102, 202) is used which has a plurality of wheels (14) arranged next to one another, including at least one type wheel (16) with printing surfaces (18) spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, engravings (22) for producing a character being arranged on at least some of the printing surfaces (18).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a numbering machine (2, 102, 202) is used which, viewed over adjacently arranged type wheels (16), has engravings (22) for producing a character on every second, on every third, or on every (n + 1)-th type wheel (16), where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 3.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a numbering machine (2, 102, 202) is used which has printing wheels (14), in particular type wheels (16), and non-printing wheels (14), in particular type wheels (16) without engravings (22) or switching wheels (20), arranged next to one another, wherein a printing wheel (14) prints a character of the character string (24), while a non-printing wheel (14) does not print a character of the character string (24) and thus omits the corresponding position of the character string (24).

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that an omitted position of the character string (24) is printed with a second numbering device (2, 202) or with a further numbering device (2).

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a numbering unit (2, 102, 202) is used which is arranged on the outside of the holding ring of a numbering machine, wherein the type wheels (16) of the numbering unit (2, 102, 202) are arranged on the side facing away from the holding ring.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a mechanical switching operation, in particular for changing the value of a character string (24) to be printed, and in particular after a printing operation, is distributed between at least two independently operating switching mechanisms (12).

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that two or more different numbering machines (2, 102, 202), preferably arranged adjacent to one another, operate mechanically independently of one another.

9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least two numbering units (2, 102, 202) are used, which are arranged adjacent to one another on a holding ring of a numbering machine and are spaced apart from one another or directly adjacent to one another.

10. Numbering machine (2, 102, 202) for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the numbering machine (2, 102, 202) has a plurality of wheels (14) arranged next to one another, wherein at least one wheel (14) is a type wheel (16) with printing surfaces (18) spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, wherein engravings (22) for producing a character are arranged on the printing surfaces (18).

11. Numbering machine (2, 102, 202) according to claim 10, characterized in that, viewed across adjacently arranged type wheels (16), every second, every third, or every (n + l)-e type wheel (16), where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 3, has engravings (22) for producing a character.

12. Numbering machine (2, 102, 202) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by printing wheels (14), in particular type wheels (16), and non-printing wheels (14), in particular type wheels (16) without engravings or switching wheels (20), arranged next to one another, wherein a character of a character sequence (24) can be printed by a printing wheel (14), while a character of the character sequence (24) cannot be printed by a non-printing wheel (14), and thus the corresponding position of the character sequence (24) remains free.

13. Numbering machine (2, 102, 202) according to claim 12, characterized in that a non-printing wheel (14) is arranged next to a printing wheel (14).

14. Numbering device (2, 102, 202) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that at least one engraving (22) of a type wheel (16) is placed off-center on the respective printing surface (18).

15. Numbering device (2, 102, 202) according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that one of the, several or all of the engravings (22) are placed off-center on the respective printing surface (18) as seen perpendicular to the orientation of a character string (24) that can be printed by the numbering device (2, 102, 202).

16. Numbering device (2, 102, 202) according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that one of the, several or all of the engravings (22) are placed off-center on the respective printing surface (18) along the alignment of a character string (24) that can be printed by the numbering device (2, 102, 202).

17. Numbering unit comprising at least two numbering units (2, 102, 202) according to one of claims 10 to 16, wherein within the numbering unit there are at least two spaced-apart rows of type wheels (16) and / or switching wheels (20), in particular wherein the rows are arranged parallel to one another.

18. Use of a numbering machine (2, 102, 202) according to one of claims 10 to 16 and / or a numbering unit according to claim 17 for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 9.

19. Document, in particular a security document, which is printed with a character string (24) deviating from a linear orientation by carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 9.

20. Document according to claim 19, characterized in that the printed character string is a serial number.

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