Hinge for security article with security element

Abstract

A connection device (1) for connecting to a data device (2) and for connecting a data device (2) to a security article comprises at least one security element (4) produced by ultrasonic welding. A data carrier (3) for a security item comprises such a connection device and at least one data device (2). A security item comprises or consists of such a data carrier (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting to a data device and for connecting a data device to a security item according to claim 1, a data carrier for a security item comprising such a connecting device according to claim 6, a security item comprising or consisting of such a data carrier according to claim 9, a method for producing a connecting device according to claim 10, and a method for producing a data carrier for a security item according to claim 14. Background Art

[0002] The connection means (such as a hinge) for connecting to a data device (such as a data page) and for connecting the data device to a security article (such as a passport) are important parts of the durability and security of the data device and the entire security article, respectively.

[0003] It is particularly challenging to produce durable connecting devices for certain data devices, such as polycarbonate data pages. For example, the connecting device must be thin and flexible, but still durable. For example, in the passport field, forced opening of the booklet is not allowed. The connecting device must withstand a lot of bending, pulling, tearing, and is very difficult to separate from the rest of the data device. However, if the connecting device is separated, the process ideally reveals the forgery, for example by leaving a mark in the data device.

[0004] Nowadays, connecting means in the form of hinges are often made of mesh fabrics consisting of synthetic materials, in particular polyester threads, whose melting point is very high and which are therefore difficult to mould. Security elements that can be used for such materials are UV fluorescent prints and monochrome threads. These security elements can be easily manipulated, for example by removing or changing the UV fluorescent print, or by removing and then reusing the coloured threads in counterfeit security articles. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a connection device for connecting to a data device and for connecting a data device to a security article which provides enhanced protection against counterfeiting and which is at the same time easy to manufacture.

[0006] This object is achieved by a connecting device according to claim 1. In particular, a connecting device for connecting to a data device and for connecting a data device to a security article is provided, wherein the connecting device comprises at least one security element and wherein the security element is produced by ultrasonic welding.

[0007] Ultrasonic welding is well known in the art and corresponds to a process using mechanical vibrations in the ultrasonic range. As is known, these vibrations generated by the welding sonotrode are used to act on at least a portion of the connection device, in particular on at least a portion of the surface of the connection device, thereby creating a safety element. To this end, it is further preferred that the connection device is placed on an anvil, as is known in the art, and wherein the sonotrode is pressed onto the connection device on the side opposite to the anvil. That is, it is preferred that the bottom surface of the connection device is located on the anvil and the sonotrode is pressed against the opposite top surface of the connection device.

[0008] Ultrasonic welding enables industrial methods to mark connecting devices, which are usually made of polymers and / or plastics, such as polyester fabrics (or other similar materials), in a fast and efficient way, thereby producing even very small details. The production of security elements in synthetic fabrics with a high melting point is usually very difficult to achieve. The security elements produced in this way are irreversible and therefore provide high security. In addition, ultrasonic welding does not impair the performance of the connecting device. In fact, ultrasonic welding does not require high temperatures, which are necessary for polyester fabrics, such as thermoforming. Therefore, despite its treatment, the material of the connecting device remains usable. In addition, ultrasonic welding is a widely used industrial technology and is an economical method for molding materials because there is no similar energy loss compared to hot stamping methods. In addition, ultrasonic welding allows the production of delicate security elements in connecting devices. The technology is fast and can be used in various process stages.

[0009] The security element preferably comprises or consists of at least one embossing and / or at least one depression and / or at least one deformation and / or at least one fusion zone.

[0010] Embossing is understood as an element comprising protrusions and / or recesses, which extend away from the surface of the connecting element. In other words, the safety element in the form of an embossing preferably has a convex appearance. The embossing is preferably produced in the top surface of the connecting device by pressing the anvil against the bottom surface of the connecting device. Depression is understood as an element comprising protrusions and / or recesses, which extend into the surface of the connecting element. In other words, the safety element in the form of a depression preferably has a sunken appearance. The depression is preferably produced in the top surface of the connecting device by pressing the sonotrode against the top surface of the connecting device. In other words, the safety element, in particular at least one surface thereof, preferably comprises a relief structure. Therefore, the safety element is preferably arranged in the surface of the connecting device.

[0011] Furthermore, depending on the energy level at which the ultrasonic welding is performed and / or the tool of the ultrasonic welding device, one or more fusion zones and / or one or more deformations are generated in the connection device, thereby also forming a safety element. That is, the ultrasonic welding can fuse or deform the material of the connection device. In fact, deformation means that at least a part of the connection device is locally deformed by losing its normal shape and / or width. Furthermore, it should be noted that the generation of deformations and / or fusion zones is possible without embossing or depressions.

[0012] Additionally, it should be noted that the fusion zone in the connection device is in a solid state. Additionally, it is preferred that the one or more fusion zones and / or one or more deformations are produced with a flat surface.

[0013] The connection device preferably also comprises at least one additional safety element produced by ultrasonic welding. The additional safety element is preferably arranged on and / or in the safety element. It is particularly preferred that the additional safety element is arranged on and / or in the fusion zone and / or deformation zone of the safety element. In fact, it is preferred that the additional safety element is arranged on and / or in the fusion zone or deformation surface of the safety element.

[0014] In case of production of an additional security element, it is preferred that the sonotrode and / or the anvil comprise additional structures which are to be embossed or recessed into the connecting device, in particular into the security element produced in the connecting device.

[0015] The additional security element preferably comprises at least one embossing and / or at least one depression and / or at least one fusion zone and / or at least one deformation.In general, the additional security element may be regarded as a security element within a security element.

[0016] The security element and / or the additional security element preferably has the shape of an image and / or alphanumeric characters. Non-exhaustive examples of images are national emblems, state flags, geometric objects such as lines, circles, etc. Non-exhaustive examples of alphanumeric characters are date of birth, name, social security number of the holder of the security article, for example, expiry date, etc.

[0017] The security element and the additional security element may be the same or different from each other. For example, the security element and the additional security element may both be national emblems. Or, as another example, the security element may be a national emblem, and the additional security element may be text, etc.

[0018] The dimensions of the additional security element are preferably smaller than those of the security element. For example, the additional security element can be a microtext in the form of a national emblem arranged in the security element. For this purpose, and as already mentioned above, it is preferred that the additional security element is arranged as an embossing and / or depression on the surface of the security element by ultrasonic welding, and that this surface preferably corresponds to one or more fusion zones of the security element also produced by ultrasonic welding.

[0019] In addition, the safety element and / or the additional safety element are preferably visible in side light and / or perspective light and / or normal light. Visible in side light means that when the connecting device is illuminated from one side of the connecting device, that is, in reflected light or side light, the safety element and / or the additional safety element can be identified by an observer. Visible in perspective light means that when the connecting device is illuminated from the side opposite to the safety element and / or the additional safety element (that is, in transmitted light), the safety element and / or the additional safety element can be identified by an observer. For example, if the (additional) safety element is arranged on the top surface of the connecting device, the illumination of the relative bottom surface of the connecting device will make the (additional) safety element identifiable. Visible in normal light means that when the connecting device is illuminated from the side where the (additional) safety element is arranged, the safety element and / or the additional safety element can be identified by an observer. For example, if the (additional) safety element is arranged on the top surface of the connecting device, the illumination of the said top surface of the connecting device will make the (additional) safety element identifiable. For this purpose, it is preferred that the (additional) safety element is configured so that its visibility in side light and / or perspective light is better than in normal light. In other words, it is preferred that the (additional) safety element is configured so that it is slightly visible in normal light, but clearly visible in side light and / or perspective light.

[0020] The safety element is preferably an integral part of the connecting device. Furthermore, the additional safety element is preferably an integral part of the safety element and / or the connecting device.

[0021] In other words, the security element is preferably formed in the connecting device itself. In other words, the security element is preferably not a separate component that is, for example, added to the connecting device (such as printed onto the connecting device). Therefore, it is preferred that the security element comprises or consists of one or more materials that the connecting device is made of.

[0022] As mentioned above, the security element is preferably produced by ultrasonic welding. The additional security element is preferably also produced by ultrasonic welding. Therefore, the security element and possibly also the additional security element can be regarded as a structural modification of the connecting element with an ultrasonic welding process.

[0023] The connecting means preferably comprises or consists of at least one or more polymers and / or one or more plastics and / or one or more fabrics, preferably comprising fibers and / or one or more layers. Additionally or alternatively, the connecting means is preferably bendable and / or flexible.

[0024] The one or more polymers and / or one or more plastics are preferably thermoplastics and / or amorphous polymers, particularly preferably polyesters and / or polyester-based polymers and / or polyolefin-based polymers and / or thermoplastic elastomers.

[0025] As mentioned above, the safety element is preferably an integral part of the connecting device. Therefore, preferably, the safety element comprises or consists of one or more polymers and / or plastics, preferably one or more thermoplastics and / or amorphous polymers, particularly preferably polyesters and / or polyester-based polymers and / or polyolefin-based polymers and / or thermoplastic elastomers, as mentioned above and explained further below.

[0026] The connecting means may be transparent or translucent or opaque.The transparent connecting means preferably comprises one or more transparent polymers and / or plastics.

[0027] The one or more fibers are preferably one or more threads and / or one or more yarns.

[0028] The connecting means may comprise or consist of a fabric, which preferably comprises fibers of one or more polymers and / or plastics. Additionally or alternatively, the connecting means may comprise one or more layers. A layer is understood to be a complete element, in contrast to a fabric which, for example, consists of threads and comprises holes or openings. For example, the connecting means may be provided by a fabric and additionally also by one or more sheets, wherein the fabric and the sheets are provided in the form of layers.

[0029] The connecting device can be various designs. For example, the connecting device can be provided in the form of a fabric, such as a nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric or a knitted fabric. It is further preferred that the fabric is provided by one or more fibers. The fiber then preferably corresponds to one or more polymers and / or one or more plastics as mentioned above. That is, it is preferred that the connecting device corresponds to a fabric formed by polymer fibers and / or plastic fibers, preferably formed by fibers of one or more thermoplastics, particularly preferably formed by fibers of polyester and / or polypropylene and / or polyurethane and / or polyester-based polymers and / or polypropylene-based polymers and / or polyurethane-based polymers. The fiber can be a monofilament or a multifilament. The diameter of the fiber is preferably between 1 micron and 500 microns, more preferably between 10 microns and 100 microns, such as between 70 microns and 80 microns. In addition, it is preferred that the connecting device in the form of a fabric includes an opening, i.e. a mesh opening. The size of the mesh opening is preferably between 10 microns and 1000 microns, more preferably between 50 microns and 500 microns, and particularly preferably about 100 microns. Furthermore, the mesh cutouts of the connection device in the form of a fabric preferably comprise between 10 threads per centimeter and 100 threads per centimeter, such as between 50 threads per centimeter and 60 threads per centimeter, for example 57 threads per centimeter.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the connecting means may comprise one or more layers. The one or more layers preferably correspond to a layer of one or more polymers and / or one or more plastics, preferably to one or more layers of thermoplastics, particularly preferably to one or more layers of polyester and / or polyester-based polymers and / or polyolefin-based polymers and / or thermoplastic elastomers as mentioned above.

[0031] The two or more layers of the connecting device are preferably connected to one another by lamination.However, production methods other than lamination are likewise conceivable.

[0032] Furthermore, it should be noted that the connection means may comprise one or more layers different from the ones just described. For example, metallic layers, colored layers, etc. may also be present, as they are known in the art.

[0033] In another aspect, a data carrier for a security article is provided, the security article being preferably a multi-page article, such as a passport, a bank passbook, a checkbook, a ticket book or an identity booklet. The data carrier comprises at least one connection device as described above and at least one data device, wherein the connection device is connected to the data device. The connection device is particularly preferably a hinge and / or the data device is particularly preferably a data page.

[0034] Any explanations made herein regarding the connecting means per se also apply to the data carrier comprising said connecting means, and vice versa.

[0035] The safety element is preferably arranged only in the connection device. In other words, the data device preferably lacks the safety element. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that at least a portion of the safety element and / or the additional safety element is located on and / or in the data device. In fact, and as will be explained in more detail below, at least a portion of the connection device can be arranged on and / or in the data device. The portion of the connection device can be referred to as the overlapping area of ​​the connection device because it overlaps with the data device. In contrast, the portion of the connection device that does not overlap with the data device can be referred to as the protruding area of ​​the connection device because it extends from the data device. Advantageously, the safety element is at least arranged in the protruding area of ​​the connection device. If the overlapping area of ​​the connection device includes at least a portion of the safety element, the portion of the safety element will be located on and / or in the data device. For example, in the case where at least a portion of the connection device is laminated inside the data device, at least a portion of the safety element can be located in the data device. It is also conceivable that the entire safety element is located in the data device, or that the safety element is not located in the data device at all. The "located" refers to the spatial arrangement. To this end, preferably, both the data device and the security article do not comprise security elements and / or additional security elements, ie the material or materials constituting the data device and / or the security article preferably lack security elements and / or additional security elements.

[0036] The data device preferably comprises or consists of one or more polymers and / or plastics, preferably one or more thermoplastics and / or amorphous polymers, particularly preferably polycarbonates and / or polycarbonate blends and / or polycarbonate coextrudates. Additionally or alternatively, the data device preferably comprises one or more layers and / or is rigidly configured.

[0037] The connection device and the data device are preferably made of different materials. In fact, it is particularly preferred that the connection device comprises or consists of polyester and / or polyester-based polymers, and the data device comprises or consists of polycarbonate and / or polycarbonate blends and / or polycarbonate coextrusions.

[0038] The data device may be transparent or translucent.The transparent data device preferably comprises one or more transparent polymers and / or plastics.

[0039] The data carrier preferably comprises one or more layers and / or is configured rigidly.

[0040] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the data device comprises one or more layers. The one or more layers preferably correspond to a layer of one or more polymers and / or one or more plastics, preferably one or more layers of thermoplastics and / or amorphous polymers, particularly preferably polycarbonates and / or polycarbonate blends and / or polycarbonate coextrudates as mentioned above.

[0041] The two or more layers of the data device are preferably connected to each other by lamination.

[0042] The connecting device is preferably at least partially embedded in the data device. In this configuration, the portion of the connecting device referred to as the overlap zone is located inside the data device. This arrangement is particularly advantageous because the overlap zone of the connecting device embedded in the data device will not be visible at the surface of the data device. The surface appearance of the data device is therefore improved. In addition, since the end of the portion of the connecting device embedded in the data device is not visible, it will be more difficult for a counterfeiter to separate the connecting device from the data device. In addition, this configuration allows the use of different technologies to produce security elements and to connect the connecting device to the data device. In particular, it is possible to use ultrasonic welding to produce security elements on the connecting device, and lamination can be used to connect the connecting device to the data device. In addition, this configuration also allows the addition of additional security features to the data device in the area of ​​the data device that overlaps with the connecting device. For example, surface embossing of the data device in the area can be produced by lamination during the lamination process.

[0043] As mentioned above, the connection device and the data device preferably comprise or consist of one or more polymers and / or plastics. The data device also preferably comprises one or more layers. The preferred connection of the connection device to the data device can be achieved by laminating at least a portion of the connection device between the layers of the data device. In addition, another conceivable connection is to laminate at least a portion of the connection device onto a surface of the data device, in particular onto a surface of a layer of the data device. However, other connections are also conceivable. For example, the connection device can be sewn or glued or otherwise attached to the data device, for example by ultrasonic welding or lamination.

[0044] Furthermore, it should be noted that the data device may comprise one or more layers different from the layers just described. For example, there may also be metallic layers, colored layers, etc., as they are known in the art.

[0045] In any case it is preferred that only a part of the connection device is connected to the data device, wherein another part of the connection device is not connected to the data device. Said unconnected part or at least a part thereof is preferably used for the purpose of connecting the connection device and thereby the data device to a security item such as a passport, for example to a cover of a passport. For this purpose, it is preferred that the unconnected part of the connection device protrudes from the data device. Said unconnected part of the connection device may be referred to as a protruding area. Advantageously, the security element is arranged at least in the protruding area of ​​the connection device.

[0046] Depending on the data device, the connection means may be visible or invisible to an observer in the area of ​​its connection to the data device. For example, if the data device is transparent, for example because it consists of transparent thermoplastic layers, the connection means embedded between these layers or attached to one of these layers will be visible. However, if the data device is opaque at least in the area of ​​its connection to the connection means, the embedded connection means will not be visible to an observer. For example, an opaque data device may be provided by a colored layer of a polymer and / or plastic, such as white polycarbonate.

[0047] On the other hand, a security article is provided, which comprises or consists of at least one data carrier as described above. The security article is preferably a multi-page article, such as a passport, a bank passbook, a checkbook, a ticket book or an identity booklet. Any explanation made herein about the connection device itself, the data carrier itself, also applies to the security article, and vice versa.

[0048] In another aspect, a method of producing a connection device for connecting to a data device and for connecting the data device to a security article is provided. The method comprises the steps of: i) providing at least one connection device, and ii) producing at least one security element in the connection device by ultrasonic welding.

[0049] The connecting device is preferably a connecting device as described above.Therefore, any explanations made herein about the connecting device itself also apply to the method of producing the connecting device, and vice versa.

[0050] The ultrasonic welding is preferably performed using an ultrasonic welding device as known in the prior art. Therefore, the method preferably further comprises the step of providing at least one ultrasonic welding device. The ultrasonic welding device preferably comprises a sonotrode and / or an anvil. It is further preferred that the sonotrode and / or anvil comprise structures to be embossed and / or recessed into the connecting device, thereby generating a security element.

[0051] Therefore, the method preferably further comprises the step of providing at least one ultrasonic welding electrode, which comprises at least one structure to be embossed and / or recessed into the connecting device, thereby generating a safety element, and / or further comprises the step of providing at least one anvil, which comprises at least one structure to be embossed and / or recessed into the connecting device, thereby generating a safety element.

[0052] It is further preferred that during the step of producing at least one security element in the connecting device by ultrasonic welding, the connecting device is in abutment and / or in direct contact with both the sonotrode and the anvil. In this way, no further material is required in addition to the connecting device to produce at least one security element in the connecting device by ultrasonic welding. This means that the step of producing at least one security element in the connecting device can be performed on the connecting device alone, without the need for a data device, and the connecting device including the at least one security element can then be attached in and / or on the data device in a subsequent step.

[0053] Preferably, a commercially available ultrasonic welding device is used, wherein it is further preferred that the ultrasonic welding device is operated with a standard setting. In fact, the safety element is preferably produced by applying vibrations. The frequency of the vibrations is preferably in the range of 1 kHz to 100 kHz, more preferably in the range of 20 kHz to 70 kHz. Additionally or alternatively, the amplitude of the vibrations is preferably in the range of 1 micrometer to 100 micrometers, more preferably in the range of 50 micrometers to 50 micrometers. The welding time is preferably in the range of 0.05 seconds to 1 second, more preferably in the range of 0.1 seconds to 0.5 seconds.

[0054] The method preferably also comprises the step of producing at least one additional security element by ultrasonic welding. As already explained above, the additional security element is preferably produced on and / or in the security element. The settings of the ultrasonic welding device for producing the additional security element preferably correspond to the settings for producing the security element. Furthermore, the security element and the additional security element are preferably produced simultaneously and / or using a common sonotrode and / or a common anvil.

[0055] On the other hand, a method for producing a data carrier for a security article such as a multi-page article is provided, wherein the method comprises the following steps: i) providing at least one connecting device, ii) providing at least one data device, and iii) producing at least one security element in the connecting device by ultrasonic welding.

[0056] The data carrier preferably corresponds to the data carrier described above.Any explanations made herein about the connection device itself, the data carrier itself and the security article itself also apply to the method of producing the connection device and / or the data carrier and / or the security article, and vice versa.

[0057] The method preferably further comprises the step of connecting the connection device to the data device, wherein the security element is generated in the connection device before or after the connection device is connected to the data device.

[0058] In case of the generation of the additional security element, it is preferred that said additional security element is also generated before and / or after the connection device is connected to the data device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0060] Figure 1a A photograph showing a connecting device comprising a safety element according to the invention;

[0061] Figure 1b Shown according to Figure 1a an enlarged view of a portion of a security element;

[0062] Figure 1c Shown according to Figure 1a Another enlarged view of a portion of a security element;

[0063] Figure 2a shows a schematic top view of a connecting device comprising a safety element according to the invention;

[0064] Figure 2b shows another schematic top view of a connecting device comprising a safety element according to the invention;

[0065] Figure 2c shows another schematic top view of a connecting device comprising a safety element according to the invention;

[0066] Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of a data carrier comprising a data device and a connecting device, the connecting device comprising a security element according to the invention;

[0067] Figure 4 shows a further schematic top view of a data carrier comprising a data device and a connecting device, the connecting device comprising a security element according to the invention;

[0068] Figure 5 A schematic partial top view of a connecting device comprising a safety element and an additional safety element is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Various aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In particular, Figures 1a to 2c A connecting device 1 in the form of a hinge is depicted, which comprises a safety element 4 according to the invention. Figure 3 and 4A data carrier 3 is depicted which comprises data means 2 in the form of a data page which is connected to connecting means 1 in the form of a hinge, wherein the hinge comprises a security element 4 according to the invention. Figure 5 A portion of a connecting device 1 in the form of a hinge is depicted, comprising a safety element 4 according to the invention and an additional safety element 5 .

[0070] The connecting device 1 of all the figures corresponds to a flexible and bendable hinge in the form of a fabric. The fabric in turn consists of a textile yarn made of polyester. In addition, a safety element 4 and an additional safety element 5 are produced in the hinge in each case by means of ultrasonic welding.

[0071] to this end, Figures 1a to 1c Photographs of polyester fabric hinges are depicted in which the safety element 4 produced by ultrasonic welding corresponds to the depression 4a generated in the top surface 6 of the hinge 1. It can also be seen from these figures that the depression 4a comprises a protrusion extending into the surface 6 of the connecting element 1, giving it a convex appearance. Here, the depression 4a has the shape of alphanumeric characters "700029989" or the like. It is easy to see from these photographs that, despite the presence of the safety element 4, the hinge 1 has not lost its technological properties. The strength of the hinge is not reduced at the level of the safety element 4, so that the safety element 4 does not constitute a breaking point for the hinge. As Figure 1c As best shown, the security element 4, 4a in the form of a recessed alphanumeric character also includes flattened and somewhat fused areas 4b, 4c. In fact, the polyester yarn has been flattened and fused together to some extent. These areas are referred to herein as fused areas 4c and deformations 4b.

[0072] As will be readily understood, the safety element 4 according to the present invention corresponds to an irreversible change in the material of the connecting element. In fact, the ultrasonic welding device used to generate the safety element 4 and the additional safety element 5 allows the generation of local energy clusters by ultrasound. Using pressure, the vibrations generated by ultrasound can permanently change the shape of the processed material. Each material has its own specific way of reacting to ultrasound. In the present invention, the mesh hinge material is reshaped to produce visually unique smooth areas 4b, 4c. The smooth areas 4b, 4c can contain very small details, depending on the tools used in the ultrasonic welding device, i.e., the tools on the ultrasonic welding pole and / or the anvil. In addition, the tool affects the visual appearance of the safety element 4 and the additional safety element 5, such as the generation of smooth areas, height, etc. In addition, and as can be seen from these photos, the safety element 4 is visible to the naked eye. However, depending on the size of the safety element 4 and the additional safety element 5, visual aids such as magnifying glasses or microscopes may be needed to observe them.

[0073] Figures 2a to 2cIt will be illustrated that the security element 4 can be produced in various designs. In fact, these figures respectively depict different orientations of the security element 4 relative to the connecting device 1, wherein Figure 2a depicts a horizontal arrangement of the security element 4, Figure 2b A vertical arrangement of the safety element 4 is depicted, and Figure 2c A diagonal arrangement of security elements 4 is depicted.

[0074] Various arrangements of the connecting device 1 in the data carrier 3 and various designs of the data carrier 3 are also conceivable. For example, Figure 3 A data carrier 3 is depicted, which comprises a data device 2 in the form of a data page, which corresponds to a plastic data page made of polycarbonate and which is not transparent, and a connecting device 1 in the form of a hinge. The hinge 1 is partially embedded in the data page 2. In other words, a part of the hinge 1 is inside the data page 2 and is therefore not visible.

[0075] Figure 4 Also depicted is a data carrier 3 comprising a data device 2 in the form of a data page and a connecting device 1 in the form of a hinge. Here, the data page 2 comprises a portion 2b made of an opaque plastic, such as opaque polycarbonate, but also a portion 2a which is a transparent window and made of a transparent plastic. Thus, a portion 1a of the hinge 1 which is embedded in the data page 1 and in the region of the transparent window 2a can be seen, which is also referred to as the overlapping area of ​​the connecting device.

[0076] Figure 5 A portion of a connection device 1 in the form of a fabric hinge is depicted, comprising a security element 4 in the form of the letter "L" and an additional security element 5 in the form of the characters "microtext" arranged entirely on the letter "L". As can be easily seen from this figure, the dimensions of the additional security element 5 are much smaller than those of the security element 4.

[0077] As can be easily seen from the figure, therefore, the security element 4 and the additional security element 5 are produced only from the material of the hinge. Furthermore, since ultrasonic welding does not require any heat, but only generates heat locally at the welding point, the hinge material remains undamaged during the other process stages. However, the security element 4 and the additional security element 5 resulting from ultrasonic welding are permanent and furthermore enable the realization of security elements 4 and additional security elements 5 of virtually any shape, such as images, letters, numbers, etc.

[0078] Reference numerals list

[0079] 1 Connecting device

[0080] 1a Part of the connection device

[0081] 2 Data Device

[0082] 2a Part of the data device

[0083] 2b Part of a data device

[0084] 3 Data carrier

[0085] 4 Security Elements

[0086] 4a Embossing

[0087] 4b Deformation

[0088] 4c Fusion Zone

[0089] 5 Additional safety elements

[0090] 6 Surface

Claims

1. A connection device (1) for connecting to a data device (2) and for connecting the data device (2) to a security article, in, The connecting device (1) comprises at least one safety element (4), Characterized in that the safety element (4) is produced by ultrasonic welding.

2. The connection device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a protruding area extending from the data device (2), the security element (4) being arranged at least in the protruding area of ​​the connection device.

3. The connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The security element (4) comprises or consists of at least one embossing and / or at least one depression (4a) and / or at least one deformation (4b) and / or at least one fusion zone (4c).

4. The connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one additional safety element (5) produced by ultrasonic welding, wherein: The additional security element (5) is arranged on the security element (4) and / or in the security element (4), and Therein, the additional safety element (5) is preferably arranged on and / or in the fusion zone and / or deformation zone of the safety element (4).

5. The connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The safety element (4) is an integral part of the connecting device (1), and Therein, the additional safety element (5) is preferably an integral component of the safety element (4) and / or the connecting device (1).

6. The connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The connecting device (1) comprises or consists of at least one of: one or more polymers, one or more plastics, one or more fabrics, preferably comprising fibers, and one or more layers, and / or Wherein, the connecting device (1) is bendable and / or flexible.

7. A data carrier (3) for a security article, preferably a multi-page article, such as a passport, a bank passbook, a checkbook, a ticket book or an identity booklet, wherein: The data carrier (3) comprises: - at least one connecting device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, and - at least one data device (2), Wherein, the connection device (1) is connected to the data device (2).

8. The data carrier (3) according to claim 7, wherein: The connection device (1) is at least partially embedded in the data device (2).

9. The data carrier (3) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The safety element (4) is only arranged in the connecting device (1), and / or Therein, at least a part of the security element (4) and / or the additional security element (5) is located on and / or in the data device (2).

10. The data carrier (3) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: The data device (2) comprises or consists of: one or more polymers and / or plastics, preferably one or more thermoplastics and / or amorphous polymers, particularly preferably polycarbonate and / or polycarbonate blends and / or polycarbonate coextrudates, and / or Therein, the data device (2) comprises one or more layers and / or is rigidly configured.

11. A security article comprising or consisting of at least one data carrier (3) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, the security article being preferably a multi-page article such as a passport, a bank passbook, a checkbook, a ticket book or an identity booklet.

12. A method for producing a connection device (1) for connecting to a data device (2) and for connecting the data device (2) to a security article, the connection device (1) preferably being a connection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and comprising the following steps: - providing at least one connecting device (1), and - producing at least one security element (4) in the connecting device (1) by ultrasonic welding.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of providing at least one sonotrode, said at least one sonotrode comprising at least one structure to be embossed and / or recessed into the connecting device (1), thereby generating a security element (4), and / or It also comprises the step of providing at least one anvil comprising at least one structure to be embossed and / or recessed into the connecting device (1), thereby generating a security element (4).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The safety element (4) is produced by applying vibrations having a frequency in the range of 1 kHz to 100 kHz, preferably in the range of 20 kHz to 70 kHz, and / or wherein the security element (4) is produced by applying vibrations having an amplitude in the range of 1 μm to 100 μm, preferably in the range of 5 μm to 50 μm, and / or Therein, the safety element (4) is produced during a welding time in the range of 0.05 seconds to 1 second, preferably in the range of 0.1 seconds to 0.5 seconds.

15. Method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising the step of producing at least one additional security element (5) by ultrasonic welding, in, The additional security element (5) is generated on and / or in the security element (4), and The safety element (4) and the additional safety element (5) are preferably produced simultaneously and / or using a common sonotrode and / or anvil.

16. A method for producing a data carrier (3) for a security article, such as a multi-page article, the data carrier (3) preferably corresponding to a data carrier (3) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein: The method comprises the following steps: - providing at least one connecting device (1); - producing at least one security element (4) in the connecting device (1) by ultrasonic welding; and - providing at least one data device (2); The security element (4) is generated in the connecting device (1) before the connecting device (1) is connected to the data device (2).

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