Data carrier with clear effect

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a data carrier (1) comprising at least one target element (2) includes the following steps: i) arranging a processing layer (3) and a background layer (4) above each other; ii) irradiating the processing layer (3) with electromagnetic radiation (R), wherein the processing layer (3) at the spraying area of ​​the electromagnetic radiation (R) is cut and sealed to the background layer (4); and iii) removing the processing layer (3) after irradiation with electromagnetic radiation (R), wherein the remaining portion (5) of the processing layer (3) sealed to the background layer (4) remains on the background layer (4), thereby forming at least one target element (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a data carrier comprising a target element according to claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] Data carriers for security products (such as smart cards, bank cards, ID cards, driver's licenses, passports, etc.) are well-known in the field. A common way to protect such data carriers from counterfeiting is by using elements formed within the data carrier that support authentication testing. For example, transparent or translucent elements can be formed within the data carrier and can be controlled by the customer's office. This is typically achieved by incorporating transparent or translucent elements into polycarbonate cards and data pages using most transparent plastics, for example, in a so-called pick-and-place insertion process. However, such manufacturing is cumbersome and associated with low production volumes and high costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a data carrier comprising at least one target element (such as a transparent element or a translucent element), which enables the data carrier to be manufactured in high volume and at low cost.

[0004] This objective is achieved by the method according to claim 1. That is, a method for manufacturing a data carrier is provided, wherein the data carrier includes at least one target element. The method includes the steps of: i) arranging a processing layer and a background layer one above the other; ii) irradiating the processing layer with electromagnetic radiation, wherein the processing layer is cut and sealed to the background layer at the irradiation area of ​​the electromagnetic radiation; and iii) removing the processing layer after irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, wherein the remaining portion of the processing layer sealed to the background layer remains on the background layer, thereby forming at least one target element.

[0005] Steps i) to iii) are preferably consecutive steps.

[0006] That is, the method according to the invention is based on the understanding that a cutting process (particularly a laser cutting process) can be used to: a) cut at least a portion of the processing layer; and b) seal the cut portion to the underlying background layer; and c) allow the removal of portions not sealed to the processing layer from the processing layer. In this way, a target element can be formed in a data carrier, wherein the target element is at least partially defined or defined by the remaining portion of the processing layer that remains sealed to the background layer.

[0007] The target element is preferably defined or defined at least partially by the remaining portion of the processed layer, and / or includes or is composed of at least a portion of the background layer. Additionally or alternatively, the shape of the target element preferably corresponds to the shape of a removable portion of the processed layer removed from the background layer.

[0008] Therefore, it is preferable that the cutting path or cutting trajectory of the electromagnetic radiation irradiating the processing layer defines the desired shape or contour of the target element, so that the target element is separated from the processing layer when the processing layer is removed from the background layer.

[0009] In other words, the target element is preferably manufactured by forming a boundary element in the processing layer when electromagnetic radiation from an electromagnetic radiation source irradiates the processing layer, wherein the electromagnetic radiation cuts the processing layer and seals it to a background layer. In this way, a boundary element is formed in the processing layer, corresponding to the remaining portion of the processing layer defined by a cut and the cutting path or trajectory of the irradiated electromagnetic radiation. When the processing layer is removed, the portion of the processing layer outside the boundary element is removed from the background layer, while the remaining portion of the processing layer remains on the background layer. Therefore, the boundary element can be considered as the remaining portion of the processing layer retained on the background layer.

[0010] Therefore, the target element, especially the shape of the target element, is preferably defined by the contour of the boundary element.

[0011] In other words, electromagnetic radiation irradiation onto the processed layer can be viewed as dividing the processed layer into a removable portion and a remaining portion. When removing the processed layer, the removable portion of the processed layer formed outside the boundary element is removed from the background layer, leaving the remaining portion of the processed layer on the background layer.

[0012] Therefore, the target element can be considered as part of the background layer, from which the processing layer has been removed.

[0013] The cutting trajectory or cutting path can be formed by moving an electromagnetic radiation source relative to the processing layer and the background layer. Alternatively, the cutting trajectory or cutting path can be formed by moving the direction in which the electromagnetic radiation is irradiated onto the processing layer. Alternatively, the cutting path or cutting trajectory can be formed by moving the processing layer and the background layer relative to the electromagnetic radiation source.

[0014] It should be noted that a single target element can be formed. However, it is equally conceivable to form two or more target elements. The explanation of the target element herein preferably applies equally to two or more target elements, and vice versa.

[0015] The shape and / or position of the target element on the data carrier are preferably arbitrary.

[0016] That is, since electromagnetic radiation can arbitrarily irradiate the processing layer, various cutting shapes can be generated at different locations on the processing layer. Therefore, the shape and / or position of the target element within the data carrier are also arbitrary. For example, the target element can be in the edge region of the data carrier, or far from the edge region of the data carrier, such as entirely within the data carrier. The target element can have shapes such as images and / or alphanumeric characters.

[0017] The target element and / or background layer are preferably at least partially transparent.

[0018] That is, the method according to the invention allows the generation of so-called transparent elements, i.e., perspective elements such as window elements. These transparent elements can be surrounded by opaque material, can correspond to transparent elements on the edges of data carriers, or can be any other geometric combination, such as transparent and opaque portions.

[0019] It is also possible to generate so-called semi-transparent elements, for example, when an opaque layer is behind a target element in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the data carrier and that layer has not been cut or otherwise removed. Such semi-transparent elements can be formed from an uncut white layer, or by arbitrarily cutting into a white material region within the aforementioned "transparent element," etc. Therefore, the present invention allows for the generation of semi-transparent and / or transparent elements (such as window elements), which in a sense is the opposite of methods known in the prior art, i.e., the present invention allows for the generation of opaque areas within a transparent body, rather than the generation of transparent areas (windows) within an opaque body.

[0020] That is, this invention allows for several applications: one application is that clear edges can be formed in the data carrier, with or without additional window elements. Another application is that transparent and opaque areas are arranged within the data carrier. For example, in the latter application, the desired element could be the letter "O" or a ring, where the circular shape is transparent and both the exterior and interior are opaque. In this case, the transparent area can be surrounded by the opaque area and thus constitute a window element, but it can also be located in the edge region of the data carrier.

[0021] The background layer and / or processing layer preferably comprise at least one polymer and / or plastic or consist of at least one polymer and / or plastic, preferably thermoplastic, particularly preferably polycarbonate and / or polyvinyl chloride and / or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0022] That is, the background layer and / or processing layer may comprise or be composed of at least one polymer and / or plastic, particularly at least one thermoplastic plastic. As initially mentioned, the background layer is preferably at least partially transparent. That is, the background layer may be partially transparent or completely transparent. Therefore, it is preferred that the background layer comprises or is composed of at least one partially or completely transparent polymer and / or plastic. Examples of such partially or completely transparent polymers and / or plastics are, for example, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene (PE).

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the target element and / or background layer are opaque at least in the area.

[0024] The processing layer is preferably opaque. That is, the processing layer preferably comprises or is composed of at least one opaque polymer and / or plastic. Examples of such opaque polymers and / or plastics are, for example, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene (PE).

[0025] That is, many options can be envisioned for the background layer and the processing layer, where these layers play different types of roles. For example, the background layer can be at least partially or completely transparent, and the processing layer can be at least partially or completely opaque. However, it is also conceivable that the background layer is opaque, and the processing layer incorporates a different or opaque material (such as a material of a different color), which is visible from the outside of the data carrier and / or covers one or more areas on the background layer in a semi-transparent manner. For example, at least a portion of the processing layer can be configured as a protective element (e.g., resisting light or some mechanical stress), or combinations thereof can produce some desired effect.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, for example, one or more sheets of the cut processing layer may be arranged in the data carrier to provide additional thickness to fill some voids in the layer structure during the lamination of the data carrier. In this case, it is preferable that both layers (i.e., the background layer and the processing layer) are transparent.

[0027] That is, it is conceivable that the background layer and the processing layer have opposite opacities and translucency, or one or both of these layers may be translucent, and in a sense, have a transmittance falling between transparent (e.g., plastic) and opaque (e.g., plastic; such as white) in at least some wavelength ranges, or one or both of these layers may have undergone surface treatment (e.g., coating) to introduce further visual / optical functions. In other words, it is conceivable that the background layer and / or the processing layer comprise or consist of transparent or colored materials, wherein the coloring may refer to substrate characteristics or the result of surface treatment. The coloring may be an optical characteristic in some wavelength range, and / or the degree of coloring may range from “colored” translucency to some color opacity.

[0028] As an illustration, it is conceivable to produce window-like elements in which at least some opaque layers are cut to have openings, and the cut and sealed element produced in the method according to the invention is positioned to at least partially overlap with the area to provide additional material to fill the openings during the lamination step. It is also conceivable that, in the case of coating some material layers that are sensitive to material flow when heated (e.g., during the lamination step), it may be advantageous to provide a compensating layer for such elements; that is, to provide a layer of substantially similar thickness with openings for the more sensitive material to limit material flow and deformation during heating (lamination step).

[0029] The thickness of the background layer relative to the direction of extension of the data carrier is preferably between 10 micrometers and 1000 micrometers, for example between 10 micrometers and 500 micrometers, and more preferably between 50 micrometers and 150 micrometers.

[0030] The thickness of the processing layer relative to the direction of extension of the data carrier is preferably between 30 micrometers and 1000 micrometers, for example between 30 micrometers and 100 micrometers, such as about 50 micrometers.

[0031] The extension direction of the data carrier is preferably perpendicular to the lateral direction of the data carrier. In the final data carrier, the extension direction can be regarded as vertical and the lateral direction can be regarded as horizontal.

[0032] The processing layer is preferably opaque. Additionally or alternatively, the remainder of the processing layer is preferably configured as an external barrier toward the data carrier, particularly visually blocking at least a portion of the background layer.

[0033] That is, the remaining portion of the processing layer is preferably configured to block outwards, particularly visually blocking at least a portion of the background layer. In other words, the remaining portion of the processing layer preferably covers or hides a portion of the background layer from the outside of the data carrier, such that said portion of the background layer is invisible to the observer of the data carrier.

[0034] The visual obstruction is preferably achieved through an opaque processing layer.

[0035] Therefore, and as previously mentioned, the target element can be considered as part of the background layer from which the processing layer has been removed. In other words, the target element preferably comprises or consists of a portion of the background layer that is not obscured by the remaining opaque processing layer.

[0036] The processing layer and the background layer are preferably arranged adjacent to each other, one above the other. Additionally or alternatively, in the absence of any additional sealing elements, and especially in the absence of any adhesive elements, the processing layer is preferably sealed to the background layer.

[0037] The fact that the processing layer and the background layer are arranged adjacently above and below each other means that these layers are preferably in surface contact with each other. In practice, it is preferred that the processing layer is arranged above the background layer, and that the lower surface of the processing layer is in surface contact with the upper surface of the background layer.

[0038] Furthermore, the sealing between the processed layer and the background layer is preferably achieved solely through electromagnetic radiation irradiation and the resulting melting of the processed layer.

[0039] In the final data carrier, the background layer is preferably a continuous layer and / or extends along the entire width of the data carrier when viewed in the lateral direction. Additionally or alternatively, in the final data carrier, the remaining portion of the processing layer forms intermittent processing when viewed in the lateral direction.

[0040] In the final data carrier (i.e., once the processing layer has been removed from the background layer), the background layer is preferably a continuous layer that has no recesses or holes when viewed in the lateral direction of the data carrier.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, when viewed along the lateral direction of the data carrier, the background layer preferably extends along the entire width of the final data carrier. That is, the background layer preferably extends all the way to the edge region of the data carrier.

[0042] It should be noted that the final data carrier may include two or more processing layers and / or two or more background layers arranged vertically to each other relative to the direction of extension. The layers may be arranged alternately, with the processing layer following the background layer or vice versa, or the layers may be arranged non-alternatingly, such as two processing layers arranged vertically to each other.

[0043] Furthermore, the two or more processing layers and / or the two or more background layers may be identical or different from each other. For example, the final data carrier may include two processing layers disposed above the background layer, wherein one processing layer covers a larger area of ​​the background layer, for example, only the edges of the data carrier are sharp, while the other processing layer covers a smaller area of ​​the background layer and is intended for adding small blocks of processing layers, for example, including one or more additional elements or properties (such as optical properties). In this case, the two processing layers are considered to be different from each other in terms of their area extension, the presence of window elements, and optical properties. Of course, other differences are also conceivable.

[0044] Since a portion of the processing layer is removed during the manufacturing of the data carrier, while a portion of the processing layer remains on the background layer when the processing layer is removed from the background layer, the remaining portion of the processing layer can be regarded as an intermittent layer in the final data carrier when viewed along the lateral direction of the data carrier.

[0045] The processed layer is preferably cut and sealed to the background layer simultaneously. Additionally or alternatively, the processed layer is preferably cut by ablation, and / or the processed layer in the area of ​​electromagnetic radiation spray is preferably melted and thereby sealed to the background layer.

[0046] That is, preferably, the electromagnetic radiation irradiation onto the processing layer simultaneously cuts and seals the processing layer in the spraying area where the electromagnetic radiation is irradiated onto the background layer.

[0047] The electromagnetic radiation is preferably laser radiation. Furthermore, it is preferred that the laser radiation causes ablation of the processed layer at the spraying area, particularly laser ablation.

[0048] Therefore, it is particularly preferred that electromagnetic radiation cuts, in particular ablates, only the processed layer, while leaving the background layer intact.

[0049] Therefore, cutting the processing layer by electromagnetic radiation can be regarded as kissing, especially laser kissing of the processing layer.

[0050] Furthermore, the laser radiation preferably melts the processed layer at the spraying area, thereby sealing the processed layer to the background layer. Particularly preferred is that laser ablation and melting occur simultaneously.

[0051] Therefore, in a sense, generating a target element in a data carrier can be viewed as generating a sealing effect of laser in a kissing mode, where the laser only cuts the processing layer without cutting the background layer, and the heat of the laser seals the cut edge of the processing layer onto the background layer. Then, when the processing layer is removed, the sealed cut edge detaches from the "skeleton side" of the processing layer, thereby allowing the cut element (i.e., the remaining portion of the processing layer defined by the boundary element) to attach to the background layer.

[0052] However, other techniques can also be applied. For example, US welding can be used instead of the cutting and attaching described above, or stamping and attaching can be performed using heat.

[0053] The background layer and / or processing layer are preferably provided in roll or sheet form. Additionally or alternatively, the background layer and / or processing layer are preferably processed using a roll-to-roll, sheet-to-sheet, or roll-to-sheet process.

[0054] That is, the processing layer and / or background layer are preferably provided in the form of a roller and removed from the roller during the manufacture of the data carrier. It is also preferred that the processing layer and / or background layer are provided in the form of a sheet.

[0055] For this purpose, various processing methods can be envisioned. For example, the background layer and / or processing layer can be processed in roll-to-roll, sheet-to-sheet, or roll-to-sheet processes, as are well known in the art.

[0056] In fact, any such process is conceivable, as long as the cutting, such as laser cutting, can cut off portions of the processed layer and seal at least these portions to the background layer, so that the former can be removed / pulled away while the cut portions remain attached to the background layer.

[0057] In any case, the processing layer and the background layer are preferably arranged vertically relative to each other before electromagnetic radiation irradiation. For this purpose, it is particularly preferred that the processing layer is arranged above the background layer relative to the processing direction, with the lower surface of the processing layer facing the upper surface of the background layer. Then, electromagnetic radiation is preferably irradiated onto the upper surface of the processing layer, which is arranged opposite to the lower surface of the processing layer.

[0058] During a roll-to-roll, roll-to-sheet, or sheet-to-sheet process in which the processing layer and the background layer are arranged one above the other, the processing layer and the background layer preferably move relative to the electromagnetic radiation source, and thus move relative to the irradiation of electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic radiation source.

[0059] Before and / or during and / or after electromagnetic radiation is applied to the processed layer, the processed layer and the background layer are preferably in surface contact with each other, particularly preferably due to static forces.

[0060] After exposure to electromagnetic radiation, the processing layer is preferably removed from the background layer.

[0061] After exposure to electromagnetic radiation, the processing layer is preferably removed from the background layer by unwinding and / or in roll form.

[0062] That is, after being irradiated by electromagnetic radiation, the processing layer can be unwound from the background layer, for example, in roll form.

[0063] Then, preferably, the background layer and the remainder of the processing layer disposed thereon are divided to generate "units" of the desired size. The smaller units of the background layer thus formed and the remainder of the processing layer preferably constitute so-called inlay elements or semi-finished elements for the carrier body or card body, as is well known in the card industry, and further see below. For this purpose, it is particularly preferred that the background layer and the remainder of the processing layer disposed thereon are divided into specific dimensions associated with the end use of the data carrier.

[0064] Preferably, the background layer and the processing layer are separated after irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, and particularly preferably after the processing layer is removed from the background layer.

[0065] Preferably, the remaining portions of the background layer and the processing layer are incorporated into the carrier body after separation. The carrier body preferably comprises or consists of one or more layers, which preferably comprise or consist of at least one of the following: paper-based compound, paperboard-based compound, metal compound, plastic, or polymer.

[0066] That is, preferably, the background layer and the remaining portion of the processing layer are combined (e.g., laminated) into a carrier body comprising one or more layers or consisting of one or more layers.

[0067] The one or more layers of the carrier body preferably comprise or consist of polymers and / or plastics as previously mentioned with respect to the background layer and the processing layer.

[0068] Additionally or alternatively, the carrier body may include one or more layers comprising or composed of one or more paper-based compounds and / or one or more paperboard-based compounds.

[0069] The layers of the carrier body are preferably arranged vertically relative to each other with respect to the direction of extension and / or preferably connected to each other in a manner known in the art. For example, if the carrier body comprises two or more layers comprising or composed of polymers and / or plastics, the two or more layers can be connected to each other via lamination. However, other types of connection methods are also conceivable. For example, layers of paper-based compounds can be glued together.

[0070] The carrier body preferably corresponds to a card body known in the card industry.

[0071] Therefore, it is particularly preferred that the remaining portions of the background layer and the processing layer correspond to the inlay elements or semi-finished elements that are laminated into the carrier body, particularly into the card body.

[0072] This state preferably provides the final data carrier.

[0073] At least one additional target element is preferably formed by at least one additional processing layer. In the final data carrier, when viewed along the extension direction of the data carrier, the target element and the additional target element can be arranged to overlap or at least partially offset relative to each other. In particular, when viewed along the extension direction of the data carrier, the remaining portions of the processing layer and the remaining portions of the additional processing layer can be arranged to overlap or at least partially offset relative to each other. For this purpose, it is preferred to arrange the processing layer on the upper surface of the background layer and the additional processing layer on the lower surface of the background layer, wherein the target element is associated with the upper surface of the background layer and the additional target element is associated with the lower surface of the background layer. However, it is also conceivable to provide at least one additional background layer, wherein the additional processing layer is arranged on the additional background layer.

[0074] Depending on the arrangement of the target element relative to another target element, or the arrangement of a background layer including the remainder of the processing layer relative to another background layer including the remainder of another processing layer, different appearances or visual effects can be generated in the data carrier.

[0075] The data carrier is preferably part of or constitutes a security product, such as a smart card, bank card, ID card, driver's license, passport, etc.

[0076] Data carriers that are part of a security product can be data carriers integrated into the passport pages of a passport.

[0077] The data carriers that constitute security products can be in the form of smart cards, ID cards, driver's licenses, bank cards, etc.

[0078] Data carriers or security articles may include additional components known in the art. For example, a data carrier and / or security article may include one or more security elements. Examples of security elements are images and / or alphanumeric characters, such as an image or name of the holder of the data carrier. The security elements may be provided in the form of printing, embossing, debossing, ablation, etc., as known in the art. Attached Figure Description

[0079] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention and not to limit them. In the drawings,

[0080] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a method for manufacturing a data carrier according to the present invention is shown;

[0081] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view is shown of a data carrier manufactured in accordance with the method according to the invention, wherein the data carrier includes target elements;

[0082] Figure 3 A photograph is shown of a data carrier manufactured according to the method of the present invention, wherein the data carrier includes another target element;

[0083] Figure 4 A photograph is shown of a data carrier manufactured according to the method of the present invention, wherein the data carrier includes another target element;

[0084] Figure 5 A photograph is shown of a data carrier manufactured in accordance with the method according to the invention, wherein the data carrier includes other target elements. Detailed Implementation

[0085] Various aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] That is, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a data carrier 1 including at least one target element 2. For this purpose, without any sealing element, a processing layer 3 is arranged directly above a background layer 4, see [reference needed]. Figure 1 Then, electromagnetic radiation R is irradiated onto the processing layer 3, where the processing layer 3 is cut and sealed to the background layer 4 at the spraying area of ​​the electromagnetic radiation R. In fact, the processing layer 3 is simultaneously cut and melted by ablation, thereby sealing to the background layer 4 at the spraying area of ​​the electromagnetic radiation R. After irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, the processing layer 3 is removed from the background layer 4. The remaining portion 5 of the processing layer 3 sealed to the background layer 4 remains on the background layer 4, thereby forming the target element 2. That is, the target element 2 can be considered as part of the background layer 2 from which the processing layer 3 has been removed. In the depicted example, both the background layer 4 and the processing layer 3 are provided in roll form and processed by a roll-to-roll process. After irradiation with electromagnetic radiation R, the processing layer 3 is removed from the background layer 4 by unwinding and in roll form.

[0087] like Figure 1 As shown, the target element 2 is at least partially defined or defined by the remaining portion 5 of the processing layer 3, wherein the shape of the target element 2 corresponds to the shape of the removable portion 6 of the processing layer 3 removed from the background layer 4.

[0088] The background layer 4 and the remaining portion 5 of the processing layer 3 correspond here to an inlay element or semi-finished element, which is incorporated into the carrier body 7 of the data carrier 1. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 For example from Figure 2Furthermore, it is concluded that the carrier body 7 comprises several layers arranged vertically to each other relative to the extending direction E of the data carrier 1. Figure 2 In the depicted example, the carrier body 7 includes the remaining portions 5, 5a of the processed layers 3, 3a arranged on the upper surface 8 and lower surface 9 of the background layer 4. That is, the data carrier 1 includes a first target element 2 associated with the upper surface 8 of the background layer 4 and a second target element 2a associated with the lower surface 9 of the background layer 4. Furthermore, the carrier body 7 includes a top layer 10 arranged on the remaining portion 5 of the upper processed layer 3 and a bottom layer 11 arranged on the remaining portion 5a of the lower processed layer 3a. The top layer 10 and the bottom layer 11 constitute the top side 12 and bottom side 13 of the data carrier 1, respectively. In this final data carrier 1, the background layer 4 is a continuous layer that extends along the entire width of the data carrier 1 when viewed in the lateral direction T of the data carrier 1, which is perpendicular to the extension direction E of the data carrier 1. However, when viewed in the lateral direction T of the data carrier 1, the remaining portions 5, 5a of the processed layers 3, 3a are intermittent.

[0089] In the example depicted, background layer 4 is transparent, while processing layers 3 and 3a are opaque.

[0090] When the remaining portions 5 and 5a of the processing layers 3 and 3a overlap each other with respect to the extending direction E of the data carrier, that is, when these remaining portions 5 and 5a are arranged to overlap each other, target elements 2 and 2a in the form of transparent elements are formed. When these remaining portions 5 and 5a do not overlap, that is, when viewed along the extending direction of the data carrier, they are at least partially offset from each other, target elements in the form of semi-transparent elements are formed.

[0091] Therefore, the method according to the invention allows for the formation of a single opaque element (such as a white element) within a translucent structure, resulting in a floating effect. However, many other designs and arrangements of the target elements 2, 2a are conceivable. For example, Figure 3 An example is a data carrier 1, which includes a target element 2 in the form of a clear edge region 14 of the data carrier. Figure 4 An example is a data carrier 1, which includes target elements 2, 2a in the form of a clear edge region 14 and a transparent window element arranged within the data carrier. Figure 5 An example of a data carrier 1 that can be manufactured is shown, which includes target elements 2, 2a of arbitrary shape and located at any position on and / or within the data carrier 1.

[0092] List of reference numerals

[0093]

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a data carrier (1), The data carrier (1) mentioned therein includes at least one target element (2). and The method includes the following steps: - Arrange the processing layer (3) and the background layer (4) vertically; - Electromagnetic radiation (R) is irradiated onto the processing layer (3), wherein the processing layer (3) at the spraying area of ​​the electromagnetic radiation (R) is cut and sealed to the background layer (4); and - After the irradiation by the electromagnetic radiation (R), the processing layer (3) is removed, wherein the remaining portion (5) of the processing layer (3) sealed to the background layer (4) is retained on the background layer (4), thereby forming the at least one target element (2).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the target element (2) is at least partially defined or defined by the remaining portion (5) of the processing layer (3), and / or includes or is composed of at least a portion of the background layer (4), and / or The shape of the target element (2) corresponds to the shape of the removable portion (6) of the processing layer (3) removed from the background layer (4).

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shape and / or position of the target element (2) on the data carrier (1) is arbitrary.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target element (2) and / or the background layer (4) is at least partially transparent, and / or The target element (2) and / or the background layer (4) are opaque at least in the area.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the background layer (4) and / or the processing layer (3) comprises or is composed of at least one polymer and / or plastic, preferably a thermoplastic, particularly preferably polycarbonate and / or polyvinyl chloride and / or polyethylene terephthalate.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing layer (3) is opaque, and / or The remaining portion (5) of the processing layer (3) is configured to block the outside of the data carrier (1), particularly visually blocking at least a portion of the background layer (4).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing layer (3) and the background layer (4) are arranged adjacent to each other vertically, and / or In the absence of any additional sealing elements, particularly in the absence of any adhesive elements, the processed layer (3) is sealed to the background layer (4).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the final data carrier (1), the background layer (4) is a continuous layer and / or extends along the entire width of the data carrier (1) when viewed along the lateral direction (T) of the data carrier (1), and / or In the final data carrier (1), when viewed along the lateral direction (T) of the data carrier (1), the remaining portion (5) of the processing layer (3) forms an intermittent processing layer (3).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processed layer (3) is simultaneously cut and sealed to the background layer (4), and / or At least one of the processed layers (3) is cut by ablation, and the processed layer (3) at the spray area of ​​the electromagnetic radiation (R) is melted and thus sealed to the background layer (4).

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the background layer (4) and / or the processing layer (3) are provided in the form of a roll or a sheet, and / or are processed by a roll-to-roll process, a sheet-to-sheet process or a roll-to-sheet process.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein after the irradiation by electromagnetic radiation (R), the processed layer (3) is removed from the background layer (4) by unwinding and / or in roll form.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the background layer (4) and the processing layer (3) are preferably separated after the irradiation by the electromagnetic radiation (R), and particularly preferably after the processing layer (3) is removed from the background layer (4).

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the remaining portion (5) of the background layer (4) and the processing layer (3) is preferably incorporated into the carrier body (7) after being divided, and wherein the carrier body (7) preferably comprises or consists of one or more layers, which preferably comprise or consist of at least one of the following: Paper-based compounds, cardboard-based compounds, metal compounds, plastics, or polymers.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one additional target element (2a) is formed by at least one additional processing layer (3a), and In the final data carrier (1), when viewed along the extension direction (E) of the data carrier (1), the target element (2) and the other target element (2a) are arranged to overlap or at least partially offset relative to each other.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data carrier (1) is part of or constitutes a security article, such as a smart card, bank card, ID card, driver's license, passport, etc.

Images