Laminating tool and laminating device as well as method for laminating several layers arranged in a stack

Abstract

Laminating tool for a laminating device (31) for laminating several layers arranged in a stack (36) to form a laminate composite, comprising an embossing plate (12) for supporting the stack (36), a support structure (17) and a carrier plate (16), wherein the support structure (17) is provided between the embossing plate (12) and the carrier plate (16), which is surrounded by an outwardly closed outer wall (19) and forms a closed inner volume with the embossing plate (12) and carrier plate (16), and comprising at least one inlet (21) and one outlet (22) for supplying and discharging a medium flowing through the inner volume, characterized in that the carrier plate (16), the support structure (17), the embossing plate (12) and the outer wall (19) are designed as a monolithic component, and that the outer wall (19) is designed as an elastic membrane.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a laminating tool for a laminating device as well as a laminating device for laminating layers arranged in a stack as well as a method for laminating several layers arranged in a stack to form a laminate composite.

[0002] The production of a laminated composite, such as an identification card, credit card, or a personalized data page for book-like documents, consisting of several superimposed layers that are firmly bonded together after lamination, is carried out by a laminating unit of a sheet lamination machine, which comprises an upper and a lower die. So-called press plates are attached to this upper and lower die. A press pad, for example made of felt, is placed on this press plate before a stack consisting of several layers is placed on the press pad. Subsequently, another press pad is placed on top of the stack, so that the press plate attached to the upper die rests on it during the lamination process.The insertion of the pressure pads is done to compensate for a tilted stack or local unevenness in the stack and to apply a uniform surface pressure to the laminate composite.

[0003] This manufacturing process has the disadvantage of requiring increased energy to heat and cool the pressure pads. Furthermore, the pressure plates on the top and bottom of the laminating machine must also be heated and cooled, in addition to the pressure pads themselves. Moreover, the lamination process is more time-consuming and expensive, as the pressure pads need to be replaced regularly due to wear and tear.

[0004] From DE 10 2010 031 421 A1, a laminating device for laminating a multi-layer document is known, comprising two laminating plates between which the document can be positioned. The laminating plates include electrical connections for heating them. Opposite the plates are labyrinth plates, which have a circumferential rim and include a number of ribs to create a meandering channel between a coolant inlet and outlet of the labyrinth plate. The laminating plates are electrically heated, and subsequently, after lamination, the document is cooled with a coolant, preferably a cooling liquid.

[0005] From US patent 2002 / 0189755 A1, a laminating device with an upper and lower laminating plate is further disclosed, between which a multi-layered document can be arranged. Each of the laminating plates has an inlet and an outlet for guiding a cooling medium through a meandering channel. Additionally, electrical heating elements are arranged in each of the two laminating plates.

[0006] From DE 199 20 577 C1, a diaphragm press is known which has an upper press table and a lower press table that is movable relative to it. A frame is provided on the upper press table. An inlet and outlet are attached to the frame, which is arranged between a first and a second diaphragm. After the lower press table is brought together with the upper press table and an elastic diaphragm that covers the workpiece, the resulting pressure chamber can be pressurized with a fluid.

[0007] From DE 100 48 974 A1 an analogous multi-part embodiment of an upper and lower press table is known, between which a heating plate with a workpiece resting on it is positioned for its subsequent lamination.

[0008] From DE 10 2004 033 540 A1, a membrane press for workpieces to be coated with a thin coating material is also known. Two fluid-fillable membranes are provided on the upper press table. After the press is closed by the upper and lower press tables, a working medium can act on the membrane press, so that the membrane is acted upon to grind around the workpiece and bond the coating material to the workpiece.

[0009] From DE 102 27 649 A1, a plate press for the production of multi-layered, plate-shaped products using collapsible press plates is known. The lower press plate comprises an insulating layer and pressure pad segments resting on it to ensure uniform pressure distribution. A heating plate rests on these pressure pad segments, and a press plate rests on this heating plate.

[0010] German patent DE 41 28 024 A1 discloses a continuously operating double-belt press designed for the production of material webs. US patents 5 891 291 A and DE 10 2005 050 118 A1 should also be mentioned.

[0011] The invention aims to provide a laminating tool that enables rapid heating and cooling for the lamination process and compensates for local unevenness in the stack. Furthermore, the invention aims to propose a laminating device that facilitates the simple lamination of a stack consisting of multiple layers. Finally, the invention aims to propose a method for laminating multiple layers arranged in a stack, enabling fast process and cycle times.

[0012] The problem underlying the invention is solved by a laminating tool for a laminating device, which has an embossing plate and a carrier plate, between which a support structure, in particular a rib- or web-shaped support structure, is provided, wherein the support structure is surrounded by an outer wall and forms a closed internal volume with the embossing plate and the carrier plate and is permeable to a medium via at least one inlet and at least one outlet. Such a laminating tool has the advantage that instead of an embossing pad, such as felt, and a press plate, only one component is required which fulfills the same functions. In addition, the inertial masses can be reduced, resulting in rapid heating and cooling of the laminating tool. Preferably, the laminating device is a continuous lamination system.The embossing plate of the laminating tool has at least one stamping surface surrounded by a membrane. Such a laminating tool allows for heating and cooling using a flowable medium. Simultaneously, the heating and cooling medium can also generate the necessary pressure within the laminating tool. The stamping surface can also be applied to the stack of layers to exert additional pressure, thus compensating for local unevenness and / or a tilted stack.

[0013] The carrier plate, the supporting structure, the outer wall surrounding the supporting structure, and the embossing plate are designed as a monolithic component. Preferably, such a component is manufactured using a 3D printing process. This can be achieved, for example, through laser sintering or laser melting. This allows the supporting structure to have a multitude of recesses, openings, flow channels, or the like, enabling a medium for heating and / or cooling the laminating tool to flow between the carrier plate and the embossing plate. In particular, the design of the supporting structure allows for a high flow rate of the medium.

[0014] The embossing plate, the carrier plate, and the supporting structure are preferably made of metal, especially titanium or precious metal. These are metals with particularly good thermal conductivity. Furthermore, they offer the advantage of being resistant to a wide variety of possible heating and / or cooling media that may be used.

[0015] Preferably, the embossing plate is thicker than the carrier plate. This allows a high pressure load to be applied to the stack and ensures a uniform force distribution across the stack.

[0016] The outer wall surrounding the supporting structure is designed as an elastic membrane. For example, a flexible metal foil can be used. Metals or metal alloys with good thermal conductivity are preferred. This allows for a certain degree of elasticity with respect to the thickness of the laminating tool.

[0017] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the support structure consists of a plurality of webs or ribs which have recesses, free spaces, and / or openings in the flow direction between the at least one inlet and at least one outlet spaced apart from it. For example, connecting channels or channel structures can be created by the webs, which extend particularly in the longitudinal direction of the laminating tool. Alternatively, individual webs, supports, or the like extending perpendicular to the plane of the laminating tool can be formed, which are spaced apart from each other and thus also form a flow-through support structure. This allows the cooling and / or heating medium to be supplied via the inlet on one side of the laminating tool and discharged via the at least one outlet, particularly on the opposite side.

[0018] Alternatively, it can be provided that an inlet and outlet for a cooling and a heating medium are located on each of the outer walls. This allows the cooling medium to be supplied to one outer wall of the laminating tool and discharged again via the outlet located there. On the opposite side, for example, the inlet and outlet for the heating medium are provided. Such an arrangement allows for the creation of two separate circuits for the cooling and heating media.

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the carrier plate has electrical connection contacts for connecting electrical conductors. In this embodiment, the carrier plate serves as a resistance heating element to apply the required laminating temperature to the stack of layers to be laminated. In such an application, the laminating tool is cooled by a cooling medium via the inlet and outlet to achieve cooling after the stack has been heated.

[0020] Alternatively, the embossing plate can be inductively heated. Furthermore, instead of electrical connection contacts on the embossing plate, heating elements, in particular electric heating elements, can be arranged on the carrier plate, which heat the carrier plate and consequently the supporting structure and the embossing plate in order to transfer the lamination temperature to the stack of layers.

[0021] The contact surface of the embossing plate and the stamping surface are preferably integrally connected to the membrane. This allows the stamping surface to be actuated outwards, or raised above the contact surface, by applying increased internal pressure from the flowing medium.

[0022] The embossing plate of the laminating tool preferably has an incorporated, in particular engraved, structure or lithographically incorporated raised and / or debossed texture, e.g., as a dot and / or line structure. This allows simultaneous embossing of the surface of the outermost layer of the laminate composite during lamination, for example, to create lens structures or embossed holograms.

[0023] The object underlying the invention is further solved by a laminating device for laminating several layers arranged in a stack to form a laminate composite, which has an upper tool and a lower tool that can be moved into a closed working position, wherein a laminating tool according to one of the previously described embodiments is provided on the upper tool and lower tool. This allows for a simplified design of the laminating device. Only one laminating tool needs to be provided on the upper tool and lower tool, and the laminating device is then ready for the laminating process.

[0024] In a laminating tool comprising an embossing plate with a continuous support surface, optionally featuring integrated dot or line structures, but lacking a retractable punch surface relative to the support surface, the upper and / or lower tool incorporates pressure dies to exert at least partial pressure on the carrier plate, thereby causing the embossing plate to apply a pressing force to the stack. In such an embodiment, the laminating tool may be cooled solely by a cooling medium, with heating of the laminating tool being carried out electrically or inductively, or heating and cooling of the laminating tool may be performed by a heating and cooling medium. Preferably, several pressure dies arranged in a grid are provided.The same number of rows and columns can be provided, such as 2x2 or 3x3 or 4x4, meaning, for example, 4 printing stamps in a row and 4 columns of 4 printing stamps each.

[0025] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a method for laminating several layers arranged in a stack, in which a laminating tool according to one of the aforementioned embodiments is attached to the upper and lower tools, and these are aligned with each other, so that after positioning the stack between the upper and lower laminating tools, the laminating device is closed and the upper and lower laminating tools exert pressure on the stack. Simultaneously or even before the stack is placed on the laminating tool, the upper and lower laminating tools are heated and cooled after the lamination process. After the resulting laminate composite has cooled, the laminating device is opened and the laminate composite is removed.

[0026] This method offers the advantage that only the stack needs to be inserted. The lamination process is then initiated, and the finished laminated composite is removed after filling. The additional positioning and subsequent removal of embossing pads are no longer necessary. This minimizes process time. Furthermore, handling is simplified, and process reliability is increased because the lamination temperatures can be more precisely controlled and monitored.

[0027] A preferred embodiment of the method provides that the carrier plate of the laminating tool is heated by electricity as a resistance element, inductively, or by separate heating elements. This allows the heating process to be electronically controlled and monitored. Furthermore, rapid heating can be achieved depending on the power input.

[0028] In a subsequent process step of this aforementioned alternative embodiment, it is preferably provided that the laminating tool is supplied with a cooling medium for cooling purposes. It can be provided that the upper and lower laminating tools are supplied and cooled simultaneously, or that a sequential flow of the cooling medium through the two laminating tools is controlled.

[0029] Another alternative embodiment of the method involves heating the upper and lower laminating tools with a heating medium and then cooling them with a cooling medium. In this embodiment, the heating and cooling are controlled solely by the flowing medium.

[0030] In the alternative embodiment of the method, in which the heating and cooling of the upper and lower laminating tool is carried out with a medium, both simultaneous flow through the upper and lower laminating tool and sequential flow through can be controlled.

[0031] In the two alternative embodiments of the method described above, it is preferably provided that pressure is applied to the upper and / or lower laminating tool by at least one pressure stamp provided in the upper and / or lower tool. This pressure stamp(s) are preferably provided only in the lower tool, but can also be provided in the upper tool or in both the upper and lower tools. This allows a partial pressure force to be applied to the carrier plate, which in turn, due to the supporting structure, transfers this pressure force to the embossing plate and thus to the stack. Since several pressure stamps are provided, particularly in a grid pattern, the pressure distribution is partial.

[0032] Another alternative embodiment of the method provides that at least the upper and / or lower laminating tool has a carrier plate with a stamping surface connected to a membrane for support. The upper and / or lower laminating tool is heated with a heating medium under increased pressure and cooled with a cooling medium under increased pressure. This means that the heating medium heats the laminating tool and applies pressure to the stamping surface, and thus to the stack. The same applies to the cooling medium. Therefore, in this embodiment, separate pressure stamps can be dispensed with.

[0033] In the latter alternative embodiment of the method, it is preferably provided that the pressure of the heating medium is readjusted during the heating phase so that the predetermined laminating pressure is maintained and any change in the thickness of the laminating tool is compensated for. The same applies to the cooling phase, i.e., that the pressure of the cooling medium is readjusted during the cooling phase so that the laminating pressure is maintained while the laminate composite cools and at least the reduction in the thickness of the laminating tool due to cooling is compensated for.

[0034] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a liquid, in particular water or oil, is used as the heating and / or cooling medium.

[0035] The invention, as well as further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof, are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. The features that can be derived from the description and the drawings can be applied individually or in any combination according to the invention. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a first embodiment of a laminating tool according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view along line II in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a schematic partial section along line II-II in Fig. 2, Fig. 4 A schematic view of a laminating device with laminating tools according to the Fig. 1 to 3, Fig. 5 a schematic detail view of an alternative embodiment of a laminating device Fig. 4, Fig. 6a and b schematic views for the flow of a medium through the laminating tools, Fig. 7 a schematic sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a supporting structure Fig. 2, Fig. 8 a schematic view of a first alternative embodiment of the laminating tool Fig. 1, Fig. 9 a schematic side view of the laminating device with a laminating tool according to Fig. 8, Fig. 10a and b schematic views of alternative flow paths in laminating tools according to Fig. 8, Fig. 11 a schematic view of a third alternative embodiment of the laminating tool Fig. 1, Fig. 12 a schematic sectional view of the laminating tool according to Fig. 11, Fig. 13 a schematic side view of a laminating device with a laminating tool according to Fig. 11.

[0036] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a laminating tool 11 according to the invention. A schematic sectional view along line II is shown. Fig. 2 stands out.

[0037] The laminating tool 11 comprises an embossing plate 12, which has an exemplary square or rectangular contour along which a support surface 14 extends. Opposite the embossing plate 12, a support plate 16 is provided, which is preferably aligned parallel to the embossing plate 12. A support structure 17 is provided between them, which distances the embossing plate 12 from the support plate 16. This support structure 17 is, for example, rib-shaped, web-shaped, or the like. This support structure 17 is surrounded by an outer wall 19, which adjoins the embossing plate 12 and the support plate 16. This forms a closed inner volume within which the support structure 17 is located. A connection for at least one inlet 21 and a connection for at least one outlet 22 are provided on the outer wall 19.In this embodiment, it is provided that, for example, two inlets 21 are provided on one side of the outer wall 19 and two outlets 22 are provided on the opposite side.

[0038] The support structure 17 is designed such that a medium entering the internal volume of the laminating tool 11 through the inlet 21 can flow out via the outlet 22. For example, microchannels can be provided that run along the planar extent of the laminating tool 11. Alternatively, webs 23 can also be provided, as is the case, for example, in Fig. 3 is shown, which are spaced apart from each other and / or have openings or recesses to allow a medium to flow through them.

[0039] The embossing plate 12 is preferably thicker than the carrier plate 16. The outer wall 19 is preferably designed as an elastic membrane, so that the embossing plate 12 can be slightly resilient relative to the carrier plate 16. Preferably, the laminating tool 11 is made of a single material and can, for example, be constructed using a 3D printing process such as laser sintering or laser melting. Alternatively, the laminating tool 11 can also be designed in multiple parts, with the individual components being joined together for heat treatment or by bonding, in any case such that a closed, and in particular media-tight, internal volume is formed.

[0040] According to the first embodiment, the carrier plate 16 is provided with connection contacts 25 for electrical lines 26, which lead to a control system (not shown in detail). This allows the carrier plate 16 to be controlled as a resistance heating element to enable targeted and defined heating.

[0041] To cool this laminating tool 11, it is provided that a cooled medium is supplied via the inlet 21, flows through the internal volume and is discharged via the outlet 22.

[0042] The contact surface 14 of the laminating tool 11 can have an embossed structure. Preferably, a dot- or line-shaped structure is engraved.

[0043] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of a laminating device 31, which has a lower tool 32 and an upper tool 33. A laminating tool 11 is attached to each of the upper and lower tools 32 and 33, respectively, according to the diagram. Fig. 1 to 3 are attached. For example, several pressure dies 35 are provided in the lower tool 32. These can be evenly distributed across the support surface 14 of the embossing plate 12. This is shown, for example, by dashed lines in the top view in Fig. Figure 3 shows that an additional force can be applied to the laminating tool 11 by means of these pressure stamps 35.

[0044] To laminate a stack 36 consisting of several layers into a laminate composite in which the layers are permanently bonded together, the stack 36 is placed on a lower laminating tool 11. Subsequently, the laminating device 31 is closed, and in particular, the upper tool 33 is moved towards the lower tool 32 to exert laminating pressure on the stack 36. Before the laminating device 31 is closed, or at the latest after it is closed, the laminating tool 11 is heated, in particular by energizing the embossing plate 12, to the laminating temperature, and the laminating temperature is maintained until the individual layers of the stack 36 are bonded together to form a laminate. Subsequently, the energizing is interrupted, and a cooling medium for the laminating tools 11 is passed through the support structure 17.The laminating pressure within the laminating device 31 is maintained until the laminate has cooled. The laminating device 31 is then opened and the finished laminate can be removed from the lower tool 32. The laminating device 31 is then ready for the next laminating operation.

[0045] Alternatively to the one in Fig. In the embodiment of the laminating device 31 shown in Figure 4, it can be provided that, for example, heating elements 38, in particular electrical heating elements, are provided between the pressure stamps 35 on an underside of the laminating tool 11, in particular on the carrier plate 16, as is the case in Figure 4. Fig. 5 is shown.

[0046] These heating elements 38 can also be used to heat the laminating tool 11.

[0047] For cooling the upper and lower laminating tool 11 arranged on the upper tool 33 and lower tool 32 according to Fig. 4 can be according to a first alternative in Fig. 6a. It is provided that the cooling medium first flows through the lower laminating tool 11 and is then supplied to the upper laminating tool 11. This sequence can also be reversed. Furthermore, according to Fig. 6b alternatively, it may be provided that the two laminating tools 11 are supplied with water simultaneously.

[0048] The stack 36, which consists of several layers, can, for example, comprise at least one outer layer made of a thermoplastic elastomer that can be melted by applying heat, so that these outer layers, including inner layers that may be made of paper, form a closed encapsulation. Alternatively, the individual layers can all consist of a thermoplastic elastomer, so that they melt or fuse at least partially on the surface and bond with the adjacent layer to form a laminated composite, such as a card, in particular a PC card. Such a laminated composite can be an access card, identification card, debit card, or personalized card, such as an identity card or the like.

[0049] In Fig. Figure 7 is an alternative embodiment of a structure for the laminating tool 11 in cross-section to Fig. Figure 2 shows that in this embodiment the webs 23 are arranged, for example, in a bent or X-shaped or diamond-shaped configuration. This allows for a certain degree of flexibility between the embossing plate 12 and the carrier plate 16.

[0050] Other structures for building the walkways, such as inclined walkways all aligned in the same direction, may also be provided.

[0051] The laminating tool 11 according to Fig. 8 is compared to the one in Fig. 1. The design is simplified in that the connection contact and the supply of the electrical connecting cables are omitted. The heating and cooling of the laminating tool 11 is effected by the flowing medium. The medium is controlled, heated, cooled, and / or monitored by a control unit (not shown) and corresponding heating and cooling units and / or elements.

[0052] In Fig. 9 is the laminating device 31 with the alternative embodiment of the laminating tool 11 according to Fig. Figure 8 shows that the laminating tools 11 are heated and then cooled by means of a flowing medium. Otherwise, the setup is analogous to the aforementioned embodiment according to [reference to figure]. Fig. 1.

[0053] For the flow of the heating and / or cooling medium through the laminating tools 11, according to Fig. 10a provides that, for example, on one side of the outer wall 19 an inlet and outlet 21, 22 for the heating medium is provided and on the opposite side of the outer wall 19 an inlet and outlet 21, 22 for the cooling medium is provided.

[0054] Alternatively, according to Fig. 10b It can also be provided that on one side of the laminating tool 11, the inlet 21 for the heating medium and, on the opposite side, the outlet 22 for the heating medium are provided, and that the outlet 22 for the heating medium subsequently forms the inlet 21 for the cooling medium. This allows the heating and cooling flows to pass through the laminating tool 11 in opposite directions. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the inlet(s) 21 on one side are provided for both the supply of the heating medium and subsequently for the cooling medium, so that both the heating and cooling media are discharged successively via the outlet 22.

[0055] In Fig. 11 is another alternative embodiment of the laminating tool 11 to Fig. 1 shown. Fig. Figure 12 shows a schematic sectional view according to the embodiment in Fig. 11.

[0056] In this alternative embodiment, the support surface 14 has punch surfaces 41, which are connected to the support surface 14 by a membrane 42. Preferably, the support surface 14, the membrane 42, and the punch surface 41 are formed as a single piece. For example, the membrane 42 can be formed by a material taper or by one or more circumferential grooves or indentations. Otherwise, the construction of this embodiment of the laminating tool 11 is analogous to the embodiments described above. The design of these punch surfaces 41 makes it possible for the punch surface(s) 41 to be activated when excessive pressure builds up in the internal volume, meaning that they lift off from the support surface 14, particularly because the punch surface 41 is free of ridges.

[0057] In Fig. 13 is the laminating device 31 with an upper and lower laminating tool 11 according to the Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 12 shows the contact surfaces 14 with the stamping surfaces 41 of the laminating tools 11 pointing towards the stack 36.

[0058] After the laminating device 31 is closed, the laminating tool 11 is supplied with a heated medium. Heating of the laminating tool 11 can also occur before the laminating device 31 is closed. In any case, after the laminating device 31 is closed, i.e., after laminating pressure is applied between the upper tool 33 and the lower tool 32 onto the stack 36, additional pressure can be generated and built up in the laminating tool 11 by the heated medium to actuate the punch surfaces 41. This is done in particular to compensate for local unevenness or non-parallel layers. The punch surfaces 41 are preferably arranged evenly distributed over the support surface 14, for example in several rows and columns, as shown in Fig. 11 is shown.

[0059] After laminating the individual layers of the stack 36, a cooled medium is passed through the laminating tools 11 to cool them. The cooling medium can be passed through at such a pressure that the previously applied pressing force on the stack 36 is maintained and at the same time any shrinkage in the thickness of the laminating tools 11 due to cooling is compensated. 11. Laminating tool 12. Embossing plate 14. Contact surface 16. Carrier plate 17. Supporting structure 18. Exterior wall 21. Inflow 22. Procedure 23rd Bridge 25. Connection contact 26. electrical line 31. Laminating device 32. Upper tool 33. Lower tool 35. Printing stamp 36th stack 38. Heating element 41. Stamp area 42. Membran

Claims

Laminating tool for a laminating device (31) for laminating several layers arranged in a stack (36) to form a laminate composite, comprising an embossing plate (12) for supporting the stack (36), a support structure (17) and a carrier plate (16), wherein the support structure (17) is provided between the embossing plate (12) and the carrier plate (16), which is surrounded by an outwardly closed outer wall (19) and forms a closed inner volume with the embossing plate (12) and carrier plate (16), and comprising at least one inlet (21) and one outlet (22) for supplying and discharging a medium flowing through the inner volume, characterized in that the carrier plate (16), the support structure (17), the embossing plate (12) and the outer wall (19) are designed as a monolithic component, and that the outer wall (19) is designed as an elastic membrane. Laminating tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the embossing plate (12), the carrier plate (16), the support structure (17) and the outer wall (19) are made of metal, in particular titanium or stainless steel. Laminating tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the embossing plate (12) has a wall thickness greater than that of the carrier plate (16). Laminating tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting structure (17) consists of a plurality of webs or ribs which form flow paths in the direction of flow between the at least one inlet (21) and at least one outlet (22). Laminating tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an inlet (21) and outlet (22) for a heating medium and a cooling medium is provided on each outer wall (19). Laminating tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the embossing plate (12) has electrical connection contacts (25) for connecting electrical lines (26) or is inductively heated or heating elements (38) are arranged on the carrier plate (16). Laminating tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one stamping surface (41) surrounded by a membrane (42) is provided in the embossing plate (12). Laminating tool according to claim 7, characterized in that the support surface (14) and the stamping surface (41) are integrally connected with the membrane (42). Laminating tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the embossing plate (12) has a dot and / or line-shaped structure. Laminating device for laminating several layers arranged in a stack (36) to form a laminate composite, comprising an upper tool (33) and a lower tool (32) which can be moved into a closed working position for laminating the stack (36), characterized in that a laminating tool (11) according to one of the preceding claims is provided on the upper tool (33) and the lower tool (32). Laminating device according to claim 10, characterized in that at least in the upper tool (33) or lower tool (32) pressure punches (35) are provided which attack an outside of the laminating tools (11). Method for laminating several layers arranged in a stack (36) to form a laminate composite, with a laminating device (31) comprising an upper tool (33) and a lower tool (32), characterized in that: - a laminating tool (11) according to one of claims 1 to 9 is attached to each of the upper tool (33) and lower tool (32) and the laminating tools (11) are aligned with each other; - the stack (36) is positioned between the upper and lower laminating tools (11); - pressure is applied to the stack (36) via the upper and lower laminating tools (11) by means of the upper tool (32) and lower tool (33).- that the upper and lower laminating tools (11) are heated to laminate the layers of the punch (36) and then cooled to cool the laminate assembly, and - that after the laminate assembly has cooled, the upper tool (33) and lower tool (32) are moved into an open position and the laminate assembly is removed. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the embossing plate (12) of the laminating tool (11) is energized, inductively heated or heated with separate heating elements (38). Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that after heating the laminating tools (11) are supplied with a cooling medium for cooling and the upper and lower laminating tools (11) are supplied with the cooling medium simultaneously or successively. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the upper and lower laminating tool (11) are heated by a heating medium and subsequently cooled by a cooling medium. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the upper and lower laminating tool are simultaneously or successively supplied with a heating medium and subsequently, simultaneously or successively, with a cooling medium. Method according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that pressure plungers (35) are provided at least in the upper tool (33) or lower tool (32), by which a pressure force is partially applied to the carrier plate (16) of the laminating tool (11) during the arrangement of the upper tool (33) and lower tool (32) in a working position. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that at least the upper or lower laminating tool (11) has an embossing plate (12) with a stamping surface (41) which is connected to a membrane (42) for the support (14) which is heated with a heating medium under increased pressure and the stamping surfaces (41) are actuated during a heating phase and that at least the upper or lower laminating tool (11) is cooled with a cooling medium under pressure and the stamping surfaces (41) are actuated during the cooling phase. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that during the heating phase the pressure of the heating medium is readjusted so that the predetermined lamination pressure is maintained and a change in the thickness of the lamination tool (11) is compensated. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that during the cooling phase the pressure of the cooling medium is readjusted so that the predetermined lamination pressure is maintained and a change in the thickness of the lamination tool (11) is compensated. Method according to one of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that a liquid, in particular water or oil, is used as the medium, at least for heating or cooling.

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