Cover incorporating a radio frequency identification device

p0001The present invention relates to multilayer structures such as booklets covers and their manufacturing processes.

p0002Blankets paper booklets issued by administrations undergo mechanical and thermal shocks varied, either during manufacture or during their use. These covers papers have been mostly a graining operation intended to give them an attractive surface appearance. During this embossing operation, the blanket passes between two embossing rollers where it is subjected to a relatively high pressure, of the order of a hundred bars (10⁷ Pa).

p0003In addition, these booklets cover papers have been in some cases also a curlicue operation by applying a "foil" or metallized holographic by a hot transfer of said operation and under pressure. During this deposition process of "foil", the cover passes through a press where it is subjected to a relatively high pressure and relatively high temperature.

p0004Moreover, in the specific case of the passport booklet includes notebook consists of a set of sheets with a cover page that will be pasted on the inside of the front flap of the cover and a transparent film to be transferred to hot on one of the inside pages or on the cover page for protecting variable mentions that there have been registered previously. During the transfer operation, the passport is introduced into a laminator between two heated rolls, and coverage is subject again to a significant pressure. The temperature at which the cover is exposed may reach 130 ° C for several seconds.

p0005Of course, the passport must also have a life of several years, particularly in Europe ten years, and shall in particular have the qualities of resistance to the sufficient circulation.

p0006To meet the constraints mentioned above, certain covers for passports are presently manufactured by impregnating a polymer to saturation a cellulosic support 200 microns thick, and dropping by coating the scrapes on one of its faces, a covering layer of 50 microns thick, made of polymers and colorants, which may include the expanded microspheres. A varnish may then be applied to the deposited coating layer to impart particular brilliance to the cover and a certain mechanical resistance to scratching or abrasion.

p0007Furthermore, it sought to enhance passport security, in particular by providing them with a radio frequency identification device (RFID), as described in US patent 5 528 222. This patent describes a complex that includes a chip and an antenna, the complex is then inserted for example in the front cover of the passport cover. This patent does not, however, cover in detail how the radio frequency identification device is finally integrated into the passport. A first drawback of such coverage with radio frequency identification device is in the lack of homogeneity of the thickness between the front door and the rear door of the passport. A second drawback is that the insertion of the complex in the passport entails an additional processing operation on the passport mounting machine.

p0008International application WO 00/26856 also mentions the possibility of providing a passport with an RFID device. The chip is inserted into an opening of a polyimide film or polyester, and held in this opening by means of a resin.

p0009International application WO 00/42569 discloses a label having an expandable layer with a cavity for receiving a chip, the cavity being located at the label center.

p0010US Patent 5,528,222 describes an RFID tag.

p0011The Malaysian passports currently in circulation has a radio frequency identification device. This identification device is inserted in the back flap of the passport when mounted between the paper embossed cover and the title page of the notebook inside pages. This radio frequency identification device is in the form of a trijet complex comprising a chip connected to an antenna, both supported by a polyester film, itself inserted between two other polymer films to protect the chip and the antenna . This complex has a thickness in the region of the chip. The insertion of this complex in the back flap of the passport is the source of two types of excess thicknesses: difference in thickness 1650 microns between the front door and the rear door of the passport, and difference in thickness of 650 microns on the rear flap between the area containing the chip and the area where the antenna is located. The appearance of such a passport is increasingly attracting the attention of potential counterfeiters on the presence of the RFID device.

p0012There is, finally, demonstration passports in which the radio frequency identification device simply consists of a tag (polyester support having found the chip and antenna) such as brand Tag It ® device company TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, is inserted between the paper embossed cover and the title page of the book, pasted on the cover. The chip causes a local extra thickness of more than 200 .mu.m and its presence can be guessed. Moreover, it remains exposed to shocks and stresses suffered by the passport during hot transfer of the transparent film in particular.

p0013International patent application WO 00/42569 discloses a label incorporating a radiofrequency identification device. This label has an adhesive layer and a covering layer in the thickness of which is housed the chip of the radiofrequency identification device. The latter is connected to a printed antenna. This label has no extra thickness at the chip level, but however it is not suitable to be a satisfactory safety device for a passport, because the presence of the label on one component of the passport cover lead a difference in thickness between the two panes. The appearance of such a passport also attracts the attention of potential counterfeiters to the presence of the RFID device.

p0014The invention proposes to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, especially to provide a booklet cover paper including a radio frequency identification device, having no localized extra thickness, and provide a booklet cover paper including a device identification radiofrequency ready to be mounted in a passport without additional operation for the transformer.

p0015There is also a need to dispose of booklets, particularly of passports, which are esthetic and wherein the radio frequency identification device is adequately protected to ensure the reliability required for the duration of validity of the booklet, that is, say several years in the case of a passport.

p0016The present invention provides a multilayer structure according to claim 1. In particular, the paper cover should be able to undergo the treatments of graining and / or embellishment by depositing a film or "foil" transfer under heat and pressure and / or lamination during deposition of transparent security films on pages with the variable data of the passport.

p0017The invention provides a booklet including passports whose cover is cosmetic and does not attract the attention of potential counterfeiters to the radiofrequency identification device as having no localized extra thickness and having, where appropriate, a grained appearance.

p0018In addition, the lack of localized extra thickness and protection of the radiofrequency identification device, the paper cover according to the invention can be used during the manufacture of the passport in the same way as conventional paper covers not incorporating radio frequency identification device, which is very advantageous for the administrations in particular.

p0019In a particular embodiment, the chip of the radiofrequency identification device is located close to the fold of the cover of the booklet, so as to be in a less exposed to stress zone, as partially rigidified by the fold.

p0020The multilayer structure may comprise at least one sheet having a fiber base, having a more or less significant amount of natural and / or synthetic, in particular cellulose fibers. This fibrous base may contain a polymer material selected to give the multilayer structure, a part of the tear resistant properties to withstand subsequent conditions of use and also sufficient resilience properties to protect the radio frequency identification device from mechanical shocks. This material can be selected for example from the following list: natural or synthetic rubbers, styrene butadiene rubber, polybutadiene, butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymers, acrylic polymers, polychloroprene, and mixtures thereof.

p0021According to the invention, the chip of the radiofrequency identification device is housed in a layer of the multilayer structure having a thickness greater than or equal to the thickness of the chip and a resilience enabling it, in the event of momentary compression to retain greater than or equal thickness to the thickness of the chip, so as to ensure the protection thereof. This layer may comprise a fibrous base having a more or less significant amount of natural and / or synthetic, in particular cellulose fibers, this base itself comprising a polymer material selected so as to confer on the multilayer structure sufficient resilience properties for protect the radiofrequency identification device from mechanical shocks. This layer may also be a base material polymer only, for example a PVC-based coating, optionally plasticized, optionally with blowing agents.

p0022The multilayer structure may include a layer of a polymer based material, is suitable for graining. This polymer can be selected from the following list: PVC-based polymers, optionally plasticized, polyurethane or natural or synthetic elastomers, optionally with blowing agents, PVC emulsions, and butadiene / acrylonitrile copolymer or butadiene / acrylonitrile / styrene, and mixtures thereof.

p0023The invention further provides a passport whose cover is made of a multilayer structure as defined above.

p0024The invention also relates to various methods of manufacturing a cover as defined above.

p0025The invention particularly relates to a method according to claim 18.

p0026the radiofrequency identification device can for example be arranged on one side of the sheet and then coating this face of the sheet of a mixture based on a non-gelled liquid resin, the thickness deposited being greater than that of the chip after drying. The deposited coating layer may be embossed after drying.

p0027Can also be deposited on the face of the sheet carrying the radiofrequency identification device a base resin of a heat-fusible component, the thickness deposited being greater than the thickness of the chip. hot coating can be marked to create a grain just before the final drying.

p0028In the examples of the above methods, the first sheet may comprise a fiber base, in particular a paper base, and can saturate the fibrous base material with a material, especially a polymer, for example an elastomer latex, enabling ensure the tear resistance and the subsequent protection of the radiofrequency identification device. The first sheet may be further coated by a polymer-based mixture suitable for graining. This polymer-based mixture suitable for graining can alternatively be deposited by coating after assembly of the first and second sheets. The second sheet may be impregnated with a thermoplastic polymer.

p0029Mention may also, according to another method, making a first sheet from a fiber base, preferably saturated latex, embossing said first sheet so as to create a cavity having a shape adapted to that of the chip, making a second sheet from a fibrous base, preferably saturated by impregnation or bulk precipitation with synthetic or natural resins, place on the second sheet a chip and an antenna and laminating the second sheet with the first so that the chip is received in the cavity made by the embossing.

p0030The chip and the antenna may be in an exemplary implementation of the invention immobilized on a carrier film, for example a polyester film, before being associated with a fiber base.

p0031When the antenna of the RFID device is formed with a conductive ink, it can comprise one or more tamperproofing agent, subject of course to the compatibility with the ink used.

p0032Other features and advantages of the present invention appear on reading the detailed description that follows, examples of implementation not limiting, and examining the accompanying drawings, wherein: <ul><li>1 shows schematically a perspective view of a passport according to the invention,</li><li>2 shows the passport of Figure 1, flat cover,</li><li>Figure 3 is a partial and schematic section on III-III of Figure 2,</li><li>4 illustrates a first exemplary method of manufacturing the cover,</li><li>5 illustrates a second exemplary method of manufacturing the cover,</li><li>6 is a partial schematic section showing a cavity formed on one of the sheets of the passport cover, and</li><li>Figure 7 is a schematic and partial section of a cavity formed by printing.</li></ul>

p0033a passport is shown in Figs 1-3 10 whose cover 20 is provided with a radio frequency identification device 30, having an antenna 31 and a chip 32. Many manufacturers currently offer radiofrequency identification devices that may suit, so that the chip 31 and the antenna 32 are not described in detail, in order to simplify the presentation. There may be mentioned as suitable chip manufacturers, the company INSIDE TECHNOLOGIES, the company TEXAS INSTRUMENTS or the company POLYMER CORPORATION FLIP CHIP, this list is not exhaustive.

p0034In a non-illustrated embodiment, the chip integrates an antenna. This simplifies the incorporation of radio frequency identification device in the passport cover but has the disadvantage of reducing the scope of the radio link can be established with a device for reading and / or writing.

p0035The chip 31 is preferably, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, close to the fold 21 of the cover 20, for example in an area corresponding to a quarter of the width of the front flap 22 or rear 24 coverage, measured from the fold 21.

p0036The passport 10 includes a notebook consists of a set of 11 sheets with a cover sheet 12 stuck on the back of the front flap 22 of the cover. This cover sheet 12 is intended to receive an impression of variable data and then be covered by a film or "foil" transparent adhesive 13, applied by hot transfer.

p0037In the example of Figures 1 to 3, the cover 20 comprises a support layer 24 having one side covered with a layer 25 of a material suitable for graining, and the outer surface of the cover 20 has a grain.

p0038The other side of the support layer 24 carries the chip 31 and its antenna 32 and is covered by a second layer 26, the thickness of which is housed the chip 31. The face 27 of the layer 26, opposite the layer 24, constitutes the inner surface of the cover 20.

p0039When the antenna 32 is made by selective printing of a conductive ink on the layer 24, and has several turns, it may be necessary to locally depositing an insulating portion 34 on one of the turns in order to achieve this insulation of a bridge electrical connection 35, always by selective deposition of a conductive ink, for connecting one of the ends of the turns to the chip 31. the insulator 34 may be deposited, for example, by selective printing. The chip 31 may be connected to the antenna 32 according to well known methods, including through a conductive adhesive, or by compression molding or by welding.

p0040The thickness of layer 26 is greater than the thickness of the chip 31 so that the latter is protected from shocks both by the layer 26 and layer 24.

p0041The thickness of the layer 26 is sufficiently large, so that when compression coverage during an embellishment treatment and preparation of the passport, the layer 26 retains a thickness greater than that of the chip 31. Thus, in given the material used to make the layers 24 and 26 and the thicknesses of the latter, the cover is capable of undergoing the conventional treatments of graining and hot transfer film 13 on the cover sheet 12.

p0042Generally, the cover 20 can be made in many ways, and the layers 24 and 26 may have different constitutions, and comprise a fibrous base. Thus, the multilayer structure shown in Figure 3 is in no way limit the invention.

p0043There follow several examples of making the cover.

example 1

p0044One starts by making a first sheet having a base paper (cellulose fibers with or without synthetic fibers) that is saturated latex, styrene-butadiene copolymer to provide resistance to tearing and the subsequent protection of the radiofrequency identification device .

p0045Is then deposited on one face of said first sheet, after drying, the chip and the antenna of the radiofrequency identification device, by a conventional method. Mention may in particular producing the antenna by screen printing using a conductive ink, then establish the electrical connections with the chip by thermocompression bonding. If necessary, depositing an insulator on a portion of the coils and is carried out on this insulating an electrical connection bridge between one end of the coils and the chip.

p0046At this stage of manufacture, on one side of the first sheet, there is an increased thickness at the antenna of the order of 30 microns and at the chip level of the order of 200 .mu.m. The thickness of the first sheet may be of the order of 200 .mu.m elsewhere, for example.

p0047There is shown in Figure 4, schematically, the first sheet thus formed with the chip 31 attached.

p0048Moreover, it is impregnated with a polymer-based mixture (s), for example styrene-butadiene, a blotting type paper, of thickness greater than that of the chip, by passing through an impregnation bath 40 to form a second sheet. The thickness of the second sheet may be of the order of 300 .mu.m, for example.

p0049Then is passed between two rollers 41 the blotting type paper, polymer saturated moist (s) and the first sheet previously made with the radiofrequency identification device on its inside.

p0050When the wiper operation, the two sheets bind with the polymer-based mixture (s) which has been impregnated paper blotting type and he marries the relief of the chip due to its compressibility at the wet. Thus, the location of the chip under the effect of the pressure rollers 41, the impregnating material is removed and the chip is inserted in the blotter paper type.

p0051then coating the complex thus formed, on one side, for example the outer face of the first sheet, with a mixture of polymers, to impart suitable for graining. The thickness of the deposited coating layer is for example 50 microns.

p0052A printing varnish (matte or glossy) can be applied to the layer thus deposited to improve the surface appearance and resistance to traffic.

example 2

p0053In this second example there is provided a first sheet identical to that of the previous example, carrying the radiofrequency identification device.

p0054Bringing a blotting type paper, of greater than that of the chip thickness, for example 300 microns thick, in contact with a size 42 to impregnate one of its faces with a polymer such that a polyvinyl acetate, and then this coated side is brought into contact with the first sheet between two rollers 41, as shown in Figure 5.

p0055The blotting type paper, saturated with polymer (s) and the first sheet previously manufactured, carrying the radiofrequency identification device on its inside, bind the blotting type paper matching the relief of the chip due to its compressibility wet.

p0056then coating the complex thus formed on one of its faces, intended to constitute the outer surface of the cover, with a polymer mixture suitable for graining. The thickness deposited by coating, for example on the outer face of the first sheet, may be of the order of 50 microns.

p0057As in the previous example, a printing varnish (matte or glossy) can be deposited to improve the surface appearance and resistance to traffic.

example 3

p0058One carries out a first sheet identical to that of the preceding examples, carrying the radiofrequency identification device.

p0059Fabricating a second sheet 53 with a paper base, shown schematically in Figure 6, having a hollow watermark 50, the shape of the chip 31. The depth of the watermark 50 is slightly greater than the thickness of the chip 31. paper thickness is for example of the order of 300 .mu.m. The sheet 53 is preferably saturated with polymer (s) to ensure the subsequent protection of the chip.

p0060On laminated, after spotting the locations of the chip 31 and the watermark 50, sheet 53 with the first sheet previously performed, so that the chip 31 is received in the watermark 50. The bonding can be cold or hot. The sheet 53 being still wet, pass the complex thus formed between two rolls and is carried to the drying.

p0061the outer surface of the passport of the complex face can be coated intended to form with a polymer mixture that is suitable for graining and depositing a coating on the printing varnish (gloss or matte) to improve the surface appearance and resistance to traffic.

example 4

p0062One carries out a first sheet identical to that of the preceding examples, carrying the radiofrequency identification device.

p0063A second sheet is made with a hole made by laser etching or mechanically with a punch, said hole having a shape corresponding to that of the chip and a thickness at least greater than that of the chip. This second sheet may optionally be saturated with polymer (s) to ensure a higher protection of the chip. The second sheet has for example a thickness of about 200 .mu.m.

p0064a third sheet also is made from a paper base, which is preferably saturated with one or more synthetic or natural resins, e.g., elastomeric latex, by impregnation or bulk precipitation, the impregnation material being selected so as to protect the radiofrequency identification device later. This third sheet has for example a thickness of the order of 100 .mu.m.

p0065Then, the three sheets are laminated so marked, the second sheet is applied on the first sheet comprising the chip, the latter being received in the hole. The third sheet comes to cover the second sheet on the side opposite the first.

p0066the outer face is then coated on the first sheet with a polymer mixture suitable for graining.

p0067Optionally, a printing varnish (gloss or matte) can be deposited on this coating for improving the surface appearance and resistance to traffic.

example 5

p0068One carries out a first sheet identical to that of the preceding examples, carrying the radiofrequency identification device.

p0069this is then coated sheet using a squeegee on the side with the chip, with a mixture such as "plastisol" based on PVC added plasticizer and blowing agent. The mixture is gelled in a tunnel oven at a temperature of about 200 ° C. The amounts of plasticizer and blowing agent are adjusted so that the coating present after gelling and cooling such a compressibility that the thickness of the layer, upon depression or after a recess, remains above the thickness of the chip to protect it. for example is deposited a thickness of about 300 .mu.m. The deposited coating layer may be embossed after drying. This layer, after gelling and cooling, provides the mechanical characteristics.

p0070A printing varnish (gloss or matte) can be deposited on the coating to improve the surface appearance and resistance to traffic.

example 6

p0071Is carried a sheet identical to the first sheet of the previous examples, carrying the radiofrequency identification device.

p0072this sheet is then coated on the side carrying the radiofrequency identification device with a mixture based on a so-called resin <i>"Hotmelt"</i> comprising a heat-fusible powder, for example polyurethane with a suitable extrusion system.

p0073The polymer used for the coating is selected so as to have a compressibility such that the thickness of the deposited coating layer, upon depression or depression after crash, remains greater than the thickness of the chip, to protect it. The deposited thickness is for example of the order of 300 .mu.m.

p0074hot we can score coating performed to create the desired grain.

p0075Next, a printing varnish (gloss or matte) can be deposited on the deposited coating layer, possibly grained, to improve its surface appearance and resistance to traffic.

example 7

p0076a first sheet is made from a base paper (cellulose fibers with or without synthetic fibers), optionally saturated latex, and is coated a first face of said base paper with a polymer-based mixture having a suitable for graining and then eventually file a printing varnish (gloss or matte) to this coating. The thickness of the paper base is for example of the order of 200 microns and the thickness of the layer suitable for graining of the order of 50 microns.

p0077Is then performed a cavity depth at least greater than that of the chip and having a shape adapted to that of the chip, by mechanically embossing the second side of this base paper.

p0078Optionally, the first face is grained simultaneously.

p0079A second sheet is made by hand, from a paper base which is preferably saturated by impregnation or bulk precipitation with synthetic or natural resins, such elastomeric latex, to strengthen its cohesion and to protect the device later radiofrequency identification. The thickness of this second sheet is for example 200 microns.

p0080On this second sheet, a chip and an antenna is deposited by a conventional method.

p0081then this second laminated sheet carrying the chip and the antenna, on the first sheet so that the chip is received in the cavity made by embossing.

p0082After lamination, the complex formed is dried.

example 8

p0083a first sheet is carried out as in Example 7.

p0084Is then carried cavity depth substantially equal to half that of the chip on the sheet by mechanical embossing.

p0085a second sheet is carried out as in Example 3, with a watermark whose thickness is substantially equal to half that of the chip provided with its antenna, for example of IC-Link ® from Inside Technologies.

p0086It then assembles the two sheets, the chip being completely accommodated in the facing cavities of each of the sheets.

example 9

p0087A first sheet is identical to that of the previous example.

p0088then we equip the face of said first sheet opposite to that carrying the coating of radio frequency identification device.

p0089To do this, we can begin by depositing a conductive ink, for example by screen printing, selectively to form two connection areas for the chip and electrical connecting bridge which will later connect one end of the antenna to the one of said connecting zones.

p0090an insulating ink is then deposited, for example by screen printing, selectively, to form a reserve at the connection areas and at the end of the connecting bridge opposite the corresponding login area.

p0091the turns of the antenna is carried out by depositing conductive ink, for example by screen printing. The ink used may contain tamperproofing agents. The antenna is electrically connected by one of its ends to one of the aforementioned connection regions and by the other end to the free end of the electrical connection bridge.

p0092Depositing an insulating layer, for example by screen printing, selectively, to form a reserve of a thickness at least equivalent to that of the chip and can accommodate it within the final structure without creating excess thickness. The thickness of the deposited insulating layer is for example of the order of 300 .mu.m. The insulator may be deposited in one or several passes and may include a blowing agent.

p0093After placement of the chip is performed possibly filing an optional protective layer on the insulating layer.

example 10

p0094One starts by making a first sheet identical to that of the previous example.

p0095Then, for example is deposited by screen printing on the face of said first sheet opposite to that which has been coated with a mixture suitable for graining, a conductive ink so as to form the turns of the antenna.

p0096After an insulating ink selectively is deposited 34, and is carried out the electrical connection bridge 35 between one end of the coils and a connection area for the chip. Is then deposited an insulating layer, for example by screen printing, selectively, to form a reserve of thickness at least equal to that of the chip.

p0097Once the chip inserted into the cavity formed in the insulating layer, can be coated thereof an optional protective layer.

example 11

p0098The procedure is as in Example 1, with the difference that the chip and the antenna are supported by a flexible support of small thickness such as a synthetic film, a polyester film, for example.

p0099The support film carrying the chip and the antenna is then associated with a type of blotter paper.

p0100In Examples 1 to 6, the first sheet may be made, alternatively, from the outset with a coating suitable for graining and / or receive a printing varnish.

p0101In general, the material saturating the paper base of the first sheet of Examples 1 to 10 or the second sheet of Examples 1 to 4 may be a synthetic resin, natural, for example an elastomer or a mixture of resins, it material being selected to provide flexibility, improve tear resistance, resistance to deformation during compression and resilience. May especially be used as elastomeric polymer of styrene butadiene (SBR), polybutadiene (BR), butadiene-acrylonitrile (NBR), acrylic polymers, polychloroprene, polyisoprene, this list is not limiting.

p0102As polymer-based mixture (s) operable to confer suitable for graining include certain cellulose nitro polymers, polyurethanes, acrylic or vinyl.

p0103As polymers usable (s) to form the insulation of Examples 5 and 6, there may be mentioned thermoplastic polymers based on PVC, polyurethane and natural or synthetic elastomers. Use may in particular plasticized PVC or "plastisol" which contains plasticisers, for example esters of Phthalic acid, odipique acid, sebacic acid or phosphoric acid. polyurethane elastomers may also be used. a PVC emulsion can still mix with other copolymer dispersions butadiene / acrylonitrile copolymer or budatiène / acrylonitrile / styrene, which act as plasticizers. finally can be introduced into the polymer, especially when it is deposited by printing or coating, and comprises, for example PVC, blowing agents operating for example by an exothermic process. As blowing agents, there may be mentioned in particular products such as Genitron® based azodicarbonanide or sulfohydrazide, which after decomposition temperature provides gases such as nitrogen monoxide or hydrogen, the carbon dioxide or ammonia, resulting in the creation of cells and swelling of the coating. Can also be used as a blowing agent water, in the case of a polyurethane insulation made from methylene isocyanate, polyester, and polyether.

p0104In Examples 1 to 10, one can replace the paper base by any other fiber base, in particular a nonwoven.

p0105Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

p0106Coverage can undergo treatments from ornament, including implementation transfer under heat and pressure of a colorful metallic or holographic film, this film can be deposited on the book before bonding cover or booklet after placement specifications.

p0107Coverage can receive gravure printing or screen printing a visible or invisible pattern of security or not.

p0108Can achieve the integration of the chip in the passport cover by other methods than those described above, depending on the structure of the radiofrequency identification device.

p0109The cover may comprise a more or less large number of different layers.

p0110The antenna may be made other than by screen printing, for example by transfer of a coated film of conductive copper tracks made by etching.

p0111The invention is not limited to passports and also applies to the manufacture of family books or savings among others.

p0112The figur es, real relative thicknesses have not been respected in a drawing clarity.