DE102021006084A1 - Card-shaped data carrier with a functional module and method for producing a card-shaped data carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a card-shaped data carrier (10), in particular a smart card, comprising a card body (11) with at least one arrangement area (12) for accommodating a functional module (20), the functional module (20) being in the arrangement area (12 ) of the card body (11), the functional module (20) comprising at least one chip (25), a contact structure (21), a carrier (23) and at least one antenna (22), the chip (25), the contact structure (21) and the antenna (22) are arranged on the carrier (23), the functional module (20) comprising at least one, in particular optically visible, functional element (24) to increase the security of the card-shaped data carrier (10), which is arranged on the carrier (23). The invention also relates to a method for producing a card-shaped data carrier.

Description

The present invention relates to a card-shaped data carrier, in particular a smart card, and a method for producing a card-shaped data carrier.

A large number of card-shaped data carriers, for example smart cards, chip cards, in particular with RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification), integrated circuit cards, dual interface cards or identification cards, are known from the prior art. In particular, the use of smart cards, such as credit cards or payment cards, has become established for carrying out financial transactions.

Furthermore, it is known to use different components for contact-based and/or contactless data transmission for the production of card-shaped data carriers, such as a chip module with a chip and a contact structure, a card body in which the chip module is arranged and/or other components, such as an antenna or a capacitor for contactless data transmission.

In particular, a functional module is known, which is exemplified in 1 is shown. 1 shows a plan view of a functional module 20 for a card-shaped data carrier, not shown, according to the prior art. The known functional module 20 is embodied as an RFID module, for example, and has a chip (not shown), a contact structure 21 , a rectangular carrier 23 and an antenna 22 , the chip, the contact structure 21 and the antenna 22 being arranged on the carrier 23 are. For example, the chip that is not shown is not visible on a lower surface of the carrier 23 . In this case, the carrier 23 forms a kind of substrate for the electronic components of the functional module 20. The contact structure 21 is arranged on a surface 23a of the carrier 23 opposite the lower surface. A contact-based data transmission can thus be established between the smart card with the functional module 20 and a reading device. In particular, the chip is preferably connected to contacts of the contact structure 21 via wires. The number, size and position of the contacts can be defined by international standards so that the function of the smart card can be ensured in every reader. Furthermore, the antenna 22 is also arranged on the surface 23a of the carrier 23 . Inductive contactless data transmission with the reading device can be made possible by means of the antenna 22 . Since contact-based and/or contactless data transmission can be made possible with the known functional module 20, the functional module 20 can be used as a card-shaped data carrier for dual-interface cards, for example. For this purpose, the functional module 20 is typically arranged in an arrangement area on a surface of the card body of the card-shaped data carrier.

The functionality of the functional module is strictly specified according to ISO standards. This means, among other things, that the size of the functional module for providing the RFID functionality is set to a specific value. In particular, the antenna and thus also the carrier have a predetermined minimum size. Compared to a chip module without an antenna, the known functional module is significantly larger. A space-saving arrangement of the functional module on the card body of the card-shaped data carrier cannot therefore be guaranteed. Consequently, the space for attaching customer-specific designs or logos and furthermore the space for attaching security elements on the card body of the card-shaped data carrier is reduced by the size of the functional module. Due to the reduced space for attaching security elements, the security against forgery of the card-shaped data carrier is reduced in particular.

The object of the present invention is therefore to specify a card-shaped data carrier, in particular a smart card, with a functional module in which improved protection against forgery can be made available. Furthermore, it is the object of the present invention to specify a method for producing a card-shaped data carrier.

This problem is solved by a card-shaped data carrier having the features of independent claim 1 . Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 9.

Configurations and developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and disclosed in relation to the description and the figures. Features and details that are described in connection with the card-shaped data carrier according to the invention also apply in connection with the method according to the invention and vice versa, so that the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention can always be referred to reciprocally.

Within the scope of the application, the invention can preferably be used for smart cards, in particular for credit cards and payment cards. However, it can also be used for other RFID devices, such as key cards, access cards, tokens, wearables or security ID cards.

According to one aspect of the invention, a card-shaped data carrier, in particular a smart card, is provided, which comprises the following components: a card body with at least one arrangement area for accommodating a functional module, the functional module being arranged in the arrangement area of the card body, the functional Module comprises at least one chip, a contact structure, a carrier and at least one antenna, wherein the chip, the contact structure and the antenna are arranged on the carrier. Furthermore, the functional module comprises at least one, in particular optically visible, functional element for increasing the security of the card-shaped data carrier, which is arranged on the carrier.

As part of the application, it is preferably provided that the arrangement area for accommodating the functional module is formed by a recess in the card body in which the functional module is accommodated. In particular, the card body can be formed by a plurality of layers, with a recess being provided in the layers in order to accommodate the functional module therein. This has the advantage of a protected and space-saving arrangement of the functional module within the card body of the card-shaped data carrier.

Within the scope of the application, the functional module includes at least one chip and one contact structure. In this way, contact-based data transmission can be established between the smart card and a reading device. To do this, the smart card must be inserted into the reader in order to establish a direct electrical connection between the contact structure and the reader. In particular, the chip is connected to contacts of the contact structure via wires. The number, size and position of the contacts can be defined by international standards so that the function of the smart card can be ensured in every reader. The functional module also includes an antenna (as a coil) for inductive contactless data transmission. The antenna is in particular coupled to the chip, or the chip is connected to the antenna. A contactless smart card can communicate with a reader through electromagnetic waves, where the smart card can function similar to a transceiver. In particular, electromagnetic waves emitted by the reading device generate an oscillating electromagnetic field which, for example, generates an oscillating electrical voltage in the coil or antenna of the functional module, as a result of which the chip can be supplied with current. The voltage fluctuations can be captured as a signal and converted into data in the chip. This data can in turn be processed in the chip and converted into changes in the electromagnetic field, which in turn can be picked up by the reader and converted into data. Overall, the functional module can therefore enable contact-based and/or contactless data transmission.

Within the scope of the application, the term antenna can also include an antenna structure made up of a number of individual antennas. Here, for example, configurations with two antennas each for the energy or signal transmission can be included. However, the design of the antenna as a single antenna for both energy and signal transmission is particularly preferred. In particular, the antenna can be etched or designed as a wire structure.

In the context of the application, the carrier is preferably non-transparent. The chip can preferably be arranged on a lower surface of the carrier and the contact structure and the antenna can be arranged on an opposite surface of the carrier. In other words, the chip can preferably be arranged in a protected manner inside the card body, with the contact structure and the antenna being able to be arranged on the surface of the card body so that they are visible from the outside. Furthermore, the functional module comprises at least one, in particular optically visible, functional element for increasing the security of the card-shaped data carrier, which is arranged on the carrier. The functional element is arranged on the surface of the carrier so that it is visible from the outside and can therefore be arranged on the surface of the card body.

The invention has the advantage that the functional element represents an additional component of the functional module and thus also of the card-shaped data carrier, which improves the counterfeit security of the card-shaped data carrier. In general, an increased number of optically visible components ensures increased protection against counterfeiting, since the functional element would have to be reproduced as an additional component or reproduced exactly for a copy. Thus, by means of the functional element according to the invention, on the one hand the security function of the card-shaped data carrier can be increased and on the other hand the design options and the appearance of the card-shaped data carrier can be flexibly expanded.

Provision can preferably be made for the functional element to have a security element, in particular a hologram. The security element can be arranged on the carrier of the functional module, for example by means of a hot embossing process, with the functional module already being arranged in the area of the card body. Alternatively, the security element can be arranged, for example, on the carrier of the functional module, with the functional module being arranged on a module carrier band with a large number of further functional modules. As alternative security elements, for example, UV or infrared visible elements can be arranged on the carrier, such as a customer logo visible under UV light or a combination of letters or the like. This has the advantage that the security element can be arranged in a space-saving manner on the functional module to increase the security function and the remaining space available on the card body can be used for further security elements or design options.

Provision can preferably be made for the functional element to have a printing section, with the printing section in particular being formed by means of digital UV printing or pad printing. The functional element can preferably be printed at least in sections, in particular completely. This can be done, for example, when personalizing the card-shaped data carrier or in a suitable method step in the production of the card-shaped data carrier. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the functional element is already printed on the module carrier tape. By way of example, it can be provided that the pressure section of the functional element encompasses almost the entire surface of the carrier, with the exception of the contact structure and the antenna. In this way, almost the entire area of the functional module can advantageously be used. The printed section can form an additional security element to increase protection against counterfeiting or be used as a design feature for applying optical effects. In particular, the size of the pressure section of the functional element can be flexibly adapted to the design or the security requirements of the card-shaped data carrier.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the pressure section covers the carrier at least in sections. Provision is preferably made for the printing section to essentially completely cover the carrier. To ensure the functionality of the card-shaped data carrier, the contact structure and the antenna can be omitted from the printing.

Provision can advantageously be made for the printing section to be in the form of a laser printing section. A laser can be used to implement various optical effects with regard to safety functionality or design options.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the functional element has a customer logo. The customer logo can thus be arranged on the functional module of the card-shaped data carrier in a space-saving manner and the remaining surface of the card body can be used for additional security elements or design options.

Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the functional element has at least one recess. A plurality of recesses can preferably be provided for the functional element. For example, all surfaces of the carrier that are not required can be formed as recesses in the functional element. The recesses can be formed, for example, by stamping processes or laser cutting. The recess or several recesses have the advantage that when arranging the functional module in the arrangement area of the card body, the material of the card body can be fitted into the recess(es) or can flow into the recess(es). In particular, improved mechanical anchoring within the card body can thereby be guaranteed.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the functional element has at least one printable material, in particular a film or a paint, on a surface of the carrier. The printable material can be printed or inscribed, for example, when personalizing the card using a laser process. For example, the name of the user or the card number or a CVV (card verification value) could be arranged on the printable material as a security element.

In summary, it can be stated that all of the described embodiments of the functional element improve the counterfeit security of the card-shaped data carrier and, in addition, the design options and the appearance of the card-shaped data carrier can be flexibly expanded.

1. a) Bereitstellen eines funktionalen Moduls, insbesondere auf einem Modulträgerband;
2. b) Anordnen des funktionalen Moduls im Anordnungsbereich des Kartenkörpers; und
3. c) Anordnen von wenigstens einem, insbesondere optisch sichtbaren, Funktionselement zur Erhöhung der Sicherheit des kartenförmigen Datenträgers an dem Träger.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for producing a card-shaped data carrier, in particular a smart card, is provided, comprising a card body with at least one arrangement area for accommodating a functional module, the functional nal module is arranged in the arrangement area of the card body, the functional module comprising at least one chip, a contact structure, a carrier and at least one antenna, the chip, the contact structure and the antenna being arranged on the carrier, the method comprising the following steps includes:

1. a) providing a functional module, in particular on a module carrier tape;
2. b) arranging the functional module in the arrangement area of the card body; and
3. c) arranging at least one, in particular optically visible, functional element to increase the security of the card-shaped data carrier on the carrier.

Provision can preferably be made here for steps a), b) and c) to be carried out one after the other in a chronological order or for step c) to be carried out in a chronological order before step b).

Provision is particularly preferably made for a functional module to be provided on a module carrier strip. For example, a multiplicity of functional modules can be provided on a module carrier band, in particular next to one another. The module carrier band forms a type of substrate on which the individual functional modules can be attached and in particular can be detached or punched out. In other words, in particular a functional module is detached from the module carrier strip in order to then be able to be arranged in the arrangement area of the card body.

Arranging the functional module in the arrangement area of the card body can, for example, include gluing the functional module into a milled cavity as a recess in the card body.

In particular, it is further provided that the functional element is arranged on the carrier of the functional module. As already described, this can take place during or after the functional module is provided on the module carrier band or alternatively, during or after the functional module is arranged in the arrangement area of the card body. In other words, the functional element can already be provided on the module carrier strip or only later, after the functional module has already been arranged on the card body. In particular, the functional element is designed according to one of the embodiments described above and can, for example, comprise a security element, a pressure section, etc.

Overall, the method according to the invention has the same advantages as were explained with regard to the card-shaped data carrier according to the invention.

• 1 eine Draufsicht auf ein funktionales Modul für einen kartenförmigen Datenträger nach dem Stand der Technik;
• 2 eine Draufsicht auf einen kartenförmigen Datenträger nach einem erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 3 eine Draufsicht auf ein Modulträgerband mit funktionalen Modulen für einen kartenförmigen Datenträger nach einem erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 4 eine Querschnittsansicht eines kartenförmigen Datenträgers nach einem weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiel, und
• 5 eine schematische Ansicht für ein Verfahren zum Herstellen eines kartenförmigen Datenträgers nach einem erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiel.

The present invention is described below by way of example within the scope of embodiments with reference to the attached figures. It goes without saying that individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, insofar as this makes technical sense, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Elements with the same function and mode of operation are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures. The figures below show schematically:

• 1 a plan view of a functional module for a card-shaped data carrier according to the prior art;
• 2 a plan view of a card-shaped data carrier according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 3 a plan view of a module carrier tape with functional modules for a card-shaped data carrier according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 4 a cross-sectional view of a card-shaped data carrier according to a further embodiment of the invention, and
• 5 a schematic view of a method for producing a card-shaped data carrier according to an embodiment of the invention.

2 shows a plan view of a card-shaped data carrier 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The card-shaped data carrier 10 is designed, for example, as a smart card, in particular as a dual-interface card.

The card-shaped data carrier 10 has a rectangular card body 11 with a surface 11a. The card body 11 has an arrangement area 12 for accommodating a functional module 20 , the functional module 20 being arranged in the arrangement area 12 of the card body 11 . The arrangement area 12 is formed, for example, by a cutout or a hollow space in the card body 11, in which the functional module 20 can be stored, in particular glued, in a protected manner.

The functional module 20 has a chip (not shown), a contact structure 21, a carrier 23 of rectangular design, for example, an antenna 22 and a functional element 24, which is in particular optically visible, for increasing the security of the card-shaped data carrier 10, the chip, the contact structure 21 , the antenna 22 and the functional element 24 are arranged on the carrier 23 . In particular, the functional module 20 is designed as an RFID module.

For example, the chip that is not shown is not visible on a lower surface of the carrier 23 . In this case, the carrier 23 forms a kind of substrate for the electronic components of the functional module 20. The contact structure 21 is arranged on a surface 23a of the carrier 23 opposite the lower surface. A contact-based data transmission can thus be established between the smart card with the functional module 20 and a reading device. In particular, the chip is preferably connected to contacts of the contact structure 21 via wires.

Furthermore, the antenna 22 is also arranged on the surface 23a of the carrier 23 . Inductive contactless data transmission with the reading device can be made possible by means of the antenna 22 . The antenna 22 is in particular coupled to the chip, or the chip is connected to the antenna 22 . Since contact-based and/or contactless data transmission can be made possible with the known functional module 20, the functional module 20 can be used as a card-shaped data carrier 10 for dual-interface cards, for example.

Compared to the known functional module 20 according to 1 the functional module 20 according to the invention has a functional element 24 . The functional element 24 is arranged, for example, centrally below the contact structure 21 on the carrier 23 . In particular, the functional element 24 is arranged on the surface 23a of the carrier 23 so that it is visible from the outside. In other words, the functional element is also arranged on the surface 11a of the card body 11 .

The functional element 24 has, for example, a hologram as a security element. UV- or infrared-visible elements, for example, can be arranged on the carrier 23 as alternative security elements. The use of the functional element 24 has the advantage that the functional element 24 represents an additional component of the functional module 20 and thus also of the card-shaped data carrier 10 which improves the forgery security of the card-shaped data carrier 10 . The security element is advantageously arranged in a space-saving manner on the functional module 20 in order to increase the security function. Compared to 1 can therefore according to the embodiment of the invention 2 the remaining available space on the surface 11a of the card body 11 can be used for additional security elements or design options.

Alternatively, it is conceivable that the functional element 24 has a printing section, with the printing section in particular being formed by means of digital UV printing or pad printing. It can be provided in particular that the printing section covers the carrier 23 at least in sections and/or the printing section is designed as a laser printing section. Furthermore, it can be provided that the functional element 24 has a customer logo.

3 shows a plan view of a module carrier tape 30 with functional modules 20 for a card-shaped data carrier according to an embodiment of the invention. By way of example, two functional modules 20 are arranged next to one another on the module carrier band 30 . In particular, the functional modules 20 are each according to FIG 2 educated.

For example, a multiplicity of functional modules 20 can be provided next to one another on the module carrier band 30 . The module carrier band 30 forms a type of substrate on which the individual functional modules 20 can be attached and in particular can be detached or punched out. In other words, a functional module 20 in particular is detached from the module carrier strip 30 in order to then be able to be arranged in the arrangement area 12 of the card body 11 .

4 shows a cross-sectional view of a card-shaped data carrier 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The card-shaped data carrier 10 is analogous to 2 educated. In particular, in 4 the chip 25 of the functional module 20 is shown. The chip 25 is arranged on the lower surface 23b of the carrier 23 and is therefore mounted within the card body 11 in a protected manner. The contact structure 21 and the antenna 22 are not visible on the opposite surface 23a of the carrier 23 arranged.

In contrast to 2 the functional element 24 has a recess 24a. The recess 24a can be formed, for example, by stamping processes or laser cutting. The recess 24a has the advantage that when the functional module 20 is arranged in the arrangement area 12 of the card body 11, the material of the card body 11 can be fitted into the recess 24a, as a result of which improved mechanical anchoring within the card body 11 can be guaranteed. For example, the recess 24a can thus be designed as a hole which can be at least partially filled with material of the card body 11 .

5 shows a schematic view of a method for producing a card-shaped data carrier 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. In particular, by means of the method, a card-shaped data carrier 10 according to 2 or 4 getting produced.

1. a) Bereitstellen eines funktionalen Moduls 20, insbesondere auf einem Modulträgerband 30;
2. b) Anordnen des funktionalen Moduls 20 im Anordnungsbereich 12 des Kartenkörpers 11; und
3. c) Anordnen von wenigstens einem, insbesondere optisch sichtbaren, Funktionselement 24 zur Erhöhung der Sicherheit des kartenförmigen Datenträgers 10 an dem Träger 23.

In particular, a card-shaped data carrier 10 can be produced, comprising a card body 11 with at least one arrangement area 12 for receiving a functional module 20, the functional module 20 being arranged in the arrangement area 12 of the card body 11, the functional module 20 having at least one chip 25, a contact structure 21, a carrier 23 and at least one antenna 22, the chip 25, the contact structure 21 and the antenna 22 being arranged on the carrier 23, the method comprising the following steps:

1. a) providing a functional module 20, in particular on a module carrier tape 30;
2. b) arranging the functional module 20 in the arranging area 12 of the card body 11; and
3. c) Arranging at least one, in particular optically visible, functional element 24 to increase the security of the card-shaped data carrier 10 on the carrier 23.

Provision can preferably be made here for steps a), b) and c) to be carried out one after the other in a chronological order or for step c) to be carried out in a chronological order before step b).

Reference List

10

card-shaped data carrier

11

card body

11a

surface

12

layout area

20

functional module

21

contact structure

22

antenna

23

carrier

23a

surface

23b

undersurface

24

functional element

25

chip

30

module carrier tape

Claims (10)

Card-shaped data carrier (10), in particular a smart card, comprising a card body (11) with at least one arrangement area (12) for accommodating a functional module (20), the functional module (20) in the arrangement area (12) of the card body (11 ) is arranged, wherein the functional module (20) comprises at least one chip (25), a contact structure (21), a carrier (23) and at least one antenna (22), wherein the chip (25), the contact structure (21) and the antenna (22) are arranged on the carrier (23), characterized in that the functional module (20) comprises at least one, in particular optically visible, functional element (24) to increase the security of the card-shaped data carrier (10), which the carrier (23) is arranged. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the functional element (24) has a security element, in particular a hologram. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional element (24) has a printing section, the printing section in particular being formed by means of digital UV printing or pad printing. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to claim 3 , characterized in that the pressure section covers the carrier (23) at least in sections. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of claims 3 or 4 , characterized in that the printing section is designed as a laser printing section. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional element (24) has a customer logo. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional element (24) has at least one recess. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional element (24) has at least one printable material, in particular a film or a lacquer, on a surface (23a) of the carrier (23). Method for producing a card-shaped data carrier (10), in particular a smart card, comprising a card body (11) with at least one arrangement area (12) for receiving a functional module (20), the functional module being in the arrangement area (12) of the card body ( 11), wherein the functional module (20) comprises at least one chip (25), a contact structure (21), a carrier (23) and at least one antenna (22), wherein the chip (25), the contact structure (21 ) and the antenna (22) are arranged on the carrier (23), the method comprising the following steps: a) providing a functional module (20), in particular on a module carrier tape (30); b) arranging the functional module (20) in the arrangement area (12) of the card body (11); and c) arranging at least one, in particular optically visible, functional element (24) to increase the security of the card-shaped data carrier (10) on the carrier (23). procedure after claim 9 , characterized in that steps a), b) and c) are carried out one after the other in a chronological order or that step c) is carried out in a chronological order before step b).

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