FR3137476A1 - Microcircuit card comprising an insert with an LED between reflective films - Google Patents

Abstract

Microcircuit card comprising an insert with an LED between reflective films Microcircuit card comprising: a first support layer (101), a second support layer (102), an insert (103) comprising at least one LED light-emitting diode (106), the insert being arranged between the first support layer and the second support layer, in which a first reflective film (109), for example metallic, is arranged between the first support layer and the insert, and a second reflective film (110) , for example metallic, is arranged between the second support layer and the insert, the first reflective film and the second reflective film extending facing each other from the level of said at least one LED to at least one edge of the microcircuit card. Figure for abstract: Fig. 2.

Description

Microcircuit card comprising an insert with an LED between reflective films

The invention relates to the field of microcircuit cards, and in particular contactless microcircuit cards provided with an antenna.

Microcircuit cards generally include a microcircuit connected to an antenna which can be arranged on an insert, usually designated by the Anglo-Saxon term “inlay”. The antenna can be used for communication with a terminal, for example by implementing communications according to the ISO 14 443 standard in all its versions and in particular that of 2018.

A microcircuit card insert is usually arranged between two support layers (“core layers”), which are for example layers of polymer, which protect the antenna, the microcircuit, and which provide faces on which we can print. informations.

From the state of the prior art, we know the document EP 2426627 which describes modules for microcircuit cards equipped with light sources (typically light-emitting diodes (LED)). In this document, the light sources are powered using an antenna specific to them and which reacts to the electromagnetic field of the terminals with which the microcircuit cards can communicate (by means of another antenna). The integration of light sources improves the visual effect of cards, and can be useful to signal to a user that a transaction is validated or that the card is within the range of the electromagnetic field of a terminal.

That being said, in the cards of this previous document, light effects are produced for example by transmission through the support layers, which a user can perceive as a luminous halo (which for example indicates that the card is within the range of a contactless terminal), and which is not always satisfactory in terms of visibility (for example if the card is stored in a wallet, or even stacked with other cards).

In addition, lighting such as that produced by the cards in this document can affect the readability of the information present on the faces of the microcircuit card.

There is a need for other lighting modes for microcircuit cards, in which the lighting is easier for a user to detect.

For this purpose, the present invention relates to a microcircuit card comprising:

a first support layer,

a second support layer,

an insert comprising at least one LED light-emitting diode (for example, the insert may comprise one or more LEDs), the insert being arranged between the first support layer and the second support layer,

in which a first reflective film, for example metallic, is arranged between the first support layer and the insert, and a second reflective film, for example metallic, is arranged between the second support layer and the insert,

the first reflective film and the second reflective film, extending facing each other from the level of said at least one LED (which emits radiation in the visible range) to at least one edge of the microcircuit card.

Thus, the invention proposes to place at least one LED in the middle of a stack comprising the LED and the two reflective films, so that the light rays which are emitted by the LED (or at least a portion of these rays ) will be guided by the two reflecting films at least up to at least the edge of the card reached by the two films.

In other words, a light guide is formed to guide light toward at least one edge of the board. We will thus be able to perceive radiation coming from the edge of the card, sometimes called the edge of the card.

It therefore appears that if the edge is an accessible edge (which protrudes) when the card is stored in a wallet, we will be able to perceive the light radiation (for example if the card is within the range of an electromagnetic field received by an antenna which powers the LED).

The LEDs which can be used in microcircuit cards are generally of low thickness and generally have a narrow frontal emission cone which illuminates what faces the LED, the use of reflective films makes it possible to overcome this disadvantage and to have radiation on one edge. LEDs with other emission cones can also be used, for example side-emitting LEDs (emission around the LEDs).

It can be noted that by reflective, we mean reflective for at least the emission spectrum of said at least one LED in the visible range. The person skilled in the art will know how to choose the materials for the two films and their thickness to limit the measurable transmissions through these films.

Also, by extending, we mean extending so as to provide a rectilinear path between said at least one LED and the edge.

As indicated above, the reflective films can be metallic films. By metallic, we understand that they include metal, for example one or more layers of metal (for example aluminum), or even particles of metal (for example silver).

The invention is nevertheless not limited to metallic films; other reflective films can be used, for example non-metallic multilayer films.

It can be noted that the card being a microcircuit card, it includes a microcircuit which can be arranged directly on the insert, or which can be arranged in a module itself assembled with the insert.

Assembling the microcircuit directly on the insert is suitable for microcircuit cards that only operate in contactless mode. The microcircuit can be connected to an antenna which is on the insert.

The use of a microcircuit arranged in a module is suitable for dual interface cards (with contact and contactless), the microcircuit modules generally including connection areas for readers in contact mode. The module, and therefore the microcircuit, are generally connected to an antenna which is on the insert to ensure the contactless mode of dual interface cards.

According to a particular embodiment, the first reflective film and the second reflective film extend facing each other in the entire plane of the card (possibly with windows/openings facing antenna turns arranged on the 'insert).

In this particular embodiment, the two films are continuous between the 4 edges of the microcircuit card which is substantially rectangular. The light emitted by the LED is thus well transmitted to all edges or all slices, without a portion of the radiation being absorbed, for example, by the support layers.

According to a particular embodiment, the first reflective film and the second reflective film are assembled by lamination between the insert and respectively the first support layer and the second support layer.

It can be noted that a film obtained by lamination has particular technical characteristics in terms of composition, for example if it is a metallic layer, it may comprise layers of metal such as those obtained by processes such as spraying on a support layer. In particular, these layers do not contain particles embedded in a matrix of binders or resin.

According to a particular embodiment, the first reflective film and the second reflective film are films obtained by printing.

For example, a printed layer may include not only metallic pigments (in the case of a metallic film), but also binders (for example resins) or solvents (which is not the case for a printed layer). assembled by lamination).

According to a particular embodiment, the reflective film arranged on the side of the insert which supports said at least one LED has a raised portion positioned opposite said at least one LED.

This portion, which is reflective and because it is in relief, will be able to direct the light rays emitted by the LED so that they are deflected towards the edges of the microcircuit card. This further optimizes the transmission of light towards the edges of the microcircuit card.

It can be noted that if the microcircuit card includes several LEDs, a single raised portion can be used opposite the several LEDs, or several raised portions for each LED.

According to a particular embodiment, said raised portion has a convex shape when observed from said at least one LED.

This convex shape (typically a bump) is well suited to deflect light rays towards the edges of the card.

According to a particular embodiment, the insert comprises a transparent insert support layer.

This insert support layer can be the main layer of the insert, that is to say the sole support of the insert, which supports the LED, the microcircuit, etc. By being transparent (for at least the emission spectrum of the LED), we increase the transmission of light.

The invention is nevertheless in no way limited to transparent insert support layers and also applies to other layers.

For example, according to a particular embodiment, the insert comprises a transparent insert support layer comprising non-transparent particles.

This particular embodiment makes it possible to obtain diffusion of light rays between the two reflective films, which makes it possible to homogenize the radiation at the edges of the microcircuit card. Preferably, the non-transparent particles are included at a very low particle concentration, for example of the order of 1 to 10%.

According to a particular embodiment, the card comprises:

between the insert and the first reflective film, a first transparent thickness compensation layer, and,

between the insert and the second reflective film, a second transparent thickness compensation layer.

This embodiment is advantageous in that it prevents direct contact between said at least one LED and the reflective metal films, which facilitates the transmission of light towards the edges. Also, this embodiment makes it possible to limit the reliefs which result from the presence of the LEDs, the microcircuit (if it is on the insert), and the antennas, which could be perceived from outside the card. This embodiment also improves the robustness of the laminations used during the manufacture of the card.

According to a particular embodiment, the insert comprises a main antenna configured to electrically power the microcircuit of the microcircuit card, and a secondary antenna configured to electrically power said at least one LED.

These two antennas are distinct.

The secondary antenna can power said at least one LED when it is present within the range of the electromagnetic field emitted by a terminal which can communicate with the microcircuit by means of the main antenna.

It can be noted that in the embodiment where the films extend facing each other across the entire plane of the card, the films can include windows facing the turns of the antennas so as not to affect their operation.

The invention also proposes a method of manufacturing a microcircuit card in which we assemble:

a first support layer,

a second support layer,

an insert comprising at least one LED light-emitting diode and arranged between the first support layer and the second support layer,

in which a first reflective film, for example metallic, is assembled between the first support layer and the insert, and a second reflective film, for example metallic, is assembled between the second support layer and the insert,

the first reflective film and the second reflective film extending facing each other from the level of said at least one LED to at least one edge of the microcircuit card.

This process can be adapted for the manufacture of microcircuit cards according to all the embodiments of the microcircuit card as described above.

According to a particular mode of implementation, the first reflective film and the second reflective film are assembled by lamination between the insert and respectively the first support layer and the second support layer.

According to a particular mode of implementation, the first reflective film and the second reflective film are printed.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below, with reference to the appended drawings which illustrate examples of embodiment devoid of any limiting character. In the figures:

There is a sectional view of a microcircuit card according to an example,

There is a sectional view of the microcircuit card of the when the LED works,

There is a sectional view of a microcircuit card according to another example,

There is a sectional view of a microcircuit card according to yet another example,

There shows, from the front, the arrangement of the LED, the microcircuit, and the antennas, and

There is a sectional view of a microcircuit card according to another example.

We will now describe microcircuit cards comprising LEDs but which are capable of producing visible light radiation on a slice of the card.

In the examples that we are going to describe, all the slices, all the edges of the sound card are illuminated. The invention is nevertheless not limited to this aspect and also covers cases where an edge can be illuminated by a portion of the light emitted by the LED (the other portion can be absorbed by elements of the card or transmitted by other edges).

The microcircuit cards described here are microcircuit cards which can communicate with terminals by contactless communication, for example according to the ISO 14 443 standard in all its versions and in particular that of 2018. Cards of this type will be described in reference to figures 1 to 5.

The microcircuit cards described here may also be microcircuit cards according to the ISO 7816 standard (in all its versions and in particular in its 2011 version). This standard defines dimensions for microcircuit cards, and provides that contact communication is possible. For example, the microcircuit cards described here can be dual interface cards: contact and contactless. A card of this type will be described with reference to the .

On the , a sectional view of a microcircuit card 100 is shown. In this figure, it can be seen that the card 100 comprises a first support layer 101 and a second support layer 102 (“core layer” in English). These support layers are for example layers of polymer, for example layers of opaque polycarbonate, for example white (the polymer may contain particles which give this opaque white appearance), or also of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene terephthalate glycolized (PETg). They can have a thickness of around 100 to 250 µm.

Although this has not been shown for reasons of simplicity, above the first support layer 101 (the upper face of the card 100) and below the second support layer 102 (the lower face of the card 100), printable overlay layers can be assembled, on which information specific to each microcircuit card can be printed (typically information on the user of the microcircuit card which can be a card of somebody).

Between the two support layers 101 and 102, an insert 103 ("inlay" in English) has been arranged, which supports different components of the microcircuit card 100. The insert 103 comprises an insert support layer 104, which is here a transparent polymer layer (for example polyester with a thickness of around 10 to 20 µm), with an upper face F. The insert support layer 104 extends to all the edges of the card 100 .

On the upper face F we have assembled a microcircuit 105 and an LED 106. The microcircuit 105 can be configured to communicate in a contactless manner by means of an antenna 107 whose turns are visible in the figure, for example and as indicated above according to the ISO 14 443 standard. In fact, this microcircuit can be configured to carry out transactions, for example authentication or banking, using this standard. In an alternative embodiment described below with reference to the , the microcircuit 105 is in a module and connected to a set of contacts arranged at the upper face of the first support layer 101, to carry out communications with contact, for example according to the ISO 7816 standard mentioned above.

The LED 106 is electrically connected to an antenna 108 (possibly through an LED driver circuit) which, when within range of the electromagnetic field emitted by a terminal capable of communicating with the microcircuit card in a communication mode contactless, will deliver an electric current to the LED 106 which can emit light.

LEDs, and more precisely thin LEDs adapted to be integrated into a microcircuit card, generally have a frontal emission cone, which illuminates the surface opposite that of the LED support (lateral emitting LEDs can also be used. Here, the LED 106 is on face F and illuminates above it in the figure. To avoid transmitting light through the first support layer 101, a first reflective metal film 109 has been arranged between the insert 103 and the first support layer 101. The rays emitted by the LED 106 will be reflected by this film. To avoid transmitting reflected light through the second support layer 102, a second reflective metal film 110 has been arranged between the insert 103 and the second support layer 102. The operation of the two reflective metal films will be visible on the .

The two reflective metallic films may be films comprising aluminum, for example having a metal thickness of the order of several Angstroms. In this case, they can be laminated (for example hot, at 140°C) with the insert and the two support layers.

Alternatively, the two reflective metallic films can be films obtained by printing with a metallic ink. For example, we could use a metallic ink comprising silver particles, with a printed thickness of between 5 and 15 µm. As an indication, we can use inks such as those marketed by the French company VFP Ink Technologies under the references AC301, AC302, AC303, or even AC9003.

Printing can be done directly on the insert (on the side of face F and possibly on the other side).

Non-metallic films can also be used, for example multilayer reflective films.

It can be noted that windows (not shown on the ) can be formed in the films 109 and 110 facing the antennas 107 and 108, so as not to affect their operation.

The map of the comprises two transparent thickness compensation layers, for example layers of polyester, which can compensate for the thickness of the microcircuit or the LED, and which will allow light rays to propagate between the insert and the reflective metal films.

More precisely, a first transparent thickness compensation layer 111 is here assembled between the insert 103 and the first film 109, and a second transparent thickness compensation layer 112 is assembled between the insert 103 and the second film 110 .

It can be noted that adhesives can be used between the different layers mentioned above.

Subsequently, when the same elements are present and already described, we will use the same references in this figure as in the previous ones.

There shows the card 100 described with reference to the in an operating mode. Here, the card 100 is within the range of the electromagnetic field of a terminal (not shown), so that the antenna 108 is crossed by an electric current which will supply electrical energy to the LED 106.

In this figure, light rays RY are also shown which are guided, from the LED 106, to the two edges visible in the figure. The reflective metal films 109 and 110 extending over the entire surface of the card, we have light guidance not only on these two edges, but also on the two others which are not visible in the figure.

There shows a card 100' according to another example, in which the first metal film, which is arranged on the side of the insert which supports the LED 106 has a raised portion 115 positioned opposite said at least one LED. The raised portion 115 has a convex shape observed from the LED. For example, the raised portion 115 may have a convex shape, a cone shape, or a pyramid shape. Other shapes are also conceivable for the relief, preferably shapes which are configured to deflect at least part of the radiation emitted by the LED towards at least one edge.

With the raised portion 115, the light rays emitted by the LED are further deflected towards the edges, and we obtain radiation RY' which can be more intense than the radiation RY described with reference to the .

There shows a card 100'' according to yet another example, in which the insert support layer 104' differs from the support layer 104 described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 in that it comprises non-transparent particles 116.

As an indication, these particles may be reflective particles, and they may be dispersed in the material of the insert support layer 104'.

These particles make it possible to obtain a diffusive effect, which will homogenize the RY'' radiation observable at the edges of the card, compared to the RY and RY' radiation described above which may present irregularities in light radiation along the edges. edges of the cards.

There is a front view of the card 100, which shows the arrangement of the microcircuit 105, the LED 106, and the antennas 107 and 108.

Here, the turns of antenna 108 are entirely surrounded by the turns of antenna 107. Other arrangements are possible. For example, the turns of the antenna 108 can be placed between turns of the antenna 107, or the turns of the antenna 108 can be placed next to the turns of the antenna 107. Preferably, the turns of the antenna The antenna 107 surrounds a larger surface than that of the antenna 108.

On the , we also see that the card includes a control circuit 120 of the LED 106. The control circuit 120 is powered by the antenna 108 and can control the operation of the LED 106, for example to produce particular radiation, or to control an operation which only takes place when a condition is verified (for example a transaction validated by the microcircuit 105).

There shows, in section, a 100''' microcircuit card which can communicate via two interfaces (when the same elements are present, the same references are used in this figure as in the previous ones). In the same way as for the cards described above, the card can communicate contactlessly according to the ISO 14 443 standard. Its microcircuit connected to the antenna 107 is however not directly on the insert but integrated into a module 130, which is connected to the antenna by antenna contacts 131. The module 130 is arranged in a window of the support layer 101, and extends between the insert and the upper face in the figure. The module has a face which is flush with the upper face of the support layer 101, and this face includes contacts 132 connected to the microcircuit and which can be used for communication according to the ISO 7816 standard.

In this embodiment, we also have lighting of the edges of the card.

It has been observed that for a card according to the prior art not comprising reflective metal films, the following values of corrected brightness are obtained in relation to limited stray light (of the order of 0.04 Lux): Terminal field (A/m) Corrected brightness (Lux) 1.5 0.16 2.5 0.28 4.5 0.51 5.5 0.62

All measurements in this description are taken at the edge of the cards.

For a card such as card 100 with printed reflective metallic films, we obtain: Terminal field (A/m) Corrected brightness (Lux) 1.5 0.22 2.5 0.38 4.5 0.77 5.5 0.91

And, for a card such as card 100 with laminated reflective metal films, we obtain: Terminal field (A/m) Corrected brightness (Lux) 1.5 0.20 2.5 0.41 4.5 0.80 5.5 1.06

It can be noted that reflective metal films have an efficiency which increases with the intensity of the field of the terminal, and can increase the brightness by 71% compared to a card without these films.

The invention therefore makes it possible to concentrate the light radiation from the LEDs included in the microcircuit cards towards the edges.

In the three tables presented above, diodes with a frontal emission cone were used.

We can also use side emitting diodes, the use of which is also improved in terms of transmission towards the edges by the use of reflective films: Terminal field (A/m) Corrected brightness, absence of reflective films (Lux) Corrected brightness, presence of reflective films (Lux) 1.5 2.96 5.06 3.5 7.14 15.42 5.5 6.35 22.80

We can note that we obtain an increase in brightness at the edges of around 200%.

A person skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments and variants described above constitute only non-limiting examples of implementation of the invention. In particular, those skilled in the art may consider any adaptation or combination of the embodiments and variants described above, in order to meet a very specific need in accordance with the claims presented below.

Claims (13)

Microcircuit card comprising:
a first support layer (101),
a second support layer (102),
an insert (103) comprising at least one LED light-emitting diode (106), the insert being arranged between the first support layer and the second support layer,
in which a first reflective film (109), for example metallic, is arranged between the first support layer and the insert, and a second reflective film (110), for example metallic, is arranged between the second support layer and the insert ,
the first reflective film and the second reflective film extending facing each other from the level of said at least one LED to at least one edge of the microcircuit card. A card according to claim 1, wherein the first reflective film (109) and the second reflective film (110) extend facing each other across the entire plane of the card. Card according to claim 1 or 2, in which the first reflective film (109) and the second reflective film (110) are assembled by lamination between the insert and respectively the first support layer and the second support layer. Card according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first reflective film (109) and the second reflective film (110) are films obtained by printing. Card according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the reflective film (109) arranged on the side of the insert which supports said at least one LED has a raised portion (115) positioned opposite said at least one OF THE. Card according to claim 5, wherein said raised portion (115) has a convex shape when observed from said at least one LED. Card according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the insert (103) comprises a transparent insert support layer (104). Card according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the insert comprises a transparent insert support layer (104') comprising non-transparent particles (116). Card according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising:
between the insert and the first reflective film, a first transparent thickness compensation layer (111), and,
between the insert and the second reflective film, a second transparent thickness compensation layer (112). Card according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the insert comprises a main antenna configured to electrically power the microcircuit of the microcircuit card, and a secondary antenna configured to electrically power said at least one LED. Process for manufacturing a microcircuit card Microcircuit card in which we assemble:
a first support layer (101),
a second support layer (102),
an insert (103) comprising at least one LED light-emitting diode (106) and arranged between the first support layer and the second support layer,
in which a first reflective film (109), for example metallic, is assembled between the first support layer and the insert, and a second reflective film (110), for example metallic, is assembled between the second support layer and the insert ,
the first reflective film and the second reflective film extending facing each other from the level of said at least one LED to at least one edge of the microcircuit card. Method according to claim 11, in which the first reflective film (109) and the second reflective film (110) are assembled by lamination between the insert and respectively the first support layer and the second support layer. A method according to claim 12, wherein the first reflective film (109) and the second reflective film (110) are printed.