CARD BODY, CHIP CARD, METHOD FOR SWITCHING A WIRELESS FUNCTION OF A CHIP CARD, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A CARD BODY FOR A CHIP CARD

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a card body for a chip card, a chip card comprising a card body and a chip module, a method for switching a wireless function of a chip card and a method for producing a card body for a chip card.

[0002] Card-shaped data storage devices, especially chip cards, are used in many areas, for example, for cashless payment transactions, as identification documents, or to verify access authorizations. A chip card has a card body and an integrated circuit embedded in the card body, for example, in the form of a chip module with a chip. The chip module is inserted into a cavity or module opening in the card body.

[0003] The following section examines chip modules or chip cards with integrated coils that enable contactless or contactless communication. For example, chip card controllers with RFID functionality can be used.

[0004] Card bodies with a metallic core in the form of a metallic core layer or metallic core element can also be considered, as can card bodies that are partially or entirely made of metal. Cards with dual interface (DI) functionality work by using a chip module that contains a coil (coil-on module). This coil couples to the metallic card body.

[0005] For privacy reasons or to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks, there is a growing need to be able to actively deactivate or activate the NFC or wireless functionality of the chip card. Methods are known to modify the coil on the chip card so that it functions or deactivates it. In addition, so-called jammers have been built into the chip card, which are deactivated by actively shaking the card. All chip cards of this type are complex to manufacture and cumbersome and not fail-safe to use.

[0006] Document US2017 / 077589 A1 discloses a corresponding chip card and forms the basis for the preamble of claim 1.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to improve the deactivation or activation of a wireless function of the chip card.

[0008] This object is achieved by a card body for a chip card, a chip card comprising a card body and a chip module, a method for switching a wireless function of a chip card, and a method for producing a card body for a chip card according to the independent patent claims. Embodiments and developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] A card body according to the invention for a chip card comprises a metallic base body with two opposite main surfaces, wherein a module opening for receiving a chip module with a coil is already produced in the base body or is still to be produced in a module opening zone, and a slot which extends from a peripheral surface of the base body to the module opening or to the module opening zone and which extends between the two main surfaces, wherein a switching device with a switching element and a switching recess for switching a wireless function of the chip card is provided, wherein the switching recess is arranged in contact with the slot and / or within the module opening or the module opening zone, wherein the switching element is provided in or on the switching recess, wherein the switching element, in an off position, electrically bridges the slot and / or the coil and / or blocks a magnetic flux in the module opening, and wherein the switching element, in an on position, electrically releases the slot and / or the coil and / or releases the magnetic flux in the module opening.

[0010] A basic idea of ​​the present invention is the introduction of a switching mechanism for actively and selectively activating or deactivating the wireless function of the chip card, such as NFC functionality or another radio standard. The switching mechanism prevents an integrated circuit or chip of the chip card from being supplied with power and from starting up.

[0011] Metal cards of this type have a slot to prevent the magnetic flux from closing. This slot, or its selective electrical bridging, is used to deactivate the wireless function. If this slot is mechanically and thus electrically bridged with a conductive material, the NFC function will not work. This bridging is mechanically designed in such a way that the user actively performs this switching via a moving part.

[0012] The card body proposed here has the advantage that privacy can be easily and reliably protected and man-in-the-middle attacks can be avoided.

[0013] By incorporating moving parts into a card body made partially or entirely of metal, as proposed here, such a switching function for the wireless function of the chip card can be realized. For example, a mechanical switching unit can be provided that, on the one hand, stabilizes the required card slot and, on the other hand, allows the user to deliberately activate or deactivate the NFC functionality of the chip card.

[0014] The slot can be configured with a contour that provides an overlap in a direction perpendicular to a main surface between two opposing walls of the slot, the slot forming the switching recess, and the two opposing walls forming the switching element. In this way, the switching device can be realized with minimal structural effort by simply using the contours of the existing slot. The slot must then be formed with the overlap.

[0015] It is further provided that the switching recess is formed as a cross-sectional contour to a longitudinal extent of the slot therein, and that a cross-section of the switching element corresponds to the cross-sectional contour, wherein the switching element can be inserted into and removed from the switching recess. Thus, the slot is formed larger than originally required to accommodate the switching element. The switching element can be formed, for example, as a mandrel or pin. If the switching element is made of an electrically conductive material, the NFC functionality of the chip card is deactivated when the switching element is inserted.

[0016] The switching element is designed to be made of an electrically non-conductive material, and its cross-section is larger than the cross-sectional contour of the slot, so that the inserted switching element expands the slot. This expansion breaks the contact between the two walls of the slot, thus activating the NFC functionality of the chip card when the switching element is inserted.

[0017] It can further be provided that a spring element is arranged in the slot at a distance from the peripheral surface such that the spring element supports removal of the switching element from the slot. For example, a ratchet mechanism similar to that used in a SIM card can be used. The spring element can be electrically conductive or non-conductive and can also be part of the circuit. Thus, the spring element alone can form the switching element, or the spring element and the mandrel or pin can form the switching element. The spring element can be a spiral spring, flat spring, or another elastic element.

[0018] It can be provided that the switching recess is formed as a channel having an overlap region with the slot and a holding region spaced apart from the slot, and that the switching element is movably arranged in the channel. The channel or recess provides a guide for an electrically conductive switching element that can selectively bridge the slot to deactivate the NFC functionality of the chip card.

[0019] It can further be provided that the switching element comprises at least one ball. The ball or balls can be easily moved within the channel to implement the switching function.

[0020] The channel may be designed with an open area in the main surface and covered with a transparent cover. This allows a user to visually detect and monitor the switching state, thus simplifying operation.

[0021] It can further be provided that the slot has a switching recess in the region of the circumferential surface in the form of a part of the slot running essentially parallel to the circumferential surface and a switching element in the form of a part of the circumferential surface that can be operated from the circumferential surface. This design can be realized, for example, by a correspondingly contoured shape of the slot, which enables simple production. In a resting state, the switching element can be in contact with the base body on both sides of the slot, so that the slot is bridged and the NFC functionality of the chip card is deactivated. If pressure is now exerted on the switching element in a central region, for example, one end can move away from the base body, so that the slot is opened or released. This activates the NFC functionality of the chip card.A fulcrum or support made of an electrically non-conductive material can support this movement.

[0022] The slot portion can be filled with an electrically non-conductive material. If pressure is then applied to this portion, the switching element, which forms part of the peripheral surface of the chip card, moves and thus comes into electrical contact, deactivating the chip card's NFC functionality. This allows deactivation to be achieved by pressing a switch. In a resting state, the chip card's NFC or other wireless functionality is then activated.

[0023] It can further be provided that a rectangular switching recess encompassing part of the slot is provided in the region of the peripheral surface, designed to accommodate a switching element. A switch, such as a slide switch with a contact such as a spring tongue, can be inserted into such a switching recess. Prefabricated or standardized switches can thus be used.

[0024] It can be provided that in the area of ​​the module opening or the module opening zone, at least one switching recess is designed to accommodate an electrically conductive switching element which, in an off position, short-circuits windings of the coil. While the previously described examples enable the ring closure of the magnetic flux by bridging the slot, here the coil is short-circuited. In both ways, the integrated circuit or chip is prevented from being supplied with energy and from starting up. The switching element(s) can, for example, be conductive balls arranged beneath the windings of the coil. The wireless functionality of the chip card can then be activated and deactivated by tilting or shaking the chip card.

[0025] It can further be provided that a switching recess surrounding the module opening or the module opening zone is configured to accommodate an electrically conductive switching element in the form of a slider, which covers the module opening or the module opening zone in an off position. In addition to bridging the slot and short-circuiting the coil, this offers another option for deactivating the wireless functionality of the chip card. In this case, a magnetic flux in the module opening is blocked, which means that coupling of the coil cannot occur. This also prevents energy from being introduced into the coil and thus into the integrated circuit or the chip. In this way, the wireless functionality of the chip card can be specifically controlled. The three options can be combined accordingly.

[0026] It can be provided that the metallic base body has two half-bodies which are joined at a contact plane, with the contact plane running parallel to the main surfaces. It is proposed that the actual metallic body consists of two metal halves which are joined, for example, with the aid of an adhesive. This structure can also be referred to as a sandwich structure consisting of two half-shells. It is then possible to mechanically process the inner sides of the half-shells using simple standard methods, for example milling, grinding, lasering, waterjet processing, etc. Using this method, a multitude of additional cutouts can be made in the chip card. It is now possible, for example, to introduce depressions for the balls so that they remain stable in a certain rest position and / or switching position. A push button can also be implemented using the resulting cavity.

[0027] A chip card according to the invention comprises a card body as described above, with or without plastic cover layers, and a chip module at least partially embedded in the module opening of the card body. The same advantages and modifications apply as described above.

[0028] A method according to the invention for switching a wireless function of a chip card, wherein the chip card has a metallic base body with a slot and a module opening with a chip module with a coil, comprises the steps: Switching on a wireless function by electrically releasing the slot and / or the coil and / or by releasing the magnetic flux in the module opening by moving a switching element in or on the switching recess to an on position, and / or switching off a wireless function by electrically bridging the slot and / or the coil and / or by blocking the magnetic flux in the module opening by moving a switching element in or on the switching recess to an off position.

[0029] The same advantages and modifications apply as previously described.

[0030] A method according to the invention for producing a card body for a chip card comprises the steps: Providing a metallic base body with two opposing main surfaces and a circumferential surface connecting the two main surfaces, wherein a module opening for receiving a chip module has already been created in the base body or is still to be created in a module opening zone, and wherein a slot is formed between the circumferential surface and the module opening or the module opening zone, providing a switching device with a switching element and a switching recess for switching a wireless function of the chip card, by creating the switching recess in contact with the slot and / or within the module opening, and providing the switching element in or on the switching recess.

[0031] The same advantages and modifications apply as previously described.

[0032] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1: a plan view of a card body for a chip card; Fig. 2: a plan view of a front side of the card body from Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3: a partial view of an end face of a card body with a switching device with a slot; Fig. 4: a partial view of an end face of a card body with a switching device with a toothing; Fig. 5: a partial view of an end face of a card body with a switching device with a mandrel; Fig. 6a: a partial view of an end face of a card body with a switching device with a channel and balls in an on position; Fig. 6b: a partial view of the card body from Fig. 6a in an off position; Fig. 7: a partial view of a main surface of the card body from Fig. 6b ; Fig. 8: a partial view of a main surface of a card body with a switching device in the region of a peripheral surface of the card body; Fig. 9: a partial view of a main surface of a card body with a switching device with a switching recess and a switch; Fig. 10: a partial view of a main surface of a card body with a switching device in the region of a coil of the chip card; Fig. 11: a partial view of a main surface of a card body with a switching device with a slider; Fig. 12: a schematic representation of a method for switching a wireless function of a chip card; and Fig. 13: a schematic representation of a method for producing a card body.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a card body 10 for a chip card. The card body 10 has a metallic base body 11 with two opposite main surfaces, of which one main surface 12 is Fig. 1 The other, opposite main surface 13 is in Fig. 2 The two main surfaces 12, 13 run parallel to each other and are connected by a circumferential surface 14. The metallic base body 11 can, for example, be in the form of a core or a layer made of a stainless steel alloy, for example, with a thickness of 400 µm. The thickness of the base body 11 can, for example, be between 50 µm and 920 µm.

[0034] The metallic base body 11 has a rectangular shape in an xy-plane, in which the peripheral surface 14 lies with two longitudinal surfaces 15 extending in the x-direction and two end faces 16 extending in the y-direction. The thickness of the base body 11 extends in the z-direction.

[0035] A module opening 17 for a chip module is recessed in the main surface 12 of the card body 10. The module opening 17 extends through the entire metallic base body 11, but can also be formed as a blind hole. It can also be created later; in this case, instead of the module opening 17, a module opening zone is provided, in which the module opening 17 is later created. The module opening 17 is created, for example, using a laser or milling process.

[0036] A slot 18 is provided in the metallic base body 11, which extends from the peripheral surface 14, or in other words, from an outer edge of the metallic base body 11, to the module opening 17. Thus, the slot 18 connects the module opening 17 to the peripheral surface 14. The slot 18 runs in the y-direction, i.e., parallel to the longitudinal surface 15. The slot 18 has, for example, a width between 30 µm and 100 µm, preferably between 50 µm and 80 µm.

[0037] In Fig. 1 The slot 18 is shown on the left side. The slot 18 can also be arranged on the right, upper, or lower side of the base body 11. The slot 18 serves to prevent short-circuit currents or eddy currents.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a representation of the end face 16 of the card body 10. It can be seen that the slot 18 completely cuts through the base body 11 in thickness or height, i.e., in the z-direction. The slot 18 thus connects the two main surfaces 12 and 13. The slot 18 extends in the y-direction from the end face 16 to the module opening 17.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows a partial view of the end face 16 of the card body 10 or the metallic base body 11 with a slot 18. An entry angle α of the slot 18 is not equal to 90°, in particular less than 80°, to the main surface 12 and analogous to the main surface 13.

[0040] In Fig. 3 The slot 18 is designed at a 45° angle throughout. Depending on the selected side or wall of the slot 18, the entry angle α can be 45° or, as a corresponding supplementary angle, 135°.

[0041] The inclined slot 18 creates an overlap or overlap between two opposing walls 18a and 18b of the slot 18. This overlap or overlap is in the direction of a surface normal to the main surface 12, or in other words, in the direction of the thickness or height of the card body 10 or the base body 11. In the figures, this is the z-direction. The two walls 18a, 18b can run parallel.

[0042] The angles specified above for the slot 18 allow for the usual thicknesses of the card bodies of, for example, between 50 µm and 920 µm and usual cutting widths between 40 µm and 80 µm a sufficient overlap or coverage for the desired switching functionality.

[0043] In the Fig. 3 In the example shown, the thickness or height of the card body 10 or the metallic base body 11 is 400 µm. With an entry angle α of 45°, a visible depth T is approximately 110 µm. The visible depth T is the distance of the wall 18b from the main surface 12, viewed perpendicularly or in the direction of the surface normal of the main surface 12 at the entry point of the wall 18a. This visible depth T can be seen, for example, as a measure of an overlap or coverage.

[0044] The slot 18 with its walls 18a and 18b divides the base body 11 into two regions 11a and 11b, with region 11a located on the side of wall 18a and bounded by it. Similarly, region 11b lies on the side of wall 18b and bounded by it.

[0045] In the area of ​​the slot 18, there is thus an overlap or covering of the two walls 18a and 18b and thus of the two regions 11a and 11b. This overlap or covering is in the direction of the surface normal of the main surface 12. In a section, even a virtual one, in the direction of the surface normal through the base body 11, there is always an intersection point with both walls 18a and 18b and thus both regions 11a and 11b.

[0046] The card body 10 comprises a switching device 20 for switching a wireless function, such as an NFC function, of the chip card. The switching device 20 comprises a switching recess 21, which is realized here by the slot 18, and a switching element 22, which is formed here by one or both walls 18a and 18b of the slot 18.

[0047] The switching recess 21 is located largely inside the base body 11 and can be cut out, for example, from the end face 16 or from one of the main surfaces 12, 13. This can be done, for example, by a milling process or by laser or water jet cutting.

[0048] The switching device 20 allows the wireless function to be actively switched on and off, so that a user of the chip card can decide when the NFC function should be active.

[0049] To turn off or deactivate the wireless function, the two walls 18a and 18b of slot 18 are in contact with each other, whereby slot 18 is electrically bridged. This prevents a ring closure of the magnetic flux in the metallic base body 11. If this slot 18 is mechanically closed, an electrical bridging takes place, which deactivates the NFC function. The two walls 18a and 18b of slot 18 can, for example, be prestressed against each other in order to establish electrical contact in a rest position, thereby bridging slot 18. This cancels the function of slot 18 to prevent the ring closure of the magnetic flux, so that the wireless function is deactivated.

[0050] To turn on or activate the wireless function, the two walls 18a and 18b of slot 18 are spaced apart, thereby electrically opening slot 18. This allows the magnetic flux to close in the metallic base body 11, and a coil of the chip module can be coupled to the magnetic flux, thus activating the NFC function.

[0051] In the example according to Fig. 3 For example, the two walls 18a and 18b of the slot 18 can be biased against each other so that the two walls 18a, 18b are in contact with each other in an initial or resting position. In this position, the wireless function is deactivated.

[0052] To activate the wireless function, the two walls 18a and 18b are brought into an activation position in which the two walls 18a and 18b are spaced apart from each other, as shown in the Fig. 3 is shown. During activation, the slot 18 is thus completely open.

[0053] The wireless function can be activated by applying pressure to move the two areas 11a and 11b to the left and right of the slot 18 away from each other until the two walls 18a and 18b of the slot 18 are no longer in contact with each other. The described arrangement creates a push button with which the wireless function can be switched.

[0054] In Fig. 4 a partial view of an end face 16 of a base body 11 with a switching device 20 with a toothing is shown.

[0055] As in Fig. 3 the slot 18 forms the switching recess 21 and the two walls 18a and 18b form the switching element 22. Here, however, the slot 18 does not run in a straight line between the two main surfaces 12 and 13 but has an angled contour with two end regions running perpendicular to the main surfaces 12 and 13 and a central region running parallel to the main surfaces 12 and 13.

[0056] The switching recess 21 is located largely inside the base body 11 and can be cut out, for example, from the front side 16. This can be done, for example, by a milling process or by laser or water jet cutting.

[0057] In an initial or resting position, the two walls 18a and 18b are in contact with each other in the central area, thus preventing the wireless function. By pushing the two areas to the left and right of the slot 18 apart, the two walls 18a and 18b can be moved apart, thereby activating the wireless function.

[0058] Fig. 5 shows a partial view of an end face 16 of a base body 11 with a switching device 20 with a switching element 22 in the form of a mandrel.

[0059] The switching recess 21 is formed here as a cross-sectional contour corresponding to a longitudinal extension of the slot 18. In other words, the slot 18 has lateral extensions. In the example shown, the slot has a diamond shape. Here, too, the slot 18 divides the base body 11 into two regions 11a and 11b to the left and right of the slot 18.

[0060] The cross-sectional contour of the switching recess 21 can extend over the entire length or only over a partial area of ​​the slot 18.

[0061] The switching recess 21 is located largely inside the base body 11 and can be cut out, for example, from the front side 16. This can be done, for example, by a milling process or by laser or water jet cutting.

[0062] The switching element 22 in the form of the mandrel has a cross-section which corresponds to that of the cross-section of the cross-sectional contour of the switching recess 21, wherein the switching element 22 can be inserted into and removed from the switching recess 21 from the front side 16.

[0063] In a first variant, the switching element 22 in the form of a pin can be metallic or electrically conductive. In this case, the switching element 22 creates a bridge across the slot 18 when arranged in the switching recess 21. This means that an inserted switching element 22 in the form of a pin deactivates the wireless function of the chip card.

[0064] The wireless function of the chip card is activated by removing the switching element 22 in the form of a pin. Then, the two areas 11a and 11b to the left and right of the slot 18, or the two side walls of the slot 18, no longer have electrical contact, and a coil of the chip module can be coupled to the magnetic flux, thus activating the NFC function.

[0065] In a second variant, the switching element 22 in the form of a mandrel can be made of a non-conductive material. The cross-section of the switching element 22 in the form of a mandrel is larger than the cross-sectional contour of the slot 18 and thus of the switching recess 21, so that the inserted switching element 22 expands the slot 18.

[0066] The wireless function of the chip card is activated by the inserted switching element 22 in the form of a pin, as it pushes the slot 18 apart. Thus, the two areas 11a and 11b to the left and right of the slot 18, or the two side walls of the slot 18, no longer have electrical contact, and a coil of the chip module can be coupled to the magnetic flux, thus activating the NFC function.

[0067] If the switching element 22 in the form of the mandrel is removed, the two walls of the slot 18 touch each other, which deactivates the wireless function of the chip card.

[0068] Furthermore, a spring element (not shown here) can be arranged in the slot 18 at a distance from the peripheral surface such that the spring element supports removal of the switching element 22 from the slot 18 or the switching recess 21. For example, a locking mechanism can be provided in which the inserted switching element 22 is first pressed into the switching recess 21 against the spring force and then at least partially ejected by the spring.

[0069] The spring can be metallic and serve as an electrical contact between the two walls of the slot 18. A non-conductive switching element 22 in the form of a pin then pushes this spring contact open to activate the wireless function of the chip card.

[0070] The Fign. 6a und 6b show a switching device 20 in the form of a ball switch. Fig. 6a shows a partial view of an end face 16 of a base body 11 with a switching device 20 with a switching recess 21 in the form of a channel and a switching element 22 in the form of balls in an on position. Fig. 6b shows a partial view of the base body 11 from Fig. 6a in an off position.

[0071] The switching recess 21 is designed here as a channel which has an overlapping region 21a with the slot 18 and a holding region 21b spaced from the slot 18.

[0072] The switching recess 21 is located inside the base body 11 and can be cut out, for example, from the front side 16. After inserting the balls, the channel can then be closed off at the front side. This can be done, for example, by milling or by laser or water jet cutting.

[0073] The switching element 22 is movably arranged in the channel and is designed here in the form of electrically conductive balls. For example, steel balls with a diameter of up to 0.25 mm can be used. One or more switching elements 22 in the form of balls can be used here.

[0074] In a horizontal state of the base body 11 or the chip card, which is in Fig. 6a As shown, the switching elements 22 in the form of balls are located in the holding area 21b. Accordingly, the slot 18 is open and the wireless function of the chip card is activated.

[0075] In an inclined state of the base body 11 or the chip card, which is in Fig. 6b As shown, the switching elements 22 in the form of balls are located at least partially in the overlapping area 21a. Accordingly, the slot 18 is bridged, and the wireless function of the chip card is deactivated. It can be provided that one ball bridges the slot 18, or several balls. In the case of several balls, the balls involved form a conductive chain between the two sides of the slot.

[0076] The switching elements 22 can be held in this preferred position by a small barrier in the channel, so that the activation of the wireless function of the chip card is only possible by special movement patterns such as turning the chip card overhead and then tilting it.

[0077] Fig. 7 shows a partial view of a main surface 12 of the base body 11 from Fig. 6b . For example, three switching recesses 21 are provided, each in the form of a channel. It is possible to provide several switching recesses 21 in parallel. Fig. 7 The case shown serves to illustrate various arrangements of a switching recess 21. A switching recess 21 may be sufficient for switching the wireless function of the chip card.

[0078] Thus, the switching recesses 21 can be arranged in the form of a channel at all possible angles to the slot 18. The movement for activating or deactivating the wireless function of the chip card follows the extent of the switching recess 21. The angle of the switching recess 21 can be used to adjust the direction of movement for switching the wireless function of the chip card.

[0079] The switching recess 21 in the form of a channel can be formed with an open area in the main surface 12, with the channel then later being covered with a transparent cover such as an overlay film. This allows the user to see where the ball is located or to directly detect whether a bridging action is being performed using the ball.

[0080] Furthermore, it is possible that the area of ​​the visible window is designed in such a way that the user actively presses on the visible area with the ball in order to move the ball out of the bridge in order to activate the wireless function of the chip card.

[0081] The metallic base body 11 can have two half-bodies or consist of two half-bodies joined at a contact plane, with the contact plane running parallel to the main surfaces. The two half-bodies or semi-finished products can then each have a thickness of approximately 250 µm.

[0082] If the base body 11 is manufactured from two half-bodies, it is possible to design the switching recess in a curved shape. This allows for the adjustment of switching contours or gates, preventing or hindering the unintentional unlocking of the chip card's wireless function. Such switching contours or gates can also be made visible.

[0083] Fig. 8 shows a partial view of a main surface 12 of a base body 11 with a switching device 20 in the region of a peripheral surface 16 of the base body 11. The switching device 20 is designed here as a pressure switch or button made of the metal of the base body 11.

[0084] Accordingly, the slot 18 forms in the region of the circumferential surface 16 a switching recess 21 in the form of a part of the slot running substantially parallel to the circumferential surface and a switching element 22 operable from the circumferential surface 16 in the form of a part of the circumferential surface 16.

[0085] When creating the slot 18, the switching device 20 can be created in the same operation. Thus, the switching recess 21, which runs essentially perpendicular to the slot 18, is formed. The switching element 22, here, for example, in the form of a contact tip, is also formed.

[0086] The switching element 22 is designed as a lever that can be actuated in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the slot 18. For this purpose, the switching element 22 is arranged with a base on a region 11a of the base body 11.

[0087] The contact tip of the switching element 22 is arranged opposite the base. The length of the switching element 22 is dimensioned such that the contact tip is arranged on the other region 11b of the base body 11.

[0088] In a switched-off state, the switching element 22 has contact with the contact tip of the area 11b of the base body 11. This electrically bridges the slot 18 and deactivates the wireless function of the chip card.

[0089] To activate the wireless function of the chip card, a central portion of the switching element 22 can be pressed so that the contact tip detaches from the area 11b of the base body 11. This electrically releases the slot 18 and activates the wireless function of the chip card.

[0090] The cavity of the switching recess 21 can either be left open or filled with a silicone pad, Teflon material or other electrically non-conductive material that ideally does not bond to the PVC or similar material of a cover layer or overlay film.

[0091] The Fig. 8 The proposed switching device 20 could be modified using a sandwich or half-shell construction so that the switching element 22 operates within the metallic base body 11 and has no external PVC cover. The pushbutton or pressure switch could be provided with additional projections or lugs for a latching device, since it is located within the sandwich.

[0092] Fig. 9 shows a partial view of a main surface 12 of a card body 10 with a switching device 20 with a switching recess 21 in the form of a lateral cutout and a switching element 22 arranged therein in the form of a slide switch.

[0093] The rectangular switching recess 21 is provided in the region of the circumferential surface 16 and encompasses part of the slot 18. The switching recess 21 can be considered an extension of the slot 18. It extends from the circumferential surface 16 into the base body 11 up to the slot 18.

[0094] The switching recess 21 can be formed between the two main surfaces 12, 13 and is then not visible from the two main surfaces 12, 13. It is also possible to design the switching recess 21 open to one of the main surfaces 12, 13.

[0095] During a possible switching operation, the front side 16 is bridged in the area of ​​the slot 18 with the switching element 22 in the form of a slide switch. This bridging can also be done on the base or the top surface of the switching recess 21. The switch used can also be designed to increase the stability of the slot 18.

[0096] The switching recess 21 can be created either before lamination of the chip card or after the chip card has been fully produced. The slide switch itself is then inserted into the switching recess 21 after the card body has been produced.

[0097] Fig. 10 shows a partial view of a chip card 30 with a main surface of a card body 10.

[0098] The chip card 30 comprises a chip module 31, which is arranged in the module opening 17 and is, for example, glued there. The chip module 31 comprises a coil 32. The chip module 31 further comprises a chip, which is, for example, attached in a potting compound to the underside of a contact surface structure. The chip is supplied with energy and / or signals via the coil 32. Thus, an electromagnetic field emerging from the metallic base body 11 can be coupled into the coil 32. Magnetic field lines run through the module opening 17.

[0099] Here, the switching device 20 is formed in the region of the coil 32, in particular in the module opening 17.

[0100] In the area of ​​the module opening 17 or the module opening zone, at least one switching recess 21 is provided to accommodate at least one electrically conductive switching element 22, which, in an off position, short-circuits windings of the coil 32. In this example, the switching element 22 is in the form of one or more steel balls, each of which is arranged in a switching recess 21 in the form of a half-shell-shaped recess.

[0101] Thus, the steel balls in the area of ​​the chip module 31 can electrically act on the coil 32 and short-circuit the coil 32. Since the individual windings of the coil 32 are not coated with a protective varnish, the windings can be short-circuited with metal balls. The switching recesses 21 in the form of holes can then be designed such that the chip card 30 only functions when positioned horizontally or when slightly tilted. Otherwise, the balls short-circuit parts of the windings.

[0102] Accordingly, the switching element 22 in the form of one or more steel balls electrically bridges the coil 32 in an off position and electrically releases the coil 32 in an on position.

[0103] The main surfaces 12, 13 or surfaces of the base body 11 can be covered or laminated with a plastic layer. The plastic layers can be made of, for example, PET, PC, PVC, or PP and have a thickness of 200 µm. The thickness of the entire card body 10 should not exceed the maximum thickness of a chip card body according to ISO 7810.

[0104] The card body 10, for example, has a nominal card thickness of 760 µm. The metallic area can be machined, for example, with a laser or a milling cutter. Milling, ablation, or cuts of a minimum of 50 µm are possible. This allows recesses, round or square blind holes, and any type of cutout to be introduced into the card body 10 as switching recesses 21 or switching elements 22.

[0105] The Fign. 1 bis 11 show not only several examples of a card body 10 but also of a chip card 30 which comprises the card body 10.

[0106] Fig. 11 shows a partial view of a main surface of a card body 10 with a switching device 20 with a switching element 22 in the form of a slider.

[0107] A switching recess 21 surrounding the module opening 17 or the module opening zone is configured to receive an electrically conductive switching element 22 in the form of a slider. The slider can be a thin metal plate, for example. The slider can be actuated directly from the outside; in this case, the switching recess 21 has an opening to the main surface. Alternatively, the slider can be arranged in the card body 10 and can then be actuated indirectly from the outside, for example, via a lever.

[0108] In an off position, the switching element 22 in the form of a slider covers the module opening 17 or the module opening zone, thereby blocking a magnetic flux in the module opening 17. The switching element 22 thus shields against electromagnetic fields. As a result, no energy is introduced into the chip module, preventing it from being activated.

[0109] In addition to the action of the switching element 22 in the form of the slider on the module opening 17, the slider can also bridge the slot 18. For this purpose, the switching recess 21 and the switching element 22 are designed such that, in the off position, the slider at least partially covers the slot 18 in addition to the module opening 17.

[0110] Accordingly, the switching element 22 releases the magnetic flux in the module opening 17 in an on position.

[0111] Fig. 12 shows a schematic representation of a method for switching a wireless function of a chip card.

[0112] In a first step 100, a wireless function is switched on by electrically releasing the slot 18 and / or the coil 32 and / or by releasing the magnetic flux in the module opening 17 by moving a switching element 22 in or on the switching recess 21 into an on position. As previously described with reference to the Fign. 3 bis 11 As described, one or more switching elements 22 are switched to turn on the power supply of the wireless function, the chip module, or an integrated circuit located on the chip module. In a sleep state before switching on, the wireless function, the chip module, or the integrated circuit located on the chip module is turned off or deactivated.

[0113] In a second step 110, a wireless function is deactivated by electrically bridging the slot 18 and / or the coil 32 and / or by blocking the magnetic flux in the module opening 17 by moving a switching element 22 in or on the switching recess 21 to an off position. Analogous to the switching on, deactivation occurs by an opposite movement of the switching element(s) 22.

[0114] Fig. 13 shows a schematic representation of a method for producing a card body for a chip card.

[0115] In a first step 200, the metallic base body 11 is provided with two opposing main surfaces 12, 13 and a circumferential surface 14 connecting the two main surfaces 12, 13. A module opening connecting the two main surfaces 12, 13 can already be provided in the two main surfaces 12, 13 or can be provided later in a module opening zone.

[0116] In addition, the slot 18 is created, which extends between the two main surfaces 12, 13 and from the peripheral surface 14 to the module opening 17. If the module opening 17 is to be produced in a later manufacturing step, the slot is created up to the corresponding module opening zone where the module opening is to be formed later.

[0117] The tool for creating the slot 18 can be directed toward the peripheral surface 14, ideally perpendicular to the peripheral surface 14. Alternatively, or in a subsequent work step, the tool can be directed toward one of the main surfaces 12, 13. This can be done, for example, in a milling process or by means of laser or waterjet cutting.

[0118] According to the above procedure, the Fign. 1 bis 9 shown base body 11.

[0119] In a second step 210, a switching device 20 with a switching element 22 and a switching recess 21 for switching a wireless function of the chip card is provided. Specifically, the following two steps 220 and 230 are performed for this purpose.

[0120] In a third step 220, the switching recess 21 is created in contact with the slot 18 and / or within the module opening 17. By means of this arrangement, a switching element 22 arranged in or on the switching recess 21 can electrically act on the slot 18 and / or on the module opening. As previously described, the switching recess 21 can be a component of the slot 18. Likewise, the slot 18 can be a component of the switching recess 21. It is also possible for the slot 18 and the switching recess 21 to coincide, i.e., to be identical.

[0121] In a fourth step 230, the switching element 22 is provided in or on the switching recess 21. As previously described, the switching element 22 can be an element movably arranged in the switching recess 21, which can also be partially removed. The switching element 22 can be electrically conductive or non-conductive, depending on whether a positive or negative switching characteristic is to be set. Likewise, walls of the slot 18 can be provided as the switching element 22.

[0122] According to the present invention, a switching device comprising a switching element and a switching recess for selectively switching a wireless function of a chip card is provided. In this way, privacy can be easily and reliably protected and man-in-the-middle attacks can be prevented.

Claims

1. Card body (10) for a chip card (30), having a metal main body (11) with two opposite main surfaces (12, 13), wherein a module opening (17) for receiving a chip module (31) with a coil (32) is already made in the main body (11) or is yet to be made in a module opening zone, and a slot (18) which extends from a circumferential surface (16) of the main body (11) to the module opening (17) or to the module opening zone and which extends between the two main surfaces (12, 13), wherein a switching device (20) with a switching element (22) and a switching recess (21) for switching a wireless function of the chip card (30) is provided, wherein the switching recess (21) is arranged in contact with the slot (18) and / or inside the module opening (17) or the module opening zone, wherein the switching element (22) is provided in or on the switching recess (21), wherein the switching element (22) in an off position electrically bridges the slot (18) and / or the coil (32) and / or blocks a magnetic flux in the module opening (17), and wherein the switching element (22) in an on position electrically enables the slot (18) and / or the coil (32) and / or enables the magnetic flux in the module opening (17), characterized in that the switching recess (21) is formed in the slot (18) as a cross-sectional contour in relation to a longitudinal extent of the said slot and in that a cross section of the switching element (22) corresponds to the cross-sectional contour, wherein the switching element (22) can be inserted into and removed from the switching recess (21), wherein the switching element (22) consists of an electrically nonconductive material and in that the cross section of the switching element (22) is larger than the cross-sectional contour of the slot (18), so that the inserted switching element (22) expands the slot (18).

2. Card body (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the slot (18) has a contour which provides an overlap in a direction perpendicular to a main surface (12) between two opposing walls (18a, 18b) of the slot (18), in that the slot (18) forms the switching recess (21) and in that the two opposing walls (18a, 18b) form the switching element (22).

3. Card body (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that a spring element is arranged in the slot (18) at such a distance from the circumferential surface (16) that the spring element assists removal of the switching element (22) from the slot (18).

4. Card body (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the switching recess (21) is formed as a channel which has an intersecting region (21a) with the slot (18) and a holding region (21b) at a distance from the slot (18), and in that the switching element (22) is arranged movably in the channel.

5. Card body (10) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the switching element (22) comprises at least one sphere.

6. Card body (10) according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the channel is formed with an open area in the main surface (12) and in that the channel is covered by a transparent covering.

7. Card body (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the slot (18) has in the region (11a, 11b) of the circumferential surface (16) a switching recess (21) in the form of a part of the slot (18) that runs substantially parallel to the circumferential surface (16) and has a switching element (22) in the form of part of the circumferential surface (16) that can be operated from the circumferential surface (16).

8. Card body (10) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the part of the slot (18) is filled with an electrically nonconductive material.

9. Card body (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that a rectangular switching recess (21), comprising a part of the slot (18) and designed for receiving a switching element (22), is provided in the region (11a, 11b) of the circumferential surface (16).

10. Card body (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least one switching recess (21), designed for receiving an electrically conductive switching element (22) which in an off position short-circuits turns of the coil (32), is provided in the region (11a, 11b) of the module opening (17) or the module opening zone.

11. Card body (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that a switching recess (21) is provided, surrounding the module opening (17) or the module opening zone and designed for receiving an electrically conductive switching element (22) in the form of a slide which in an off position covers the module opening (17) or the module opening zone.

12. Card body (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the metal main body (11) has two half bodies, which are placed together at a contact plane, wherein the contact plane runs parallel to the main surfaces (12, 13).

13. Chip card (30), comprising a card body (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 12 and a chip module (31) at least partially embedded in the module opening (17) of the card body (10).

14. Method for switching a wireless function of a chip card (30) according to Claim 13, wherein the chip card (30) has a metal main body (11) with a slot (18) and a module opening (17) with a chip module (31) with a coil (32), comprising the steps of: - switching on a wireless function by electrically enabling the slot (18) and / or the coil (32) and / or by enabling the magnetic flux in the module opening (17) by means of moving a switching element (22) in or on the switching recess (21) into an on position, and / or - switching off a wireless function by electrically bridging the slot (18) and / or the coil (32) and / or by blocking the magnetic flux in the module opening (17) by means of moving a switching element (22) in or on the switching recess (21) into an off position.

15. Method for producing a card body (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 12 for a chip card (30), comprising the steps of: - providing a metal main body (11) with two opposite main surfaces (12, 13) and a peripheral circumferential surface (14) connecting the two main surfaces (12, 13), wherein a module opening (17) for receiving a chip module (31) is already made in the main body (11) or is yet to be made in a module opening zone, and wherein a slot (18) is formed between the circumferential surface (16) and the module opening (17) or the module opening zone, - providing a switching device (20) with a switching element (22) and a switching recess (21) for switching a wireless function of the chip card (30), by - creating the switching recess (21) in contact with the slot (18) and / or inside the module opening (17), and - providing the switching element (22) in or on the switching recess (21).