CARD-SHAPED DATA CARRIER COMPRISING WOOD

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a card-shaped data carrier, in particular a smart card, which comprises wood.

[0002] A variety of card-shaped data carriers, such as smart cards, chip cards, dual-interface cards, integrated circuit cards, or identification cards, are known from the prior art. Furthermore, it is known to use various 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.

[0003] It is known that such data storage devices or cards are generally made of thermoplastic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In recent years, however, increasing environmental awareness has drawn attention to the use of biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials. In particular, it is known to provide card-shaped data storage devices with a wooden layer, for example, as an overlay or cover layer. However, card-shaped data storage devices that have a wooden layer, for example, exhibit great anisotropy due to the wood fibers. In addition, although the card-shaped data storage device can be flexible due to the fiber structure of the wood, a bent card-shaped data storage device usually remains in the bent position and must be bent back manually. This represents a manual effort for the user of the card-shaped data storage device.Furthermore, the convenient and safe use of the card-shaped data carrier can be negatively affected due to possible permanent (bending) deformations and resulting damage. A card-shaped data carrier with the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known from document EP3499424A1.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a card-shaped data carrier, in particular a smart card, which can be used safely and conveniently.

[0005] This object is achieved by a card-shaped data carrier having the features of independent claim 1.

[0006] Embodiments and developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and disclosed with reference to the description and the figures.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a card-shaped data carrier, in particular a smart card, is provided, comprising the following components: an electronic chip module with at least one chip and a contact structure, and a card body with an arrangement region for receiving the chip module. The chip module is arranged in the arrangement region of the card body. The card-shaped data carrier further comprises at least one first wood layer and at least one second wood layer, wherein the card-shaped data carrier is bendable from a rest position into a bent position by the application of an external force.At least one restoring element for increasing the restoring force of the card-shaped data carrier is arranged between the first wood layer and the second wood layer, wherein the restoring element is designed such that the card-shaped data carrier can be automatically, in particular elastically, returned from the bent position into the rest position when the external force is removed.

[0008] Within the scope of the application, the chip module comprises at least one chip and a contact structure. This allows contact-based data transmission between the smart card and a reader. In particular, the chip is preferably connected to contacts of the contact structure via wires. The number, size, and position of the contacts can be specified by international standards so that the function of the smart card can be ensured in every reader. However, additional components can be provided for the chip module, such as a capacitor or an antenna (as a coil) for capacitive or inductive contactless data transmission. A contactless smart card can communicate with a reader using electromagnetic waves, whereby the smart card can function similarly to a transmitting and receiving device.In particular, electromagnetic waves emitted by the reader generate an oscillating electromagnetic field, which, for example, generates an oscillating electrical voltage in the coil or antenna of the chip module, which can supply the chip with power. The oscillations of the voltage can be captured as a signal and converted into data in the chip. This data can then be processed in the chip and converted into changes in the electromagnetic field, which can then be captured by the reader and converted into data. Overall, the chip module can therefore enable contact-based and / or contactless data transmission.

[0009] Within the scope of the application, it is preferably provided that the arrangement area for receiving the chip module is formed by a recess in the card body in which the chip module is received, or that the arrangement area for receiving the chip module is formed by a functional module, in particular on the surface of the card body, into which the chip module is integrated. In particular, the card body can be formed by several layers, with a recess provided in the layers to accommodate the chip module therein. This has the advantage of a protected and space-saving arrangement of the chip module within the card body of the card-shaped data carrier.

[0010] Furthermore, in the context of the application, the rest position of the card-shaped data carrier refers to a position wherein essentially no external force is exerted on the card-shaped data carrier. If an external force acts on the card-shaped data carrier, this external force can cause a deformation of the card-shaped data carrier. In the context of the application, an external force can mean, for example, bending of the card-shaped data carrier by a user's hand or deformation of the card-shaped data carrier within an ATM or a wallet. Other external forces are conceivable, such as impacts or pressure on the card-shaped data carrier. Thus, the rest position can, for example, represent the position wherein the card body of the card-shaped data carrier forms a substantially exactly planar surface and exhibits almost no deformation.The bent position of the card-shaped data carrier describes, in particular, an occurring deformation of the card-shaped data carrier, such as a deflection, a twist, or a bend. For example, this can include the card body or the card-shaped data carrier being bent out of the planar plane by the user's hand, and the planar plane of the card body being at least partially angled. In other words, the bent position can represent a deformation of the card body of the card-shaped data carrier. In other words, the external force causes a transition from the rest position to the bent position.

[0011] Within the scope of the application, a restoring element is provided for increasing the restoring force of the card-shaped data carrier. The restoring force describes, for example, a force that can counteract the external force. In particular, the restoring force describes a force that can return the card-shaped data carrier from the bent position to the rest position when the external force is removed. It is provided that the card-shaped data carrier can be automatically, in particular elastically, returned from the bent position to the rest position when the external force is removed. In other words, the card-shaped data carrier can be independently returned to the rest position. This means, in particular, that the card-shaped data carrier can be deformed to a certain extent due to the restoring element and then elastically return to the rest position without permanent deformation.In particular, the card-shaped data carrier can be elastically deformed due to the return element, since the card-shaped data carrier can automatically return to its original shape in the rest position.

[0012] The invention has the advantage that the return element provides both mechanical stabilization or reinforcement of the card-shaped data carrier and automatic return to the rest position. The elastic return to the rest position also ensures that electronic components, such as the chip module, do not experience permanent plastic deformation and thus damage due to external forces. Consequently, safe and convenient use of the card-shaped data carrier is ensured.

[0013] Preferably, it can be provided that the restoring element has a modulus of elasticity in the range of at least 100 kN / mm 2 and at most 500 kN / mm 2 , in particular 200 kN / mm 2 and / or a strength of at least 1100 N / mm 2 and at most 1800 N / mm 2 , in particular between 1400 N / mm 2 and 1700 N / mm 2 . The modulus of elasticity is a known value from materials technology and describes the proportional relationship between stress and strain during the deformation of a body, in particular of the restoring element. The strength is also a known value from materials technology and describes the resilience to mechanical loads before an inadmissible deformation occurs, in particular plastic deformation or fracture. The strength refers in particular to a mechanical stress that a body, in particular the restoring element, can withstand during deformation.For strength, a distinction can be made, for example, between tensile, compressive, flexural, or shear strength. Advantageously, the elastic modulus and / or strength can be used to describe a type of elastic limit. This represents the maximum mechanical stress due to an external force, below which the restoring element is elastic and, in particular, can independently return to its rest position or original shape when the external force is removed. In other words, this can represent a type of reversible deformation. When the elastic limit is exceeded, irreversible, plastic deformation such as fracture occurs. Since the values ​​for the strength and / or elastic modulus are very high, the mechanical stability of the card-shaped data carrier and elastic deformation up to a high mechanical stress can be guaranteed.This improves the overall mechanical properties of the card-shaped data carrier.

[0014] Preferably, the return element can be made of spring steel. Spring steel can, for example, have a modulus of elasticity of approximately 206 kN / mm 2 and a strength of between 1400 N / mm 2 and 1700 N / mm 2 . Compared to normal structural steel, spring steel has greater strength. The use of spring steel as the material for the return element has the advantage that spring steel has optimal mechanical properties in terms of deformability and strength, while at the same time being tough. The return element can therefore be mechanically stable on the one hand and elastic on the other. Due to its very high strength, the return element made of spring steel can be bent very far until it breaks or permanently or plastically changes its shape.

[0015] Advantageously, it can be provided that the return element is band-shaped, wherein the return element is arranged in a longitudinal or transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the card body. The band-shaped design of the return element represents a space-saving arrangement within the card body. Since card-shaped data carriers preferably have a rectangular card body, the longitudinal axis of the card body runs centered in the longitudinal direction in the plane of the card body. The return element can preferably be arranged in a longitudinal direction to the longitudinal axis, in other words parallel to the longitudinal axis, between the first wood layer and the second wood layer. In particular, the return element can be centered along the longitudinal axis of the card body.Alternatively, the return element can be arranged in a transverse direction to the longitudinal axis, in other words transversely to the longitudinal axis, between the first wood layer and the second wood layer. In particular, the return element can be arranged centered transversely to the longitudinal axis of the card body. In general, any number of return elements can be arranged between the first wood layer and the second wood layer. Preferably, two or four return elements can be provided. The return elements can, for example, be arranged centered or off-center between the first wood layer or the second wood layer. The arrangement of the return element or return elements between the first and second wood layers has the advantage that the return element is protected as a mechanical reinforcement and is arranged centrally in the card body for mechanical stabilization.

[0016] In particular, the first, preferably rectangular, wood layer has a surface and an (opposite) lower surface. Analogously, the second, preferably rectangular, wood layer has a surface and a lower surface. The lower surface of the first wood layer is preferably arranged facing the surface of the second wood layer. Each wood layer can furthermore have a right-hand side edge and a left-hand side edge as well as an upper longitudinal edge and a lower longitudinal edge. The return element or elements can preferably be arranged between the two wood layers on the lower surface of the first wood layer. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the return element or elements to be arranged on the surface of the second wood layer.Overall, this has the advantage that the return element(s) can be arranged flexibly between the two wood layers. Preferably, the return element(s) can be arranged near the side edges or the long edges.

[0017] Preferably, it can be provided that the return element is arranged homogeneously between the first wood layer and the second wood layer. For example, this can be achieved by an arrangement of four return elements which are arranged near the side edges and the longitudinal edges of the first wood layer. In this case, one return element can be arranged along a respective edge, i.e. the right and left side edges and the upper and lower longitudinal edges, of the first wood layer. Alternatively, this can also be achieved by a return element which is arranged centrally and longitudinally to the longitudinal axis of the card body. The homogeneous distribution of the return element has the advantage that an external force acting on the card body or the card-shaped data carrier can be evenly distributed.

[0018] It is provided that a core layer is arranged between the first wood layer and the second wood layer, wherein the reset element is arranged on the core layer. The use of a core layer has the advantage that any number of further electronic components of the card-shaped data carrier can be arranged in a protected manner in the core layer. Analogous to the wood layers, the core layer has a surface and a bottom surface. In particular, the surface of the core layer faces the bottom surface of the first wood layer and correspondingly the bottom surface of the core layer faces the surface of the second wood layer. The reset element can, for example, be arranged on the surface or on the bottom surface of the core layer. In particular, it is provided that one reset element is arranged on the surface and a further reset element is arranged on the bottom surface of the core layer.Preferably, the core layer can be made of paper, nonwoven fabric, fabric, wood, or plastic. The core layer can also conceivably be made of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate glycol copolymer, or polylactides. The material of the core layer can therefore be flexibly selected depending on the application.

[0019] It is also preferably conceivable for the return element to be embedded in the core layer or arranged on a surface of the core layer. Embedding the return element in the core layer has the advantage of protected and stabilized storage of the return element within the card body. As already disclosed, the arrangement on a surface of the core layer can be on the surface or the underside of the core layer. Any number of return elements can be provided, which are either embedded in the core layer or additionally arranged on the surface and / or underside of the core layer. A large number of return elements can bring about a homogeneous and uniform distribution of the external force and thus ensure elastic deformation of the card-shaped data carrier.In particular, the risk of permanent plastic deformation and thus damage to the card-shaped data carrier can be reduced.

[0020] It is intended that one return element be arranged on one surface of the core layer and another return element be arranged on an opposite lower surface of the core layer. As already described, the use of two return elements has the advantage of ensuring a homogeneous and uniform distribution of the external force along the thickness of the card-shaped data carrier, thus ensuring elastic deformation of the card-shaped data carrier.

[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the core layer can have at least one antenna for contactless data transmission. The antenna can preferably be designed as a coil for inductive contactless data transmission, which is coupled to the chip of the chip module. For example, the antenna can be integrated into the core layer and thus protected in the card body. The card-shaped data carrier can therefore advantageously be used as a dual-interface card or as a contactless smart card. Generally, further electronic components are conceivable for the card-shaped data carrier, which can, for example, be integrated into the core layer or arranged on the core layer.

[0022] Advantageously, it can be provided that two, in particular band-shaped, reset elements are provided, each arranged in a longitudinal or transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the card body. For example, it can be provided that two band-shaped reset elements are arranged on the surface of the core layer. The reset elements can both be arranged in a transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the card body and in particular in the region of the side edges of the core layer. In other words, one reset element can be arranged on the right-hand side and one reset element on the left-hand side of the core layer, each near the right and left side edges. Alternatively, it can be provided that the reset elements are both arranged in a longitudinal direction to the longitudinal axis of the card body and in particular in the region of the longitudinal edges of the core layer.In other words, a return element can be arranged on the top side and a return element on the bottom side of the core layer, each near the top and bottom longitudinal edge.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that two, in particular band-shaped, return elements are provided, which are arranged crossed with respect to one another. The return elements can be arranged on the surface of the core layer or alternatively, for example, on the surface of the second wood layer or the undersurface of the first wood layer. In particular, the return elements are each arranged along the diagonals of the core layer or of the respective wood layer. In other words, the return elements overlap in their course. A crossed arrangement of two return elements can preferably be dependent on the presence of an antenna in the core layer.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that four, in particular band-shaped, reset elements are provided, with two reset elements being arranged in a longitudinal direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the card body and two reset elements being arranged in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the card body. For example, it can be provided that the four band-shaped reset elements are arranged on the surface of the core layer.

[0025] The return elements can be arranged in the region of the side edges and the longitudinal edges of the core layer. In other words, a return element can be arranged near the right and left side edges and near the upper and lower longitudinal edges. The return elements can therefore preferably be arranged near the periphery of the core layer.

[0026] The present invention is described below by way of example in the context of embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Individual features of the embodiments can, of course, be freely combined with one another, where technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Elements with the same function and mode of operation are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures. The figures schematically show: Figure 1 a perspective exploded view of a card-shaped data carrier according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 a perspective exploded view of a card-shaped data carrier according to a further embodiment of the invention; and Figure 3 a perspective exploded view of a card-shaped data carrier according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Figure 1shows a perspective exploded view of a card-shaped data carrier 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The card-shaped data carrier 10 is designed, for example, as a smart card, in particular as a credit card, and comprises the following components.

[0028] The card-shaped data carrier 10 has a rectangular card body 11. In particular, the card body 11 of the card-shaped data carrier 10 has a layered structure. In other words, the card body 11 is formed from several individual layers that are stacked one above the other. A first wood layer 20, a second wood layer 30, and a core layer 40 are provided for the card body 11. The core layer 40 is arranged between the first wood layer 20 and the second wood layer 30. For example, the first wood layer 20 can form a wood veneer top side of the smart card, and the second wood layer 30 can form a wood veneer bottom side of the smart card. The core layer 40 can be formed, for example, from paper, nonwoven fabric, fabric, wood, or plastic.

[0029] Furthermore, an electronic chip module 12 is provided with at least one chip (not shown) and a contact structure 12a. Thus, contact-based data transmission can be established between the smart card and a reader. However, further components can be provided for the chip module 12, such as a capacitor or an antenna (as a coil) for capacitive or inductive contactless data transmission. For example, the core layer 40 can have an embedded antenna 15, which is coupled to the chip of the chip module 12. Overall, the chip module 12 can therefore enable contact-based and / or contactless data transmission.

[0030] The card body 11 of the card-shaped data carrier 10 has an arrangement region 14 for receiving the chip module 12, wherein the chip module 12 is arranged in the arrangement region 14 of the card body 11. For example, the arrangement region 14 is formed by a recess in the card body 11, in which the chip module 12 is received and thus stored in a protected manner. In particular, it is provided that the arrangement region 14 is formed by a recess in the first wood layer 20. In other words, the chip module 12 is arranged on a surface 21 of the first wood layer 20 within the recess.

[0031] Furthermore, the first wood layer 20 has the surface 21 and an (opposite) lower surface (not shown). Analogously, the second wood layer 30 has a surface 31 and a lower surface (not shown). Furthermore, the core layer 40 has a surface 41 and a lower surface (not shown). Since the core layer 40 is arranged between the first wood layer 20 and the second wood layer 30, the surface 41 of the core layer 40 is arranged facing the lower surface of the first wood layer 20. Analogously, the lower surface of the core layer 40 is arranged facing the surface 31 of the second wood layer 30.

[0032] Furthermore, the first wood layer 20 has a right side edge 23 and a left side edge 24, as well as an upper longitudinal edge 25 and a lower longitudinal edge 26. In other words, the edges form a rectangular basic shape. Analogously, the second wood layer 30 has a right side edge 33 and a left side edge 34, as well as an upper longitudinal edge 35 and a lower longitudinal edge 36. Likewise, the core layer 40 has a right side edge 43 and a left side edge 44, as well as an upper longitudinal edge 45 and a lower longitudinal edge 46. The longitudinal edges each run parallel to the longitudinal axis Z of the card body 11. The side edges run, in particular, transversely or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis Z of the card body 11.

[0033] Furthermore, the card-shaped data carrier 10 can be bent from a rest position into a bent position by an external force. The card-shaped data carrier 10 is in Figure 1in the rest position. The rest position refers in particular to a position wherein essentially no external force is exerted on the card-shaped data carrier 10. An external force, for example, bending of the card-shaped data carrier 10 by a user's hand, can cause a deformation of the card-shaped data carrier 10. The bent position (not shown) can refer to a deformation of the card body 11 of the card-shaped data carrier 10. In other words, the external force causes a transition from the rest position to the bent position.

[0034] Furthermore, four restoring elements 13 are arranged between the first wood layer 20 and the second wood layer 30 to increase the restoring force of the card-shaped data carrier 10. Each restoring element 13 is designed such that the card-shaped data carrier 10 can be automatically, in particular elastically, returned from the bent position to the rest position when the external force is removed. The use of restoring elements 13 has the advantage that the card-shaped data carrier 10 can be deformed to a certain extent and then elastically return to the rest position without permanent deformation. Furthermore, the restoring elements 13 advantageously provide mechanical stabilization or reinforcement of the card-shaped data carrier 10.

[0035] For example, each restoring element 13 is made of spring steel. Spring steel can, for example, have a modulus of elasticity of approximately 206 kN / mm 2 and a strength between 1400 N / mm 2 and 1700 N / mm 2 . Each restoring element 13 is, for example, band-shaped. The band-shaped design represents a space-saving and compact arrangement within the card-shaped data carrier 10. For example, two restoring elements 13 are arranged longitudinally (parallel) and two restoring elements 13 are arranged transversely (perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis Z of the card body 11. The restoring elements 13 are arranged on the surface 41 of the core layer 40. The restoring elements 13 are arranged in the region of the side edges 43, 44 and the longitudinal edges 45, 46 of the core layer 40. In other words, a return element 13 can be arranged near the right and left side edges 43, 44 and near the upper and lower longitudinal edges 45, 46.The arrangement of the restoring elements 13 can therefore preferably be near the periphery of the core layer 40. In particular, the restoring elements 13 are distributed homogeneously between the first wood layer 20 and the second wood layer 30.

[0036] Figure 2 shows a perspective exploded 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 Figure 1 In contrast to Figure 1 are in Figure 2 Only two band-shaped reset elements 13 are provided. The two reset elements 13 are each arranged in a transverse direction to the longitudinal axis Z of the card body 11. In particular, one reset element 13 is arranged in the region of the right side edge 43 and one reset element 13 is arranged in the region of the left side edge 44.

[0037] Figure 3shows a perspective exploded view of a card-shaped data carrier 10 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The card-shaped data carrier 10 is analogous to Figure 1 In contrast to Figure 1 are in Figure 3 Only two band-shaped return elements 13 are provided. The two return elements 13 are each arranged in a longitudinal direction relative to the longitudinal axis Z of the card body 11. In particular, one return element 13 is arranged in the region of the upper longitudinal edge 45 and one return element 13 is arranged in the region of the lower longitudinal edge 46.

[0038] In general, the number of return elements 13 and their arrangement between the first wood layer 20 and the second wood layer 30 can be flexibly adapted depending on the application. List of reference symbols

[0039] 10Card-shaped data carrier 11Card body 12Chip module 12aContact structure 13Reset element 14Arrangement area 15Antenna 20First wood layer 21Surface 23Right side edge 24Left side edge 25Upper longitudinal edge 26Lower longitudinal edge 30Second wood layer 31Surface 33Right side edge 34Left side edge 35Upper longitudinal edge 36Lower longitudinal edge 40Core layer 41Surface 43Right side edge 44Left side edge 45Upper longitudinal edge 46Lower longitudinal edge ZLongitudinal axis

Claims

1. Card-shaped data carrier (10), in particular a smartcard, comprising an electronic chip module (12) with at least one chip and a contact structure (12a), and comprising a card body (11) with an arrangement region (14) for receiving the chip module (12), wherein the chip module (12) is arranged in the arrangement region (14) of the card body (11), wherein the card-shaped data carrier (10) has at least one first wood layer (20) and at least one second wood layer (30), wherein the card-shaped data carrier (10) can be bent from a neutral position into a bent position by an external action of force, wherein at least one restoring element (13) for increasing the restoring force of the card-shaped data carrier (10) is arranged between the first wood layer (20) and the second wood layer (30), wherein the restoring element (13) is configured in such a way that the card-shaped data carrier (10) can be restored automatically, in particular elastically, from the bent position into the neutral position when the external action of force is relaxed, characterized in that a core layer (40) is arranged between the first wood layer (20) and the second wood layer (30), wherein a restoring element (13) is arranged on a surface (41) of the core layer (40) and a further restoring element (13) is arranged on an opposite lower face of the core layer (40).

2. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the restoring element (13) has a modulus of elasticity in the range of at least 100 kN / mm2 and at most 500 kN / mm2, in particular of 200 kN / mm2 and / or a strength of at least 1100 N / mm2 and at most 1800 N / mm2, in particular of between 1400 N / mm2 and 1700 N / mm2.

3. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the restoring element (13) is formed from spring steel.

4. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the restoring element (13) is configured in the form of a strip, wherein the restoring element (13) is arranged in a longitudinal or transverse direction with respect to the lengthwise axis (Z) of the card body (11).

5. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the restoring element (13) is arranged homogeneously between the first wood layer (20) and the second wood layer (30).

6. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the core layer (40) is formed from paper, nonwoven, fabric, wood or plastic.

7. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the core layer (40) has at least one antenna (15) for contactless data transmission.

8. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two restoring elements (13), particularly configured in the form of strips, are provided, each of which is arranged in a longitudinal or transverse direction with respect to the lengthwise axis (Z) of the card body (11).

9. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that two restoring elements (13), particularly configured in the form of strips, are provided and are arranged crosswise with respect to one another.

10. Card-shaped data carrier (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that four restoring elements (13), particularly configured in the form of strips, are provided, wherein two restoring elements (13) are arranged in a longitudinal direction with respect to the lengthwise axis (Z) of the card body (11) and two restoring elements (13) are arranged in a transverse direction with respect to the lengthwise axis (Z) of the card body (11).