Data carrier in card form, and method for producing a data carrier in card form

Abstract

The invention relates to a data carrier (1) in card form. The data carrier (1) in card form comprises a first layer (10), which comprises a plastic material and carries an antenna element (30). The first layer (10) has an edge (12) which forms a transition from a front side (13) of the first layer (10) to a rear side (14) of the first layer (10). The data carrier (1) in card form also comprises a second layer (20), which is formed by a material that differs from the plastic material of the first layer (10). The second layer (20) is folded around at least a first edge portion (12a) of the edge (12) of the first layer (10) such that the second layer (20) at least partially covers the front side (13) of the first layer (10) and the rear side (14) of the first layer (10). The first layer (10) is joined to the second layer (20) by means of an adhesive bond.

Description

[0001]Card-shaped data carrier and method for producing a card-shaped data carrier Field of the invention The present invention relates to card-shaped data carriers with reduced use of plastic material. In particular, the invention relates to a card-shaped data carrier and a method for producing a card-shaped data carrier. Background of the invention Card-shaped data carriers are used nowadays in a variety of application areas. For example, such data carriers can be used for cashless payment of goods or services, for personal identity verification or for access to internet-based application programs. Accordingly, there are, for example, card-shaped data carriers in the form of chip cards in general, payment cards, such as credit cards or debit cards, as well as personal identification cards or identity cards. These card-shaped data carriers usually contain plastic or.Plastic as the base material, so that the disposal of such card-shaped data carriers after the end of use is often problematic and, in particular, environmentally friendly disposal can be associated with challenges. Description It is an object of the present invention to reduce the use of plastic material in card-shaped data carriers. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Exemplary embodiments emerge from the dependent claims and the following description. According to one aspect, a card-shaped data carrier is specified. The card-shaped data carrier comprises a first layer which comprises a plastic material and carries an antenna element. The first layer has an edge which forms a transition from a front side of the first layer to a back side of the first layer.The card-shaped data carrier further comprises a second layer, which is formed from a material that differs from the plastic material of the first layer. The second layer is folded around at least a first edge portion of the edge of the first layer, such that the second layer at least partially covers the front side of the first layer and the back side of the first layer. The first layer is connected to the second layer by means of an adhesive bond. In general, however, it is also conceivable that any type of mechanical connection can be provided between the layers. The folded design of the second layer makes it possible to reduce the material thickness of the first layer made of plastic.In particular, the card-shaped data carrier is no longer made almost entirely of plastic, but only to a significantly reduced extent, while the partially standardized sizes and shapes of such a card-shaped data carrier can be retained. Thus, the use of plastic, for example in payment cards such as credit cards, can be reduced by up to 75%, or even more depending on the technology used. Due to its structure described herein, the card-shaped data carrier according to the invention can also enable simple and clean separation or detachment of the second, preferably biodegradable layer from the first, plastic layer. The card-shaped data carrier can be a so-called dual-interface card with a contactless interface and a contact interface.The card-shaped data carrier can in particular be an identification card, an identity card (ID card), a chip card, a smart card, or a payment card, such as a credit card or a debit card. The first layer serves as the base component and carrier for the antenna element, which can form part of a contactless interface. This first layer can be flat, thus forming the front and back, which are each flat and opposite one another. The front and back can both be rectangular, for example in credit card format. The edge of the first layer can be a border surrounding the first layer, connecting the front to the back. In addition to the antenna element, the first layer can also comprise one or a plurality of security features, such as a security chip, in the region of the front or back of the first layer.The second layer is folded around the first edge section, i.e. placed or folded around it, and thus covers part of the front and back of the first layer. For example, the second layer covers the front and back completely or almost completely. The first edge section can be a straight edge section of the first layer. If the first layer or the front and back of the first layer are rectangular (e.g. credit card format), the first layer can have four edge sections forming the rectangle. It can be provided that the second layer is folded only around the first edge section. However, it can also be provided that the second layer is folded around another edge section or around all of the edge sections.On the front and back, the first layer can be adhesively connected to the parts of the second layer that cover the front and back of the first layer. According to one embodiment, the second layer is formed from a biological material. In the context of the application, a biological material refers in particular to an environmentally friendly material. In particular, the second layer can be a biodegradable material. For example, the second layer can comprise cardboard or paper as a material or consist of these materials. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of plastic used in the first layer, since a cover layer of the card-shaped data carrier formed by the second layer can now no longer be made from plastic, but from the biological material.According to one embodiment, the second layer completely covers the back of the first layer, and the second layer only partially covers the front of the first layer, thus forming a recess in the second layer that is located above the front of the first layer. In particular, the recess can form a cutout within that portion of the second layer that is glued to the front of the first layer. This makes it possible to provide or keep access to a contact interface of the card-shaped data carrier if a contact interface, such as a chip or the like, is arranged on the first layer. The contact interface or chip can also have a security feature.According to one embodiment, the second layer is further folded around a second edge portion of the edge of the first layer, wherein the second edge portion is opposite the first edge portion. The first layer can further have a third and a fourth edge portion, wherein the four edge portions can form the lateral ends of the first layer, which is designed, for example, to be rectangular or in credit card format. By folding the second layer over one or more edge portions of the first layer, the card-shaped data carrier can be produced with comparatively little effort. According to one embodiment, the second layer is formed in one piece. On the one hand, this reduces the effort required to manufacture the card-shaped data carrier, since fewer parts need to be connected to one another or aligned with one another.On the other hand, the one-piece design of the second layer also allows the second layer to be peeled off the first layer in a single piece after the end of use of the card-shaped data carrier, so that the second layer can be easily disposed of without breaking up into individual pieces that would then have to be removed separately and laboriously from the first layer. In one example, the adhesive bond can be dissolved, for example, by adding a solvent, so that the second layer can be separated from the first layer without leaving any residue. According to one embodiment, the card-shaped data carrier comprises an electronic contact interface provided on a surface section of the front side of the first layer. As already indicated above, a chip can, for example, be attached to the front side of the first layer, access to which is provided through a recess in the second layer.The recess in the second layer can thus have the format of the contact interface, for example the shape of a small window in the partial section of the second layer that covers the front side of the first layer. According to one embodiment, the antenna element forms a contactless interface of the card-shaped data carrier, which is provided within or on the first layer. The antenna element or the antenna can be partially or completely covered by the second layer. In particular, the second layer can comprise a material that is permeable to electromagnetic waves or influences electromagnetic waves only to an extremely small extent, so that the function of the contactless interface is unimpaired even when covered by the second layer. The antenna element can be an antenna element printed or etched onto the first layer.According to one embodiment, the antenna element has a conductive track extending within or on the first layer, wherein the conductive track is destructible by peeling the second layer from the first layer. For example, the conductive track can have a predetermined breaking point at which the conductive track tears when the second layer is peeled from the first layer. Alternatively, the second layer can be connected to the conductive track at a specific location via a reinforced attachment or adhesion, such that peeling the second layer from the first layer results in the conductive track adhering or remaining attached to the second layer at this specific location, while the rest of the conductive track remains adhered or attached to the first layer. This can also lead to the conductive track being destroyed when the second layer is peeled from the first layer.According to one aspect, a use of the card-shaped data carrier described herein as an identification document, identity document, chip card or payment card is specified. According to one aspect, a method for producing a card-shaped data carrier is specified. In one step of the method, a first layer is provided which comprises a plastic material and carries an antenna element. In a further step, a second layer is provided which is formed from a material that differs from the plastic material of the first layer. In a further step, a first partial region of the second layer is glued to a front side of the first layer. In a further step, a second partial region of the second layer connected to the first partial region is folded over an edge section of the first layer.In a further step, the second partial region of the second layer is glued to a back side of the first layer. The method steps can in particular be carried out in the specified order. Brief description of the figures Fig. 1 shows a front side of a first layer for a card-shaped data carrier according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a back side of the first layer from Fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 3 shows partial regions of a second layer for a card-shaped data carrier according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of a card-shaped data carrier according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 5 shows a rear view of a card-shaped data carrier according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 6 shows a flow chart for a method for producing a card-shaped data carrier according to an exemplary embodiment.Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments The representations in the figures are schematic and not to scale. Where the same reference numerals are used in different figures in the following description of the figures, these designate identical or similar elements. However, identical or similar elements can also be designated by different reference numerals. Fig. 1 shows a front side 13 of a first layer 10 of a card-shaped data carrier, wherein the card-shaped data carrier can be, for example, an identification document, an identity document, a chip card or a payment card. The first layer 10 can be made of a plastic material. An antenna element 30 is arranged or fastened on or within the first layer 10. The front side 13 can form a flat surface of the first layer 10.The antenna element 30 has a conductor track 31 that extends over a portion of the front side 13 of the first layer 10, but in other examples can also extend over a portion of the back side 14 of the first layer 10 shown in Fig. 2. The antenna element 30 can be a contactless interface of the card-shaped data carrier, via which data can be transmitted to an external reader or the like. The first layer 10 has a circumferential edge 12 that connects the front side 13 and the back side 14 (see Fig. 2) of the first layer 10. The first layer 10 comprises a first straight edge section 12a and a second straight edge section 12b, which lies opposite the first straight edge section 12a. The edge 12 can have two further, opposite edge sections, as can be seen in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 shows the back side 14 of the first layer 10 from Fig. 1.The back side 14, like the front side 13, can form a flat surface of the first layer 10. The front side 13 and the back side 14 are opposite one another with respect to the first layer 10. Fig. 3 shows various partial regions 22a, 22b, 22c of a second layer 20 for the card-shaped data carrier 1. The second layer 20 comprises a material that differs from the plastic material of the first layer 10. In particular, the second layer consists of a biological material or a biodegradable material, such as cardboard or paper. The second layer 20 can be folded or folded over the edge sections 12a, 12b (cf. Fig. 1) of the first layer 10, so that the second layer 20 forms folds 23 or kinks 23 in the region of these edge sections 12a, 12b. A first partial region 22a of the second layer 20 is glued to the front side 13 (see Fig. 1) of the first layer 10 by means of an adhesive bond.It can be provided that an adhesive connection of the first partial region 22a of the second layer 20 on the front side 13 is only provided at certain locations or points in order to facilitate the removal of the second layer 20 from the first layer 10 after the end of use of the card-shaped data carrier. The first partial region 22a of the second layer 20 covers the front side 13 of the first layer 10 almost completely, that is, with the exception of a small, rectangular-shaped recess 21 that forms a window-shaped cutout in the material of the second layer 20. In other words, the second layer 20 only partially covers the front side 13 of the first layer 10 in order to form the recess 21 in the second layer 20, which is located above the front side 13 of the first layer 10. The first partial section 22a of the second layer 20 thus essentially forms a front side or front cover side of the card-shaped data carrier.In the area of ​​the recess 21 or in the area of ​​the window-shaped cutout of the first partial area 22a of the second layer 20, a contact interface 40 is provided, which can be arranged on a surface section 16 of the front side 13 of the first layer 10. It can be provided that the contact interface 40 is first connected to the second layer 20, so that the contact interface 40 is fastened in the recess 21, before the first partial area 22a of the second layer 20, together with the contact interface 40, is adhesively bonded to the front side 13 of the first layer 10. The second layer 20 further has a second partial area 22b and a third partial area 22c, wherein these two further partial areas 22b, 22c represent those partial areas 22b, 22c of the second layer 20 which are folded over or folded onto the back side 14 (cf. Fig. 2) of the first layer 10.be folded in order to be glued to the back 14 of the first layer 10 by means of a further adhesive connection. It can again be provided that an adhesive connection of the second partial region 22b of the second layer 20 and / or the third partial region 22c of the second layer 20 on the back 14 is only provided at certain locations or points in order to facilitate the removal of the second layer 20 from the first layer 10 after the end of use of the card-shaped data carrier. In the example shown, the second partial region 22b is folded around the first edge section 12a of the first layer 10 only at the upper folding points 23 shown in Fig. 3, wherein the third partial region 22c is folded around the second edge section 12b of the first layer 10 only at the lower folding points 23 shown in Fig. 3 (see also Fig. 1).It should be noted that the figures are schematic in nature and, in particular, the distances between the folds 23 or fold lines 23 cannot be shown to scale. The exact arrangement of the folds 23 can result from the concrete dimensions of the thickness of the first layer 10 and thus from the shape of the edge 12. The thickness of the first layer 10 can be, for example, 150 μm. Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the card-shaped data carrier 1 mentioned above. In particular, Fig. 4 shows section AA from Fig. 3. Section AA is set in the region of the recess 21 and runs parallel to the first edge section 12a and to the second edge section 12b (cf. Fig. 1) or to the folds 23 (cf. Fig. 3).The sectional view shows that the recess 21 forms a free space that can provide access to the above-mentioned contact interface 40, so that the latter can, for example, rest on and / or be fastened to the surface section 16 of the front side 13 of the first layer 10. Thus, the first partial region 22a of the second layer 20 only partially covers the front side 13, whereas the second partial region 22b of the second layer 20, together with the third partial region 22c of the second layer 20, completely covers the rear side 14 of the first layer 10, as is also clear when looking at Fig. 5. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the second layer 20 is folded only around the first edge section 12a and the second edge section 12b, so that the two further edge sections, which are arranged laterally on the first layer 10 in Fig. 4, are not covered by the second layer 20.In this example, only the first edge section 12a and the second edge section 12b are covered by the second layer 20, since the second layer 20 is folded over the edge 12 of the first layer 10 only at these points. Fig. 5 now shows a rear view of the card-shaped data carrier 1. It can be seen that the second partial region 22b of the second layer 20 and the third partial region 22c of the second layer 20 are arranged on the rear side 14 (cf. Fig. 2) of the first layer 10 such that both partial regions 22b, 22c completely cover the rear side 14 of the first layer 10, in this example even to equal extents, although this can be varied. A contact line is thus provided on the rear side 14, at which both partial regions 22b, 22c touch.The second partial region 22b of the second layer 20 and the third partial region 22c of the second layer 20 thus form a rear surface or rear cover side of the card-shaped data carrier 1. Fig. 6 shows a flow chart for a method for producing a card-shaped data carrier, for example the card-shaped data carrier 1 described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In a step S1, a first layer 10 is provided, which comprises a plastic material and carries an antenna element 30. In a further step S2, a second layer 20 is provided, which is formed from a material that differs from the plastic material of the first layer 10. In a further step S3, a first partial region 22a of the second layer 20 is glued to a front side 13 of the first layer 10.In a further step S4, a second partial region 22b of the second layer 20, which is connected to the first partial region 22a, is folded over an edge section 12a of the first layer 10. In a further step S5, the second partial region 22b of the second layer 20 is glued to a back side 14 of the first layer 10. In a further step, a third partial region 22c of the second layer 20, which is connected to the first partial region 22a, can be folded over a further edge section 12b of the first layer 10. In a further step, the third partial region 22c of the second layer 20 can be glued to the back side 14 of the first layer 10. In a further step, an adhesive can be applied to the first layer 10 after step S1 and before step S3.Alternatively or additionally, in a further step after step S2 and before step S3, an adhesive can be applied to the second layer 20. The adhesive can be applied completely or only in certain regions to one side of the respective layer 10, 20. If the contact interface 40 is already carried in the recess 21 of the second layer 20 (cf. Figures 3 and 4) and is thus connected to the second layer 20, the application of the adhesive to the second layer 20 can also include the application of the adhesive to the contact interface 40, so that the contact interface 40 is subsequently bonded to the front side 13 of the first layer 10 in step S3, together with the bonding of the first partial region 22a of the second layer 20 to the front side 13 of the first layer 10.In a further step after step S5, the sides 10, 20 can be pressed together and / or the adhesive bond can be cured.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Card-shaped data carrier (1), comprising: a first layer (10) which comprises a plastic material and carries an antenna element (30); wherein the first layer (10) has an edge (12) which forms a transition from a front side (13) of the first layer (10) to a back side (14) of the first layer (10); a second layer (20) which is formed from a material which differs from the plastic material of the first layer (10); wherein the second layer (20) is folded around at least a first edge section (12a) of the edge (12) of the first layer (10) such that the second layer (20) at least partially covers the front side (13) of the first layer (10) and the back side (14) of the first layer (10); wherein the first layer (10) is connected to the second layer (20) by means of an adhesive connection.Card-shaped data carrier (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second layer (20) is formed by a biological material.

3. Card-shaped data carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second layer (20) completely covers the back side (14) of the first layer (10); and wherein the second layer (20) only partially covers the front side (13) of the first layer (10) so as to thus form a recess (21) in the second layer (20) which is located above the front side (13) of the first layer (10).

4. Card-shaped data carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second layer (20) is further folded around a second edge portion (12b) of the edge (12) of the first layer (10). wherein the second edge portion (12b) is opposite the first edge portion (12a).

5. Card-shaped data carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second layer (20) is formed in one piece.

6. Card-shaped data carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: an electronic contact interface (40) provided on a surface portion (16) of the front side (13) of the first layer (10).

7. Card-shaped data carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna element (30) forms a contactless interface of the card-shaped data carrier (1), which is provided within or on the first layer (10). 8.Card-shaped data carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna element (30) has a conductor track (31) extending within or on the first layer (10); wherein the conductor track (31) is destructible by peeling the second layer (20) off the first layer (10).

9. Use of a card-shaped data carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims as an identification document, identity document, chip card, or payment card.

10. A method for producing a card-shaped data carrier (1), comprising: providing a first layer (10) which has a plastic material and carries an antenna element (30) (S1); providing a second layer (20) which is formed from a material that differs from the plastic material of the first layer (10) (S2);. Gluing a first partial region (22a) of the second layer (20) to a front side (13) of the first layer (10, S3); folding a second partial region (22b) of the second layer (20) connected to the first partial region (22a) over an edge section (12a) of the first layer (10, S4); gluing the second partial region (22a) of the second layer (20) to a back side (14) of the first layer (10, S5).

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