Bidirectional metal card and bidirectional metal credit card

Abstract

A bidirectional metal card comprises: a metal layer having a first hollow formed therein; an antenna tag disposed within the first hollow and configured to radiate a first magnetic flux; an electromagnetic wave absorbing layer disposed so as to expose the antenna tag to the metal layer and configured to absorb a portion of the first magnetic flux refracted or reflected from the metal layer, the electromagnetic wave absorbing layer having a second hollow corresponding to the first hollow; and an antenna sheet attached to the electromagnetic wave absorbing layer and configured to radiate a second magnetic flux by magnetically coupling with the antenna tag through the second hollow. Accordingly, bidirectional communication can be implemented.

Description

Two-way metal card and two-way metal credit card

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a bidirectional metal card and a bidirectional metal credit card. More specifically, the present invention relates to a metal card and a metal credit card capable of implementing bidirectional communication, including upper and lower directions relative to a metal layer.

[0002] Credit cards can generally be used as a substitute for cash. Recently, smart cards with embedded IC chips capable of storing large amounts of information have been developed, and are actively used not only for payment but also for various membership cards. In this smart card market, specialized cards using various materials are being developed. Specifically, differentiated metal credit cards have been developed for VIP customers. Metal cards, high-quality credit cards with a metallic sheen, are offered to special customers.

[0003] However, conventional metal cards include a metal layer. The metal material forming the layer has the property of refracting or absorbing electromagnetic waves. Consequently, metal cards often have difficulty operating their antennas during contactless communication with readers, limiting RF functionality and ATM use.

[0004] Furthermore, because metal cards are manufactured using thin metal sheets or thin coatings of metal powder, it has been difficult to create patterns and text on their surfaces. Furthermore, if the material is too light, the inherent weight of the metal is lost. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop metal cards that overcome these limitations and express the unique weight and aesthetics of metal.

[0005] Recently, front metal material cards using SUS material metal sheets and antenna connections are emerging.

[0006] However, the front metal material card has the disadvantage of only being able to make contactless payments in one direction because the antenna coil is only provided toward the front of the metal card, and the antenna sensitivity is poor.

[0007] Accordingly, research is being conducted to configure a metal card to enable bidirectional communication, but a method is being studied of forming a slit in a metal layer by forming a metal card including a pair of inlay sheets each having an antenna chip on opposite sides of the metal layer, or of generating an electromagnetic induction phenomenon along the slit.

[0008] However, in the case of these methods, the increased thickness of the metal card and the complicated antenna connection structure make it difficult to design elegantly, and in particular, the increased thickness leads to an increase in volume and area, which causes problems such as reduced usability and productivity.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention provide a metal card capable of implementing improved antenna sensitivity while having a simple structure and enabling two-way communication based on a metal layer.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention provide a metal credit card capable of implementing improved antenna sensitivity while having a simple structure and enabling two-way communication based on a metal layer.

[0011] A two-way metal card according to embodiments of the present invention includes a metal layer having a first hollow formed therein, an antenna tag disposed within the first hollow and configured to radiate a first magnetic flux, an electromagnetic wave absorbing layer disposed on the metal layer to expose the antenna tag and configured to absorb a portion of the first magnetic flux refracted or reflected from the metal layer and having a second hollow corresponding to the first hollow, and an antenna sheet attached to the electromagnetic wave absorbing layer and configured to radiate a second magnetic flux by magnetically coupling to the antenna tag through the second hollow.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna tag and the antenna sheet may each include a first coil and a second coil, each of which can be adjusted so that the first and second magnetic fluxes have the same resonant frequency.

[0013] Here, the antenna tag may include an antenna chip having two terminals, and the first coil may be connected to the two terminals and formed to correspond to the first hollow.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna tag and the antenna sheet can communicate with each other through an electromagnetic induction phenomenon occurring through the second hollow.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, a planarization layer may be further included, which is disposed within the first hollow and has a surface identical to the upper surface of the metal layer.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first hollow includes a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole that are mutually connected and have a larger diameter than the first connecting hole, the electromagnetic wave absorbing layer is disposed at a step between the first and second connecting holes and includes an inner periphery formed along the first connecting hole and an outer periphery corresponding to the second connecting hole, and the antenna sheet can be disposed within the second connecting hole to cover the electromagnetic wave absorbing layer.

[0017] Here, a reinforcing member interposed between the antenna tag and the electromagnetic wave absorbing layer may be additionally provided within the first connecting hole.

[0018] A two-way metal credit card according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a metal layer having a first hollow formed therein and having a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole that are mutually connected to each other, an IC chip for a card disposed within the first connecting hole and configured to store data, a first antenna sheet disposed on the metal layer to correspond to the second connecting hole and connected to the IC chip for a card and configured to radiate a first magnetic flux through the first and second hollows formed in the metal layer, an electromagnetic wave absorbing layer disposed on the metal layer to expose the first antenna tag and configured to absorb a portion of the first magnetic flux refracted or reflected from the metal layer and having a second hollow corresponding to the second connecting hole, and a second antenna sheet attached on the electromagnetic wave absorbing layer and configured to magnetically couple with the first antenna sheet through the second hollow and radiate a second magnetic flux in a direction opposite to the metal layer.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second antenna sheets can communicate with each other through an electromagnetic induction phenomenon occurring through the second hollow.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second antenna sheets may each include a first coil and a second coil, each of which can be adjusted so that the first and second magnetic fluxes have the same resonant frequency.

[0021] Here, the first and second coils can be formed to correspond to the second hollow.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, a planarization layer may be additionally provided, which is arranged within the first connecting hole and has the same surface as the upper surface of the metal layer.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the IC chip for the card may be a COM type including an antenna coil.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnetic wave absorbing layer and the second antenna sheet can be placed within the second connecting hole.

[0025] A bidirectional metal card according to embodiments of the present invention comprises an antenna tag and an antenna sheet that is magnetically coupled to the antenna tag and radiates a second magnetic flux in a direction opposite to the metal layer. Accordingly, by using a single antenna chip included in the antenna tag, a first magnetic flux directed toward the metal layer and a second magnetic flux directed in the opposite direction from the metal layer are generated, thereby enabling the metal card to implement bidirectional communication.

[0026] Furthermore, by providing an absorbing layer, magnetic interference occurring between the metal layer of the metal material constituting the metal card and the antenna coil for performing contactless communication can be efficiently controlled. Accordingly, the metal card according to embodiments of the present invention can realize improved operational performance while enabling two-way communication.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a two-way metal card according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 is a plan view illustrating the antenna tag of Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 3 is a plan view illustrating the antenna sheet of Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 4 is an exploded front view of the two-way metal card of Figure 1.

[0031] FIG. 5 is an exploded front view illustrating a two-way metal card according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a two-way metal credit card according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 is a plan view illustrating the metal layer of Figure 6.

[0034] Fig. 8 is a plan view illustrating the IC chip for the card of Fig. 6.

[0035] Fig. 9 is a plan view illustrating the first antenna sheet of Fig. 6.

[0036] Fig. 10 is a plan view illustrating the second antenna sheet of Fig. 6.

[0037] Figure 11 is an exploded front view of the two-way metal credit card of Figure 6.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The present invention can be modified in various ways and can take various forms, and thus specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific disclosed form, but it should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention are included. In describing each drawing, similar reference numerals are used to indicate similar components. In the attached drawings, the dimensions of structures are shown larger than actual size to ensure clarity of the present invention.

[0039] While terms like "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component could be referred to as a "second component," and similarly, a second component could also be referred to as a "first component."

[0040] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0042] Fig. 1 is a plan view illustrating a two-way metal card according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view illustrating the antenna tag of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view illustrating the antenna sheet of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an exploded front view of the two-way metal card of Fig. 1.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a two-way metal card (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a metal layer (110), an antenna tag (130), an absorption layer (150), and an antenna sheet (170).

[0044] In addition, the metal card (100) of the present invention can be manufactured to a standard size and thickness according to a predefined standard, and the size and thickness of each sheet can be implemented to be combined by determining the optimal thickness suitable for the operation of the metal card and wireless communication sensitivity.

[0045] Furthermore, the sheets constituting the metal card (100) of the present invention may be configured as large sheets that include multiple cards to enable mass production, rather than sheets for making a single card.

[0046] The metal layer (110) is a core sheet that expresses the material and weight unique to the metal card according to the present invention, and can be formed of SUS (steel use stainless, stainless steel) material.

[0047] The metal material constituting the above metal layer (110) may be selected by considering not only the material and weight to express the characteristics of the metal, but also the durability, wear, and degree of transformation to withstand the processing process.

[0048] As an example, the metal layer (110) composed of SUS may be a corrosion-resistant and heat-treatable material. Heat treatment refers to a manipulation process in which metal is heated to a certain temperature and, depending on the cooling rate, the properties or metal structure are improved for a certain purpose. The metal layer (110) may have roughness on part or all of its surface for adhesive strength. In addition, the metal layer (110) may be processed through a heat treatment process to improve strength and resilience during the manufacture of the metal card (100).

[0049] A first hollow space (115) is formed in the metal layer (110). The first hollow space (115) is provided so as not to be connected to the outside through a separate slit. The first magnetic flux (103) generated from the antenna tag (130) can pass through the first hollow space (115).

[0050] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the antenna tag (130) is placed on the metal layer (110) to correspond to the first hollow (115).

[0051] The above antenna tag (130) is provided to radiate a first magnetic flux (103) toward the metal layer (110). The first magnetic flux (103) can flow in a first direction toward the outer surface of the metal layer (110) through the first hollow (115).

[0052] The above antenna tag (130) includes an embedded antenna chip and a first coil (135) electrically connected to both terminals of the antenna chip. The number of turns and thickness of the first coil (135) can be adjusted.

[0053] The above absorption layer (150) is positioned so as to expose the antenna tag (130) on the metal layer (110). For example, the lower surface of the antenna tag (130) may be exposed. The absorption layer (150) is provided to absorb a portion of the electromagnetic wave related to the first magnetic flux (103) generated from the antenna tag (130) that is refracted or reflected from the metal layer (110).

[0054] In order for the NFC antenna to operate, it must communicate with the opposite antenna reader (not shown). In this case, a magnetic field is generated in the coil, and the antenna tag is attached to the top of the metal layer, so it comes into close proximity to the metal material. In this case, the metal material that makes up the metal layer can change the SRF (self resonant frequency) of the coil formed in the antenna tag. In this case, the frequency loss worsens and the inductance of the antenna coil is reduced, which ultimately causes communication failure. The cause of this phenomenon is an eddy current phenomenon that occurs in the metal layer due to the magnetic field induced by the antenna coil. In order to reduce the eddy current phenomenon, an absorbing layer made of a high-permeability and high-resistance material is interposed between the metal layer and the antenna tag. In this case, the absorbing layer can control the magnetic field lines in both directions based on the antenna tag.

[0055] That is, the above absorption layer (150) may be made of a ferrite material. Ferrite is formed by using iron powder as a raw material, oxidizing the surface of the iron powder, and applying pressure to create a desired shape.

[0056] An adhesive layer (not shown) may be interposed between the absorbent layer (150) and the metal layer (110). The adhesive layer may include a hot melt sheet. The hot melt sheet is melted by heating, and materials such as thermoplastic resins have the characteristic of solidifying when cooled after being melted by heating, so such materials can be used as a film-type hot melt adhesive.

[0057] The above absorption layer (150) may include a second hollow (155) corresponding to the first hollow (115). Through the second hollow (155) formed in the absorption layer (150), the antenna tag (130) and the antenna sheet (170) may be magnetically coupled to each other through an electromagnetic induction phenomenon.

[0058] That is, by forming the first and second hollows (115, 155) to correspond to each other, the antenna tag (130) and the antenna sheet (170) can be magnetically coupled to each other. Accordingly, the antenna tag (130) and the antenna sheet (170) can be magnetically coupled without a separate slit being formed in the metal layer (110).

[0059] When an external element, an antenna reader, approaches a metal card (100), a change in magnetic flux occurs in the antenna tag (130) or antenna sheet (170). At this time, a voltage (induced electromotive force) is generated in the antenna tag. Accordingly, the antenna chip included in the antenna tag (130) can use the voltage to transmit data stored therein in a direction toward the metal layer (110) or in a direction opposite to the metal layer (110).

[0060] Furthermore, since a separate terminal, for example, an electrode pad, for electrically connecting the antenna tag (130) and the antenna sheet (170) to each other is not required, the metal card (100) can have a simplified structure.

[0061] Meanwhile, the first hollow (115) and the second hollow (155) may have a circular shape with the same diameter.

[0062] An antenna sheet (170) is attached on the absorption layer (150). The antenna sheet (170) is magnetically coupled to the antenna tag (130) through the second hollow (155). The antenna sheet (170) is provided to radiate a second magnetic flux (107) in a second direction facing the metal layer (110). Accordingly, the antenna sheet (170) can radiate the second magnetic flux in a second direction opposite to the first direction toward the metal layer (110).

[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna tag (130) and the antenna sheet (170) may each include a first coil (135) and a second coil (175) so that the first and second magnetic fluxes each have the same resonant frequency.

[0064] That is, by adjusting the number of turns, width, or spacing of the first coil (135) and the second coil (175), the antenna tag (130) and the antenna sheet (170) can be made to have the same resonant frequency as the inductance value changes. As a result, the metal card (100) can secure improved sensitivity.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna tag (130) includes an antenna chip having two terminals, and the first coil (135) is connected to the two terminals and may be formed to correspond to the first hollow (115).

[0066] The first coil (135) may have a screw shape over the entire area of ​​the first hollow (115). Accordingly, the antenna tag (130) may increase the intensity of the first magnetic flux (103) toward the first direction. In addition, the antenna tag (130) may be magnetically coupled to the antenna sheet (170) toward the second direction.

[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, a flattening layer (101) may be additionally provided, which is arranged within the first hollow (115) and has the same surface as the upper surface of the metal layer (110).

[0068] Meanwhile, the absorption layer (150) may further include ferrite in the form of nanopowder. Ferrite is a ferromagnetic insulator, and when implemented in powder form, it can have improved adhesive strength. Furthermore, when the absorption layer (150) has a laminated structure, it forms an enhanced absorption layer, which can further enhance the insulation function between the metal layer (110) and other sheets.

[0069] Although not shown, a hologram layer may be additionally provided on the metal layer. The hologram layer may be formed by hot stamping a hologram foil by transfer, by laminating a plurality of moldings having a hologram pattern formed thereon, by depositing a molding having a hologram pattern formed thereon, or by including a coating layer in which a hologram pattern is micro-processed by UV resin coating, thereby printing a hologram pattern formed on a metal card.

[0070] In addition, the hologram layer may be a non-conductive hologram sheet, and in this case, the surface may be treated to have a metallic luster and be coated with an electrically non-conductive film at the same time according to the NCVM (Non-Conductive Vacuum Metallizing) method.

[0071] More specifically, a non-conductive film coated on a holographic layer using the NCVM method may have a property in which metal atoms are arranged at a certain distance on the surface, so that a metallic texture may be displayed between the atoms, but there may be no electrical conductivity.

[0072] This NCVM process can treat the coating object to have a metallic appearance without radio wave attenuation, and is therefore applied to mobile phone cases, mobile phone exterior materials, automobile parts, electronic products, and other home appliances. As this NCVM process is applied to the hologram layer according to an embodiment of the present invention, the metallic texture of the metal card (100) can be further maximized.

[0073] The NCVM method can utilize various methods for coating the hologram layer with an electrically non-conductive film, and examples thereof include deposition methods such as evaporation or sputtering. In addition, the material of the hologram layer (150) used in the method can include at least one of indium (In), tin (Sn), and silicon (Si), and tin (Sn) is preferably mainly used from a cost and environmental perspective.

[0074]

[0075] FIG. 5 is an exploded front view illustrating a two-way metal card according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 5, a two-way metal card (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a metal layer (210) in which a first hollow (215) is formed, an antenna tag (230), an absorption layer (250), and an antenna sheet (270).

[0077] The first hollow (215) formed in the metal layer (210) includes a first connecting hole (211) and a second connecting hole (212) that are mutually connected and have a larger diameter than the first connecting hole (211).

[0078] At this time, the absorption layer (250) may be placed on the step (214) between the first and second connecting holes (211, 212). In addition, the antenna sheet (270) may be placed so as to cover the absorption layer (250) within the second connecting hole (212).

[0079] The above absorption layer (250) may have a donut shape including an inner circumference formed along the second hollow (255) corresponding to the first connecting hole (211) and an outer circumference corresponding to the second connecting hole (212).

[0080] An antenna tag (230) is placed within the first connecting hole (211). The antenna tag (230) includes an RFID chip and a first coil connected to the chip.

[0081] The antenna sheet (270) is placed so as to cover the absorption layer (250) within the second connecting hole (212). The antenna sheet (270) includes a second coil.

[0082] Meanwhile, a reinforcing member (280) may be additionally provided between the antenna tag (230) and the absorption layer (250) within the first connecting hole (211).

[0083] Additionally, a flattening layer (290) may be additionally provided to cover the antenna tag (230) within the first connecting hole (211).

[0084]

[0085] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a two-way metal credit card according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the metal layer of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating the IC chip for the card of FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating the first antenna sheet of FIG. 6. FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating the second antenna sheet of FIG. 6. FIG. 11 is an exploded front view of the two-way metal credit card of FIG. 6.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 11, a two-way metal card (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a metal layer (310), an IC chip for a card (320), a first antenna sheet (330), an absorption layer (350), and a second antenna sheet (370).

[0087] In addition, the metal card (300) of the present invention can be manufactured to a standard size and thickness according to a predefined standard, and the size and thickness of each sheet can be implemented to be combined by determining the optimal thickness suitable for the operation of the metal card and wireless communication sensitivity.

[0088] Furthermore, the sheets constituting the metal card (300) of the present invention may be configured as large sheets that include multiple cards to enable mass production, rather than sheets for making a single card.

[0089] The metal layer (310) is a core sheet that expresses the material and weight unique to the metal card according to the present invention, and can be formed of SUS (steel use stainless, stainless steel) material.

[0090] The metal material constituting the above metal layer (310) may be selected by considering not only the material and weight to express the characteristics of the metal, but also the durability, wear, and degree of transformation to withstand the processing process.

[0091] As an example, the metal layer (310) composed of SUS may be a corrosion-resistant and heat-treatable material. Heat treatment refers to a manipulation process in which metal is heated to a certain temperature and, depending on the cooling rate, the properties or metal structure are improved for a certain purpose. The metal layer (310) may have roughness on part or all of its surface for adhesive strength. In addition, the metal layer (310) may be processed through a heat treatment process to improve strength and resilience during the manufacture of the metal card (300).

[0092] The above metal layer (310) is formed with a first hollow space (315). The first hollow space (315) is provided so as not to be connected to the outside through a separate slit. The first magnetic flux generated from the first antenna (330) can pass through the first hollow space (315).

[0093] The first hollow (315) may include a first connecting hole (311) and a second connecting hole (312) that are mutually connected. In addition, the first hollow (315) may have a stepped shape.

[0094] An IC chip (320) for a card can be installed in the first connecting hole (311). Since the IC chip (320) for a card is standardized, the shape and size of the first connecting hole (311) correspond to the shape and size of the IC chip (320) for a card.

[0095] The second connecting hole (312) may have a larger area than the first connecting hole (311). The second connecting hole (312) may correspond to the size and shape of the first antenna sheet (330).

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 6, 8, and 11, the IC chip (320) for the card can be electrically connected to the antenna sheet (330). For example, both terminals of the IC chip (320) for the card can be connected to both terminals of the antenna sheet.

[0097] Meanwhile, the IC chip (320) for the card may include a coil on module (COM) package. In this case, since the coil is provided within the IC chip (320) for the card, the IC chip (320) for the card can perform radio frequency communication with the first coil (335) formed in the first antenna sheet (330). Therefore, a welding process or a soldering process may be omitted for electrical connection between the IC chip (320) for the card and the first coil (335) included in the first antenna sheet (330).

[0098] Referring again to FIGS. 6, 9 and 11, the first antenna sheet (330) can be formed to cover the card IC chip (320) on the first base and the metal layer (310).

[0099] The first antenna sheet (330) is provided to radiate a first magnetic flux (303) toward the metal layer (310). The first magnetic flux (303) can flow in a first direction in which the metal layer (310) is in contact with the first hollow (315).

[0100] The first antenna sheet (330) includes a first coil (335) electrically connected to the card IC chip (320). The number of turns and thickness of the first coil (335) can be adjusted.

[0101] The above absorption layer (350) is attached so as to expose the card IC chip (320) and the first antenna sheet (330) on the metal layer (310). The absorption layer (350) is provided to absorb a portion of the first magnetic flux (303) generated from the first antenna sheet (130) that is refracted or reflected from the metal layer (310).

[0102] The above absorption layer (350) may be made of a ferrite material. Ferrite is made by grinding iron into powder, oxidizing the outer surface to make it insulative, and applying pressure to shape it for use.

[0103] The above absorption layer (350) may include a second hollow (355) corresponding to the second connecting hole (312) among the first hollows (315). Through the second hollow (355) formed in the absorption layer (350), the first antenna sheet (330) and the second antenna sheet (370) may be magnetically coupled to each other through an electromagnetic induction phenomenon.

[0104] That is, since the first connecting hole (312) and the second hollow (355) are formed to correspond to each other when viewed from a planar perspective, the first antenna sheet (330) and the second antenna sheet (370) can be magnetically coupled to each other. Accordingly, the first antenna sheet (330) and the second antenna sheet (370) can be magnetically coupled without a separate slit being formed in the metal layer (310).

[0105] When an external element, an antenna reader (not shown), approaches a metal credit card (300), a change in magnetic flux occurs in either the first antenna sheet (330) or the second antenna sheet (370). At this time, a voltage (induced electromotive force) is generated in the adjacent remaining one. As a result, data stored in the IC chip (320) for the card can be transmitted in a direction toward the metal layer (310) or in a direction opposite to the metal layer (310).

[0106] Furthermore, since a separate terminal for electrically connecting the first antenna sheet (330) and the second antenna sheet (370) to each other is not required, the metal credit card (300) can have a simplified structure.

[0107] Meanwhile, the second connecting hole (312) and the second hollow (355) included in the first hollow (315) may have a circular shape with the same diameter.

[0108] A second antenna sheet (370) is attached on the absorption layer (350). The antenna sheet (370) is magnetically coupled to the first antenna sheet (330) through the second hollow (355). The second antenna sheet (370) is provided to radiate a second magnetic flux (307) in a direction opposite to the metal layer (310). Accordingly, the antenna sheet (370) can radiate the second magnetic flux (307) in a second direction opposite to the first direction in which the metal layer (310) is in contact.

[0109] The second antenna sheet (370) includes an outer portion (371) corresponding to the third connecting hole (316) of the metal layer (310) and a second coil (375).

[0110] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first antenna sheet (330) and the second antenna sheet (370) may each include a first coil (335) and a second coil (375) so that the first and second magnetic fluxes each have the same resonant frequency.

[0111] That is, by adjusting the number of turns, width, or spacing of the first coil (335) and the second coil (375), the first antenna sheet (330) and the second antenna sheet (370) can have the same resonant frequency as the inductance value changes. As a result, the metal credit card (300) can secure improved sensitivity.

[0112] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first antenna sheet (330) may be connected to an IC chip (320) for a card having two terminals and may be placed within the second connection hole (312).

[0113] As the first coil (335) is provided to have a screw shape over the entire area of ​​the second connecting hole (312), the first antenna sheet (330) can increase the intensity of the first magnetic flux (303) toward the first direction. In addition, the first antenna sheet (330) can be magnetically coupled to the second antenna sheet (370) toward the second direction.

[0114] In one embodiment of the present invention, a flattening layer (not shown) may be additionally provided, which is arranged within the first connecting hole (312) and has the same surface as the upper surface of the metal layer (310).

[0115] In one embodiment of the present invention, the IC chip (320) for the card may include an antenna coil. The IC chip for the card may have, for example, a COM (coil on module) structure. This allows the metal credit card to secure a superior recognition distance.

[0116] In one embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnetic wave absorbing layer (350) and the second antenna sheet (370) may be placed within the second connecting hole. As a result, a portion of the metal layer (310) and the second antenna sheet (370) may have the same plane.

[0117] Meanwhile, the above absorption layer (350) may further include ferrite in the form of nanopowder. Ferrite is a ferromagnetic insulator, and when implemented in powder form, not only does the adhesive strength increase, but an additional absorption layer is formed through lamination, thereby further improving the insulation function between the metal layer (310) and other sheets.

[0118] Embodiments of the present invention can be applied to a two-way metal card and a two-way metal simulant card.

[0119] As described above, the specific description of the present invention has been made by way of embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. However, since the above-described embodiments have only been described as preferred examples of the present invention, the present invention should not be understood as being limited to the above-described embodiments, and the scope of the present invention should be understood by the claims described below and their equivalent concepts.

Claims

1. Metal layer in which the first hollow is formed; An antenna tag disposed within the first hollow space and configured to radiate a first magnetic flux; An electromagnetic wave absorbing layer disposed to expose the antenna tag on the metal layer, and having a second hollow corresponding to the first hollow, and configured to absorb a portion of the first magnetic flux refracted or reflected from the metal layer; and A bidirectional metal card comprising an antenna sheet attached to the electromagnetic wave absorbing layer and configured to radiate a second magnetic flux by magnetically coupling to the antenna tag through the second hollow.

2. A two-way metal card according to claim 1, wherein the antenna tag and the antenna sheet each include a first coil and a second coil that can be adjusted so that the first and second magnetic fluxes each have the same resonant frequency.

3. A bidirectional metal card according to claim 2, wherein the antenna tag includes an antenna chip having two terminals, and the first coil is connected to the two terminals and formed to correspond to the first hollow.

4. A two-way metal card characterized in that, in the first paragraph, the antenna tag and the antenna sheet communicate with each other through an electromagnetic induction phenomenon occurring through the second hollow.

5. A two-way metal card characterized in that, in the first paragraph, it further includes a flattening layer arranged within the first hollow and provided to have the same surface as the upper surface of the metal layer.

6. In the first paragraph, the first hollow includes a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole that are mutually connected and have a larger diameter than the first connecting hole, The electromagnetic wave absorbing layer is arranged at a step between the first and second connecting holes, and includes an inner periphery formed along the first connecting hole and an outer periphery corresponding to the second connecting hole, A two-way metal card characterized in that the antenna sheet is arranged to cover the electromagnetic wave absorbing layer within the second connecting hole.

7. A two-way metal card according to claim 6, characterized in that it further includes a reinforcing member interposed between the antenna tag and the electromagnetic wave absorbing layer in the first connecting hole.

8. A metal layer having a first hollow formed therein, the first hollow having a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole that are mutually connected; An IC chip for a card, which is arranged within the first connecting hole and is equipped to store data; A first antenna sheet arranged to correspond to the second connecting hole on the metal layer and connected to the card IC chip to radiate a first magnetic flux through the first and second holes formed in the metal layer; An electromagnetic wave absorbing layer disposed to expose the first antenna tag on the metal layer, and provided to absorb a portion of the first magnetic flux refracted or reflected from the metal layer, and having a second hollow corresponding to the second connecting hole; and A two-way metal credit card comprising a second antenna sheet attached to the electromagnetic wave absorbing layer and configured to magnetically couple with the first antenna sheet through the second hollow to radiate a second magnetic flux in a direction opposite to the metal layer.

9. A two-way metal credit card, characterized in that in the 8th paragraph, the first and second antenna sheets communicate with each other through an electromagnetic induction phenomenon occurring through the second hollow.

10. A two-way metal credit card, characterized in that in the 8th paragraph, the first and second antenna sheets each include a first coil and a second coil, each of which can be adjusted so that the first and second magnetic fluxes have the same resonant frequency.

11. A two-way metal credit card, characterized in that in the 10th paragraph, the first and second coils are formed to correspond to the second hollow.

12. A two-way metal credit card characterized in that, in the 8th paragraph, it further includes a flattening layer arranged in the first connecting hole and provided to have the same surface as the upper surface of the metal layer.

13. A two-way metal credit card, characterized in that the IC chip for the card in the 8th paragraph is a COM type including an antenna coil.

14. A two-way metal credit card, characterized in that in paragraph 8, the electromagnetic wave absorbing layer and the second antenna sheet are placed within the second connecting hole.

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