Bending reinforcing metal card and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

This bending reinforcing metal card comprises: a metal body coupling structure configured by mounting an antenna module and a bending reinforcing metal cover part on a metal body; first and second adhesive core sheets disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the metal body coupling structure, respectively; and a chip module for a card mounted in a chip insertion hole formed in the first adhesive core sheet and the metal body, and having two terminals connected to the antenna module. The metal body coupling structure comprises: a metal body made of a metal plate having a size and a thickness that are predetermined, and having a component insertion space, a chip insertion hole, and a slit; a PCB antenna module; and a bending reinforcing metal cover part made of a metal plate having a size and a thickness configured such that same can be mounted in the component insertion space. The PCB antenna module and the bending reinforcing metal cover part are stacked and disposed in the component insertion space of the metal body.

Description

Bending-reinforced metal card and its manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a metal card capable of double-sided communication and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a bending-reinforced metal card and a method for manufacturing the same, which is configured to conceal a slit formed by cutting a predetermined area of ​​a metal body for double-sided communication of the metal card by mounting a bending-reinforced metal cover part in a component insertion space of a metal body, and to reinforce a phenomenon in which the metal body is bent by the slit.

[0002] Credit cards are typically used for identification and payment purposes. With the rapid expansion of credit card use across various sectors, credit cards are increasingly being given various accessory functions and even artistic value. Furthermore, the shape and design of credit cards, along with their services, discounts, and rewards, are becoming important factors in selecting a credit card. Consequently, not only are credit card shapes and designs becoming more diverse and sophisticated, but a variety of credit cards with distinct functionalities are also being offered.

[0003] In line with this trend, while credit cards were previously primarily made of plastic, materials have been increasingly diversifying to meet consumer tastes and demands. One such trend is the introduction of metal cards. Metal credit cards offer a distinctive metallic sheen, a comfortable weight, and a distinctive texture, enhancing the user experience and solidifying their position as high-quality credit cards.

[0004] Meanwhile, the card chip module used in the credit card may be one of a contact chip module that transmits and receives signals by directly contacting an external card reader, a contactless chip module that wirelessly transmits and receives signals through an antenna built into the card without directly contacting the external card reader, and a combination chip module having both a contact function and a contactless function. The combination chip module (Combi Integrated circuit (IC) device) is also called a dual interface IC device, and provides both a contactless interface function that enables RF communication with an external card reader and a contact interface function that enables communication by directly contacting the terminals of the external card reader. Therefore, when a card equipped with a contactless card chip module or a combination chip module is brought near an external card reader, an induced current is generated by the induced electromotive force in the antenna by the external card reader, and the induced current generated in the antenna is supplied to the contactless card chip module, thereby allowing the card chip module to operate normally.

[0005] However, contactless chip modules and combination chip modules must communicate with an external card reader via an antenna. However, if a metal sheet constituting a metal card is placed between the antenna and the card reader, a problem occurs in which the antenna cannot transmit or receive signals from the card reader due to the metal sheet. To solve this problem, a slit is formed by cutting between one side of the insertion hole of the card chip module in the metal sheet or metal body and the edge of the metal sheet body, thereby opening the insertion hole of the card chip module to the outside. This enables the contactless chip module or combination chip module in the metal card to communicate with an external card reader via the antenna.

[0006] However, due to the slit formed by cutting a certain area of ​​the metal card, the card may bend or snap due to external pressure or impact during use, and problems may arise that damage the card's appearance.

[0007] To address these issues, methods have been proposed, such as inserting a non-conductive or low-conductivity insert into the slit. However, the process of inserting the insert into the slit is not only difficult, but also causes problems such as the insert being detached from the metal card due to external pressure during use. Furthermore, the appearance of the insert can negatively impact the appearance of the metal card.

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a bending-reinforced metal card and a method for manufacturing the same, which is configured to conceal a slit formed by cutting a predetermined area of ​​a metal body for double-sided communication of the metal card by mounting a bending-reinforced metal cover part in a component insertion space of a metal body, and reinforce a phenomenon in which the metal body is bent by the slit.

[0009] In order to achieve the above-described technical problem, a bending-reinforced metal card according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: a metal body coupling structure in which an antenna module and a bending-reinforced metal cover are mounted on a metal body; and a card chip module mounted in a chip insertion hole formed in the metal body and having two terminals connected to the antenna module; wherein the metal body coupling structure comprises a metal plate having a predetermined size and thickness, the metal body having a component insertion space and a chip insertion hole, and a slit formed by cutting between a side surface of the chip insertion hole and a side edge of the main body; an antenna module mounted in the component insertion space; and a bending-reinforced metal cover made of a metal plate having a size and thickness that can be mounted in the component insertion space; wherein the antenna module and the bending-reinforced metal cover are sequentially stacked and arranged in the component insertion space of the metal body, and wherein double-sided communication is possible by the slit and bending phenomenon of the metal body is reinforced by the bending-reinforced metal cover.

[0010] In the bending-reinforced metal card according to the above-described characteristics, it is preferable that the slit of the metal body is filled with an epoxy curing agent or synthetic resin material having electrical insulation properties.

[0011] It is preferable that the bending reinforcement metal card according to the above-described characteristics further comprises a first adhesive core sheet arranged on the upper surface of the metal body bonding structure; and a second adhesive core sheet arranged on the lower surface of the metal body bonding structure.

[0012] In the bending-reinforced metal card according to the above-described characteristics, it is preferable that the first adhesive core sheet has a predetermined design or pattern printed on its surface.

[0013] In the bending reinforcement metal card according to the above-described characteristics, it is preferable that the bending reinforcement metal cover part is configured with a size such that the side edges are spaced a certain distance apart from the inner surface of the component insertion space of the metal body, so that an empty space is formed between the bending reinforcement metal cover part and the inner surface of the component insertion space.

[0014] In the bending-reinforced metal card according to the above-described characteristics, it is preferable that one side edge of the component insertion space is configured to be exposed to the side where the slit of the metal body is formed, and one side edge of the antenna module and the bending-reinforced metal cover part mounted in the component insertion space are exposed to one side of the metal body.

[0015] It is preferable that the bending reinforcement metal card according to the above-described characteristics further include a rear printing sheet arranged on the lower surface of the second adhesive core sheet; and a rear protection sheet made of a transparent synthetic resin material and arranged on the lower surface of the rear printing sheet.

[0016] In order to achieve the above-described technical problem, a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) manufacturing a metal body joining structure in which an antenna module and a bending-reinforced metal cover are mounted on a metal body; and (c) connecting terminals of a card chip module to the antenna module, and then embedding the card chip module in a chip insertion hole formed in the metal body. In addition, step (a) comprises: (a1) forming a component insertion space in a metal plate having a preset thickness, and forming a slit by cutting between a predetermined area of ​​the component insertion space and a side edge of a main body to manufacture a metal body; (a2) manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal cover made of a metal plate having a size and thickness that can be mounted in the component insertion space; and (a3) ​​assembling the antenna module and the bending-reinforced metal cover in the component insertion space of the metal body. It is characterized in that it is configured such that double-sided communication is possible through a slit and the bending phenomenon of the metal body joint structure is reinforced by a metal cover for bending reinforcement.

[0017] In the method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the above-described characteristics, it is preferable that the step (a) further comprises the step (a4) of filling the slit of the metal body with an epoxy curing agent and curing it.

[0018] The method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the above-described characteristics preferably further comprises the step of (b) sequentially laminating a first adhesive core sheet, the metal body bonding structure, and a second adhesive core sheet, and then bonding them together.

[0019] The method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the above-described characteristics preferably further comprises the step of (d) printing a predetermined design or pattern on the surface of the first adhesive core sheet.

[0020] The method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the above-described characteristics preferably further comprises the step of (e) sequentially laminating a back printing sheet and a back protection sheet on the back surface of the second adhesive core sheet and then bonding them together.

[0021] The bending-reinforced metal card according to the present invention having the above-described configuration can strengthen the strength of the metal body and prevent the metal body from being bent by the slit by mounting a bending-reinforced metal cover made of a metal plate in the component insertion space of the metal body.

[0022] In addition, the bending-reinforced metal card according to the present invention prevents the slits of the metal body from being exposed to the outside by laminating the first and second adhesive core sheets to the upper and lower surfaces of the metal body bonding structure, respectively. As a result, the slits of the metal body do not affect the appearance of the metal card.

[0023] In addition, the bending-reinforced metal card according to the present invention can reinforce the strength of the metal card and neatly organize the appearance of the slit exposed on the side of the metal card by filling the gap of the slit with an epoxy hardener.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view in the AA direction showing a bending reinforcement metal card according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a process of manufacturing a metal body (110) in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a bending reinforcement metal cover part (130) in a method for manufacturing a bending reinforcement metal card according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the back, a perspective view of the back, and a perspective view of the front illustrating a process of assembling a metal body joining structure in a method for manufacturing a bending reinforcement metal card according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a slit (116) of a metal body bonding structure (100) is filled with an epoxy curing agent (117) in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a process of bonding first and second adhesive core sheets to both sides of a metal body bonding structure (100) in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a process of laminating a back printing sheet and a back protection sheet to the back surface of a second adhesive core sheet in a method for manufacturing a bending reinforcement metal card according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the surface of the first adhesive core sheet is digitally printed in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a metal card is cut to the size of a metal card in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a process of completing a metal card by embedding a card chip module in a metal card in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 12 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view in the AA direction showing a bending reinforcement metal card according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a process of manufacturing a metal body (210) in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the back, a perspective view of the back, and a perspective view of the front illustrating a process of assembling a metal body joining structure (200) in a method for manufacturing a bending reinforcement metal card according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a slit (216) of a metal body bonding structure (200) is filled with an epoxy curing agent in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a process of bonding a metal body bonding structure (200) and first and second adhesive core sheets (240, 250) in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front surface of the first adhesive core sheet is digitally printed in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a state in which a metal card is cut to the size of a metal card in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a process of completing a metal card by embedding a card chip module in a metal card in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, a bending-reinforced metal card and a manufacturing method thereof according to preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0044] <Example 1>

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of a bending-reinforced metal card according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a bending-reinforced metal card (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a metal body joining structure (100) having an antenna module (120) and a bending-reinforced metal cover (130) mounted on a metal body (110), first and second adhesive core sheets (140, 150) respectively disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the metal body joining structure, and a card chip module (160). In addition, the metal card (1) may further include a rear printing sheet (170) disposed on the lower surface of the second adhesive core sheet, and a rear protection sheet (180) disposed on the lower surface of the rear printing sheet. The bending-reinforced metal card according to the present invention is characterized in that it is configured to enable double-sided communication by a slit in the metal body and to reinforce the bending phenomenon of the metal body by the bending-reinforced metal cover. A bending-reinforced metal card according to a first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the antenna module of the metal body joint structure and the bending-reinforced metal cover are arranged in an internal region of the metal body joint structure, such that one edge of the antenna module and the bending-reinforced metal cover is not exposed to the side of the metal body. Hereinafter, each of the aforementioned components will be described in more detail.

[0046] The above-described card chip module (160) is mounted in the chip insertion hole formed in the first adhesive core sheet and the metal body, and two terminals are respectively connected to both ends of the coil of the antenna module. The card chip module (160) is a COB (Chip On Board) type IC device, and transmits and receives signals from a nearby external card reader through the antenna module, and operates as a card in a contactless manner by the transmitted and received signals. The card chip module used in the metal card according to the present invention may be a contactless card chip module or a combination chip module.

[0047] The above metal body bonding structure (100) is manufactured by sequentially mounting a first adhesive member (122), an antenna module (120), a second adhesive member (124), and a metal cover part (130) for bending reinforcement in a component insertion space formed on the back surface of a metal body (110), and then bonding them together using heat and pressure. The first adhesive member and the second adhesive member may use an adhesive or an adhesive film.

[0048] The main body of the metal body (110) is made of a metal plate having a preset size and thickness, and has a component insertion space (112) and a chip insertion hole (114), and a slit (116) formed by cutting between a side of the chip insertion hole and a side edge of the main body. The thickness and material of the metal plate constituting the metal body may be determined according to the shape and type of the metal card to be completed. The metal plate is made of a metal material in a flat plate shape, and as the metal material, steel including SUS, gold, silver, copper, titanium, aluminum alloy materials such as duraluminium, carbon, etc. may be used.

[0049] The slit of the metal body is preferably filled with an electrically insulating epoxy curing agent or synthetic resin material, and particularly, it is more preferably filled with an epoxy curing agent. The synthetic resin material is preferably made of one of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G), and polycarbonate (PC). In this way, by filling the cut gap of the slit with an electrically insulating material, not only the appearance of the card can be improved, but also deformation or warping of the card can be reduced. In the metal card according to the first embodiment, the component insertion space (112) is characterized in that it is provided in the inner region of the metal card. Therefore, the antenna module and the metal cover for bending reinforcement mounted in the component insertion space are characterized in that they are arranged in the inner region of the metal card.

[0050] The above antenna module (120) is mounted in the component insertion space. The above antenna module (120) is a PCB antenna module formed by patterning antenna wiring on the surface of a printed circuit board having a predetermined size, and both ends of the antenna wiring are connected to the contact points of the COB type card chip module.

[0051] The above-described bending reinforcement metal cover (130) is made of a metal plate having a size and thickness that can be inserted into the component insertion space, and is mounted in the component insertion space. Generally, when external pressure or impact occurs, the metal card is bent or bent due to the slit formed in the metal body. The above-described bending reinforcement metal cover reinforces the strength of the metal body, and as a result, the bending phenomenon of the metal card described above can be reduced. It is preferable that the above-described bending reinforcement metal cover (130) is formed to be smaller than the size of the component insertion space, so that the side surface of the bending reinforcement metal cover is spaced apart by a certain distance from the inner surface of the component insertion space of the metal body. Through this structure, even when the bending reinforcement metal cover and the metal body are combined, a gap (area 'a' in FIG. 1) is generated between them, so that double-sided communication of the metal card is not hindered.

[0052] Meanwhile, the metal cover for bending reinforcement may be provided with an additional slit formed by cutting a portion of the area from the center to the edge. By providing the additional slit, the metal cover for bending reinforcement can be prevented from interfering with the antenna's communication.

[0053] The first and second adhesive core sheets (140, 150) may be made of a synthetic resin material having adhesive properties or an epoxy sheet, etc. The first and second adhesive core sheets (140, 150) are respectively placed on the upper and lower surfaces of the metal body bonding structure (100) and then bonded together by heat and pressure. The first and second adhesive core sheets function to prevent the slits of the metal body and the materials filled in the slits from being visible from the upper and lower surfaces of the card. In addition, when digital printing (area 'b' in FIG. 1) is performed on the surface of the first adhesive core sheet (140), the printing adhesive strength can be improved. In addition, the second adhesive core sheet (150) can be improved in adhesive strength with the rear printing sheet.

[0054] The surface of the first adhesive core sheet (140) may be digitally printed with a predetermined design (area 'b' in FIG. 1) or may be printed with a pre-set design or pattern.

[0055] The above rear printing sheet (170) is made of PVC material and has a predetermined design or pattern printed on its surface. The above rear protection sheet (180) is made of transparent PVC material and is coated on the surface of the rear printing sheet to protect the surface of the rear printing sheet. A magnetic tape (190) may be attached to the above rear protection sheet (180).

[0056] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Fig. 2 is a flowchart sequentially illustrating a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] First, a metal body (110) having a component insertion space and a slit is manufactured (step 300). FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a process of manufacturing a metal body (110) in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the metal body (110) manufacturing process (step 300) will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 3 (a), a metal plate (119) having a preset thickness is first prepared (step 301). Next, referring to FIG. 3 (b), NC (Numerical Control) processing is performed on the back surface of the metal plate (119) to create a component insertion space (112) corresponding to the size of the PCB antenna module (step 303). The 'd' area in FIG. 3 is an area that will ultimately become a card after a post-process. Next, referring to (c) of FIG. 3, optionally, a chip insertion hole (114) for inserting an IC chip module for a card may be created (step 305). The chip insertion hole is completed by etching through an area located at the lower portion of the component insertion space. Meanwhile, the chip insertion hole creation process may be performed as a post-processing step after the lamination process of the metal body bonding structure (100) and the first and second adhesive core sheets. In the first embodiment, a case where the chip insertion hole etching process is performed as a post-processing step will be described. Next, referring to (d) of FIG. 3, a slit (Slit; 116) for double-sided communication of the metal card is created by cutting from a corner of the chip insertion hole (not shown) or a predetermined area of ​​the component insertion space (112) to one corner of the main body of the metal body (step 307). The slit may be formed in various shapes, such as a straight line or a curve. Through the above-described process, the metal body (110) is completed.

[0058] Next, a bending reinforcement metal cover (130) is manufactured (step 310). Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a bending reinforcement metal cover (130) in a method for manufacturing a bending reinforcement metal card according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The bending reinforcement metal cover (130) is made of a metal plate having a size and thickness that can be inserted into a component insertion space.

[0059] Next, the metal body joining structure (100) is assembled (step 320). FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the back, a perspective view of the back, and a perspective view of the front illustrating the process of assembling the metal body joining structure in the method for manufacturing a bending reinforcement metal card according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the process of assembling and completing the metal body joining structure (100) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5. First, referring to FIG. 5 (a), a first adhesive member (122), an antenna module (120), a second adhesive member (124), and a bending reinforcement metal cover part (130) are sequentially laminated and assembled in a component insertion space (112) formed on the back of a metal body (110). The first and second adhesive members (122, 124) may be composed of an adhesive film such as a hot-melt film that can be bonded by heat and pressure, or may be composed of an adhesive. Referring to (b) and (c) of Fig. 5, the metal body (110) has a slit (116) for double-sided communication, and a metal cover (130) for bending reinforcement is mounted on the back surface. The 'd' area of ​​Fig. 5 represents the outer shape of the metal card, which is processed by NC in a post-process to complete the metal card.

[0060] Next, the gap of the slit is filled with an epoxy curing agent (117) and then cured to fill the gap of the slit (step 330). Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the slit (116) of the metal body bonding structure (100) is filled with an epoxy curing agent (117) in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Next, the metal body bonding structure (100) and the first and second adhesive core sheets (140, 150) are bonded together (step 340). FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a process of bonding the first and second adhesive core sheets to both sides of the metal body bonding structure (100) in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the bonding process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 7 (a), the first and second adhesive core sheets (140, 150) are arranged and laminated on the upper and lower surfaces of the metal body bonding structure (100), respectively. Next, referring to FIG. 7 (b), the first adhesive core sheet (140), the metal body bonding structure (100), and the second adhesive core sheet (150) are sequentially laminated and bonded together by applying heat and pressure from the upper and lower surfaces.

[0062] Next, the back printing sheet (170) and the back protection sheet (180) are laminated on the back surface of the second adhesive core sheet (150) (step 350). FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a process of laminating the back printing sheet and the back protection sheet on the back surface of the second adhesive core sheet in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the lamination process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8. Referring to FIG. 8 (a), the back printing sheet (170) and the back protection sheet (180) having a magnetic tape (190) attached thereto are sequentially laminated on the back surface of the resultant product in which the metal body bonding structure and the first and second adhesive core sheets are laminated. Next, referring to FIG. 8 (b), the resultant product in which the metal body bonding structure, the back printing sheet, and the back protection sheet are laminated are laminated by applying heat and pressure.

[0063] Next, digital printing is performed on the front surface of the first adhesive core sheet located on the front surface of the metal card (step 360). Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the surface of the first adhesive core sheet (140) is digitally printed in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Next, through NC processing, the metal card is cut to the size of the metal card (step 370). Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the metal card is cut to the size of the metal card in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Next, a card chip module is embedded in the front surface of the metal card to complete the metal card (step 380). FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a process of embedding a card chip module in a metal card to complete the metal card in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the process of embedding a card chip module (160) in a metal card will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 11. Referring to FIG. 11 (a), in order to insert a card chip module (160) into the front surface of the metal card, a chip insertion hole (114) is formed by milling corresponding areas of the first adhesive core sheet (140) and the metal body (100), and the antenna module (120) is exposed, and then both ends of the coil of the antenna module are pulled out (step 381). Next, referring to (b) of FIG. 11, both ends of the coil of the antenna module (120) and the contact points of the card chip module (160) are connected (step 383). Next, referring to (c) of FIG. 11, the card chip module (160) is embedded in a metal card (step 385), thereby completing the metal card (1).

[0066] <Example 2>

[0067] A bending-reinforced metal card according to a second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that one edge of a PCB antenna module and a bending-reinforced metal cover portion of a metal body joint structure is exposed to the side of the metal body.

[0068] Fig. 12 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view in the CC direction illustrating a bending-reinforced metal card according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 12, a bending-reinforced metal card (2) according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a metal body joining structure (200) in which an antenna module (220) and a bending-reinforced metal cover (230) are mounted on a metal body (210), first and second adhesive core sheets (240, 250) respectively disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the metal body joining structure, and a card chip module (260). In addition, the metal card (2) may further include a rear printing sheet (270) disposed on the lower surface of the second adhesive core sheet, and a rear protection sheet (280) disposed on the lower surface of the rear printing sheet. Hereinafter, differences between the respective components described above and the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0069] The chip module (260) for the card is the same as that of the first embodiment. In addition, the structures of the metal body coupling structure (200) and the metal body (210) are also the same as those of the first embodiment. Accordingly, the metal body (210) has a component insertion space (212), a chip insertion hole (214), and a slit (216). However, unlike the first embodiment, the component insertion space (212) of the metal body (210) is formed in a recessed shape from the side of the metal body, thereby forming a structure in which one edge is open. A first adhesive member (222), the antenna module (220), a second adhesive member (224), and a metal cover part (230) for bending reinforcement are sequentially laminated and mounted in the component insertion space (210). Accordingly, the metal card according to the second embodiment is characterized in that it has a structure in which one edge of the first adhesive member (222), the antenna module (220), the second adhesive member (224), and the metal cover part (230) for bending reinforcement mounted in the component insertion space is exposed to one side of the metal body.

[0070] The structures of the above-described bending reinforcement metal cover (230) and the first and second adhesive core sheets (240, 250) are identical to those of the first embodiment. A predetermined design is digitally printed on the surface of the first adhesive core sheet (240). A rear printing sheet (270) and a rear protection sheet (280) are sequentially laminated and bonded on the surface of the second adhesive core sheet (250). A magnetic tape (290) is mounted on the surface of the rear protection sheet (280).

[0071] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Since the method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the second embodiment is similar to the method for manufacturing the first embodiment, the description will focus on differences from the first embodiment.

[0072] First, a metal body (210) having a component insertion space and a chip insertion hole formed therein is manufactured (step 400). FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a process of manufacturing a metal body (210) in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the process of manufacturing a metal body according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13. Referring to FIG. 13 (a), first, a metal plate (219) having a preset thickness is prepared (step 401). Next, referring to FIG. 13 (b), NC (Numerical Control) processing is performed on the back surface of the metal plate (210) to create a component insertion space (212) corresponding to the size of the antenna module (step 403). The component insertion space (212) is configured such that one edge is exposed to the side of a metal card that is completed in a subsequent process. Here, the 'f' area represents the outer shape of the metal card to be finally completed, and the 'e' area represents the area to be removed in the post-processing. Next, referring to (c) of Fig. 13, a chip insertion hole (24) for inserting a chip module for a card can be created (step 405). The chip insertion hole is completed by etching through an area located at the bottom of the component insertion space. Meanwhile, the chip insertion hole creation step may be performed as a post-processing after lamination. Next, referring to (d) of Fig. 13, a slit (Slit; 216) for double-sided communication of the metal card is created by cutting from a corner of the chip insertion hole or a predetermined area of ​​the antenna module to one corner of the main body of the metal body (step 407). The slit can be formed in various shapes, such as a straight line or a curved line. Through the above-described process, the metal body (210) is completed.

[0073] Next, a metal cover (230) for bending reinforcement is manufactured (step 410).

[0074] Next, the metal body joining structure (200) is assembled (step 420). FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the back, a perspective view of the back, and a perspective view of the front illustrating the process of assembling the metal body joining structure (200) in the manufacturing method of the bending reinforcement metal card according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the process of assembling the metal body joining structure according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 14. Referring to FIG. 14 (a), a PVC chip module (225), a first adhesive member (222), a PCB antenna module (220), a second adhesive member (224), and a bending reinforcement metal cover part (230) are sequentially laminated and assembled in the component insertion space (212) on the back of the metal body (210). The PVC chip module (225) is a module for temporarily fixing the chip insertion hole, and may be made of a synthetic resin material. An adhesive or an adhesive film may be used as the first adhesive member and the second adhesive member. Referring to (b) and (c) of FIG. 14, the metal body (210) has a slit (216) for double-sided communication, and a metal cover (230) for bending reinforcement is mounted on the back surface.

[0075] Next, the gap of the slit is filled with an epoxy curing agent and then cured to fill the gap of the slit (step 430). Fig. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the slit (216) of the metal body bonding structure (200) is filled with an epoxy curing agent in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 15, the gap of the slit (216) is filled with an epoxy curing agent (217), and the 'f' area represents the outer shape of the metal card to be completed in the post-process.

[0076] Next, the metal body bonding structure (200) and the first and second adhesive core sheets (240, 250) are bonded together (step 440). FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a process of bonding the metal body bonding structure (200) and the first and second adhesive core sheets (240, 250) in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the bonding process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 16. Referring to FIG. 16 (a), the first and second adhesive core sheets (240, 250) are arranged and laminated on the upper and lower surfaces, respectively, of the metal body bonding structure (200). Next, referring to (b) of FIG. 16, the first adhesive core sheet (240), the metal body bonding structure (200), and the second adhesive core sheet (250) are sequentially laminated and joined by applying heat and pressure from the top and bottom.

[0077] Next, a back printing sheet and a back protection sheet are laminated to the back surface of the second adhesive core sheet (250) (step 450).

[0078] Next, a predetermined pattern or design is printed on the front surface of the first adhesive core sheet (step 460). Fig. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the front surface of the first adhesive core sheet is digitally printed in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 17, the 'f' area represents the outer shape of the metal card.

[0079] Next, through NC processing, it is cut to the size of the metal card (step 470). Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a state in which the metal card is cut to the size of the metal card in a method for manufacturing a bending reinforcement metal card according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 18, a part of the bending reinforcement metal cover part is removed, the epoxy curing agent (217) filling the slit on the side of the metal card is exposed, and one edge of the first adhesive member, the antenna module (220), the second adhesive member, and the bending reinforcement metal cover part (230) sequentially mounted in the component insertion space are also exposed to the side of the metal card.

[0080] Next, a card chip module is embedded in the front surface of the metal card to complete the metal card (step 480). FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a process of embedding a card chip module in a metal card to complete a metal card in a method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 19 (a), in order to insert a card chip in the front surface of the metal card, the corresponding areas of the first adhesive core sheet and the metal body are milled to expose both ends of the coil of the antenna module (220). Next, referring to FIG. 19 (b), both ends of the coil of the antenna module (220) are connected to the contact points of the card chip module (260). Next, referring to FIG. 19 (c), the card chip module (260) is embedded in the metal card to complete the metal card (2).

[0081] While the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, these are merely illustrative and not limiting. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Furthermore, any differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A metal body combined structure comprising an antenna module and a metal cover for bending reinforcement mounted on a metal body; and A card chip module mounted in a chip insertion hole formed in the metal body and having two terminals connected to the antenna module; The above metal body bonding structure is, A metal body made of a metal plate having a preset size and thickness, having a component insertion space and a chip insertion hole, and having a slit formed by cutting between a side of the chip insertion hole and a side edge of the main body; Antenna module mounted in the above component insertion space; and A metal cover for bending reinforcement made of a metal plate having a size and thickness that can be mounted in the above-mentioned component insertion space; A bending-reinforced metal card characterized in that an antenna module and a bending-reinforced metal cover are stacked and arranged in a component insertion space of the metal body, and the bending phenomenon of the metal body is reinforced by the bending-reinforced metal cover.

2. In the first paragraph, the metal cover for bending reinforcement is A bending-reinforced metal card characterized in that it is arranged to overlap part or all of the above slit.

3. In the first paragraph, the slit of the metal body is A bending-reinforced metal card characterized by being filled with an epoxy curing agent or synthetic resin material having electrical insulating properties.

4. In the first paragraph, the bending reinforcement metal card, A first adhesive core sheet disposed on the upper surface of the metal body bonding structure; and A second adhesive core sheet disposed on the lower surface of the metal body bonding structure; A bending-reinforced metal card characterized by further comprising:

5. In the fourth paragraph, the first adhesive core sheet, A bending-reinforced metal card characterized by having a predetermined design or pattern printed on the surface.

6. In the first paragraph, the metal cover for bending reinforcement is A bending reinforcement metal card characterized in that the side edges are configured to be spaced a certain distance apart from the inner surface of the component insertion space of the metal body, thereby forming an empty space between the bending reinforcement metal cover and the inner surface of the component insertion space.

7. In the first paragraph, one edge of the component insertion space is configured to be exposed to the side where the slit of the metal body is formed, A bending reinforcement metal card characterized in that one edge of an antenna module mounted in the above-mentioned component insertion space and a metal cover for bending reinforcement are exposed to one side of a metal body.

8. In the fourth paragraph, the bending reinforcement metal card, A back printing sheet disposed on the lower surface of the second adhesive core sheet; and A rear protection sheet made of transparent synthetic resin material and placed on the lower surface of the rear printing sheet; A bending-reinforced metal card characterized by further comprising: 9.(a) A step of manufacturing a metal body bonding structure in which an antenna module and a metal cover for bending reinforcement are mounted on a metal body; and (c) a step of connecting the terminals of the chip module for the card to the antenna module, and then embedding the chip module for the card into the chip insertion hole formed in the metal body; Step (a) above, (a1) A step of forming a component insertion space in a metal plate having a preset thickness, and forming a slit by cutting between a predetermined area of ​​the component insertion space and a side edge of the main body to manufacture a metal body; (a2) a step of manufacturing a metal cover for bending reinforcement made of a metal plate having a size and thickness that can be mounted in the above-mentioned component insertion space; and (a3) A step of assembling by mounting an antenna module and a metal cover for bending reinforcement in the component insertion space of the metal body; A method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card, characterized in that the bending phenomenon of the metal body joint structure is reinforced by a bending-reinforced metal cover part.

10. In the 9th paragraph, the metal cover for bending reinforcement is A method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card, characterized in that the card is arranged to overlap part or all of the above slit.

11. In paragraph 9, step (a) is, (a4) A step of filling the slit of the metal body with an epoxy hardener and hardening it; A method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card, characterized by further comprising:

12. In the 9th paragraph, the method for manufacturing a bending reinforced metal card is as follows: (b) a step of sequentially laminating the first adhesive core sheet, the metal body bonding structure, and the second adhesive core sheet, and then bonding them; A method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card, characterized by further comprising:

13. In the 12th paragraph, the method for manufacturing the bending reinforcement metal card is as follows: (d) A method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card, characterized in that it further comprises a step of printing a predetermined design or pattern on the surface of the first adhesive core sheet.

14. In the 12th paragraph, the method for manufacturing the bending reinforcement metal card is as follows: (e) a step of sequentially laminating a rear printing sheet and a rear protection sheet on the back surface of the second adhesive core sheet and then bonding them together; A method for manufacturing a bending-reinforced metal card, characterized by further comprising:

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