EP2451720A1 - Système à commutation électro-optique - Google Patents

Système à commutation électro-optique

Info

Publication number
EP2451720A1
EP2451720A1 EP10734074A EP10734074A EP2451720A1 EP 2451720 A1 EP2451720 A1 EP 2451720A1 EP 10734074 A EP10734074 A EP 10734074A EP 10734074 A EP10734074 A EP 10734074A EP 2451720 A1 EP2451720 A1 EP 2451720A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
electro
active element
optically
optically active
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP10734074A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Bastian Ewald
Dirk Gerhard
Hartmut Hibst
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BASF SE
Original Assignee
BASF SE
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BASF SE filed Critical BASF SE
Publication of EP2451720A1 publication Critical patent/EP2451720A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D65/00—Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
    • B65D65/02—Wrappers or flexible covers
    • B65D65/16—Wrappers or flexible covers with provision for excluding or admitting light
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
    • B65D81/30—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants by excluding light or other outside radiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2201/00—Means or constructions for testing or controlling the contents

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electro-optically switchable system comprising an optically active element and a probe, a container comprising such an electro-optically switchable system and the use of such an electro-optically switchable system for providing containers, which increases the passage of light into their interior only for the duration of an operator intervention allow.
  • the susceptibility to light is a very specific property of the product.
  • Particularly susceptible constituents of the formulation eg chlorophyll-containing ingredients such as herbs
  • a transparent packaging allows for a testing customer view of the product and thus supports the impression of quality and / or freshness. Ecological aspects also promote the trend towards packaging made of transparent monomaterials. The use of at least partially transparent containers as packaging material can therefore not be waived.
  • Common packaging materials include both rigid materials such as metal or glass as well as flexible materials such as plastics, cardboard, etc. as well as all possible combinations thereof.
  • the packages are either transparent, so that the state (color, discoloration, surface texture, size, lumpiness, fineness, etc.) of the product is as clearly visible, or - as in the case of light-prone products - from an opaque or dark-colored material.
  • Light-opaque or dark-colored packaging that protects light-sensitive products from exposure to light has the disadvantage that the product can not be visually assessed before opening the packaging.
  • packaging systems for light-sensitive consumer goods also use semi-transparent plastic packaging materials that replace traditional packaging materials such as tinplate (opaque) or glass (transparent).
  • the light-prone product is less exposed than in fully transparent packaging, yet a light-prone product is not adequately protected from exposure to light.
  • packaging which, on the one hand, protects the packaged goods effectively against damaging effects of light and, on the other hand, permits a visual assessment of the product.
  • Optically active elements are known in the field of glasses, or glasses and window systems. The switching effect is already integrated in the glazing. One distinguishes between the following principles:
  • Thermochrom coloring by temperature change
  • Thermotropic clouding due to temperature change
  • Photochrom coloring (darkening) under the influence of light
  • Photoelectrochrome activated electrochromic circuit under the influence of light.
  • Photochromic glasses or plastic discs are found, for. B. in self-tinting sunglasses. When exposed to sunlight, these glasses darken, but remain transparent (ie under illumination with sunlight, the transmission goes back in the visible spectral range). This effect is generally caused by UV light or short-wave visible light, it comes z. B. to reversible transitions of glass embedded silver halides or on the plastic discs applied organic layers.
  • Photochromic glasses can also be produced on the principle of a dye-sensitized solar cell. The photochromic glass can then be based, for example, on a multilayer system comprising a catalytic platinum layer and in each case a nanoporous WO 3 and TiO 2 layer, which are applied to a glass substrate.
  • the pores contain an electrolyte with positive lithium ions and negative iodide ions.
  • On the titanium dioxide are dye molecules, which are excited by the incident light and thereby inject electrons through the TiO 2 into the tungsten oxide.
  • the lithium ions attach to the WO 3 , and the iodide ions donate electrons to the dye molecules.
  • the tungsten oxide turns blue.
  • Electrochromic glass uses the property of electrochromic materials to change the light transmission according to the applied DC voltage.
  • organic and inorganic materials which have different absorption properties in different oxidation states, which can be reversibly switched electrochemically. So z.
  • PANI Polyaniline
  • PPD poly (o-phenylenediamine)
  • the glass changes color as electrical charges are delivered to a microscopically thin coating of electrochromic material on the glass surface.
  • a DC voltage in the single-digit voltage range is generally sufficient.
  • the low current activates the electrochromic layer (about one micron thick), which changes color.
  • the voltage can be applied manually or automatically, for example, controlled by sensors that measure the brightness. If the glass is short-circuited or the polarity of the voltage is changed, it becomes colorless again or a color change takes place.
  • electrochromic materials energy is only needed for switching. The electrochromic glass thus only requires power during the coloring phase and during the production of complete transparency (or during a color change phase). If no voltage is applied, the glass will retain its current state of coloration until power is restored. Areas of application for electrochromic materials are above all automatically dimming rearview mirrors in motor vehicles and building glazings.
  • photo-electrochromic layers the mechanisms of action of an electrochromic layer and an electrochemical solar cell are combined. The charge transfer takes place via transparent, electrically conductive layers on glass substrates. The layer is switched via an external circuit: If the external circuit is open, the layer becomes colored under irradiation. If the circuit is closed, it discolors the shift again. This process takes place both in lighting and in the dark, ie the transmission can be increased again by switching both in lighting and in the dark.
  • JP 051451852 A describes a cooling chamber for medical purposes. This has a window through which the interior is visible.
  • the window comprises two substrate plates with liquid crystals that can be powered by transparent electrodes.
  • the circuit By actuating an electro-mechanical button, the circuit can be closed, whereby the window, which is opaque milky white in the currentless state, becomes transparent.
  • An embodiment as a self-regulating system, eg. As a control of the light transmission in dependence on the external light conditions, is not possible. It is also always a conventional power source mandatory. This complicates, among other things, a miniaturization of the system and thus a use in packaging.
  • an electro-optically switchable system which comprises a sensor based on a photovoltaic effect in combination with an optically active element is advantageously suitable for achieving this object.
  • an optically active element is used in particular, which at least partially prevents the passage of light in the visible wavelength range in the illuminated state and which allows an increased passage of light in the visible wavelength range by switching an electrical circuit.
  • electro-optically switchable systems can advantageously be combined with a multitude of different packaging materials to provide novel containers which effectively protect articles therein from excessive exposure to light, permit visual evaluation of the product without the need for opening the container, and encourage consumers to buy.
  • a configuration is made possible as a "self-switching" system, wherein the device automatically assumes a darkened state when the amount of light impinging on them exceeds a certain limit. There is then no further intervention by an operator required, for. B. to protect the contents of a package. Even after an operator intervention which leads to an increase in the passage of light into the interior of the direction leads, z. For example, to view the contents of a package, the device automatically returns to a safe state.
  • a first subject of the present invention is therefore an electro-optically switchable system comprising an optically active element which at least partially prevents the passage of light in the visible wavelength range in the illuminated state and an increased passage of light in the visible by switching an electrical circuit Wavelength range, and a photovoltaic effect based on a button, which increases the passage of light for the duration of the operation of the probe, the passage of light by pressing the button can be increased substantially independent of the external illumination state of the system.
  • Another object of the invention is a container comprising such an electro-optically switchable system.
  • Another object of the invention is the use of such an electro-optically switchable system as a component of a container that allows for the duration of actuation of the probe increased light transmission into its interior.
  • Another object of the invention is the use of such an electro-optically switchable system as a component of a container for substances that are to be stored protected from the influence of light.
  • Another object of the invention is the use of a container comprising such an electro-optically switchable system, as a package for the protection of products packaged therein against the damaging effect of light.
  • Another object of the invention is the use of a container comprising such an electro-optically switchable system, as a package to increase the Kaufanreizes in a consumer.
  • the electro-optically switchable system according to the invention which comprises a sensor based on a photovoltaic effect in combination with an optically active element, has at least one of the following advantages: optimum product protection since the electro-optically switchable system can be designed so that a switching action prevents the passage of light,
  • the device automatically assumes a darkened state when the amount of light impinging upon it exceeds a certain limit, when using a solar cell as a button, this can simultaneously serve as a voltage source for the optically active element;
  • an external voltage source as compared to conventional electromechanical buttons.
  • optically active elements for. B. based on liquid crystals, they can simultaneously serve as a display (LCD); this allows the reproduction of optical information, eg. For product adverts or advertising messages,
  • light in the visible wavelength range is understood to mean a wavelength range of 400 to 800 nm.
  • the electro-optically switchable system according to the invention can additionally at least partially prevent the passage of light in other wavelength ranges.
  • a combination with conventional stabilizers or stabilizer compositions is possible.
  • These preferably include inorganic pigments, preferably white pigments, especially titanium dioxide.
  • the electro-optically switchable system according to the invention may additionally comprise at least one further component selected from antioxidants, light stabilizers, metal deactivators, etc., and mixtures thereof.
  • Suitable antioxidants, light stabilizers, metal deactivators are, for example, selected from: 4,4-diarylbutadienes, cinnamic acid esters, benzotriazoles, hydroxybenzophenones, diphenylcyanoacrylates, oxamides (oxalic acid diamides), 2-phenyl-1,3,5-triazines, antioxidants, nickel compounds, sterically hindered Amines (HALS), metal deactivators, phosphites and phosphonites, hydroxylamines, nitrenes, amine oxides, benzofuranones, indolinones, thiosynergists, peroxide-destroying compounds and mixtures thereof.
  • Suitable stabilizers and stabilizer compositions are commercially available, e.g. B. under the name Uvinul ® from BASF SE.
  • optically active element is understood to mean a sheet-like component which has at least two states: one with high light transmission and one with low light transmission. Suitable elements are those which have at least one optically active material.
  • optically active material refers to a material that can be converted reversibly from one of a state of high light transmission in a state of low light transmittance.
  • the optically active element has a layered structure, wherein at least one of the layers has at least one optically active material.
  • the element may also comprise two or more than two different optically active materials in one layer, the same optically active material in two or more than two separate layers, two or more than two distinct optically active materials in either one of two or more have more than two separate layers arranged.
  • An optically active element according to the invention is changeable in its transparency.
  • the light transmittance of the optically active element is increased / decreased.
  • the optically active element has complete transparency when the button is actuated, but also includes states in which turbidity or coloration prevents a portion of the visible light from passing through.
  • the optically active element does not necessarily completely prevent the passage of visible light when the pushbutton is not actuated. If the button is not pressed, only a greater amount of visible light is prevented from passing through clouding or coloring than when the button is pressed.
  • the optically active element at least partially prevents the passage of light in the visible wavelength range when the voltage is present and allows an increased passage of light in the visible wavelength range by interrupting the electrical circuit.
  • the optically active element at least partially prevents the passage of light in the visible wavelength range at non-applied voltage and allows by the closing of the electric circuit increased passage of light in the visible wavelength range.
  • an illuminated state is understood to mean that light strikes the optically active element in the visible wavelength range.
  • increasing the passage of light is meant an increase in the transmission of the transmitted light in the visible wavelength range.
  • the transmission is preferably increased by at least 5%, particularly preferably at least 10%, in particular at least 15%, especially at least 20%, especially at least 25%, by actuating the pushbutton.
  • the optically active element in the illuminated state when the pushbutton is not operated preferably has a transmission of at most 50%, particularly preferably not more than 40% and in particular not more than 20%, based on the light from the outside falling on the optically active element of the entire visible wavelength range , on.
  • the optically active element preferably has a transmission of at least 60%, more preferably of at least 70% and in particular of at least 80%, based on the light falling on the optically active element from the outside of the entire visible wavelength range in the illuminated state upon actuation of the probe on.
  • the switching of the electrical circuit may be, for example, a closing or interrupting the circuit.
  • a button is understood to mean a control element which is actuated by pressure or approach and then returns to the starting position. Unlike the switch, which remains in the respective position, one can not recognize on the pushbutton itself whether it has been actuated; this is only recognizable from the effect that has been triggered.
  • a button has only the two possible switching states “on” and "off”.
  • a switch based on a photovoltaic effect is a switch whose switching state depends on the light intensity received by it.
  • a limit value for the recorded light intensity also referred to as a threshold value, below which the switching state is "off” and when it is reached or above which the switching state is “on”.
  • “Substantially independent of the external illumination state” means that the intensity of the light incident on the optically active element from the outside generally does not play a role. Only when the intensity of the light falling from outside onto the optically active element falls below the threshold value of the probe is the transmission of the optically active element switched without the intervention of an operator. However, this is generally not critical, since the amount of light passing through the optical element in this case is only very small. Thus, z. For example, in the case of use of the electro-optically switchable system in a packaging for materials which are to be protected from exposure to light, damage in general can be ruled out.
  • the probe comprises a solar cell or consists of a solar cell.
  • a solar cell or photovoltaic cell is an electrical component that converts the radiant energy contained in the light directly into electrical energy.
  • the solar cell If the solar cell is darkened below a threshold value, power generation is interrupted.
  • the solar cell thus assumes the function of a button, since a circuit is desired depending on the light intensity.
  • the solar cell is switched so that it no longer emits electricity below a predetermined limit value or threshold value for the incident light quantity or intensity.
  • This threshold is chosen so that a slight reduction of the incident light quantity or intensity, eg. B. falling on the solar cell shadow, not sufficient to interrupt the flow of electricity.
  • the current flow is interrupted.
  • the light transmittance of the optically active element is controlled by an arbitrary intervention.
  • the optically active element prevents the passage of light in the visible wavelength range at least partially and allows by the interruption of the electrical circuit increased passage of light in the visible wavelength range.
  • the circuit is closed when the light is incident, the light transmittance of the optically active element is reduced, as a result of which the optically active element is colored.
  • the button eg darkening a solar cell below a threshold value
  • the circuit is interrupted and the light transmittance of the optically active element is - substantially independent of the external illumination state - increased.
  • the probe comprises a solar cell or consists of a solar cell.
  • This embodiment makes it possible to provide an electro-optically switchable system according to the invention which, in addition to the solar cell, has no further current source.
  • it is possible to dispense with at least one component compared to conventional systems based on an electro-mechanical probe.
  • the use of a solar cell allows the design as a "self-switching" system, d. H.
  • the device automatically assumes a darkened state when the amount of light impinging on it exceeds a certain limit. In a completely dark environment below a fixed threshold, the circuit is broken and the light transmittance of the optically active element is increased.
  • the optically active element comprises liquid crystals.
  • the optically active element comprises at least two liquid-crystalline layers which have the same chirality and which absorb in a similar wavelength range.
  • the optically active element comprises at least two chiral nematic layers which have the same chirality and which absorb in a similar wavelength range.
  • liquid crystals and interconnections are suitable. These include devices based on simple liquid crystal cells, eg. B. according to the principle of Schadt-Helfrich cell. These are nematic cells (twisted nematic, TN), the two conductive comprise transparent substrates, between which the liquid crystals are located. The preferred directions of the two substrate plates are rotated by 90 ° from each other. Also suitable are devices based on STN (super twisted nematic) cells. Here, the twist angle is in a range of 180 to 270 °. Also suitable are devices based on cholesteric LCDs.
  • the electro-optically switchable system according to the invention can be produced analogously to conventional LCDs which are based on inflexible substrates. These systems are particularly suitable for use in containers having at least one flat surface.
  • the electro-optically switchable system according to the invention can furthermore be produced analogously to LCDs which are based on flexible substrates. This is a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Electro-optical systems based on liquid crystals on flexible substrates are suitable for use in a large number of different containers and in particular packaging, such as cardboard boxes, bottles, cans, bags, bags, etc.
  • Suitable substrates for organic solar cells are z.
  • Oxidic materials such as glass, ceramics, SiO 2, quartz, etc.
  • polymers eg, polyethylene terephthalate, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters, fluoropolymers, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyalkyl (meth) acrylates, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and mixtures and composites thereof.
  • a material at least partially transparent to the incident light is used as the electrode material for the substrate facing the viewer.
  • these include, in particular, glass and transparent polymers, such as polyethylene terephthalate.
  • the electrical contacting is usually carried out by metal layers and / or transparent conductive oxides (TCOs). These include preferably ITO, doped ITO, FOB (fluorine doped tin oxide), AZO (aluminum doped tin oxide), ZnO, TiO 2, Ag, Au, Pt.
  • the optically active element comprises polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC).
  • PDLC polymer-dispersed liquid crystals
  • Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals generally require a voltage in the range of about 10 to 20 V when switching.
  • they are distinguished by their ease of manufacture. They are particularly suitable for use in permanently installed devices, eg. For example, sales counters and presentation showcases.
  • the production of PDLCs is z.
  • a PDLC element In a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) element, it is possible to change the transparency of the element by applying an electrical voltage.
  • the functional principle of a PDLC element is based on an optically active material consisting of tiny liquid crystal droplets scattered within a solid polymeric material. This material, also known as LC-FiIm, is located between two conductive coated plastic films. These lie within a laminated or foil composite and ensure the flow of current. Without electrical voltage, the liquid crystals contained in the polymer are arbitrary oriented, and the incident light is scattered. The liquid crystals form a milky-opaque, opaque surface, which serves as an effective privacy screen or as protection against incident light. When an electric voltage is applied, the liquid crystals uniformly align and the layer becomes clear. However, very high transparency is only achieved with a view perpendicular to the layer. At oblique incidence of light or oblique viewing angle, a slight scattering of the light can be observed even with electrical voltage.
  • the condition described is a "Normally Black Mode".
  • a "Normally White Mode” By appropriate arrangement of the film or several LC films but also a "Normally White Mode” can be set up. The light falls through when switched off. Only by applying a voltage, the PDLC element can be clouded or a light protection can be established. Alternatively, an element in "Normally Black Mode” can be converted into a mode that corresponds to a "Normally White Mode” by means of a suitable electrical connection.
  • the optically active element prevents the passage of light in the visible wavelength range at least partially when the voltage is not present and allows increased passage of light in the visible wavelength range by closing the electrical circuit.
  • the optically active element is preferably a photoelectrochromic element which, when not switched on, darkens under illumination and becomes substantially transparent by closing the electrical circuit independently of the external illumination state of the system.
  • a photoelectromotive element combines the mechanisms of action of an electrochromic layer and an electrochemical solar cell. The charge transfer takes place via transparent, electrically conductive layers on glass substrates. The layer is switched via an external circuit: If the external circuit is open under irradiation, the layer becomes colored. If the circuit is closed, the layer decolorizes, even under irradiation. The coloring is retained as long as the switch remains open.
  • the probe comprises a photodiode or consists of a photodiode.
  • the probe comprises a solar cell or consists of a solar cell.
  • a solar cell is not as advantageous in all respects as in the first variant, since when switching (switch on) of the electric circuit is closed so as to prevent the passage of light at least. If the solar cell is darkened for switching, it is not available as a power source, so that after the second variant also when sowing a solar cell as a probe usually a conventional power source is required.
  • Photodiodes are semiconductor diodes that convert visible light into an electrical current. They are used in light barriers, remote controls with infrared radiation (remote controls) and in light measurement. They are used in optical transmission systems and in solar cells. In the present invention, a photodiode is used to convert light into a voltage signal.
  • the optically active element turns dark.
  • the optically active element decolorizes and becomes transparent.
  • the optically active element is transparent, regardless of the external illumination state.
  • the subject matter of the present invention is likewise a packaging which comprises an electro-optically switchable system according to the invention.
  • a packaging is understood to mean the targeted, detachable coating of a product. Certain products such as bulk materials, liquids or gases are packed in containers. Suitable packages are, for example, pouches, bottles, tubes, buckets, crates, cartons, cardboard boxes or cans. Suitable materials for packaging are, for example, paper, plastic, wood, metal, tinplate, glass, cardboard, etc.
  • a light source for the button is additionally provided.
  • a light source is understood to mean a place of origin of light and in particular of light in the visible wavelength range. This is in particular an artificial light source.
  • the light source can be both first order and second order.
  • First-order light sources are self-illuminating light sources. These include, for example, lamps.
  • Second-order light sources are bodies that only reflect light and do not shine themselves. These include z. Reflectors on vehicles and clothing and all other bodies that reflect light.
  • the light source may be a point light source, a diffused light source, or a combination thereof.
  • the packaging according to the invention is used for merchandise to be protected from the influence of light.
  • Sales goods are consumer goods that are manufactured and traded for private consumption or consumption. It can be durable durable goods that are not consumed in the strict sense, but by the repeated use of wear (wear) subject, and in particular to consumer goods, such. As foods, medicines, personal care products, etc. act. Goods for sale can be "convenience goods", ie normally goods with a comparatively low price, or goods of search and comparison shopping ("shopping goods"), ie goods with a higher price than goods of everyday use , or special products and specialties (“specialty goods”), ie luxury goods with a comparatively very high price. When purchasing these goods or merchandise, comparisons are made during the purchase decision to select the best possible alternative. Such merchandise is often to be kept protected from exposure to light to maintain quality over the longest possible period.
  • the packaging can not only take over a protection, storage, loading and transport, dosing and removal function in the sale. It can also serve as sales packaging as an aid to streamline the sales process or, if appropriate, as sales packaging with additional benefits. Furthermore, it can make a sales and / or advertising function by their geometric or color design and / or as a carrier informing inscriptions and images.
  • the sales packaging allows the buyer to recognize the product, whether by name, logo, color or shape of the packaging. It also has an information function.
  • the packaging The product identifies the type, quantity, weight and price, informs about dangerous goods information, expiry dates and intended use, and it also carries encrypted data (barcodes). For example, the printed EAN code enables fast reading at scanner cash registers.
  • Another object of the present invention is the use of the electro-optically switchable system according to the invention in a container for substances that are to be kept protected from the influence of light.
  • the electro-optically switchable system according to the invention is used in a packaging for merchandise which is to be kept protected from the influence of light.
  • the sale goods are in particular light-susceptible foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic products or tobacco or tobacco products.
  • Foods are understood here as substances or products that are absorbed by humans for the purpose of nutrition and / or enjoyment through the mouth. They may be prepared in advance. Foods include, in particular, food supplements, dietary supplements and food additives.
  • the foods may be of vegetable origin, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, mushrooms, cereals (dry) products, vegetable edible oils and fats, confectionery, coffee, tea, cocoa, herbs and spices, or Products of animal origin, such as dairy products, but also to water, salt, beverages or processed products, such as convenience products act.
  • a light-induced reaction does not primarily depend on the light that is offered to the food, but on the absorbed light component, ie. H. on the absorbed energy.
  • the following processes of damage to food by light can occur individually, in parallel, mutually reinforcing, in competition or as a follow-up reaction:
  • metmyoglobin formation (the color change from red to gray) may be promoted by light.
  • Ground paprika decolorizes, for example, under the influence of light.
  • Paprika spice is perceived by the consumer but only with an intense coloration as a high quality product.
  • frozen goods are susceptible to light: the red coloration of frozen beef remains only about three days when exposed to light, but three months in the dark.
  • light-sensitive products are therefore in light-tight packaging, eg. As bags, boxes, etc. offered.
  • light-tight packaging does not allow a view of the interior of the packaging and thus of the product. This is particularly disadvantageous if the prospective buyer wants to assess the quality of a product on the basis of its appearance.
  • a quality criterion in particular high-priced food is often the outer nature of the product such as granularity or fineness, z. For example, in ground products, the color, z. For example, in spices, etc. So that the potential buyer can judge the appearance of the product, packaging must therefore allow a visual inspection of the product.
  • Purchase decisions are predominantly made unconsciously emotionally. Unconscious stimuli usually lead quickly and immediately to a purchase decision.
  • the novel packaging thus not only allows the prospective buyer to subjectively evaluate the quality of the goods and still protect the goods from the damaging effects of light.
  • a corresponding design of the novel packaging can also trigger a targeted sales incentive for the customer.
  • the electro-optically switchable system according to the invention and especially a packaging according to the invention consists essentially of two components: an optically active element and a sensor based on a photovoltaic effect, the probe preferably comprising a solar cell or consisting of a solar cell.
  • the power is preferably generated by light on the solar cell, which z. B. flexible or rigid, (poly) crystalline or dye-based.
  • Polycrystalline solar cells are standard articles and can for example be obtained from Conrad Electronics. These include solar cells labeled "SOLAR CELL 5 V / 81 MA" (http://www.conrad.de/ce/de/product/191321/SOLARZELLE-5- V81 MA, April 2010). These have a nominal voltage of 5V.
  • Dye solar cells can be obtained, for example, from G21 i, Cambridge, Wales
  • An LCD unit suitable for self-darkening can be used, for example, by Nemoptic (1, rue Guynemer, 781 14 Magny les Hameaux, France, www.nemoptic.com, April 2010) or by Densitron (www.densitron.com, April 2010; Article LMR37338)). It is a flexible, transmissive, LCD unit, which can be switched between transparent and black depending on the voltage state. The applicable switching voltage is between 3 and 5V depending on the LCD type. A grid of so-called dots is sufficient in this case, so that no further control electronics must be used. Exceptions to this are, of course, applications where imaging is desired (for example, for promotional purposes).
  • FIGS. 1 a and 1 b as well as 2 a and 2 b each represent a possible embodiment of an electro-optically switchable system according to the invention.
  • FIGS. 3 to 6 show possible uses of the electro-optically switchable system according to the invention in containers, more particularly in packaging. These figures are intended to illustrate the present invention without limiting it to the figures.
  • FIGS. 1a to 2b and 3 to 6 The following reference symbols are used in FIGS. 1a to 2b and 3 to 6:
  • FIGS. 1a and 1b show a simple embodiment of the electro-optically switchable system according to the invention.
  • the optically active element 2 and the solar cell 4 are located on a transparent film or wall 1, which serves as a carrier. They are embedded in this carrier in an opaque film or wall 3. Thus, visible light can only penetrate through the system in the area of the optically active element.
  • the solar cell 4 is covered from above (darkened), so not exposed to the light (incident from above, not shown).
  • the optically active element 2 is transparent. Light can thus pass through the optically active element 2 in the direction of incidence (from top to bottom, not shown).
  • the optically active element becomes essentially opaque to light.
  • FIGS. 2a and 2b show a second embodiment of the electro-optically switchable system according to the invention.
  • the optically active element 2 is located on a transparent film or wall 1, which serves as a carrier. It is embedded on this support in an opaque film or wall 3.
  • the solar cell 4 is embedded in a further transparent film or wall 1.
  • This second transparent film or wall 1 covers the opaque film or Wall 3 and the optically active element 2 completely. Also in this arrangement visible light can only penetrate through the system in the region of the optically active element.
  • the solar cell 4 is covered from the left, so not the light (incident from the left, not shown) exposed. In this case, the optically active element 2 is permeable to light in the visible wavelength range.
  • the optically active element 2 can pass through the optically active element 2 in the direction of incidence (from left to right, not shown). If the solar cell is not covered from the left, ie is exposed to the light (incident from the left, not shown), as shown in FIG. 2b, then the optically active element becomes substantially opaque.
  • FIGS. 1 a to 2 b are suitable for rigid or flexible optically active elements.
  • the construction can be done on rigid or flexible and flat or curved surfaces.
  • Such a window formed can be designed in different sizes up to a band or even a complete coat. Behind or within the container located substances are effectively protected from exposure to light.
  • FIGS. 2a and 2b are particularly suitable for use in a "TetraPak®" multilayer packaging. Again, the window can be designed in different sizes up to a band or even a complete coat.
  • FIGS. 3 to 6 each show a possible design of a package with a novel electro-optically switchable system integrated therein.
  • FIG. 3 shows a cuboid container with a switchable viewing window.
  • the viewing window consists essentially of an optically active element 2 and is switchable by means of a solar cell 4 between transparent and opaque.
  • the container itself consists of opaque walls 3.
  • the optically active element and the solar cell are arranged on one side of the cuboid at a small spatial distance.
  • FIG. 4 also shows a cuboid container, but with two switchable viewing windows facing each other.
  • the viewing windows essentially consist in each case of an optically active element 2 and are simultaneously switchable between transparent and opaque by means of a solar cell 4.
  • the container itself exists made of opaque walls 3.
  • the solar cell and an optically active element are arranged on one side of the cuboid at a small spatial distance.
  • FIG. 3 and 4 The design shown in Figures 3 and 4 is particularly suitable for rigid or low deformable packaging, such as tablet boxes. Also, a use for a refrigerator door is possible.
  • Figure 5 shows a cylindrical container with a switchable window.
  • the viewing window consists essentially of an optically active element 2 and is switchable by means of a solar cell 4 between transparent and opaque.
  • the container itself consists of opaque walls 3.
  • the viewing window or the optically active element extends in the form of a banderole completely around the cylinder jacket.
  • FIG. 6 likewise shows a cylindrical container with a switchable viewing window, comparable to FIG. 5.
  • the viewing window or the optically active element occupies only a section of the cylinder jacket.
  • the arrangement in Figure 6 allows a view of the product located in the container.

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système à commutation électro-optique qui comprend un élément optiquement actif (2) et un bouton-poussoir (41), un contenant (3) qui comprend un tel système à commutation électro-optique ainsi que l'utilisation d'un tel système à commutation électro-optique pour la production de contenants laissant davantage passer la lumière à l'intérieur mais seulement pendant la durée d'une action d'un consommateur.
EP10734074A 2009-07-07 2010-07-06 Système à commutation électro-optique Withdrawn EP2451720A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DE102009032073 2009-07-07
PCT/EP2010/059659 WO2011003915A1 (fr) 2009-07-07 2010-07-06 Système à commutation électro-optique

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EP2451720A1 true EP2451720A1 (fr) 2012-05-16

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US (1) US20120106139A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2451720A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2012533086A (fr)
KR (1) KR20120102581A (fr)
CN (1) CN102470960A (fr)
WO (1) WO2011003915A1 (fr)

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WO2011003915A1 (fr) 2011-01-13
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JP2012533086A (ja) 2012-12-20
US20120106139A1 (en) 2012-05-03

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