DE102017117898B3 - pack - Google Patents

Abstract

Pack, in particular pack for food, with a packaging material, at least one arranged on the packaging material actuator, and at least one arranged on the packaging material and / or the actuating element, at least electrical or electrochemical functional element.

Description

The subject relates to a pack.

Packaging can be made in different ways and from a variety of materials. A widespread possibility of their production is to produce packaging from a packing laminate with a laminate built up on a fibrous material, in particular cardboard-based carrier layer, by means of folding and sealing processes. For this purpose, essentially two methods have been established.

In a first method, a tube is formed from a package laminate, preferably unwound from a roll, in its flow direction (longitudinal direction), while the resulting package is usually sealed along its longitudinal seam by the introduction of a sealing strip. In this tube, the product to be protected by the resulting pack is filled and the filled tube at predetermined locations transversely to the direction sealed in portions and singulated. The resulting semi-finished composite packages ("cushions") are used to produce finished composite packaging by means of folding and other sealing processes.

In a second method, individual blanks are produced from the packaging material, which is also initially present as a package laminate, by longitudinal and / or transverse cutting, from which by means of folding and further steps, e.g. Seal along sealing edges first a packing jacket and finally a packaging is created. This production method has the advantage, among other things, that the blanks and packing shells are very flat and can thus be stacked to save space. In this way, the blanks or packing coats can be made at a different location than the folding, sealing and filling of the packaging coats done.

Again, laminates (= composites) are used, which build on a carrier layer having a fibrous material, in particular cardboard.

Such packaging is widely used, especially in the food industry. Both methods can be used representationally to form a package and thus form part of the disclosure of the subject.

Depending on whether a composite package should provide protection for a few days to a few weeks for a so-called fresh-filled product or whether it should protect a "germ-free" and aseptic-filled foodstuff with at least one liquid portion for a long period of time at ambient conditions , sometimes very different requirements arise.

For a freshly-bottled product, even if it is a so-called "extended-help-product", the period of time during which the contents of the composite packaging are to be protected is very clear and ranges from a few days to several weeks. However, the characteristics of the product tend to be quite strong in itself. For example, the bacterial load affecting the product fluctuates significantly from batch to batch of the same product, so that the initial conditions are difficult to grasp.

In a "germ-free" and bottled under aseptic conditions product, however, are quite different problems. Although you will find here defined conditions around which fluctuate the usually to ten thousand or even tens of thousands, resulting in one hour of production time on a single filling machine composite packaging. However, the individual composite packages are then exposed to different stresses in their continued existence, so that the costs arising for the product to be protected, for example by transport and storage conditions over the long period of up to one year or even longer in each case can hardly be predicted.

In general, prolonged protection of a foodstuff is when the product in its full quality for months can be protected uncooled in composite packaging. The product is then generally aseptically filled into the resulting composite packaging. For H-milk and juices, it can often be assumed that the contents of the composite packaging will last for a period of up to a year, sometimes even beyond.

In order to protect the consumer from consuming a food that is harmful to health, the legislator, despite the above-mentioned almost contradictory problems, prescribes a uniform approach, namely the labeling of the composite packaging with a so-called "best before date". The manufacturer must use this concept to ensure that the product contained in the composite packaging is harmless to health until the expiration date and, if indicated on the package, its quality is at least equal to the nutritional value indicated. This automatically means that the specified best-before date is estimated with great caution, so that the majority of the composite packaging also-in part significantly-over the time the date of minimum durability includes a completely harmless product.

Nevertheless, the indication of the best before date means that the consumer usually no longer tests the product on his own, but generally disposes of the unopened composite packaging after expiry of the best before date.

However, as the food packages are usually opened before the expiry date, conventional packages do not provide the consumer with any initial consumer convenience regarding the shelf life of the product in the package. Even if the packages in question are relatively small containers, the contents of the package should be used up within a few days or weeks, depending on the product.

For itself it is from the WO 2012/017244 A1 already known, the opening element of a pack of the type in question form such that this contains an adjustable display for displaying the days since the first opening. However, such an ad requires the help of the consumer, the ad is not readjusted by the consumer every day, even this already known display mode without any value. Furthermore, manipulations (consciously or unconsciously) can not be reliably prevented.

From the publication EP 2 071496 A1 a method for the production of a packaging material is known in which information about a packaging and a product can be stored by means of a radio-readable memory, in particular an RFID chip. The information may contain, for example, information on a best-before date.

Problematic with these functional elements, such as However, a radio-readable memory is that these are activated from the time of delivery. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the functional elements active for a very long time. Especially for products with very long shelf life data, especially if they have been bottled aseptically, periods of up to one year and longer may be necessary. However, the expiration date is often highly dependent on the time of opening the package. Once the consumer opens the pack, germs get to the bottled food and the shelf life is then severely limited. In this case, the previous solutions do not help, since they know only the time of filling, but not the time of opening the pack.

The DE 42 05 403 A1 discloses a packaging for consumables, preferably foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, paints or adhesives, comprising a time measuring device ( 2 ) having.

The DE 10 2008 020 599 B3 discloses a device for measuring the time span between the first opening and / or closing after the filling of a package and a predetermined later time.

The object was the object of ensuring the functionality of a functional element at a consumption time of a bottled Guts.

This object is achieved by a package according to claim 1. The package may be a package for foods having at least one liquid component. The packaging material of the package may be a composite material comprising a plurality of layers of different materials, including at least one carrier layer of paper, paperboard, cardboard or other fibrous material and at least one inner and one outer layer of plastic. In addition - but only optional - a metallic layer, in particular an aluminum layer may be present.

It has been recognized that activating a functional element may be accomplished by changing an electrical or electrochemical condition. This change can be made by a consumer-triggered action. In particular, this activation (or a deactivation, for example the switching off of a signal) can be effected by an actuation of a closure element. The change in the electrical or electrochemical state may be direct or indirect (e.g., by intermediate steps or delayed).

For example, as will be explained in more detail below, the functional element may be an electrical, electronic or electrochemical functional element. An electrical element is understood to be an element in which a voltage occurs at least in the millivolt range and / or a current occurs at least in the milliampere range. Alternatively or additionally, the functional element of the pack or of the closure may be a chemical functional element and / or a biological functional element. In this case, a relative movement between the actuating element and the packaging material changes a chemical and / or biological state of the functional element.

An electrical functional element may for example be an antenna which is arranged in or on the packaging material. A change in an electrical state may be, for example, that an antenna is connected to a sensor by the relative movement. Then, the antenna can be electrically powered by the sensor and thus, for example, send a sensor reading.

An electronic functional element is a sensor which is arranged in or on the packaging material and, for example, in direct and indirect contact with the packaged goods. A change in the state of the functional element may mean that the sensor is connected, for example, to an electrochemical cell via which the sensor is supplied with electrical energy. Also, connection with a processor or the like may be effected by the relative movement, so that the sensor starts to operate.

However, a change in an electrical state may also exist, for example, in the disconnection of a connection. For example, two conductors of an antenna may be shorted so that the antenna can not spark. By opening this short circuit, the antenna can be connected to a processor so that the processor can emit signals via the antenna or can be read out via the antenna. This opening can be effected by the relative movement.

An electrochemical functional element may, for example, comprise a chemical cell in which a chemical reaction takes place after activation. Such a reaction may e.g. a redox reaction, in particular an exothermic reaction. An electrochemical state may be, for example, an activation state of an electrolyte. For example, it is possible to activate a chemical reaction that is irreversible. Once the reaction has started, it can run to the consumption of the reactants. The relative movement can activate this process.

The actuating element can be arranged on the packaging material. The actuator may be, for example, a closure element, a straw, a departure tab, a sticker or the like. Preferably, the actuating element is arranged on an outer layer of the packaging material.

Also, the functional element may be arranged on the actuating element or the packaging material. If the functional element is arranged on the packaging material, this can be arranged either on an outer or an inner layer of the packaging material. The functional element is arranged between two layers of the packaging material, since the packaging material is a multilayer laminate. The functional element or parts of the functional element can be arranged on each of the individual layers of the packaging material. The functional element is multi-part and has, for example, a sensor arranged in the interior of the pack. The sensor can preferably be arranged in the region of an inner cover layer. A second element can be, for example, an antenna connected to the sensor, which is preferably arranged in the region of a carrier layer or an outer cover layer.

A relative movement between the actuating element and the packaging material can be effected, for example, by using a closure element, e.g. a lid is rotated on a closure, a closure element is torn from the package, a tab is torn from the package, a tab is folded over, a label is peeled off the package, or the like. At the moment in which the relative movement takes place, there is a change in the electrical, electronic and / or electrochemical state of the functional element.

As already explained, the packaging material is formed from a packing laminate. The actuator is preferably disposed on an outer layer of the package laminate, but may be disposed between outer layers. Also, the actuator may be arranged in or on a closure, in particular a rotary closure.

For example, a package laminate (hereinafter also referred to as packaging material) is produced as a web product. It may be formed as a composite of one or more thin layers comprising at least one carrier layer, a barrier layer and a cover layer and an outer layer. The outer layer can also be referred to as a cover layer. The exact structure of the laminate (composite) usually depends essentially on the desired degree of protection. Thus, laminates (composites) used to produce a package for long term protection of the at least partially pourable, pasty, and / or liquid product to be stored therein have an additional gas barrier barrier layer, particularly if the product or Parts of the product are sensitive to air, especially to oxygen.

The functional element may be an electrical, electronic, chemical and / or electrochemical element. An electric one Functional element may include electrical and electronic components.

According to one embodiment, the first functional element has a sensor. According to one embodiment, the electrical element has a transmitter and / or an antenna.

The antenna (antenna unit) may comprise at least one conductor track, preferably in the form of a conductor spiral or conductor coil, and / or connections for connecting the antenna unit to a chip unit. Also, the antenna unit and the chip unit can be arranged on a common carrier. The antenna unit allows the reading of the stored information of the chip unit. In this case, preferably radio antennas are meant, as they are typically used in RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) transponders or NFC (Near Field Communication) tags. In particular, inductive coupling readable elements can be considered as an antenna unit in the present sense. Furthermore, it may be expedient if the antenna unit comprises a carrier element for receiving the conductor track.

The transmitter and / or the antenna may be suitable as part of a transmitting and receiving unit to transmit data, signals and / or energy in a non-contact or wireless unidirectional, but preferably also in a bidirectional manner.

The functional element can be equipped with a memory. Memory is to be understood as a data memory. It is a storage medium which serves to store electronic data. The data memory can be designed either as a volatile memory or as a non-volatile memory or as a combination of the two types of memory mentioned. Non-volatile memory is still divided into permanent or semi-permanent memory.

As volatile memory here are memory to understand their information is lost if they are not refreshed or if the power is turned off. Non-volatile memory is to be understood as memory in which the stored information is retained for a longer time (at least months) without concern of an operating voltage. With permanent saving, the once saved or hard-wired information remains and can not be changed. In semi-permanent storage, information can be stored permanently, but the information can also be changed.

The respective type of storage should be selected according to the application to which the packaging to be produced from the web is to serve once. Depending on the application, certain advantages result.

The data memory may be part of the antenna or the transmitter. The data memory can be part of a so-called "tag", which can be read by means of radio technology, in particular as an RFID tag. The data memory can already be completely or partially described during the production process of the packaging material. The data storage may be partially or completely described before being integrated into the laminate. The data store can be described with a unique ID. The data memory can be described in whole or in part with production data. The data memory can be described wholly or partly on the filling machine. The data store may be described in whole or in part at one or more points in the value chain. The data memory can be described in whole or in part at one or more points in time. The information stored on the data memory can be partially or completely replaced.

As already explained, the functional element can have at least one sensor and / or one memory. The electrical element may also have a memory. In addition, the electrical element may have a transmitting and / or receiving unit. In particular, this may have a transmitting and / or receiving unit for near-field radio, in particular for NFC technology or RFID technology. For this purpose, the electrical element can be energetically self-powered, for example by a battery or a capacitor. It is also possible and particularly preferred if the functional element and / or electrical element is energetically externally fed. This energetic external feeding can be done by a magnetic or electric field of a reading unit or a writing unit. In particular, an electromagnetic coupling of a receiving coil formed in the electrical element with a transmitting coil can cause the energetic feed. By a transmitting coil, a current can be induced in the receiving coil, which can serve to operate the first electronic unit and / or the second electronic unit. Thus, it may be useful, for example, to activate the sensor by the exciter field and, in the case of activation, to detect and store at least one sensor measured value. If the excitation field is switched off again, at least the stored measured value remains in the memory. Such a measured value can be read out directly or at a later time, in the case of renewed excitation, so that at least one historical and / or one current sensor measured value can be read out. Since the elements in the packaging material must be as simple as possible, it is preferred if these only for detecting the measurement results and storing at least one measurement result and for sending such a measurement result are set up. A subsequent evaluation of the measurement results can be done in a read-out device.

The readout device may be a mobile computer, in particular a mobile phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant or the like. In this an application can be present, which is set up for the evaluation of the measurement results. Such an application may be inventive in its own right. The application activates the transmitting coil for energetic feeding of the first and second electronic units. By way of example, an information can be received by the electrical element via the transmission coil via influencing the alternating flow. Also, the electrical element, for example, in a frequency range other than that of the exciter field send out the information and the transmitter coil or another coil can receive this information. Measured values can be evaluated with the help of the application.

With particular advantage, the electrical element comprises at least in parts a transmitting and receiving unit with an antenna and / or a memory and / or a sensor.

If characteristics of the sensor are described below or the term sensor is used, this description also applies to another functional element.

The sensor is advantageously set up to detect at least one property of a pasty and / or liquid product packaged in the packaging, in particular at least partially pourable. The sensor can be arranged directly at least in part on the outer side of the cover layer or break through the cover layer in the direction of the product. Thus, the sensor may be suitable for directly detecting the at least one property of the product. The sensor may also be provided at least in part within the cover layer and in particular between the cover layer and the support layer. The sensor may then be suitable for indirectly detecting at least one property of the product.

The sensor may be adapted to measure pH, temperature, oxygen content, proportion of one or more vitamin / trace elements, electrical conductivity, metabolites or the like. It may be advantageous if the sensor is formed to determine at least one absolute value.

It is advantageous if two measured values are used to determine the instant quality of the food. This may be the same parameter, the sensor measuring the measured value, for example a pH, for the first time e.g. on contact with the product and then a change in the measured value, without knowing the actual quantitative value. The sensor is therefore preferably a sensor which detects a qualitative change of a measured value. Therefore, it may occasionally be advantageous if the sensor is formed to determine at least one relative value of the measured value relative to an initial measured value.

Also, more than one sensor can be used to determine different parameters. Since, for example, the temperature of the product under investigation still frequently has an effect on the determination of the value of the sensor, it is important for the correctness of a quality determination derived therefrom that the determination of the value be based on the present temperature. It is therefore proposed that a measured value of a first sensor is weighted and / or normalized as a function of a measured value of a second sensor, in particular a temperature value of a temperature sensor.

The provision of a sensor makes it possible to determine one or more properties of, for example, a product which comes into contact with the web material, in particular with its cover layer assigned to the product. In order to be able to determine various properties, it is of course conceivable that the functional element comprises a plurality of, in particular different, sensors and / or that the functional element also comprises further parts, which then also comprise, for example, a sensor.

In addition, embodiments of partially or completely printable sensors are conceivable which are based on the principle of an ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) or electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS). Here, the standard materials of silicon technology are wholly or partly replaced by functional inks based on polymers which have the same or similar electrical or electrochemical properties as the conventional materials. The structures are produced using different printing methods, eg screen printing or ink-jet printing on a substrate, in particular the cover layer. In addition to its function as a carrier of the sensor structure, the substrate itself can serve as a functional part of the sensor structure, for example as an insulator, semiconductor or ion-sensitive layer. In this case, monolayer, multilayer, rigid or flexible carriers in the form of, for example, films, plates can be used as the substrate (Platelets), bows, stripes or similar serve. In particular, the combination of partially or completely printed sensor structures made of functional inks on flexible film substrates as a carrier enables cost-effective production, even for smaller quantities.

It is possible that sensors and / or antennas will be printed as described above. In particular, it is possible to connect a sensor or another functional element in or on the cover layer which faces the product. In particular, it is possible to connect an antenna or another electrical element in or on the cover layer facing away from the product. Also, electrical elements are known which are already available as a film-like component. Already pre-laminated electrical elements may also contain sensors or antennas. This sheet-like element can be connected to on one side of the barrier layer. It is possible that this takes place directly on the barrier layer or on the cover layer or an intermediate layer. Associated with a layer may mean in this disclosure, disposed in or on a layer. Arranging can be done by lamination / laminating, printing, gluing, riveting, mating or the like.

In the production of the web, it may be possible to uncoil laminated electric elements, which for example are present as film elements, and to laminate them in the manufacturing process in a continuous application process on the moving in the manufacturing process packaging material. A multiplicity of functional elements and / or electrical elements can be unwound as web material from a roll. The arranged on the role or the web items may have a defined distance from each other, so that the elements in the blank is arranged in each case in a same position.

It has also been recognized that to provide the desired information to the user, at least one functional element can be integrated into the package laminate, specifically between the carrier layer and a cover layer and / or at least partially into the carrier layer or cover layer. This simplifies the manufacture of the package laminate and the attachment of the element. This is because the structuring and relatively rigid carrier layer can be used. The carrier layer thus forms a suitable substrate for mounting and receiving the at least one element. Alternatively or additionally, the carrier layer provides a protective effect with regard to the element so that it can be absorbed without damage in the package laminate in the long run. Thus, for example, the package laminate can be easily rolled up into a roll after its manufacture, and then moved to another location. The carrier layer protects the at least one electronic functional element from damage, in particular by kinking or excessive bending. However, the element can also be protected by the carrier layer during the formation of the package and in the package itself. When integrating the element at least partially into the cover layer, the bending stiffness of the support layer can also be used. In addition, the layer thickness of the package laminate can be kept low without having to take up the element at least partially in the carrier layer. In addition, as required, a contact of the element to the outside of the package laminate or to the inside of the subsequent pack can be provided.

Advantageously, the sensor is designed as a temperature sensor. In some cases this can advantageously be an active temperature sensor. Active temperature sensors generate an electrical signal due to their measuring principle. This has the advantage that no electrical auxiliary energy is needed. An example of such an active temperature sensor is the thermocouple. In this case in particular, even an electrically insulated conductor with respect to the barrier layer may be sufficient.

In other cases, it may be preferred that the temperature sensor is designed as a passive temperature sensor. In passive temperature sensors, in contrast to active sensors, an auxiliary power is needed to read the signal. An example of a passive temperature sensor is the resistance thermometer. This is an electrical component which utilizes the temperature dependence of the electrical resistance of an electrical conductor to measure the temperature. As a resistance material are preferably pure metals. They show stronger resistance changes than alloys. Furthermore, they have a nearly linear relationship of resistance to temperature. Often platinum is used.

However, it is also possible to use measuring resistors made of ceramic (sintered metal oxides) or semiconductors. Thus, much higher temperature coefficients than with metals and thus much higher sensitivities can be achieved, but partly at the expense of accuracy.

Both thermocouples and various types of resistance thermometers can be produced inexpensively today by printing technology.

Advantageously, at least one of the at least one sensor is a conductivity sensor.

With a conductivity sensor, the electrical conductivity can be determined in particular by liquids. The conductivity results as the sum parameter of all dissociated substances (ions) dissolved in the liquid. This is of particular advantage when a package is produced from the web material (packaging material), which serves for the preservation of a product having at least one liquid component, preferably a foodstuff. Here, the development makes use of the fact that the electrical resistance changes in most liquid or at least one liquid component containing foods with transition from an unconscious edible state and a corrupted state.

As already explained, the functional element may be formed from a plurality of sub-elements. In this case, a first and a second functional element can be provided and, for example, an electrical or chemical connection between the two partial elements can be activated by the relative movement.

The functional element may comprise at least one electrical conductor according to one embodiment. It is possible that the relative movement opens or closes the electrical conductor. In or on one of the layers, an electrical conductor can be provided. A part of the actuating element can form the electrical conductor track. In a relative movement, for example, the conductor can be opened. It is also possible that the actuating element engages in the electrical conductor track and, for example, disconnects in order to open the electrical conductor.

The actuating element may comprise at least one electrical conductor according to one embodiment. By a relative movement, this electrical conductor of the actuating element can interact with an electrical conductor of the functional element. For example, it is possible that the electrical conductor of the actuating element closes an opening in the electrical conductor of the functional element in the relative movement Also, by the relative movement of the electrical conductor of the actuating element engage in the electrical conductor of the functional element and close, for example, the electrical conductor of the functional element.

According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the functional element is arranged on an inner side or an outer side of the packaging material. According to a further embodiment, it is proposed that the functional element is arranged between the inside and the outside of the packaging material.

The packaging material is formed from a laminate of several layers comprising at least one carrier layer, a barrier layer and a cover layer. Electrical conductors can be routed isolated on one of these layers opposite the barrier layer. So it is possible to lead an electrical conductor on a cover layer. It is also possible to guide an electrical conductor on a carrier layer. The electrical conductor is preferably insulated from the barrier layer.

A first side of the barrier layer may be inside the package. On such a first side, a layer may be the cover layer, which is applied there directly on the barrier layer. It is possible for the functional element to be applied at least partially and / or to one of the electrical conductors or interconnects between the barrier layer and the cover layer. The electrical conductor can be formed, for example, as a foil conductor and thus be isolated independently of the barrier layer. The functional element, for example the sensor, can also be formed as a film element, the electronics or the chemical components being laminated in a film. This film can be placed on the barrier layer and there is an electrical insulation of the functional element with respect to the barrier layer by the films of the functional element. The film may be sealable with at least one of the cover layers, in particular be formed from the same plastic.

It is also possible for the functional element and / or one of the electrical conductors to be applied to the side of the cover layer facing away from the barrier layer. This can be useful, in particular, if the functional element and / or the electrical conductor or the printed conductor are not isolated on their own. Then, the cover layer may form an insulation of the electrical conductor, the conductor track and / or the functional element with respect to the barrier layer. This is a sensible arrangement, in particular for printed electronic elements, conductors or printed conductors. Also, a primer layer can serve as an insulating layer.

A second side of the barrier layer may face an outside of the package. At least one carrier layer is applied to this second side of the barrier layer. It is understood that the order in which the layers are applied to one another may in particular also initially comprise the carrier layer to which the barrier layer is then applied, which is in line with FIG The above formulation is meant as well. The electrical element, a conductor track and / or one of the electrical conductors may be applied between the barrier layer and the carrier layer or on a layer which is arranged on the side of the carrier layer facing away from the barrier layer. A layer which is arranged on the side of the carrier layer facing away from the barrier layer may, for example, be the outer side of the carrier layer, a cover layer applied to the carrier layer, a color layer or the like. In particular, when a conductor track or an electrical conductor is applied to such an outer layer, in the case of overlapping the blank or two edges of the blank, a through-contact can take place from the inside to the outside, in which the conductors or conductor tracks rest on one another.

According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the first side of the barrier layer of the inner layer of a package and the second side of the barrier layer of an outer layer of the package faces.

According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the actuating element is a closure element of the package. This may be a cover, a cutting element, an adhesive element or the like with which the package can be brought from the closed state to the opened state. Just a closure of the package is moved relative to the package at the moment of opening the package. This relative movement can cause the functional element is activated, since then the package is open. The closure may be, for example, a screw cap. It is also possible that upon rotation of the closure, a barrier layer of the package, e.g. is destroyed by a cutting element, so that from this moment the shelf life of the food in the pack is particularly limited. Especially at this moment an activation of the functional element should be done, since then the limited durability runs.

It is also proposed that the actuating element is at least partially disposed on a closure element of the package. It is not absolutely necessary that the actuating element itself is the closure, but it may also be sufficient to arrange this on the closure. For example, a tab or tab may be disposed on the interior or exterior of the closure, such as the lid. Turning or pulling may move this actuator relative to the package. In this case, it is possible, for example, for a flag or a tab to be torn off from a fastening to the package, the functional element being activated by this tearing off.

The functional element itself can, as already explained, be arranged in or on the package. In particular, the functional element can be arranged on a flange which can be connected to the packing or a rotary closure or cover of a closure. A flange may for example be part of a plastic element which is attached to the packaging material. Such a plastic element may for example be part of a closure. Also, the flange may be part of a plastic element, for example a bottom, on which the packaging material is arranged.

The closure element, for example a flange of a closure, may be arranged on the package. In particular, the closure element can be arranged in the region of a so-called "overcoated holes". By actuating the closure element, the overcoated hole can be pierced and, for example, product moisture can escape from the package. This product moisture may be suitable for activating the functional element. For this reason, according to one embodiment, the functional element can be arranged partially or completely in a cavity between the closure element and the pack. In this case, the cavity is open in particular in the direction of the opening of the closure element. If the overcoated hole is opened in the region of the opening of the closure element or else the packaging jacket of the packaging material is opened in the region of the opening of the closure element, moisture can escape from the interior of the package to the outside. If the cavity is opened in the direction of the opening of the closure element, moisture also reaches into the area of the cavity and as a result the functional element can be activated.

An electrical path may also run along such an overcoated hole or in the region of an opening of the closure element on the package. Also, an electrical path can run in any layer in the region of the opening of the closure element. A package may be opened by tearing at least one layer of the package laminate. If this tearing is performed by the actuating element, a relative movement takes place between the actuating element and the packaging material. Is in the region of the opening, which is opened by the actuator, an electrical conductor, it can be separated. The severing or closing can be done directly or indirectly (e.g., by intermediate steps or delayed).

Also, an electrical conductor can be closed, for example, when a screw cap is rotated on a thread and in this case an electrical conductor on the thread via electrical Contacts on the inside of the screw cap is closed.

According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the relative movement sever a moisture barrier of the package. A moisture barrier may in particular be an overcoated hole. Also, any other arrangement of layers of the package laminate may be severed, thereby severing the moisture barrier. Then another layer may be the moisture barrier. The escaping moisture can serve to activate the functional element.

According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the functional element has a chemical cell, and that the first time the package is opened, the chemical cell is activated. For example, a chemical cell may be based on a redox reaction. In this case, an electrolyte can react with a reaction partner. For example, can serve as the electrolyte NaCl and reactant as a nanoscale aluminum. If the reaction is triggered, this proceeds according to the principle of lateral oxidation until consumption of the reactant. For example, it can proceed as a lateral oxidation of an aluminum layer. These and other chemical reactions can be along a layer of the reactant. Here, for example, a thin layer of a reactant with an electrolyte can be subjected to the electrochemical process. Through this process, information underlying the layer of the reactant can be optically released.

According to one embodiment, the reaction is self-sustaining, so that after it has been activated, it runs until consumption of the reactant. In this case, for example, from the origin of the reaction along the layer of the reaction partner, the reaction can proceed in a spatial direction with a sharply demarcated front. The substrate below the reaction partner, for example the aluminum layer, is here exposed optically, for example, so that information printed thereon becomes gradually recognizable. For example, this information may provide information about the shelf life of the product. If the activation activates the chemical process, the reaction partner, for example the aluminum layer, gradually dissolves and gradually the underlying label is uncovered. On this label, the information on the durability can be specified and in a full consumption, for example, the consumer may be informed that the food is no longer durable.

Especially with electrochemical processes, a first activation can permanently activate the functional element. In this case, permanent means that the activation is longer than the actual initial activation by the moisture sensor or short-circuiting takes. For example, in the above example, the durability may be due to the self-draining reaction between the electrolyte and the reactant. If the reactant is exhausted, the activation is completed, but this still falls under the term permanent activation. Alternatively, it can be provided that the functional element is permanently deactivated after a first activation.

The display on the aforementioned functional element can be realized in many different ways. For example, with simple indicators, colors or color gradients can be displayed which adjust or change over the consumption period. Somewhat more elaborate indicators may also have a display on which the number of days since opening or - vice versa, the remaining durability days can be displayed in a corresponding alternating order.

According to a further preferred embodiment, however, the functional element may additionally have a measuring element which measures other parameters such as temperature, humidity, or the like and displays via the functional element.

In order to be able to indicate the shelf-life of the food depending on the ambient conditions, it may be appropriate for the chemical reaction to be temperature-dependent. In particular, the consumption rate of the reaction partner can be temperature-dependent. For example, at a low temperature, the reaction may be slower than at a high temperature. Corresponding electrolytes and reactants are known, so that a suitable choice can be made.

It is of particular advantage if the functional element and the measuring element are integrally formed. In this case, the actuating element can also serve as a measuring element to reduce the size of the functional element.

The functional element may be formed as a flat label, which may preferably be strip-shaped, in particular when it concerns a functional element with a display in a longitudinal extension.

However, it is alternatively also possible to design the functional element with a round, oval or rectangular planar extension, wherein the functional element is made possible flat.

Especially with electrochemical processes, a first activation can permanently activate the functional element. Permanently in this case means that the activation is longer than the relative movement lasts. For example, in the above example, the durability may be due to the self-draining reaction between the electrolyte and the reactant. If the reaction partner is used up, the activation is complete, but this still falls under the term permanent activation. Alternatively, it can be provided that the functional element is permanently deactivated after a first activation.

For the sake of completeness, the structure of the layers of the package laminate (as a preferred embodiment of the packaging material) will be described in more detail below.

The layers of the layer sequence are connected to one another. The term "connected" or "composite" as used in this specification includes the adhesion of two articles beyond Van der Waal's attractive forces. Unless stated otherwise, the layers can follow one another indirectly in the layer sequence, ie with one or at least two intermediate layers, or directly, that is to say without an intermediate layer. For the sheet-like composite, this means, for example, that the barrier layer can be directly and thus directly connected to the first polyolefin layer or indirectly via a bonding agent layer. Furthermore, the further polyolefin layer can be directly and directly connected to the carrier layer, but other articles may also be present, for example in the form of further polymer layers therebetween, an immediate connection being preferred. The phrase "containing a layer sequence" as used above means that in the composite according to the invention at least the specified layers can be present in the order given. This formulation does not necessarily mean that these layers follow one another directly.

A first polyolefin layer can overlay the barrier layer on a side facing away from the carrier layer as a cover layer. A further polyolefin layer can be superimposed as the outer layer on the carrier layer on a side facing away from the barrier layer. The further polyolefin layer preferably adjoins the carrier layer.

The first polyolefin layer as well as the further polyolefin layer, as well as all other polymer layers can have further constituents. These polyolefin layers are preferably applied or applied in an extrusion process in the sheet-like composite material. The other constituents of the polyolefin layers are preferably constituents which do not adversely affect the behavior of the polymer melt when applied as a layer. The further constituents may be, for example, inorganic compounds, such as metal salts or other plastics, such as other thermoplastics. However, it is also conceivable that the further constituents are fillers or pigments, for example carbon black or metal oxides.

Suitable thermoplastics for the further constituents in particular those into consideration, which are easily processed by a good extrusion behavior. Among these are polymers obtained by chain polymerization, especially polyesters or polyolefins, with cyclic olefin copolymers (COC), polycyclic olefin copolymers (POC), especially polyethylene and polypropylene, being particularly preferred, and polyethylene being most preferred. Among the polyethylenes, HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, VLDPE and PE and mixtures of at least two are preferred. It is also possible to use mixtures of at least two thermoplastics.

Suitable polyolefin layers have a melt flow rate (MFR) in a range of 1 to 25 g / 10 min, preferably in a range of 2 to 20 g / 10 min and more preferably in a range of 2.5 to 15 g / 10 minutes, and a density in a range of 0.890 g / cm ³ to 0.980 g / cm ³ , preferably in a range of 0.895 g / cm ³ to 0.975 g / cm ³ , and more preferably in a range of 0.900 g / cm ³ to 0.970 g / cm ³ . The polyolefin layers preferably have at least a melting temperature in a range of 80 to 155 ° C, preferably in a range of 90 to 145 ° C, and more preferably in a range of 95 to 135 ° C. Preferably, the sheet-like composite between the barrier layer and the carrier layer comprises a polyolefin layer, preferably a polyethylene layer. More preferably, the composite precursor between the barrier layer and the carrier layer comprises a polyolefin layer, preferably a polyethylene layer.

As carrier layer, any material suitable for this purpose can be used which has sufficient strength and rigidity to give stability to the container such that the container substantially maintains its shape when filled. In addition to a number of plastics, these are plant-based Fibers, in particular pulps, preferably glued, bleached and / or unbleached pulps, paper and board being particularly preferred. The basis weight of the carrier layer is preferably in a range of from 120 to 450 g / m ² , more preferably in a range of from 130 to 400 g / m ^2, and most preferably in a range of from 150 to 380 g / m ² . A preferred paperboard generally has a single-layer or multi-layer structure and may be coated on one or both sides with one or more top layers. Furthermore, a preferred board has a residual moisture of less than 20 wt .-%, preferably from 2 to 15 wt .-% and particularly preferably from 4 to 10 wt .-% based on the total weight of the carton. A particularly preferred paperboard has a multilayer construction. Further preferably, the cardboard has on the surface facing the environment at least one, but more preferably at least two layers of a cover layer, which is known in the art as "stroke".

As a "line" in paper production mostly inorganic solid particles containing liquid phases, preferably chalk, gypsum or clay-containing solutions, referred to, which are applied to the surface of the cardboard. Furthermore, a preferred paperboard has a Scott Bond value in a range of 100 to 360 J / m ² , preferably 120 to 350 J / m ^2, and particularly preferably 135 to 310 J / m ² . By the above-mentioned areas, it is possible to provide a composite from which a container with high density, can be folded easily and in small tolerances.

The barrier layer is a metal layer. In principle, all layers with metals which are known to the person skilled in the art and can provide high light and oxygen impermeability are suitable as the metal layer. According to a preferred embodiment, the metal layer may be present as a film or as a deposited layer, for. B. after a physical vapor deposition. The metal layer is preferably an uninterrupted layer. According to a further preferred embodiment, the metal layer has a thickness in a range from 3 to 20 μm, preferably in a range from 3.5 to 12 μm and particularly preferably in a range from 4 to 10 μm.

Preferably selected metals are aluminum, iron or copper. As the iron layer may be a steel layer, for. B. be preferred in the form of a film. Further preferably, the metal layer is a layer with aluminum. The aluminum layer may suitably consist of an aluminum alloy, for example AlFeMn, AlFe1.5Mn, AlFeSi or AlFeSiMn. The purity is usually 97.5% and higher, preferably 98.5% and higher, based in each case on the entire aluminum layer. In a particular embodiment, the metal layer consists of an aluminum foil. Suitable aluminum foils have a ductility of more than 1%, preferably more than 1.3% and more preferably more than 1.5%, and a tensile strength of more than 30 N / mm ² , preferably more than 40 N / mm ² and more preferably more than 50 N / mm ² . Suitable aluminum foils in the pipette test show a droplet size of more than 3 mm, preferably more than 4 mm and particularly preferably more than 5 mm. Suitable alloys for forming aluminum layers or foils are available under the designations EN AW 1200, EN AW 8079 or EN AW 8111.

In the case of a metal foil as a barrier layer, an adhesion promoter layer can be provided on one and / or both sides of the metal foil between the metal foil and a nearest polymer layer. According to a particular embodiment of the container according to the invention, however, an adhesion promoter layer is not provided on either side of the metal foil, between the metal foil and the nearest polymer layer.

Further preferred may be a metal oxide layer as a barrier layer. Suitable metal oxide layers are all metal oxide layers which are familiar to the person skilled in the art and which appear suitable in order to achieve a barrier action against light, vapor and / or gas. Particularly preferred are metal oxide layers based on the previously mentioned metals aluminum, iron or copper, as well as those metal oxide layers based on titanium or silicon oxide compounds. A metal oxide layer is exemplified by vapor deposition of a plastic layer, for example, an oriented polypropylene film with metal oxide. A preferred method for this is physical vapor deposition.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the metal layer of the metal oxide layer may be present as a layer composite of one or more plastic layers with a metal layer. Such a layer is obtainable, for example, by vapor-depositing a plastic layer, for example an oriented polypropylene film, with metal. A preferred method for this is physical vapor deposition.

In order to facilitate the Öffenbarkeit the container according to the invention or the sheet-like composite, the support layer may have at least one recess (synonym: hole, opening). In a particular embodiment, the recess is covered at least with the barrier layer and at least the first polyolefin layer as cover layers. Preferred is a sheet-like composite, wherein the carrier layer at least one hole which is covered at least with the barrier layer and at least with the first polyolefin layer, and the further polyolefin layer. Furthermore, one or more further layers, in particular adhesion promoter layers, can be provided between the already mentioned layers. In this case, it is preferred that the perforated cover layers are connected to each other at least partially, preferably at least 30%, preferably at least 70% and particularly preferably at least 90% of the area formed by the hole.

According to a particular embodiment, it is preferred that the hole penetrates the entire composite and is covered by a closure or opening device closing the hole. In connection with a first preferred embodiment, the hole provided in the carrier layer may have any shape known to those skilled in the art and suitable for various closures, drinking straws or opening aids. In most cases, the opening of a laminar composite or of a container with a laminar composite is produced by at least partially destroying the hole covering layers covering the hole. This destruction can be done by cutting, pushing into the container or pulling out of the container. Destroying can take place by means of an openable closure connected to the container and located in the region of the hole, usually above the hole, or a drinking straw which is pushed through the perforated covering layers covering the hole.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the carrier layer of the composite has a plurality of holes in the form of a perforation, wherein the individual holes are covered at least with the barrier layer and one of the first polyolefin layer as hole top layers. A container made from such a composite can then be opened by tearing along the perforation. Such holes for perforations are preferably generated by means of a laser. Particularly preferred is the use of laser beams when a metal foil or a metallized film is used as the barrier layer. It is also possible that the perforation by mechanical, usually blades having perforation tools is introduced.

Suitable adhesion promoters in the adhesion promoter layer are all plastics which, by functionalization by means of suitable functional groups, are suitable for producing a solid compound by forming ionic bonds or covalent bonds to the surface of the respective other layer. Preference is given to functionalized polyolefins obtained by co-polymerization of ethylene with acrylic acids such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, acrylates, acrylate derivatives or double bond-bearing carboxylic acid anhydrides, for example maleic anhydride, or at least two thereof. Of these, preferred are polyethylene-maleic anhydride graft polymers (EMAH), ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers (EAA) or ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers (EMAA), which are sold, for example, under the trade names Bynel® and Nucrel® by DuPont or Escor® by ExxonMobile Chemicals ,

A preferred polyolefin is a polyethylene or a polypropylene or both. A preferred polyethylene is one selected from the group consisting of an LDPE, an LLDPE, and a HDPE, or a combination of at least two thereof. Another preferred polyolefin is a m-polyolefin. Suitable polyethylenes have a melt flow rate (MFR) in a range of 1 to 25 g / 10 min, preferably in a range of 2 to 20 g / 10 min and more preferably in a range of 2.5 to 15 g / 10 minutes, and a density in a range of 0.910 g / cm ³ to 0.935 g / cm ³ , preferably in a range of 0.912 g / cm ² to 0.932 g / cm ³ , and more preferably in a range of 0.915 g / cm ³ to 0.930 g / cm ³ .

A m-polyolefin is a polyolefin prepared by a metallocene catalyst. A metallocene is an organometallic compound in which a central metal atom is located between two organic ligands, such as cyclopentadienyl ligands. A preferred m-polyolefin is a m-polyethylene or a m-polypropylene or both. A preferred m-polyethylene is one selected from the group consisting of a mLDPE, a mLLDPE, and a mHDPE, or a combination of at least two thereof.

A preferred ink layer includes colorants in an amount ranging from 5 to 15% by weight, preferably from 8 to 15% by weight, more preferably from 13 to 15% by weight, based on the color layer. Another preferred color layer further includes an application medium. A preferred application medium is an organic medium. A preferred organic medium is an organic binder. A preferred organic binder is a thermoplastic. A preferred thermoplastic is polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The color layer preferably adjoins the further polyolefin layer, wherein the further polyolefin layer preferably adjoins the carrier layer. Preferably, the color layer is obtainable by printing. A preferred printing in this case is an offset printing or a gravure printing or both. A further preferred ink layer is superimposed on a side of the ink layer facing away from the carrier layer by no further layer of the layer sequence.

A preferred colorant is a colorant according to the standard DIN 55943. Another preferred colorant is a pigment or a dye or both. A particularly preferred colorant is a pigment. Another preferred colorant is a natural colorant or a synthetic colorant or both. Another preferred colorant is one selected from the group consisting of a white colorant, a black colorant, and a colored colorant, or a combination of at least two thereof. Another preferred colorant is an effect colorant or a colorant or both.

• 1A eine Packung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 1B eine Detailansicht eines Verschlusses;
• 1C eine Schnittansicht eines Verschlusses;
• 2A eine Packung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 2B eine Detailansicht eines Verschlusses;
• 2C eine Schnittansicht eines Verschlusses;
• 3A eine Packung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel mit inaktivem Funktionselement;
• 3B die Packung gemäß 3A mit aktivem Funktionselement
• 4A eine Schnittansicht durch einen Verschluss gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 4B ein Verschluss ein einem nicht aktivierten Zustand;
• 4C ein Verschluss in einem aktivierten Zustand;
• 5A ein Betätigungselement im Bereich eines overcoated holes;
• 5B eine Anordnung eines Leiters im Bereich eines overcoates holes;
• 5C eine weitere Anordnung eines Leiters im Bereich eines overcoated holes;
• 6A eine Schnittansicht eines Funktionselements;
• 6B eine Schnittansicht eines Funktionselements in einem nicht aktivierten Zustand;
• 6C eine Schnittansicht eines Funktionselements in einem aktivierten Zustand;
• 7 eine Darstellung eines Reaktionsverlaufs in einem Funktionselement gemäß 6.

The article will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings showing an exemplary embodiments. In the drawing show:

• 1A a pack according to an embodiment;
• 1B a detailed view of a closure;
• 1C a sectional view of a closure;
• 2A a pack according to an embodiment;
• 2 B a detailed view of a closure;
• 2C a sectional view of a closure;
• 3A a package according to an embodiment with inactive functional element;
• 3B the pack according to 3A with active functional element
• 4A a sectional view through a closure according to an embodiment;
• 4B a shutter on a non-activated state;
• 4C a shutter in an activated state;
• 5A an actuator in the region of an overcoated holes;
• 5B an arrangement of a conductor in the area of an overcoates holes;
• 5C another arrangement of a conductor in the area of an overcoated holes;
• 6A a sectional view of a functional element;
• 6B a sectional view of a functional element in a non-activated state;
• 6C a sectional view of a functional element in an activated state;
• 7 a representation of a reaction course in a functional element according to 6 ,

1a shows a pack 2 from a packaging material 4 , The package 2 is already closed in the illustrated form and in particular along a sealed seam 6 welded.

The packaging material 4 can be constructed in one of the previously described types and in particular be formed as a laminate.

On top of the pack 2 can a lock 8th be provided. The closure can be understood as an actuating element. The closure 8th is from a lid 10 and from one to the pack 2 or the packaging material 4 attached flange twelve educated.

Between the flange twelve and the packaging material 4 the pack 2 can be a functional element 14 be provided as will be described below. The functional element 14 extends to the area of the opening of the flange twelve which through the lid 10 is closed.

The flange twelve is like in the 1b shown with a recess 12a provided in one in the opening of the flange twelve opening cavity 12b extends.

The functional element 14 is like in the 1c shown between the flange twelve and the packaging material 4 the pack 2 arranged. First, the functional element runs 14 through the recess 12a into the cavity 12b , In the area of an opening 16 of the flange twelve opens the cavity 12b , Will now be the packaging material 4 in the area of the opening 16 , For example, by a relative movement of the lid 10 and thus a cutting element, not shown, with respect to the flange twelve and therefore the pack 2 Damaged and especially open, so moisture is released from the interior 18 the pack 2 in the area of the opening 16 , This escaping moisture may be sufficient in the cavity 12b arranged functional element 14 to activate. By means of this moisture activation, a chemical process preferably takes place in the functional element, as will be described below.

2a shows an embodiment of a pack 2 with a packaging material 4 in which the functional element 14 completely in the area of the closure 8th is arranged.

In the 2 B it can be seen that the recess 12a the flange twelve on the top of the pack 2 breaks away from the side and in a cavity 12b in the opening 16 empties.

This is in the sectional view in 2c shown in more detail. It can be seen that that Functional element over the cavity 12b in connection with the opening 16 is. Will be in the area of the opening 16 the packaging material 4 the pack is damaged, especially split, so comes from inside 18 the pack moisture in the area of the opening 16 one. This opening 16 can by a relative movement of the lid 10 opposite the flange twelve , hence the pack 2 respectively.

The activation of the functional element 14 then takes place through the on the functional element 14 getting moisture.

In the 1c and 2c the packages are shown unopened. For example, by a not shown cutting element, which by relative movement of the lid 10 opposite the flange twelve in the direction of the packaging material 4 is moved, the packaging material 4 in the area of the opening 16 be cut open. When first screwing on the lid 10 thus takes place an opening of the pack 2 , This pouring opening can then be used to activate the functional element 4 be used.

The functional element 14 may in particular be an electrochemical functional element, as in the 6 is described.

It is also possible that the functional element is for example an antenna. By a movement of the lid 10 on the flange twelve For example, a short-circuiting of two contacts of the functional element 14 respectively. For this purpose, for example, at the opening 16 facing inner wall of the flange twelve a contact element may be provided which is brought into contact with the functional element. This can bring into contact, for example, by the relative movement of the lid 10 be effected. For example, a cutting element, which is used to open the packaging material 4 is used, can simultaneously an electrical contact element in contact with the functional element 14 bring. This is useful, for example, if the functional element is an antenna. The antenna can then be activated, for example, by the cutting element or the electrical contact element arranged thereon. In particular, a sensor on the inside of the flange twelve which of the opening 16 facing, be provided. A conductor of the sensor may be of the contact element 14 be electrically isolated. By means of the relative movement, an electrical contact element can make an electrical connection between a sensor and the functional element 14 produce.

3A shows a further embodiment of a pack 2 , This is on the lid 10 a tab 20 attached. The tab 20 is with a functional element 14 in operative connection, in particular, the tab 20 with the functional element 14 mechanically connected. The delivery state is the tab 20 both with the lid 10 as well as with the functional element 14 connected.

By turning the lid 10 will be the tab 20 from the functional element 14 deducted, as in 3B shown. In this case, an activation of the functional element 14 respectively. For example, the functional element 14 an antenna which can be read out, for example, by means of NFC or RFID technology. First, the antenna may not be functional, for example by a short across the tab 20 , Will the tab 20 subtracted, this short circuit can be canceled and, for example, a connection of the antenna with one inside the pack 2 be arranged sensor connected. Using radio technology, the antenna can be read out in an appealing manner and, for example, sensor data can be read from inside the package.

Activation at a first opening is also in the 4A to 4C shown. Again, the flange twelve on the packaging material 4 the pack 2 attached. In the area of the opening 16 is the lid 10 on the flange twelve screwed on The inner wall of the lid 10 is metallically coated at least in parts. This is in the 4B to recognize.

There it can be seen that the inner wall of the lid 10 with a metallic coating 22 is coated in parts. It can be seen that the coating 22 two partial circle segments of the inner wall of the lid 10 encloses. The enclosed angular range of each segment can be between, for example, 10 and 170 °, preferably between 90 and 170 °. In particular, the enclosed angle of a segment is less than 180 °, in order to activate in the event of rotation of the lid 10 to enable. This is in addition to the metallic coating 22 of the lid 10 a metallic coating 24 of the flange twelve provided in the area of the thread. This coating is also provided only in at least one partial circle segment.

In particular, the coatings 22 . 24 provided on opposite pitch circle segments. The one of the coating 24 enclosed angle can be according to that of the coating 22 be enclosed angle.

In the 4B a closed state is shown. Here are the coatings 22 . 24 on top of each other so that they touch each other directly.

Due to the fact that the enclosed angles of the pitch circle segments of the coatings 22 . 24 are preferably less than 180 °, resulting in a gap between the two pitch circle segments.

When you first open the lid 10 opposite the flange twelve turned and it comes to that like in 4C shown the coatings 22 . 24 overlap each other such that the gaps formed between the pitch circle segments are closed. Thus, the pitch circle segments short each other and there may be an activation of a functional element.

In 4A For example, a sensor is a functional element 14 in the area of the interior of the opening 16 intended. By turning the lid 10 an activation of the functional element takes place 14 ,

5A shows, for example, an overcoated hole 26 in the area of a packaging material 4 , for example in the region of a pouring opening. A flange twelve as it was previously shown, with its opening 16 over the overcoated hole 26 to be ordered. It is understood that the arrangement of the package with overcoated hole 26 with and / or without functional element 14 in connection with the packs 2 according to 1 and 2 is possible.

The overcoated hole 26 is undamaged if the package is unopened. By a cutting element in a conventional manner, the overcoated hole 26 punctured. This allows the pack 2 be opened.

Runs along the overcoated holes 26 for example, an electrical conductor 28 , can by breaking the overcoated holes 26 the conductor loop of the electrical conductor 28 to be interrupted.

Thus, for example, when you first open by severing the in the area of the overcoated holes 26 arranged barrier layer at the same time an electrical conductor 28 severed. This transection of the electrical conductor 28 can lead to activation of a functional element 14 to lead. For example, an antenna may be short-circuited and only by disconnecting the electrical conductor 28 to be activated.

5B shows an embodiment in which in the area of overcoated holes 26 a carrier layer 4a of the packaging material 4 is removed. This is a barrier layer 4b exposed, if necessary, with a topcoat 4b ' or a primer layer 4b ' is covered. In addition, the barrier layer 4b through one inside 18 the packing arranged cover layer 4c be protected. On the top of the barrier layer 4b or the cover layer 4b ' runs the electrical conductor 28 ,

5C shows a further embodiment in which the electrical conductor 28 on the inside 18 the barrier layer 4b , in particular between the barrier layer 4b and the topcoat 4c runs. The electrical conductor shown there 28 runs over the entire diameter of the overcoated holes 26 ,

6A shows a functional element 14 in vertical section along the line VI A - VI A out 6B , which for example in the 1 and 2 is used. This functional element 14 has an electrochemical activation element 11 which reacts like a humidity sensor. 6A shows the functional element 14 in horizontal section along the line VI B - VI B out 6A , The functional element 14 initially has a carrier substrate 30 on. On the carrier substrate 30 are electrical conductors 32 provided, which are spaced apart in the region of an end face and there is a gap 34 train each other. This gap 34 can be in the area of the cavity 12b be arranged and in particular into the opening 16 protrude. Over the gap 34 can be the activation element 11 be arranged and in the case of activation the gap 34 short.

The two leaders 32 are on the other side by a trigger element 36 separated from each other.

Will an electrical short across the gap 34 between the two ladders 32 produced, for example via the activation element 11 so can the trigger element 36 for example, be resolved. The trigger element 36 For example, can be a galvanic cell, which is about the short circuit between the conductors 32 along the gap 34 itself dissolves.

It can be seen that the triggering element 36 an electrolyte 38 from a reactant 40 spatially and mechanically separates. For example, the electrolyte 38 NaCl. The reaction partner 40 For example, it may be a nanoscale aluminum layer. Other substrates as electrolyte 38 and reactants 40 are also possible.

Will the trigger element 36 opened, so can electrolyte 38 to the reactant 40 reach. There is a reaction between the electrolyte 38 and the reactant 40 , in particular according to the principle of a lateral oxidation. This reaction is propagated along the channel of the reactant 40 in one spatial direction, this becomes the reaction partner 40 dissolved. The dissolution of the reactant takes place in the spatial direction with a sharp front 46 ,

6C shows how the electrolyte 38 in the channel 42 of the reaction partner 40 flows in and as it gradually the reactants 40 with the electrolyte 38 responding. This reaction can be a printed label 44 , which is below the reactant 40 is arranged, become recognizable.

For example, the label 40 be printed with information about a durability. Due to the continuous reaction between the electrolyte 38 and the reactant 40 will gradually more information of the label 44 exposed.

The once triggered reaction is unstoppable and the reaction partner 40 is completely used up, so that after a while the entire label 44 is visible.

The reaction rate between the electrolyte 38 and the reactant 40 can be temperature dependent.

7 shows for example the one from the front 46 the reaction covered distance over time. In a first time window 48 is the pack 2 stored, for example, at room temperature. This causes the reaction to run faster and the front 26 propagates faster. In a second time window 50 is the pack 2 stored at refrigerator temperature. It can be seen that the front 46 developed more slowly. In the time window 52 is the pack 2 stored again at room temperature and the front 46 in turn, propagates faster. After a while, the entire reaction partner is 40 used up and the display of the label 44 is completely readable.

This may indicate, for example, that the product has exceeded its minimum shelf life.

By activating by means of a relative movement, sensors, antennas or the like can be activated electrically as well as electrochemically. As indicated above, traces may be opened or closed. As a result, antennas or sensors can be activated. Also, electrochemical and chemical processes can be initiated. All these actions are enabled by the relative movement between the packaging material and an actuating element actuating elements can be, for example, a cover, a tab, a cutting element or the like.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

pack

4

packaging material

4a

backing

4b

barrier layer

4c

topcoat

6

seal

8th

shutter

10

cover

11

energizer

12

flange

12a

recess

12b

cavity

14

functional element

16

opening

18

package interior

20

flap

22, 24

coating

26

overcoated hole

28

electrical conductor

30

carrier substrate

32

ladder

34

gap

36

energizer

38

electrolyte

40

reactants

42

channel

44

label

46

front

48-52

Time window

Claims (13)

Pack (2), in particular pack (2) for foodstuffs, with - a packaging material (4) - at least one actuating element arranged on the packaging material (4), and - at least one at least electrical or electrochemical functional element (4) arranged on the packaging material (4) 14), wherein - a relative movement between the actuating element and the packaging material (4) changes an electrical or electrochemical state of the functional element (14), characterized in that - the packaging material (4) consists of a laminate with an inner cover layer (4c) Barrier layer (4b), a carrier layer (4a) and an outer layer, - that the functional element (14) is multi-part and has a in the region of the inner cover layer (4c) arranged sensor and a in the Having outer layer disposed second element, and - that the sensor for direct or indirect detection of a property of a packaged in the package (2) product is set up. Pack (2) to Claim 1 , characterized in that the relative movement activates or deactivates the functional element (14). Pack (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the functional element (14) comprises at least one electrical conductor (28) and that the relative movement opens or closes the electrical conductor (28). Pack (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the actuating element comprises at least one electrical conductor (28) and that the electrical conductor (28) interacts with an electrical conductor (28) of the functional element (14) during the relative movement. Pack (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the actuating element is a closure (8) of the pack (2). Pack (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the actuating element is at least partially disposed on a closure (8) of the pack (2). Pack (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the functional element (14) is arranged on a flange (12) connectable to the pack (2) or a lid (10) of a closure (8). Pack (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the relative movement separates or closes an electrical path of a conductor (32). Pack (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the relative movement cuts through a moisture barrier of the packing (2) and that moisture leaving the packing (2) activates the functional element (14). Pack (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the functional element (14) comprises a chemical cell and that the relative movement activates the chemical cell. Pack (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - in the chemical cell after activation, a self-supplying chemical reaction takes place. Pack (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the reaction rate of the chemical reaction is temperature-dependent. Pack (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the functional element (14) after a first activation is permanently active or permanently deactivated.

Images