ELECTRONIC DISPLAY DEVICE INCLUDING A PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic display device comprising a photovoltaic module and a display panel, operating in an environment with a light intensity of less than 1,000 lux, and in which the display panel and the photovoltaic module are arranged opposite each other, the display panel being at least partially transparent, thus allowing light to pass through it to reach the photovoltaic module. The device of the invention finds applications particularly in environments with low light intensity, such as indoor spaces. [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: ELECTRONIC DISPLAY DEVICE COMPRISING A PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic display device comprising a photovoltaic module and a display panel.

[0002] It finds applications particularly in environments subject to low light intensity such as indoor spaces. Previous art

[0003] For some years now, paper has been replaced by various electronic display devices. This is the case, for example, with the arrival of electronic labels, also called ESLs for "Electronic Shelf Label" in a sales area, advertising panels or devices for displaying environmental parameters, for example temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, etc.

[0004] These electronic display devices include a display panel which allows information to be displayed, the display panel being electrically powered.

[0005] The power supply is generally one or more batteries, such as button cell batteries. The power supply depends in particular on the size and services associated with the electronic display device, since the amount of energy to be supplied depends on the power required for the proper functioning of said electronic display device.

[0006] However, the lifespan of button cell batteries, for example, is generally about one to two years, although it can recently be extended to five or ten years thanks to improvements in their power consumption. Replacing these batteries is costly, and the environmental and economic impact is very negative, as used batteries must be processed: the materials contained in the batteries must be extracted using different recycling techniques depending on the type of battery to be processed.

[0007] Furthermore, in the example of ESLs, although the electronic display devices are equipped with a hatch allowing access to the batteries and thus their replacement, this operation must be carried out manually by operators. The labor cost for these operations can therefore exceed the cost of a new electronic display device. Consequently, what actually happens when the battery is depleted is that the device is unfortunately discarded and replaced with a new one. Beyond the maintenance problems of this waste, this poses significant environmental and economic problems, notably requiring the implementation of instead of complex recycling structures, to process on the one hand the device, and on the other hand the battery.

[0008] Furthermore, although manufacturers of ESL-type electronic display devices claim battery life of up to 5 to 10 years, the reality is quite different, and / or the electronic display devices themselves generally become obsolete, both technically and in terms of their services, before the batteries actually fail. In these cases as well, the device is discarded and replaced with a new one, resulting in a definite negative environmental impact.

[0009] In order to reduce both maintenance operations and the amount of electronic waste to be recycled, some models of electronic display devices are equipped with photovoltaic cells instead of batteries. Silicon or organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells are generally used. These photovoltaic cells use the light energy produced by existing lighting in low-light environments such as indoor spaces to produce electrical energy capable of powering the electronic display devices.

[0010] Silicon photovoltaic cells have a better energy efficiency relative to their surface area than organic photovoltaic cells, but they only partially solve the problem of end-of-life electronic waste. To address this problem, organic photovoltaic cells are best suited, although they require a larger surface area exposed to light.

[0011] Due to their relatively low energy capacity per cm², organic photovoltaic cells used to power standard-sized electronic display devices must have a relatively large surface area. Thus, electronic display devices require an organic photovoltaic cell surface area of ​​0.5 to 1.5 times the surface area of ​​the display panel.

[0012] The main technical problem encountered with the use of photovoltaic modules therefore concerns the surface area of ​​the photovoltaic module required, which is added to the display area of ​​the display panel. This increased surface area hinders the positioning of electronic display devices since it represents a spatial constraint.

[0013] Furthermore, the electronic display devices must be configured in such a way as to allow both an optimization of the performance of the photovoltaic module, by positioning the photovoltaic module on an appropriate surface of the electronic display devices, and an easy reading of the display panel for a user, for example a consumer in a supermarket aisle.

[0014] There is therefore a real need for more compact and easier-to-arrange electronic display devices, allowing easy reading by users, while reducing its environmental and economic impact. Summary of the invention

[0015] To solve the problems of the prior art, including bulkiness, the risk of incorrect orientation of the photovoltaic module, and the reduction of environmental impact, the inventors have developed and describe herein an electronic display device for information intended for a user, the device comprising a photovoltaic module and a display panel for said information, the device in which: - the photovoltaic module is a photovoltaic module operating in an environment with a light intensity of less than 1,000 lux, - the display panel and the photovoltaic module are arranged opposite each other, the display panel being at least partially transparent, thus allowing said light to pass through it to reach the photovoltaic module, and - The photovoltaic module supplies electricity to the display panel for its operation.

[0016] The term "display panel" or "display" means a plate comprising diodes or crystals that can be illuminated / activated by an electric current so as to present information to a user. Examples include LED displays, OLED displays, fluorescent displays, LCD displays, MicroLED displays, electrochromic displays, and preferably OLED, MicroLED, or electrochromic displays. The display is advantageously clear against a dark background.

[0017] By "transparent", we mean the ability of the panel to allow light to pass through it, to reach the photovoltaic module, so that it can produce enough electricity for the operation of the display panel.

[0018] By "partially transparent" is meant that a portion of the surface of a product is transparent, preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, and even more preferably at least 80%. It is indeed necessary that sufficient light pass through the panel to produce enough electricity for the date's operation.

[0019] By "photovoltaic module operating in an environment with a light intensity of less than 1,000 lux" is meant a module capable of converting the energy from light photons into electricity when the surface of the photovoltaic module receives a light irradiance of less than 1,000 lux. Advantageously, the photovoltaic module may be an organic or inorganic photovoltaic module, preferably organic. The photovoltaic module may for example be that described in patents FR1915542 or FR2106419 or in patent applications FR3139944 or FR3139970.

[0020] The photovoltaic module supplies electricity to the display panel for its operation. To this end, the photovoltaic module is connected by any means known to those skilled in the art to enable the display panel to be powered by the electricity generated by the photovoltaic module. Advantageously, the connection can be made via a driver, which is a device that provides a stable and reliable power supply to the display panel according to its requirements.

[0021] Advantageously, the photovoltaic module and the display panel can have substantially the same length and width.

[0022] Advantageously, the photovoltaic module may have a length and / or width different from the length and / or width of the display panel, preferably the photovoltaic module may have a length and / or width greater than the length and / or width of the display panel.

[0023] Advantageously, the photovoltaic module and the display panel can each form a plane (xy, x'y'), the planes of the photovoltaic module (x,y) and of the display panel (x',y') being parallel.

[0024] Advantageously, the photovoltaic module and the display panel can be separated by a gap. This gap allows incident light to pass through without it passing through the display panel. Preferably, this gap between the photovoltaic module and the display panel is proportional to the dimensions of the display panel. When the surfaces of the photovoltaic module and the display panel are parallel, the distance between the photovoltaic module and the display panel can be, for example, 2 to 8 mm. This distance will be adjusted to allow for optimal illumination of the photovoltaic module by the available light, and for a legible display on the display panel.

[0025] Advantageously, the rear face of the frame may include a means for attaching or holding the device to a support, preferably a receiving opening for a screw, nail, hook or equivalent, a removable panel, a clip or a tripod.

[0026] Advantageously, the photovoltaic module may comprise: - a support made of glass or a polymer material, - at least two photovoltaic cells, a first photovoltaic cell and a second photovoltaic cell, on said support, each of said two photovoltaic cells independently comprising: i. a first interfacial layer covering said support or a layer constituting the cathode covering said support with a first interfacial layer covering said cathode; ii. a photovoltaic active layer covering said first interfacial layer, and iii. a second interfacial layer comprising a polymer mixture of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and sodium poly(styrene-sulfonate), said second interfacial layer constituting the anode and covering said photovoltaic active layer, the second interfacial layer of the first photovoltaic cell being in contact with the layer of the second photovoltaic cell covering the support.

[0027] Advantageously, the display device may include an armature, - wherein the armature includes a front receiving frame on a front face of the armature, the receiving frame being configured to receive the display panel, and - wherein the armature includes a rear receiving frame on a rear face of the armature, the receiving frame being configured to receive the photovoltaic module.

[0028] Advantageously, the armature may include an open intercalated space further allowing said light to reach the photovoltaic module directly.

[0029] In this case, the frame can for example serve as a support for the photovoltaic module and the display panel when they are separated by a space, as described above.

[0030] Another object of the present invention is the use of an electronic display device described herein, in an electronic gondola label, in an electronic time display device, in an electronic image and / or video display device, in an electronic display device for at least one environmental parameter, in a vehicle dashboard or in an electronic message display device or any other product known to a person skilled in the art.

[0031] For example, the display may show one or more of the following information: price, type of product, product reference, discount (when it is an electronic shelf label). For example, the display may show one or more of the following information: temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, day, month, year, date, time, phase of the moon, personalized message, etc., particularly in the other aforementioned examples of devices. Brief description of the figures

[0032] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for an understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0033] [Fig-1] is an exploded perspective view which represents a first mode for the creation of an electronic display device comprising a photovoltaic module and a display panel.

[0034] [Fig.2] is a set of perspective views comprising two front views (figure 2a and 2b) and a top view (figure 2c) of a second embodiment of an electronic display device comprising an armature, a photovoltaic module and a display panel;

[0035] [Fig.3] is a set of perspective views comprising two front views (figure 3a and 3b) and an exploded view (figure 3c) of a third embodiment of an electronic display device comprising an armature, a photovoltaic module and a display panel;

[0036] [Fig.4] is a set of perspective views comprising two front views (figure 4a and 4b) and a top view (figure 4c) of a fourth embodiment of an electronic display device comprising an armature, a photovoltaic module and a display panel;

[0037] [Fig.5] is a set of perspective views comprising two front views (figure 5a and 5b) and a top view (figure 5c) of a fifth embodiment of an electronic display device comprising an armature, a photovoltaic module and a display panel.

[0038] [Fig. 6] is a set of perspective views including a rear view of four embodiments of an electronic display device comprising a frame, a photovoltaic module and a display panel (6th to 9th embodiment). The rear face of these embodiments includes a mounting opening protruding from the frame (Figure 6a), a mounting opening contained within the frame (Figure 6b), a clip (Figure 6c) or a tripod (Figure 6d).

[0039] In the following description, illustrated by the attached figures, the inventors present, by way of illustration, embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] Examples

[0041] In the description that follows, identical, similar or analogous elements will be designated by the same references. First method of implementation

[0042] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an electronic display device D supplied by the inventors.

[0043] The electronic display device D includes a photovoltaic module MP and a display panel DA.

[0044] The MP photovoltaic module is preferably an organic photovoltaic module operating in an environment with a light intensity of less than 1,000 lux.

[0045] In [Fig. 1], to allow visualization of the front face of the display panel DA, the device D is shown from the front.

[0046] The DA display panel and the MP photovoltaic module are arranged opposite each other.

[0047] The display panel DA comprises a surface, said surface being 83% transparent, which allows light to pass through it to reach the photovoltaic module MP, and

[0048] The MP photovoltaic module supplies electricity to the DA display panel for its operation. Second embodiment

[0049] Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of an electronic display device D supplied by the inventors.

[0050] The electronic display device D comprises an armature A equipped with a photovoltaic module MP and a display panel DA.

[0051] The MP photovoltaic module is preferably an organic photovoltaic module operating in an environment with a light intensity of less than 1,000 lux.

[0052] In figures 2a and 2b, to allow visualization of the front face of the display panel DA, the device D is shown from the front.

[0053] In figure 2c, device D is shown from above.

[0054] The MP photovoltaic module is visible through the DA display panel.

[0055] The frame A here includes a CRI receiving frame, the CRI receiving frame being configured to receive the DA display panel.

[0056] The armature A also includes a rear receiving frame CR2 on a rear face of the armature, the receiving frame CR2 being configured to receive the photovoltaic module.

[0057] The DA display panel and the MP photovoltaic module are arranged opposite each other.

[0058] The display panel DA comprises a surface, said surface being 83% transparent, which allows light to pass through it to reach the photovoltaic module MP, and

[0059] The MP photovoltaic module supplies electricity to the DA display panel for its operation. Third mode of implementation

[0060] Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of an electronic display device D supplied by the inventors.

[0061] The electronic display device D comprises an armature A equipped with a photovoltaic module MP and a display panel DA.

[0062] The MP photovoltaic module is preferably an organic photovoltaic module operating in an environment with a light intensity of less than 1,000 lux.

[0063] In figures 3a and 3b, to allow visualization of the front face of the display panel DA, the device D is shown from the front.

[0064] In figure 3c, the device D is shown from the front without armature.

[0065] The frame A here includes a CRI receiving frame, the CRI receiving frame being configured to receive the DA display panel.

[0066] The MP photovoltaic module has a width greater than the width of the DA display panel. Thus, a first portion of the MP photovoltaic module is visible through the DA display panel, and a second portion of the MP photovoltaic module is visible through an opening on the front face of the frame, i.e., the face comprising the CRI receiver frame. The second portion of the MP photovoltaic module is not covered by said DA display panel.

[0067] The armature A also includes a rear receiving frame CR2 on a rear face of the armature (not visible in [Fig.3]), the receiving frame CR2 being configured to receive the photovoltaic module.

[0068] The DA display panel and the MP photovoltaic module are arranged opposite each other.

[0069] The display panel DA comprises a surface, said surface being 83% transparent, which allows light to pass through it to reach the photovoltaic module MP, and

[0070] The MP photovoltaic module supplies electricity to the DA display panel for its operation. Fourth mode of implementation

[0071] Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of an electronic display device D supplied by the inventors.

[0072] The electronic display device D comprises an armature A equipped with a photovoltaic module MP and a display panel DA.

[0073] The MP photovoltaic module is preferably an organic photovoltaic module operating in an environment with a light intensity of less than 1,000 lux.

[0074] In figures 4a and 4b, to allow visualization of the front face of the display panel DA, the device D is shown from the front.

[0075] In figure 4c, device D is shown from above.

[0076] The frame A here includes a CRI receiving frame, the CRI receiving frame being configured to receive the DA display panel.

[0077] The armature A also includes a rear receiving frame CR2 on a rear face of the armature, the receiving frame CR2 being configured to receive the photovoltaic module.

[0078] The armature A has two open interstitial spaces EU and EI2, said open interstitial spaces EU and EI2 allowing light to reach the photovoltaic module directly.

[0079] The photovoltaic module MP is visible through the display panel DA and through said open interstitial spaces EU and EI2.

[0080] The DA display panel and the MP photovoltaic module are arranged opposite each other.

[0081] The display panel DA comprises a surface, said surface being 83% transparent, which allows light to pass through it to reach the photovoltaic module MP, and

[0082] The MP photovoltaic module supplies electricity to the DA display panel for its operation. Fifth mode of implementation

[0083] Figure 5 shows a fifth embodiment of an electronic display device D supplied by the inventors.

[0084] The electronic display device D comprises an armature A equipped with a photovoltaic module MP and a display panel DA.

[0085] The MP photovoltaic module is preferably an organic photovoltaic module operating in an environment with a light intensity of less than 1,000 lux.

[0086] In figures 5a and 5b, to allow visualization of the front face of the display panel DA, the device D is shown from the front.

[0087] In figure 5c, device D is shown from above.

[0088] The frame A here includes a CRI receiving frame, the CRI receiving frame being configured to receive the DA display panel.

[0089] The MP photovoltaic module has a width greater than the width of the DA display panel. Thus, a first portion of the MP photovoltaic module is visible through the DA display panel, and a second portion of the MP photovoltaic module is visible through an opening on the front face of the frame, i.e., the face comprising the CRI receiver frame. The second portion of the MP photovoltaic module is not covered by said DA display panel.

[0090] The armature A also includes a rear receiving frame CR2 on a rear face of the armature, the receiving frame CR2 being configured to receive the photovoltaic module.

[0091] The armature A has two open interstitial spaces EU and EI2, said open interstitial spaces EU and EI2 allowing light to reach the photovoltaic module directly.

[0092] The photovoltaic module MP is visible through the display panel DA and through said open intercalated spaces EU and EI2.

[0093] The DA display panel and the MP photovoltaic module are arranged opposite each other.

[0094] The display panel DA comprises a surface, said surface being 83% transparent, which allows light to pass through it to reach the photovoltaic module MP, and

[0095] The MP photovoltaic module supplies electricity to the DA display panel for its operation. Sixth to ninth modes of embodiment

[0096] In [Fig.6], four embodiments of an electronic display device similar to the second embodiment described above are shown.

[0097] These four embodiments further include an attachment means MA on or in the rear receiving frame CR2. More precisely, they respectively include an attachment opening protruding from the frame (Figure 6a), an attachment opening included in the frame (Figure 6b), a clip (Figure 6c) or a tripod (Figure 6d).

[0098] These solutions make it possible to create compact electronic display devices, presenting a reduced risk of misorientation of the photovoltaic module with respect to available light sources while reducing its environmental impact.

[0099] LEGEND FOR REFERENCES ON FIGURES D: electronic display device A: frame MP: photovoltaic module DA: display panel CRI: Reception frame CR2: Rear receiving frame EU: open interleaved spaces no. 1 EI2: Open intercalary spaces no. 2

Claims

Demands

1. Electronic display device (D) of information (I) intended for a user, the device comprising, a photovoltaic module (MP) and a display panel (DA) of said information, - wherein the photovoltaic module is a photovoltaic module operating in an environment having a light intensity of less than 1,000 lux, - wherein the display panel and the photovoltaic module are arranged opposite each other, the display panel being at least partly transparent so as to allow said light to pass through it to reach the photovoltaic module, and - wherein the photovoltaic module supplies electricity to the display panel for its operation.

2. Electronic display device according to claim 1, wherein the photovoltaic module and the display panel have substantially the same length and width.

3. Electronic display device according to claim 1, wherein the photovoltaic module has a length and / or width different from the length and / or width of the display panel, preferably the photovoltaic module has a length and / or width greater than the length and / or width of the display panel.

4. Electronic display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the photovoltaic module and the display panel each form a plane (xy, x'y'), the planes of the photovoltaic module (x,y) and of the display panel (x',y') being parallel.

5. Electronic display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the photovoltaic module and the display panel are separated by a gap (ES).

6. Electronic display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear face of the frame comprises a means for attaching or retaining the device on a support.

7. An electronic display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the photovoltaic module comprises: - a support (S) made of glass or a polymer material, - at least two photovoltaic cells (CPI, CP2), a first photovoltaic cell (CPI) and a second photovoltaic cell (CP2), on said support (S), each of said two photovoltaic cells (CPI, CP2) independently comprising: i. a first interfacial layer (Cil) covering said support or a cathode layer (CA) covering said support (S) with a first interfacial layer (CAI) covering said cathode (CA); ii. a photovoltaic active layer (CAP) covering said first interfacial layer (Cil), and iii.a second interfacial layer (CI2) comprising a polymer mixture of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and sodium poly(styrene-sulfonate), said second interfacial layer (CI2) constituting the anode and covering said photovoltaic active layer (CAP), the second interfacial layer (CI2) of the first photovoltaic cell (CPI) being in contact with the layer of the second photovoltaic cell (CP2) covering the support (S).

8. Electronic display device according to any one of the preceding claims, the device comprising an armature (A), - wherein the armature comprises a front receiving frame (CRI) on a front face of the armature, the receiving frame (CRI) being configured to receive the display panel, and - wherein the armature comprises a rear receiving frame (CR2) on a rear face of the armature, the receiving frame (CR2) being configured to receive the photovoltaic module.

9. Electronic display device according to claim 8, wherein the frame includes an open intercalated space further allowing said light to reach the photovoltaic module directly.

10. Use of an electronic display device according to any one of the preceding claims, in an electronic shelf label, in an electronic time display device, in an electronic image display device and / or a video, in an electronic display device for at least one environmental parameter, in a vehicle's dashboard or in an electronic display device for a message.

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