• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The invention relates to a system and method for temperature monitoring in transit consignments by means of a transport container, wherein the monitoring system comprises: a sensor strip (3) with a temperature sensor element (5); a first connection element (7) and one or more signal lines; an evaluation unit (19) with a second connection element, a data logger and a display device; wherein the first and the second connection element are detachably connectable to one another with the formation of an interface, the data logger is designed for storing temperature measured values detected by the temperature sensor element, and the evaluation unit is designed such that the display device is actuated based on the detected temperature measured values.
    公开号:CH708233B1
    申请号:CH00928/14
    申请日:2014-06-18
    公开日:2018-02-28
    发明作者:Peter Esser Hans
    申请人:Die Schweizerische Post Ag；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Description The invention relates to a system for monitoring compliance with a predetermined temperature range, e.g. during the dispatch of temperature-sensitive goods (such as medication, food or other refrigerated goods), as well as a monitoring procedure using such a monitoring system.
    When storing temperature-sensitive goods (such as medication or food), care must be taken that the storage temperature is always within a specified temperature range or setpoint temperature range and e.g. does not exceed a predetermined maximum temperature and / or does not fall below a predetermined minimum temperature. When shipping or transporting temperature-sensitive refrigerated goods, care must be taken that the specified temperature range is adhered to, e.g. an uninterrupted cold chain is required when shipping medication or food.
    Different devices for monitoring compliance with a predetermined target temperature range during the transport of temperature-sensitive goods are known. For example, WO 2006/015 961 A2 a time-temperature indicator based on a temperature-dependent chemical reaction. As another example, DE 4 139 728 C1 describes an electronic transport monitoring device which can have a temperature sensor.
    The invention provides a cost-effective and flexible system for monitoring the temperature prevailing in a transport container, by means of which the temperature status of the goods can be determined without much additional time and the entire temperature history passed during the transport is traceable. In addition, the invention provides a method for monitoring compliance with a predetermined temperature range when sending or during the transport of temperature-sensitive goods from a starting point to a destination using such a monitoring system.
    [0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a system for monitoring (also referred to as a monitoring system or monitoring device) the temperature present inside a transport container is provided.
    The monitoring system has an elongated sensor connection element (i.e. the longitudinal dimension of the sensor connection element is substantially larger than its transverse dimensions) with a temperature sensor element, a first connecting element, and one or more signal lines. The sensor connection element can e.g. be designed in the form of a string or strip and is also referred to below as a sensor strip; wherein the sensor strip has two longitudinal ends. The temperature sensor element is arranged on one of the two longitudinal ends of the sensor strip, the first connecting element is arranged on the other of the two longitudinal ends of the sensor strip. The sensor strip also has one or more signal lines running between the temperature sensor element and the first connecting element, i.e. electrically conductive connecting lines (e.g. metal lines or metal interconnects) for signal transmission that connect the temperature sensor element to the first connecting element.
    The sensor strip can e.g. have a flexibly deformable sensor carrier element made of an electrically insulating material (e.g. paper or plastic); wherein the temperature sensor element, the first connecting element and the signal line (s) can be arranged on the sensor carrier element or can be embedded in the same. In particular, it can be provided that the temperature sensor element and / or the signal lines are embedded in such a sensor carrier element, whereby they e.g. are protected against mechanical damage and moisture.
    The temperature sensor element is a temperature sensor or a sensor, i.e. an electronic component by means of which a temperature is converted into an electrical variable that varies with the same. The temperature sensor element can e.g. a thermistor (e.g. a PT100 sensor element), a semiconductor temperature sensor or a thermocouple.
    [0009] The monitoring system also has an evaluation unit with a second connecting element, a data logger and a display device.
    The first connecting element arranged on the sensor strip and the second connecting element arranged on the evaluation unit are designed to match one another in such a way that they can be detachably connected to one another by forming an interface. The interface formed by the connecting elements enables the temperature signals generated by the temperature sensor element to be transmitted from the temperature sensor element to the evaluation unit. The data logger is connected to the second connection element (i.e. is in data or signal connection with the second connection element), so that when there is a connection between the two connection elements, the temperature signals generated by the temperature sensor element can be transmitted to the data logger via the interface. The second connecting element thus functions as a temperature sensor connection for electrically coupling the temperature sensor element to the monitoring device, forming a detachable connection. The first and second connecting elements can e.g. be complementary parts of a plug connection, the first connecting element arranged on the sensor strip preferably being designed as a plug and the second connecting element arranged on the evaluation unit being designed as a socket.
    CH 708 233 B1 The evaluation unit is designed (for example by means of a suitably programmed microprocessor, which can either be provided as a component of the data logger or separately therewith) in such a way that when there is a signal connection to the temperature sensor element, temperature measurement values are recorded in succession using the same and stored on a data memory of the data logger as temperature data (for example, together with the associated acquisition time). The evaluation unit can e.g. be designed in such a way that the measured temperature values are recorded and stored continuously or at predetermined (e.g. constant) measuring intervals.
    The display device can e.g. an LCD display (i.e. a liquid crystal display), an OLED display (i.e. a display based on organic light-emitting diodes), or an e-paper display (i.e. a display based on so-called electronic paper). The display device can in particular be a bistable display device (e.g. a bistable LCD) or an electrophoretic display device; in this case an energy supply is only required for a change of image or change of the information displayed by the display device. In addition, the display device is preferably a passive (not self-illuminating) display that works by reflecting light incident thereon.
    The evaluation unit is set up in such a way that the display device (for example by means of the microprocessor) is activated on the basis of the measured temperature values.
    When using such a monitoring system, a temperature-sensitive good to be monitored is first introduced into a transport container. The evaluation unit is now attached to an outside of the transport container and the sensor strip is arranged in such a way that the temperature sensor element is located inside the transport container and the first connecting element is located outside the transport container. The sensor strip is e.g. through a gap formed between a cover and a base body of the transport container or through a through opening formed in a wall of the transport container from the inside of the transport container to the outside. The first connecting element arranged on the sensor strip is connected to the second connecting element arranged on the evaluation unit, so that the temperature at the location of the temperature sensor element, i.e. the inside of the transport container, and the temperature history passed during the transport can now be recorded by the evaluation unit.
    The sensor strip must therefore be made so long that it extends from the evaluation unit into the interior of the transport container. The sensor strip is preferably made with a length of at least 20 cm, e.g. with a length of 50 cm.
    The evaluation unit is configured such that the display device in a human-readable form (for example, as plain text and / or pictogram) and / or as a machine-readable code (for example, as a QR code, from the English for quick response code) Information regarding the recorded temperature history is displayed. The use of QR code has the particular advantage of a high data density combined with a high fault tolerance.
    The monitoring system or the evaluation unit can e.g. be configured such that the display device displays in human-readable form whether or not the temperature inside the transport container was always within a predetermined target temperature range (i.e. whether or not all of the recorded temperature values are within the target temperature range); so that it is displayed whether a temperature limit violation occurred or not. This can e.g. a person commissioned with the transport (e.g. a postman) or a recipient of the transport consignment can check by reading the display that the temperature conditions specified for the goods being transported have been observed. In addition, e.g. it can be provided that the last recorded temperature, the recorded maximum temperature, the recorded minimum temperature, the entire recorded temperature profile and / or the recipient name or other recipient data are displayed by the display device.
    Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the display device displays the temperature history or the entire recorded temperature profile as a machine-readable code, e.g. as a QR code. Such a machine-readable code can e.g. can be optically read out using a scanner, e.g. at the start of the transport or when the transport consignment is handed over to a recipient or intermediate recipient, the temperature history at the handover also being recorded electronically by means of the scanner and e.g. can be transmitted electronically to a central data evaluation center and further evaluated there and / or stored for verification purposes. The temperature history can e.g. include all recorded temperature values including the time of their acquisition. In addition, e.g. be provided, by means of such a QR code, the highest and / or lowest recorded temperature, the number of times a predetermined limit value or threshold temperature (e.g. maximum temperature) has been exceeded, the duration of the exceeding of a predetermined threshold temperature, the internal system time (e.g. in time intervals of e.g. 5 minutes, for comparison with an external system), and / or a coded identification number identifying the evaluation unit or the consignment.
    The updating of the information displayed by the display device can e.g. time-controlled, the display e.g. is updated regularly at constant time intervals. However, it can also be provided that the information displayed by the display device is updated in an event-controlled manner, the display e.g. is only updated if a specified event occurs (e.g. a temperature limit violation).
    CH 708 233 B1 Not all of the data recorded and stored by the evaluation unit must also be shown on the display. In particular, it can be provided that all recorded data (such as the complete temperature measurement series since activation) are recorded and stored internally, but the display is only updated at predefined times and / or events. Furthermore, the evaluation unit can have further sensors (e.g. a temperature sensor for recording the ambient temperature outside the transport container, an acceleration sensor, a position sensor and / or a moisture sensor) and can be designed for recording and storing the data recorded by means of these sensors together with the associated recording times; where the battery status can also be logged. In addition, the evaluation unit can have a real-time clock for exact time recording.
    It can also be provided that the evaluation unit is designed in such a way that the display device has or enables several information levels, with different information being displayed by the display device when the individual levels are present, and the display e.g. can be switched or switched between these levels by means of a switch arranged on the evaluation unit. The representation of the information corresponding to a respective level on the display device can e.g. by means of a corresponding control of the display device by the evaluation unit (e.g. by the microprocessor of the evaluation unit). For example, it is provided that when the display device has a first information level, the recipient's postal data and the temperature-relevant information are displayed, and that when the display device has a second information level, information from the sender to the recipient is displayed in encrypted form. This encrypted information can e.g. are read out on the recipient side (electronically or optically) and, based on this, an acknowledgment of receipt is generated and electronically transmitted to the sender.
    When the destination is reached or when the transport container is handed over to the final recipient, the temperature sensor element can be separated from the evaluation unit, e.g. by loosening or separating the detachable connection between the first and the second connecting element or by cutting the sensor strip itself (e.g. at a designated separation point). The separated part of the sensor strip remains in or on the transport container, the remaining part of the monitoring system (in particular the evaluation unit) is supplied for repeated use. Accordingly, e.g. the evaluation unit of the monitoring system is designed as a reusable component (i.e. as a component to be used multiple times) and the sensor strip as a single-use component (i.e. as a component to be used only once).
    Temperature monitoring systems suitable for the masses must be able to be implemented cost-effectively in spite of high technical requirements, the costs in particular due to the costs for the components of the monitoring system and the additional expenditure of time caused by the monitoring system (attachment to the transport container, readout, decision regarding the existence of a temperature limit violation, etc.). ) caused. By easily separating the evaluation unit from the temperature sensor and thus using it several times, the costs incurred for the components of the monitoring system per transport process can be kept low (in particular since temperature sensors are relatively inexpensive to buy, whereas the components of the evaluation unit are much more expensive). By designing the monitoring system in such a way that the evaluation unit can be easily detached from the temperature sensor element, the evaluation unit can be separated and used again without much time while the temperature sensor remains in the transport container (for example, no opening of the transport container is necessary for the purpose of removing the temperature sensor) , Since the display can display information regarding the temperature history that has been passed through in human-readable and machine-readable form, the handover as well as the recipient can check the compliance with the required temperature conditions when the transport container is handed over, and the temperature history (e.g. by means of the optical hand scanners commonly used by transport companies) can be electronically recorded and further processed centrally. The monitoring system can also be used for any transport container geometry and does not require any adaptation of existing transport containers, so that it is flexible and versatile. If different sensor strips are provided for different temperature ranges to be observed, the range of use can be further increased. Using the machine-readable code display, the entire temperature history can be optically read out even in machine operation.
    [0024] According to one embodiment, the sensor strip has a predetermined separation point for severing the sensor strip at a predetermined separation position transversely to its longitudinal direction. The predetermined separation point, which is preferably arranged at a position between the first connecting element and the temperature sensor element, can e.g. be designed as a predetermined breaking point or as a predetermined breaking point and e.g. be formed by a weakening section of the sensor strip, which has a lower strength than the sections adjacent on both sides. The nominal separation point can e.g. be formed by means of a perforation or notch running transversely to the longitudinal direction of the sensor strip.
    In that the sensor strip has such a predetermined separation point, e.g. when the transport container is handed over to the end recipient, the temperature sensor element is separated from the evaluation unit by cutting the sensor strip at the desired separation point (and not by loosening the detachable connection between the first and the second connection element). Accordingly, the sensor strip is separated from the target separation point into a connecting element section which has the first connecting element and a sensor element section which is the temperature sensor 4
    CH 708 233 B1 sorelement divided. When severing the sensor strip at the target separation point, the connecting element section initially remains on the evaluation unit and can be removed later (e.g. mechanically).
    In order to enable or simplify a problem-free cutting at the target separation point, the signal lines can e.g. can be designed as thin-layered metal interconnects deposited (e.g. printed or vapor-deposited) on the sensor carrier element.
    According to a further embodiment, the evaluation unit is designed such that it is activated when the first connecting element is connected to the second connecting element as a result of the connection; This means that by connecting the two connecting elements to one another (i.e. by connecting the sensor strip to the evaluation unit), the temperature detection, temperature value storage and display of the temperature-related information is started or started using the display device. Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation unit can be designed such that it is deactivated when the temperature sensor element is disconnected from the evaluation unit as a result of the disconnection; This means that by detaching the temperature sensor element (by loosening the detachable connection between the two connecting elements or by severing the sensor strip at the desired separation point), the temperature detection, temperature value storage and optionally also the display of the temperature-related information are ended. According to this design, the start and end of the temperature detection can be implemented in an uncomplicated and time-effective manner.
    [0028] According to a further embodiment, different sensor strips can be provided for different temperature specifications or target temperature ranges to be observed; where e.g. a first sensor strip type for monitoring compliance with a freezer temperature range from -5 ° C to +5 ° C, a second sensor strip type for monitoring compliance with a cooling temperature range from 5 ° C to 10 ° C, and a third sensor strip -Type for monitoring compliance with an ambient temperature-temperature range from 15 ° C to 25 ° C can be provided.
    Accordingly, each sensor strip can have a temperature range feature which characterizes the predetermined temperature range, compliance with which is to be monitored by means of the sensor strip (also referred to as the target temperature range); the evaluation unit being designed in such a way that when the sensor strip is connected to the evaluation unit (ie when the two connecting elements are connected), the setpoint temperature range and the settings of the evaluation unit are recorded on the basis of the temperature range feature in accordance with the setpoint temperature range specified by means of the sensor strip be adjusted; so e.g. the display device is controlled according to the respectively specified target temperature range and e.g. the display of the information as to whether a temperature limit violation occurred or not is adapted to the target temperature range to be observed in each case.
    For example, it should be provided that there is a different geometrical arrangement and / or number of signal lines for different setpoint temperature ranges to be monitored, the setpoint temperature range specified by means of the sensor strip being able to be detected by the evaluation unit by detecting the occupied slots of the interface formed by the connecting elements. Accordingly, the target temperature range to be monitored can be characterized by means of the spatial arrangement and / or the number of signal lines of the sensor strip, the evaluation unit being able to be designed in such a way that it detects the spatial arrangement and / or the number of signal lines of the target Temperature range is recognized, compliance with which must be monitored.
    As another example, it can be provided that different temperature sensor elements are used for different target temperature ranges (eg temperature sensor elements with different resistance characteristics), the target temperature range specified by means of the sensor strip being able to be detected by the evaluation unit by detecting the type of the temperature sensor element , Accordingly, the setpoint temperature range to be monitored can be characterized by means of the (type of) temperature sensor element, the evaluation unit being able to be designed such that the setpoint temperature range whose compliance is to be monitored is detected by detecting the type of the temperature sensor element.
    According to this embodiment, one and the same evaluation unit can be used without reprogramming to monitor different setpoint temperature ranges, the setpoint temperature range to be maintained being easily specified by selecting the sensor strip element. For easier identification by a user, the sensor strips corresponding to different target temperature ranges can be labeled with different colors and / or labels.
    According to a further embodiment, the monitoring system has a strain relief or a strain relief device which is provided for securing the sensor strip against tensile stress.
    The strain relief is designed such that the sensor strip by means of the strain relief at one or more positions on the transport container, e.g. at one or more positions on the outside of the transport container and / or at one or more positions on the inside of the transport container, can be fixed or fixed and thus secured against tensile load. For example, be provided, the sensor strip by means of a Velcro fastener, a clamp connection (the sensor strip can be fixed, for example, between a wall of the transport container and a clamping device held on the wall), or an anchoring element to be inserted or pressed into a wall of the transport container (for example in the form of a fastening pin ) to be attached to the transport container.
    CH 708 233 B1 [0035] The strain relief can in particular be designed in such a way that the sensor strip can be fixed to the transport container at a position on the connecting element section and at a position on the sensor element section. Accordingly, the strain relief device can e.g. have a strain relief element arranged on the connecting element section of the sensor strip and a strain relief element arranged on the sensor element section of the sensor strip.
    However, it can also be provided to attach the evaluation unit to the transport container in such a way that an outer side of the transport container is contacted by a contact surface formed by an outer side of the evaluation unit, the second connecting element being arranged on this contact surface. In this case, the sensor strip can be guided through an opening in the wall of the transport container to the evaluation unit and connected to it, the opening being able to be closed or covered by means of the contact surface. Accordingly, strain relief can be unnecessary.
    [0037] According to a further embodiment, the monitoring system has fastening means for releasably fastening the evaluation unit to the transport container; i.e. the fastening means is designed such that the evaluation unit can be fastened to the transport container by means of the fastening means, forming a releasable connection.
    Fastening the evaluation unit to the transport container by means of gluing or other cohesive connections is in many cases (e.g. when transporting medication) e.g. because of the associated entry of foreign substances, so that it is preferably provided that the evaluation device is not attached to the transport container by means of a material connection (e.g. not by means of adhesive), but e.g. by means of a non-positive or positive connection.
    For example, be provided to attach the evaluation unit to the transport container by means of a Velcro fastener, e.g. in that the evaluation unit has a housing, a Velcro element being attached to one side (e.g. the rear) of the housing, which can be releasably connected to the transport container with a complementary Velcro element.
    [0040] The monitoring system can be supplied with electrical energy by means of an energy store integrated in the evaluation unit. The energy store can e.g. an electric battery or an electric accumulator. Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation device for energy supply can be equipped with solar cells; wherein the evaluation unit can have, in particular, an accumulator and solar cells, wherein the accumulator can be charged by means of the solar cells.
    Furthermore, the evaluation unit can have an additional (for example wireless) communication interface, by means of which the evaluation unit or a microprocessor of the evaluation unit can be programmed or reset to a defined initial state (ie a reset carried out) and / or the memory of the data logger can be read out can be. The communication interface can e.g. be an infrared interface. With such a communication interface, e.g. in the event of damage or other functional impairment of the display device, the data logged using the evaluation unit is subsequently read out.
    According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for monitoring the compliance with a predetermined target temperature range when sending temperature-sensitive goods from a starting point to a destination is provided using a monitoring system according to one of the embodiments described above.
    As already explained, according to the method, the temperature-sensitive goods to be transported are first introduced into a transport container. The evaluation unit is then attached to an outside of the transport container and the sensor strip with the temperature sensor element is arranged inside the transport container and the first connecting element outside the transport container. The first and the second connecting element are connected to each other, whereby the evaluation unit can also be activated at the same time. Before the start of shipping or transport, the evaluation device can be read out using an optical scanner and e.g. The time stamps of the data logger are transferred to a central system (e.g. postal system) via the QR code or the internal system time of the evaluation unit is compared with the system time of the central system. The transport container is now transported in its closed state from its starting point to its destination, the temperature present inside the transport container being recorded and recorded by the evaluation unit by means of the temperature sensor element during the entire duration of the transport and the respective temperature status being displayed by the display device.
    After activation of the monitoring system, the temperature status of the goods to be transported can be detected in each stage of the dispatch or transport by optically reading out the display device. For example, if the transport container with the transport goods was stored in a warehouse before the start of the transport or between two transport processes, the display device can be read out in machine operation (for example by means of an optical scanner) before the start of the next transport section and, if it is determined that the If the specified target temperature range has been left for the respective goods to be transported (e.g. a specified maximum temperature has been exceeded), further transport can be prevented. Unnecessary transports in particular can thus already be eliminated
    CH 708 233 B1 prevent other goods, and it is also easy to determine whose area of responsibility a temperature limit violation has occurred.
    When the destination is reached or upon handover to the final recipient, the display can be read out by a control person (for example the recipient and / or the bearer) and / or mechanically (for example by means of a conventional hand scanner), the temperature status of the transport item being checked can be and the read data can be transferred to the central system (e.g. a postal system).
    The temperature sensor element can then be separated from the evaluation unit, e.g. by loosening the detachable connection between the first and the second connecting element or by severing the sensor strip itself at the desired separation point. By separating the temperature sensor element, the evaluation device can also be deactivated. The separated part of the sensor strip remains in or on the transport container.
    [0047] The evaluation device can be detached from the transport container and can be used again. For example, be provided to feed such a separate evaluation unit to a central collection point, e.g. by post by post, whereby the central collection point can correspond to the point of departure of the transport shipment. It can be provided that the evaluation unit (e.g. on its back) is provided or labeled with a return address, so that the evaluation unit e.g. after being disconnected from the temperature sensor and the transport container, it can simply be put into the post and sent to the central collection point by post.
    In the collection point e.g. the data stored in the evaluation unit are read out again (e.g. by means of optical readout of the display device and / or by readout via the additional communication interface) and processed further. In particular, the data can be read out via the additional communication interface in the event of a malfunction of the display device. In addition, the recorded data can be deleted and the evaluation unit can be reconfigured (via the additional communication interface). The evaluation unit can then be used again.
    The invention is illustrated below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures, the same or similar features being provided with the same reference numerals; here shows schematically:
    1 shows a representation of the structure of a monitoring device according to one embodiment;
    FIG. 2 shows the monitoring device according to FIG. 1 when it is used to monitor the interior temperature of a transport container; and
    Fig. 3 shows an arrangement of a monitoring device according to another embodiment on a transport container.
    1, a monitoring device or a monitoring system 1 according to one embodiment has a sensor strip 3 with a temperature sensor 5 and a first connecting element 7. The temperature sensor 5 is designed as a resistance thermometer. The sensor strip 3 also has two signal lines 9 in the form of printed metal interconnects, which electrically connect the temperature sensor 5 to the first connecting element 7. The temperature sensor 5 and the signal lines 9 are arranged on a strip-shaped sensor carrier element 11 made of an electrically insulating material (e.g. paper or plastic). The length of the sensor strip 3 according to FIG. 1 is 50 cm as an example.
    The sensor strip 3 has a predetermined separation point 13, which is formed by means of a perforation, for deliberately severing the sensor strip 3, by means of which the sensor strip 3 is divided into a connecting element section 15, which has the first connecting element 7, and a sensor element section 17, which has the temperature sensor 5 , is divided. The predetermined separation point 13 is preferably arranged in the connecting element side half of the sensor strip 3, e.g. just behind the first connecting element 7.
    The monitoring system 1 also has an evaluation unit 19 with a second connecting element 21 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1), a data logger 23 and a display device or display 25, which are accommodated in a common housing 27.
    The first connecting element 7 arranged on the sensor strip 3 and the second connecting element 21 arranged on the evaluation unit 19 are designed such that they can be releasably connected to one another by forming a temperature signal interface 29. In the present case, the first connecting element 7 is designed as a plug 7 and the second connecting element 21 as a socket 21 built into the housing 27, so that the two connecting elements 7, 21 can be detachably connected to one another by inserting the plug 7 into the socket 21 (in the figures) the two connecting elements 7, 21 shown in the coupled or connected state).
    The data logger 23 has a microprocessor and a data storage device (not shown) and is in signal connection with the temperature signal interface 29 by means of electrical connecting lines, so that the temperature measured values detected by the temperature sensor 5 can be detected, stored and processed by the data logger 23 ,
    CH 708 233 B1 The evaluation unit 19 is designed (by means of appropriate programming of the microprocessor of the data logger 23) in such a way that it controls the display 25 based on the recorded temperature measurement values.
    The monitoring system 1 is designed such that the evaluation unit 19 by connecting the first connecting element 7 to the second connecting element 21 - i. is activated by inserting the plug 7 into the socket 21, so that the data logger 23 starts and records the temperature measurement values at this point in time. The monitoring system 1 is also designed such that the evaluation unit 19 is deactivated by separating the temperature sensor 5 from the evaluation unit 19, so that the data logger 23 ends the acquisition and storage of the temperature measurement values at this time.
    The separation of the temperature sensor 5 from the evaluation unit 19 can e.g. by detaching the detachable connection formed between the first 7 and the second 21 connecting element or by severing the sensor strip 3 at the desired separation point 13.
    The monitoring system 1 is designed such that it monitors and displays whether or not the temperature detected by means of the temperature sensor 5 was within a predetermined target temperature range during the detection period. The target temperature range to be observed can depend on the goods to be transported and can therefore vary.
    The monitoring system 1 is designed in such a way that the target temperature range to be observed in each case is predetermined or defined by means of the sensor strip 3; whereby different types of sensor strips are provided for different target temperature ranges. Each sensor strip 3 has a temperature range feature which characterizes the target temperature range to be observed in each case. The evaluation unit 19 is designed in such a way that when the first connection element 7 is connected to the second connection element 21, it detects the temperature range feature and thus the target temperature range to be maintained.
    As an example, in the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the target temperature range to be maintained is defined by the spatial arrangement and the number of signal lines 9 of the sensor strip 3; i.e. different spatial arrangements and / or numbers of signal lines 9 correspond to different target temperature ranges. As an example, the second connecting element 21 has four connecting lines 31, but in the present case only two of these connecting lines 31 are occupied or contacted by the signal lines 9 of the sensor strip 3. The evaluation unit 19 is designed such that it detects the set temperature range to be maintained by detecting the occupied connecting lines 31.
    To make it easier to recognize the different types of sensor strips, the sensor strips can also be provided with a color marking and / or lettering which identifies the target temperature range that they have specified (for example, “frozen” or “frozen” for a target temperature range) from -5 ° C to +5 ° C, «Cold» for a set temperature range from 5 ° C to 10 ° C, and «Ambient» or «Room temperature» for a set temperature range of 15 ° C to 25 ° C).
    The display 25 is an example of a bistable liquid crystal display or an e-paper display. The display 25 is controlled by the evaluation unit 19 (for example by means of the microprocessor of the data logger) in such a way that the display 25 shows in a first display section 33 in a human-readable form (for example as plain text and / or in the form of pictograms) whether the of the sensor strip 3 specified target temperature range was maintained or not. The display is also controlled by the evaluation unit 19 such that the entire temperature history recorded up to the respective time is displayed in a second display section 35 in machine-readable form (e.g. as a machine-readable code, according to FIG. 1 as a QR code).
    The display 25 can in particular be used as a rectangular e-paper display with a diagonal of 2.7 inches and a resolution of e.g. 264 by 176 pixels or as a rectangular e-paper display with a diagonal of 2.0 inches and a resolution of e.g. Be formed 200 by 98 pixels; each data point of the QR code can be formed from a square of four pixels.
    [0063] The evaluation unit 19 is also equipped with an energy supply device with a solar cell 39. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 19 has a wireless communication interface 41 in the form of an infrared interface 41 (e.g. according to an IRDA standard), by means of which the evaluation unit 19 (or the memory and the microprocessor of the data logger 23) can be read out and reprogrammed.
    2 illustrates the monitoring system 1 when it is used to monitor the interior temperature of a transport container 37 in the form of a package 37. In the interior of the transport container 37, a temperature-sensitive material 43 (e.g. a medicament) to be transported is accommodated. The evaluation unit 19 is fastened to the outside of the transport container 37 in that a rear wall of the housing 27 is fastened to an outer wall of the transport container 37 in a tack-free manner by means of a fastening means in the form of a Velcro fastener (not shown). The sensor strip 3 is arranged in such a way that the temperature sensor 5 is located inside the transport container 37 and the first connecting element 7 is located outside the transport container 37; wherein the sensor strip 3 is guided through a gap formed between two wall elements of the transport container 37 from the inside of the transport container to the outside. 2, the evaluation unit 19 has a rear wall of the housing 27
    CH 708 233 B1 attached to the transport container 37 and the second connecting element 21 is arranged on a side wall of the housing 27.
    The monitoring system 1 has a strain relief device 45 with two strain relief elements 47, 49; each of the strain relief elements 47, 49 as a staple, i.e. is designed as a curved retaining clip. By means of the first strain relief element 47, the sensor strip 3 is fastened at a position on the connecting element section 15 on the outside of the transport container 37, by means of the second strain relief element 49 the sensor strip 3 is fixed at a position on the sensor element section 17 on the inside of the transport container 37 attached so that the sensor strip 3 is reliably secured against tensile load.
    3 shows a detail of a monitoring system 1 according to another embodiment when it is used to monitor the interior temperature of a transport container 37. According to this embodiment, the evaluation unit 19 is attached to an outside of the transport container 37 by a rear side of the housing 27 Evaluation unit 19 is attached to the outside of the transport container 37. The second connecting element 21 is arranged on the rear side of the housing 27 (contacting the transport container 37), the sensor strip 3 being guided outwards through a through opening 53 formed in a wall 51 of the transport container 37 from the inside of the transport container 37 and to the evaluation unit 19 is coupled, and wherein the through opening 53 is covered and closed by the housing 27. According to this version, no strain relief is required.
    List of reference numerals used [0067]
    I monitoring system / monitoring device
    Sensor connection element / sensor strip
    Temperature sensor element first connector / connector
    signal line
    II sensor support element
    Separation point / perforation
    Fastener section of the sensor strip
    Sensor element section of the sensor strip
    Evaluation unit second connection element / socket
    data logger
    display
    casing
    Interface / temperature signal interface
    Connection lines of the second connecting element human-readable first display section machine-readable second display section
    Transport container / package
    solar cell
    Communication interface / infrared interface of temperature-sensitive goods
    strain relief
    CH 708 233 B1
    47.49 strain relief element
    Wall of the transport container
    Through opening
    权利要求:
    Claims (12)
    [1]
    claims
    1. Monitoring system (1) for monitoring the temperature present in a transport container (37), comprising:
    - A sensor strip (3) with a temperature sensor element 5 (5), which is arranged at the first longitudinal end of the sensor strip (3), a first connecting element (7), which is arranged at the second longitudinal end of the sensor strip (3), and at least one signal line (9) extending between the temperature sensor element (5) and the first connecting element (7),
    - an evaluation unit (19) with a second connecting element (21), a data logger (23) and a display device (25),
    the first (7) and the second (21) connecting elements are designed such that they can be releasably connected to one another by forming an interface (29) for connecting the temperature sensor element (5) to the evaluation unit (19),
    - wherein the data logger (23) is designed to store temperature measurement values recorded one after the other by means of the temperature sensor element (5), and
    - The evaluation unit (19) is designed in such a way that the display device (25) is controlled based on the measured temperature values.
    [2]
    2. Monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor strip (3) has a predetermined separation point (13) for cutting through the sensor strip transverse to its longitudinal direction.
    [3]
    3. Monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the evaluation unit (19) is designed such that it is activated by connecting the first connecting element (7) to the second connecting element (21) and / or by separating the temperature sensor element (5) from the Evaluation unit (19) is deactivated.
    [4]
    4. Monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the monitoring system (1) is designed to monitor compliance with a predetermined target temperature range and is configured such that the display device (25) in human readable form (33) indicates whether the target temperature range has been maintained or not, and / or that the recorded entire recorded temperature history is displayed by the display device as a machine-readable code (35).
    [5]
    5. Monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor strip (3) is provided for monitoring compliance with a predetermined target temperature range and the evaluation unit (19) is set up in such a way that when the first connecting element (7) is connected to it the second connecting element (21), the target temperature range specified by means of the sensor strip is recorded.
    [6]
    6. Monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a strain relief (45) for securing the sensor strip (3) against tensile load.
    [7]
    7. Monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising fastening means for fastening the evaluation unit (19) to the transport container (37) to form a detachable connection.
    [8]
    8. Monitoring system according to claim 7, wherein the fastening means is a Velcro fastener.
    [9]
    9. A method for monitoring compliance with a predetermined temperature range when sending a temperature-sensitive transport good (43) from a starting point to a destination using a monitoring system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following steps:
    - Introducing the temperature-sensitive goods (43) into a transport container (37),
    Attaching the evaluation unit (19) of the monitoring system (1) to an outside of the transport container (37),
    - Arranging the sensor strip (3) of the monitoring system (1) such that the temperature sensor element (5) is arranged inside and the first connection element (7) outside the transport container (37), the first connection element (7) arranged on the sensor strip being connected to the on the evaluation unit (19) arranged second connecting element (21) is connected, and
    - Transporting the transport container (37) together with the transport goods (43) contained therein to the destination, the temperature inside the transport container being recorded and recorded during the entire duration of the transport and the respective temperature status being displayed by means of the display device.
    [10]
    10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the following step:
    -Reading the display device (25) of the monitoring system (1) after reaching the destination.
    CH 708 233 B1
    [11]
    11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising the following steps:
    - Separating the temperature sensor element (5) from the evaluation unit (19), and
    - Disconnect the evaluation unit (19) from the transport container (37).
    [12]
    12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of:
    - Transporting the separated evaluation unit (19) back to the starting point.
    CH 708 233 B1
    CM CO
    LO
    CO
    LO
    CM CH 708233 bi
    CH 708 233 B1 σ>
    LO
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    DE102013106336A1|2014-12-18|
    CH708233A2|2014-12-31|
    引用文献:
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    US11226125B2|2020-01-16|2022-01-18|Lettuce Box, Inc.|Cold storage energy optimization systems|DE3801541A1|1987-11-19|1989-06-01|Holzer Walter|Indicator for monitoring the temperature of chilled products|
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    US7372003B2|2005-03-22|2008-05-13|Lawrence Kates|System and method for monitoring food|DE102019106827A1|2019-03-18|2020-09-24|Teccom Pharma Gmbh|Packaging arrangement for the transport of temperature-sensitive goods|
    法律状态:
    2015-03-31| PCAR| Change of the address of the representative|Free format text: NEW ADDRESS: EIGERSTRASSE 2 POSTFACH, 3000 BERN 14 (CH) |
    2015-06-15| PCOW| Change of address of patent owner(s)|Free format text: NEW ADDRESS: WANKDORFALLEE 4, 3030 BERN (CH) |
    2020-09-30| PFA| Name/firm changed|Owner name: DIE SCHWEIZERISCHE POST AG, CH Free format text: FORMER OWNER: DIE SCHWEIZERISCHE POST AG, CH |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    DE102013106336.5A|DE102013106336A1|2013-06-18|2013-06-18|System and method for temperature monitoring in transit consignments|
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