WO2013029804A2

WO2013029804A2 - Temperature monitoring device to be arranged in a shipping package

Info

Publication number: WO2013029804A2
Application number: PCT/EP2012/003675
Authority: WO
Inventors: Horst Sonnendorfer; Uli SCHERRAUS
Original assignee: Tecpoint Gmbh
Priority date: 2011-09-01
Filing date: 2012-09-03
Publication date: 2013-03-07
Also published as: DE102011112173A1; WO2013029804A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a temperature monitoring device (1) intended to be arranged in a shipping package (16), having a temperature acquisition device (11) for monitoring a temperature condition, and a display device (5) which is designed to display a temperature condition relative to a limit temperature, which enables, in particular, the determination of whether the limit temperature has been exceeded or not reached. According to the invention, the display device (5) is designed to indicate the temperature conditions at several previous times. The invention further relates to the use of the temperature monitoring device (1) and to a method for monitoring a temperature.

Description

Temperature monitoring device for placement in a shipping package

The present invention relates to a temperature monitoring device for arranging in a shipping package, comprising a temperature detecting means for monitoring a temperature condition, and a display device configured to display a temperature condition with respect to a limit temperature.

It is known in the prior art to provide devices which allow to indicate the exceeding of a temperature limit of a refrigerated shipment during shipping.

For example, DE 199 12 529 A1 discloses a device for documenting a cold chain interruption in refrigerated or frozen products, which is mounted on a packaging and comprises an irreversibly reactive thermoindicator. This can indicate the exceeding of a certain temperature by a color change reaction.

DE 38 01 541 A1 discloses an indicator for monitoring the temperature of refrigerated products, which is arranged in the environment of a cooled product inside a packaging, and has an externally readable display for which one or more light-emitting diodes are present. An LCD display can also be provided which can indicate the maximum temperatures in C ° which have occurred after activation. Furthermore, the sum of several overshoot times of limit temperatures can be displayed.

US 2010/0219235 A1 discloses barcodes for foodstuffs which change as a function of time or temperature, so that different information can be read by means of a barcode reader, namely, in particular, whether the product is still suitable for consumption or sale. The color of the barcode changes in certain areas when a certain temperature is exceeded or when a certain amount of time has elapsed.

US 4,574,359 A discloses a clinical thermometer that already predicts the final temperature during the measurement. This is done by extrapolating the temperature tur-time profile. The predicted temperature value is displayed on the thermometer and becomes more accurate as the measurement duration increases.

Furthermore, it is known from the prior art that temperature profiles are recorded mechanically on paper in the interior of monitoring devices. However, these recording devices do not allow a temperature condition to be indicated with respect to a limit temperature because the user does not have information about the limit temperature.

Furthermore, in the prior art electronic devices are known, which can also be used to monitor a temperature, and store a time-temperature course, which later transferred to a computer, and can be displayed on this. Furthermore, systems are known which can indicate, in addition to the recording function by means of a lamp, when a limit temperature has been exceeded.

However, these systems are limited to providing only the simple information as to whether a temperature limit has been exceeded or require a complex readout process to obtain additional information.

Furthermore, systems are known in the art that indicate how many times a temperature limit has been exceeded or undershot, and how long this condition was present in total or at most in one piece. From EP 0 689 041 A1 a freezer is known, which comprises a temperature display which represents a time-temperature profile. A temperature measuring device has a computer, which queries the input of a temperature sensor for a short period of time, and stores the requested measurement data. The temperature display consists of a measured value display with an LCD display or with LED arrays. The individual rows of light points indicate correspondingly stepped temperature values and the light point columns indicate the hours of a time scale, with a limit bar marking a cooling limit temperature. The values lying in the bad range are shown with red light points and the temperature values lying within the good range are indicated with green light points.

It is the object of the invention to provide a temperature monitoring device and a related method, which enables a receiver in a simple way and Way, after delivery of a shipping package, to obtain information on a temperature condition during the previous shipment of the shipping package.

This is made possible by providing a temperature monitoring device for arranging in a shipping package, with a temperature detecting means for monitoring a temperature condition, and a display device configured to display a temperature condition with respect to a limit temperature, in particular allowing the determination of whether the limit temperature has exceeded or fallen below, wherein the display device is designed to display the temperature conditions at several previous display times. By having the display device designed to display the temperature conditions of a plurality of previous display times, comprehensive information about the course of the temperature condition during shipment of the shipping package can be viewed by the recipient, particularly the end user, upon delivery. In particular, the receiver can see when the temperature condition has been met, and when not, and thus can accurately check if or when the temperature condition has not been met. On the other hand, in the prior art, it is common to indicate whether or not a certain temperature condition has been met, but not, as in embodiments of the invention, to represent the continuous or discrete temperature condition history at a plurality of previous display times.

In particular, the temperature condition is the non-exceeding of a threshold temperature when refrigerated goods are shipped in the shipping package, ie, for example, meat or fish for human consumption. It can thus be determined exactly whether and when the necessary cooling temperature was not maintained. If the shipment has proceeded properly, the consignee can clearly see that the temperature condition has been met throughout the shipment and thus can trust the quality of the product. This is particularly advantageous in establishing new distribution channels, such as mail order food delivery to consumers on the Internet, as many end users are still unsure whether it is possible to consistently maintain refrigeration during such shipping. Furthermore, the temperature monitoring device according to the invention is advantageous in a possible complaint, since in particular it can be determined on which transport section the temperature condition was not met. Thus, the consignor, after receiving a complaint from the consignee, can identify exactly where the problem occurred in the supply chain and make the necessary improvements. This is possible in particular when the temperature monitoring device is activated at the start time of the shipment, since the start time is detected in ordinary shipment tracking databases, and thus, even if the temperature monitoring device displays only the relative time from activation, it can be determined at what absolute time Temperature condition was not met. Alternatively, the start time of the temperature monitoring device may be additionally included in the shipment tracking database. Finally, it is also possible that the temperature monitoring device displays the absolute time at the display times or at least makes it readable. In certain embodiments, it is also possible that the start time is stored on an RFID chip and, if necessary, read out after complaint.

It should be noted that in other embodiments, an RFID chip can be provided, which can also store information regarding the package number, so that an exchange of the temperature monitoring device can be easily determined.

Furthermore, in the RFID chip, the actual temperature at shipping and the end temperature can be stored upon receipt, or even the entire temperature profile.

In particular, the information stored on the RFID chip can be read out when the package is delivered to the recipient, and then advantageously incorporated into the shipment tracking database.

The temperature detection device has, in particular, a sensor and a control element, advantageously a microchip.

Advantageously, the display device is designed to simultaneously display the temperature conditions at a plurality of preceding display points. Thus, it is unnecessary the need to switch between different previous display times, and the receiver can determine at a glance whether the temperature conditions at several previous display points have been met. In particular, it is advantageous to simultaneously display the temperature conditions at all preceding display times.

Usually, the display times are one to six hours apart. Such an interval between the display times allows a clear display, and yet a sufficiently accurate staggering the display of the temperature conditions. In particular, the temperature monitoring device is suitable for being attached to a product, in particular to a food packaging. In particular, the product is fish, meat, or medical and pharmaceutical products, such as samples and laboratory products. The temperature monitoring device can be attached either directly to the product or to its packaging. It is advantageous if the packaging is sufficiently thin or temperature-conductive, as can be deduced from the measured temperature of the product on the temperature of the product.

In one embodiment, the temperature monitoring device has an adhesive element that allows the temperature monitoring device to be mounted on the product. This can prevent that the temperature monitoring device in the shipping package with respect to the product slip, and thus could provide an inaccurate temperature measurement. The adhesive element may in particular be an adhesive layer on the temperature monitoring device. Alternatively to attachment by gluing, the temperature monitoring device may also be attached to the product by any other means of attachment, such as a strap, string or clip. Furthermore, the temperature monitoring device can also be plugged into the product at a suitable location, so that it is thereby attached to or in the product.

In one embodiment, the adhesive element is covered with a release liner, the removal of which activates the temperature monitoring device. Thus, it is possible that once the product is provided with the temperature monitoring device, a Activation of the temperature monitoring device is ensured. Since this is integrated into an already necessary step, the activation of the temperature monitoring device can not be erroneously forgotten. On the other hand, however, in certain embodiments, another fastening means, for example a fastening wire or a fastening cord or a clip element, may also be provided on the temperature monitoring device, the use of which for activating the temperature monitoring device on the product automatically activates the temperature monitoring device.

Advantageously, the release liner interrupts electrical contact between a battery and the electronics of the temperature sensing device. As soon as the peel-off film is removed from the adhesive element, it is also removed from the electrical contact between the battery and the electronics of the temperature detection device, and the temperature monitoring device is thus activated.

Alternatively, a switch can be provided which activates the temperature monitoring device.

In preferred embodiments, the temperature sensing device is oriented towards the product, and structurally isolated at least in the opposite direction. This can be made possible, in particular, by the fact that the temperature detection device is provided at least with respect to a temperature sensor on the underside of the temperature monitoring device, which is arranged on the product. Thus, the remaining temperature monitoring device forms the structural insulation in the opposite direction. These features make it possible for the temperature detection device to detect the temperature of the product, while cooling elements or the like possibly provided in the shipping package can not falsify the temperature at the temperature detection device.

In one embodiment, the temperature condition is binary. That is, it is determined whether the temperature condition has been maintained or not. This allows a simple indication of the temperature conditions. In particular, if the temperature condition is the exceeding or falling below a limit temperature, there is a binary temperature condition. Alternatively, the temperature condition can also have three ranges of results, namely, for example, the observance of the condition, a transitional rich, and failure to meet the conditions. This can then be represented in particular in the form of a traffic light with green, orange and red display means, in particular in the form of lights. Alternatively, the temperature condition may simply be the measured temperature, and thus, apart from digital storage, represent a substantially continuous size.

In one embodiment, the display device has a plurality of light-emitting diodes, LEDs, wherein in each case at least one LED is assigned to a display time, and is designed to indicate whether the temperature condition has been met. In particular, by having the LED turned on, it can be displayed that the temperature condition has been met, while a non-on LED indicates that the temperature condition has not been met. As an alternative to LEDs, any other lighting elements can also be used. In particular, two-color lighting elements can be used, which make it possible to light in different colors, depending on whether the temperature condition was met or not. Finally, however, it is also possible to use light elements with any continuous color transitions, for example from a green area to a red area, which indicate to what extent the temperature condition was within an acceptable or critical range. After the LEDs or lighting elements are each assigned to the display times, a plurality of LEDs or lighting elements are provided, wherein additional information regarding the time scaling can be provided on the temperature monitoring device.

Advantageously, in each case two LEDs are provided per display time, the lighting of one LED, for example a green LED, indicating that the temperature condition has been maintained, while the lighting of the other LED, for example a red LED, indicates that the temperature condition has not been maintained , This allows a clear statement to be made for each display time, whereas with the provision of only one LED, the failure of that LED could be erroneously interpreted as meeting or not meeting the temperature condition.

Advantageously, the temperature detection device comprises an electronic temperature sensor. In particular, it supplies the temperature at different measuring instants, which need not necessarily correspond to the display instants, to an electronic circuit, in particular a microchip. In one embodiment, the temperature detection device is designed to determine the temperature only at each display time. Thus, with a minimum number of measuring points, the temperature condition can be determined, which enables power-saving operation of the temperature monitoring device. The temperature condition is then determined from the temperature, for example by comparing the temperature with a limit temperature.

Alternatively, the temperature detection device may be configured to determine the temperature between two display times at a plurality of measurement points, and to determine therefrom the temperature condition for the subsequent display time. As a result, the meaningfulness and accuracy of the temperature condition can be increased. In particular, the temperature condition can no longer be met if a limit temperature was exceeded or exceeded once, a limit temperature was exceeded or exceeded several times in a certain period, a limit temperature in a certain period of time was exceeded or fallen below for a certain time, or a Limit temperature between two display times was consistently exceeded or fallen below.

Furthermore, when the temperature condition is in a critical range, that is, in particular, is no longer satisfied, the time interval between the temperature measurements can be reduced to obtain more accurate information in the critical range. The display device may be configured to display only the temperature condition at a single display time in each case, and furthermore be designed so that it is possible to switch between different display times. This can be made possible in particular by a switch or slide. For example, by operating a switch or sliding a slider one after the other, the temperature condition at each of the display timings may be recalled and displayed.

In one embodiment, the display device may be configured to display numerical values relating to the temperature conditions at different display times. In particular, this may be the absolute temperature, but the numerical values may also represent the temperature interval with which the temperature for indicating Time has exceeded or fallen below a limit temperature. The numerical values can be displayed in particular in an LCD display.

Usually, the temperature monitor has a height of less than ten millimeters and a length of less than 150 millimeters. In this case, the temperature monitoring device may have any shape, for example a round, angular or curved shape.

In one embodiment, the temperature detection device is designed to provide a chemical reaction as a function of the temperature, with discoloration of the display device taking place depending on the chemical reaction. In particular, a linear chemical reaction is initiated as a function of the time at the start of shipment, which triggers a secondary chemical reaction at the display times, which allows the representation of a temperature condition as a function of the secondary chemical reaction by discoloration.

The temperature monitoring device is primarily used in the shipment of refrigerated goods, but it is also possible that other tempered consignments, including consignments containing products that must be kept warm, are supplemented by the temperature monitoring device. Then the temperature condition is primarily the falling below a limit temperature.

In particular, the temperature monitoring device may also determine whether the temperature is within a certain temperature interval, and thus the temperature condition, the determination of whether the temperature value is in the predetermined temperature interval or not.

In one embodiment, an activating element is provided which activates the temperature monitoring device when it is removed from the temperature monitoring device. Advantageously, an activation element may be provided which separates an electrical contact between the battery and the circuit board of the temperature monitoring device. The activation element is in particular a flat strip which is inserted between corresponding contacts. The activation element advantageously protrudes from the temperature monitoring device, so that it can be easily grasped. In particular, the activating element can be provided separately from a peel-off film, which is coated on an adhesive layer of the temperature monitoring. is provided device. Thus, the sticking of the temperature monitoring device and the activation can be done separately. This makes it possible, in particular, for the temperature monitoring device to be adhesively bonded to a desired shipping product in a first working step, and for it to be activated later and independently when the product is shipped.

The temperature monitoring device may in some embodiments be provided with a photosensitive sensor, in particular a photosensor. The temperature monitoring device can be designed so that the display device is activated only when a change, in particular increase, the light intensity is detected by the sensor. This allows the display device to not unnecessarily consume power when the temperature monitor is placed in a shipping package during shipment. As soon as the recipient opens the shipping package or removes the product contained therein, the change in light intensity is detected and the display device is activated. Then the receiver can easily check the temperature conditions during shipment.

In particular, the photosensitive sensor or the processing of its signal in the microchip may be switched on with a time delay after the activation of the temperature monitoring device, so that the temperature monitoring device does not unnecessarily activate the display device during packaging. The delay is more preferably at least one minute, advantageously more than 5 minutes, and in some embodiments, about one hour.

In order to improve the environmental compatibility of the temperature monitoring device, a simple removal or separation of the battery of the temperature monitoring device can be provided. In particular, the battery may be provided in a separable part of the temperature monitoring device. In particular, this can either be torn off or cut off. Accordingly, a cutting mark and / or a predetermined breaking or predetermined breaking point can be provided in the temperature monitoring device. In other embodiments, the battery may be provided in a carriage member that may be withdrawn from the temperature monitor. Finally, the battery can also be provided under a tab, which can either be opened or torn open, so that the Battery can be removed individually. Thus, the battery may be removed prior to disposal of the temperature monitor and disposed of separately.

In particular, the display device consists of two LEDs per display time, wherein advantageously not more than 25 times two LEDs are provided in total. Thus, the energy consumption of the display device can be reduced.

The temperature monitoring device has, in particular, a printed circuit board in the form of a printed circuit board, which is covered by a film, in particular is glued over with a film, the film projecting beyond the printed circuit board on at least one side. The overhanging film allows a relatively free shaping of the temperature monitoring device, as it defines its outer geometry. By the projecting film, an improvement in the attachment of the temperature monitoring device can be achieved, in particular because the film flexibly applies to the respective surface to which the temperature monitoring device is to be attached. Advantageously, the printed circuit board can be pasted over on both sides with foils, so that it is enclosed between the foils. The film or films, and in particular the overhanging regions of the film or films, may be provided with an adhesive layer which allows the films to be affixed to each other or to the film at a surface in the shipping package or on the product to be shipped. The term foil in this context means any flexible flat structure, i. H. in particular also thin sheet metal layers or coated or uncoated paper and not only plastic films.

The temperature monitoring device according to the invention is advantageously electronic. Further advantageously, the temperature monitoring device is in the form of a label so that it can be easily placed in a shipping package, particularly on a shipping product contained therein. Advantageously, the display device is designed to display the temperature conditions at a plurality of preceding, discrete display points. Thus, each time a temperature condition is displayed only at each display time. In particular, the temperature monitoring device is self-sufficient, both in its monitoring and in its display function, so that it can be arranged in a shipping package and can monitor and display the temperature condition without further aids. For this purpose, the temperature monitoring device is provided in particular with an energy source, advantageously a battery. The temperature monitoring device according to the present invention is in particular a disposable product, ie only intended for a single activation. Accordingly, it can be provided that a devaluation of the temperature device takes place after a single activation. This can be done, for example, by setting a condition in the microchip, that the energy content of the battery is designed for use only, and / or that activation can be done mechanically only once, for example by the activation element can not be reintroduced into the temperature monitoring device , Thus, the temperature monitoring device can be made tamper-proof. In particular, the display device can be designed such that the lighting means, advantageously LEDs, flash to thereby make the display more energy-efficient.

The activating element may also be a flexible area of the printed circuit board which can be torn off or cut off and thus activates the temperature monitoring device. Furthermore, by interrupting a region of a rigid printed circuit board, in particular a corner of the printed circuit board, the temperature monitoring device can be activated.

The film applied over the printed circuit board can be transparent or translucent, in particular, in regions, in order to enable visibility of a display device in the form of light sources, in particular LEDs. The temperature monitoring device can be welded for transport and storage in a package, in particular a PE film, so that it is protected against external influences.

At the temperature monitoring device may be provided a flexible attachment region, for example, a protruding adhesive tape, or a protruding adhesive film. In particular, the temperature device can be torn off from the projecting fastening region, whereby the recording can be stopped. Ie. When the temperature monitor is removed from the shipping package or shipping product, the temperature recording or temperature monitoring is automatically stopped.

In particular, multi-layer adhesive pads can be provided which change their color or represent a certain pattern, in particular when torn off. This allows light that the temperature monitoring device may be tamper-proof, since the displacement of the temperature monitoring device can be seen.

In particular, an elastic adhesive pad may be provided on the temperature monitoring device, if it is designed rigid. The elastic adhesive pad then adapts to corresponding uneven surfaces during attachment. The elastic adhesive pad can be configured in particular as a foam layer.

Alternatively or additionally, flexible tabs can also be provided on one, several or all sides of the temperature monitoring device, which can be used for affixing the temperature monitoring device. Furthermore, the invention relates to using a temperature monitoring device according to the invention by mounting it on a product, and shipping the product in a shipping package.

The object of the invention is further achieved by a method according to the invention, namely a method for monitoring a temperature, which comprises the following steps: First, a temperature monitoring device is arranged in a shipping package. Then, a temperature condition is monitored with a temperature detecting means in the temperature monitoring device. Finally, the temperature condition is displayed on the temperature monitoring device at a plurality of previous display instants, in particular to enable the determination as to whether and when a predetermined limit temperature has been exceeded or undershot.

The invention will be explained in more detail below by way of example with reference to the figures with reference to a preferred embodiment:

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a temperature monitoring device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the temperature monitoring apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention; Figure 3: shows a three-dimensional view of a shipping package with a product that has been provided with the temperature monitoring device according to the invention; and

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the temperature monitoring device according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a temperature monitoring device 1 according to the invention. The temperature monitoring device 1 has a substantially rectangular housing 2 with rounded corners. The housing 2 is mainly made of plastic. Furthermore, the housing 2 is sealed, so that it can be used even under humid conditions, for example, when condensation occurs in a shipping package. The housing 2 may in particular consist of two shells which are placed close to each other.

At the top of the housing, a plurality of light-emitting elements 3, 4 are provided, which advantageously comprise light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The lighting elements 3, 4 are part of a display device 5. The lighting elements 3 have in particular a green color, while the lighting elements 4 have a red color. Thus, a plurality of luminous elements 3 are arranged in a row, and in an adjacent row, a plurality of luminous elements 4, wherein in each case two luminous elements 3, 4 are combined into a pair, which represents a display time. In order to be able to assign the display instants to a time, the display device 5 furthermore has a time scale, which may in particular be provided with numbers relating to the elapsed time up to a display time. In the present example, the time scale is in hours, and the individual display times are each spaced four hours apart. In other embodiments, however, the time scale may also be represented without numerical values. This is particularly advantageous if the distance between the individual display times can be varied since an imprinted time scale could not be adapted. A variation of the distance between the display times can be done in particular by an electronic switching, for example with a switch, in which case a corresponding time scale 5 can be adhered, which corresponds to the respective spacing of the display times. The housing 2 is in particular made of an insulating plastic, so that the interior and the lower side of the temperature monitoring device 1 can be shielded from external temperature influences. Alternatively or additionally, the interior of the housing 2 may be filled with an insulating material. As an alternative to a housing 2, the temperature monitoring device 1 can also be produced by overmolding the components arranged therein with plastic, so that an essentially solid element is present.

In FIG. 2, the temperature monitoring device 1 is shown in a sectional drawing from the side at the level of the lighting elements 4. The lighting elements 4 are, as well as the lighting elements 3, connected to a circuit board 6. With the circuit board 6, a temperature sensor 7, a microchip 8 and a battery 9 are further connected. The temperature sensor 7 is configured to measure the temperature at the bottom of the temperature monitoring device 1, that is, at the side opposite to the light emitting elements 3, 4. The microchip 8 and the battery 9 are embedded in the housing 2, wherein in particular for the battery 9 with repeated use of the temperature monitoring device 1 may be a change possibility. However, since the temperature monitoring device 1 can normally be disposed of directly by the receiver after use, the battery 9 can also be fixedly installed in the housing 2. Furthermore, a release liner 10 is provided, which covers a provided on the underside of the housing 2 of the temperature monitoring device 1 adhesive layer. An end portion of the cover sheet 10 extends into a gap of the housing 2, and interrupts there an electrical contact, which is located between the battery 9 and the circuit board 6. When the peel-off sheet 10 is peeled off from the temperature monitor 1, an end portion of the peel-off sheet 10 is pulled out of the gap in the case 2, and releases the electrical contact between the battery 9 and the circuit board 6, so that the circuit board 6 is energized. In particular, however, the end section of the peel-off film 10 can also be arranged at one end near a tab 12 of the peel-off film 10 so that the end section is pulled out of a gap in the housing 2 even after partial peeling off of the peel-off film 10. Thus, it can be ensured that even partial removal of the release liner already activates the temperature monitoring device 1. This can be further ensured that even in the case of misuse, in which the peel-off 10 is only partially deducted a start of temperature monitoring takes place. The temperature sensor 7 and the microchip 8 together form the temperature detection device 11.

Once the temperature monitoring device 1 is activated, it begins to measure the temperature with the temperature sensor 7 at predetermined time intervals, the temperature information in the microchip 8 being converted into a temperature condition. The temperature condition is determined in each case for the individual display times, and at each display time a corresponding one of the two light elements 3, 4 is selected and activated. If the temperature condition is met, the green light-emitting element 3 is activated, if the temperature condition is not met, the red light-emitting element 4 is activated. Thus, after removing the temperature monitoring device 1 from the shipping package, the recipient, in particular an end consumer, can immediately determine when and if the temperature condition has been maintained. In this case, the temperature condition is, in particular, the non-exceeding of a limit temperature, wherein short-term exceeding of the limit temperature may be tolerable. In particular, a temperature measurement can take place at measuring points that are finer graduated than the display times, and from this plurality of measuring points between two display times then the temperature condition can be determined.

FIG. 3 shows the use according to the invention of the temperature monitoring device 1. A product 13, in particular lobster in a Produktverpa- ckung 14, is provided with the temperature monitoring device 1 by this is glued to the food packaging 14. Then, the product 13 is arranged together with two cooling elements 15 in a shipping package 16 consisting of lower part and lid.

The shipping package 16 is then shipped, with the temperature monitor 1 monitoring a temperature condition, not exceeding a limit temperature, throughout the shipment. Once the recipient receives and opens the shipping package 16, with only one glance at the temperature monitor 1, he can determine when and if the limit temperature has been exceeded during shipment. If this has been done, he can send the temperature monitoring device 1 back to the sender for complaint purposes, whereby the sender receives the same valuable information regarding the problem in the cold chain during shipping and can fix it. In the method according to the invention a temperature measurement is carried out with the temperature monitoring device 1 in particular at regular intervals, which is then converted by the microchip 8 for each display time in a temperature condition. This temperature condition is then displayed on the outside of a housing 2 by means of the light-emitting elements 3, 4, so that the recipient of the shipping package 16 can check immediately after receipt of the shipping package 16 whether the content was in the desired temperature range during the entire shipment.

In particular, the start time and the end time of the shipment may be stored in the temperature monitor or in a shipment tracking database so that the sender can check if the temperature condition was not met during shipment or only when the shipping package was already delivered to the recipient.

The shipping package 16 is designed in particular as Styrofoam box. The cooling elements 15 are filled in particular with dry ice or cooling gel. Alternative shapes for the housing of the temperature monitoring device 1 are a round or pentagonal to octagonal shape in the form of a seal.

In one embodiment, the time intervals between the individual measurement points are uniform for the temperature. Instead of the lighting elements 3, 4 can be used in particular a digital display. In a particularly space-saving embodiment, the temperature detection device 11 and display device 5 may be arranged between two layers of paper or cardboard, so that the temperature monitoring device 1 represents only one label.

Furthermore, it is also possible for the temperature detection device 11 to set the temperature measurements as soon as the temperature condition has not been fulfilled. Thus, the display on the display device 5 would display as a series of green LEDs until a red LED lights up or no other LED lights up, whereupon no further measurements or display times are displayed. However, the receiver can still determine when the temperature condition was not met for the first time. FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of a temperature monitoring device 1 according to the invention. The temperature monitoring device 1 has a substantially star-shaped housing 2. In this embodiment, the housing 2 has an upper film 17, under which the printed circuit board 6 is attached, in particular glued. In particular, the printed circuit board 6 has a smaller base area than the upper film 17, so that the upper film 17 projects over the printed circuit board 6 at least in certain areas. There are several tabs 18 of the top film 17 on the circuit board 6 via. The tabs 18 are thus flexible and allow stable attachment of the temperature monitoring device 1 even on non-planar surfaces. This is especially true when the printed circuit board 6 is rigid, with flexible printed circuit boards can be used.

Furthermore, a lower film may also be provided, wherein the printed circuit board 6 is then arranged between upper film 17 and lower film. The lower film can essentially correspond in its base area to the upper film. On the lower film or on the underside of the upper film 17 and the underside of the printed circuit board 6, an adhesive layer may be applied, which allows attachment of the temperature monitoring device 1 to a surface. As in the previous exemplary embodiment, the adhesive layer is covered with a release liner 10, which is removed on a surface before the temperature monitoring device 1 is attached. For this purpose, the peel-off film 19 in particular has a tab 12 which projects beyond the upper film 17. To activate the temperature monitoring device 1, an activation element 19 is provided, which can be pulled out of the temperature monitoring device 1. The activation element 19 is in particular in the form of a flat strip which is arranged between the battery 9 and the printed circuit board 6. When the activating element 19 is pulled out, the contact between the battery 9 and the circuit board 6 is closed. This activates the temperature monitoring device 1. In particular, a time delay of the activation of the temperature monitoring device 1 after the removal of the activation element 19 may be provided until it can be assumed that the shipping package is closed.

Furthermore, the temperature monitoring device 1 may have a light-sensitive sensor, not shown, which activates the display device 3, 4 as soon as an increase in the light intensity is detected, from the opening of the shipping package and removing the shipping product can be assumed. Only then is the display device 5 activated, so that until then energy can be saved.

The display device 5 comprises a multiplicity of luminous elements 3, 4 which are arranged on the printed circuit board 6 and which are visible through translucent or transparent regions of the upper film 17. In particular, the luminous elements 3, 4 are arranged in the form of a circumference section. As the curve progresses along the circumference section, a time scale is displayed, in particular in a clockwise direction.

The light-emitting means 3 are designed, for example, in a first color, and represent the time course, wherein additionally or alternatively, the light-emitting elements 4 can be turned on, so that it is shown that in this time range exceeded the limit temperature was present. For this purpose, in addition, a separate display element 20 can be turned on, indicating overall that the temperature has been exceeded in order to make this information for the recipients even clearer, so that it can look at the display device 5 in more detail to determine at what time this temperature exceeded present. The display element 20 may in particular also be provided in the form of a luminous means, preferably an LED.

The battery 9 is provided in particular under a hinged or tear-off region 21 of the upper film 17. This can be marked accordingly and limited by a tear line, so that the recipient can receive the temperature monitoring device at this point by removing the area 21 after receiving the shipping package and remove the battery 9 and dispose of separately.

Claims

claims

A temperature monitoring device (1) for placement in a shipping package (16), comprising temperature sensing means (11) for monitoring a temperature condition, and a display device (5) adapted to indicate a temperature condition with respect to a threshold temperature, in particular allowing the determination of whether the Limit temperature has been exceeded or undershot, characterized in that the display device (5) is designed to display the temperature conditions at several previous display times.

Temperature monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the display device (5) is adapted to simultaneously display the temperature conditions at a plurality of previous display times.

Temperature monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, which is suitable for being attached to a product (13), in particular to a food packaging (14).

A temperature monitoring device according to claim 3, wherein the temperature monitoring device (1) comprises an adhesive member that allows the temperature monitoring device (1) to be mounted on the product (13), the adhesive element being covered with a release liner (10) which is peeled off Temperature monitoring device (1) activated.

Temperature monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature detecting means (11) is aligned in the direction of the product (13), and is structurally isolated at least in opposite directions.

Temperature monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature condition is binary. Temperature monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device (5) comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes, LEDs (3, 4), wherein in each case at least one LED (3, 4) is associated with a display time, and is designed to indicate whether the temperature condition was met.

Temperature monitoring device according to claim 7, wherein in each case two LEDs (3, 4) are provided per display time.

Temperature monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature detecting means (1 1) is designed to determine the temperature only at each display time.

Temperature monitoring device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the temperature detecting means (11) is adapted to determine the temperature between two display times at a plurality of measuring points, and to determine therefrom the temperature condition for the subsequent display time.

Temperature monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device (5) is designed to represent each only the temperature condition at a display time, and is further designed that can be switched between different display times.

Temperature monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device (5) is designed to display numerical values with respect to the temperature condition at different display times.

Temperature monitoring device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temperature detecting means is adapted to provide a chemical reaction as a function of temperature, wherein depending on the chemical reaction, a discoloration of the display device takes place.

Temperature monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a power source, in particular a battery (9).

15. Temperature monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a battery (9) in a separable part of the temperature monitoring device (1) is provided.

16. Temperature monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an activation element (19) is provided which activates the temperature monitoring device (1) when it is removed from the temperature monitoring device (1).

17. A temperature monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein a photosensitive sensor is provided, and wherein the temperature monitoring device is configured to activate the display device when the photosensitive sensor detects a change in the light intensity.

18. Temperature monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a printed circuit board (6) which is covered by a film (17), wherein the film (17) on at least one side over the printed circuit board (6) protrudes.

Use of a temperature monitoring device according to any one of the preceding claims, by mounting it on a product (13), and shipping the product (13) in a shipping package (16).

20. A method of monitoring a temperature, comprising:

Arranging a temperature monitoring device in a shipping package (16),

Monitoring a temperature condition with a temperature detecting means (11), and

Displaying the temperature condition at a plurality of previous display times on the temperature monitoring device (1), in particular to allow the determination of whether and when a predetermined limit temperature has been exceeded or undershot.