JP6431268B2 - Method for determining index of article temperature, temperature sensor, air conditioner, delivery vehicle, and warehouse - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for determining a temperature index of an article to be transported or stored, a temperature sensor, an air conditioner, a delivery vehicle, and a warehouse. In addition, the operation control method of the air conditioner, the guarantee method that the index temperature sensor is arranged in the accommodation room, the guarantee method that the article is accommodated in the accommodation room, the index temperature sensor and the article are placed and accommodated in the accommodation room The present invention also relates to a security method, an article temperature acquisition system, and an article temperature management utilization system.

  Articles that are transported as a cargo of a vehicle or articles that are stored in a warehouse may be managed within a specified temperature range in order to maintain quality. In this case, the article is cooled or heated by being placed in a storage room whose temperature is adjusted by an air conditioner provided in a delivery vehicle or a warehouse. In order to easily grasp the temperature of the article at that time, for example, the temperature of the article is substituted by the air temperature in the accommodation chamber measured by a temperature sensor attached to the air conditioner.

  Further, in order to grasp the temperature of an article, it has been proposed that the slip be provided with a temperature detection mechanism by printing with a temperature indicating ink on a slip attached to the article (Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-87542 A

The temperature of the air in the storage room is likely to fluctuate due to opening of the door, solar radiation, and the like. On the other hand, since the articles in the storage chamber have a larger heat capacity than air, the temperature is less likely to fluctuate than air. Usually, articles are packed with packing materials such as cardboard, foamed polystyrene, bubble cushioning material, etc. to prevent damage / dirt adhesion and water wetting. It acts as a thermal resistance to the heat flow. Also from this, the temperature of the article is less likely to fluctuate than the surrounding air.
As described above, there is often a divergence between the temperature of the article and the air temperature in the accommodation chamber, and it is difficult to grasp the temperature of the article itself based on the air temperature.
Note that the temperature detected by the temperature detection mechanism of the slip as in Patent Document 1 can be said to be the same as the air temperature in the accommodation chamber in that the heat capacity of the article and the thermal resistance of the packaging material are not reflected. That is, the temperature of the slip is likely to fluctuate similarly to the air temperature.

As described above, since the temperature of the article does not follow the fluctuation of the air temperature in the accommodation room due to the opening of the door or the like, the temperature of the article is regulated even if the air temperature in the accommodation room deviates from the prescribed temperature range. Often within the temperature range.
However, if the temperature of the article is managed based on the air temperature in the accommodation chamber, for example, the air conditioner can be operated at a high capacity to quickly return the temperature raised by the door being opened, Is misidentified as deviating from the specified temperature range, and the article is discarded. These are wasteful in terms of cost, energy, and resources.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus capable of appropriately temperature-controlling an article without causing such waste.

  According to the method for determining an article temperature index of the present invention, an air temperature sensor that detects the temperature of air in the accommodation room, an index temperature sensor that detects the temperature, an air temperature sensor, Assuming that the heat capacity is C1 and the thermal resistance between the air temperature sensor and the air in the housing chamber is R1, the index temperature sensor has a heat capacity larger than C1 and a space between the index temperature sensor larger than R1 and the air in the housing chamber. A thermal operation member that provides at least one of the thermal resistances is arranged, and a temperature detected by an index temperature sensor is defined as an index corresponding to the temperature of the article.

According to the present invention, the temperature of an article that is difficult to detect because it is packaged can be grasped as the temperature detected by the index temperature sensor. Moreover, the pseudo temperature of the article assumed as the temperature management target can be grasped by the index temperature sensor provided with the operation member, without individually detecting the temperature of many articles. The temperature detected by the index temperature sensor can be determined as the temperature index of the article.
The temperature index can be used, for example, for operation control of an air conditioner that air-conditions the accommodation room.
It can also be used to confirm that an article delivered by a vehicle or stored in a warehouse has been placed under a desired temperature control.

In the method for determining an article temperature index according to the present invention, a packaged article and a packaged article in which the index temperature sensor is packed by at least a part of the thermal operation member can be accommodated in the accommodation chamber.
Here, the index temperature sensor is preferably packaged using the same packaging material as the packaging material of the article.
When the index temperature sensor is packaged, the temperature change of the index temperature sensor can be brought close to the temperature change of the packaged article, so that a temperature closer to the article can be detected. Thereby, the reliability of the temperature management of the article can be improved.

  In the method for determining an article temperature index according to the present invention, the temperature of each of the plurality of articles accommodated in the accommodation chamber can be represented by an index based on the temperature detected by the index temperature sensor.

  In the method for determining an article temperature index according to the present invention, the index temperature sensor and the thermal operation member may be individually provided in a plurality of articles accommodated in the accommodation chamber.

  In the method for determining an article temperature index according to the present invention, an index temperature sensor and a thermal operation member may be provided on a slip attached to each article.

The operation control method for an air conditioner according to the present invention is characterized in that the operation of the air conditioner used for air conditioning in the accommodation room is controlled using the index set by the method for determining the index of the article temperature.
Here, even if the temperature of the air in the storage chamber suddenly changes due to the opening of the entrance / exit of the storage chamber or solar radiation, the temperature change of the index temperature sensor is given the heat capacity and thermal resistance by the thermal operation member, It becomes slow as well as the temperature change of the article.
Therefore, even if the air temperature deviates from the specified temperature range determined for the article, the operation mode reduces energy consumption based on the temperature index indicating the temperature of the article as long as the index temperature does not deviate from the specified temperature range. The air conditioner can be operated. That is, it is possible to avoid waste of energy such as operating the air conditioner with a high capacity in an attempt to restore the air temperature in the accommodation chamber to the target temperature.
In addition, if it is determined based on the index temperature that the article has been placed under the specified temperature, it can be avoided that the quality of the article has been impaired just because the air temperature has deviated from the specified temperature range. The waste loss of the articles can be reduced.

In the operation control method for an air conditioner according to the present invention, even if the temperature of the air in the storage chamber reaches the target temperature, if the index does not reach the target temperature, the target temperature is temporarily set to a value exceeding the target. Shoot or undershoot operation can be performed.
By performing feedback control so that the air temperature is adjusted to a value that exceeds the target, the index temperature of the article can be quickly brought close to the original target temperature.

  The method for ensuring that the index temperature sensor is arranged in the accommodation chamber of the present invention is a method for ensuring that the index temperature sensor is arranged in the accommodation chamber in the above-described method for determining the index of the article temperature. If the wired or wireless connection between the air conditioner that air-conditions and the index temperature sensor is successful, it is determined that the index temperature sensor is disposed in the accommodation room, and the air conditioner and the index temperature sensor are If the wired or wireless connection fails, it is determined that the index temperature sensor is not arranged in the accommodation room.

  The method for ensuring that the index temperature sensor is disposed in the accommodation chamber according to the present invention is a method for ensuring that the index temperature sensor is disposed in the accommodation chamber in the method for determining the index of the article temperature described above. If transmission / reception of the signal between the air conditioner that air-conditions the room and the index temperature sensor is successful, it is determined that the index temperature sensor is disposed in the accommodation room, and the air conditioner is connected to the index temperature sensor. If the transmission / reception of the signal fails, it is determined that the index temperature sensor is not arranged in the accommodation room.

  The method for ensuring that the index temperature sensor is disposed in the storage chamber of the present invention is a method for ensuring that the index temperature sensor is disposed when the index temperature sensor is in the form of a package as described above. A tag capable of holding data is attached to the package, and the data is read from the tag when the package is loaded in the storage chamber.

  If it is determined that the index temperature sensor is not arranged in the accommodation room according to each invention for ensuring that the index temperature sensor is arranged in the accommodation room, the fact is notified by a display or an alarm sound. Is preferred.

  The method for ensuring that an article is accommodated in the accommodation chamber according to the present invention is a method for ensuring that an article is accommodated in the accommodation chamber in the above-described method for determining an article temperature index, and a tag capable of retaining data Is attached to the article, and data is read from the tag when the article is loaded in the accommodation chamber.

  The method for ensuring that an article is accommodated in the accommodation chamber according to the present invention is a method for ensuring that an article is accommodated in the accommodation chamber in the above-described method for determining an article temperature index, and a tag capable of retaining data Is attached to the article, and data is read from the tag by a reader located in the accommodation chamber.

If it is determined that the article is not accommodated in the accommodation room according to the above-described inventions that ensure that the article is placed in the accommodation room, it is preferable to notify this by a display or an alarm sound.
According to the method of reading data from the tag by the reader located in the accommodation chamber, it is possible to confirm that the article is accommodated in the accommodation chamber at any time from when the article is carried into the accommodation chamber until it is carried out. it can.
In each invention that guarantees that an article is placed in the accommodation chamber described above, the tag can be individually attached to a plurality of articles accommodated in the accommodation chamber, and among the plurality of articles accommodated in the accommodation chamber It is also possible to attach only to some of the articles.

The method for ensuring that the index temperature sensor and the article are arranged and accommodated in the accommodation chamber according to the present invention includes the method for ensuring that the index temperature sensor is arranged in the accommodation chamber and the article is accommodated in the accommodation chamber. And the security method is performed on the same storage room.
According to the present invention, it is possible to ensure that the index temperature sensor is arranged and the article is accommodated in the same accommodation chamber.

First temperature sensor of the present invention includes a sensor body for detecting the temperature, the sensor body, and a heat operation member providing a thermal resistance between the heat capacity and the sensor body and the air, the heat operating member , possess a thermal capacity member providing a heat capacity in the sensor body by thermally coupling covers the sensor body, and a heat insulating material providing heat resistance to the sensor body and the heat capacity member by covering the sensor body and the heat capacity member, the air-conditioning It is arranged together with the article in the storage chamber for accommodating the article, and the detection temperature by the sensor body is used as an index corresponding to the temperature of the article, the article is packed by the packing material, and the sensor body is inside the packing material. It is provided in a heat capacity member which is a pseudo article simulating an article, and is packed with a heat insulating material together with the heat capacity member .
The temperature sensor of the present invention can be arranged in a storage room for storing an article under air conditioning, and the temperature detected by the sensor body can be used as an index corresponding to the temperature of the article.
By providing a thermal operation member simulating the heat capacity and thermal resistance of the article in the sensor body of the temperature sensor, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor can be determined as the temperature index of the article.

The second temperature sensor of the present invention includes a sensor main body for detecting temperature, and a thermal operation member that provides the sensor main body with a heat capacity and a thermal resistance between the sensor main body and air, and the thermal operation member. Has a heat capacity member that covers the sensor body and thermally couples it to give heat capacity to the sensor body, and a heat insulating material that gives heat resistance to the sensor body and heat capacity member by covering the sensor body and heat capacity member, The thermal operation member includes a pad that wraps the entire sensor body and a heat insulating material that sandwiches the pad from both sides.
By providing a thermal operation member simulating the heat capacity and thermal resistance of the article in the sensor body of the temperature sensor, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor can be determined as the temperature index of the article.
In the temperature sensor configured as described above, the temperature sensor is disposed in a storage chamber for storing the article, and the temperature detected by the sensor body is used as an index corresponding to the temperature of the article. The sensor body and the thermal operation member are provided on a slip attached to the article. be able to.
A slip has the property of being individually attached to an article. The slip is checked for the description items, read the identification code, and the like in each process of physical distribution, such as loading and unloading of goods into a vehicle or warehouse.
Therefore, if a temperature sensor is provided on the slip, it can be ensured that the temperature sensor is surely attached to the article through confirmation of the slip.

In the temperature sensor of the present invention, it is preferable that the sensor body and the thermal operation member are detachably bonded to the article.
Further, when the sensor main body and the thermal operation member are provided on a slip attached to the article, it is preferable that the sensor main body and the thermal operation member are detachably bonded to the slip in addition to the article.
Here, “adhered” includes not only using an adhesive but also being adhered by the adhesiveness provided to at least one of the sensor main body, the thermal operation member, the article, and the slip. If the sensor main body and the thermal operation member are provided on the article or slip so as to be peelable, they can be peeled off from the article or slip and reused.
In order to adhere to an article or a slip so as to be peelable, an easily peelable adhesive can be used. Alternatively, a film or the like that can be easily peeled off from the adhesive can be provided on the article or slip, and the sensor body and the thermal operation member can be bonded to the article or slip via the film or the like.

In the temperature sensor of the present invention, a tag capable of holding individual identification information and wirelessly communicating can be connected to the sensor main body, or the sensor main body can be incorporated into the tag.
Then, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor can be collected through the tag. Based on the collected temperature data, the temperature management status of each article can be referred to.

In the temperature sensor of the present invention, the tag may be provided with a storage device that is arranged in a storage chamber for storing an article and can store an index corresponding to the temperature of the article .
Then, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor as an index of the temperature of the article can be read from the tag when necessary.

In the first temperature sensor of the present invention, articles are packaged by the packaging material, the sensor body is provided in the heat capacity member, Ru and packed with a heat insulating material with heat capacity member. That is, the temperature sensor is configured in a form simulating an article.

  The air conditioner of the present invention is characterized in that the above-described temperature sensor is disposed, and the accommodation chamber that accommodates the article is air-conditioned using the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

  The delivery vehicle of the present invention includes the above-described temperature sensor, the above-described air conditioner, and a storage chamber.

  A warehouse according to the present invention includes the above-described temperature sensor, the above-described air conditioner, and a storage chamber.

  The article temperature acquisition system of the present invention includes the above-described temperature sensor and the above-described air conditioner, and the air conditioner acquires a temperature detected by the temperature sensor as an index of the article temperature.

The article temperature acquisition system of the present invention includes the above-described temperature sensor, the above-described air conditioner, and a device provided with a storage chamber for storing the article , and the apparatus determines the temperature detected by the temperature sensor as the temperature of the article. It is obtained as an index of
The device here corresponds to a delivery vehicle or a warehouse.

The article temperature acquisition system of the present invention includes the above-described temperature sensor, the above-described air conditioner, and a receiver that acquires a temperature detected by the temperature sensor as an index of the article temperature.
Here, in the receiver in the present invention, the temperature sensor is incorporated in addition to the one that passively obtains the detected temperature by notifying the detected temperature by the temperature sensor by a transmitter connected to the temperature sensor, etc. Also included is a device that actively detects a temperature detected by a temperature sensor from a tag or the like.

  An article temperature management and utilization system according to the present invention includes the above-described temperature sensor, a receiver that acquires a temperature detected by the temperature sensor as an index of the article temperature, and a computer device that collects the index acquired by the receiver. The computer device is characterized by returning an index of an article related to the user in response to a request from the user related to the article corresponding to the index.

  In the article temperature management and utilization system of the present invention, it is preferable that the computer device outputs a form in which the index of the article related to the user is written in response to a request from the user related to the article corresponding to the index.

  An article temperature management and utilization system according to the present invention includes the above-described temperature sensor, and a receiver that acquires a temperature detected by the temperature sensor as an index of the article temperature, and the receiver is a sensor body through a tag attached to the article. It is characterized in that the detected temperature is obtained as an index.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the method and apparatus which can perform temperature management of articles | goods appropriately can be provided.

It is a mimetic diagram showing a delivery vehicle concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of air temperature, article | item temperature, and the parameter | index temperature of an article | item. It is a schematic diagram which shows the delivery vehicle which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the delivery vehicle which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the delivery vehicle which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the delivery vehicle which concerns on the modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the delivery vehicle which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the parameter | index temperature sensor integrated with the slip which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the delivery vehicle which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the delivery vehicle which concerns on the modification of 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the delivery vehicle which concerns on the modification of 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example which combined the modification of 2nd Embodiment and the modification of 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example which combined the modification of 2nd Embodiment and the modification of 4th Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the temperature management of the load using RF tag regarding 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation control of the refrigerator which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the package temperature management utilization system which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the package temperature management utilization system which concerns on 7th Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[First Embodiment]
A delivery vehicle 10 shown in FIG. 1A delivers a package 11 while managing the temperature at a temperature lower than room temperature.
The delivery vehicle 10 includes a refrigerator 12 (air conditioner), a storage chamber 13 that is air-conditioned by the refrigerator 12, and an index temperature sensor 20 that is disposed in the storage chamber 13.
The refrigerator 12 cools the air in the storage chamber 13 and includes a controller 14 and an air temperature sensor 15. Various types of refrigerators such as those using a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, such as the Peltier effect and magnetic refrigeration can be applied to the refrigerator 12.

The air temperature sensor 15 detects the temperature of the air in the storage chamber 13. The air temperature sensor 15 is connected to the controller 14.
The controller 14 controls the operation of the refrigerator 12 by the feedback control using the air temperature detected by the air temperature sensor 15 so that the air temperature in the storage chamber 13 becomes the target temperature.
The controller 14 is configured so that the refrigerator 12 can be efficiently operated with less energy. When the air temperature in the storage chamber 13 reaches the target temperature, the controller 14 temporarily turns off the operation of the refrigerator 12 and then shifts to an operation mode in which the refrigerator 12 is intermittently turned on / off, thereby realizing an energy saving operation. doing.
Note that an energy saving operation can also be realized by reducing the flow rate of the refrigerant and operating the refrigerator 12 with a limited capacity.

The storage chamber 13 stores a plurality of luggage under air conditioning by the refrigerator 12. Two of the packages 11, 11 are shown as representatives.
The storage chamber 13 is provided with a door (not shown) for taking in and out the luggage 11.

The luggage 11 includes an article 16 and a packing material 17 that packs the article 16.
The content, shape, and structure of the article 16 are arbitrary.
As the packing material 17, any material such as paper, film, bubble cushioning material, foamed polystyrene, cardboard or the like can be used. The packaging material 17 of the present embodiment includes an outer box made of cardboard.

  The luggage 11 is cooled via the cooled air in the storage chamber 13. The article 16 that is the contents of the luggage 11 is cooled to a temperature approximately equal to the target temperature of the refrigerator 12.

The index temperature sensor 20 detects the temperature as an index of the temperature of the article 16.
The index temperature sensor 20 includes a sensor main body 21 that detects temperature and a thermal operation member 22 that covers the sensor main body 21.
For example, a thermistor can be used as the sensor body 21. In addition, a thermocouple or the like can also be used.

  The thermal operation member 22 provides a heat capacity to the sensor main body 21 and a thermal resistance against a heat flow between the sensor main body 21 and the surrounding air. Since the thermal operation member 22 is provided, the heat capacity of the index temperature sensor 20 is larger than the heat capacity of the air temperature sensor 15, and the thermal resistance between the index temperature sensor 20 and the surrounding air is the air temperature sensor. Greater than the thermal resistance between 15 and the ambient air.

  As schematically shown in FIG. 1B, which is a cross-sectional view, the thermal operation member 22 includes a pad 23 that wraps the entire sensor body 21, and heat insulating materials 24 and 24 that sandwich the pad 23 from both sides.

The pad 23 provides heat capacity to the sensor body 21 by being in close contact with and thermally coupled to the sensor body 21. The sensor main body 21 and the pad 23 have a predetermined heat capacity as a whole.
The pad 23 is obtained by enclosing a liquid or gel substance, in which polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or the like is dispersed in water, in a resin bag. The phase transition temperature such as evaporation and condensation of the substance enclosed in the bag is not in the management temperature range of the luggage 11. For example, even if the luggage 11 is cooled to 0 ° C. or lower in the accommodation chamber 13, the substance does not condense and changes in temperature due to sensible heat.

The heat insulating material 24 gives the sensor main body 21 thermal resistance between the sensor main body 21 and the air by suppressing the propagation of heat between the pad 23 and the sensor main body 21 and the surrounding air.
The heat insulating material 24 can be of any form and material. For example, a material made of paper, wood, resin, or the like and having a large number of bubbles can be used. As the heat insulating material 24, a sheet formed of foamed urethane or fluororesin can be exemplified.
In order to suppress the heat of the indoor air from being transmitted from the front side of the pad 23 exposed to the air in the storage chamber 13 to the sensor body 21, at least the front side of the pad 23 is thermally insulated. The material 24 is arranged.
When the heat insulating material 24 is also arranged on the back side of the pad 23, for example, when the surface of the packaging material 17 is formed of a material having high thermal conductivity, such as when metal is deposited on the surface of the cardboard box of the packaging. This is effective because the heat of the surface of the packaging material 17 following the room air can be prevented from affecting the temperature of the sensor body 21.

The index temperature sensor 20 can be disposed at any position within the accommodation chamber 13.
In order to represent the temperature of the article 16 of each of the plurality of loads 11 accommodated in the storage chamber 13 by the detected temperature of the index temperature sensor 20, the index temperature sensor 20 is set to the center of the ceiling of the storage chamber 13 or the center of the side wall. It is preferable that the distance from each load 11 to the index temperature sensor 20 is as uniform as possible, such as the center of the floor.
Alternatively, the index temperature sensor 20 can be provided on the surface of the luggage 11 accommodated in the accommodation chamber 13.
Since the heat capacity and heat resistance are given by the thermal operation member 22, the temperature change of the sensor body 21 of the index temperature sensor 20 is suppressed as compared with the case where the thermal operation member 22 is not provided.

  The index temperature sensor 20 is connected to the controller 14 of the refrigerator 12 by wireless or wired. The temperature data detected by the index temperature sensor 20 is acquired by the controller 14.

Hereinafter, temperature management of the luggage 11 using the index temperature sensor 20 will be described with reference to FIG.
It is necessary to manage the luggage 11 below a specified temperature in order to maintain the quality of the article 16. Therefore, the refrigerator 12 is operated at the target temperature T0 that is lower than the specified temperature of the luggage 11.
Here, it is assumed that the temperature of the air in the storage chamber 13 has rapidly increased due to external factors such as opening of the door of the storage chamber 13 and solar radiation. An air temperature T <b> 1 represented by a thin solid line indicates a temperature detected by the air temperature sensor 15. When the door is closed again, the air temperature T <b> 1 in the storage chamber 13 is lowered due to separation from the outside air by the door.
FIG. 2A shows an example in which the operation of the refrigerator 12 is turned off before the door is opened and the operation of the refrigerator 12 is turned on after the door is closed. The air temperature T1 is further lowered by cooling the air in the storage chamber 13 by the on operation of the refrigerator 12.

On the other hand, the article temperature T <b> 2 represented by a broken line in FIG. 2A indicates the temperature of the article 16 in the state of being packed as the luggage 11. The article temperature T2 is a value obtained by experiment or simulation of the temperature of the article 16 inside the luggage 11. When the temperature of the article 16 is actually obtained, a temperature sensor is disposed on the article 16 or embedded inside the article 16 inside the packaging material 17.
While the air temperature T1 responds sensitively to the opening and closing of the door and the on operation of the refrigerator 12, the article temperature T2 responds with a delay to the opening and closing of the door and the on operation of the refrigerator 12, and its fluctuations. The amount is also small compared to the air temperature T1. This is due to the heat capacity of the article 16 and the thermal resistance due to the packaging material 17. The article temperature T2 rises by a slight amount due to the opening of the door, and falls behind the fall of the air temperature T1.
As described above, the article temperature T2 is unlikely to fluctuate unlike the air temperature T1, which tends to fluctuate following the temperature change of the surrounding environment. Therefore, even if the air temperature T1 rises significantly and exceeds the specified temperature, the article temperature T2 is often kept below the specified temperature. Nevertheless, FIG. 2B shows an example in which the temperature of the luggage 11 is managed based on the air temperature T1. If the temperature of the luggage 11 is managed based on the air temperature T1 as shown in FIG. 2B, the refrigerator 12 is operated continuously in order to recover the increased temperature in the storage chamber 13 to the target temperature. Or high-power driving with a large capacity. Further, it is mistaken that the temperature of the article 16 has exceeded the specified temperature, and the article 16 becomes a target for disposal.

By the way, if the temperature control of the luggage 11 is performed based on the temperature of the article 16, as long as the temperature of the article 16 is maintained at a temperature at which the quality of the article 16 can be maintained, High power operation and unnecessary disposal of the article 16 can be avoided.
However, it is difficult to detect the temperature of the article 16 actually packed as the luggage 11. Since it is not practical to enclose the temperature sensor inside the packing material 17 during packaging or to unpack and prepare the temperature sensor during delivery, the article temperature T2 cannot actually be detected.
Therefore, by providing the heat capacity and heat resistance to the sensor main body 21 by the thermal operation member 22 as described above, temperature detection that achieves a temperature closer to the article temperature T2 than the air temperature T1 is realized. The index temperature T3 is not deviated from the article temperature T2 like the air temperature T1, and is an appropriate value for indicating the temperature of the article 16. The temperature detected by the sensor body 21 of the index temperature sensor 20 is set as an index of the temperature of the article 16. Then, the temperature of the luggage 11 is managed using the index.

An index temperature T3 indicated by a thick solid line in FIG. 2A indicates a temperature detected by the sensor body 21 of the index temperature sensor 20.
Here, the heat capacity given to the sensor body 21 is smaller than the heat capacity of the article 16.
Further, the thermal resistance given to the sensor body 21 is smaller than the thermal resistance of the article 16 mainly given by the packing material 17.
Therefore, when the door is opened and closed, the index temperature T3 is more likely to change (sensitive) than the article temperature T2, but is less likely to change (insensitive) than the air temperature T1.

The controller 14 of the refrigerator 12 monitors the index temperature T3 by the index temperature sensor 20, and uses the index temperature T3 for operation control of the refrigerator 12.
Even if the air temperature T1 significantly increases due to the opening of the door, the index temperature T3 does not increase as much as the article temperature T2. At this time, since the temperature of the article 16 is kept below the specified temperature, the operation mode for saving energy of the refrigerator 12 is continued, and unnecessary continuous operation and high power operation as shown in FIG. Absent.

  In the event that a significant temperature fluctuation occurs in the storage chamber 13 such as when the door is kept open, safety is anticipated so that the temperature of the article 16 can be reliably kept below the specified temperature. The upper limit temperature Tu (temperature below the specified temperature) is determined for the index temperature T3. Even if the air temperature T1 exceeds the upper limit temperature Tu, the controller 14 continues the energy saving operation as long as the index temperature T3 does not exceed the upper limit temperature Tu.

The refrigerator 12 preferably detects that the index temperature T3 is likely to exceed the upper limit temperature Tu so that the index temperature T3 does not exceed the upper limit temperature Tu. For example, the change rate of the index temperature T3 exceeds a certain change rate, or the index temperature T3 is likely to exceed the upper limit temperature Tu based on the fact that the index temperature T3 has reached the threshold value set before the upper limit temperature Tu. Can be detected.
If it is detected that the index temperature T3 is likely to exceed the upper limit temperature Tu, as shown in FIG. 2C, if the operation of the refrigerator 12 is off, it is switched on, or continuous operation or high By performing the power operation, it is possible to prevent the upper limit temperature Tu from being exceeded.
Here, it is detected that the index temperature T3 is likely to exceed the upper limit temperature Tu when the engine of the delivery vehicle 10 is idling stopped, such as when the driver temporarily leaves the delivery vehicle 10. If so, the refrigerator 12 may be operated by automatically starting the engine.

The index temperature T3 acquired by the controller 14 can also be transferred to the receiver 18 (FIG. 1 (a)). The receiver 18 is provided, for example, in a terminal (hand reader) carried by a driver driving the delivery vehicle 10 or a computer device provided in the delivery center for managing the index temperature T3. The index temperature T3 can be directly transferred from the index temperature sensor 20 to the receiver 18 without going through the controller 14, or can be transferred from the index temperature sensor 20 through the controller 14 or the control device of the delivery vehicle 10. .
The transferred index temperature T3 can be used, for example, to refer to and record the temperature history of the luggage 11 or to issue a certificate that the temperature has been controlled below a specified temperature.

  According to the present embodiment described above, the temperature of the article 16 that is virtually undetectable can be grasped as the index temperature T3 by the index temperature sensor 20. By using this index temperature T3, the temperature of the article 16 is appropriately managed while avoiding operating the refrigerator 12 under inefficient energy efficiency or misidentifying that the temperature has deviated from the specified temperature. can do.

The heat capacity and heat resistance given to the sensor body 21 of the index temperature sensor 20 are designed from various viewpoints.
For example, when various articles 16 are mixedly loaded in the storage chamber 13, a case is considered where the temperature index of the articles 16 is represented by the detection temperature of a single index temperature sensor 20. The heat capacities differ depending on the size and material of the articles 16. The thermal resistance also varies depending on the presence / absence of packaging and the form of packaging. Further, depending on the type of the article 16, the temperature necessary for maintaining the quality is also different. Furthermore, the content of the load loaded into the storage chamber 13 is different each time, and the load changes depending on the loading / unloading.
Therefore, assuming the range of the heat capacity and the range of the thermal resistance of the package 11 to be delivered, the heat capacity and the thermal resistance of the index temperature sensor 20 can be set within the range.
Here, in order to achieve a good balance between the operation of large energy consumption when not deviating from the specified temperature range of the article 16 and the avoidance of disposal of the luggage 11 and the quality maintenance that keeps the article 16 below the specified temperature, The heat capacity and heat resistance of the index temperature sensor 20 may be set to the average heat capacity and average heat resistance of the luggage 11.

A plurality of index temperature sensors 20 can be arranged in the storage chamber 13. In that case, different heat capacities and heat resistances may be set for the sensor main bodies 21 of the index temperature sensors 20.
Then, the plurality of packages 11 accommodated in the storage chamber 13 are distributed to the index temperature sensor 20 that matches the heat capacity and thermal resistance of the contained article 16, and the temperature detected by the index temperature sensor 20 that conforms is detected. It can be used as a temperature index.

As described above, the thermal operation member 22 gives the sensor body 21 a temperature response closer to the article 16 than the air in the storage chamber 13. Even if either one of the heat capacity or the thermal resistance is given to the sensor main body 21, it is possible to detect the temperature in a state in which the temperature fluctuation due to the external factor is suppressed as compared with the case where the sensor main body 21 exists alone. Become.
Therefore, either one or both of the pad 23 and the heat insulating material 24 constituting the thermal operation member 22 can be provided in the sensor main body 21.
Note that the article 16 may be delivered without being packed. In that case, it is sufficient to provide only the pad 23 in the sensor body 21.

[Modification of First Embodiment]
Incidentally, the delivery vehicle 10 may be provided with a storage room for storing the luggage 11 in addition to the storage room 13. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, storage chambers 131 to 133 are prepared for each temperature zone such as refrigeration, chilled, and room temperature, and the frozen storage chamber 131 and the chilled storage chamber 132 are under air conditioning by the refrigerator 12. The refrigerator 12 includes an indoor unit 121 provided in the freezing storage chamber 131 and an indoor unit 122 provided in the chilled storage chamber 132, and the storage chambers 131 and 132 are provided by a refrigerant circuit common to the indoor units 121 and 122. Can be air-conditioned at the same time.
In addition, by separately providing the refrigerator 12 in the storage chambers 131 and 132, the storage chambers 131 and 132 can be air-conditioned by separate refrigerant circuits, respectively.

When there are a plurality of storage chambers 131 and 132 as described above and the index temperature sensor 20 is disposed in each of the storage chambers 131 and 132, the controller 14 of the refrigerator 12 stores the acquired index temperature T3. It is identified which one of the chambers 131 and 132 is obtained from the index temperature sensor 20 provided.
If it does so, the inside of the storage chambers 131 and 132 can be appropriately air-conditioned using the index temperature sensor 20 disposed in each of the storage chambers 131 and 132.
Further, when the index temperature T3 by the index temperature sensor 20 of each of the storage chambers 131 and 132 is transferred to the outside and used for reference / recording of temperature history and issuing of a temperature management certificate, either of the storage chambers 131 and 132 is used. It is identified whether it is information acquired from the index temperature sensor 20 belonging to.

As an identification method, for example, the indoor units 121 and 122 exchange signals with the index temperature sensors 20 of the storage chambers 131 and 132, and the controller 14 determines the indoor units 121 and 122 based on the radio wave intensity of communication. When configured to be able to be identified, the controller 14 can identify whether the acquired data is from the index temperature sensor 20 provided in the storage chamber 131 or 132.
Note that an electromagnetic shield such as a wire mesh is formed on the wall between the accommodation chambers 131 and 132 so as not to cause interference in communication between the indoor unit 121 and the index temperature sensor 20 and between the indoor unit 122 and the index temperature sensor 20. A member is preferably provided.

  When the controller 14 and the index temperature sensor 20 in each of the storage chambers 131 and 132 directly exchange signals without passing through the indoor units 121 and 122, the signals exchanged between the index temperature sensor 20 and the controller 14 are used. An identification code may be incorporated. Based on the identification code, the controller 14 can identify which of the accommodation chambers 131 and 132 is the data from the index temperature sensor 20.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
An index temperature sensor 30 shown in FIG. 4 is a scaled-up version of the index temperature sensor 20 equivalent to the luggage 11, and is configured as a pseudo package that simulates the luggage 11.
In the second and subsequent embodiments, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. The same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure similar to 1st Embodiment.

The index temperature sensor 30 includes a sensor body 21 and a thermal operation member 32 that gives the sensor body 21 a heat capacity and a thermal resistance.
The thermal operation member 32 includes a pseudo article 33 that simulates the article 16 inside the luggage 11, and a packing material 34 that packs the pseudo article 33 and the sensor main body 21.

The pseudo article 33 has a heat capacity equivalent to the average heat capacity of the plurality of articles 16 to be delivered.
The sensor body 21 is disposed on the surface of the pseudo article 33. The sensor body 21 may be embedded in the pseudo article 33.
The packing material 34 is configured similarly to the packing material 17 of the package 11 to be delivered. The packaging material 34 includes an outer box made of cardboard.

The index temperature sensor 30 is accommodated in the accommodation chamber 13 together with the luggage 11. The sensor body 21 of the index temperature sensor 30 detects a temperature equivalent to the temperature of the pseudo article 33 inside the packing material 34.
According to the present embodiment, the index temperature T3 closer to the article 16 inside the actual luggage 11 can be detected by the index temperature sensor 30 having the same heat capacity and thermal resistance as the luggage 11. Therefore, the reliability of the temperature management of the luggage 11 can be improved.

  If a plurality of index temperature sensors 30 having different configurations of the pseudo article 33 and the packaging material 34 are prepared, the index temperature sensor 30 suitable for the type of the article 16 to be delivered and the packaging form can be used.

[Modification of Second Embodiment]
A method for ensuring that the index temperature sensor 30 that is a pseudo package is surely arranged in the accommodation chamber 13 will be described.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a tag 35 such as a barcode is attached to the surface of the packaging of the index temperature sensor 30, and the tag temperature sensor 30 is loaded when the index temperature sensor 30 is loaded into the storage chamber 13. 35 is read by a hand reader 36 or the like. Since the presence of the index temperature sensor 30 is confirmed by reading the tag 35 attached to the index temperature sensor 30 (reading success), it is possible to ensure that the index temperature sensor 30 is arranged in the storage chamber 13. . The reading operation of the tag 35 can be performed together with a series of operations of reading the identification code of the slip 25 attached to the luggage 11 loaded in the storage chamber 13 by the hand reader 36.
If the tag 35 is not read, the index temperature sensor 30 is not disposed in the storage chamber 13. Although the index temperature sensor 30 is not disposed in the storage chamber 13, for example, when the loading operation is finished by closing the door of the storage chamber 13, the index temperature sensor 30 is not disposed in the storage chamber 13. The warning can be notified by displaying the warning on the screen of the hand reader 36 or by sounding a warning sound from the hand reader 36.

In addition, in order to ensure that the index temperature sensor 30 is disposed in the storage chamber 13, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the sensor body 21 of the index temperature sensor 30 loaded in the storage chamber 13 is provided. You may make it connect with the controller 14 of the refrigerator 12 with a wire communication or radio | wireless. If the connection is successful (connection is established), the index temperature sensor 30 is arranged in the accommodation chamber 13, and if the connection is unsuccessful (connection cannot be established), the index temperature sensor 30 is not arranged in the accommodation chamber 13. .
Even if the index temperature sensor 30 is not loaded, if the door of the storage chamber 13 is closed or the delivery vehicle 10 is caused to travel, the controller 14 generates an error signal from the controller 14 and receives the error signal. Thus, a warning can be displayed on the driver's console or a warning sound can be sounded.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6B, a transmitter 37 is provided in the index temperature sensor 30, and the transmitter 37 and the controller 14 are used to confirm that the index temperature sensor 30 is disposed in the storage chamber 13. A signal may be exchanged between the two. If the signal transfer is successful, the index temperature sensor 30 is disposed in the storage chamber 13, and if the signal transfer fails, the index temperature sensor 30 is not disposed in the storage chamber 13.

  Confirmation that the index temperature sensor 30 is arranged in the storage chamber 13 is not only when loading the luggage 11 but also opening the door of the storage chamber 13 in order to lower some of the luggage 11 during delivery. It can be done at any time, including between. Then, it is possible to prevent an error such that the index temperature sensor 30 is taken out of the storage chamber 13 in the middle of delivery and left without returning to the storage chamber 13.

  The fact that the index temperature sensor 30 is loaded in the storage chamber 13 is not only grasped at the delivery site such as the hand reader 36 or the delivery vehicle 10, but also received from the delivery site via a radio base. It can also be grasped at the center.

  Confirmation that the index temperature sensor is arranged in the storage chamber 13 can also be performed for the index temperature sensor 20 of the first embodiment. This is particularly effective when the index temperature sensor 20 is not fixed to the ceiling or wall of the storage chamber 13.

  As shown in the modified example of the first embodiment (FIG. 3), when the delivery vehicle 10 is provided with a plurality of storage chambers 131 and 132 that require air conditioning, it is certainly an indicator for each of the storage chambers 131 and 132. It is desired to ensure that the temperature sensor 30 is arranged. In that case, for example, based on the identification code placed on the signal exchanged between the controller 14 of the refrigerator 12 and the transmitter 37 provided in the index temperature sensor 30, the index temperature is set in both the storage chambers 131 and 132. It is grasped that the sensor 30 is arranged. If it does so, it will also be possible to issue a warning by specifying a storage room in which the index temperature sensor 30 is not arranged.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As shown in FIG. 7, the index temperature sensor 20 is individually provided in the plurality of luggages 11.
In the third embodiment, the index temperature sensors 20 correspond to the individual packages 11 on a one-to-one basis, and each index temperature sensor 20 individually indicates an index related to the temperature of the article 16 inside the corresponding package 11.

In the present embodiment, since the index temperature T3 obtained by the index temperature sensor 20 corresponds to the temperature of the article 16 of each luggage 11, the position of the luggage 11 in the storage chamber 13 and the proximity of other luggage 11 It is possible to obtain the index temperature T3 that more accurately indicates the temperature of the article 16 that can be influenced by the situation.
In addition, the indicator temperature sensor 20 is attached to the luggage 11 by being provided in the luggage 11. The index temperature sensor 30 (FIG. 4), which is a pseudo package, can be delivered to the package 11 as needed. However, in this embodiment, it is guaranteed that the package 11 and the index temperature sensor 20 are sent together. it can. Then, the index temperature sensor 20 and the luggage 11 are always placed under the same temperature condition. In other words, even when the luggage 11 is outside the storage room 13, all the transportation, logistics, and storage are performed in which the luggage 11 is sequentially transferred from one storage room of the delivery vehicle 10 or warehouse to another storage room. Throughout the process, the temperature of the article 16 can be managed using the index temperature T3 of the article 16.

The index temperature sensor 20 can be attached to the luggage 11 with a peelable adhesive. When the delivery is completed, the index temperature sensor 20 can be peeled off from the luggage 11 and reused.
The index temperature sensor 20 may be attached to the luggage 11 with, for example, a string or a wire. In this case, the index temperature sensor 20 can be removed from the package 11 that has been delivered and reused.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the index temperature sensor 20 can be integrated with a slip 25 attached to the luggage 11.
The slip 25 is a rectangular paper piece indicating information necessary for low-temperature delivery such as a delivery source, a delivery destination, an item, and a temperature management zone. The index temperature sensor 20 is integrated on the back side of the slip 25 so as to be integrated. The index temperature sensor 20 is preferably packaged in a plate shape according to the shape of the slip 25.
The index temperature sensor 20 and the slip 25 can be attached to the surface of the luggage 11.
The slip 25 has a property of being individually attached to each package 11. The slip 25 is used for confirmation of written items, reading of identification codes, etc. in each process of receiving, collecting, sorting, loading into the delivery vehicle 10 and delivery to individual delivery destinations. Is called.
Therefore, when the index temperature sensor 20 is integrated with the slip 25, the index temperature sensor 20 is surely attached to the package 11 without being dropped through the confirmation of the slip 25 in each process of delivery. Can be secured.

In the present embodiment, the operation of the refrigerator 12 can be controlled using the index temperature T3. In that case, the index temperature T3 is acquired as a representative value from the index temperature sensor 20 attached to one (or several) of the luggage 11 in the storage chamber 13 (when several index temperature sensors 20 are used). The operation of the refrigerator 12 can be controlled using the index temperature T3.
Alternatively, the index temperature T3 can be collected from the index temperature sensor 20 individually attached to the luggage 11 in the storage chamber 13, and the average value thereof can be used for operation control of the refrigerator 12.

  When the index temperature T3 by the index temperature sensor 20 attached to the baggage 11 is transferred to, for example, a hand reader, a delivery vehicle 10, a computer device installed in the distribution center, and used for temperature management for each baggage 11. The data of the index temperature T3 needs to be linked to the individual luggage 11. For this purpose, for example, when the index temperature T3 is acquired from the index temperature sensor 20, it is preferable to acquire it as a pair with the individual identification information. According to the fourth embodiment described later, it is possible to easily obtain the index temperature T3 for each individual by using the RF tag.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9A, the sensor body 21 of the index temperature sensor 20 is incorporated in an RF tag (Radio Frequency Tag) 40.
The RF tag 40 is an element constituting RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). Individual identification information (ID) is given to the RF tag 40.
The RF tag 40 can read information without contact.
As shown in FIG. 9B, the RF tag 40 exchanges information between the built-in chip 41 that holds the individual identification information, the sensor main body 21 connected to the built-in chip 41, and the reader of the RF tag 40. And an antenna 42. The built-in chip 41, the sensor main body 21, and the antenna 42 are integrally packaged by being accommodated in a rectangular case.
Instead of incorporating the sensor body 21 into the RF tag 40, the sensor body 21 can be connected to the RF tag 40.

The RF tag 40 operates the control circuit and the memory of the built-in chip 41 with the electric power generated when the antenna 42 receives the radio wave transmitted from the reader, and the individual identification information and the temperature data detected by the sensor main body 21. To the reader.
Here, for example, the controller 14 of the refrigerator 12, the control device of the delivery vehicle 10, the computer device of the delivery center, or the hand reader 36 functions as a reader (receiver) of the RF tag 40.

The RF tag 40 may be provided with a battery or a memory chip as necessary.
When a memory chip is provided in the RF tag 40, temperature data detected by the sensor body 21 can be stored inside the RF tag 40.
The RF tag 40 can be either a passive type that returns information when called by a reader, or an active type that spontaneously transmits information.

The RF tag 40 is wrapped by the pad 23 as shown in FIG. And it is inserted | pinched with the heat insulating material 24 from the front side and back side of the pad 23. FIG. By doing so, the index temperature sensor 20 of this embodiment is formed.
As in the third embodiment, the index temperature sensor 20 can be integrated into a slip 25 (invoice).

  The RF tag 40 is individually attached to the plurality of luggage 11 in the accommodation chamber 13.

  By the way, when the identification tag corresponding to each baggage 11 is attached to the individual baggage 11 like the RF tag 40 and the individual identification information can be read from the identification tag, the individual baggage 11 is stored in the storage chamber 13. It can be guaranteed that it is indeed contained. Such an identification tag is not limited to an RF tag, and an identification tag having an arbitrary configuration can be used as long as the individual identification information to be held can be read.

[Modification of Fourth Embodiment]
In order to ensure that the individual luggage 11 is surely accommodated in the accommodation room 13, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, when loading the luggage 11 into the accommodation room 13, the RF tag 40 is attached to the hand reader 36. The individual identification information (ID) is acquired in the internal memory of the hand reader 36, for example. Then, the ID stored in the internal memory is collated with the ID of the package 11 to be loaded on the delivery vehicle 10 on the database 56 prepared in the package temperature management system 50. If there is a deficiency or surplus in the loaded luggage 11, it is preferable to issue a warning and notify the verification result because an error occurs.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, each RF tag 40 attached to the baggage 11 loaded in the storage chamber 13 is secured to ensure that the individual baggage 11 is securely stored in the storage chamber 13. In contrast, the controller 14 of the refrigerator 12 can also read out all at once. If the reading is successful, the baggage 11 with the RF tag 40 is stored in the storage chamber 13, and if the reading fails, the baggage 11 with the RF tag is stored in the storage chamber 13. Absent.

  Confirmation that the individual luggage 11 is accommodated in the accommodation room 13 can be performed at any time after the luggage 11 is carried into the accommodation room 13 until it is carried out. Then, it can be confirmed that the luggage 11 is continuously accommodated in the accommodation room 13 while being delivered by the delivery vehicle 10.

When the delivery vehicle 10 is provided with a plurality of storage chambers 131 to 133 (FIG. 3), each luggage 11 is definitely stored in a storage chamber that matches a predetermined temperature among the storage chambers 131 to 133. It is desirable to ensure that
For this purpose, for example, the indoor units 121 and 122 and the RF tag 40 attached to each of the luggage 11 in the accommodation rooms 131 and 132 transmit and receive signals, and the controller 14 can identify the indoor units 121 and 122. If comprised in this way, the controller 14 can identify whether acquired ID is by the RF tag 40 attached | subjected to the package 11 accommodated in the storage chamber 131,132.
Then, for example, reading is simultaneously performed on the RF tags 40 attached to the luggage 11 loaded in the storage chambers 131 and 132, respectively. Then, it is possible to detect and correct an error in selecting the storage chambers 131 to 133.

  According to the above, it can be assured that the individual luggage 11 was surely placed under a predetermined temperature control. Thereby, the reliability of the temperature management of the luggage 11 can be improved.

FIG. 12 shows an example in which the method of the modified example of the second embodiment (FIG. 6A) and the method of the modified example of the fourth embodiment (FIG. 10) are combined.
In the example shown in FIG. 12, it is confirmed that the index temperature sensor 30 that is a pseudo package is arranged in the storage chamber 13 by the success or failure of the connection between the sensor body 21 and the refrigerator 12 by wire or wireless. When the luggage 11 is loaded into the accommodation room 13, the tag 35 attached to the luggage 11 is read by the hand reader 36 to confirm that the luggage 11 is accommodated in the accommodation room 13. The tag 35 does not have the index temperature sensor 20.
By doing so, it is possible to ensure that the index temperature sensor 20 is disposed in the storage chamber 13 and the luggage 11 is also stored in the same storage chamber 13. When there are a plurality of storage chambers 13, the location of the index temperature sensor 20 and the luggage 11 may be confirmed by distinguishing each storage chamber 13.
Here, regarding the location confirmation of the index temperature sensor 20, it is also possible to confirm the success or failure of the signal transmission / reception as described with reference to FIG.
Further, regarding the location confirmation of the luggage 11, instead of confirmation by reading the tag 35 at the time of loading, confirmation by information acquisition using the RF tag 40 can be performed as described with reference to FIG.

Further, FIG. 13 shows an example in which the method of the modified example of the second embodiment (FIG. 5) and the method of the modified example of the fourth embodiment (FIG. 11) are combined.
In the example shown in FIG. 13, when the index temperature sensor 30, which is a pseudo package, is loaded into the storage chamber 13, the index temperature sensor 30 is read by reading the tag 35 attached to the index temperature sensor 30 with the hand reader 36. While confirming that it is arranged in the storage chamber 13 and acquiring information on the tag 35 attached to the baggage 11 loaded in the storage chamber 13 by the controller 14 of the refrigerator 12, the baggage 11 is stored. Confirm that it is accommodated in the chamber 13.
By doing so, it is possible to ensure that the index temperature sensor 30 is disposed in the storage chamber 13 and the luggage 11 is also stored in the same storage chamber 13. When there are a plurality of storage chambers 13, the location of the index temperature sensor 30 and the luggage 11 may be confirmed by distinguishing each storage chamber 13.
Here, regarding the confirmation of the location of the index temperature sensor 20, instead of confirmation by reading the tag 35 at the time of loading, confirmation of the success or failure of the wired or wireless connection as described with reference to FIG. It is also possible to confirm whether or not a signal is exchanged as described with reference to b).
Further, regarding the location confirmation of the luggage 11, instead of confirmation by acquisition of information on the tag 35, confirmation by reading the tag 35 at the time of loading can be performed as described with reference to FIG.

Next, temperature management of the luggage 11 using the RF tag 40 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14 and following each process of delivery.
Here, explanation will be made by taking a courier service as an example.
Luggage 11 requiring low-temperature management is received from the sender, and is collected in the delivery center 51 by being placed in a storage room 13 that is air-conditioned at an appropriate temperature of a delivery vehicle 10 (not shown here). Each package 11 is attached with a slip 25 and an index temperature sensor 20 that indicate that low-temperature management is required at the time of receipt.
When the package 11 is carried into the delivery center 51, the temperature detected by the index temperature sensor 20 is read through the RF tag 40 by the entrance / exit reader 52 provided at the entrance / exit of the delivery center 51. The read detected temperature is transferred to the core computer device 55 of the package temperature management system 50 placed in the management center 54.

The collected luggage 11 is accommodated in an accommodation room 53 that is air-conditioned at an appropriate temperature in the distribution center 51.
Then, the luggage 11 is taken out from the storage room 53 in a timely manner, sorted according to the direction, and loaded into each delivery vehicle 10. When the package 11 is carried out from the delivery center 51, the temperature detected by the index temperature sensor 20 is read by the entrance / exit reader 52 through the RF tag 40 and transferred to the core computer device 55 of the package temperature management system 50.

When loading the luggage 11 into the accommodation room 13 of the delivery vehicle 10, the ID of the RF tag 40 is read by the hand reader 36. By comparing the read ID with the ID on the database 56, it is ensured that the luggage 11 is accommodated in the accommodation room 13.
At the time of reading by the hand reader 36, the detected temperature of the index temperature sensor 20 is also read through the RF tag 40. The read detected temperature is transferred to the backbone computer device 55 of the package temperature management system 50.

  During delivery, the controller 14 of the refrigerator 12 periodically reads the ID of the RF tag 40 attached to the luggage 11 in the accommodation room 13 to confirm that the luggage 11 is in the accommodation room 13. The ID may be notified from the RF tag 40 to the controller 14.

  The delivery vehicle 10 passes through one or more delivery bases (delivery centers) depending on the delivery route. When the delivery vehicle 10 arrives at the delivery destination, the driver reads the temperature detected by the index temperature sensor 20 through the RF tag 40 of the luggage 11 taken out from the storage chamber 13 by the hand reader 36. The read detected temperature is transferred to the backbone computer device 55 of the package temperature management system 50.

In the above-described example, the temperature detected by the index temperature sensor 20 is acquired at each timing of carrying in and out of the delivery center 51, loading on the delivery vehicle 10, and arrival at the delivery destination. Therefore, each time the temperature detected by the index temperature sensor 20 is acquired, the index temperature T3 of the temperature of the article 16 inside the luggage 11 can be known.
A temperature history of the article 16 can be obtained by collecting the temperature index of the article 16 acquired in each process of delivery by the basic computer device 55.
Based on the temperature history, it can be assured that the article 16 of the luggage 11 has been placed under a specified temperature. It is also possible to issue a certificate that proves that the corresponding package 11 has been managed at a predetermined temperature.

  In the above-described example, the temperature detected by the index temperature sensor 20 is transferred to the management center 54 through the RF tag 40. The transfer target is the controller 14 of the refrigerator 12, the control device of the delivery vehicle 10, the hand reader 36, and the like. It may be.

Further, when a memory chip is mounted on the RF tag 40, the temperature detected by the index temperature sensor 20 can be stored in the memory chip of the RF tag 40. The object to be stored may be the controller 14 of the refrigerator 12, the control device of the delivery vehicle 10, the hand reader 36, or the like.
If the temperature detected by the index temperature sensor 20 is stored in the RF tag 40, the controller 14, the control device of the delivery vehicle 10, the hand reader 36, etc., the article 16 can be accessed without accessing the package temperature management system 50 of the management center 54. It is possible to read the detected temperature of the index temperature sensor 20 as an index of the temperature when necessary at the delivery site.

  For example, it is assumed that the index temperature T3 is stored in the RF tag 40 at the time of carrying in and out of the delivery center 51, loading on the delivery vehicle 10, and arrival at the delivery destination. In this case, the index temperature T3 can be read by the hand reader 36, a temperature management certificate indicating the history of the index temperature T3 can be issued, and can be passed to the recipient of the package 11.

  Here, when a memory chip is mounted on the RF tag 40 attached to the luggage 11, the RF tag 40 may be configured to actively store the detected temperature of the index temperature sensor 20 in the memory chip. Then, the index temperature T3 of the article 16 is continuously stored in the RF tag 40 throughout the entire process from the time when it is attached to the parcel 11 together with the slip 25 to the end of the role of temperature management after delivery. Is possible. In this case, it is possible to obtain a continuous history of the index temperature T3 including the index temperature T3 when the luggage 11 is temporarily not under air conditioning, such as when being loaded or being placed on a cart during sorting. it can. Therefore, since it can be shown that the article 16 of the package 11 has been temperature-controlled within a predetermined temperature range from the time of receipt to the end of delivery, the reliability of temperature management of the package 11 can be further improved. it can.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the fifth embodiment, an operation control method for the refrigerator 12 will be described.
In the first embodiment (FIG. 2A), unless the index temperature T3 exceeds the upper limit temperature Tu, continuous operation or high-power operation that consumes a large amount of energy is avoided. In the fifth embodiment, however, the index Priority is given to quickly bringing the temperature T3 close to the target temperature T0.
As shown in FIG. 15, it is assumed that the operation of the refrigerator 12 is switched on because the air temperature T <b> 1 in the storage chamber 13 is increased by opening the door of the storage chamber 13. Then, although the air temperature T1 quickly reaches the target temperature T0, due to the heat capacity and thermal resistance of the index temperature sensor 20, the index temperature T3 does not readily reach the target temperature T0.
Therefore, the operation shifts to an undershoot operation mode set at a value T00 (temperature lower than the target temperature T0) that temporarily exceeds the target temperature T0. During the undershoot operation mode, feedback control is performed so that the air temperature T1 matches the target temperature T00.
By doing so, the index temperature T3 can be quickly lowered toward the target temperature T0. The undershoot operation mode can be continued until the index temperature T3 reaches the target temperature T0.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where the luggage 11 is cooled by the refrigerator 12 has been described. However, the present invention can also be used when the luggage 11 is heated by an air conditioner. Even in that case, the index temperature sensors 20 and 30 described in the above embodiments can be used.
When heating the luggage 11, it is preferable to operate the air conditioner in a mode that reduces energy consumption as long as the index temperature T3 does not fall below the lower limit temperature set based on the specified temperature of the article 16.
Further, as described in the fifth embodiment, even if the air temperature T1 has reached the target temperature, if the index temperature T3 has not reached the target temperature T0, the target temperature T0 is temporarily exceeded (the target). You may make it transfer to the overshoot operation mode defined in temperature higher than temperature T0.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a usage mode of the luggage temperature management performed using the index temperature sensor 20 (or 30) will be described.
A package temperature management and utilization system 60 shown in FIG. 16 includes an index temperature sensor 20 disposed in the storage chamber 13 of a plurality of delivery vehicles 10 and a refrigerator 12 as a receiver that acquires a temperature detected by the index temperature sensor 20. And a computer device 55 to which the temperature detected by the index temperature sensor 20 (index temperature T3) is transferred from the controller of the refrigerator 12.
The computer device 55 collects the temperature detected by the index temperature sensor 20 provided in each delivery vehicle 10 and records it in the database 56.
A user 61 who is a party related to a delivery source or delivery destination of the package 11 to be temperature-controlled starts up a web browser on the personal computer 63 or the like, and accesses the package temperature management and utilization system 60 constructed including the computer device 55. By doing so, it is possible to refer to the temperature management information of the luggage 11 to which the user relates. For example, when a package number or user ID is entered on the screen, a disclosure request for the temperature index of the package 11 is sent to the computer device 55. In response to the request, the computer device 55 performs a process of returning an index temperature T3 that matches the ID of the corresponding package 11. By displaying the index temperature T3 returned from the computer device 55 on the screen, the user can know whether or not the temperature of the luggage 11 has been normally managed. If necessary, the temperature management certificate 62 can be printed.

[Seventh Embodiment]
The package temperature management and utilization system shown in FIG. 17 includes an index temperature sensor 20 that is individually attached to the package 11 and a hand reader 36 as a receiver that acquires the temperature detected by the index temperature sensor 20.
The index temperature sensor 20 is incorporated in an RF tag 40 that incorporates a memory chip. The temperature detected by the index temperature sensor 20 is stored in the memory chip at any time from the time of receipt of goods to the completion of delivery.
The temperature detected by the index temperature sensor 20 (index temperature T3) is read by the hand reader 36 when reloading from the delivery vehicle 10 to the delivery vehicle 10 or when arriving at the delivery destination. Since the index temperature T3 can be displayed on the screen of the hand reader 36, the driver and the recipient of the luggage 11 can know whether or not the temperature of the luggage 11 is normally controlled.
By operating the buttons and screen of the hand reader 36, the certificate 62 in which the index temperature T3 is described can be issued.

  In each of the above embodiments, the temperature management of the articles 16 delivered by the delivery vehicle 10 has been described. However, the present invention can also be used for the temperature management of articles stored in a warehouse that is air-conditioned. The warehouse includes a storage room that stores articles under air conditioning, an air conditioner that air-conditions the storage room, and an index temperature sensor disposed in the storage room.

  In addition to the above, as long as the gist of the present invention is not deviated, the configuration described in the above embodiment can be selected or changed to another configuration as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Delivery vehicle 11 Luggage 12 Refrigerator 13 Storage chamber 14 Controller (reader)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Air temperature sensor 16 Goods 17 Packing material 18 Receiver 20 Indicator temperature sensor 21 Sensor main body 22 Thermal operation member 23 Pad (heat capacity member)
24 Insulation 25 Slip 30 Index temperature sensor (packaging)
32 Thermal operation member 33 Pseudo article 34 Packing material 35 Tag 36 Hand reader 37 Transmitter 40 RF tag 41 Built-in chip 42 Antenna 50 Package temperature management system (article temperature acquisition system)
51 Distribution Center 52 Entrance / Exit Reader 53 Storage Room 54 Management Center 55 Computer Device 56 Database 60 Package Temperature Management Utilization System 62 Certificate (Form)
121, 122 Indoor unit 131 Frozen storage chamber 132 Chilled storage chamber 133 Room temperature storage chamber T0 Target temperature T1 Air temperature T2 Article temperature T3 Index temperature Tu Upper limit temperature

Claims (29)

In the storage room for storing articles under air conditioning,
An air temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of air in the containing chamber;
An index temperature sensor for detecting temperature;
When the heat capacity of the air temperature sensor is C1, and the thermal resistance between the air temperature sensor and the air in the housing chamber is R1,
A thermal operation member that provides at least one of a heat capacity larger than C1 and a thermal resistance between the index temperature sensor larger than R1 and the air in the housing chamber to the index temperature sensor; ,
A method for determining an index of an article temperature, wherein a temperature detected by the index temperature sensor is determined as an index corresponding to the temperature of the article. In the containment chamber,
The packaged goods; and
A package in which the indicator temperature sensor is packed by at least a part of the thermal operation member;
A method for determining an article temperature index according to claim 1. The temperature of each of the plurality of articles housed in the housing chamber is represented by the index based on the temperature detected by the index temperature sensor.
A method for determining an index of an article temperature according to claim 1 or 2. The index temperature sensor and the thermal operation member are individually provided for the plurality of articles accommodated in the accommodation chamber,
A method for determining an index of an article temperature according to claim 1 or 2. A slip attached to the article is provided with the index temperature sensor and the thermal operation member,
A method for determining an article temperature index according to claim 4. Using the indicator set by the method for determining the indicator of the article temperature according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Controlling the operation of the air conditioner used for air conditioning in the accommodation room,
The operation control method of the air conditioner characterized by the above-mentioned. Unless the indicator deviates from the specified temperature range set for the article,
Operating the air conditioner in an operation mode that reduces energy consumption;
The operation control method for an air conditioner according to claim 6. Even if the temperature of the air in the storage chamber reaches the target temperature, if the index does not reach the target temperature,
The target temperature is temporarily set to a value exceeding the target, and overshoot or undershoot operation is performed.
The operation control method of an air conditioner according to claim 6 or 7, A method for ensuring that the indicator temperature sensor is arranged in the storage chamber in the method for determining an indicator of an article temperature according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
If the wired or wireless connection between the air conditioner that air-conditions the accommodation room and the index temperature sensor is successful, it is determined that the index temperature sensor is disposed in the accommodation room,
If the wired or wireless connection between the air conditioner and the index temperature sensor fails, it is determined that the index temperature sensor is not disposed in the storage chamber.
A method for ensuring that an indicator temperature sensor is arranged in a storage room. A method for ensuring that the indicator temperature sensor is arranged in the storage chamber in the method for determining an indicator of an article temperature according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
If the signal transfer between the air conditioner that air-conditions the storage room and the index temperature sensor is successful, it is determined that the index temperature sensor is disposed in the storage room;
If the transfer of the signal between the air conditioner and the index temperature sensor fails, it is determined that the index temperature sensor is not disposed in the storage chamber.
A method for ensuring that an indicator temperature sensor is arranged in a storage room. A method for confirming that the indicator temperature sensor is disposed in the storage chamber in the method for determining an indicator of an article temperature according to claim 2,
Attach a tag that can hold data to the package,
When loading the package in the accommodation chamber,
Reading the data from the tag;
A method for ensuring that an indicator temperature sensor is arranged in a storage room. A method for ensuring that the article is accommodated in the accommodation chamber in the method for determining an index of the article temperature according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A tag capable of holding data is attached to the article,
When loading the article in the storage chamber,
Reading the data from the tag;
A security method for storing an article in a storage room. A method for ensuring that the article is accommodated in the accommodation chamber in the method for determining an index of the article temperature according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A tag capable of holding data is attached to the article,
Reading the data from the tag by a reader located in the containing chamber;
A security method for storing an article in a storage room. A method for ensuring that the indicator temperature sensor is disposed in the storage chamber according to any one of claims 9 to 11,
A security method for ensuring that an article is stored in the storage chamber according to claim 12 or 13,
For the same containment chamber,
A security method for arranging and storing an index temperature sensor and an article in the same storage chamber. Is temperature sensor is arranged, a housing chamber for housing an article, an air conditioner for air-conditioning using a temperature detected by said temperature sensor,
The temperature sensor is
A sensor body for detecting temperature;
A thermal operation member that provides the sensor body with a heat capacity and a thermal resistance between the sensor body and air;
The thermal operation member is
A heat capacity member that covers the sensor body and thermally couples the sensor body to provide heat capacity;
A heat insulating material that provides thermal resistance to the sensor body and the heat capacity member by covering the sensor body and the heat capacity member;
Arranged with the article in a storage room for storing the article under air conditioning,
The temperature detected by the sensor body is used as an index corresponding to the temperature of the article,
The article is packed with a packing material,
The sensor body is provided in the heat capacity member which is a pseudo article simulating the article inside the packing material, and is packed with the heat insulating material together with the heat capacity member.
An air conditioner characterized by that. An air conditioner in which a temperature sensor is arranged and air-conditions a storage chamber for storing articles using a temperature detected by the temperature sensor,
The temperature sensor is
A sensor body for detecting temperature;
A thermal operation member that provides the sensor body with a heat capacity and a thermal resistance between the sensor body and air;
The thermal operation member is
A heat capacity member that covers the sensor body and thermally couples the sensor body to provide heat capacity;
A heat insulating material that provides thermal resistance to the sensor body and the heat capacity member by covering the sensor body and the heat capacity member;
The thermal operation member includes a pad that wraps the entire sensor body,
A heat insulating material sandwiching the pad from both sides,
An air conditioner characterized by that. The temperature sensor is disposed in a storage chamber for storing an article,
The temperature detected by the sensor body is used as an index corresponding to the temperature of the article,
The sensor body and the thermal operation member are provided on a slip attached to the article.
The air conditioner according to claim 16. The sensor body and the thermal operation member are:
Releasably adhered to the article;
The air conditioner according to claim 16 or 17. The sensor body and the thermal operation member are:
Provided in a slip attached to the article,
The sensor body and the thermal operation member are:
In addition to the article, it is adhered to the slip in a peelable manner,
The air conditioner according to claim 18. The sensor body is
Holds individual identification information, is connected to a tag capable of wireless communication, or is incorporated into the tag,
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 15 to 19. Arranged in a storage chamber for storing articles,
The tag is
A storage device capable of storing an index corresponding to the temperature of the article;
The air conditioner according to claim 20. And air conditioner according to any one of claims 15 to 21,
The temperature sensor;
The storage chamber,
A delivery vehicle characterized by that. And air conditioner according to any one of claims 15 to 21,
The temperature sensor;
The storage chamber,
A warehouse characterized by that. And air conditioner according to any one of claims 15 to 21,
The temperature sensor ,
The air conditioner
Obtaining a temperature detected by the temperature sensor as an index of the temperature of the article;
Article temperature acquisition system characterized by the above. The temperature sensor used in the air conditioner according to any one of claims 15 to 21, and
An apparatus provided with a storage chamber for storing articles,
The device is
Obtaining a temperature detected by the temperature sensor as an index of the temperature of the article;
Article temperature acquisition system characterized by the above. The temperature sensor used in the air conditioner according to any one of claims 15 to 21, and
A receiver that acquires a temperature detected by the temperature sensor as an index of the temperature of the article,
Article temperature acquisition system characterized by the above. The temperature sensor used in the air conditioner according to any one of claims 15 to 21, and
A receiver for obtaining a temperature detected by the temperature sensor as an index of the temperature of the article;
A computer device for collecting the index obtained by the receiver,
The computer device includes:
In response to a request from a user related to the article corresponding to the index,
Returning the indicator of the article with which the user is involved,
Article temperature management utilization system characterized by the above. The computer device includes:
In response to a request from a user related to the article corresponding to the index,
Outputting a form on which the index of the article related to the user is written;
28. The article temperature management utilization system according to claim 27 . The temperature sensor used in the air conditioner according to claim 20 or 21, and
A receiver for obtaining a temperature detected by the temperature sensor as an index of the temperature of the article,
The receiver is
Obtaining a temperature detected by the sensor body through the tag attached to the article as the index;
Article temperature management utilization system characterized by the above.

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