DE102013106336A1 - System and method for temperature monitoring in transit consignments - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and method for monitoring the temperature of transport consignments by means of a transport container, the monitoring system comprising: a sensor strip having a temperature sensor element, a first connection element and one or more signal lines; an evaluation unit with a second connection element, a data logger and a display device; wherein the first and the second connection element are detachably connectable to one another with the formation of an interface, the data logger is designed for storing temperature measured values detected by the temperature sensor element, and the evaluation unit is designed such that the display device is actuated based on the detected temperature measured values.

Description

The invention relates to a system for monitoring compliance with a predetermined temperature range, e.g. during the shipment of temperature sensitive goods (such as medicines, food or other refrigerated goods) as well as a monitoring method using such a monitoring system.

When storing temperature-sensitive goods (such as medicines or foodstuffs) care should be taken that the storage temperature is always within a predetermined temperature range or range, e.g. does not exceed a predetermined maximum temperature and / or does not fall below a predetermined minimum temperature. When transporting or transporting temperature-sensitive refrigerated goods, care must be taken to ensure that the specified temperature range is maintained throughout, with e.g. When shipping medication or food, maintaining a continuous cold chain is required.

Various devices are known for monitoring compliance with a predetermined desired temperature range during transport of temperature sensitive goods. So describes the example WO 2006/015961 A2 a time-temperature indicator based on a temperature-dependent chemical reaction. As another example, the DE 41 39 728 C1 an electronic transport monitoring device that may include a temperature sensor.

The invention provides a cost-effective and flexibly deployable system for monitoring the temperature prevailing in a transport container, by means of which the temperature status of the transported good can be determined without any great additional expenditure of time and the entire temperature history traversed during the transport can be traced. In addition, the invention provides a method for monitoring compliance with a given temperature range during shipping or during transport of temperature-sensitive goods from a point of origin to a destination using such a monitoring system.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for monitoring (also referred to as a monitoring device) of the temperature inside a shipping container.

The monitoring system includes an elongate sensor connector (i.e., the longitudinal dimension of the sensor connector is substantially larger than its transverse dimensions) with a temperature sensor element, a first connector, and one or more signal lines. The sensor connection element may e.g. be formed strand-shaped or strip-shaped and is hereinafter also referred to as a sensor strip; wherein the sensor strip has two longitudinal ends. The temperature sensor element is arranged on one of the two longitudinal ends of the sensor strip, the first connecting element is arranged on the other of the two longitudinal ends of the sensor strip. The sensor strip also includes one or more signal lines extending between the temperature sensor element and the first connector, i. electrically conductive interconnect lines (e.g., metal lines) for signal transmission connecting the temperature sensing element to the first interconnect element.

The sensor strip may e.g. a flexible deformable sensor support element made of an electrically insulating material (e.g., paper or plastic); wherein the temperature sensor element, the first connection element and the signal line (s) may be arranged on or embedded in the sensor support element. In particular, it can be provided that the temperature sensor element and / or the signal lines are embedded in such a sensor carrier element, whereby it can be used e.g. protected against mechanical damage and moisture.

The temperature sensor element is a temperature sensor or sensor, i. an electronic component, by means of which a temperature is converted into an electrical variable varying with the same. The temperature sensor element may e.g. a thermistor (e.g., a PT100 sensor element), a semiconductor temperature sensor, or a thermocouple.

The monitoring system also has an evaluation unit with a second connection element, a data logger and a display device.

The first connection element arranged on the sensor strip and the second connection element arranged on the evaluation unit are designed so as to be detachably connected to one another so as to form an interface. The interface formed by the connecting elements makes it possible to transmit the temperature signals generated by the temperature sensor element from the temperature sensor element to the evaluation unit. The data logger is connected to the second connection element (ie is in data or signal connection with the second connection element), so that in the presence of a connection between the both connection elements, the temperature signals generated by the temperature sensor element via the interface to the data logger can be transmitted. The second connection element thus functions as a temperature sensor connection terminal for electrically coupling the temperature sensor element to the monitoring device to form a detachable connection. The first and the second connecting element may be, for example, complementary parts of a plug-in connection, wherein the first connecting element arranged on the sensor strip is preferably designed as a plug and the second connecting element arranged on the evaluation unit is designed as a socket.

The evaluation unit is designed in such a way (eg by means of a suitably programmed microprocessor, which can be provided either as part of the data logger or separately) that detected in the presence of a signal connection to the temperature sensor element by means of the same temporally successive present temperature readings and on a data storage of the data logger as Temperature data (eg together with their respective acquisition time) are stored. The evaluation unit may e.g. be designed such that the temperature measured values are recorded and stored in time continuously or at predetermined (for example, constant) measurement intervals.

The display device may e.g. an LCD display (i.e., a liquid crystal display), an OLED display (i.e., an organic light emitting diode based display), or an e-paper display (i.e., a so-called electronic paper based display). In particular, the display device may be a bistable display device (e.g., a bistable LCD) or an electrophoretic display device; In this case, a power supply is required only for a picture change or change of the information displayed by the display device. In addition, the display device is preferably a passive (not self-luminous) display, which works by reflection of light incident thereon.

The evaluation unit is set up in such a way that the display device is actuated (for example by means of the microprocessor) on the basis of the detected temperature measured values.

When using such a monitoring system, a temperature-sensitive material to be monitored is first introduced into a transport container. Now, the evaluation unit is attached to an outer side of the transport container and the sensor strip is arranged such that the temperature sensor element is located in the interior of the transport container and the first connecting element is located outside the transport container. The sensor strip is e.g. passed through a gap formed between a closure lid and a base body of the transport container or by a passage opening formed in a wall of the transport container from the inside of the transport container to the outside. The first connecting element arranged on the sensor strip is connected to the second connecting element arranged on the evaluation unit, so that the temperature which is present at the location of the temperature sensor element, ie the temperature inside the transport container and the temperature history passed during the transport, can now be detected by the evaluation unit.

The sensor strip must therefore be made so long that it reaches from the evaluation unit into the interior of the transport container. Preferably, the sensor strip is designed with a length of at least 20 cm, e.g. with a length of 50 cm.

The evaluation unit is configured such that the display device in human-readable form (eg as plain text and / or pictogram) and / or as a machine-readable code (eg as a QR code, from the English for quick-response code) information regarding the recorded temperature history are displayed. The use of QR code has the particular advantage of a high data density in conjunction with a high fault tolerance.

The monitoring system or the evaluation unit may e.g. be configured such that the display means in human readable form indicates whether or not the temperature inside the transport container has always been within a predetermined target temperature range (i.e., whether all detected temperature values are within the target temperature range or not); to indicate whether a temperature limit violation occurred or not. Thereby, e.g. be checked by a person charged with the transport (for example, a postman) or a recipient of the transport consignment by reading the display with little time, whether the specified temperature conditions for each cargo were respected. In addition, e.g. be provided that the last detected temperature, the detected maximum temperature, the detected minimum temperature, the entire detected temperature profile and / or the receiver name or other receiver data are displayed by the display device.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the display device the Temperature history or the entire recorded temporal temperature profile displays as a machine-readable code, eg as a QR code. Such a machine-readable code can be optically read, for example by means of a scanner, for example at the beginning of the transport or transfer of the transport to a receiver or intermediate receiver, wherein the present during the transfer temperature history by means of the scanner also electronically detected and, for example, by electronic means to a central Data evaluation and transmitted there may be further evaluated and / or stored for verification purposes. The temperature history may include, for example, all recorded temperature values including the times of their detection. In addition, it can be provided, for example, by means of such a QR code, the highest and / or lowest detected temperature, the number of exceedances of a predetermined threshold temperature or threshold temperature (eg maximum temperature), the duration of exceeding a predetermined threshold temperature, the internal system time (eg Time intervals of, for example, 5 minutes, for comparison with an external system), and / or display an identification number identifying the evaluation unit or the program in coded form.

The updating of the information displayed by the display device may be e.g. timed, the display being e.g. regularly updated at regular intervals. However, it may also be provided that the updating of the information displayed by the display device is event-controlled, the display being e.g. is updated only when a predetermined event occurs (e.g., a temperature limit violation).

Not all data collected and stored by the evaluation unit must also be shown on the display. In particular, it can be provided that all the data recorded internally (such as, for example, the complete temperature measurement series since the activation) are recorded and stored, but the display is updated only at predetermined times and / or events. Furthermore, the evaluation unit can have further sensors (for example a temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature present outside the transport container, an acceleration sensor, a position sensor and / or a moisture sensor) and for detecting and storing the data detected by these sensors together with the associated detection times; in addition, the battery status can be logged. In addition, the evaluation unit for accurate time recording can have a real-time clock

It can also be provided that the evaluation unit is designed in such a way that the display device has or allows for a plurality of information levels, wherein in the presence of the individual levels different information is respectively displayed by the display device, and wherein the display is e.g. can be changed or switched between these levels by means of a switch arranged on the evaluation. The representation of the information corresponding to a respective level on the display device may e.g. be realized by means of a corresponding control of the display device by the evaluation unit (for example, by the microprocessor of the evaluation unit). Thus, e.g. be provided that in the presence of a first information level of the display device, the postal data of the recipient and the temperature-relevant information are displayed, and that are displayed in the presence of a second information level of the display device information of the sender to the recipient in encrypted form. This encrypted information may e.g. receiver side (electronic or optical) are read out and based on a receipt confirmation generated and transmitted electronically to the sender.

Upon reaching the destination or when transferring the transport container to the final recipient, the temperature sensor element can be separated from the evaluation unit, e.g. by disengaging the releasable connection between the first and second connection members or by severing the sensor strip itself (e.g., at a designated break point). The separated part of the sensor strip remains in or on the transport container, the remaining part of the monitoring system (in particular the evaluation unit) is fed to a repeated use. Accordingly, e.g. the monitoring unit's evaluation unit is designed as a reusable component (i.e., component to be reused) and the sensor strip as a disposable component (i.e., component to be used only once).

Massive temperature monitoring systems must be cost-effectively feasible despite high technical requirements, the costs being caused in particular by the cost of the components of the monitoring system and the time additionally caused by the monitoring system (attachment to the transport container, reading, decision on the presence of a temperature limit violation, etc.) , By the evaluation unit can be easily separated from the temperature sensor and thus used several times, the cost per transport process for the components of the monitoring system costs can be kept low (especially there Temperature sensors are relatively inexpensive available, whereas the components of the evaluation are in contrast much more expensive). By designing the monitoring system such that the evaluation unit can be detached from the temperature sensor element in an uncomplicated manner, the evaluation unit can be disconnected and reused without leaving any time to the temperature sensor in the transport container (eg no opening of the transport container is required for the purpose of removing the temperature sensor). , By the display information with respect to the passed temperature history can be displayed in human-readable and machine-readable form, upon delivery of the transport container from both the transferor and the receiving without a great deal of time compliance with the required temperature conditions are checked, in addition to the passed temperature history (eg by means of can be electronically recorded and further processed centrally by transport companies used optical hand scanner). The monitoring system can also be used for any transport container geometries and does not require any adaptation of existing transport containers, so that it is flexible and versatile. By providing different sensor strips for different temperature ranges to be maintained, the range of use can be further increased. By means of the machine-readable code display, the entire temperature history can also be optically read out during machine operation.

According to one embodiment, the sensor strip has a predetermined separation point for severing the sensor strip at a predetermined separation position transversely to its longitudinal direction. The predetermined separation point, which is preferably arranged at a position between the first connection element and the temperature sensor element, may be e.g. be designed as a predetermined breaking point or as Sollrissstelle and e.g. be formed by a weakening portion of the sensor strip, which has a lower strength compared to the mutually adjacent portions. The target separation point may e.g. be formed by means of a transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sensor strip perforation or notch.

By having the sensor strip such a predetermined separation point, e.g. upon transfer of the transport container to the final recipient, the temperature sensor element is separated from the evaluation unit by severing the sensor strip at the predetermined separation point (and not by releasing the releasable connection between the first and second connection element). Accordingly, the sensor strip is divided from the predetermined separation point into a connector portion having the first connector and a sensor element portion having the temperature sensor element. When severing the sensor strip at the predetermined separation point, the connecting element section initially remains at the evaluation unit and can be removed later (for example by machine).

In order to facilitate or simplify a problem-free severing at the predetermined separation point, the signal lines can e.g. as deposited on the sensor support member (e.g., printed or vapor deposited) thin-layered metal conductive lines.

According to a further embodiment, the evaluation unit is designed such that it is activated upon connection of the first connection element to the second connection element as a result of the connection; that is, by means of connecting the two connecting elements with each other (ie by tying the sensor strip to the evaluation unit), the temperature detection, temperature value storage and display of the temperature-related information is started or started by means of the display device. Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation unit may be designed such that it is deactivated upon separation of the temperature sensor element of the evaluation unit due to the separation; that is, by disconnecting the temperature sensor element (by releasing the detachable connection between the two connection elements or by cutting the sensor strip at the predetermined separation point), the temperature detection, temperature value storage and optionally also the display of the temperature-related information is terminated. According to this embodiment, the start and the end of the temperature detection can be realized in a simple and time-effective manner.

According to a further embodiment, different sensor strips can be provided for different temperature specifications or desired temperature ranges to be maintained; whereby e.g. a first sensor strip type to monitor compliance with a freezing temperature range of -5 ° C to + 5 ° C, a second sensor strip type to monitor compliance with a cooling temperature range of 5 ° C to 10 ° C, and a third sensor strip Type can be provided to monitor compliance with an ambient temperature range of 15 ° C to 25 ° C.

Accordingly, each sensor strip may include a temperature range feature that characterizes the predetermined temperature range that is to be monitored by the sensor strip (also referred to as the target temperature range); wherein the evaluation unit is designed such that when connecting the sensor strip to the evaluation unit (ie when connecting the two connecting elements) is detected on the basis of the temperature range characteristic of the target temperature range and the settings of the evaluation unit are adjusted according to the predetermined by means of the sensor strip target temperature range; so that, for example, the display device is driven in accordance with the respectively preset desired temperature range and, for example, the display of the information as to whether a temperature limit violation occurred or not, is adapted to the respective setpoint temperature range to be maintained.

Thus, e.g. be provided that for different target temperature ranges to be monitored, a different geometric arrangement and / or number of signal lines, wherein the predetermined by means of the sensor strip target temperature range can be detected by the evaluation by detecting the occupied slots of the interface formed by the connecting elements. Accordingly, the desired temperature range to be monitored can be characterized by means of the spatial arrangement and / or the number of signal lines of the sensor strip, wherein the evaluation unit can be configured such that it detects the spatial arrangement and / or the number of signal lines. Temperature range is detected, its compliance is monitored.

As another example, it can be provided that different temperature sensor elements are used for different target temperature ranges (for example, temperature sensor elements having different resistance characteristics), wherein the target temperature range predetermined by the sensor strip can be detected by the evaluation unit by detecting the type of the temperature sensor element. Accordingly, the target temperature range to be monitored can be characterized by means of the (type of) the temperature sensor element, wherein the evaluation unit can be configured such that the target temperature range is detected by detecting the type of the temperature sensor element, whose compliance is to be monitored.

According to this embodiment, one and the same evaluation unit can be used without reprogramming for monitoring different desired temperature ranges, wherein the specification of the setpoint temperature range to be maintained is effected simply by selecting the sensor strip element. For easier identification by a user, the sensor strip corresponding to different target temperature ranges may be labeled with different colors and / or labels. According to a further embodiment, the monitoring system has a strain relief or a strain relief device, which is provided for securing the sensor strip against tensile load.

The strain relief is designed such that the sensor stiffener is relieved by means of the strain relief at one or more positions on the transport container, e.g. at one or more positions outside the transport container and / or at one or more positions inside the transport container, fixed or fixed and thus can be secured against tensile load. It can e.g. be provided, the sensor strip by means of a hook and loop fastener, a clamping connection (the sensor strip, for example, between a wall of the transport container and a clamping device held on the wall is fixed), or introduced into a wall of the transport container or einzudrückenden anchoring element (eg in the form of a fastening pin ) to be attached to the transport container.

The strain relief can in particular be designed in such a way that the sensor strip can be fixed to the transport container by the sensor strip at a position lying on the connecting element section and at a position lying on the sensor element section. Accordingly, the strain relief device may e.g. a arranged on the connecting element portion of the sensor strip strain relief and arranged on the sensor element portion of the sensor strip strain relief.

However, it can also be provided to attach the evaluation unit to the transport container such that an outer side of the transport container is contacted by a contacting surface which is formed by an outer side of the evaluation unit, the second connecting element being arranged on this contacting surface. In this case, the sensor strip can be guided through an opening in the wall of the transport container to the evaluation unit and be connected to the same, wherein the opening can be closed or covered by means of the contacting surface. Accordingly, a strain relief can be dispensable.

According to a further embodiment, the monitoring system has fastening means for releasably securing the evaluation unit to the transport container; i.e. the fastening means is designed such that the evaluation unit can be fastened by means of the fastening means to form a detachable connection to the transport container.

The attachment of the evaluation unit to the transport container by means of gluing or other cohesive connections is in many cases (eg during the transport of drugs), for example because of the concomitant entry of foreign matter undesirable, so preferably provided not to attach the evaluation by means of a material connection (eg not by gluing) to the transport container, but eg by means of a non-positive or positive connection.

It can e.g. be provided to attach the evaluation unit by means of a hook and loop fastener to the transport container, e.g. in that the evaluation unit has a housing, on one side (for example the rear side) of the housing being attached a hook-and-loop fastener element which can be releasably connected to a complementary hook-and-loop fastener element on the transport container.

The supply of the monitoring system with electrical energy can be done by means of an integrated into the evaluation unit energy storage. The energy storage may e.g. an electric battery or an electric accumulator. Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation device for the energy supply can be equipped with solar cells; wherein the evaluation unit may in particular comprise an accumulator and solar cells, wherein the accumulator can be charged by means of the solar cells.

Furthermore, the evaluation unit can have an additional (for example wireless) communication interface, by means of which the evaluation unit or a microprocessor of the evaluation unit can be programmed or reset (ie reset) to a defined initial state and / or the memory of the data logger can be read out. The communication interface may e.g. be an infrared interface. By means of such a communication interface, e.g. in case of damage or other functional impairment of the display device, a subsequent readout of the data logged by means of the evaluation unit takes place.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of monitoring compliance with a predetermined desired temperature range when shipping temperature-sensitive goods from a source to a destination using a monitoring system according to any of the embodiments described above.

As already explained, according to the method, first the temperature-sensitive transport item to be transported is introduced into a transport container. Thereafter, the evaluation unit is attached to an outer side of the transport container and arranged the sensor strip with the temperature sensor element in the interior of the transport container and the first connecting element outside of the transport container. The first and the second connecting element are connected to each other, whereby at the same time the evaluation unit can be activated. Before the start of shipping or transport, the evaluation device can be read out by means of an optical scanner and, for example, the time stamps of the data logger are transferred via the QR code into a central system (for example postal system) or the internal system time of the evaluation unit is compared with the system time of the central system. Now, the transport container is transported in the closed state from its starting location to its destination, wherein during the entire duration of transport from the evaluation unit by means of the temperature sensor element, the temperature present in the interior of the transport container is recorded and recorded and displayed by the display device, the respective temperature status.

After activation of the monitoring system, the temperature status of the item to be transported can be detected at any stage of the shipment or transport by means of optical reading of the display device. For example, if the transport container was stored with the cargo before the start of transport or between two transport operations in a warehouse before the next transport section, the display device in machine operation (eg by means of an optical scanner) can be read and, if it is determined that the was left for the respective transported goods predetermined target temperature range (for example, a predetermined maximum temperature was exceeded), a further transport be prevented. This makes it possible, in particular, to prevent superfluous transport of already spoiled goods, and it is also easy to determine in whose area of responsibility a temperature limit violation occurred.

Upon reaching the destination or when handed over to the final recipient, the display can be read by a control person (eg the recipient and / or the bearer) and / or by machine (eg by means of a conventional hand-held scanner), whereby the temperature status of the consignment can be checked and the data read out can be transferred to the central system (eg a postal system).

Thereafter, the temperature sensor element can be separated from the evaluation unit, for example by the detachable connection between the first and the second connection element is released or by the sensor strip itself is severed at the predetermined separation point. By disconnecting the temperature sensor element may at the same time Evaluation be disabled. The separated part of the sensor strip remains in or on the transport container.

The evaluation can be solved by the transport container and fed to a repeated use. It can e.g. be provided to supply such a separate evaluation to a central collection point, e.g. by post by means of mailing, the central collection point being able to correspond to the starting point of the transport item. It can be provided that the evaluation unit (for example on its rear side) is provided or labeled with a return address, so that the evaluation unit can be used e.g. after disconnecting from the temperature sensor and the transport container can be easily sent to the post office and fed by mail to the central collection point.

At the collection point, e.g. the data stored in the evaluation unit are read out again (for example by means of optical reading of the display device and / or by reading out via the additional communication interface) and further processed. In particular, a reading of the data via the additional communication interface in the event of a malfunction of the display device can take place here. In addition, the recorded data can be deleted and a reconfiguration of the evaluation unit can be made (via the additional communication interface). Thereafter, the evaluation unit can be used again.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, in which the same or similar features are given the same reference numerals; Here are shown schematically:

1 an illustration of the structure of a monitoring device according to an embodiment;

2 the monitoring device according to 1 when used for monitoring the interior temperature of a transport container; and

3 an arrangement of a monitoring device according to another embodiment of a transport container.

According to 1 has a monitoring device or a monitoring system 1 according to one embodiment, a sensor strip 3 with a temperature sensor 5 and a first connection element 7 on. The temperature sensor 5 is designed as a resistance thermometer. The sensor strip 3 also has two signal lines designed as printed metal conductive lines 9 on that the temperature sensor 5 electrically connected to the first connection element 7 connect. The temperature sensor 5 and the signal lines 9 are on a strip-shaped sensor carrier element 11 made of an electrically insulating material (eg paper or plastic). The length of the sensor strip 3 according to 1 is 50 cm as an example. The sensor strip 3 has a predetermined breaking point formed by means of a perforation 13 for targeted severing of the sensor strip 3 on, by means of which the sensor strip 3 in a connector section 15 that is the first connector 7 and a sensor element section 17 that the temperature sensor 5 has, is divided. The target separation point 13 is preferred in the fastener element side half of the sensor strip 3 arranged, for example, just behind the first connecting element 7 ,

The monitoring system 1 also has an evaluation unit 19 with a second connecting element 21 (in 1 shown in dashed lines), a data logger 23 and a display 25 on that in a common housing 27 are included.

That on the sensor strip 3 arranged first connecting element 7 and that at the evaluation unit 19 arranged second connecting element 21 are designed such that they form a temperature signal interface 29 can be detachably connected to each other. In the present case is the first connection element 7 as a plug 7 and the second connecting element 21 as in the case 27 built-in socket 21 formed so that the two fasteners 7 . 21 by inserting the plug 7 in the socket 21 can be detachably connected to each other (in the figures, the two connecting elements 7 . 21 shown in the coupled or connected state).

The data logger 23 comprises a microprocessor and a data storage device (not shown) and is in electrical communication with the temperature signal interface by means of electrical connection lines 29 , so from the datalogger 23 the means of the temperature sensor 5 detected temperature readings can be recorded, stored and processed.

The evaluation unit 19 is (by means of appropriate programming of the microprocessor of the data logger 23 ) formed such that from her the display 25 is driven based on the detected temperature readings.

The monitoring system 1 is designed such that the evaluation unit 19 by connecting the first connecting element 7 with the second connecting element 21 - ie by inserting the plug 7 in the socket 21 - is activated, so that at this time the collection and storage of temperature readings by the datalogger 23 is started. The monitoring system 1 is further configured such that the evaluation unit 19 by disconnecting the temperature sensor 5 from the evaluation unit 19 is disabled, so at this time the collection and storage of the temperature readings by the datalogger 23 is ended.

Disconnecting the temperature sensor 5 from the evaluation unit 19 can eg by means of releasing the between the first 7 and the second 21 Connecting element formed releasable connection or by cutting the sensor strip 3 at the target separation point 13 respectively.

The monitoring system 1 is designed such that it is monitored and displayed by the means of the temperature sensor 5 detected temperature during the detection period was within a predetermined target temperature range or not. The respective target temperature range to be adhered to can depend on the goods to be transported and can thus vary.

The monitoring system 1 is formed such that the respective target temperature range to be maintained by means of the sensor strip 3 is specified or defined; wherein different types of sensor strips are provided for different desired temperature ranges. Every sensor strip 3 has a temperature range feature that characterizes the desired temperature range to be respected. The evaluation unit 19 is formed such that when connecting the first connecting element 7 with the second connecting element 21 the temperature range feature and thus the target temperature range to be observed are detected.

As an example, in the embodiment according to 1 the target temperature range to be maintained by the spatial arrangement and the number of signal lines 9 of the sensor strip 3 Are defined; ie different spatial arrangements and / or numbers of signal lines 9 correspond to different target temperature ranges. As an example, the second connecting element 21 four connection lines 31 but in the present case only two of these connecting lines 31 through the signal lines 9 of the sensor strip 3 occupied or contacted. The evaluation unit 19 is formed such that it detects it by detecting the occupied connection lines 31 the target temperature range to be observed is detected.

For better recognition of the different types of sensor strips, the sensor strips can also be provided with a color marking and / or inscription which identifies the desired temperature range predetermined by them (eg "frozen" or "frozen" for a target temperature range of -5) ° C to + 5 ° C, "Cold" for a target temperature range of 5 ° C to 10 ° C, and "Ambient" or "Room Temperature" for a target temperature range of 15 ° C to 25 ° C ° C).

The ad 25 is an example of a bistable liquid crystal display or an e-paper display. The ad 25 is from the evaluation unit 19 (eg by means of the microprocessor of the data logger) so controlled that of the display 25 in a first display section 33 is displayed in human readable form (eg as plain text and / or in the form of pictograms), whether by means of the sensor strip 3 specified target temperature range has been respected or not. The display is from the evaluation unit 19 also controlled such that in a second display section 35 in machine readable form (eg as machine readable code, according to 1 as QR code) the entire temperature history recorded up to the respective time is displayed.

The ad 25 can be used in particular as a rectangular e-paper display with a display diagonal of 2.7 inches and a resolution of eg 264 by 176 pixels or as a rectangular e-paper display with a display diagonal of 2.0 inches and a resolution of eg 200 by 96 Be formed pixels; wherein each data point of the QR code may be formed of a square of four pixels.

The evaluation unit 19 is further provided with a power supply device with a solar cell 39 fitted. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 19 a wireless communication interface 41 in the form of an infrared interface 41 (eg according to an IRDA standard), by means of which the evaluation unit 19 (or the memory and the microprocessor of the data logger 23 ) can be read out and reprogrammed.

2 illustrates the monitoring system 1 when used for monitoring the interior temperature of a transport container 37 in the form of a package 37 , In the interior of the transport container 37 is a temperature-sensitive material to be transported 43 (eg a drug). The evaluation unit 19 is outside of the transport container 37 fastened by a rear wall of the housing 27 by means of a fastening means in the form of a hook and loop fastener (not shown) without sticking to an outer wall of the transport container 37 is attached. The sensor strip 3 is arranged such that the temperature sensor 5 yourself inside the transport container 37 located and the first connection element 7 outside the transport container 37 is; the sensor strip 3 by one between two wall elements of the transport container 37 formed gap is passed through from the inside of the transport container to the outside. According to 2 is the evaluation unit 19 with a rear wall of the housing 27 on the transport container 37 attached and the second connecting element 21 is on a side wall of the housing 27 arranged.

The monitoring system 1 has a strain relief device 45 with two strain relief elements 47 . 49 on; wherein each of the strain relief elements 47 . 49 as a staple, that is designed as a curved retaining clip. By means of the first strain relief element 47 becomes the sensor strip 3 at a position on the connector portion 15 on the outside of the transport container 37 fastened, by means of the second strain relief element 49 becomes the sensor strip 3 at a position on the sensor element section 17 on the inside of the transport container 37 attached so that the sensor strip 3 is reliably secured against tensile load.

3 illustrates in a sectional view a monitoring system 1 according to another embodiment, when used for monitoring the interior temperature of a transport container 37 , According to this embodiment, the evaluation unit 19 on an outside of the transport container 37 fastened by a back of the case 27 the evaluation unit 19 on the outside of the transport container 37 is attached. The second connection element 21 is at the (the transport container 37 contacting) back of the housing 27 arranged, with the sensor strip 3 through one in a wall 51 of the transport container 37 trained passage opening 53 through from the inside of the transport container 37 led to the outside and to the evaluation unit 19 is coupled, and wherein the through hole 53 from the case 27 covered and closed. According to this embodiment, no strain relief is required.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Monitoring system / monitoring device

3

Sensor connection element / sensor strip

5

Temperature sensor element

7

first connection element / plug

9

signal line

11

Sensor support element

13

Solltrennstelle / perforation

15

Connector section of the sensor strip

17

Sensor element section of the sensor strip

19

evaluation

21

second connecting element / socket

23

data logger

25

display

27

casing

29

Interface / temperature signal interface

31

Connecting lines of the second connecting element

33

human readable first display section

35

machine-readable second display section

37

Transport container / package

39

solar cell

41

Communication interface / infrared interface

43

temperature-sensitive good

45

strain relief

47, 49

strain relief

51

Wall of the transport container

53

Through opening

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2006015961 A2 [0003]
• DE 4139728 C1 [0003]

Claims (12)

Monitoring system ( 1 ) for monitoring in a transport container ( 37 ) present temperature, comprising: - a sensor strip ( 3 ) with a temperature sensor element ( 5 ) located at the first longitudinal end of the sensor strip ( 3 ) is arranged, a first connecting element ( 7 ) located at the second longitudinal end of the sensor strip ( 3 ), and at least one between the temperature sensor element ( 5 ) and the first connecting element ( 7 ) extending signal line ( 9 ), - an evaluation unit ( 19 ) with a second connecting element ( 21 ), a datalogger ( 23 ) and a display device ( 25 ), The first ( 7 ) and the second ( 21 ) Connecting element are formed such that they form an interface ( 29 ) for connecting the temperature sensor element ( 5 ) to the evaluation unit ( 19 ) are releasably connectable to each other, - wherein the data logger ( 23 ) for storing by means of the temperature sensor element ( 5 ) is formed temporally successively detected temperature measured values, and - wherein the evaluation unit ( 19 ) is designed such that the display device ( 25 ) is driven based on the detected temperature readings. Monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor strip ( 3 ) a target separation point ( 13 ) for severing the sensor strip transversely to its longitudinal direction. Monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the evaluation unit ( 19 ) is formed such that by means of connecting the first connecting element ( 7 ) with the second connecting element ( 21 ) is activated and / or by means of separating the temperature sensor element ( 5 ) from the evaluation unit ( 19 ) is deactivated. Monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the monitoring system ( 1 ) is configured to monitor compliance with a predetermined target temperature range and is configured such that the display device (FIG. 25 ) in human-readable form ( 33 ) is displayed, whether the set temperature range has been adhered to or not, and / or that the detected total recorded temperature history is recorded by the display device as a machine-readable code ( 35 ) is shown. Monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor strip ( 3 ) is provided for monitoring compliance with a predetermined target temperature range and the evaluation unit ( 19 ) is arranged such that when connecting the first connecting element ( 7 ) with the second connecting element ( 21 ) of the predetermined by means of the sensor strip target temperature range is detected. A monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a strain relief ( 45 ) for securing the sensor strip ( 3 ) against tensile load. Monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising fastening means for attaching the evaluation unit ( 19 ) on the transport container ( 37 ) to form a detachable connection.  A surveillance system according to claim 7, wherein the attachment means is a hook and loop fastener element. Method for monitoring compliance with a specified temperature range when sending a temperature-sensitive transport item ( 43 ) from a point of origin to a destination using a monitoring system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following steps: - introducing the temperature-sensitive transportable goods ( 43 ) in a transport container ( 37 ), - attaching the evaluation unit ( 19 ) of the surveillance system ( 1 ) on an outer side of the transport container ( 37 ), - arranging the sensor strip ( 3 ) of the surveillance system ( 1 ) such that the temperature sensor element ( 5 ) inside and the first connecting element ( 7 ) outside the transport container ( 37 ), wherein the sensor arranged on the sensor strip first connecting element ( 7 ) with the at the evaluation unit ( 19 ) arranged second connecting element ( 21 ), and - Transport of the transport container ( 37 ) together with the transported goods received therein ( 43 ) to the destination. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of: - reading the display device ( 25 ) of the surveillance system ( 1 ) after reaching the destination. The method of claim 9 or 10, further comprising the following steps: - separating the temperature sensor element ( 5 ) from the evaluation unit ( 19 ), and - disconnecting the evaluation unit ( 19 ) from the transport container ( 37 ). The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of: - Return transport of the separated evaluation unit ( 19 ) to the starting point.

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