JP2021145638A - Body temperature measuring ear tag and body temperature data management system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a body temperature measuring ear tag that is less likely to be subjected to ambient temperature, can measure body temperature more accurately, is light-weight and thin and not need to replace a battery.SOLUTION: A body temperature measuring ear tag includes: an ear mark tag; and a fastener for preventing the ear mark tag from dropping. A solar cell is installed to least one of the ear mark tag and the fastener. The solar cell generates power to operate a first temperature sensor for measuring body temperature of an animal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to an ear tag for measuring body temperature and a body temperature data management system.

In recent years, there has been an increasing need for measuring the body temperature of animals. Among animals, for example, bovine body temperature data is widely used for health management, calving management, and the like. Currently, the body temperature of cattle is generally measured by inserting a thermometer into the rectum, but since it is impossible to constantly measure the body temperature, the body temperature is measured when something is wrong. As a result, it has become commonplace to deal with problems after the condition has deteriorated considerably, and the response has been delayed. In addition, the method of measuring body temperature in the rectum often causes the cows to go wild, which makes the work difficult and may injure the breeder.
On the other hand, an ear tag is attached to the auricle for individual identification of cows, and when this ear tag is used for body temperature measurement, body temperature data can be obtained at all times, and abnormal times and estrus can be recognized at an early stage, and farmers can use it. Work load can be reduced.
For example, in order to accurately and surely control the body temperature of an animal such as a domestic animal to which an ear tag for individual identification is attached, a tag piece and a fastening pin penetrating the animal's ear are provided, and the fastening pin is provided. An ear tag for body temperature measurement has been proposed in which a temperature sensor is arranged at an appropriate position and a temperature detection unit, an individual identification signal recognition unit, and a wireless transmission / reception unit are further provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, the auricle is easily affected by the outside air temperature, and there is a problem that it is difficult to measure the body temperature accurately, and in the end, the method of measuring the body temperature in the rectum was used. In addition, a battery is used as a power source for the temperature sensor, but when it is attached to the ear tag, the hole in the auricle expands due to the heavy battery, the auricle is torn, and it hits the head or eyes every time the face is moved. In addition to putting extra stress on the cows, there was a problem that it was dangerous for the breeders. Using a smaller battery will alleviate some of the above problems, but it may cause the battery to run out unknowingly, not getting temperature data when needed, or requiring frequent battery replacement. As a result, the burden on the breeder has increased, and it has not been realized so far. In addition to the auricle of cattle, a method of measuring at the ridge or the base of the foot is also being studied, but there is a problem that the temperature sensor easily falls off, and a method that can accurately and constantly measure the body temperature is available. I was eager for it.

An object of the present invention is to provide a body temperature measurement ear tag that is not easily affected by the outside air temperature, can measure body temperature more accurately, is lightweight and thin, and does not require battery replacement.

The body temperature measurement ear tag of the present invention as a means for solving the above-mentioned problems has an ear tag and a fastener for preventing the ear tag from falling off, and the ear tag has a flexible solar cell. The first temperature sensor for measuring the body temperature of an animal is operated by the electric power generated by the solar cell.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a body temperature measurement ear tag that is not easily affected by the outside air temperature, can measure body temperature more accurately, is lightweight and thin, and does not require battery replacement.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of a conventional ear tag for measuring body temperature. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the shape of a fastening pin of a conventional ear tag for measuring body temperature. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of a body temperature measurement ear tag according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing another example of the body temperature measurement ear tag according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an example of a body temperature measurement ear tag according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an example of a body temperature measurement ear tag according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an example of a body temperature measurement ear tag according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing an example of a body temperature measurement ear tag according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an example of the layer structure of the solar cell used in the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing another example of the layer structure of the solar cell used in the present invention.

(Ear marker for body temperature measurement)
The body temperature measuring ear tag of the present invention has an ear tag, a fastener for preventing the ear tag from falling off, and, if necessary, other members.

The body temperature measurement ear tag is provided with a flexible solar cell mounted on the ear tag, and further provided with a first temperature sensor for measuring the body temperature of an animal. The first temperature sensor is provided by the solar cell. It operates with the generated power. The first temperature sensor can use all conventionally known body temperature measuring methods.
As an example of the body temperature measuring method, a first temperature sensor for measuring the body temperature is provided in the spear-shaped portion, and the first temperature sensor operates by the electric power generated by the flexible solar cell and is said to be the first. The method in which the temperature sensor of No. 1 is arranged inside the ears of an animal can be mentioned.

In the prior art, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the temperature sensor 24 is provided on the fastening pin 23, which is separate from the ear tag 22, and when the solar cell is mounted on the ear tag 22, wiring is performed. It gets complicated. Further, the conventional ear tag 21 for measuring body temperature is structurally easily affected by the outside air temperature, and there is a problem that the internal temperature of the animal's ear cannot be accurately measured when exposed to the outside air.
In addition, the conventional ear tag for body temperature measurement becomes heavy when a battery is mounted, and it becomes difficult to attach it to the auricle of an animal. In addition, since it is necessary to replace the battery, the work load on the farmer becomes large. Furthermore, since the ears of animals are greatly affected by the outside air temperature, it is difficult to accurately measure the body temperature as it is.

In the present invention, paying attention to the relationship between the thickness of the ear shell of an animal and the thickness of the temperature sensor, a temperature sensor satisfying the following equation, the thickness of the temperature sensor> the thickness of the ear shell is selected (for example, the thickness of the cow's ear is , Normally, it is 5 mm to 10 mm, so select a temperature sensor smaller than this), and by arranging the temperature sensor so that it is not exposed from the inside of the animal's ear shell, it will be less affected by the outside temperature and will be accurate. It is possible to measure the temperature inside the body.

As another example of the body temperature measuring method, there is a method of measuring the body temperature by contacting and fixing the first temperature sensor with the ear canal of the animal. By wiring the solar cell mounted on the ear tag and the first temperature sensor in contact with the ear canal of the animal (not shown), the first temperature is generated by the electric power generated by the flexible solar cell. Body temperature can be measured by a sensor.
Further, as another example, there is a method of measuring body temperature by using an infrared sensor as a first temperature sensor, arranging it in the ear canal, and detecting infrared rays radiated from the periphery of the eardrum to the ear canal. The first temperature sensor is connected to a flexible solar cell equipped with an ear tag, and the body temperature can be measured by the first temperature sensor by the electric power generated by the solar cell.
As described above, the flexible solar cell is mounted on the ear tag and / or the fastener, and a first temperature sensor for measuring the body temperature of the animal is provided. Any conventionally known body temperature measuring method may be used as long as it operates by the generated electric power.

<Ear tag>
The ear tag serves as a number tag that enables individual animals to be identified, and can measure body temperature at all times.
The target animals are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, cows, horses, zebras, sheep, goats, pigs, monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees, dogs, bears, cats, tigers. , Leopard, lion, etc.

The shape, size, structure, material, etc. of the ear tag are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
The shape and size of the ear tag are appropriately selected according to the shape and size of the auricle of the target animal.
As the material of the ear tag, for example, plastic is generally used, and examples of the plastic include thermoplastic polyurethane resin and the like.

The ear tag has a spear-shaped portion that can penetrate the auricle of an animal and is equipped with a flexible solar cell. The ear tag has a protrusion that engages with the insertion hole of the fastener when the ear tag is attached to the animal's pinna.
The ear tag may usually have an individual identification number, a barcode, or the like. Therefore, when a solar cell is mounted on the solar cell, it is not preferable to hide these displays. As will be described later, in the present invention, it is also possible to attach it as an ear tag (auxiliary ear tag) different from the main ear tag on which the individual identification number or the like is described.

<Fastener>
The clasp is inserted into the spear-shaped part to prevent the ear tag from falling off.
The shape, size, structure, material, etc. of the fastener are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
The shape and size of the fastener are appropriately selected according to the shape and size of the ear tag.
As the material of the fastener, for example, plastic is generally used, and examples of the plastic include thermoplastic polyurethane resin and the like.
It is also possible to provide a tag on the fastener, write an individual identification number or the like on the tag, and use it as an ear tag. If a tag on which an individual identification number or the like is described is provided on the fastener, it becomes easy to mount the flexible solar cell on the ear tag. In this case, since the tag of the fastener is installed so as to be visible from the front, the ear tag is arranged on the back side of the ear. The flexible solar cell mounted on the ear tag is more likely to be exposed to light when it is placed on the back side of the ear, and the effect of improving power generation can be obtained. In addition, it is very effective in obtaining high power generation because it is harder to get dirty if it is placed on the back side of the ear.

<First temperature sensor>
The first temperature sensor operates by the electric power generated by the flexible solar cell or the electric power stored by the electric power generated by the solar cell.
As described above, the first temperature sensor can be used with any conventionally known temperature sensor.
The first temperature sensor operates by the electric power generated by the flexible solar cell or the electric power stored by the electric power generated by the solar cell, and the first temperature sensor is fixed inside the ears of an animal.
The first temperature sensor is preferably a small temperature sensor that fits inside the ears of an animal, and examples thereof include a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector (RTD), an IC temperature sensor, and an infrared sensor. Be done.
The thermistor measures the temperature by using a resistor in which the change in electrical resistance is large with respect to the change in temperature.
In a thermocouple, one side of two dissimilar metals is brought into contact with each other, and the temperature is measured by the potential difference appearing on the other side.
The resistance temperature detector (RTD) measures the temperature by utilizing the fact that the resistance value of the metal and the temperature have a constant relationship.
The IC temperature sensor is composed of an IC (integrated circuit) and measures the temperature by utilizing the relationship between the temperature and the output voltage.
The infrared sensor detects the emitted infrared rays, reads the temperature change, and measures the temperature by converting it into an electric signal.
Among these, a thermistor, an IC temperature sensor, and an infrared sensor are preferable, and a thermistor and an infrared sensor are more preferable.

The solar cell is sealed by a sealing member to prevent water and the like from entering from the outside. As the sealing member, it is preferable to use a transparent material, and a cured resin or a low melting point glass resin is more preferable.
The curable resin is not particularly limited as long as it is a resin that can be cured by light or heat, and can be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Among them, an acrylic resin or an epoxy resin is preferably used.
As the cured product of the acrylic resin, any known material can be used as long as the monomer or oligomer having an acrylic group in the molecule is cured.
As the cured product of the epoxy resin, any known material can be used as long as the monomer or oligomer having an epoxy group in the molecule is cured.
Among these, epoxy resins having high adhesive strength to the substrate and excellent barrier properties against moisture and oxygen are more preferably used. As a result, the durability of the solar cell used in the present invention, which has high output and excellent stability, can be further improved.
Examples of the epoxy resin include a water-dispersed type, a solvent-free type, a solid type, a thermosetting type, a curing agent mixed type, and an ultraviolet curable type. Among these, a thermosetting type and an ultraviolet curable type are preferable. The ultraviolet curable type is more preferable. In addition, it may be an ultraviolet curable type or may be heated.
Examples of the epoxy resin include bisphenol A type, bisphenol F type, novolak type, cyclic aliphatic type, long chain aliphatic type, glycidylamine type, glycidyl ether type, glycidyl ester type and the like. There are no restrictions, and it can be selected as appropriate according to the purpose. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The sealing member may contain a curing agent and various additives, if necessary.

It is also possible and effective to use a sheet-shaped encapsulant. The sheet-shaped sealing material has a resin layer formed on the sheet in advance, and can be sealed by attaching it to an ear tag so as to cover the solar cell and curing the resin if necessary. .. Any sheet can be used as long as it is made of a material having a high gas barrier property, but a film having a particularly high gas barrier property is preferably used.
Further, it is also possible to form a film that blocks ultraviolet rays on the sealing member. When the solar cell used is an organic solar cell, deterioration may be accelerated by ultraviolet rays, and the durability may be significantly improved by providing a film that blocks ultraviolet rays on the solar cell.
Further, the film that blocks ultraviolet rays can be provided not only on the solar cell but also on the surface of the ear tag and the fastener. Since the ear tag and the fastener are also made of plastic, there is a concern that the ear tag may be deteriorated by ultraviolet rays and the ear tag may fall off. By blocking ultraviolet rays, deterioration of the resin forming the ear tag can be prevented, and the effect of preventing the ear tag from falling off can be obtained.
As the film that blocks ultraviolet rays, a conventionally known method can be used as long as it blocks light of at least 400 nm or less. For example, a film can be formed by attaching a film capable of blocking ultraviolet rays to the surface or by applying a coating liquid containing a material that blocks ultraviolet rays to the surface.

<Second temperature sensor>
It is preferable that the ear tag is further equipped with a second temperature sensor for measuring the outside air temperature. The body temperature is measured in the ear by the first temperature sensor, and the body temperature is corrected by the second temperature data measured by the second temperature sensor to obtain more accurate animal body temperature data in consideration of the influence of the outside air temperature. Can be provided.
When measuring body temperature by ear, it is relatively susceptible to the influence of outside air temperature. Therefore, even if the temperature change can be detected, the absolute value of the body temperature may change depending on the outside air temperature. If the body temperature data and the outside air temperature data can be acquired and the relationship between them can be clarified, the body temperature data obtained by the first temperature sensor can be corrected by the outside air temperature data obtained by the second temperature sensor. It becomes possible to provide accurate body temperature data.
The position for mounting the second temperature sensor is not particularly limited as long as the outside air temperature can be measured, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

<Contact sensor>
It is preferable to arrange the contact sensor in the vicinity of the first temperature sensor. By arranging the contact sensor in the vicinity of the first temperature sensor, it can be confirmed that the first temperature sensor is in contact with the auricle, the ear canal, or the like, and accurate body temperature can be measured.
Examples of the contact sensor include a photoelectric sensor, a dielectric proximity sensor, a capacitance type proximity sensor, and a magnetic proximity sensor.

<Insulation member>
It is preferable to have a heat insulating member between the first temperature sensor and the outside air. In any body temperature measuring method, the first temperature sensor has a region close to the outside air in the vicinity thereof, and the influence of the outside air temperature becomes large. Therefore, by providing a heat insulating member between the first temperature sensor and the outside air, the influence of the outside air temperature can be reduced, which is effective.
For example, when the first temperature sensor is arranged inside the auricle, the portion of the auricle in contact with the first temperature sensor by having a heat insulating member between the auricle and the auricle tag and the fastener. However, it is less affected by the outside air, and the body temperature can be measured more accurately.
When the first temperature sensor is brought into contact with the ear canal, the area around the contact portion between the first temperature sensor and the ear canal is easily affected by the outside air in the vicinity where the first temperature sensor is in contact with the ear canal. It is preferable to provide a heat insulating member and fix the heat insulating member.
When an infrared sensor is used, it is preferable to provide a heat insulating member on the outside of the ear canal rather than the first temperature sensor.
The shape, size, structure, and material of the heat insulating member are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
Examples of the shape of the heat insulating member include a sheet shape, a thin plate shape, and a fibrous shape.
The size of the heat insulating member can be appropriately selected according to the size of the fastener, the auricle, the ear canal, and the ear tag.
Examples of the structure of the heat insulating member include a single-layer structure and a multi-layer structure having two or more layers.
Examples of the material of the heat insulating member include inorganic fibers, natural fibers, foamed rubber, and foamed resin. Examples of the inorganic fiber include glass wool and rock wool. Examples of natural fibers include cellulose fibers and wool presses. Examples of the foamed resin include foams of resins such as polyurethane, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinylidene fluoride.

<Other parts>
The other members are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose, for example, a communication unit, a storage unit, an acceleration sensor, an active RFID, and the like.

The communication unit includes a wireless transmission / reception unit capable of transmitting a temperature information signal obtained from the first temperature sensor.

If an accelerometer is installed, it is possible to capture the movement of animals, confirm their survival, and grasp their activity status.

If an active RFID is installed, communication is possible even if the distance is several tens of meters or more, and individual identification is possible.

Here, an embodiment of the ear tag for body temperature measurement of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components may be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description may be omitted. Further, the number, position, shape, etc. of the following constituent members are not limited to the present embodiment, and can be a preferable number, position, shape, etc. for carrying out the present invention.

<First Embodiment of Ear Mark for Body Temperature Measurement>
First, an embodiment in which the first temperature sensor is arranged inside the auricle described above will be described.
Here, FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of the body temperature measurement ear tag according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a state in which the body temperature measurement ear tag according to the first embodiment is attached to the auricle. It is a figure which shows.
The body temperature measurement ear tag of FIG. 3 has an ear tag 101 and a fastener 104, and the ear tag 101 and the fastener 104 have a protruding portion 101a of the ear tag 101 of the fastener 104. By inserting into the insertion hole 104a via the animal auricle, the ear tag 101 is attached to the animal auricle 106, as shown in FIG. The fastener 104 is provided with an auxiliary ear tag 107 for describing an individual identification number or the like.
A first temperature sensor 102 is provided on the protruding portion 101a of the ear tag, and when the ear tag 101 is attached to the animal ear shell 106, the first temperature sensor 102 is attached to the ear shell 106. Located in the center. As a result, the first temperature sensor 102 is not exposed from the inside of the auricle of the animal, so that it is less affected by the outside air temperature, and accurate measurement of the internal temperature can be realized. A thermistor is preferable as the first temperature sensor 102.
Reference numeral 103 denotes a solar cell, and the first temperature sensor 102 operates by the electric power generated by the solar cell. The electric power generated by the solar cell may be stored in the storage battery, and the first temperature sensor may be operated by the electric power stored in the storage battery.
As the solar cell 103, a flexible solar cell is used. The solar cell 103 is sealed by a transparent sealing member 105 to prevent water and the like from entering from the outside.

<Second Embodiment of Ear Mark for Body Temperature Measurement>
FIG. 5 is a side view showing an example of a body temperature measurement ear tag according to the second embodiment.
The body temperature measurement ear tag of FIG. 5 is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the ear tag 101 is equipped with a second temperature sensor 107 for measuring the outside air temperature. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment already described will be designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.
The second temperature sensor 107 is operated by the electric power of at least one of the solar cell and the storage battery.
According to the body temperature measurement ear tag according to the second embodiment, correction is performed by the second temperature data measured by the second temperature sensor, and more accurate animal body temperature data including the influence of the outside air temperature is provided. can do.

<Third Embodiment of the ear tag for body temperature measurement>
FIG. 6 is a side view showing an example of a body temperature measurement ear tag according to the third embodiment.
The body temperature measurement ear tag of FIG. 6 is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the heat insulating member 108 is provided between the fastener 104 and the auricle 106 and between the ear tag 101 and the auricle 106. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment already described will be designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.
According to the body temperature measurement ear tag according to the third embodiment, by having the heat insulating member, the portion of the auricle in contact with the first temperature sensor is less likely to be affected by the outside air, and the body temperature is measured more accurately. Can be done.

<Fourth Embodiment of Ear Mark for Body Temperature Measurement>
FIG. 7 describes an embodiment in which the first temperature sensor is arranged in the ear canal described above.
A solar cell 103 is mounted on the ear tag 101, a first temperature sensor 102 is arranged in contact with the ear canal 112 on the ear canal 112, and the solar cell and the first temperature sensor 102 are connected by wiring. There is. The first temperature sensor 102 is fixed by a ring-shaped fixing member 110, and the first temperature sensor 102 operates by the electric power generated by the solar cell 103.
The electric power generated by the solar cell may be stored in the storage battery, and the first temperature sensor 102 may be operated by the electric power stored in the storage battery.
As the solar cell 103, a flexible solar cell is used. The solar cell 103 is sealed by a transparent sealing member 105 to prevent water and the like from entering from the outside.
The ear tag 101 may be equipped with a second temperature sensor 107 for measuring the outside air temperature. Further, a heat insulating member may be provided between the first temperature sensor 102 and the fixing member. Further, although not shown, an ear tag may be provided on the fastener and the ear tag with a solar cell may be arranged behind the ear.

<Fifth Embodiment of the ear tag for body temperature measurement>
FIG. 8 describes an embodiment when an infrared sensor is used as the first temperature sensor described above.
A solar cell 103 is mounted on the ear tag 101, and a body temperature measuring device 111 having a built-in infrared sensor is inserted in the ear canal 112 as a first temperature sensor 102. Note that 113 in FIG. 8 is the eardrum.
The solar cell 103 and the body temperature measuring device 111 are connected by wiring. The body temperature measuring device including the first temperature sensor 102 is fixed by a fixing member 111 so as not to be detached from the ear, and the first temperature sensor 102 operates by the electric power generated by the solar cell 103. The electric power generated by the solar cell 103 may be stored in the storage battery, and the first temperature sensor 102 may be operated by the electric power stored in the storage battery.
The ear tag 101 may be equipped with a second temperature sensor 107 for measuring the outside air temperature. Further, although not shown, an ear tag may be provided on the fastener and the ear tag with a solar cell may be arranged behind the ear.

(Body temperature data management system)
The body temperature data management system of the present invention is a body temperature data management system using the body temperature measurement ear tag of the present invention.
The first temperature data measured by the first temperature sensor is corrected by the second temperature data measured by the second temperature sensor, and the body temperature data in consideration of the influence of the outside air temperature is provided.
For example, the first temperature data measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature data measured by the second temperature sensor are acquired and accumulated for a long period of one year or more. A correction formula is derived from the relationship between the temperature data of the above and the second temperature data, and the body temperature data of the animal including the influence of the outside air temperature can be obtained by using this correction formula.

The body temperature data management system preferably has control means. The control means is a means for controlling each means of the body temperature data management system. The control means may include storage means such as ROM and RAM and calculation means such as CPU and FPGA. A program for correcting body temperature data is stored in the storage means.

<Solar cell>
The solar cell to be mounted on the body temperature measurement ear tag of the present invention is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. However, from the viewpoint of light weight and flexibility, a flexible solar cell is preferable. Organic solar cells such as amorphous silicon solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, organic thin-film solar cells, and perovskite solar cells are more preferable, and organic thin-film solar cells are particularly preferable.
Hereinafter, the specific configuration of a suitable solar cell in the present invention will be described in detail, but the solar cell used in the present invention is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, as the solar cell, an organic thin-film solar cell will be described as an example. However, the solar cell used in the present invention is not limited to these.
The organic thin-film solar cell has a first substrate, a first electrode, an electron transport layer, a photoelectric conversion layer, a hole transport layer, and a second electrode, and if necessary, a second substrate, a sealing member, and the like. Has a layer of.

<Board>
The substrate of the solar cell is not particularly limited, and a known one can be used. The first substrate is preferably made of a transparent material, and examples thereof include glass, a transparent plastic film, and an inorganic transparent crystal, but a lightweight and flexible substrate is more preferable, and a transparent plastic film is preferably used. Since the transparent plastic film is lightweight, the ear tag can be significantly reduced in weight. Further, since the transparent plastic film is flexible, the influence of destruction due to bending of the ear tag can be reduced.

<1st electrode, 2nd electrode>
At least one of the electrodes is transparent to visible light, and the other electrode may be transparent or opaque.
The electrode transparent to visible light is not particularly limited, and a known electrode used for a normal photoelectric conversion element or a liquid crystal panel or the like can be used. For example, tin-doped indium oxide (hereinafter referred to as “ITO”) can be used. , Fluorine-doped tin oxide (hereinafter referred to as "FTO"), Antimon-doped tin oxide (hereinafter referred to as "ATO"), Aluminum or gallium-doped zinc oxide (hereinafter referred to as "AZO" and "GZO", respectively. ) And other conductive metal oxides.
The average thickness of the electrode transparent to visible light is preferably 5 nm to 10 μm, more preferably 50 nm to 1 μm.
In order to maintain a certain degree of hardness, the electrode transparent to visible light is preferably provided on a substrate made of a material transparent to visible light, and an electrode in which the electrode and the substrate are integrated can also be used. For example, FTO, ITO, zinc oxide: aluminum or the like coated on the above-mentioned substrate can be used.
The electrodes that are transparent to visible light include those in which a metal electrode having a structure that allows light to pass through, such as a mesh or stripe, is provided on a substrate such as a glass substrate, or carbon nanotubes, graphene, or the like having transparency. It may be laminated on. These may be used individually by 1 type, may be used in combination of 2 or more type, and may be laminated.
Further, a metal lead wire or the like may be used for the purpose of lowering the substrate resistance. Examples of the material of the metal lead wire include metals such as aluminum, copper, silver, gold, platinum, and nickel. Examples thereof include a method in which the metal lead wire is installed on a substrate by vapor deposition, sputtering, crimping or the like, and ITO or FTO is provided on the metal lead wire.
Examples of the material in which an opaque electrode is used for either the first electrode or the second electrode include metals such as platinum, gold, silver, copper, and aluminum (Al), and graphite. In the case of the opaque electrode, the thickness is not particularly limited, and one type alone or two or more types may be used in a laminated structure.

<Electron transport layer>
The material for forming the electron transport layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, an electron-accepting organic material (for example, perylenetetracarboxylic acid anhydride, perylenetetracarboxylic acid diimide, oxazole) can be appropriately selected. Inorganic materials such as derivatives, triazole derivatives, phenanthroline derivatives, phosphine oxide derivatives, fullerene compounds, carbon nanotubes (CNT), CN-PPV, etc.), zinc oxide, titanium oxide, lithium fluoride, calcium metal, etc. are formed by the solgel method or sputtering. Can be used. In the case of the layered solar cell shown in FIG. 9, zinc oxide is preferable, and in the case of the layered solar cell shown in FIG. 10, lithium fluoride is preferable.
The average thickness of the electron transport layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose, but it is preferable to cover the entire surface as thinly as possible, and more preferably 10 nm to 60 nm.

<Hole transport layer>
A hole transport layer can be provided to improve the hole collection efficiency. Specifically, conductive polymers such as PEDOT: PSS (polyethylene dioxythiophene: polystyrene sulfonic acid), hole-transporting organic compounds such as aromatic amine derivatives, positives such as molybdenum oxide, vanadium oxide, and nickel oxide. An inorganic compound having pore transportability is formed by spin coating, solgel method or sputtering. In the present invention, it is preferable to provide molybdenum oxide.
The average thickness of the hole transport layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose, but it is preferable to cover the entire surface as thinly as possible, and more preferably 1 nm to 50 nm.

<Photoelectric conversion layer>
The photoelectric conversion layer is formed between the electron transport layer and the hole transport layer.
The photoelectric conversion layer contains an electron-donating organic material (P-type organic semiconductor) and an electron-triggering organic material (N-type organic semiconductor), and is put into a bulk in which the P-type organic semiconductor and the N-type organic semiconductor are mixed. A terror junction type photoelectric conversion layer is preferable. As a result, a nano-sized PN junction is formed in the photoelectric conversion layer, and a current can be obtained by utilizing the photocharge separation generated at the junction surface.
The average thickness of the photoelectric conversion layer is preferably 50 nm to 400 nm, more preferably 60 nm to 250 nm. If the average thickness is less than 50 nm, light absorption by the photoelectric conversion layer may be small and carrier generation may be insufficient, and if it exceeds 400 nm, the transport efficiency of carriers generated by light absorption may be further reduced. be.

<< Electron-donating organic material (P-type organic semiconductor) >>
Examples of the P-type organic semiconductor include polythiophene or a derivative thereof, an arylamine derivative, a stilben derivative, oligothiophene or a derivative thereof, a phthalocyanine derivative, porphyrin or a derivative thereof, polyphenylene vinylene or a derivative thereof, polythienylene vinylene or a derivative thereof, and the like. Examples thereof include conjugated polymers such as benzodithiophene derivatives and diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives and low molecular weight compounds. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
Among these, polythiophene, which is a conductive polymer having π-conjugation, or a derivative thereof is preferable. The polythiophene and its derivative are advantageous in that excellent stereoregularity can be ensured and the solubility in a solvent is relatively high.
The polythiophene and its derivative are not particularly limited as long as they are compounds having a thiophene skeleton, and can be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, polyalkylthionaphthenes such as polyalkylthiophene typified by poly-3-hexylthiophene, poly-3-hexylisothionaphthene, poly-3-octylisothionaphthene, and poly-3-decylisothionaphthene; Examples include polyethylene dioxythiophene.
In recent years, PTB7 (poly ({4,8-bis [(2-ethylhexyl) oxy] benzo [1,2-b: 4,] which is a copolymer composed of benzodithiophene, carbazole, benzothiadiazole and thiophene) 5-b'] dithiophene-2,6-diyl} {3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexyl) carbonyl] thieno [3,4-b] thiophenezyl})), PCDTBT (poly [N-9 "- Derivatives such as heptadecanyl-2,7-carbazole-alto-5,5- (4', 7'-di-2-thienyl-2', 1', 3'-benzothiadiazole)]) have excellent photoelectric conversion. It is mentioned as a compound which can obtain efficiency.
Further, not only a conjugate polymer but also a small molecule compound in which an electron donating unit and an electron attracting unit are bonded is known to have excellent photoelectric conversion efficiency, and can be used in the present invention (also used in the present invention). See, for example, ACS Applied Materials 2014, 6, 803-810).

<< Electron-attracting organic material (N-type organic semiconductor) >>
Examples of the electron-attracting organic material include an imide derivative, a fullerene, and a fullerene derivative. Among these, fullerene derivatives are preferable from the viewpoint of charge separation and charge transport.
As the fullerene derivative, an appropriately synthesized derivative may be used, or a commercially available product may be used. For example, PC71BM (phenyl C71 butyrate methyl ester, manufactured by Frontier Carbon Co., Ltd.), PC61BM (phenyl C61 butyrate methyl ester) may be used. , Frontier Carbon Co., Ltd.), PC85BM (Phenyl C85 Methyl Butyrate, Frontier Carbon Co., Ltd.), ICBA (Fullerene Inden 2 Derivative, Frontier Carbon Co., Ltd.) and the like. In addition, a furaropyrrolidine-based fullerene derivative and the like can be mentioned.

The method for forming the photoelectric conversion layer is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, spin coating coating, blade coating coating, slit die coating coating, screen printing coating, bar coater coating, and mold coating. , Print transfer method, immersion pulling method, inkjet method, spray method, vacuum deposition method and the like. From these, it can be appropriately selected according to the characteristics of the organic material thin film to be produced, such as thickness control and orientation control.
For example, when the spin coating is applied, the concentrations of the P-type organic semiconductor and the N-type organic semiconductor are preferably 5 mg / mL or more and 40 mg / mL or less. By setting this concentration, a homogeneous organic material thin film can be easily produced.
In order to remove the organic solvent from the produced organic material thin film, the annealing treatment may be performed under reduced pressure or under an inert atmosphere (under a nitrogen or argon atmosphere). The temperature of the annealing treatment is preferably 40 ° C. or higher and 300 ° C. or lower, and more preferably 50 ° C. or higher and 200 ° C. or lower. Further, by performing the annealing treatment, the effective area in which the laminated layers permeate and contact each other at the interface is increased, and the short-circuit current can be increased. The annealing treatment may be performed after the electrodes are formed.
The organic solvent is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, methanol, ethanol, butanol, toluene, xylene, o-chlorophenol, acetone, ethyl acetate, ethylene glycol, tetrahydrofuran and dichloromethane can be selected. , Chloroform, dichloroethane, chlorobenzene, dichlorobenzene, trichlorobenzene, chloronaphthalene, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, N-methylpyrrolidone, γ-butyrolactone and the like. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, chlorobenzene, chloroform and orthodichlorobenzene are preferable.
Further, in order to control the phase separation structure of the P-type organic semiconductor and the N-type organic semiconductor, an additive of 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less may be added to the organic solvent. Examples of the additive include diiodoalkane (1,8-diiodooctane, 1,6-diiodohexane, 1,10-diiododecane, etc.) and alkanedithiol (1,8-octanedithiol, 1,6--. Hexanedithiol, 1,10-decandithiol, etc.), 1-chloronaphthalene, polydimethylsiloxane derivative and the like.
The average thickness of the photoelectric conversion layer is preferably 50 nm or more and 400 nm or less, and more preferably 60 nm or more and 250 nm or less. When the average thickness is 50 nm or more, the light absorption by the photoelectric conversion layer is small and the carrier generation is not insufficient, and when the average thickness is 400 nm or less, the transport efficiency of the carriers generated by the light absorption is further lowered. There is no such thing.

<Other parts>
The other members are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include a gas barrier layer, a buffer layer, an ultraviolet ray blocking layer, and a sealing layer.
The gas barrier layer is formed to prevent the intrusion of gas and moisture, and examples of the material of the gas barrier layer include inorganic substances such as silicon nitride and silicon oxide.

The ultraviolet ray blocking layer is provided on the light receiving surface side of the solar cell and is used to prevent deterioration of the constituent material due to ultraviolet rays. By blocking ultraviolet rays of at least 400 nm or less, preferably 420 nm or less, the durability of the solar cell may be improved. Examples of the ultraviolet cut layer include a method of attaching a conventionally known ultraviolet cut film to the light receiving surface side of the first substrate, or applying a coating liquid containing a material that absorbs or reflects ultraviolet rays.

As the sealing layer, any conventionally known method can be used as long as the material contained in each layer constituting the solar cell can be shielded from the external environment. Examples of the sealing layer include a method in which a cured resin is attached to the outer edge of the solar cell and sealed with a second substrate, and a method in which the entire power generation layer of the solar cell is sealed with the cured resin. However, in the present invention, since the solar cell is preferably flexible, the sealing layer is also preferably flexible. In particular, a sheet-shaped encapsulant in which a curable resin is previously coated on a sheet having a flexible gas barrier property is very effective because it can be easily sealed and can maintain flexibility.

In the solar cell used in the present invention, two or more photoelectric conversion layers may be laminated (tandemized) via one or more intermediate electrodes to form a series junction. For example, a laminated structure of a first substrate / first electrode / hole transport layer / first photoelectric conversion layer / intermediate electrode / second photoelectric conversion layer / electron transport layer / second electrode can be mentioned. By stacking in this way, the open circuit voltage can be improved.

Next, the solar cell used in the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an example of the layer structure of the solar cell used in the present invention. In the solar cell of FIG. 9, the first electrode 2 is formed on the first substrate 1, the electron transport layer 3 is formed on the first electrode 2, and further, the photoelectric conversion layer 4 and the hole transport layer 5 are formed. , And the second electrode 6 are sequentially laminated.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing another example of the layer structure of the solar cell used in the present invention. In the solar cell of FIG. 10, the first electrode 2, the hole transport layer 5, the photoelectric conversion layer 4, the electron transport layer 3, and the second electrode 6 are sequentially laminated on the first substrate 1.

Aspects of the present invention are, for example, as follows.
<1> It has an ear tag and a fastener to prevent the ear tag from falling off.
A body temperature measurement ear tag is characterized in that a flexible solar cell is mounted on the ear tag, and a first temperature sensor for measuring the body temperature of an animal is operated by the electric power generated by the solar cell.
<2> The ear tag has a spear-shaped portion that can penetrate the auricle, and the fastener prevents the ear tag from falling off by inserting the spear-shaped portion.
The first temperature sensor is provided in the spear-shaped portion, and the first temperature sensor is arranged inside the auricle by penetrating the spear-shaped portion through the auricle of an animal. > Is the auricle for measuring body temperature.
<3> The method according to any one of <1> to <2>, wherein the first temperature sensor is in contact with the ear canal of an animal and has a fixing member at a contact portion between the first temperature sensor and the ear canal. It is an ear canal for measuring body temperature.
<4> The ear tag for body temperature measurement according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the first temperature sensor is a thermistor.
<5> The body temperature according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the first temperature sensor is an infrared sensor, which is arranged in the ear canal of an animal and detects infrared rays emitted from around the eardrum to the ear canal. It is an ear canal for measurement.
<6> The ear tag for body temperature measurement according to any one of <1> to <5>, comprising a transparent sealing member for preventing the intrusion of water into the flexible solar cell.
<7> The ear tag for body temperature measurement according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the ear tag is also provided on the fastener.
<8> The body temperature measurement ear tag according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein a contact sensor is arranged in the vicinity of the first temperature sensor.
<9> The body temperature measurement ear tag according to any one of <1> to <8>, which has a heat insulating member between the first temperature sensor and the outside air.
<10> A storage battery is further mounted on the ear tag, the electric power generated by the flexible solar cell is stored in the storage battery, and the first temperature sensor operates by the electric power stored in the storage battery. , The body temperature measurement ear tag according to any one of <1> to <9>.
<11> The ear tag is further equipped with a second temperature sensor for measuring the outside air temperature, and the second temperature sensor operates by the electric power of at least one of the flexible solar cell and the storage battery. , The body temperature measurement ear tag according to the above <10>.
<12> A body temperature data management system using the body temperature measurement ear tag according to the above <11>.
The first temperature data measured by the first temperature sensor is corrected by the second temperature data measured by the second temperature sensor, and the body temperature data of the animal considering the influence of the outside air temperature is provided. It is a body temperature data management system characterized by doing.

The object for body temperature measurement according to any one of <1> to <11> and the problems described in the body temperature data management system according to <12> can be solved to achieve the object of the present invention. ..

1 1st substrate 2 1st electrode 3 Electron transport layer 4 Photoelectric conversion layer 5 Hole transport layer 6 2nd electrode 101 Ear tag 102 1st temperature sensor 103 Solar cell 104 Fastener 105 Sealing member 106 Ear Shell 109 auxiliary ear tag

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-298020

Claims (12)

It has an ear tag and a fastener to prevent the ear tag from falling off.
A body temperature measurement ear tag, characterized in that a flexible solar cell is mounted on the ear tag, and a first temperature sensor for measuring the body temperature of an animal is operated by the electric power generated by the solar cell. The ear tag has a spear-shaped portion that can penetrate the auricle, and the fastener prevents the ear tag from falling off by inserting the spear-shaped portion.
The first temperature sensor is provided in the spear-shaped portion, and the first temperature sensor is arranged inside the auricle by penetrating the spear-shaped portion through the auricle of an animal. Auricle for measuring body temperature described in. The body temperature measurement ear marker according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first temperature sensor contacts the ear canal of an animal and has a fixing member at a contact portion between the first temperature sensor and the ear canal. The ear tag for body temperature measurement according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first temperature sensor is a thermistor. The body temperature measurement ear marker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first temperature sensor is an infrared sensor, which is arranged in the ear canal of an animal and detects infrared rays emitted from the periphery of the eardrum to the ear canal. The ear tag for body temperature measurement according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a transparent sealing member for preventing moisture from entering the flexible solar cell. The body temperature measurement ear tag according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an ear tag is also provided on the fastener. The ear marker for body temperature measurement according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a contact sensor is arranged in the vicinity of the first temperature sensor. The ear marker for body temperature measurement according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a heat insulating member between the first temperature sensor and the outside air. A claim that a storage battery is further mounted on the ear tag, the electric power generated by the flexible solar cell is stored in the storage battery, and the first temperature sensor operates by the electric power stored in the storage battery. The ear marker for body temperature measurement according to any one of 1 to 9. The ear tag is further equipped with a second temperature sensor for measuring the outside air temperature, and the second temperature sensor is operated by the electric power of at least one of the flexible solar cell and the storage battery. 10. The body temperature measurement ear tag according to 10. A body temperature data management system using the body temperature measurement ear tag according to claim 11.
The first temperature data measured by the first temperature sensor is corrected by the second temperature data measured by the second temperature sensor, and the body temperature data of the animal considering the influence of the outside air temperature is provided. A body temperature data management system characterized by doing.

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