JP4163665B2 - Temperature change detector, temperature change detection device, temperature change detection system, food container, and packaging material - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a temperature change detector that detects a temperature change and displays a trace of the temperature change, a temperature change reader, and a temperature change management system for a transport article.

  Frozen food needs to be kept frozen from the time of manufacture until it reaches the consumer's hands, but due to some unforeseen cause, the temperature rises during storage or during transportation and once thawed, It may become frozen again. When this happens, not only the quality of the frozen food is deteriorated, but also there is a possibility of refreezing the spoiled food, which may be a serious problem in food hygiene. However, there is no reason for the consumer to know the history that the temperature of the frozen food has risen and once thawed and has been frozen again. In addition, blood products such as fresh frozen plasma are usually stored in a frozen state. However, if the temperature rises during transportation, etc., and a part of the product is thawed and then frozen again, the temperature rises. I don't know what happened.

Conventionally, in order to detect the thawing history of frozen foods, an oil / water emulsion prepared by adding a dye is sealed in a small water-insoluble and transparent container, frozen, and attached to the frozen food. A thawing detector to be used has been proposed. According to this, when the temperature rises during storage of frozen foods, even if the thawed emulsion is separated into two patchy liquid phases and then frozen again, the patchy pattern will not return to its original state. . Therefore, the observer can know whether or not the frozen food has been thawed by observing the presence or absence of a patchy pattern on the detection tool (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 52-2087

  However, in the conventional frozen food thawing detection tool, the state change due to freezing and thawing of the emulsion is irreversible. Therefore, since it is necessary to control the temperature so that the state of freezing / thawing is not repeated between the time when the thawing detector is manufactured and the time when it is frozen and used, the time from the manufacture of the detector to the time of use is required. Care must be taken in handling the detector in between.

  In addition, in manufacturing the detector, a complex process such as dissolving with a surfactant and then stirring vigorously is required to form an emulsion using mutually insoluble oil / water. There was a situation that the manufacturing cost was high.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional circumstances, and can easily detect visually whether or not an article has undergone a temperature change, and can be easily and inexpensively manufactured. Another object of the present invention is to provide a temperature change reader and a temperature change management system for a transported article.

  The temperature change detector of the present invention is a temperature change detector that detects a temperature change and displays a trace of the temperature change, and is insoluble in the first substance and the first substance and has a specific gravity. A temperature change detection cell is provided in which at least two kinds of substances including different second substances are enclosed in a container.

  Thereby, a temperature change detector that can be manufactured at low cost with a simple configuration can easily recognize the trace of the temperature change from the state and position of the substance in the temperature change detection cell.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second substances have different colors.

  Thereby, it is possible to easily detect whether or not the temperature has changed during storage or transportation of the article with good visibility.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the first substance includes a magnetic substance.

  Thereby, it is possible to easily detect whether or not there has been a temperature change during storage or transportation of the article by observing a change in the position of the magnetic material in the transparent container of the temperature change detection cell.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature change detection cell has a thin film in the container, and the specific gravity of the thin film is between the specific gravity of the first substance and the specific gravity of the second substance. .

  Thereby, since the trace of a temperature change can be displayed by the change of the position of a thin film, temperature change detection with easy visual recognition can be performed.

  Further, as one aspect of the present invention, the temperature change detector shows a temperature change trace when the temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined set temperature, and the melting point of the first substance and the set temperature are substantially the same. To do.

  Thereby, by selecting the first substance, various temperatures can be set as the set temperature indicating the trace of the temperature change and can be used for various applications.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the first substance includes at least two kinds of substances, and the ratio of these substances is a ratio at which the melting point of the first substance substantially matches the set temperature.

  This makes it possible to adjust the set temperature and finely adjust the set temperature to be detected.

  Further, as one aspect of the present invention, the temperature change detector shows a temperature change trace when the temperature reaches a predetermined set temperature or more, and the first substance is placed in the temperature change detection cell. An amount that melts when the first substance elapses for a predetermined time at a temperature equal to or higher than the preset temperature is enclosed.

  With this configuration, it is possible to display a trace of how much time the temperature has increased due to melting of the first substance.

  As one aspect of the present invention, a line for easily recognizing a region change of the substance enclosed in the container is shown around a portion where the temperature change detection cell is arranged.

  Thereby, since the region change of the substance can be easily recognized, the presence or absence of the trace of the temperature change can be easily and accurately recognized.

  Moreover, as one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a plurality of the temperature change detection cells, and the plurality of temperature change detection cells are in a state in which at least one of the plurality of substances enclosed in the temperature change detection cell is solidified. Thus, they are arranged in different directions.

  Accordingly, it is possible to easily recognize whether or not there has been a temperature change during storage or transportation of the article regardless of the state in which the article is placed.

  Moreover, as one aspect of the present invention, the plurality of temperature change detection cells are arranged in substantially opposite directions.

  Thereby, it can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner whether or not the temperature has changed during storage or transportation of the article, regardless of the state of the article.

  Moreover, as one aspect of the present invention, the plurality of temperature change detection cells are arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to each other.

  Thereby, it can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner whether or not the temperature has changed during storage or transportation of the article, regardless of the state of the article.

  Moreover, as one aspect of the present invention, the plurality of temperature change detection cells are arranged in a first direction with one of the substances enclosed in the temperature change detection cell solidified. And a second group arranged in a second direction different from the first direction, and the arrangement of the first group forms a predetermined pattern.

  Thereby, since it is displayed whether or not there has been a temperature change due to a change in the pattern, it can be easily recognized whether or not there has been a temperature change during storage or transportation of the article.

  Moreover, the article of the present invention is one in which the above-described temperature change detector is installed.

  Thereby, a temperature change during storage or transportation of the article can be easily detected.

  Moreover, the food container of the present invention is provided with the above-described temperature change detector.

  Thereby, the presence or absence of temperature change during storage or transportation of the food contained in the food container can be detected, and the quality maintenance state can be easily confirmed.

  Moreover, the packaging material of the present invention is provided with the above temperature change detector.

  As a result, it is possible to easily detect the presence or absence of a temperature change during storage or transportation of the article wrapped in the packaging material, and the quality retention state can be confirmed.

  Moreover, the transport container of the present invention is provided with the temperature change detector.

  As a result, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of a temperature change during storage or transportation of the article placed in the transport container, and the quality maintenance state can be easily confirmed.

  Moreover, the temperature change detection tape of the present invention is one in which a plurality of the above-described temperature change cells are arranged in a fixed direction and attached to a strip-like flexible film.

  As a result, the manufacture of the temperature change detection cell is facilitated, and the temperature change detection can be easily configured by installing a plurality of temperature change detection cells on the article.

  In the temperature change detector reader of the present invention, at least two kinds of substances including a first substance and a second substance having a specific gravity different from that of the first substance are sealed in a container. A temperature change detector having a temperature change detection cell and detecting a temperature change and displaying a trace of the temperature change; a detecting means for detecting the displayed trace; and a predetermined state on the article from the detected trace state Temperature change determining means for determining whether or not a temperature change has occurred.

  Thereby, it is possible to automatically and quickly detect the presence or absence of a temperature change during storage or transportation of an article in which the temperature change detector is installed.

  As one aspect of the present invention, the detection means detects the transmittance or reflectance of the cell.

  Thereby, it is possible to automatically and quickly detect the presence or absence of a temperature change during storage or transportation of an article in which the temperature change detector is installed.

  As one aspect of the present invention, the detection unit includes an imaging unit, and detects luminance information or color information of an image obtained by imaging the cell by the imaging unit.

  Thereby, it is possible to automatically and quickly detect the presence or absence of a temperature change during storage or transportation of an article in which the temperature change detector is installed.

  As one aspect of the present invention, the detection means includes magnetic detection means, and the magnetic detection means detects a displacement of the magnetic property of the cell.

  Thereby, it is possible to automatically and quickly detect the presence or absence of a temperature change during storage or transportation of an article in which the temperature change detector is installed.

  Further, as one aspect of the present invention, wireless tag reading means is further provided for reading identification information for recognizing an individual of the article stored in a wireless tag attached to the article.

  Thereby, it is possible to identify an article whose temperature has changed during storage or transportation.

  Further, as one aspect of the present invention, wireless tag writing means for writing the determination result of the temperature change determination means into the wireless tag is further provided.

  Thereby, the determination result can be written to the article whose temperature has changed.

  The temperature change management system of the present invention is a temperature change management system for a transport article that detects and manages a temperature change of the transport article, and the transport article is provided for the first substance and the first substance. A temperature change detector having a temperature change detection cell having a temperature change detection cell in which at least two kinds of substances including a second substance that is insoluble and has a different specific gravity are enclosed in a container is attached, and the temperature change displayed on the temperature change detector Recorded in a detection means for detecting a trace of the temperature, a temperature change determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined temperature change has occurred in the transported article from the state of the detected trace, and a wireless tag attached to the transported article. The RFID tag reading unit that reads identification information that can identify the individual transport article, the RFID tag information read by the RFID tag reading unit, and the determined temperature change determination result are associated with each other. And a management means for managing the temperature change of the transport article.

  Thereby, the state of temperature change can be managed for each transport article.

The temperature change management system of the present invention is a temperature change management system for a transport article that detects and manages a temperature change of the transport article, and the transport article includes a first substance and a first substance. A first article provided with a temperature change detector having a temperature change detection cell having a temperature change detection cell in which at least two kinds of substances including a second substance that is insoluble and different in specific gravity are sealed in a container; And a second article attached with a wireless tag in which information that can be identified is recorded, and the first article is disposed inside or outside the second article, and the temperature change detector Attached to the transport article, a detection means for detecting a trace of the temperature change displayed on the screen, a temperature change determination means for judging whether a predetermined temperature change has occurred in the transport article from the state of the detected trace, and The transportation article recorded on the wireless tag The RFID tag reading means for reading identification information that can identify an individual, the RFID tag information read by the RFID tag reading means, and the determined temperature change determination result are associated with each other, and the temperature change of the transport article is determined. Management means to manage;
Is provided.

  Thereby, the state of temperature change can be managed for each transport article.

  Further, as one aspect of the present invention, a storage unit that associates and stores the transport article and a transport route of the transport article is provided, and the management unit includes the identification information read by the wireless tag reading unit. Based on this, the transport route of the transport article and the temperature change determination result are associated with each other and managed.

  Thereby, the state of the temperature change of the transport article for every transport route can be managed.

Further, as one aspect of the present invention, the wireless tag writing means for writing history information in which the determination result of the temperature change determination means is associated with the transportation stage in which the determination is performed, is further provided.
The management means associates and manages the transportation stage and the temperature change determination result based on history information written in the wireless tag.

  Thereby, the condition of the temperature change of the transport article for every transport stage can be managed.

  According to the present invention, a temperature change detector, a temperature change reading device, and a temperature change management of a transported article that can be easily and visually detected whether or not the article has a temperature change, and that can be manufactured easily and inexpensively. A system can be provided.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a temperature change detection cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the temperature change detection cell 10 of the present embodiment encloses approximately equal amounts of two types of liquids, for example, water 12 and oil 13, which are insoluble and have different specific gravities in a transparent container 11. It is the structure to do. The transparent container 11 is made of, for example, resin and is formed in a round cylindrical shape. Here, it is preferable that the proportion of the two liquids slightly soluble in each other is a few weight percent or less.

  By causing the temperature change detection cell 10 having the above configuration to stand upright, the water 12 having a specific gravity of 1 sinks to the lower part, and the oil 13 having a specific gravity of less than 1 floats on the upper part. If the temperature change detection cell 10 is cooled to 0 ° C. or lower in this state, the water 12 freezes and becomes ice, so the position of the water 12 and the oil 13 does not move even if it is tilted sideways or upside down. .

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a temperature change detector using the temperature change detection cell 10 having the above-described configuration. As shown in FIG. 2A, the temperature change detector 1 is configured by installing a frozen temperature change detection cell 10 on a frozen article A in an inverted state. After the temperature change detector 1 is configured, when the temperature of the frozen article A rises above 0 ° C., the water (ice) 12 is thawed into water, and as shown in FIG. The position is switched by the difference in specific gravity of the oil 13. Thereafter, even if the frozen article A is frozen again, the positions of the water 12 and the oil 13 that have been replaced once do not change. Therefore, by observing this state, it can be known that the frozen article A has a temperature rise of 0 ° C. or more.

  On the other hand, when the temperature of the frozen article A does not rise beyond 0 ° C. after the temperature change detection cell 1 is installed, the water (ice) 12 in the transparent container 11 remains frozen, and the water 12 and the oil 13 The positions of are not changed in the state as shown in FIG. By observing this state, it can be known that the frozen article A did not have a temperature increase of 0 ° C. or more.

  Thus, it is observed whether the positions of the water 12 and the oil 13 of the temperature change detector 1 installed in the frozen article A are in the state shown in FIG. 2A or in the state shown in FIG. By doing this, it is possible to recognize whether or not the temperature of the frozen article A has increased.

  The two liquids enclosed in the temperature change detection cell 10 are not limited to water and oil, and other liquids that are insoluble and have different specific gravities can be used. Moreover, not only a liquid but a combination of liquid and gas, solid (including semi-solid or gel) and gas, solid and liquid, and the like can be used. For example, almost half of the hardened oil having a melting point of 53 to 55 ° C. is sealed in the transparent container 11, heated and melted, and then returned to room temperature. By inverting the temperature change detection cell 10 obtained in this way and installing it on an article, it is possible to recognize whether or not there has been a temperature rise above the melting point of the hardened oil, and so on during transportation of fresh food. It becomes possible to know that it has been exposed to abnormally high temperatures. When a solid and gas or a combination of solid and liquid is used, the position of the solid in the temperature change detection cell 10 is not moved by vibration, impact, etc. after being melted and cured, for example, FIG. As shown in a) and (b), the transparent container 11 may be formed into a bowl shape, or the inside may be uneven.

  The substance enclosed in the temperature change detection cell 10 is preferably a harmless and odorless substance to the human body. In particular, when applied to frozen foods, edible substances and the like may be used from the viewpoint of safety. preferable. For example, when detecting an increase in temperature near 0 ° C., it can be detected using the temperature change detection cell 10 in which γ-linolenic acid that is liquid at room temperature and water are enclosed.

  Furthermore, examples of substances used for detecting a temperature rise other than around 0 ° C. include palmitic acid (melting point: 63.1 ° C.), stearic acid (melting point: 69.6 ° C.), α-linolenic acid (melting point). : -11 ° C), eicosapentaenoic acid (melting point: -54.1 ° C), docosahexaenoic acid (melting point: -44.3 ° C), and the like. The combination of these substances with other substances (for example, water for palmitic acid and stearic acid, nitrogen gas for α-linolenic acid or eicosapentaenoic acid or docosahexaenoic acid) detects temperature rises near their melting points. be able to.

  In order to improve visibility, it is preferable that the encapsulated substances have different colors, but when the substances are substantially the same color, at least one substance may be colored. Examples of the pigment for coloring the substance include red 106, which is a water-soluble pigment, and oil-soluble orange PO (manufactured by Toyo Ink Manufacturing Co., Ltd.).

  As described above, by selecting a substance having a melting point near the set temperature to be detected as a substance enclosed in the temperature change detection cell 10, temperature changes can be detected with respect to various temperatures. Moreover, even if one of the substances to be enclosed is composed of a mixture of a plurality of substances, and the concentration of the substances (ratio of the plurality of substances, etc.) is adjusted, the melting point close to the set temperature to be detected can be set. Good.

  In addition, depending on the frozen article, the time when the temperature is higher than a certain temperature may be a problem. Such a case can be dealt with by adjusting the amount of liquid sealed in the temperature change detection cell or by manufacturing the container with a material having different thermal conductivity. For example, in the above-described example, it is possible to detect a case where the amount of water 12 is reduced or the transparent container 11 is made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, so that the ice melting time is accelerated and the temperature rise time is short. it can.

  Further, as one of the encapsulated substances, for example, a substance containing a colloidally processed magnetic substance or a substance in which a magnetic substance is mixed with a gel-like medium may be used. With this configuration, it is possible to show a trace of temperature rise from the magnetic property in addition to showing a trace of temperature rise by color or the like.

  Regarding the shape of the temperature change detection cell 10, in the above-described example, the example of the circular cylinder shape has been described, but other shapes can be used. For example, a spherical shape shown in FIG. 4A or a cubic shape shown in FIG. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 5, it is good also as a structure which floats the thin film 14 of arbitrary shapes in the boundary of the 2 types of liquids 12 and 13 enclosed with the transparent container 11. As shown in FIG. In this case, the specific gravity of the thin film has an intermediate value between the two liquids. Here, for example, with the temperature change detection cell 10 in a state where one of the enclosed liquids is solidified, as shown in FIG. Arrange so that the lower right of a) is downward. When the temperature rises in this state, the direction of the thin film 14 changes so that a wide surface portion can be seen as shown in FIG. By using this thin film 14, there is an advantage that the two types of liquids 12 and 13 are easily visible when they are thawed due to a temperature rise after freezing. Furthermore, by making the color of the thin film 14 different from the colors of the liquids 12 and 13, it is possible to make it easier to visually recognize. For example, the color of the thin film 14 is dark red, the color of the liquid 12 is light orange, and the liquid 13 is transparent. The thin film 14 may be made of a solid that does not dissolve in the liquids 12 and 13.

  Next, a specific method for detecting the temperature rise of the article by installing the temperature change detection cell 10 on the article to constitute a temperature change detector will be described.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration in which two frozen temperature change detection cells 10 are installed in the article B, and is an example in which two temperature change detection cells 10 are installed in parallel with the vertical direction of the article B. As shown in the figure, the two temperature change detection cells 10 are installed so that the vertical positions of the two liquids 12 and 13 are reversed after freezing to constitute the temperature change detector 2. With the temperature change detector 2 having such a configuration, even if the article B is placed in any state during storage, transportation or display, it can be detected if there is a temperature rise. Therefore, by arranging two temperature change detection cells 10 in different directions with one of the enclosed substances solidified, a trace of temperature change is displayed in any state. In addition, illegal display and the like can be prevented.

  FIG. 7 is an example showing a configuration in which a line 15 for easily recognizing a region change of the substance enclosed in the container is shown around a portion where the temperature change detection cell 10 is provided. Although FIG. 7 shows the case where the line 15 is a straight line, various displays such as a curve can be applied. This makes it possible to easily recognize changes in the areas other than when the areas of the two substances 12 and 13 are completely replaced.

  FIG. 8 shows the positional relationship between the liquids 12 and 13 in the two cells of the temperature change detector 2 when the article B has a temperature rise and when it has not. As shown in the figure, in the two cells 10 of the temperature change detector 2, if the liquids 12 and 13 are positioned in the same direction, this indicates that the temperature of the article B has risen, otherwise It can be determined that there was no temperature rise. In addition, although the temperature change detector 2 of the structure which installed the two temperature change detection cells 10 in parallel with the up-down direction of the goods B was shown in this example, it is not restricted to this, The liquid 12 is arranged in parallel with a horizontal direction. Needless to say, even if the positions of 13 and 13 are installed so as to be reversed left and right, the presence or absence of temperature rise can be detected in the same manner.

  Next, a mounting example of the temperature change detection cell 10 will be described.

  FIG. 9 shows an example in which the temperature change detection cell 10 is mounted on a carrier tape. As shown in FIG. 9A, with respect to the width direction of the carrier tape 20, the temperature change detection cells 10 are mounted in two rows in a standing state, and frozen in a batch state. After freezing, as shown in FIG. 9B, the carrier tape 20 is cut so as to include two upper and lower temperature change detection cells 10 in the width direction, and the two temperature change detection cells 10 are bent from the middle. Then, the liquids 12 and 13 are attached to the article using an adhesive tape or the like in a state where the positional relationships of the liquids 12 and 13 are opposite to each other. In addition, if the part is made into the pointed shape in the bent state, it will also be possible to stab and attach to an article. Further, as shown in FIG. 9 (c), a cut is made between the temperature change detection cells 10, and one temperature change detection cell 10 is bent and twisted and bent upward. In this state, an adhesive tape or the like is used for the article. Install. Accordingly, the temperature change detector having the configuration shown in FIG. 6 can be easily attached to the article.

  FIG. 10 is an example in which a string 30 is attached to one end of the temperature change detection cell 10 and connected in a row. After freezing all together in the state shown in FIG. 10A, two temperature change detection cells 10 are separated from each other as shown in FIG. 10B, and the positions of the liquids 11 and 12 are opposite to each other. In this way, it is attached to the article using an adhesive tape or the like. Moreover, as shown in FIG.10 (c), it attaches to articles | goods using an adhesive tape etc. in the state which faced the temperature change detection cell 10 cut | disconnected by two each. Furthermore, it arranges centripetally so that the liquid 12 of several temperature change detection cells 10 faces the center, and is attached to the article. As a result, the temperature change detection cell 10 can be easily attached to the article, and workability is improved.

  Next, an example of attaching the temperature change detector to an article will be described.

  FIG. 11 is an example in which a temperature change detector is configured by applying the temperature change detection cell 10 shown in FIG. 9 or 10 to frozen food. In FIG. 11A, for example, two temperature change detection cells 10 prepared as shown in FIG. 9C are placed on one corner of a food tray 40 containing frozen food, and then covered with a wrap film. It is a thing. The consumer can easily know whether or not the temperature has risen in the past by checking whether or not the position of the liquid in the temperature change detector is aligned, and can determine whether or not the purchase is possible. FIG. 11B is an example of a temperature change detector in the bottle 50. For example, two temperature change detection cells 10 created as shown in FIG. 9C are attached to the cap 51 with an adhesive tape. It is. The temperature change detection cell 10 may be attached to a film that seals the cap 51 or may be integrated with the cap 51.

  Next, an example of a temperature change detector configured by installing a temperature change detection cell in a frozen food transport box will be described. A frozen food transport box 60 shown in FIG. 12 includes a container main body 61, a lid 62, and a partition tray 63. Several dents 64 are provided in the partition tray 63, the orientations of the spherical temperature change detection cells 10 shown in FIG. 4 (a) are randomly inserted, and a temperature change detector is provided so that at least one has a different orientation. Constitute. The partition tray 63 having such a temperature change detector is put into the container main body 61 after being wrapped for preventing fraud. Thereby, if there is a temperature rise during storage or transportation of the frozen food transport box 60, the positions of the liquids 12 and 13 in the spherical temperature change detection cell 10 placed in the partition tray 63 all indicate the same direction, Traces of temperature changes can be easily recognized.

  Although FIG. 12 demonstrated the case where the direction of the spherical temperature change detection cell 10 was installed at random, as shown to Fig.13 (a), the direction of each temperature change detection cell 10 is defined and illustrated. In this way, it may be installed on the partition tray 63 so as to form a predetermined pattern such as “OK”. If the temperature rises during storage or transportation of the frozen food transport box 60, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), it can be seen at a glance that the pattern is different from FIG. 13 (a). The trace of the change can be recognized more easily.

  FIG. 14 is an example in which a temperature change detector is configured by previously installing the temperature change detection cell 10 on the side surfaces of the container body 61 and the lid 62 of the frozen food transport box 60. In use, the temperature change detection cell 10 is frozen with the lid 62 turned upside down. Thereby, the positions of the liquids 12 and 13 in the temperature change detection cell 10 are opposite to each other between the container body 61 and the lid 62, and it is possible to detect the presence or absence of a temperature rise.

  FIG. 15 shows a configuration in which a window portion 64 is provided in a part of the container body 11 of the frozen food transport box 60 so that two temperature change detection cells 10 installed therein can be visually recognized. At this time, the temperature change detection cell 10 is disposed so that one of the liquids 12 and 13 faces each other. Thereby, the presence or absence of temperature rise of the frozen food put in the frozen food transport box 60 can be detected without opening the lid 62.

  FIG. 16 is an example in which a temperature change detector is configured by installing the temperature change detection cell group 10 having the configuration shown in FIG. 10D on the upper surface of the lid 62 of the frozen food transport box 60. According to this, it is possible to detect whether or not the temperature of the frozen food transport box 60 placed in an arbitrary state during storage or transport is increased.

  FIG. 17 shows that at least one of the ten cubic temperature change detection cells having the configuration shown in FIG. 4B is randomly distributed on the frozen food in the container body 61 of the frozen food transport box 60. This is an example in which the temperature change detector is configured in a different direction from the others. According to this, it is possible to detect whether or not the temperature of the frozen food transport box 60 placed in an arbitrary state during storage or transport is increased. In order to prevent the temperature change detection cell 10 from moving during transportation, the container body 61 is appropriately loaded with a buffer material.

  FIG. 18 is an example in which a plurality of temperature change cells 10 are arranged in a fixed direction and attached to a strip-like flexible film, and a frozen food transport box 60 is connected to constitute a temperature change detector. According to this, it is possible to detect whether or not the temperature of the frozen food transport box 60 placed in an arbitrary state during storage or transport is increased.

  FIG. 19 shows a temperature change detector in which the temperature change detection cell 10 having the configuration shown in FIG. 8C is attached to the side surface of the container body 61 of the frozen food transport box 60 and the upper surface of the lid 62 with an adhesive tape 65. It is an example. According to this, it is possible to detect whether or not the temperature of the frozen food transport box 60 placed in an arbitrary state during storage or transport is increased. Moreover, if the surface of the frozen food transport box 60 is also peeled off when the adhesive tape 65 is peeled off, the temperature change detection cell 10 indicates that the temperature change is not detected when the trace of the temperature change is displayed. It is possible to prevent unauthorized display due to re-installation.

  FIG. 20 is an example in which one of the two temperature change detection cells 10 installed on the side surface of the container main body 61 of the frozen food transport box 60 is rotatable to constitute a temperature change detector. In use, the temperature change detection cell 10 is rotated so that the positions of the liquids 12 and 13 in the temperature change detection cell are opposite to each other. According to this, there exists an advantage which can use the temperature change detection cell 10 repeatedly. Further, by providing a lock mechanism such as a key in the configuration for rotating the temperature change detection cell 10 so that the frozen food transport box 60 cannot be rotated from the outside during transport, unauthorized display can be prevented.

  FIG. 21 shows an example in which a temperature change detector is configured by regularly or randomly arranging the temperature change detection cells 10 having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 on the packaging sheet 70. After freezing the packaging sheet 70, the article is packaged, and after transportation, the presence or absence of temperature rise can be detected by the position of the liquids 12 and 13 in the temperature change detection cell of the packaging sheet 70, and the trace of temperature change can be displayed.

  According to the temperature change detector of the first embodiment of the present invention as described above, two liquids that are insoluble and have different specific gravities, such as water 12 and oil 13, are contained inside the round cylindrical transparent container 11. And is frozen to constitute the temperature change detection cell 10. By inverting this on the frozen article A and observing whether the positions of the water (ice) 12 and the oil 13 inside the transparent container 11 are switched after the article A is stored or transported, The presence or absence of temperature rise can be easily known.

  In addition, since the temperature change detection cell 10 itself uses substances that are insoluble in each other, it is reversible even after a temperature change. Therefore, how to manufacture the temperature change detection cell 10 and use the temperature change detection cell 10 (processing for solidifying at least one of the substances enclosed in the temperature change detection cell). Since a slight temperature change may be applied, the handling is easy. Further, after the temperature change detection cell 10 is attached to an article and used, it can be removed from the article and reused.

  Further, two temperature change detection cells 10 after freezing are installed on the article B so that the positions of the water 12 and the oil 13 are turned upside down to constitute a temperature change detector, and the water 12 and the oil 13 are at the same position. By observing whether or not there is a relationship, the presence or absence of a temperature rise in the article B can be detected.

  Further, the temperature change detection cell 10 is mounted on an article such as frozen food, a food tray, a transport container, etc. by mounting the temperature change detection cell 10 on a carrier tape or connected in a string with a string, thereby forming a temperature change detector. The workability at the time of performing can be improved.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a temperature change reading apparatus for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the temperature change detection / reading apparatus 100 of the present embodiment includes a reading unit 101 that optically reads the temperature change detector 2 installed in the article C, and a temperature rise in the article C from the read signal. It is the structure provided with the determination part 102 which determines whether there existed, and the output part 103 which displays or prints a determination result.

  The reading unit 101 includes, for example, an image sensor such as a CCD sensor, a lens optical system, a signal processing unit, and the like, and passes through two temperature change detection cells 10 of a temperature change detector C illuminated by a light source (not shown). An image is picked up with light or reflected light, and a trace of temperature change in the temperature change detecting cell 10 is detected from the picked-up image signal. The determination unit 102 determines whether or not the temperature of the article C has increased based on the detected trace of the liquid. The determination result is displayed on the output unit 103 or printed.

  For example, the determination unit 102 detects a pattern from the luminance information or color information of the image signal read by the reading unit 101, and the pattern shown as “when there is no temperature rise” in FIG. It may be determined whether or not there has been a temperature rise by matching. In the matching, the feature amount of the luminance information or color information of the image signal, which is a template when there is no temperature rise, and the feature of the luminance information or color information of the image signal read by the reading unit 101 shown in FIG. A correlation coefficient with the amount is calculated, and if the correlation coefficient is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that there is no temperature increase, and if it is less than the predetermined threshold, it is determined that there is a temperature increase.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the thin film 14 is enclosed in the temperature change detection cell 10, the temperature change detection cell 10 is imaged, and the position and orientation of the thin film 14 are detected by image processing. Thus, the presence or absence of a temperature change may be detected.

  Further, when the substance enclosed in the temperature change detection cell 10 includes a magnetic material, and the temperature change is detected based on the movement state of the magnetic material, the reading unit 101 includes a magnetic sensor or the like and includes a temperature change detector. Then, the detection unit 102 detects whether or not there is a trace of the temperature change from the displacement of the magnetic property due to the change in the position of the magnetic material in the temperature change detection cell.

  Further, the temperature change detection / reading apparatus 100 may include a wireless unit 104 for reading and recording the RFID tag 3 attached to the article C. Thereby, the code information for identifying the article C recorded on the RFID tag 3 can be read, and the temperature rise history of the article C can be recorded on the RFID tag 3.

  Note that either one of the temperature change detector 2 and the RFID tag 3 may be attached to the article without installing the temperature change detector 2 and the RFID tag 3. As shown in FIG. 23A, the temperature change detector 2 may be attached to an article D to which only the RFID tag 3 is attached and a container E that accommodates the article D during transportation. In other words, the article with the temperature change detector 2 attached is arranged outside the article with the RFID tag 3 attached.

  Conversely, as shown in FIG. 23B, the RFID tag 3 may be attached to the article F to which only the temperature change detector 2 is attached and the case G that accommodates the article F during transportation. That is, the article with the RFID tag 3 attached is arranged outside the article with the temperature change detector 2 attached. The case G is, for example, a transparent or translucent case or a case with a viewing window.

  The temperature change detecting / reading apparatus 100 configured as described above is applied to a frozen food delivery system as shown in FIG. In the figure, the frozen food processed and frozen in the freezing factory 201 is sorted for each destination and then stored in the warehouse company A202 and the warehouse company B203. Warehouse company A202 and warehouse company B203 sort frozen foods stored according to orders from retailers such as sales stores, and request delivery to transport companies X204 to Z206. The transportation companies X204 to Z206 transport the frozen food to designated delivery destinations such as a wholesale store α207 and major supermarkets β208 and γ209 using a cold car. Further, wholesaler α207 sorts frozen foods for each store and wholesales them to retail store 210. The frozen food delivered in this way is displayed on the sales floors of the major supermarkets β 208 and γ 209 and the retail store 210 and sold to general consumers.

  In the frozen food delivery system configured as described above, the above-described temperature change detection / reading apparatus 100 includes, for example, major supermarkets β208 and γ209 and retail stores 210 that are transport terminals for frozen foods, and, if necessary, a production processing company to a warehouse company. It is installed in part or all of the distribution route, which is a transportation route to the transportation company, and checks whether the temperature of the frozen food rises during storage or transportation. The RFID tag 3 stores identification information capable of recognizing an individual article attached. Further, each place in the transportation stage from the refrigeration factory 201 to the retail store 210 is connected to a server (not shown), and product ordering, delivery processing, and the like are centrally managed.

  Next, in the frozen food delivery system of the present embodiment configured as described above, an operation procedure relating to detection of whether or not the temperature of frozen food has risen will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure when the major supermarkets β 208 and γ 209 and the temperature change detection reading device 100 are installed in the retail store 210 after freezing.

  First, in the frozen factory 201, the temperature change detector 2 is installed on the frozen food C, and the RFID tag 3 is attached (steps S101 and S102). The frozen food C after the installation of the temperature change detector and the attachment of the RFID tag is sorted and shipped, and stored frozen in the warehouses of the warehouse company A202 and the warehouse company B203 (step S103).

  The frozen foods that have been frozen and stored in the warehouses of the warehouse company A202 and the warehouse company B203 are delivered based on the instructions of the server, and are transported to any of the transportation companies X204 to Z206, and the wholesaler α207 and the major supermarkets. Transported to β208 and γ209 (step S104). Further, the wholesaler α207 sorts each store and wholesales it to the retail store 210.

  Prior to sale, frozen food C arrived at major supermarkets β 208 and γ 209 and retail store 210, the RFID tag 3 is read by the installed temperature change detection reader 100, and whether or not the temperature change of frozen food C is detected. (Steps S105, S106, S107). In step S108, it is determined whether there is a temperature rise. As a result, if it is determined that the temperature has not risen, it is displayed on the sales floor and sold to general consumers (step S109).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S108 that the temperature has increased, based on the information recorded in the RFID tag attached to the article and the information on the transportation route for each article managed by the server, The transportation route where the temperature rise occurred is specified.

  With the above procedure, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of a temperature rise in the frozen foods C arrived at the major supermarkets β208 and γ209 and the retail store 210. If it is found that the temperature has risen, the transport route can be specified.

  FIG. 26 illustrates a processing procedure in the case where the temperature change detection reading device 100 is installed in any or all of the distribution route warehouse company and the transport companies 202 to 206 in addition to the major supermarkets β 208 and γ 209 and the retail store 210. It is a flowchart for doing.

  The procedure of steps S201 to S204 is the same as the procedure of steps S101 to S104 in FIG. For example, in the transportation company X204, which is a transportation stage in the middle of the distribution route, reading of the RFID tag and presence / absence of temperature change of the frozen product are detected by the installed temperature change detection reader 100 (steps S205 and S206). Then, the detection result is notified to the server (step S207).

  After that, it is loaded into a cold car and transported to the wholesaler α207. The following steps S208 to S213 are the same as the steps S104 to S109 in FIG.

  If it is detected in step S212 that the temperature has risen, the server manages the detection result at the transportation stage in the middle of the distribution route, so the temperature at which transportation route and at which transportation stage. It is specified whether or not an increase has occurred (step S213).

  According to the above procedure, whether there is a temperature rise in frozen food C during storage, transportation, and arrival at the warehouse companies and transportation companies 202 to 206 as the transportation stage and the major supermarkets β208, γ209 and the retail store 210 of the store. If it is determined that the temperature has risen, it is possible to identify the problem location and take countermeasures.

  In addition, it is good also as a structure which writes in the RFID tag 3 instead of notifying a server of the information which identifies each transport step, and / or the result of a temperature change detection. According to this, by only reading the RFID tag 3, it is possible to grasp which transportation route and transportation stage the temperature change has occurred. Here, the information for identifying the transportation route includes information for identifying the collection / delivery base for transportation and the means for transportation. Further, the information for identifying the transportation stage includes information for identifying a collection / delivery base that performs transportation.

  According to such a temperature change reading device 100 of the second embodiment of the present invention, the temperature change detector 2 installed in the article C is optically read to detect the temperature change detection cell, and the enclosed liquid It can be determined whether or not the temperature of the article C has risen based on the position of. Further, by providing the wireless unit 104 for reading the RFID tag 3 attached to the article C, it is possible to identify and manage the article C for determining whether or not the temperature has risen.

  In addition, according to the frozen food delivery system to which the temperature change reading device 100 is applied, any one of the major supermarkets and retail stores 207 to 210 at the shipping end of the frozen food C, and the warehouse company or the transport company 202 to 206 Alternatively, the temperature change reading device 100 is installed in all of them to detect whether the temperature of the frozen food C that has arrived is being stored, transported, and arrived, and if there is an abnormality, it is notified to the server and fed back to take countermeasures. It is possible to take.

  The temperature change detector, temperature change reading device, and transport article temperature change management system of the present invention can easily detect whether or not the article has a temperature change, and can be manufactured easily and inexpensively. It has an effect and is useful for temperature management of frozen foods.

The figure which shows the basic composition of the temperature change detection cell which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the state which shows the trace of the temperature rise at the time of installation of the temperature change detector which concerns on 1st Embodiment The figure which shows the example of the shape of the container of the temperature change detection cell which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the other example of the shape of the container of the temperature change detection cell which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows another structure of the temperature change detection cell which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the state at the time of installation of the temperature change detector which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the line for making it easy to recognize the area | region change of the substance enclosed with the said container of the temperature change detector which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the positional relationship of the liquid inside the cell of a temperature change detector in each when there is no temperature rise in articles | goods The figure which shows the example of the manufacture example of the temperature change detector The figure which shows another example of the manufacture example of a temperature change detector The figure which shows the example which applied the temperature change detection cell to articles | goods, and comprised the temperature change detector. The figure which shows the 1st example of the temperature change detector comprised by installing the temperature change detection cell which concerns on 1st Embodiment in the frozen goods transport box. The figure which shows the 2nd example of the temperature change detector comprised by installing the temperature change detection cell which concerns on 1st Embodiment in the frozen goods transport box. The figure which shows the 3rd example of the temperature change detector in a frozen goods transport box. The figure which shows the 4th example of the temperature change detector in a frozen goods transport box. The figure which shows the 5th example of the temperature change detector in a frozen goods transport box. The figure which shows the 6th example of the temperature change detector comprised by installing the temperature change detection cell in a frozen goods transport box. The figure which shows the 7th example of the temperature change detector which installed and comprised the temperature change detection cell in a frozen goods transport box. The figure which shows the 8th example of the temperature change detector comprised by installing the temperature change detection cell in a frozen goods transport box. The figure which shows the 9th example of the temperature change detector comprised by installing the temperature change detection cell in a frozen goods transport box. The figure which shows the example which has arrange | positioned the temperature change detection cell which concerns on 1st Embodiment to a packaging sheet, and comprised the temperature change detector. The figure which shows schematic structure of the temperature change reader which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example of the transportation form of the article | item which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows schematic structure of the frozen food delivery system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart for demonstrating the temperature rise detection procedure of the frozen food in the frozen food delivery system of 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the temperature rise detection procedure of the frozen food in the frozen food delivery system of 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2 Temperature change detector 3 RFID tag 10 Temperature change detection cell 11 Transparent container 12 Water (ice)
13 Oil 20 Temperature change detection cell carrier tape 40 Frozen food tray 60 Transport container 70 Packaging sheet 100 Temperature change reader 101 Reading unit 104 Radio unit

Claims (23)

Two liquids of different color and specific gravity that do not mix with each other
A container in which the two liquid bodies are visibly enclosed;
And
Based on the solidification or melting of at least one of the two liquids and the difference in specific gravity between the two liquids, the position of the two liquids in the container changes to detect the presence or absence of a temperature change. Temperature change detector. The temperature change detector according to claim 1,
A temperature change detector in which one of the two liquids is a magnetic material. The temperature change detector according to claim 1 or 2 ,
A temperature change detector having a thin film at a boundary between two liquid bodies having different colors and specific gravity and not mixed with each other, and the specific gravity of the thin film is intermediate between the specific gravity of the two liquids . The temperature change detector according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
Said temperature change detector, which shows the temperature change traces of when it becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, wherein the two at least one of the melting point of the liquid of the liquid and the set temperature is substantially coincident, other The temperature change detector in which the melting point of the liquid is less than the melting point of the one liquid . The temperature change detector according to claim 4 ,
At least one of the two liquid substances includes two or more kinds of substances, and the ratio of these substances is a temperature change detector in which the melting point of any one of the liquid substances is substantially equal to the set temperature. The temperature change detector according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The temperature change detector is a temperature change detector that encloses an amount that melts when at least one of the two liquid materials elapses for a predetermined time at a temperature equal to or higher than the set temperature. The temperature change detector according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
A temperature change detector in which a line for easily recognizing a region change of the substance enclosed in the container is shown around a portion where the temperature change detector is arranged. Using a plurality of temperature change detectors according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
With at least one solidifies of said two of the liquid, the temperature change detector which is arranged at different orientations. The temperature change detector according to claim 8 , wherein
The plurality of temperature change detectors are temperature change detectors in which the two liquid materials are arranged in substantially opposite directions. The temperature change detector according to claim 8 , wherein
A temperature change detector in which the plurality of temperature change detectors are arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to each other. The temperature change detector according to claim 8 , wherein
The plurality of temperature change detectors include a first group arranged in a first direction with one of the two liquid bodies solidified, and a second group different from the first direction. more becomes second group arranged in the direction, the arrangement of said first group temperature change detector to form a predetermined pattern. A food container in which the temperature change detector according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is installed. Wrapping material change in temperature detector is installed in any one of claims 1 to 11. A temperature change detector in which a plurality of temperature change detectors according to any one of claims 1 to 7 are arranged in a fixed direction and attached to a strip-like flexible film to form a tape shape .   A temperature change detector according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
  Detecting means for detecting a position of at least one of the two liquid bodies in the temperature change detector;
  Temperature change determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined temperature change has occurred from the detected change in position of the two liquid materials;
  A temperature change detection device comprising: A temperature change detector according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Imaging means for imaging the temperature change detector;
Detecting means for detecting a temperature change by detecting a change in luminance information or color information from an image obtained by imaging the temperature change detector by the imaging means;
A temperature change detection device comprising: A temperature change detector according to claim 2 or 3,
Magnetic change detecting means for detecting magnetic change of the temperature change detector;
And
The temperature change detecting device detects a temperature change by detecting a position change of the magnetic fluid in the temperature change detector. The temperature change detection device according to any one of claims 15 to 17 ,
A temperature change detection device further comprising wireless tag reading means for reading identification information capable of recognizing an individual of the article stored in a wireless tag attached to the article. The temperature change detection device according to claim 18 , wherein
A temperature change detection device further comprising wireless tag writing means for writing the determination result of the temperature change determination means to the wireless tag. A temperature change management system for a transport article that detects and manages a temperature change of a transport article,
The temperature change detection device according to claim 18 or 19 ,
By associating the RFID tag information read by the RFID tag reading means of the temperature change detection device with the temperature change determination result determined by the temperature change determination means of the temperature change detection device, the temperature change of the transport article Management means for managing
A temperature change management system. A temperature change management system of claim 20, wherein,
Radio tag reading means for reading identification information that can identify an individual of the transport article recorded on a radio tag attached to the transport article,
The transport article includes a first article to which the temperature change detector according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is attached and a wireless tag to which information capable of identifying an individual of the article is recorded. A temperature change management system comprising two articles. The temperature change management system according to claim 20 or 21 ,
Storage means for storing the transport article and the transport route of the transport article in association with each other;
The management means is a temperature change management system that manages a transport route of the transport article and the temperature change determination result in association with each other based on the identification information read by the wireless tag reading means. The temperature change management system according to claim 22 ,
A wireless tag writing means for writing history information associating the determination result of the temperature change determination means with the transportation stage that has made the determination into the wireless tag;
The management means is a temperature change management system that manages the transport stage and the temperature change determination result in association with each other based on history information written in the wireless tag.

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