Temperature detection device and temperature detection method

Abstract

To provide a temperature detection device and a temperature detection method capable of easily detecting information on a temperature history.SOLUTION: In one aspect, a temperature sensing device for sensing information about a temperature history is provided. The temperature detection device includes a housing including a top surface portion, a bottom surface portion facing the top surface portion, and a side surface portion connecting the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion, the housing defining an internal space visible from the outside, a first partition wall provided in the internal space so as to face the top surface portion, the first partition wall defining a first space between the first partition wall and the top surface portion, a second partition wall provided in the internal space so as to face the bottom surface portion, the second partition wall defining a second space between the second partition wall and the bottom surface portion, the second partition wall defining a passage between the first partition wall and the second partition wall, the passage allowing the first space and the second space to communicate with each other, and a frozen body of an aqueous solution stored in the first space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a temperature sensing device and a temperature sensing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Changes in food temperature over time (temperature history) have a significant impact on food quality. For example, when seafood such as fish reaches temperatures above 0°C, the rate of enzymatic decomposition increases, and spoilage progresses. On the other hand, when seafood temperatures fall below -2°C, the seafood freezes and the spoilage process stops. However, freezing seafood can destroy cell walls and cause deterioration in the quality of the seafood, such as texture and flavor. Therefore, when seafood is transported, it is generally placed in a polystyrene foam container with ice, and the temperature of the seafood is maintained at a temperature between -2°C and 0°C. However, in reality, temperature changes can occur during transportation due to changes in the outside air temperature, the opening and closing of the transport vehicle doors, damage to the container, etc., and it may not be possible to maintain the temperature of the seafood within the desired temperature range.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to monitor the temperature history of an item during transportation. A known technology for monitoring the temperature history of an item during transportation is, for example, the device described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a temperature-sensing tester including an hourglass-shaped container, an idler member provided above the container, and a clip provided below the container. The temperature-sensing tester is configured such that a frozen alcohol-water solution is placed in a first space of the container, and the alcohol-water solution melted in the first space moves through an inflow means to a second space located below the first space. This temperature-sensing tester makes it possible to monitor the length of time the temperature remains above the melting point of the alcohol-water solution based on the amount of alcohol-water solution that moves to the second space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-83764 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The device described above involves making two cuts in a cardboard box, inserting the idler member and clip into the cardboard box through the two cuts, and fixing the frozen body so that it is positioned at the top. However, since processing the cardboard box is time-consuming, it is not efficient to use this device for mass transportation.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a temperature detection device and a temperature detection method that can easily detect information related to temperature history. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one aspect, a temperature detection device for detecting information related to temperature history is provided. The temperature detection device includes: a housing including a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a side surface connecting the top surface and the bottom surface, and defining an internal space visible from the outside; a first partition wall provided in the internal space facing the top surface, defining the first space between the first partition wall and the top surface; a second partition wall provided in the internal space facing the bottom surface, defining the second space between the second partition wall and the bottom surface and defining a passage between the first partition wall and the second partition, connecting the first space and the second space; and a frozen body of an aqueous solution contained in the first space.

[0008] In the above temperature detection device, when the temperature of the internal space becomes higher than the melting point of the aqueous solution, the frozen body disposed in the first space melts, and the aqueous solution moves through the passage to the second space. The amount of aqueous solution that moves to the second space depends on the length of time the temperature remains higher than the melting point of the aqueous solution and on that temperature. Therefore, the temperature history of the internal space can be estimated from the amount of aqueous solution accumulated in the second space. Furthermore, in this temperature detection device, a passage is formed between the first and second spaces, so that when the temperature detection device is tilted, the aqueous solution accumulated in the second space is prevented from returning to the first space. Therefore, even if the temperature detection device is tilted, the amount of aqueous solution accumulated in the second space can be accurately read. Therefore, with the above temperature detection device, the temperature history of the internal space can be easily estimated even when the temperature detection device is placed inside a packaging container.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first partition wall has a first opening that connects the first space to the passage, and the first opening may be formed at a position that at least partially overlaps with the second partition wall when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first partition wall. By forming the first opening at a position that at least partially overlaps with the second partition wall, at least a portion of the aqueous solution that passes through the first opening falls onto the second partition wall and moves through the passage to the second space. In other words, since the aqueous solution moves between the first space and the second space via the passage, it is possible to prevent the aqueous solution that has accumulated in the second space from returning to the first space.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second partition wall has a second opening that connects the second space to the passage, and the second opening may be formed at a position that at least partially overlaps with the first partition wall when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the second partition wall. By forming the second opening at a position that at least partially overlaps with the first partition wall, the aqueous solution that has passed through the first opening is prevented from moving directly through the second opening to the second space. In other words, since the aqueous solution moves between the first space and the second space via the passage, it is possible to prevent the aqueous solution that has accumulated in the second space from returning to the first space.

[0011] In one embodiment, the aqueous solution may be a saline solution. By adjusting the salt concentration of the saline solution, the melting point of the aqueous solution can be adjusted at low cost.

[0012] In one embodiment, the salt concentration of the saline solution may be 0% or more and 5% or less.

[0013] In one embodiment, the aqueous solution may be colored. By coloring the aqueous solution, visibility is improved, and it becomes possible to easily check the amount of aqueous solution stored in the second space.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second partition may be opaque and have a color different from that of the aqueous solution, in which case the amount of aqueous solution stored in the second space can be easily confirmed due to the color difference between the second partition and the aqueous solution.

[0015] In one embodiment, the area of ​​the first opening may be smaller than the area of ​​the second opening, which can prevent the aqueous solution accumulated in the second space from flowing back into the first space.

[0016] In one aspect, the device may further include an absorber disposed in the second space and configured to absorb the aqueous solution. In this case, the aqueous solution stored in the second space is absorbed by the absorber, thereby preventing the aqueous solution stored in the second space from returning to the first space.

[0017] In one aspect, a temperature sensing method is provided for sensing information regarding the temperature history of an item during transport, the method comprising packaging the temperature sensing device in a packaging container together with the item.

[0018] In the above temperature detection method, by packing the temperature detection device together with the article in the packaging container, it is possible to predict the temperature history inside the packaging container during transportation from the amount of aqueous solution accumulated in the second space.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method may further include packaging another temperature detection device having the same structure as the temperature detection device in the packaging container. The temperature detection device and the other temperature detection device may be disposed separately. In this case, the temperature histories at different positions in the packaging container can be detected individually.

[0020] In one aspect, the aqueous solution of the temperature sensing device and the other temperature sensing device may be saline, and the salinity of the saline solution of the temperature sensing device may be different from that of the other temperature sensing device. In this case, the melting point of the saline solution of the temperature sensing device may be different from that of the other temperature sensing device. In this temperature detection method, when the melting point of the saline solution of the temperature sensing device is set to a first temperature and the melting point of the saline solution of the other temperature sensing device is set to a second temperature, the length of time during which the temperature inside the packaging container remains in a temperature range between the first temperature and the second temperature can be predicted based on the amount of saline solution accumulated in the second space of the temperature sensing device and the other temperature sensing device.

[0021] In one embodiment, the aqueous solution of the temperature sensing device and the aqueous solution of the other temperature sensing device may be colored differently from each other, so that the melting points of the aqueous solutions of the temperature sensing device and the other temperature sensing device can be easily distinguished.

[0022] In one aspect, ice may be packaged in a packaging container along with the temperature sensing device and the item. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present disclosure, information regarding temperature history can be easily detected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a temperature detection device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a step of a temperature detection method according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the temperature detection device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another modified example of the temperature detection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will not be repeated. The dimensional proportions of the drawings do not necessarily correspond to those in the description.

[0026] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a temperature detecting device according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 1. In Figs. 1 to 3, three mutually orthogonal axial directions are illustrated as "X direction," "Y direction," and "Z direction."

[0027] The temperature detecting device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is installed in a packaging container for packaging items to be transported and detects information related to the temperature history inside the packaging container. Temperature history refers to changes in temperature inside the packaging container over time. The items to be transported are, for example, food, typically seafood such as fish. When the temperature of seafood reaches 0°C or higher, spoilage progresses. On the other hand, when the temperature of seafood falls below -2°C, the seafood freezes and the spoilage process stops. However, freezing seafood can destroy cell walls and cause a decrease in the quality of the seafood. Therefore, the temperature detecting device 1 provides information that can be used to estimate whether the temperature of seafood is being maintained at a desired temperature (e.g., -2°C to 0°C) during transportation. For ease of explanation, a frozen body 40, which will be described later, is omitted from FIG. 1.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 1, the temperature detection device 1 includes a housing 10, a first partition wall 20, and a second partition wall 30. The housing 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with a top surface 11, a bottom surface 12, and a side surface 13. The housing 10 defines an internal space 10s therein. The housing 10 is made of a transparent or translucent material so that the internal space 10s can be seen.

[0029] Examples of transparent or translucent materials include transparent or translucent plastics such as acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate: PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), epoxy resin, cycloolefin polymer (COP), cycloolefin copolymer (COC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyurethane (PU), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyamide (PA), polyoxymethylene (POM), or silicone.

[0030] The transparent or translucent material may also be a transparent or translucent glass material such as soda lime glass, borosilicate glass, fused silica, optical glass, aluminosilicate glass, lead glass (crystal glass), alkali glass, synthetic sapphire glass, zirconia glass, milky glass, frosted glass (ground glass), sandblasted glass, or etched glass.

[0031] The entire housing 10 does not have to be made of a transparent or translucent material, as long as at least the top surface 11 and the bottom surface 12 are made of a transparent or translucent material. In other words, the side surface 13 may be made of an opaque material.

[0032] The top surface portion 11 and the bottom surface portion 12 are flat plate-shaped and are disposed opposite each other in the Z direction.

[0033] The side surface portion 13 includes four side walls 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d. The side walls 13a and 13b are flat and arranged opposite each other in the Y direction. The side walls 13c and 13d are flat and arranged opposite each other in the X direction. The four side walls 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d extend upright from the bottom surface portion 12 and connect the top surface portion 11 and the bottom surface portion 12. In other words, the internal space 10s is sealed by the top surface portion 11, the bottom surface portion 12, and the side surface portion 13. The side walls 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d may be made of a transparent or translucent material, or may be made of an opaque material.

[0034] The first partition wall 20 is formed in a flat plate shape and is provided in the internal space 10s. In one embodiment, the first partition wall 20 is made of a transparent or translucent material. The first partition wall 20 is disposed facing the top surface portion 11 and spaced apart from the top surface portion 11 in the Z direction. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , a first space S1 is defined between the top surface portion 11 and the first partition wall 20. The first space S1 is a part of the internal space 10s formed between the top surface portion 11 and the first partition wall 20.

[0035] The second partition wall 30 is formed in a flat plate shape and is provided in the internal space 10s. In one embodiment, the second partition wall 30 is made of an opaque material. For example, the second partition wall 30 has an opaque white color. The second partition wall 30 is disposed facing the bottom surface portion 12 and spaced apart from the bottom surface portion 12 in the Z direction. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , a second space S2 is defined between the bottom surface portion 12 and the second partition wall 30. The second space S2 is a part of the internal space 10s formed between the bottom surface portion 12 and the second partition wall 30.

[0036] The first partition wall 20 and the second partition wall 30 are spaced apart from each other in the Z direction. A passage 10p is defined between the first partition wall 20 and the second partition wall 30, connecting the first space S1 and the second space S2.

[0037] The first partition wall 20 has one or more first openings OP1 that connect the first space S1 and the passage 10p. The first openings OP1 are holes formed in the first partition wall 20 or gaps formed between the first partition wall 20 and the side surface portion 13 of the housing 10. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the width of the first partition wall 20 in the X direction is smaller than the distance between the side wall 13c and the side wall 13d in the X direction. Both end portions of the first partition wall 20 in the X direction are spaced apart from the side wall 13c and the side wall 13d, respectively. That is, a gap is formed between the first partition wall 20 and the side wall 13c, and between the first partition wall 20 and the side wall 13d, respectively. Each of these gaps constitutes a first opening OP1.

[0038] 3, the width of the first partition wall 20 in the Y direction is substantially equal to the distance between the side wall 13a and the side wall 13b in the Y direction. Both ends of the first partition wall 20 in the Y direction are joined to the side wall 13a and the side wall 13b, respectively. The first partition wall 20 may be supported on brackets fixed to the side wall 13a and the side wall 13b.

[0039] The second partition wall 30 has one or more second openings OP2 that communicate between the second space S2 and the passage 10p. The second openings OP2 are holes formed in the second partition wall 30 or gaps formed between the second partition wall 30 and the side surface portion 13 of the housing 10. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the width of the second partition wall 30 in the X direction is substantially equal to the distance between the side wall 13c and the side wall 13d in the X direction. Both end portions of the second partition wall 30 in the X direction are joined to the side wall 13c and the side wall 13d, respectively. The second partition wall 30 may be supported on brackets fixed to the side wall 13c and the side wall 13d.

[0040] 3, the width of the second partition 30 in the Y direction is smaller than the distance between the sidewall 13a and the sidewall 13b in the Y direction. One end of the second partition 30 in the Y direction is spaced apart from the sidewall 13a. The other end of the second partition 30 in the Y direction is joined to the sidewall 13b. That is, a gap is formed between the first partition 20 and the sidewall 13a. This gap defines a second opening OP2.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 2, when viewed from the Z direction (a direction perpendicular to the first partition 20), the first opening OP1 may at least partially overlap with the second partition 30. More specifically, when viewed from the Z direction, a part of the first opening OP1 may overlap with the second partition 30, and another part of the first opening OP1 may overlap with the second opening OP2. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3, when viewed from the Z direction (a direction perpendicular to the second partition 30), the second opening OP2 may at least partially overlap with the first partition 20. More specifically, when viewed from the Z direction, a part of the second opening OP2 may overlap with the first partition 20, and another part of the second opening OP2 may overlap with the first opening OP1.

[0042] Furthermore, the area of ​​the first opening OP1 may be smaller than the area of ​​the second opening OP2. When the first partition wall 20 has multiple first openings OP1, the area of ​​the first opening OP1 refers to the total area of ​​the multiple first openings OP1. Similarly, when the second partition wall 30 has multiple second openings OP2, the area of ​​the second opening OP2 refers to the total area of ​​the multiple second openings OP2.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the temperature detection device 1 further includes a frozen body 40. The frozen body 40 is a frozen aqueous solution having a rectangular parallelepiped or cubic shape. The aqueous solution constituting the frozen body 40 is, for example, saline solution (aqueous sodium chloride solution). The concentration of the aqueous solution, i.e., the salt concentration of the saline solution, is set according to the item to be contained in the packaging container. For example, if the item to be transported is seafood such as fish, the salt concentration of the saline solution is set to be equal to or greater than 0% and equal to or less than 5%. The melting point of saline solution changes depending on the salt concentration. The theoretical value of the melting point depression ΔTf of saline solution is calculated using the following formula (1):

[0044] ΔTf=Kf / m (1)

[0045] In the above equation (1), Kf is the freezing point depression constant (°C·kg / mol) and m is the molar concentration (mol / kg).

[0046] For example, the melting point of salt water with a salt concentration of 1.0% is −0.318° C. The melting point of salt water with a salt concentration of 2.0% is −0.636° C. Thus, the higher the salt concentration of the salt water, the lower the melting point of the frozen salt water 40.

[0047] The aqueous solution constituting the frozen body 40 is not limited to salt water as long as its melting point and freezing point can be changed. For example, the aqueous solution may be a copper sulfate (CuSO4) aqueous solution, a potassium nitrate (KNO3) aqueous solution, a calcium salt aqueous solution, a sugar solution (sucrose, C 12 H 22 O 11 ), an aqueous solution of alcohol (ethanol, C2H5OH), an aqueous solution of glycerin (C3H8O3), an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol, an aqueous solution of propylene glycol, or the like can be used.

[0048] The frozen body 40 is supported on the first partition wall 20 and contained in the first space S1. When the temperature of the internal space 10s becomes higher than the melting point of the frozen body 40, the frozen body 40 melts and becomes a liquid aqueous solution (hereinafter referred to as "melted liquid 42"). As shown in FIG. 2, the melted liquid 42 passes through the first opening OP1 and moves from the first space S1 to the passage 10p. As shown in FIG. 3, the melted liquid 42 that has moved to the passage 10p passes through the second opening OP2 and moves from the passage 10p to the second space S2. As described above, the melted liquid 42 of the frozen body 40 is stored in the second space S2.

[0049] As described above, the bottom surface 12 of the housing 10 is made of a transparent or translucent material, so the amount of molten liquid 42 accumulated in the second space S2 can be seen from the outside through the bottom surface 12. The amount of molten liquid 42 that moves to the second space S2 depends on the length of time that the temperature of the internal space 10s has been higher than the melting point of the frozen body 40, and on that temperature. Therefore, the temperature detection device 1 can estimate the temperature history of the internal space 10s from the amount of molten liquid 42 accumulated in the second space S2. In one embodiment, the bottom surface 12 may be formed with a scale indicating the amount of molten liquid 42 accumulated in the second space S2.

[0050] The aqueous solution constituting the frozen body 40 may be colored. Typically, the aqueous solution is colored a different color from the second partition 30. Since the second partition 30 is opaque and has a different color from the aqueous solution, when viewed through the bottom surface portion 12, the amount of melted liquid 42 accumulated in the second space S2 can be easily confirmed due to the color difference between the second partition 30 and the melted liquid 42 in the frozen body 40.

[0051] As described above, in the temperature detection device 1, when the temperature of the internal space 10s becomes higher than the melting point of the frozen body 40, the frozen body 40 arranged in the first space S1 melts, and the melted liquid 42 moves from the first space S1 to the second space S2 through the passage 10p. The amount of melted liquid 42 moving to the second space S2 depends on the length of time the temperature was higher than the melting point of the frozen body 40 and its temperature. Therefore, the temperature history of the internal space 10s can be estimated from the amount of melted liquid 42 accumulated in the second space S2.

[0052] In this temperature detecting device 1, a passage 10p is formed between the first space S1 and the second space S2, so that when the temperature detecting device 1 is tilted so that the side wall 13b faces downwards in order to read the amount of molten liquid 42 accumulated in the second space S2, the molten liquid 42 is prevented from flowing back into the first space S1. When the temperature detecting device 1 is placed inside a packaging container, the temperature detecting device 1 may shake during transportation of the packaging container. In contrast, in the temperature detecting device 1, the molten liquid 42 is prevented from flowing back into the first space S1, so that even if the temperature detecting device 1 is tilted inside the packaging container, the temperature history inside the packaging container can be easily estimated from the amount of molten liquid 42 accumulated in the second space S2.

[0053] Furthermore, after using the temperature detection device 1, the melting liquid 42 can be returned to the first space S1 with the top surface 11 facing downward, and the temperature detection device 1 can be cooled in this state to refreeze the melting liquid 42 and place the frozen body 40 in the first space S1. In other words, the temperature detection device 1 can be easily reused, which allows for cost reduction.

[0054] Furthermore, since the top surface 11 and the first partition wall 20 are made of a transparent or semi-transparent material, the molten liquid 42 remaining in the first space S1 and the passage 10p can be visually confirmed from the outside. If the molten liquid 42 remains in the first space S1 and the passage 10p, the amount of the molten liquid 42 can be accurately confirmed by tilting the temperature detection device 1 and moving it to the second space S2.

[0055] Furthermore, with this temperature detection device 1, it is possible to detect that after the temperature rises and all of the frozen bodies 40 placed in the first space S1 melt, the temperature drops and the frozen bodies 40 are re-frozen. In other words, when the frozen bodies 40 re-freeze after melting, the shape of the frozen bodies 40 changes and part or all of the frozen bodies 40 are positioned outside the first space S1. Therefore, it is possible to recognize that the frozen bodies 40 have re-frozen based on the position or shape of the frozen bodies 40.

[0056] It is possible to measure the amount of melting liquid 42 even if the second partition 30 and the passage 10p do not exist, but depending on the position of the frozen body 40 in the first space S1 and the shape of the frozen body 40, this may have a negative effect on reading the amount of melting liquid 42. The presence of the second partition 30 and the passage 10p makes it possible to read the amount of melting liquid 42 more accurately.

[0057] Next, a description will be given of a temperature detection method using the above-described temperature detection device 1. This temperature detection method detects information relating to the temperature history inside a packaging container during transportation of an item.

[0058] FIG. 4 shows a packaging container 100 that contains an item 50. For example, the packaging container 100 is a container made of polystyrene foam. The item 50 shown in FIG. 4 is raw fish. Ice is packed in the packaging container 100 together with the raw fish. As shown in FIG. 4, a temperature detection method according to one embodiment includes a step of packing a temperature detection device 1 together with the item 50 in the packaging container 100. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, two types of temperature detection device 1A and temperature detection device (another temperature detection device) 1B are arranged spaced apart from each other in the packaging container 100.

[0059] The temperature detecting devices 1A and 1B have substantially the same physical structure as the above-described temperature detecting device 1. Each of the temperature detecting devices 1A and 1B includes the above-described housing 10, first partition 20, second partition 30, and frozen body 40. The aqueous solution constituting the frozen body 40 is saline. The saline solution constituting the frozen body 40 of the temperature detecting device 1A and the saline solution constituting the frozen body 40 of the temperature detecting device 1B have different salinity concentrations. For example, the saline solution constituting the frozen body 40 of the temperature detecting device 1A is set to a salinity such that its melting point is 0°C. The saline solution constituting the frozen body 40 of the temperature detecting device 1B is set to a salinity such that its melting point is -2°C.

[0060] Furthermore, the salt water constituting the frozen bodies 40 of the temperature detecting devices 1A and 1B may be colored in different colors, which makes it easier to distinguish between the temperature detecting devices 1A and 1B.

[0061] As described above, the packing container 100 containing the item 50, the temperature detecting devices 1A and 1B, and ice is transported to a destination. The frozen bodies 40 in the temperature detecting devices 1A and 1B melt in response to temperature changes within the packing container 100 during transportation. The amount of melting liquid 42 that moves into the second space S2 of the temperature detecting device 1A depends on the length of time the temperature within the packing container 100 remains at or above 0°C and on that temperature. The amount of melting liquid 42 that moves into the second space S2 of the temperature detecting device 1B depends on the length of time the temperature within the packing container 100 remains at or above -2°C and on that temperature. Therefore, the recipient of the item 50 can predict the length of time the temperature within the packing container 100 remained in the temperature range of -2°C to 0°C and the temperature within the packing container 100 during transportation, based on the amount of melting liquid 42 accumulated in the second space S2 of the temperature detecting devices 1A and 1B.

[0062] Furthermore, by arranging the temperature detecting devices 1A and 1B apart from each other inside the packing container 100, the distribution of the temperature history inside the packing container 100 can be predicted.

[0063] The above has described the temperature detection devices 1, 1A, 1B and temperature detection methods according to various embodiments, but the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention.

[0064] For example, in the temperature detection device 1 shown in FIG. 1, the gap formed between the housing 10 and the first partition wall 20 constitutes the first opening OP1. However, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the first partition wall 20 may have a plurality of through-holes formed therein that penetrate the first partition wall 20 in the thickness direction, and each through-hole may constitute a first opening OP1. These plurality of first openings OP1 communicate with the first space S1 and the passage 10p. As shown in FIG. 5, when the temperature of the internal space 10s rises above the melting point of the frozen body 40, the melted liquid 42 of the frozen body 40 passes through the plurality of first openings OP1 and moves from the first space S1 to the passage 10p. Then, the melted liquid 42 that has moved to the passage 10p passes through the second opening OP2 and moves from the passage 10p to the second space S2.

[0065] 6, the temperature detecting device 1 may further include an absorbent body 60 disposed in the second space S2. The absorbent body 60 is a water-absorbent paper, a water-absorbent gel, or the like, and absorbs the molten liquid 42 supplied to the second space S2. By absorbing the molten liquid 42, the absorbent body 60 prevents the molten liquid 42 accumulated in the second space S2 from returning to the first space S1.

[0066] The various embodiments described above can be combined to the extent that no contradiction occurs.

[0067] The present disclosure includes the following contents.

[0068] [1] A temperature detection device for detecting information related to temperature history, comprising: a housing including a top surface portion, a bottom surface portion facing the top surface portion, and a side surface portion connecting the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion, the housing defining an internal space visible from the outside; a first partition wall provided in the internal space so as to face the top surface portion, the first partition wall defining a first space between the first partition wall and the top surface portion; a second partition wall provided in the internal space to face the bottom surface portion, the second partition wall defining a second space between the second partition wall and the bottom surface portion, and defining a passage between the first partition wall and the second partition wall, the passage connecting the first space and the second space; A frozen body of the aqueous solution contained in the first space; A temperature detection device comprising:

[0069] [2] The first partition has a first opening that connects the first space to the passage, The temperature detection device according to [1], wherein the first opening is formed at a position that at least partially overlaps the second partition wall when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first partition wall.

[0070] [3] The second partition has a second opening that connects the second space to the passage, The temperature detection device according to [2], wherein the second opening is formed at a position that at least partially overlaps the first partition wall when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the second partition wall.

[0071] [4] The temperature detection device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the aqueous solution is a saline solution.

[0072] [5] The temperature detection device according to [4], wherein the salt concentration of the salt water is between 0% and 5%.

[0073] [6] The temperature detection device according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the aqueous solution is colored.

[0074] [7] The temperature detection device according to [6], wherein the second partition is opaque and has a color different from the color of the aqueous solution.

[0075] [8] The temperature detection device according to [3], wherein the area of ​​the first opening is smaller than the area of ​​the second opening.

[0076] [9] The temperature detection device according to any one of [1] to [8], further comprising an absorber disposed in the second space and configured to absorb the aqueous solution.

[0077]

[10] A temperature detection method for detecting information regarding the temperature history of an item during transportation, comprising: A temperature detection method comprising the step of packaging the temperature detection device according to any one of [1] to [9] together with the item in a packaging container.

[0078]

[11] The temperature detection method according to

[10] , further comprising the step of packaging another temperature detection device having the same structure as the temperature detection device in the packaging container.

[0079]

[12] The temperature detection method according to

[11] , wherein the temperature detection device and the other temperature detection device are arranged at a distance from each other.

[0080]

[13] The aqueous solution of the temperature sensing device and the another temperature sensing device is a saline solution; The temperature detection method according to

[11] or

[12] , wherein the salinity of the salt water in the temperature detection device is different from the salinity of the salt water in the other temperature detection device.

[0081]

[14] The temperature detection method according to

[13] , wherein the aqueous solution of the temperature detection device and the aqueous solution of the other temperature detection device are colored differently from each other.

[0082]

[15] The temperature detection method according to

[13] or

[14] , wherein ice is packed in a packing container together with the temperature detection device and the item. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1, 1A...temperature detection device, 1B...temperature detection device (another temperature detection device), 10...housing, 10p...passageway, 10s...internal space, 11...top surface, 12...bottom surface, 13...side surface, 20...first partition wall, 30...second partition wall, 40...frozen body, 50...item, 60...absorber, 100...packaging container, OP1...first opening, OP2...second opening, S1...first space, S2...second space.

Claims

1. A temperature detection device for detecting information relating to temperature history, comprising: a housing including a top surface portion, a bottom surface portion facing the top surface portion, and a side surface portion connecting the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion, the housing defining an internal space visible from the outside; a first partition wall provided in the internal space to face the top surface portion, the first partition wall defining a first space between the first partition wall and the top surface portion; a second partition wall provided in the internal space to face the bottom surface portion, the second partition wall defining a second space between the second partition wall and the bottom surface portion, and defining a passage between the first partition wall and the second partition wall, the passage connecting the first space and the second space; a frozen body of the aqueous solution contained in the first space; A temperature detection device comprising:

2. the first partition wall has a first opening that connects the first space to the passage, The temperature detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the first opening is formed at a position at which the first opening at least partially overlaps the second partition wall when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first partition wall.

3. the second partition wall has a second opening that connects the second space to the passage, The temperature detection device according to claim 2 , wherein the second opening is formed at a position at which the second opening at least partially overlaps the first partition wall when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the second partition wall.

4. The temperature sensing device of claim 1 , wherein the aqueous solution is a saline solution.

5. The temperature detection device according to claim 4 , wherein the salinity of the salt water is between 0% and 5%.

6. The temperature sensing device of claim 1 , wherein the aqueous solution is colored.

7. The temperature sensing device of claim 6 , wherein the second partition is opaque and has a color different from the color of the aqueous solution.

8. The temperature detection device according to claim 3 , wherein an area of ​​the first opening is smaller than an area of ​​the second opening.

9. The temperature detection device according to claim 1 , further comprising an absorbent body disposed in the second space and configured to absorb the aqueous solution.

10. 1. A temperature sensing method for sensing information relating to the temperature history of an item during transportation, comprising: A temperature detection method comprising the step of packaging the temperature detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 together with the article in a packaging container.

11. The temperature sensing method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of packaging another temperature sensing device having the same structure as the temperature sensing device in the packaging container.

12. The temperature detection method according to claim 11 , wherein the temperature detection device and the another temperature detection device are disposed at a distance from each other.

13. the aqueous solution of the temperature sensing device and the another temperature sensing device is a saline solution; The temperature detection method according to claim 11 , wherein the salinity of the salt water of the temperature detection device is different from the salinity of the salt water of the other temperature detection device.

14. The temperature sensing method according to claim 13, wherein the aqueous solution of the temperature sensing device and the aqueous solution of the other temperature sensing device are colored differently from each other.

15. 14. The temperature sensing method of claim 13, further comprising packaging ice together with the temperature sensing device and the item in a packaging container.

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