Impact detection device and transport box

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to provide an impact detection device high in detection performance for impact and handling performance for a user.　The present invention that addresses the above problem is an impact detection device comprising a case for storing a mass part 3 in a space formed between a first portion 1 and a second portion 2. The first portion 1 has a biasing means 12 for providing bias toward the second portion 2. The mass part 3 is a tabular member and has a biased surface 31 that is biased by the biasing means 12 and an abutment surface 32 that opposes the biased surface 31 and is in abutment against the second portion 2. In a state where impact is not applied to the case, the mass part 3 is held at a holding position P1 inside the case and, when impact is applied to the case, the mass part 3 moves from the holding position P1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device attached to a package for detecting an impact applied to the package during transportation.

Background Art

[0002] When a package is handled roughly during transportation, the contents may be damaged by the impact. In this case, since it is not clear whether the contents were originally defective and there was a problem at the shipping source or there was a problem during the transportation process, there is a risk of a liability issue. Among such problems, as devices for detecting whether an impact has been applied during movement, for example, those such as Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The impact sensing device as described in Patent Document 1 is widely used because it can draw the attention of the carrier just by being attached to an easily visible position of the box. However, since the device of Patent Document 1 measures only in one axial direction, if it is desired to measure impacts in three directions, it is necessary to attach three devices to the box, and there are problems in terms of impact detection performance. In addition, the device described in Patent Document 2 can detect impacts in two axes, but since it requires the holding of a sphere, the device tends to be large and there are problems in handling performance.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide an impact detection device with high impact detection performance and user handling performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is an impact detection device comprising a case that houses a mass portion in a space formed between a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion has a biasing means that biases toward the second portion, the mass portion is a flat plate member having a biasing surface that is biased by the biasing means and a contact surface that abuts toward the second portion opposite to the biasing surface, and when the case is not subjected to impact, the mass portion is held in a holding position inside the case, and when the case is subjected to impact, the mass portion moves from the holding position. This configuration makes it possible to provide an impact detection device with high impact detection performance and ease of handling by the user.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mass portion has a portion of a different color on a part of its surface that is a different color from the surrounding area, the case has a transparent viewing window, and the portion of the different color is made visible from the viewing window when the mass portion is in the holding position, and at least a portion of the portion of the different color is made invisible from the viewing window when it moves from the holding position. This allows for easy confirmation of the position of the mass component depending on the configuration of the viewing window, thereby improving handling performance.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the viewing window is provided in the center of the second portion, and the discolored portion is provided in the center of the contact surface. This configuration simplifies the structure and makes it easy to understand the movement of the mass component based on its degree of movement from the center.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mass portion is a disc member, and the inner circumference of the case is provided in a cylindrical shape with a diameter larger than the diameter of the mass portion. This configuration allows for impact detection in any direction on the same plane, improving handling performance.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the discolored portion is circular, and the inner circumference of the case is cylindrical in shape, with a diameter greater than the sum of the diameters of the mass portion and the discolored portion. This configuration makes it easier for the user to see the change in color pattern through the viewing window when the mass part moves to the point where it contacts the inner surface of the case.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the biasing means is a leaf spring, and the end of the biasing means is provided with a projection that protrudes toward the biasing surface. This configuration allows for easy adjustment of the spring's biasing force, thereby improving handling performance.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device has a locking mechanism that holds the mass portion in the holding position by pressing it from the outside. This prevents the detection of impact when not in use and improves handling performance.

[0013] The present invention relates to a transport box equipped with an impact detection device on the exterior or interior, wherein the impact detection device has a mass portion which is a disc member having a biasing surface that is biased by the biasing means and a contact surface that abuts against a first surface portion opposite to the biasing surface, and when the case is not subjected to impact, the mass portion is held in a holding position inside the case, and when the case is subjected to impact, the mass portion moves from the holding position to the detection position. This configuration makes it possible to provide a transport box equipped with a device that offers high impact detection performance and user handling capabilities. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The present invention, which solves the above problems, can provide an impact detection device with high impact detection performance and user handling performance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] These are schematic diagrams of a front view and a rear view representing the state of the shock detection device before shock detection according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] These are schematic diagrams of an A - A cross - section representing the states of the shock detection device before and after shock detection according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] These are schematic diagrams of a B - B cross - section representing the states of the shock detection device before and after shock detection according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] These are a front view and a rear view of the mass part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] These are schematic diagrams of a front view and a rear view representing the state of the shock detection device after shock detection according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view representing a transport box in which the shock detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is provided. [Figure 7] These are views of the locking means according to the first embodiment of the present invention seen from various directions. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross - sectional view for explaining a shock detection device provided with locking means according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] These are a schematic rear view representing the state of the shock detection device before shock detection and a front view of the mass part according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the shock detection device according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described. The description will detail the configuration of the embodiment, the method of implementation, and other examples in this order. The embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention and are not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the term "abbreviated" in the application documents is a concept that includes shapes that have been chamfered or rounded, and shapes in which the elements constituting the shape have been modified or altered in length to the extent that it does not impede the purpose of the configuration.

[0017] ≪First Embodiment≫ As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the impact detection device X comprises a first part 1 and a second part 2 that fit together to form a case material, and a mass part 3 is stored in the space inside the formed case material. The mass part 3 is a disc-shaped member that is held in a holding position P1 when no impact is detected, but is designed to move to a detection position P2 when an impact is detected. The impact detection device X is attached to the transport box 4. Figure 1 shows the front and rear views of the impact detection device X when the mass part 3 is in the holding position P1, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of section AA, where Figure 2(a) shows the state in which the mass part 3 is held in the holding position P1, and Figure 2(b) shows the state in which the mass part 3 has moved to the detection position P2. Also, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of section BB, where Figure 3(a) shows the state in which the mass part 3 is held in the holding position P1, and Figure 3(b) shows the state in which the mass part 3 has moved to the detection position P2.

[0018] The first part 1 is attached to the transport box 4 with one side in contact with it when in use. The first part 1 has a plate-shaped first surface portion 11 and a biasing means 12 provided on the first surface portion 11 and biased toward the second part 2, and is provided so as to be connected to the second part 2 via a first mounting portion 13. The first part 1 can be made of various plastic resins selected from acrylic resin, polyester resin, polystyrene resin, etc., but it may also be made transparent so that the condition of the mass part 3 can be visually observed. Furthermore, it is preferable that the components of the first part 1 be integrally molded to reduce manufacturing costs, but a different material such as metal may be used for the biasing means 12.

[0019] The first surface portion 11 is a plate-shaped member, provided to be at least larger than the maximum diameter of the mass portion 3. In this embodiment, it is a disc-shaped flat plate member.

[0020] The biasing means 12 is provided to bias toward the second part 2 and is a member that holds the mass part 3 in a holding position. The biasing means 12 includes a leaf spring 121 that biases by elastic force, a projection 122 provided at the tip of the leaf spring 121 that actually contacts the mass part 3, and a cutout 123 provided by cutting out the area around the biasing means 12 in the first surface 11.

[0021] The leaf spring 121 is an elastic plate-shaped member, with one end fixed to the first surface portion 11 and the other end being a free end. In this embodiment, the leaf spring 121 is a rectangular plate material, integrally formed from the same material as the first portion 1. The end of the leaf spring 121 is fixed near the edge of the inner surface of the first surface portion 11.

[0022] The leaf spring 121 is curved from the fixed end to the free end so as to be inclined in the direction in which the leaf spring 121 biases. Furthermore, the periphery of the fixed end and the periphery of the free end of the leaf spring 121 are arranged to be parallel to the first surface 11.

[0023] By adjusting the thickness, length, position, and material of the leaf spring 121, the magnitude of the biasing force applied to the mass part 3 can be changed. In conjunction with adjusting the mass (weight) of the mass part 3, the threshold of the impact force at which the mass part 3 moves from the holding position P1 to the detection position P2 can be adjusted.

[0024] The projection 122 is provided at the end of the leaf spring 121 and is a member that protrudes in the direction in which the leaf spring 121 is biased. In this embodiment, the projection 122 is a substantially hemispherical portion and is made of the same material as the leaf spring 121, but it can be changed to a different material. For example, by changing it to silicone or rubber, the frictional force can be increased and the holding performance of the mass part 3 can be improved. By changing the degree of protrusion of the projection 122 and the frictional force applied to the mass part 3, the magnitude of the biasing force or holding force applied to the mass part 3 can be changed more easily, thereby improving convenience in manufacturing and use.

[0025] The cutout portion 123 is a portion of the first surface portion 11 that is cut out so as to be approximately the same size as or slightly larger than the outer circumference of the leaf spring 121, at least near the free end of the leaf spring 121. This allows the leaf spring 121 to be bent freely, thereby providing a strong biasing force.

[0026] Furthermore, by pressing the mass part 3 through the cutout portion 123 when not in use, the biasing force on the mass part 3 is increased, preventing the mass part 3 from accidentally moving to the detection position P2.

[0027] In this embodiment, the cutout portion 123 includes a circular cutout 124 that cuts out a circular shape around the portion where the free end of the leaf spring 121 is disposed, and a rectangular cutout 125 that extends from the periphery of the first surface portion 11 toward the circular cutout 124. Furthermore, a part of the circular cutout 124 is provided with an insertion cutout 126 that is cut toward the outer circumference and is larger than or equal to the width of the pressing portion 53, which will be described later.

[0028] The distance from the inner edge of the circular cutout 124 to the leaf spring 121 is set to be approximately 1 mm to 3 mm in plan view, and the distance from the inner edge of the rectangular cutout 125 to the leaf spring 121 is set to be approximately 0.5 mm to 2 mm. This eliminates the obstruction of the bending deformation of the leaf spring 121 by the first surface portion 11.

[0029] As an example of modification, the leaf spring 121 may be formed on the same plane as the first surface portion 11 by making a cutout on the first surface portion 11. That is, the cutout portion 123 may be formed by leaving one end of the leaf spring 121 intact and cutting out the other part in the shape of the leaf spring 121.

[0030] The second part 2 is provided opposite the first part 1 and is visible to the user when in use. The second part 2 has a plate-shaped second surface portion 21 and a viewing window 22 that allows the mass portion 3 to be seen from the outside, and is provided to be connected to the first part 1 via a second mounting portion 23.

[0031] The second surface portion 21 is a plate-like portion provided opposite the first surface portion 11, and its outer edge shape and material are provided to be substantially the same as those of the first surface portion 11.

[0032] The viewing window 22 is a portion provided in a part of the second surface 21, allowing the inside to be seen through the second part 2. The viewing window 22 is circular and located approximately in the center of the disc-shaped second surface 21. Furthermore, the diameter of the viewing window 22 is made at least larger than the thickness of the internal second surface 21 to facilitate visibility of the inside, and at most smaller than the radius of the diameter of the second surface 21 to allow recognition of the color changes described later. Furthermore, in the viewing window 22, a raised portion 221 is provided on the surface that contacts the mass portion 3, surrounding the viewing window 22.

[0033] In this embodiment, the viewing window 22 is formed by providing the entire second surface portion 21 with a transparent material and attaching an opaque seal to the portion excluding the viewing window 22. In particular, the area around the viewing window 22 may be made of the same color as the contact surface 32 in order to highlight the color of the different color portion 33. This allows the internal state to be checked through the viewing window 22.

[0034] Here, the mounting of the first mounting portion 13 and the second mounting portion 23 will be described in detail. The first portion 1 and the second portion 2 interlock and engage at predetermined positions, making mounting easy while preventing easy removal.

[0035] The first mounting portion 13 has a first stepped portion 131, which is a step provided from near the outer peripheral edge of the first surface portion 11 toward the second surface portion 21 as shown in Figure 2, and an engaging portion 132, which is provided partially protruding from the edge of the first surface portion 11 and engages with the second mounting portion 23 as shown in Figure 3.

[0036] The second mounting portion 23 has an outer stepped portion 231 which is a step that protrudes from the outer peripheral edge of the second surface portion 21, and an inner stepped portion 232 which is provided inside the outer stepped portion 231 and inside the first surface portion 11. Furthermore, a second stepped portion 233 is provided inside the inner stepped portion 232, and the mass portion 3 can be housed in the gap formed by this.

[0037] Furthermore, on the surface between the outer stepped portion 231 and the inner stepped portion 232 of the first mounting portion 13, a hole is provided in the portion corresponding to the engaging portion 132 through which a part of the engaging portion 132 can be inserted. On the inner circumferential surface of this hole, an engaged portion 234 is provided that can engage with the engaging portion 132.

[0038] The first step portion 131 is a ring-shaped projection on the surface of the first surface portion 11 facing the second surface portion 21, and has a planar end face. The projection height is approximately the same as the projection height of the inner step portion 232 relative to the second step portion 233. As shown in Figure 2, the end face of the first step portion 131 contacts the end face of the second step portion 233, and the outer circumferential surface of the first step portion 131 fits into the inner circumferential surface of the inner step portion 232, thereby fitting the first portion 1 and the second portion 2 together. Furthermore, a part of the first surface portion 11 contacts the end face of the inner step portion 232, further improving the positioning performance.

[0039] The engaging portion 132 is a component that snap-fits with the engaged portion 234 to hold the first portion 1 and the second portion 2 in an engaged state. Multiple engaging portions 132 are provided on the edge of the first portion 1, and in this embodiment, five are provided at equal intervals to prevent easy removal.

[0040] The engaging portion 132 has an extended portion that extends radially from the periphery of the second portion, and a hook portion that protrudes from the end of the extended portion toward the second portion 2 and engages with the engaged portion 234. The hook portion is a flexible, flat plate-shaped member, and has a projection at its tip that rises radially inward from the first portion 1, and engagement is achieved when one surface of the projection contacts the engaged portion 234.

[0041] The outer stepped portion 231 is the outermost ring-shaped projection of the second surface portion 21, and its end face is provided on substantially the same plane as the outward-facing surface of the first surface portion 11, thereby preventing rattling when the impact detection device X is mounted on a flat surface.

[0042] The inner step portion 232 is a ring-shaped step provided inside the outer step portion 231, and its end face is wider than that of the other steps, and holes are provided that penetrate the second surface portion 21 at intervals corresponding to the engaging portion 132.

[0043] The second step portion 233 is a ring-shaped step provided inside the inner step portion 232, and the height of its circumferential surface is greater than at least the thickness of the peripheral edge portion 313 of the mass portion 3, thereby allowing the mass portion 3 to move internally when the mass portion 3 is released from the holding position P1.

[0044] The engaged portion 234 is a part provided on the inside of the hole that penetrates the second surface portion 21, and has a plate-shaped portion that protrudes in the direction of the first portion 1, an end portion that abuts against a part of the second portion 2, and a projection portion in between that rises in the direction of the hole that penetrates the second surface portion 21. Furthermore, the surface connecting the end portion and the projection portion is a smooth curved surface that guides the engaged portion 132. As a result, the hook portion of the engaging portion 132 and the projection portion of the engaged portion 234 snap-fit ​​into place.

[0045] The mass portion 3 is a flat plate member and has sufficient rigidity to not deform even when subjected to a biasing force. In this embodiment, the mass portion 3 is formed in a disc shape and is housed in the space between the first portion 1 and the second portion 2. The diameter of the mass portion 3 is set to be smaller than at least the first surface portion 11 and the second surface portion 21. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the mass portion 3 will be described in the state where it is in the holding position P1.

[0046] The mass portion 3, when in the holding position P1, has a biasing surface 31 that receives a biasing force from the biasing means 12, a contact surface 32 that is provided opposite to the biasing surface 31 and comes into contact with the second surface portion 21, and a different color portion 33 that is provided with a different color or pattern from the surroundings and is visible from the viewing window 22. Here, Figure 4(a) is a schematic diagram showing the biasing surface 31 and Figure 4(b) is a schematic diagram showing the contact surface 32 as viewed from the front.

[0047] The mass portion 3 is impermeable. That is, the main body of the mass portion 3 may be made of an impermeable material, or an impermeable sealing member may be attached to at least one of the biasing surface 31 or the contact surface 32.

[0048] The biasing surface 31 is a surface provided opposite the first surface portion 11, and holds the mass portion 3 in the holding position P1 by receiving the pressing bias of the biasing means 12 at its center. In this embodiment, it has a contact portion 311 that abuts against the projection 122, a release surface 312 that surrounds the contact portion 311 and releases the biasing of the biasing means 12, and a peripheral portion 313 provided on the periphery of the biasing surface 31 that abuts against the projection 122 when it is in the detection position P2 to prevent unintended movement.

[0049] The contact portion 311 is a raised portion compared to the release surface 312, and contacts the end portion with a part of the projection 122 fitted into it. It has a recess that is recessed to be approximately the same as the radius of curvature of the projection 122. This facilitates positioning to the holding position P1 and prevents unintended movement of the mass portion 3.

[0050] The release surface 312 is a portion that surrounds the contact portion 311 and is recessed compared to the contact portion 311, and is the portion where the projection 122 is located when the mass portion 3 is in the detection position P2. The recess in the release surface 312 is provided to such an extent that, when the mass portion 3 is in the detection position P2, the projection 122 and the release surface 312 do not come into contact.

[0051] The peripheral portion 313 is a part provided on the edge of the mass portion 3 so as to surround the release surface 312 and to be raised relative to the release surface 312, and it comes into contact with the projection 122 when the mass portion 3 is in the detection position P2. This prevents the mass portion 3 from coming off the projection 122. Preferably, the height of the raised portion of the peripheral portion 313 is approximately the same as that of the contact portion 311.

[0052] The contact surface 32 is a surface provided opposite the second surface portion 21, and is provided so that substantially its entire surface contacts the second surface portion 21. More specifically, the contact surface 32 presses against the second surface portion 21 due to the pressing force received from the biasing surface 31, and holds the mass portion 3 in the holding position P1 by fitting and static friction force.

[0053] The contrasting color portion 33 is an opaque portion provided on the contact surface 32 and is composed of a different color or pattern from the contact surface 32. Furthermore, the contrasting color portion 33 protrudes such that the shape of its outer circumference is substantially the same as the shape of the inner surface of the raised portion 221, and is designed to fit into the raised portion 221. In this embodiment, the contrasting color portion 33 is a round seal that is attached to cover the center of the contact surface 32, and its diameter is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the viewing window 22. For positioning purposes, the portion to which the seal is attached may be recessed.

[0054] The first part 1 and the second part 2 are attached to each other via their respective mounting parts to form a case material having a space capable of housing the mass part 3. The inner circumferential surface of this space is substantially cylindrical in shape, allowing the disc-shaped mass part 3 to move. Its height is at least greater than the thickness of the mass part 3, and its maximum width is at least greater than the diameter of the mass part 3. Preferably, the diameter of the space is set to be longer than the sum of the diameters of the disc-shaped mass portion 3 and the diameter of the discolored portion 33, and shorter than twice the diameter of the mass portion 3. This ensures that when the mass portion 3 moves to a position where it contacts the inner circumferential surface of the case, the user will not be able to see the discolored portion 33 through the viewing window 22, but will be able to see the contact surface 32, making it easier for the user to determine if an impact has occurred. Alternatively, the diameter of the first surface portion 11 may be set to more than twice the diameter of the mass portion 3, so that the first surface portion 11 is visible through the viewing window 22 when the mass portion 3 is in the detection position.

[0055] The holding position P1 is the position in which the mass portion 3 is held between the biasing means 12 and the second surface portion 21 in the state before impact is detected. In the embodiment, the holding position P1 is the position in which the different color portion 33 is visible from the viewing window 22, and the different color portion 33 is located directly below the surface having the viewing window 22. More specifically, it is the position in which the center of the mass portion 3 and the centers of the circular first surface portion 11 and second surface portion 21 in a front view substantially coincide.

[0056] The detection position P2 is the location of the mass part 3 after the impact is detected, and is a position other than the holding position P1. When the impact detection device X receives an impact greater than the holding force of the biasing means 12, the mass part 3 moves from the holding position P1 as shown in Figure 5(a). At this time, the discolored part 33 moves away from directly below the viewing window 22, and the viewing window 22 exhibits the color of the contact surface 32 as shown in Figure 5(b).

[0057] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the impact detection device X may have a locking mechanism 5 that fixes the mass part 3 to the first part in a holding position P1 by pressing the mass part 3 from the outside, in order to prevent the mass part 3 from unintentionally moving to the detection position when not in use.

[0058] The locking mechanism 5 includes a contact portion 51 that rotates while in contact with the first surface portion 11, a guide support portion 52 provided on the lower surface of the contact portion 51 for guiding the rotation center, a pressing portion 53 for pressing the biasing surface 31, and an operating portion 54 for the user to perform the rotation operation.

[0059] The contact portion 51 is a disc-shaped member, and is provided to be at least larger than the diameter of the circular cutout 124, preventing the locking means 5 from falling inside the impact detection device X. In addition, a cutout is provided in the contact portion 51 in the direction in which the pressing portion 53 is provided, etc., so that the mounting direction can be visually confirmed.

[0060] The guide support portion 52 is a part of a roughly cylindrical shape with the center of the contact portion 51 as its axis, and its outer diameter is approximately the same as the diameter of the circular cutout 124. This ensures that even when rotating, the outer surface of the guide support portion 52 is always in contact with the inner surface of the circular cutout 124, thereby uniquely determining the axis of rotation. The height of the guide support portion 52 is greater than the thickness of the first portion 1, and thinner than the distance from the outer surface of the first surface portion 11 to the projection 122, and its inner diameter is larger than the projection 122, so that it does not come into contact with the biasing means 12 even when rotating. To describe the shape of the guide support portion 52 in more detail, the cylindrical shape is divided, and two semi-cylindrical portions are spaced apart and facing each other. In order to increase the yield when integrally molded, a notch is provided in the contact portion 51 between the two semi-cylindrical parts.

[0061] The pressing portion 53 is a trapezoidal part extending from the lower end of the guide support portion 52. Its upper end surface protrudes radially outward from the contact portion 51, and its lower end surface is substantially flat and presses against the release surface 312. The distance from the guide support portion 52 to the edge of the upper end surface is shorter than the distance from the circular cutout 124 to the insertion cutout 126, which allows the locking means 5 to be fixed in the inserted state as shown in Figure 8. Furthermore, the protrusion distance from the contact portion 51 to the lower end of the pressing portion 53 is approximately the same as or slightly greater than the distance from the first surface portion 11 to the release surface 312, which allows for pressing with appropriate force.

[0062] The operating part 54 is a flat plate-shaped member that extends integrally upward from the contact part 51, and by rotating it like a knob, the locking means 5 can be rotated with the contact part 51 in contact with the first surface part 11.

[0063] The method of implementing the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 8. The present invention is implemented by a user who has the purpose of detecting the impact applied to the transport box 4. Furthermore, the implementation method shown below is just one example, and the method of implementation is not limited to this, and the order may be different.

[0064] First, the user selects an impact detection device X having an appropriate mass section 3 and biasing means 12 depending on the contents of the transport box 4. For example, if the contents are at risk of being damaged by even a slight impact, an impact detection device X with a heavy mass section 3 and a biasing means 12 with weak biasing force should be selected. If the contents are highly durable, a lighter mass section 3 and a biasing means 12 with strong biasing force should be selected.

[0065] Next, the user removes the locking mechanism 5. That is, by pinching and rotating the operating part 54, which has the upper end surface of the pressing part 53 in contact with the inner surface of the first surface part 11, the insertion cutout 126 is positioned directly above the upper end surface of the pressing part 53. At this point, the state changes from that shown in Figure 8(a) to that shown in Figure 8(b). The user then pulls out and removes the locking mechanism 5. Furthermore, the user can fix the mass unit 3 in the holding position by performing the reverse operation.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, the user attaches the impact detection device X to at least one of the outer or inner surfaces of the transport box 4 and then ships the transport box 4. Various methods of attachment are possible, such as using double-sided tape or adhesive, but at least the biasing means 12 and the transport box 4 must not come into contact. Since the impact detection device X is capable of detecting impacts in two axes, by attaching the impact detection device X to two intersecting sides of the transport box 4, it becomes possible to observe impacts in all three directions. This reduces the number of devices required for three-directional impact detection compared to a device capable of detecting impacts in one axis, thereby lowering installation costs.

[0067] The person who receives the shipping box 4 checks the viewing window 22 along with the delivered package. If the result of this check is that the entire color visible through the viewing window 22 is the same as the color of the discolored part 33, as shown in Figure 1(b), it can be concluded that the mass part 3 was held in the holding position P1 and therefore no impact was applied. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5(b), if some or all of the colors visible through the viewing window 22 are the same as the color of the mass unit 3 body, or if some or all of the different colored parts 33 are invisible, it can be determined that the mass unit 3 has moved to the detection position P2 and has been subjected to an impact greater than the holding force of the biasing means 12.

[0068] In this way, by attaching the impact detection device X, it becomes possible to detect impacts on the transport box 4, and by attaching it to the outside of the transport box 4, it is possible to alert the transporter. Preferably, in order to make the presence of the impact detection device X more conspicuous, a sticker larger than the impact detection device X is attached to the vicinity of the impact detection device X on the transport box 4.

[0069] Second Embodiment The impact detection device X according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figure 7. Components identical to those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the components of each embodiment may be combined to form another embodiment. Figure 7(a) shows the impact detection device X with the mass part 3 in the holding position P1, viewed from the biasing surface 31 side, and Figure 7(b) shows the mass part 3 viewed from the contact surface 32 side.

[0070] The impact detection device X is designed so that the mass part 3 can be housed in the space formed between the first part 1 and the second part 2, and the mass part 3 is held in a holding position P1 within this space. When an impact exceeding the holding force is applied to the impact detection device X, it moves from the holding position P1 to the detection position P2.

[0071] Either the first part 1 or the second part 2 is provided with a guide part U for guiding the movement of the mass part 3 in a predetermined direction, as shown in Figure 7(a). In this embodiment, the guide part U is provided on the inner surface of the first surface part 11, protruding toward the second surface part 21, and four L-shaped members are arranged at equal intervals to restrict the movement of the mass part 3 in a cross shape.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7(b), the mass portion 3 is a cross-shaped member having a biasing surface 31 and a contact surface 32. In this embodiment, the contrasting color portion 33 is provided at the position where the cross intersects and is at least larger than the area of ​​the viewing window 22. When the mass portion 3 is in the holding position P1, the contrasting color portion 33 is positioned directly below the viewing window 22.

[0073] On the contact surface 32, multiple members extending horizontally are provided around the discolored portion 33, each bearing a pattern indicating the direction of the impact. This allows the user to visually confirm the direction in which the mass portion 3 has moved. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] X Impact detection device 1 First part 11 First side 12. Biasing means 121 Leaf spring 122 Protrusion 123 Cutout section 124 circular cutouts 125 square cutouts 126 Insertion and Cutting 13 First mounting section 131 First stage section 132 Engaging part 2 Second part 21 Second surface part 22 Viewing windows 221 Ridge 23 Second mounting section 231 Outer step 232 Inner Step 233 Second stage section 234 Engaged part 3 parts by mass 31. Biased 311 Contact part 312 Release surface 313 Peripheral area 32 Contact surface 33 Unusual Section 4 boxes P1 holding position P2 detection location 5. Locking mechanism 51 Contact area 52 Guidance support part 53 Pressing part 54 Control section

Claims

1. An impact detection device comprising a case that houses a mass in a space formed between a first part and a second part, The first portion has a leaf spring-shaped biasing means that biases toward the second portion, The mass portion is a flat plate member and has a biasing surface including a contact portion that is in contact with and biased by the biasing means, and a contact surface that is in contact with the second portion opposite to the biasing surface, The biasing surface has a peripheral edge that is raised at its edges, The biasing means is provided with a projection that can come into contact with the contact portion or peripheral portion. When the case is not subjected to impact, the mass portion is held in a holding position inside the case. An impact detection device in which the mass part moves from the holding position when the case is subjected to an impact.

2. An impact detection device comprising a case that houses a mass in a space formed between a first part and a second part, The first part has a biasing means that biases toward the second part, The mass portion is a flat plate member having a biasing surface that is biased by the biasing means and a contact surface that abuts the second portion opposite to the biasing surface, The case has a locking mechanism that holds the mass portion in a holding position inside the case by pressing it from the outside. When the case is not subjected to impact, the mass portion is held in the holding position. An impact detection device wherein the mass part moves from the holding position when the case is subjected to an impact.

3. The mass portion has a portion of its surface that is a different color or pattern from the surrounding area. The aforementioned case has a viewing window that allows visibility into the interior, The impact detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the different colored portion is made visible from the viewing window when the mass portion is in the holding position, and at least a part of the different colored portion is made invisible from the viewing window when it moves from the holding position.

4. The aforementioned viewing window is located in the center of the second part, The impact detection device according to claim 3, wherein the discolored portion is provided at the center of the contact surface.

5. The mass portion is a disc member, The impact detection device according to claim 4, wherein the inner circumference of the case is provided in a cylindrical shape with a diameter larger than the diameter of the mass portion.

6. The aforementioned discolored portion is circular. The impact detection device according to claim 5, wherein the inner circumference of the case is provided in a cylindrical shape with a diameter greater than the sum of the diameter of the mass portion and the diameter of the discolored portion.

7. The biasing means is a leaf spring, The impact detection device according to claim 2, wherein the end of the biasing means is provided with a projection that protrudes toward the biasing surface.

8. A transport box equipped with an impact detection device on either the exterior or the interior, The impact detection device comprises a case that houses the mass in a space formed between a first part and a second part. The first portion has a leaf spring-shaped biasing means that biases toward the second portion, The mass portion is a disc member having a biasing surface including a contact portion that is in contact with and biased by a biasing means, and a contact surface that is in contact with the first surface portion opposite to the biasing surface, The biasing surface has a peripheral edge that is raised at its edges, The biasing means is provided with a projection that can come into contact with the contact portion or peripheral portion. When the case is not subjected to impact, the mass portion is held in a holding position inside the case. A transport box in which, when the case is subjected to an impact, the mass part moves from the holding position to the detection position.

9. A transport box equipped with an impact detection device on either the exterior or the interior, The impact detection device comprises a case that houses the mass in a space formed between a first part and a second part. The first part has a biasing means that biases toward the second part, The mass portion is a disc member having a biasing surface that is biased by a biasing means and a contact surface that abuts the first surface portion relative to the biasing surface. The case has a locking mechanism that holds the mass portion in a holding position inside the case by pressing it from the outside. When the case is not subjected to impact, the mass portion is held in the holding position. A transport box in which, when the case is subjected to an impact, the mass part moves from the holding position to the detection position.

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