Temperature monitoring device and heatstroke detection device

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a temperature continuance detector with which it is possible to accurately detect continuance of a state in which a detection subject is at a prescribed temperature or a temperature equal to or greater than the prescribed temperature. [Solution] The present invention relates to a temperature continuance detector that detects that a detection subject generating heat has continued to be at a prescribed temperature for a prescribed period of time and / or that the detection subject has continued to be at a temperature equal to or greater than the prescribed temperature for the prescribed period of time. The temperature continuance detector is configured to comprise a sensor unit having a temperature-sensitive member that causes a prescribed change in response to the prescribed temperature, and a thermally conductive member that conducts heat generated by the detection subject to the temperature-sensitive member over the prescribed period of time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature continuous detector and a heat stroke detector.

Background Art

[0002] A heat stroke caution sticker has been proposed in which a part of the material becomes transparent when the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature or higher, and the "warning display" on the base becomes visible (see Patent Document 1). These are hereby incorporated by reference and form a part of this specification.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, for the mechanism of heat stroke occurrence, it is important to detect that the deep body temperature has reached a predetermined temperature or higher. Therefore, it cannot be immediately determined that a person has heat stroke just because the surface temperature has temporarily or instantaneously reached a predetermined temperature or higher. Thus, the heat stroke caution sticker described in Patent Document 1 is insufficient as a method for accurately determining whether a person has heat stroke.

[0005] In addition, when the heat stroke caution sticker described in Patent Document 1 reaches a detection temperature or higher due to a temporary and accidental factor (for example, being temporarily near a heat source, temporarily entering or passing through a high-temperature space, etc.), a "warning display" is also made. And there is no way to confirm that this "warning display" is a false detection (for example, being temporarily near a heat source and a "warning display" appears, and it is determined to be a temporary false detection. However, if the heat stroke state has already progressed before that, the person's recognition and the actual biological state are different, which is dangerous).

[0006] Thus, not only is it difficult to make accurate judgments due to the nature of the product, but it is also problematic from a safety standpoint that it is difficult to confirm when a false detection occurs.

[0007] Therefore, one objective of the present invention is to resolve these problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the present invention, A temperature persistence detector that detects at least one of the following: that a heat-generating object has remained at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, or that a temperature above the predetermined temperature has remained for a predetermined period of time, The sensor unit comprises a temperature-sensing material that reacts to a predetermined temperature and undergoes a predetermined change, and a heat-conducting material that conducts the heat generated by the object being detected to the temperature-sensing material over a predetermined period of time. A temperature continuous detector can be obtained.

[0009] Furthermore, according to the present invention, A heatstroke detector that detects at least one of the following: that a living organism has remained at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, or that a temperature above the predetermined temperature has remained for a predetermined period of time, The sensor unit comprises a temperature-sensing material that reacts to a temperature above a predetermined temperature and undergoes a predetermined change, and a heat-conducting material that conducts the heat generated by the living body to the temperature-sensing material over a predetermined period of time. A heatstroke detector can be obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a temperature continuation detector that can accurately detect when a target object has remained at a predetermined temperature or above that temperature for an extended period. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of how a temperature continuous sensor is installed according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present invention. [Figure 17] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present invention. [Figure 18] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present invention. [Figure 19] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the present invention. [Figure 20] It is a view showing an example of mounting the temperature continuous detector of the present invention. [Figure 21] It is a view showing an example of mounting the temperature continuous detector of the present invention. <​​​​​​​This figure shows an example of the temperature continuous sensor of the present invention being attached to another part of the human body. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments of the present invention will be described by listing them. The present invention has the following configuration. [Item 1] A temperature persistence detector that detects at least one of the following: that a heat-generating object has remained at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, or that a temperature above the predetermined temperature has remained for a predetermined period of time, The sensor unit comprises a temperature-sensing material that reacts to a predetermined temperature and undergoes a predetermined change, and a heat-conducting material that conducts the heat generated by the object being detected to the temperature-sensing material over a predetermined period of time. Temperature continuous detector. [Item 2] A temperature continuous detector according to claim 1, The heat conductive material is a separating material having a thickness such that the heat generated by the object to be detected is conducted to the temperature sensing material over a predetermined time. Temperature continuous detector. [Item 3] A temperature continuous detector according to claim 1 or claim 2, A sub-sensor unit is arranged substantially adjacent to the sensor unit, and further comprises a sub-sensor unit that conducts the heat generated by the detected object to the temperature-sensing material over a period of time less than a predetermined time. Temperature continuous detector. [Item 4] A temperature continuous detector according to claim 1 or claim 2, A sub-sensor portion is disposed substantially adjacent to the sensor portion, and further comprises the temperature-sensing material and a sub-separating material having a thickness smaller than the thickness of the separating material. [Item 5] A temperature continuous detector according to claim 1 or claim 2, The sub-sensor unit is further arranged substantially adjacent to the sensor unit and has a temperature-sensitive material that reacts to the predetermined temperature of the object to be detected and produces a predetermined change. Temperature continuous detector. [Item 6] A temperature continuous detector according to any one of claims 3 to 5, The device comprises multiple sets of a pair of the aforementioned sensor units and the aforementioned sub-sensor units. Temperature continuous detector. [Item 7] A temperature continuous detector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The temperature-sensing material reacts to the predetermined temperature and produces a visible change. Temperature continuous detector. [Item 8] A temperature continuous detector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The thermal conductive material comprises a gas layer, a vacuum layer, a foamed resin, a resin, wood, cork, polyethylene resin, polyester resin, polypropylene resin, polystyrene resin, acrylic resin, styrene-butadiene resin, styrene-butadiene acrylonitrile resin, acrylic styrene resin, ethylene acrylic resin, styrene-isoprene resin, urethane resin, polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, nylon resin, ethylene vinyl acetate resin, polyacetal resin, or vinyl chloride resin. Temperature continuous detector. [Item 9] A temperature continuous detector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The sensor unit further includes a heat-conducting uniform material that contacts the object to be detected and conducts the heat generated substantially uniformly to the heat-conducting material. Temperature continuous detector. [Item 10] A temperature continuous detector according to claim 9, The aforementioned heat-conducting uniform material includes one material selected from stainless steel, aluminum, platinum, iron, nickel, brass, copper, silver, or alloys mainly composed of these materials. Temperature continuous detector. [Item 11] A temperature continuous detector according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The sensor part further includes a heat insulating part that insulates the sensor part from heat other than that generated by the detected object. Temperature continuous detector. [Item 12] A temperature continuous detector according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The sensor unit further comprises a fixing unit for fixing the sensor unit to a predetermined position on the object to be detected. Temperature continuous detector. [Item 13] A heatstroke detector that detects at least one of the following: that a living organism has remained at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, or that a temperature above the predetermined temperature has remained for a predetermined period of time, The sensor unit comprises a temperature-sensing material that reacts to a temperature above a predetermined temperature and undergoes a predetermined change, and a heat-conducting material that conducts the heat generated by the living body to the temperature-sensing material over a predetermined period of time. Heatstroke detection device

[0013] <Details of the embodiment> Hereinafter, the configuration of a heatstroke detector will be described as an embodiment of the temperature continuous detector according to the present invention, with reference to the drawings. In order to avoid duplication of explanation, the same or related reference numerals may be used for the same components, and detailed explanations may be omitted.

[0014] <Overview> The heatstroke detector according to an embodiment of the present invention detects at least one of the following: that the temperature of the body where the device is worn remains at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, or that the temperature remains above a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time. In other words, it detects that the temperature of the body where the device is worn remains within a temperature range above a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time (or, to put it another way, that the temperature of the body where the device is worn does not fall below a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time).

[0015] Generally, detecting heatstroke requires detecting when the core body temperature remains above a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time. However, it is not practical to continuously insert a temperature sensor into the core of a living body.

[0016] On the other hand, considering the temperature of the body surface, which is easily affected by the external environment, as the core body temperature lacks accuracy. Therefore, the heatstroke detector in this embodiment detects when the temperature of the body where it is worn remains at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time. This makes it possible to accurately detect whether the person wearing the heatstroke detector is suffering from heatstroke. In other words, the heatstroke detector in this embodiment does not notify the user when it detects that the body surface has reached a certain temperature, but rather when it detects that the body surface temperature has reached a certain temperature or has exceeded a certain temperature for a predetermined period of time and notifies the user.

[0017] To enable this viewpoint, the heatstroke detector according to this embodiment is configured to have an intermediate material between the contact part that comes into contact with the skin, etc., and the temperature sensing part. With this configuration, the skin temperature (body surface temperature) is transmitted to the temperature sensing part through the intermediate material over a predetermined period of time, so that at the time the temperature sensing material reacts, it is possible to detect that the skin temperature has been at a predetermined temperature for at least a predetermined time.

[0018] Furthermore, conventional technology may trigger notifications even when a certain temperature is reached instantaneously, potentially detecting heatstroke even in cases where the risk is low.

[0019] <Structure> (First Embodiment) As shown in Figure 1, the heatstroke detector 10 according to this embodiment is configured to be wearable on the user's arm. The heatstroke detector 10 has a sensor unit 100 and is attached to the arm by a fixing unit 400.

[0020] The structure of the heatstroke detector 10 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the heatstroke detector 10 shown in Figure 1, viewed from direction P. As shown in Figure 2, the heatstroke detector 10 comprises a sensor unit 100, an insulating unit 300, and a fixing unit.

[0021] The sensor unit 100 includes a temperature-sensitive material 110 that reacts to a predetermined temperature and undergoes a predetermined change, a heat-conducting material 120 that conducts the temperature of the skin (detection target) 20 to the temperature-sensitive material over a predetermined period of time, and a heat-conducting uniform material 130 that comes into contact with the skin 20 and conducts the temperature of the skin 20 to the heat-conducting material substantially uniformly.

[0022] The temperature-sensitive material 110 undergoes a visible change at a temperature above a predetermined temperature. The temperature-sensitive material can be composed of powders, liquids, sheets, etc., whose color changes reversibly (or irreversibly) with temperature changes. For example, it may be composed of, but is not limited to, thermochromic inks or synthetic resins containing a temperature-sensitive color-changing composition. For instance, a material consisting of a leuco dye, a color-developing substance, and a color-changing temperature regulator can be used. If the temperature-sensitive material is a powder, it may be mixed with a thermoplastic resin or microencapsulated. Furthermore, bioluminescent microorganisms may be used.

[0023] A visible change caused by the temperature-sensitive material 110 includes not only a change in the hue of the temperature-sensitive material, but also a change in brightness or saturation. For example, if the initial color is achromatic, it may change steplessly from black to white as the temperature rises. If the initial color is highly saturated, it may change gradually from a dark color to a light color as the temperature rises. Alternatively, by using the temperature-sensitive material partially, the change in temperature may cause a pattern to appear or disappear, making it visible.

[0024] The thermal conductive material 120 acts as a separator, having a thickness that allows the temperature of the skin 20 to be transmitted to the temperature-sensing material 110 over a predetermined time. The thickness width of the thermal conductive material (size in the Z-axis direction in the figure) is appropriately selected depending on the material used for the thermal conductive material and the length of the predetermined time (time difference).

[0025] The thermal conductive material in this embodiment can be selected from a variety of materials, both metallic and nonmetallic. For example, gas layers, vacuum layers, foamed resins, resins, wood, cork, etc., can be used, but are not limited to these. If the thermal conductivity is too high, the aforementioned time difference cannot be effectively created. In other words, it is preferable that the thermal conductive material has a certain degree of thermal resistance. The preferred thermal conductivity of the thermal conductive material is preferably 0.01 (W / m·K) or more and 1 (W / m·K) or less, but is not limited to this.

[0026] The thermal conductive material 120 according to this embodiment may more specifically be made of a thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin can be appropriately selected from, but is not limited to, polyethylene resin, polyester resin, polypropylene resin, polystyrene resin, acrylic resin, styrene-butadiene resin, styrene-butadiene acrylonitrile resin, acrylic styrene resin, ethylene acrylic resin, styrene-isoprene resin, urethane resin, polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, nylon resin, ethylene vinyl acetate resin, polyacetal resin, and vinyl chloride resin.

[0027] Furthermore, the thermal conductive material is preferably an engineering resin from the viewpoint of processability and thermal conductivity.

[0028] The heat conduction uniformity material 130 is provided at a position that comes into contact with the skin 20. The heat conduction uniformity material 130 is intended to conduct the temperature of the skin 20 to the heat conduction material 120 in a substantially uniform manner. The heat conduction uniformity material according to this embodiment can be selected from a variety of materials, whether metallic or nonmetallic. However, if the thermal conductivity is too low, uneven heat conduction to the heat conduction material will occur, which is undesirable. In other words, it is preferable that the heat conduction uniformity material has a thermal conductivity of a certain level or higher. The preferred thermal conductivity of the heat conduction material is a thermal conductivity of 70 or higher at 25°C (W / m·°C), but it is not limited to this.

[0029] The heat-conducting uniform material according to this embodiment can be appropriately selected from stainless steel, aluminum, platinum, iron, nickel, brass, copper, silver, or alloys thereof, but is not limited to these.

[0030] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of cost, processability, and corrosion resistance, the heat-conducting material is preferably aluminum (foil).

[0031] The heat-insulating section 300 is provided to prevent heat other than the skin temperature 20 from being transferred to the temperature-sensing material 110, the heat-conducting material 120, and the heat-conducting uniform material 130. As shown in the figure, the heat-insulating section 300 is provided to cover the temperature-sensing material 110, the heat-conducting material 120, and the heat-conducting uniform material 130. This makes it possible for the sensor section 100 to accurately detect only body temperature.

[0032] The heat insulating section 300 according to this embodiment may be made of a thermoplastic resin. Alternatively, a gas layer, vacuum, carbon dioxide, air, helium, argon, etc., may be used. The thermoplastic resin can be appropriately selected from polyethylene resin, polyester resin, polypropylene resin, polystyrene resin, acrylic resin, styrene-butadiene resin, styrene-butadiene acrylonitrile resin, acrylic styrene resin, ethylene acrylic resin, styrene-isoprene resin, urethane resin, polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, nylon resin, ethylene vinyl acetate resin, polyacetal resin, and vinyl chloride resin, but is not limited to these.

[0033] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of thermal insulation performance, a vacuum is particularly preferable. Alternatively, the thermal insulation portion 300 may be integrally molded with the fixing portion 400 described later (i.e., the fixing portion 400 also serves as the thermal insulation portion 300). In this case, the material of the thermal insulation portion 300 may be the same as that of the fixing portion 400.

[0034] The fixing part 400 fixes the sensor part 100 and the heat insulating part 300 to a predetermined position on the user's arm. This maintains the heat conduction uniform part 130 in contact with the user's skin 20. As described above, a part of the fixing part is attached to the heat insulating part 300.

[0035] The fixing part 400 in this embodiment may be made of a thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin can be appropriately selected from rubber resin, silicone resin, and nylon resin, but is not limited to these.

[0036] With the above configuration, the skin surface temperature T travels through the heat-conducting uniform material 130 and heat-conducting material 120 as shown by the arrows in Figure 2, and reaches the temperature-sensing material 110. Then, the temperature T travels through the heat-conducting material 120 over a certain period of time and is transmitted to the temperature-sensing material 110. Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to detect that the skin temperature has remained at a constant temperature for a certain period of time.

[0037] (Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 7. The sensor unit 100 of the heatstroke detector according to this embodiment includes a temperature-sensing material 110 and a heat-conducting material 120.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the sensor unit 100 is directly attached to the skin 20. The heatstroke detector shown in Figure 3 comprises one sensor unit 100.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the heatstroke detector may be equipped with multiple sensor units. That is, the heatstroke detector may be equipped with a sensor unit 100 and a sub-sensor unit 200. The sensor unit 100 can be the same as the sensor unit shown in Figure 3. The sub-sensor unit 200 in this embodiment is equipped with a temperature-sensing material 210 and a heat-conducting material 220. The heat-conducting material 220 is made of the same material as the heat-conducting material 120, but its thickness is different. That is, heat from the skin 20 is transmitted to the temperature-sensing material 210 before the temperature-sensing material 110. With the heatstroke detector according to this embodiment, since the sub-sensor unit 200 can detect before detection by the sensor unit 100, the sub-sensor unit 200 can function as a pre-warning. By checking the change in color, etc., of the sub-sensor unit 200, the user can know in advance that they are developing heatstroke, and thus be able to engage in activities more safely. Furthermore, the thickness and material of the thermal conductive material 220 can be changed depending on when the advance warning is issued.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the thermal conductive material 220 may have the same thickness as the thermal conductive material 120, as long as it has a different thermal conductivity. In other words, it is sufficient if it can fulfill the function of the aforementioned advance warning by having a different thermal conductivity. By similar reasoning, the thermal conductive material 220 may have a different thermal conductivity and a different thickness than the thermal conductive material 120.

[0041] The heatstroke detector shown in Figure 6 also has multiple sensor units. However, the structure of the sub-sensor unit 200 is different. The sub-sensor unit 100 has only a temperature-sensing material 210. With this configuration, it is possible to provide an earlier warning of heatstroke simply by reducing the number of components.

[0042] The heatstroke detector shown in Figure 7 is equipped with two sets of sensor units 100 and sub-sensor units 200. The structure of the sensor units 100 and 100a and the sub-sensor units 210 and 210a is the same as that shown in Figure 5, but the reaction temperatures of the temperature sensing material 110a and 210a are different from those of the temperature sensing material 110 and 210. By providing multiple sets of sensor units and sub-sensor units in this way, the set of sensor units that react first can be used as a pre-warning function.

[0043] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11. The sensor unit 100 of the heatstroke detector according to this embodiment comprises a temperature-sensing material 110, a heat-conducting material 120, and a heat-conducting uniform material 130.

[0044] As shown in Figure 8, the sensor unit 100 is directly attached to the skin 20. The heat-conducting uniform material 130 is in contact with the skin 20. The heatstroke detector shown in Figure 8 consists of a single sensor unit 100.

[0045] As shown in Figure 9, the heatstroke detector may be equipped with multiple sensor units. That is, the heatstroke detector may be equipped with a sensor unit 100 and a sub-sensor unit 200. The sensor unit 100 can be the same as the sensor unit shown in Figure 8. The sub-sensor unit 200 according to this embodiment is equipped with a temperature-sensing material 210, a heat-conducting material 220, and a heat-conducting uniform material 230. The heat-conducting material 220 is made of the same material as the heat-conducting material 120, but with a different thickness. Also, similar to the above, the heat-conducting material 220 may have the same thickness as the heat-conducting material 120 if it has a different thermal conductivity, or it may have a different thermal conductivity and a different thickness. That is, heat from the skin 20 will be transferred to the temperature-sensing material 210 before the temperature-sensing material 110. According to this embodiment of the heatstroke detector, the sub-sensor unit 200 can detect heatstroke before the sensor unit 100 does, allowing the sub-sensor unit 200 to function as a pre-warning device. By checking for changes in the color of the sub-sensor unit 200, users can know in advance if they are on the verge of heatstroke, enabling them to engage in activities more safely. The thickness and material of the heat conductive material 220 can be changed depending on when the pre-warning is to be issued.

[0046] The heatstroke detector shown in Figure 10 also has multiple sensor units. However, the structure of the sub-sensor unit 200 is different. The sub-sensor unit 100 has only a temperature-sensing material 210. With this configuration, it is possible to provide an earlier warning of heatstroke simply by reducing the number of components.

[0047] The heatstroke detector shown in Figure 11 is equipped with two sets of sensor units 100 and sub-sensor units 210. The structures of the sensor units 100 and 100a and the sub-sensor units 210 and 210a are the same as those shown in Figure 9, but the reaction temperatures of the temperature-sensing materials 110a and 210a are different from those of the temperature-sensing materials 110 and 210. By providing multiple sets of sensor units and sub-sensor units in this way, the set of sensor units that react first can be used as a pre-warning function.

[0048] (Fourth embodiment) A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 15. The sensor unit 100 of the heatstroke detector according to this embodiment comprises a temperature-sensing material 110, a heat-conducting material 120, and a heat-insulating unit 300.

[0049] As shown in Figure 12, the sensor unit 100 is directly attached to the skin 20. The heat conductive material 120 is in contact with the skin 20. The heatstroke detector comprises one sensor unit 100.

[0050] As shown in Figure 13, the heatstroke detector may be equipped with multiple sensor units. That is, the heatstroke detector may be equipped with a sensor unit 100 and a sub-sensor unit 200. The sensor unit 100 can be the same as the sensor unit shown in Figure 12. The sub-sensor unit 200 according to this embodiment is equipped with a temperature-sensing material 210, a heat-conducting material 220, and a heat-insulating unit 300. The heat-conducting material 220 is made of the same material as the heat-conducting material 120, but with a different thickness. Also, similar to the above, the heat-conducting material 220 may have the same thickness as the heat-conducting material 120 if it has a different thermal conductivity, or it may have a different thermal conductivity and a different thickness. That is, heat from the skin 20 will be transferred to the temperature-sensing material 210 before the temperature-sensing material 110. According to this embodiment of the heatstroke detector, the sub-sensor unit 200 can detect heatstroke before the sensor unit 100 does, allowing the sub-sensor unit 200 to function as a pre-warning device. By checking for changes in the color of the sub-sensor unit 200, users can know in advance if they are on the verge of heatstroke, enabling them to engage in activities more safely. The thickness and material of the heat conductive material 220 can be changed depending on when the pre-warning is to be issued.

[0051] The heatstroke detector shown in Figure 14 also has multiple sensor units. However, the structure of the sub-sensor unit 200 is different. The sub-sensor unit 100 has only a temperature-sensing material 210 and insulation 300. With this configuration, it is possible to provide an earlier warning of heatstroke simply by reducing the number of components.

[0052] The heatstroke detector shown in Figure 15 is equipped with two sets of sensor units 100 and sub-sensor units 200. The structures of the sensor units 100 and 100a and the sub-sensor units 210 and 210a are the same as those shown in Figure 14, but the reaction temperatures of the temperature-sensing materials 110a and 210a are different from those of the temperature-sensing materials 110 and 210. By providing multiple sets of sensor units and sub-sensor units in this way, the set of sensor units that react first can be used as a pre-warning function.

[0053] (Fifth embodiment) A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 19. The sensor unit 100 of the heatstroke detector according to this embodiment includes a temperature-sensing material 110, a heat-conducting material 120, and a fixing part 400.

[0054] As shown in Figure 16, the sensor unit 100 is directly attached to the skin 20. The fixing unit 400 secures the sensor unit 100 to the user's arm or the like. The heatstroke detector is equipped with one sensor unit 100.

[0055] As shown in Figure 17, the heatstroke detector may have multiple sensor units. That is, the heatstroke detector may have a sensor unit 100 and a sub-sensor unit 200. These sensor units are formed to be enclosed in a fixed unit 400. The sensor unit 100 can be the same as the sensor unit shown in Figure 16. The sub-sensor unit 200 according to this embodiment includes a temperature-sensing material 210 and a heat-conducting material 220. The heat-conducting material 220 is made of the same material as the heat-conducting material 120, but has a different thickness. Also, similar to the above, the heat-conducting material 220 may have the same thickness as the heat-conducting material 120 if it has a different thermal conductivity, or it may have a different thermal conductivity and a different thickness. That is, heat from the skin 20 is transferred to the temperature-sensing material 210 before the temperature-sensing material 110. According to this embodiment of the heatstroke detector, the sub-sensor unit 200 can detect heatstroke before the sensor unit 100 does, allowing the sub-sensor unit 200 to function as a pre-warning device. By checking for changes in the color of the sub-sensor unit 200, users can know in advance if they are on the verge of heatstroke, enabling them to engage in activities more safely. The thickness and material of the heat conductive material 220 can be changed depending on when the pre-warning is to be issued.

[0056] The heatstroke detector shown in Figure 18 also has multiple sensor units. However, the structure of the sub-sensor unit 200 is different. The sub-sensor unit 100 has only a temperature-sensing material 210. With this configuration, it is possible to provide an earlier warning of heatstroke simply by reducing the number of components.

[0057] The heatstroke detector shown in Figure 19 is equipped with two sets of sensor units 100 and sub-sensor units 200. The structure of the sensor units 100 and 100a and the sub-sensor units 210 and 210a is the same as that shown in Figure 17, but the reaction temperatures of the temperature sensing material 110a and 210a are different from those of the temperature sensing material 110 and 210. By providing multiple sets of sensor units and sub-sensor units in this way, the set of sensor units that react first can be used as a pre-warning function.

[0058] As shown in Figure 20, both the sensor unit 100 and the sub-sensor unit 200 are mounted on the fixed unit 400 and are visible. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 21, three (or more) sets of sensor units 100, 100a, 100b and sub-sensor units 200a, 200b, 200c may be provided.

[0059] The heatstroke detector according to the embodiments described above applies the temperature continuous detector of the present invention to the human body, but the industrial applications of the present invention are not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 22, the sensor unit 100 may be attached to a device that is operating at a constant temperature for a certain period of time (e.g., thermal runaway). Also, as shown in Figure 23, it may be used to check whether plants or the like are exceeding a predetermined temperature. In this case, it may be placed directly on flowerpots or soil.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 24, it can also be applied to the human body. For example, the temperature sensor 10 can be attached not only to the arms, but also to the ankles, torso, neck, etc., to detect heatstroke and other related conditions.

[0061] In the embodiments of the present invention described above, the configuration of the sensor unit (and sub-sensor unit) has been described as a combination of a temperature-sensing material, a heat-conducting material, a heat-conducting uniform material, a heat-insulating part, and a fixing part, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor unit may consist only of a temperature-sensing material and a heat-conducting material (configuration 1-1), or it may consist of a temperature-sensing material, a heat-conducting material, and a heat-conducting uniform material (configuration 1-2). The sub-sensor unit may consist only of a temperature-sensing material (configuration 2-1), a temperature-sensing material and a heat-conducting material (configuration 2-2), or a temperature-sensing material, a heat-conducting material, and a heat-conducting uniform material (configuration 2-3). The sensor unit may consist only of the sensor unit or a combination of the sensor unit and the sub-sensor unit (a combination of the number thereof). Furthermore, a heat-insulating part, a fixing part, or both may be combined.

[0062] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 10. Continuous Temperature Detector 20. Skin (detection target) 100, 100a, 100b Sensor section 110, 110a Temperature sensitive material 120, 120a Thermal conductive material (separating material) 130 Heat-conducting uniform material 200, 200a, 200b Sub-sensor section 210, 210a Temperature sensitive material 220 Thermal conductive material (secondary separator) 230 Heat-conducting uniform material 300 Insulation section 400 Fixed part

Claims

1. A temperature continuation detector that detects at least one of the following: that the core body temperature of a living organism remains at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, or that the temperature remains at or above the predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, A sensor unit comprising: a temperature-sensing material that reacts to a predetermined temperature and undergoes a predetermined change; and a heat-conducting material placed between the temperature-sensing material and the body surface of the living organism, which conducts the temperature to the temperature-sensing material when the temperature of the body surface, due to the core body temperature of the living organism, remains above the predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time or longer; An insulating section that insulates the sensor section from heat other than that generated by the core body temperature, Equipped with, Temperature continuous detector.

2. A temperature continuous detector according to claim 1, The heat conductive material is a separating material having a thickness such that the heat generated by the living body is conducted to the temperature-sensing material over a predetermined period of time. Temperature continuous detector.

3. A temperature continuous detector according to claim 1, A sub-sensor unit is arranged substantially adjacent to the sensor unit, and further comprises a sub-sensor unit that conducts the heat generated by the living body to the temperature-sensing material over a period of time less than a predetermined time. Temperature continuous detector.

4. A temperature continuous detector according to claim 2, A sub-sensor portion is disposed substantially adjacent to the sensor portion, and further comprises the temperature-sensing material and a sub-separating material having a thickness smaller than the thickness of the separating material. Temperature continuous detector.

5. A temperature continuous detector according to claim 3, The sub-sensor portion is further provided with a sub-sensor portion arranged substantially adjacent to the sensor portion, and having a temperature-sensitive material that reacts to the predetermined temperature of the living body and produces a predetermined change. Temperature continuous detector.

6. A temperature continuous detector according to claim 3, The device comprises multiple sets of a pair of the aforementioned sensor units and the aforementioned sub-sensor units. Temperature continuous detector.

7. A temperature continuous detector according to claim 1, The temperature-sensing material reacts to the predetermined temperature and produces a visible change. Temperature continuous detector.

8. A temperature continuous detector according to claim 1, The thermal conductive material comprises a gas layer, a vacuum layer, a foamed resin, a resin, wood, cork, polyethylene resin, polyester resin, polypropylene resin, polystyrene resin, acrylic resin, styrene-butadiene resin, styrene-butadiene acrylonitrile resin, acrylic styrene resin, ethylene acrylic resin, styrene-isoprene resin, urethane resin, polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, nylon resin, ethylene vinyl acetate resin, polyacetal resin, or vinyl chloride resin. Temperature continuous detector.

9. A temperature continuous detector according to claim 1, The sensor unit further comprises a heat-conducting uniform material that contacts the living body and conducts the heat generated substantially uniformly to the heat-conducting material. Temperature continuous detector.

10. A temperature continuous detector according to claim 9, The aforementioned heat-conducting uniform material includes one material selected from stainless steel, aluminum, platinum, iron, nickel, brass, copper, silver, or alloys mainly composed of these materials. Temperature continuous detector.

11. A temperature continuous detector according to claim 1, The sensor unit is further provided with a fixing unit for fixing it to a predetermined position on the living body. Temperature continuous detector.

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