Monitoring device for monitoring the cold chain

Abstract

The present invention relates to a monitoring device (10) for detecting a high temperature in a refrigerated space and / or an interruption in the cold chain. The device comprises a housing comprising a base (1) and a cover (2). A container (3) partially filled with a medium (4) is located inside the housing. A window (5) in the cover allows a portion of the container to be viewed to allow the indicator to be read. To switch from the use and reading position to the preparation position, all that is needed is to rotate the cover relative to the base.

Description

[0001] Witness device for monitoring the cold chain

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of cold chain monitoring and devices for detecting whether a certain refrigerated temperature in a space, for example a threshold temperature, has been exceeded upwards. More specifically, the present invention relates to a control device for detecting a high temperature in a refrigerated space.

[0003] State of the art and problems giving rise to the invention

[0004] Some products, for example certain food or pharmaceutical products, must be stored at a cooled or refrigerated temperature to maintain the properties of these products and to prevent their degradation during storage.

[0005] For example, in the case of frozen food, a temperature change involving thawing and then refreezing is considered dangerous because it encourages bacterial growth. If the food contains cells, these are usually damaged by ice crystals that form during freezing, and the microbial load can then increase considerably during thawing. Strict adherence to the cold chain is also important for certain medicinal products, such as vaccines.

[0006] The prior art describes devices that make it possible to detect when a threshold temperature is exceeded. Examples of such devices are disclosed in documents EP 0606033, FR 2676532 and US 2020 / 072531.

[0007] The devices disclosed in these patents comprise a reservoir or container containing a medium whose solidification temperature corresponds to the threshold temperature for breaking the cold chain in a cooled enclosure. The medium does not completely fill the container, the latter generally comprising two communicating compartments. Also, the container is arranged to be mobile, to allow it to assume at least two positions. During use and / or monitoring of the device, the liquid is frozen and is maintained against the force of gravity in a first compartment, placed above the second compartment of the container. When the temperature increases and exceeds the threshold temperature for a sufficiently long period, the frozen medium becomes liquid and moves under the force of gravity towards the compartment placed below the first compartment.The interruption of the cold chain is detected by the presence of liquid in the second compartment, whether it is present in thawed or refrozen form. To put the device back into use mode, it is necessary to manipulate the device. First, the medium must be in liquid form, which means that it may be necessary to remove the device from the refrigerated enclosure. Then, the liquid must be refrigerated while it is in the first compartment. For this reason, the container must be able to move between two positions. In the preparation position, the first compartment is located below the second compartment, to allow the medium to solidify without it being able to move towards the second compartment under the force of gravity.Finally, the container is manipulated to replace the first compartment at a higher level compared to the second compartment, either in the use and / or monitoring position.

[0008] The present invention relates to a device which exploits this same mechanism based on the presence of a medium having a desired threshold temperature and whose movement under the effect of gravity towards another compartment (or another part of a container) can be observed to detect an interruption of the cold chain.

[0009] The devices disclosed in EP 0606033, FR 2676532 and US 2020 / 072531 all have the same drawback of exposing the tank containing the medium. This increases the risk of damage to the tank and the flow of the medium into the refrigerated enclosure. Secondly, due to the presence of the tank with its two compartments, the device has a complex shape. Finally, also due to the external complexity, the use and handling of the device is not easily understandable, for example for a person who is not familiar with the operating mechanism as described above.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art, in particular the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0012] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a control device for detecting an elevated temperature in a refrigerated space, the device comprising a housing comprising a base and a lid, the device being arranged to be placed in an intended orientation within the refrigerated space, the lid being connected rotatably relative to the base, and, a container being housed in the housing and being connected to the lid so as to be able to rotate with the lid, the container comprising at least one transparent wall and a medium within the container, the medium being capable of being present in solid form at a first temperature and in liquid form at a second temperature, the lid further comprising a window, the container being connected to the lid such that only a portion of the container is visible through the window and another portion of the container is hidden by the lid.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the cover and the container on the one hand and the base on the other hand can define at least two positions relative to each other, preferably a use or reading position making it possible to determine whether or not the medium has undergone thawing and / or melting, and preferably a position for preparing and / or placing the device when the medium is liquid and / or is not yet solid.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, in the position of use, and when the medium is present in its solid form, the medium may be held, against the effect of gravity, in a portion of the container which is visible through the window.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, in the position of use, and when the medium is present in its liquid form, the medium may be located substantially in the hidden portion of the container.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the use and preparation positions may correspond to at least two different rotary positions between the cover and the base.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the cover may have a face in which the window is arranged, the face being intended to be exposed to a user when the device is placed in the cooled space.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, one of the base and the cover may have a circular groove and the other may have a circular rim (or protrusion), the circular groove and rim being able to form a rotatable connection, allowing the cover to rotate relative to the base.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the cover may comprise a first circular wall, the groove or the rim being arranged on the first circular wall, and preferably the base comprises a second circular wall, the groove or the rim, respectively, being arranged on the second circular wall.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the cover may include a first side wall, arranged to be graspable by a user to rotate the cover relative to the base. In a preferred embodiment, the cover may be detached from the base by rotating the cover relative to the base.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the visible portion of the container may be positioned in front of the window so as to preferably occupy and / or entirely cover an opening in the lid that defines the window.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the container may be entirely surrounded and / or covered by the housing, except for the portion of the container that is visible through the window.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the base may include a tether for tethering the device in the cooled space, the tether preferably defining and securing the orientation of the base when tethered in the cooled space.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the container may comprise two communicating parts and / or compartments, one or both compartments having a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the container may include a channel allowing compensation of the pressure generated by the movement of the medium inside the container.

[0026] Other aspects and preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims and in the description below.

[0027] Description of the drawings

[0028] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading a non-limiting description of a preferred embodiment. This description is given solely by way of example and with reference to the schematic figures in which: Figures 1A and 1B are perspective views of a device according to an embodiment of the invention, in the use position and in the preparation position, respectively; Figures 2A and 2B are exploded front and rear perspective views, respectively, of the device of Figure 1B; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the inner face of the cover of the device of Figure 1B, the cover carrying the container; Figures 4A and 4B are elevation views of the front face of the device and of the rear face of the cover, respectively, of the device of Figure 1A, in the use position;Figures 5A and 5B are elevation views on the front face of the device and on the rear face of the cover, respectively, of the device of Figure 1A, in the position of use following an interruption of the cold chain; Figures 6A and 6B are elevation views on the front face of the device and on the rear face of the cover, respectively, of the device of Figure 1B, in the position of preparation for a new use; and Figures 7A, 7B and 7C are perspective views of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention, respectively in the position ready to be detached, in the detached position, and in the reassembled position.;

[0029] Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0030] The device illustrated in the figures without limitation corresponds to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] As seen in Figures 1A and 1B, the device 10 has the appearance of a housing formed substantially by a base 1 which forms the rear part and a cover 2 which forms the front part of the device. A clip 15 is part of the base 1 or is made integral with the latter, in order to allow the device 10 to be fixed in a refrigerated and / or cooled space, such as for example the space of a refrigerator, a freezer, a cold room, a refrigerated display case, or even a refrigerated cabinet.

[0032] In the embodiment shown, the clip 15 is a simple tab with a hole, intended to be attached in the refrigerated space by means of a wire, a pin, a pin, or any other mechanical element which can pass through the hole in the tab and which can be fixed in the refrigerated space.

[0033] Of course, any other type of fastener can be used to locate, fix or place the device in the refrigerated space in a desired and preferably fixed orientation. For example, a clamp can be considered. It is also possible to stick the device using an adhesive strip arranged on the rear face 20 of the base 1 (Figure 2B). In this case, the tab 15 would no longer be necessary.

[0034] The term "refrigerated", for example in the context of "refrigerated space" herein includes any temperature that is cooled relative to a reference ambient space. The temperature in the refrigerated space may thus be above, equal to or below zero. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature in the refrigerated space has a value that lies between -200° and +10°C, preferably between -50°C and +7°C. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature is a freezing temperature and thus below 0°C, for example between -50°C and 0°C. In another preferred embodiment, the temperature is between 0 and +10°C, for example between +1 and +7°C, as is the case for a refrigerator.

[0035] The lid 2 has an opening or window 5, which is open towards the inside of the housing formed by the lid-base assembly. As best seen in Figures 2A to 3, a container 3 is attached, connected and / or fixed behind the window 5, so that a predetermined portion 7 of the container 3 is visible through the window. The term "container" includes a bowl, a reservoir or a receptacle. The container 3 is preferably adapted to contain a medium in liquid and solidified form. The medium 4 is not shown in Figures 1A to 3 to better illustrate the other elements of the device. When the medium is added to the container, the latter is preferably hermetically sealed in order to contain the medium in a leak-proof manner.

[0036] As seen in Figures 2A to 3, the container 3 comprises first and second communicating parts or compartments 7 and 8. In the embodiment shown, these two parts have different shapes and / or volumes. In other embodiments, the first and second parts have the same shape and / or cannot be distinguished by their shape. The first and second parts 7, 8 are distinguished mainly by their positioning and / or placement relative to the window 5. More specifically, the first part 7 of the container is placed in front of and occupies the opening of the window 5 in the front surface 14 of the lid 2.

[0037] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the container is completely transparent, that is, it is made from a transparent plastic material. To be functional, it is sufficient that a part or a wall of the container is transparent, it is the wall 6 which will occupy the opening of the window 5. The wall 6 allows the user to perceive the medium 4 which is in the container, as will be described below with reference to Figures 4A to 6B. The wall 6 preferably occupies the entire space of the window 5 and / or has substantially the same shape and contour as the window 5.

[0038] As best seen in Figure 3, the inner face 19 of the lid has clips or retainers 17, 18, for attaching the container to the lid 2 inside the housing, preferably on the inner face 19 of the lid. In the embodiment shown in the figures, two pairs of retainers 17, 18 are provided, the retainers forming a snap-in mechanism together with the container 3. The first part 7 of the container is clipped between two retainers 17, and the second part 8 of the container is clipped at the same time between the two retainers 18. It should be noted that the pair of retainers 17 is located on either side of the window 5, in order to stabilize the first part 7 of the container precisely in front of the window.

[0039] While the illustrated embodiment includes fasteners for detachably attaching the container 3 to the lid, other attachments are obviously possible. Permanent attachments, for example by gluing, welding or riveting, are covered by the invention. Other detachable attachments are also contemplated within the scope of the invention, for example, attachments comprising connectors, male-female assemblies, screwing, locks, among others, can be used.

[0040] As best seen in Figures 2A and 2B, the base 1 comprises a circular plate 16 forming the support and the rear wall 20 of the housing. A kind of hollow cylinder or a circular wall 12 is arranged on the inner (or front) face of the circular plate. This circular wall preferably extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the circular plate 16. A circular groove 24 is arranged on the outer face of the circular wall 11.

[0041] Furthermore, the cover 2 also comprises a circular wall 11 arranged on the plate comprising the surface 14. The circular wall 12 preferably also extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the surface 14. On its inner surface, the circular wall 12 comprises a circular protrusion or rim. The radii and / or the peripheries of the circular walls 11 and 12 are chosen to allow a fitting between the cover 2 and the base 1, so as to form a housing when they are fitted together. In the embodiment shown, the circular wall 11 of the cover has a wider radius than that of the circular wall 12 of the base, so as to allow the wall 11 to function as a female part and to surround the wall 12. The circular protrusion 13 then engages in the circular groove 21 in order to form a rotary connection allowing the cover 2 to rotate around the base 1.

[0042] The plate 16 of the base further forms an edge 23 because it has a radius which is larger than that of the circular wall 12 and which corresponds to the outer radius of the wall 12. When the cover and the base are nested, the top of the wall 11 rests on the circular rim, or is very close to the latter, so that the lateral outer surfaces of the wall 11 and the rim 23 are substantially flush in order to give a homogeneous impression for the external observer.

[0043] When the device 15 is fixed inside a refrigerated enclosure, the user can thus see the window 5 in the front surface 14 of the lid, and, through this window, he can see the interior of the part 7 of the container. The user can then see whether or not the medium is in the part 7 of the container.

[0044] The operation of the device 10 of the invention will be described with reference to Figures 4A to 6B. The principle of the medium moving under the effect of gravity in the event of fluidification is as described below.

[0045] Figures 4A-4B, 5A-5B and 6A-6B are pairs, in which the respective Figure A on the left is a front elevation view of the device 10 of the invention in a given configuration and scenario, and the corresponding Figure B on the right is a rear elevation view of the interior of the lid 2 comprising the container 3, similar to Figure 3. Figures 4B, 5B and 6B thus make it possible to see the location of the medium in the entire container 3 while Figures 4A, 5A and 6A show the overview and reading of the device according to the corresponding location of the medium in the container.

[0046] Figures 4A and 4B show the device 10 and the container 3 in a position of use, for example when the device 10 is placed in a refrigerated enclosure and the medium 4 is in a solid, solidified and / or frozen state. In the position of use, the window 5 of the cover 2 is in its upper position, therefore the rotating position of the cover places the window 5 as high as possible.

[0047] In Figures 4B, 5B and 6B, channel 6 is visible. The purpose of the channel is to create an air bridge between the two parts 7, 8 inside the container 3, in order to avoid a vacuum that could prevent the medium from moving when it is liquid.

[0048] As seen in Figure 4B, the medium is held against the effect of gravity in part 7 of the container 3, while part 7 is placed vertically above part 8 due to the corresponding rotary position of the cover 2 relative to the base depending on the position of use.

[0049] It should be noted that the medium 4 is chosen with respect to its melting point, which corresponds substantially to the threshold temperature (i.e. the "high temperature") that the device is supposed to detect. The medium is chosen according to specific criteria and adapted to the situation that must be detected. The refrigerated enclosure is itself supposed to have a normal operating temperature or a target temperature. The medium is chosen according to its property of changing from the solid state to the liquid state when the threshold temperature is reached for a predetermined period of time. In the simplest case, the medium can be an aqueous solution, and the threshold temperature is 0°C. In other embodiments, the medium can comprise one or more organic solvents so as to have a melting point that corresponds to the desired threshold temperature. In one embodiment, the solution comprises a eutectic liquid.The explanations of documents EP 0606033, FR 2676532 and US 2020 / 072531 concerning the properties and nature of the medium inside the container are incorporated by reference into this description.

[0050] In one embodiment, the medium is colored so as to be clearly visible through the window 5. It is possible to choose a color that contrasts with the color of the outer surface 14 of the lid 2. Many variations are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, the wall opposite the wall 6 of the container can be colored, and the medium can mask or modify the color of the opposite wall in the use position. The visibility of the color of the opposite wall thus makes it possible to note the occurrence of the unwanted high temperature (the threshold temperature).

[0051] The situation shown in Figure 4A indicates that everything is in order, i.e. the device has not been exposed to a temperature corresponding to or exceeding the temperature alone for the predetermined time. For this reason, the medium remains fully visible through the window 5. The cold chain has therefore not been interrupted in the refrigerated enclosure in which the device 10 is placed.

[0052] In Figure 5A, window 5 remains clear, and medium 4 is not visible through window 5, while lid 2 is still in the use position relative to base 1. Figure 5B reveals that the medium is in part 8 of container 3, indicating that the medium has passed, at least temporarily, into a liquid state and has flowed entirely from part 7 to part 8 of the container due to the effect of gravity.

[0053] Suppose that the device 10 according to Figure 5A is located in a refrigerated enclosure and that it has passed from the situation of Figure 4A to that of Figure 5A, it is obvious to the observer that the cold chain has been interrupted, that is to say, the threshold temperature has been reached or exceeded for the predetermined duration. Following this reading, it is possible that the goods stored in the refrigerated enclosure are no longer suitable for consumption and must be destroyed.

[0054] To be able to reuse the same device 10 as a control according to the invention, it is necessary to remove it from the refrigerated space to allow the medium 4 to liquefy. Note that the medium 4, in the case of Figures 5A and 5B, can in fact be liquid or solid. The latter case applies if the cold chain has only been interrupted temporarily and the medium has solidified again following its fluidification or thawing. Such a case may be the result of a temporary power outage, this outage having lasted long enough to allow the medium to become liquid to the point of passing into the lower compartment 8 under the effect of gravity.

[0055] When the medium is in the liquid state, the lid 2 should be placed in the preparation position shown in Figure 6A. The part 7 of the container as well as the window 5 are then in the lower position, the rotating position of the lid 2 which places the window as low as possible. It should be noted that the position of the base 1 is always the same between Figures 4A to 6B, which is confirmed by the position of the clip 15, visible in the same place in Figures 4A, 5A and 6A.

[0056] As seen in Figure 6B, the medium is located, thanks to the rotating position of the lid, in the part 7 of the container 5. It is now appropriate to cool the device 6B, for example by placing it in the refrigerated enclosure, until the medium has solidified. When this is the case, the user can turn the lid to return to the position of Figure 4A, and the arrangement is again in its position of use and functional to be able to signal the occurrence of a high temperature, in particular to detect the interruption of the cold chain, as described above and in the introduction.

[0057] The device of the invention is advantageous due to its ease of use and its simple external appearance. The indicator is advantageously read through a window in a housing. The manipulations necessary to operate the device, namely the rotation of the round cover 2 relative to the base 1, are very simple and intuitive. Another important advantage lies in the surface 14 provided by the cover. It is possible to add text, for example instructions for use or aids for reading the indicator on this surface. The orientation of the text can be chosen according to the corresponding rotary position of the cover.For example, it is possible to apply a word like "preparation" to designate the preparation position in one direction so that it is in the reading orientation only when the lid is in the preparation position, and similarly for the word "use" (or "reading", for example), which can be added to be in the reading orientation only when the lid is in use position. In other words, it is possible to add explanations in two opposite orientations, so that only the correctly oriented text is well readable depending on the position of the lid.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the housing formed by the base 1 and the cover 2 has a circular outline and generally a round disc or cylinder shape. Of course, it is possible to have any external shape while still having a rotatable connection between the base and the cover. Then, the shape of the window 5 is rectangular, but other shapes and contours are possible without departing from the general concept of the invention. Instead of using nested circular walls 11, 12 to establish the rotatable connection, it would be possible, for example, to arrange the cover 2 on an axis in order to allow it to rotate relative to the base 2. Other variations can be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0059] According to another variant of the device 100 of the invention visible in Figures 7A, 7B and 7C, the cover 2, with the container 3, is detachably connected to the base 1. The cover 2 separates from the base 1 by a rotation of the cover 2 relative to the base 1, for example 90° clockwise. The base 1 can thus remain in the refrigerated space, for example in its attachment position, while the cover 2 and the container 3 can be removed, for example in order to allow the medium to pass into the liquid state outside the refrigerated enclosure, or to replace the container 3 or to clean the entire device 100 by removing it from the "refrigerated space" during a defrosting operation. A detachable connection between the base 1 and the cover 2 can be a snap-on connection, a screw connection, a bayonet connection, to name just a few examples.This way of separating the cover 2 from the container 3 can thus be advantageous in that it facilitates the use of the device 100. The cover 2 is placed back on the base 1, and following a counterclockwise rotation, for example 90° of the cover 2 relative to the base 1, the device 100 is fully operational again.

[0060] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated. Numerous modifications may be made, without departing from the scope defined by the scope of the set of claims.

Claims

Claims 1.A control device (10) for detecting a high temperature in a refrigerated space, the device comprising a housing comprising a base (1) and a cover (2), the device being arranged to be able to be placed in an intended orientation inside the refrigerated space, the cover (2) being connected rotatably relative to the base (1), and, a container (3) being housed in the housing and being connected to the cover in order to be able to rotate with the cover (2), the container (3) comprising at least one transparent wall (6) and a medium (4) inside the container, the medium being capable of being present in solid form at a first temperature and in liquid form at a second temperature, the cover further comprising a window (5), the container being connected to the cover in such a way that only a part of the container (3) is visible through the window and another part of the container is hidden by the cover.

2. Device according to claim 1, in which the cover (2) and the container (3) on the one hand and the base (1) on the other hand define at least two relative positions between them, a position of use making it possible to determine whether or not the medium (4) has undergone thawing and / or melting, and preferably a position of preparation and / or installation of the device when the medium is liquid and / or is not yet solid.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein, in the position of use and when the medium is present in its solid form, the medium is held, against the effect of gravity, in a part (7) of the container which is visible through the window.

4. Device according to claim 2, wherein, in the position of use and when the medium is present in its liquid form, the medium is located substantially in the hidden part (8) of the container.

5. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the use and preparation positions correspond to at least two positions different rotating between the cover and the base.

6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover (2) has a face (14) in which the window (5) is arranged, the face being intended to be exposed to a user when the device is placed in the cooled space.

7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein one selected from the base (1) and the cover (2) has a circular groove (24) and the other has a circular rim (13), the circular groove and rim forming a rotatable connection, allowing the cover (1) to rotate relative to the base (1).

8. Device according to claim 8, wherein the cover (2) comprises a first circular wall (12), the groove or the rim being arranged on the first circular wall, and preferably the base (1) comprises a second circular wall (12), the groove or the rim, respectively, being arranged on the second circular wall.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cover (1) comprises a first side wall (12), arranged to be able to be grasped by a user to turn the cover (2) relative to the base (1).

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cover (2) is detached from the base (1) by a rotation of the cover (2) relative to the base (1).

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the visible part (7) of the container is placed in front of the window (5), so as to occupy and / or preferably entirely cover an opening in the cover which defines the window.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (3) is entirely surrounded and / or covered by the housing, except for the part of the container which is visible through the window.

13. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the base (1) comprises a clip (15) for attaching the device in the cooled space, the clip preferably defining and fixing the orientation of the base when attached in the cooled space.

14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the container comprises two parts and / or compartments (7, 8) in communication, one or both compartments having the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.

15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the container comprises a channel (9) allowing compensation of the pressure generated by the movement of the medium inside the container.

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