WO2006024408A1

WO2006024408A1 - Device for monitoring unfavourable heating in a durable manner

Info

Publication number: WO2006024408A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/008987
Authority: WO
Inventors: Helge Klein; Heide Baus; Edgar Roth; Jürgen BEHM
Original assignee: Helge Klein; Heide Baus; Edgar Roth; Behm Juergen
Priority date: 2004-09-02
Filing date: 2005-08-19
Publication date: 2006-03-09
Also published as: DE102004042394A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for determining unfavourable heating and/or cooling of perishable products in a durable manner. Said device comprises a housing (2), at least one display means (3), in addition to at least one temperature-dependent means (5) which are used to displace the display means. The temperature-dependent means (5) which are used to displace the display means comprise a bimetal element and the display means (3) are altered when a predetermined temperature is reached, such that a successive increase in temperature can be determined in a durable manner by displacing at least one means in order to display a high temperature (6).

Description

DEVICE FOR PERMANENTLY CHECKING ANY IMPROPER WARMING

The present invention relates to a device for permanently checking a disadvantageous heating of perishable products.

To preserve products, such as perishable food, as unchanged as possible for a sufficiently long period of time, these are usually cryopreserved. In this way, conditions are created that suppress enzymatic reactions and the development of germs in the food. A true preservation occurs here only at temperatures below about -16 ⁰ C to -18 ° C, the enzyme activities and metabolic activity of the microorganisms come almost completely to a standstill, so that the frozen food with appropriate pretreatment and packaging for many months almost remains unchanged. The cold chain may z. B. during transport and storage of the frozen food but not be interrupted because most microorganisms are not killed by low temperatures and their metabolism is immediately active again when the temperature increases. In this way, germs, including pathogens, could multiply and dangerous toxins could be eliminated, leading to a serious threat to the health of the consumer. In addition, these foods are also offered fresh, as a cold preservation leads to a loss of quality of food. Such foods are stable for a few days. However, if these foods have been previously cryopreserved, shelf life drops dramatically. Therefore, cold-preserved and subsequently thawed foods must be consumed quickly.

Accordingly, there is a great interest of consumers to understand the previous treatment of the product he has acquired quickly and safely. So z. For example, for a buyer of fresh food, the question is whether it is actually a fresh one Food trades. In fact, it could also be a food that was previously frozen and sold as a fresh food after thawing.

From DE-OS 2736470 Al a device for permanently detecting a temporary reheating of a frozen product is known. The device according to the prior art comprises a capsule, which is arranged on the packaging of the food and filled with a liquid. The capsule is made of a fragile material, whereby the liquid solidifies under increasing volume. If the food is frozen, then the solidifying in the capsule fluid expands, the capsule bursts due to the increase in volume. During thawing, the leaking fluid is absorbed by a substance surrounding the capsule, which assumes a permanent color. Thus it is understandable for the consumer whether the cold chain has been interrupted or whether it is a fresh or previously frozen food.

DE-OS 3801541 A1 describes an indicator for monitoring the temperature of cooled products. The known indicator is battery powered and arranged on a thermally insulating package. The device is capable of electronically detecting the temperature inside the package, whereby the current temperature, the maximum temperature reached and the total duration of exceeding a lower limit temperature are displayed alternately on an LCD display.

US 3,965,742 describes a temperature indicator used in the heat sterilization of food. Within the indicator, a fusible metal is arranged, which holds a piston against a spring force in a starting position. As soon as the metal liquefies when its melting temperature is exceeded, this releases the piston, which is then displaced by the spring force along a scale, the displacement being damped. Will the melting temperature again is exceeded, the piston is held by the re-solidified metal in its current position. The scale can now be used to read how long the melting temperature has been exceeded.

US 5,487,352 discloses a temperature indicator that can be plugged into a food to be heated. The known temperature indicator has a housing in which a handle is guided, the head protrudes from the top of the housing. The stem is held by a fusible material against the force of a spring in a first position. When the necessary temperature is reached, the fusible material melts and releases the stem, which in turn is displaced by the spring force to a second position in which the head still protrudes further out of the housing. Based on the position of the head can be read that the food has reached the necessary temperature.

DE 76 00 557 Ul describes a display device for indicating the achievement of a temperature limit. The known display device has a housing with a displaceable by means of a temperature-dependent expansion element lifting element. Further, a rotatably biased indicator disc is provided, which is held by means of a retaining pin in the biased position. When a temperature limit value is exceeded, the piston presses against the circular disk and lifts it in such a way that it is released from the retaining pin. Due to the bias voltage, the indicator disc rotates to a position to detect the temperature limit violation.

The devices of the prior art described above have a general disadvantage that these display devices must be stored permanently cool to prevent triggering of the control devices. Accordingly, these devices must be attached to the refrigerated food in the cold. This in turn has the great disadvantage that the workers who attach these control devices heat in the Cooling room give, which is consumed additional energy for cooling. Furthermore, attaching these devices in the cold is detrimental to the health of the workforce.

Furthermore, some of these devices include batteries. However, this energy source has the disadvantage that this limits the storage time. Furthermore, the use of batteries is associated with relatively high costs and an environmental impact.

A solution to these problems provides the device described in DE 100 03 347 C 1 for monitoring the temperature of food. This device comprises a housing comprising a male part and a scaled head part. In the male part, a transmission element is arranged, which projects into the head part, wherein at the head part end of the transmission element, a display means is arranged. In the male part, a temperature-dependent means for displacing the transmission element is arranged, wherein the transmission element is guided in the male part by means of a guide, so that the transmission element rotates during the translational movement, wherein the guide of the transmission element has at least one first and second portion and is formed in that, before reaching a lower limit temperature only in the first section of the guide between a first and second position after reaching the lower limit temperature, the transmission element is displaceable only in the second section of the guide between the second and the third position, wherein the transmission element for each section of the guide is rotatable in a separate angular range.

Although this device solves the problem described above of a permanent indication of heating or cooling of a food, but disadvantageous is the complex structure of this device. Due to the high production costs, such a display device could not prevail so far. In addition, it is disadvantageous that the given temperatures already be established in the construction of the device for monitoring the temperature. A use of this device for other purposes is thus hardly possible. For example, if the food is not stored at -18 ⁰ C but, for example at -80 ⁰ C in order to allow a longer shelf life, so this is a special design is required.

In addition, the size of the display device is disadvantageous. In order to ensure a displacement of the transmission element, the plug-in part must have a certain size. Accordingly, this device is not suitable for monitoring the temperature of chicken meat.

In addition, this device must be stored at temperatures above 0 ° C, otherwise there will be a translational movement of the transmission element, so that this display device can then no longer serve for the detection of fresh food.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device which permanently and reliably holds the temperature conditions under which a food or a temperature-sensitive preparation was stored. Here, the device should have a particularly simple and inexpensive construction.

In addition, a device should be provided which can be produced in large quantities.

Moreover, it was therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device that allows a statement about the temperature conditions under which a food or a temperature-sensitive preparation was stored for a virtually unlimited period of time. In particular, the device should be readily adaptable to the various temperature conditions in which foods or temperature-sensitive preparations are stored.

According to a particular aspect of the present invention, the device should be activatable. This means that the device is at a lower temperature, i. even at temperatures below 0 ° C or -20 ° C can be transported without the device would be unusable for subsequent use.

Furthermore, it was therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device whose size can be adapted to the needs of the consumer. For example, a device for determining the temperature of poultry meat, for example chicken, should also be given, such as a device for temperature determination of beef halves.

These and other objects which are not explicitly mentioned, but which are readily derivable or closable from the contexts discussed hereinbelow, are solved by a device for permanent detection of disadvantageous heating of perishable products having all the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous modifications of the devices according to the invention in which related back to claim 1 dependent claims under protection.

The device according to the invention for permanent detection of disadvantageous heating of perishable products comprises a housing. The housing can be firmly welded in this case.

In a further embodiment, the housing is designed with a screw cap. In this case, the screw cap can be sealed with a sealing wax to prevent unauthorized opening of the closure do. The version with a screw cap makes it easy to reuse the device.

The housing preferably has a transparent cover, which allows the view of a temperature scale and / or markings, which allows an inadmissible heating and / or the achievement of the intended low temperature displays.

The housing is preferably designed splash-proof, to prevent contamination of the housing contents, for example. By blood or water. On the other hand, small openings can ensure that no condensation water is formed in the housing.

Furthermore, the device according to the invention comprises at least one display means with the aid of which the temperature of the food is displayed. According to a particular aspect, the display means comprises a pointer which sets the temperature on a circular path. Furthermore, however, the pointer may also indicate the existing temperature in a horizontal manner. The existing temperature can be displayed via a scale. For the present invention, it is not necessary that the temperature be set out in any detail. Rather, also sufficient areas by which the user can see if a disadvantageous for the food warming is done. Accordingly, marked areas are sufficient. For safety, in particular for testing the present apparatus, however, preferably multiple markings, eg. At -18 ° C, mounted at 0 ⁰ C, and at 7 ⁰ C, demonstrating what temperatures is exposed to the food.

Furthermore, the present device comprises a temperature-dependent means for moving the display means comprising a bimetallic element. Preferably, the bimetallic element is spirally formed or as a helical spring, wherein usually a circular movement of the indicating means is achieved. In addition, bimetallic elements are known which have a C or Have Z-shape. C-shaped bimetallic elements usually also lead to a circular movement, but not a full circle, but a circular section is displayed. Z-shaped bimetal elements usually lead to a linear movement of the display means. A part of the bimetallic element may be provided in a male part. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the bimetallic element is designed in the form of a helical spring.

Such bimetal elements are known per se and can be obtained commercially. The use of these bimetallic elements for determining a temperature is set forth, for example, in the documents DE-27 26 224 A1 and DE-692 10 694 T2.

The bimetallic element preferably moves the indicator means in a plane substantially parallel to the cover of the housing. The term "substantially parallel" means that small deviations of up to 20 ° are allowed, but which have no disturbing effect on the movement of the indicating means.

The display means is changed upon reaching a predetermined low temperature so that a subsequent increase in temperature by movement of a means for displaying a high temperature is permanently detectable.

In general, in this case, the display means, which is moved by the bimetallic element, can move a means for displaying a high temperature, wherein a temperature increase subsequent cooling, which is presented by the display means, does not affect the means for displaying a high temperature.

In a preferred embodiment, the display means is coupled to the means for indicating a high temperature. Upon reaching a predetermined low temperature, the movement of the indicating means of the movement of the Decoupled by means of indicating a high temperature. As a result of this decoupling, an increase in temperature leads to a permanent change in the position of the means for indicating a high temperature. As a result, it can be reliably determined that the perishable product has undergone heating. In this case, the temperature increase until at least a second predetermined temperature is retained permanently. Accordingly, lowering the temperature below the higher second predetermined temperature does not result in movement of the high temperature indicating means. Here, the determination of a second higher temperature is not mandatory. Rather, the means for indicating a high temperature may indicate the maximum temperature achieved after reaching the lower temperature.

In another embodiment, upon reaching a predetermined low temperature, the indicating means may be displaced by a mechanism into a second plane substantially parallel to the plane of the housing cover. A movement of the display means in this second level leads to a permanent display when a higher temperature is exceeded.

For example, a movement of the indicating means in this second level may switch markers which permanently indicate that the temperature-sensitive product has been subjected to an inadmissible temperature increase.

In this case, markings can be applied at different temperatures, so that small temperature excesses can be distinguished from severe temperature excesses. For example, such markings may be provided at -16, -14, and 0 °, so that the consumer can see what temperature increase the temperature-sensitive product has experienced. For clarification, it should be stated that the preceding cooling movement of the display means did not lead to a change in the marking due to the different positions of the display means. The same applies if the display means after heating is then guided by cooling in turn in the direction of the low temperature.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the indicating means may comprise a pointer which, upon reaching a predetermined low temperature, is displaced and / or rotated by a mechanism to a second position. In a subsequent increase in temperature, the movement of the pointer in this position leads to a permanent display when a higher temperature is exceeded. This can for example also be done by markings, which are folded over by the movement of the pointer.

For clarification, it should be noted that the previous cooling movement of the pointer due to the different positions of the pointer have not led to a change in the mark. The same applies if the pointer is subsequently passed through a cooling in the direction of the low temperature after heating.

In preferred embodiments, the device comprises an upper turntable and a lower turntable.

Here, both hubs can first be connected to each other, the connection can be achieved by reaching a predetermined low temperature from each other. For example, the lower turntable may in this case be provided with a marking which does not move during a subsequent temperature change. This makes it possible to signal the consumer to reach the prescribed low temperature. The upper turntable may in turn be connected to a means for indicating a high temperature.

According to a particular aspect of the present invention, the upper and the lower turntable can be connected to a bolt, which is displaced upon reaching a predetermined low temperature by a spring so that the connection of the upper turntable is solved with the lower turntable.

In addition, it is also possible that the upper and the lower turntable are connected to a pivot lever, wherein the pivot lever is displaced upon reaching a predetermined low temperature through a gate so that the connection of the upper turntable is solved with the lower turntable.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the upper and the lower turntable may be connected to a slider, wherein the slider is displaced upon reaching a predetermined low temperature through a gate so that the connection of the upper and the lower turntable is released.

The provision of activation will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, in the aforementioned embodiments, an activation can take place by displacing the slide. Here, the backdrop is moved in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the turntable to the effect that can be moved only after moving the slide of the slider or the pivot lever. Preferably, the activation is irreversible.

Moreover, those skilled in the art will also appreciate the possibilities of adapting the various devices to the temperature conditions at which the foodstuffs or the temperature-sensitive preparations are stored. For example, the scenery, which leads to decoupling, can be easily adapted to the different requirements. The same applies to the Trigger mechanisms that result in a shift in the position of the indicator means or a change in the pointer.

These possibilities can be combined with each other. Further embodiments are obvious to the person skilled in the art through these disclosures.

The predetermined low temperature depends on the temperature-sensitive product. In many cases, this temperature is in the range of -20 ° C to 0 °, preferably -20 ⁰ C to -17 ⁰ C.

Preferably, the device according to the invention is provided with a plug-in part. In this case, the insertion part is preferably connected in a temperature-conducting manner with the temperature-dependent means for moving the display means. The size of the insert depends on the size of the food, the temperature of which is to be monitored. Preferably, the male part is designed so that it can no longer be easily removed from this after freezing of the food. For example, the plug-in part can accordingly be bent or expanded.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Show it:

1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention in a sectional view,

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention in a sectional representation, Figure 3 is a plan view of a first device according to the invention in a sectional view, wherein different temperature profiles are shown.

Figure 4 is a plan view of a first device according to the invention, wherein different temperature profiles are shown.

Figure 5 is a side view of a second device according to the invention in a sectional view, wherein the device has not reached the predetermined low temperature.

Figure 6 is a side view of a second device according to the invention in a sectional view, wherein the device has reached the predetermined low temperature.

Figure 7 is a plan view of a second device according to the invention in a sectional view, wherein the device has not reached the predetermined low temperature.

Figure 8 is a plan view of a second device according to the invention in a sectional view, wherein the device has reached the predetermined low temperature.

FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a second device according to the invention in a sectional representation, wherein different temperature profiles are shown.

Figure 10 is a plan view of a second device according to the invention, wherein different temperature profiles are shown.

11 is a side view of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention in a sectional view, the device has not yet reached the intended low temperature,

Figure 12 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention in a sectional view, wherein the device has not reached the intended low temperature.

13 is a side view of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention in a sectional view, wherein the device has reached the intended low temperature,

FIG. 14 shows a sectional view of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device having reached the intended low temperature,

Figure 15 is a plan view of a third device according to the invention, wherein the device has reached the intended low temperature.

Figure 16 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention in a sectional view, wherein the device has not reached the intended low temperature.

Figure 17 is a detail of a plan view of a fourth device according to the invention, wherein the device has not reached the intended low temperature. 18 shows a side view of a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention in a sectional view, wherein the device has reached the intended low temperature,

Figure 19 is a plan view of a fourth device according to the invention, wherein the device has reached the intended low temperature.

Figure 20 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of the device according to the invention in a sectional view, wherein the device has not reached the intended low temperature.

Figure 21 is a sectional side view of a fifth invention

Device in the direction A-A, wherein the device has not reached the intended low temperature.

FIG. 22 shows a section of a side view of a fifth device according to the invention in the direction B-B, wherein the device has reached the intended low temperature.

FIG. 23 a sectional side view of a fifth embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device having reached the intended low temperature,

Figure 24 is a plan view of a fifth device according to the invention, wherein the device has reached the intended low temperature. Figure 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of the inventive device (1) in a sectional view. The device has a temperature scale (4) and a housing (2), which comprises a transparent cover (9). With the housing (2) has a link (10) is connected, in the middle of a temperature-dependent means (5) is provided for moving the display means. The temperature-dependent agent is designed as a bimetallic element. Rotatable, in planes parallel to the slide (10), an upper turntable (7) and a lower turntable (8) are provided, which are separated by a spacer (11). Before reaching a predetermined temperature, the upper turntable (7) and the lower turntable (8) by a pivot lever (12) are coupled together. The pivot point of the pivot lever (12) is fixed on the lower turntable (8).

On the upper turntable a means for indicating a high temperature (6) is provided, which is designed as a driver or pin. The temperature scale (4) can be fixed via a fixing disc (13) after a calibration.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of how the cooling lever is moved during cooling. At a predetermined low temperature, therefore, the movement of the upper turntable (7) from the lower turntable (8) is decoupled. After reaching the predetermined low temperature, i. decoupling the upper from the lower turntable, the lower turntable remains fixed at the low temperature provided.

The upper turntable, on the other hand, is moved circularly by the driver designed as a pin to a higher temperature display.

A movement of the display means (3), which takes place at a removal temperature, ie in the present case, a counter-clockwise rotation, does not lead to a corresponding rotation of the upper turntable. Rather, in this case, the upper turntable remains in the previously occupied Position. As a result, the upper turntable, in particular the driver acts as a means for indicating a high temperature (6). The display means (3) also serves to display the current temperature having a temperature-sensitive product at the time of reading. In order to achieve a higher accuracy, the display means (3) can be cranked in this case, this embodiment is not shown.

FIG. 3 illustrates the consequences of different temperature profiles. FIG. 3 a shows the state during storage, i. before use of the device according to the invention.

FIG. 3b shows the state of the device when the predetermined low temperature is reached. The pivot lever decouples the upper from the lower hub. As a result, a subsequent increase in temperature leads to a permanent rotation of the upper turntable, whereas the lower turntable remains fixed.

In FIG. 3 c, it is clear that, although a further temperature reduction is indicated by the display means, this does not involve any rotation of the upper or lower turntable.

Figure 3d shows the permissible state of the device according to the invention, wherein the inventive device was not heated to an impermissible temperature after reaching the intended low temperature.

In contrast, Figure 3e shows the condition the device displays after the device has been improperly heated. The means for displaying the high temperature clearly indicates an inadmissible heating.

FIG. 3f indicates that the intended low temperature has not been reached. FIGS. 4a to 4f correspond to the illustrations 3a to 3f, but the external image of the device is reproduced.

5 shows a side view of a second embodiment of the inventive device (1) in a sectional view. Here, the coupled state will be described. The second embodiment also comprises a housing (2) with a cover (9), a bimetal element (5) for moving the display means, and a fixing disc (13) for fixing the temperature scale (4).

The housing bottom is connected via fixing points (14) with a link (10), wherein parallel to the gate a lower hub (8) and an upper hub (7) are provided. Before reaching a predetermined low temperature both rotary disks (7) and (8) are coupled to a slide (15). The display means (3) has in the area above the upper turntable on a full fork (16) which is releasably connected to the slider (15), wherein a decoupling leads to a release of the connection of slide (15) and full fork (16). Accordingly, until reaching the intended low temperature, a rotational movement of the lower turntable also leads to a rotation of the upper turntable.

On the upper turntable (7) a Mitnehmergabel is provided, which serves as a means for displaying the high temperature (6).

FIG. 6 shows the decoupled state in a sectional representation as a side view, the designations being identical to FIG. It is shown in particular that a temperature reduction leads to a predetermined by the position of the backdrop temperature to a displacement of the slide (15). As a result, the lower turntable (8) of the full fork (16) of the display means (3) is decoupled. A movement of the display means (3) after the decoupling no longer leads to a movement of the lower turntable (8). An increase in temperature can lead to a movement of the upper turntable (7), wherein lowering of the temperature after decoupling does not result in movement of the upper turntable, since the upper driving fork can only contact the indicating means (3) on one side, indicating the highest temperature attained.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the device (1) according to the invention. From this figure it can be seen in particular that the rotational movement of the turntable in combination with the slide leads to a displacement of the slide. Accordingly, cooling below a predetermined low temperature results in a decoupling of the upper turntable (7) from the lower turntable (8).

FIG. 8 shows the decoupled state in a sectional illustration as a top view, the designations being identical to FIG.

Figures 9a to 9e show the various states of the second embodiment of the device of the present invention, which are taken depending on the temperature profile. Thus, Figure 9a shows the condition during transport, i. before using the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9b shows the state when the predetermined low temperature is reached. Here, the slide (15) is displaced by the link (10), wherein the two turntables (7) and (8) are decoupled from each other.

FIG. 9d shows the state of the device according to the invention, if no inadmissible heating has taken place. Here, the highest temperature reached is represented by the driving fork, which serves as a display means for displaying the high temperature (6).

FIG. 9e shows the state of the device according to the invention if an inadmissible heating has taken place. In contrast, in the condition 8f, the required glass transition temperature was not reached. Figures 10a to 10f correspond to Figures 9a to 9f, but the view of the external observer is set forth.

Figure 11 shows a side view of a third embodiment of the device (1) of the present invention in a sectional view. This device comprises a housing (2) with a cover (9). Parallel to the housing bottom, a lower hub (8) and an upper hub (7) are provided, which are rotatably mounted. The lower turntable (8) is detachably coupled to the upper turntable (7) via a first driving pin serving as a high temperature indicating means (6). Furthermore, the device has a second driving pin (17) which is fixed on the lower turntable (8). The bimetal element (5) moves the display means (3), which in the coupled state with a temperature increase, the first driving pin, which serves as a means for displaying a high temperature (6), and at a temperature decrease the second driving pin (17). The lower turntable (8) is held by a spring (18) in the direction of the housing bottom under tension, wherein the lower turntable may be provided with ball or the like in order to achieve better rotation. In the coupled state, the distance from the lower turntable (8) to the housing bottom is achieved by fixing bolts (19), which can be arranged on different circular paths.

For a better understanding, Figure 12 shows a plan view of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention in a sectional view.

Upon reaching a predetermined low temperature, the lower turntable (8) is pressed by a spring (18) against the housing bottom. This is achieved by at least two preferably at least three openings (20) in the lower turntable (8) through which at least two preferably at least three fixing bolts (19) penetrate. Various openings (20) can hereby be provided on different radii of the lower turntable. In order to ensure the rotatability of the lower turntable, balls may be rotatably mounted on the fixing bolt, which facilitate rotation of the lower turntable (8). Upon reaching the predetermined low temperature, the lower hub is pressed due to the openings against the housing bottom. As a result, the lower of the upper turntable is decoupled.

Figure 13 shows a side view of the decoupled third embodiment of the device (1) according to the invention in a sectional view. Here, the lower turntable (8) is pressed onto the housing bottom, wherein at least two fixing bolts (19) protrude through the lower turntable (8). The first driving pin, which serves as a means for indicating the high temperature (6), in this case the lower turntable (8) has been released.

The upper turntable (7) is connected to the first driving pin which serves as a means for indicating the high temperature (6). By the first driving pin, the upper turntable is moved at a temperature increase by the display means (3). At a temperature decrease, the upper turntable (7) is not moved by the display means. Accordingly, the means for displaying the high temperature indicates the highest temperature reached.

For a better understanding, Figure 14 shows a sectional view of a plan view of the third embodiment of the device according to the invention in a decoupled state.

Here, in particular, an impermissible temperature increase is shown. This is evident in particular from FIG. 15, which shows a representation for the viewer. Herein it is shown that the device has reached the predetermined low temperature, the product having a temperature of about -27 ° C. However, in the meantime, the product has experienced a temperature of + 12 °, so that the product must be consumed as quickly as possible. FIG. 16 shows a side view of a fourth embodiment of the device (1) of the present invention in a sectional view. This device comprises a housing (2) with a cover (9). Parallel to the housing bottom, an inner hub (7) and an outer hub (8) are provided, which are rotatably mounted. The outer hub (8) is releasably coupled to the inner hub (7) via two driving pins (3) and (17) connected to the bimetallic element (5). This is a driving pin (3) as a display means (3), said pin is connected in the coupled state via an annular opening with the outer hub (8), so that both a temperature increase and a decrease in temperature to a movement of the outer hub (8) leads..

Furthermore, the device has a second driving pin (17), which is releasably connected to the inner hub (7) via an annular opening, so that both an increase in temperature and a decrease in temperature leads to a movement of the inner hub (7).

The inner hub (7) is pressed from below via a spring (18) against the cover (9), wherein the outer hub (8) can be moved upwards from the inner hub. In the coupled state, the distance from the inner hub (7) to the cover (9) by fixing bolts (19), which can be arranged on different circular paths is achieved.

For better understanding, Figure 17 shows a detail of a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention in a sectional view.

Upon reaching a predetermined low temperature, the inner hub (7) is pressed by a spring (18) against the cover (9). This is achieved by at least two preferably at least three openings (20) in the inner hub (7) through which at least two preferably at least three Penetrate fixing bolt (19). Various openings (20) can be provided on different radii of the inner hub (7).

Upon reaching the predetermined low temperature, the inner hub (7) is pressed due to the openings against the cover (9). As a result, the connection of the driving pin (17) with the inner hub (7) is released, so that the inner hub (7) from the bimetallic element (5) is decoupled. A subsequent temperature change accordingly does not lead to a movement of the inner hub (7).

Figure 18 shows a side view of a decoupled fourth embodiment of the device (1) according to the invention in a sectional view. Here, the inner hub (7) is pressed against the cover (9), wherein at least two fixing bolts (19) protrude through the inner hub (7). The first driving pin, which serves as a display means (3) can move the outer hub only at a temperature increase, since the driving pin (3) by the movement of the outer hub (8) no longer via the annular opening (21) but over a Projection (22) moves. Accordingly, a mark on the outer turntable (8) serves as a means for indicating a high temperature (6).

For a better understanding, Fig. 19 shows a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In a transparent embodiment of the outer turntable (7), the display means (3) is visible even after reaching the intended low temperature.

Figure 20 shows a side view of a fifth embodiment of the device (1) of the present invention in a sectional view. This device comprises a housing (2) with a cover (9). Parallel to the housing bottom, an inner hub (7) and an outer hub (8) are provided, which are rotatably mounted. The outer hub (8) is not coupled to the inner hub (7). Accordingly, the inner one Turntable (7) mounted on a paragraph, which is connected to a bolt for fixing the bimetallic element. The outer hub (8) is rotatably mounted on a shoulder which is provided in the housing (2). Here, an unillustrated ring, which is provided between the cover (9) and inner hub (7), prevent vertical displacement of the outer hub (8). The display means (3) is connected to the bimetallic element (5), wherein the display means comprises a rotary lever (23) which is aligned substantially parallel to the housing bottom and rotatably supported. The rotary lever (23) has two drivers (24) and (25), wherein the driver (24) with the outer hub (8) and the driver (25) with the inner hub (7) can be releasably connected.

Before reaching the intended low temperature, the outer hub (8) via the driver (24) to the bimetallic element (5) releasably connected, wherein the driver is engaged in a recess in the outer hub. Upon reaching the intended low temperature of the rotary lever (23) is rotated by a pin (26). As a result, the connection of the driver (24) with the outer hub (8) is released. This is shown for better understanding in Figures 21 and 22, which show a section A-A and B-B, wherein Figure 21 shows the state before and Figure 22 shows the state after reaching the intended low temperature. Before reaching the low temperature, the inner rotary disk is aligned so that the high temperature indicating mark (6) provided on the inner rotary disk (7) is set to a temperature below a critical heating temperature. An externally opaque covering of this mark at low temperatures, inter alia in the range of -16 ° C to -19 ° C, for example by an on the cover (9) applied opaque white film is possible to prevent consumer doubts.

By the rotational movement of the driver (25) is moved into a groove which is provided in the inner hub (7). The groove is preferably recessed at least semicircular, wherein a temperature increase to a movement the inner hub (movement of the rotary lever (23) from right to left in Figure 22), a subsequent cooling but not to a movement of the inner rotating disc (7) leads (movement of the rotary lever (23) from left to right). Accordingly, a mark applied on the inner rotary disc (7) serves as a high temperature indicating means (6). A mark (27) on the outer turntable (8) indicates that the intended low temperature has been reached. If the two turntables are made transparent, the current temperature through the rotary lever (23) or the driver (24) or (25) can be seen.

For a better understanding, Fig. 24 shows a plan view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for food. Furthermore, the device can also be used in other applications. These include, in particular, the transport and storage of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and substances.

Claims

claims

A device (1) for permanent detection of adverse heating and / or cooling of perishable products, comprising a housing (2), at least one display means (3) and at least one temperature-dependent means (5) for moving the display means, characterized in that the temperature-dependent means (5) for moving the display means comprises a bimetallic element, wherein the display means (3) is changed upon reaching a predetermined low temperature so that a subsequent increase in temperature by movement of at least one means for displaying a high temperature (6) is permanently detectable ,

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the display means (3) is coupled to the means for displaying a high temperature (6) until reaching a predetermined low temperature, wherein the achievement of the predetermined low temperature for decoupling the display means (3 ) by the means for indicating a high temperature (6), wherein a temperature increase results in a movement of the means for indicating a high temperature (6) to at least a higher second predetermined temperature, a temperature decrease below the higher second predetermined temperature does not increase a movement of the means for displaying a high temperature (6) leads.

A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the means for indicating a high temperature (6) indicates the highest temperature reached after reaching the lower temperature.

Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the device comprises an upper turntable (7) and a lower turntable (8).

An apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the display means (3) comprises an upper turntable (7) and a lower turntable (8) connected to a high temperature indicating means (6) formed as a stud is, wherein the lower turntable (8) upon reaching a predetermined low temperature by a spring (10) is shifted so that the connection of the upper turntable (7) with the lower hub (8) is released.

6. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the display means (3) comprises an upper turntable (7) and a lower turntable (8), which are connected to a pivot lever (9), wherein the pivot lever (9) upon reaching a predetermined low temperature through a gate (11) is shifted so that the connection of the upper turntable (7) with the lower hub (8) is released.

Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the display means (3) comprises an upper turntable (7) and a lower turntable (8) which are connected to a slide (12), the slide (12) on reaching a predetermined low temperature through a gate (11) is shifted so that the connection of the upper turntable (7) with the lower hub (8) is released.

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display means (3) is displaced upon reaching the predetermined low temperature by a mechanism in a second plane which is arranged substantially parallel to the plane of the temperature scale (4), wherein a temperature increase Conditional movement of the display means (3) in this second level leads to a permanent display when a higher temperature is exceeded.

9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display means (3) comprises a pointer which is displaced upon reaching the predetermined low temperature by a mechanism in a second position, wherein by an increase in temperature caused movement of the pointer (3) in this Position leads to a permanent display when a higher temperature is exceeded.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bimetallic element has a spiral shape, a Z-shape or a C-shape.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a temperature scale (4).

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the predetermined low temperature at which the display means (3) is changed so that a nachfogende temperature increase is permanently detectable, in the range of -73 ⁰ C to 0 ⁰ C.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the predetermined low temperature in the range of -20 ° C to -17 ⁰ C.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display means (3) is connected to a means for activation, wherein the display means is changed only after activation so that a nachfogende temperature increase is permanently detected.

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the activation is irreversible.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises at least one plug-in part (14), said plug-in part with the temperature-dependent means (5) for moving the display means is thermally conductively connected.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the insertion part (14) is bent.

18. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the insertion part (14) is spreadable.

19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing of the device can be opened.

20. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the housing is firmly welded after assembly of the device.