WO2000079230A1 - Temperature indicator comprising a temperature sensitive material - Google Patents

Temperature indicator comprising a temperature sensitive material Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000079230A1
WO2000079230A1 PCT/SE2000/001196 SE0001196W WO0079230A1 WO 2000079230 A1 WO2000079230 A1 WO 2000079230A1 SE 0001196 W SE0001196 W SE 0001196W WO 0079230 A1 WO0079230 A1 WO 0079230A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
temperature
sensitive material
indicator
indicator according
temperature sensitive
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE2000/001196
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ove Larsson
Original Assignee
Array Displays Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Array Displays Ab filed Critical Array Displays Ab
Priority to AU60314/00A priority Critical patent/AU6031400A/en
Publication of WO2000079230A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000079230A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Arrangement of adaptations of instruments
    • B60K35/60—
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
    • B60Q1/52—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking for indicating emergencies
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J50/00—Arrangements specially adapted for use on cycles not provided for in main groups B62J1/00 - B62J45/00
    • B62J50/20—Information-providing devices
    • B62J50/21—Information-providing devices intended to provide information to rider or passenger
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
    • E01F9/40—Arrangements responsive to adverse atmospheric conditions, e.g. to signal icy roads or to automatically illuminate in fog; Arrangements characterised by heating or drying means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01K11/00—Measuring temperature based upon physical or chemical changes not covered by groups G01K3/00, G01K5/00, G01K7/00 or G01K9/00
    • G01K11/12—Measuring temperature based upon physical or chemical changes not covered by groups G01K3/00, G01K5/00, G01K7/00 or G01K9/00 using changes in colour, translucency or reflectance
    • B60K2360/797—

Definitions

  • Temperature indicator comprising a temperature sensitive material
  • the present invention relates to a temperature indicator comprising a temperature sensitive material with inherent visual indication capacity of temperature level of ambient air, and fixing agent for fixing the temperature indicator onto an application surface.
  • the temperature indicator according to the invention is particularly preferably applicable onto an external surface of a vehicle, such as a passenger car, a truck, a motorcycle or a bicycle, to function as a slip warner.
  • the temperature indicator may also be used in other applications, where for any reason one wishes to obtain, a temperature indication in a simple and reliable way, for instance in horticultures.
  • the patent application FR- 2 386 028 describes a frost indicator for a vehicle consisting of a multi-coated film comprising liquid crystals, e.g. cholesterols.
  • the liquid crystals are stated to give a momentaneus temperature indication by means of emitting light of the visible wavelength area.
  • the film is stated to be able to directly be attached onto the windshield of the vehicle or at the exterior rear view mirror. According to this patent publication the thermal resistance of the windshield is sufficient to ensure the film being in equilibrium with the surrounding air when the vehicle moves.
  • the liquid crystals are stated to be arranged to show a letter, for instance F for frost or I for ice, and will approach a predetermined spectral colour at a temperature being lesser than + 1°C.
  • thermochromic indicator device which is designed or adapted for use as a road sign or a road mark, and comprising a substrate, onto which one or several zones of a thermografic material are arranged, to give a visual indication of the risk for ice formation.
  • the thermografic material is stated to suitably comprise caps with liquid crystals changing colour in the area of +3°C to -13°C.
  • the device described may also be applicable onto a vehicle, in shape of a sticker, or in shape of a section of a body panel, and preferably in association to the rear side of a vehicle, so other trafficants may be warned for a possible slippery risk.
  • ice indicator described comprises a little bag with transparent walls containing a material with varying light transmission close to 0°C, preferably n-decanol containing 10 weight percent (%) isopropyl alcohol. It is stated that the indicator is able to be used to give a visual warning for ice formation, for instance in the shape of road signs.
  • GB-A-2 189 919 describes a heat sensitive reflective cursor or indicator for use on or nearby a road surface, as well.
  • thermometers which are applicable onto an external surface of a vehicle, whereby the detected temperature is read through the windshield of the vehicle.
  • a temperature sensor detecting the temperature above the roadway the vehicle is running on, whereby the temperature may be read on an electrical display unit on the dashboard of the vehicle.
  • frost warners in shape of stickers which are directly attached onto a windshield, will unavoidably be affected of the temperature inside the compartment of the vehicle. This is particularly the case at low ambient temperatures, when the difference in temperature between inner and outer temperature may exceed 60° or more.
  • Frost warners of the type mentioned above are not always applicable in such a way that the visibility of the temperature indication may be ensured, since the sticker by necessity must follow the window or mirror surface onto which it is applied. In particularity, this may be a problem in the case of sport wagons having windshields with a powerful inclination or external rear view-mirrors with a little available application surface.
  • the temperature indicators previously known being intended to be a part of traffic signs or road surfaces may often be severe to achieve in practise, since they are expensive and often require political decisions before they can be realised.
  • thermometers intended for external mounting onto a vehicle are often sensible to mechanical influence, and their temperature scales may be difficult to read.
  • the preferred invention has as a purpose to provide a robust and economically preferable temperature indicator, which may be mounted without any technical pre- knowledge, so that it gives a visually evident and reliable indication of the temperature of the ambient air to a driver, not being disturbed by the temperature of the application surface.
  • the temperature indicator comprises an indicator body arranged for heat exchange with the ambient air, with the temperature sensitive material and with the fixing agent, whereby the temperature indicator further comprises an insulating means arranged to limit the heat exchange between the temperature sensitive material and the application surface, so that thermal equilibrium can be achieved between the temperature sensitive material and the ambient air at the indication.
  • Fig.l shows a temperature indicator in a perspective view according to a particularly preferable embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 2 shows a temperature indicator in a perspective view according to a second embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 3 shows schematically how the indication of a temperature level occurs using the temperature indicators shown in the figures 1 and 2.
  • Fig. 4 shows schematically the temperature indicator in fig.l in a perspective view, applied on the outside of a windshield of a vehicle, and
  • Fig.5 further shows a temperature indicator in a perspective view according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • the temperature indicatorl02; 102; 301 comprises a temperature sensitive material 102; 202; 302 with inherent visual indication capacity 106 of the temperature level of the ambient air.
  • the temperature sensitive material of the preferred embodiment comprises a so-called reversible thermochromic salt, but may preferably comprise thermotrophical liquid crystals or another temperature sensitive indicator material, such as for instance heat sensitive polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) or a micro encapsulated leukocolour substance based thermochromic ink.
  • thermotrophical liquid crystals such as for instance heat sensitive polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) or a micro encapsulated leukocolour substance based thermochromic ink.
  • PDLC heat sensitive polymer dispersed liquid crystals
  • micro encapsulated leukocolour substance based thermochromic ink Such temperature sensitive materials are per se well known in the preferred area of technology, and will therefore not be discussed more in detail herein.
  • the expression “ambient air” should herein be understood as the temperature level of the air that the temperature indicator is intended to indicate.
  • the temperature indicator comprises a fixing agent 103; 203; 303 for fixing the temperature indicator onto an application surface 110.
  • the temperature indicator further comprises an indicator body 104; 204; 304 being arranged for heat exchange with the ambient air, with the temperature sensitive material 102; 202; 302 and with the fixing agent 103; 203; 303.
  • an indicator body 104; 204; 304 being arranged for heat exchange with the ambient air, with the temperature sensitive material 102; 202; 302 and with the fixing agent 103; 203; 303.
  • a thermal equilibrium should be achieved, between the temperature sensitive material and the ambient air, at the indication.
  • the temperature indicator comprises an insulation means 103, 105; 203, 205, 207; 303, 305 being arranged to limit the heat exchange between the temperature sensitive material 102; 202; 302 and the application surface 110.
  • the fixing agent may be of any appropriate type, for instance a screw joint or a suction cup joint, but comprises a self- adhering adhesive in the preferred embodiment.
  • the application surface may be of any appropriate surface, but is preferably an external surface of a vehicle, such as a passenger car, a truck, a motorcycle, or a bicycle, whereby the indicator body 101 preferably is aerodynamically shaped, when seen from the intended direction of travel of the vehicle.
  • the aerodynamic shape gives, besides a lower air resistance, also a lesser risk that the temperature sensitive material will be soiled.
  • Examples of appropriate surfaces of a vehicle, where the temperature indicator according to the invention can be applied are the windshield, sidelights or the rear- view minor.
  • the insulating means is preferably constituted of at least partially narrowings 105; 205; 305, notches, holes 207, cavities and/or thermal insulating materials of the indicator body and/or a thermal insulating material of the fixing agent 103; 203; 303.
  • the insulating means may also partially be formed by the indicator body, the temperature sensitive material and the fixing agent are all a ⁇ anged in relation to each other, so that a space 105; 207; 305 with free acquisition to the ambient air exists between the temperature sensitive material and the application surface at the indication.
  • the insulating means is a combination of the fact that the indicator body has a shape, so that the ambient air can freely flow between the application surface and the temperature sensitive material, so that a thermally insulating air layer is formed between these, and an effective heat exchange is obtained between the temperature sensitive material and the ambient air, and the fixing agent is of a porous material layer, ensuring a thermal insulation between the indicator body and the application surface, and substantially prevents heat exchange by thermal conduction there between.
  • the temperature sensitive material substantially has the shape of a first disc 102; 202; 302, while the fixing agent 103; 203; 303 substantially has the shape of a second disc.
  • the temperature sensitive material and the fixing agent are attached to and/or a ⁇ anged at the indicator body 104; 204; 304, so that a distance is formed between the first 102; 202; 302 and the second 103; 203; 303; discs.
  • the temperature sensitive material 102; 202; 302 is adhesively attached onto the indicator body in the embodiments shown. It is also possible having embodiments of the invention, where the temperature sensitive material is attached in another appropriate way to the indicator body (not shown in the figures), or where the temperature sensitive material is integrated with at least a part of the indicator body (not shown).
  • the indicator body 104; 304 is preferably shaped, so that the first 102; 302 and the second 103; 303 discs form an angle to each other. This enables that the temperature sensitive material is arranged in an angle, which provides best possible visibility to a user.
  • the indicator body 104; 304 is preferably shaped as a tongue na ⁇ owing in one or several directions, onto which or in which the temperature sensitive material 102; 302 is a ⁇ anged. In this way, a maximum heat exchange is ensured between the temperature sensitive material and the ambient air, so that thermal equilibrium and a co ⁇ ect temperature indication can be achieved.
  • the temperature indicator according to the invention is particularly appropriate for application onto the outside of a windshield 101 of a vehicle, such as illustrated in fig.4.
  • the indicator body 104 is shaped to enable visual reading from the driver's seat.
  • Example of such a shape is that the indicator body admits that the temperature sensitive material is visible in a number of different angles.
  • This embodiment gives an increased road safety of the vehicle, since the driver obtains a pre-warning of possible slippery and the driver's manner can be adjusted to the slippery risk.
  • the indicator body 104 it is also possible to form the indicator body 104 to admit that the visual reading is made through a section of the windshield 110 over which a windshield wiper 111 may be activated.
  • An example of such an indicator body is shown in the figures 4 and 5. This embodiment ensures that the temperature indication may be read independently of the weather conditions for the moment.
  • a temperature indicator must be fixed to the windshield at some distance outside the operating range of the windshield wipers, but still being visible from the driver's seat.
  • the temperature indicator can be fixed on the rear view- minor, or at another windowpane of the vehicle.
  • the temperature indicator may be directly mounted on the windshield (not shown in the figures).
  • a temperature indicator should be used in proportionately small dimensions and fixing agents particularly shaped should be used, so that the temperature indicator does not prevent the driver's view.
  • the indicator body 104 may be shaped to admit the temperature sensitive material 102 to be applied in cleaning contact with a cleansing element 112 a ⁇ anged at the windshield wiper 111 or in association to the windshield.
  • the cleansing element may for instance be a piece of a suitable sponge-like material, which at the reciprocating motion of the windshield wiper wipes off possible dirt on the temperature sensitive material. Possible dirt may reduce the visibility of the temperature indication.
  • the temperature sensitive material is coated with a protecting layer to outer influence.
  • a protecting layer to outer influence.
  • Appropriate materials for such protecting layers are per se known, and minimise the risk that the temperature sensitive material degrades, for instance when it is exposed for UN light or is brought into contact with windshield washer fluid.
  • the temperature sensitive material 102'; 102 may, if desired, be a ⁇ anged in zones having different temperature sensitivity forming a temperature scale. In this way, the temperature indicator may operate as a thermometer.
  • the temperature sensitive material 102'; 102 indicates a special warning at temperatures lower than about +1°C. This is particularly valid when the temperature indicator is used as a slip warner for a vehicle. Thereby the particular warning may for instance be a sudden change to red colour or the like.
  • the temperature sensitive material 102'; 102 may preferably be chosen so that it have an inherent hysteresis effect. This enables, that the special warning is indicated at a first temperature when the ambient air sinks down to 0°C, and at a second temperature when the ambient air rises up to 0°C, whereby the first temperature is lower than the second temperature.
  • This embodiment gives an improved security, since after a strong cold outside, it may still be a risk for slippery at higher temperatures than +1°C, and therefore a warning for slippery risk should be indicated, even at higher temperatures. In the case of hot weather for longer times, the condition is the opposite, i.e. it is enough if the frost indicator indicates slippery risk when the temperature has decreased to close to 0°C.
  • the visible indication may preferably take place with symbols 106 associating to cold or frost, such as snowflakes/ice crystals or the like.
  • the temperature indicator preferably comprises a fluorescent material, increasing the visibility of the temperature indication also when bad light conditions rules.
  • the temperature indicator may preferably comprise a section, admitting that the position of the temperature sensitive material in relation to the position of the fixing agent is changed after application on the application surface.
  • the section, where the temperature indication appears is directed or adjusted, to best possible readability even after the fixing agent has been fixed on the actual application surface, since the section is pivotable or bendable.
  • the indicator body is preferably made mainly of an injection moulded or a moulded plastic material.
  • the present invention should in no way be seen as limited to the described embodiments, but the scope of the invention can be varied within the frame of the following patent claims.
  • the temperature indicator according to the invention may also be used in other applications than concerning different vehicles, for instance in association with horticultures and similar.

Abstract

A temperature indicator (101) comprising a temperature sensitive material (102) with inherent visual indication capacity (106) for temperature level of ambient air, and a fixing agent (103) for fixing the temperature indicator onto an application surface. The temperature indicator comprises an indicator body (104) arranged for heat exchange with the ambient air, with the temperature sensitive material (102) and with the fixating means (103). The temperature indicator comprises an insulating means (103, 105) arranged to limit the heat exchange between the temperature sensitive material (102) and the application surface, so that thermal equilibrium may be achieved between the temperature sensitive material and the ambient air, at the indication. The temperature indicator is particularly preferably applicable onto an external surface of a vehicle, such as a passenger car, a truck, a motorcycle or a bicycle, to function as a slip warner, but may also be used for other applications.

Description

Title
Temperature indicator comprising a temperature sensitive material
Technical field
The present invention relates to a temperature indicator comprising a temperature sensitive material with inherent visual indication capacity of temperature level of ambient air, and fixing agent for fixing the temperature indicator onto an application surface.
The temperature indicator according to the invention is particularly preferably applicable onto an external surface of a vehicle, such as a passenger car, a truck, a motorcycle or a bicycle, to function as a slip warner.
The temperature indicator may also be used in other applications, where for any reason one wishes to obtain, a temperature indication in a simple and reliable way, for instance in horticultures.
Background of the invention
In the conveyance of different vehicles it is of great value to the driver of the vehicle at least to have an approximate opinion about the temperature level of the ambient air surrounding the vehicle, since the ambient air also affects the temperature of the roadway. The risk for accidents owing to slippery roads may thereby decrease as the driver adjusts his driving manner to the present temperature level.
Thus, the patent application FR- 2 386 028 describes a frost indicator for a vehicle consisting of a multi-coated film comprising liquid crystals, e.g. cholesterols. The liquid crystals are stated to give a momentaneus temperature indication by means of emitting light of the visible wavelength area. The film is stated to be able to directly be attached onto the windshield of the vehicle or at the exterior rear view mirror. According to this patent publication the thermal resistance of the windshield is sufficient to ensure the film being in equilibrium with the surrounding air when the vehicle moves. The liquid crystals are stated to be arranged to show a letter, for instance F for frost or I for ice, and will approach a predetermined spectral colour at a temperature being lesser than + 1°C. Further the Patent Application GB-A-2 289 707 describes a thermochromic indicator device, which is designed or adapted for use as a road sign or a road mark, and comprising a substrate, onto which one or several zones of a thermografic material are arranged, to give a visual indication of the risk for ice formation. The thermografic material is stated to suitably comprise caps with liquid crystals changing colour in the area of +3°C to -13°C. According to this patent publication the device described may also be applicable onto a vehicle, in shape of a sticker, or in shape of a section of a body panel, and preferably in association to the rear side of a vehicle, so other trafficants may be warned for a possible slippery risk.
A device with a similar function is described in FR-2 174 946, whereby the ice indicator described comprises a little bag with transparent walls containing a material with varying light transmission close to 0°C, preferably n-decanol containing 10 weight percent (%) isopropyl alcohol. It is stated that the indicator is able to be used to give a visual warning for ice formation, for instance in the shape of road signs.
GB-A-2 189 919 describes a heat sensitive reflective cursor or indicator for use on or nearby a road surface, as well.
Further, it is since previously known thermometers, which are applicable onto an external surface of a vehicle, whereby the detected temperature is read through the windshield of the vehicle.
Further, today several passenger cars are provided with a temperature sensor detecting the temperature above the roadway the vehicle is running on, whereby the temperature may be read on an electrical display unit on the dashboard of the vehicle.
However, the devices previously known may be considered being associated with certain problems. Thus, frost warners in shape of stickers, which are directly attached onto a windshield, will unavoidably be affected of the temperature inside the compartment of the vehicle. This is particularly the case at low ambient temperatures, when the difference in temperature between inner and outer temperature may exceed 60° or more.
Frost warners of the type mentioned above are not always applicable in such a way that the visibility of the temperature indication may be ensured, since the sticker by necessity must follow the window or mirror surface onto which it is applied. In particularity, this may be a problem in the case of sport wagons having windshields with a powerful inclination or external rear view-mirrors with a little available application surface.
The temperature indicators previously known being intended to be a part of traffic signs or road surfaces may often be severe to achieve in practise, since they are expensive and often require political decisions before they can be realised.
Conventional thermometers intended for external mounting onto a vehicle are often sensible to mechanical influence, and their temperature scales may be difficult to read.
Electronical systems with temperature sensors and internal display units give a proportional reliable temperature indication, but even if they are expensive, and in case when they are not mounted at the manufacturing site it is required that they are mounted by technical competent personal.
Summary of the invention
Therefore the preferred invention has as a purpose to provide a robust and economically preferable temperature indicator, which may be mounted without any technical pre- knowledge, so that it gives a visually evident and reliable indication of the temperature of the ambient air to a driver, not being disturbed by the temperature of the application surface.
This purpose can be achieved, according to the features stated in claim 1, in that the temperature indicator comprises an indicator body arranged for heat exchange with the ambient air, with the temperature sensitive material and with the fixing agent, whereby the temperature indicator further comprises an insulating means arranged to limit the heat exchange between the temperature sensitive material and the application surface, so that thermal equilibrium can be achieved between the temperature sensitive material and the ambient air at the indication.
Brief description of the drawings
The invention will be described in the following in greater detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which Fig.l shows a temperature indicator in a perspective view according to a particularly preferable embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 2 shows a temperature indicator in a perspective view according to a second embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 3 shows schematically how the indication of a temperature level occurs using the temperature indicators shown in the figures 1 and 2.
Fig. 4 shows schematically the temperature indicator in fig.l in a perspective view, applied on the outside of a windshield of a vehicle, and
Fig.5 further shows a temperature indicator in a perspective view according to another embodiment of the invention.
Brief description of preferred embodiments
In the following a particularly preferred one and an amount of alternative embodiments of the temperature indicator according to the invention, will be described with reference to the enclosed figures 1 to 5.
The temperature indicatorl02; 102; 301 according to the invention, comprises a temperature sensitive material 102; 202; 302 with inherent visual indication capacity 106 of the temperature level of the ambient air.
The temperature sensitive material of the preferred embodiment comprises a so-called reversible thermochromic salt, but may preferably comprise thermotrophical liquid crystals or another temperature sensitive indicator material, such as for instance heat sensitive polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) or a micro encapsulated leukocolour substance based thermochromic ink. Such temperature sensitive materials are per se well known in the preferred area of technology, and will therefore not be discussed more in detail herein. The expression "ambient air" should herein be understood as the temperature level of the air that the temperature indicator is intended to indicate. Further the temperature indicator comprises a fixing agent 103; 203; 303 for fixing the temperature indicator onto an application surface 110.
According to the invention, the temperature indicator further comprises an indicator body 104; 204; 304 being arranged for heat exchange with the ambient air, with the temperature sensitive material 102; 202; 302 and with the fixing agent 103; 203; 303. To ensure that the temperature indicator indicates a coπect temperature level, a thermal equilibrium should be achieved, between the temperature sensitive material and the ambient air, at the indication. This is achieved, according to the invention, by means of the fact that the temperature indicator comprises an insulation means 103, 105; 203, 205, 207; 303, 305 being arranged to limit the heat exchange between the temperature sensitive material 102; 202; 302 and the application surface 110.
Thereby the fixing agent may be of any appropriate type, for instance a screw joint or a suction cup joint, but comprises a self- adhering adhesive in the preferred embodiment. Further the application surface may be of any appropriate surface, but is preferably an external surface of a vehicle, such as a passenger car, a truck, a motorcycle, or a bicycle, whereby the indicator body 101 preferably is aerodynamically shaped, when seen from the intended direction of travel of the vehicle. The aerodynamic shape gives, besides a lower air resistance, also a lesser risk that the temperature sensitive material will be soiled. Examples of appropriate surfaces of a vehicle, where the temperature indicator according to the invention can be applied, are the windshield, sidelights or the rear- view minor.
The insulating means, mentioned above, is preferably constituted of at least partially narrowings 105; 205; 305, notches, holes 207, cavities and/or thermal insulating materials of the indicator body and/or a thermal insulating material of the fixing agent 103; 203; 303. The insulating means may also partially be formed by the indicator body, the temperature sensitive material and the fixing agent are all aπanged in relation to each other, so that a space 105; 207; 305 with free acquisition to the ambient air exists between the temperature sensitive material and the application surface at the indication.
In the particularly prefeπed embodiment of the invention, the insulating means is a combination of the fact that the indicator body has a shape, so that the ambient air can freely flow between the application surface and the temperature sensitive material, so that a thermally insulating air layer is formed between these, and an effective heat exchange is obtained between the temperature sensitive material and the ambient air, and the fixing agent is of a porous material layer, ensuring a thermal insulation between the indicator body and the application surface, and substantially prevents heat exchange by thermal conduction there between. In this embodiment the temperature sensitive material substantially has the shape of a first disc 102; 202; 302, while the fixing agent 103; 203; 303 substantially has the shape of a second disc. Thereby the temperature sensitive material and the fixing agent are attached to and/or aπanged at the indicator body 104; 204; 304, so that a distance is formed between the first 102; 202; 302 and the second 103; 203; 303; discs. By aπanging the temperature sensitive material and the fixing agent at a distance between each other in this way, undesired heat exchange is further decreased there between.
The temperature sensitive material 102; 202; 302 is adhesively attached onto the indicator body in the embodiments shown. It is also possible having embodiments of the invention, where the temperature sensitive material is attached in another appropriate way to the indicator body (not shown in the figures), or where the temperature sensitive material is integrated with at least a part of the indicator body (not shown).
Moreover the indicator body 104; 304 is preferably shaped, so that the first 102; 302 and the second 103; 303 discs form an angle to each other. This enables that the temperature sensitive material is arranged in an angle, which provides best possible visibility to a user.
Further the indicator body 104; 304 is preferably shaped as a tongue naπowing in one or several directions, onto which or in which the temperature sensitive material 102; 302 is aπanged. In this way, a maximum heat exchange is ensured between the temperature sensitive material and the ambient air, so that thermal equilibrium and a coπect temperature indication can be achieved.
The temperature indicator according to the invention is particularly appropriate for application onto the outside of a windshield 101 of a vehicle, such as illustrated in fig.4. Thereby the indicator body 104 is shaped to enable visual reading from the driver's seat. Example of such a shape is that the indicator body admits that the temperature sensitive material is visible in a number of different angles. This embodiment gives an increased road safety of the vehicle, since the driver obtains a pre-warning of possible slippery and the driver's manner can be adjusted to the slippery risk.
It is also possible to form the indicator body 104 to admit that the visual reading is made through a section of the windshield 110 over which a windshield wiper 111 may be activated. An example of such an indicator body is shown in the figures 4 and 5. This embodiment ensures that the temperature indication may be read independently of the weather conditions for the moment.
A temperature indicator, according to fig.2, must be fixed to the windshield at some distance outside the operating range of the windshield wipers, but still being visible from the driver's seat. Alternatively, the temperature indicator can be fixed on the rear view- minor, or at another windowpane of the vehicle.
According to an additional embodiment, the temperature indicator may be directly mounted on the windshield (not shown in the figures). In such an embodiment a temperature indicator should be used in proportionately small dimensions and fixing agents particularly shaped should be used, so that the temperature indicator does not prevent the driver's view.
Further the indicator body 104 may be shaped to admit the temperature sensitive material 102 to be applied in cleaning contact with a cleansing element 112 aπanged at the windshield wiper 111 or in association to the windshield. The cleansing element may for instance be a piece of a suitable sponge-like material, which at the reciprocating motion of the windshield wiper wipes off possible dirt on the temperature sensitive material. Possible dirt may reduce the visibility of the temperature indication.
According to another embodiment, the temperature sensitive material is coated with a protecting layer to outer influence. Appropriate materials for such protecting layers are per se known, and minimise the risk that the temperature sensitive material degrades, for instance when it is exposed for UN light or is brought into contact with windshield washer fluid.
The temperature sensitive material 102'; 102 may, if desired, be aπanged in zones having different temperature sensitivity forming a temperature scale. In this way, the temperature indicator may operate as a thermometer.
In some applications it is particularly prefeπed, that the temperature sensitive material 102'; 102 indicates a special warning at temperatures lower than about +1°C. This is particularly valid when the temperature indicator is used as a slip warner for a vehicle. Thereby the particular warning may for instance be a sudden change to red colour or the like.
The temperature sensitive material 102'; 102 may preferably be chosen so that it have an inherent hysteresis effect. This enables, that the special warning is indicated at a first temperature when the ambient air sinks down to 0°C, and at a second temperature when the ambient air rises up to 0°C, whereby the first temperature is lower than the second temperature. This embodiment gives an improved security, since after a strong cold outside, it may still be a risk for slippery at higher temperatures than +1°C, and therefore a warning for slippery risk should be indicated, even at higher temperatures. In the case of hot weather for longer times, the condition is the opposite, i.e. it is enough if the frost indicator indicates slippery risk when the temperature has decreased to close to 0°C.
In embodiments, where the temperature indicator according to the invention is used as a slip warner, the visible indication may preferably take place with symbols 106 associating to cold or frost, such as snowflakes/ice crystals or the like. The temperature indicator preferably comprises a fluorescent material, increasing the visibility of the temperature indication also when bad light conditions rules.
Further the temperature indicator may preferably comprise a section, admitting that the position of the temperature sensitive material in relation to the position of the fixing agent is changed after application on the application surface. In this embodiment the section, where the temperature indication appears is directed or adjusted, to best possible readability even after the fixing agent has been fixed on the actual application surface, since the section is pivotable or bendable.
The indicator body is preferably made mainly of an injection moulded or a moulded plastic material.
The present invention should in no way be seen as limited to the described embodiments, but the scope of the invention can be varied within the frame of the following patent claims. Thus, the temperature indicator according to the invention may also be used in other applications than concerning different vehicles, for instance in association with horticultures and similar.

Claims

Claims
1. A temperature indicator (101; 201; 301) comprising a temperature sensitive material (102; 202; 302) with inherent visual indication capacity (106) for temperature level of ambient air, and a fixing agent (103; 203; 303) for fixing the temperature indicator onto an application surface (110), characterised in that the temperature indicator comprises an indicator body (104; 204; 304) aπanged for heat exchange with the ambient air, with the temperature sensitive material (102; 202; 302) and with the fixating means (103; 203; 303), whereby the temperature indicator further comprises an insulating means (103, 105; 203, 205, 207;303, 305) aπanged to limit the heat exchange between the temperature sensitive material (102; 202; 302) and the application surface (110), so that thermal equilibrium may be achieved between the temperature sensitive material and the ambient air, at the indication.
2. A temperature indicator according to claim 1, characterised in that the insulation means is at least constituted of partially naπowings (105; 205; 305), notches, apertures (207), cavities and/or thermal insulating material of the indicator body.
3. A temperature indicator according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the insulation means at least partly constitutes a thermal insulating material of the fixing agent (103; 203; 303).
4. A temperature indicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the insulating means also may partially be that the indicator body, the temperature sensitive material and the fixing agent are aπanged in relation to each other, so that a space (105; 207; 305) with free acquisition to the ambient air exists between the temperature sensitive material and the application surface at the indication.
5. A temperature indicator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature sensitive material substantially has the shape of a first disc (102; 202; 302) and the fixing agent (103; 203; 303) substantially has the shape of a second disc, characterised in that the temperature sensitive material and the fixing agent are attached onto and/or aπanged at the indicator body (104; 204; 304), so that a distance is formed between the first (102; 202; 302) and the second (103; 203; 303) disc.
6. A temperature indicator according to claim 5, characterised in that the indicator body (104; 304) is shaped so that the first (102; 302) and the second (103; 303) discs form an angle against each other.
7. A temperature indicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the indicator body (104; 304) has a tongue naπowing, in one or several directions, onto which or in which the temperature sensitive material (102; 302) is aπanged.
8. A temperature indicator according to any of the preceding claims, intended for application onto an external surface of a vehicle, such as a passenger car, a truck, a motorcycle or a bicycle, characterised in that the indicator body (110) is aerodynamically shaped when seen from the intended direction of travel of the vehicle.
9. A temperature indicator according to any of the preceding claims intended for use when the application surface is an external surface of a windshield (110) of a vehicle, characterised in that the indicator body (104) is shaped for visual reading of the temperature level from the driver's seat which level is indicated (106) by the temperature sensitive material (102).
10. A temperature indicator according to patent claim 9, characterised in that the indicator body (104) is shaped for admitting the visual reading being made through a section at the windshield (110) over which a windshield wiper (111) can be activated.
11. A temperature indicator according to patent claim 9, characterised in that the windshield wiper constitutes the application surface of the temperature indicator.
12. A temperature indicator according to patent claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the indicator body (104) admits a cleaning contact between the temperature sensitive material (102) and a cleansing element (112) aπanged to at the windshield wiper (111) or in association to the windshield.
13. A temperature indicator according to patent claim 1 to 12, characterised in that the temperature sensitive material (102; 202; 302) is adhesively attached at the indicator body.
14. A temperature indicator according to patent claim 1 to 12, characterised in that the temperature sensitive material is an integrated part of the indicator body.
15. A temperature indicator according to patent claim 1 to 14, characterised in that the temperature sensitive material comprises a reversible thermochromic salt.
16. A temperature indicator according to patent claim 1 to 14, characterised in that the temperature sensitive material comprises thermotrophical liquid crystals.
17. A temperature indicator according to patent claim 1 to 14, characterised in that the temperature sensitive material comprises heat sensitive polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC).
18. A temperature indicator according to patent claim 1 to 14, characterised in that the temperature sensitive material comprises micro encapsulated leukocolour substance based thermochromic ink.
19. A temperature indicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the temperature sensitive material is coated with a protective layer against UN radiation and /or chemical attacks.
20. A temperature indicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the temperature sensitive material (102'; 102) is aπanged in zones having different temperature sensitivity forming a temperature scale.
21. A temperature indicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the temperature sensitive material (102 '; 102) indicates a special warning at temperatures lower than about +1°C.
22. A temperature indicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the temperature sensitive material (102'; 102) indicates a particular warning at a first temperature when the ambient air sinks down to 0°C, and at a second temperature when the ambient air rises up to 0°C, whereby the first temperature is lower than the second temperature due to an inherent hysteresis effect of the temperature sensitive material (102'; 102).
23. A temperature indicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the visible indication occurs with symbols (106) associating to cold or frost.
24. A temperature indicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that temperature indicator comprises a fluorescent material.
25. A temperature indicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the temperature indicator comprises a section, admitting that the position of the temperature sensitive material in relation to the position of the fixing agent is changed after application onto the application surface.
26. A temperature indicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fixing agent (103;203;303) comprises a self-adhering adhesive.
27. A temperature indicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterised of that indicator body is mainly made of an injection moulded or a moulded plastic material.
PCT/SE2000/001196 1999-06-08 2000-06-08 Temperature indicator comprising a temperature sensitive material WO2000079230A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU60314/00A AU6031400A (en) 1999-06-08 2000-06-08 Temperature indicator comprising a temperature sensitive material

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19926126A DE19926126A1 (en) 1999-06-08 1999-06-08 Temperature indicator consisting of material reactive to temperature for use with cars with simple mounting facility
DE19926126.1 1999-06-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000079230A1 true WO2000079230A1 (en) 2000-12-28

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AU (1) AU6031400A (en)
DE (1) DE19926126A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2000079230A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102018214488A1 (en) * 2018-08-28 2020-03-05 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Component, in particular vehicle component

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2386028A1 (en) * 1977-03-28 1978-10-27 Folliot Albert Icing risk indicator for vehicles - uses multiple film containing liq. crystals, stuck on windscreen, giving colour change under one degree centigrade
DE3232260A1 (en) * 1982-08-26 1984-03-01 Jürgen 5040 Brühl Euteneuer Multifunctional mirror
US4891252A (en) * 1987-03-11 1990-01-02 Kaiser Elmar Thermometer hood ornament
DE3927753A1 (en) * 1989-08-23 1991-02-28 Ralf Jeising Traffic warning sign for ice or scolding danger - has temp.-dependent coating transparent at normal temp. otherwise becoming opaque and/or coloured
EP0989392A1 (en) * 1998-09-23 2000-03-29 Britax (Geco) S.A. Temperature indicator for motor vehicle

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2386028A1 (en) * 1977-03-28 1978-10-27 Folliot Albert Icing risk indicator for vehicles - uses multiple film containing liq. crystals, stuck on windscreen, giving colour change under one degree centigrade
DE3232260A1 (en) * 1982-08-26 1984-03-01 Jürgen 5040 Brühl Euteneuer Multifunctional mirror
US4891252A (en) * 1987-03-11 1990-01-02 Kaiser Elmar Thermometer hood ornament
DE3927753A1 (en) * 1989-08-23 1991-02-28 Ralf Jeising Traffic warning sign for ice or scolding danger - has temp.-dependent coating transparent at normal temp. otherwise becoming opaque and/or coloured
EP0989392A1 (en) * 1998-09-23 2000-03-29 Britax (Geco) S.A. Temperature indicator for motor vehicle

Also Published As

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AU6031400A (en) 2001-01-09
DE19926126A1 (en) 2000-12-14

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