Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
  • G01C9/00—Measuring inclination, e.g. by clinometers, by levels
  • G01C9/02—Details
  • G01C9/06—Electric or photoelectric indication or reading means
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
  • G01C9/00—Measuring inclination, e.g. by clinometers, by levels
  • G01C9/02—Details
  • G01C9/06—Electric or photoelectric indication or reading means
  • G01C2009/062—Electric or photoelectric indication or reading means capacitive

Definitions

• the present invention relates to the general technical field of devices indicating the spatial inclination of a device in two directions of space orthogonal to each other, this device being intended to be temporarily or not associated with the device which should be 'appreciate the tilt.
• the present invention relates more particularly to an apparatus indicating the inclination of a device comprising: - a first instantaneous inclination sensor for measuring a first inclination value with respect to the direction of acceleration of gravity, in the plane defined by the direction of acceleration of gravity and the first direction of space,
• a second instantaneous inclination sensor for measuring a second inclination value with respect to the direction of acceleration of gravity, in the plane defined by the direction of acceleration of gravity and the second direction of space,
• an electronic processing unit comprising a microprocessor, operatively connected to the first and second tilt sensors.
• the invention also relates to a method for determining the inclination of a device according to first and second directions of the space orthogonal to each other, in which one implements:
• the invention also relates to a system for detecting and recording the inclination of a pylon-type superstructure.
• the invention relates to a method for monitoring the inclination of a pylon-type superstructure in first and second directions of the space orthogonal to each other.
• Such devices implement a housing provided with two tilting type tilt sensors, mounted free in rotation each about a first axis, said sensors and their respective first axes being each mounted on a respective second axis orthogonal to their first respective axis, on fixed supports integral with the housing.
• These devices also include an electronic assembly making it possible to store and then process the inclination information obtained in the form of electrical signals from the sensors, so as to convert it into data intelligible to the user.
• pendulum sensors when subjected to a change of position, will oscillate for a certain time around their equilibrium position before stabilizing thereon, for obvious mechanical reasons related to their inertia .
• Electromagnetic devices for stabilizing these pendulum sensors have been proposed, but in addition to the fact that they require an additional volume incompatible with the miniaturization of the apparatus, they also generate the need to carry out additional correction calculations of the values of measured inclination which complicates the electronic assembly as well as the calculation algorithms, which constitutes a factor additional risk for operating reliability, and which increases the cost price of such a device.
• the objects assigned to the present invention therefore aim to propose a new device indicating the inclination of a device in two directions of space orthogonal to each other, as well as a new method for determining the inclination of a device in two directions of space orthogonal to each other, which do not have the drawbacks of the prior art listed above, and which make it possible to obtain inclination information in an extremely precise and rapid manner while being of a design simple, robust and miniaturized.
• Another object of the invention is to propose a new inclination indicating device as well as a new inclination determination method, which are carried out using particularly reliable, inexpensive and reduced size elements.
• Another object of the invention is to propose a new inclination indicating device as well as a new inclination determination method allowing excellent repeatability of measurement over time, independently of the environmental conditions.
• Another object of the invention is to propose a new inclination indicating device as well as a new inclination determination method which are of general application and which can be adapted to different fields of technical applications.
• Another object of the invention is to propose a new inclination indicating device as well as a new inclination determination method. allowing a particularly easy reading of the results, even in difficult practical configurations.
• Another object of the invention is to propose a new inclination indicating device as well as a new inclination determination method having substantially no hysteresis.
• Another object of the invention is to propose a new inclination indicating device as well as a new inclination determination method which can be adapted to monitoring, surveillance or control applications over time. inclination of a device in two directions of space.
• Another object of the invention is to propose a new inclination indicating device, as well as a new method for determining the inclination allowing excellent accuracy of the measurements.
• Another object of the invention is to propose a new inclination indicating device, as well as a new inclination determination method making it possible to correlate the inclination of a device to meteorological conditions.
• Another object of the invention is to propose a new system for detecting and recording the inclination of a superstructure, as well as a new method for monitoring the inclination of a superstructure, which are of a simple to implement while providing precise results, which reduce costs and operating constraints.
• Another object of the invention is to propose a new system for detecting and recording the inclination of a superstructure as well as a new method for monitoring the inclination of a superstructure, allowing obtain and process time-stamped tilt information over a long period of time in an automated manner.
• a first instantaneous inclination sensor for measuring a first inclination value with respect to the direction of acceleration of gravity, in the plane defined by the direction of acceleration of gravity and the first direction of space,
• a second instantaneous inclination sensor for measuring a second inclination value with respect to the direction of acceleration of gravity, in the plane defined by the direction of acceleration of gravity and the second direction of space, - an electronic processing unit comprising a microprocessor, functionally connected to the first and second tilt sensors,
• said first and second instantaneous tilt sensors as well as the electronic processing unit are placed within the same housing, and on the other hand in that said electronic processing unit is arranged so as to store first and second set values, and to compare them respectively with the first and second measured tilt values, and to simultaneously display, by the display means, calculated tilt values which correspond to the values of the difference between the measured tilt values and the respective setpoint values, said tilt sensors comprising semiconductor electronic sensors of the accelerometer type.
• the objects assigned to the invention are also achieved using a method of determining the inclination of a device according to first and second directions of the orthogonal space between them in which one implements: - a first phase (a) of measuring a first inclination value with respect to the direction of acceleration of gravity, in the plane defined by the direction of acceleration of gravity and the first direction of space,
• phase (e) of calculating calculated inclination values which correspond to the values of the difference between the measured inclination values and the respective setpoint values said instantaneous inclination sensors comprising semiconductor electronic sensors of the accelerometer type and being integrated into a single electronic chip.
• FIG. 1 illustrates, in a perspective view, a tilt indicator device according to the invention.
• Figure 2 illustrates, in a top view, the indicating device shown in Figure 1.
• FIG. 3 illustrates, in a schematic view, an inclination indicating device according to the invention used in the context of an application for monitoring and recording the spatial inclination of an electric pylon.
• FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an example of the relative positions of the direction of acceleration of gravity, with the two directions of space in which the inclination is measured, as well as the two directions of space corresponding to set values.
• the apparatus according to the invention is advantageously in the form of a housing 1, for example metallic and of generally substantially parallelepipedal shape, defining a bottom face 2 substantially planar and intended for be placed on, pressed against or integrated into a device 22 whose position or spatial inclination should be measured, in first and second directions in space 3, 4 orthogonal to each other, that is to say making an angle ⁇ equal to 90 °.
• the term “device” designates elements as diverse and non-limiting as portable devices for domestic use (hedge trimmer or DIY for the general public such as drills), portable devices for professional use (building, framework, masonry, laying of piping, false ceilings, tiling, interlocking pavers, drilling, plumbing various furniture, pianos, billiards, casino machines, pinball machines, roundabouts or even machine tools, laying rails, etc.), the installation of dentures or medical devices, the installation of satellite dishes, etc.
• the inclination indicating device according to the invention can also be integrated or mounted in a vehicle of the caravan, motorhome, motorized gardening machine, boat, bicycle, plane or automobile type, or even in a public works machine. or agricultural, without any restriction.
• tilt indicator device consists in integrating the tilt indicator device in a position control system, for the purpose of '' enslave an element of the tripod or other support type in relation to a setpoint, permanently or on order.
• the inclination indicating device comprises: - a first instantaneous inclination sensor for measuring a first inclination value 8 relative to the direction of acceleration of gravity 5 in the plane defined by the direction of acceleration of gravity 5 and the first direction of space 3,
• a second instantaneous tilt sensor for measuring a second tilt value 9 relative to the direction of acceleration of gravity 5, in the plane defined by the direction of acceleration of gravity 5 and the second direction of space 4.
• the direction of the acceleration of gravity 5 here corresponds to the direction of the vector g also sometimes called intensity of gravity. This direction corresponds to the direction of application of the force that constitutes the weight.
• first and second directions of space 3, 4 each make an angle of 90 ° with the direction of acceleration of gravity 5.
• Said first and second instantaneous tilt sensors are one-dimensional instantaneous tilt sensors and are arranged so as to remain integral inside the housing 1 substantially against the bottom 2, and thus form a two-dimensional instantaneous tilt sensor.
• the inclination indicator device can also include, inside the housing 1, a second two-dimensional instantaneous inclination sensor.
• the second two-dimensional instantaneous tilt sensor is mounted integrally on the first two-dimensional instantaneous tilt sensor formed by the first and second instantaneous tilt sensors.
• the second two-dimensional instantaneous tilt sensor is formed by the arrangement of a third and a fourth instantaneous tilt sensor, monodimensional, positioned in space so that, when the first and / or second instant tilt sensor (s) measures tilt values 8, 9 greater than 45 °, the third and / or fourth instant tilt sensor (s) measures tilt values less than 45 ° (and vice versa).
• the first and / or the second sensor (s) instantaneous inclination measures (nt) inclination values 8, 9 between 0 ° and 45 °
• the third and / or fourth instantaneous inclination sensor (s) measures (nt) inclination values between 45 ° and 90 °.
• the third instantaneous tilt sensor is mounted substantially orthogonal to the first instantaneous tilt sensor so that the tilt values measured on the one hand by the first sensor and on the other hand by the second sensor are complementary, that is to say that their sum is 90 °.
• the fourth instantaneous tilt sensor is preferably mounted substantially orthogonal to the second instantaneous tilt sensor.
• the device only takes into account the inclination values measured by the instantaneous inclination sensors which are less than 45 °.
• the first instantaneous tilt sensor measures a tilt value greater than 45 °, in particular between 45 ° and 90 °, the latter is not taken into account. It is the complementary tilt value, between 0 ° and 45 °, and measured by the third instantaneous tilt sensor, which is taken into account.
• all the instantaneous inclination sensors have characteristics which are substantially identical with respect to each other, so that the error made by each instantaneous inclination sensor is less than 2% of degree in the effective range of said sensor corresponding to tilt values between 0 and 45 °.
• the mounting of the first and second two-dimensional instantaneous tilt sensors with respect to each other is carried out in such a way that the device can measure with a substantially constant precision the tilt of the device throughout the range of tilt angles between 0 and 90 °, with a measurement error of less than 2% of a degree.
• the measured inclination values 8, 9 are considered to be derived from the measurements carried out by the first respectively the second instantaneous inclination sensor, since the inclination of the device according to the first respectively the second direction space is less than 45 °.
• Such a coupling of two two-dimensional instantaneous tilt sensors is particularly useful when high accuracy of the measurements is required, in particular in the field of antenna pointing.
• the tilt indicator device also includes, inside the housing 1, an electronic processing unit comprising a microprocessor, operatively connected to the first and second tilt sensors.
• the electronic processing unit comprises an electronic card connected to a microprocessor.
• this microprocessor can be a microcontroller having a read-only memory of 8 kilobytes and a random access memory of 256 bytes.
• said electronic processing unit is designed and arranged so as to store first and second setpoint values 6, 7 and to compare them respectively to the first and second measured tilt values 8, 9, and to calculating calculated inclination values 10, 11 which correspond to the values of the difference between the measured inclination values 8, 9 and the respective reference values 6, 7.
• the reference values 6, 7 thus form a reference plane 12 with respect to which the position of the locating plane of the apparatus is evaluated, which can for example be assimilated to the bottom 2.
• the first and second instantaneous tilt sensors comprise electronic semiconductor sensors of the accelerometer type, used here as inclinometers.
• such sensors include two polysilicon plates (polysilicon in English) suspended by multiple springs opposite corresponding polysilicon plates fixed to a silicon substrate (silicon in English), so as to form two parallel capacitors.
• the first polysilicon plate is suspended using flexible springs, so as to form a capacitor with variable capacity.
• the second polysilicon plate is suspended by means of very rigid springs so as to form a fixed capacitor. Acceleration is measured by comparing the variable capacity with the fixed capacity during acceleration.
• the first and the second tilt sensors are integrated orthogonally in a single electronic chip, so as to form a one-piece component.
• the third and the fourth instantaneous tilt sensor are also integrated in said single chip electronically, orthogonally to the first and second instantaneous tilt sensors respectively.
• the first and second two-dimensional tilt sensors are arranged so as to form a one-piece component.
• Such inclinometer semiconductor sensors advantageously make it possible to deliver an electrical signal whose voltage is between 0 and 5V and which is proportional to the angle (or its sine, its cosine or its tangent) measured.
• a miniaturized tilt sensor is used which is perfectly and completely bidirectional by construction, operational in all directions.
• the senor is positioned on and connected to the electronic processing unit.
• the electronic processing unit is embedded in a protective resin, so as to best preserve it from any external damage.
• the device according to the invention comprises at least one display means 13, 13A, 14A-D, information from the measurements made by the first and second sensors.
• Said display means is functionally connected to the electronic processing unit, so as to simultaneously display the calculated inclination values 10, 11 or values deduced from these calculated values, by additional arithmetic or trigonometric operations.
• the display means comprise a digital screen 13, 13A, possibly backlit, facilitating reading.
• the calculated tilt values 10, 11 are displayed directly by the display means and by the associated digital screen 13, 13A.
• the display means comprise buttons 14A-D, capable of being illuminated to signal, by activation, the direction of the deviation of the inclination of the device with respect to at least one value of instruction 6, 7.
• the box 1 will comprise on one and the same side, and preferably on the side including the display means 13, four buttons 14A-D symmetrically opposite to display and display four inclination differences.
• the box 1 can be associated with an external display means 13A, which external display means 13A is functionally connected temporarily or not to the box 1 by wired or wireless link, so to allow remote reading of the tilt information.
• external display means 13A is functionally connected temporarily or not to the box 1 by wired or wireless link, so to allow remote reading of the tilt information.
• the device according to the invention comprises an external keyboard 15 connectable to the electronic processing unit (by wired or wireless link) via an interface located on the housing 1, for entering the values of instruction 6, 7.
• the box 1 will be provided with a button or element 16 allowing the memorization of the selected set point or values 6, 7.
• a button or element 16 allowing the memorization of the selected set point or values 6, 7.
• the user wishes to store one or more set values 6, 7, he stably inclines the box 1 according to the or the desired directions 17, 18, then records and stores the value or values thus automatically measured by actuation of the button 16.
• the apparatus according to the invention comprises a self-calibration system for the set values making it possible to automatically return to a set value 6, 7 equal to zero.
• the user actuates, for example before the measurement, a button 19 for automatic return to zero corresponding to a zero reference inclination gravity, which actually erases, in the memories of the electronic processing unit, the last set point or values 6, 7 stored.
• the user then moves the box 1 onto the plane whose inclination (s) should be measured, the display means 13, 13A, 14A-D then simultaneously indicating the slopes in directions 3 and 4.
• the inclination measurement is therefore immediate and can furthermore be stored in order to form a pair of reference values 6, 7 with respect to which subsequent inclinations will be measured.
• the bottom 2 will moreover be provided with a magnetic metallic soleplate, equipped for example with dovetails 2A, to allow the introduction of rulers or brackets, in order to additionally carry out inclination measurements over great lengths.
• the housing 1 may be equipped with laser sighting elements 19A, 19B mounted for example on the side faces 1A, 1 B.
• the laser sighting elements 19A, 19B make it possible to make a visual reference at a distance representative of an inclination reference given by the housing 1 itself, and for example in two directions, and therefore according to a plane which is thus materialized visually. In certain applications, in particular in the building, this visual and remote location of a plan can prove to be extremely useful.
• the inclination indicating device is also provided with a meteorological station comprising one or more instruments, such as, without limitation, a frost detector, an anemometer, a thermometer or even one (or more ) optical sensor (s).
• a meteorological station comprising one or more instruments, such as, without limitation, a frost detector, an anemometer, a thermometer or even one (or more ) optical sensor (s).
• the meteorological information detected by these instruments will preferably be stored in a non-volatile memory and then exported to a computer reader for processing there.
• the meteorological information and the inclination information can be compared so as to identify a possible correlation between the inclination information and the meteorological information.
• the device is also provided with a signaling system capable, for example using suitable indicators, of prohibiting or authorizing intervention on the device, and for example on a pylon.
• a signaling system capable, for example using suitable indicators, of prohibiting or authorizing intervention on the device, and for example on a pylon.
• a weather station is also useful in order to determine the maximum external stresses borne by an antenna, that is to say the stresses which lead to an inclination of the antenna such that it is likely to affect its quality of transmission and reception.
• the apparatus according to the invention comprises a non-volatile memory unit operatively connected to an electronic processing unit, so as to store calculated tilt values.
• This non-volatile memory unit which forms a backup memory, can for example be constituted by an EEPROM type memory.
• a magnetic memory is also possible. This memory unit thus makes it possible to keep a history of the different tilt values calculated, for further processing.
• the inclination indicating device comprises a real time clock which will deliver a signal representing the instantaneous date and time.
• This real time clock allows the measuring device according to the invention to know the current date and time.
• This real-time clock also stores at least a predetermined date and time, and is functionally connected to an electronic processing unit so that the latter compares the instantaneous date and time with the predetermined date and time and, if they are equal two by two, stores the time stamp in non-volatile memory of the tilt values calculated at this time.
• This clock thus makes it possible, in association with a memory unit, to carry out preprogrammed measurement recordings.
• the device according to the invention comprises an output connector 20, positioned for example on one face of the housing 1, and functionally connected to an electronic processing unit so as to be able to connect the device to a computer reader 21, computer type, in order to export to it the time stamped tilt information contained in the non-volatile memory. It is also conceivable to connect the device to a computer reader 21, of the computer type, in order to import to the device for measuring inclination of data, for example predetermined dates and times for storing values of inclination, or setpoints.
• the invention also relates to a method for determining the inclination of a device according to a first and a second direction of the space 3, 4 orthogonal to each other, in which one implements:
• Phases (a) and (b) are carried out using respectively a first and a second instantaneous inclination sensor, said instantaneous inclination sensors comprising electronic semiconductor sensors of the accelerometer type, which are advantageously integrated both in a single electronic chip, so as to form a one-piece electronic and miniaturized component.
• phases (a) and (b) can also be carried out using a third and a fourth instantaneous tilt sensor respectively, the latter being of the same type as the first and second instant tilt sensors.
• a third and a fourth instantaneous tilt sensor respectively, the latter being of the same type as the first and second instant tilt sensors.
• the third and fourth instantaneous tilt sensors are arranged orthogonally relative to the first and second instantaneous tilt sensors.
• the inclination determination method according to the invention also comprises a phase (f) of displaying calculated inclination values 10, 11, said values being displayed simultaneously.
• the invention also relates to a system for detecting and recording in time the inclination of a pylon-type superstructure.
• superstructure designates in particular any construction work or work of art, whatever its size, its geometry and its dimensions.
• superstructure designates in particular slender structures such as masts, candelabras, poles or electricity pylons.
• the system for detecting and recording the inclination of a superstructure 22 comprises, on the one hand, an apparatus indicating the inclination provided with a non-volatile memory and a real-time clock conforming to the object of the invention, said device being arranged to be secured to the superstructure 22 by any known fixing means and, on the other hand, a computer reader 21 of the computer type as well as a connection interface 23, of the such as cable or wireless link (hertzian), making it possible to removably connect the computer reader 21 to the device in particular to export to the computer reader time-stamped tilt information contained in the non-volatile memory of the device.
• the tilt detection and recording system comprises a coding element making it possible to identify the superstructure 22.
• This coding element can for example consist of an alpha numeric chain engraved or written on the housing 1, or even a bar code. This coding element can also consist of computer data stored by the processing unit of the device.
• the system for detecting the recording of the inclination of a superstructure 22 comprises a computer program for processing and analyzing the timestamped inclination information exported.
• This program is implemented by a computer processing unit, of the computer type, which can correspond to the computer reader 21.
• This program makes it possible in particular to obtain a history of the evolution of the inclination of the superstructure, which history constitutes superstructure tilt tracking information.
• this program or software makes it possible to present, in the form of a table and / or graph, the different bidirectional tilt readings taken on a superstructure 22 during a given period.
• the monitoring system according to the invention lends itself particularly well to monitoring the inclination of pylons of a high voltage or very high voltage power line.
• the method of determining the inclination described above can thus be used to monitor the inclination of a superstructure 22.
• said first and second reference values 6, 7 are chosen for be representative of the initial position of the superstructure 22.
• a technician fixes the box 1 on the superstructure 22, then records and stores the values thus automatically measured by actuation of the button 16, these values thus automatically becoming reference values representative of the initial position of the superstructure 22.
• the method of determining the inclination, when it is used to monitor the inclination of a superstructure 22, further comprises steps (a) to (e) or (a) to (f) previously described, the following steps: a step (g) of time-stamped storage in a non-volatile memory of the calculated tilt values 10, 11, the acquisition cycle constituted by steps (a) to (g) being repeated from periodically according to a frequency called acquisition frequency,
• this step (h) being carried out periodically on a so-called recovery frequency, this frequency being greater than or equal to the acquisition frequency,
• the method for determining the inclination also comprises: a step (j) of time-stamped storage in a non-volatile memory, of meteorological information measured by the instruments of the meteorological station, a step (k) of exporting meteorological information to a computer reader 21,
• a step (I) of comparative processing of the meteorological information and of the inclination information so as to possibly reveal the reasons for the inclination of the device, and for example of an antenna of the type used in the global communication system mobile (GSM antenna or pylon).
• GSM antenna or pylon the global communication system mobile
• all this information namely the meteorological information and the inclination information, can be represented in graphic form so as to be able on the one hand to compare the curves obtained, and on the other hand possibly to identify the meteorological causes of the tilt of a device.
• a system for detecting and recording the inclination of a superstructure 22 in accordance with the invention is associated with a superstructure 22, and records the spatial positioning of this superstructure 22 twice a day.
• a technician goes to the pylon and connects a computer reader 21 (for example a computer) to the box 1, so as to retrieve all the calculated tilt values timestamped and stored in the non-volatile memory of the device. fixed on the superstructure 22.
• the technician can thus constitute a database which includes codes identifying the superstructure (s) 22 concerned as well as the dates, times and corresponding tilt values, these data then being able to be processed graphically or statistics, in order to analyze and predict the spatio-temporal evolution of a superstructure 22, and prevent any fall or ruin thereof.
• the invention finds its industrial application in the design and manufacture of devices indicating the inclination of devices.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
• Remote Sensing (AREA)
• Testing Or Calibration Of Command Recording Devices (AREA)
• Length Measuring Devices With Unspecified Measuring Means (AREA)
• Gyroscopes (AREA)
• User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)

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• 2002
  • 2002-07-19 FR FR0209278A patent/FR2842593B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2003
  • 2003-07-18 EP EP03755617A patent/EP1523656A2/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2003-07-18 CA CA002493903A patent/CA2493903A1/fr not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-07-18 AU AU2003273457A patent/AU2003273457A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-07-18 WO PCT/FR2003/002282 patent/WO2004010078A2/fr not_active Ceased

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