WO1988007176A1

WO1988007176A1 - Personal weighing device on a toilet seat

Info

Publication number: WO1988007176A1
Application number: PCT/FR1987/000069
Authority: WO
Inventors: Emmanuel Canecaude
Original assignee: Emmanuel Canecaude
Priority date: 1987-03-12
Filing date: 1987-03-12
Publication date: 1988-09-22
Also published as: EP0391890A1

Abstract

Weighing device on a toilet seat, comprising a toilet seat composed of a base (2) on which is mounted a mobile upper part (3) resting on two flexible peripheral joints (7, 8). At least three force sensors (15) are disposed within the toilet seat, each receiving the force to be measured by means of a ball (21) reacting on a slide (12), supported by the top of the toilet bowl (11). An electronic block (6), consisting of a display element (5), indicates in a window (4) the measured weight. A cover (9) is articulated, at (10), at the rear of the mobile part (3) of the toilet seat. The base (2) is articulated, at (13), on a support (14) fixed to the toilet bowl (11).

Description

Weighing device for people on seat of W.C.

The device relates to various improvements in person weighing on the seat of W.C.

We have known scales for a long time. These are bulky devices, rarely used when the weight of an indi is linked to his general health. To maintain this state of health it is necessary to regularly monitor the fluctuations of this weight. We also know weighing systems on the seat of a toilet as described in the patents:

- USA n ° 2,057,024 claiming a mechanical weighing system apart from four articulated supports 47,48,49,50, acting via levers 61,65 on a spring mechanism driving a display sector 32. The hinge of the bezel 18 has an oblique opening 21 to avoid parasitic stresses;

- DE 2 452 348 claiming a hydraulic weighing system mounted on a toilet bowl, the hydraulic pressure measurement corresponding to the user's weight can be carried out by a hydraulic, mechanical or electrical sensor transmitting a signal converted into read weight. on ^' a display means.

These measurement systems have the following drawbacks:

- USA 2-057 024, such a weighing mechanism is imprecise and cannot correspond to current international weighing standards. In addition, the humidity prevailing in this environment quickly causes corrosion of the pivot axes of the moving parts, which quickly introduces distortions in the measurement and makes the system unusable;

- DE 2,452,348, this patent claims a hydraulic weighing system presented in an extremely schematic manner. The sensors are not described, the measurement means presented seems to be a pressure gauge although an electrical measurement means is also mentioned. This system is imprecise with regard to international standards for weights and measures. It is the same for the system of patent DE 2219 108.

The object of the present device is to provide a set of more reliable and more precise measuring means and improvements fully satisfying the precision criteria of the international standardization of weights and measures, presenting no risk of wear and corrosion comparable to those mechanical means. Another object of the present addition to the main patent is to provide improvements which increase the precision of the measurement and to provide mounting variants of the strain gauge measurement sensors.

According to a first embodiment of these improvements, the upper part of the telescope is mounted floating, pressing, by means of a ball, on at least three force sensors with deformation gauge fixed on a rigid base articulated to the 'rear of the bowl and resting on it by means of elastomer pads or the like. Said floating part being subjected to a preload against the base part, sealing between the two parts is ensured by peripheral seals. The flap cover is hinged on the float part of the bezel.

According to a second embodiment, the sensors are mounted on a rigid sole mounted floating inside the bezel, in pre-cha ge against the upper part of the bezel, the support pads of the motors integral with the sole, pass through , sealingly, the bottom wall of the telescope by means of very flexible seals to bear directly on the top of the bowl.

According to a third embodiment, the weighing is carried out directly on the lid of the telescope, with any of the measurement means claimed, said telescope acting as a rigid base, the liquid crystal display means indicating the weight of the user being disposed on top and at the front of said cover, or on a wall-mounted and remote-controlled support. According to the invention, there are provided several variants of electronic weight measurement diagrams with various types of sensors and strain measurement gauge, as well as a calibration and temperature compensation bench for said sensors.

The advantages brought by these improvements are the following:

- better accuracy of weight measurement;

- increased reliability by excellent sealing of the telescope against projections; - great robustness of the capture and measurement system.

The invention is described in detail in the following text, with reference to the drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples, in which:

- Fig.1 is a partial sectional elevation of an embodiment of the weighing seat according to the invention;

- Fig.2 shows a cross section according to Fig.1, by one of the double embedded measurement sensors;

- fig.3 is a variant of fig.2, in which the measurement sensors are mounted on a floating sole inside the telescope - fig.4 is another variant in cross section, with capt of so-called traction measurements;

- Fig.5 is an elevational view showing the mounting of a double embedded measurement sensor;

- Fig.6 and 7 show, in top view, an example of three and four sensor telescope base;

- Fig.8 shows, in section, an example of a traction preload means on floating sole;

- Figs 9 and 10 show, in section, an example of compression preload means mounted on floating sole; - Fig.11 shows an example de.moyen preload traction corresponding to Fig.1, 4 and 5;

- Fig.12 and Fig.13 show two variants of sensors with parallel grams;

- fig. 14 and 15 show two variants of the electronic diagram for measuring and displaying the weight;

- Fig.16 shows an example of electronic sshema of remote control of liquid crystal display by infrared radiation;

- Fig.17 shows an example of a weighing block diagram comprising a gauge bridge plus a half-bridge; - Fig.18 shows a variant diagram with two half-bridges and a full po of gauges;

- Fig. 19 shows the diagram of a sensor calibration bench;

- Fig. 20 shows an example of a synoptic diagram of calibration and temperature compensation of the sensors. Fig. 1 shows, in longitudinal section, an example of telescope 1 made in two parts, a base 2, and a floating upper part 3 at the front includes a projection comprising a window 4 arranged above a block 5 electronic display of the measurement, itself mounted on an electronic unit 5 comprising the means for processing the signals delivered by the measurement sensors. The base 2 and the floating cover 3 are supported on two peripheral seals 7,8. A flap cover is hinged at the rear on the floating cover 3, on axes 10. It is shown in the closed position. The base 2 is supported on the top of the toilet bowl 11, by means of pads 12 made of elastomer or the like. It is articulated by means of a pin 13 on a rear support 1 fixed on the bowl 11.

Figs. 2 and 5 show an example of mounting a so-called double-embedded measurement sensor 15, placed in abutment on the bottom of a guide housing 16 raised relative to the bottom of the base 2, ensuring vertical support and guiding narrow lateral, cooperating with a positioning pin 17 on which it is engaged with a little play in a centering hole of the lower blade of the sensor. The latter consists of two blades 18,19 assembled on two wedges 20 by rivets. The upper part 3 of the telescope is supported on the sensors by means of balls 21 each maintained on an imprint 22 constituted by an attached metal seat glued under the upper part 3. The upper blade 18 of the sensor also includes a centering imprint of the ball. One of the two imprints is provided with a width that is large enough to allow the lateral play to be taken up, if necessary, for the establishment.

In Fig.3, there is shown a floating mounting variant of the sensors 15, mounted on a rigid metal sole 25 having a lateral centering fold of the sensors. The sole 25 is supported with a prestress, on the ball 21 under the cover 3, by an elastic preload means shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. This preload maintains the assembly of the two parts and ensures the proper functioning of the measurement sensors.

The sensors 15 are directly supported on the top of the bowl 11 by pads 26 cooperating with a seal 27. The sensor is supported on a washer 28 centered on a shoulder of the pad. A second shoulder defines a small span 29 acting as a pin for positioning the sensor. In this version, the body of the telescope is also made up of two parts 30, 31, rigidly assembled together in a leaktight manner forming a casing. The preload, in FIG. 8, is carried out by means of traction spring 33, hooked on the one hand on the sole 25 and on the other hand on a pin 34, inserted in a boss of the part 30 of the glasses.

Figs. 9 and 10 show, in section, a variant of obtaining the preload by means of a compression spring 35 bearing on a centering 36 of the lower part 31 of the telescope and on the housing bottom 37 stamped in the sole 25. The preload is produced by means of a screw 38 tightened in a thread of a boss 39 from the top 3 of the telescope. The head of this screw is supported in an age of the bos 36 for centering the spring.

Fig.10 shows the arrangement of the sensors 15 and the preload spring 35 on the floating sole 25. The preload spring 35 is mounted equidistant from the vertical tax of the sensors passing through the pads 26. This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a perfectly closed and waterproof bezel, the edges of the two parts 30, 31 are glued between what forms a rigid box. The sealing of the passage of the pads 26 is very safe, very flexible and does not introduce any measurement drift.

On -fig.11, we showed another example of means of setting e preload of the sensors of fig.1,2,4 and 5. The upper floating part 3 is pressed against the base 2 of the telescope. It also consists of a tension spring 40, hooked at its upper part, co in fig.8, on a pin 34 and has, at its base, a round! The nut 41, welded to the last ring of the spring, into which is screwed a screw 42 with a countersunk head, engaged in a hole in the base 2. In FIG. 4, a variant of a strain gauge sensor has been shown, said traction sensor T constituted by a cylinder , for example duralumin or similar, machined to leave a veil V comprising a gauge J. It is simply placed centered on a circular boss of the base 2. It can also be used on a floating sole.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a telescope base 2 with four sensors 15 (fig. 6) and three sensors (fig. 7), positioned on the rigid guide support 16, which cooperates with ribs 45, 46 for lateral support. We have also shown the position of the preloading springs 40 according to the section in fig.11. We also see the electronic blo 6 and the display 5. Commissioning can be carried out by a conventional manual switch. To avoid forgetting to put it out of service after use, it is preferable to use a switch acting only when the lid is lifted 9. It interrupts the power supply when the cover is closed. It can for example be constituted by a magnet inserted in the key cover 9 in line with a magnetic switch 47 fixed on the base 2 in the vicinity of the upper part of the telescope. The power source of the electronic block 6 is constituted by a set of 1.5 volt stick batteries for intensive use, introduced into a rectangular box 48 (fig. 6) with an access cover clipped or screwed below the base. 2. In fig.7, the batteries are arranged in two separate boxes 49.50 (fig.7) each containing 3 batteries, and closed by an access plug 51, on the rear of the base. The telescope must rest exclusively on the supports located under the sensors, pads 12 (fig.2) or 26. (fig.3). The distribution of vertical forces does not matter. In the case of three sensors, there is no problem of hyperstatism. On the other hand, in the case of four sensors, the structure will be able to be veiled and will ensure the four contacts, because it is ^' unlikely that its rigidity is such that the telescope switches over. Of course, the connection between the upper and lower parts of the telescope is such that it can normally rest on supports, whatever the flatness errors usually cons- On Fig. 12 and 13, we have shown, two variants of so-called parallelogram sensors usable for weight measurement.

Fig.14 shows an example of a block diagram of the electronic weighing assembly according to the invention on a floating or not floating telescope. It comprises three bridges of strain gauges 57,58,59 of the order of 350 ohms mounted in parallel and driving an analog amplifier 60 with low drift working with a gain of the order of 10 to 15, whose output signal will be of order 140 millivolts at full scale This signal attacks an analog-digital converter 61 which controls a liquid crystal display means 62 intended to display the hundred kilograms 63, the tens kilo 64 "the kilo 65 _> and the fractions of kilo by means of superimposed segments 66, for example from 20 to 200 grams.

The assembly is powered by a battery 67 or by an adequate mains supply. In fig. 15 the converter 68 is replaced by a microprocessor ma que 69 ensuring in particular the following functions:

- analog-to-digital converter with output on the liquid crystal display means 70 or other, or on a synthesis block of the paro attacking a speaker 71 giving, in addition to the weight, instructions to the user such as for example "lift your feet", "you weigh ... To reduce the consumption of the assembly, it is possible to add a timed power control controlled by a fugitive action switch which is pressed to be informed of the measured weight Other functions can be included in the microprocessor comm for example the time, the temperature, the memorization of the weight and the corresponding date introduced by means of a small keyboard, and the com of a small printer to periodically output a curve of evolution of the weight.

Of course, the microprocessor can also control a digital display means 62 instead of a speech synthesis block.

In fig.16on has shown the diagram of an example of remote digital display control by infrared radiation. As for the diagrams of fig. 14 and 15, the analog amplifier receiving the information from the gauge bridges attacks an encoder 72 with serial output which controls, through another amplifier 73, the infra-red emission 74 from a dio to infra -red 75. This emission is received by a phototransistor or u photodiode 76 whose signal is amplified on a serial-parallel decoder the 77 driving the liquid crystal display means or the like 78, or a speech synthesis block or a printer. In fig. 17, an example has been shown, according to the invention, of a weighing diagram comprising a complete gauge bridge 79, cooperating with a half-gauge bridge 80 with counter-voltage reinjection controlled by a microprocessor masked or not. This arrangement makes it possible to reduce the problem of distortion of the blades. In Fig. 18, we have shown an example, according to the invention, of a weighing diagram comprising two half-bridges of gauge 81.82, cooperating with a full bridge of gauges 83 each driving an analog amplifier 84.85 , 86, which attacks a microprocessor, masked or not, 87, ensuring the functions described above and in particular the control of a display means 88.

The calibration bench in fig. 19 includes an oven 89, a sup port 90 on which the glasses 91 for weighing people are placed, a pneumatic, hydraulic or electro-mechanical system 92, making it possible to maneuver a calibration mass 93, to place it on the bezel. The electronic diagram in fig. 20 shows an example of how to calibrate and compensate the temperature of the weighing sensors. It comprises \ ιn interface 94 for automatic zero leveling, connected to the sensors 95 ,, an analog-digital converter block 96 receiving information from a probe 97, a microprocessor 98, a display block 99, an uneEPROM " 100, a weight clock with time setting buttons 101 and an energy source 102.

The temperature drifts of the zero and the slope of the sensors are assumed to be linear. The system makes it possible, thanks to software incorporated in the microprocessor, to memorize the temperature errors made by the deformation sensors (slope and zero drift) and to carry out full scale calibration. The coefficients are stored in an "EEPR0M" 100 .. The operation does not require any electronic equipment, simply a programmable study at + 15 ° and + 35 ° C, a weight for example of 60kg with the possibility of placing it on the scale .

We also use a series of five switches, connected to the ports of microprocessor 98.

The first is used for drift from zero to + 15 ° C; the second for drift from zero to + 35 ° C; the third for the slope at 15 ° C; the fourth for the slope at 35 ° C ^* . the last one for calibration.

Claims

1 - Device for weighing people on a WC seat according to resale 1 of the main patent, in which a telescope, articulated at the rear on a support fixed to the toilet bowl, includes weight measurement sensors, an electronic measurement and display unit, an energy source, characterized in that it comprises:

the telescope (1) made up of two parts, a lower part (2) and an upper part (3) mounted floating, in support Tune on the other by means of two flexible annular seals (7,8),

- the measurement sensors (15) are arranged in support each between the upper part (3) of the telescope and the top of the bowl (11) of the W.

- means (33,35,40) for assembling the parts (2,3) of the telescope creating a preload on the measurement sensors,

- the flap cover (9), articulated on the upper part (3) at the rear, - a means of calibration and temperature compensation and automatic zero adjustment.

2 - Device according to claim 1, wherein the measurement sensors are double recessed, constituted by two parallel blades (18,19) assembled together after interposition of two wedges (20), comprising, at its upper central part, a ball impression, and at its lower part, a positioning hole, characterized in that they are each supported on a narrow housing (16) raised relative to the bottom of the base, cooperating with another lateral guide means (45 , 46), and in that the ball (21), pressing on its imprint, is placed in preload against a seat (22) ass jetti above the upper part (3) of the telescope.

3 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensors (15) are mounted on an intermediate sole (25) disposed inside the bezel (30,31), held in preload against the underside of the upper part (30) of the bezel, and in that they bear on the top of the bowl (11) via each of a pad (26) fixed to said sole by means of a shoulder engaged in a hole, ending in a bearing surface receiving said sensor, and in that said shoe cooperates with a flexible seal (27) closing the hole for passage of said shoe through the bottom wall (31) of the bezel. 4 - Device according to claims 1,2 and 3, characterized in that the adjustable pre-charge means of the measurement and assembly sensors of the floating part (3) of the telescope on its base (2), is constituted by tension springs (40), hooked at their upper part under the top of the telescope (3) and comprising, at their base, means for receiving a adjusting screw (42) for the preload, engaged in a hole in the base (2) of the telescope.

5 - Device according to claims 1,2 and 3, characterized in that the means for preloading the sensors and assembling the floating sole (25) disposed inside the scope body (30,31), is a tension spring (33) hung under the top (30) of the telescope body and on the sole (25).

6 - Device according to claims 1,2 and 3, characterized in that the means for preloading the sensors and assembling the sole (25) disposed inside the telescope body (30,31) is a compression spring (35) disposed in a housing (37) of the sole (25), bearing on the lower part (31) of the bezel and cooperating with a screw (38) engaged in a hole in a boss of the lower part (31) of the telescope and screwed into a boss of the upper part (30). 7 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the weighing is carried out by means of at least three compression sensors.

8 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the weighing is carried out by means of at least one shear sensor cooperating with at least one compression sensor mounted in front of the telescope, and in that the telescope is mounted with or without a rigid base.

9 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the weighing is carried out by means of at least three parallelogram sensors' equipped with strain gauges.

10 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the weighing hubs comprise three bridges of strain gauges (57,58,59) mounted in parallel and driving an analog amplifier (60-) with weak drift whose signal output drives an analog to digital converter (61) which controls a liquid crystal display means (62) designed to display the hundred kilograms (63), the tens (64), the kilogram (65) and the fractions of kilograms by means of superimposed segments (66), the assembly being supplied by a battery (67) or by an appropriate mains supply. 11 - Device according to claims 1 and 11 characterized in that the converter (61) is replaced by a masked microprocessor (69.) ensuring the functions of the converter and driving either a liquid crystal display means or other (62) , or a speech synthesis block (S) attacking a loudspeaker (71) giving instructions to the user such as "lift your feet" giving him his weight and possibly additional usual information such as the time, the temperature, and in that a keyboard cooperating with a memory and a small printer is also provided for entering the date, memorizing the weight and periodically outputting a weight curve, and in that in order to reduce the electrical consumption, adds a timed power command controlled by a momentary switch to be informed of the weight.

12- Device according to claims 1,12 and 13, characterized in that the display of the weight on a liquid crystal screen (62) is performed remotely, the analog amplifier (60) drives an encoder (72) with serial output which controls, through another operational amplifier (73), the emission (74) of an infrared diode (75), this emissi is received by a phototransistor or a photodiode (76) whose signal is amplified on a parallel serial decoder (77) driving a liquid crystal weight display means (78) or a speech synthesis block and its speaker or a printer.

13- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the weighing hubs comprise a complete bridge of gauges (79) cooperating with a half-bridge of gauges (80) with feedback contretension controlled by a masked microprocessor or not (61) in particular controlling the means, display (62) or a speech synthesis block.

15- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the weighing means comprise two gauge half-bridges (81,82) cooperating with a full bridge (83) each driving an analog amplifier (84,85,8 attacking a microprocessor masked or not (87) controlling in particular the weight display means (88) or a speech synthesis block. 16 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensors of each telescope are calibrated on a measurement bench available in an oven and comprising a means receiving the telescope to be calibrated, a system for maneuvering the calibration mass (93 ) allowing it to be placed on the telescope, an electronic control unit comprising an interface (94) for automatic zero leveling connected to the sensors (15), an analog-digital converter unit (96) receiving information from a probe (97), a microprocessor (98), a display block (99), an "EEPROM" (I00), a weight clock (101) with time setting buttons and a power source ( 102).

17 - Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weighing is carried out on the lid of the bezel, said bezel acting as a rigid base, the liquid crystal display means of the measured weight being arranged visible in front of said cover or on a wall support where it is remotely controlled by means of an appropriate electronic unit.