EP1886109A2 - Electronic thermometer with energy storage - Google Patents

Electronic thermometer with energy storage

Info

Publication number
EP1886109A2
EP1886109A2 EP06755530A EP06755530A EP1886109A2 EP 1886109 A2 EP1886109 A2 EP 1886109A2 EP 06755530 A EP06755530 A EP 06755530A EP 06755530 A EP06755530 A EP 06755530A EP 1886109 A2 EP1886109 A2 EP 1886109A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
thermometer
housing
magnet
temperature sensor
supply means
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06755530A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Michel Sarrazin
Benoît LINGLIN
Stéphane CAREGNATO
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SEB SA
Original Assignee
SEB SA
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 SEB SA filed Critical SEB SA
Publication of EP1886109A2 publication Critical patent/EP1886109A2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01K13/00—Thermometers specially adapted for specific purposes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01K2215/00—Details concerning sensor power supply

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the measurement of temperatures and more particularly relates to a body thermometer or bath, without battery and having a system of energy accumulation.
  • An energy storage system can be a mechanical system that allows, by Faraday effect, to recharge an electric capacitor supply of a thermometer.
  • a mechanical system uses the movement of a magnet passing through a winding which produces an induced current therein.
  • the capacitor energy management circuit is connected to the winding circuit which feeds it, the capacitor then being able to store enough energy to supply the thermometer measurement and display circuit.
  • the document JP 4-72529 describes a device for measuring the ambient temperature operating on the Faraday principle, therefore without external power source, and including in particular a magnet that moves in translation . inside a coil under the influence of temperature.
  • the magnet is moved by a shape memory material during the rise in temperature, then it returns to its initial position, under the pressure of a spring, when the temperature drops.
  • the energy produced during the displacement of the magnet is used to display the measured value on the screen of the device.
  • Such a system finds its limits when it requires a rise in temperature ass.ez important to provide enough energy to the measuring device, especially since it does not include energy storage means. Therefore, such a device can not be used to measure a body temperature or close to the latter requiring good measurement accuracy for a small change in the measured temperature.
  • JP 4-315931 another device for measuring the ambient temperature with automatic power supply system comprising him, a system for storing energy.
  • These measures uses the oscillation of a feeder, produced when shaking the device, flyweight which rotates, via a gear train, a magnet in a coil. The rotation of the magnet inside the coil induces an electric current in its conductors, which current is supplied to a capacitor storage circuit supplying the electrical measuring and display circuit of the device.
  • this device While being more precise than the previous one, this device has the drawbacks of using a rotational movement of a flyweight whose movement is very discreet and quickly becomes cushioned and which must, in addition, use a gear train to amplify the movement transmitted to the magnet.
  • Such a solution is quite complex and the device quickly becomes bulky when it is desired to obtain a faster power supply.
  • the object of the invention is to obviate the aforementioned problems and to propose an energy storage electronic thermometer which is reliable and accurate in operation, even for small variations in the measured temperature.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a compact energy storage thermometer, of simplified construction, able to quickly indicate the value of the measured temperature, as soon as it is started.
  • Another object of the invention is a thermometer capable of measuring the body temperature of an individual or that of his bath, which is of economic and ecological achievement, while being easy to manufacture and clean.
  • a body or bath electronic thermometer comprising a temperature probe disposed on an outer side of a housing and connected to measuring means and supply means belonging to the housing, the supply means comprising a system for supplying electric energy to the thermometer and a system for storing the energy produced, since said supply system comprises a cylindrical element for guiding a magnet that slides freely relative to a coil disposed concentrically to the cylindrical element, the ends of the cylindrical member forming resilient stops which repel the magnet when the thermometer is shaken by the user.
  • Such an electronic thermometer comprises an electrical energy supply system comprising a particularly simple mechanical system making it possible, when the thermometer is slightly shaken, for a magnet to move freely with respect to a cylindrical element having a winding of wires forming a coil arranged concentrically with the axis of this cylindrical element, over at least a part of its length.
  • the magnet thus generates, at each of its passages, a current induced in the coil, its kinetic energy being converted into electrical energy.
  • elastic stops for example rubber pads, which are used to push the magnet when it reaches the end of its stroke. This allows the magnet to continue its movement, while reducing shocks to the case.
  • the feeding system therefore comprises a magnet that slides freely when the thermometer is shaken by the user, elastic stops being provided to push the moving magnet.
  • a power system thus provides an independent thermometer, free of any battery, battery or any connection to an external power supply system.
  • the thermometer comprises a power management circuit comprising at least one electrical capacitor positioned in the loop of the induced current, which then makes it possible to store enough energy to supply its measurement circuit and, respectively, a display screen. without having to shake the thermometer with each use.
  • such a battery-free electronic thermometer with energy storage can be manufactured more economically, without the need to provide access to replace the used battery or to extract it for recycling, the housing can thus be made permanently closed, thus providing an ecological and economical product.
  • a cylindrical element around which is wound a conductive wire format a coil and having a tubular magnet moving outside the coil is preferred, this cylindrical element then forming a guide tube for a cylindrical magnet. sliding freely inside the coil.
  • said housing is elongate and the temperature sensor and said cylindrical member are arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing.
  • the axis of sliding of the magnet of the feed system of the thermometer is in the axis of the housing and therefore that of use of the thermometer, which offers more ergonomics and, at the same time, a race significant displacement of the magnet.
  • the probe may be arranged outside the housing or integrated therewith.
  • said supply means are arranged in the lower part of the housing.
  • the magnet is arranged so that, under the effect of gravity, it is placed in the lower part of the housing, the thermometer being in the vertical position. This provides better stability when placed in a support in upright position or when immersed in water.
  • the temperature sensor is disposed at the lower end of the housing, in the vicinity of said thermometer supply means, and the thermometer comprises a display screen disposed at the top of the housing.
  • thermometer in vertical position
  • said housing is waterproof.
  • thermometer is then completely waterproof, allowing it to be immersed to measure the temperature of the bath water or to be cleaned easily and safely, without fear of damaging its electrical components. .
  • a housing can then be overmoulded, perfectly sealed and permanent, because it has no battery or battery.
  • the weight of said magnet allows the immersion of the temperature probe in the water during the floating of the thermometer.
  • the magnet alone allows, by its own weight, and without the thermometer has additional counterweight, to keep the probe immersed in water. This ensures a precise measurement of the water temperature, performed in depth, for a simplified and economical construction of the thermometer.
  • said supply means are connected to timing means allowing the thermometer to shut off after a predetermined time interval.
  • thermometer This saves accumulated energy and thus prevents the user from having to shake the thermometer with each use.
  • an energy of approximately 15OmW is produced when the thermometer is shaken for 30 seconds, the energy consumed by the thermometer for measuring and displaying a measurement being around 5 ⁇ W, the rest being able to be stored by the storage or energy storage system of the thermometer of the invention as soon as the delay means control the standby of the thermometer.
  • FIG. 1 shows schematically an electronic thermometer according to the invention, including highlighting its power supply means;
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the circuit diagram of the electronic thermometer of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows an electronic thermometer 1 of the invention, more particularly a bath thermometer, comprising a housing 3 of elongate shape with, at its lower end 4, a temperature probe 5 protruding with respect to the housing and, the opposite end, a display screen 12.
  • the probe could be located further from the housing, but likely to come into contact with the medium whose temperature is to be measured.
  • the temperature probe. 5 is electrically connected to measuring means 7 (see FIG. 2) which are connected to electrical power supply means 9 and to a display screen 12.
  • the power supply means 9 comprise a power system 10 and a storage system 11 of electrical energy.
  • the supply system 10 comprises a guide tube 14 of a magnet 15 slidingly moving inside the tube, the longitudinal axis of the tube being disposed in the longitudinal axis of the housing 3.
  • the guide tube 14 is preferably cylindrical with an inside diameter slightly greater than the outside of the magnet 15 which has an equally cylindrical shape. Both ends of the guide tube 14 are closed by two elastic stops 17, 18 and also serve to fix the guide tube 14 inside the housing 3.
  • the resilient stops 17, 18 are, for example, rubber buffers of comparable diameter to the outside of the guide tube 14.
  • the guide tube 14 is preferably made of a magnetically permeable material, for example PS or P ABS. Outside the guide tube 14, and preferably in its middle part, is fixed a winding of electrically conductive wires forming a coil 16.
  • the length of the winding of the coil 16 is about 1/3 of the length of the guide tube 14, the length of the magnet 15 being about 1/3 of the length of the tube also. This allows the magnet 15 to make complete trips and returns with respect to the coil 16, inside the guide tube 14, for a better efficiency of a supply system 10 thus achieved very compact.
  • thermometer is intended to operate in a vertical position when immersed in the water of a bathtub.
  • the supply system 10 is arranged in the lower part of the housing 3, in the vicinity of the temperature sensor 5. According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the weight of the magnet
  • the weight of the magnet 15 is about 40 g, the total weight of the electronic thermometer 1 being about 150 g. The magnet thus also plays the role of the mass of good positioning of the thermometer.
  • the housing 3 is made so that it can be held by hand, and in a plastic material, for example ABS or PS, by an injection technique so as to encapsulate completely and in a watertight manner all the components of the electronic thermometer 1, more particularly intended to measure the temperature of the bath water.
  • a plastic material for example ABS or PS
  • the housing 3 may include an on / off button (not shown in the drawings) protected by a waterproof membrane.
  • this button could be absent, the starting of the apparatus being done as soon as the movement of the magnet (as soon as there is a current detection in the circuit of the coil), the stop can be performed automatically by the microprocessor of the device, after a preset operating period.
  • the user starts by shaking the thermometer by grasping the housing 3 by hand.
  • This movement is printed on the magnet 15 which begins sliding inside the guide tube 14, in one of the direction of the arrows of Figure 1.
  • the magnet 15 strikes one resilient stops 17,18 which pushes it in the opposite direction, in the direction of the opposite stop.
  • an induced current is generated across the latter.
  • the user can take a measurement, for example by immersing the thermometer in the bath water.
  • FIG. 2 shows the electric diagram of the thermometer of the invention, in which it is observed that the current generated in the coil 16 passes via a diode 19 and is stored in a capacitor 20 (or even in several capacitors connected in parallel).
  • This current generated by the supply system 10 provides the energy necessary for the operation of the measuring means 7 made, for example, in the form of a microprocessor.
  • the microprocessor belonging to the measuring means 7 transforms the electrical signal received from the temperature sensor 5 into a value of the temperature which it transmits to the display screen 12 informing the user the value of the water temperature.
  • thermometer operating on the same principle and having the same components as previously described can also be realized.
  • thermometer may include means for storing the measured values, a time display, an operating indicator of the apparatus, etc.
  • thermometer is designed to operate in a horizontal position, for example by floating on the surface of the water, with the axis of sliding of the magnet parallel to that of the surface of the the water at rest, the temperature probe then being arranged on the part of the housing coming into contact with water.
  • thermometer could be powered when the magnet is moved relative to its guide tube by the movement of water from a bath or that of a pool.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Measuring Temperature Or Quantity Of Heat (AREA)
  • Devices For Medical Bathing And Washing (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns an electronic body or bath thermometer (1), comprising a temperature sensor (5) arranged on an outer face of a housing (3) and connected to measuring means and powering means (9) belonging to the housing (3), the powering means (9) including a power supply system (10) of the thermometer as well as a system for storing (11) the energy produced. The invention is characterized in that said power supply system comprises a cylindrical element guiding a magnet (15) sliding relative to a coil (16) arranged concentrically to the cylindrical element, the ends of the cylindrical element forming elastic stops (17, 18) which repel the magnet (15) when the thermometer is shaken by the user.

Description

B.07421ext B.0742 1ext
THERMOMETRE ELECTRONIQUE A ACCUMULATION D'ENERGIEELECTRONIC THERMOMETER WITH ENERGY ACCUMULATION
La présente invention se rapporte à la mesure des températures et elle concerne plus particulièrement un thermomètre corporel ou de bain, sans pile et comportant un système d'accumulation d'énergie.The present invention relates to the measurement of temperatures and more particularly relates to a body thermometer or bath, without battery and having a system of energy accumulation.
Un système d'accumulation d'énergie peut être un système mécanique qui permet, par effet Faraday, de recharger un condensateur électrique d'alimentation d'un thermomètre. Un tel système mécanique utilise le mouvement d'un aimant passant dans un bobinage qui produit un courant induit dans ce dernier. Le circuit de gestion d'énergie à condensateur est relié au circuit du bobinage qui l'alimente, le condensateur pouvant alors stocker suffisamment d'énergie pour alimenter le circuit de mesure et d'affichage du thermomètre.An energy storage system can be a mechanical system that allows, by Faraday effect, to recharge an electric capacitor supply of a thermometer. Such a mechanical system uses the movement of a magnet passing through a winding which produces an induced current therein. The capacitor energy management circuit is connected to the winding circuit which feeds it, the capacitor then being able to store enough energy to supply the thermometer measurement and display circuit.
Le document JP 4-72529 décrit un dispositif de mesure de la température ambiante fonctionnant sur le principe de Faraday, donc sans source d'alimentation externe, et comportant notamment un aimant qui se déplace en translation. à l'intérieur d'une bobine sous l'influence de la température. L'aimant est mis en mouvement par un matériau à mémoire de forme lors de la montée en température, puis il revient en sa position initiale, sous la poussée d'un ressort, lorsque la température baisse. L'énergie produite lors du déplacement de l'aimant est utilisée pour afficher la valeur mesurée à l'écran du dispositif. Un tel système trouve ses limites lorsqu'il nécessite une montée en température ass.ez importante pour fournir suffisamment d'énergie au dispositif de mesure, notamment du fait qu'il ne comporte pas de moyens de stockage de l'énergie. De ce fait, un tel dispositif ne peut pas être utilisé pour mesurer une température corporelle ou proche de cette dernière nécessitant une bonne précision de mesure pour une faible variation de la température mesurée.The document JP 4-72529 describes a device for measuring the ambient temperature operating on the Faraday principle, therefore without external power source, and including in particular a magnet that moves in translation . inside a coil under the influence of temperature. The magnet is moved by a shape memory material during the rise in temperature, then it returns to its initial position, under the pressure of a spring, when the temperature drops. The energy produced during the displacement of the magnet is used to display the measured value on the screen of the device. Such a system finds its limits when it requires a rise in temperature ass.ez important to provide enough energy to the measuring device, especially since it does not include energy storage means. Therefore, such a device can not be used to measure a body temperature or close to the latter requiring good measurement accuracy for a small change in the measured temperature.
On connaît, par ailleurs, du document JP 4-315931 , un autre dispositif de mesure de la température ambiante à système automatique d'alimentation en énergie comportant, lui, un système de stockage de l'énergie. Ce dispositif utilise l'oscillation d'une masselotte, produite lorsque l'on secoue le dispositif, masselotte qui met en rotation, via un train d'engrenages, un aimant dans une bobine. La rotation de l'aimant à l'intérieur de la bobine induit un courant électrique dans ses conducteurs, courant qui est fourni à un circuit de stockage à condensateur d'alimentation du circuit électrique de mesure et d'affichage du dispositif. Tout en étant plus précis que le précédent, ce dispositif présente comme inconvénients le fait d'utiliser un mouvement en rotation d'une masselotte dont le déplacement est très discret et devient rapidement amorti et qui doit, de surcroît, utiliser un train d'engrenages pour amplifier le mouvement transmis à l'aimant. Une telle solution est assez complexe et le dispositif devient vite encombrant lorsque l'on souhaite obtenir une alimentation plus rapide en énergie.Also known from JP 4-315931, another device for measuring the ambient temperature with automatic power supply system comprising him, a system for storing energy. These measures uses the oscillation of a feeder, produced when shaking the device, flyweight which rotates, via a gear train, a magnet in a coil. The rotation of the magnet inside the coil induces an electric current in its conductors, which current is supplied to a capacitor storage circuit supplying the electrical measuring and display circuit of the device. While being more precise than the previous one, this device has the drawbacks of using a rotational movement of a flyweight whose movement is very discreet and quickly becomes cushioned and which must, in addition, use a gear train to amplify the movement transmitted to the magnet. Such a solution is quite complex and the device quickly becomes bulky when it is desired to obtain a faster power supply.
Le but de l'invention est d'obvier les problèmes précités et de proposer un thermomètre électronique à accumulation d'énergie qui soit fiable et précis en fonctionnement, même pour des variations faibles de la température mesurée.The object of the invention is to obviate the aforementioned problems and to propose an energy storage electronic thermometer which is reliable and accurate in operation, even for small variations in the measured temperature.
Un autre but de l'invention est de proposer un thermomètre à accumulation d'énergie compact, de construction simplifiée, apte à indiquer rapidement la valeur de la température mesurée, dès sa mise en marche.Another object of the invention is to provide a compact energy storage thermometer, of simplified construction, able to quickly indicate the value of the measured temperature, as soon as it is started.
Un autre but de l'invention est un thermomètre apte à mesurer la température corporelle d'un individu ou celle de son bain, qui soit d'une réalisation économique et écologique, tout en étant facile à fabriquer et à nettoyer.Another object of the invention is a thermometer capable of measuring the body temperature of an individual or that of his bath, which is of economic and ecological achievement, while being easy to manufacture and clean.
Ces buts sont atteints avec un thermomètre électronique corporel ou de bain, comprenant une sonde de température disposée sur un côté externe d'un boîtier et connectée à des moyens de mesure et à des moyens d'alimentation appartenant au boîtier, les moyens d'alimentation comportant un système d'alimentation en énergie électrique du thermomètre ainsi qu'un système de stockage de l'énergie produite, du fait que ledit système d'alimentation comprend un élément cylindrique de guidage d'un aimant coulissant librement par rapport à une bobine disposée concentriquement à l'élément cylindrique, les extrémités de l'élément cylindrique formant des butées élastiques qui repoussent l'aimant lorsque le thermomètre est secoué par l'utilisateur.These objects are achieved with a body or bath electronic thermometer, comprising a temperature probe disposed on an outer side of a housing and connected to measuring means and supply means belonging to the housing, the supply means comprising a system for supplying electric energy to the thermometer and a system for storing the energy produced, since said supply system comprises a cylindrical element for guiding a magnet that slides freely relative to a coil disposed concentrically to the cylindrical element, the ends of the cylindrical member forming resilient stops which repel the magnet when the thermometer is shaken by the user.
Un tel thermomètre électronique comprend un système d'alimentation en énergie électrique comportant un système mécanique particulièrement simple permettant, lorsque l'on secoue légèrement le thermomètre, à un aimant de se déplacer librement par rapport à un élément cylindrique ayant un enroulement de fils formant une bobine disposé de manière concentrique à l'axe de cet élément cylindrique, sur au moins une partie de sa longueur. L'aimant génère ainsi, à chacun de ses passages, un courant induit dans la bobine, son énergie cinétique étant transformée en énergie électrique. A chaque extrémité de l'élément cylindrique sont positionnées des butées élastiques, par exemple des tampons en caoutchouc, chargées de repousser l'aimant lorsqu'il arrive à l'extrémité de sa course. Ceci permet à l'aimant de poursuivre son mouvement, tout en réduisant les chocs au boîtier.Such an electronic thermometer comprises an electrical energy supply system comprising a particularly simple mechanical system making it possible, when the thermometer is slightly shaken, for a magnet to move freely with respect to a cylindrical element having a winding of wires forming a coil arranged concentrically with the axis of this cylindrical element, over at least a part of its length. The magnet thus generates, at each of its passages, a current induced in the coil, its kinetic energy being converted into electrical energy. At each end of the cylindrical element are elastic stops, for example rubber pads, which are used to push the magnet when it reaches the end of its stroke. This allows the magnet to continue its movement, while reducing shocks to the case.
Le système d'alimentation comprend donc un aimant coulissant librement lorsque le thermomètre est secoué par l'utilisateur, des butées élastiques étant prévues pour repousser l'aimant en mouvement. Un tel système d'alimentation permet ainsi d'obtenir un thermomètre autonome, exempt de toute pile, batterie ou de toute connexion à un système externe d'alimentation en électricité. De surcroît, le thermomètre comprend un circuit de gestion d'énergie comportant au moins un condensateur électrique positionné dans la boucle du courant induit, permettant alors de stocker suffisamment d'énergie pour alimenter son circuit de mesure et, respectivement, un écran d'affichage sans avoir à secouer le thermomètre à chaque utilisation.The feeding system therefore comprises a magnet that slides freely when the thermometer is shaken by the user, elastic stops being provided to push the moving magnet. Such a power system thus provides an independent thermometer, free of any battery, battery or any connection to an external power supply system. In addition, the thermometer comprises a power management circuit comprising at least one electrical capacitor positioned in the loop of the induced current, which then makes it possible to store enough energy to supply its measurement circuit and, respectively, a display screen. without having to shake the thermometer with each use.
Ainsi, un tel thermomètre électronique sans pile et à accumulation d'énergie peut être fabriqué de manière plus économique, sans qu'il y ait besoin d'aménager un accès pour remplacer la pile usagée ou pour l'extraire en vue de son recyclage, le boîtier pouvant donc être réalisé de manière définitivement fermée, en offrant ainsi un produit écologique et économique. On aurait pu, certes, envisager un élément cylindrique autour duquel on enroule un fil conducteur format une bobine et comportant un aimant tubulaire se déplaçant à l'extérieur de la bobine. Toutefois, pour des raisons de simplicité constructive et de robustesse de l'aimant, on préfère plutôt un élément cylindrique de forme tubulaire, ayant une bobine enroulée à l'extérieur du tube, cet élément cylindrique formant alors un tube de guidage pour un aimant cylindrique coulissant librement à l'intérieur de la bobine.Thus, such a battery-free electronic thermometer with energy storage can be manufactured more economically, without the need to provide access to replace the used battery or to extract it for recycling, the housing can thus be made permanently closed, thus providing an ecological and economical product. One could, certainly, consider a cylindrical element around which is wound a conductive wire format a coil and having a tubular magnet moving outside the coil. However, for reasons of constructive simplicity and robustness of the magnet, a cylindrical element of tubular shape having a coil wound outside the tube is preferred, this cylindrical element then forming a guide tube for a cylindrical magnet. sliding freely inside the coil.
De préférence, ledit boîtier est allongé et la sonde de température et ledit élément cylindrique sont agencés dans la direction de l'axe longitudinal du boîtier.Preferably, said housing is elongate and the temperature sensor and said cylindrical member are arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing.
Ainsi, l'axe de coulissement de l'aimant du système d'alimentation du thermomètre se trouve dans l'axe du boîtier et donc celui d'utilisation du thermomètre, ce qui offre plus d'ergonomie et, en même temps, une course importante de déplacement de l'aimant. La sonde peut être agencée à l'extérieur du boîtier ou intégrée à celui-ci.Thus, the axis of sliding of the magnet of the feed system of the thermometer is in the axis of the housing and therefore that of use of the thermometer, which offers more ergonomics and, at the same time, a race significant displacement of the magnet. The probe may be arranged outside the housing or integrated therewith.
Avantageusement, lesdits moyens d'alimentation sont agencés en la partie inférieure du boîtier.Advantageously, said supply means are arranged in the lower part of the housing.
Dans cette configuration, l'aimant est agencé de manière à ce que, sous l'effet de la gravité, il se place en la partie inférieure du boîtier, le thermomètre étant en position verticale. Ceci procure une meilleure stabilité lorsqu'il est placé dans un support en position verticale ou lorsqu'il est immergé dans l'eau.In this configuration, the magnet is arranged so that, under the effect of gravity, it is placed in the lower part of the housing, the thermometer being in the vertical position. This provides better stability when placed in a support in upright position or when immersed in water.
De préférence, la sonde de température est disposée à l'extrémité inférieure du boîtier, dans le voisinage desdits moyens d'alimentation du thermomètre, et le thermomètre comporte un écran d'affichage disposé en la partie supérieure du boîtier.Preferably, the temperature sensor is disposed at the lower end of the housing, in the vicinity of said thermometer supply means, and the thermometer comprises a display screen disposed at the top of the housing.
Cet agencement est pratique lors de l'utilisation d'un thermomètre en position verticale, l'afficheur étant alors au plus près du regard de l'utilisateur ou hors de l'eau. Avantageusement, ledit boîtier est étanche à l'eau.This arrangement is practical when using a thermometer in vertical position, the display then being closer to the user's eyes or out of the water. Advantageously, said housing is waterproof.
Un tel thermomètre est alors totalement étanche à l'eau, ce qui lui permet d'être immergé pour mesurer la température de l'eau du bain ou encore d'être nettoyé facilement et en toute sécurité, sans craindre d'endommager ses composants électriques. Un tel boîtier peut alors être surmoulé, de manière parfaitement étanche et définitive, car il ne comporte ni pile, ni batterie.Such a thermometer is then completely waterproof, allowing it to be immersed to measure the temperature of the bath water or to be cleaned easily and safely, without fear of damaging its electrical components. . Such a housing can then be overmoulded, perfectly sealed and permanent, because it has no battery or battery.
/ De préférence, le poids dudit aimant permet l'immersion de la sonde de température dans l'eau lors du flottement du thermomètre./ Preferably, the weight of said magnet allows the immersion of the temperature probe in the water during the floating of the thermometer.
Ainsi, l'aimant permet à lui tout seul, par son propre poids, et sans que le thermomètre comporte de contrepoids supplémentaire, de maintenir la sonde immergée dans l'eau. Ceci assure une mesure précise de la température de l'eau, effectuée en profondeur, pour une construction simplifiée et économique du thermomètre.Thus, the magnet alone allows, by its own weight, and without the thermometer has additional counterweight, to keep the probe immersed in water. This ensures a precise measurement of the water temperature, performed in depth, for a simplified and economical construction of the thermometer.
Avantageusement, lesdits moyens d'alimentation sont reliés à des moyens de temporisation permettant au thermomètre de s'éteindre après un intervalle de temps prédéterminé.Advantageously, said supply means are connected to timing means allowing the thermometer to shut off after a predetermined time interval.
Ceci permet d'économiser l'énergie accumulée et ainsi d'éviter à l'utilisateur d'avoir à secouer le thermomètre à chaque utilisation. A titre d'exemple, une énergie d'environ 15OmW est produite lorsque l'on secoue le thermomètre pendant 30 secondes, l'énergie consommée par le thermomètre pour mesurer et afficher une mesure étant d'environ 5μW, le reste pouvant être stocké par le système de stockage ou à accumulation d'énergie du thermomètre de l'invention dès que les moyens de temporisation commandent la mise en veille du thermomètre.This saves accumulated energy and thus prevents the user from having to shake the thermometer with each use. By way of example, an energy of approximately 15OmW is produced when the thermometer is shaken for 30 seconds, the energy consumed by the thermometer for measuring and displaying a measurement being around 5μW, the rest being able to be stored by the storage or energy storage system of the thermometer of the invention as soon as the delay means control the standby of the thermometer.
L'invention sera mieux comprise à l'étude d'un mode de réalisation pris à titre d'exemple nullement limitatif et illustré dans les figures annexées dans lesquelles :The invention will be better understood from the study of an embodiment taken by way of non-limiting example and illustrated in the appended figures in FIG. which:
- la figure 1 représente schématiquement un thermomètre électronique selon l'invention, mettant notamment en évidence ses moyens d'alimentation en énergie; - la figure 2 illustre le schéma électrique du thermomètre électronique de l'invention.- Figure 1 shows schematically an electronic thermometer according to the invention, including highlighting its power supply means; - Figure 2 illustrates the circuit diagram of the electronic thermometer of the invention.
A la figure 1 est représenté un thermomètre électronique 1 de l'invention, plus particulièrement un thermomètre de bain, comprenant un boîtier 3 de forme allongée avec, à son extrémité inférieure 4, une sonde de température 5 protubérante par rapport au boîtier et, à l'extrémité opposée, un écran d'affichage 12. Dans une variante, la sonde pourrait être située plus en retrait par rapport au boîtier, mais susceptible de venir en contact avec le milieu dont on veut mesurer la température. La sonde de température . 5 est reliée électriquement à des moyens de mesure 7 (voir fig.2) qui sont connectés, eux, à des moyens d'alimentation en énergie électrique 9 et à un écran d'affichage 12. Les moyens d'alimentation en énergie 9 comprennent un système d'alimentation 10 et un système de stockage 11 de l'énergie électrique.FIG. 1 shows an electronic thermometer 1 of the invention, more particularly a bath thermometer, comprising a housing 3 of elongate shape with, at its lower end 4, a temperature probe 5 protruding with respect to the housing and, the opposite end, a display screen 12. In a variant, the probe could be located further from the housing, but likely to come into contact with the medium whose temperature is to be measured. The temperature probe. 5 is electrically connected to measuring means 7 (see FIG. 2) which are connected to electrical power supply means 9 and to a display screen 12. The power supply means 9 comprise a power system 10 and a storage system 11 of electrical energy.
Selon l'invention et tel que mieux visible en figure 1 , le système d'alimentation 10 comprend un tube de guidage 14 d'un aimant 15 en mouvement de coulissement à l'intérieur du tube, l'axe longitudinal du tube étant disposé dans l'axe longitudinal du boîtier 3. Le tube de guidage 14 est de préférence cylindrique de diamètre intérieur légèrement supérieur à celui extérieur de l'aimant 15 qui a une forme également cylindrique. Les deux extrémités du tube de guidage 14 sont fermées par deux butées élastiques 17,18 et servent également de fixation du tube de guidage 14 à l'intérieur du boîtier 3. Les butées élastiques 17,18 sont, par exemple, des tampons en caoutchouc de diamètre comparable à celui extérieur du tube de guidage 14.According to the invention and as best seen in Figure 1, the supply system 10 comprises a guide tube 14 of a magnet 15 slidingly moving inside the tube, the longitudinal axis of the tube being disposed in the longitudinal axis of the housing 3. The guide tube 14 is preferably cylindrical with an inside diameter slightly greater than the outside of the magnet 15 which has an equally cylindrical shape. Both ends of the guide tube 14 are closed by two elastic stops 17, 18 and also serve to fix the guide tube 14 inside the housing 3. The resilient stops 17, 18 are, for example, rubber buffers of comparable diameter to the outside of the guide tube 14.
Le tube de guidage 14 est réalisé de préférence en un matériau magnétiquement perméable, par exemple du PS ou de P ABS. A l'extérieur du tube de guidage 14, et de préférence en sa partie médiane, est fixé un enroulement de fils électriquement conducteurs formant une bobine 16. La longueur de l'enroulement de la bobine 16 est d'environ 1/3 de la longueur du tube de guidage 14, la longueur de l'aimant 15 étant pour environ 1/3 de la longueur du tube également. Ceci permet à l'aimant 15 d'effectuer des allers et des retours complets par rapport à la bobine 16, à l'intérieur du tube de guidage 14, pour une meilleure efficacité d'un système d'alimentation 10 réalisé ainsi de manière très compacte.The guide tube 14 is preferably made of a magnetically permeable material, for example PS or P ABS. Outside the guide tube 14, and preferably in its middle part, is fixed a winding of electrically conductive wires forming a coil 16. The length of the winding of the coil 16 is about 1/3 of the length of the guide tube 14, the length of the magnet 15 being about 1/3 of the length of the tube also. This allows the magnet 15 to make complete trips and returns with respect to the coil 16, inside the guide tube 14, for a better efficiency of a supply system 10 thus achieved very compact.
Le thermomètre est destiné à fonctionner en position verticale lorsqu'il est plongé dans l'eau d'une baignoire. Le système d'alimentation 10 est agencé dans la partie inférieure du boîtier 3, dans la proximité de la sonde de température 5. Selon un aspect avantageux de l'invention, le poids de l'aimantThe thermometer is intended to operate in a vertical position when immersed in the water of a bathtub. The supply system 10 is arranged in the lower part of the housing 3, in the vicinity of the temperature sensor 5. According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the weight of the magnet
15 est calculé de manière à pouvoir assurer le maintien en position verticale du thermomètre, avec la sonde immergée dans l'eau du bain. A titre d'exemple, le poids de l'aimant 15 est d'environ 40 g, le poids total du thermomètre électronique 1 étant d'environ 150 g. L'aimant joue ainsi également le rôle de la masse de bon positionnement du thermomètre.15 is calculated so as to ensure the maintenance in the vertical position of the thermometer, with the probe immersed in the bath water. By way of example, the weight of the magnet 15 is about 40 g, the total weight of the electronic thermometer 1 being about 150 g. The magnet thus also plays the role of the mass of good positioning of the thermometer.
Le boîtier 3 est réalisé de manière à pouvoir être tenu à la main, et en un matériau plastique, par exemple ABS ou PS, par une technique d'injection de manière à encapsuler complètement et de manière étanche à l'eau tous les composants du thermomètre électronique 1 , plus particulièrement destiné à mesurer la température de l'eau du bain.The housing 3 is made so that it can be held by hand, and in a plastic material, for example ABS or PS, by an injection technique so as to encapsulate completely and in a watertight manner all the components of the electronic thermometer 1, more particularly intended to measure the temperature of the bath water.
Le boîtier 3 peut comporter un bouton marche/arrêt (non représenté sur les dessins) protégé par une membrane étanche à l'eau. Dans une variante, ce bouton pourrait être absent, la mise en marche de l'appareil se faisant dès la mise en mouvement de l'aimant (dès qu'il y a une détection de courant dans le circuit de la bobine), l'arrêt pouvant être réalisé automatiquement par le microprocesseur de l'appareil, après une période de fonctionnement préétablie.The housing 3 may include an on / off button (not shown in the drawings) protected by a waterproof membrane. In a variant, this button could be absent, the starting of the apparatus being done as soon as the movement of the magnet (as soon as there is a current detection in the circuit of the coil), the stop can be performed automatically by the microprocessor of the device, after a preset operating period.
En fonctionnement, l'utilisateur commence par secouer le thermomètre en saisissant le boîtier 3 à la main. Ce mouvement est imprimé à l'aimant 15 qui commence son coulissement à l'intérieur du tube de guidage 14, dans l'un des sens des flèches de la figure 1. En arrivant en bout de course à l'intérieur du tube de guidage 14, l'aimant 15 heurte l'une des butées élastiques 17,18 qui le repousse dans le sens contraire, en direction de la butée opposée. Lorsque l'aimant 15 passe à l'intérieur de la bobine 16, un courant induit est généré aux bornes de cette dernière. A ce moment, l'utilisateur peut procéder à une prise de mesure, par exemple en plongeant le thermomètre dans l'eau du bain.In operation, the user starts by shaking the thermometer by grasping the housing 3 by hand. This movement is printed on the magnet 15 which begins sliding inside the guide tube 14, in one of the direction of the arrows of Figure 1. Arriving at the end of the race inside the guide tube 14, the magnet 15 strikes one resilient stops 17,18 which pushes it in the opposite direction, in the direction of the opposite stop. When the magnet 15 passes inside the coil 16, an induced current is generated across the latter. At this time, the user can take a measurement, for example by immersing the thermometer in the bath water.
La figure 2 montre le schéma électrique du thermomètre de l'invention, où l'on observe que le courant généré dans la bobine 16 passe via une diode 19 et est stocké dans un condensateur 20 (voire dans plusieurs condensateurs montés en parallèle). Ce courant généré par le système d'alimentation 10 fournit l'énergie nécessaire au fonctionnement des moyens de mesure 7 réalisés, par exemple, sous forme d'un microprocesseur. Lors de la mise en marche du thermomètre, le microprocesseur appartenant aux moyens de mesure 7 transforme le signal électrique reçu de la sonde de température 5 en une valeur de la température qu'il transmet à l'écran d'affichage 12 informant l'utilisateur de la valeur de la température de l'eau.FIG. 2 shows the electric diagram of the thermometer of the invention, in which it is observed that the current generated in the coil 16 passes via a diode 19 and is stored in a capacitor 20 (or even in several capacitors connected in parallel). This current generated by the supply system 10 provides the energy necessary for the operation of the measuring means 7 made, for example, in the form of a microprocessor. When the thermometer is switched on, the microprocessor belonging to the measuring means 7 transforms the electrical signal received from the temperature sensor 5 into a value of the temperature which it transmits to the display screen 12 informing the user the value of the water temperature.
Un thermomètre corporel fonctionnant sur le même principe et comportant les mêmes composants que précédemment décrits peut également être réalisé.A body thermometer operating on the same principle and having the same components as previously described can also be realized.
D'autres variantes et modes de réalisation de l'invention peuvent être envisagés sans sortir du cadre de ces revendications.Other variants and embodiments of the invention may be envisaged without departing from the scope of these claims.
Ainsi, le thermomètre peut comporter des moyens de mise en mémoire des valeurs mesurées, un affichage du temps, un témoin lumineux de fonctionnement de l'appareil, etc.Thus, the thermometer may include means for storing the measured values, a time display, an operating indicator of the apparatus, etc.
Dans une autre variante de l'invention, le thermomètre est conçu de manière à fonctionner en position horizontale, par exemple en flottant à la surface de l'eau, avec l'axe de coulissement de l'aimant parallèle à celui de la surface de l'eau au repos, la sonde de température étant alors disposée sur la partie du boîtier venant en contact avec l'eau. Dans ce cas, le thermomètre pourrait être alimenté lorsque l'aimant est déplacé par rapport à son tube de guidage par le mouvement de l'eau d'une baignoire ou celle d'une piscine. In another variant of the invention, the thermometer is designed to operate in a horizontal position, for example by floating on the surface of the water, with the axis of sliding of the magnet parallel to that of the surface of the the water at rest, the temperature probe then being arranged on the part of the housing coming into contact with water. In this case, the thermometer could be powered when the magnet is moved relative to its guide tube by the movement of water from a bath or that of a pool.

Claims

B.0742R1 REVENDICATIONS B.0742R1 Claims
1. Thermomètre électronique (1) corporel ou de bain, comprenant une sonde de température (5) disposée sur un côté externe d'un boîtier (3) et connectée à des moyens de mesure (7) et à des moyens d'alimentation (9) appartenant au boîtier (3), les moyens d'alimentation (9) comportant un système d'alimentation (10) en énergie électrique du thermomètre ainsi qu'un système de stockage (11) de l'énergie produite, caractérisé en ce que ledit système d'alimentation comprend un élément cylindrique de guidage d'un aimant (15) coulissant librement par rapport à une bobine (16) disposée concentriquement à l'élément cylindrique, les extrémités de l'élément cylindrique formant des butées élastiques (17,18) qui repoussent l'aimant (15) lorsque le thermomètre est secoué par l'utilisateur.A body or bath electronic thermometer (1) comprising a temperature sensor (5) disposed on an outer side of a housing (3) and connected to measuring means (7) and to supply means ( 9) belonging to the housing (3), the supply means (9) comprising a power supply system (10) for electric energy of the thermometer and a storage system (11) for the energy produced, characterized in that said feed system comprises a cylindrical member for guiding a magnet (15) freely sliding relative to a coil (16) concentrically disposed at the cylindrical member, the ends of the cylindrical member forming resilient stops (17). , 18) which push back the magnet (15) when the thermometer is shaken by the user.
2. Thermomètre selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que ledit boîtier (3) est allongé et que la sonde de température (5) et ledit élément cylindrique sont agencés dans la direction de l'axe longitudinal du boîtierThermometer according to claim 1, characterized in that said housing (3) is elongated and that the temperature sensor (5) and said cylindrical element are arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing
(3).(3).
3. Thermomètre selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens d'alimentation (9) sont agencés en la partie inférieure du boîtier (3).3. Thermometer according to claim 2, characterized in that said supply means (9) are arranged in the lower part of the housing (3).
4. Thermomètre selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que la sonde de température (5) est disposée à l'extrémité inférieure (4) du boîtier (3), dans le voisinage desdits moyens d'alimentation (10) du thermomètre, et qu'il comporte un écran d'affichage (12) disposé en la partie supérieure du boîtier (3).4. Thermometer according to claim 3, characterized in that the temperature sensor (5) is arranged at the lower end (4) of the housing (3), in the vicinity of said feed means (10) of the thermometer, and it comprises a display screen (12) disposed in the upper part of the housing (3).
5. Thermomètre selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit boîtier (3) est étanche à l'eau.Thermometer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in said housing (3) is watertight.
6. Thermomètre selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le poids dudit aimant (15) permet l'immersion de la sonde de température (5) dans l'eau lors du flottement du thermomètre.6. Thermometer according to claim 5, characterized in that the weight of said magnet (15) allows the immersion of the temperature sensor (5) in the water during the floating of the thermometer.
7. Thermomètre selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens d'alimentation (9) sont reliés à des moyens de temporisation permettant au thermomètre de s'éteindre après un intervalle de temps prédéterminé. 7. Thermometer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said supply means (9) are connected to timing means allowing the thermometer to turn off after a predetermined time interval.
EP06755530A 2005-05-30 2006-05-29 Electronic thermometer with energy storage Withdrawn EP1886109A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0505454A FR2886399B1 (en) 2005-05-30 2005-05-30 ELECTRONIC THERMOMETER WITH ENERGY ACCUMULATION
PCT/FR2006/001211 WO2006129001A2 (en) 2005-05-30 2006-05-29 Electronic thermometer with energy storage

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TWM398898U (en) * 2010-03-09 2011-03-01 Mesure Technology Co Ltd Thermometer without power switch
TWM398899U (en) * 2010-03-09 2011-03-01 Mesure Technology Co Ltd Motion powered thermometer

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US4556837A (en) * 1982-03-24 1985-12-03 Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha Electronic clinical thermometer
JPH0472529A (en) * 1990-07-13 1992-03-06 Furukawa Electric Co Ltd:The Temperature detector and temperature indicator
DE4107853A1 (en) * 1991-03-12 1992-09-17 Geraberger Thermometerwerk Gmb ELECTRONIC FEVER THERMOMETER
JPH04315931A (en) * 1991-04-16 1992-11-06 Seiko Epson Corp Thermometer with automatic power generator
WO2003023342A1 (en) * 2001-07-30 2003-03-20 Gme Rechte Und Beteiligungen Gmbh Electronic thermometer

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Title
See references of WO2006129001A3 *

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FR2886399A1 (en) 2006-12-01
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FR2886399B1 (en) 2007-07-20

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