JP7571466B2 - Floor-embedded structure of weighing scale and floor structure - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a floor-embedding structure for a weighing scale, which is used by embedding the scale in the floor in ordinary homes and various facilities.

In ordinary homes and elderly care facilities, regularly measuring one's weight is an important habit for managing one's health. In recent years, weighing scales have become thinner and less bulky than before, but if left on the floor, one can still trip over them and get in the way. For this reason, it is common to keep them stored in a cupboard or somewhere similar, and take them out and place them on the floor only when needed. However, when using them in the changing room after a bath, for example, it can be a hassle to take them out and put them back, so people often forget to weigh themselves. Also, in small changing rooms, it can be difficult to even find a place to place a weighing scale in the first place.

If a weighing scale could be embedded in the floor, the trouble of taking it in and out would be eliminated, and there would be no problem with where to place it. The floor-embedded weighing scale structure described in Patent Document 1 was proposed to eliminate the hassle of putting away such a weighing scale. The floor-embedded weighing scale structure described in Patent Document 1 involves installing a receiver with a "H" shaped cross section on the periphery of an opening in the floorboard, installing the weighing scale on the receiver, installing a groove-shaped liquid receiving gutter material that opens upward around the weighing scale, and installing a surface cover panel with a peripheral wall that hangs down around the periphery so that it covers the weighing scale from above.

The surface cover panel can be removed with the scale still attached, making it easy to maintain the scale. Another advantage is that the liquid collection gutter prevents the scale from getting wet even if water is spilled on the floor or if water drips from a wet body in a changing room, etc.

However, with the structure described in Patent Document 1, the surface cover panel, which is larger than the scale, sits on top of the scale, so there is a risk that when the edge of the surface cover panel is stepped on, the other side will bounce up. In addition, because the surface cover panel must move up and down when measuring weight, if the up and down movement is hindered by a foreign object or the like, this could affect the measured value. Furthermore, because the surface cover panel is structurally heavy, if this is placed on the scale, the upper limit of the load that can be measured will be reduced. Also, if the surface cover panel is made of metal, there is a problem that the top panel feels cold in winter, etc.

The floor-embedded structure of the weighing scale described in Patent Document 2 was designed to prevent the surface cover panel (foot rest) from bouncing up, which was a drawback of the structure described in Patent Document 1. However, the structure is complicated, with fixed and movable rails on the underside of the foot rest to prevent bouncing up, which is costly, and there is a knob on the surface to move the movable rail, which creates problems in terms of design and usability.

Patent No. 4628692 JP 2010-133137 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to propose a floor-embedded structure for a weighing scale that can be easily and inexpensively installed on a floor.

As a means for solving the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is a floor-embedded structure for a weighing scale, characterized in that a partition plate with a space in the center capable of installing a weighing scale is provided inside the inner frame of an underfloor inspection hatch having an outer frame and an inner frame, the height of the top plate of the weighing scale in the center is 1 mm or more higher than the height of the surface of the partition plate , a decorative sheet covering the partition plate and the surface of the weighing scale is not adhered to the surface of the partition plate but only to the surface of the weighing scale, and the decorative sheet is not in contact with the partition plate around the weighing scale within a width of 30 mm or more when no load is applied.

The floor-embedded structure of the weighing scale according to the present invention is less affected by the resistance of the decorative sheet and does not impede the movement of the weighing scale, allowing for highly accurate weight measurement.

The invention described in claim 2 is the floor-embedding structure for a weighing scale described in claim 1, characterized in that the decorative sheet is a synthetic resin decorative sheet backed with a synthetic resin sheet having a thickness of 0.25 mm or more and 1 mm or less, and has a total thickness of 0.4 mm or more and 1.2 mm or less, and has a rigidity sufficient to form an area that does not contact the surface of the partition plate surrounding the weighing scale for a width of 30 mm or more.

The invention described in claim 3 is the floor-embedding structure for a weighing scale described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the decorative sheet is provided with a window through which the display of the weighing scale can be seen.

The invention described in claim 4 is a floor-embedding structure for a weighing scale described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the decorative sheet is provided with an opening for an electrode plate for exposing electrodes for measuring the body fat percentage of the weighing scale.

The invention described in claim 5 is the floor-embedded structure for a weighing scale described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the partition plate has a cutout (trimming) with a depth of 0.5 mm to 2 mm on the outer peripheral edge of the surface, and a gap is provided between the upper surface of the partition plate and the inner frame of the underfloor inspection hatch.

The invention described in claim 6 is a floor-embedded structure for a weight scale described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the rear part of the support leg of the weight scale is fixed to the partition plate to prevent the weight scale from falling over.

The invention described in claim 7 is the floor-embedded structure of the weighing scale described in claim 6, characterized in that the top plate and the partition plate of the weighing scale are connected by wires without looseness at four or more points.

The invention described in claim 8 is the floor-embedded structure for a weighing scale described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that pins inscribed in the inner frame of the underfloor inspection hatch are provided at the four corners of the partition plate, and the decorative sheet is provided with pin holes through which the pins pass, and the pins are arranged so that the outside of the pins and the outside of the pin holes are in contact on the diagonal of the inner frame.

The floor-embedded structure of the weighing scale according to the present invention utilizes the outer and inner frames of a commercially available floor inspection hatch, making it relatively inexpensive to implement and capable of functioning as a floor inspection hatch.

The decorative sheet covering the surface of the weight scale is not adhered to the surface of the partition plate but only to the surface of the weight scale, the weight scale is made 1 mm or more higher than the partition plate , and the decorative sheet is not in contact with the surface of the partition plate at the outer periphery of the decorative sheet over a width of 30 mm or more, so that when weight is measured, the decorative sheet on the partition plate moves with very low resistance and does not hinder the movement of the weight scale, enabling highly accurate weight measurement.

When walking on the decorative sheet, the gap between the decorative sheet and the partition plate collapses, allowing the partition plate to support the load. Also, because the decorative sheet is highly rigid, there is no discomfort even when stepping on the step between the weighing scale and the partition plate .

The decorative sheet can be provided with a window through which the display of the weight scale can be seen, and a window for exposing the electrodes of the weight scale for measuring the body fat percentage, etc. In this case, the design other than the window portion is optional, so it is possible to use a decorative material with the same pattern as the flooring material, or a completely different design, which expands the scope of design possibilities.

The floor-embedded structure of the weighing scale according to the present invention is a simple structure that utilizes a commercially available under-floor access hatch and simply requires adding a partition plate for placing the weighing scale, the weighing scale, and a decorative sheet, so it can be realized relatively easily and inexpensively.

When the partition plate has a cut portion (trimming) with a depth of 0.5 mm to 2 mm on the outer peripheral edge of the surface and a gap is provided between the upper surface of the partition plate and the inner frame of the underfloor inspection hatch, even if the surface of the decorative sheet is in contact with the inner frame of the inspection hatch, it is not pinched by the partition plate , and therefore movement of the decorative sheet is not hindered.

By fixing the undersides of the support legs of the scale to the partition plate, the scale can be prevented from tipping over even if weight is applied to the edge of the scale.

The scale and the decorative sheet are fixed by adhesion, so the decorative sheet on the partition plate is prevented from moving inward, and the scale can be prevented from falling over. In this case, by drilling pin holes in the decorative sheet that are larger than the fixing pins and arranging the pins so that the outside of the pins and the outside of the pin holes are in contact on the diagonal line of the inner frame, the decorative sheet would move inward if the scale were to tilt, but this can be prevented because the pins and the decorative sheet are in contact. In addition, because the decorative sheet moves outward when measuring weight, the pins and the decorative sheet do not come into contact with each other, and there is no adverse effect on the measured value.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a floor-embedded structure of a weighing scale according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of a floor-embedded structure for a weighing scale according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory plan view showing an example of a decorative sheet. FIG. 4 is an explanatory plan view showing a state in which the decorative sheet is fixed with pins. FIG. 5 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing an example of a method for fixing the weighing scale to the partition plate. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional explanatory view showing the relationship between the decorative sheet and the partition plate .

The floor-embedded structure of a weighing scale according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing one embodiment of the floor-embedded structure of a weighing scale according to the present invention.

In the floor-embedded structure for a weighing scale according to the present invention, a partition plate 3 having a space in the center capable of installing a weighing scale 1 is installed inside the inner frame 4 of an under-floor inspection hatch having an outer frame 5 and an inner frame 4, the weighing scale 1 is installed so that the height of the top plate of the weighing scale 1 is 1 mm or more higher than the height of the outer periphery of the partition plate 3, and a decorative sheet 2 covering the outer periphery of the partition plate 3 and the surface of the weighing scale 1 is installed not adhered to the outer periphery of the partition plate 3 but adhered only to the surface of the weighing scale 1, and the width of the part where the decorative sheet 2 and the outer periphery of the partition plate are not in contact is 30 mm or more.

The scale 1 is installed so that the height of the top plate is 1 mm or more higher than the height of the surface of the partition plate 3, and the decorative sheet 2 is installed by adhering only to the surface of the scale 1, without adhering to the surface of the partition plate 3, and further, by giving the decorative sheet sufficient rigidity, the width where the decorative sheet around the scale and the surface of the partition plate do not contact each other is set to 30 mm or more. When the scale moves downward during measurement, the decorative sheet 2 on the partition plate 3 moves laterally, but the adverse effect on the measurement value caused by the decorative sheet 2 contacting the partition plate 3 can be kept to an unproblematic level. Even if a foreign object such as dust is interposed between the decorative sheet and the inner frame, the decorative sheet on the partition plate does not move vertically, so the effect is small and there is no adverse effect on the measurement value in practical use.

6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the partition plate and the decorative sheet. Since the decorative sheet has rigidity, the width 14 of the gap where the decorative sheet 2 is not in contact with the partition plate 3 due to the step between the weighing scale 1 and the partition plate 3 is 30 mm or more.

To explain in more detail the floor-embedding structure of the weighing scale according to the present invention shown in Figure 1, the floor is generally constructed by installing floor material 6 on the surface of base material 7. Floor material 6 is a decorative material, and base material 7 ensures the rigidity of the floor. Base material 7 is supported by joists, and generally reinforcing joists 8 are installed around the inspection hatch. Support beams 9 are attached to reinforcing joists 8 to support the outer frame 5 of the underfloor inspection hatch.

The partition plate 3 is made to have outer dimensions that fit into the inner frame 4 of the underfloor inspection hatch, and has a space in the center where the weighing scale 1 can be installed. In this case, the depth of the space is designed so that the height of the top plate of the weighing scale 1 is at least 1 mm higher than the height of the outer periphery of the partition plate 3.

The material of the partition board 3 may be a laminated structure of wood materials such as waterproof plywood or particle board, or a pressed metal plate. Wood materials may also be combined with metal or plastic reinforcing materials. Since there is a lot of moisture under the floor, the material of the partition board 3 must be moisture resistant and not easily deformed by moisture. It is also necessary that the material has sufficient strength and durability to be used as a partition board for an underfloor inspection hatch.

In the example shown in Fig. 1, a battery replacement hole 12 is provided in the center of the partition plate 3. This is for replacing the battery of the weighing scale 1. A piece of lumber may be attached or a storage box may be stored under the partition plate to safely receive the partition plate in case it falls. The opening may also be blocked with a heat insulating material.

In the example shown in Figure 2, a cutout (trimming) having a depth of 0.5 mm to 2 mm is provided on a portion of the outer periphery of the surface of the partition plate 3, and a gap (Tr) is provided between the upper surface of the partition plate 3 and the inner frame 4 of the underfloor inspection hatch. By doing this, even if the decorative sheet 2 and the inner frame 4 are in contact with each other, the decorative sheet 2 will not be pinched between the inner frame 4 and the partition plate 3, making it possible to measure body weight with greater accuracy.

Figure 3 is a plan view of an example of the decorative sheet 2. In this example, a window 17 is provided through which the display of the weighing scale 1 can be viewed, and an opening 18 for an electrode plate for measuring the body fat percentage of the weighing scale 1, etc. The window 17 may be made of only a transparent rigid resin sheet, with no decorative sheet attached to this portion, or a hole may simply be drilled. The electrode opening 18 needs to be drilled because the electrodes of the weighing scale 1 must be exposed.

The decorative sheet 2 is preferably a decorative sheet with a total thickness of 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm, backed with a synthetic resin sheet with a thickness of 0.25 mm to 1 mm. The surface material must have surface resistance as a flooring material, and various decorative sheets used as flooring materials can be used. The backing material is a synthetic resin sheet with a thickness of 0.25 mm to 1 mm, and the material is not particularly limited. For example, a polyethylene terephthalate resin film (PETG) with a thickness of 350 μm is preferably used. The decorative sheet backed with a synthetic resin sheet is preferably rigid enough to be suspended in the air without contacting the partition plate around the weighing scale over a width of 30 mm or more.

The surface material of the decorative sheet 2 may be the same material and design as that used for the floor material 6 at the installation location, or it may be a different color tone or pattern. It may be a single-colored sheet or may have a pattern. The surface may also be coated with an antibacterial or antiviral agent.

The partition plate , with the weight scale stored inside and covered with a decorative sheet, is attached to the inner frame of a commercially available floor inspection hatch. The installation method follows the installation procedure for floor inspection hatches, and the inner frame and partition plate are fixed with screws. The decorative sheet 3 moves outward when the weight is measured, so it is installed so that the edge of the decorative sheet does not come into contact with the wall of the inner frame 4. The outer frame of the floor inspection hatch can be installed using standard floor inspection hatch installation methods without any problems.

You can attach a square piece of timber or place a sturdy storage box under the floor to safely catch the partition board if it falls. You can also cover the opening with insulation.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for fixing the weight scale 1 to the partition plate 3. Fixing the weight scale 1 to the partition plate 3 can prevent the weight scale 1 from falling over. In this example, the top plate of the weight scale 1 and the partition plate 3 are connected by wires 10 at four or more points without pulling the weight scale and without loosening. In this example, the wires 10 come out from the wire holes 13 to the underside of the partition plate 3 and are fixed to the partition plate 3 by fixing screws 11. As a result, even if weight is applied to the edge of the top plate of the weight scale, the wires prevent the opposite side from lifting up, so the weight scale will not fall over. In addition, the wires 10 loosen when measuring weight, so they do not adversely affect the measured value. If there is a sufficient gap between the weight scale and the partition plate , the wires 10 may be fixed to the partition plate on which the weight scale is placed.

There are no particular restrictions on the material of the wire 10, and materials with little stretch, such as steel wire, piano wire, metal chain, nylon fishing line, etc., can be used.

There are no particular restrictions on the method of fixing the weight scale 1 to the partition plate 3, and although not shown, for example, the weight scale may be directly fixed to the partition plate 3 from the rear side of the partition plate 3 with fixing screws. If the double-sided tape is strong enough, the rear of the support leg of the weight scale can also be fixed to the partition plate with double-sided adhesive tape.

Figure 4 is a plan view showing the state in which the decorative sheet 2 is fixed with pins 15. In this example, pins 15 inscribed in the inner frame 4 are provided at the four corners of the partition plate 3 at the four corners of the inner frame 4 of the underfloor inspection hatch, and pin holes 16 through which the pins 15 pass are provided in the decorative sheet 2, and the arrangement is characterized in that the outside of the pins 15 and the outside of the pin holes 16 are in contact with each other on a diagonal line of the inner frame 4. This also prevents the weight scale 1 from tipping over. Since the pins 15 and the pin holes 16 are in contact with each other on the outside, the movement of the decorative sheet 2 is restricted by the pins 15. Therefore, even if weight is applied to the edge of the weight scale 1, the decorative sheet does not move inward, preventing the opposite side of the weight scale from lifting up and preventing the weight scale 1 from tipping over.

The pins 15 are installed in contact with the inner frame 4 of the underfloor inspection hatch, so there is no risk of tripping over them as long as they are at a height equal to or less than the height of the inner frame. The decorative sheet 2 will also not come off. During normal weight measurement, the decorative sheet 2 moves outward, and the restriction of the pins 15 is released. Therefore, the restriction of the decorative sheet 2 by the pins 15 does not adversely affect the weight measurement.

1...Weight scale 2...Decorative sheet 3...Partition plate Tr...Gap due to trimming 4...Inner frame of floor inspection hatch 5...Outer frame of floor inspection hatch 6...Floor material 7...Base material 8...Reinforcing joist 9...Support beam 10...Wire 11...Fixing screw 12...Battery replacement hole 13...Wire hole 14...Width of gap between decorative sheet and partition plate 15...Pin 16...Pin hole 17...Transparent window 18...Opening for electrode plate

Claims (9)

A partition plate having a space in the center where a weight scale can be installed is installed inside the inner frame of the underfloor inspection hatch having an outer frame and an inner frame,
The height of the top plate of the weighing scale installed in the center is 1 mm or more higher than the height of the surface of the partition plate ,
The decorative sheet that covers the surface of the partition and the weighing scale is not adhered to the surface of the partition, but only to the surface of the weighing scale.
The floor embedding structure of a weighing scale is characterized in that when the decorative sheet is not loaded, the decorative sheet and the surface of the partition plate around the weighing scale are not in contact with each other over a width of 30 mm or more. The floor- embedding structure for a weighing scale as described in claim 1, characterized in that the decorative sheet is a synthetic resin decorative sheet with a total thickness of 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm backed by a synthetic resin sheet with a thickness of 0.25 mm to 1 mm, and has sufficient rigidity to form an area that does not contact the surface of the partition plate surrounding the weighing scale for a width of 30 mm or more. The floor-embedded structure for a weighing scale according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the decorative sheet has a window through which the weight reading of the weighing scale can be seen. The floor-embedding structure for a weighing scale according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the decorative sheet is provided with an opening for an electrode plate for exposing electrodes for measuring the body fat percentage of the weighing scale. The floor-embedded structure for a weighing scale according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the partition plate has a cutout (trimming) with a depth of 0.5 mm to 2 mm on the outer periphery of the surface, and a gap is provided between the upper surface of the partition plate and the inner frame of the underfloor inspection hatch. The floor-embedded structure for a weighing scale according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the weighing scale is fixed to the partition plate to prevent the weighing scale from falling over. The floor-embedded structure of a weighing scale according to claim 6, characterized in that the top plate and the partition plate of the weighing scale are connected by wires at four or more points without slack. The floor-embedded structure for a weighing scale according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that pins inscribed in the inner frame of the underfloor inspection hatch are provided at the four corners of the partition plate, and the decorative sheet is provided with pin holes through which the pins pass, and the pins are arranged so that the outside of the pins and the outside of the pin holes are in contact on the diagonal of the inner frame. A floor structure, comprising: a weighing scale floor-embedded structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and an under-floor inspection hatch.

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