Modular measurement technology devices, especially for multi-channel scales.

Abstract

This invention relates to a modular measuring device, particularly for multi-channel scales, comprising a main basic module (102) and a plurality of expansion modules (104), wherein each expansion module (104) consists of an attached basic module (108) and a connecting module (110, 210) detachably and mechanically and electrically connected thereto, wherein the expansion modules (104) are arranged adjacent to each other and detachably and electrically and mechanically interconnected to form an expansion module (104) stack (118), and wherein the main basic module (102) is detachably and electrically and mechanically connected to each other. The expansion modules (104) located on the outer side of the stack (118) of expansion modules (104) are connected, and wherein the separable mechanical and electrical connections between the expansion modules (104) and each other, and the separable mechanical and electrical connections between the main base module (102) and the adjacent expansion modules (104) are achieved only through the separable electrical and mechanical connections between the respective adjacent attached base modules (108) and each other, and the separable electrical and mechanical connections between the main base module (102) and the attached base modules (108) of the adjacent expansion modules (104). According to the invention, the connection modules (110, 210) are designed for electronic evaluation and / or control units of weighing technology components. One or more of the connection modules (210) can also be designed as weighing units, and the main base module (102), the attached base modules (108) and the connection modules (110, 210) each have a closed, dustproof and waterproof housing (126).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a modular measuring technology device, particularly for multi-channel scales. Background Technology

[0002] Multi-channel scales with known configurations typically have multiple weighing units arranged side-by-side and / or front-to-back, each designed to measure the weight of a product. Typically, each weighing unit provides a measured value, whether in analog or digital form, to its respective control unit. The control unit can drive its assigned weighing unit to measure one or more weight values ​​of the product at predetermined times, and after being transmitted to the relevant control unit, be evaluated by it (e.g., averaged), and perhaps transmitted to a higher-level control unit.

[0003] It is known that the control unit is designed as a module and placed on the same coherent motherboard, in which an electrical bus and a corresponding number of plug-in positions are formed.

[0004] However, this configuration has the following drawbacks: the number of connectors on the motherboard, along with the electrical bus within it used to connect several modular control units, is predetermined from the outset. If all connectors are occupied, further expansion is not possible. Furthermore, the structural dimensions of such a central control unit are fixed from the beginning, regardless of how many connectors are actually occupied by the control unit. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a modular measuring technology device, especially a weighing technology device, for multi-channel scales, which is flexible in design and has a small structural size.

[0006] This invention is based on the understanding that a shared, continuous, rigid motherboard along with the bus housed within it can be abandoned. In this case, the entire modular weighing device consists of a main basic module and multiple adjacent expansion modules connected in a "stack". Each expansion module consists of an attached basic module and a connecting module connected to the attached basic module. The adjacent expansion modules are electrically and mechanically connected to each other to form an expansion module stack. The main basic module is mechanically and electrically connected to one of the outermost expansion modules in the expansion module stack (i.e., the expansion module located at one end of the stack). The mechanical and electrical connections between the expansion modules and between the main basic module and adjacent expansion modules are only achieved through the mechanical and electrical connections between the adjacent attached basic modules and the mechanical and electrical connections between the main basic module and adjacent expansion modules. Alternatively, the main basic module may be connected to multiple expansion module stacks, for example, in a straight line on opposite sides or in a star-shaped variant, wherein the main basic module is arranged approximately as the center point of a hub or star. However, it is also possible that these expansion modules are set up at mechanical and electrical connection joints in corresponding arbitrary locations of the main basic module.

[0007] For example, it is possible to arrange two or more expansion module stacks on one side of the main base module, such that the connecting modules of the stack are flush with each other (in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which expansion is possible). In this way, narrow parallel weighing channels can be achieved.

[0008] In all these cases, a common (at least one) electrical bus (or multiple buses) can be used for all expansion module stacks. Alternatively, each stack can use its own electrical bus or multiple separately assigned (dedicated) buses.

[0009] According to the present invention, the number of expansion modules in each stack can be arbitrarily changed, because only one additional mounting base module needs to be added and a connecting module connected to the added mounting base module. This also provides the advantage that the actual structural dimensions depend only on the number of existing expansion modules. The modular weighing device thus constructed only requires the structural space necessary for these existing expansion modules. Expansion modules can have different widths when viewed longitudinally (along the direction of expansion) of the expansion module stack. For example, connecting modules designed as weighing units can have different widths to achieve multi-channel scales with different channel widths. The width of the associated mounting base module should be at least the same as the width of the associated connecting module.

[0010] According to one design of the present invention, the main basic module and the attached basic modules of adjacent expansion modules, as well as the attached basic modules of their respective adjacent expansion modules, are electrically connected by at least one electrical bus connector, wherein the electrical connections are designed as plug-in connections, which simultaneously create mechanical connections. This results in a very simple installation. However, it is also possible to specify that, in addition to the plug-in connections between their respective two adjacent attached basic modules or between the main basic module and its adjacent attached basic modules, there is another mechanical connection, such as a locking connection or a threaded connection.

[0011] Each adjacent accessory basic module, as well as the main basic module and adjacent basic modules, can have plugs of complementary shapes on their opposing ends to form a plug-in connection. Preferably, the plugs are designed such that the opposing ends contact each other or leave only a small gap in the connected state, preferably less than 1 mm, and most preferably less than 0.5 mm. The accessory basic modules can have the same structural dimensions and shape. For example, the accessory basic modules can be designed as rectangular strips, with the plug located on the elongated end. The interconnected accessory basic modules thus form a modular motherboard. The plug-in connection can also be designed by providing a sealing mechanism to achieve a dust- and water-proof connection between the electrical joints of adjacent components.

[0012] According to another design of the invention, each attachment base module is electrically and mechanically connected to its corresponding connection module on its top side by means of an electrical plug-in connection. The plug-in connection can be designed such that a dust-proof and water-proof connection is achieved between the electrical connector between the attachment base module and its corresponding connection module. This connection module can be easily and quickly detached from and replaced by the associated attachment base module.

[0013] Essentially impermeable to dust and water, connections can be made when auxiliary basic modules are connected to each other or to the main basic module, and when auxiliary basic modules are connected to connecting modules. This involves providing a sealing mechanism on at least one of the complementary plugs (or sockets) of the respective mating connections, which produces the desired dust or water tightness when the relevant modules are installed. The terms "impermeable to water and impermeable to dust" within the scope of this specification mean that a connection is not necessarily guaranteed to be sealed in all situations, but rather that there is sufficient sealing for the specific application, especially according to industry standards such as DIN EN 60529. According to this standard, sealing ratings from IP64 to IP69 can be guaranteed, with ratings 64 and 65 used in many cases.

[0014] The electrical connection on the auxiliary basic module side, i.e., the electrical plug provided on the auxiliary basic module, preferably provides at least one bus connector for all bus terminals, i.e., all electrical buses, which are cascaded from the main basic module through each of the auxiliary basic modules until the last auxiliary basic module in the expansion module stack. Thus, the connection module can be designed to use all bus terminals or only selected bus terminals. However, in practice, in most cases, a single bus terminal, i.e., a single type of electrical bus, is sufficient, cascaded from the main basic module to the last auxiliary basic module.

[0015] According to one design of the invention, each connecting module can be connected to its respective attached base module via an additional mechanical connection, preferably by means of a threaded connection or a locking connection. This also results in reliable installation of the connecting modules on their respective attached base modules against vibration and tremors. In the case of connecting modules designed as weighing units, this also allows for accurate positioning and fixation of the weighing unit, and in particular, the position of the carrier.

[0016] In another advantageous variation, all the auxiliary basic modules are designed to be identical to each other. However, in this embodiment, the last auxiliary basic module located on the side of the expansion module stack not connected to the main basic module also has at least one bus connector that can be connected to another auxiliary basic module. If the entire modular weighing device is to be designed to be dustproof and substantially waterproof, then the bus connectors need to be sealed accordingly. This can obviously be accomplished by means of appropriate covers or shrouds.

[0017] According to another variant, all the auxiliary basic modules except for the last auxiliary basic module (which is not connected to the main basic module) located at the end of the expansion module stack are designed to be identical to each other. Only the last auxiliary basic module does not have a plug on the end side that is not connected to another auxiliary basic module. Thus, there are two different types of auxiliary basic modules in this variant: a first type (intermediate type) with corresponding bus connectors on both ends, and a second type (end type) with at least one bus connector only on the side adjacent to the penultimate auxiliary basic module. This variant does not require measures to seal the bus connectors or plugs. However, when expanding with additional expansion modules, the last auxiliary basic module designed as the end type must be removed, and then other auxiliary basic modules designed as the intermediate type can be added.

[0018] According to another design of the invention, each auxiliary basic module can have a mechanical connection mechanism for mechanically connecting the auxiliary basic module to a support such as a housing. Thus, the entire modular weighing device can be reliably connected to the support in a simple manner. It is not necessarily required (but clearly feasible in principle) to connect each of the auxiliary basic modules to the support. Rather, it is advantageous to implement such connections on several modules, such as the main basic module and the last auxiliary basic module, the main basic module also having a corresponding connection mechanism. In the case of a large stack of expansion modules, it is also obviously possible to establish connections to the support on one or more auxiliary basic modules located therein.

[0019] According to the invention, the connection module is designed for electronic evaluation and / or control units of weighing technology components, particularly weighing units, force sensors, or acceleration sensors, wherein the connection module preferably has electrical connectors designed for plug-in connections for electrically connecting to the corresponding weighing technology components. It is clearly feasible to also provide different types of connection modules on the attached basic module (preferably of the same design).

[0020] Alternatively, one, more, or all of the connection modules can be designed as weighing units. The weighing unit may already partially or completely contain its associated electronic components. Therefore, a modular weighing technology device is provided, which forms the basic unit of a multi-channel scale. Weighing units designed as connection modules can be designed such that they only have electrical connections, particularly plug-in connections, for connecting to their respective attached basic modules on their bottom side. Such weighing units, for example, have a wiring port on the top side for a carrier that transmits the measured gravity to the weighing unit. However, such weighing units can also be designed to have, in addition to the carrier, an electrical connector, particularly in the form of a plug, for connecting to another component, such as a conveyor belt, which is placed on the carrier as a preload. In the prior art, there are also embodiments where the electrical connector is integrated into the carrier.

[0021] In this scenario, it is also feasible to design the weighing unit, which is a connecting module, as an integral part of the relevant auxiliary basic module. This eliminates the need for electrical and mechanical connections between the auxiliary basic module and the connecting module. The weighing unit can thus contain the entire electronic device required to acquire and process the measured value of the gravity to be measured. This measured value can then be transmitted via at least one electrical bus to the main basic module for further processing or forwarding to the higher-level control unit.

[0022] According to one design of the invention, the connection module can have a setting mechanism, particularly a switch for setting the bus address of the respective connection module, wherein the setting mechanism is preferably disposed on the circumferential surface of a plug collar that inserts into a mating plug of the associated mounting basic module. In this way, the setting mechanism or switch does not need to be additionally protected against environmental influences, particularly dust and moisture. This is particularly suitable for associated plug connections employing a sealed design.

[0023] According to the invention, the main basic module, the auxiliary basic module, and the connecting module each have a closed housing, particularly a housing that is substantially impermeable to dust and water. "Closed housing" here also refers to a housing that has an unsealed portion only on the externally protruding electrical plug (in the case of using an unsealed electrical plug). Complete sealing can be achieved in this case, i.e., the associated electrical plug-in connection is formed together with an electrical plug of a shape complementary to that of another adjacent module. The mating plug already provides a sufficiently high degree of sealing in the plug-in state. Furthermore, the opposing ends of adjacent modules can directly abut against each other and / or have sealing mechanisms such as a seal surrounding the plug-in connection. This seal can be provided on the surface of one or both of the opposing shell walls and is sufficiently resilient to produce the desired sealing when the plug-in connection is formed. The increase in clamping force between the opposing ends of the associated housings can be achieved, for example, by adding a mechanical connection between the respective adjacent modules or their housings through a threaded connection.

[0024] Therefore, the housings of adjacent modules are sealed in the installed state. This housing, especially the housing for connecting modules or expansion modules designed as weighing units (here, the connecting module designed as a weighing unit is integrally formed with the attached basic module), can be designed as a two-piece unit. A first housing portion, consisting of a container-like or canister-like section formed by a bottom and integral sidewalls, can be connected to a second housing portion, for example, in the form of a flat cap, wherein a sealed connection is formed between the cap and the sidewalls. Obviously, such a housing can also consist of two container-like halves, wherein the sidewalls integral with the bottom or cap are sealed together.

[0025] The housing may also have an optical status display mechanism such as a light-emitting diode, wherein the status display is visible from the outside (i.e., when the housing is closed). This is particularly suitable for housings that connect modules (whether designed as simple electronic modules or weighing units) and for integral expansion modules designed as weighing units.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the invention, the main base module may have or provide a current supply for expansion modules, particularly connection modules (e.g., by cascading power lines through main and auxiliary modules). The current supply may here be via predetermined wires or electrical bus connectors or bus terminals.

[0027] The main basic module may also have a control unit designed to control the connection modules and / or connected measurement technology components, especially weighing technology components, and / or to acquire and / or forward and / or evaluate the signals and / or measurements provided by the connection modules. This can, for example, achieve synchronization of measurement value acquisition by the connection modules, either controlled by the main basic module or, in the case of corresponding cascading or signal forwarding, by a higher-level control unit.

[0028] Finally, the main basic module may have an electrical connector for connecting to the upper-level control unit, through which bidirectional communication between the main basic module and the upper-level control unit can obviously also be achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The present invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures, which illustrate:

[0030] Figure 1 This diagram shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a modular measurement technology device, particularly a weighing technology device, according to the present invention, consisting of a main basic module and 13 extension modules.

[0031] Figure 2 shows a side view of a second embodiment with only two expansion modules. Figure 2a ) and top view ( Figure 2b Here, only the basic modules attached to the expansion module are shown, not the connecting modules inserted into them, and all modules are in an uninstalled state.

[0032] Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 2 in the installed state. Figure 3a ) and top view ( Figure 3b ),

[0033] Figure 4 shows a side view of the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3. Figure 4a ) and top view ( Figure 4b The expansion module is shown in its entirety, including the connecting module inserted into the basic module.

[0034] Figure 5 The connection module is shown as a simple electronic device module, and

[0035] Figure 6 The connection module designed as a weighing unit is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Modular measurement technology device 100, such as Figure 1The first embodiment shown is a simple electronic unit for a weighing technology device in the form of a multi-channel scale, consisting of a main base module 102 and 13 expansion modules 104 detachably connected to it. The main base module 102 may include, for example, a power supply unit for the expansion modules 104 and an electrical bus unit (not shown), which controls communication between a central control unit (not shown) also located within the main base module 102 and the expansion modules 104 via at least one electrical bus. Additionally, the main base module 102 may have multiple connectors 106, particularly connectors for power supply and at least one connector for communication with a higher-level control unit (not shown). Furthermore, the connectors 106 may also have one or more terminals to which one or more electrical buses (to which the expansion modules (104) are ultimately cascaded.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the expansion module 104 consists of an attached basic module 108 and a connecting module 110. Each connecting module 110, which is generally rectangular in shape in the illustrated embodiment, can be detachably connected mechanically and electrically to its corresponding rectangular strip-shaped attached basic module 108. The mechanical connection can be made, for example, by means of two screws 112, wherein each screw 112 passes through a hole in a protrusion 113 provided on two narrow sides of the connecting module 108 (see also Figure 4). Figure 5 , Figure 6 And insert it into the threaded hole within the relevant accessory basic module. However, mechanical connection can be made by any other means, such as by clamping or locking.

[0038] Figure 2a An embodiment of a modular weighing technology device 200 is shown, which consists of only one main basic module 102 and two expansion modules; only the auxiliary basic module 108 is shown here. Figure 2bAs can be seen in the corresponding top view of the device 200, the intermediate accessory base module 108 is detachably connected to the main base module 102 not only via an electrical plug connection 114 (only the electrical plug on the main base module 102 side is visible) but also via a mechanical connection 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical connection includes two pins on the main base module 102 side and two corresponding holes (not visible) on the accessory base module 108 side. The mechanical connection between two adjacent accessory base modules 108 in the illustrated embodiment includes four pins, each inserted into a hole. The mechanical connection 116, designed as a plug-in connection in the illustrated embodiment, can be designed to generate a retaining force mechanically through frictional engagement between the pin and the inner wall of its corresponding hole. However, the mechanical connection can also be made in any other way, such as by clamping or locking connections or threaded connections. In the illustrated variant, the electrical plug connection 114 is designed such that the main base module 102 and each accessory base module 108 adjacent to another accessory base module 108 are connected in... Figure 2a and 2b On the right side of the center is an electrical plug 114a, which is inserted into a complementary plug 114b on the left side of each of the attached basic modules 108. The electrical plug connection 114 can also be designed to be a mechanical plug connection with a corresponding holding force (especially a pull-out force when adjacent modules are separated) in addition to a simple electrical connection.

[0039] At least one electrical bus is cascaded between the main base module 102 and all attached base modules 108 via plug-in connection 114. Alternatively, a separate plug-in connection could be used for each electrical bus. However, generally a single electrical bus is used for data transmission between the expansion module 104 and the main base module. The main base module 102 can be designed with different connectors 106 for data transmission between itself and the higher-level control unit, wherein each connector not only meets the specific specifications of another (mechanical) plug standard but also meets the requirements of other transmission standards or other transmission protocols.

[0040] In addition, Figure 2a and 2b As seen in the diagram, the last attached basic module 108 of the stack 118 of expansion modules 104, i.e., the outermost attached basic module 108 of the stack 118 that is not connected to the main basic module 102, does not have any other connectors 114a. Such an attached basic module 108 can also be referred to as an end module. The use of end modules is optional. Conversely, a "normal" attached basic module 108 can also be used, providing expansion possibilities without any changes.

[0041] However, the advantage of the end module is that when the entire device 100, 200 is required to be designed to be insensitive to environmental impacts, for example, to be dustproof and / or waterproof according to predetermined industry standards (e.g., IP65), no exposed electrical interfaces are left, or such exposed electrical interfaces can be sealed off by additional measures.

[0042] For this purpose, the plug-in connection 114 and / or the connection between the opposing sides of the basic module 108 or the main basic module 102, which is typically attached to it, can be configured in a correspondingly sealed manner. Sealing mechanisms such as sealing lips, seals between plugs 114a and 114b, and surrounding seals 115 on the opposing ends of modules 108 and 102 can be provided for this purpose. It may be sufficient if the opposing ends of two modules 108 or 102 are designed to be (especially) complementary in shape and directly abut each other in at least a ring-shaped local area. Figure 3 shows the modules shown separately in Figure 2 in an assembled or installed state.

[0043] According to Figure 2b and Figure 3b In the top view, it can also be seen that each attached basic module 108 has an electrical plug 120a on its top side for an electrical connection 120 between the attached basic module 108 and its corresponding connection module 110. The insertion or installation state of the modular modules 108, 110 of an embodiment of the modular weighing technology device 200 having one main basic module 102 and two expansion modules can be seen in Figure 4, wherein... Figure 4a Showing a side view and Figure 4b A top view is shown. Figure 4 shows the expansion module 104 and the main base module in an unconnected state. A plug-in connection 120 is used to connect the associated connection module 110 to at least one electrical bus, which is available via the attached base module.

[0044] The plug-in connection 120 between the mounting base module 108 and the connecting module 110 can be designed similarly to the plug-in connection 114, such that the electrical contacts of the plug-in connection 120 are protected against environmental influences, particularly dust and moisture or water, and a predetermined industry standard, such as IP65, is met. For this purpose, the plug-in connection 120 can consist of an electrical plug 120a, which is correspondingly sealed in the plugged-in state by means of a suitable sealing mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, it is also apparent that suitable types of sealing mechanisms, such as a surrounding seal made of a sealing elastic material, can be provided on the opposing ends of the mounting base module 108 (i.e., its top side in the illustrated embodiment) and the connecting module 110 (i.e., its bottom side in the illustrated embodiment). However, it may be sufficient if the opposing ends of the two modules 108, 110 are configured with complementary shapes and directly abut against each other, at least in a localized annular region.

[0045] according to Figure 2b and Figure 3b The top view shows holes 122 in the lateral region of the mounting base module 108, which are used to secure the mounting base module 108 to a support (not shown), such as a scale housing or frame, by means of a threaded connection. For this purpose, screws (not shown) can pass through holes 122 and be inserted into corresponding threaded holes in the support.

[0046] In addition, according to Figure 2b and Figure 3b The top view shows a threaded hole 124 through which a screw 112, passing through a lateral protrusion 113 of the connecting module 110, is inserted to secure the connecting module 110 to the associated accessory base module 108.

[0047] Figure 5 A connection module 110 is shown, designed as a purely electronic device module. The connection module 110 has a two-piece housing 126. Electronic devices mounted on a circuit board are housed in a can-shaped portion 128 having a generally flat bottom and circumferential sidewalls extending generally perpendicularly thereto. These electronic devices can be secured within the can-shaped housing portion 128 in common ways, such as by means of threaded connections or clamps. The electronic device has an electrical connector that connects to an electrical plug 120b in an electrical plug-in connection 120 between the connection module 110 and its associated attachment base module 108. The plug itself may also be surrounded by a dome or flange integrally formed with or tightly connected to the housing. For the purposes of this specification, such a dome or flange is considered to be covered by the term "plug." Additionally, the electronic device has an electrical connector that connects to an electrical plug 130. The plug 130 or associated connector is used to connect another component, such as a weighing unit, to the connection module 110. The can-shaped housing portion 128 is closed by means of a generally flat housing cover 132 in the illustrated embodiment. A seal can be provided between the end face of the housing cover 132 and the side wall of the can-shaped housing portion 128 to ensure adequate protection of the electronic device from environmental influences, especially dust and moisture or water. The housing cover 132 can be detachably fixed to the can-shaped housing portion 128, for example by means of a threaded connection.

[0048] An optical display 134, for example in the form of status LEDs, can be provided inside the shell wall of the housing 126. In the illustrated embodiment, a row of status LEDs is provided in the upper side wall of the can-shaped housing portion 128 (in the installed state). These LEDs can indicate, for example, that communication with the main basic module is ready, power is supplied, or that another component, such as a weighing unit, has been connected to the power plug 130.

[0049] The plug 120b can also be designed (for each type of connection module) to integrate an address switch 136 on its peripheral wall, into which a complementary plug 120a of the attached basic module is inserted. This address switch may have one or more mechanical switching elements, such as adjustment wheels, which, in conjunction with the associated addressing electronics and / or addressing software, determine the bus address of the respective connection module 110. By providing switching mechanisms on the peripheral surface of the plug (i.e., on the peripheral surface of the corresponding plug configuration or on the peripheral surface of the dome or flange of the housing), they are easily accessible in the detached state of the connection module 110 and the attached basic module 108, and protected in the installed state from accidental operation and environmental influences.

[0050] Figure 6 The connection module 210 is shown, designed as a complete weighing unit. The weighing unit can operate based on the principle of electromagnetic force compensation and is equipped with a single mechanical structure. Obviously, the weighing unit can also operate based on any other principle, such as by means of strain gauges or based on the principle of vibrating wires, and be configured accordingly. The weighing unit may contain the entire electronic device (or parts or components thereof) required to acquire and perhaps process gravity measurements, with gravity transmitted to the weighing unit via the carrier 212. In addition to the carrier 212, one or more electrical connections can also be routed in the connection module 210 to related components, such as a conveyor belt with a drive mechanism for a multi-channel scale, via a common connector. The housing 126 of the connection module 210, designed as a weighing unit, can be designed as previously described in relation to the connection module 110, designed as a simple electronic device module. This also applies to setting up an optical display 134 for the status of the weighing unit or connection module 210.

[0051] In addition, the main basic module 102 and each attached basic module 108 may also have a housing constructed in a similar manner.

[0052] The installation of individual modules of the modular device 100 according to the invention can be flexibly performed. For example, connecting modules 110, 210 can be connected to their respective attached basic modules first, and then the pre-installed expansion modules 104 can be connected to form an expansion module stack. Next, the main basic module 102 can be placed on the desired side of the expansion module stack and connected thereto. Obviously, it is also possible to first connect the first expansion module 104 to the main basic module 102 so that the expansion modules 104 can be connected one after another to their respective previously installed expansion modules 104. As mentioned above, the last (outermost) expansion module 104 can have an attached basic module 108 designed as an end module.

[0053] If the modular weighing device 100 is to be fixed to the support, all the auxiliary basic modules can first be connected to the main basic module 102. The unit can then be fixed to the support by means of screws passing through the holes 122 of the auxiliary modules. Next, the connecting modules 110, 210 can be inserted into the auxiliary basic module 108 and perhaps fixed thereto by screws 112.

[0054] It should be noted that, according to the present invention, a total system can be provided, comprising a general main basic module 102 together with a desired number of expansion modules configured in a desired manner. The expansion modules 104 here do not necessarily have to have the same or identical connection modules 110, 210. Instead, any number of connection modules 110, 210 of different types can be provided, which can be connected to or inserted into the auxiliary basic module 108. It is possible to select any insertion position or auxiliary basic module to be associated with each connection module 110, 210. Therefore, it is possible to provide connection modules 110, 210 of the desired type at any location within the stack of expansion modules 104. Auxiliary basic modules 108 of different widths and correspondingly wider (or even different width) connection modules 110, 210 are also possible, for example, for weighing units with different load-bearing capacities and correspondingly different widths of monolithic mechanical structures.

[0055] If the existing modular weighing device 100 needs to be expanded, only one additional expansion module 104 needs to be added. If the outermost expansion module 104 of an expansion module stack has an attached base module 108 designed as an end module, the expansion module stack should first be disassembled; that is, at any point, an attached base module 108 should be separated from the adjacent module. The additional expansion module 104 can then be installed at this separated position (or the additional attached base module 108 can be installed first).

[0056] The present invention also relates to the possibility of replacing the connection modules 110, 210 with extreme simplicity. This can be achieved simply by disconnecting the associated connection between the connection module and its associated basic mounting module 108 and replacing the connection modules 110, 210 with a connection module of the same or another type.

[0057] This invention proposes designing the attached basic module 108 as a purely passive electromechanical unit, meaning that the module specifically includes only passive electrical components such as wires, wire splitters, electrical plugs, and perhaps passive electrical elements such as capacitors and resistors. This achieves a very low probability of electrical defects, particularly by abandoning (active) signal processing in the attached basic module 108. Therefore, electrical or mechanical defects (especially in the case of connection modules designed as weighing units) are quite likely to exist only in connection modules 110 and 210. In this case, replacing the connection module can be done more quickly and easily than if the associated attached basic module 108 had to be removed from the stack of expansion modules 104.

[0058] However, in principle, it is also possible to design the expansion module as a whole, that is, as a unit, rather than implementing it as two separate units, namely, an attached basic module and a connecting module that can be detachably connected to it. This solution is particularly recommended when the expansion module is designed as a weighing unit.

[0059] Alternatively, the main basic module may be designed as a two-piece unit, consisting of an attached basic module of the aforementioned type and a main connection module that performs the functions of the main basic module and can be connected to it. The main connection module can be designed structurally, particularly in terms of mechanical and electrical connections, in the same way as the aforementioned connection module. Therefore, the location of the main basic module within the entire modular measurement device can be freely chosen according to the requirements of each application.

[0060] Therefore, this invention enables the realization of a modular weighing technology device, which can be adapted to various applications with great flexibility and can be easily modified and expanded.

[0061] List of reference numerals

[0062] 100 Modular Weighing Technology Device

[0063] 102 Main Basic Module

[0064] 104 Extended Modules

[0065] 106 connector

[0066] 108 comes with a basic module

[0067] 110 Connection Module

[0068] 112 screws

[0069] 113 Protrusion

[0070] 114 Electrical Plug Connection

[0071] 114A electrical plug

[0072] 114b electrical plug

[0073] 115 Surround seal

[0074] 116 Mechanical connection

[0075] 118 Extended Module Heap

[0076] 120 electrical plug connection

[0077] 120A electrical plug

[0078] 120B electrical plug

[0079] 122 holes

[0080] 124 threaded hole

[0081] 126 Casing

[0082] 128. Can-shaped shell section

[0083] 130 electrical plug

[0084] 132 Housing cover

[0085] 134 Optical Display

[0086] 136 Address Switch

[0087] 200 Modular Weighing Technology Device

[0088] 210 Connection Module (Weighing Unit)

[0089] 212 Load-bearing component.

Claims

1. Modular metrological apparatus, having: (a) a main base module (102) and a plurality of expansion modules (104), (b) wherein each expansion module (104) is composed of an attached base module (108) and a connection module which is detachably connected to the attached base module (108) in a mechanical and electrical manner, (c) the expansion modules (104) are arranged next to one another and are detachably connected to one another in an electrical and mechanical manner to form a stack (118) of expansion modules (104), and wherein the main base module (102) is detachably connected in an electrical and mechanical manner to the expansion module (104) at one end of the stack (118) of expansion modules (104), (d) wherein the detachable mechanical and electrical connections between the expansion modules (104) and the detachable mechanical and electrical connections between the main base module (102) and the adjacent expansion modules (104) are achieved only by the detachable electrical and mechanical connections between the respective adjacent attached base modules (108) and the detachable electrical and mechanical connections between the main base module (102) and the attached base modules (108) of the adjacent expansion modules (104), characterized in that (e) the connection modules are designed as electronic evaluation and / or control units for weighing technology components and / or one or more or all of the connection modules are designed as weighing cells, (f) the main base module (102), the attached base modules (108) and the connection modules each have a closed, dust-tight and water-tight housing (126). The modular metrological apparatus is used in a multichannel scale. The main base module (102), the attached base modules (108) of the adjacent expansion modules (104) and the attached base modules (108) of the respective adjacent expansion modules (104) are electrically connected by means of at least one electrical busbar connection, wherein the electrical connections are designed as plug connections. (c) wherein, The plug connections simultaneously realize the mechanical connections. The respective adjacent attached base modules (108) and the main base module (102) and the attached base modules (108) of the adjacent expansion modules (104) have electric plug connections on the end sides facing one another which are complementary in shape in order to form the plug connections. The electric plug connections are designed in such a way that the end sides facing one another are in contact in the connected state. The electric plug connections are designed in such a way that the end sides facing one another have only a small gap of less than 1 mm in the connected state. The electric plug connections are designed in such a way that the end sides facing one another have only a small gap of less than 0.5 mm in the connected state.

2. The modular measurement device of claim 1, wherein, Each attached base module (108) is electrically connected to the associated connection module on the top side by means of an electrical plug connection (120).

3. The modular measurement device of claim 1, wherein, Each attached base module (108) is electrically and also mechanically connected to the associated connection module on the top side by means of an electrical plug connection (120).

4. The modular measurement device of claim 3, wherein, The electric plug connection (120) of the electrical plug connection (120) on the associated attached base module (108) provides all the busbar terminals of the at least one busbar connection.

5. The modular measurement device of claim 3, wherein, ​ 6. The modular measurement device of claim 5, wherein, ​ 7. The modular measurement device of claim 5, wherein, ​ 8. The modular measurement device of claim 5, wherein, ​ 9. The modular measurement device of claim 3 or 5, wherein, ​ 10. The modular measurement device of claim 9, wherein, ​ 11. The modular measurement device of claim 9, wherein, ​ 12. The modular measurement device of claim 9, wherein, Each connecting module is connected to the respective attached base module (108) by an additional mechanical connection.

13. The modular measurement device of claim 12, wherein, Each connecting module is connected to the respective attached base module (108) by means of a screw connection or a latching connection.

14. Modular measurement technology device according to claim 5, characterized in that (a) all attached base modules (108) are designed to be identical to one another, or (b) all attached base modules (108) are designed to be identical to one another, with the exception of the last attached base module (108) arranged at the end of the stack (118) of the extension modules (104) and not connected to the main base module (102), and the last attached base module (108) does not have an electrical plug on the end side not connected to another attached base module (108).

15. The modular measurement device of claim 3, wherein, Each attached base module (108) has a mechanical connection for mechanically connecting the attached base module (108) to a support, such as a housing.

16. The modular measurement device of claim 1, wherein, The connecting module is designed as an electronic evaluation and / or control unit for a weighing cell, a force sensor or an acceleration sensor.

17. The modular measurement device of claim 16, wherein, The connecting module has an electrical connection designed as an electrical plug for the electrical connection of the associated measurement technology component.

18. The modular measurement device of claim 1, wherein, The connecting module has a setting mechanism for setting the bus address of the respective connecting module.

19. The modular measurement device of claim 18, wherein, The setting mechanism is a switch.

20. The modular measurement device of claim 18 or 19, wherein, The setting mechanism is arranged on the peripheral surface of the collar of the electrical plug, which engages into the mating electrical plug of the associated attached base module (108).

21. The modular measurement device of claim 1, wherein, The main base module (102) has or provides a current supply for the extension modules (104).

22. The modular measurement device of claim 21, wherein, The main base module (102) has or provides a current supply for the connecting modules.

23. The modular measurement device of claim 1, wherein, The main base module (102) comprises a control unit for controlling the connecting modules and / or the measurement technology components connected thereto, and / or for measuring and / or evaluating and / or forwarding signals and / or measured values provided by the connecting modules.

24. The modular measurement device of claim 1, wherein, The main base module (102) has a connection (106) for connecting to a superior control unit.

25. The modular measurement device of claim 4, wherein, A sealing mechanism is arranged on the surface of one or both of the housing walls of the adjacent modules facing one another, which surrounds the associated electrical plug that is shaped complementarily and is designed to create a dust- and water-tight plug connection when the plug connection between the modules is established.

26. The modular measurement device of claim 25, wherein, A mechanical connection is provided between the housings of the adjacent modules, which is designed to create a predetermined pressing force between the facing end sides of the associated adjacent modules.

27. The modular measurement device of claim 26, wherein, The mechanical connection is a screw connection.

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