U-shaped plate for a weighing module and weighing module comprising same

Abstract

This invention provides a U-shaped plate for a weighing module and a weighing module including the U-shaped plate. The U-shaped plate is an inverted U-shaped structure formed by bending a straight metal plate, with the lower width of the U-shaped plate being greater than the upper width. An opening is formed on one side surface of the U-shaped plate, extending from the bottom end of one side surface, through the upper end surface of the U-shaped plate, to the upper part of the other side surface, for mounting a sensor. Multiple irregularly shaped notches are formed inside the opening, and a limiting hole is formed on the upper end surface of the U-shaped plate. This invention features a novel, aesthetically pleasing, and reliable U-shaped plate. When used in a weighing module, it perfectly complements the sensor. Through an integrated molding design, it overcomes the aforementioned shortcomings, achieves both safety and practicality, enhances competitiveness, and provides a solution that meets various application requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of weighing modules, and particularly to a U-shaped plate for a weighing module and a weighing module including the U-shaped plate. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, material tanks and silos, due to their large capacity and high risk factor, and with the increasing demand for precision manufacturing, have created a need for weighing modules with large capacity and high safety requirements. Weighing modules are typically installed on the legs or lugs of material tanks and silos to achieve static or process weighing.

[0003] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a weighing module in the prior art. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a weighing module typically consists of a sensor, a top plate 100, a middle plate 200, and a bottom plate 300. The middle plate 200 is typically fixedly connected at one end to either the top plate 100 or the bottom plate 300, and at the other end to the other of the top plate 100 or the bottom plate 300, thereby achieving the safety protection functions required for the overall weighing module and its application.

[0004] A standard weighing module intermediate plate 200 is made by welding together three or more plates (as shown below). Figure 1 As shown, the large number of parts results in high material maintenance costs and complex production management. The use of multiple plates for welding leads to overly complex weld structures, a cumbersome welding process, numerous welds, and difficulty in controlling welding deformation.

[0005] To reduce welding deformation, additional machining is required after welding, resulting in complex processing procedures, high processing costs, and numerous transfer steps. Furthermore, the welded plates may contain different shapes, including multiple flat plates and multiple bent plates, making the process overly cumbersome.

[0006] Furthermore, most existing module intermediate board designs are closed structures, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the welded plates form a box-like closed structure, which is extremely unfavorable for meeting hygiene requirements and causes great trouble for subsequent hygienic cleaning.

[0007] In view of this, the inventors of this application have improved the U-shaped plate structure used in the weighing module in order to overcome the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects of the intermediate plate structure used in the weighing module in the prior art, such as complex structure, high processing cost and difficulty in cleaning, and to provide a U-shaped plate for weighing module and a weighing module including the U-shaped plate.

[0009] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0010] A U-shaped plate for a weighing module is characterized in that the U-shaped plate is formed by bending a flat metal plate into an inverted U-shaped structure, and the lower width of the U-shaped plate is greater than the upper width. An opening is provided on one side surface of the U-shaped plate, which extends from the bottom end of one side surface of the U-shaped plate through the upper end surface of the U-shaped plate to the upper part of the other side surface for mounting a sensor.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of irregularly shaped notches are provided on the inner side of the opening, and a limiting hole is provided on the upper end surface of the U-shaped plate.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least two connecting holes symmetrically arranged on the two sides of the U-shaped plate are provided, and the connecting holes are close to the outer side of the U-shaped plate.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the opening is disposed in the middle region of the U-shaped plate.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the width of the opening is one-third of the length of the U-shaped plate.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the irregular notches are symmetrically distributed on the inner side of the opening.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper end surface of the U-shaped plate is a plane.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the four corners of the U-shaped plate are provided with concave structures.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the concave structure forms an angle of 8°-10° with the vertical direction.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the concave structure is half the height of the U-shaped plate in the height direction.

[0020] The present invention also provides a weighing module, characterized in that the weighing module includes a top plate assembly, a bottom plate assembly, a sensor, and a U-shaped plate for the weighing module as described above. The U-shaped plate is mounted on the bottom plate assembly, and the sensor is mounted in the opening of the U-shaped plate, located between the top plate assembly and the bottom plate assembly. The top plate assembly is connected to the limiting hole of the U-shaped plate through a top plate stud.

[0021] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows:

[0022] This invention relates to a U-shaped plate for a weighing module and a weighing module including the U-shaped plate. The U-shaped plate has a novel structure, beautiful appearance, and reliable performance. When used in a weighing module, it works perfectly with a sensor. Through an integrated molding design, it overcomes the above-mentioned shortcomings, achieves safety and practicality, and enhances competitiveness, providing a solution that meets various usage requirements.

[0023] The U-shaped plate of the present invention for the weighing module and the weighing module including the plate can not only reduce the number of parts, reduce the overall weight, reduce processing time, save processing costs, and provide a hygienic design, but also provide users with a brand-new solution, comprehensively improving product competitiveness and safety. For example, when placed in the middle of the weighing module, it can provide various mechanical protection functions required by the module through connection with the top or bottom plate of the module: horizontal limit, anti-tipping, fall protection, and daily maintenance of the module. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above and other features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in which the same reference numerals always denote the same features, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a weighing module in the prior art.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the U-shaped plate used in the weighing module of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a front view of the U-shaped plate used in the weighing module of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a rear view of the U-shaped plate used in the weighing module of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a top view of the U-shaped plate used in the weighing module of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the U-shaped plate used in the weighing module of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a right view of the U-shaped plate used in the weighing module of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a front view of the weighing module of the present invention without the sensor installed.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the weighing module of the present invention without the sensor installed.

[0034] Figure 10This is a front view of the weighing module of the present invention with the sensor installed.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a side view of the weighing module of the present invention with the sensor installed.

[0036] [Attached image labels]

[0037] Top plate 100

[0038] Intermediate plate 200

[0039] 300 base plate

[0040] U-shaped board 10

[0041] Opening 11

[0042] 12 one side surface of the U-shaped plate

[0043] 13 on the other side surface of the U-shaped plate

[0044] Irregular notch 14

[0045] Limiting hole 15

[0046] Connection hole 16

[0047] Concave structure 17

[0048] Top panel assembly 20

[0049] Base plate assembly 30

[0050] Sensor 40

[0051] Top plate stud 21 Detailed Implementation

[0052] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, examples of which are shown in the drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used in all the drawings to denote the same or similar parts.

[0054] Furthermore, although the terminology used in this invention is selected from commonly known and used terms, some terms mentioned in this specification may have been selected by the applicant in his or her judgment, and their detailed meanings are explained in the relevant sections of the description herein.

[0055] Furthermore, the invention should be understood not only through the actual terminology used, but also through the meaning implied by each term.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the U-shaped plate used in the weighing module of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a front view of the U-shaped plate used in the weighing module of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a rear view of the U-shaped plate used in the weighing module of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a top view of the U-shaped plate used in the weighing module of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the U-shaped plate used in the weighing module of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a right view of the U-shaped plate used in the weighing module of the present invention.

[0057] like Figures 2 to 7 As shown, this invention discloses a U-shaped plate for a weighing module. The U-shaped plate 10 is formed by bending a flat metal plate into an inverted U-shaped structure, and the lower width of the U-shaped plate 10 is greater than the upper width. Since a sensor needs to be placed in the middle part, an opening 11 is provided on one side surface of the U-shaped plate 10. The opening 11 extends from the bottom end of one side surface 12 of the U-shaped plate 10, through the upper end surface 12 of the U-shaped plate 10, to the upper part of the other side surface 13, for mounting the sensor.

[0058] To facilitate sensor placement and removal, or to provide more operating space, multiple irregularly shaped notches 14 are provided inside the opening 11. Furthermore, the irregularly shaped notches 14 are symmetrically distributed inside the opening 11.

[0059] To enable the weighing module to have horizontal limiting and anti-tipping functions, a limiting hole 15 is provided on the upper end surface of the U-shaped plate 10. Here, the upper end surface of the U-shaped plate 10 is preferably flat.

[0060] Although a central opening is provided in the front area of ​​the plate, the rear area of ​​the plate remains continuous to maintain structural continuity, with a large rounded corner transition at the rear. Typically, the module is connected to a horizontal tie rod; therefore, at least two symmetrical connection holes 16 are provided on both sides of the U-shaped plate 10. These connection holes 16 should be positioned as close as possible to the outer edge of the U-shaped plate 10 to maximize the tie rod length and improve measurement accuracy.

[0061] Preferably, the opening 11 is located in the middle region of the U-shaped plate 10. The width of the opening 11 is preferably one-third of the length of the U-shaped plate 10, that is, the width of the opening 11 is the same as the width of the U-shaped plates on both sides. Of course, this is just an example, and the width of the opening 11 only needs to match the sensor.

[0062] The U-shaped plate 10 has an overall rectangular shape, narrow on one side and wide on the other. There is a flat section on the narrow side, and the width of the flat section is not less than the inner diameter of the limiting hole. This flat section is used for the vertical safety protection of the module during its fall.

[0063] Furthermore, since the wide side opening of the U-shaped plate is relatively large, it may interfere with the module mounting screws. Therefore, to provide sufficient operating space for the mounting screws and further improve the mechanical properties of the U-shaped plate, the four corners of the U-shaped plate 10 are preferably designed with concave structures 17. The concave structures 17 form an angle of 8°-10° with the vertical direction. This angle setting provides sufficient space for the mounting screws and maximizes the strength of the U-shaped plate.

[0064] Preferably, the concave structure 17 is half the height of the U-shaped plate 10 in the height direction. This design improves tensile and compressive strength in the vertical direction; if the concave area is too high, the vertical strength will decrease, and if it is too low, the performance improvement will be limited. On the other hand, the concave area should not be too high, so that the area around the connecting hole must be flat to meet the reliability requirements of the tie rod connection mechanism. Moreover, the forming angle of the U-shaped plate precisely places the installation area of ​​other accessories at the maximum of the internal area of ​​the U-shaped plate.

[0065] Figure 8 This is a front view of the weighing module of the present invention without the sensor installed. Figure 9 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the weighing module of the present invention without the sensor installed. Figure 10 This is a front view of the weighing module of the present invention with the sensor installed. Figure 11 This is a side view of the weighing module of the present invention with the sensor installed.

[0066] like Figures 8 to 11 As shown, the present invention also provides a weighing module, which includes a top plate assembly 20, a bottom plate assembly 30, a sensor 40, and a U-shaped plate 10 for the weighing module as described above. The U-shaped plate 10 is mounted on the bottom plate assembly 30, and the sensor 40 is mounted in the opening 11 of the U-shaped plate 10, located between the top plate assembly 20 and the bottom plate assembly 30. The top plate assembly 20 is connected to the limiting hole 15 of the U-shaped plate 10 through a top plate stud 21.

[0067] Based on the above description, the U-shaped plate for the weighing module and the weighing module including the U-shaped plate of the present invention have the following advantages:

[0068] I. In terms of functionality:

[0069] 1. The central opening is designed to accommodate the sensor, facilitating its installation, removal, and routine maintenance. The irregular notch increases operating space during sensor-related operations, offering greater convenience for manual or tool-based tasks. Furthermore, this notch enhances aesthetics, avoiding the monotony of a completely straight-edged layout. The hole in the upper left corner of the U-shaped plate can be optionally designed for connecting other auxiliary mechanisms, such as a horizontal limiting mechanism for connecting modules.

[0070] 2. The concave design at the four corners gives the overall U-shaped plate a unique shape and elegant appearance; it not only provides sufficient operating space for the module mounting screws, but also improves the structural strength, which can meet the requirements of large-capacity and high-safety use, as has been proven by finite element analysis and mechanical testing.

[0071] 3. The accessories are installed and arranged in the middle part of the largest space inside the U-shaped plate for easy operation. In addition, the internal space of the U-shaped plate opening can provide space for other auxiliary functions, realizing various maintenance functions, such as placing lifting tools, placing sensor working status monitoring tools, etc.

[0072] 4. It conforms to hygienic design, with a narrow top that makes it difficult for dust, rainwater or debris to accumulate, and a wide bottom and a sloping middle that forms a natural downward structure, facilitating the natural rolling off of debris.

[0073] II. In terms of structural appearance:

[0074] 1. Relying on only one component, it meets the requirements for large-capacity and safe use. The U-shaped plate is aesthetically pleasing, has a unique structure, and is simple yet elegant. It presents a U-shape that is narrower on one side and wider on the other, with concave molding at the four corners. It has an opening in the middle, and the inside of the opening has an irregularly shaped notch.

[0075] 2. The rear of the U-shaped plate is a continuous whole, offering advantages such as: integrated material cutting, simplified processing while maintaining structural continuity; integrated molding, achieving the effect of welding three parts together with a single component, greatly simplifying the structure; and the integrated design, where the U-shaped plate provides robust performance in the horizontal direction due to the moment of inertia of the cross-section.

[0076] III. In terms of structural strength:

[0077] The excellent mechanical properties of the U-shaped plate can meet the requirements of large capacity and high safety. During operation, the component is fixed by mounting screws in the four mounting holes, forming the fixing points of the module. The horizontal force on the U-shaped plate during operation comes from the impact of other parts on the limiting holes, thus generating the horizontal force of the upper limiting hole to be transmitted and transferred to the four mounting screw fixing points.

[0078] Firstly, in the horizontal direction, the back of the U-shaped plate is a continuous, integrated structure. Due to the large bending modulus resulting from the moment of inertia of the cross section, it is almost impossible to deform in the horizontal direction, thus resulting in a strong and reliable horizontal load-bearing capacity. Moreover, the concave shape at the four corners of the U-shaped plate also greatly improves the bending performance by increasing the contact area and the moment of inertia of the cross section, making the U-shaped plate extremely strong in the horizontal direction.

[0079] Secondly, in the horizontal and longitudinal direction, the screw fixing components at the four corners will initially cause the U-shaped plate to deform longitudinally. However, due to the narrow top and wide bottom of the U-shaped plate, both longitudinal and upward deformation are constrained. The greater the difference between the narrow top and wide bottom, the stronger the horizontal resistance. In addition, in the horizontal and longitudinal direction, due to the concave corners, the contact area between the U-shaped plate and the base plate increases. The irregular shape at the root of the U-shaped plate also optimizes the bending modulus in the longitudinal direction, further enhancing the longitudinal resistance.

[0080] Furthermore, the anti-overturning performance under vertical pressure and in the vertical direction is improved by a similar principle.

[0081] IV. In terms of processing technology:

[0082] 1. Laser cutting is used for blanking, cutting the entire planar shape into shape in one go, avoiding the cumbersome process of conventional machining. Moreover, by controlling the width of the middle opening L1 and the widths of the two sides L2, nested blanking can be achieved to avoid material waste. That is, the middle opening of one U-shaped plate can be used as the side of another adjacent U-shaped plate, and so on.

[0083] 2. For forming processes, laser cutting followed by integrated stamping is the preferred method, greatly simplifying the process steps. Other methods such as casting and stamping are also under consideration.

[0084] 3. Integrated welding ensures continuous weld seams, simplifies operation, and minimizes welding deformation.

[0085] In summary, the present invention provides a U-shaped plate for a weighing module and a weighing module including the U-shaped plate. The U-shaped plate has a novel structure, beautiful appearance, and reliable performance. When used in a weighing module, it works perfectly with the sensor. Through integrated molding design, it overcomes the above-mentioned shortcomings, achieves safety and practicality, and enhances competitiveness, providing a solution that meets various usage requirements.

[0086] The U-shaped plate of the present invention for the weighing module and the weighing module including the plate can not only reduce the number of parts, reduce the overall weight, reduce processing time, save processing costs, and provide a hygienic design, but also provide users with a brand-new solution, comprehensively improving product competitiveness and safety. For example, when placed in the middle of the weighing module, it can provide various mechanical protection functions required by the module through connection with the top or bottom plate of the module: horizontal limit, anti-tipping, fall protection, and daily maintenance of the module.

[0087] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A U-shaped plate for a weighing module, characterized in that, The U-shaped plate is formed by bending a flat metal plate into an inverted U-shaped structure, and the lower width of the U-shaped plate is greater than the upper width, an opening is formed on one side surface of the U-shaped plate, the opening extends from the bottom end of the one side surface of the U-shaped plate through the upper end surface of the U-shaped plate to the upper part of the other side surface for mounting a sensor, and the four corners of the U-shaped plate are provided as concave structures.

2. The U-shaped plate for a weighing module according to claim 1, characterized in that, A plurality of special-shaped notches are formed on the inner side of the opening, and a limiting hole is formed on the upper end surface of the U-shaped plate.

3. The U-shaped plate for a weighing module according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two connecting holes that are symmetrically arranged front and back are also formed on the two side surfaces of the U-shaped plate, and the connecting holes are close to the outer side edges of the U-shaped plate.

4. The U-shaped plate for a weighing module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening is arranged in the middle region of the U-shaped plate.

5. The U-shaped plate for a weighing module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The width of the opening is one third of the length of the U-shaped plate.

6. The U-shaped plate for a weighing module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The special-shaped notches are symmetrically arranged left and right in the inner side of the opening.

7. The U-shaped plate for a weighing module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end surface of the U-shaped plate is a plane.

8. The U-shaped plate for a weighing module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The concave structure forms an angle of 8°-10° with the vertical direction.

9. U-shaped plate for a weighing module according to claim 8, characterized in that The concave structure is half the height of the U-shaped plate in the height direction.

10. A weighing module, characterized in that The weighing module comprises a top plate assembly, a bottom plate assembly, a sensor, and a U-shaped plate for a weighing module according to any one of claims 1-9, the U-shaped plate is mounted on the bottom plate assembly, the sensor is mounted in the opening of the U-shaped plate between the top plate assembly and the bottom plate assembly, and the top plate assembly is connected with the limiting hole of the U-shaped plate through a top plate stud.

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