Vibration module of modular measurement system and modular measurement system

Abstract

The invention relates to a vibration module (VM) for a modular measuring system for measuring a measured variable of a fluid substance, in particular a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, comprising: two measuring tubes (31, 32) for conducting the substance, each of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) having an inlet region and an outlet region, wherein the two measuring tubes (31, 32) are formed in a straight manner; -for each measuring tube (31, 32), at least one excitation magnet (22), in particular a cylindrical excitation magnet, each excitation magnet being arranged on the corresponding measuring tube (31, 32) and being designed to vibrate the measuring tube (31, 32) when the measuring tube is exposed to a temporally varying magnetic field of the excitation coil of the base module (BM); -at least one sensor magnet (24, 26), in particular a cylindrical sensor magnet, each sensor magnet being arranged on the corresponding measuring tube (31, 32) for each measuring tube (31, 32); -a connecting body (50), which is mechanically connected to the two measuring tubes (31, 32) and via which the two measuring tubes (31, 32) can be mechanically connected to the base module (BM), said connecting body (50) connecting together the inlet region (IN) and the outlet region (OUT) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32); a first coupler (K1), in particular a planar coupler, which connects the inlet regions (IN) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) together; and-a second coupler (K2), in particular a planar coupler, which connects the inlet region (IN) and / or the outlet region (OUT) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) together; and-a coupler connector (40i), wherein the first coupler (K1) and the second coupler (K2) are connected together via the coupler connector (40i).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vibration module of a modular measurement system for measuring the measurement variables of a fluid analyte, particularly a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, and to a modular measurement system for measuring the measurement variables of a fluid analyte, particularly a Coriolis mass flow meter. Background Technology

[0002] From WO 2019 / 017891 A1 or WO 2021 / 121867 A2, along with German patent applications DE102021105397, DE 102020133614, DE 102020132685, DE 102020133851, DE 102020133566, DE 102020132986, DE 102020132686, DE 102020132685, DE 102020131452, DE102020132223, DE 102020127356, DE 102020114519 or DE 102020112154, In each case, a modular vibration measurement system is known, i.e., formed by means of a base module, a vibration module mechanically connected to the base module, and together with the measurement system electronics electrically connected to the base module, and used to detect at least one measurement variable of the fluid test substance flowing in the pipeline (test substance), i.e., to determine the measured value of one or more measurement variables of the test substance, such as mass flow rate, volumetric flow rate, density and / or viscosity.

[0003] Such a (modular) vibration measurement system has a base module with a housing having at least one chamber at least partially surrounded by housing walls, and one or more electrical coils, such as cylindrical and / or designed as air coils, which are placed (at a distance from each other) inside the chamber of the housing and are at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing walls. Each coil is also electrically connected to the measurement system electronics. The measurement system electronics may be at least partially housed inside the housing and / or at least partially outside the housing—for example, housed in separate electronics housings. In particular, the base module is also configured to receive the vibration module of the measurement system and is mechanically fixed (forming a vibration-type transducer) but still detachably connected to it, particularly by forming the vibration measurement system itself; this is also specifically accomplished such that the vibration module is locked in the base module or cannot be moved.

[0004] The vibration module of the corresponding measurement system is also designed to be replaceable, allowing it to be inserted into the chamber from outside the housing of the base module or through an insertion opening in the housing wall, particularly in the field. It can also be removed from the base module non-destructively, possibly without tools, specifically from outside the housing and / or through a sliding opening in the housing, or without the base module itself needing to be disposed of or removed from the (process) plant. This allows, among other things, the vibration module to be subsequently inserted in the field into an already installed base module, or for defective or worn vibration modules to be replaced in the field with a complete new vibration module that can optionally be used only once or for a specified period of time (“disposable”). The vibration module also has one or more, for example, cylindrical permanent magnets, and is configured to be mounted in the base module such that each permanent magnet is placed in the aforementioned cavity but still spaced apart from the housing wall, specifically such that each permanent magnet is held in a static mounting position, which in each case is pre-determined in terms of alignment and / or minimum distance relative to one of the coils in the base module, and such that the respective imaginary longitudinal axis of each permanent magnet and the imaginary longitudinal axis of at least one of the coils are aligned with each other or extend parallel to each other as extensions.

[0005] In the measurement system under discussion, each vibration module also has at least one (measuring) tube, for example, at least partially straight and / or at least partially curved, wherein the tube wall forms the outer surface of the tube, particularly made of metal or plastic, and wherein the lumen is surrounded by the same tube wall—particularly two substantially identical parallel (measuring) tubes—and each of the aforementioned permanent magnets is mounted on the outside of the tube wall, particularly at the first and second end segments, i.e., the two substantially identical parallel (measuring) tubes, and each of the aforementioned permanent magnets is fixed to the outside of the tube wall, particularly to the central segment of the tube wall extending between the first end segment and the second end segment away from it, particularly connected to the tube wall by means of a material joint. Furthermore, the vibration module or at least one of its (measuring) tubes is designed to be mounted within the housing, without the need for tools, such that the tube is at least partially, and particularly completely, placed within the cavity, but still spaced apart from the housing wall, and each permanent magnet in its respective mounting position forms a voice coil together with a corresponding electric coil, particularly for use as an electrodynamic vibration exciter, and / or a plunger coil, particularly for use as an electrodynamic vibration sensor. In the case of at least partially bent (measuring) tubes, the aforementioned central section may, for example, be substantially U-shaped or V-shaped. In such a vibration measurement system, each of the aforementioned (measuring) tubes is also configured to carry a fluid medium flowing within the tube cavity during operation, particularly having a predetermined flow direction and / or a flow direction from the end of the first segment to the end of the second segment, and the tubes are simultaneously vibrated to generate a measurement effect related to one or more measurement variables of the medium, in particular such that: the central segment performs a vibrational movement about a static rest position and / or the (measuring) tube is driven by at least one of the aforementioned (energized) voice coils and / or a (measuring) voltage representing the vibrational movement of at least one tube and thus used as a vibration signal is generated by the aforementioned plunger coil. The measurement system electronics of such a measurement system are accordingly configured, by means of an electric driver signal having an applied AC current and / or an applied (AC current) frequency substantially corresponding to the resonant frequency of at least one tube, to: feed electrical power to at least one electric coil forming the aforementioned voice coil, and / or, by means of the (measuring) voltage generated by at least one electric coil forming the aforementioned plunger coil, in the case of a measurement device designed as a Coriolis mass flow meter or a measurement device designed as a Coriolis mass flow / density measuring device, determine the measured value of one or more measured variables of the medium flowing through one or more (measuring) tubes, for example, specifically based on the (measured) phase difference between two vibration signals in the aforementioned vibration signal caused by the Coriolis force in the medium flowing through the vibrating tube and the phase difference-measured value characteristic function configured in the measurement system electronics to generate a (mass flow) measured value representing the mass flow rate.The phase difference-mass flow rate measurement characteristic curve function can be, for example, a (linear) parametric function having a (scale) zero point corresponding to the (measured) phase difference of two vibration signals that can be measured when the measured substance is at rest or when the mass flow rate is zero, and having a slope corresponding to the (measurement) sensitivity of the measurement system or to the change of the (measured) phase difference related to the change in mass flow rate. Since one or more resonant frequencies of at least one tube also depend particularly on the instantaneous density of the corresponding medium, by means of such a measurement system, in addition to the mass flow rate, the density of the corresponding measured substance flowing through it in each case can be directly measured by means of the (alternating current) frequency of the driver signal and / or by means of the (signal) frequency of at least one of the vibration signals. Therefore, the measurement system electronics of the type of measurement system discussed are also typically equipped to generate (density) measurements representing density based on the aforementioned (alternating current) frequency of the driver signal and / or based on the corresponding signal frequency of at least one of the vibration signals—for example, using a useful frequency-measurement characteristic curve function correspondingly configured in the measurement system electronics. Furthermore, the viscosity of the flowing medium can be directly measured using a vibration measurement system of the type discussed, for example, based on the exciter energy or excitation power required to maintain useful vibration and / or based on the damping of the excitation (resonant) vibration caused by the dissipation of vibration energy, or by using a damping-measurement characteristic curve function correspondingly configured in the measurement system electronics. Additionally, further measurement variables derived from the aforementioned flow rate and / or material parameters, such as the Reynolds number, can be readily determined using such a vibration measurement system.

[0006] To simplify the commissioning of the measurement system formed in this way, the vibration module may also have at least one identification element associated with or carrying identification information about the vibration module, such as a barcode, QR code, or RFID tag attached to at least one tube, and / or the base module may have at least one light-emitting semiconductor element, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), located inside the housing and connected to the measurement system electronics, and / or one or more radio transmitters / receivers (RF transceivers) and / or optical sensors, such as one or more CCD optical sensors and / or one or more CMOS optical sensors, each located inside the housing and connected to the measurement system electronics. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vibration module that is fragile yet easy to operate.

[0008] This objective is achieved by the vibration module VM according to claim 1 and the modular measurement system according to claim 13.

[0009] The modular measurement system for measuring the measurement variable of a fluid analyte according to the present invention, particularly the vibration module of a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, comprises: - Two measuring tubes used to conduct the test substance. Each of the two measuring tubes has an inlet region and an outlet region, and the two measuring tubes are formed in a straight manner in the inlet region and the outlet region; - For each measuring tube, there is at least one excitation magnet, particularly a cylindrical excitation magnet. Each excitation magnet is arranged on the corresponding measuring tube and is designed to cause the measuring tube to vibrate when the corresponding measuring tube is exposed to the time-varying magnetic field of the excitation coil of the base module. - For each measuring tube, there is at least one sensor magnet, especially a cylindrical sensor magnet, and each sensor magnet is arranged on the corresponding measuring tube; - The connecting body is mechanically connected to two measuring tubes, and the two measuring tubes can be mechanically connected to the base module via the connecting body. The connecting body connects the inlet and outlet areas of the two measuring tubes together. - The first coupler, particularly the planar coupler, connects the inlet regions of the two measuring tubes together; and - A second coupler, particularly a planar coupler, connects the inlet and / or outlet regions of two measuring tubes together; and -Coupler connector, The first coupler and the second coupler are connected together via a coupler connector.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] One embodiment specifies that the second coupler connects only the inlet regions of the two measuring tubes together. The first of the two measuring tubes has a curved section and two straight sections. The plane of the first measuring tube extends through the two straight sections of the first measuring tube. The second measuring tube of the two measuring tubes also has a curved section and two straight sections. The second measuring tube extends through two straight sections of the second measuring tube. The coupler connector plane, which extends on the largest surface of the particularly planar coupler connector, extends perpendicularly to the first measuring tube plane and the second measuring tube plane.

[0012] One embodiment specifies that a third coupler connects the inlet regions of the two measuring tubes together. The first coupler, the second coupler, and the third coupler are connected together via a coupler connector.

[0013] One embodiment specifies that the coupler connector is arranged on the outward-facing side of the measuring tube.

[0014] One embodiment specifies that the second coupler connects only the inlet regions of the two measuring tubes together. The first of the two measuring tubes has a curved section and two straight sections. The plane of the first measuring tube extends through the two straight sections of the first measuring tube. The second measuring tube of the two measuring tubes also has a curved section and two straight sections. The second measuring tube extends through two straight sections of the second measuring tube. The coupler connector plane, which extends on the largest surface of the particularly planar coupler connector, extends parallel to the first measuring tube plane and the second measuring tube plane.

[0015] One embodiment specifies that a third coupler connects the inlet regions of the two measuring tubes together. The fourth coupler connects the outlet areas of the two measuring tubes together. The first coupler, the second coupler, the third coupler, and the fourth coupler are connected together via a coupler connector.

[0016] One embodiment specifies that the coupler connector is also connected to the connection body.

[0017] One embodiment specifies that a first coupler connector connects the couplers together in the inlet region. The second coupler connector connects the couplers in the outlet area together.

[0018] One embodiment specifies that the coupler connector is T-shaped.

[0019] One embodiment specifies that the coupler and coupler connector are integrally formed.

[0020] One embodiment specifies that the coupler connector is connected to the coupler via a material-bonded connection.

[0021] One embodiment specifies that the coupler connector has an opening.

[0022] A modular measurement system for measuring the measurement variable of a fluid analyte according to the present invention, particularly a Coriolis mass flow meter, comprises: - The vibration module according to any one of the preceding claims; and - Base module, the base module includes: --Electronic components of the measurement system; --A protective housing having at least one chamber, which is at least partially surrounded by a housing wall. --At least one excitation coil, which is placed within the cavity of the protective housing, particularly cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil, and is at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall and electrically connected to the measurement system electronics, and --At least one sensor coil, which is specifically placed in the cavity of the protective housing, particularly cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil and / or structurally identical to the excitation coil, and specifically positioned at a certain distance from the excitation coil, and is at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall, and electrically connected to the measurement system electronics; The base module is configured to receive the vibration module, particularly in the chamber, and is mechanically fixed but still detachably connected to it, particularly by a measuring sensor or vibration measuring system that forms the vibration type, and / or to lock the vibration module in the base module or prevent it from being moved. The vibration module is configured to be mounted in the base module such that its first excitation magnet is placed in the cavity but still spaced apart from the housing wall, in particular held in a position specified by the orientation and / or minimum distance relative to the excitation coil, and / or held in a static mounting position, and / or such that the imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation magnet and the imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation coil are aligned with each other or extend parallel to each other as extensions. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. In the figures: Figure 1 A perspective view of the vibration module and the base module is shown; Figure 2a / Figure 2b Each diagram shows a vibration module arranged within the base module; Figure 3a / Figure 3b A side view and a perspective view of a first embodiment of the vibration module are shown; Figure 4a / Figure 4b A side view and a perspective view of a second embodiment of the vibration module are shown; Figure 5a / Figure 5b / Figure 5c Side and perspective views of the third and fourth embodiments of the vibration module are shown; Figure 6a / Figure 6b / Figure 6c Side and perspective views of the fifth and sixth embodiments of the vibration module are shown; Figure 7a / Figure 7b A side view and perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the vibration module are shown; Figure 8a / Figure 8b A side view and perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the vibration module are shown; and Figure 9a / Figure 9b A side view and perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the vibration module are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Figure 1 A modular measurement system is shown, comprising a vibration module VM and a base module BM. The vibration module VM includes at least one measuring tube 31, 32 for transmitting the measured substance, particularly a metal. Figure 1 In the vibratory module VM, there are two measuring tubes 31 and 32 that are substantially parallel to each other and partially curved. The measuring tubes 31 and 32 are U or V shaped. The measuring tubes 31 and 32 shown have a nominal diameter greater than 5 mm. Such measuring tubes 31 and 32 are extremely stable and do not require any additional protection to prevent collisions with the housing or housing wall 11+ of the base module BM.

[0025] At least one excitation magnet 22, particularly a cylindrical excitation magnet, is arranged on at least one measuring tube 31, 32. This is designed to cause the measuring tubes 31, 32 to vibrate when exposed to a time-varying magnetic field of the excitation coil 12 of the base module BM. Figure 1 In this design, each of the measuring tubes 31 and 32 has an excitation magnet 22 disposed on the outer surface of the corresponding measuring tube 31 or 32. The excitation magnet of the measuring tube 32 is covered by the measuring tube 32 itself. Furthermore, at least one sensor magnet 24, particularly a cylindrical sensor magnet, is disposed on the measuring tubes 31 and 32. When the measuring tubes 31 and 32 are vibrated, the sensor magnet 24 generates a time-varying magnetic field that depends on the vibration behavior of the measuring tubes 31 and 32. Figure 1In this embodiment, each of the two measuring tubes 31 and 32 has two sensor magnets 24 and 26 (partially covered by the measuring tube 32) arranged on the outer surface 31+ of the measuring tube 31 and the outer surface 32+ of the measuring tube 32. The excitation magnet 22 and the sensor magnets 24 and 26 can be directly attached to the outer surface 31+ of the measuring tube 31 and the outer surface 32+ of the measuring tube 32, for example, by means of material bonding, or indirectly attached to the outer surface 31+ of the measuring tube 31 and the outer surface 32+ of the measuring tube 32 via a connecting element—which itself is connected to the corresponding measuring tube 31 and 32 by means of material bonding, force bonding, and / or shape bonding. The connecting element can be, for example, a magnetic cup (see Figures 2 and 5), which is designed not only to hold the corresponding magnet but also to protect it. Advantageously, the sensor magnets 24 and 26 and the excitation magnet 22 are arranged on the outer surface 31+ of the measuring tubes 31 and 32, such that when the vibration module VM is arranged in the chamber 11... When in the middle, collision with the housing wall 11+ can be avoided. Sensor magnets 24 and 26 are offset along the longitudinal direction of measuring tubes 31 and 32. Excitation magnet 22 is always positioned between the two sensor magnets 24 and 26 in the longitudinal direction of measuring tubes 31 and 32. In the solution shown, excitation magnet 22 is arranged in the curved portion of measuring tubes 31 and 32.

[0026] According to the present invention, the vibration module VM does not have a coil; that is, neither the excitation coil nor the sensor coil is part of the vibration module VM. Therefore, the vibration module VM also does not have the electrical conductors (e.g., cables) necessary for electrically connecting the coils to the measurement system electronics ME. Furthermore, no temperature sensor is arranged on either of the measuring tubes 31 or 32. Therefore, the vibration module VM also does not have the electrical conductors (e.g., cables) necessary for electrically connecting the temperature sensor to the measurement system electronics ME.

[0027] A key feature of the vibration module VM is the connecting body 50, which is mechanically connected to at least one measuring tube 31, 32 (e.g., via a material bond), and the at least one measuring tube 31, 32 can be mechanically connected to the base module BM via the connecting body 50. The connecting body 50 connects the two ends of at least one measuring tube 31, 32 together. Figure 1In this configuration, the connecting body 50 is planar. Furthermore, it connects the ends of measuring tubes 31 and 32 together. Measuring tubes 31 and 32 extend through openings in the connecting body 50. The connection body 50 is fixed to the measuring tubes 31 and 32 via a material bonding connection (welding or brazing). The illustrated vibration module VM also has four couplers 110i, designed to mechanically couple the two measuring tubes 31 and 32 to each other in the coupling region. Two couplers 110a and 110b couple the two measuring tubes 31 and 32 in the inlet region, and the remaining two couplers couple the two measuring tubes 31 and 32 in the outlet region.

[0028] The base module BM has measurement system electronics ME and at least one chamber 11 The housing 11, the at least one chamber 11 It is at least partially surrounded by housing wall 11+. The measurement system electronics ME are separately arranged within the measurement system electronics housing. Alternatively, the housing may have a measurement system electronics chamber, wherein the measurement system electronics ME are separated from the chamber 11. The measurement system electronics (ME) are arranged separately. These include electrical components (e.g., active components, passive components, discrete components, and integrated components) arranged on at least one printed circuit board and interacting with each other to adapt them for operating the base module (BM). Furthermore, the measurement system electronics (ME) may include at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

[0029] In chamber 11 The interior contains at least one excitation coil 12, which is cylindrical and / or in the form of an air coil, and is at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall 11+ and electrically connected to the measurement system electronics ME. The excitation coil 12 may be arranged in an opening in the housing wall 11+ as shown, or positioned through the housing wall 11+ to the chamber 11. Separation. Alternatively, the excitation coil 12 can also be placed on the housing wall 11+ facing the chamber 11. On the front surface. Figure 1 In the middle, for each measuring tube 31, 32, the base module BM has an excitation coil 12 (i.e., a total of two excitation coils), the excitation coil 12 being perpendicular to the chamber 11 The excitation coils 12 are arranged opposite each other on the longitudinal axis of the excitation coils. The measurement system electronics ME are designed to operate the excitation coils 12 with an operating signal designed to cause the excitation coils 12 to generate a time-varying magnetic field.

[0030] In the chamber 11 of the housing 11 Sensor coils 14 and 16 are also arranged inside. These coils are, in particular, cylindrical and / or designed as air coils and / or structurally identical to the first electrical coil 12. The sensor coils 14 and 16 are specifically positioned at a distance from the excitation coil 12 and are at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall 11+ and electrically connected to the measurement system electronics ME. The sensor coils 14 and 16 can be arranged in an opening in the housing wall 11+ as shown, or positioned through the housing wall 11+ to the chamber 11. Separation. Alternatively, sensor coils 14 and 16 can also be placed on the housing wall 11+ facing the chamber 11. On the front surface. Figure 1 In the base module BM, there are two sensor coils 14, 16 for each measuring tube 31, 32 (i.e., a total of four sensor coils). Two of the four sensor coils 14, 16 are arranged on the side of chamber 11 opposite to the other two sensor coils. The measurement system electronics ME are designed to read the voltage induced at the sensor coils 14, 16 and determine the phase shift between the measurement signals provided at each sensor coil 14, 16.

[0031] The base module M1 is configured to receive the vibration module VM, specifically in chamber 11. The vibration module VM is mechanically fixed but still detachable, and is specifically connected to the base module BM by forming a vibration-type measuring sensor or vibration measuring system and / or locking the vibration module VM in the base module BM or preventing it from being moved. For this purpose, the base module M1 may have a fastening device or fastening apparatus (not shown), as disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2020 114 519 A1. The vibration module VM is configured to be mounted in the base module BM such that its first excitation magnet 22 is placed in the cavity, but still spaced apart from the housing wall 11+, in particular at a position specified by the orientation and / or minimum distance relative to the excitation coil 12, and / or held in a static mounting position, and / or such that the imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation magnet 22 and the imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation coil 12 are aligned with each other or extend parallel to each other as extensions. Furthermore, the vibration module VM is configured to be mounted in the base module BM such that its sensor magnets 24, 26 are placed inside the cavity but still spaced apart from the housing wall 11+, in particular at a position specified relative to the orientation and / or minimum distance of the sensor coils 14, 16, and / or remain in a static mounting position, and / or such that the imaginary longitudinal axis of the sensor magnets 24, 26 and the imaginary longitudinal axis of the sensor coils 14, 16 are aligned with each other or extend parallel to each other as extensions.

[0032] Figure 1A modular measurement system is disclosed, wherein a vibration module VM is inserted into a chamber 11 in a direction perpendicular to its own longitudinal axis. From the middle or from chamber 11 Remove. Alternatively, housing 11 can also be designed such that the vibration module VM will be inserted into chamber 11 in the direction of its own longitudinal axis. As taught in, for example, DE 10 2020 133 851 A1.

[0033] Figure 2a A perspective view of the vibration module VM and the base module BM is shown, which are compatible with the vibration module VM and vibration module VM according to the present invention. The vibration module VM, particularly the measuring tubes 31 and 32, has a nominal diameter greater than 5 mm, particularly greater than 6 mm, and preferably greater than 8 mm. Therefore, compared with the vibration module VM according to the present invention having a nominal diameter of less than 5 mm, the vibration module VM has a significantly more robust and shock-resistant measuring tube.

[0034] The vibration module VM has a connecting body 50 that connects the inlet region In of the measuring tube 31 or measuring tubes 31, 32 to the outlet region Out of the measuring tubes 31, 32. The connecting body 50 has a supporting surface AF, which abuts against when the vibration module VM is installed in the base module BM. The supporting surface AF is the surface of the vibration module VM that directly contacts the protective housing 11. The connecting body 50 also has a front surface FF from which the measuring tubes 31, 32 exit the connecting body 50. The supporting surface AF extends in a supporting plane, and the front surface extends in a front plane. The front plane and the supporting plane are identical. Figure 2a and Figure 2b The vibration module VM has a planar connection body 50. The connection body 50 abuts against the support surface of the protective housing 11, allowing the measuring tubes 31 and 32 to be freely suspended and swung within the chamber.

[0035] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Side and perspective views of a first embodiment of a vibration module VM of a modular measurement system for measuring the measurement variables of a fluid analyte are shown, particularly a modular Coriolis mass flow meter.

[0036] The vibration module VM includes two measuring tubes 31 and 32 for conducting the analyte, the two measuring tubes extending substantially parallel to each other along their entire length. The two measuring tubes 31 and 32 are curved in arcuate sections and at least partially have a U-shaped basic shape. In each inlet and outlet region, the two measuring tubes 31 and 32 are straight. The inlet and outlet regions each extend to at most one sensor magnet 24 and 26 arranged on the measuring tubes 31 and 32. The measuring tubes 31 and 32 have a nominal diameter of less than 5 mm. The measuring tubes 31 and 32 themselves are made of metal, plastic, ceramic, and / or glass. According to an advantageous embodiment, the measuring tubes 31 and 32 each have a metal measuring tube body.

[0037] The first measuring tube 31 of the two measuring tubes 31 and 32 has a curved portion (arc-shaped portion) and two straight portions. A first measuring tube plane MR1 extends through the two straight portions of the first measuring tube 31. The second measuring tube 32 of the two measuring tubes 31 and 32 also has a curved portion and two straight portions. A second measuring tube plane MR2 extends through the two straight portions of the second measuring tube 32.

[0038] To couple and mechanically connect the two measuring tubes 31, 32, the vibration module VM has a connecting body 50 through which the two measuring tubes 31, 32 can be mechanically connected to the base module BM. The connecting body 50 is arranged on the two measuring tubes 31, 32 such that it connects the inlet region IN and outlet region OUT of the two measuring tubes 31, 32 together. The illustrated connecting body 50 is designed as a planar connecting plate. However, other shapes are also possible. The connecting body 50 has an opening through which the ends of the measuring tubes 31, 32 extend. The bottom side of the connecting body 50 facing the arcuate portion of the measuring tubes 31, 32 serves as a contact surface with the support surface of the chamber of the base module (see [reference]). Figure 1 (and Figure 2).

[0039] At least one, particularly cylindrical, excitation magnet 22 is arranged on the outer surface of the measuring tubes 31, 32, and is designed to cause the corresponding measuring tube to vibrate when the measuring tubes 31, 32 are exposed to the time-varying magnetic field of the excitation coil of the base module. The excitation magnet is arranged inside a magnetic cup, which is in turn arranged in the arcuate portion of the corresponding measuring tubes 31, 32.

[0040] Furthermore, at least one, particularly cylindrical, sensor magnet 24, 26 is arranged on the outer surface of the measuring tubes 31, 32 and is designed to generate a time-varying magnetic field at the sensor coil of the base module when the measuring tubes 31, 32 vibrate. In the illustrated embodiment, two sensor magnets 24, 26 are each attached to the measuring tubes 31, 32. The sensor magnets 24, 26 are each arranged in the straight portion of the measuring tubes 31, 32. The analyte flowing in the flow direction first passes through the first sensor magnet 24, then through the excitation magnet 22 in the arcuate portion, and finally through the second sensor magnet 26.

[0041] The vibration module VM has a first coupler K1, specifically a planar coupler, which connects the inlet regions IN of the two measuring tubes 31 and 32 together. Furthermore, the vibration module VM has a second coupler K2, specifically a planar coupler, which is positioned at a distance from the first coupler K1 and is structurally identical, and also connects the inlet regions IN of the two measuring tubes 31 and 32 together. At least two couplers K1 and K2 are designed to be arranged on the measuring tubes 31 and 32 and configured to achieve frequency separation between the useful lateral frequency and its corresponding frequency in the vertical direction.

[0042] According to the invention, the coupler connector 40a is part of the vibration module VM and is configured to connect the first coupler K1 and the second coupler K2 together. This is used to increase the stiffness of the inlet and / or outlet regions of the measuring tubes 31, 32. Furthermore, the coupler connector reduces the decoupling of vibrations from the base module BM. The illustrated coupler connector 40a is designed as a planar assembly with a coupler connector plane KVE extending on the largest surface of the coupler connector 40a and extending substantially perpendicular to the first measuring tube plane MRE1 and the second measuring tube plane MRE2, or intersecting substantially perpendicularly with the first measuring tube plane MRE1 and the second measuring tube plane MRE2. Furthermore, the straight portion of the measuring tube is divided into two sides by the measuring tube plane, such that one side of the straight portion of the measuring tube points towards the opposite straight portion of the measuring tube, and the other side points away from that straight portion. The coupler connector 40a itself is arranged on the outward-facing side of the measuring tubes 31, 32.

[0043] In addition to the two couplers K1 and K2, the vibration module VM illustrated also has a third coupler K3, which is also located in the inlet region IN of the two measuring tubes 31 and 32 and connects the two measuring tubes 31 and 32 together. Similar to the first coupler K1 and the second coupler K2, the third coupler K3 is also connected to the remaining couplers K1 and K2 via coupler connector 40a.

[0044] In the illustrated configuration, the vibration module VM has a structurally identical first coupler connector 40a and a second coupler connector 40b. As described above, the first coupler connector 40a connects the couplers in the inlet region IN, while the second coupler connector 40b connects the couplers in the outlet region OUT. The second coupler connector 40b is arranged in a mirror-like arrangement relative to a mirror surface and is arranged opposite to the first coupler connector. The illustrated couplers K1, K2 and coupler connector 40a are integrally formed. Alternatively, coupler connector 40a can be connected to couplers K1, K2 via a material-bonded connection. This also applies to the second coupler connector 40b and the other couplers in the outlet region OUT.

[0045] Coupler connectors 40a and 40b are not connected to the connection body 50, nor are they connected together. The vibration module VM is designed such that the measuring tubes 31 and 32, couplers K1, K2, K3, and other couplers in the outlet area share a common mirror symmetry plane with coupler connectors 40a and 40b.

[0046] Figure 4a and Figure 4b Side and perspective views of a second embodiment of the vibration module VM are shown. The second embodiment shares the basic features of the first embodiment—such as measuring tubes 31 and 32, the connecting body 50, and couplers K1 and K2. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the coupler connector 40c is mechanically connected to the connecting body 50. This results in increased stability of the measuring tubes 31 and 32 in the inlet and / or outlet regions. This connection can be achieved via a material bonding connection such as welding or brazing. Coupler connector 40d is also connected to the connecting body 50.

[0047] Figure 5a and Figure 5b Side views of the third and fourth embodiments of the vibration module are shown respectively. Figure 5c A perspective view of the third embodiment is shown.

[0048] The illustrated vibration module VM of a modular measurement system for measuring the measurement variables of a fluid analyte, particularly a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, similar to the first and second embodiments, also includes two measuring tubes 31, 32 for conducting the analyte, each measuring tube 31, 32 being straight in its inlet and outlet regions. Other shapes of the measuring tubes 31, 32 may differ from those illustrated. Similar to the first embodiment, the third and fourth embodiments also have at least one, particularly cylindrical, excitation magnet 22 for each measuring tube 31, 32, arranged on the corresponding measuring tube 31, 32, and designed to cause the corresponding measuring tube 31, 32 to vibrate when exposed to a time-varying magnetic field of the excitation coil of the base module BM. Furthermore, the third and fourth embodiments each have at least one, particularly cylindrical, sensor magnet 24, 26 for each measuring tube 31, 32, each sensor magnet arranged on the corresponding measuring tube 31, 32.

[0049] The connecting body 50, particularly the planar connecting body 50, is mechanically connected to the two measuring tubes 31, 32 and serves as a contact body, enabling the entire vibration module VM to be mechanically connected to the base module BM using this contact body. The variant of the illustrated connecting body 50 is no different from other embodiments.

[0050] A first coupler K1, specifically a planar coupler, is provided to connect the two measuring tubes 31 and 32 together, and is arranged in the inlet region IN. A second coupler K2, specifically a planar coupler, is provided and is arranged in the outlet region OUT of the two measuring tubes 31 and 32, and also connects them together.

[0051] According to the present invention, the third and fourth embodiments each further include a coupler connector 40e / f, which is particularly planar. The coupler connector connects the first coupler K1 and the second coupler K2 together. Couplers K1, K2, and coupler connector 40e / f form the shape of the Roman numeral I on the cross-section of the vibration module VM. Furthermore, additional couplers may be provided. The illustrated embodiment has a third coupler K3 connecting the inlet regions IN of the two measuring tubes 31, 32; and a fourth coupler K4 connecting the outlet regions OUT of the two measuring tubes 31, 32. All couplers, namely the first coupler K1, the second coupler K2, the third coupler K3, and the fourth coupler K4, are connected together via coupler connector 40e / f.

[0052] According to the fourth embodiment, the coupler connector 40f has a continuous opening 41. The opening 41 shown in the figure is elliptical, but other shapes are also possible. The shape of the opening 41 is chosen to provide better decoupling (e.g., a 10-15 Hz offset) between the useful frequency and the interfering frequency (e.g., for exciting parallel or F2 modes). Another advantage of the opening 41 is that it reduces the amount of material required for gamma ray sterilization.

[0053] Unlike the first and second embodiments, the coupler connectors 40e / f in the third and fourth embodiments are not arranged on the outward-facing side of the measuring tubes 31 and 32. Instead, the coupler connectors 40e / f are arranged in the area defined by the coupler K1-4, the connecting body 50, and the measuring tube planes MR1 ​​and MR2.

[0054] Coupler connector 40e / f is not connected to the connection body 50. Furthermore, only exactly one coupler connector 40e / f is always provided, whereas in the first and second embodiments, exactly two coupler connectors are required in each case. The vibration module VM is designed such that the measuring tubes 31, 32, couplers K1, K2, K3, and other couplers and coupler connectors 40a, 40b in the outlet area share a common mirror symmetry plane.

[0055] Figure 6a and Figure 6b Side views of the fifth and sixth embodiments of the vibration module VM are shown in each case. Figure 6c A perspective view of the fifth embodiment is shown. The foregoing embodiments are... Figures 5a-5c The embodiments shown in the previous embodiment exhibit only minor changes. The coupler connector 40g / h is also additionally connected to the connection body 50. The fifth embodiment has a coupler connector 40h with an opening 41.

[0056] Figure 7a and Figure 7bSide and perspective views of a seventh embodiment of the vibration module VM are shown. In the inlet regions of the measuring tubes 31 and 32, respectively, a first coupler K1, particularly plate-shaped, and a third coupler K3, particularly plate-shaped, are arranged to connect the two measuring tubes 31 and 32 together. In the outlet region, a second coupler K2, particularly plate-shaped, and a fourth coupler K4, particularly plate-shaped, are arranged to also connect the two measuring tubes 31 and 32 together. The couplers K1-4 are arranged in pairs opposite to each other. The first coupler K1 and the second coupler K2 are connected together via a coupler connector 40j. The first coupler K1 and the second coupler K2 can be separate plate-shaped assemblies connected together via a coupler connector 40j, which is also partially plate-shaped. Alternatively, the two couplers K1 and K2 can be the end regions of the coupler connector 40j that contact the measuring tubes 31 and 32. The coupler connector 40j is T-shaped and, in addition to the couplers K1 and K2, also contacts a connection body 50, which is particularly plate-shaped.

[0057] The remaining couplers K3, K4, etc., are not connected to coupler connector 40j. Only the two furthest couplers K1 and K2 in the longitudinal direction of the vibration module VM are connected to coupler connector 40j, or are part of coupler connector 40j.

[0058] Figure 8a and Figure 8b Side and perspective views of an eighth embodiment of the vibration module VM are shown. In contrast to the seventh embodiment, the third coupler K3 and the fourth coupler K4 are also connected to the coupler connector 40k. The portion of the coupler connector 40k connecting the two couplers K3 and K4 is plate-shaped and parallel to the portion of the coupler connector 40k connecting the two couplers K1 and K2. These two portions are connected together via a portion of the coupler connector 40k extending perpendicularly to itself. The coupler connector 40k can be integrally formed or composed of multiple independent parts joined together by material bonding.

[0059] The fifth coupler K5 and the sixth coupler K6 are not connected together, nor are they connected to the connection body 50 via the coupler connector 40k. The two couplers K5 and K6 are arranged closest to the connection body 50 in the longitudinal direction.

[0060] Alternatively, the coupler connector 40k can also be connected separately from the connection body, and only connected to the coupler K1-4.

[0061] Figure 9a and Figure 9bSide and perspective views of a ninth embodiment of the vibration module VM are shown. Compared to the eighth embodiment, the vibration module VM has a fifth coupler K5 in the input region IN and a sixth coupler K6 in the output region OUT. The fifth coupler K5 and the sixth coupler K6 are arranged opposite each other and connected together via a coupler connector 40l. The portion of the coupler connector 40l connecting the two couplers K5 and K6 is plate-shaped and extends parallel to two other portions designed to connect couplers K1-4.

[0062] Alternatively, the coupler connector 40k can also be connected separately from the connection body, and only connected to the coupler K1-6.

[0063] Similar to coupler connector 40e-h, coupler connector 40j-l is also arranged only between the corresponding couplers K1 to K4 or K6. The seventh, eighth and ninth embodiments each have only one coupler connector 40j-l.

Claims

1. A modular measurement system for measuring the measured variable of a fluid medium, particularly a vibration module (VM) of a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, comprising: --Two measuring tubes (31, 32) used to conduct the test substance. Each of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) has an inlet region and an outlet region, and the two measuring tubes (31, 32) are formed in a straight manner in the inlet region and the outlet region; - For each measuring tube (31, 32), there is at least one excitation magnet (22), in particular a cylindrical excitation magnet, each excitation magnet is arranged on the corresponding measuring tube (31, 32) and is designed to cause the measuring tube (31, 32) to vibrate when the measuring tube is exposed to the time-varying magnetic field of the excitation coil of the base module (BM); - For each measuring tube (31, 32), there is at least one sensor magnet (24, 26), in particular a cylindrical sensor magnet, and each sensor magnet is arranged on the corresponding measuring tube (31, 32); - Connecting body (50), which is mechanically connected to the two measuring tubes (31, 32), and the two measuring tubes (31, 32) can be mechanically connected to the base module (BM) via the connecting body. The connecting body (50) connects the inlet area (IN) and the outlet area (OUT) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) together; - A first coupler (K1), specifically a planar coupler, connects the inlet regions (IN) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) together; and - A second coupler (K2), specifically a planar coupler, connects the inlet region (IN) and / or the outlet region (OUT) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) together; and - Coupler connector (40i). The first coupler (K1) and the second coupler (K2) are connected together via the coupler connector (40i).

2. The vibration module according to claim 1, in, The second coupler (K2) connects only the inlet regions (IN) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32). The first measuring tube (31) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) has a curved portion and two straight portions. The first measuring tube plane (MR1) extends through the two straight sections of the first measuring tube (31). The second measuring tube (32) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) also has a curved portion and two straight portions. The second measuring tube plane (MR2) extends through the two straight sections of the second measuring tube (32). The coupler connector plane (KVE), which extends on the largest surface of the particularly planar coupler connector (40i), extends perpendicularly to the first measuring tube plane (MRE1) and the second measuring tube plane (MRE2).

3. The vibration module according to claim 1 or 2, in, The third coupler (K3) connects the inlet regions (IN) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) together. The first coupler (K1), the second coupler (K2), and the third coupler (K3) are connected together via the coupler connector (40i).

4. The vibration module according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The coupler connector (40i) is arranged on the outward-facing side of the measuring tubes (31, 32).

5. The vibration module according to claim 1, in, The second coupler (K2) connects only the outlet areas (OUT) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32). The first measuring tube (31) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) has a curved portion and two straight portions. The first measuring tube plane (MR1) extends through the two straight sections of the first measuring tube (31). The second measuring tube (32) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) also has a curved portion and two straight portions. The second measuring tube plane (MR2) extends through the two straight sections of the second measuring tube (32). The coupler connector plane (KVE), which extends on the largest surface of the particularly planar coupler connector (40i), extends parallel to the first measuring tube plane (MRE1) and the second measuring tube plane (MRE2).

6. The vibration module according to claim 1 or 5, in, The third coupler (K3) connects the inlet regions (IN) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) together. The fourth coupler (K4) connects the outlet areas (OUT) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) together. The first coupler (K1), the second coupler (K2), the third coupler (K3), and the fourth coupler (K4) are connected together via the coupler connector (40i).

7. The vibration module according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The coupler connector (40i) is also connected to the connection body (50).

8. The vibration module according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The first coupler connector (40a) connects the couplers in the inlet region (IN) together. The second coupler connector (40b) connects the couplers in the outlet area (OUT) together.

9. The vibration module according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The coupler connector (40i) is T-shaped.

10. The vibration module according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The couplers (K1, K2) and the coupler connector (40i) are integrally formed.

11. The vibration module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in, The coupler connector (40i) is connected to the coupler (K1, K2) via a material-bonded connection.

12. The vibration module according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The coupler connector (40i) has an opening (41).

13. A modular measurement system for measuring the measurement variable of a fluid analyte, particularly a Coriolis mass flow meter, comprising: - Vibration module (VM) according to any one of the preceding claims; as well as - Base module (BM), the base module (BM) includes: --Measurement system electronics (ME); --Protective housing (11), the protective housing (11) having at least one chamber (11 ), the at least one chamber (11 It is at least partially surrounded by a shell wall (11+). --At least one first excitation coil (12), said at least one first excitation coil (12) being specifically placed in the chamber (11) of the protective housing. Inside, particularly cylindrical and / or designed as air coils, and at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall (11+), and electrically connected to the measurement system electronics (ME), and --At least one sensor coil (14), said at least one sensor coil (14) is specifically placed in the chamber (11) of the protective housing (11). Inside, particularly cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil and / or structurally identical to the excitation coil (12), and specifically positioned at a distance from the excitation coil (12), and at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall (11+), and electrically connected to the measurement system electronics (ME). The base module (M1) is configured, particularly in the chamber (11) The base module (BM) receives the vibration module (M2) and is mechanically fixed but still detachably connected to it, particularly by forming a vibration type measuring sensor or vibration measuring system, and / or such that the vibration module (VM) is locked in the base module (BM) or cannot be moved. The vibration module (VM) is configured to be mounted in the base module (BM) such that its first excitation magnet (22) is placed in the cavity but still spaced apart from the housing wall (11+), in particular at a position specified by the orientation and / or minimum distance relative to the excitation coil (12), and / or held in a static mounting position, and / or such that the imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation magnet and the imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation coil (12) are aligned with each other or extend parallel to each other as extensions.

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