Vibration module of 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 to be measured, in particular a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, comprising:-at least one measuring tube (31, 32) for conducting the substance to be measured; -at least one excitation magnet (22), in particular a cylindrical excitation magnet, which is arranged on the measuring tube (31, 32) and is designed to vibrate the measuring tube (31, 32) when the measuring tube (31, 32) is exposed to a temporally varying magnetic field of the excitation coil of the base module (BM); -at least one sensor magnet (24), in particular a cylindrical sensor magnet, which is arranged on the measuring tube (31, 32); -a connecting body (50) which is mechanically connected to the measuring tube (31, 32) and via which the measuring tube (31, 32) can be mechanically connected to the base module (BM); and-a protection device (100, 200, 300) designed to protect the measuring tube when the measuring tube is inserted into the base module (BM).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vibration module of a modular measurement system for measuring the measurement variables of a fluid, particularly a modular 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, with the vibration module mechanically connected to the base module, together with the measurement system electronics electrically connected to the base module, and used to detect at least one measurement variable of the fluid measured substance flowing in the pipeline (measured substance), i.e., to determine the measured value of one or more measurement variables of the measured 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 enclosed 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 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 within 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 in extension.

[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 equivalent 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 equivalent 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 by means of a material bond to the tube wall. 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 lumen 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 fluid material will be vibrated simultaneously 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 generates a (measuring) voltage representing the vibrational movement of at least one tube and thus used as a vibration signal by means of 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 measurement system, 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 (measuring) phase difference between two vibration signals in the aforementioned vibration signal caused by the Coriolis force in the measured substance flowing through the vibrating tube and the phase difference-measuring value characteristic function configured in the measurement system electronics to generate the (mass flow) measured value representing the mass flow rate.The phase difference-mass flow rate measured value characteristic curve function can be, for example, a (linear) parametric function having a (scale) zero point corresponding to the (measuring) phase difference of two oscillating signals that can be measured when the analyte is at rest or when the mass flow rate is zero, and having a slope corresponding to the (measuring) sensitivity of the measurement system or to the change in the (measuring) 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 analyte 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 oscillating 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 oscillating 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.

[0007] The vibration module under discussion is a replacement part that must be repeatedly reordered and reinstalled. Therefore, the installation of the vibration module should be as simple and user-friendly as possible. Nevertheless, improper installation can still lead to damage to the measuring tube. Damage to the vibration module will affect measurement accuracy. Vibration modules with small nominal diameters, i.e., less than 5 mm, require extra care when installing them into the chamber of the base module. This is virtually impossible for untrained personnel. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the present invention is based on the aim of providing a vibration module and a modular measurement system that are easier to handle during the assembly of the vibration module.

[0009] The objective is achieved by the vibration module according to claim 1 and the modular measurement system according to claim 24.

[0010] The vibration module of the modular measurement system for measuring the measurement variable of a fluid substance according to the present invention, particularly a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, comprises: - At least one measuring tube for conducting the measured substance. - At least one excitation magnet, particularly a cylindrical excitation magnet, is arranged on the measuring tube and is designed to cause the measuring tube to vibrate when the measuring tube is exposed to a time-varying magnetic field of the excitation coil of the base module. - At least one sensor magnet, particularly a cylindrical sensor magnet, is arranged on the measuring tube. - A connector that is mechanically attached to the measuring tube, and the measuring tube can be mechanically connected to the base module via the connector. -A protective device designed to protect the measuring tube when it is inserted into the base module.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] One embodiment provides a protective device that is mechanically connected to the connector.

[0013] One embodiment provides a connector that is attached to a protective device via a material bond.

[0014] One embodiment provides a connector having at least one opening. The protective device extends at least partially through at least one opening and forms a positive connection and / or a non-positive connection.

[0015] One embodiment provides a protective device having a recessed housing portion, with a connector extending at least partially into the housing recess and thus forming a form-fit connection and / or a force-fit connection.

[0016] One embodiment provides a connector having at least one fastening device. The protective device is mechanically connected to the connector via the fastening device.

[0017] The protective device can be mechanically detached from the connector via the fastening device. This means that the connection between the protective device and the connector can be connected and disconnected without damaging or destroying any components.

[0018] One embodiment provides a vibration module comprising two measuring tubes extending parallel to each other in a coupling section, the two measuring tubes being mechanically coupled to each other in the coupling section via at least one coupler. The protection device is mechanically connected to at least one coupler.

[0019] One embodiment provides a protective device having a (housing) housing that interacts with at least one coupler such that a form-fit locking connection is formed between the coupler and the protective device.

[0020] One embodiment provides a vibration module comprising two measuring tubes extending parallel to each other in a coupling section, the two measuring tubes being mechanically coupled to each other in the coupling section via at least two couplers. The protection device is mechanically connected to at least two couplers.

[0021] One embodiment provides a protective device having a protrusion extending into the housing between two couplers to form a form-fit connection and / or force-fit connection between the protective device and the measuring tube or coupler, and to prevent any movement of the protective device along the longitudinal direction of the measuring tube.

[0022] One embodiment provides a protective device designed and configured such that when the vibration module is arranged in the base module, it contacts at least a portion of the housing wall of the base module.

[0023] One embodiment provides a measuring tube with a nominal diameter of less than 5 mm.

[0024] The minimum distance between the connector and the sensor magnet is greater than 50 mm, particularly greater than 75 mm, and preferably greater than 100 mm, and / or

[0025] The minimum distance between the connector and the excitation magnet is greater than 75 mm, particularly greater than 100 mm, and preferably greater than 150 mm.

[0026] One embodiment provides a protective device designed to hold a desiccant. The desiccant may be, for example, a desiccant bag, such as a silicone bag. The desiccant may be disposed on the outer wall, inner wall, or within the internal space defined by the walls of the protective device.

[0027] One design provides a protective device equipped to carry sensors for monitoring the sterilization process.

[0028] One embodiment provides a protective device having a monitoring opening for enabling the determination of the temperature of at least one measuring tube and / or the reading of a code on the measuring tube using an infrared camera. The monitoring opening exposes a portion of at least one measuring tube, allowing infrared light for temperature measurement and / or light for code detection to pass from the corresponding camera to the measuring tube and back.

[0029] Alternatively, the protective device can be made of an optically transparent material. In this case, an optical camera can also be used to detect the code without monitoring openings.

[0030] One embodiment provides a protective device designed as a cage.

[0031] One embodiment provides a protective device comprising a bent housing rod or a bent housing plate that covers the measuring tube perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.

[0032] One embodiment provides a protective device comprising at least two housing rods connected to each other via crossbeams to form a frame and covering the measuring tube perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.

[0033] One embodiment provides a protective device comprising four housing rods that together form the edge of a cube.

[0034] One embodiment provides a measuring tube having a measuring region in which an excitation magnet and a sensor magnet are arranged. The protective device has at least a wall surrounding the measurement area, and the wall, together with the connector, completely surrounds the measurement area.

[0035] One embodiment provides a protective device made of non-conductive materials, particularly plastic.

[0036] One embodiment provides a measuring tube having a measuring area in which a sensor magnet is arranged. The protective device includes a wall surrounding the measurement area. The wall has an opening for the sensor housing. The sensor housing opening is positioned such that, with the vibration module arranged in the base module, the imaginary longitudinal axis of the sensor coil passes through the sensor housing opening.

[0037] One embodiment provides a measuring tube having a measuring region in which an excitation magnet is arranged. The protective device includes a wall surrounding the measurement area. The wall has an opening for the actuator housing. The exciter housing opening is positioned such that, with the vibration module arranged in the base module, the imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation coil passes through the exciter housing opening.

[0038] One embodiment provides a housing with a housing stiffness greater than the stiffness of the measuring tube.

[0039] A modular measurement system for measuring the measurement variable of a fluid substance according to the present invention, particularly a Coriolis mass flow meter, comprises: - The vibration module according to the present invention; and - Base module, the base module includes: --Electronic components of the measurement system; --A protective device having at least one chamber, which is at least partially surrounded by a housing wall. --At least one excitation coil, which is housed within the cavity of the protective device, 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 particularly placed in the cavity of the protective device, is particularly cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil and / or structurally equivalent to an excitation coil, and is particularly positioned at a 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 within a chamber, and is mechanically fixed but detachably connected to it, specifically by means of a vibration-measuring sensor or vibration measurement system, and / or by locking the vibration module within the base module or preventing 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 maintaining a static mounting position specified by the orientation and / or minimum distance relative to the excitation coil, 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 in extension. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. In the figures: Figure 1It is a vibration module of a modular measurement system and a modular measurement system; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the vibration module; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the vibration module; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the vibration module; Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the vibration module; Figure 6 It is a plan view of the connecting body; Figure 7 This is a side view of the fifth embodiment of the vibration module; Figure 8 This is a cross-section of the sixth embodiment of the vibration module; Figure 9 This is a side view of the seventh embodiment of the vibration module; Figure 10 This is a side view of the eighth embodiment of the vibration module; Figure 11 This is a side view of the ninth embodiment of the vibration module; Figure 12 This is a side view of the tenth embodiment of the vibration module; Figure 13 It is the cross-section of the protective equipment arranged in the base module; and Figure 14 Two cross sections of two embodiments of the vibration module are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 1In 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 1 In 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 [link to documentation]). Figure 2 and Figure 5 It is designed not only to retain the corresponding magnets but also to protect them. Advantageously, the sensor magnets 24, 26 and the excitation magnet 22 are arranged on the outer surface 31+ of the measuring tubes 31, 32, such that when the vibration module VM is arranged in the chamber 11 In this configuration, collisions 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 illustrated solution, excitation magnet 22 is arranged in the curved portion of measuring tubes 31 and 32.

[0043] 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.

[0044] A key feature of the vibration module VM is the connector 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 connector 50. The connector 50 connects the two ends of at least one measuring tube 31, 32 together. Figure 1 In this configuration, the connector 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 connector 50. The connector 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.

[0045] 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 enclosed by the 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 and chamber 11 are separated. 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] In the chamber 11 of the housing 11 Sensor coils 14 and 16 are also arranged inside. These coils are particularly cylindrical and / or designed as air coils and / or structurally equivalent 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.

[0048] The base module M1 is configured to receive the vibration module VM, specifically in chamber 11. The vibration module VM is mechanically fixed but detachably connected to the base module BM, particularly by forming a vibration-type measuring sensor or vibration measurement 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 fastening devices or fastening equipment (not shown), such as those 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+, particularly maintaining a static mounting position specified by the orientation and / or minimum distance relative to the excitation coil 12, 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 in extension. Furthermore, the vibration module VM is configured to be mounted within the base module BM, such that its sensor magnets 24, 26 are placed within the cavity but still spaced apart from the housing wall 11+, specifically maintaining a static mounting position specified relative to the orientation and / or minimum distance of the sensor coils 14, 16, and / or such that the imaginary longitudinal axes of the sensor magnets 24, 26 and the imaginary longitudinal axes of the sensor coils 14, 16 are aligned with each other or extend parallel to each other in their extensions. Additionally, the optical unit 181 is part of the base module BM. The optical unit 181 may have a camera for detecting codes and / or an infrared camera for determining the temperature of the vibration module, particularly at least one measuring tube 31, 32. In this case, the codes are arranged on at least one measuring tube 31, 32.

[0049] Figure 1 A 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.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the vibration module VM. The vibration module VM shown is... Figure 1 The difference between the vibration module VM and the other module is that the measuring tubes 31 and 32 have a nominal diameter of less than 5 mm. In addition, the measuring tubes 31 and 32 have exactly three couplers 110a-c in the inlet area and exactly three couplers 100d-f in the outlet area.

[0051] A first embodiment of the invention includes a protective device 100 designed to protect measuring tubes 31, 32 when inserted into a base module BM. The protective device 100 itself has at least two housing rods 150i connected to each other via a crossbeam 151. The housing rods 150i and the crossbeam 151 thus form a frame that at least partially covers the measuring tubes 31, 32 perpendicular to their longitudinal axes. In the illustrated embodiment, the protective device 100 includes four housing rods 150a-d that together form the edge of a cube. Crossbeam 151a is connected to two additional crossbeams 151b, 151d. Together with a fourth crossbeam 151c, they form a frame with a rectangular base. Alternatively, the frame may not consist of four separate, joined crossbeams 151a-d, but rather of a stamped, one-piece, flat sheet metal part. The sheet metal part may have openings to form the frame, or it may be designed as a flat plate without openings. Each of the four housing rods is cylindrical, but different shapes can also be used. The advantage of this design is that only a small amount of material is needed to protect the measuring tubes 31 and 32 from impacts with the housing walls.

[0052] The protective device 100 is mechanically connected to the connector 50. The fastening of the protective device to the connector 50 can be achieved by material bonding (welding or brazing), form fit connection, and / or force fit connection.

[0053] The minimum distance between the connector 50 and the sensor magnets 24 and 26 is greater than 50 mm, particularly greater than 75 mm, and preferably greater than 100 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the minimum distance between the connector 50 and the excitation magnet 22 is greater than 75 mm, particularly greater than 100 mm, and preferably greater than 150 mm. This has the advantage that the first design of the vibration module VM can be combined with... Figure 1 The base module BM assembly is shown. However, this also has disadvantages, namely that the soft measuring tubes 31 and 32 have long sections that are particularly susceptible to damage due to their low bending stiffness; for example, improper handling during assembly can lead to damage. Therefore, the smallest possible distance between the magnet and the connector is usually chosen.

[0054] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the vibration module VM, which is... Figure 2 The difference between the vibration module VM and the other components lies primarily in the protective device 200. The protective device 200 is mechanically connected to the connector 50. The fastening of the protective device 200 to the connector 50 can be achieved through material bonding, form-fitting connections, and / or force-fitting connections.

[0055] The measuring tube (covered by the protective device 200) has a measuring area in which an excitation magnet and a sensor magnet are arranged. The protective device 200 shown has at least a wall 160 surrounding the measuring area, and the wall 160, together with the connector 50, completely surrounds the measuring area. This forms a hollow cube as shown. The shape of the protective device 200 can be adjusted according to the chamber geometry of the base module BM. The wall 160 can be made of plastic or a non-magnetic or magnetizable metal.

[0056] As an alternative to the illustrated design, the protective device 200 can also be designed as a cage (i.e., a container with perforated walls that is surrounded on all sides).

[0057] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the vibration module VM, which is related to... Figure 3 The difference in this embodiment is that wall 160 has (here, two) sensor housing openings 161 (e.g., in the form of through holes), which are positioned such that, with the vibration module VM arranged in the base module BM, the imaginary longitudinal axis of the sensor coil extends through the sensor housing opening 161. Simultaneously, the sensor housing opening 161 is located at the level of the sensor magnet arranged on the measuring tube. This has the advantage of reducing the influence of eddy currents in the metal wall caused by the time-varying magnetic field. Furthermore, wall 160 also prevents shielding of the magnetic field generated by the sensor magnet, or wall 160 reduces the shielding effect.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, wall 160 may also have an exciter housing opening 162, which is positioned such that, with the vibration module VM arranged in the base module BM, the imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation coil passes through the exciter housing opening 162. Therefore, the exciter housing opening 162 is also at the same level as the excitation magnet arranged on the measuring tube. This has the advantage of reducing the influence of eddy currents in the metal wall caused by the time-varying magnetic field. Furthermore, wall 160 also prevents shielding of the magnetic field generated by the excitation coil, or wall 160 reduces the shielding effect.

[0059] Furthermore, the protective device 100 may have a protective device opening 180 for use with the optical unit (181; see also) of the measuring tube. Figure 1 Non-contact temperature measurement can be performed to infer the temperature of the transported medium. Furthermore, the protective device opening 180 can be used by means of an optical unit (181; see...). Figure 1 The markings arranged on the vibration module are exposed for identification. For this purpose, the protective device opening 180 is positioned such that, with the vibration module VM arranged in the base module BM, optical temperature measurement and / or identification of the vibration module VM by means of the optical unit 181 can be performed through the protective device opening 180.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the vibration module VM, which is related to... Figure 2 The first embodiment differs in the shape of the connector 50. The connector 50 has a supporting plane AF, on which it abuts when the vibration module VM is mounted in the base module BM. The contact plane AF lies on the contact plane AE. Furthermore, the connector 50 also has a front surface FF from which the measuring tubes 31 and 32 extend. This front surface FF extends within the front plane FE, which is separated from the supporting plane AE by a minimum distance d. min The minimum distance d min The diameter is greater than 10 mm, particularly greater than 20 mm, and preferably greater than 30 mm. This makes the connector 50 at least partially U-shaped in the longitudinal portion passing through the vibration module VM. In the first embodiment, the connector 50 is planar, with the front surface and the contact plane lying in a common plane. The fourth embodiment has the advantage that the distance between the connector 50 and the measurement area (including the sensor magnet and the excitation magnet) can be significantly reduced, and thus the portion of the measuring tubes 31, 32 that would undergo irreversible deformation even under very small forces can be reduced. Furthermore, two couplers (one located in the inlet region and one in the outlet region) can be eliminated.

[0061] Figure 6 This is a planar view of a planar connector 50 having at least one opening 60i, and preferably at least two openings 60a, 60b. The variant shown has exactly four openings 60a-d. However, a different number of openings 60a-d may also be provided. The opening 60i must be distinguished from the ends of the measuring tubes that pass through the four measuring tube openings 170a-d. The openings 60a-d are used to accommodate a portion of a protective device (not shown) or a connecting element (e.g., a rivet for a riveted connection, a locking lug for a locking connection, a barb) to form a form-fit connection and / or a force-fit connection. The shape of the openings 60a-d is not limited to a basic rectangular shape and may also be other shapes (e.g., circular).

[0062] Figure 7 This is a side view of a fifth embodiment of the vibration module VM, which differs from the second and third embodiments in that the wall 160 does not completely cover the measuring tubes 31, 32. This has the advantage of requiring less material for the housing device 200, and therefore the vibration module VM can be designed to be lighter. Figure 7The housing device 200 is shaped to fit the connector 50. For this purpose, the housing device 200 has a locking lug 210 that deforms when the housing portion is inserted through the opening in the connector 50 and moves back to its initial position when the housing device is in its final assembled position.

[0063] Figure 8 This is a cross-section of a sixth embodiment of the vibration module VM; the sixth embodiment illustrates another manner in which the housing device 300 can be connected to the measuring tubes 31, 32 and the connector 50. The housing device 300 has a wall 220 designed to partially cover the measuring tubes 31, 32. The wall 220 has a housing recess 70 designed to form a form-fit locking connection with the connector 50. The housing recess 70 is designed to complement the edge region of the connector 50. The housing recess 70 can be designed as a recess in the wall 220, particularly an annular or circumferential shape. The wall 220 can be made of a flexible material that can deform to achieve attachment when the housing device 300 is attached to the connector 50. Therefore, the housing device 300 can slide onto or clamp onto the connector 50.

[0064] Figure 9 A side view of a seventh embodiment of the vibration module VM is shown. The protective device 300 has at least one straight rod 150a, 150b or at least one straight housing plate that covers the measuring tubes 31, 32 perpendicular to their longitudinal axes. The protective device 300 does not completely cover the measuring tubes 31, 32, but only covers the lateral portions of their outer surfaces. The illustrated embodiment has two opposing housing rods connected to the connector 50 by material bonding or by form-fit and / or force-fit connections. The housing rods 150a, 150b extend parallel to each other and are designed to prevent the measuring tubes 31, 32 from contacting the housing wall when inserted into the chamber. For this purpose, each housing rod 150a, 150b has a length greater than the distance from the apex of the arc to the connector 50. The housing rods 150a, 150b can also be designed and positioned such that both housing rods contact the housing wall when the vibration module VM is arranged in the chamber. The two housing rods 150a and 150b have higher stiffness than the measuring tubes 31 and 32.

[0065] Figure 10This is a side view of the eighth embodiment of the vibration module VM. The protective device 300 includes a bent (or curved) housing rod 150a or a bent (or curved) housing plate that covers the measuring tubes 31, 32 perpendicular to their longitudinal axes. Similar to the seventh embodiment, the bent housing rod 150a or the bent housing plate does not completely cover the measuring tubes 31, 32. The bent housing rod 150a or the bent housing plate is materially bonded to the connector 50. The bent housing rod 150a or the bent housing plate serves to prevent collision with the housing wall of the base module when the vibration module VM is inserted into the chamber.

[0066] Figure 11 This is a side view of the ninth embodiment of the vibration module VM. Here, the focus again is on the attachment type between the protective device 300 and the connector 50. The connector 50 has at least one fastening device 80—here in the form of an integrated receiving portion for a locking lug of the protective device. This allows for a mechanical connection between the protective device 300 and the connector 50 in the form of a form-fit connection and / or a force-fit connection. The at least one fastening device 80 is located on the underside of the connector 50, towards the bends of the measuring tubes 31, 32. The protective device 300 is elastically deformable and therefore can be easily attached to the connector 50.

[0067] Figure 12 This is a side view of the tenth embodiment of the vibration module VM. Figure 12 Implementation examples and Figure 11 The difference in the eighth embodiment is that its fastening device is not integrated into the connector, but is designed as a separate component. The connector 50 may have openings for receiving these separate components.

[0068] Figure 13 This is a cross-section of the protective device arranged in the base module BM. The protective device 400 shown is designed and configured to contact at least a portion of the housing wall 11+ of the base module BM when the vibration module VM is arranged in the base module BM. This has the advantage that the introduction of the vibration module VM is significantly improved, and the positioning and fixation of the vibration module in the cavity of the base module BM is more stable and less susceptible to temperature changes.

[0069] Figure 14 Two cross-sections of two embodiments of the vibration module are shown. The vibration module VM has two measuring tubes that are substantially parallel to each other and connected to each other in a coupling section KA via at least one coupler 110i. The cross-section extends between the two measuring tubes and through the coupling section KA. Figure 14 In both cases of the protection device 500 shown, the protection device 500 is mechanically connected to the measuring tube via at least one coupler 110a.

[0070] In the left-side configuration, at least two couplers 110a and 110b are arranged in the coupler section KA. A protective device 500 is mechanically connected to the at least two couplers 110a and 110b. To achieve this mechanical connection, the protective device 500 has a protrusion 130 extending into the housing between the at least two couplers 110a and 110b to form a form-fit and / or force-fit connection between the protective device 500 and the measuring tube or couplers 110a and 110b, and to prevent any movement of the protective device 500 along the longitudinal direction of the measuring tube.

[0071] In the embodiment on the right, the protective device 500 has a receiving portion 120 that interacts with at least one coupler 100a, such that at least one form-fit locking connection is formed between the at least one coupler 110a and the protective device 500. Therefore, the free movement of the protective device 500 in the longitudinal direction of the measuring tube is prevented.

[0072] All designs ( Figures 2 to 13 Protective devices 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 may have a housing stiffness greater than that of the measuring tubes 31 and 32. Furthermore, all designed protective devices 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 may be made of non-conductive materials, particularly plastics. Alternatively, protective devices 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 may also be made of metallic materials, but these must be non-magnetic or non-magnetizable metallic materials.

Claims

1. A vibration module (VM) of a modular measurement system for measuring the measurement variable of a fluid analyte, the modular measurement system being particularly a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, comprising: - At least one measuring tube (31, 32), said at least one measuring tube (31, 32) is used to conduct the measured substance, - At least one excitation magnet (22), particularly a cylindrical excitation magnet, said at least one excitation magnet (22) is arranged on the measuring tubes (31, 32) and is designed to cause the measuring tubes (31, 32) to vibrate when the measuring tubes (31, 32) are exposed to a time-varying magnetic field of the excitation coil (12) of the base module (BM). - At least one sensor magnet (24), particularly a cylindrical sensor magnet, said at least one sensor magnet (24) is arranged on the measuring tube (31, 32), - Connector (50), which is mechanically connected to the measuring tubes (31, 32) and can be mechanically connected to the base module (BM) via the connector (50). - Protective devices (100, 200, 300) are designed to protect the measuring tubes (31, 32) when they are inserted into the base module (BM).

2. The vibration module (VM) according to claim 1. in, The protection devices (100, 200, 300) are mechanically connected to the connector (50).

3. The vibration module (VM) according to claim 2. in, The connector (50) is connected to the protective device (100) by a material bond.

4. The vibration module (VM) according to claim 2. in, The connector (50) has at least one opening (60i). The protective device (100) extends at least partially through the at least one opening (60i) and forms a form-fit connection and / or a force-fit connection.

5. The vibration module (VM) according to claim 1. in, The protective device (100) has a recessed housing portion (70) in the form of a recess, and the connector (50) extends at least partially into the housing portion (70) and thus forms a form-fit connection and / or a force-fit connection.

6. The vibration module (VM) according to claim 1. in, The connector (50) has at least one fastening device (80). The protective device (100) is mechanically connected to the connector (50) via the at least one fastening device (80).

7. The vibration module (VM) according to claim 1. in, The vibration module (VM) includes two measuring tubes (31, 32) that extend parallel to each other in a coupling section (KA) and are mechanically coupled to each other in the coupling section (KA) via at least one coupler (110, 111). The protection devices (100, 200, 300) are mechanically connected to at least one coupler (110, 111).

8. The vibration module (VM) according to claim 7. in, The protection device (100) has a housing (120) that interacts with the at least one coupler, such that the coupler (110i) and the protection device (100) form a form-fit connection.

9. The vibration module (VM) according to claim 1. in, The vibration module (VM) includes two measuring tubes (31, 32) that extend parallel to each other in a coupling section (KA) and are mechanically coupled to each other in the coupling section (KA) via at least two couplers (110i). The protection devices (100, 200, 300) are mechanically connected to the at least two couplers (110, 111).

10. The vibration module (VM) according to claim 9. in, The protective device (100) has a protrusion (130) extending into the interior of the housing, the protrusion (130) extending between the two couplers (110, 111) to form a form-fit connection and / or force-fit connection between the protective device (100) and the measuring tubes (31, 32) or the couplers (110, 111), and to prevent the protective device (100) from moving in the longitudinal direction of the measuring tubes (31, 32).

11. The vibration module (VM) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The protective device (100) is designed and configured to contact at least a portion of the housing wall (11+) of the base module (BM) when the vibration module (VM) is arranged in the base module (BM).

12. The vibration module (VM) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The measuring tubes (31, 32) have a nominal diameter of less than 5 mm.

13. The vibration module (VM) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The minimum distance between the connector (50) and the sensor magnets (24, 26) is greater than 50 mm, particularly greater than 75 mm, and preferably greater than 100 mm, and / or The minimum distance between the connector (50) and the excitation magnet (22) is greater than 75 mm, particularly greater than 100 mm, and preferably greater than 150 mm.

14. The vibration module (VM) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The protective device (100) is designed as a cage.

15. The vibration module (VM) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. in, The protective device (100) includes a housing rod, particularly a curved housing rod, or a housing plate, particularly a curved housing plate, the housing rod or the housing plate covering the measuring tubes (31, 32) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the measuring tubes (31, 32).

16. The vibration module (VM) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The protective device (100) includes at least two housing rods (150i) connected to each other via a crossbeam (151) to form a frame and at least partially cover the measuring tubes (31, 32) perpendicular to their longitudinal axes.

17. The vibration module (VM) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The protective device (100) includes four housing rods (150i) that together form the edge of a cube.

18. The vibration module (VM) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. in, The measuring tubes (31, 32) have a measuring area in which the excitation magnet (22) and the sensor magnets (24, 26) are arranged. The protective device (100) has a wall (160) that surrounds at least the measurement area, and the wall (160) together with the connector (50) surrounds the measurement area, in particular, completely surrounds it.

19. The vibration module (VM) according to claim 18. in, The protective device (100) is made of non-conductive material, particularly plastic, and / or The protective device (100) is formed of an optically transparent material.

20. The vibration module (VM) according to claim 18 or 19. in, The protective device (100) is designed to protect the device opening (180). The protective device opening (180) is positioned such that, with the vibration module (VM) arranged in the base module (BM), optical temperature measurement and / or identification of the vibration module (VM) by means of an optical unit (181) can be performed through the protective device opening (180).

21. The vibration module (VM) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. in, The measuring tubes (31, 32) have a measuring area in which the sensor magnets (24, 26) are arranged. The protective device (100) has a wall (160) surrounding the measurement area. The wall (160) has a sensor housing opening (161). The sensor housing opening (161) is positioned such that, with the vibration module (VM) arranged in the base module (BM), the imaginary longitudinal axis of the sensor coils (14, 16) passes through the sensor housing opening (161).

22. The vibration module (VM) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and 20. in, The measuring tubes (31, 32) have a measuring area in which the excitation magnet (22) is arranged. The protective device (100) has a wall (160) surrounding the measurement area. The wall (160) has an actuator housing opening (162). The exciter housing opening (162) is positioned such that, with the vibration module (VM) arranged in the base module (BM), the imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation coil (12) passes through the exciter housing opening (162).

23. The vibration module (VM) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The protective device (100) has a housing stiffness greater than that of the measuring tubes (31, 32).

24. A modular measurement system for measuring the measurement variable of a fluid analyte, the modular measurement system being particularly a Coriolis mass flow meter, the modular measurement system 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); --The housing (11), the housing (11) having at least one chamber (11 ), the at least one chamber (11 It is at least partially surrounded by the shell wall (11+), --At least one excitation coil (12), said at least one excitation coil (12) being specifically placed in the chamber (11) of the housing (11). Inside, and particularly cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil, 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) being specifically placed in the chamber (11) of the housing (11). Inside, and particularly cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil and / or structurally equivalent to the excitation coil (12), and particularly 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 to receive the vibration module (M2), particularly in the chamber (11). In particular, the vibration module (VM) is mechanically fixed but detachably connected to the base module (BM) by forming a vibration-type measuring sensor or vibration measurement system and / or by locking the vibration module (VM) in the base module (BM) or making it immovable. The vibration module (VM) is configured to be mounted in the base module (BM) such that the first excitation magnet (22) of the vibration module (VM) is placed in the cavity but still spaced apart from the housing wall (11+), particularly in a static mounting position specified relative to the orientation and / or minimum distance from the excitation coil (12), 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 in extension.

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