MEASURING INSTRUMENT TRANSDUCER AND MEASURING INSTRUMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a measuring sensor of a measuring device for detecting a mass flow, a viscosity, a density and / or a variable derived therefrom of a flowable medium and a measuring device for detecting a mass flow, a viscosity, a density and / or a variable derived therefrom of a flowable medium, in particular a Coriolis flowmeter for preferably biopharmaceutical applications.

[0002] Field devices in process measurement technology with vibration-type sensors, and especially Coriolis flowmeters, have been known for many years. The basic design of such a measuring device is described, for example, in EP 1 807 681 A1.

[0003] Typically, Coriolis flowmeters have at least one or more oscillating measuring tubes, which can be set into vibration by a vibration exciter. These vibrations are transmitted along the length of the tube and are influenced by the type of fluid contained in the measuring tube and its flow velocity. A vibration sensor, or in particular two vibration sensors spaced apart in the direction of flow, can record the vibrations in the form of one or more measurement signals. From the measurement signal(s), an evaluation unit can then determine the mass flow, viscosity, density, and / or a derived parameter of the fluid.

[0004] Coriolis flowmeters with replaceable disposable measuring tube assemblies are known. For example, WO 2011 / 099989 A1 teaches a method for producing a monolithic measuring tube assembly of a Coriolis flowmeter with curved measuring tubes. The measuring tube body of the respective measuring tubes is first formed solidly from a polymer, and the channel for guiding the flowable medium is then machined into the assembly. WO 2011 / 099989 A1, like US 10,209,113 B2, teaches a connecting body configured to receive and support the replaceable measuring tube assembly. However, neither document discloses how the disposable measuring tube assembly can be connected to a hose and / or plastic pipe system. US 2020 / 319006 A1 discloses a measuring sensor according to the prior art.

[0005] Based on the prior art described, the object of the invention is to provide a solution for connecting the measuring sensor to a hose and / or plastic pipe system.

[0006] Furthermore, the task is to provide a measuring device with a corresponding measuring sensor.

[0007] The object is achieved by the measuring sensor according to claim 1 and the measuring device according to claim 12.

[0008] The measuring sensor according to the invention of a measuring device for detecting a mass flow, a viscosity, a density and / or a variable derived therefrom of a flowable medium comprises: a measuring tube arrangement for guiding the flowable medium, wherein the measuring tube arrangement has at least one measuring tube, wherein the at least one measuring tube has an inlet section and an outlet section; at least one first excitation component of a vibration exciter for exciting the at least one measuring tube to vibrate, wherein the at least one excitation component is arranged on the at least one measuring tube; at least one first sensor component of a vibration sensor for detecting the vibrations of the at least one measuring tube, wherein the at least one first sensor component is arranged on the at least one measuring tube; a fixing body arrangement, wherein the fixing body arrangement is connected to the at least one measuring tube in the inlet section and in the outlet section;and a connecting device for detachably connecting the measuring tube arrangement to a process line, wherein the connecting device has measuring tube connection openings to which the measuring tube arrangement is connected, wherein the connecting device is connected to the at least one measuring tube in the inlet section and in the outlet section, a closure device, wherein a positive and / or non-positive connection is formed between the connecting device and the fixing body arrangement via the closure device. ;

[0009] The measuring device according to the invention for detecting a mass flow, a viscosity, a density and / or a variable derived therefrom of a flowable medium, in particular a Coriolis flow meter, comprises: a carrier device; the measuring sensor according to the invention; at least one second excitation component of the vibration exciter; and at least one second sensor component of the vibration sensor, wherein the carrier device has a carrier device body with a receptacle, wherein the measuring sensor is arranged in the receptacle and can be mechanically separably connected to the carrier device body; wherein the second excitation component is arranged on the carrier device body, wherein the second sensor component is arranged on the carrier device body, wherein the vibration exciter comprises an operating circuit which is connected to at least one excitation component, in particular the second excitation component of the vibration exciter, wherein the vibration sensor comprises a measuring circuit which is electrically connected to at least one sensor component, in particular the second sensor component of the vibration sensor.

[0010] According to the invention, the connecting device serves as an adapter for connecting the measuring tube assembly to a hose and / or plastic pipe system with variable nominal diameters. Thus, the measuring tube assembly can be manufactured independently of the hose and / or plastic pipe system and, if necessary, connected to the hose and / or plastic pipe system via a connecting device provided for the hose and / or plastic pipe system and appropriate process connections.

[0011] The connecting device may be formed from a material comprising steel, plastic, ceramic and / or glass.

[0012] The measuring tubes each comprise a measuring tube body made of a material comprising metal, in particular steel, plastic, glass, and / or ceramic. The measuring tubes are bent at least once. Preferably, a basic shape of the measuring tube body is U-shaped. However, other shapes with at least one bend are also known, which also fall within the scope of the invention.

[0013] The at least one vibration exciter typically comprises at least one excitation magnet and at least one excitation coil for generating a time-varying magnetic field. The excitation magnet is arranged on the measuring tube to be excited into vibration. The excitation coil can be arranged on another measuring tube or on a support device into which the measuring tube or the measuring sensor is inserted and which serves to shield the measuring sensor from interference and / or to accommodate the electronic components of the measuring device, such as the measuring, operating, and / or evaluation circuitry. The measuring tube arrangement can also have a unique identifier, for example in the form of a QR code and / or an RFID tag. The identifier can contain information regarding the zero point and / or the calibration factor, which the evaluation circuit uses to determine a corrected measured variable.

[0014] The at least one vibration sensor typically comprises at least one sensor magnet and a sensor coil for detecting a time-varying magnetic field. The sensor magnet is arranged on a measuring tube that is to be set into vibration. The sensor coil can be arranged on another measuring tube that is to be set into vibration or on the support device of the measuring device.

[0015] The positive fit between the connecting device and the fixing body assembly allows the two components to be connected without additional tools. The connection between the fixing body assembly and the connecting device can be designed such that the connection can only be released by breaking or separating the closure device from the connecting device. Furthermore, the opening and the closure device can be designed in such a way that incorrect connection between the closure device and the measuring tube assembly is prevented.

[0016] According to the design, the connecting device functions as a distributor, i.e., it divides one channel into two separate channels. Because the connecting device and the measuring tube assembly are two separate components, it is possible to design or optimize the geometry and shape of the measuring tubes independently of the shape and geometry of the connecting device.

[0017] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0018] One embodiment provides that the fixing body arrangement has a first fixing body arrangement side and a second fixing body arrangement side, wherein the first fixing body arrangement side and the second fixing body arrangement side face away from one another, wherein a fixing body arrangement opening extends from the first fixing body arrangement side to the second fixing body arrangement side, wherein the closure device extends through the fixing body arrangement opening, wherein the connecting device has a contact surface, wherein the fixing body arrangement has a contact surface on the first fixing body arrangement side, wherein the contact surface and the contact surface touch one another, wherein the connecting device effects a force on the fixing body arrangement via the closure device with a force component in the direction of the second fixing body arrangement side, wherein the closure device is in particular connected to the connecting device in a materially bonded manner or is connected to the connecting device monolithically.

[0019] A force component acting in addition to the positive connection in the direction of the second fixing body arrangement side makes it more difficult to release the connection.

[0020] The closure device is designed in such a way that when it is passed through the opening it elastically deforms to a point and then snaps into place to form the positive connection.

[0021] One embodiment provides that the connecting device has a first connecting device side and a second connecting device side, wherein the first connecting device side and the second connecting device side face away from one another, wherein a connecting device opening extends from the first connecting device side to the second connecting device side, wherein the closure device extends through the connecting device opening, wherein the closure device has a contact surface, wherein the connecting device has a contact surface on the first connecting device side, wherein the contact surface and the contact surface touch one another, wherein the measuring tube arrangement effects a force on the connecting device via the closure device with a force component in the direction of the second connecting device side, wherein the closure device is in particular materially connected to the fixing body arrangement or is monolithically connected to the fixing body arrangement.

[0022] It is also advantageous if at least the fixing body assembly is made of steel and the connecting device is made of plastic. This enables sufficient fixation in a receiving device and reduces displacement of the zero point during installation. This also has the advantage that the connection between the fixing body assembly and the connecting device is more difficult to break.

[0023] One embodiment provides that the locking device comprises at least one locking lug.

[0024] One embodiment provides that the closure device comprises at least four locking lugs which are arranged rotationally symmetrically about a rotation axis, wherein the rotation axis runs parallel to a longitudinal axis of the measuring tube arrangement.

[0025] One embodiment provides that the connecting device has a connecting device opening, in particular designed as a through hole, wherein the fixing body arrangement has a fixing body arrangement opening formed as a through-hole, wherein the closure device comprises at least one clamping leg, wherein the at least one clamping leg extends through the fixing body arrangement opening and at least partially through the connecting device opening, wherein the closure device comprises a pin, wherein the pin extends through the fixing body arrangement opening and at least partially through the connecting device opening and is configured to effect a force on the at least one clamping leg radially to the longitudinal axis of the connecting device opening.

[0026] This leads to an improvement in fixation and the realization of a non-detachable connection which is particularly suitable for biotechnological applications.

[0027] One embodiment provides that the closure device comprises a rivet, in particular a non-detachable rivet, preferably an expanding rivet.

[0028] One embodiment provides that the closure device has at least one expandable and in particular monolithically connected expansion leg to the connecting device, wherein the closure device has a closure device opening, wherein the fixing body arrangement has a fixing body arrangement opening, wherein the at least one expansion leg extends through the fixing body arrangement opening, wherein the closure device comprises a pin, wherein the pin is arranged in the closure device opening and is configured to cause a radial force on the at least one expansion leg.

[0029] The advantage of this design lies in the simplification of assembly of the two components, the connecting device and the measuring tube assembly. Alternatively, the closure device, in particular the pin, can be integrated into the connecting device. This can be achieved using support structures that hold the pin in the connecting device opening. When the pin is pressed in, the connections between the pin and the support structure are severed. Such a design of the connecting device can be manufactured, for example, using an injection molding process.

[0030] One embodiment provides that the closure device comprises at least one fir clip.

[0031] One embodiment provides that the connecting device has a connecting device body, wherein the connecting device body comprises a plastic, preferably polyetheretherketones, polyaryletherketones, polyphenylsulfones, polyethersulfones, polysulfones, polyarylamides, polypropylenes, polycarbonates, polyethylenes, fluoropolymers and / or hard polyethylenes, wherein the measuring tube arrangement comprises a measuring tube arrangement body, wherein the measuring tube arrangement body comprises steel.

[0032] There is a demand for measuring devices with disposable measuring tubes or disposable measuring tube assemblies for biopharmaceutical applications. For this, the materials that come into contact with the medium must be biocompatible and gamma-sterilizable. It is therefore particularly advantageous if the measuring tube is made of one of the above-mentioned materials, as these meet biopharmaceutical requirements. These plastics are also suitable as encapsulants in an injection molding process for producing the connecting device.

[0033] It is advantageous if the material of the measuring tube assembly body differs from that of the connecting device body. This allows the overall weight of the sensor to be reduced. The measuring tubes are preferably made of steel, and the connecting device of plastic. The resulting hybrid system meets the measurement performance requirements while being lightweight, which is particularly advantageous in gamma sterilization processes.

[0034] One embodiment provides that the closure device is deformed, in particular by means of ultrasonic riveting, in such a way that an end section of the closure device has a larger cross-sectional area than a cross-sectional area of ​​the fixing body arrangement opening or the connecting device opening.

[0035] During ultrasonic riveting, a part of the plastic closure device - in this case the end section - is deformed in such a way that a rivet is formed to create a riveted connection between the connecting device and the fixing body arrangement.

[0036] One embodiment provides that the closure device forms a material connection with the first fixing body arrangement side.

[0037] It has proven advantageous to select the material of the closure device such that the closure device liquefies during ultrasonic riveting at least in sections, in particular in contact with the first fixing body arrangement side, and thus a material-to-material adhesive connection between the closure device and the fixing body arrangement is achieved.

[0038] One embodiment provides that the closure device has a grooved surface in one end region.

[0039] The advantage of this design is that the weld pool advance is guided in a defined manner.

[0040] One embodiment provides that the closure device has a closure device wall thickness, wherein the connecting device is designed as a hollow body and has a connecting device wall thickness, wherein the closure device wall thickness is always less than or equal to a maximum connecting device wall thickness.

[0041] One embodiment provides that the closure device has a closure device diameter, wherein the closure device diameter is greater than or equal to twice the maximum connecting device wall thickness, wherein the closure device has a blind hole or a through hole which extends through the fixing body arrangement opening and which limits the closure device wall thickness.

[0042] One embodiment provides that the connecting device has at least one opening, wherein the closure device extends through the at least one opening.

[0043] One embodiment provides that the connecting device has at least two openings, wherein the closure device comprises at least two pins, wherein the at least two pins extend through the at least two openings, wherein the closure device has a connecting element, in particular a bracket element, which connects the at least two pins to one another.

[0044] The advantage of this design is that it reduces the number of assembly steps and, at the same time, the number of manufacturing steps for the pins.

[0045] One embodiment provides that the connecting device has at least four openings, wherein the closure device has at least four pins which are connected to one another via at least four brackets.

[0046] An alternative embodiment provides that the connecting device has at least four openings, wherein the closure device has at least four pins which are connected to one another and a connecting body, in particular a plate-shaped one.

[0047] One embodiment provides that the at least one pin has a pin opening which is designed such that a pin wall thickness in an end region of the pin is always less than or equal to a maximum pin wall thickness.

[0048] This effectively prevents sink marks in the tenon.

[0049] One embodiment provides that the openings and pins are arranged symmetrically to a mirror plane of the measuring tube arrangement.

[0050] Surprisingly, it has been found to be advantageous to arrange the pins symmetrically to a mirror plane of the measuring tube arrangement, in particular the measuring tubes, since this leads to a reduction of the zero point error.

[0051] One embodiment provides that the at least one pin has a head which has an undercut on a pin side facing the first fixing body arrangement side, which undercut is not in contact with the fixing body arrangement.

[0052] The head has a larger cross-sectional area than the portion of the at least one pin that extends through the fixing body assembly opening. Providing an undercut has the advantage of reducing defects caused by sharp edges in the contact area between the fixing body assembly and the closure device.

[0053] An alternative embodiment provides that the at least one pin is connected to the connecting device by means of ultrasonic welding in such a way that a materially bonded connection is formed.

[0054] An alternative to connecting the fixing body assembly to the connecting device using ultrasonic riveting is ultrasonic welding. Unlike ultrasonic riveting, no rivet is formed by deforming the connecting device in sections; instead, a plastic stud or rivet is ultrasonically welded to the connecting device, which is also made of plastic. The stud or rivet can be monolithically connected to the connecting device or formed as a separate component arranged in an opening in the connecting device.

[0055] One embodiment provides that the measuring tube arrangement comprises two curved measuring tubes, wherein a measuring tube mirror plane runs through each of the two measuring tubes, wherein the at least one pin is arranged within a section delimited by the two measuring tube mirror planes or intersecting at least one of the measuring tube mirror planes, wherein two measuring tube planes running perpendicular to the measuring tube mirror planes delimit an area in which the at least one pin is arranged, wherein one of the measuring tube planes intersects the inlets of the measuring tubes and one of the measuring tube planes intersects the outlets of the measuring tubes.

[0056] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. They show: Fig. 1 : a perspective view of two embodiments of the measuring sensor according to the invention; Fig. 2 : two perspective views of a further embodiment of the measuring sensor and the connecting device; Fig. 3 : a partially sectioned perspective view of an embodiment of the measuring device; Fig. 4 : a partial section of a longitudinal section through an embodiment of the measuring sensor according to the invention; Fig. 5 : an exploded view of an embodiment of the measuring sensor according to the invention; Fig. 6 : a partial section of a longitudinal section through a further embodiment of the measuring sensor according to the invention; Fig. 7 : further embodiments A to D of the connecting device; Fig. 8 : a perspective view of a further embodiment of the connecting device; Fig. 9 : a perspective view of a further embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention; and Fig. 10 : an at least partially sectioned view of a further embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention.

[0057] The Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of two embodiments of the measuring sensor 69. The first embodiment has a measuring tube arrangement 4 with an arranged fixing body arrangement 5. The measuring tube arrangement 4 comprises precisely two measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2, which are mechanically coupled to one another via a coupler arrangement 1 - comprising two coupling elements 6 in the inlet section 20 and two coupling elements 6 in the outlet section 21. The coupling elements 6 serve to form an oscillator from the two measuring tubes 3, which are individually excited to oscillate. According to the embodiment shown, the coupling elements 6 are plate-shaped with rounded edges. However, other shapes are also known. Within the scope of the invention, there is no restriction to one shape or to a number of coupling elements 6. For reasons of clarity, the vibration exciter and the vibration sensors, in particular their individual components, are not shown.Between the inlet section 20 and the outlet section 21, the two measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2 each have two legs 11 and a bend connecting the two legs 11, so that the respective measuring tube body 13 is U-shaped. A fixing body arrangement 5 is arranged at the respective ends of the measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2 and connects the two measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2 of the measuring tube arrangement 4 to one another. Mechanically connected to the fixing body arrangement 5 is a connecting device 63 which has pipe connection openings 64 to which, in a connected state, a hose and / or plastic pipe system is connected and which can be designed as a process connection. A variety of process connections are known, such as flanges, cutting ring fittings, hose fittings, connection pins, etc. The pipe connection openings 64 each have a channel 66, 67.According to the first embodiment, the inlet channel 66 splits into two separate channels, which are connected to the respective inlet section 20 of the two measuring tubes 3. The same applies to the outlet channel 67. The outlet channel 67 has two channels, each of which converges from the outlet section 21 of the respective measuring tubes 3 and forms one of the pipe connection openings 64. The nominal diameter of the pipe connection openings 64 and the nominal diameter of the measuring tubes 3 can differ. The flow direction of the medium to be conveyed through the pipe connection opening 64 differs from the flow direction of the medium in the inlet and / or outlet sections 20, 21.

[0058] The second embodiment has a measuring tube arrangement 4 identical to the first embodiment and differs only in the design of the connecting device 63. The inlet channel 66 is connected to the inlet section 20 of the first measuring tube 3.1. The outlet channel 67 of the connecting device 5 is connected to the outlet section 21 of the second measuring tube 3.2. A connecting channel 65 connects the outlet section 21 of the first measuring tube 3.1 to the inlet section of the second measuring tube 3.2. The measuring tube arrangement 4 has a mirror plane which runs between the two measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2, parallel to the respective longitudinal axes of the legs 11. The connecting channel 65 has a longitudinal axis which is inclined to the mirror plane of the measuring tube arrangement 4.

[0059] A temperature sensor 77 is arranged on the outer wall of the connecting channel 65, as close as possible to the medium to be conveyed. The temperature sensor 77 can, for example, be a Pt100 or PT1000 element.

[0060] The connecting device 63 has a connecting device body, which comprises a plastic and preferably polyetheretherketones (PEEK), polyaryletherketones (PAEK), polyphenylsulfones (PPSU), polyethersulfones (PESU), polysulfones (PSU), polyarylamides (PARA), polypropylenes (PP), polycarbonates (PC), polyethylenes (PE), fluoropolymers, and / or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Furthermore, the measuring tube assembly 4 has a measuring tube assembly body that comprises steel and is in particular formed from steel.

[0061] The connecting device 63 is connected at least positively to the fixing body arrangement 5 via a closure device. The illustration of the closure device was Fig. 1 bis 3 A detailed illustration of a design is provided in Fig. 4 und 5 shown.

[0062] The Fig. 2 shows two perspective views of a further embodiment of the measuring sensor 69 according to the invention, in particular the connecting device 63. The measuring tube arrangement 4 is essentially identical to that shown in the Fig. 1 shown embodiments of the measuring tube arrangement 4. The connecting device 63 is solid and cuboid-shaped. The inlet channel 66 and the outlet channel 67 are incorporated in the connecting device 63 and each have a bend or are L-shaped. The inlet channel 66 connects a measuring tube connection opening 68 to a pipe connection opening 64. Likewise, the outlet channel 67 connects a measuring tube connection opening 68 to a pipe connection opening 64. The inlet channel 66 is connected to the inlet section 20 of the first measuring tube 3.1. The outlet channel 67 is connected to the outlet section 21 of the first measuring tube 3.1. The connecting device 63 also has a connecting channel 65, which has a longitudinal axis that lies in a common plane with the longitudinal axes of the legs of the second measuring tube 3.2. The inlet section 20 of the second measuring tube 3.2 is connected to the outlet section 21 of the second measuring tube 3.2 via the connecting channel 65. Thus, the medium to be supplied is conducted exclusively through the first measuring tube 3.1.

[0063] The Fig. 3 shows a partially sectioned, perspective view of an embodiment of the measuring device 2, comprising a measuring sensor 69 connected to a hose and / or plastic pipe system 17. As before, the measuring tube arrangement 4 of the measuring sensor 69 is identical to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The measuring sensor 69 is inserted into a support device 16, in which the measuring and / or operating circuit 15 is also arranged, which is connected to the vibration exciter 7 and the two vibration sensors 8.1, 8.2. The connecting device 5 is cuboid-shaped and has an inlet channel 66, which divides and extends into the respective inlet sections of the two measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2. The outlet channel 67 extends from the respective outlet sections 21 of the measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2 to the pipe connection opening 68.

[0064] An excitation magnet 36 and two sensor magnets 38 are arranged on each of the measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2. These are components of the vibration exciter 7 and the two vibration sensors 8.1, 8.2. The vibration exciter 7 comprises an excitation coil 37. The two vibration sensors 8.1, 8.2 each comprise a sensor coil 39. The coils 37, 39 are all arranged in the support device 16 or recessed into a wall of the support device 16. The excitation magnets 36 and sensor magnets 38 are arranged on the measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2. The two measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2 each have a longitudinal plane, which is also a mirror plane. These respective mirror planes divide the measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2 into two sides. Three magnets are arranged on the opposite sides of each of the two measuring tubes 3.1 and 3.2. One of the three magnets is a vibration exciter component, and two of the three magnets are vibration sensor components.

[0065] The electronic measuring and / or operating circuit 15 is configured to determine and provide the mass flow, viscosity, and / or density, and / or the variable derived therefrom, of a flowable medium. Furthermore, the measuring and / or operating circuit 15 is configured to apply an operating signal to the vibration exciter 7.

[0066] The Fig. 4 shows a partial section of a longitudinal section through the measuring sensor 69 according to the invention. The measuring sensor 69 comprises a measuring tube arrangement 4 for guiding the flowable medium, a fixing body arrangement 5, and a connecting device 63 for detachably connecting the measuring tube arrangement 4 to a process line. The fixing body arrangement 5 is connected to at least one measuring tube 3 in the inlet section 20 and / or in the outlet section 21 and has at least one opening 70. The connecting device 63 has measuring tube connection openings 68 to which the measuring tube arrangement 4 is connected. In addition, the connecting device 63 is connected to the at least one measuring tube 3 in the inlet section 20 and / or in the outlet section 21.The connecting device 63 has at least one closure device 71, which extends through the opening 70 of the fixing body arrangement 5 and via which the closure device 71 is at least positively connected to the fixing body arrangement 5. The fixing body arrangement 5 has a first fixing body arrangement side 74 and a second fixing body arrangement side 75, wherein the first fixing body arrangement side 74 and the second fixing body arrangement side 75 face away from one another. The opening 70 extends from the first fixing body arrangement side 74 to the second fixing body arrangement side 75. The connecting device 63 has a contact surface 72, and the fixing body arrangement 5 has a contact surface 73 on the first fixing body arrangement side 74, wherein the contact surface 72 and the contact surface 73 touch one another.The closure device 71 is designed such that after the closure device 71 has latched into place, the connecting device 63 exerts a force on the fixing body arrangement 5 via the closure device 71, with a force component in the direction of the second fixing body arrangement side 75.

[0067] The closure device 71 comprises a locking lug that extends through the opening 70 and is locked to the second fixing body assembly side of the fixing body assembly 5. The closure device 71 is designed such that, upon passing through the opening 70, it elastically deforms to a point and then locks into place, thus forming the positive connection.

[0068] An elastic seal 76—in the form of a sealing ring—is arranged between the connecting device 63 and the second fixing body assembly side 75 of the fixing body assembly 5. The seal 76 is clamped between the connecting device 63 and the fixing body assembly 5, and the clamping is maintained by the positive locking.

[0069] The connecting device 5 has a measuring tube connection opening 68, which is designed to complement the inlet section 20 of a measuring tube. Furthermore, the connecting device 5 has a measuring tube connection opening 68, which is designed to complement the outlet section 21 of a measuring tube. In the assembled state, the inlet section 20 and the outlet section 21 of the measuring tube 3 are arranged in the respective associated recess.

[0070] The Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the measuring sensor 69 according to the invention. The measuring tube arrangement 4 has two parallel measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2, each of which has an inlet with an inlet direction in the inlet section 20 and an outlet with an outlet direction in the outlet section 21. In addition, the two measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2 are each bent exactly once between the inlet section 20 and the outlet section 21. This results in the inlet direction and the outlet direction being oriented in opposite directions. The fixing body arrangement 5 is connected to the inlet section 20 and the outlet section 21 of the respective measuring tubes 3.1, 3.2. The connecting device 63 has exactly two closure devices 71.1, 71.2, and the fixing body arrangement 5 correspondingly has exactly two openings 70.1, 70.2. The closure devices are each designed as locking lugs.In an assembled state, the two closure devices 71.1, 71.2 each extend through an opening 70 of the two openings 70.1, 70.2. The connecting device 63 exerts a force on the fixing body arrangement 5 via the two closure devices 71.1, 71.2, with a force component in the direction of the second fixing body arrangement side 75.

[0071] The Fig. 6 shows a partial section of a longitudinal section through a further embodiment of the sensor according to the invention. This differs from the embodiment of the Fig. 4 in that instead of a fixing body arrangement opening, a connecting device opening 82 is provided, which extends from a first connecting device side 78 of the connecting device 63 to a second connecting device side 79 of the connecting device 63, wherein the first connecting device side 78 and the second connecting device side 79 face away from one another. The closure device 71 extends through the connecting device opening 82 in the assembled state and is designed to be resilient, so that it can be displaced upon insertion into the connecting device opening 82. The connecting device opening 82 can be conically shaped. A contact surface 72 of the closure device 71 and a contact surface 73 of the connecting device 63 located on the first connecting device side 78 touch one another.To ensure adequate fixation, the closure concept is designed such that the measuring tube assembly 4 exerts a force on the connecting device 63 via the closure device 71, with a force component directed toward the second connecting device side 79. The closure device 71 is monolithically connected or formed integrally with the fixing body assembly 5. Alternatively, the closure device 71 can be integrally connected to the fixing body assembly 5.

[0072] The Fig. 7 A bis D each show schematic longitudinal sectional views of further embodiments of the connecting device.

[0073] The Fig. 7A shows a connecting device 63 having a connecting device opening 82 formed as a blind hole, and a fixing body arrangement 5 having a fixing body arrangement opening 83 formed as a through hole. The closure device 71 is an expanding rivet formed as a non-detachable rivet, which is designed such that the legs press against the wall of the blind hole when installed, thus ensuring a force-locking connection.

[0074] The design of the Fig. 7B differs from the design of the Fig. 7A essentially in that the connecting device 63 has a connecting device opening 82 formed as a through-hole and that the closure device 71 comprises two or more clamping legs 84 that extend through the fixing body arrangement opening 83 and through the connecting device opening 82. Alternatively, the clamping legs 84 can be monolithically connected to the connecting device 63 (see Fig. 7D ). The closure device 71 is formed in at least two parts and additionally comprises a pin 85 that extends through the fixing body arrangement opening 83 and through the connecting device opening 82. The pin 85 is configured to exert a force on the two clamping legs 84 radially relative to the longitudinal axis of the connecting device opening 82. The pin 85 is a separate component and is inserted after the at least two clamping legs have been passed through the corresponding opening or openings. The pin 85 can be widened at the end so that the pin 85 engages with the clamping legs 84, thus creating a permanent connection.

[0075] The Fig. 7C shows a closure device 71 designed as a pine clip and having barbs that, on the one hand, make it difficult to release the connection through frictional force and a positive locking. It is irrelevant from which side of the fixing body arrangement the closure device 71 is guided through the connecting device opening 82 and the fixing body arrangement opening 83. The interaction between the barbs and the wall of the through-hole ensures a positive connection, while the barbs in the end region of the pine clip ensure a positive connection.

[0076] The Fig. 7D shows a design which differs from that in Fig. 7B essentially differs in that the clamping legs 84 and the connecting device 63 are formed as a single piece. The clamping legs 84 are resilient, so that when the pin 85 is inserted into the provided opening, they spread apart and form a positive connection between the fixing body arrangement 5 and the connecting device 63. The closure device 71 can be manufactured such that the pin 85 is also monolithically connected to the connecting device 63 via, for example, support structures before fixing. During fixing, the connection to the support structure is at least partially released.

[0077] The Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the closure device 71, which is designed to be inserted into a fixing body arrangement opening of the fixing body arrangement and to exert a force on the fixing body arrangement with a force component in the direction of the second fixing body arrangement side of the fixing body arrangement. The closure device 71 is monolithically connected to the connecting device 63 and formed by at least one locking lug 81 or four locking lugs 81.1, 81.2, 81.3, 81.4. The four locking lugs 81.1, 81.2, 81.3, 81.4 each have the same length and are arranged rotationally symmetrically about a rotation axis that runs parallel to a longitudinal axis of the measuring tube arrangement (not shown). In addition, the four locking lugs 81.1, 81.2, 81.3, 81.4 each have contact surfaces which have the shape of a circular ring segment or a section of a developed lateral surface of a truncated cone.The locking device 71 is arranged centrally and can have a through hole for a pin which is designed to spread open the four locking lugs 81.1, 81.2, 81.3, 81.4.

[0078] The Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention, which is deformed by means of ultrasonic riveting such that an end section of the closure device 71 has a larger cross-sectional area than a cross-sectional area of ​​the fixing body arrangement opening or the connecting device opening. When deforming a section of the closure device using a sonotrode, with a suitable choice of the material of the closure device 71, a partial melting of the closure device 71 can occur. This occurs in particular in the contact area between the closure device 71 and the fixing body arrangement 5. The closure device 71 thus forms a materially bonded connection with the first fixing body arrangement side 74. Furthermore, the closure device 71 has a grooved surface 87 in an end area.The illustrated closure device 71 is rivet-shaped, in particular designed as a flat-head rivet according to DIN 674. Furthermore, four closure devices are used to connect the fixing body arrangement 5 to the connecting device 63. The four closure devices form the four corners of a rectangle and are arranged symmetrically to a mirror plane of the measuring tube arrangement.

[0079] The Fig. 10 shows an at least partially sectioned view of a further embodiment of the connecting device 63 according to the invention, which is designed as a hollow body and has a connecting device wall thickness. The closure device 71 shown has a closure device wall thickness that is always less than or equal to a maximum connecting device wall thickness of the connecting device 63. Furthermore, the closure device 71 has, at least in sections, a closure device diameter that is greater than or equal to twice the maximum connecting device wall thickness. In this section, the closure device 71 has a blind hole - alternatively, a through hole could also be provided - which extends through the fixing body arrangement opening 70 and which limits the closure device wall thickness.The illustrated connecting device 63 further comprises at least one opening 88—in this case, there are exactly four openings. The two illustrated closure devices 71 each comprise two pins that extend through the four openings. The two pins 89, which together form a closure device 71, are connected via a connecting element. In this case, the connecting element is designed as a bracket element that connects the at least two pins to one another. Alternatively, the closure device 71 can comprise at least four pins that are connected to one another via a connecting element, in particular a plate-shaped one. Two closure devices are illustrated; alternatively, only one closure device can be provided, comprising exactly one or exactly two pins.In a configuration with four pins, these can be connected to one another via four bracket elements, the four bracket elements forming a quadrilateral, in particular a rectangle. In the illustration, the pins each have a pin opening 90 which is designed such that a pin wall thickness in an end region of the pin 89 is always less than or equal to a maximum pin wall thickness. Furthermore, the openings 88 and pins 89 are arranged symmetrically to a mirror plane of the measuring tube arrangement 4. This ensures that the zero point error of the flow measurement signal is reduced. The pins 89 each have a head which has an undercut 91 on a pin side facing the first fixing body arrangement side 74, i.e. the pin is not in contact with the metallic fixing body arrangement 5 in this partial section.The closure device 71, in particular the pins, are connected to the connecting device 63 by means of ultrasonic welding in such a way that a material connection is formed. Bezugszeichenliste

[0080] Coupler arrangement 1 Measuring device 2 Measuring tube 3 Measuring tube arrangement 4 Fixing body arrangement 5 Coupler element 6 Vibration exciter 7 Vibration sensor 8 Leg 11 Measuring tube body 13 Measuring and / or operating circuit 15 Support device 16 Hose and / or plastic pipe system 17 Inlet section 20 Outlet section 21 Receptacle 29 Excitation magnet 36 Excitation coil 37 Sensor magnet 38 Sensor coil 39 Evaluation circuit 53 Connecting device 63 Pipe connection opening 64 Connecting channel 65 Inlet channel 66 Outlet channel 67 Measuring tube connection openings 68 Measuring sensor 69 Opening 70 Closure device 71 Contact surface 72 Contact surface 73 First fixing body arrangement side 74 Second fixing body arrangement side 75 Seal 76 Temperature sensor 77 First connecting device side 78 Second connecting device side 79 Latching lug 81 Connecting device opening 82 Fixing body assembly opening 83 Clamping leg 84 Pin 85 Spreading leg 86 Grooved surface 87 Opening 88 Pin 89 Pin opening 90Undercut 91 Bracket element 92 Measuring tube level A Measuring tube level B Measuring tube level C Measuring tube level D

Claims

1. A measuring sensor (69) of a measuring device (2) for detecting a mass flow, a viscosity, a density and / or a variable derived therefrom of a flowable medium, comprising: - a measuring tube arrangement (4) for conducting the flowable medium, the measuring tube arrangement (4) having at least one measuring tube (3), the at least one measuring tube (3) having an inlet section (20) and an outlet section (21); - at least one first exciter component of a vibration exciter (7) for exciting the at least one measuring tube (3) into vibrations, wherein the at least one excitation component is arranged on the at least one measuring tube (3); - at least one first sensor component of a vibration sensor (8) for detecting the vibrations of the at least one measuring tube (3), wherein the at least one first sensor component is arranged on the at least one measuring tube (3); - a fixing body arrangement (5), the fixing body arrangement (5) being connected to the at least one measuring tube (3) in the inlet section (20) and in the outlet section (21); characterized in - a connecting device (63) for detachably connecting the measuring tube arrangement (4) to a process line, wherein the connecting device (63) having measuring tube connection openings (68) to which the measuring tube arrangement (4) is connected, wherein the connecting device (63) is connected to the at least one measuring tube (3) in the inlet section (20) and in the outlet section (21); and wherein the measuring sensor comprises a closure device (71), wherein a form-locking and / or force-locking connection between the connecting device (63) and the fixing body arrangement (5) is formed by wayof the closure device (71).

2. Measuring sensor (69) according to the previous claim, wherein the fixing body arrangement (5) has a first fixing body arrangement side (74) and a second fixing body arrangement side (75), wherein the first fixing body arrangement side (74) and the second fixing body arrangement side (75) face away from each other, a fixing body arrangement opening (70) extends from the first fixing body arrangement side (74) to the second fixing body arrangement side (75), the closure device (71) extends through the fixing body arrangement opening (70), the connecting device (63) has a contact surface (72), the fixing body arrangement (5) having a contact surface (73) on the first fixing body arrangement side (74), the contact surface (72) and the contact surface (73) touching.

3. Measuring sensor (69) according to claim 2, the connecting device (63) effects a force on the fixing body arrangement (5) via the closing device (71) with a force component in the direction of the second fixing body arrangement side (75), the closing device (71) being connected in particular in a materially integral manner to the connecting device or being monolithically connected to the connecting device (63).

4. Measuring sensor (69) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting device (63) comprises a first connecting device side (78) and a second connecting device side (79), wherein the first connecting device side (78) and the second connecting device side (79) face away from each other, a connector opening (82) extending from the first connector side (78) to the second connector side (79), the closure device (71) extending through the connector opening (82), the closure device (71) having a contact surface (72), the connector (63) having a contact surface (73) on the first connector side (78), the contact surface (72) and the contact surface (73) being in contact.

5. Measuring sensor (69) according to claim 4, wherein the measuring tube arrangement (4) exerts a force on the connecting device (63) via the closure device (71) with a force component in the direction of the second connecting device side (79), the shutter device (71) being connected to the fixing body arrangement (5), in particular in a materially integral manner, or being monolithically connected to the fixing body arrangement (5).

6. Measuring sensor (69) according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein the closure device (71) comprises at least one latching nose (81).

7. Measuring sensor (69) according to claim 6, wherein the closure device (71) comprises at least four latching lugs (81.1, 81.2, 81.3, 81.4) which are arranged rotationally symmetrically about an axis of rotation, with the axis of rotation running parallel to a longitudinal axis of the measuring tube arrangement (4).

8. Measuring sensor (69) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting device (63) has a connecting device opening (82) configured in particular as a through-hole, wherein the fixing body arrangement (5) has a fixing body arrangement opening (83) configured in particular as a through-hole, the closure device (71) comprising at least one clamping leg (84), the at least one clamping leg (84) extending through the fixing body arrangement opening (83) and at least partially through the connecting device opening (82), the closure device (71) comprising a pin (85), the pin (85) extending through the fixation body arrangement opening (83) and at least partially through the connecting device opening (82) and being adapted to exert a force on the at least one clamping leg (84) radially to the longitudinal axis of the connecting device opening (82).

9. Measuring sensor (69) according to claim 1 and / or 8, wherein the closure device (71) comprises a, in particular non-detachable, rivet, preferably an expanding rivet.

10. Measuring sensor (69) according to claim 1, wherein the closure device (71) has at least one expandable leg (85) which can expand and is in particular monolithically connected to the connecting device, wherein the closure device (71) has a connecting device opening (82), the fixation body assembly (71) having a fixation body assembly opening (83), the at least one expansion leg (86) extending through the fixation body assembly opening (83), the closure device (71) comprising a pin (85), said pin (85) being disposed in said fastener aperture (82) and adapted to effect a radial force on said at least one expansion leg (86).

11. Measuring sensor (69) according to claim 1, said locking device (71) comprising at least one fir-tree clip.

12. Measuring sensor (69) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing body arrangement (5) has a first fixing body arrangement side (74) and a second fixing body arrangement side (75), wherein the first fixing body arrangement side (74) and the second fixing body arrangement side (75) face away from each other, wherein a seal (76), in particular an elastic seal, is arranged between the connecting device (63) and the second fixing body arrangement side (75), wherein the seal (76) is clamped between the connecting device (63) and the fixing body arrangement (5) and the clamping is held by means of the form fit.

13. Measuring sensor (69) according to at least one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the closure device (71) is deformed, in particular by means of ultrasonic riveting, in such a way that an end section of the closure device (71) has a larger cross-sectional area than a cross-sectional area of the fixing body arrangement opening (70) or of the connection device opening (82).

14. Measuring sensor (69) according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein the locking device (71) forms an integral connection with the first fixing body arrangement side (74).

15. A sensor (69) according to claim 13 and / or 14, wherein the closure device (71) has a corrugated surface (87) in an end region.

16. Measuring sensor (69) according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein the closure device (71) has a closure device wall thickness, wherein the connecting device (63) is at least partially formed as a hollow body and has a connecting device wall thickness, wherein the closure device wall thickness is always less than or equal to a maximum connection device wall thickness.

17. Measuring sensor (69) according to claim 16, wherein the closure device (71) has a closure device diameter, wherein the closure device diameter is greater than or equal to twice the maximum connection device wall thickness, wherein the closure device (71) comprises a blind hole or a through hole which extends through the fixation body array aperture (70) and which limits the closure device wall thickness.

18. Measuring sensor (69) according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein the connecting device comprises at least one aperture (88), the closure device (71) extending through the at least one opening (88).

19. Measuring sensor (69) according to at least one of the previous claims, the connecting device having at least two openings (88), the closure device (71) comprising at least two tabs (89), the at least two pins (89) extending through the at least two openings (88), the closure device (71) having a connecting element, in particular a shackle element (92), which connects the at least two pins (89) to one another.

20. Measuring sensor (69) according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein the connecting device (63) has at least four openings (88), wherein the closure device (71) has at least four pins (89) which are connected to one another via at least four shackle elements (92).

21. Measuring sensor (69) according to at least one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the connecting device (63) has at least four openings (88), wherein the closure device (71) has at least four pegs (89) which are connected to one another via a connecting element, in particular a plate-like connecting element.

22. Measuring sensor (69) according to at least one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the at least one pin (89) has a pin opening (90) which is configured in such a way that a pin wall thickness in an end region of the at least one pin (89) is always less than or equal to a maximum pin wall thickness.

23. Measuring sensor (69) according to at least one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the openings (88) and pegs (89) are arranged symmetrically with respect to a mirror plane of the measuring tube arrangement (4).

24. Measuring sensor (69) according to at least one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the at least one pin (89) has a head which, on a pin side facing the first fixing body arrangement side (74), has an undercut (91) which is not in contact with the fixing body arrangement (5).

25. Measuring sensor (69) according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one pin (89) is connected to the connecting device (63) by means of ultrasonic welding in such a way that a materially integral connection is formed.

26. Measuring sensor (69) according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein the measuring tube arrangement (4) comprises two curved measuring tubes (3), wherein a respective measuring tube mirror plane (A, B) extends through the two measuring tubes (3), wherein the at least one pin (89) is arranged within a section delimiting the two measuring tube mirror planes (A, B) or intersecting at least one of the measuring tube mirror planes (A, B), wherein two measuring tube planes (C, D) running perpendicular to the measuring tube mirror planes (A, B) bound an area in which the at least one pin (89) is arranged, wherein one of the measuring tube planes (C) intersects the inlets of the measuring tubes (3) and one of the measuring tube planes (D) intersects the outlets of the measuring tubes (3).

27. Measuring sensor (69) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting device (63) has a connecting device body, wherein the connecting device body has a plastic, preferably polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polyethersulfone (PESU), polysulfone (PSU), polyarylamide (PARA), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), fluoropolymers and / or hard polyethylene (HDPE), wherein the measuring tube arrangement (4) has a measuring tube arrangement body, wherein the measuring tube arrangement body is metallic, in particular comprises steel.

28. Measuring device (2) for detecting a mass flow, a viscosity, a density and / or a variable derived therefrom of a flowable medium, in particular a Coriolis flow meter comprising: - a carrier device (16); - a measuring sensor (69) according to at least one of the preceding claims; at least one second exciter component of the vibration exciter (7); and at least one second sensor component of the vibration sensor (8); the carrier device (16) having a carrier device body with a receptacle (29), the measuring sensor (69) being arranged in the receptacle (29) and being mechanically separably connectable to the carrier device body; the second excitation component being arranged on the carrier device body, the second sensor component being arranged on the carrier device body, the vibration exciter (7) comprising an operating circuit (15) which is connected to at least one exciter component, in particular the second exciter component of the vibration exciter (7), wherein the vibration sensor (8) comprises a measuring circuit (15) which is electrically connected to at least one sensor component, in particular the second sensor component of the vibration sensor (8).