Vibronic module of a modular measuring system, and modular measuring system

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] Vibronic module of a modular measuring system and modular measuring system

[0002] The invention relates to a vibronic module of a modular measuring system, in particular a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid medium and a modular measuring system, in particular a Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid medium.

[0003] From WO 2019 / 017891 A1 or WO 2021 / 121867 A2 as well as the German patent applications DE 102021105397, DE 102020133614, DE 102020132685, DE 102020133851, DE 102020133566, DE 102020132986, DE 102020132686, DE 102020132685, DE 102020131452, DE 102020132223, DE 102020127356, DE 102020114519 and DE 102020112154, modular, namely (Modular) vibronic measuring systems are known which are formed by means of a base module, a vibronic module which is mechanically connected to the base module and a measuring system electronics which is electrically connected to the base module and which are used to record at least one measured variable of a fluid measuring medium flowing in a (measuring material) line, namely to determine measured values ​​for one or more measured variables, for example a mass flow, a volume flow, a density and / or a viscosity, of the measuring material.

[0004] The basic module of such a (modular) vibronic measuring system comprises a housing with at least one chamber at least partially enclosed by a housing wall, as well as one or more electrical coils, for example cylindrical and / or designed as air-core coils, which are placed (spaced apart from one another) within the chamber of the housing and are at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall. Each of the coils is also electrically connected to the measuring system electronics. The measuring system electronics can be housed at least partially within the housing and / or at least partially outside the housing, for example, in a separate electronics housing.The base module is also specifically designed to accommodate the vibronic module of the measuring system and to be mechanically connected thereto (forming a vibration-type transducer) in a rigid yet detachable manner, in particular to form the vibronic measuring system itself; this is particularly also done in such a way that the vibronic module is locked in the base module and is not movable.

[0005] The vibronic module of the respective measuring system, in turn, is also designed to be replaceable, such that it can be inserted into the chamber, in particular on-site, from outside the housing of the base module or through a (sliding) opening provided in the housing wall of the housing, and that it can be removed from the base module again non-destructively, if necessary even without tools, in particular from outside the housing and / or through the (sliding) opening of the housing, or without the base module itself having to be handled or removed from the (process) system. This also makes it possible, among other things, to subsequently insert a vibronic module on-site, namely into an already installed base module, or to replace a defective or worn vibronic module on-site with a new, intact vibronic module that can be used only once or only for a specified period of time (“disposable”).The vibronic module further comprises one or more, for example cylindrical, permanent magnets and is also designed to be installed in the base module in such a way that each of the permanent magnets is placed within the aforementioned chamber, yet is spaced apart from the housing wall, in particular in such a way that each of the permanent magnets is held in a static installation position predetermined with regard to an orientation and / or a smallest distance from one of the electrical coils of the base module, and that a respective imaginary longitudinal axis of each of the permanent magnets and an imaginary longitudinal axis of at least one of the electrical coils are aligned with one another or extend parallel to one another.

[0006] In the measuring systems in question, each vibronic module further comprises at least one (measuring) tube, for example one that is at least partially straight and / or at least partially curved, with a tube wall forming an outer surface of the tube, in particular made of a metal or a plastic, and with a lumen enclosed by the same tube wall, in particular two essentially identical parallel (measuring) tubes, and each of the aforementioned permanent magnets is fixed to the outside of the tube wall, in particular to a middle segment of the tube wall extending between a first segment end and a second segment end remote therefrom, in particular to be firmly bonded to the tube wall. In addition, the vibronic module or its at least one (measuring) tube is designed in such a way, if necessary.to be installed into the housing without tools in such a way that the tube is at least partially, in particular completely, placed within the chamber, yet is spaced from the housing wall, and that each of the permanent magnets, in the respective installation position, together with the respective electrical coil, forms a voice coil, particularly useful as an electrodynamic vibration exciter, and / or a plunger coil, particularly useful as an electrodynamic vibration sensor. In the case of a (measuring) tube that is bent at least in sections, the aforementioned segment can, for example, be substantially U-shaped or V-shaped.In such a vibronic measuring system, each of the aforementioned (measuring) tubes is additionally designed to carry a fluid measuring substance flowing within the lumen during operation, in particular with a predeterminable flow direction and / or pointing from the first segment end to the second segment end, and to be vibrated during this time in order to generate measuring effects correlated with one or more measured variables of the measuring substance, in particular in such a way that the middle segment executes oscillating movements about a static rest position and / or that the (measuring) tube is driven by at least one of the aforementioned (energized) moving coils and / or that a (measuring) voltage representing oscillating movements of the at least one tube and thus serving as an oscillation signal is generated by means of the aforementioned moving coils.The measuring system electronics of such a measuring system is in turn set up accordingly to feed electrical power into the at least one electrical coil forming the aforementioned moving coil by means of an electrical driver signal, in particular with an impressed alternating current and / or an impressed (alternating current) frequency substantially corresponding to a resonance frequency of the at least one pipe, and / or to determine measured values ​​for the one or more measured variables to be recorded of the medium flowing through the (measuring) pipe or pipes on the basis of the (measuring) voltage generated by the at least one electrical coil forming the aforementioned moving coil, in the case of a Coriolis mass flow measuring device ora measuring system designed as a Coriolis mass flow / density measuring device, for example, to generate (mass flow) measured values ​​representing the mass flow based on a (measurement) phase difference between two of the aforementioned vibration signals caused by Coriolis forces in the medium flowing through the vibrating pipe and a phase difference to the measured value characteristic function set up in the measuring system electronics. The phase difference to the mass flow measured value characteristic function can, for example, be a (linear) parameter function with a (scale) zero point that corresponds to a (measurement) phase difference between the two vibration signals that is measurable when the medium is at rest or when the mass flow is zero, and with a gradient that corresponds to a (measurement) sensitivity of the measuring system or a change in the (measurement) phase difference related to a change in the mass flow.Since one or more resonance frequencies of the at least one pipe are particularly dependent on the instantaneous density of the respective measuring medium, such a measuring system can be used to directly measure not only the mass flow but also the density of the measuring medium flowing through it based on the (alternating current) frequency of the driver signal and / or a (signal) frequency of at least one of the oscillation signals. Accordingly, the measuring system electronics of measuring systems of the type in question are typically also configured to generate (density) measured values ​​representing the density based on the aforementioned (alternating current) frequency of the driver signal and / or a corresponding signal frequency of at least one of the oscillation signals, for example using a useful frequency to measured value characteristic function set up accordingly in the measuring system electronics.Furthermore, it is also possible to directly measure the viscosity of the flowing medium using vibronic measuring systems of the type in question, for example, based on the excitation energy or excitation power required to maintain the useful vibrations and / or based on the damping of the excited (resonance) vibrations resulting from the dissipation of vibration energy, or using a damping-to-measurement characteristic function configured accordingly in the measuring system electronics. Furthermore, other derived measured variables, such as the Reynolds number, can be readily determined from the aforementioned flow and / or material parameters using such vibronic measuring systems.

[0007] To simplify the commissioning of a measuring system formed in this way, the vibronic module can further comprise at least one identification element relating to or carrying identifying information about the vibronic module, for example a barcode, QR code or radio label (RFID TAG) attached to at least one pipe, and / or the base module can comprise at least one light-emitting semiconductor element positioned within the housing and connected to the measuring system electronics, for example a light-emitting diode (LED), and / or one or more radio transmitters / receivers (RF transceivers) and / or photosensors, for example one or more CCD photosensors and / or one or more CMOS photosensors, each positioned within the housing and connected to the measuring system electronics.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of providing a vibronic module which is easy to handle despite its fragility.

[0009] The problem is solved by the vibronic module VM according to claim 1 and the modular measuring system according to claim 13.

[0010] The vibronic module according to the invention of a modular measuring system, in particular a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid medium, comprises:

[0011] - two measuring tubes for guiding the measuring medium, wherein the two measuring tubes each have an inlet area and an outlet area in which the two measuring tubes are each straight;

[0012] - at least one, in particular cylindrical, excitation magnet per measuring tube, which is arranged on the corresponding measuring tube and is designed to cause the corresponding measuring tube to oscillate when it is exposed to a time-varying magnetic field of an excitation coil of a base module;

[0013] - at least one, in particular cylindrical, sensor magnet per measuring tube, which is arranged on the corresponding measuring tube;

[0014] - a connecting body which is mechanically connected to the two measuring tubes and via which the two measuring tubes can be mechanically connected to the base module, wherein the connecting body connects the inlet areas and outlet areas of the two measuring tubes to each other;

[0015] - a first coupler, in particular a planar one, which connects the inlet areas of the two measuring tubes; and

[0016] - a second coupler, in particular a planar one, which connects the inlet regions and / or the outlet regions of the two measuring tubes; and - a coupler connector, wherein the first coupler and the second coupler are connected to each other via the coupler connector.

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

[0018] One embodiment provides that the second coupler exclusively connects the inlet regions of the two measuring tubes to one another, the first measuring tube of the two measuring tubes having a curved section and two straight sections, a first measuring tube plane running through the two straight sections of the first measuring tube, the second measuring tube of the two measuring tubes also having a curved section and two straight sections, a second measuring tube plane running through the two straight sections of the second measuring tube, a coupler connector plane running on a largest surface of the coupler connector, in particular a planar one, running perpendicular to the first measuring tube plane and to the second measuring tube plane.

[0019] One embodiment provides that a third coupler connects the inlet areas of the two measuring tubes, wherein the first coupler, the second coupler and also the third coupler are connected to each other via the coupler connector.

[0020] One embodiment provides that the coupler connector is arranged on an outward-facing side of the measuring tube.

[0021] One embodiment provides that the second coupler exclusively connects the outlet regions of the two measuring tubes to one another, the first measuring tube of the two measuring tubes having a curved section and two straight sections, a first measuring tube plane running through the two straight sections of the first measuring tube, the second measuring tube of the two measuring tubes also having a curved section and two straight sections, a second measuring tube plane running through the two straight sections of the second measuring tube, a coupler connector plane running on a largest surface of the coupler connector, in particular a planar one, running parallel to the first measuring tube plane and to the second measuring tube plane.

[0022] One embodiment provides that a third coupler connects the inlet regions of the two measuring tubes to one another, wherein a fourth coupler connects the outlet regions of the two measuring tubes to one another, wherein the first coupler, the second coupler, the third coupler and also the fourth coupler are connected to one another via the coupler connector.

[0023] One embodiment provides that the coupler connector is also connected to the connecting body.

[0024] One embodiment provides that a first coupler connector connects the couplers in the inlet area, wherein a second coupler connector connects the couplers in the outlet area.

[0025] One embodiment provides that the coupler connector is T-shaped.

[0026] One embodiment provides that the coupler and the coupler connector are formed in one piece.

[0027] One embodiment provides that the coupler connector is connected to the couplers via a material connection.

[0028] One embodiment provides that the coupler connector has an opening.

[0029] The modular measuring system according to the invention, in particular a Coriolis mass flow measuring device, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid medium, comprises:

[0030] - a vibronic module according to any one of the preceding claims; and

[0031] - a basic module which includes:

[0032] - a measuring system electronics; - a protective housing with at least one chamber at least partially enclosed by a housing wall,

[0033] - at least one excitation coil, in particular cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil, placed within the chamber of the protective housing, which is at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall and electrically connected to the measuring system electronics, and

[0034] - at least one sensor coil, in particular placed within the chamber of the protective housing, in particular cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil and / or structurally identical to the excitation coil, which is in particular positioned away from the excitation coil and is at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall, which is electrically connected to the measuring system electronics; wherein the base module is designed to accommodate the vibronic module, in particular in the chamber, and to be mechanically firmly but also detachably connected thereto, in particular to form a vibration-type measuring sensor or a vibronic measuring system and / or in such a way that the vibronic module is locked in the base module or is not movable, wherein the vibronic module is designed to be installed in the base module in such a way that its excitation magnet is placed within the chamber, but is spaced from the housing wall, in particularnamely in a predetermined position with regard to an alignment and / or a smallest distance to the excitation coil and / or is held with the static installation position and / or in such a way that an imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation magnet and an imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation coil are aligned with one another or extend parallel to one another.

[0035] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. They show:

[0036] Fig. 1 : a perspective view of a vibronic module and a base module;

[0037] Fig. 2a / b: each a view of a vibronic module arranged in a base module;

[0038] Fig. 3a / b: a side view and a perspective view of a first embodiment of the vibronic module;

[0039] Fig. 4a / b: a side view and a perspective view of a second embodiment of the vibronic module;

[0040] Fig. 5a / b / c: a side view and a perspective view of a third and fourth embodiment of the vibronic module;

[0041] Fig. 6a / b / c: a side view and a perspective view of a fifth and sixth embodiment of the vibronic module; Fig. 7a / b: a side view and a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the vibronic module;

[0042] Fig. 8a / b: a side view and a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the vibronic module; and

[0043] Fig. 9a / b: a side view and a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the vibronic module.

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a vibronic module VM of a modular measuring system and a modular measuring system with a base module BM. The vibronic module VM comprises at least one, in particular metallic, measuring tube 31, 32 for guiding the measuring medium. In Fig. 1, the vibronic module VM has two measuring tubes 31, 32 that run essentially parallel to one another and are bent in sections. The measuring tubes 31, 32 take on the shape of a U or a V. The measuring tubes 31, 32 shown have a nominal diameter of greater than 5 millimeters. Such measuring tubes 31, 32 are extremely stable and do not require any additional protection to prevent collision with the housing or the housing wall 11+ of the base module BM.

[0045] At least one, in particular cylindrical, excitation magnet 22 is arranged on at least one measuring tube 31, 32. This is designed to cause the measuring tube 31, 32 to vibrate when it is exposed to a time-varying magnetic field of an excitation coil 12 of the base module BM. In Fig. 1, both measuring tubes 31, 32 each have an excitation magnet 22 arranged on the outer surface of the corresponding measuring tube 31, 32. The excitation magnet of measuring tube 32 is concealed by the measuring tube 32 itself. Furthermore, at least one, in particular cylindrical, sensor magnet 24 is arranged on the measuring tube 31, 32. In the case of vibrating measuring tubes 31, 32, the sensor magnet 24 generates a time-varying magnetic field that depends on the vibration behavior of the measuring tube 31, 32. In Fig.1, the two measuring tubes 31, 32 each have two sensor magnets 24, 26 (partially concealed by measuring tube 32), which are arranged on the outer surface 31+, 32+ of the measuring tubes 31, 32. The excitation magnets 22 and also the sensor magnets 24, 26 can be attached directly to the outer surface 31+, 32+ of the measuring tubes 31, 32, e.g., by means of a material fit, or indirectly via a connecting element which is itself connected to the corresponding measuring tube 31, 32 by means of a material fit, a force fit, and / or a form fit. The connecting element can, for example, be a magnetic cup (see Figs. 2 and 5), which is designed not only to hold the corresponding magnet, but also to protect it.Advantageously, the sensor magnets 24, 26 and the excitation magnets 22 are arranged on the outer surface 31+ of the measuring tube 31, 32 in such a way that a collision with the housing wall 11+ can be avoided when arranging the vibronic module VM in the chamber 11*. The sensor magnets 24, 26 are arranged offset in the longitudinal direction of the measuring tube 31, 32. The excitation magnet 22 is always positioned between the two sensor magnets 24, 26 in the longitudinal direction of the measuring tube 31, 32. In the illustrated solution, the excitation magnet 22 is arranged in a section of the measuring tube 31, 32 in which the measuring tube 31, 32 is bent.

[0046] According to the invention, the vibronic module VM does not have any coils, i.e., neither the excitation coil nor the sensor coil are part of the vibronic module VM. Thus, the vibronic module VM also does not have any electrical conductors (e.g., cables) that would otherwise be necessary to electrically connect the coils to the measuring system electronics ME. Furthermore, no temperature sensor is arranged on one of the measuring tubes 31, 32. Thus, the vibronic module VM also does not have any electrical conductors (e.g., cables) that would otherwise be necessary to electrically connect the temperature sensor to the measuring system electronics ME.

[0047] A core feature of the vibronic module VM is the connecting body 50, which is mechanically connected to the at least one measuring tube 31, 32 (e.g. via a material-to-material connection) and via which the at least one measuring tube 31, 32 can be mechanically connected to the base module BM. The connecting body 50 connects the two ends of the at least one measuring tube 31, 32 to one another. In Fig. 1, the connecting body 50 is planar. Furthermore, it connects the ends of the measuring tube 31 to one another and the ends of the measuring tube 32 to one another. The measuring tubes 31, 32 extend through openings in the connecting body 50. The fixing of the connecting body 50 to the measuring tubes 31, 32 is realized via a material-to-material connection (welded or soldered connection). The vibronic module VM shown also has four couplers 110i, which are designed to mechanically couple the two measuring tubes 31, 32 in the coupling area.The two couplers 110a, 110b couple the two measuring tubes 31, 32 in the inlet area and the remaining two couplers couple the two measuring tubes 31, 32 in the outlet area.

[0048] The base module BM has a measuring system electronics ME and a housing 11 with at least one chamber 11* at least partially enclosed by a housing wall 11+. The measuring system electronics ME is arranged separately in a measuring system electronics housing. Alternatively, the housing can have a measuring system electronics chamber in which the measuring system electronics ME is arranged, separate from the chamber 11*. The measuring system electronics ME comprises electrical components (e.g., active components, passive components, discrete components, and integrated components) that are arranged on at least one printed circuit board and interact with one another in such a way that they are suitable for operating the base module BM. Furthermore, the measuring system electronics ME can comprise at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

[0049] Within the chamber 11* is at least one cylindrical and / or air-core coil excitation coil 12, which is at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall 11+ and electrically connected to the measuring system electronics ME. The excitation coil 12 can be arranged in an opening in the housing wall 11+, as shown, or can be positioned separated from the chamber 11* by the housing wall 11+. Alternatively, the excitation coil 12 can also be placed on the front surface of the housing wall 11+ facing the chamber 11*. In Fig. 1, the base module BM has one excitation coil 12 for each measuring tube 31, 32 (i.e., a total of two excitation coils), which are arranged opposite one another on an excitation coil axis that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 11*.The measuring system electronics ME is configured to operate the excitation coil 12 with an operating signal which is designed such that the excitation coil 12 generates a time-varying magnetic field.

[0050] Furthermore, a sensor coil 14, 16 is arranged within the chamber 11* of the housing 11, which is in particular cylindrical and / or designed as an air-core coil and / or structurally identical to the excitation coil 12. The sensor coil 14, 16 is positioned, in particular, remote from the excitation coil 12 and is at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall 11+, which is electrically connected to the measuring system electronics ME. The sensor coil 14, 16 can be arranged, as shown, in an opening in the housing wall 11+, or can be positioned separated from the chamber 11* by the housing wall 11+. Alternatively, the sensor coil 14, 16 can also be placed on the front surface of the housing wall 11+ facing the chamber 11*. In Fig. 1, the base module BM has 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 one side of the chamber 11, opposite the other two sensor coils.The measuring system electronics ME is designed to read the voltages induced at the sensor coils 14, 16 and to determine a phase shift between the measurement signals provided at the individual sensor coils 14, 16.

[0051] The base module M1 is designed to accommodate the vibronic module VM, in particular in the chamber 11*, and to be mechanically connected thereto in a secure yet detachable manner, in particular to form a vibration-type measuring sensor or a vibronic measuring system and / or such that the vibronic module VM is locked or immobilized in the base module BM. For this purpose, the base module M1 can have fastening means or a fastening device (not shown)—as disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2020 114 519 A1.The vibronic module VM is designed to be installed in the base module BM in such a way that its excitation magnet 22 is placed within the chamber, but is nevertheless spaced from the housing wall 11+, in particular in a predetermined orientation and / or a smallest distance from the excitation coil 12 and / or is held with the static installation position and / or in such a way that an imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation magnet 22 and an imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation coil 12 are aligned with one another or extend parallel to one another.Furthermore, the vibronic module VM is designed to be installed in the base module BM in such a way that its sensor magnet 24, 26 is placed within the chamber, but is nevertheless spaced from the housing wall 11+, in particular in a predetermined position with regard to an orientation and / or a smallest distance from the sensor coil 14, 16 and / or is held with the static installation position and / or in such a way that an imaginary longitudinal axis of the sensor magnet 24, 26 and an imaginary longitudinal axis of the sensor coil 14, 16 are aligned with one another or run parallel to one another in an extension.

[0052] Fig. 1 discloses a modular measuring system in which the vibronic module VM is inserted into and removed from the chamber 11* in a direction perpendicular to its own longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the housing 11 can also be designed such that the vibronic module VM is inserted into the chamber 11* in the direction of its own longitudinal axis, as taught, for example, in DE 10 2020 133 851 A1.

[0053] Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of a vibronic module VM and a base module BM, which is compatible with the vibronic module VM and the vibronic module VM according to the invention. The vibronic module VM, in particular the measuring tubes 31, 32, has / have a nominal diameter of greater than 5 mm, in particular greater than 6 mm, and preferably greater than 8 mm. Thus, the vibronic module VM has significantly more robust and shock-resistant measuring tubes than the vibronic module VM according to the invention, which has a nominal diameter of less than 5 mm.

[0054] The vibronic module VM has a connecting body 50 which connects an inlet area In of the measuring tube 31 or the measuring tubes 31, 32 with an outlet area Out of the measuring tube 31, 32. The connecting body 50 has a support surface AF on which the connecting body 50 rests when the vibronic module VM is installed in the base module BM. The support surface AF is the surface of the vibronic module VM that is in direct contact with the protective housing 11. The connecting body 50 also has a front surface FF from which the measuring tube 31, 32 emerges from the connecting body 50. The support surface AF runs in a support plane and the front surface runs in a front plane. The front plane and the support plane are identical. The vibronic module VM of Figs. 2a and 2b has a planar connecting body 50.The connecting body 50 rests on a support surface of the protective housing 11 so that the measuring tubes 31, 32 can hang and oscillate freely in the chamber.

[0055] Fig. 3a and 3b show a side view and a perspective view of a first embodiment of the vibronic module VM of the modular measuring system, in particular of the modular Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid medium.

[0056] The vibronic module VM comprises two measuring tubes 31, 32 for guiding the measured medium, which run essentially parallel to one another over the entire length of the measuring tube. The two measuring tubes 31, 32 are bent in an arc section and have a U-shaped basic shape at least in sections. In an inlet area and an outlet area, the two measuring tubes 31, 32 are straight. The inlet area and the outlet area each extend at most up to a sensor magnet 24, 26 arranged on the measuring tube 31, 32. The measuring tubes 31, 32 have a nominal diameter of less than 5 millimeters. The measuring tubes 31, 32 themselves are made of a metal, a plastic, a ceramic and / or a glass. According to an advantageous embodiment, the measuring tubes 31, 32 each have metallic measuring tube bodies.

[0057] The first measuring tube 31 of the two measuring tubes 31, 32 has a section (curved section) in which the first measuring tube 31 is curved, and two sections in which the first measuring tube 31 is straight. There is a first measuring tube plane MR1, which runs through the two straight sections of the first measuring tube 31. The second measuring tube 32 of the two measuring tubes 31, 32 also has a curved section and two straight sections. A second measuring tube plane MR2 runs through the two straight sections of the second measuring tube 32.

[0058] For coupling and mechanically connecting the two measuring tubes 31, 32, the vibronic module VM has a connecting body 50, via which the two measuring tubes 31, 32 can be mechanically connected to the base module BM. The connecting body 50 is arranged on the two measuring tubes 31, 32 in such a way that it connects the inlet areas IN and outlet areas OUT of the two measuring tubes 31, 32 to one another. The connecting body 50 shown is designed as a planar connecting plate. However, other shapes are also possible. The connecting body 50 has openings through which the ends of the measuring tubes 31, 32 run. The underside of the connecting body 50 facing the curved section of the measuring tubes 31, 32 serves as a contact surface for the support surface of the chamber of the base module (see Figs. 1 and 2).

[0059] At least one, particularly cylindrical, excitation magnet 22 is arranged on the outer surfaces of each measuring tube 31, 32. This excitation magnet is configured to cause the corresponding measuring tube 31, 32 to vibrate when exposed to a time-varying magnetic field of an excitation coil of a base module. The excitation magnet is arranged in a magnetic cup, which in turn is arranged in the curved section of the respective measuring tube 31, 32.

[0060] In addition, at least one, in particular cylindrical, sensor magnet 24, 26 is arranged on the lateral surfaces of the measuring tubes 31, 32, which is designed to generate a time-varying magnetic field at the sensor coil of the base module when the measuring tubes 31, 32 oscillate. In the illustrated embodiment, two sensor magnets 24, 26 are attached to each measuring tube 31, 32. The sensor magnets 24, 26 are each arranged in a section in which the measuring tube 31, 32 is straight. The medium flowing in the direction of flow first passes the first sensor magnet 24, then the excitation magnet 22 in the curved section, and finally also the second sensor magnet 26.

[0061] The vibronic module VM has a first coupler K1, in particular a planar one, which connects the inlet regions IN of the two measuring tubes 31, 32. Furthermore, the vibronic module VM has a second coupler K2, in particular a planar one, which is positioned at a distance from the first coupler K1 and is structurally identical, and which connects the inlet regions IN of the two measuring tubes 31, 32. The at least two couplers K1, K2 are configured, arranged on the measuring tubes 31, 32, and designed to achieve frequency separation between a lateral useful frequency and the same frequency perpendicular thereto.

[0062] According to the invention, a coupler connector 40a is part of the vibronic module VM and is designed to connect the first coupler K1 and the second coupler K2 to one another. This serves to increase the rigidity of the inlet and / or outlet region of the measuring tubes 31, 32. Furthermore, the coupler connectors reduce the coupling of vibrations into the base module BM. The illustrated coupler connector 40a is designed as a planar component with a coupler connector plane KVE running on a largest surface of the coupler connector 40a, which plane runs essentially perpendicular to the first measuring tube plane MRE1 and the second measuring tube plane MRE2, or intersects the first measuring tube plane MRE1 and the second measuring tube plane MRE2 essentially perpendicularly.Furthermore, the measuring tube in the straight section is divided into two sides by a measuring tube plane such that one side of the measuring tube in the straight section is directed toward the opposite straight section of the measuring tube, and the other side is directed away from the straight section. The coupler connector 40a itself is arranged on the outward-facing side of the measuring tube 31, 32.

[0063] In addition to the two couplers K1, K2, the vibronic module VM shown has a third coupler K3, which is also arranged in the inlet area IN of the two measuring tubes 31, 32 and connects the two measuring tubes 31, 32 to each other. Like the first coupler K1 and the second coupler K2, the third coupler K3 is also connected to the remaining couplers K1, K2 via the coupler connector 40a.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the vibronic module VM has a first coupler connector 40a and a second coupler connector 40b, in particular of identical construction. As described above, the first coupler connector 40a connects the couplers in the inlet area IN, while the second coupler connector 40b connects the couplers in the outlet area OUT. The second coupler connector 40b is arranged mirror-inverted to a mirror plane and opposite the first coupler connector. The illustrated couplers K1, K2 and the coupler connector 40a are formed in one piece. Alternatively, the coupler connector 40a can be connected to the couplers K1, K2 via a material-to-material connection. The same applies to the second coupler connector 40b and the further couplers in the outlet area OUT.

[0065] The coupler connectors 40a, b are not connected to the connecting body 50, nor are they connected to each other. The vibronic module VM is designed such that a common mirror symmetry plane exists for the measuring tubes 31, 32, couplers K1, K2, K3, and the additional couplers in the outlet area and the coupler connectors 40a, 40b.

[0066] Fig. 4a and 4b show a side view and a perspective view of a second embodiment of the vibronic module VM. The second embodiment has the essential features of the first embodiment - such as measuring tubes 31, 32, connecting body 50 and couplers K1, K2, etc. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the coupler connector 40c is mechanically connected to the connecting body 50. This results in an increase in the stability of the measuring tubes 31, 32 in the inlet and / or outlet area. The connection can be made via a material-to-material connection, such as soldering or welding. The coupler connector 40d is also connected to the connecting body 50.

[0067] Fig. 5a and 5b show side views of a third and fourth embodiment of the vibronic module, respectively. Fig. 5c shows a perspective view of the third embodiment.

[0068] The illustrated vibronic module VM of a modular measuring system, in particular a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid medium, like the first and second embodiments, also comprises two measuring tubes 31, 32 for guiding the medium, which are each straight in the inlet area and in the outlet area. The further shape of the measuring tubes 31, 32 can deviate from the shape shown. The third and fourth embodiments, like the first embodiment, have at least one, in particular cylindrical, excitation magnet 22 per measuring tube 31, 32, which is arranged on the respective measuring tube 31, 32 and is designed to cause the respective measuring tube 31, 32 to vibrate when it is exposed to a time-varying magnetic field of an excitation coil of a base module BM. Furthermore, the third and fourth embodiments each have at least one, in particular cylindrical, excitation magnet 22cylindrical sensor magnets 24, 26 per measuring tube 31, 32, which are arranged on the corresponding measuring tube 31, 32.

[0069] A particularly planar connecting body 50 is mechanically connected to the two measuring tubes 31, 32 and serves as a contact body with which the entire vibronic module VM can be mechanically connected to the base module BM. The illustrated variant of the connecting body 50 does not differ from the other designs.

[0070] Connecting the two measuring tubes 31, 32 to each other is a first, particularly planar, coupler K1, which is arranged in the inlet areas IN. A second, particularly planar, coupler K2 is arranged in the outlet areas OUT of the two measuring tubes 31, 32 and also connects them to each other.

[0071] According to the invention, the third and fourth embodiments each also have a coupler connector 40 e / f, in particular a planar one. This connects the first coupler K1 to the second coupler K2. The couplers K1, K2 and the coupler connector 40 e / f form the shape of a Roman numeral in a cross-section through the vibronic module VM. Furthermore, further couplers can be provided. The embodiments shown have a third coupler K3, which connects the inlet regions IN of the two measuring tubes 31, 32 to one another, and a fourth coupler K4, which connects the outlet regions OUT of the two measuring tubes 31, 32 to one another. All couplers, i.e. the first coupler K1, the second coupler K2, the third coupler K3 and also the fourth coupler K4 are connected to one another via the coupler connector 40 e / f.

[0072] According to the fourth embodiment, the coupler connector 40f has a through-opening 41. The illustrated opening 41 is oval, but can also take on other shapes. The shape of the opening 41 is selected to provide better decoupling (e.g., a 10-15 Hz offset) between the desired frequency and an interfering frequency (e.g., for exciting the parallel mode or F2 mode). A further advantage of the opening 41 is the resulting reduction in the amount of material requiring gamma sterilization.

[0073] Unlike in the first and second embodiments, the coupler connector 40e / f of the third and fourth embodiments is not arranged on the outward-facing side of the measuring tube 31, 32. Instead, the coupler connector 40e / f is arranged in an area delimited by the couplers K1-4, the connecting body 50, and the measuring tube planes MR1 ​​and MR2.

[0074] The coupler connectors 40e / f are not connected to the connecting body 50. Furthermore, only one coupler connector 40e / f is provided at a time, whereas in the first and second embodiments, exactly two coupler connectors are required. The vibronic module VM is designed such that a common mirror symmetry plane exists for the measuring tubes 31, 32, couplers K1, K2, K3, the additional couplers in the outlet area, and the coupler connectors 40a, 40b.

[0075] Figs. 6a and 6b each show side views of a fifth and sixth embodiment of the vibronic module VM. Fig. 6c shows a perspective view of the fifth embodiment. These embodiments have only minor changes compared to the embodiments of Figs. 5a-c. The coupler connector 40g / h is additionally connected to the connecting body 50. The fifth embodiment has a coupler connector 40h with an opening 41.

[0076] Fig. 7a and 7b show a side view and a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the vibronic module VM. In the inlet area of ​​the measuring tubes 31, 32, a first coupler K1, in particular a plate-shaped one, and a third coupler K3, in particular a plate-shaped one, are arranged, which each connect the two measuring tubes 31, 32 to one another. In the outlet area, a second coupler K2, in particular a plate-shaped one, and a fourth coupler K4, in particular a plate-shaped one, are arranged, which also connect the two measuring tubes 31, 32 to one another. The individual couplers K1-4 are arranged in pairs opposite one another. The first coupler K1 and the second coupler K2 are connected to one another via a coupler connector 40j. The first coupler K1 and the second coupler K2 can be separate plate-shaped components which are connected via a coupler connector 40j which is also partially plate-shaped.Alternatively, the two couplers K1 and K2 can be end regions of the coupler connector 40j that contact the measuring tubes 31, 32. The coupler connector 40j is T-shaped and, in addition to the couplers K1 and K2, also contacts the connecting body 50, which is particularly plate-shaped.

[0077] The remaining couplers K3, K4, etc., are not connected to the coupler connector 40j. Only the two couplers K1, K2, which are furthest away in the longitudinal direction of the vibronic module VM, are connected to the coupler connector 40j or are part of the coupler connector 40j.

[0078] Fig. 8a and 8b show a side view and a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the vibronic module VM. In contrast to the seventh embodiment, the third coupler K3 and the fourth coupler K4 are also connected to the coupler connector 40k. The section of the coupler connector 40k connecting the two couplers K3 and K4 is plate-shaped and runs parallel to the section of the coupler connector 40k connecting the two couplers K1 and K2. The two sections are connected to one another via a section of the coupler connector 40k that runs perpendicular to one another. The coupler connector 40k can be formed in one piece or consist of several individual parts that are integrally connected to one another.

[0079] A fifth coupler K5 and a sixth coupler K6 are not connected to each other and to the connecting body 50 via the coupler connector 40k. The two couplers K5 and K6 are arranged closest to the connecting body 50 in the longitudinal direction.

[0080] Alternatively, the coupler connector 40k can also be connected separately from the connecting body exclusively to the couplers K1-4.

[0081] Fig. 9a and 9b show a side view and a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the vibronic module VM. In contrast to the eighth embodiment, the vibronic module VM has a fifth coupler K5 in the input area IN and a sixth coupler K6 in the output area OUT, which are arranged opposite one another and connected to each other via the coupler connector 40I. The section of the coupler connector 40I that connects the two couplers K5 and K6 is plate-shaped and runs parallel to the other two sections designed to connect the couplers K1-4.

[0082] Alternatively, the coupler connector 40k can also be connected separately from the connecting body exclusively to the couplers K1-6.

[0083] Like the coupler connectors 40e-h, the coupler connectors 40j-l are arranged exclusively between the respective couplers K1 to K4 or K6. The seventh, eighth, and ninth embodiments each have exactly one coupler connector 40j-l.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Vibronic module (VM) of a modular measuring system, in particular a modular Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid, comprising: - two measuring tubes (31, 32) for guiding the measuring substance, wherein the two measuring tubes (31, 32) each have an inlet region and an outlet region in which the two measuring tubes (31, 32) are each straight; - at least one, in particular cylindrical, excitation magnet (22) per measuring tube (31, 32), which is arranged on the corresponding measuring tube (31, 32) and is designed to cause the corresponding measuring tube (31, 32) to oscillate when it is exposed to a time-varying magnetic field of an excitation coil of a base module (BM); - at least one, in particular cylindrical, sensor magnet (24, 26) per measuring tube (31, 32), which is arranged on the corresponding measuring tube (31, 32); - a connecting body (50) which is mechanically connected to the two measuring tubes (31, 32) and via which the two measuring tubes (31, 32) can be mechanically connected to the base module (BM), wherein the connecting body (50) connects the inlet regions (IN) and outlet regions (OUT) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) to one another; - a first coupler (K1), in particular a planar one, which connects the inlet regions (IN) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) to each other; and - a second coupler (K2), in particular a planar one, which connects the inlet regions (IN) and / or the outlet regions (OUT) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) to each other; and - a coupler connector (40i), wherein the first coupler (K1) and the second coupler (K2) are connected to one another via the coupler connector (40i).

2. Vibronic module according to claim 1, wherein the second coupler (K2) connects exclusively the inlet areas (IN) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) with each other, wherein the first measuring tube (31) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) has a curved section and two straight sections, wherein a first measuring tube plane (MR1) runs through the two straight sections of the first measuring tube (31), wherein the second measuring tube (32) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) also has a curved section and two straight sections, wherein a second measuring tube plane (MR2) runs through the two straight sections of the second measuring tube (32), wherein a coupler connector plane (KVE) running on a largest surface of the, in particular planar, coupler connector (40i) runs perpendicular to the first measuring tube plane (MRE1) and to the second measuring tube plane (MRE2).

3. Vibronic module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a third coupler (K3) connects the inlet regions (IN) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) to one another, wherein the first coupler (K1), the second coupler (K2) and also the third coupler (K3) are connected to one another via the coupler connector (40i).

4. Vibronic module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupler connector (40i) is arranged on an outwardly facing side of the measuring tube (31, 32).

5. Vibronic module according to claim 1, wherein the second coupler (K2) exclusively connects the outlet areas (OUT) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) to each other, wherein the first measuring tube (31) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) has a curved section and two straight sections, wherein a first measuring tube plane (MR1) runs through the two straight sections of the first measuring tube (31), wherein the second measuring tube (32) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) also has a curved section and two straight sections, wherein a second measuring tube plane (MR2) runs through the two straight sections of the second measuring tube (32), wherein a coupler connector plane (KVE) running on a largest surface of the, in particular planar, coupler connector (40i) runs parallel to the first measuring tube plane (MRE1) and to the second measuring tube plane (MRE2).

6. Vibronic module according to claim 1 or 5, wherein a third coupler (K3) connects the inlet regions (IN) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) to one another, wherein a fourth coupler (K4) connects the outlet regions (OUT) of the two measuring tubes (31, 32) to one another, wherein the first coupler (K1), the second coupler (K2), the third coupler (K3) and also the fourth coupler (K4) are connected to one another via the coupler connector (40i).

7. Vibronic module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupler connector (40i) is also connected to the connecting body (50).

8. Vibronic module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first coupler connector (40a) connects the couplers in the inlet region (IN) to one another, wherein a second coupler connector (40b) connects the couplers in the outlet region (OUT) to one another.

9. Vibronic module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupler connector (40i) is T-shaped.

10. Vibronic module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the couplers (K1, K2) and the coupler connector (40i) are formed in one piece.

11. Vibronic module according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the coupler connector (40i) is connected to the couplers (K1, K2) via a material connection.

12. Vibronic module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupler connector (40i) has an opening (41).

13. Modular measuring system, in particular a Coriolis mass flow meter, for measuring a measured variable of a fluid, comprising: - a vibronic module (VM) according to one of the preceding claims; and - a basic module (BM), which includes: - a measuring system electronics (ME); - a protective housing (11) with at least one chamber (11*) at least partially enclosed by a housing wall (11+), - at least one excitation coil (12), in particular placed within the chamber (11*) of the protective housing, in particular cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil, which is at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall (11+) and electrically connected to the measuring system electronics (ME), and - at least one sensor coil (14), in particular placed within the chamber (11*) of the protective housing (11), in particular cylindrical and / or designed as an air coil and / or structurally identical to the excitation coil (12), which is positioned, in particular, remote from the excitation coil (12) and is at least indirectly mechanically connected to the housing wall (11+), which is electrically connected to the measuring system electronics (ME); wherein the base module (M1) is designed to receive the vibronic module (M2), in particular in the chamber (11*), and to be mechanically firmly yet detachably connected thereto, in particular by forming a vibration-type measuring sensor or a vibronic measuring system and / or such that the vibronic module (VM) is locked in the base module (BM) or is not movable, wherein the vibronic module (VM) is designed to be installed in the base module (BM) such that its excitation magnet (22) is placed within the chamber, but is spaced from the housing wall (11 +), in particular in a manner with respect to an orientation and / or a smallest Distance to the excitation coil (12) is predetermined and / or is held with the static installation position and / or in such a way that an imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation magnet and an imaginary longitudinal axis of the excitation coil (12) are aligned with one another or extend parallel to one another.

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