Force-measuring module for a force-measuring device using a plurality of such modules

Abstract

A multiple force-measuring device, especially a multiple weighing device has at least two force-measuring modules. Each force-measuring module includes a force-measuring cell and a power delivery means. The power delivery means of at least one of the force-measuring modules in this arrangement is connected, directly or through a junction element, to a control cable that is connected to a power supply unit. The force-measuring modules are connected directly to each other through a module-connection cable that transfers electrical power therebetween.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A force-measuring module for use in a force-measuring device having a plurality of the force-measuring modules, the force measuring device also having a terminal, a power supply and a plurality of connection cables, arranged to form a chain that transmits communication signals bi-directionally between the terminal and the force-measuring modules and that transmits power uni-directionally from the power supply to the force-measuring modules, each force-measuring module comprising:
 a housing;   a force-measuring cell, arranged in the housing to receive a force imposed thereupon and generate a measurement signal proportional to the imposed force;   a communication means, arranged in the housing to receive a measurement signal from the force-measuring cell and to communicate bi-directionally with the terminal;   a power delivery means, arranged in the housing to receive power from the power supply and to distribute the power within the housing; and   a link of the chain, comprising:
 a first plug connector, arranged on the housing and configured on the exterior thereof for connection to a first of the plurality of connection cables; and 
 a second plug connector, arranged on the housing and configured on the exterior thereof for connection to a second of the plurality of connection cables; 
 wherein, on the interior of the housing, the bi-directional communication signals and the uni-directional power transmitted by the chain through the respective connection cables are linked through at least the first and second plug connectors, the communication means and the power delivery means. 
   
     
     
         2 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the housing is attached to the force-measuring cell by welding such that imposing a load results in deformation of both the housing and the force-measuring cell.   
     
     
         3 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the housing is tightly sealed against the ambient environment of the force-measuring device.   
     
     
         4 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first plug connector is configured for connection to the first of the plurality of connection cables, which is one of:
 a module connection cable for connecting to another force-measuring module; or 
 a control cable that bridges a distance between the force-measuring module and the terminal, establishing an immediate connection to the terminal. 
   
     
     
         5 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein:
 each of the respective plug connectors comprises separate leads for the communication signals and the power transmitted therethrough.   
     
     
         6 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein:
 each of the respective plug connectors comprises a common lead for the communication signals and the power transmitted therethrough.   
     
     
         7 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the communications means is further arranged to communicate bi-directionally with at least one other force-measuring module of the force-measuring device.   
     
     
         8 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein:
 both plug connections are configured to act as either an input or an output.   
     
     
         9 . The module of  claim 8 , wherein:
 establishing the function of one of the plug connectors as an input results in establishing the remaining plug connector as an output.   
     
     
         10 . A force-measuring module for use in a force-measuring device having a plurality of the force-measuring modules, the force measuring device also having a terminal, a power supply and a plurality of connection cables, arranged to form a chain that transmits communication signals bi-directionally between the terminal and the force-measuring modules and that transmits power uni-directionally from the power supply to the force-measuring modules, each force-measuring module comprising:
 a housing;   a force-measuring cell, arranged in the housing to receive a force imposed thereupon and generate a measurement signal proportional to the imposed force;   a communication means, arranged in the housing to receive a measurement signal from the force-measuring cell and to communicate bi-directionally with the terminal;   a power delivery means, arranged in the housing to receive power from the power supply and to distribute the power within the housing; and   a link of the chain, comprising:
 a first plug connector, arranged on the housing and configured on the exterior thereof for connection to a first of the plurality of connection cables; and 
 an integral module connection cable, having a first end directly connected, internally to the housing, and a second end with a second plug connector configured for connection to a complementary plug connector of another force-measuring module of the plurality of force-measuring modules, 
 wherein, on the interior of the housing, the bi-directional communication signals and the uni-directional power transmitted by the chain through the respective connection cables are linked through at least the first plug connector, the communication means, the power delivery means and the integral module connection cable. 
   
     
     
         11 . The module of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the housing is attached to the force-measuring cell by welding such that imposing a load results in deformation of both the housing and the force-measuring cell.   
     
     
         12 . The module of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the housing is tightly sealed against the ambient environment of the force-measuring device.   
     
     
         13 . The module of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the first plug connector is configured for connection to the first of the plurality of connection cables, which is one of:
 a module connection cable for connecting to another force-measuring module; or 
 a control cable that bridges a distance between the force-measuring module and the terminal, establishing an immediate connection to the terminal. 
   
     
     
         14 . The module of  claim 10 , wherein:
 each of the respective plug connectors comprises separate leads for the communication signals and the power transmitted therethrough.   
     
     
         15 . The module of  claim 10 , wherein:
 each of the respective plug connectors comprises a common lead for the communication signals and the power transmitted therethrough.   
     
     
         16 . The module of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the communications means is further arranged to communicate bi-directionally with at least one other force-measuring module of the force-measuring device.   
     
     
         17 . The module of  claim 10 , wherein:
 both plug connections are configured to act as either an input or an output.   
     
     
         18 . The module of  claim 17 , wherein:
 establishing the function of one of the plug connectors as an input results in establishing the remaining plug connector as an output.