Multiple force-measuring device, force-measuring module, and method for monitoring a condition of the multiple force-measuring device

• US 8,648,266 B2
• Filed: 12/07/2009
• Issued: 02/11/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 06/07/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mettler Toledo GmbH
• Original Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG (Mettler-Toledo International Inc.)
• Inventors: Bucher, Cyrill, Skidmore, Aaron, Bliss, Douglas, Uster, Markus
• Primary Examiner(s): Gibson, Randy W
• Application Number:
  US12/632,234
• Publication Number:
  US 20100084199A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,527 Days
• Field of Search: 177 2513- 2519, 177199-200, 702173-175
• US Class Current: 177/25.13
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 23/01 Testing or calibrating of weighing apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 23/3707 using a microprocessor

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.

Claims

1. A multiple force-measuring device, having a mechanical means for receiving the force, with the device receiving electrical power from a power supply unit and providing at least a force-measurement signal to a terminal, the device comprising:

a plurality of force-measuring modules, comprising a first force-measuring module, a last force-measuring module and, optionally, one or more intermediate force-measuring modules;

each force-measuring module comprising;

a load cell, arranged to be deformed by the force received;

a communications means, arranged to receive a signal from the load cell and having an input and an output; and

a power delivery means, arranged to power the load cell and the communications means and having an input and an output;

a control cable, connecting the power supply unit and the terminal, respectively, to the input of the first force-measuring module; and

at least one module connection cable, each module connection cable connecting the outputs of one of the force-measuring modules to the corresponding inputs of another one of the force-measuring modules, thereby receiving and passing power and said at least force-measurement signal through a chain defined thereby.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein:

the module connection and control cables define a network that is devoid of distribution devices, segment cables, and or segment couplers.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein:

the minimum required length of the module-connection cable is equivalent to the physical spacing between the force-measuring modules.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein:

the control cable can be connected directly to any of the force-measuring modules in a network, thereby establishing the first force-measuring module, based on at least one of;

minimizing the physical distance between terminal and a force-measuring module; and

most convenient location based on the layout of the multiple force-measuring device.

10. A method for determining and monitoring the condition of a multiple force-measuring device, comprising the steps of:

providing a multiple force-measuring device according to claim 6;

recognizing a connection between multiple force-measuring modules in at least one of;

a terminal, and one of the force-measuring modules; and

monitoring a communications means that interconnects the force-measuring modules with each other; and

terminating the connection provided by the communications means, if applicable.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein:

the voltage of the power supply is monitored.

2. A multiple force-measuring device, having a mechanical means for receiving the force, with the device receiving electrical power from a power supply unit and communicating with a terminal by providing at least a force-measurement signal thereto, the device comprising:

a plurality of force-measuring modules, comprising a first force-measuring module, a last force-measuring module and, optionally, one or more intermediate force-measuring modules;

each force-measuring module comprising;

a load cell, arranged to be deformed by the force received;

a communications means, arranged to receive a signal from the load cell and having first and second ports; and

a power delivery means, arranged to power the load cell and the communications means and having an input and an output;

a forked control cable, connecting the power supply unit and the terminal, respectively, to the input of the first and the last force-measuring module; and

at least one module connection cable, each module connection cable connecting the outputs of one of the force-measuring modules only to the corresponding inputs of another one of the force-measuring modules, thereby receiving and passing power and said at least force-measurement signal through a chain defined thereby.

3. The multiple force-measuring device of claim 2, wherein:

each module connection cable is a CAN bus system.

5. The device of claim 2, wherein:

the module connection and control cables define a network that is devoid of distribution devices, segment cables, and or segment couplers.

7. The device of claim 2, wherein:

the minimum required length of the module-connection cable is equivalent to the physical spacing between the force-measuring modules.

9. The device of claim 2, wherein:

the forked control cable can be connected directly to any two of the force-measuring modules in a network, thereby establishing the first and last force-measuring module, based on at least one of;

minimizing the physical distance between terminal and a force-measuring module; and

most convenient location based on the layout of the multiple force-measuring device.