Prüfkörpersystem

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-element system for testing measuring systems, by means of which a train of several receiving elements and/or spacer elements lying one behind the other and/or side by side can be formed. The receiving elements having have one or more pockets for receiving test weights.

Claims

1.-15. (canceled)

16. A test body system comprising: (a) at least two elements that are adapted to couple to one another for forming a train that is guidable over a surface of a measuring system and has at least one of a predeterminable total test load, a predeterminable length, and a predeterminable width; (b) wherein at least one first element of the at least two elements includes a receiving element which extends with a first length in a longitudinal direction, with a first width in a horizontal transverse direction, and with a first height in a vertical direction that extends orthogonally to the longitudinal direction and to the horizontal transverse direction, the receiving element defining a base surface for resting on the surface of the measuring system; (c) wherein at least one further element of the at least two elements includes one of: (i) a further receiving element with the first length, first width, and first height dimensions or differing therefrom in at least one dimension, or (ii) a spacer element that extends a second length in the longitudinal direction, a second width in the horizontal transverse direction, and a second height in the vertical direction; (d) wherein each receiving element and each spacer element includes coupling means adapted to detachably couple to an element that is arranged directly behind or next to the respective receiving element or respective spacer element in the longitudinal direction or the horizontal transverse direction; and (e) each receiving element includes a base body that defines one or more pockets, wherein at least one pocket is adapted to receive a test weight.

17. The test body system of claim 16 including the spacer element, the spacer element not defining a pocket for receiving test weights.

18. The test body system of claim 16 with the coupling means of each receiving element is adapted to couple with the coupling means of each spacer element, thereby facilitating direct coupling between (a) two spacer elements, (b) two receiving elements, and (c) the receiving element and the spacer element.

19. The test body system of claim 16 with the base body defining an upper side that faces away from the base surface and the one or more pockets extending into the base body perpendicularly to at least one of the upper side and the vertical direction.

20. The test body system of claim 16 with at least one of the height (H.sub.A) of each receiving element and the height (H.sub.D) of each spacer element being smaller than at least one of a respective element length (L.sub.A, L.sub.D) and a respective element width (B.sub.A, B.sub.D), wherein at least one of (L.sub.A, L.sub.D)>(H.sub.A, H.sub.D), or (B.sub.A, B.sub.D)>(H.sub.A, H.sub.D), or (L.sub.A, L.sub.D)>5*(H.sub.A, H.sub.D), or (B.sub.A, B.sub.D)>3*(H.sub.A, H.sub.D), or H.sub.A=H.sub.D, or B.sub.A=B.sub.D.

21. The test body system of claim 16 wherein the spacer element includes a spacer element body that defines at least one of a honeycomb structure, a bar structure, and at least one recess that partially or completely penetrates the spacer element body in the vertical direction.

22. The test body system of claim 16 wherein the at least two elements are adapted to be coupled directly to one another in the longitudinal direction and partially overlap one another in the horizontal transverse direction.

23. The test body system of claim 16 with at least one of the receiving element and the spacer element including an outer cross section in the longitudinal direction and horizontal transverse direction with at least one of: (a) a shape of a regular or irregular polygon, and (b) an at least partially rounded section extending over the horizontal transverse direction and having the shape of a dished end or an arc of a circle, a quarter circle, or a semicircle.

24. The test body system of claim 16 with the coupling means arranged to transmit at least one of a tensile force, a shear force, and a compressive force between the at least two elements, the coupling means including an elastic section for maintaining coupling and at least one of: (a) allowing tilting of the at least two elements relative to each other within pre-definable tolerances and about a tilting axis running in the longitudinal direction, the horizontal transverse direction, or the vertical direction, (b) allow a translatory movement of the at least two elements relative to each other, (c) damp transmissions of shocks between the at least two elements, and (d) cushion transmissions of shocks between the at least two elements.

25. The test body system of claim 16 with the at least two elements directly coupled to each other and forming a space therebetween that is arranged to essentially avoid further direct contact between the at least two elements caused by relative movements of the at least two elements.

26. The test body system of claim 16 with the at least two elements having at least one of different lengths and different widths, the different lengths or different widths being formed according to a grid dimension in which an element length or element width is formed by an integral multiple of a basic length or basic width, and wherein a shortest element or narrowest element is the basic length or basic width or a multiple of the basic length or basic width.

27. The test body system of claim 16 further including a machine-readable identification device for manually or automatically recording, within the train, at least one of: (a) an element identification that is provided on at least one element of the at least two elements, (b) a position of the at least one element within the train relative to at least one further element, (c) a dimension of the at least one element in at least one of the longitudinal direction, the horizontal transverse direction, and the vertical direction, (d) an unladen weight of the at least one element; (e) placement of each test weight according to a type and position of the respective test weight within the at least one element, (f) a total weight of the at least one element, and (g) a weight distribution of the at least one element in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the horizontal transverse direction.

28. A test body train comprising: (a) at least two elements of a test body system; (b) wherein at least one first element of the at least two elements includes a receiving element which extends with a first length in a longitudinal direction, with a first width in a horizontal transverse direction, and with a first height in a vertical direction that extends orthogonally to the longitudinal direction and to the horizontal transverse direction, the receiving element defining a base surface for resting on a surface of a measuring system; (c) wherein at least one further element of the at least two elements includes one of: (i) a further receiving element with the first length, first width, and first height dimensions or differing therefrom in at least one dimension, or (ii) a spacer element that extends a second length in the longitudinal direction, a second width in the horizontal transverse direction, and a second height in the vertical direction; (d) wherein each receiving element and each spacer element includes coupling means adapted to detachably couple to an element that is arranged directly behind or next to the respective receiving element or spacer element in the longitudinal direction or the horizontal transverse direction; and (e) wherein each receiving element includes a base body that defines one or more pockets, wherein at least one pocket is adapted to receive a test weight.

29. A method of testing a measurement system using a test body system, the method including: (a) forming a train with at least two elements coupled to each other, the at least two elements lying one behind the other in an X-direction or lying next to each other in a Y-direction, the at least two elements including one or more receiving elements and each receiving element including a pocket; (b) placing one or more test weights in the respective pocket of one or more of the one or more receiving elements to form a total test load of the train; (c) moving the train through or along the measurement system in the X-direction; and (d) acquiring measured values from the measurement system as the train is moved through or along the measurement system, the measured values characterizing at least one physical variable of the train.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein placing one or more test weights in the respective pocket of one or more of the one or more receiving elements to form the total test load of the train produces a predeterminable weight distribution along the train.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] FIG. 1 shows a simplified perspective view of a train,

[0060] FIG. 2 shows two recording elements before their coupling in perspective view,

[0061] FIG. 3 shows a rectangular receiving element,

[0062] FIG. 4 shows a rectangular spacer element,

[0063] FIG. 5 shows a distance element in quarter-circle format,

[0064] FIG. 6 shows various trains formed from some elements of a test body system according to the invention,

[0065] FIGS. 7 and 8 show respective detailed views of the coupling or coupling means, and

[0066] FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 show an alternative design for the coupling means.

DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0067] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a train T, made up of several elements of a test body system according to the invention, which is to be moved along a surface W of a measuring system in the direction indicated by the arrow. The train T extends essentially in a longitudinal direction X. A front element of the train is formed by a receiving element A.sub.1 with an approximately semicircular cross section in top view. Adjacent to this in the longitudinal direction X is a further receiving element A.sub.2, which has an approximately rectangular cross section. The two foremost receiving elements A.sub.1, A.sub.2 have approximately the same length. Behind them, a spacer element D.sub.1 with an almost square cross section is inserted into the train, the length of which is approximately twice that of the receiving elements A.sub.1 or A.sub.2. Adjacent to the spacer element D.sub.1 is a further rectangular receiving element A.sub.3, the length of which is about half that of the receiving elements A.sub.1 or A.sub.2. The rear end is formed by a further receiving element A.sub.4, the length of which is the same as that of the previous receiving element A.sub.3, but which, in top view, has the cross section of a dished bottom. All the elements of the train have the same width in the transverse direction Y.

[0068] The individual elements are coupled to each other one behind the other via coupling means not shown in detail in FIG. 1. A gap (not visible in FIG. 1 due to its small dimensions) is maintained between directly coupled elements to allow relative movement of two coupled elements.

[0069] The receiving elements A.sub.1 to A.sub.4 are provided with various pockets U, which are designed to hold individual test weights. However, the train T according to FIG. 1 does not contain any test weights and is prepared for an empty run through the measuring system. The direction of travel indicated by the arrow here corresponds approximately to the longitudinal direction X in which the individual elements lie one behind the other.

[0070] FIG. 2 shows the two receiving elements A.sub.1 and A.sub.2 according to FIG. 1 before they are coupled, slightly offset from each other. The semicircular front receiving element A.sub.1 comprises—like all other receiving elements of the train T—essentially of a base body R, which has a preferably flat base surface F on its underside, opposite which is an upper surface O running parallel thereto at a distance H.sub.A. The base body R has a length L.sub.A measured in the longitudinal direction X, a width B.sub.A measured in the transverse direction Y (not shown in FIG. 2) and a height H.sub.A measured in a vertical direction Z perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.

[0071] Pockets U, already known from FIG. 1, extend from the upper side O of the base body R in the direction opposite to the vertical direction Z into the depth. Stop means (not shown in the figures) are provided in the pockets U in order to hold a test weight inserted from above in the vertical direction Z. Apart from the stop means, the pockets U can completely penetrate the base body R with a constant cross section, which simplifies its manufacture. (Not all pockets are fully labelled in the figures).

[0072] In addition to the pockets U provided for receiving test weights, the first receiving element A.sub.1 also contains (partially labelled) recesses V, which do not serve to receive weights but have instead been introduced to reduce the weight of the receiving elements. Such recesses can also be provided for fastening coupling means (see below). The further receiving element A.sub.2 is also provided with pockets U, the function and design of which is identical to that of the first and all other receiving elements. However, the cross-sectional shape of the second receiving element A.sub.2 is rectangular.

[0073] Coupling means K are shown on one end of the second receiving element, which serve to couple elements (A, D) lying one behind the other in the longitudinal direction X. The coupling means, which are not shown in more detail here, can comprise a receptacle or hole in an element. An elastic connecting means to be inserted into such a receptacle is also one of the coupling means. Coupling means of the same type are also provided on the end face of the receiving element A.sub.2 opposite the coupling means K (not shown in FIG. 2) to enable coupling with the first receiving element A.sub.1. Matching complementary coupling means K can be seen on the end face of the first receiving element A.sub.1 facing the second receiving element A.sub.2.

[0074] Those receiving elements and spacer elements which are intended to be arranged between other elements or which are not intended to form the beginning or the end of a train with a curved end face are preferably designed to be point-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary axis of symmetry S passing through the center of the respective exceptional element and running in the vertical direction H (see FIG. 3). This has the advantage that such a receiving element can also be used rotated by 180°, which facilitates the assembly of a train T.

[0075] FIG. 3 shows the receiving element A.sub.2 in a different perspective view, whereby repeating reference signs have been partially omitted. FIG. 3 shows two lugs N, which can also be seen in the other figures, and which protrude a short distance from the base body R of the receiving element. The lugs serve to form a lateral overlap or undercut with respect to the transverse direction Y, in which each lug engages in a matching recess J on a coupled adjacent element. FIG. 1 shows an example of a light barrier which emits a light beam G above the surface W of the measuring system transversely to the conveying direction in order to be able to detect the beginning or end of a passing train with an opposite receiver. In order not to misinterpret the slight distance between the directly coupled elements (here A.sub.1 and A.sub.2) as such a train start or end, the lugs N block this light beam (depending on the direction of the light beam, the overlap or undercut can also be formed with respect to another spatial direction. In the case of a light barrier detecting in vertical direction Z, correspondingly arranged lugs could alternatively also form the required overlapping in vertical direction Z).

[0076] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a spacer element D. This is not used to hold test weights, but in particular to define a pre-definable distance between two other elements of a train. It extends over a width B.sub.D, a length L.sub.D and a height H.sub.D. In the example according to FIG. 1, the width and height of all elements are the same.

[0077] In order to make the spacer as light as possible, it can be made, for example, as a honeycomb structure, as shown in FIG. 4. The rectangular or square structure in the present case is formed by four circumferential wall sections representing the outer sides of the spacer element D. Two further wall sections extend diagonally between opposite corners and give the spacer element D the necessary rigidity.

[0078] The spacer elements of the test body system are also equipped with coupling means (K) in order to be coupled to other elements (receiving element or further spacer element). The coupling means K cooperating with a spacer element D are preferably designed or positioned in the same way as those of a receiving element in order to be able to optionally couple a receiving element or a further spacer element.

[0079] The lugs N or recesses H already presented for the receiving elements are also provided on the spacer elements in order to achieve the desired undercut.

[0080] FIG. 5 shows a further receiving element A, which has a quarter-circle cross section in top view. In the longitudinal direction X, the receiving element A can be coupled to another element using the coupling means indicated. No further coupling means are provided along the quarter-circle circumference, as this receiving element A is intended to form the beginning or end of a train. The width B.sub.A of the receiving element A is only half that of the elements shown in FIG. 1, for example. A further quarter-circular receiving element A can be arranged in the transverse direction Y next to the receiving element A according to FIG. 5 in such a way that both receiving elements together form a semicircular front with a total width which corresponds, for example, to the width of the train shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, however, further, in particular rectangular, receiving elements or spacer elements can be arranged in the transverse direction adjacent to the first quarter-circular receiving element A, before the arrangement in the transverse direction ends with a quarter-circular receiving element A again.

[0081] Although the spacer elements and receiving elements shown in the figures do not show any coupling means that enable coupling in the transverse direction Y, such coupling or the provision of coupling means suitable for this is readily possible alternatively or additionally. Accordingly, it is possible to form a train T which has more than one element in the transverse direction and/or in the longitudinal direction. The size of the individual elements can be chosen differently and according to a grid in which the width or length of an element corresponds to a multiple of the width or length of another element.

[0082] FIG. 6 shows an example of some trains T, which are not described in more detail, extending in the longitudinal direction X and each beginning and ending with a semicircular receiving element. Between them, further receiving elements or spacer elements can be arranged in a freely selectable sequence and length, whereby elements lying directly behind one another in the longitudinal direction X are coupled to one another by coupling means not shown in greater detail in FIG. 6.

[0083] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged simplified view of the coupling of two elements. The area marked by the dotted circle A of two receiving elements A.sub.1 and A.sub.2 coupled to each other in the longitudinal direction X is shown enlarged in the lower part in a top view against the vertical direction Z. For this purpose, a coupling element shown in simplified form in FIG. 8 is inserted between the two receiving elements as part of the coupling means K.

[0084] The coupling element is essentially rotationally symmetrical about a longitudinal axis. Two separate connecting means E.sub.1, E.sub.2 in the form of threaded rods extend from a centrally arranged elastic core M in opposite directions along the axis of rotation. The threaded rods are each designed to pass through a bore in one of the two elements A.sub.1, A.sub.2 to be coupled together and to be screwed together at the rear with nuts.

[0085] The recesses V shown in FIG. 7, which in this case are not intended to accommodate test weights, allow access to the nuts so that the coupling can be carried out or released again as required. It can also be seen from FIGS. 1 to 8 that the coupling of two elements is preferably carried out via double coupling means, which are preferably positioned symmetrically to a central X-Z plane on the elements.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 8, the two threaded rods E.sub.1, E.sub.2 adjoining the elastic core M on both sides—and thus also the elements A.sub.1, A.sub.2 screwed to them—are movable relative to each other due to the elastic core M, so that, depending on the elasticity, translational and/or rotational relative movements are possible between the elements coupled to each other. This includes, in particular, relative movements in the vertical direction H or tilting movements about imaginary swivel axes, which run, in particular, in the transverse direction Y or vertical direction Z. In order to allow such a relative movement, the coupling means are designed in such a way that two coupled elements A.sub.1, A.sub.2 have a small distance or gap G between them.

[0087] FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the coupling means K in simplified form. The coupling means comprise a dumbbell-like body which, similar to the example in FIG. 8, has a central elastic section M with two bar-shaped or rod-shaped means of connection E.sub.1, E.sub.2 extending in opposite directions. Here, however, the means of connection are not designed as threaded rods. Instead, they each carry a flange-like extension P at their ends.

[0088] An elongated slot running in the vertical direction Z is made in a simplified end wall of an element A, the diameter of which corresponds approximately to the outer diameter of the connecting means E (FIG. 10). The dumbbell-like coupling means can be pushed into the slot S with one of the two connecting means E in such a way that the associated flange P engages behind the end wall of the element A, preferably in a clamping manner, while the elastic section M comes to lie on the outside of the element (FIG. 11) and preferably encloses the wall section lying in between in a clamping manner. A further element arranged opposite element A (and not shown in FIG. 9) can be coupled accordingly with a similarly formed slot S in the further element's end face via the other connecting means E with associated flange P, so that the elastic section M is arranged, preferably without play, between the two elements coupled together in this way.

[0089] This coupling K shown in FIG. 9 can be established or released particularly easily and without tools by simply inserting the dumbbell-type coupling means in or against the vertical direction Z between two elements A to be coupled with each other in the respective slot S.

[0090] The design features of individual receiving elements described above are not limited to the receiving element described in each case but are conceivable for all receiving elements of a test body system according to the invention, insofar as this is not functionally or geometrically excluded. This applies in particular to the arrangement or design of the axis of symmetry S, the coupling means K, the lugs N, the pockets U, the recesses V and the specific length or width or height.

[0091] As used herein, whether in the above description or the following claims, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, that is, to mean including but not limited to.

[0092] Any use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the following claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another, or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. Rather, unless specifically stated otherwise, such ordinal terms are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term).

[0093] The term “each” may be used in the following claims for convenience in describing characteristics or features of multiple elements, and any such use of the term “each” is in the inclusive sense unless specifically stated otherwise. For example, if a claim defines two or more elements as “each” having a characteristic or feature, the use of the term “each” is not intended to exclude from the claim scope a situation having a third one of the elements which does not have the defined characteristic or feature.

[0094] The above-described representative embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit the scope of the invention. Various other embodiments and modifications to these representative embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in some instances, one or more features disclosed in connection with one embodiment can be used alone or in combination with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. More generally, the various features described herein may be used in any working combination.

REFERENCE SIGNS

[0095] A Receiving element [0096] B Width [0097] D Spacer element [0098] E Connection means [0099] F Base area [0100] G Gap [0101] H Height [0102] J Depression [0103] K Coupling means [0104] L Length [0105] M Elastic section [0106] N Lug [0107] Top side (of an element) [0108] P Flange [0109] R Base body [0110] S Slot [0111] T Train [0112] U Pocket [0113] V Recess [0114] W Surface [0115] X Longitudinal direction [0116] Y Transverse direction [0117] Z Vertical direction