Load cell for a scale with a switching device for changing the state of calibration data write protection

A scale having a load cell, the load cell comprising:

• a monolithically configured measurement body comprising:
• a force reception section;
• a force introduction section;
• and
• a joint section arranged between the force reception section and the force introduction section;
• at least one strain gauge coupled to an upper side of the joint section configured to detect a stretching deformation of the measurement body;
• electronics arranged on the force reception section and at least partly forming a portion of a circuit board, wherein the electronics are electrically coupled to the at least one strain gauge, and wherein the circuit board comprises a hardware interface electrically coupled to the electronics, wherein the electronics further comprise:
• a memory configured to store data comprising calibration data of the load cell and/or a value for gravity, wherein the memory comprises electronic write protection configured to be transitioned between an activated electronic write protection state wherein the stored data cannot be changed, and a deactivated electronic write protection state wherein the stored data can be changed;
• and
• a switching device configured to transition the memory from the activated electronic write protection state and to the deactivated electronic write protection state;
• a removable cover coupled to the force reception section of the measurement body with a fastening element extending through the removable cover;
• and
• a calibration mark coupled to the fastening element and configured so that removal of the fastening element from the removable cover destroys the calibration mark;
• wherein the hardware interface is electronically coupled to the electronics so the stored data can be changed via the hardware interface when the memory is in the deactivated electronic write protection state;
• wherein the removable cover and the fastening element are configured to transition the switching device from an inaccessible state to an accessible state,
• wherein in the inaccessible state the switching device cannot transition the memory from the activated electronic write protection state to the deactivated electronic write protection state,
• wherein in the accessible state the switching device can transition the memory from the activated electronic write protection state to the deactivated electronic write protection state,
• wherein with the removable cover coupled to the force reception section with the fastening element the switching device is in the inaccessible state, and
• wherein removal of the fastening element and the removable cover, or removal of the fastening element from the removable cover cause the calibration mark to be destroyed and cause a transition of the switching device from the inaccessible state to the accessible state.