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

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.