Load cell with a means to compensate for errors due to misalignment

A method for compensating for a misalignment of a load cell, wherein the load cell comprises a deformable body with an upper contact surface and a lower contact surface, the respective contact surfaces each having a support point through which an associated load-introducing element introduces a force into the deformable body, with the two support points defining a line of action of the force introduced, the deformable body having, between the upper contact surface and the lower contact surface, at least one column-shaped portion with a central longitudinal axis and a circumferential surface whose generating line runs parallel to the central longitudinal axis, the load cell further comprising a first determining means and a second determining means, each of which comprises at least one strain gauge, the method comprising the steps of:

• converting a mechanical deformation of the deformable body into a signal of the first determining means, using at least one strain gauge on the circumferential surface;
• converting a deviation of the central longitudinal axis from the line of action into a signal of the second determining means, using at least one strain gauge on the circumferential surface, wherein the at least one strain gauge of the second determining means is installed midway between the upper contact surface and the lower contact surface and aligned at a predetermined acute angle relative to the generating line of the circumference surface, in such a way that the signal of the second determining means is zero in the absence of a deviation of the central longitudinal axis from the line of action;
• registering the signal of the at least one strain gauge of the first determining means;
• registering the signal of the at least one strain gauge of the second determining means which is aligned at the predetermined acute angle relative to the generating line of the circumference surface;
• determining compensation values relative to a misalignment of the load cell, wherein at least one signal of the second determining means is used;
• and
• calculating a corrected weighing result based on the signal of the first determining means and the compensation values and, if applicable, further signals of the second determining means.