A self-contained power meter swapping structure

Abstract

This invention provides a self-contained electricity meter switching structure, comprising an electricity meter mounting bracket including a mounting base and a wiring housing, several plug-in components disposed on the wiring housing, a rotating component including a rotating handle and an electrical connecting piece, the rotating handle being rotatably disposed on the wiring housing, and several pushing components, the pushing components being movably disposed within the wiring housing and corresponding to each plug-in component, one end of the pushing component abutting against the rotating handle. The rotating handle can rotate relative to the wiring housing and has at least a locking position for driving the internal support plug-in component to deform and for interference fit with the electricity meter, and a return position for moving the pushing component relative to the plug-in component and restoring the deformation of the plug-in component. When the rotating handle is in the return position, the electrical connecting piece contacts the pushing component. This invention eliminates the need for a separate piezoelectric mechanism, achieving short-circuiting during the rotation of the rotating handle, simplifying the operator's steps.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electricity meter technology, and in particular to a self-contained electricity meter switching structure. Background Technology

[0002] An electricity meter, also known as a kilowatt-hour meter, is an instrument primarily used to measure electrical energy. It is widely used in daily life and work. Existing electricity meters require a 485 wire connection to measure and count the incoming power line. Electricity meters need to be replaced when they reach their replacement cycle, their configuration no longer meets requirements, or they experience inaccurate metering or functional malfunctions. To minimize the impact on users' electricity consumption, it is generally required to replace meters without interrupting power.

[0003] For example, patent CN112162130B provides a live meter replacement structure, which is equipped with a rotary switching mechanism and a piezoelectric mechanism. The rotary switching mechanism rotates to disconnect the meter from the circuit, and the piezoelectric mechanism is inserted into the meter frame to short-circuit the contacts and keep the circuit connected. This allows the meter to be replaced without interrupting the power supply, reducing the impact on the user's electricity consumption.

[0004] The above-mentioned self-contained meter replacement structure has the following problems: there are two devices, requiring the operator to perform multiple steps: first insert the piezoelectric mechanism, then rotate the rotary switching mechanism, after replacing the meter, rotate the rotary switching mechanism in the opposite direction, and finally pull out the piezoelectric mechanism; the operation is relatively complicated. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a self-contained power meter replacement structure to solve the problem of complex operation of existing power meter replacement structures.

[0006] This invention provides a self-contained power meter switching structure, comprising:

[0007] The meter mounting bracket includes a mounting base for mounting the meter and a wiring housing disposed on one side of the mounting base.

[0008] Several connectors are disposed on the wiring housing.

[0009] A rotating component includes a rotating handle and an electrical connection piece. The electrical connection piece is embedded in the rotating handle, and its two ends form two contact surfaces on the rotating handle. The rotating handle is rotatably mounted on the wiring housing.

[0010] The device includes several pushing components, which are movably disposed within the wiring housing and correspond one-to-one with the plug-in components. One end of each pushing component abuts against the rotating handle. The rotating handle is rotatable relative to the wiring housing and has at least a locking position that drives the pushing component to deform the plug-in component and is interference-fitted with the meter, and a return position that allows the pushing component to move relative to the plug-in component and the plug-in component to recover its deformation. When the rotating handle is in the return position, the plug-in component is inserted into the meter with a gap, and the two contact surfaces contact the two pushing components respectively, so that the input and output terminals of one phase circuit are short-circuited.

[0011] Optionally, the rotating handle includes a cam portion, a connecting portion, and a grip portion. One end of the connecting portion is connected to the cam portion, and the other end is connected to the grip portion. The cam portion is eccentrically hinged to the wiring housing, and the outer surface of the cam portion abuts against the pushing component.

[0012] Optionally, the cam portion has an end closer to the hinge and an end farther from the hinge; when the end of the cam portion closer to the hinge contacts the pushing member, the rotating handle is in the return position; when the end of the cam portion farther from the hinge contacts the pushing member, the rotating handle is in the locked position.

[0013] Optionally, the main body of the electrical connector is embedded inside the cam portion, and the portion of the electrical connector is exposed relative to the cam portion, forming the contact surface on the surface of the cam portion. When the rotating handle is in the return position, the two contact surfaces contact the two pushing components respectively, so as to short-circuit the input and output terminals of one phase circuit.

[0014] Optionally, the connector includes a plug-in portion and an embedded portion. The plug-in portion is fixed to one side of the embedded portion. The connector is embedded into the wiring housing through the embedded portion. The plug-in portion is formed by a plurality of arc-shaped pieces. The arc-shaped pieces are elastic and will deform when squeezed.

[0015] Optionally, when the pushing component is in the return position, the insertion portion is tapered and has a taper.

[0016] Optionally, the inner side of the arc-shaped piece is provided with a first step and a second step with a thickness difference. The thickness of the first step is less than the thickness of the second step. The first step and the second step are smoothly connected. Multiple arc-shaped pieces are arranged to form an expansion and contraction cavity. The expansion and contraction cavity includes a first step cavity and a second step cavity that are interconnected. The first step cavity is formed by the enclosure between the first steps, and the second step cavity is formed by the enclosure between the second steps. The pushing component slides against the first step or the second step.

[0017] Optionally, the pushing component includes a first-direction moving member and a second-direction moving member. The first-direction moving member is disposed inside the wiring housing along a first direction. One end of the first-direction moving member abuts against the rotating handle and can move along the first direction under the drive of the rotating handle. The other end of the first-direction moving member extends into the embedded portion and abuts against one end of the second-direction moving member. The second-direction moving member is disposed inside the expansion and contraction cavity along a second direction and can move relative to the expansion and contraction cavity along the second direction under the drive of the first-direction moving member.

[0018] Optionally, an indicator light is provided on the rotating handle, and the two ends of the indicator light are electrically connected to the two ends of the electrical connecting piece.

[0019] Optionally, one side of the wiring housing is provided with an inlet for connecting an outdoor line, and the upper surface of the wiring housing is provided with an outlet for connecting an outdoor line. The meter mounting bracket also includes a cover plate, which is snapped onto the upper surface of the wiring housing and is used to cover the outlet.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0021] This invention provides a self-contained meter replacement structure, which includes a rotating handle and an electrical connecting piece. The electrical connecting piece is embedded in the rotating handle. When the rotating handle is rotated to the return position, the electrical connecting piece contacts the pushing component, achieving an effect similar to that of a piezoelectric mechanism in the prior art, short-circuiting the input and output terminals of one phase circuit to achieve the technical effect of replacing the meter without power interruption. Compared with the prior art, the solution of this invention no longer requires a separate piezoelectric mechanism; the short-circuiting is achieved during the rotation of the rotating handle, simplifying the operator's operation steps and increasing the speed of meter replacement. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the built-in electric meter switching structure in this invention;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another structural diagram of the built-in electric meter switching structure in this invention;

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Explosion diagram of the rotating component;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the rotating components, pushing components, and connectors in the middle;

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional schematic diagram;

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross-section of the middle connector;

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second-direction moving component;

[0030] Wherein: 1-meter mounting bracket, 11-mounting base, 12-wiring housing, 121-inlet, 122-outlet, 13-cover plate, 2-plug-in component, 21-plug-in part, 211-arc-shaped piece, 211a-first step, 211b-second step, 212-expansion / contraction cavity, 212a-first step cavity, 212b-second step cavity, 22-embedded part, 221-adapter hole, 3-pushing component, 31-first direction moving component, 31-first direction moving component, 32-second direction moving component, 311-first ball, 312-connecting spring, 313-second ball, 4-rotating component, 41-rotating handle, 411-cam part, 412-connecting part, 413-grip part, 42-electrical connection piece, 421-contact surface. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this application and are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to illustrate the principles of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0032] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a self-contained electricity meter replacement structure, which includes: an electricity meter mounting frame 1, a plurality of plug-in components 2, a plurality of pushing components 3, and a rotating component 4. The electricity meter mounting frame 1 includes a mounting base 11 for mounting the electricity meter and a wiring housing 12 disposed on one side of the mounting base 11. The plurality of plug-in components 2 are fixed on the wiring housing 12, and every two adjacent plug-in components 2 form the input terminal and output terminal of one phase circuit on the electricity meter. The rotating component 4 includes a rotating handle 41 and an electrical connecting piece 42. The electrical connecting piece 42 is embedded in the rotating handle 41, and the two ends of the electrical connecting piece 42 form two contact surfaces 421 on the rotating handle 41. The rotating handle 41 is rotatably configured... A plurality of pushing components 3 are movably disposed within the wiring housing 12 and correspond one-to-one with the plug-in 2. One end of each pushing component 3 abuts against the rotating handle 41. The rotating handle 41 is rotatable relative to the wiring housing 12 and has at least a locking position for driving the pushing component 3 to deform the plug-in 2 and for interference fit with the meter, and a return position for moving the pushing component 3 relative to the plug-in 2 and restoring the deformation of the plug-in 2. When the rotating handle 41 is in the return position, the plug-in 2 is inserted into the meter with a gap, and the two contact surfaces 421 respectively contact the two pushing components 3 to short-circuit the input and output terminals of one phase circuit.

[0033] In this invention, a rotating handle 41 and an electrical connecting piece 42 are provided. The electrical connecting piece 42 is embedded in the rotating handle 41. When the rotating handle 41 is rotated to the return position, the electrical connecting piece 42 contacts the pushing component 3, which achieves an effect similar to that of a piezoelectric mechanism in the prior art, short-circuiting the input and output terminals of one phase circuit to achieve the technical effect of replacing the meter without power failure. Compared with the prior art, the solution of this invention no longer requires a separate piezoelectric mechanism. The short-circuiting is achieved during the rotation of the rotating handle 41, simplifying the operator's operation steps and increasing the speed of meter replacement.

[0034] Specifically, the wiring housing 12 is hollow inside; the meter can be fixedly installed on the mounting base 11, one end of the plug 2 is embedded into the wiring housing 12 and the other end of the plug 2 extends out of the wiring housing 12 along one side of the meter, and the meter and the plug 2 form a plug-in assembly. In this embodiment, the plug 2 is made of conductive material.

[0035] Furthermore, the wiring housing 12 is provided with an inlet 121 and an outlet 122. The inlet 121 is used to connect the outdoor wire into the wiring housing 12, and the outdoor wire extends out from the outlet 122 on the surface of the wiring housing 12.

[0036] In some feasible embodiments, the meter mounting bracket 1 further includes a cover plate 13, which is snapped onto the upper surface of the wiring housing 12. Electricity theft can only be prevented by damaging the cover plate 13 or other components. The cover plate 13 can prevent users from illegally connecting wires, thus avoiding unnecessary safety hazards and losses to the power supply department.

[0037] Specifically, the connector 2 includes a cylindrical plug portion 21 and a cuboid embedded portion 22; the plug portion 21 is fixed to one side of the embedded portion 22, and the surface of the embedded portion 22 is provided with an adapter hole 221. In this invention, the connector 2 is embedded into the wiring housing 12 through the embedded portion 22, and the adapter hole 221 on the surface of the embedded portion of the connector 2 matches the wiring hole on the surface of the wiring housing 12, that is, the adapter hole 221 is located directly below the wiring hole and is concentric and coaxial.

[0038] Furthermore, the insertion portion 21 is formed by a plurality of arc-shaped pieces 211. These arc-shaped pieces 211 are elastic and deform when compressed. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the insertion portion 21 is cross-shaped, formed by four arc-shaped pieces 211. This structure, with four arc-shaped pieces 211 surrounding the insertion portion 3, provides a more precise constraint, simplifies processing, and enhances practicality. In specific implementations, the cross-section of the insertion portion 21 can also be linear, Y-shaped, or star-shaped, etc. By changing the number of arc-shaped pieces 211, the shape of the insertion portion 21 can be altered.

[0039] It should be noted that, as Figure 5 As shown, when the pushing component 3 is in the return position, the insertion part 21 is conical and has a taper. Specifically, each of the arc-shaped pieces 211 is not arranged parallel to the axis, but rather the end of the arc-shaped piece 211 near the meter is away from the axis, and the end of the arc-shaped piece 211 away from the meter is close to the axis, and the arc-shaped piece 211 is inclined relative to the axis; when multiple arc-shaped pieces 211 are closed together, the insertion part 21 is conical and has a taper.

[0040] Please refer to the following for details. Figure 6The inner side of the arc-shaped piece 211 is provided with a first step 211a and a second step 211b with a thickness difference. The thickness of the first step 211a is less than the thickness of the second step 211b. The first step 211a and the second step 211b are smoothly connected. Multiple arc-shaped pieces 211 surround to form an expansion and contraction cavity 212. The expansion and contraction cavity 212 includes a first step cavity 212a and a second step cavity 212b that are interconnected. The first step cavity 212a is formed by the first step 211a surrounding each other, and the second step cavity 212b is formed by the second step 211b surrounding each other. The pushing member 3 slides against the first step 211a or the second step 211b. When the pushing member 3 moves from the first step cavity 212a to the second step cavity 212b, the plug-in part 21 is opened and is interference-fitted with the meter. When the pushing component 3 moves from the second stepped cavity 212b to the first stepped cavity 212a, the plug-in portion 21 retracts and returns to its original position. The end of the pushing component 3 is spherical or cylindrical, and the circular outer contour can expand each of the plug-in portions 21 more evenly, making the force on the meter's terminals more uniform and the connection between them more stable and reliable.

[0041] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the pushing component 3 includes a first direction moving member 31 and a second direction moving member 32. The first direction moving member 31 is disposed inside the wiring housing 12 along a first direction. One end of the first direction moving member 31 abuts against the rotating handle 41 and can move along the first direction under the drive of the rotating handle 41. The other end of the first direction moving member 31 extends into the embedded part 22 and abuts against one end of the second direction moving member 32. The second direction moving member 32 is disposed inside the plug-in part 21 along a second direction and can move relative to the plug-in part 21 along the second direction under the drive of the first direction moving member 31. When one end of the second directional moving member 32 moves toward the meter, it abuts against the second stepped cavity 212b, causing the arc-shaped piece 211 of the plug-in part 21 to be opened. The arc-shaped piece 211 forms an interference fit with the mounting hole on the meter, thus creating a stable fixation between the meter and the wiring housing 12. When one end of the second directional moving member 32 moves away from the meter, it contacts the first stepped cavity 212a. The arc-shaped piece 211 returns to its original shape and disengages from the mounting hole on the meter, allowing the meter to detach from the wiring housing 12.

[0042] It should be noted that the first direction and the second direction are not parallel, and the direction of force transmission can be changed between the first direction moving member 31 and the second direction moving member 32. Specifically, the first direction is vertical, and the second direction is horizontal.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first directional moving member 31 is a T-shaped column, and the side of the first directional moving member 31 that contacts the second directional moving member 32 is a conical surface.

[0044] The function of the second directional moving member 32 is to transmit the movement of the first directional moving member 31 and to open the insertion part 21. Therefore, the second directional moving member 32 only needs to meet the above purpose, and its specific structure does not need to be limited. In some feasible embodiments, the second directional moving member 32 is a connecting rod with hemispherical ends, one end abutting against the first directional moving member 31, and the other end extending into the expansion and contraction cavity 212.

[0045] In this embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the second directional moving member 32 includes a first ball 321, a connecting spring 322, and a second ball 323. The first ball 321, the connecting spring 322, and the second ball 323 are arranged sequentially in the direction towards the meter. The two ends of the connecting spring 322 abut against the first ball 321 and the second ball 323. The first ball 321 abuts against the first directional moving member 31. When the first directional moving member 31 moves in the first direction, it presses the first ball 321 into the insertion part 21. The connecting spring 322 is compressed, driving the second ball 323 to move towards the meter. The second ball 323 then expands the arc-shaped piece 211, forming an interference fit with the mounting hole on the meter, thus ensuring a stable fixation between the meter and the wiring housing 12.

[0046] It should be noted that, under the action of the connecting spring 322, the first directional moving member 31 is always in contact with the rotating handle 41, and the two always maintain close contact.

[0047] Specifically, the rotating handle 41 includes a cam portion 411, a connecting portion 412, and a grip portion 413. One end of the connecting portion 412 is connected to the cam portion 411, and the other end is connected to the grip portion 413. The cam portion 411 is eccentrically hinged to the wiring housing 12, and the outer surface of the cam portion 411 abuts against the first direction moving member 31. Because the cam portion 411 is eccentrically hinged to the wiring housing 12, when the cam portion 411 rotates relative to the wiring housing 12, it will rotate eccentrically, pushing the first direction moving member 31 to move along the first direction.

[0048] Specifically, since the cam portion 411 is eccentrically hinged to the wiring housing 12, the cam portion 411 has an end closer to the hinge and an end farther from the hinge; when the cam portion 411 is rotated so that the end of the cam portion 411 closer to the hinge contacts the first directional moving member 31, the rotating handle 41 is in the return position; when the cam portion 411 is rotated so that the end of the cam portion 411 farther from the hinge contacts the first directional moving member 31, the rotating handle 41 is in the locked position.

[0049] Specifically, the main body of the electrical connection piece 42 is embedded inside the cam portion 411, and a portion of the electrical connection piece 42 is exposed relative to the cam portion 411, forming the contact surface 421 on the surface of the cam portion 411. When the rotating handle 41 is in the return position, the two contact surfaces 421 respectively contact the two pushing components 3 to short-circuit the input and output terminals of one phase circuit.

[0050] In addition, an indicator light is provided on the rotating handle 41. The two ends of the indicator light are electrically connected to the two ends of the electrical connecting piece 42. When the two contact surfaces 421 contact the two pushing components 3 respectively, the indicator light is powered and illuminates. The operator can confirm whether the incoming line has been switched to the electrical connecting piece 42 based on whether the indicator light is lit.

[0051] When replacing the electricity meter, first rotate the rotating handle 41 to bring it to the return position. At this time, the end of the cam part 411 closer to the hinge contact the first directional moving member 31. The first directional moving member 31 then rises under the pressure of the second directional moving member 32. The second ball 323 moves away from the electricity meter, the arc-shaped piece 211 returns to its original shape, and the arc-shaped piece 211 disengages from the mounting hole on the electricity meter, allowing the electricity meter to be separated from the wiring housing 12. Simultaneously, the contact surface 421 contacts the two pushing members 3 respectively, so that the input and output terminals of one phase circuit are connected. A short circuit is used to ensure the incoming power line remains continuous. Next, the operator removes the meter and replaces it with a new one. Finally, the operator rotates the handle 41 to the locked position. At this point, the end of the cam portion 411 furthest from the hinge contacts the first directional moving member 31. The first directional moving member 31 moves under the pressure of the cam portion 411, pressing the second ball bearing 323 towards the meter, causing the arc-shaped piece 211 to deform and open. The arc-shaped piece 211 forms an interference fit with the mounting hole on the meter, ensuring a stable connection between the meter and the wiring housing 12. This completes the entire meter replacement process.

[0052] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0053] The device is equipped with a rotating handle 41 and an electrical connecting piece 42. The electrical connecting piece 42 is embedded in the rotating handle 41. When the rotating handle 41 is rotated to the return position, the electrical connecting piece 42 contacts the pushing component 3, achieving an effect similar to that of a piezoelectric mechanism in the prior art, short-circuiting the input and output terminals of one phase circuit to achieve the technical effect of replacing the meter without power interruption. Compared with the prior art, the solution of the present invention no longer requires the separate insertion of a piezoelectric mechanism. The short-circuiting is achieved during the rotation of the rotating handle 41, simplifying the operator's operation steps and increasing the speed of meter replacement.

[0054] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-contained power meter switching structure, characterized in that, include: The meter mounting bracket includes a mounting base for mounting the meter and a wiring housing disposed on one side of the mounting base. Several connectors are disposed on the wiring housing. A rotating component includes a rotating handle and an electrical connection piece. The electrical connection piece is embedded in the rotating handle, and its two ends form two contact surfaces on the rotating handle. The rotating handle is rotatably mounted on the wiring housing. The device includes several pushing components, which are movably disposed within the wiring housing and correspond one-to-one with the plug-in pieces. One end of each pushing component abuts against the rotating handle. The rotating handle is rotatable relative to the wiring housing and has at least one locking position for driving the pushing component to deform the plug-in piece and for interference fit with the meter, and a return position for moving the pushing component relative to the plug-in piece and restoring the deformation of the plug-in piece. When the rotating handle is in the return position, the plug-in piece is inserted into the meter with a gap, and the two contact surfaces contact the two pushing components respectively, so that the input and output terminals of one phase circuit are short-circuited. The rotating handle includes a cam portion, a connecting portion, and a grip portion. One end of the connecting portion is connected to the cam portion, and the other end is connected to the grip portion. The cam portion is eccentrically hinged to the wiring housing, and the outer surface of the cam portion abuts against the pushing component. The main body of the electrical connector is embedded inside the cam portion, and the portion of the electrical connector is exposed relative to the cam portion, forming the contact surface on the surface of the cam portion. When the rotating handle is in the return position, the two contact surfaces contact the two pushing components respectively, so as to short-circuit the input and output terminals of one phase circuit.

2. The self-contained power meter swapping structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cam portion has an end closer to the hinge and an end farther from the hinge; when the end of the cam portion closer to the hinge contacts the pushing member, the rotating handle is in the return position; when the end of the cam portion farther from the hinge contacts the pushing member, the rotating handle is in the locked position.

3. The self-contained power meter swapping structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connector includes a plug-in portion and an embedded portion. The plug-in portion is fixed to one side of the embedded portion. The connector is embedded into the wiring housing through the embedded portion. The plug-in portion is formed by a plurality of arc-shaped pieces. The arc-shaped pieces are elastic and deform when compressed.

4. The self-contained power meter swapping structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, When the pushing component is in the return position, the insertion part is conical and has a taper.

5. The self-contained power meter swapping structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The inner side of the arc-shaped piece is provided with a first step and a second step with a thickness difference. The thickness of the first step is less than the thickness of the second step. The first step and the second step are smoothly connected. Multiple arc-shaped pieces are surrounded to form an expansion and contraction cavity. The expansion and contraction cavity includes a first step cavity and a second step cavity that are interconnected. The first step cavity is formed by the enclosure between the first steps, and the second step cavity is formed by the enclosure between the second steps. The pushing component slides against the first step or the second step.

6. The self-contained power meter swapping structure as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The pushing component includes a first-direction moving member and a second-direction moving member. The first-direction moving member is disposed inside the wiring housing along a first direction. One end of the first-direction moving member abuts against the rotating handle and can move along the first direction under the drive of the rotating handle. The other end of the first-direction moving member extends into the embedded part and abuts against one end of the second-direction moving member. The second-direction moving member is disposed inside the expansion and contraction cavity along a second direction and can move relative to the expansion and contraction cavity along the second direction under the drive of the first-direction moving member.

7. The self-contained power meter swapping structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An indicator light is provided on the rotating handle, and the two ends of the indicator light are electrically connected to the two ends of the electrical connecting piece.

8. The self-contained power meter switching structure as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The wiring housing has an inlet for connecting an outdoor line on one side and an outlet for connecting an outdoor line on the upper surface. The meter mounting bracket also includes a cover plate that is snapped onto the upper surface of the wiring housing to prevent electricity theft.

Images