Rotating mechanism for measuring device

Abstract

A mechanism includes a front support and a rear support, each of the front and rear supports having opposing first and second surfaces and a circular opening formed in a central portion of the support. A connection feature is positioned about a perimeter of the circular opening of the front support and is configured to be received in the circular opening of the rear support to releasably secure the front support to the rear support. The rear support and the rear portion of the measuring device are configured to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction relative to the front support and the front portion of the measuring device about an axis formed in the circular opening in the front support and the circular opening in the rear support to enable flexible access to electrical connections on the rear portion of the measuring device.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] Under 35 U.S.C. §119, this application claims the benefit of Indian Patent Application No. 202311054600, filed on August 14, 2023, entitled “ROTATION MECHANISM FOR MEASURING DEVICE,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to measuring devices, and more particularly to a rotation mechanism for securing a display to a measuring device, such as an energy metering device. Background Art

[0004] Typically, the wiring layout is pre-wired in the panel by the panel builder for energy meter applications, and each panel may have a different orientation. By making electrical connections in a fixed position, the mounting options for the metering device are very limited, resulting in lost opportunities and / or higher installation costs. For certain metering devices, the panel builder must correctly orient the back of the energy meter to connect the energy meter to the wiring layout while keeping the display associated with the energy meter in a vertical orientation. Summary of the invention

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a mechanism for enabling the front and rear of a measuring device to rotate relative to each other, so as to provide flexible access to electrical connections during the installation of the measuring device. In one embodiment, the mechanism includes a front support having a first surface and a second surface relative to each other, and a circular opening formed in the center portion of the front support. The front support is configured to be coupled to the front of the measuring device, which includes a display of the measuring device. The mechanism also includes a rear support having a first surface and a second surface relative to each other, and a circular opening formed in the center portion of the rear support. The rear support is configured to be coupled to the rear of the measuring device, which includes the electrical connection of the measuring device. One of the front support and the rear support includes a connection feature positioned around the periphery of the circular opening. The connection feature is configured to be received in the circular opening of the other of the front support and the rear support, so that the one of the front support and the rear support can be releasably fixed to the other of the front support and the rear support. The rear support and the rear portion of the measuring device are configured to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction relative to the front support and the front portion of the measuring device around the axis of a circular opening formed in the center portion of the front support and a circular opening formed in the center portion of the rear support to enable flexible access to the electrical connections on the rear portion of the measuring device.

[0006] Embodiments of the mechanism may also include a spacer positioned between the front support and the rear support. A connection feature may be formed on a second surface of the front support and extend toward the rear support. The second surface of the rear support may include a mating connection feature, the mating connection feature being configured to be releasably fixed by the connection feature of the front support, the mating connection feature extending toward the rear of the measuring device. The connection feature may include a plurality of snap connectors disposed on the periphery of the circular opening of the front support. The mating connection feature may include an annular edge, the annular edge being formed on the second surface of the rear support around the circular opening of the rear support. A plurality of snap connectors may be configured to be releasably fixed to the annular edge. Each of the plurality of snap connectors may be configured to be self-guided and rotate over the secondary surface of the annular edge. One of the front support and the rear support may include at least one pawl, and the other of the front support and the rear support may include a corresponding plurality of pawl receiving openings, each pawl receiving opening being configured to receive at least one pawl to securely position the front support relative to the rear support. At least one pawl can be configured to be released from the corresponding opening when a force is applied to one of the front and rear portions of the measuring device. At least one pawl can be configured to be received in different pawl receiving openings after releasing at least one pawl from the corresponding opening and rotating one of the front and rear portions by at least 90 degrees. At least one pawl can be formed on the second surface of the front support and extend toward the rear support. The pawl receiving opening can be formed in the rear support. The circular opening formed in the central portion of the front support can have a first diameter, and the circular opening formed in the central portion of the rear support has a different second diameter.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of assembling a measurement device including a front portion and a rear portion configured to rotate relative to each other to provide flexible access to electrical connections during installation of the measurement device. In one embodiment, the method includes: releasably securing a front support to a front portion of a measuring device, the front portion including a display of the measuring device, the front support including opposing first and second surfaces, and a circular opening formed in a central portion of the front support; releasably securing a rear support to a rear portion of the measuring device, the rear portion including electrical connections for the measuring device, the rear support including opposing first and second opposing surfaces, and a circular opening formed in a central portion of the rear support; positioning a connection feature of one of the front support and the rear support in the circular opening of the other of the front support and the rear support to releasably secure the one of the front support and the rear support to the other of the front support and the rear support, the connection feature being positioned around the periphery of the circular opening of the one of the front support and the rear support; and rotating the rear support and the rear portion of the measuring device in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction relative to the front support and the front portion of the measuring device around the axis of the circular opening formed in the central portion of the front support and the circular opening formed in the central portion of the rear support to enable flexible access to the electrical connections on the rear portion of the measuring device.

[0008] Embodiments of the method may also include positioning the gasket between the front support and the rear support. The connection feature may be formed on the second surface of the front support and extend toward the rear support. The second surface of the rear support may include a mating connection feature, which is configured to be releasably fixed by the connection feature of the front support. The mating connection feature may extend toward the rear of the measuring device. The connection feature may include a plurality of snap connectors arranged on the periphery of the circular opening of the front support. The mating connection feature may include an annular edge, which is formed on the second surface of the rear support around the circular opening of the rear support. A plurality of snap connectors may be configured to be releasably fixed to the annular edge. The method may also include fixing the front support to the rear support by positioning a pawl in a pawl receiving opening. One of the front support and the rear support may include at least one pawl, and the other of the front support and the rear support may include a corresponding plurality of pawl receiving openings, each pawl receiving opening being configured to receive at least one pawl to securely position the front support relative to the rear support. At least one pawl may be configured to be released from a corresponding opening when a force is applied to one of the front and rear portions of the measuring device. At least one pawl may be configured to be received in a different pawl receiving opening after at least one pawl is released from the corresponding opening and one of the front and rear portions is rotated at least 90 degrees. At least one pawl may be formed on a second surface of the front support and extend toward the rear support, and wherein the pawl receiving opening is formed in the rear support. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Various aspects of at least one embodiment are discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not intended to be drawn to scale. The included drawings provide illustration and further understanding of the various aspects and embodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, but are not intended as a definition of the limits of any particular embodiment. The drawings, together with the remainder of the specification, serve to explain the principles and operation of the described and claimed aspects and embodiments. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown in the various figures is represented by the same reference number. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure. In the drawings:

[0010] Figure 1A is a front perspective view of a measurement device having a display, the measurement device being disposed in a first orientation;

[0011] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A a rear perspective view of the measuring device shown;

[0012] Figure 2A is a front perspective view of a measurement device having a display, the measurement device being disposed in a second orientation;

[0013] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A a rear perspective view of the measuring device shown;

[0014] Figure 3A is a front perspective view of a measurement device having a display, the measurement device being disposed in a third orientation;

[0015] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A a rear perspective view of the measuring device shown;

[0016] Figure 4A is a front perspective view of a measurement device having a display, the measurement device being disposed in a fourth orientation;

[0017] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A a rear perspective view of the measuring device shown;

[0018] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of a measuring device having a display and a rotating mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 a front perspective view of the measuring device shown;

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 an enlarged perspective view of the measuring device shown;

[0021] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the measuring device is shown, showing the components of the rotating mechanism;

[0022] Fig. 9 yes Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of the measuring device shown;

[0023] Fig.10 is a perspective view of the rotating mechanism;

[0024] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B is an enlarged perspective view showing aspects of the rotating mechanism;

[0025] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a rear support of the rotating mechanism;

[0026] Fig.12 is a perspective view of the front support of the rotating mechanism; and

[0027] Fig. 12A is an enlarged perspective view showing an aspect of the front support of the swivel mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present disclosure is not limited in its application to the construction details and component arrangements described in the following specification or shown in the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure can be practiced or implemented in various ways. In this article, the words and terms used are used for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. In this article, the use of "including", "comprising", "having", "containing", "involving" and their variations is intended to be open-ended, i.e., "including but not limited to".

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a swivel mechanism that enhances the installation of a measuring device. Specifically, the swivel mechanism enables the measuring device to be installed in various orientations, such as 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees, while enabling a display mounted on the measuring device to be installed vertically, such as 0 degrees. The swivel mechanism enables an installer to wire the measuring device in the correct orientation while being able to rotate the display vertically. The swivel mechanism also enables the front and rear of the measuring device to be rotated to provide improved / flexible access to electrical connections during installation of the measuring device.

[0030] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, by using the mechanism, the measuring device (e.g., energy metering device) can be configured to multiple orientations depending on the pre-wiring layout in the panel. In one example embodiment (e.g., for a square or rectangular meter), the measuring device and associated electrical connections can be rotated / configured into four orientations. In other example embodiments (e.g., for a circular meter), the measuring device and associated electrical connections can be rotated / configured into essentially any orientation, for which the mechanism can be updated accordingly. Embodiments of the rotating mechanism of the present disclosure can be used to provide relative rotation of a square or rectangular meter or a circular meter.

[0031] With reference to the accompanying drawings, and more particularly with reference to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B, a measuring device, generally indicated at 10, is shown in various orientations. As shown, the measuring device 10 includes a measuring device housing 12 supporting the operable components of the measuring device and a display (generally indicated at 14), which is rotatably fixed to the measuring device housing as will be described in more detail below. For each orientation of the measuring device 10, the measuring device includes a display 14 mounted on the front side of the measuring device housing 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the measuring device housing 12 is a square housing (e.g., an equipment rack) for measuring energy within an electric power system. As described above, although the measuring device housing 12 is shown as a square structure, the measuring device 10 may include a housing having any desired shape or size. It should be understood that the measuring device housing 12 is sometimes referred to herein as simply a measuring device.

[0032] Similarly, the display 14 includes a square display housing 16 that is thinner than the measuring device housing 12. The display 14 includes a screen or a graphical user interface (GUI) disposed on the front surface of the display housing 16, which enables the operator to view the information provided on the measuring device 10 and operate the measuring device. The size and dimensions of the display housing 16 correspond to the size and dimensions of the measuring device housing 12. The display 14 may include any type of interface other than the GUI to enable the operator to view data from the measuring device. As described below, the rotation mechanism of the present disclosure is used to fix the display housing 16 of the display 14 to the measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device so that the user can rotate the measuring device and the display relative to each other.

[0033] Figure 1A and Figure 1B The measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device 10 is shown in a default first position with the voltage measurement connector 18 disposed on a top surface of the measuring device housing. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device 10 is shown in a second position, in which the measuring device housing is rotated by 90 degrees and the voltage measuring connector 18 is arranged on a side surface of the measuring device housing. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device 10 is shown in a third position, in which the measuring device housing is rotated by another 90 degrees (180 degrees relative to the first position), and the voltage measuring connector 18 is arranged on the bottom surface of the measuring device housing. Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device 10 is shown in a fourth position, in which the measuring device housing is rotated another 90 degrees (270 degrees relative to the first position), and the voltage measurement connector 18 is disposed on an opposite side surface of the measuring device housing. In each orientation, regardless of the orientation of the measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device 10, the display 14 is shown in a vertical orientation.

[0034] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , a rotation mechanism (generally indicated at 20) is located between the measuring device housing 12 and the display housing 16. In one embodiment, the rotation mechanism 20 enables the display housing 16 to rotate relative to the measuring device housing 12 at intervals of 90 degrees to achieve any of the first position, the second position, the third position, and the fourth position shown and described above. Specifically, the rotation mechanism 20 is located behind the display housing 16 of the display 14 (which may sometimes be referred to as the measuring device front of the measuring device) and is located in front of the measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device 10 (which may sometimes be referred to as the measuring device rear of the measuring device). Figure 7 An enlarged view of a swivel mechanism 20 is shown, which is located between the measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device 10 and the display housing 16 of the display 14 .

[0035] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the rotation mechanism 20 includes a front support (generally indicated by 22), a rear support (generally indicated by 24), and a gasket 26 disposed between the front support and the rear support. The front support 22 is configured to be fixed to the display housing 16 of the display 14, and the rear support 24 is configured to be fixed to the measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device 10. It should be understood that the configuration of the front support 22 and the rear support 24 can be reversed, wherein the rear support 24 is fixed to the display housing 16 of the display 14, and the front support 22 is fixed to the measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device 10. In one embodiment, the front support 22 and the rear support 24 are made of a suitable high-strength thermoplastic material, such as polycarbonate (PC) or a polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene blend (PCABS), and the gasket 26 is made of a suitable elastomer or rubber material. When assembled, the front support 22 is rotationally fixed to the rear support 24, and the gasket 26 is disposed between the front support and the rear support. The gasket 26 is used to protect (minimum IP54 rating) the wiring extending through the rotating mechanism 20 between the measuring device 10 and the display 14 .

[0036] The front support 22 includes a square body 28 that is sized to fit within a recess 30 formed in the rear surface of the display housing 16 of the display 14. In one embodiment, the rear surface of the display housing 16 includes a tab that releasably engages an edge of the body of the front support to secure the front support 22 relative to the display housing. Other types of systems and / or fasteners may be used in place of the tab to secure the front support 22 to the rear surface within the recess 30 of the display housing 16. The body 28 of the front support 22 has opposing first and second surfaces 32, 34, and a circular opening 36 formed in a central portion of the body of the front support. The first surface 32 of the body 28 of the front support 22 faces the rear surface of the display housing 16 of the display 14 when assembled. The second surface 34 of the body 28 of the front support 22 faces the rear support 24 when assembled. The front support 22 is configured to be coupled to the display housing 16 of the display 14 (the front portion of the measurement device 10 ), with the first surface 32 of the front support facing the rear surface of the display housing.

[0037] Similarly, the rear support 24 includes a square body 38 that is sized to fit within a recess 40 formed in the front surface of the measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device 10. In one embodiment, the front surface of the measuring device housing 12 includes a lug that releasably engages an edge of the body 38 of the rear support 24 to secure the rear support relative to the measuring device housing. Other types of systems and / or fasteners may be used in place of the lug to secure the rear support 24 to the front surface of the measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device 10. The body 38 of the rear support 24 has opposing first and second surfaces 42 and 44, and a circular opening 46 formed in a central portion of the rear support. The first surface 42 of the body 38 of the rear support 24 faces the second surface 34 of the body 28 of the front support 22 when assembled. The second surface 44 of the body 38 of the rear support 24 faces the front surface of the measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device 10 when assembled. The rear support 24 is configured to be coupled to the measurement device housing 12 (the rear portion of the measurement device 10 ), wherein the second surface 44 of the rear support 24 faces the front surface of the measurement device housing.

[0038] The circular opening 36 of the front support 22 and the circular opening 46 of the rear support 24 are aligned and coaxial with each other to enable wires and / or cables that connect the display housing 16 of the display 14 to the measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device 10 to pass through the rotation mechanism 20. As will be described in more detail below, the size of the circular opening 36 of the front support 22 is slightly smaller in diameter than the size of the circular opening 46 of the rear support 24. However, the size of the circular openings 36, 46 is sufficient to enable wires and / or cables to be used to connect the display housing 16 of the display 14 to the measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device 10.

[0039] In addition, although the front support 22 and the rear support 24 each include a square body, it should be understood that the shape and size of each support can be selected to fit the shape and size of its corresponding recess provided in the display housing 16 of the display 14 and the measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device 10. For example, each of the front support 22 and the rear support 24 can include a circular body that is sized to fit within a circular recess provided in its corresponding display housing or measuring device housing. Once secured, each of the front support 22 and the rear support 24 can be properly secured to its corresponding display housing 16 and measuring device housing 12.

[0040] Additional references Fig.10 , the front support 22 includes a connection feature positioned around the periphery of the circular opening 36 of the front support. As shown, the connection feature is configured to be received in the circular opening 46 of the rear support 24 to releasably secure the front support 22 to the rear support. Specifically, the connection feature is formed on the second surface 34 of the body 28 of the front support 22 and extends toward the rear support 24, and includes four snap connectors (each snap connector is indicated by 48), which extend from the body of the front support and are arranged on the periphery of the circular opening 36 of the front support. The snap connectors 48 are equidistantly spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the body 38 of the front support 22. Each snap connector 48 includes a handle 50 extending from the body 38 of the front support 22 and a tooth 52 protruding outwardly relative to the handle. The handle 50 is configured to bend or bend when a force is applied to the tooth 52 of the snap connector 48. Reference Fig.12 , Fig.12 A snap connector 48 is shown extending from the body 36 of the front portion 22 .

[0041] Additional references Fig.11, the rear support 24 includes a mating connection feature that extends toward the measuring device housing 12. Specifically, the second surface 44 of the body 38 of the rear support 24 includes an annular rim 54 formed on the body of the rear support and configured to be releasably secured by a snap connector 48 associated with the front support 22. As shown, the annular rim 54 extends toward the rear of the measuring device housing 12, and the annular rim is formed on the second surface 44 of the body 38 of the rear support 24 around the circular opening 46 of the rear support. The arrangement is that each snap connector 48 is configured to be self-guided and rotate over the secondary surface of the annular rim 54. Once connected, the snap connector 48 and the annular rim 54 prevent axial movement of the front support 22 (and the display housing 16) relative to the rear support 24 (and the measuring device housing 12), while enabling the front support to rotate relative to the measuring device housing, thereby enabling the display housing and the display to rotate to achieve Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B To release the front support 22 from the rear support 24, each tooth 52 of the snap connector 48 is pressed inwardly to clear the tooth from the annular rim 54, thereby allowing the front support to move axially away from the rear support. For each snap connector 48, the handle 50 is bendable to enable the snap connector to bend and move to clear the tooth 52 from the annular rim 54.

[0042] It should be understood that connection features (e.g., snap connections 48) may be provided on the first surface 42 of the rear support 24 and matching connection features (e.g., annular rim 54) may be provided on the second surface 34 of the front support 22 and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] As described above, the rear support 24 and the measuring device housing 12 are configured to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction relative to the front support 22 and the display housing 16 about the axis of the circular opening 36 formed in the center portion of the front support and the circular opening 46 formed in the center portion of the rear support 24 to enable flexible access to the electrical connections on the measuring device housing 12 (rear portion) of the measuring device 10. In order to maintain the display 14 in a desired position (e.g., Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4A and Figure 4B), the front support 22 includes a detent 56, and the rear support 24 includes a plurality of corresponding detent receiving openings (each indicated at 58). As shown, four detent receiving openings 58 are formed in the body 38 of the rear support 24, each of which is positioned at a 90 degree angle to each other. Each detent receiving opening 58 is configured to receive a detent 56 to securely position the front support 22 relative to the rear support 24. The detents 56 are configured to make a positive click sound when entering their corresponding detent receiving openings 60 to notify the person installing the metering device 10 that the display 14 is properly positioned.

[0044] refer to Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B , when a force is applied to one of the display housing 16 of the display 14 and the measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device 10, the pawl 56 is configured to be released from the corresponding pawl receiving opening 58. Specifically, the pawl 56 includes an inclined surface that engages an edge of the pawl receiving opening 58 so that the pawl can be removed from the pawl receiving opening when a rotational force is applied to the measuring device housing 12 or the display housing 16. The pawl 56 is configured to be received in a different pawl receiving opening 58 after the pawl is released from its corresponding pawl receiving opening and one of the display housing 16 and the measuring device housing 12 is rotated at least 90 degrees. Also refer to Fig. 12A , the pawl 56 is formed in the body 28 of the front support 22 and includes a lug portion 60 bent relative to the body and a pawl portion 62 formed at the end of the lug portion. This arrangement allows the pawl portion 62 of the pawl 56 to be configured to bend when a force is applied to the pawl portion, wherein the lug portion 60 enables the pawl portion to move relative to the body 28 of the front support 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the pawl portion 62 of the pawl 56 is formed on the second surface 34 of the front support 22 and extends toward the rear support 24, and the pawl receiving opening 58 is formed in the rear support.

[0045] In some embodiments, the shape and size of the detent portion 62 of the detent 56 can be configured to increase or decrease the resistance of the detent portion as the display housing 16 and the front support 22 rotate relative to the measurement device housing 12 and the rear support 24. As described above, the size and shape of the detent portion 62 of the detent 56 can be selected to produce a louder or softer click when entering its corresponding detent receiving opening 60 to notify the person installing the meter device 10 that the display 14 is properly seated.

[0046] As described above, the gasket 26 is used to prevent unwanted contaminants (such as moisture) from entering the cable space between the display housing 16 of the display 14 and the measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device 10. As shown, the gasket is arranged in a circular recess 64 formed in the second surface 34 of the front support 22 and a circular recess 66 formed in the first surface 42 of the rear support 24. The circular recesses 64, 66 of the front support 22 and the rear support 24 are aligned with each other, respectively, so that the gasket 26 can be placed in them when the rotating mechanism 20 is assembled. In one embodiment, the gasket 26 has a circular cross-section so that the gasket can be firmly in place through its corresponding circular recesses 64, 66. Other gasket shapes can be provided.

[0047] In some embodiments, as described above, the circular opening 36 formed in the central portion of the front support 22 has a first diameter, and the circular opening 46 formed in the central portion of the rear support 24 has a second, different diameter.

[0048] In some embodiments, while aspects of rotation mechanism 20 described herein relate to use within measurement device 10 to enable relative rotation of display housing 16 and measurement device housing 12 , the rotation mechanism may be used to orient one device relative to another.

[0049] A method of assembling a measuring device 10 to provide flexible access to electrical connections during installation of the measuring device includes releasably securing a front support 22 to a display housing 16. The method also includes releasably securing a rear support 24 to a measuring device housing 12 of the measuring device 10, the measuring device housing 12 including the electrical connections of the measuring device. The method also includes positioning a connection feature (e.g., a snap connector 48) of the front support 22 within a circular opening 46 of the rear support 24 so that the connection feature engages a matching connection feature (e.g., an annular rim 54) to releasably secure the front support to the rear support. Once secured, the method also includes rotating the rear support 24 and the measuring device housing 12 relative to the front support 22 and the display housing 16 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about an axis of a circular opening 36 formed in a central portion of the front support and a circular opening 46 formed in a central portion of the rear support 24 to enable flexible access to the electrical connections on the measuring device housing 12.

[0050] The method may also include releasably securing the front support 22 and the display housing 16 to the rear support 24 and the measuring device housing 12 by positioning the pawl 56 in the pawl receiving opening 58. Specifically, the front support 22 includes the pawl 56, and the rear support 24 includes a plurality of (e.g., four) pawl receiving openings 58, each of which is configured to receive a pawl to securely position the front support relative to the rear support. During installation, the pawl 56 is configured to release from its corresponding pawl receiving opening 58 when a force is applied to the display housing 16 and / or the measuring device housing 12, wherein the pawl is configured to be received in an adjacent pawl receiving opening after releasing the pawl from the corresponding opening and rotating the display and / or the measuring device housing by at least 90 degrees. The person installing the measuring device 10 can determine the orientation of the voltage measurement connector 18 of the measuring device housing 12 with the cable connector, and once connected, rotate the display housing 12 to the desired orientation.

[0051] The method may also include positioning a gasket 26 between the front support 22 and the rear support 24. Specifically, when the front support is secured to the rear support, the gasket 26 is disposed within a circular recess 64 formed in the second surface 34 of the body 28 of the front support 22 and a circular recess 68 formed in the first surface 42 of the body 38 of the rear support 24. The gasket 26 is provided to protect wires and / or cables that connect the display housing 16 of the display 14 to the measurement device housing 12 of the measurement device 10.

[0052] Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment, it will be appreciated that various variations, modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations, modifications and improvements are intended to be a part of the present disclosure and are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the above description and drawings are intended only as examples.

Claims

1. A mechanism for enabling relative rotation of the front and rear parts of a measuring device to provide flexible access to electrical connections during installation of the measuring device, the mechanism comprising: a front support having opposing first and second surfaces and a circular opening formed in a central portion of the front support, the front support being configured to be coupled to a front portion of the measurement device, the front portion including a display of the measurement device; and a rear support having opposing first and second surfaces and a circular opening formed in a central portion of the rear support, the rear support being configured to couple to a rear portion of the measurement device, the rear portion including electrical connections for the measurement device, wherein one of the front support and the rear support includes a connection feature positioned around a perimeter of the circular opening, the connection feature being configured to be received in the circular opening of the other of the front support and the rear support to releasably secure the one of the front support and the rear support to the other of the front support and the rear support, and Wherein, the rear support and the rear portion of the measuring device are configured to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction relative to the front support and the front portion of the measuring device around the axis of a circular opening formed in the central portion of the front support and a circular opening formed in the central portion of the rear support so as to enable flexible access to the electrical connection on the rear portion of the measuring device.

2. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The connection feature is formed on the second surface of the front support and extends toward the rear support.

3. The mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The second surface of the rear support includes a mating connection feature configured to be releasably secured by the connection feature of the front support, the mating connection feature extending toward the rear of the measurement device.

4. The mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: The connection feature includes a plurality of snap connections disposed on a perimeter of the circular opening of the front support.

5. The mechanism according to claim 4, wherein: The mating connection feature includes an annular rim formed on the second surface of the rear support around the circular opening of the rear support, and the plurality of snap connectors are configured to be releasably secured to the annular rim.

6. The mechanism according to claim 5, wherein: Each of the plurality of snap connections is configured to be self-guiding and to rotate over a secondary surface of the annular rim.

7. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: One of the front support and the rear support includes at least one pawl, and the other of the front support and the rear support includes a corresponding plurality of pawl receiving openings, each pawl receiving opening being configured to receive the at least one pawl to securely position the front support relative to the rear support.

8. The mechanism according to claim 7, wherein: The at least one pawl is configured to be released from the corresponding opening when a force is applied to one of the front portion and the rear portion of the measurement device.

9. The mechanism according to claim 8, wherein: The at least one pawl is configured to be received in a different pawl receiving opening after releasing the at least one pawl from the corresponding opening and rotating one of the front portion and the rear portion at least 90 degrees.

10. The mechanism according to claim 7, wherein: The at least one pawl is formed on the second surface of the front support and extends toward the rear support.

11. The mechanism according to claim 9, wherein: The pawl receiving opening is formed in the rear support.

12. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein: The circular opening formed in the central portion of the front support has a first diameter, and the circular opening formed in the central portion of the rear support has a second, different diameter.

13. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein: Also included is a spacer positioned between the front support and the rear support.

14. A method of assembling a measuring device, the measuring device comprising a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion and the rear portion being configured to rotate relative to each other to provide flexible access to electrical connections during installation of the measuring device, the method comprising: releasably securing a front support to a front portion of the measurement device, the front portion including a display of the measurement device, the front support including opposing first and second surfaces and a circular opening formed in a central portion of the front support; releasably securing a rear support to a rear portion of the measurement device, the rear portion including electrical connections for the measurement device, the rear portion including opposing first and second surfaces and a circular opening formed in a central portion of the rear support; positioning a connection feature of one of the front and rear supports in a circular opening of the other of the front and rear supports to releasably secure the one of the front and rear supports to the other of the front and rear supports, the connection feature being positioned around a perimeter of the circular opening of the one of the front and rear supports; and The rear support and the rear portion of the measuring device are rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction relative to the front support and the front portion of the measuring device around the axis of a circular opening formed in the central portion of the front support and a circular opening formed in the central portion of the rear support to enable flexible access to the electrical connections on the rear portion of the measuring device.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The connection feature is formed on a second surface of the front support and extends toward the rear support, and wherein the second surface of the rear support includes a mating connection feature configured to be releasably secured by the connection feature of the front support, the mating connection feature extending toward the rear of the measuring device.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The connection feature includes a plurality of snap-on connectors arranged on the periphery of the circular opening of the front support, and wherein the mating connection feature includes an annular rim formed on the second surface of the rear support around the circular opening of the rear support, and the plurality of snap-on connectors are configured to be releasably fixed to the annular rim.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein: It also includes releasably securing the front support to the rear support by positioning a pawl in a pawl receiving opening, wherein one of the front support and the rear support includes at least one pawl and the other of the front support and the rear support includes a corresponding plurality of pawl receiving openings, each pawl receiving opening being configured to receive the at least one pawl to securely position the front support relative to the rear support.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The at least one pawl is configured to be released from the corresponding opening when a force is applied to one of the front portion and the rear portion of the measuring device, and wherein the at least one pawl is configured to be received in a different pawl receiving opening after the at least one pawl is released from the corresponding opening and one of the front portion and the rear portion is rotated at least 90 degrees.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The at least one pawl is formed on a second surface of the front support and extends toward the rear support, and wherein the pawl receiving opening is formed in the rear support.

20. The method according to claim 14, wherein: Also included is positioning a spacer between the front support and the rear support.

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