Circular electric energy meter with heat dissipation design

Abstract

A circular electric energy meter with heat dissipation design provided by the present invention comprises a bottom box, a first heating main body, a support and an upper cover, the first heating main body is installed on the bottom box, a cooling fin is attached between the bottom box and the first heating main body, and the support is supported outside the first heating main body and is connected with the bottom box. The upper cover covers the support and the first heating main body and is connected with the bottom box, the support is used for installing a PCB, the support is of a hollow structure, and heat generated by the first heating main body flows evenly in the circular electric energy meter through the hollow structure. Heat balance in the electric energy meter and rapid export of heat in the meter can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electric energy meters, and in particular to a circular electric energy meter with a heat dissipation design. Background Art

[0002] Currently, a standard circular energy meter is primarily composed of a base box, a bracket, and an upper lens. These form a confined space within which are placed all functional components, including the power supply, energy metering, and display, as well as the heat dissipation components on the terminal block. This common design places the meter's current loop components and logic components within the same confined space. Currently, when a standard circular energy meter is operating, the large amount of heat generated by the main heating components (such as relays and manganese copper sheets) can cause relatively high local temperatures. This is especially true for circular energy meters operating at high currents above 200A, where local temperatures can reach around 120 degrees Celsius. This heat, if not circulated or circulated slowly, can accelerate the aging and deformation of product materials, aging of PCB components, reduced product lifespan, and even failure and damage to the meter.

[0003] Patent publication number CN208224335U discloses an electric meter housing with heat dissipation capabilities, comprising an open-top housing base, a base groove within the housing base, two sets of heat dissipation holes symmetrically mounted on either side of the bottom of the base groove, a heat sink at the top of the base groove, and a base cover above the heat sink. The addition of a heat sink within the base groove in conjunction with the heat dissipation holes enhances heat dissipation within the housing base. However, heat dissipation within the electric meter is poor, easily leading to localized overheating. Furthermore, internal heat can only be dissipated through the heat dissipation holes, making heat dissipation difficult to guarantee. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the defects in the prior art and provide a circular electric energy meter with a heat dissipation design to achieve rapid heat balance inside the electric energy meter and rapid heat dissipation inside the meter.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a circular electric energy meter with a heat dissipation design, comprising a base box, a first heating body, a bracket and an upper cover, wherein the first heating body is installed on the base box, and a heat sink is provided between the base box and the first heating body, the bracket support is arranged outside the first heating body and is connected to the base box, the upper cover is arranged outside the bracket and the first heating body and is connected to the base box, the bracket is used to install a PCB, and the bracket is a hollow structure. The heat generated by the first heating body is circulated and evenly distributed in the circular electric energy meter through the hollow part.

[0006] In the present invention, by disposing a heat sink at the bottom of the first heating element and then disposing the heat sink on the bottom wall of the bottom box, the heat sink has a high thermal conductivity, which allows the heat from the first heating element to be quickly transferred to the heat sink through direct contact, and then dissipated to the outside of the electric energy meter through the bottom wall of the bottom box in contact with the heat sink. The bracket not only provides stable mounting structural support for the PCB, but more importantly, due to the bracket's hollow structure, the heat generated by the first heating element placed inside the bracket can be dissipated into the electric energy meter through the hollow space of the bracket, thereby avoiding the problem of local overheating caused by heat flow difficulties inside the electric energy meter.

[0007] Optionally, a heat dissipation grille is provided on the bottom wall of the bottom box at a position corresponding to the heat sink. The heat dissipation grille allows heat on the bottom wall of the bottom box to be transferred to the heat dissipation grille for dissipation. The grille structure has a larger surface area than the bottom wall of the bottom box, meaning that the heat dissipation grille provides a larger heat dissipation area, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect.

[0008] Optionally, a concave space is formed at the bottom of the bottom box, and the heat dissipation grille is arranged in the concave space. By providing the concave space at the bottom of the bottom box to accommodate the heat dissipation grille, the lower end of the heat dissipation grille can be prevented from protruding from the bottom surface of the bottom box and affecting the assembly of the electric energy meter.

[0009] Optionally, a plurality of first hollow cavities are formed at intervals on the circumferential side walls of the bracket, and the heat generated by the side and top surfaces of the first heat-generating body escapes from the bracket through the plurality of first hollow cavities. A second hollow cavity is formed on the top wall of the bracket, and the heat generated by the second heat-generating body connected to the PCB can escape from the bracket through the second hollow cavity and the plurality of first hollow cavities. Through the layout of the plurality of first hollow cavities, the second hollow cavities, and the heat sink, the heat generated by the first and second heat-generating bodies can escape from the bracket or be discharged from the electric energy meter. The heat escaping from the bracket circulates evenly throughout the electric energy meter, avoiding local overheating caused by heat accumulation.

[0010] Optionally, the shape of the first cavity is semicircular or square. The semicircular or square first cavity can better match the shape of the first heating body, and the heat generated by the side of the first heating body can be better conducted to the outside of the bracket through the first cavity.

[0011] Optionally, a plurality of snap-fit ​​seats are evenly spaced along the edge of the bracket, extending toward a side facing away from the bottom box. The plurality of snap-fit ​​seats snap into engagement with the PCB. The bracket is also spaced apart and includes a plurality of positioning posts, each corresponding one-to-one with a plurality of positioning holes on the PCB. The plurality of snap-fit ​​seats provided along the edge of the bracket secure the PCB, while the plurality of positioning posts simultaneously position the PCB for installation. Placing the snap-fit ​​seats at the edge also increases the PCB's installation dimensions.

[0012] Optionally, the heat sink is made of metal, thermally conductive silica gel, or graphene. Metal, thermally conductive silica gel, and graphene all have high thermal conductivity, and the heat sink made of them has better thermal conductivity.

[0013] Optionally, the material of the bracket is PC or ABS. PC is polycarbonate, and ABS is acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, both of which have high strength, high toughness, dimensional stability and good impact resistance, and can meet the use requirements of the bracket.

[0014] Optionally, the bracket is detachably connected to the bottom box. The bracket is detachably mounted on the bottom box to facilitate disassembly, assembly, maintenance and replacement of the bracket, thereby extending the service life of the electric energy meter and reducing the cost of use.

[0015] Optionally, the bottom box and the upper cover are both cylindrical or truncated cone-shaped structures. The cylindrical or truncated cone-shaped bottom box and upper cover can provide a compact installation space and make the installation process more convenient.

[0016] Beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. In the present invention, a heat sink is provided at the bottom of the first heating body and the heat sink is placed on the bottom wall of the bottom box. Since the heat sink has a high thermal conductivity, the heat on the first heating body can be quickly introduced into the heat sink by direct contact, and the heat is dissipated outside the electric energy meter through the bottom wall of the bottom box in contact with the heat sink, thereby achieving the effect of rapid heat conduction.

[0018] 2. In the present invention, by setting up a bracket, the bracket not only provides a stable installation structure support for the PCB, but also due to the hollow structure design of the bracket, the heat generated by the first heating body placed inside the bracket can be dissipated into the electric energy meter through the hollow space of the bracket, thereby avoiding the problem of local overheating caused by the difficulty of heat circulation inside the electric energy meter, and achieving the effect of rapid internal thermal balance of the electric energy meter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a circular electric energy meter with a heat dissipation design disclosed in the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a circular electric energy meter with a heat dissipation design disclosed in the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the internal three-dimensional structure of a circular electric energy meter with a heat dissipation design disclosed in the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is an internal side view of a circular electric energy meter with a heat dissipation design disclosed in the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the installation of a heat sink for a circular electric energy meter with a heat dissipation design disclosed in the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 The present invention discloses a schematic diagram of the installation of a PCB for a circular electric energy meter with a heat dissipation design.

[0026] Reference numerals:

[0027] 1. Base box; 2. First heating element; 3. Bracket; 31. First cavity; 32. Second cavity; 33. Snap-on seat; 34. Positioning column; 4. Upper cover; 5. Heat sink; 6. PCB; 61. Positioning hole; 7. Heat dissipation grille; 71. Concave space.

[0028] The realization of the objectives, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined, terms such as setting, installing, and connecting should be understood in a broad sense, and technicians in the relevant technical field can reasonably determine the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific content of the technical solution.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the exemplary expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0032] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a circular electric energy meter with a heat dissipation design includes a bottom box 1, a first heating body 2, a bracket 3 and an upper cover 4. The first heating body 2 is installed on the bottom box 1. A heat sink 5 is provided between the bottom box 1 and the first heating body 2. The bracket 3 is supported outside the first heating body 2 and is connected to the bottom box 1. The upper cover 4 is provided outside the bracket 3 and the first heating body 2 and is connected to the bottom box 1. The bracket 3 is used to install a PCB 6. The bracket 3 is a hollow structure. The heat generated by the first heating body 2 is circulated and balanced in the circular electric energy meter through the hollow part.

[0033] See also Figure 5 In the present invention, by setting a heat sink 5 at the bottom of the first heating body 2 and setting the heat sink 5 on the bottom wall of the bottom box 1, since the heat sink 5 has a high thermal conductivity, the heat on the first heating body 2 can be quickly introduced into the heat sink 5 by direct contact, and the heat is dissipated to the outside of the electric energy meter through the bottom wall of the bottom box 1 in contact with the heat sink 5. The bracket 3 not only provides a stable mounting structure support for the PCB 6, but more importantly, due to the hollow structure of the bracket 3, the heat generated by the first heating body 2 placed inside the bracket 3 can be dissipated into the electric energy meter through the empty space of the bracket 3, thereby avoiding the problem of local overheating caused by the difficulty of heat circulation inside the electric energy meter.

[0034] For details, see Figure 5, a plurality of mounting ribs are provided on the inner bottom wall of the bottom box 1, and the arrangement positions of the plurality of mounting ribs match the size of the heat sink 5, so as to realize the snap-fitting between the heat sink 5 and the plurality of mounting ribs, so as to improve the stability of the heat sink 5 in the bottom box 1. The side surface of the bracket 3 and the inner wall of the upper cover 4 are clearance-fitted, so that the heat can be better circulated and evenly inside the electric energy meter, and at the same time, the structure of the entire electric energy meter is more compact. The first heating body 2 is specifically a relay or a manganese copper sheet. The material of the bottom box 1 can be PBT or PET or PC, wherein PBT is polybutylene terephthalate, PET is polyethylene terephthalate, and PC is polycarbonate, all of which have physical and mechanical properties of high toughness, fatigue resistance and dimensional stability, and can meet the use requirements of the working environment of the electric energy meter. The present invention does not specifically limit the material of the bottom box 1, and it can be selected according to actual needs. The present invention is not limited to this, and a bottom box 1 made of other materials that meet the relevant physical and mechanical properties is also possible.

[0035] See also Figure 2 In some embodiments of the present invention, a heat dissipation grille 7 is provided on the bottom wall of the bottom box 1 at a position corresponding to the heat sink 5. The heat dissipation grille 7 allows heat on the bottom wall of the bottom box 1 to be transferred to the heat dissipation grille 7 for dissipation. The grille structure has a larger surface area than the bottom wall of the bottom box 1, meaning that the heat dissipation grille 7 provides a larger heat dissipation area, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect.

[0036] Specifically, the heat dissipation grille 7 is a plurality of parallel and spaced-apart sheets, the upper end surfaces of the sheets being in contact with and connected to the bottom wall of the bottom box 1. The heat of the bottom box 1 can be transferred to the entire sheet through the upper end surfaces of the sheets. Since the side surfaces of the sheets have a larger surface area than their upper end surfaces, the heat can be transferred to the external low-temperature air through the side surfaces of the plurality of sheets, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect.

[0037] See also Figure 2 In some embodiments of the present invention, a concave space 71 is formed at the bottom of the bottom box 1, and the heat dissipation grille 7 is disposed within the concave space 71. Providing the concave space 71 at the bottom of the bottom box 1 to accommodate the heat dissipation grille 7 prevents the lower end of the heat dissipation grille 7 from protruding from the bottom surface of the bottom box 1 and affecting the assembly of the electric energy meter.

[0038] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4In some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of first hollow cavities 31 are formed at intervals on the circumferential sidewalls of the bracket 3. Heat generated by the side and top surfaces of the first heat-generating body 2 escapes from the bracket 3 through the plurality of first hollow cavities 31. A second hollow cavity 32 is formed on the top wall of the bracket 3. Heat generated by the second heat-generating body connected to the PCB 6 can escape from the bracket 3 through the second hollow cavity 32 and the plurality of first hollow cavities 31. Through the layout of the plurality of first hollow cavities 31, the second hollow cavities 32, and the heat sink 5, the heat generated by the first and second heat-generating bodies can escape from the bracket 3 or be discharged from the electric energy meter. The heat escaping from the bracket 3 is evenly distributed throughout the electric energy meter, avoiding local overheating caused by heat accumulation.

[0039] Specifically, four first hollow cavities 31 can be formed at even intervals around the side walls of the bracket 3, and the four first hollow cavities 31 can correspond one-to-one to the four directions of the front, back, left and right of the first heating body 2, so that the heat generated around the first heating body 2 can be dissipated to the outside of the bracket 3 as quickly and evenly as possible, further avoiding the local retention of heat inside the bracket 3. Specifically, the second heating body includes a transformer and other heat-generating components. In the present invention, the outer shape of the bracket 3 can be circular, square or other shapes. The shape of the bracket 3 is not specifically limited and can be selected according to actual needs. The second hollow cavity 32 is provided in the middle of the top wall of the bracket 3. The shape of the second hollow cavity 32 is not specifically limited. It is only necessary to ensure that the top wall of the bracket 3 has a position that can provide the required installation of the PCB 6.

[0040] See also Figure 3 In some embodiments of the present invention, the shape of the first hollow cavity 31 can be semicircular, rectangular or other shapes. The semicircular or rectangular first hollow cavity 31 can better adapt to the shape of the first heating body 2, and the heat generated by the side of the first heating body 2 can be better conducted through the first hollow cavity 31 and the outside of the bracket 3. The shape of the first hollow cavity 31 is not specifically limited and can be selected according to actual needs.

[0041] See also Figure 6 In some embodiments of the present invention, multiple snap-on seats 33 are evenly spaced along the edge of the bracket 3. These snap-on seats 33 extend toward a side facing away from the bottom box 1 and engage with the PCB 6. Multiple positioning posts 34 are spaced apart on the bracket 3, each corresponding one-to-one with the multiple positioning holes 61 on the PCB 6. The multiple snap-on seats 33 provided at the edge of the bracket 3 secure the PCB 6, while the multiple positioning posts 34 also position the PCB 6 for installation. Placing the snap-on seats 33 at the edge also increases the design size of the PCB 6.

[0042] Specifically, multiple snap seats 33 are integrally formed at the main rib position between two adjacent first hollow cavities 31 on the side of the bracket 3, which can improve the support strength of the snap seats 33. The sides of the multiple snap seats 33 facing the center of the bracket 3 are each provided with a first snap protrusion that snaps into contact with the PCB 6. The number of first snap protrusions on each snap seat 33 can be multiple, and the multiple first snap protrusions are set at different heights of the snap seats 33, so that the multiple snap seats 33 can snap into contact with multiple PCBs 6 at different heights. The sides of the multiple snap seats 33 facing away from the center of the bracket 3 are each provided with a second snap protrusion. The multiple second snap protrusions can snap into contact with a protective cover provided on the bracket 3, which can protect the PCB 6. The positioning post 34 can be configured as a columnar structure that tapers in a stepped pattern from bottom to top, with the larger diameter of the lower post mate with the positioning hole 61 of the lower PCB 6, and the smaller diameter of the upper post mate with the positioning hole 61 of the upper PCB 6. The positioning hole 61 of the upper PCB 6 has a smaller diameter than the lower portion of the positioning post 34, enabling the same positioning post 34 to simultaneously position multiple PCBs 6. In the present invention, the number of snap-fit ​​seats 33 can be three. These three snap-fit ​​seats 33 not only ensure stable attachment of the PCB 6 but also simplify the assembly process compared to providing a larger number of snap-fit ​​seats 33.

[0043] See also Figure 5 In some embodiments of the present invention, the heat sink 5 is made of metal, thermally conductive silica gel, or graphene. Metal, thermally conductive silica gel, and graphene all have high thermal conductivity, and the heat sink 5 made of these materials has better thermal conductivity.

[0044] Specifically, the present invention does not specifically limit the material of the heat sink 5, and the material can be selected according to needs. Of course, the material of the heat sink 5 is not limited to this, and other materials with high thermal conductivity are also possible.

[0045] See also Figure 3 In some embodiments of the present invention, the material of the bracket 3 is PC or ABS. PC is polycarbonate, and ABS is acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer. Both have high strength, high toughness, dimensional stability, and good impact resistance, which can meet the use requirements of the bracket 3.

[0046] Specifically, the present invention does not specifically limit the material of the bracket 3, and the material can be selected according to needs. Of course, the material of the bracket 3 is not limited to PC or ABS, and other materials with the same or similar properties are also possible.

[0047] See also Figure 3In some embodiments of the present invention, the bracket 3 is detachably connected to the bottom box 1. The bracket 3 is detachably mounted on the bottom box 1 to facilitate disassembly, maintenance, and replacement of the bracket 3, thereby extending the service life of the energy meter and reducing the cost of use.

[0048] Specifically, the bracket 3 and the bottom box 1 can be connected by screws, snap connections or interference fit. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and other connection relationships that can achieve detachable connection are also possible. The connection between the bracket 3 and the bottom box 1 is not specifically limited, and can be selected according to actual needs.

[0049] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom box 1 is a cylindrical or truncated cone structure, and the top cover 4 is a cylindrical or truncated cone structure. The cylindrical or truncated cone-shaped bottom box 1 and top cover 4 can provide a compact installation space and make the installation process more convenient.

[0050] Specifically, the present invention does not impose any specific limitation on the shapes of the bottom box 1 and the upper cover 4, and they can be set according to specific needs.

[0051] During assembly, the present invention first installs the heat sink 5 inside the bottom box 1, then assembles the first heating body 2 into the bottom box 1, and makes the bottom surface of the first heating body 2 fit on the top surface of the heat sink 5, installs the bracket 3 on the outside of the first heating body 2 on the bottom box 1, and accurately positions and fixes the PCB 6 on the bracket 3 through the snap seat 33 and the positioning column 34 on the bracket 3, and finally covers the bracket 3 and PCB 6, and the bottom of the upper cover 4 is sealed and connected to the bottom box 1. When the first heating body 2 and PCB 6 are working, the heat generated by the first heating body 2 can escape from the bottom heat sink 5 or escape from the inside of the bracket 3 through the multiple first empty cavities 31, and the heat generated by the second heating body can escape from the inside of the bracket 3 through the second empty cavity 32 and the multiple first empty cavities 31 at the bottom, thereby quickly conducting the heat inside the bracket 3, so that the heat can be convected inside the electric energy meter after it is generated, avoiding local overheating caused by heat sealing or poor circulation inside the electric energy meter, and achieving rapid thermal balance inside the electric energy meter. Due to the high thermal conductivity of the heat sink 5, the absorbed heat can be quickly balanced to the bottom box 1. Since the bottom box 1 is in direct contact with the relatively low external air temperature, and the heat dissipation grille 7 provided on the bottom box 1 further increases the bottom heat dissipation area of ​​the bottom box 1, the heat inside the electric energy meter can be quickly dissipated, thereby reducing the temperature inside the electric energy meter.

[0052] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's description and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A circular electric energy meter with heat dissipation design, characterized in that: The utility model comprises a base box (1), a first heating body (2), a bracket (3) and an upper cover (4); the first heating body (2) is mounted on the base box (1); a heat sink (5) is provided between the base box (1) and the first heating body (2); the bracket (3) is supported and arranged outside the first heating body (2) and is connected to the base box (1); the upper cover (4) is provided outside the bracket (3) and the first heating body (2) and is connected to the base box (1); a PCB (6) is mounted on the bracket (3); the bracket (3) is a hollow structure with internal and external conduction; the heat generated by the first heating body (2) is circulated and balanced in the circular electric energy meter through the hollow part.

2. The circular electric energy meter with heat dissipation design according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heat dissipation grille (7) is provided on the bottom wall of the bottom box (1) at a position corresponding to the heat dissipation fin (5).

3. The circular electric energy meter with heat dissipation design according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the bottom box (1) is formed with a concave space (71), and the heat dissipation grille (7) is arranged in the concave space (71).

4. The circular electric energy meter with heat dissipation design according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of first hollow cavities (31) are formed at intervals on the circumferential side walls of the bracket (3), and heat generated by the side and top surfaces of the first heating body (2) escapes from the bracket (3) through the plurality of first hollow cavities (31). A second hollow cavity (32) is formed on the top wall of the bracket (3), and heat generated by the second heating body connected to the PCB (6) can escape from the bracket (3) through the second hollow cavity (32) and the plurality of first hollow cavities (31).

5. The circular electric energy meter with heat dissipation design according to claim 4, characterized in that: The shapes of the plurality of first hollow cavities (31) are semicircular or square.

6. The circular electric energy meter with heat dissipation design according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of snap-fit ​​seats (33) are evenly spaced apart on the edge of the bracket (3), the plurality of snap-fit ​​seats (33) are extended toward a side away from the bottom box (1), the plurality of snap-fit ​​seats (33) are snap-fitted with the PCB (6), a plurality of positioning posts (34) are spaced apart on the bracket (3), and the plurality of positioning posts (34) are matched one-to-one with the plurality of positioning holes (61) on the PCB (6).

7. A circular electric energy meter with a heat dissipation design according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The material of the heat sink (5) is metal, thermally conductive silica gel, or graphene.

8. A circular electric energy meter with a heat dissipation design according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The material of the bracket (3) is PC or ABS.

9. A circular electric energy meter with a heat dissipation design according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The bracket (3) is detachably connected to the bottom box (1).

10. A circular electric energy meter with a heat dissipation design according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The bottom box (1) and the upper cover (4) are both cylindrical structures or truncated cone structures.

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