Electronic lock system of intelligent electric meter box and control method of electronic lock system

Abstract

The invention discloses an electronic lock system of an intelligent electric meter box and a control method thereof, and the control method comprises the steps: S1, a remote master station system issues an unlocking authorization instruction to a target intelligent electric meter based on a unique identifier of the target intelligent electric meter; s2, after the target intelligent electric meter verifies that the unlocking authorization instruction is valid, the target intelligent electric meter sends an unlocking driving signal to an electronic lock connected with the target intelligent electric meter, and a box body opening event detection and recording function of the target intelligent electric meter is suspended; s3, the electronic lock responds to the unlocking driving signal to execute an unlocking action; and S4, after the target intelligent electric meter meets a preset condition, automatically recovering a box body opening event detection and recording function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of smart grid equipment management and security operation and maintenance technology, specifically to an electronic lock system and control method for smart meter boxes, and more particularly to a meter box electronic lock management scheme based on remote master station centralized authorization and smart meter linkage control. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of smart grids, smart meters have been widely deployed, making the security management and convenient operation and maintenance of their meter boxes an important issue. Currently, opening meter boxes mainly relies on mechanical locks or local electronic authorization methods.

[0003] Mechanical lock solutions require maintenance personnel to carry a large number of physical keys, which is cumbersome to manage and poses risks of duplication or loss, as well as poor security traceability. In addition, legitimate opening operations will trigger the meter to record "opening events," generating a large amount of invalid data and interfering with backend analysis.

[0004] While local electronic authorization solutions (such as handheld device near-field unlocking) achieve keyless operation, authorization is decentralized and cannot be centrally audited. Furthermore, the electricity meter still records all opening events, making it impossible to distinguish between legal and illegal operations.

[0005] The existing solutions all have the following common defects: (1) authorization and recording are isolated and cannot form a management closed loop; (2) lack real-time global traceability capability; (3) insufficient reliability of unlocking under abnormal conditions such as power outages; (4) unable to filter data noise generated by legitimate operation and maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides an electronic lock system and control method for a smart meter box. Through three-level collaboration of "master station-meter-electronic lock," remote, traceable, and intelligent operation and maintenance can be achieved.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an electronic lock control method for a smart meter box, the method comprising:

[0008] S1. The remote master station system issues an unlocking authorization command to the target smart meter based on the unique identifier of the target smart meter;

[0009] S2. After verifying the validity of the unlocking authorization command, the target smart meter sends an unlocking drive signal to the electronic lock it is connected to and suspends its own box opening event detection and recording function.

[0010] S3. The electronic lock performs an unlocking action in response to the unlocking drive signal;

[0011] S4. After the target smart meter meets the preset conditions, it automatically resumes its box opening event detection and recording function.

[0012] Preferably, in step S1, the unlocking authorization instruction includes the unique identification information of the target smart meter and the authorization validity period.

[0013] Preferably, in step S2, the box opening event detection and recording function includes the detection and recording of meter box opening events and / or end cover opening events.

[0014] Preferably, in step S2, the verification includes determining whether the identification information carried in the unlocking authorization command matches the unique identifier of the target smart meter itself;

[0015] If a match is found, the unlocking authorization instruction is valid; otherwise, it is invalid.

[0016] Preferably, in step S4, the preset conditions include at least one of the following:

[0017] The door of the meter box was detected to be closed;

[0018] The preset maximum authorization duration is reached from the time the unlocking authorization command takes effect.

[0019] Preferably, the maximum authorized duration is set or preset to a fixed duration based on the span of the working interval of other boxes in the same period; the working interval is the total time between the opening of the box door based on the unlocking authorization command and the closing of the box door based on the detection.

[0020] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides an electronic lock system for a smart meter box, used to implement the control method in the first aspect, the system comprising:

[0021] The remote master station system is configured to generate and issue unlocking authorization commands;

[0022] The smart meter has a built-in communication module and a main control unit. The communication module is used to communicate with the remote master station system. The main control unit is configured to receive and verify the unlocking authorization command, and output an unlocking drive signal after successful verification, as well as control the pause and resumption of its own box opening event detection and recording function.

[0023] An electronic lock is installed on the meter box of the smart meter and is electrically connected to the smart meter. It is used to perform an unlocking action in response to the unlocking drive signal.

[0024] Preferably, the electronic lock has a dual-mode power supply unit, including:

[0025] In the first power supply mode, when the power grid is normal, the smart meter supplies power to it.

[0026] The second power supply mode automatically switches to the independent power supply built into the electronic lock when the mains power fails.

[0027] Preferably, the electronic lock also includes a near-field wireless communication unlocking method. This serves as a supplement to or emergency method for the remote master station system's authorized unlocking mechanism.

[0028] Preferably, the smart meter further includes a door status sensor for detecting the opening and closing status of the meter box door and providing the detection signal to the main control unit. This serves as one of the conditions for restoring the detection and recording function of the box opening event.

[0029] The electronic lock system and control method for a smart meter box of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0030] 1. By centralizing unlocking permissions at the main station, centralized control and auditing of meter box opening operations nationwide have been achieved. Each operation can be accurately recorded as "who, when, and which meter was opened", greatly improving the level of security management.

[0031] 2. By intelligently linking the "unlock authorization" and "event logging" functions within the meter, the noise from "unboxing events" generated by legitimate maintenance is fundamentally avoided, making the background event database cleaner and more focused on real anomalies and unauthorized behaviors, thus improving the efficiency and accuracy of data analysis.

[0032] 3. The electronic lock adopts a dual-mode power supply design, especially with a built-in independent backup power supply, which effectively solves the problem of emergency unlocking during power outages. The combination of primary and backup unlocking methods further enhances the system's environmental adaptability and availability.

[0033] 4. Maintenance personnel do not need to carry and manage a large number of physical keys or dedicated handheld devices, and can complete the authorization and unlocking without being on-site, which simplifies the workflow and reduces manpower and time costs.

[0034] 5. From remote authorization, automatic unlocking, and intelligent pause monitoring to automatic recovery after status detection, the entire process is highly automated, reducing human intervention and potential errors. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall architecture of an electronic lock system for a smart meter box according to this application;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the system principle of this application;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic lock control method for a smart meter box according to this application.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic lock. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] In the following description, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The following description provides multiple embodiments of this application, which can be substituted or combined with each other. Therefore, this application can also be considered to include all possible combinations of the same and / or different embodiments described. Thus, if one embodiment includes features A, B, and C, and another embodiment includes features B and D, then this application should also be considered to include embodiments containing one or more other possible combinations of A, B, C, and D, even if such embodiments are not explicitly described in the following text.

[0042] The following description provides examples and does not limit the scope, applicability, or examples set forth in the claims. Changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the described elements without departing from the scope of this application. Various processes or components may be appropriately omitted, substituted, or added to the examples. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Furthermore, features described with respect to some examples may be combined into other examples.

[0043] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an electronic lock control method for a smart meter box is provided, the control method comprising:

[0044] S1. The remote master station system issues an unlocking authorization command to the target smart meter based on the unique identifier of the target smart meter.

[0045] S2. After verifying the validity of the unlocking authorization command, the target smart meter sends an unlocking drive signal to the electronic lock it is connected to and suspends its own box opening event detection and recording function.

[0046] S3. The electronic lock responds to the unlocking drive signal and performs the unlocking action;

[0047] S4. After the target smart meter meets the preset conditions, it will automatically resume its box opening event detection and recording function.

[0048] In this application, the remote master station system serves as the sole authorization center. Maintenance personnel initiate requests through work order systems and other means. After verifying their permissions, the master station issues a time-sensitive "unlock authorization command" to the specific uniquely identified electricity meter to achieve centralized management of permissions.

[0049] The unlocking authorization instruction includes the unique identification information of the target smart meter and the authorization validity period. This time-limited design realizes the temporary and controllable nature of the permission, avoids the security risks caused by long-term authorization retention, and is one of the basic parameters for realizing automatic state recovery.

[0050] For example, the unique identifier can be compiled and edited based on the unique characteristics of the meter, such as the meter number and production serial number. The authorized validity period can be preset according to actual needs, such as 5 minutes.

[0051] The enclosure opening event detection and recording function includes the detection and recording of meter box opening events and / or end cover opening events. This function primarily refers to the monitoring logic within the meter for "meter box opening events" and "end cover opening events" used for anti-theft and security auditing. In traditional solutions, any physical opening of the enclosure triggers recording; however, in this invention, this function can be intelligently paused during the authorized period.

[0052] As the core control unit, the electricity meter is responsible for receiving instructions and verifying its own identity (meter number matching). After successful verification, the electricity meter simultaneously performs two core operations: first, it sends an unlocking signal to the electronic lock; second, it immediately suspends its own "meter box / end cover opening event detection" function; thus, through this linkage mechanism, it distinguishes between legitimate maintenance and unauthorized opening.

[0053] The verification process includes determining whether the identification information carried in the unlocking authorization command matches the unique identifier of the target smart meter itself: if they match, the unlocking authorization command is valid; otherwise, it is invalid.

[0054] For example, after receiving an instruction, the meter's main control unit first parses the meter identification information carried in the instruction and compares it with its own stored unique meter number. Only when the two match perfectly is the instruction deemed valid for the unit, thereby ensuring the accurate delivery and execution of authorized instructions and preventing misoperation or malicious instructions.

[0055] In this application, the electronic lock, with its independent power supply, receives signals from the electricity meter and performs the unlocking action, ensuring that it can be unlocked using a backup switch Bluetooth key during a power outage. Simultaneously, the electricity meter can automatically determine the time for maintenance to end by monitoring the meter box door status sensor.

[0056] The preset conditions for determining when maintenance is complete can include two types of triggering mechanisms:

[0057] Firstly (condition a) is based on state triggering: the meter monitors the box door status in real time. Once the box door is detected to be closed, the operation is considered to be over and the event detection function is immediately restored.

[0058] Secondly (condition b), it is a time-based trigger: set a safety limit much longer than the duration of a single authorization (e.g., 3 days) as a fail-safe mechanism. If the cabinet door is left open for an extended period for any reason, the system will forcibly resume monitoring after reaching the maximum authorized duration, preventing the system from remaining in a "dormant" state for an extended period due to unforeseen circumstances.

[0059] Specifically, the preset conditions include at least one of the following:

[0060] The door to the meter box was detected to be closed;

[0061] The maximum authorized duration is reached from the time the unlocking authorization command takes effect.

[0062] As a preferred embodiment, the maximum authorized duration is set or preset to a fixed duration based on the span of the operation interval of other meter boxes in the same period; the operation interval is the total time from the opening of the box door based on the unlocking authorization command to the closing of the box door based on the detection, that is, the operation time reflected between the "opening" and "closing" of the box door caused by the operation on other meter boxes in the same period, and the same period can be meter boxes in the same area or covered by the same work order.

[0063] In one feasible embodiment, when the maximum authorized duration is preset to a fixed duration, the maximum authorized duration can be limited to the order of "several days", which ensures system security while maintaining operational flexibility.

[0064] For example, when the unlocking authorization command expires, the meter detects that the box door is closed or a preset timeout period (such as 3 days) has been reached, and the event detection function is automatically restored, so that the meter returns to normal operation without manual intervention.

[0065] The interaction among these three systems centralizes unlocking permissions from the field to the main station, achieving end-to-end monitoring and traceability. Every unlocking operation is traceable (who, when, and which meter), significantly improving security management. Through intelligent meter linkage, authorized unlocking is linked to event logging, fundamentally filtering out interference events generated by legitimate maintenance. This allows the backend event logging to focus solely on abnormal and unauthorized behavior, enhancing data value and analysis efficiency.

[0066] The electronic lock is powered independently, solving the unlocking problem during power outages. The electricity meter, acting as a smart intermediary, fully utilizes its existing communication and processing capabilities, eliminating the need to build a complex communication network specifically for the electronic lock, thus reducing system complexity and cost. Remote authorization reduces on-site operation steps and improves maintenance efficiency. From authorization to status restoration, the entire process is completed automatically, forming an efficient and reliable automated closed loop, reducing human error.

[0067] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an electronic lock system for a smart meter box is provided, see below. Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall system architecture of this application. The control system is used to implement the control method in the first aspect, and the control system includes:

[0068] The remote master station system is configured to generate and issue unlocking authorization commands;

[0069] The smart meter has a built-in communication module and a main control unit. The communication module is used to communicate with the remote master station system. The main control unit is configured to receive and verify the unlocking authorization command, and output the unlocking drive signal after the verification is successful, as well as control the pause and resumption of its own box opening event detection and recording function.

[0070] An electronic lock is installed on the smart meter box and is electrically connected to the smart meter. It is used to perform an unlocking action in response to an unlocking drive signal.

[0071] The electronic lock system of the smart meter box of the present invention is a distributed control system composed of software and hardware, such as... Figure 1 As shown, its physical architecture mainly consists of three layers: a remote master station system located at a remote location, smart meters installed on-site, and electronic locks fixed to the meter box doors.

[0072] The main station and the electricity meter can communicate remotely via power line carrier, 4G / 5G or other public or private wireless networks; the electricity meter and the electronic lock can be electrically connected and control signal transmitted via wired means (such as multi-core cables).

[0073] The remote master station system is a remote management platform with the ability to issue "unlock authorization commands" to designated meters. In other words, it acts as an authorization management center.

[0074] In this system, the smart meter serves as the local control core. Its main control unit (such as an MCU) must provide at least one general-purpose input / output pin as the control line for the electronic lock, used to send unlocking drive signals (such as a high-level pulse). Preferably, another input pin should also be provided to connect to the door status sensor for detecting the door's open / closed state. The communication module inside the meter is responsible for interacting with the master station; that is, the control and communication unit.

[0075] The electronic lock is an electromechanical lock comprising a lock body, a drive motor, or an electromagnetic mechanism, which can be selected according to actual needs. This application provides a feasible example, such as... Figure 4 The image shows an IoT lock, whose mechanical structure includes a lock plate, a pressure plate, and a mounting plate, which are fixedly installed on the meter box (cabinet door) by screws.

[0076] The electronic lock features a dual-mode power supply unit. The first power supply mode (main power mode) is powered by a smart meter when the power grid is normal, resulting in a simple structure. The second power supply mode (backup mode) automatically switches to the electronic lock's built-in independent power supply when the power grid fails, ensuring emergency unlocking capability even under extreme conditions and solving maintenance challenges during power outages. In short, the electronic lock serves as both the execution and power supply unit.

[0077] For example, see Figure 2 The electronic lock has dual-mode power supply capability: when the power grid is normal, it is powered by a smart meter; when the power grid fails, it automatically switches to the independent power supply built into the electronic lock (such as a lithium battery) to ensure that the unlocking function is not interrupted due to power outage.

[0078] In this application, the key feature of the electronic lock is that it has a dual-mode power supply interface and a signal input interface. As a typical example, it can be implemented in the following way:

[0079] Power cord: connects the power output of the electricity meter to the main power input of the electronic lock for normal power supply; Independent power supply: the lithium battery pack integrated inside the electronic lock serves as a backup power source; Control signal line: connects the GPIO pin of the main control unit of the electricity meter to the signal trigger terminal of the electronic lock; Status feedback line (optional): connects the mechanical status output terminal of the electronic lock to another GPIO input pin of the electricity meter to confirm whether the lock has been opened; Common ground line: ensures that all circuits share a common ground.

[0080] In the embodiments of this application, in addition to the primary method of remote authorization from the master station, the electronic lock also supports unlocking via near-field wireless communication. This method can serve as a supplementary or emergency measure in case of remote communication failure or emergency situations, thereby improving the flexibility of system operation.

[0081] For example, the lock supports both remote authorization from the master station and near-field unlocking via Bluetooth key, providing flexible options for on-site maintenance.

[0082] In the embodiments of this application, the smart meter also includes a door status sensor for detecting the opening and closing status of the meter box door and providing the detection signal to the main control unit.

[0083] Door status sensors (such as reed switches and Hall sensors) provide the meter with direct information to determine the physical state of the enclosure. Their detection signals are the core input for triggering the automatic recovery of the event detection function and are an important part of achieving closed-loop control.

[0084] Based on the electronic lock system and control method of this application, see [reference]. Figure 3 In practical implementation, a complete workflow of the system can be as follows:

[0085] Maintenance personnel log into the main station system, select the target meter (located by its unique meter number) in the work order interface, and initiate an unlocking authorization request. After verifying the operator's permissions, the main station system generates an encrypted command containing the target meter number, the current timestamp, and the authorized validity period (e.g., 5 minutes), and sends it through the communication network.

[0086] The target meter receives the instruction via the communication module. The main control unit decrypts the instruction and first performs a meter number matching verification. If the verification fails, the instruction is discarded; if the verification succeeds, the authorization effective time is recorded, and two timers are started: one is a valid timer for this authorization (e.g., 5 minutes), and the other is a maximum duration timer as a safety backup (e.g., 72 hours).

[0087] The meter controller immediately executes the linkage operation after successful authentication:

[0088] Send an unlocking drive signal with a preset pulse width to the electronic lock via the control line;

[0089] Internally, the detection, recording, and alarm reporting functions for "open meter box events" and "open end cover events" are suspended.

[0090] After receiving a valid drive signal, the electronic lock is driven by its current valid power source (the main power source provided by the electricity meter when the power grid is normal, and automatically switches to the built-in independent power source when there is a power outage) to achieve physical unlocking.

[0091] For example, the drive signal can be defined according to actual needs, such as a high-level pulse lasting 500ms.

[0092] After successful unlocking, the meter enters a status monitoring cycle:

[0093] Continuously monitor the door status sensor. Within or after the authorized period, once a door closing signal is detected, immediately resume all suspended event detection and recording functions and clear the relevant timers.

[0094] Simultaneously, a maximum duration timer is monitored. If the box door remains open for an extended period, and this timer expires (e.g., reaching 72 hours / day), the meter will forcibly implement a safety policy: unconditionally restore all event detection functions and may report alarm information.

[0095] Understandably, after successful unlocking, the event monitoring function is activated based on the single-authorization validity period and automatic status recovery. The single-authorization validity period refers to the short validity of unlocking authorizations issued by the main station, with a default validity period of 5 minutes. The meter starts timing after the authorization takes effect, and the authorization automatically expires after the timeout. For automatic status recovery, the meter monitors the box door status via a sensor. When the box door is detected as closed, the meter immediately and automatically resumes the "box opening detection" and "end cover opening detection" functions. Simultaneously, a safety limit is set (e.g., a cumulative total of 3 days from the authorization date); after this period, regardless of whether the box door is closed, the event monitoring function is forcibly restored.

[0096] This method ensures that opening of the enclosure due to legitimate maintenance operations during the validity period of this authorization will not be recorded as an abnormal event.

[0097] When the power grid experiences a complete power outage, the meter enters battery-powered mode, and is unable to communicate with the master station, the remote authorization channel is unavailable. In this situation, maintenance personnel can use the provided Bluetooth key to approach the electronic lock. After the key and electronic lock are paired via near-field communication, the independent power supply of the electronic lock can be directly activated to unlock it. It should be noted that this emergency method is not authorized by the master station; therefore, the meter's event logging function will not be suspended, and this unlocking operation will be recorded accurately.

[0098] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, as some steps may be performed in other orders or simultaneously according to this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application.

[0099] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0100] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the various methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage device, which may include: a flash drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, etc.

[0101] The foregoing description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Any equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure shall still fall within the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily conceive of embodiments of this disclosure upon considering the specification and practicing the disclosure herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not described herein. The specification and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the scope and spirit of this disclosure are defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic lock control method for a smart meter box, characterized in that, include: S1. The remote master station system issues an unlocking authorization command to the target smart meter based on the unique identifier of the target smart meter; S2. After verifying the validity of the unlocking authorization command, the target smart meter sends an unlocking drive signal to the electronic lock it is connected to and suspends its own box opening event detection and recording function. S3. The electronic lock performs an unlocking action in response to the unlocking drive signal; S4. After the target smart meter meets the preset conditions, it automatically resumes its box opening event detection and recording function.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the unlocking authorization instruction includes the unique identification information of the target smart meter and the authorization validity period.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, the box opening event detection and recording function includes the detection and recording of meter box opening events and / or end cover opening events.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, the verification includes determining whether the identification information carried in the unlocking authorization command matches the unique identifier of the target smart meter itself; If a match is found, the unlocking authorization instruction is valid; otherwise, it is invalid.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S4, the preset conditions include at least one of the following: The door of the meter box was detected to be closed; The preset maximum authorization duration is reached from the time the unlocking authorization command takes effect.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The maximum authorized duration is set or preset to a fixed duration based on the span of the operating interval of other boxes in the same period; the operating interval is the total time between the opening of the box door based on the unlocking authorization command and the closing of the box door based on the detection.

7. An electronic lock system for a smart meter box, characterized in that, The system for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 comprises: The remote master station system is configured to generate and issue unlocking authorization commands; The smart meter has a built-in communication module and a main control unit. The communication module is used to communicate with the remote master station system. The main control unit is configured to receive and verify the unlocking authorization command, and output an unlocking drive signal after successful verification, as well as control the pause and resumption of its own box opening event detection and recording function. An electronic lock is installed on the meter box of the smart meter and is electrically connected to the smart meter. It is used to perform an unlocking action in response to the unlocking drive signal.

8. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electronic lock has a dual-mode power supply unit, including: In the first power supply mode, when the power grid is normal, the smart meter supplies power to it. The second power supply mode automatically switches to the independent power supply built into the electronic lock when the mains power fails.

9. The system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The electronic lock also includes a near-field wireless communication unlocking method.

10. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The smart meter also includes a door status sensor for detecting the opening and closing status of the meter box door and providing the detection signal to the main control unit.

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