Extension module connecting structure for electric energy metering box and circuit breaker

Abstract

This invention discloses an expansion module connection structure and circuit breaker for an electricity metering box, comprising several expansion modules, each with a corresponding slide rail. The slide rails on each expansion module are assembled to form a movable channel. A communication module is movably connected to the movable channel. This communication module has several elastic contacts, and each expansion module has a contact point corresponding to a slide rail position. These contacts are connected to a signal unit within the expansion module via conductive elements. The elastic contacts correspond to the contact points, allowing energization when the communication module moves into position within the movable channel. A plug is connected to the communication module, electrically connecting each contact point. The plug is used to connect to an expansion module or processing terminal with a processing unit. This design improves the problem of easily interrupted signal transmission in expansion modules and enhances the stability of the module communication connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to circuit breakers, specifically to an expansion module connection structure and circuit breaker for an electricity metering box. Background Technology

[0002] Electricity metering boxes require intelligent circuit breakers. Therefore, in this scenario, different expansion modules are added side by side to the circuit breakers according to different functional requirements. However, communication between the expansion modules is required. The conventional communication connection method is that the expansion module has a socket on one side and a plug on the other side. When the expansion modules are combined side by side, the plug is inserted into the socket of the adjacent module to complete the communication connection. This cooperation depends on the sequential transmission of signals to the receiving end. However, if one of the modules fails to work properly, the signal will be completely broken, affecting the signal transmission and reception of other modules that rely on this transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide an expansion module connection structure and circuit breaker for an electricity metering box, which can improve the problem of easy interruption of signal transmission in the expansion module and enhance the stability of the module communication connection.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an expansion module connection structure for an electricity metering box, comprising a plurality of expansion modules, each expansion module being provided with a slide rail, and the slide rails on each expansion module being positioned correspondingly, wherein the slide rails are spliced ​​together to form an active channel after the expansion modules are combined. The active channel is connected to a communication module, which is equipped with several elastic contacts. Each expansion module has a contact point at the position of the slide rail. The contact point is connected to the signal unit in the expansion module through a conductive element. The position of the elastic contact corresponds to the contact point, so that when the communication module moves into position in the active channel, the elastic contact makes contact with the contact point to conduct electricity. The communication module is connected to a plug that electrically connects to each contact point. The plug is used to connect to an expansion module or processing terminal with a processing unit.

[0005] As a further improvement of the present invention, each of the resilient contacts also extends a branch connected in series with a current-limiting resistor and an LED, which is then connected to the grounding pin of the plug; the active channel is provided with a window or opening at least corresponding to the position of the LED.

[0006] As a further improvement of the present invention, the slide has baffles on both sides for guiding the movement of the communication module and restricting the communication module from detaching. An elastic element is provided on the side of the baffle facing the communication module. The elastic element is snapped into the baffle, and one elastic end corresponds to the communication module to help the communication module fit in the moving channel and to provide a correspondence between the contact and the contact point.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the elastic element is V-shaped and has connectors at both ends. The retaining edge is provided with a connecting groove for at least part of the elastic element to enter. The two sides of the connecting groove are provided with slots for the connectors to be engaged. A part of the connector is engaged in the connecting groove, and at least a part is located outside the slot, so that the connector can move into or out of the slot when the elastic element deforms.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the communication module is an integrated circuit board, and the position corresponding to the elastic element is an exposed copper-plated part for the elastic element to contact and slide.

[0009] A circuit breaker is also provided, comprising a main body and an expansion module assembled together, wherein the main body serves as a processing terminal and is connected for communication via an expansion module connection structure as described in any of the above claims.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the main body is provided with a plug interface at the position of the plug, and the two are interference-fitted when the plug is inserted into the plug interface to fix the communication module.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the active channel is provided with an opening at least at the other end of the corresponding plug of the communication module for inserting a finger or tool.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are that by having an independently configured communication module that directly contacts and connects with each expansion module, the problem of overall signal interruption caused by a single module failure can be improved, thus enhancing the stability of the communication connection between expansion modules. At the same time, the movable communication module assembly method can improve the convenience of module combination and communication connection. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the complete three-dimensional structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the hidden processing terminal of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a further hidden extension module of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded state of the hidden communication module of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram of the cross-section of the present invention; Figure 6 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of part A in the image.

[0014] Reference numerals: 1. Expansion module; 2. Slide rail; 3. Communication module; 4. Flexible contact; 5. Contact point; 6. Plug; 7. LED; 8. Viewing window; 9. Edge guard; 10. Flexible element; 11. Connecting groove; 12. Card slot; 13. Insertion interface; 14. Opening. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Reference Figure 1-6 As shown, the expansion module connection structure for the electricity metering box in this embodiment includes several expansion modules 1. The feature is that each expansion module 1 is provided with a slide rail 2, and the slide rail 2 on each expansion module 1 is positioned correspondingly. After the expansion modules 1 are combined, the slide rail 2 are spliced ​​together to form an active channel. The active channel is connected to a communication module 3, which is equipped with several elastic contacts 4. Each expansion module 1 is equipped with a contact 5 at the position corresponding to the slide rail 2. The contact 5 is connected to the signal unit in the expansion module 1 through a conductive element. The position of the elastic contact 4 corresponds to the contact 5, and is used to make contact with the contact 5 to conduct electricity when the communication module 3 moves into position in the active channel. The communication module 3 is connected to a plug 6, which electrically connects to each contact 5. The plug 6 is used to connect to the expansion module 1 or the processing terminal with the processing unit.

[0017] After multiple expansion modules 1 are arranged side by side, the slide rails 2 on each expansion module 1 are spliced ​​together to form a continuous movable channel. The communication module 3 is pushed in along the movable channel, and the elastic contact 4 on the communication module 3 will contact the contact points 5 on each expansion module 1 one by one. After the elastic contact 4 contacts the contact points 5, an electrical connection is formed. The signal unit in the expansion module 1 transmits the signal to the contact point 5 through a conductive element, and then to the communication module 3 via the elastic contact 4. The communication module 3 transmits the aggregated signal to the expansion module 1 with a processing unit or an external processing terminal through the plug 6. Each expansion module 1 directly transmits signals through the communication module 3, without relying on sequential transmission between modules, which can alleviate the problem of a single module failure affecting the overall signal transmission. At the same time, the movable assembly method simplifies the combination and communication connection operation of the expansion modules 1. The elastic contact 4 can be a flexible contact pin. It should also be noted that the movable channel can be a through channel, in which case the length requirement for the communication module 3 is lower. For example, even if the length of the communication module 3 is longer than the movable channel, it can still be exposed after passing through. However, it is more preferable that the length of the communication module 3 matches the number of expansion modules 1.

[0018] To facilitate intuitive judgment of the conduction status of each expansion module 1 and communication module 3, in one optional scheme, each contact also leads out a branch connected in series with a current-limiting resistor and LED7 and then connected to the grounding pin of plug 6; the active channel is provided with a window 8 or opening 14 at least corresponding to the position of LED7.

[0019] After the contact 5 is connected, the current flows from the contact through the branch line to the current-limiting resistor, and then through LED7 to the grounding pin of plug 6 to form a circuit. LED7 lights up when powered on. The operator can observe the on / off state of LED7 through the viewing window 8 or opening 14 on the active channel to determine whether the corresponding expansion module 1 and communication module 3 are conducting well. The current-limiting resistor can limit the current of the branch line to prevent excessive current from damaging LED7. The setting of viewing window 8 and opening 14 allows the operator to directly observe the conduction status, improving the convenience of module maintenance and debugging. Moreover, this branch design does not affect signal transmission.

[0020] To improve the installation stability and contact reliability of the communication module 3 in the active channel, the following optimization method can be selected: the slide 2 has baffles 9 on both sides to guide the movement of the communication module 3 and restrict the communication module 3 from coming out. An elastic element 10 is provided on the side of the baffle 9 facing the communication module 3. The elastic element 10 is snapped into the baffle 9, and the elastic end corresponds to the communication module 3 to help the communication module 3 fit in the active channel and to provide a correspondence between the contact and the contact point 5.

[0021] When the communication module 3 moves within the movable channel, the baffles 9 on both sides of the slide 2 limit and guide the movement path of the communication module 3 to prevent it from deviating. The elastic element 10 on the baffle 9 applies an elastic force to the communication module 3, ensuring that the communication module 3 remains in contact with the movable channel. This allows the elastic contact 4 and contact point 5 to maintain stable contact, reducing the possibility of poor contact. At the same time, the baffle 9 can restrict the communication module 3 from detaching from the movable channel. The elastic force of the elastic element 10 can be adapted to the assembly gap of the communication module 3, improving the adaptability of the communication module 3 assembly.

[0022] In some options, the elastic element 10 is V-shaped and has connectors at both ends. The retaining edge 9 is provided with a connecting groove 11 for at least part of the elastic element 10 to enter. The two sides of the connecting groove 11 are provided with slots 12 for the connector to be engaged. A part of the connector is engaged in the connecting groove 11 for engagement, and at least a part is located outside the slot 12, so that the connector can move into or out of the slot 12 when the elastic element 10 is deformed.

[0023] The two end connectors of the V-shaped elastic element 10 are inserted into the slots 12 on both sides of the connecting groove 11 of the retaining edge 9 to achieve a fixed connection between the elastic element 10 and the retaining edge 9. When the elastic element 10 is deformed by force, the connectors can move within a small range in the slots 12, which ensures the fixed stability of the elastic element 10 without affecting the elastic deformation effect of the elastic element 10. The V-shaped structure of the elastic element 10 can continuously apply fitting pressure to the communication module 3. The connecting groove 11 can accommodate part of the structure of the elastic element 10, reducing the space occupied by the elastic element 10 and improving the compactness of the overall structure. Moreover, this redundancy setting makes it convenient to install the elastic element 10 into the slot 12.

[0024] Reference Figure 4 As shown, each expansion module 1 has a connecting groove 11 and a slot 12 on one side. When the expansion modules 1 are spliced ​​together, the end of the baffle 9 of the adjacent expansion module 1 abuts against the opening 14 of the connecting groove 11 and slot 12 of another expansion module 1, blocking the connecting groove 11 and slot 12, so that the elastic element 10 will not come out, which is convenient for installation and processing.

[0025] In order to meet the contact and sliding requirements of the elastic element 10, in a further optimized solution, the communication module 3 is an integrated circuit board, and the position corresponding to the elastic element 10 is an exposed copper-plated part, which is used for the contact and sliding of the elastic element 10.

[0026] The elastic element 10 contacts the exposed copper-clad portion on the communication module 3. The smooth surface of the copper-clad portion reduces the sliding friction between the elastic element 10 and the communication module 3, facilitating the pushing and pulling of the communication module 3 into and out of the movable channel. Moreover, the circuit board already has a copper-clad layer, making processing even more convenient.

[0027] This embodiment also provides a circuit breaker, including a main body and an expansion module 1 assembled together. The main body serves as a processing terminal and is connected for communication through the connection structure of the expansion module 1.

[0028] The main body of the circuit breaker serves as a signal processing terminal. The expansion module 1, after being assembled, establishes a communication connection with the main body through the expansion module 1 connection structure. The signals from each expansion module 1 are aggregated by the communication module 3 and directly transmitted to the main body. The main body processes and controls the signals. The application of the expansion module 1 connection structure can improve the problem of easy interruption of communication of the circuit breaker expansion module 1 and improve the overall stability of the circuit breaker operation.

[0029] In order to fix the communication module 3, in one optional scheme, the main body is provided with a plug interface 13 at the position of the plug 6. When the plug 6 is inserted into the plug interface 13, the two are interference-fitted to fix the communication module 3.

[0030] After the communication module 3 is pushed into the designated position along the movable channel, the plug 6 on the communication module 3 is inserted into the connector 13 of the main body. The plug 6 and the connector 13 are interference-fitted, which can fix the communication module 3 in the movable channel and prevent the communication module 3 from shifting during use. At the same time, the interference fit can ensure the stability of the electrical connection between the plug 6 and the connector 13, reduce signal transmission failures, and simplify the fixing operation of the communication module 3.

[0031] To facilitate the installation of the communication module 3, further optimization can be achieved by providing an opening 14 at the other end of the plug 6 corresponding to the communication module 3 for inserting fingers or tools.

[0032] When the communication module 3 needs to be installed, if the length of the communication module 3 is compatible with the size of the combination of several expansion modules 1, you can insert your finger or tool into the opening 14 of the active channel and push the communication module 3 towards the main body so that the plug 6 can be inserted into the plug interface 13 of the main body, making the installation more convenient.

[0033] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principles of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An extension module connection structure for an electric energy metering box, comprising a plurality of extension modules, characterized in that, Each of the expansion modules is provided with a slide rail, and the slide rails on each expansion module are positioned correspondingly. After the expansion modules are combined, the slide rails are spliced ​​together to form an active channel. The active channel is connected to a communication module, which is equipped with several elastic contacts. Each expansion module has a contact point at the position of the slide rail. The contact point is connected to the signal unit in the expansion module through a conductive element. The position of the elastic contact corresponds to the contact point, so that when the communication module moves into position in the active channel, the elastic contact makes contact with the contact point to conduct electricity. The communication module is connected to a plug that electrically connects to each contact point. The plug is used to connect to an expansion module or processing terminal with a processing unit.

2. The extension module connection structure for an electric energy metering box according to claim 1, characterized by, Each of the aforementioned resilient contacts also extends a branch connected in series with a current-limiting resistor and an LED, which is then connected to the grounding pin of the plug; the active channel is provided with a window or opening at least corresponding to the position of the LED.

3. The extension module connection structure for an electric energy metering box according to claim 1, characterized by, The slide has baffles on both sides to guide the movement of the communication module and restrict its disengagement. An elastic element is provided on the baffle facing the communication module. The elastic element is snapped into the baffle, and its elastic end corresponds to the communication module to help the communication module fit in the moving channel and to provide a correspondence between the contacts and the contact points.

4. The extension module connection structure for an electric energy metering box according to claim 3, characterized by, The elastic element is V-shaped and has connectors at both ends. The retaining edge is provided with a connecting groove for at least part of the elastic element to enter. The two sides of the connecting groove are provided with slots for the connectors to be engaged. A part of the connector is engaged in the connecting groove, and at least a part is outside the slot, so that the connector can move into or out of the slot when the elastic element deforms.

5. The extension module connection structure for an electric energy metering box according to claim 4, characterized by, The communication module is an integrated circuit board, and the position corresponding to the elastic element is an exposed copper-plated part, which is used for the elastic element to contact and slide.

6. A circuit breaker characterized by, The device includes a main body and an expansion module that is assembled together. The main body serves as a processing terminal and is connected for communication through the expansion module connection structure for an electricity metering box as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The circuit breaker of claim 6, wherein, The main body has a plug interface at the position of the plug. When the plug is inserted into the plug interface, the two are interference-fitted to fix the communication module.

8. The circuit breaker of claim 7, wherein, The active channel has at least one opening at the other end of the corresponding plug of the communication module for inserting fingers or tools.

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