Combined electric meter structure

Abstract

A modular electricity meter structure includes a meter body and a modular assembly mounted on the side of the meter body. The modular assembly consists of several sequentially connected modular units. Each modular unit contains a circuit board for implementing different functions. Both sides of the circuit board have male and female connectors that are connected to the circuit board. The side of the meter body has a mating female connector corresponding to the male connector. A positioning notch is formed on the surface of the meter body. Each modular unit has a positioning protrusion installed within the positioning notch and a mating notch adapted to adjacent modular units. Compared with existing technologies, by setting up the modular assembly mounted on the side of the meter body, different numbers and functions of modular units can be selected according to the desired function. These modules are electrically connected to the meter body via sequentially connected male and female connectors, thereby allowing for personalized customization of the meter body's functions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of integrated terminal technology, and more specifically to a combined electricity meter structure. Background Technology

[0002] An electricity meter is an instrument used to measure electrical energy. It is also called an electricity meter, watt-hour meter, or kilowatt-hour meter. It refers to an instrument that measures various electrical quantities.

[0003] Smart meters are one of the basic devices for data acquisition in smart grids. They are responsible for the collection, measurement, and transmission of raw electrical energy data. They are the foundation for information integration, analysis and optimization, and information display. In addition to the basic electricity metering function of traditional electricity meters, they also have intelligent functions such as bidirectional multi-rate metering, user-end control, bidirectional data communication with multiple data transmission modes, and anti-theft.

[0004] In existing electricity meters, depending on the environment in which the meter is located, there are usually metering modules for calculating electricity consumption, display modules for displaying various meter data, storage modules for storing various meter parameters, and power supply modules for supplying power to each module. Communication modules for receiving communication signals, control modules for controlling the meter, security modules for verifying identity, monitoring modules for environmental detection, smart modules for linking with smart homes, and analysis modules for detecting power grid quality can also be set up according to actual needs.

[0005] When it is necessary to customize a personalized electricity meter for a customer, the internal structure of the entire meter usually needs to be rearranged, which increases the workload of the manufacturer and also increases the customization cost for the customer.

[0006] Chinese Publication No. CN204613267U discloses a fastener for an electricity meter expansion module, an electricity meter expansion module, and an electricity meter. The electricity meter expansion module includes a housing with a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. Positioning protrusions are provided on the first surface, and positioning holes corresponding in position and number to the positioning protrusions are provided on the second surface. The housing also has holes penetrating the first and second surfaces for fastener insertion. The fastener has external threads at its tail, a slot at its head, a threaded hole at the center of the head, and a protruding stepped structure at a position between the head and tail.

[0007] When multiple expansion modules are installed in the aforementioned electricity meter, fasteners are required between adjacent expansion modules to achieve sequential connection between the electricity meter and multiple expansion modules. However, since there are sequentially connected fasteners in the expansion modules, the fasteners are tightened by threads. But since the fasteners pass through the circuit board of the expansion module, the tightening state of the fasteners is in a blind spot during the installation of adjacent expansion modules. This can easily cause the fasteners to be too close, resulting in damage to the circuit board and affecting the use of the expansion module, or the fasteners to be too loose, causing the expansion module to fall off. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome the defects in the prior art and provide a modular meter structure that is structurally reliable and can be customized with the required modules.

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a combined electricity meter structure, comprising an electricity meter body and a module assembly installed on the side of the electricity meter body, the module assembly being composed of a plurality of sequentially connected module units; characterized in that, each module unit is equipped with a circuit board for realizing different functions, the circuit board having male and female connectors respectively on both sides, and the side of the electricity meter body having a female connector for engaging with the male connector; each module unit has a positioning protrusion and a notch respectively formed on both sides, and the surface of the electricity meter body has a positioning notch for engaging with the positioning protrusion; the back of the electricity meter body is equipped with an installation rail that connects both the module assembly and the electricity meter body, and both the module unit and the electricity meter body are provided with a hanging member for locking the installation rail.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the module unit includes a module body and a module cover detachably connected to the side of the module body, a circuit board is installed inside the module body, and a pin header with a corresponding male connector is formed on the module cover.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the male connector includes a pin header and a connector sleeved on the pin header, with the pin header passing through the pin header opening.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the module body is provided with guide posts for positioning the circuit board, and guide ribs are formed on the side of the circuit board for guiding the installation direction of the circuit board.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the positioning protrusion is equipped with a connecting screw that connects to the main body of the meter, and the positioning protrusion is a double-layer structure to prevent the connecting screw from falling off.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the module unit is formed with a threading groove, and the threading groove is provided with a guide ramp to facilitate the gripping of the thread end.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the meter body is provided with an end cover and a screen cover for protecting the internal electronic components of the meter body. The meter body is provided with a communication network port. A silicone part for dust protection of the communication network port is installed on the end cover. The end of the silicone part has an anti-detachment structure that is inserted into the end cover. The meter body is provided with a battery mounting base and a buckle rib for preventing the battery from falling out.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the end cover and the corner of the screen cover are provided with locking screws for connecting to the main body of the meter, and the main body of the meter is provided with an ultrasonic signal trigger to prevent electricity theft.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the meter body is provided with a plurality of fastening screws for locking various electronic components, and anti-loosening cover plates corresponding to the fastening screws are installed inside the meter body. The meter body is also provided with a terminal block for supporting the anti-loosening cover plates, and the terminal block has an observation hole for observing the connection status of each fastening screw.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting guide rail has outwardly extending snap-fit ​​edges on both sides, the module unit and the meter body are provided with a fixed snap-fit ​​bracket for pressing one snap-fit ​​edge, the module unit and the meter body are provided with a mounting bracket located on the other snap-fit ​​edge, and a hanging member for pressing the other snap-fit ​​edge is installed in the mounting bracket.

[0019] Compared with existing technologies, by setting up modular components installed on the side of the meter body, different numbers and functions of modular units can be selected according to the required functions. These modules are electrically connected to the meter body through sequentially connected male and female connectors, thereby allowing for personalized customization of the meter body's functions. Furthermore, by setting mating female connectors, positioning notches, and mounting rails on three different sides of the meter body to connect with the modular components, a stable connection between the modular units and the meter body is achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is an assembly diagram for installing the guide rails;

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the module unit;

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the module cover installation;

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of a section at point C;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit board installation;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit board structure;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the main body of the electricity meter;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the main body of the electricity meter;

[0031] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of a section at point D;

[0032] Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of the silicone component;

[0033] Reference numerals: 1. Meter body, 11. Positioning notch, 12. Screen cover, 13. End cover, 14. Locking screw, 15. Ultrasonic signal trigger, 16. Battery mounting base, 161. Snap-fit ​​rib, 17. Communication port, 18. Terminal block, 181. Observation hole, 19. Anti-detachment cover, 191. Fastening screw, 21. Module assembly, 21. Module unit, 22. Positioning protrusion, 23. Mating notch, 24. Module body, 25. Module cover, 26. Guide post, 27. Connecting screw, 28. Double-layer structure, 29. Pin header, 31. Mounting rail, 31. Snap-fit ​​edge, 32. Fixing snap-fit ​​bracket, 33. Mounting bracket, 34. Hanging piece, 41. Circuit board, 42. Pin header, 43. Plug female port, 44. Connector, 45. Guide rib, 51. Plug male port, 6. Silicone part, 71. Anti-detachment structure, 6. Mating female port, 72. Threading groove, 71. Guide ramp. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] like Figures 1-13As shown, a combined electricity meter structure includes an electricity meter body 1 and a module assembly 2 installed on the side of the electricity meter body 1. The module assembly 2 is composed of several module units 21 connected in sequence. The module unit 21 is equipped with a circuit board 4 for realizing different functions. The circuit board 4 has a male connector 45 and a female connector 42 on both sides, which are connected to the circuit board 4. The side of the electricity meter body 1 is equipped with a mating female connector 6 corresponding to the male connector 45. The surface of the electricity meter body 1 is formed with a positioning notch 11. The module unit 21 is formed with a positioning protrusion 22 installed in the positioning notch 11 and a mating notch 23 adapted to the adjacent module unit 21. The back of the electricity meter body 1 is equipped with a mounting rail 3 that connects the module assembly 2 and the electricity meter body 1. Both the module unit 21 and the electricity meter body 1 are equipped with a hanging piece 34 for locking the mounting rail 3.

[0036] The module units 21 are connected to each other through a male connector 45 and a female connector 42 that can be plugged in. Specifically, the female connector 42 of the module unit 21 is plugged in with the male connector 45 of the adjacent module unit 21, thereby realizing the sequential connection between multiple module units 21.

[0037] The module unit 21, which is connected to the main body 1 of the meter, is connected to the mating female port 6 of the main body 1 through the male connector 45 of the module unit 21, so as to connect the circuit board in the module unit 21 with the circuit board in the main body 1 of the meter.

[0038] After multiple module units 21 are assembled with the main body of the meter 1, the execution of functions and signal acquisition need to be controlled by the main body of the meter 1.

[0039] The female connector, positioning notch 11, and mounting rail 3 are located on three different sides of the meter body 1.

[0040] The mounting rail 3 is installed on the back of the meter body 1 and the module unit 21. The female port 6 is formed on the side of the meter body 1. The female port 6 is inserted into the male port 45 of the module unit 21, so that the side of the meter body 1 and the module unit 21 are connected at the same time. The positioning notch 11 is formed at the connection between the front of the meter body 1 and the side where the female port 6 is located.

[0041] The number and function of the module units 21 in the module component 2 are configured according to the actual needs of the meter body 1. Multiple module units 21 in the module component 2 are connected through mating female plug-in ports 42 and male plug-in ports 45. At the same time, the male plug-in port 45 closest to the meter body 1 is connected to the mating female plug-in port 6 of the meter body 1, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the meter body 1 and all the required module units 21, so as to satisfy the need to load different functions and different numbers of module components 2 on the meter body 1 as needed.

[0042] The connection between the meter body 1 and the module component 2 is achieved through the mating female ports, positioning notches 11 and mounting rails 3 located on three different sides of the meter body 1, under the action of multiple surfaces, thus ensuring the connection stability between the meter body 1 and the module component 2.

[0043] Specifically, the front of the meter body 1 and the module component 2 are connected by positioning protrusion 22 and positioning notch 11, the side of the meter body 1 and the module component 2 are connected by male connector 45 and female connector 6, and the back of the meter body 1 and the module component 2 are connected by mounting rail 3.

[0044] The module unit 21 includes a module body 24 and a module cover 25 that is detachably connected to the side of the module body 24. The circuit board 4 is installed inside the module body 24. The module cover 25 has pin headers 29 that are corresponding to the male connector 45.

[0045] The module cover 25 is detachably connected to the side of the module body 24 by bolts. The opening and closing of the module cover 25 facilitates the installation of the circuit board 4 inside the module body 24. The pin header 29 is set to match the female port 6 and is used to limit and support the male port 45 to meet the connection requirements between the male port 45 and the female port 6.

[0046] The male connector 45 includes a pin header 41 and a connector 43 sleeved on the pin header 41. The pin header 41 is set through the pin header port 29. The soldering surfaces of all the pin headers 41 are set on the same side of the circuit board 4 as other electronic components. The other side of the circuit board 4 is only provided with a female connector 42, which can realize double-sided wave cresting and improve production efficiency.

[0047] The connector 43 is an integral structure used to fit onto the pin header 41, thereby connecting all the pin headers 41 into an integral structure under the action of the connector 43.

[0048] The module body 24 has a guide post 26 for positioning the circuit board 4, and the side of the circuit board 4 has a guide rib 44 for guiding the installation direction of the circuit board 4.

[0049] The guide post 26 and the module body 24 are an integral structure. The circuit board 4 has mating holes or mating grooves corresponding to the positions of the guide post 26. Under the action of multiple guide posts 26, the installation direction of the circuit board 4 is guided and the installed circuit board 4 is limited. The guide rib 44 also limits the installation position of the circuit board 4. At the same time, the guide rib 44 plays the role of reducing gaps and preventing dust.

[0050] A connecting screw 27 is installed at the positioning protrusion 22 to connect with the meter body 1. The positioning protrusion 22 is a double-layer structure 28 to prevent the connecting screw 27 from falling off.

[0051] The connecting screw 27 enables a detachable connection between the module unit 21 and the meter body 1. The double-layer structure 28 ensures that during the tightening of the connecting screw 27, two points of different lengths of the connecting screw 27 are supported simultaneously. This prevents the connecting screw 27 from completely coming off when the operator retracts it on site, and also prevents the module from jamming when it is inserted or removed because the connecting screw 27 is lower than the second anti-detachment ring.

[0052] The double-layer structure 28 is a hollow box-type design. Both the top and bottom of the double-layer structure 28 have through holes corresponding to the diameter of the connecting screw 27. With the connecting screw 27 able to pass through the double-layer structure 28, the top and bottom of the double-layer structure 28 support the connecting screw 27 at two different positions. When the connecting screw 27 is loosened, it is only necessary to retract the connecting screw 27 to the bottom of the double-layer structure 28 to disconnect the connection between the connecting screw 27 and the meter body 1. At this time, the bottom of the connecting screw 27 is supported by the bottom of the double-layer structure 28, and the middle of the connecting screw 27 is supported by the top of the double-layer structure 28. This prevents the connecting screw 27 from falling off the double-layer structure 28 and also guides and limits the tightening direction of the connecting screw 27.

[0053] The module unit 21 has a wire-passing groove 7 on its surface. The wire-passing groove 7 is provided with a guide ramp 71 to facilitate the picking up of the wire end. A lead seal can be installed at the connecting screw 27. The guide ramp 71 can guide the lead seal wire. After the operator passes the connecting screw 27 on site, the guide ramp 71 can make it easier to pick up the wire end of the lead seal wire.

[0054] The meter body 1 has an end cover 13 and a screen cover 12 on its surface to protect the internal electronic components. The meter body 1 has a communication network port 17 inside. The end cover 13 is equipped with a silicone part 5 for dust protection of the communication network port 17. The end of the silicone part 5 has an anti-detachment structure 51 that is inserted into the end cover 13. The meter body 1 has a battery mounting base 16 inside and a buckle rib 161 inside to prevent the battery from falling out.

[0055] The silicone part 5 is used to protect the communication network port 17 from dust and water during standby, and is prevented from falling off under the action of the anti-detachment structure 51, so that the silicone part 5 will not fall off during on-site use.

[0056] The battery mounting bracket 16 guides the battery insertion and is designed with snap ribs 161 to prevent the battery from falling off. After the end cover 13 is removed on site, the battery will not fall off automatically.

[0057] The end cap 13 and the screen cover 12 are provided with locking screws 14 for connecting to the main body 1 of the meter, and the main body 1 of the meter is provided with an ultrasonic signal trigger 15 to prevent electricity theft.

[0058] Both the locking screw 14 and the ultrasonic signal trigger 15 are used to prevent electricity theft in the main body 1 of the meter. The ultrasonic signal trigger 15 is triggered when the screen cover 12 is opened, which is suitable for the market with high requirements for electricity theft prevention.

[0059] The meter body 1 is equipped with several fastening screws 191 for locking various electronic components. The meter body 1 is also equipped with anti-detachment cover plates 19 corresponding to the fastening screws 191. The meter body 1 is also equipped with a terminal block 18 for supporting the anti-detachment cover plate 19. The terminal block 18 has an observation hole 181 for observing the connection status of each fastening screw 191.

[0060] The fastening screws 191 are used to press the various legs inside the meter body 1. The anti-detachment cover 19 is suspended above the fastening screws 191, and the anti-detachment cover 19 has mating holes corresponding to each fastening screw 191, which effectively prevents the fastening screws 191 from falling off during the process of loosening them. The anti-detachment cover 19 can be installed into the meter body 1 together with the terminal block 18.

[0061] The mounting rail 3 has outwardly extending snap-fit ​​edges 31 on both sides. The module unit 21 and the meter body 1 are provided with a fixed snap-fit ​​bracket 32 ​​for pressing one snap-fit ​​edge 31. The module unit 21 and the meter body 1 are provided with a mounting bracket 33 located on the other snap-fit ​​edge 31. The mounting bracket 33 is equipped with a hanging piece 34 for pressing the other snap-fit ​​edge 31.

[0062] The mounting rail 3 is used to install the module unit 21 and the meter body 1 inside the meter box or on the wall. With the help of the mounting rail 3, the module unit 21 and the meter body 1 are installed along the length of the mounting rail 3. At the same time, the mounting rail 3 supports the module unit 21 and the meter body 1 and ensures their stable installation.

[0063] The fixed bracket 32 ​​is located above the mounting rail 3. The module unit 21 and the meter body 1 can be hung on the mounting rail 3 through the fixed bracket 32. After the module unit 21 and the meter body 1 are hung, the hanging piece 34 is used to clamp the locking edge 31 below the mounting rail 3, thereby realizing the installation of the module unit 21 and the meter body 1 on the mounting rail 3.

[0064] Mounting bracket 33 is used to engage the hanging member 34, thereby ensuring that the hanging member 34 is always pressed against the engaging edge 31 of the mounting guide rail 3.

[0065] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention; therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0066] Although this article uses many of the reference numerals from the figures: meter body 1, positioning notch 11, screen cover 12, end cover 13, locking screw 14, ultrasonic signal trigger 15, battery mounting base 16, snap rib 161, communication port 17, terminal block 18, observation hole 181, anti-detachment cover 19, fastening screw 191, module assembly 2, module unit 21, positioning protrusion 22, mating notch 23, module body 24, module cover 25, guide post 26, connecting screw 27, double-layer structure 28, pin header port 29, mounting rail 3, snap-fit ​​edge 31, fixed snap-fit ​​bracket 32, mounting bracket 33, hanging piece 34, circuit board 4, pin header 41, female connector 42, connector head 43, guide rib 44, male connector 45, silicone part 5, anti-detachment structure 51, female connector 6, wire groove 7, guide ramp 71, etc., the possibility of using other terms cannot be excluded. The use of these terms is merely for the convenience of describing and explaining the nature of the invention; interpreting them as any additional limitation would be contrary to the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A combined electricity meter structure, comprising an electricity meter body (1) and a module assembly (2) mounted on the side of the electricity meter body (1), the module assembly (2) being composed of a plurality of sequentially connected module units (21); characterized in that, The module unit (21) is equipped with a circuit board (4) for realizing different functions. The circuit board (4) has a male connector (45) and a female connector (42) on both sides, which can be plugged in. The side of the meter body (1) is equipped with a female connector (6) that can be plugged in with the male connector (45). The module unit (21) has a positioning protrusion (22) and a matching notch (23) on both sides, which can be snapped in. The meter body (1) has a positioning notch (11) that can be snapped in with the positioning protrusion (22). The back of the meter body (1) is equipped with an installation rail (3) that connects the module component (2) and the meter body (1) at the same time. Both the module unit (21) and the meter body (1) are equipped with a hanging piece (34) for locking the installation rail (3).

2. The combination meter structure of claim 1, wherein The module unit (21) includes a module body (24) and a module cover (25) detachably connected to the side of the module body (24). The circuit board (4) is installed inside the module body (24). The module cover (25) has a pin header (29) corresponding to the male connector (45).

3. The combination meter structure of claim 2 wherein, The male connector (45) includes a pin header (41) and a connector (43) sleeved on the pin header (41), with the pin header (41) passing through the pin header port (29).

4. The combination meter structure of claim 2, wherein, The module body (24) is provided with a guide post (26) for positioning the circuit board (4), and the side of the circuit board (4) is formed with a guide rib (44) for guiding the installation direction of the circuit board (4).

5. The combination meter structure of claim 1, wherein, The positioning protrusion (22) is equipped with a connecting screw (27) that connects to the meter body (1). The positioning protrusion (22) is a double-layer structure (28) to prevent the connecting screw (27) from falling off.

6. The combination meter structure of claim 1, wherein, The module unit (21) has a threading groove (7) formed on its surface, and a guide ramp (71) is provided in the threading groove (7) to facilitate the gripping of the thread end.

7. The combination meter structure of claim 1, wherein, The meter body (1) has an end cap (13) and a screen cover (12) on its surface to protect the internal electronic components. The meter body (1) has a communication port (17) inside. The end cap (13) is fitted with a silicone part (5) to protect the communication port (17) from dust. The end of the silicone part (5) has an anti-detachment structure (51) that is inserted into the end cap (13). The meter body (1) has a battery mounting seat (16) inside. The meter body (1) has a buckle rib (161) to prevent the battery from falling off.

8. The combination meter structure of claim 7 wherein, The end cap (13) and screen cover (12) are provided with locking screws (14) for connecting to the meter body (1), and the meter body (1) is provided with an ultrasonic signal trigger (15) to prevent electricity theft.

9. The combination meter structure of claim 1, wherein, The meter body (1) is equipped with several fastening screws (191) for locking various electronic components. The meter body (1) is also equipped with anti-detachment cover plates (19) corresponding to the fastening screws (191). The meter body (1) is also equipped with a terminal block (18) for supporting the anti-detachment cover plate (19). The terminal block (18) has an observation hole (181) for observing the connection status of each fastening screw (191).

10. The combination meter structure of claim 1, wherein, The mounting guide rail (3) has outwardly extending snap-fit ​​edges (31) on both sides. The module unit (21) and the meter body (1) are provided with a fixed snap-fit ​​bracket (32) for pressing one snap-fit ​​edge (31). The module unit (21) and the meter body (1) are provided with a mounting bracket (33) located on the other snap-fit ​​edge (31). The mounting bracket (33) is equipped with a hanging piece (34) for pressing the other snap-fit ​​edge (31).

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