A power metering box convenient to install

Abstract

This invention provides an easy-to-install power metering box, including a box body, a door, metering elements, and integrated air intake and dehumidification module, heat dissipation and exhaust module, internal circulation heating and anti-condensation module, automatic drainage module, and quick-release structural components. The air intake and dehumidification module dries the incoming air using a desiccant container; the heat dissipation and exhaust module uses a temperature-controlled exhaust fan for forced ventilation; the internal circulation heating and anti-condensation module includes a PTC ceramic heating device, multi-position temperature and humidity sensors, and a control unit; the automatic drainage module achieves safe drainage through an inclined water collection tank and a float valve interface; the control unit can automatically switch operating modes based on temperature and humidity signals and prevents condensation through a dew point temperature calculation module. The door uses a detachable hinge and is equipped with a quick-release terminal plug-in assembly for rapid installation and maintenance. This invention integrates moisture protection, heat dissipation, anti-condensation, and convenient disassembly and assembly, adapting to complex outdoor environments and improving the operational reliability and maintenance efficiency of the metering elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electricity metering technology, and more specifically to an easy-to-install electricity metering box. Background Technology

[0002] Power metering boxes are core equipment for power metering in distribution networks, containing electrical components such as meters, transformers, and switches. Because power metering boxes are mostly installed outdoors, they are significantly affected by ambient temperature and humidity. High humidity can lead to numerous problems, including condensation inside the box, corrosion of metal parts, decreased insulation performance, and short-circuit failures of electronic components. Simultaneously, the electrical components inside the box generate a large amount of heat during operation; insufficient heat dissipation can cause metering accuracy drift and accelerated component aging.

[0003] Existing technologies have yielded certain research results in moisture-proof and heat-dissipating applications. For example, an integrated intelligent power metering box with publication number CN120674930B dehumidifies the incoming airflow by setting drying particles at the air inlet, thereby reducing moisture intrusion while achieving electrical cooling; a power metering box with moisture-proof and heat-dissipating features with publication number CN211014416U dehumidifies the incoming gas using a drying component and removes moisture from the desiccant through heating, thus enabling desiccant regeneration.

[0004] However, existing technologies still have the following shortcomings:

[0005] First, existing moisture-proof and dehumidification solutions are too simplistic and cannot simultaneously achieve low energy consumption, efficient dehumidification, and continuous operation.

[0006] Secondly, there is a functional disconnect between the existing moisture-proof heat dissipation system and its convenient installation and quick wiring. During disassembly and maintenance, the moisture-proof heat dissipation components often need to be removed first, affecting maintenance efficiency; or the moisture-proof heat dissipation system may need to be installed separately after installation, increasing on-site construction workload.

[0007] Third, the problem of outdoor condensation has not yet been systematically solved. When the internal temperature of the enclosure is lower than the dew point temperature, water vapor in the air will condense into water droplets on the inner wall of the enclosure and the surface of components, leading to a decrease in insulation performance and electrical faults;

[0008] Fourth, condensation easily accumulates at the bottom of outdoor metering boxes, and the water accumulation at the bottom is located right below the electrical components, posing a significant safety hazard. Existing drainage designs mostly rely on simple openings, making it difficult to balance waterproofing and drainage functions.

[0009] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an integrated power metering box that combines moisture-proof, heat dissipation, anti-condensation, and convenient installation and maintenance to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0010] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides an easy-to-install power metering box to solve the technical problems of the prior art, such as the single function of moisture-proof heat dissipation, the separation from installation and maintenance functions, and the coexistence of outdoor condensation and bottom water accumulation safety hazards.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0012] An easy-to-install electricity metering box includes a box body, a door hinged to the box body, and a metering element installed inside the box body, and further includes:

[0013] A quick-release terminal plug-in assembly is used to quickly connect and disconnect the electrical wiring of the metering element from the external cable via a plug-in method;

[0014] An air intake dehumidification module is disposed on the lower side wall of the housing. The air intake dehumidification module includes an air inlet opened on the side wall of the housing and a desiccant container disposed inside the air inlet. The desiccant container is fixed to the inner wall of the housing at the air inlet and is used to dry the air entering from the air inlet.

[0015] A heat dissipation and ventilation module is disposed on the upper side wall of the enclosure. The heat dissipation and ventilation module includes an air outlet opened on the side wall of the enclosure and a temperature-controlled exhaust fan installed inside the air outlet.

[0016] The internal circulation heating and anti-condensation module includes a PTC ceramic heating device fixedly installed on the lower part of the inner wall of the box, multiple temperature and humidity sensors distributed at different heights inside the box, and a control unit electrically connected to the temperature and humidity sensors and the PTC ceramic heating device.

[0017] An automatic drainage module is installed at the bottom of the box and includes a water collection tank. The bottom surface of the water collection tank is provided with an inclined guide surface along the length direction, and the lowest point of the water collection tank is provided with an automatic drainage interface.

[0018] The control unit automatically controls the start and stop of the PTC ceramic heating device and the temperature-controlled exhaust fan based on the temperature and humidity signals collected by the temperature and humidity sensor, so as to switch the operating mode.

[0019] Furthermore, a vent is provided on one side of the desiccant container, and the ventilation direction of the vent is inclined upward.

[0020] Furthermore, the temperature-controlled exhaust fan is mounted on a detachable base, which is fixedly connected to the housing.

[0021] Furthermore, the slope of the inclined guide surface at the bottom of the water collection tank is 3°-5°; the automatic drainage interface includes a drainage hole, a float valve and a drainage channel arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The float valve closes the drainage port due to gravity when there is no water. When the water level in the water collection tank reaches a certain height, the float valve floats up due to buoyancy, thereby realizing automatic drainage.

[0022] Furthermore, the door is connected to the box body by a detachable hinge, which includes a hinge seat fixed to the box body and a hinge shaft fixed to the door. The hinge shaft can be pulled out from the hinge seat to achieve quick disassembly of the door.

[0023] Furthermore, the quick-release terminal plug-in assembly consists of a female plug-in socket and a male plug-in socket fixedly installed inside the housing. During installation, inserting the male plug-in socket into the female plug-in socket completes all electrical wiring. The inlet and outlet terminals of the metering element are led out through wires and connected to the corresponding terminals of the female plug-in socket. The male plug-in socket is pre-crimped and fixed to the inlet and outlet cables introduced from the outside, and the male plug-in socket can be detachably inserted into the female plug-in socket.

[0024] Furthermore, the control unit is configured to automatically switch between the following three operating modes based on the signal from the temperature and humidity sensor:

[0025] Dehumidification mode: When the detected relative humidity is higher than the first preset threshold and the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the cabinet is lower than the second preset threshold, the temperature-controlled exhaust fan is turned off and the PTC ceramic heating device is started for internal circulation heating and dehumidification.

[0026] Heat dissipation mode: When the detected internal temperature is higher than the third preset threshold and the relative humidity is lower than the fourth preset threshold, the PTC ceramic heating device is turned off and the temperature-controlled exhaust fan is turned on for forced ventilation and heat dissipation.

[0027] Hybrid mode: When the detected internal temperature is higher than the third preset threshold and the relative humidity is higher than the first preset threshold, the PTC ceramic heating device and the temperature-controlled exhaust fan are activated simultaneously. External air enters the chamber after being dried by the desiccant container, and is then discharged by the temperature-controlled exhaust fan after being heated.

[0028] Furthermore, the first preset threshold is a relative humidity of 75%, the second preset threshold is 5°C, the third preset threshold is 40°C, and the fourth preset threshold is 60%.

[0029] Furthermore, the air inlet is located at the lower part of one side wall of the housing, and the air outlet is located at the upper part of the opposite side wall of the housing, so that the air inlet and exhaust form a cooling airflow channel that runs through the diagonal of the housing.

[0030] Furthermore, the upper limit of the heating temperature of the PTC ceramic heating device is 60°C, and the control unit is also equipped with a dew point temperature calculation module electrically connected to the temperature and humidity sensor. When the temperature inside the chamber is detected to be lower than the calculated dew point temperature, the PTC ceramic heating device is forcibly started.

[0031] As can be seen from the above description, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0032] 1. Multifunctional integrated: It has the functions of air intake dehumidification, forced heat dissipation, internal circulation heating to prevent condensation and automatic drainage. Moreover, each module works together and the control unit automatically switches the operating mode according to the real-time temperature and humidity to adapt to different climate conditions.

[0033] 2. High-efficiency anti-condensation: By combining the PTC ceramic heating device with the dew point temperature calculation module, the chamber automatically heats up when the temperature inside is close to or below the dew point, fundamentally eliminating condensation and protecting the internal electrical components.

[0034] 3. Intelligent dehumidification and heat dissipation: It adopts three adaptive logics: "dehumidification mode, heat dissipation mode, and hybrid mode". Even in high temperature and high humidity environments, it can still perform displacement dehumidification and heat dissipation through the dried air to prevent humid air from entering directly.

[0035] 4. Quick installation and maintenance: With detachable hinges, a removable base for the temperature-controlled exhaust fan, and quick-release terminal plug-in components, the cabinet door can be quickly disassembled, the fan can be quickly replaced, and the electrical wiring can be plugged in and connected, greatly reducing on-site construction and maintenance time.

[0036] 5. Safe drainage: The bottom of the water collection tank is inclined and equipped with a float valve type automatic drainage interface. Under normal conditions, it is closed to prevent insects, rodents and moisture from entering. When the water reaches a certain amount, it will be automatically discharged to eliminate the safety hazard of water accumulation at the bottom. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the power metering box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the airflow path between the air intake dehumidification module and the heat dissipation and exhaust module.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the automatic drainage module.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the operating mode switching logic for the control unit.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the control unit module.

[0042] In the diagram: 1. Cabinet; 2. Cabinet door; 3. Metering element; 4. Air inlet; 5. Desiccant container; 51. Ventilation outlet; 6. Air outlet; 7. Temperature-controlled exhaust fan; 71. Detachable base; 8. PTC ceramic heating device; 9. Temperature and humidity sensor; 10. Control unit; 11. Water collection tank; 111. Inclined guide surface; 12. Automatic drainage interface; 121. Drain hole; 122. Float valve; 123. Drainage channel; 13. Separable hinge; 14. Quick-release terminal plug assembly; 141. Plug-in female connector; 142. Plug-in male connector. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 4 This application will be described in further detail.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, an easy-to-install electricity metering box includes a box body 1, a door 2 hinged to the box body 1 by a detachable hinge 13, and a metering element 3 installed inside the box body 1. The detachable hinge 13 includes a hinge seat fixed to the box body 1 and a hinge shaft fixed to the door 2. The hinge shaft can be pulled upward from the hinge seat to achieve quick disassembly of the door 2, facilitating internal maintenance in confined spaces.

[0046] The air intake dehumidification module is located on the lower side wall of the housing 1. It includes an air inlet 4 opened on the side wall of the housing 1 and a desiccant container 5 located inside the air inlet 4. The desiccant container 5 is fixed to the inner wall of the housing at the air inlet 4 and is filled with silica gel or molecular sieve desiccant. A vent 51 is provided on one side of the desiccant container 5, and the ventilation direction of the vent 51 is inclined upward, so that the outside air entering the housing 1 is first humidified by the desiccant and then flows upward, avoiding the cold and humid airflow directly impacting the metering element.

[0047] The heat dissipation and ventilation module is located on the upper side wall of the enclosure 1, and includes an air outlet 6 opened on the side wall of the enclosure 1, and a temperature-controlled exhaust fan 7 installed inside the air outlet 6. The temperature-controlled exhaust fan 7 is mounted on a detachable base 71, which is fixedly connected to the enclosure 1 by screws. When the fan needs to be replaced or repaired, the fan and the base can be removed together simply by loosening the fixing parts of the base 71, without disassembling other internal components.

[0048] In this embodiment, the air inlet 4 is located at the lower part of the left side wall of the housing 1, and the air outlet 6 is located at the upper part of the right side wall of the housing 1, arranged diagonally on opposite sides. Figure 2 As shown, the intake and exhaust form a cooling airflow channel that runs through the diagonal of the enclosure, effectively covering the entire internal space of the enclosure and preventing airflow short-circuiting.

[0049] The internal circulation heating and anti-condensation module includes a PTC ceramic heating device 8 fixedly installed on the lower part of the inner wall of the enclosure 1, multiple temperature and humidity sensors 9 distributed at different heights inside the enclosure 1 (e.g., one each at the top, middle, and bottom), and a control unit 10 electrically connected to the temperature and humidity sensors 9 and the PTC ceramic heating device 8. The PTC ceramic heating device 8 has a positive temperature coefficient, an upper limit of heating temperature of 60℃, and automatically reduces power when overheating, ensuring safety and reliability.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the automatic drainage module is located at the bottom of the housing 1 and includes a water collection tank 11. The bottom surface of the water collection tank 11 has an inclined guide surface 111 along its length, with a preferred slope of 3°-5°. An automatic drainage interface 12 is located at the lowest point of the water collection tank 11. The automatic drainage interface 12 includes a drain hole 121, a float valve 122, and a drainage channel 123 arranged sequentially from top to bottom. When there is no water, the float valve 122 closes the drain hole 121 due to gravity. When the water level in the water collection tank 11 reaches a certain height, for example, exceeding half the height of the float valve, the float valve 122 is buoyed upwards, opening the drain hole 121, and the accumulated water is automatically discharged outside the housing along the drainage channel 123. After the water is drained, the float valve 122 falls back down, re-closing the drain hole to prevent external moisture, insects, and rodents from entering.

[0051] This embodiment also includes a quick-release terminal plug-in assembly 14, which includes a female plug-in socket 141 and a male plug-in socket 142 fixedly installed inside the housing 1. The inlet and outlet terminals of the metering element 3 are led out via flexible wires and connected to the corresponding terminals of the female plug-in socket 141. The male plug-in socket 142 is pre-crimped and fixed to the inlet and outlet cables introduced from the outside. During installation, simply insert the male plug-in socket 142 directly into the female plug-in socket 141 to complete all electrical wiring; there is no need to tighten each wire individually. Similarly, it can be pulled out for disassembly.

[0052] The control unit 10 is a control board based on a microcontroller, with built-in temperature and humidity signal acquisition circuit, relay drive circuit, and memory for storing preset thresholds. Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 10 is configured to automatically switch between the following three operating modes based on the signal from the temperature and humidity sensor 9:

[0053] Dehumidification mode: When the detected relative humidity is higher than the first preset threshold (75%) and the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the chamber is lower than the second preset threshold (5℃), the temperature-controlled exhaust fan 7 is turned off and the PTC ceramic heating device 8 is turned on. At this time, the air inside the chamber is heated, the relative humidity decreases, forming an internal circulation dehumidification, while avoiding the introduction of external humid air.

[0054] Heat dissipation mode: When the detected internal temperature is higher than the third preset threshold (40℃) and the relative humidity is lower than the fourth preset threshold (60%), the PTC ceramic heating device 8 is turned off, and the temperature-controlled exhaust fan 7 is turned on for forced ventilation and heat dissipation. Dry external air enters the chamber after simple filtration through the air inlet 4 and the desiccant container 5, carrying away the heat.

[0055] Hybrid Mode: When the detected internal temperature exceeds 40℃ and the relative humidity exceeds 75%, the PTC ceramic heating device 8 and the temperature-controlled exhaust fan 7 are activated simultaneously. The high-temperature, high-humidity external air is dried by the desiccant container 5 before entering the chamber, where it is further heated by the PTC ceramic heating device 8 (further reducing the relative humidity), and finally exhausted by the temperature-controlled exhaust fan 7. This mode achieves effective cooling and dehumidification of the chamber's interior under harsh high-temperature and high-humidity conditions.

[0056] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the control unit 10 also contains a dew point temperature calculation module electrically connected to the temperature and humidity sensor 9. This module calculates the dew point temperature of the air in real time based on the current temperature and humidity data. When the temperature inside the chamber is detected to be lower than the calculated dew point temperature, regardless of the current preset mode, the control unit 10 will forcibly start the PTC ceramic heating device 8 and simultaneously shut down the temperature-controlled exhaust fan 7 to prevent condensation from occurring on the inner wall of the chamber and the surface of the components.

[0057] All preset thresholds (75%, 5℃, 40℃, 60%) can be modified via an external programming interface according to the climate conditions of the actual application area.

[0058] The present invention discloses an easy-to-install power metering box with a compact structure and complete functions. All components can be obtained through conventional sheet metal processing and electronic component procurement, and the manufacturing process is mature. It can be widely used in outdoor transformer substations, power distribution rooms, charging pile supporting metering boxes, and other scenarios requiring moisture protection, heat dissipation, anti-condensation, and rapid installation and maintenance.

[0059] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0060] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "coaxial," "bottom," "one end," "top," "middle," "other end," "upper," "side," "top," "inner," "front," "center," "both ends," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0061] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," "connection," "fixing," "screw connection," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Unless otherwise explicitly limited, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0062] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An easy-to-install electricity metering box, comprising a box body, a door hinged to the box body, and a metering element installed inside the box body, characterized in that, Also includes: A quick-release terminal plug-in assembly is used to quickly connect and disconnect the electrical wiring of the metering element from the external cable via a plug-in method; An air intake dehumidification module is disposed on the lower side wall of the housing. The air intake dehumidification module includes an air inlet opened on the side wall of the housing and a desiccant container disposed inside the air inlet. The desiccant container is fixed to the inner wall of the housing at the air inlet and is used to dry the air entering from the air inlet. A heat dissipation and ventilation module is disposed on the upper side wall of the enclosure. The heat dissipation and ventilation module includes an air outlet opened on the side wall of the enclosure and a temperature-controlled exhaust fan installed inside the air outlet. The internal circulation heating and anti-condensation module includes a PTC ceramic heating device fixedly installed on the lower part of the inner wall of the box, multiple temperature and humidity sensors distributed at different heights inside the box, and a control unit electrically connected to the temperature and humidity sensors and the PTC ceramic heating device. An automatic drainage module is installed at the bottom of the box and includes a water collection tank. The bottom surface of the water collection tank is provided with an inclined guide surface along the length direction, and the lowest point of the water collection tank is provided with an automatic drainage interface. The control unit automatically controls the start and stop of the PTC ceramic heating device and the temperature-controlled exhaust fan based on the temperature and humidity signals collected by the temperature and humidity sensor, so as to switch the operating mode.

2. The easy-to-install power metering box according to claim 1, characterized in that: A vent is provided on one side of the desiccant container, and the ventilation direction of the vent is inclined upward.

3. The easy-to-install power metering box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature-controlled exhaust fan is mounted on a detachable base, which is fixedly connected to the housing.

4. The easy-to-install power metering box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slope of the inclined guide surface at the bottom of the water collection tank is 3°-5°; the automatic drainage interface includes a drainage hole, a float valve and a drainage channel arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The float valve closes the drainage port due to gravity when there is no water. When the water level in the water collection tank reaches a certain height, the float valve floats up due to buoyancy, thereby realizing automatic drainage.

5. The easy-to-install power metering box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The door and the body are connected by a detachable hinge. The detachable hinge includes a hinge base fixed to the body and a hinge shaft fixed to the door. The hinge shaft can be pulled out from the hinge base to achieve quick disassembly of the door.

6. The easy-to-install power metering box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The quick-release terminal plug assembly consists of a female plug socket and a male plug socket fixedly installed inside the housing. During installation, inserting the male plug socket into the female plug socket completes all electrical wiring.

7. The easy-to-install power metering box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to automatically switch between the following three operating modes based on the signal from the temperature and humidity sensor: Dehumidification mode: When the detected relative humidity is higher than the first preset threshold and the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the cabinet is lower than the second preset threshold, the temperature-controlled exhaust fan is turned off and the PTC ceramic heating device is started for internal circulation heating and dehumidification. Heat dissipation mode: When the detected internal temperature is higher than the third preset threshold and the relative humidity is lower than the fourth preset threshold, the PTC ceramic heating device is turned off and the temperature-controlled exhaust fan is turned on for forced ventilation and heat dissipation. Hybrid mode: When the detected internal temperature is higher than the third preset threshold and the relative humidity is higher than the first preset threshold, the PTC ceramic heating device and the temperature-controlled exhaust fan are activated simultaneously. External air enters the chamber after being dried by the desiccant container, and is then discharged by the temperature-controlled exhaust fan after being heated.

8. The easy-to-install power metering box according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first preset threshold is a relative humidity of 75%, the second preset threshold is 5°C, the third preset threshold is 40°C, and the fourth preset threshold is 60%.

9. The easy-to-install power metering box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air inlet is located at the lower part of one side wall of the housing, and the air outlet is located at the upper part of the opposite side wall of the housing, so that the air intake and exhaust form a cooling airflow channel that runs through the diagonal of the housing.

10. The easy-to-install power metering box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper limit of the heating temperature of the PTC ceramic heating device is 60°C, and the control unit is also equipped with a dew point temperature calculation module electrically connected to the temperature and humidity sensor. When the temperature inside the chamber is detected to be lower than the calculated dew point temperature, the PTC ceramic heating device is forcibly started.

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