An electrical energy meter compatibility verification device and method

Abstract

The application provides an electric energy metering device and method, which comprises a transmission mechanism, a first detection mechanism and a second detection mechanism. The transmission mechanism is provided with a conveyor belt and a first station and a second station along its path; the first detection mechanism is equipped with a material moving assembly, a detection platform and a first detection camera, the detection platform is provided with a three-phase connector and a terminal connector, and the three-phase electric energy meter and the terminal meter at the first station are moved to the detection platform by the clamping jaw to be respectively connected to the power supply and complete the appearance detection; the second detection mechanism is provided with a single-phase connector and a second detection camera, which can directly connect to the power supply and take a photo of the single-phase electric energy meter at the second station. The application adopts station partitioning, special power connector adaptation and camera fixed-point detection structure, can automatically complete the three-type metering meter diversion, accurate connection and appearance detection, realizes the flexible and compatible automatic detection of multiple types of electric energy meters, adapts to large-scale alternating detection conditions, and effectively improves the detection automation level and efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical energy metering technology, and in particular to an electrical energy meter compatibility testing device and method. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous deepening of smart grid construction and the intelligent upgrading of the power metering system, various smart single / three-phase energy meters and power terminal meters have been widely used in core scenarios such as power trade settlement, grid load monitoring, and user electricity metering. They are key basic equipment to ensure the accuracy of power metering and the stability of grid operation. To meet the needs of large-scale, standardized, and high-precision metering instrument verification, power metering centers generally adopt automated verification lines to complete the entire verification process of various meters, including appearance inspection, performance verification, and fault screening. The efficiency, integration, and flexible adaptability of automated verification lines directly determine the overall efficiency and operating cost of power metering verification work.

[0003] Currently, most mainstream automated verification lines on the market are specialized equipment specifically designed for a single type of meter. Among them, three-phase energy meters and power terminal meters are relatively large in size. Their material transport direction and single-pass transport quantity parameters are similar, and their structure and transport adaptability highly overlap, enabling mutually compatible testing. However, single-phase energy meters are small in size, and their transport cycle and transport direction differ significantly from those of three-phase meters and terminal meters. This means that compatible testing equipment for three-phase energy meters and terminal meters cannot be adapted to the verification operations of single-phase energy meters.

[0004] Meanwhile, due to significant differences in overall dimensions, casing structure layout, installation positioning benchmarks, terminal arrangement, and wiring methods between single / three-phase energy meters and terminal meters, the clamping, positioning, image acquisition, and wiring testing processes for various types of meters cannot be universally applied. To meet the appearance inspection and verification requirements of different types of meters, existing technical solutions generally adopt a split deployment mode, that is, configuring two or more sets of dedicated appearance inspection equipment separately to complete the verification work of single / three-phase energy meters and terminal meters respectively.

[0005] While this traditional split-type verification operation mode can achieve basic verification functions for different meters, it has exposed many technical drawbacks in actual engineering applications. First, the parallel deployment of multiple independent transmission lines and testing equipment requires a huge amount of installation space in the factory area, which greatly increases the site construction cost and equipment deployment cost of the power metering center. The space utilization rate is extremely low, which is not conducive to the intensive and intelligent construction and development needs of the metering center.

[0006] Secondly, existing split-type verification equipment can only perform fixed and specialized testing of corresponding types of meters, lacking universal adaptability. It cannot be compatible with fully automated flexible switching testing of multiple types of meters with different shapes and wiring structures. When switching verification task categories, it is often necessary to manually change tooling fixtures, adjust equipment parameters, and switch testing programs. It cannot achieve fully unmanned and automated compatible operation, and its level of intelligence and flexibility is insufficient. It is difficult to adapt to the current multi-category, small-batch, and alternating verification operation needs of power metering, which seriously restricts the overall operation efficiency and versatility of power metering verification lines.

[0007] In summary, existing automated verification lines for electricity meters suffer from core technical deficiencies such as large site requirements, low equipment utilization rate, and poor flexible compatibility testing capabilities. There is an urgent need to develop an integrated, fully automated, flexible verification line that is compatible with single / three-phase electricity meters and various types of terminal meters to address the many shortcomings of existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the core technical defects of existing automated verification lines for power meters, such as large site occupation, low equipment utilization rate, and poor flexible compatibility testing capability, and to provide a compatibility testing device and method for power meters.

[0009] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides an energy meter compatibility testing device, comprising: a transmission mechanism including a conveyor belt extending horizontally, with a first station and a second station spaced apart along the extension path of the conveyor belt; a first testing mechanism including a transfer component, a testing platform, and a first testing camera, the testing platform being disposed on one side of the first station and having a three-phase connector and a terminal connector thereon, the transfer component including grippers movable between the first station and the testing platform, a three-phase energy meter to be tested moving to the first station being moved by the grippers and electrically connected to the three-phase connector, a terminal energy meter to be tested moving to the first station being moved by the grippers and electrically connected to the terminal connector, the first testing camera being positioned facing the testing platform; and a second testing mechanism including a single-phase connector and a second testing camera, the single-phase connector being disposed on one side of the second station and electrically connected to a single-phase energy meter to be tested moving to the second station, the second testing camera being positioned facing the second station.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the transmission mechanism includes two stop components, which are respectively disposed at the discharge ends of the first station and the second station. Each stop component includes a lifting driver and a stop plate. The lifting driver is connected below the conveyor belt, and the stop plate is connected to the power output end of the lifting driver and can extend above the conveyor belt.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the electricity meter compatibility testing device further includes a control mechanism, which is disposed in the machine base, and the transmission mechanism, the first detection mechanism and the second detection mechanism are respectively connected to the control mechanism.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the transmission mechanism includes two lateral limiting components disposed on at least one side of the conveyor belt in the width direction. Each lateral limiting component includes a horizontal driver and a lateral limiting plate. The horizontal driver is connected to one side of the conveyor belt, and the lateral limiting plate is connected to the power output end of the horizontal driver to move horizontally toward / away from the conveyor belt.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the material transfer assembly includes a material transfer track, a material transfer driver, and a carriage. The material transfer track extends horizontally above the conveyor belt and the detection platform. The material transfer driver is disposed at one end of the material transfer track. The carriage is connected to the power output end of the material transfer driver to move along the material transfer track. The gripper is connected to the carriage.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the material transfer assembly further includes a lifting driver and a lifting frame. The lifting driver is disposed on the slide, and the lifting frame is connected to the power output end of the lifting driver to move in a vertical direction. The gripper is connected to the lifting frame.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the gripper includes an opening and closing driver and at least two gripping arms. The opening and closing driver is disposed on the lifting frame, and the gripping arms are respectively connected to the power output end of the opening and closing driver for relative opening and closing movement.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the three-phase connector, the terminal connector, and the single-phase connector are all connected to a docking drive structure, wherein the three-phase connector and the terminal connector can move horizontally toward the detection platform, and the single-phase connector can move horizontally toward the second workstation.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the electricity meter compatibility testing device further includes a machine base, a mounting frame is provided on the machine base, the conveyor belt passes through the machine base in a horizontal direction, and the first testing mechanism and the second testing mechanism are respectively connected to the mounting frame.

[0018] This invention also provides a method for testing the compatibility of electricity meters. This method uses the aforementioned electricity meter compatibility testing device to test the screen display quality of three-phase electricity meters, terminal meters, and single-phase electricity meters. When testing three-phase electricity meters and / or terminal meters, the method specifically includes: Step S1, moving the three-phase electricity meter or terminal meter to be tested to a first station via a transmission mechanism; Step S2, moving the three-phase electricity meter or terminal meter from the first station to the testing platform via a transfer assembly; Step S3, connecting the three-phase connector to the meter to be tested. The test involves three-phase energy meters or connecting terminal connectors to the terminal meters to be tested; step S4: after powering on, the screen quality of the three-phase energy meter or terminal meter to be tested is captured and tested using the first testing camera; when testing a single-phase energy meter, the specific steps include: step a: moving the single-phase energy meter to be tested to the second station using a transmission mechanism; step b: driving the single-phase connector to connect to the single-phase energy meter in the second station; step c: after powering on, capturing and testing the screen quality of the single-phase energy meter to be tested using the second testing camera.

[0019] The technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0020] The compatibility testing device and method for electricity meters described in this invention, by setting up a transmission mechanism with a first station and a second station, and correspondingly deployed first and second testing mechanisms, achieves integrated co-line transmission and zoned compatibility testing of three-phase electricity meters, terminal meters, and single-phase electricity meters. Utilizing the material transfer component, testing platform, and separately deployed three-phase and terminal terminals of the first testing mechanism, the three-phase electricity meters and terminal meters at the first station can be automatically transferred and aligned, and electrical connection and appearance inspection can be completed separately. The unified material transfer structure of the grippers can adapt to the flow testing of two types of large-volume meters, naturally adapting to the similar characteristics of three-phase electricity meters and terminal meters in terms of size, transmission direction, and quantity, achieving barrier-free compatibility testing. Simultaneously, a single-phase terminal and a second testing camera are set up at the second station to independently align, connect, and inspect single-phase electricity meters whose specifications and transmission cycles differ significantly from those of three-phase and terminal meters, eliminating the need for multiple independent transmission lines and multiple completely independent testing devices for different types of metering instruments.

[0021] This invention eliminates the need for a large area to deploy multiple separate devices, significantly reducing the overall footprint of the testing equipment and lowering the site setup and equipment investment costs for the metrology center. Simultaneously, it integrates the calibration tasks of three-phase energy meters, terminal meters, and single-phase energy meters into a single production line for collaborative operation. This allows for flexible allocation of the testing sequence of various meters based on actual calibration workload, balancing the calibration load across different meter types, effectively preventing idle equipment, and significantly improving the overall equipment utilization rate of the entire system.

[0022] This invention, through its structural design of workstation partitioning, dedicated connector matching, and camera-based point detection, eliminates the need for manual tooling changes, equipment parameter adjustments, or test program switching. It can fully automate the classification, automatic alignment, electrical connection, and appearance inspection of three-phase energy meters, terminal meters, and single-phase energy meters. This truly achieves fully automated, flexible, and compatible inspection of multiple types of energy meters, meeting the needs of power metering centers for multi-category, alternating, and large-volume automated verification operations, effectively improving the automation level and overall inspection efficiency of verification operations. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To make the content of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the compatibility testing device for electricity meters in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the compatible testing device for the energy meter shown from another perspective.

[0026] Figure 3 It is part Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the compatibility testing device for the energy meter shown.

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the compatible testing device for the energy meter shown from another perspective.

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Enlarged structural diagram at point B;

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the transmission mechanism, the first detection mechanism, and the second detection mechanism in the power meter compatibility testing device shown.

[0031] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structural schematic of the material transfer component in the compatibility testing device for the power meter.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the accompanying drawings: 100, machine base; 110, mounting frame; 200, transmission mechanism; 210, conveyor belt; 220, stop assembly; 221, lifting driver; 222, stop plate; 230, lateral limiting assembly; 231, horizontal driver; 232, lateral limiting plate; 300, first detection mechanism; 310, material transfer assembly; 311, material transfer track; 312, material transfer driver; 313, carriage; 314, lifting driver; 315, lifting frame; 316, opening and closing driver; 317, clamping arm; 320, detection platform; 330, three-phase connector; 340, terminal connector; 350, first detection camera; 400, second detection mechanism; 410, single-phase connector; 420, second detection camera; 500, single-phase energy meter; 600, three-phase energy meter; 700, terminal meter. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments described are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0034] Example 1: See Figures 1 to 8 As shown, this embodiment provides an energy meter compatibility testing device, which includes: a transmission mechanism 200, the transmission mechanism 200 including a conveyor belt 210 extending in a horizontal direction, with a first station and a second station spaced apart along the extension path of the conveyor belt 210; a first detection mechanism 300, the first detection mechanism 300 including a material transfer component 310, a detection platform 320 and a first detection camera 350, the detection platform 320 being disposed on one side of the first station, and having a three-phase connector 330 and a terminal connector 340 disposed thereon, the material transfer component 310 including a gripper movable between the first station and the detection platform 320, moving to the first station... The three-phase energy meter 600 to be tested at the first station moves via the gripper and is electrically connected to the three-phase connector 330. The terminal meter 700 to be tested, which has moved to the first station, moves via the gripper and is electrically connected to the terminal connector 340. The first detection camera 350 is positioned facing the detection platform 320. The second detection mechanism 400 includes a single-phase connector 410 and a second detection camera 420. The single-phase connector 410 is positioned on one side of the second station and can be electrically connected to the single-phase energy meter 500 to be tested that has moved to the second station. The second detection camera 420 is positioned facing the second station.

[0035] In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 200 serves as the main material conveying unit for the entire device, undertaking the tasks of continuous feeding, horizontal transfer, and workstation allocation of various energy meters. It enables the co-line conveying of three-phase energy meters 600, terminal meters 700, and single-phase energy meters 500, replacing multiple existing independent conveying lines and achieving a streamlined layout. The conveyor belt 210 extends horizontally, providing a stable and continuous horizontal conveying carrier for various meters to be tested, ensuring stable meter conveying rhythm and regular conveying path, and realizing automated flow and feeding.

[0036] The first station serves as a designated temporary storage and loading station for three-phase energy meters 600 and terminal meters 700. It is used to accurately position the large-volume three-phase and terminal meters on the conveyor belt 210, providing fixed stopping points for subsequent material transfer components 310 to grip and transport them. The second station is specifically adapted for the stopping and positioning of single-phase energy meters 500. Considering the small size and significant differences in transmission specifications between single-phase and three-phase meters and terminal meters, it enables independent fixed-point stopping of single-phase meters, facilitating subsequent docking and testing.

[0037] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism 200 in this embodiment includes two stop components 220, which are respectively disposed at the discharge ends of the first station and the second station. Each stop component 220 includes a lifting driver 221 and a stop plate 222. The lifting driver 221 is connected to the lower part of the conveyor belt 210, and the stop plate 222 is connected to the power output end of the lifting driver 221 and can extend to the upper part of the conveyor belt 210. Two stop components 220 are used to intercept and precisely position the metering devices to be tested conveyed on the conveyor belt 210. The lifting driver 221 in the stop component 220 is installed and fixed below the conveyor belt 210 to provide vertical lifting drive power for the stop plate 222. The stop plate 222 is assembled at the power output end of the lifting driver 221 and can extend above the conveyor belt 210 or retract below the conveyor belt 210 with the movement of the lifting driver 221. When extended, it can block the meter from moving forward, so that the three-phase energy meter 600 and the terminal meter 700 can be stably stopped at the first station and the single-phase energy meter 500 can be stably stopped at the second station, ensuring the accuracy of material picking and testing position. When retracted, it removes the obstruction, so that the metering devices after testing can be normally conveyed downstream with the conveyor belt 210.

[0038] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism 200 includes two lateral limiting components 230, which are disposed on at least one side of the conveyor belt 210 in the width direction. Each lateral limiting component 230 includes a horizontal driver 231 and a lateral limiting plate 232. The horizontal driver 231 is connected to one side of the conveyor belt 210, and the lateral limiting plate 232 is connected to the power output end of the horizontal driver 231 to move horizontally toward / away from the conveyor belt 210. The horizontal driver 231 provides a driving force for the horizontal reciprocating movement of the lateral limiting plate 232. Driven by the horizontal driver 231, the lateral limiting plate 232 moves in a translational motion toward the inside of the conveyor belt 210 or away from the outside of the conveyor belt 210. This allows for lateral centering correction and limiting guidance of the single-phase energy meter 500, three-phase energy meter 600, and terminal meter 700 conveyed on the conveyor belt 210. It constrains the offset of the meters in the width direction of the conveyor belt 210, ensuring that the various meters are conveyed in a regular posture and centered. This provides a stable position reference for accurate docking at subsequent workstations, reliable gripping by grippers, and accurate docking and testing of electrical connectors.

[0039] It should be noted that, given that the number of three-phase energy meters 600 and terminal meters 700 submitted for inspection is less than that of single-phase energy meters 500, and that their transport routes differ from those of single-phase energy meters 500, this application sets up an offline testing layout for three-phase energy meters 600 and terminal meters 700, which are transported separately to the testing platform 320 to complete power connection and appearance inspection. Meanwhile, single-phase energy meters 500, adapted to their own transport characteristics, can directly complete station docking and testing operations on the conveyor belt 210 in situ. Through differentiated zoned testing layout, while achieving compatible co-line testing of the three types of meters, the differences in transport and workload of different meter types are adapted to reasonably allocate the testing process and work rhythm, thereby maximizing the overall efficiency of the calibration operation of the production line.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first testing mechanism 300 is specifically responsible for the automatic transfer, electrical connection and appearance image inspection of the three-phase energy meter 600 and the terminal meter 700. By using a shared material transfer structure and separate terminals, flexible compatibility testing of the two large-volume meters can be achieved without the need for two separate sets of equipment.

[0041] The material transfer component 310 is responsible for the meter transfer function between the workstation and the testing platform 320, realizing the automatic transfer of meters between the first workstation and the testing platform 320, replacing manual transfer and improving the degree of automation. The gripper, as the actuating clamping component of the material transfer component 310, can reliably grasp the three-phase energy meter 600 and the terminal meter 700, realizing universal clamping and transfer of both types of meters, adapting to the material loading requirements of both types of meters. The testing platform 320 provides a fixed testing and installation benchmark for the three-phase energy meter 600 and the terminal meter 700, centrally integrating the three-phase connector 330 and the terminal connector 340, realizing the fixed-point alignment and stable placement of the two types of meters, ensuring the accuracy of the connection and testing positions.

[0042] Furthermore, the material transfer assembly 310 in this embodiment includes a material transfer track 311, a material transfer driver 312, and a carriage 313. The material transfer track 311 extends horizontally above the conveyor belt 210 and the detection platform 320. The material transfer driver 312 is disposed at one end of the material transfer track 311. The carriage 313 is connected to the power output end of the material transfer driver 312 to move along the material transfer track 311. The gripper is connected to the carriage 313. In the material transfer assembly 310, the material transfer track 311 provides a guiding reference and installation support for the translational movement of the slide 313 and the gripper; the material transfer driver 312 provides a power source for the reciprocating sliding of the slide 313; the slide 313 is connected to the power output end of the material transfer driver 312 and can move horizontally along the material transfer track 311, playing the role of connecting and bearing and power transmission; the gripper moves synchronously with the slide 313, so that the three-phase energy meter 600 and the terminal meter 700 can be smoothly transferred between the first station and the detection platform 320, realizing automatic meter picking and placing, cross-station transfer, and ensuring the smooth progress of automatic feeding, alignment and power connection and detection processes of the two types of meters.

[0043] Furthermore, the material transfer assembly 310 also includes a lifting driver 314 and a lifting frame 315. The lifting driver 314 is mounted on the slide 313, and the lifting frame 315 is connected to the power output end of the lifting driver 314 to move vertically. The gripper is connected to the lifting frame 315. The lifting driver 314 added to the material transfer assembly 310 can provide vertical lifting driving force to the lifting frame 315. The lifting frame 315 is connected to the power output end of the lifting driver 314 and can perform vertical lifting and lowering movements, serving to support and install the gripper. The gripper is fixed to the lifting frame 315 and moves up and down synchronously with the lifting frame 315, thereby realizing the gripper's downward gripping, upward lifting, and downward placement of the three-phase energy meter 600 and terminal meter 700 to be tested. Combined with the horizontal transfer of the slide 313, it completes the precise and stable picking, placing, and transferring operation of the meter between the first station and the testing platform 320.

[0044] Specifically, the gripper includes an opening / closing actuator 316 and at least two gripping arms 317. The opening / closing actuator 316 is mounted on the lifting frame 315, and the gripping arms 317 are respectively connected to the power output end of the opening / closing actuator 316 for relative opening and closing movement. The opening / closing actuator 316 provides opening and closing driving power for the movement of each gripping arm 317. At least two gripping arms 317 are respectively connected to the power output end of the opening / closing actuator 316 and can realize relative opening and closing movement. When the gripping arms 317 are closed, the three-phase energy meter 600 and the terminal meter 700 can be firmly clamped. When the gripping arms 317 are opened, the meters that have been transferred and placed can be released. This adapts to the different sizes of the three-phase energy meters 600 and the terminal meter 700, achieving adaptive and reliable gripping and smooth release, and ensuring the stability and adaptability of the transfer component 310 in the clamping and transfer process of the meters.

[0045] In this embodiment, the three-phase connector 330 is specifically designed to correspond to the wiring terminals of the three-phase energy meter 600, enabling precise electrical connection after the three-phase energy meter 600 is placed in place, and providing circuit access conditions for performance verification and power-on testing. The terminal connector 340 is specifically designed to match the wiring structure of the terminal meter 700, independently enabling electrical connection of the terminal meter 700. It is deployed separately from the three-phase connector 330, without interfering with each other, meeting the differentiated wiring requirements of the two types of meters.

[0046] Furthermore, both the three-phase connector 330 and the terminal connector 340 are equipped with a docking drive structure. The docking drive structure can provide horizontal driving force for the three-phase connector 330 and the terminal connector 340, enabling them to move horizontally towards or backward toward the testing platform 320. The docking position can be adaptively and finely adjusted according to the wiring position of the three-phase energy meter 600 and the terminal meter 700 placed on the testing platform 320, achieving precise fitting and insertion with the meter wiring terminals, ensuring reliable and stable electrical docking. At the same time, after the test is completed, the connector can be driven to move backward and separate, avoiding interference with the meter handling and transportation, and improving docking accuracy and automation adaptation capabilities.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first inspection camera 350 is positioned facing the inspection platform 320 to acquire high-definition images of the three-phase energy meter 600 and terminal meter 700 placed on the inspection platform 320, completing appearance inspection tasks such as appearance defects, housing structure, and wiring status. In this embodiment, the second inspection mechanism 400 is dedicated to the electrical connection and appearance inspection of the single-phase energy meter 500. It is independently adapted to the size, wiring, and transmission characteristics of the single-phase meter, making up for the shortcoming of the first inspection mechanism 300's incompatibility with single-phase meters, and realizing full coverage compatibility inspection of the three types of meters.

[0048] The single-phase connector 410 is adapted to the wiring specifications of the single-phase energy meter 500, enabling precise alignment and electrical connection of the single-phase energy meter 500 at the second station, meeting the requirements for power-on verification and signal acquisition of the single-phase energy meter 500. Simultaneously, the single-phase connector 410 is equipped with an independent docking drive structure, which can drive the single-phase connector 410 to move horizontally towards or backward towards the second station, thereby adaptively adapting to the positional deviation of the single-phase energy meter 500's wiring terminals, achieving flexible and precise plug-in docking. After testing, it can be retracted to avoid structural interference with the transport and flow of the single-phase energy meter 500.

[0049] Correspondingly, the second inspection camera 420 is positioned facing the second workstation to collect images and perform appearance inspection on the single-phase energy meter 500 parked at the second workstation, completing visual inspection tasks such as appearance defects and installation status of the single-phase meter.

[0050] In this embodiment, the electricity meter compatibility testing device further includes a machine base 100, on which a mounting frame 110 is provided. A conveyor belt 210 runs horizontally through the machine base 100. The first testing mechanism 300 and the second testing mechanism 400 are respectively connected to the mounting frame 110. The machine base 100 serves as the basic support structure of the entire electricity meter compatibility testing device, providing overall support, fixed installation, and structural positioning. The mounting frame 110 on the machine base 100 provides a stable mounting point and support foundation for the first testing mechanism 300 and the second testing mechanism 400. The conveyor belt 210 runs horizontally through the interior of the machine base 100, achieving orderly installation and stable operation based on the machine base 100. At the same time, the first testing mechanism 300 and the second testing mechanism 400 are uniformly integrated and assembled on the mounting frame 110, making the layout of each functional component compact and orderly, maintaining a stable relative position, ensuring the rigidity and assembly accuracy of the overall structure, and facilitating the integrated installation, debugging, and subsequent maintenance of the overall equipment.

[0051] In addition, the compatibility testing device for electricity meters also includes a control mechanism, which is located in the machine base 100. The transmission mechanism 200, the first detection mechanism 300, and the second detection mechanism 400 are respectively connected to the control mechanism. As the core control hub of the entire device, the control mechanism establishes electrical and signal connections with the transmission mechanism 200, the first detection mechanism 300, and the second detection mechanism 400. It can coordinate and manage the operation sequence, start and stop actions, displacement stroke, and testing process of each mechanism according to the preset verification logic. This enables the coordinated and fully automated orderly operation of various processes, such as conveyor belt 210 conveying, station stopping, meter material handling, connector alignment, and camera image acquisition and testing. This ensures the automation, rhythm, and accuracy of the entire compatibility testing process for three-phase electricity meters 600, terminal meters 700, and single-phase electricity meters 500.

[0052] Example 2: This example provides a method for testing the compatibility of electricity meters. It uses the electricity meter compatibility testing device described in Example 1 to test the screen display quality of three-phase electricity meters 600, terminal meters 700, and single-phase electricity meters 500.

[0053] When performing tests on three-phase energy meters 600 and / or terminal meters 700, the specific procedures include:

[0054] Step S1: The three-phase energy meter 600 or terminal meter 700 to be tested is moved to the first station by the transmission mechanism 200. The conveyor belt 210 of the transmission mechanism 200 smoothly and accurately delivers the three-phase energy meter 600 or terminal meter 700 to the first station, completing the fixed-point docking and preliminary positioning of the meter, and providing an accurate station basis for subsequent material handling and grabbing operations.

[0055] Step S2: The three-phase energy meter 600 or terminal meter 700 is moved from the first station to the testing platform 320 by the material transfer component 310; the three-phase energy meter 600 or terminal meter 700 parked at the first station is automatically transferred to the testing platform 320 by the material transfer component 310, so that the large-volume meter can be separated from the conveyor line and enter the dedicated testing area, avoiding structural interference with the conveyor path of single-phase meters, and adapting to the independent testing needs of the two types of meters.

[0056] Step S3: Connect the three-phase connector 330 to the three-phase energy meter 600 to be tested, or connect the terminal connector 340 to the terminal meter 700 to be tested. Connect the three-phase connector 330 to the three-phase energy meter 600 and the terminal connector 340 to the terminal meter 700 respectively to achieve reliable electrical connection of the meter terminals, and provide circuit access conditions for subsequent meter power-on, screen lighting and function testing.

[0057] Step S4: After power-on, the first detection camera 350 performs screen quality shooting detection on the three-phase energy meter 600 or terminal meter 700 to be tested. After the meter is powered on and the screen is lit, the first detection camera 350 captures and shoots images of the screen of the three-phase energy meter 600 and the terminal meter 700 to complete the appearance quality detection of screen display clarity, missing characters, screen distortion, black screen, etc., and realizes automated visual inspection.

[0058] When testing a single-phase energy meter 500, the specific steps include: Step a, moving the single-phase energy meter 500 to be tested to the second station through the transmission mechanism 200, conveying the single-phase energy meter 500 through the transmission mechanism 200 and accurately stopping it at the second station, using a dedicated station to achieve independent partitioning and positioning of the single-phase meter, adapting to the differences in single-phase meter size, transmission direction and transmission cycle, and realizing separate deployment from three-phase meters and terminal meters.

[0059] Step b: Drive the single-phase connector 410 to connect with the single-phase energy meter 500 in the second station, drive the single-phase connector 410 to operate and complete the precise wiring docking with the single-phase energy meter 500 in the second station, establish an electrical path, and meet the power supply and signal access requirements for the single-phase energy meter 500 to power on and screen detection.

[0060] Step c: After powering on, the second detection camera takes pictures of the screen quality of the single-phase energy meter 500 to be tested. After the single-phase energy meter 500 is powered on and the screen is turned on, the second detection camera 420 takes pictures of its screen to complete the visual recognition and defect detection of the screen display quality. The verification can be completed on the spot without leaving the conveyor belt 210, which simplifies the process and improves the testing efficiency of single-phase meters.

[0061] In summary, the compatibility testing device and method for electricity meters described in this invention, by setting up a transmission mechanism 200 with a first station and a second station, and matching it with a first detection mechanism 300 and a second detection mechanism 400 respectively, realizes integrated co-line transmission and zoned compatibility testing of three-phase electricity meters 600, terminal meters 700 and single-phase electricity meters 500. Utilizing the material transfer component 310, testing platform 320, and separately installed three-phase connectors 330 and terminal connectors 340 of the first testing mechanism 300, the three-phase energy meter 600 and terminal meter 700 at the first station can be automatically transferred and aligned, and electrical connection and appearance inspection can be completed respectively. Relying on the unified material transfer structure of the grippers, it can adapt to the flow and testing of two large-volume meters. It is naturally adapted to the similar characteristics of the three-phase energy meter 600 and the terminal meter 700 in terms of external size, transmission direction and conveying quantity, so as to achieve barrier-free compatibility testing between the two. At the same time, a single-phase connector 410 and a second testing camera 420 are set up at the second station to independently align, connect and inspect the single-phase energy meter 500, which has a large difference in specifications and transmission rate from the three-phase meter and the terminal meter. There is no need to lay out multiple independent conveyor lines and multiple completely independent testing equipment for different types of measuring instruments.

[0062] This invention eliminates the need for a large area to deploy multiple separate devices, significantly reducing the overall footprint of the testing equipment and lowering the site setup and equipment investment costs for the metrology center. Simultaneously, it integrates the calibration tasks of three-phase energy meters 600, terminal meters 700, and single-phase energy meters 500 into a single production line for collaborative operation. This allows for flexible allocation of the testing sequence of various meters based on actual calibration workload, balancing the calibration load between different meter types, effectively avoiding idle standby of individual devices, and significantly improving the overall equipment utilization rate of the entire system.

[0063] This invention, through its structural design of workstation partitioning, dedicated connector matching, and camera-based point detection, eliminates the need for manual tooling changes, equipment parameter adjustments, or test program switching. It can fully automate the classification, automatic alignment, electrical connection, and appearance inspection of three-phase energy meters 600, terminal meters 700, and single-phase energy meters 500, achieving truly automated, flexible, and compatible inspection of multiple types of energy meters. It meets the needs of power metering centers for multi-category, alternating, and large-volume automated verification operations, effectively improving the automation level and overall inspection efficiency of verification operations.

[0064] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A compatibility testing device for electricity meters, characterized in that: include: A transmission mechanism, comprising a conveyor belt extending in a horizontal direction, wherein a first station and a second station are spaced apart along the extension path of the conveyor belt. The first testing mechanism includes a material transfer component, a testing platform, and a first testing camera. The testing platform is located on one side of the first workstation and is equipped with a three-phase connector and a terminal connector. The material transfer component includes grippers that can move between the first workstation and the testing platform. A three-phase energy meter to be tested, moved to the first workstation, is moved by the grippers and electrically connected to the three-phase connector. A terminal meter to be tested, moved to the first workstation, is moved by the grippers and electrically connected to the terminal connector. The first testing camera is positioned facing the testing platform. The second testing mechanism includes a single-phase connector and a second testing camera. The single-phase connector is located on one side of the second workstation and can be electrically connected to the single-phase energy meter to be tested that has been moved to the second workstation. The second testing camera is positioned facing the second workstation.

2. The compatibility testing device for electricity meters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism includes two stop components, which are respectively disposed at the discharge ends of the first station and the second station. Each stop component includes a lifting driver and a stop plate. The lifting driver is connected to the bottom of the conveyor belt, and the stop plate is connected to the power output end of the lifting driver and can extend above the conveyor belt.

3. The compatibility testing device for electricity meters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism includes two lateral limiting components disposed on at least one side of the conveyor belt in the width direction. Each lateral limiting component includes a horizontal driver and a lateral limiting plate. The horizontal driver is connected to one side of the conveyor belt, and the lateral limiting plate is connected to the power output end of the horizontal driver to move horizontally toward / away from the conveyor belt.

4. The compatibility testing device for electricity meters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material transfer assembly includes a material transfer track, a material transfer driver, and a carriage. The material transfer track extends horizontally above the conveyor belt and the detection platform. The material transfer driver is located at one end of the material transfer track. The carriage is connected to the power output end of the material transfer driver to move along the material transfer track. The gripper is connected to the carriage.

5. The compatibility testing device for electricity meters according to claim 4, characterized in that: The material transfer assembly also includes a lifting driver and a lifting frame. The lifting driver is mounted on the slide, and the lifting frame is connected to the power output end of the lifting driver to move in a vertical direction. The gripper is connected to the lifting frame.

6. The compatibility testing device for electricity meters according to claim 5, characterized in that: The gripper includes an opening and closing driver and at least two gripping arms. The opening and closing driver is mounted on the lifting frame, and the gripping arms are respectively connected to the power output end of the opening and closing driver for relative opening and closing movement.

7. The compatibility testing device for electricity meters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The three-phase connector, the terminal connector, and the single-phase connector are all connected to the docking drive structure. The three-phase connector and the terminal connector can move horizontally toward the detection platform, and the single-phase connector can move horizontally toward the second workstation.

8. The compatibility testing device for electricity meters according to claim 1, characterized in that: The compatibility testing device for the electricity meter also includes a machine base, on which a mounting frame is provided. The conveyor belt runs horizontally through the machine base, and the first testing mechanism and the second testing mechanism are respectively connected to the mounting frame.

9. The compatibility testing device for electricity meters according to claim 8, characterized in that: The compatibility testing device for the electricity meter also includes a control mechanism, which is disposed in the machine base. The transmission mechanism, the first detection mechanism, and the second detection mechanism are respectively connected to the control mechanism.

10. A method for testing the compatibility of an electricity meter, characterized in that: The screen display quality of three-phase energy meters, terminal meters, and single-phase energy meters is tested using the energy meter compatibility testing device described in any one of claims 1 to 9. When performing testing on three-phase energy meters and / or terminal meters, the specific procedures include: Step S1: Move the three-phase energy meter or terminal meter to be tested to the first working position through the transmission mechanism; Step S2: Move the three-phase energy meter or terminal meter from the first workstation to the testing platform using the material transfer component; Step S3: Connect the three-phase connector to the three-phase energy meter to be tested, or connect the terminal connector to the terminal meter to be tested. Step S4: After powering on, the screen quality of the three-phase energy meter or terminal meter to be tested is captured and tested using the first detection camera. When testing a single-phase electricity meter, the specific steps include: Step a: Move the single-phase energy meter to be tested to the second station using the transmission mechanism; Step b: Connect the single-phase connector to the single-phase energy meter in the second station; Step c: After powering on, use the second detection camera to take pictures of the screen quality of the single-phase energy meter to be tested.

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