Electric energy meter data collector

Abstract

The utility model discloses an electric energy meter data acquisition unit, which relates to the field of data acquisition, and is provided with an equipment interface, a communication interface, a communication module, an MCU (Microprogrammed Control Unit), an antenna and a first DCDC (Direct Current to Direct Current) module, the antenna is arranged near the electric energy meter through the coaxial line, the antenna is arranged near the electric energy meter through the coaxial line, the first DCDC module reduces the first voltage into the second voltage and then supplies power to the communication module, the equipment interface transmits data to the MCU through the communication interface, and after the communication module is powered on and the MCU receives the data, the MCU communicates with the electric energy meter through the communication module and the antenna. The influence of the MCU in the electric energy meter data collector on the antenna is greatly reduced, an iron plate does not need to be arranged like a sucker antenna, the appearance is low, and the possibility of being damaged is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of data collection, in particular to an electric energy meter data collector. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous advancement of science and technology, data collection for industrial control equipment, especially smart electricity meters, has become increasingly important. However, in the existing technology, the antenna of the electricity meter data collector is generally built-in or external. Among them, if the antenna of the electricity meter data collector is built-in, because the MCU (Micro Controller Unit) inside the smart electricity meter will send signals to other devices inside the smart electricity meter respectively, the antenna is easily affected by the MCU, which in turn affects the reception of the smart electricity meter signal; on the contrary, if the antenna of the electricity meter data collector is external, it is necessary to additionally set up a suction cup and an iron plate. The iron plate needs to be set on the smart electricity meter, and the antenna is adsorbed on the iron plate by the suction cup. However, in this way, the appearance of the antenna is more conspicuous and easy to be deliberately damaged. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of the utility model is to provide an electric energy meter data collector. This solution places the antenna near the electric energy meter through a coaxial line, which greatly reduces the impact of the electric energy meter data collector on the antenna. It does not need to be equipped with an iron plate like a suction cup antenna, and has a low-key appearance, reducing the possibility of damage.

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the utility model provides an electric energy meter data collector, comprising: a device interface, a communication interface, a communication module, an MCU, an antenna, and a first DCDC module;

[0005] The input end of the first DCDC module is connected to the electric energy meter through the device interface, and the output end is connected to the communication module, and is used to step down the first voltage output by the electric energy meter and convert it into a second voltage required for the operation of the communication module;

[0006] The communication module is connected to the MCU and is used to transmit the data transmitted by the MCU to the antenna;

[0007] The communication interface is connected to the device interface and the MCU respectively, and is used to transmit the data transmitted by the electric energy meter through the device interface to the MCU;

[0008] The antenna is connected to the communication module via a coaxial line, and the distance between the antenna and the electric energy meter is within a preset range.

[0009] Optionally, also include:

[0010] A power-off detection circuit, wherein a first end of the power-off detection circuit is connected to the electric energy meter through the device interface, a second end is connected to the communication module, and a power supply end is connected to the output end of the first DCDC module, and is configured to output a first signal to the communication module when receiving the first voltage; and output a second signal to the communication module when not receiving the first voltage.

[0011] Optionally, it also includes: a second DCDC module and a backup power supply;

[0012] The input end of the second DCDC module is connected to the electric energy meter through the device interface, and the output end is connected to the input end of the backup power supply, and is used to convert the first voltage into a third voltage required for the operation of the backup power supply;

[0013] The output end of the backup power supply is connected to the input end of the first DCDC module, and is used to transmit the fourth voltage output by the backup power supply to the first DCDC module when the electric energy meter does not output the first voltage.

[0014] Optionally, the second DCDC module includes: an LDO chip, a current limiting circuit, and a first diode;

[0015] The VIN terminal of the LDO chip is connected to the electric energy meter through the device interface, and the VOUT terminal is connected to the first terminal of the current limiting circuit, for performing a step-down conversion on the first voltage;

[0016] The second end of the current limiting circuit is connected to the anode of the first diode, and is used to output the third voltage to the backup power supply;

[0017] The cathode of the first diode is connected to the first end of the backup power supply;

[0018] Accordingly, the backup power supply includes: a charging capacitor, a first resistor, and a second diode;

[0019] The anode of the charging capacitor is connected to the cathode of the first diode;

[0020] The first end of the first resistor is connected to the cathode of the first diode;

[0021] The anode of the second diode is connected to the cathode of the first diode;

[0022] The cathode of the charging capacitor is connected to the ground, and the capacity of the charging capacitor is greater than a preset capacity threshold;

[0023] The second end of the first resistor is connected to the ground;

[0024] A cathode of the second diode is connected to an input terminal of the first DCDC module.

[0025] Optionally, also include:

[0026] A watchdog circuit, wherein a first end of the watchdog circuit is connected to the output end of the first DCDC module, and a second end is connected to the MCU, and is used to control the MCU to reset when the MCU does not send a feeding signal within a preset time.

[0027] Optionally, also include:

[0028] a third DCDC module, wherein the input end of the third DCDC module is connected to the electric energy meter through the device interface, and the output end is connected to the input end of the power display module, and is used to convert the first voltage into a fifth voltage required for the operation of the power display module;

[0029] The power display module, which is arranged on the surface of the electric energy meter data collector and protrudes outward, is used to display the corresponding information when power is supplied.

[0030] Optionally, the communication module can be pulled out and arranged on the electric energy meter data collector.

[0031] Optionally, it further includes: a power switch and a reset switch provided on the surface of the electric energy meter data collector;

[0032] The power switch is connected to the device interface and the first DCDC module respectively;

[0033] The reset switch is connected to the reset terminal of the first DCDC module.

[0034] Optionally, also include:

[0035] A level conversion circuit, wherein a first end of the level conversion circuit is connected to the level receiving port of the device interface, and a second end of the level conversion circuit is connected to the level sending port of the communication module, and is used to control the level of its first end to be equal to the level of its second end.

[0036] Optionally, the level conversion circuit includes: a bidirectional voltage regulator, a second resistor, a third resistor, a first NPN transistor, a fourth resistor, a fifth resistor, a sixth resistor, a second NPN transistor, a seventh resistor, a capacitor, and a pull-up resistor;

[0037] The anode of the bidirectional voltage regulator is connected to the level sending port of the communication module and the first end of the second resistor respectively, and the cathode is connected to the ground;

[0038] The second end of the second resistor is connected to the first end of the third resistor and the base of the first NPN transistor respectively;

[0039] The second end of the third resistor is connected to the ground;

[0040] The collector of the first NPN transistor is connected to the first end of the fourth resistor and the first end of the fifth resistor, and the emitter is connected to the ground;

[0041] The second end of the fourth resistor is connected to the first preset power supply;

[0042] The second end of the fifth resistor is connected to the first end of the sixth resistor and the base of the second NPN transistor respectively;

[0043] The second end of the sixth resistor is connected to the ground;

[0044] The emitter of the second NPN transistor is connected to the ground, and the collector is connected to the first end of the seventh resistor;

[0045] The second end of the seventh resistor is connected to the first end of the capacitor, the first end of the pull-up resistor and the level receiving port of the device interface respectively;

[0046] The second end of the pull-up resistor is connected to a second preset power supply;

[0047] The second end of the capacitor is connected to the ground.

[0048] The purpose of the utility model is to provide an electric energy meter data collector, which is provided with a device interface, a communication interface, a communication module, an MCU, an antenna, and a first DCDC module, wherein the electric energy meter transmits a first voltage and data to the first DCDC module through the device interface, the first DCDC module steps down the first voltage to a second voltage and then supplies power to the communication module, and the device interface transmits the data to the MCU through the communication interface. After the communication module is powered and the MCU receives the data, the MCU communicates with the electric energy meter through the communication module and the antenna. In this solution, the antenna is placed near the electric energy meter through a coaxial cable, which greatly reduces the influence of the MCU inside the electric energy meter data collector on the antenna, and does not need to be equipped with an iron plate like a suction cup antenna, and the appearance is low-key, reducing the possibility of damage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without paying any creative work.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an electric energy meter data collector provided by the utility model;

[0051] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a simple cow interface structure with a fool-proof design provided by the utility model;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a power-off detection circuit provided by the utility model;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a first DCDC module, a second DCDC module and a backup power supply provided by the utility model;

[0054] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a slave MCU and a master MCU provided by the utility model;

[0055] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of multiple display lights provided on an electric energy meter data collector provided by the utility model;

[0056] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of a drawer-type pull-out communication module with a pull ring provided by the utility model;

[0057] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of a level conversion circuit provided by the utility model;

[0058] Figure 9 A schematic structural diagram of an antenna provided by the utility model;

[0059] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of a 485 interface provided by the utility model;

[0060] Figure 11 A schematic structural diagram of a display circuit provided by the utility model;

[0061] Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of a storage module provided by the utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] The core of this utility model is to provide an electric energy meter data collector. This solution places the antenna near the electric energy meter through a coaxial line, which greatly reduces the impact of the electric energy meter data collector on the antenna. It does not need to be equipped with an iron plate like a suction cup antenna, and has a low-key appearance, reducing the possibility of damage.

[0063] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an electric energy meter data collector provided by the present invention. The electric energy meter data collector includes: a device interface 1, a communication interface 2, a communication module 3, an MCU 4, an antenna 5, and a first DCDC module 6;

[0065] The input end of the first DCDC module 6 is connected to the electric energy meter through the device interface 1, and the output end is connected to the communication module 3, and is used to step down the first voltage output by the electric energy meter into a second voltage required for the operation of the communication module 3;

[0066] The communication module 3 is connected to the MCU 4 and is used to transmit the data transmitted by the MCU 4 to the antenna 5;

[0067] The communication interface 2 is connected to the device interface 1 and the MCU4 respectively, and is used to transmit the data transmitted by the energy meter through the device interface 1 to the MCU4;

[0068] The antenna 5 is connected to the communication module 3 via a coaxial line, and the distance between the antenna 5 and the electric energy meter is within a preset range.

[0069] In the present invention, it is taken into consideration that if the antenna 5 of the electric energy meter data collector is built-in, the antenna 5 is easily affected by the MCU4, thereby affecting the reception of the smart electric energy meter signal, and it is also taken into consideration that if the antenna 5 of the electric energy meter data collector is external, it is necessary to additionally set up a suction cup and an iron plate, and in this way the appearance of the antenna 5 is more conspicuous and easily subject to deliberate damage. Therefore, in this solution, the antenna 5 is placed near the electric energy meter through a coaxial cable and is set outside the electric energy meter data collector. This is an external method, but there is no need to adsorb the antenna 5 on the electric energy meter through an iron plate and a suction cup. The appearance is low-key, reducing the possibility of damage.

[0070] It should be noted that considering the poor confidentiality of the existing MCU4, its easy cracking, and the long software encryption development cycle, this solution can use the M2354 series chip as MCU4 because it has chip physical layer information security protection function and complies with international mainstream IoT security standards.

[0071] It should also be noted that, considering that the existing storage modules are all built-in storage modules, since the built-in storage modules need to erase historical data each time they are written, their reading speed is slow. Therefore, this solution can adopt an external storage module, which has the characteristics of non-volatility and does not require erasing historical data, so the reading and writing speed is fast, and it has the characteristics of high program portability, which is conducive to data correctness verification.

[0072] It should also be noted that, considering that the existing device interface 1 has no fool-proof design and the pins connected to the device interface 1 are easily bent, in addition, the existing device interface 1 is close to the strong and weak currents, and is easily affected by strong currents and has the risk of induced lightning, so this solution can use a simple cow interface to connect to the energy meter and the energy meter data collector respectively, and the simple cow interface has a fool-proof design, and if Figure 2 As shown, since the wireless module does not require strong electricity, removing the corresponding pins will help improve safety.

[0073] This embodiment provides an electric energy meter data collector, which is provided with a device interface 1, a communication interface 2, a communication module 3, an MCU4, an antenna 5, and a first DCDC module 6. The electric energy meter transmits a first voltage and data to the first DCDC module 6 through the device interface 1. The first DCDC module 6 steps down the first voltage to a second voltage and then supplies power to the communication module 3. The device interface 1 transmits the data to the MCU4 through the communication interface 2. After the communication module 3 is powered and the MCU4 receives the data, the MCU4 communicates with the electric energy meter through the communication module 3 and the antenna 5. This solution places the antenna 5 near the electric energy meter via a coaxial cable, greatly reducing the impact of the electric energy meter data collector on the antenna 5. There is no need to equip the antenna with an iron plate like the suction cup antenna 5, resulting in a low-key appearance and reduced possibility of damage.

[0074] Based on the above embodiment:

[0075] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes:

[0076] A power-off detection circuit, wherein the first end of the power-off detection circuit is connected to the electric energy meter through the device interface 1, the second end is connected to the communication module 3, and the power supply end is connected to the output end of the first DCDC module 6, and is configured to output a first signal to the communication module 3 when a first voltage is received; and output a second signal to the communication module 3 when the first voltage is not received.

[0077] In the present utility model, a power-off detection circuit is also provided in the electric energy meter data collector. When the electric energy meter is powered on normally, the power-off detection circuit will output a first signal to the communication module 3 to notify the communication module 3 that the current electric energy meter is not powered on; conversely, when the electric energy meter is not powered on normally, the power-off detection circuit will output a second signal to the communication module 3 to notify the communication module 3 that the current electric energy meter has been powered off, thereby enabling the communication module 3 to perform corresponding operations. The power-off detection circuit can ensure real-time monitoring of the power-on status of the electric energy meter, so that the communication module 3 can perform timely operations based on the power-on status of the electric energy meter.

[0078] It should be noted that if Figure 3 As shown, the power-off detection circuit is generally provided with multiple resistors, an RC (Resistance Capacitance) filter module and two NPN transistors, wherein the resistor plays a role of current limiting, and the RC filter module plays a role of filtering. When the electric energy meter is powered on normally, the NPN transistor on the left is turned on and the transistor on the right is turned off. At this time, the level of the collector of the right transistor is high. Conversely, if the electric energy meter is not powered on normally, the NPN transistor on the left is turned off and the transistor on the right is turned on. At this time, the level of the collector of the right transistor is low. The collector level of the right transistor is transmitted to the communication module 3, and the current power-on status of the electric energy meter can be indicated by whether the collector level is high or low.

[0079] As an optional embodiment, it further includes: a second DCDC module and a backup power supply;

[0080] The input end of the second DCDC module is connected to the electric energy meter through the device interface 1, and the output end is connected to the input end of the backup power supply, and is used to convert the first voltage into the third voltage required for the backup power supply to operate;

[0081] The output end of the backup power supply is connected to the input end of the first DCDC module 6 , and is used to transmit the fourth voltage output by the backup power supply to the first DCDC module 6 when the electric energy meter does not output the first voltage.

[0082] In the present utility model, considering that when the electric energy meter suddenly loses power, it may affect the electric energy meter data collector, the present solution adds a second DCDC (direct current-direct current) module and a backup power supply. When the electric energy meter is powered on normally, that is, when the electric energy meter transmits the first voltage, the second DCDC module will step down the first voltage and convert it into the third voltage required for the backup power supply to operate, so that the backup power supply can be powered; conversely, when the electric energy meter stops being powered on, that is, when the electric energy meter stops transmitting the first voltage, the backup power supply will transmit the stored fourth voltage to the first DCDC module 6, so that the first DCDC module 6 will step down the fourth voltage and convert it into the second voltage required for the communication module 3 to operate. When the electric energy meter stops being powered on, the communication module 3 can still be powered and operate, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the solution.

[0083] It should be noted that the structures of the first DCDC module 6, the second DCDC module and the backup power supply are as follows: Figure 4 As shown, considering that existing boost chips are relatively expensive, generate additional interference, and are difficult to route on a small PCB (Printed Circuit Board), this solution uses a buck-type DCDC chip in the first DCDC module 6. Since this solution does not use a boost-type DCDC chip, it greatly reduces the noise caused by the power supply, improves the sensitivity of the communication module 3, and is more conducive to routing on the PCB.

[0084] As an optional embodiment, the second DCDC module includes: an LDO chip, a current limiting circuit, and a first diode;

[0085] The VIN terminal of the LDO chip is connected to the electric energy meter through the device interface 1, and the VOUT terminal is connected to the first terminal of the current limiting circuit, for performing a step-down conversion on the first voltage;

[0086] The second end of the current limiting circuit is connected to the anode of the first diode, and is used to output a third voltage to the backup power supply;

[0087] The cathode of the first diode is connected to the first end of the backup power supply;

[0088] Correspondingly, the backup power supply includes: a charging capacitor, a first resistor, and a second diode;

[0089] The anode of the charging capacitor is connected to the cathode of the first diode;

[0090] A first end of the first resistor is connected to the cathode of the first diode;

[0091] The anode of the second diode is connected to the cathode of the first diode;

[0092] The cathode of the charging capacitor is connected to the ground, and the capacity of the charging capacitor is greater than a preset capacity threshold;

[0093] The second end of the first resistor is connected to the ground;

[0094] The cathode of the second diode is connected to the input terminal of the first DCDC module 6 .

[0095] In the present invention, the second DCDC module is provided with an LDO (Low Dropout Regulator) chip, a current limiting circuit, and a first diode. The LDO chip can step down the first voltage, and the voltage output by the LDO chip is output as a third voltage required for the operation of the backup power supply after being limited by the current limiting circuit. The first diode ensures that when the power supply to the electricity meter suddenly stops, the electric energy transmitted by the backup power supply is prevented from flowing back into the electricity meter interface. The backup power supply is provided with: a charging capacitor, a first resistor, and a second diode. The first resistor plays a current limiting role. After receiving the third voltage transmitted by the current limiting circuit, the charging capacitor will charge and transmit the fourth voltage stored in itself to the input end of the first DCDC module 6 through the second diode when the power supply to the electricity meter stops. The purpose of providing the second diode is also to avoid the occurrence of reverse current, thereby improving the reliability of the solution.

[0096] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes:

[0097] The watchdog circuit has a first end connected to the output end of the first DCDC module 6 and a second end connected to the MCU4, and is used to control the MCU4 to reset when the MCU4 does not send a feeding signal within a preset time.

[0098] In the present invention, considering that the existing watchdog circuit is generally integrated into the MCU4, which results in a high production cost of the MCU4 and a low configurability, the present invention sets the watchdog circuit and the MCU4 independently. The function of the watchdog circuit is to monitor the working status of the MCU4 by collecting the dog feeding signal. If the watchdog circuit receives the dog feeding signal sent by the MCU4 within the preset time, it proves that the MCU4 is working normally or the program is running normally, and there is no need to control the MCU4 to reset; on the contrary, if the watchdog circuit does not receive the dog feeding signal sent by the MCU4 within the preset time, it proves that the MCU4 is not working normally or the program is running abnormally, and it is necessary to control the MCU4 to reset. The present invention monitors the operation status of the MCU4 by adding an independent watchdog circuit, which is convenient for timely detection of MCU4 faults and rapid corresponding maintenance, and also avoids the impact of MCU4 faults on the electric energy meter data collector, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the scheme. The watchdog circuit can be regarded as a slave MCU and MCU4 as a master MCU. At this time, the structure of the slave MCU and the master MCU is as follows Figure 5 shown.

[0099] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes:

[0100] A third DCDC module, the input end of the third DCDC module is connected to the electric energy meter through the device interface 1, and the output end is connected to the input end of the power display module, and is used to convert the first voltage into a fifth voltage required for the operation of the power display module;

[0101] The power display module is arranged on the surface of the electric energy meter data collector and protrudes outward, and is used to display the corresponding information when power is supplied.

[0102] In the present invention, considering that the existing power indicator light has a single display and the display direction can only be forward, it is not easy to observe the power-on status of the energy meter collector, so the present application sets a third DCDC module and a power display module that is set on the surface of the energy meter data collector and protrudes outward, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the electricity meter is powered on and the electricity meter is successfully connected to the electricity meter data collector, the third DCDC module will convert the first voltage transmitted by the electricity meter into the fifth voltage required for the power display module to work, and light up the power display module. Because the power display module is arranged on the surface of the electricity meter data collector and protrudes outward, the display direction of the power display module is not single, and on-site operation and maintenance personnel can observe it from multiple directions, which is convenient for actual use.

[0103] As an optional embodiment, it further includes: a status display module provided on the surface of the electric energy meter data collector and protruding outward;

[0104] The status display module is connected to the MCU4 and is used to display the working status of the MCU4.

[0105] In the present invention, considering that the existing status indicator light has a single display and the display direction can only be forward, it is not easy to observe the working status of the MCU4 in the energy meter collector, so the present application sets the status display module on the surface of the energy meter data collector and protrudes outward, such as Figure 6 As shown, the display direction of the status display module is not single, and on-site operation and maintenance personnel can observe from multiple directions, which is convenient for actual use.

[0106] As an optional embodiment, the communication interface 2 is a 485 interface, or the device interface 1 is a simplex interface.

[0107] In the present utility model, Figure 6As shown, considering that the communication interface 2 of the existing electricity meter data collector is a TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic) interface, but the TTL interface has weak anti-interference ability and is not scalable, this solution adopts a 485 interface. Compared with the TTL interface, the 485 interface has strong anti-interference ability and is scalable - that is, one electricity meter can be mounted with multiple electricity meters without communication modules 3 (but must have a 485 interface), which is more convenient for practical use.

[0108] As an optional embodiment, the communication module 3 can be pulled out and arranged on the electric energy meter data collector.

[0109] In the present invention, considering that the existing communication modules 3 are all fixedly arranged in the electric energy meter data collector and are difficult to replace, this solution adopts a drawer-like design of the communication module 3, such as Figure 7 As shown, a pull ring can be provided on the surface. When a problem occurs with the communication module 3, the operation and maintenance personnel can pull the pull ring to pull out the communication module 3 and make a corresponding replacement, which makes it more convenient to replace the defective communication module 3 and greatly reduces the on-site operation and maintenance costs.

[0110] It should be noted that, considering that the existing communication modules 3 are generally 2g, 3g, 4g and other modules, but these modules have high power consumption and high cost, the communication module 3 adopted in this solution can be the BG770A-GL communication module 3, because the BG770A-GL communication module 3 supports NB (Narrow Band) and Cat-M technology, and the BG770A-GL communication module 3 has the characteristics of low power consumption and low cost. This application does not specifically limit the specific model of the communication module. As long as the communication module has the characteristics of low power consumption, low cost and easy to use, it can be selected according to actual needs. Therefore, the communication module 3 can be a BG770A-GL communication module or other communication module.

[0111] As an optional embodiment, it further includes: a power switch provided on the surface of the electric energy meter data collector and a reset switch provided on the surface of the electric energy meter data collector;

[0112] The power switch is connected to the device interface 1 and the first DCDC module 6 respectively;

[0113] The reset switch is connected to the reset terminal of the first DCDC module 6 .

[0114] In the present invention, considering that the existing electric energy meter data collector cannot be reset from the outside after freezing, the present solution also sets a reset switch on the surface of the electric energy meter data collector, such as Figure 6As shown, the reset switch is connected to the reset end of the first DCDC module 6. When the reset switch is triggered, the first DCDC module 6 can be reset, and then the electric energy meter data collector can be reset in time. In addition, considering that the existing electric energy meter data collector cannot be powered off from the outside after it crashes, this solution also sets a power switch on the surface of the electric energy meter data collector, such as Figure 6 As shown, the power switch is connected to the device interface 1 and the first DCDC module 6 respectively. When the power switch is triggered, the electrical connection between the energy meter and the first DCDC module 6 will be disconnected in time, thereby improving the safety and convenience of the solution.

[0115] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes:

[0116] A level conversion circuit, wherein the first end of the level conversion circuit is connected to the level receiving port of the device interface 1, and the second end is connected to the level sending port of the communication module 3, and is used to control the level of its first end to be equal to the level of its second end.

[0117] In the present utility model, a level conversion circuit is also provided in the electric energy meter data collector. The purpose of providing the level conversion circuit is to keep the level conditions of the electric energy meter and the communication module 3 the same, that is, the level of the level receiving port of the control device interface 1 is equal to the level of the level sending port of the communication module 3. When the level conditions of the electric energy meter and the communication module 3 remain the same, the information interaction between the electric energy meter and the communication module 3 will be more stable, thereby improving the stability and accuracy of the solution.

[0118] As an optional embodiment, the level conversion circuit includes: a bidirectional voltage regulator, a second resistor, a third resistor, a first NPN transistor, a fourth resistor, a fifth resistor, a sixth resistor, a second NPN transistor, a seventh resistor, a capacitor, and a pull-up resistor;

[0119] The anode of the bidirectional voltage regulator is connected to the level sending port of the communication module 3 and the first end of the second resistor respectively, and the cathode is connected to the ground;

[0120] The second end of the second resistor is connected to the first end of the third resistor and the base of the first NPN transistor respectively;

[0121] The second end of the third resistor is connected to the ground;

[0122] The collector of the first NPN transistor is connected to the first end of the fourth resistor and the first end of the fifth resistor, and the emitter is connected to the ground;

[0123] The second end of the fourth resistor is connected to the first preset power source;

[0124] The second end of the fifth resistor is connected to the first end of the sixth resistor and the base of the second NPN transistor respectively;

[0125] The second end of the sixth resistor is connected to the ground;

[0126] The emitter of the second NPN transistor is connected to the ground, and the collector is connected to the first end of the seventh resistor;

[0127] The second end of the seventh resistor is connected to the first end of the capacitor, the first end of the pull-up resistor, and the level receiving port of the device interface 1 respectively;

[0128] The second end of the pull-up resistor is connected to a second preset power source;

[0129] The second terminal of the capacitor is connected to the ground.

[0130] In the present utility model, Figure 8 As shown, when the level sending port of the communication module 3 is at a high level, the first NPN transistor is turned on and the second NPN transistor is turned off, and the level of the level receiving port of the device interface 1 is pulled up to a high level through the pull-up resistor and the preset power supply; conversely, when the level sending port of the communication module 3 is at a low level, the first NPN transistor is turned off and the second NPN transistor is turned on, and the level of the level receiving port of the device interface 1 is pulled to ground through the turned-on second NPN transistor, so the level of the level receiving port of the device interface 1 is at a low level at this time; this solution uses a level conversion circuit to ensure that the level conditions of the electric energy meter and the communication module 3 are the same, thereby making the information interaction between the electric energy meter and the communication module 3 more stable, thereby improving the stability and accuracy of the solution.

[0131] It should be noted that in practical applications, the level conversion circuit is suitable for systems with VIL (minimum input voltage) ≤ 200mV and a serial port rate lower than 1MHz. Ceramic capacitors can be selected as capacitors because they can filter out high-order harmonics.

[0132] It should also be noted that, in practical applications, multiple current-limiting resistors and current filters may be provided in the level conversion circuit according to actual needs to further improve the safety and stability of current transmission.

[0133] It should also be noted that, in addition to the transmitting circuit composed of the above-mentioned devices, the level conversion circuit is also provided with a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit. The receiving circuit is respectively connected to the level transmitting port of the device interface 1 and the level receiving port of the communication module 3. The receiving circuit is generally composed of a diode, a resistor, a capacitor, and a bidirectional voltage regulator. Among them, if the level output by the level transmitting port of the device interface 1 is a high level, the diode is not conductive at this time. At this time, the preset power supply, the resistor, the bidirectional voltage regulator, and the level receiving port of the communication module 3 constitute a loop in sequence. At this time, the level of the level receiving port of the communication module 3 is pulled to a high level; on the contrary, when the level output by the level transmitting port of the device interface 1 is a low level, the diode is conductive at this time. At this time, the level of the level receiving port of the communication module 3 should be the level output by the level transmitting port of the device interface 1 plus the voltage drop of the diode when it is conductive. Because the voltage drop of the diode is small, the level of the level receiving port of the communication module 3 is low. The function of the reset circuit is that in actual operation, if the energy meter finds that there is a problem with the data transmitted by the communication module 3 or that the communication module 3 is not working properly during data interaction with the communication module 3, the function of the reset circuit is to set the enable terminal of the DCDC chip in the first DCDC module 6 to a low level, thereby preventing the DCDC chip from outputting a 3.3V voltage, thereby stopping the communication module 3 from working. The reset circuit may include a reset resistor and a reset diode, wherein the cathode of the reset diode is connected to the level reset port of the energy meter, and the anode of the reset diode is connected to the EN terminal (enable terminal) of the DCDC chip via a resistor. When the communication module 3 is working normally, the EN terminal of the DCDC chip is always at a high level; conversely, if the energy meter detects a fault in the communication module 3, the level of the level reset port of the energy meter becomes a low level, the EN terminal of the DCDC chip is pulled to a low level, the DCDC chip stops working, and thus the communication module 3 stops working.

[0134] It should also be noted that the several improvements of this application are:

[0135] 1. The communication module 3 of this application is a drawer-type design with a pull ring, which makes it very convenient to insert and remove the module;

[0136] 2. The energy meter data collector of this solution has four status lights, namely module data receiving, module data sending, wireless signal strength, module registration and security error, so that operation and maintenance personnel can quickly identify the module status; one power light is a multi-function power light that can display various power status;

[0137] 3. A USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C socket debug port is located in the middle of the energy meter data collector. The debug cable is the same as the mobile phone charging data cable on the market and is easy to obtain. The debug port is clearly located for easy connection. This port can be used to read module logs and upgrade the program.

[0138] 4. The front structure diagram of the electric energy meter data collector. On the left is the multi-function reset button, which can be configured by software to have multiple functions including reset function; on the right is the power switch, which is convenient for powering on and off when the module freezes or has abnormalities;

[0139] 5. The device interface 1 has a fool-proof design, which makes it easy to insert without worrying about the pins being bent. After removing the strong power pins, the interference from the power line is reduced, and the safety hazards from the power line can be completely ignored.

[0140] 6. The external rubber stick antenna 5 of the present application can be installed on the side of the energy meter, which reduces the impact of the energy meter on the antenna 5. It does not need to be equipped with an iron plate like the suction cup antenna 5, and has a low-key appearance, reducing the possibility of being damaged. Figure 9 As shown;

[0141] 7. This application separates the watchdog circuit from the MCU and can be regarded as a slave MCU. It is highly configurable and can be designed to include functions such as watchdog, encryption, and calculation.

[0142] 8. As MCU4, the M2354 series chip has chip physical layer information security protection function and complies with international mainstream IoT security standards. While improving security, it greatly shortens the software development cycle and reduces development difficulty;

[0143] 9. TTL serial port signal is susceptible to interference and has a short transmission distance. After changing to 485 interface, the anti-interference is enhanced and it is scalable - that is, multiple electric energy meters without communication module 3 (must have 485 interface) can be mounted under one electric energy meter, such as Figure 10 As shown;

[0144] 10. Communication module 3 uses the Quectel BG770A-GL module, which supports NB and Cat-M and is very suitable for IoT devices. Compared with 2G, 3G, and 4G modules, it has the characteristics of low power consumption and low cost.

[0145] 11. The energy meter data collector does not use a voltage detection chip, but adopts a low-cost power-off detection circuit, which is sensitive to response, highly configurable, and highly compatible with the main MCU4 level, reducing costs and increasing efficiency;

[0146] 12. Using a step-down DC-DC chip, the meter power input and supercapacitor are input to the first DC-DC module through a unique competition circuit. Since a step-up DC-DC chip is not used, the noise caused by the power supply is reduced, the sensitivity of the communication module 3 is improved, and it is also convenient for PCB layout.

[0147] 13. The electric energy meter data collector is inserted into the display circuit. The structure of the display circuit is as follows: Figure 11 As shown, the module provides power. The meter is equipped with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) circuit. After the module is inserted, the LED indicator on the meter lights up, indicating that the module has been installed in place, which is convenient for on-site operation and maintenance personnel to confirm.

[0148] 14. External Dataflash (data flash storage) and EEPROM (Electrically ErasableProgrammable Read-Only Memory, a ROM memory that can be electronically erased and reprogrammed) storage module. The structure of the storage module of this solution is as follows: Figure 12 As shown, it is non-volatile, improves data security, has faster read and write speeds than the main MCU4 built-in flash (the internal flash needs to be erased every time it is written), has high program portability, and is conducive to data correctness verification;

[0149] 15. Compared with dedicated chips, the level conversion circuit provided by this application has low cost; compared with single transistor circuits, it supports higher speeds and is convenient for adjusting serial port waveforms.

[0150] It should be noted that, in this specification, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the sentence "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising the element.

[0151] The above description of the disclosed embodiments will enable one skilled in the art to implement or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to one 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 present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown herein but is intended to conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An electric energy meter data collector, characterized in that: include: Device interface, communication interface, communication module, MCU, antenna, first DCDC module; The input end of the first DCDC module is connected to the electric energy meter through the device interface, and the output end is connected to the communication module, and is used to step down the first voltage output by the electric energy meter and convert it into a second voltage required for the operation of the communication module; The communication module is connected to the MCU and is used to transmit the data transmitted by the MCU to the antenna; The communication interface is connected to the device interface and the MCU respectively, and is used to transmit the data transmitted by the electric energy meter through the device interface to the MCU; The antenna is connected to the communication module via a coaxial line, and the distance between the antenna and the electric energy meter is within a preset range.

2. The electric energy meter data collector according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A power-off detection circuit, wherein a first end of the power-off detection circuit is connected to the electric energy meter through the device interface, a second end is connected to the communication module, and a power supply end is connected to the output end of the first DCDC module, and is configured to output a first signal to the communication module when receiving the first voltage; and output a second signal to the communication module when not receiving the first voltage.

3. The electric energy meter data collector according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: Second DCDC module and backup power supply; The input end of the second DCDC module is connected to the electric energy meter through the device interface, and the output end is connected to the input end of the backup power supply, and is used to convert the first voltage into a third voltage required for the operation of the backup power supply; The output end of the backup power supply is connected to the input end of the first DCDC module, and is used to transmit the fourth voltage output by the backup power supply to the first DCDC module when the electric energy meter does not output the first voltage.

4. The electric energy meter data collector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second DCDC module includes: an LDO chip, a current limiting circuit, and a first diode; The VIN terminal of the LDO chip is connected to the electric energy meter through the device interface, and the VOUT terminal is connected to the first terminal of the current limiting circuit, for performing a step-down conversion on the first voltage; The second end of the current limiting circuit is connected to the anode of the first diode, and is used to output the third voltage to the backup power supply; The cathode of the first diode is connected to the first end of the backup power supply; Accordingly, the backup power supply includes: a charging capacitor, a first resistor, and a second diode; The anode of the charging capacitor is connected to the cathode of the first diode; The first end of the first resistor is connected to the cathode of the first diode; The anode of the second diode is connected to the cathode of the first diode; The cathode of the charging capacitor is connected to the ground, and the capacity of the charging capacitor is greater than a preset capacity threshold; The second end of the first resistor is connected to the ground; A cathode of the second diode is connected to an input terminal of the first DCDC module.

5. The electric energy meter data collector according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A watchdog circuit, wherein a first end of the watchdog circuit is connected to the output end of the first DCDC module, and a second end is connected to the MCU, and is used to control the MCU to reset when the MCU does not send a feeding signal within a preset time.

6. The electric energy meter data collector according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: a third DCDC module, wherein the input end of the third DCDC module is connected to the electric energy meter through the device interface, and the output end is connected to the input end of the power display module, and is used to convert the first voltage into a fifth voltage required for the operation of the power display module; The power display module, which is arranged on the surface of the electric energy meter data collector and protrudes outward, is used to display the corresponding information when power is supplied.

7. The electric energy meter data collector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The communication module is detachably mounted on the electric energy meter data collector.

8. The electric energy meter data collector according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A power switch and a reset switch provided on the surface of the electric energy meter data collector; The power switch is connected to the device interface and the first DCDC module respectively; The reset switch is connected to the reset terminal of the first DCDC module.

9. The electric energy meter data collector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: Also includes: A level conversion circuit, wherein a first end of the level conversion circuit is connected to the level receiving port of the device interface, and a second end of the level conversion circuit is connected to the level sending port of the communication module, and is used to control the level of its first end to be equal to the level of its second end.

10. The electric energy meter data collector according to claim 9, characterized in that: The level conversion circuit includes: a bidirectional voltage regulator, a second resistor, a third resistor, a first NPN transistor, a fourth resistor, a fifth resistor, a sixth resistor, a second NPN transistor, a seventh resistor, a capacitor, and a pull-up resistor; The anode of the bidirectional voltage regulator is connected to the level sending port of the communication module and the first end of the second resistor respectively, and the cathode is connected to the ground; The second end of the second resistor is connected to the first end of the third resistor and the base of the first NPN transistor respectively; The second end of the third resistor is connected to the ground; The collector of the first NPN transistor is connected to the first end of the fourth resistor and the first end of the fifth resistor, and the emitter is connected to the ground; The second end of the fourth resistor is connected to the first preset power supply; The second end of the fifth resistor is connected to the first end of the sixth resistor and the base of the second NPN transistor respectively; The second end of the sixth resistor is connected to the ground; The emitter of the second NPN transistor is connected to the ground, and the collector is connected to the first end of the seventh resistor; The second end of the seventh resistor is connected to the first end of the capacitor, the first end of the pull-up resistor and the level receiving port of the device interface respectively; The second end of the pull-up resistor is connected to a second preset power supply; The second end of the capacitor is connected to the ground.

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