Electric energy meter structure convenient to expand and electric energy meter group with electric energy meter structure

The insert design, which uses a rotating shaft connection and a positioning hole, combined with a hemispherical positioning block and pin fixation, solves the problem of loose connections in electricity meters, improves assembly efficiency and connection stability, and reduces maintenance costs.

CN223624306UActive Publication Date: 2025-12-02SUZHOU FUTURE ELECTRICAL APP
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202522220854.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-10-21
Publication Date
2025-12-02
Estimated Expiration
2035-10-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing extended connection structure of electricity meters is susceptible to aging due to temperature differences and ultraviolet radiation, resulting in loose connections and poor electrical contact. Furthermore, the lack of precise pre-positioning of detachable connectors reduces assembly efficiency.

Method used

The insert, which uses a rotating shaft connection, mates with the positioning hole and is fixed by a hemispherical positioning block and a pin, enabling convenient alignment and stable connection of the electricity meter. The finger groove and pusher optimize the ease of operation.

Benefits of technology

It improves the ease of assembly and connection reliability of electricity meters, avoids damage to exposed components, enhances protection performance, and reduces operation and maintenance costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN223624306U_ABST
    Figure CN223624306U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model relates to an electric energy meter structure convenient to expand and an electric energy meter group with the same, the electric energy meter structure comprises a shell, an execution unit, a display unit and a processing unit, one side surface of the shell is provided with a first insertion piece, the shell is provided with an accommodating groove, and the first insertion piece is connected with the shell through a rotating shaft. The first insertion piece can be accommodated in the accommodating groove; a first inserting piece is arranged on one side face of the shell, a first inserting groove is formed in the other side face of the shell, a first positioning hole is formed in the first inserting piece, a second positioning hole is formed in the inner wall of the first inserting groove, and the second positioning hole penetrates through the shell; every two adjacent electric energy meters are assembled, the first insertion piece of one electric energy meter is inserted into the first insertion groove of the other electric energy meter, the corresponding first positioning holes and the corresponding second positioning holes are aligned, and pins are inserted into the first positioning holes and the second positioning holes. The components are protected in a non-expansion state, and the shell is kept regular; alignment and stable connection of adjacent electric energy meters are realized, and the convenience of assembly and the reliability of connection are improved.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electricity meter technology, and in particular to a conveniently expandable electricity meter structure and an electricity meter group having the same. Background Technology

[0002] As smart grids place increasing demands on the functional expandability of electricity meters, single-meter expansion or multi-meter splicing has become the main method for realizing additional functions. The expansion connection structure needs to meet requirements such as long-term stable fixation and easy protection in non-expanded states. Existing electricity meters and expansion modules mostly use plastic clips for quick connection. While this simplifies installation, the plastic material is difficult to adapt to the operating environment and lifespan requirements. In outdoor environments and distribution boxes, temperature differences cause repeated thermal expansion and contraction of the clips, and strong ultraviolet radiation accelerates aging and embrittlement, leading to deformation, breakage, loose connections, poor electrical contact, or even detachment. Furthermore, the mechanical performance of the plastic clips degrades much faster than the lifespan of the electricity meter, becoming a weakness in the expansion structure and increasing maintenance costs.

[0003] To address the shortcomings of plastic clips, some existing electricity meters use detachable connectors for extended fixation. However, problems still exist. Most detachable connectors lack precise pre-positioning design, requiring repeated adjustments to the relative positions of the electricity meters during assembly to align the connectors with the mounting holes, significantly reducing on-site assembly efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a conveniently expandable energy meter structure and an energy meter assembly incorporating the same.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:

[0006] An easily expandable electricity meter structure includes a housing and an execution unit, a display unit, and a processing unit disposed within the housing. A first insert protruding outward is provided on one side of the housing, and a receiving groove is provided on the housing. The first insert is connected to the housing via a rotating shaft, and the first insert is rotatable about the rotating shaft and retractable into the receiving groove. On the other side of the housing opposite the first insert, an inward first insertion groove is provided. A first positioning hole is provided on the first insert, and a second positioning hole is provided on the inner wall of the first insertion groove, penetrating the housing. The first and second positioning holes are oriented in the same direction. When two adjacent electricity meters are assembled, the first insert of one electricity meter is inserted into the first insertion groove of the other electricity meter, and the corresponding first and second positioning holes are aligned and a pin is inserted.

[0007] More specifically, a first positioning block is provided on both sides of the first insert, and the first positioning block is hemispherical; correspondingly, a first positioning groove is provided on both sides of the receiving groove, and the first positioning groove is hemispherical; the first positioning block and the first positioning groove cooperate.

[0008] More specifically, an inward finger groove is provided on the housing next to the receiving groove, the finger groove exposing the first insert portion to facilitate finger insertion for operation of the first insert.

[0009] More specifically, the first insert and the first insert slot are disposed near the front surface of the housing, and a connection component for connecting two adjacent energy meters is disposed on the rear surface of the housing.

[0010] More specifically, the connecting assembly includes a first connector and a second connector fixed to the housing; a receiving groove is formed between the first connector and the housing, and a second insert is disposed in the receiving groove, the second insert being slidable within the receiving groove; a second insertion groove is formed between the second connector and the housing, the second insert being inserted into the second insertion groove; a third positioning hole is provided on the second insert, and a fourth positioning hole is provided on the inner wall of the second insertion groove, the fourth positioning hole penetrating the second connector; when two adjacent energy meters are assembled, the second insert of one energy meter is inserted into the second insertion groove of the other energy meter, the corresponding third positioning hole and fourth positioning hole are aligned and a pin is inserted.

[0011] More specifically, a sliding groove is provided on the first connector, and a pushing member is provided on the second insert. The pushing member passes through the sliding groove and protrudes from the surface of the second connector. The pushing member can drive the second insert to move within the sliding groove.

[0012] More specifically, a second positioning block and a third positioning block are provided on both sides of the second insert, and both the second positioning block and the third positioning block are hemispherical; the second positioning block and the third positioning block are arranged sequentially along the movement direction of the second insert; correspondingly, a second positioning groove is provided on both sides of the storage groove, and the second positioning groove is hemispherical; the second positioning block, the third positioning block and the second positioning groove cooperate.

[0013] More specifically, the connecting components are disposed on the upper and lower parts of the housing.

[0014] An electricity meter group includes at least two of the electricity meters, with the electricity meter structure described above used between adjacent electricity meters.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: In the structure of the electricity meter, the first insert can rotate around the rotation axis and be retracted into the receiving groove, which can protect the components and keep the shell neat in the non-expanded state; the first insert cooperates with the first insertion groove and is fixed by the first positioning hole, the second positioning hole and the pin with the same direction, which can realize the alignment and stable connection of adjacent electricity meters, and improve the convenience of assembly and the reliability of connection. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a front view of the structure of the expandable energy meter of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified structural diagram of part A in the middle;

[0018] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the rear structure of the expandable energy meter structure of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified structural diagram of part B.

[0020] In the diagram: 10. Housing; 11. Fixing base; 20. First insert; 21. Receiving groove; 22. Rotating shaft; 23. First positioning hole; 24. First positioning block; 25. First positioning groove; 26. Finger groove; 30. First insertion groove; 31. Second positioning hole; 40. First connector; 41. Storage groove; 42. Second insert; 43. Third positioning hole; 44. Sliding groove; 45. Pushing member; 46. Second positioning block; 47. Third positioning block; 50. Second connector; 51. Second insertion groove; 52. Fourth positioning hole; 100. Display unit. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this utility model. The direction of movement is also a relative direction of movement and is not limited to an absolute direction of movement. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0024] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 This application provides a conveniently expandable electricity meter structure, including a housing 10 that carries internal components, and an execution unit, a display unit 100, and a processing unit disposed within the housing 10. The back of the housing 10 protrudes outward to form a fixing seat 11, which is located in the middle of the rear of the housing 10. The execution unit is responsible for the core execution operation of electricity metering, the display unit 100 is used for the visualization of data information, and the processing unit undertakes the functions of information calculation, processing, and control.

[0025] like Figure 3 As shown, a first insert 20 protruding outward is provided on one side of the housing 10. Correspondingly, the housing 10 is provided with a receiving groove 21 that is adapted to the first insert 20, and the first insert 20 and the housing 10 are connected by a rotating shaft 22. The rotating shaft 22 is designed so that the first insert 20 can rotate around the rotating shaft 22 as the central axis. When no expansion connection is needed, the first insert 20 can be rotated and stored in the receiving groove 21, which avoids damage caused by exposed parts and ensures the regularity of the overall structure of the housing 10.

[0026] On the other side of the housing 10 opposite to the first insert 20, there is an inwardly recessed first insertion groove 30. The size of the first insertion groove 30 matches the first insert 20 and is used to accommodate the first insert 20 of the adjacent electricity meter to form a mating connection.

[0027] To achieve positioning and stable fixation, a first positioning hole 23 is provided on the first insert 20; at the same time, a second positioning hole 31 is provided at the corresponding position on the inner wall of the first insert groove 30, and the second positioning hole 31 is provided through the housing 10. The opening direction of the first positioning hole 23 and the second positioning hole 31 is consistent to ensure that the two can be accurately aligned.

[0028] When it is necessary to expand the assembly of two adjacent electricity meters, the operation process is as follows: rotate the first insert 20 of one electricity meter out of its receiving groove 21, and then insert it into the first insert groove 30 of the other electricity meter. At this time, the corresponding first positioning hole 23 and second positioning hole 31 on the two electricity meters will naturally align. Finally, insert the pin into the two aligned positioning holes to complete the stable connection of the two electricity meters and realize convenient expansion.

[0029] First positioning blocks 24 are provided on both sides of the first insert 20. The first positioning blocks 24 are hemispherical with smooth transition of their arc surfaces. First positioning grooves 25 are provided on both sides of the receiving groove 21. The first positioning grooves 25 are also hemispherical, and their curvature and size are perfectly matched with the first positioning blocks 24, forming a mating structure.

[0030] When the first insert 20 is inserted into the receiving groove 21, the hemispherical first positioning blocks 24 on both sides of the first insert 20 will naturally align with and embed into the hemispherical first positioning grooves 25 on both sides of the receiving groove 21. Through this shape matching method, the first insert 20 will not rotate out of the receiving groove 21 due to shaking after entering the receiving groove 21.

[0031] To further optimize the ease of operation of the first insert 20, a recessed finger groove 26 is provided at the position of the housing 10 adjacent to the receiving groove 21. The partial recessed design of the finger groove 26 on the surface of the housing 10 ensures that the finger can be naturally inserted for operation. The position of the finger groove 26 corresponds to the state of the first insert 20 after it is stored. When the first insert 20 is rotated and stored in the receiving groove 21, the area of ​​the housing 10 covered by the finger groove 26 corresponds exactly to the edge or part of the surface of the first insert 20, so that the first insert 20 can be partially exposed through the recessed space of the finger groove 26 in the stored state for convenient operation.

[0032] like Figure 4 and Figure 5The first insert 20 and the first insertion slot 30 shown are both positioned close to the front surface of the housing 10. The front surface of the housing 10 is the operation and display area of ​​the energy meter. A connecting component is provided on the rear surface of the housing 10 opposite to the front surface. The function of the connecting component is similar to that of the first insert 20 and the first insertion slot 30 on the front surface, and it is also used for the extended connection of two adjacent energy meters. Through the cooperation of the connecting component on the rear surface, the overall stability of the connection between adjacent energy meters is further enhanced, and the robustness of the structure after the extended assembly is ensured.

[0033] like Figure 6 The connection assembly shown includes a first connector 40 fixed to the rear surface of the housing 10 and a second connector 50 also fixed to the rear surface of the housing 10. The two cooperate with each other to achieve the connection of the rear surfaces of adjacent energy meters.

[0034] The first connector 40 and the housing 10 form a receiving groove 41, the size and shape of which are adapted to accommodate the second insert 42. A movable second insert 42 is disposed inside the receiving groove 41. The second insert 42 and the receiving groove 41 are designed to slide together, allowing the second insert 42 to slide freely along the extension direction of the receiving groove 41. In the non-expanded state, it can be completely retracted into the receiving groove 41 to avoid exposure; when expansion is required, it can slide out from the receiving groove 41 to achieve the connection function. The second connector 50 and the housing 10 form a second insertion groove 51, the size and shape of which are adapted to the second insert 42, for accommodating the second insert 42 of an adjacent energy meter, forming a mating structure for rear surface connection.

[0035] A third positioning hole 43 is provided on the second insert 42; at the same time, a fourth positioning hole 52 is provided at the corresponding position on the inner wall of the second insertion groove 51, and the fourth positioning hole 52 penetrates the second connector 50. The opening direction of the third positioning hole 43 and the fourth positioning hole 52 is consistent to ensure that the two can be aligned.

[0036] When two adjacent electricity meters are being extended and assembled, the second insert 42 of one electricity meter is slid out of its receiving slot 41 and then inserted into the second insert slot 51 of the other electricity meter. At this time, the corresponding third positioning hole 43 and fourth positioning hole 52 on the two electricity meters will naturally align. Finally, the pin is inserted into the aligned positioning hole to complete the stable connection of the finished surface, which together with the insertion structure of the front surface forms a complete extension fixation.

[0037] A sliding groove 44 adapted to the sliding direction of the second insert 42 is provided on the first connector 40, and a pusher 45 is fixedly provided on the second insert 42; the pusher 45 protrudes upward, one end of which is firmly connected to the surface of the second insert 42, and the other end extends toward the sliding groove 44 and can pass through the sliding groove 44 on the first connector 40, and after passing through, it will protrude from the surface of the second connector 50, and its protrusion height is so that the operator's fingertips can easily touch and slide.

[0038] When the second insert 42 needs to be moved, simply operate the pusher 45 with your finger and push it along the extension direction of the sliding groove 44. The pusher 45 will move along the trajectory of the sliding groove 44, and at the same time drive the second insert 42 to slide synchronously in the storage groove 41, so that the second insert 42 slides out of the storage groove 41. In the non-expanded state, the second insert 42 slides back into the storage groove 41 for storage.

[0039] A second positioning block 46 and a third positioning block 47 are provided on both sides of the second insert 42. Both are hemispherical in shape and are arranged sequentially according to the movement direction of the second insert 42, maintaining a fixed distance. A hemispherical second positioning groove is provided on both sides of the receiving groove 41 and is fully adapted to the second positioning block 46 and the third positioning block 47. When the second insert 42 is in the receiving state, the second positioning block 46 and the second positioning groove are positioned to prevent the second insert 42 from sliding out of the receiving groove 21. When the second insert 42 is in the extended state, the third positioning block 47 and the second positioning groove are positioned to provide positioning for the subsequent precise alignment of the third positioning hole 43 and the fourth positioning hole 52.

[0040] The connecting components are disposed on the upper and lower parts of the housing 10; so that when two adjacent energy meters are connected through the rear surface, the upper and lower connecting components are simultaneously subjected to force and are fixed together, avoiding the problem of uneven force caused by single-point or single-sided connection, and further enhancing the stability of the rear surface connection.

[0041] An electricity meter group includes at least two electricity meters as described above, which can be flexibly configured to two, three or more according to actual functional expansion needs, and the connection between two adjacent electricity meters is fully implemented using the above-described electricity meter structure.

[0042] The electricity meter structure and electricity meter group of this application, through the pre-positioning of the hemispherical positioning block and the positioning groove, and the insertion and fixing of the pin, avoids loosening of the connection and ensures the structural stability and electrical contact reliability of long-term use; the first insert 20 can be easily operated with the finger groove 26, and the pusher 45 can easily drive the second insert 42 to slide, significantly improving assembly efficiency; the first insert 20 can be stored in the receiving groove 21, and the second insert 42 can be stored in the receiving groove 41, avoiding damage to exposed parts or contamination with impurities, and enhancing protection performance; the electricity meter group can flexibly contain at least two electricity meters, and the number can be increased or decreased according to needs to achieve multi-meter collaboration, adapting to the functional expansion needs of different scenarios such as residential electricity consumption and industrial monitoring under the smart grid, while avoiding the problem of easy aging and brittleness of traditional plastic buckles, improving overall durability and reducing later maintenance costs.

[0043] It should be emphasized that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A conveniently expandable electricity meter structure, comprising a housing (10) and an execution unit, a display unit (100), and a processing unit disposed within the housing (10), characterized in that, A first insert (20) protruding outward is provided on one side of the housing (10), and a receiving groove (21) is provided on the housing (10). The first insert (20) is connected to the housing (10) by a rotating shaft (22). The first insert (20) can rotate about the rotating shaft (22) and can be retracted into the receiving groove (21). On the other side of the housing (10) opposite to the first insert (20), a first insertion groove (30) protruding inward is provided. The first positioning hole (23) is provided on the first insertion slot (30), and the second positioning hole (31) is provided on the inner wall of the first insertion slot (30). The second positioning hole (31) penetrates the housing (10). The first positioning hole (23) and the second positioning hole (31) are set in the same direction. When two adjacent energy meters are assembled, the first insertion part (20) of one energy meter is inserted into the first insertion slot (30) of the other energy meter, and the corresponding first positioning hole (23) and second positioning hole (31) are aligned and a pin is inserted.

2. The easily expandable energy meter structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first positioning block (24) is provided on both sides of the first insert (20), and the first positioning block (24) is hemispherical; correspondingly, a first positioning groove (25) is provided on both sides of the receiving groove (21), and the first positioning groove (25) is hemispherical; the first positioning block (24) cooperates with the first positioning groove (25).

3. The easily expandable energy meter structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, An inward finger groove (26) is provided on the housing (10) next to the receiving groove (21), the finger groove (26) exposes part of the first insert (20) to facilitate the insertion of a finger to operate the first insert (20).

4. The easily expandable energy meter structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first insert (20) and the first insert slot (30) are disposed near the front surface of the housing (10), and a connection component for connecting two adjacent energy meters is disposed on the rear surface of the housing (10).

5. The easily expandable energy meter structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting assembly includes a first connector (40) and a second connector (50) fixed to the housing (10); a receiving groove (41) is formed between the first connector (40) and the housing (10), and a second insert (42) is provided in the receiving groove (41), which can slide in the receiving groove (41); a second insertion groove (51) is formed between the second connector (50) and the housing (10), and the second insert (42) can be inserted into the second insertion groove (51); a third positioning hole (43) is provided on the second insert (42), and a fourth positioning hole (52) is provided on the inner wall of the second insertion groove (51), which penetrates the second connector (50); when two adjacent energy meters are assembled, the second insert (42) of one energy meter is inserted into the second insertion groove (51) of the other energy meter, and the corresponding third positioning hole (43) and fourth positioning hole (52) are aligned and a pin is inserted.

6. The easily expandable energy meter structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, A sliding groove (44) is provided on the first connector (40), and a pusher (45) is provided on the second insert (42). The pusher (45) passes through the sliding groove (44) and protrudes from the surface of the second connector (50). The pusher (45) can drive the second insert (42) to move within the sliding groove (44).

7. The easily expandable energy meter structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, A second positioning block (46) and a third positioning block (47) are provided on both sides of the second insert (42). The second positioning block (46) and the third positioning block (47) are both hemispherical. The second positioning block (46) and the third positioning block (47) are arranged sequentially along the movement direction of the second insert (42). Correspondingly, a second positioning groove is provided on both sides of the storage groove (41). The second positioning groove is hemispherical. The second positioning block (46) and the third positioning block (47) cooperate with the second positioning groove.

8. The easily expandable energy meter structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting components are disposed on the upper and lower parts of the housing (10).

9. An electricity meter set, characterized in that, It includes at least two of the aforementioned electricity meters, with adjacent electricity meters employing the electricity meter structure described in any one of claims 1-8.