Water meter waterproof mechanism and intelligent water meter
By employing a combination structure of metal cavity shell, insulating seals, and circuit support in the smart water meter, the problem of moisture absorption of electrical components caused by water vapor penetration is solved, achieving higher sealing performance and stability, and extending the service life of the water meter.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-10
AI Technical Summary
The metal casing of existing smart water meters is susceptible to moisture penetration, which can cause internal electrical modules to become damp, short-circuit, and corrode, affecting the water meter's protective performance and service life.
It adopts a combination structure of metal cavity shell, insulating seals, electrical connectors and circuit brackets, combined with potting glue to fix the circuit board, to form a sealed and insulating waterproof mechanism, which improves the stability and moisture-proof effect of electrical components.
It enhances the sealing and insulation performance of the water meter, prevents water vapor penetration, and extends the service life and reliability of the water meter.
Smart Images

Figure CN223985752U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water meter technology, and in particular to a waterproof water meter mechanism and a smart water meter. Background Technology
[0002] Smart water meters typically consist of multiple electrical modules, including a power module, clock module, storage module, alarm module, and communication module. These modules are encapsulated in a metal casing to provide waterproofing, dustproofing, and interference resistance. The metal casing is designed to protect the internal electrical modules from external environmental influences, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the water meter. However, in actual use, due to factors such as the manufacturing process and installation precision of the metal casing, moisture may seep into the internal cavity through tiny gaps in the casing. This moisture infiltration is particularly noticeable in humid environments, potentially causing the internal electrical modules to become damp, leading to problems such as short circuits and component corrosion, severely affecting the normal operation of the smart water meter. Furthermore, the long-term accumulation of moisture can accelerate the corrosion of the metal casing, further reducing the water meter's protective performance and lifespan. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a waterproof water meter mechanism and a smart water meter to alleviate the technical problems of poor waterproof performance and easy damage from moisture in existing water meters.
[0004] In the first aspect, the waterproof mechanism for water meters provided by this utility model includes: a metal cavity shell, an insulating seal, an electrical connector, a circuit support, and a cover.
[0005] The metal cavity shell has an inner cavity and a mounting hole communicating with the inner cavity. The insulating seal is installed in the mounting hole, and the electrical connector is inserted into the insulating seal.
[0006] The circuit bracket is installed inside the metal cavity shell, and the circuit bracket is used to mount the circuit board, which is connected to the electrical connector.
[0007] The metal cavity is filled with adhesive to fix the circuit support and the circuit board, and the cover is fitted onto the metal cavity.
[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, the present invention provides a first possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the insulating seal comprises: a metal outer jacket and an insulating inner core;
[0009] The metal outer sleeve covers the insulating inner core, and the electrical connector is inserted into the insulating inner core;
[0010] The metal outer sleeve is threaded into the mounting hole.
[0011] In conjunction with the first possible implementation of the first aspect, the present invention provides a second possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the metal outer casing is provided with a limiting protrusion ring, and the limiting protrusion ring abuts against the metal cavity shell.
[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, this utility model provides a third possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the circuit support is snapped together with the metal cavity shell.
[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, this utility model provides a fourth possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the metal cavity shell is provided with a guide portion and a slot;
[0014] The guide portion and the slot are spaced apart in the direction from the opening end of the metal cavity shell to the bottom of the inner cavity;
[0015] The circuit bracket is equipped with side clips;
[0016] When the circuit bracket is installed, the circuit bracket slides along the guide portion and engages with the slot.
[0017] In conjunction with the fourth possible implementation of the first aspect, this utility model provides a fifth possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the guiding part includes a groove disposed on the inner sidewall of the metal cavity shell;
[0018] The groove has an inclined surface that slopes inward toward the inside of the metal cavity shell in the direction from the opening end of the metal cavity shell toward the bottom of the inner cavity.
[0019] In conjunction with the fifth possible implementation of the first aspect, this utility model provides a sixth possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the guiding part and the slot are both configured as symmetrical structures symmetrical with respect to the same reference plane;
[0020] From the opening end of the metal cavity shell towards the bottom of the inner cavity, the groove gradually narrows as it approaches the reference surface, causing the groove width to gradually decrease.
[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, this utility model provides a seventh possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the circuit support is provided with a plurality of fixing buckles, the plurality of fixing buckles being spaced apart and respectively connected to the circuit board.
[0022] In conjunction with the seventh possible implementation of the first aspect, this utility model provides an eighth possible implementation of the first aspect, wherein the circuit support is provided with a plurality of support columns, the plurality of support columns are spaced apart and respectively abut against the circuit board.
[0023] Secondly, the smart water meter provided by this utility model is equipped with the waterproof mechanism described in the first aspect.
[0024] The present invention provides the following beneficial effects: A metal cavity shell with an inner cavity and mounting holes communicating with the inner cavity is used. An insulating seal is installed in the mounting holes, an electrical connector is inserted into the insulating seal, and a circuit bracket is installed inside the metal cavity shell. A circuit board is mounted through the circuit bracket, and the circuit board is connected to the electrical connector. Adhesive is poured into the inside of the metal cavity shell to fix the circuit bracket and circuit board. A cover is placed over the metal cavity shell, improving the sealing and insulation performance between the electrical connector and the metal cavity shell. This also ensures the circuit bracket and circuit board remain stable and are protected from moisture, thus improving the long-term reliability and durability of the water meter.
[0025] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments or related technologies of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0027] Figure 1 An exploded view of the waterproof mechanism of the water meter provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the first type of electrical connector for the waterproof mechanism of the water meter provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0029] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the second type of electrical connector for the waterproof water meter mechanism provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0030] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the third type of electrical connector for the waterproof mechanism of the water meter provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0031] Figure 5 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the metal cavity shell of the waterproof mechanism for a water meter provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0032] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the circuit support for the waterproof mechanism of the water meter provided in this embodiment of the utility model.
[0033] Icons: 100 - Metal cavity shell; 101 - Mounting hole; 102 - Guide part; 121 - Bevel; 103 - Slot; 200 - Insulating seal; 210 - Metal outer shell; 211 - Limiting protrusion ring; 220 - Insulating inner core; 300 - Electrical connector; 400 - Circuit bracket; 410 - Side buckle; 420 - Fixing buckle; 430 - Support column; 500 - Cover. Detailed Implementation
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are only used to describe differences in name and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Physical quantities in formulas, unless otherwise specified, should be understood as basic quantities of the International System of Units (SI) base units, or derived quantities derived from basic quantities through mathematical operations such as multiplication, division, differentiation, or integration.
[0036] 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.
[0037] like Figure 1As shown, the waterproof water meter mechanism provided in this embodiment includes: a metal housing 100, an insulating seal 200, an electrical connector 300, a circuit support 400, and a cover 500; the metal housing 100 has an inner cavity and a mounting hole 101 communicating with the inner cavity, the insulating seal 200 is installed in the mounting hole 101, and the electrical connector 300 is inserted into the insulating seal 200; the circuit support 400 is installed inside the metal housing 100, and the circuit support 400 is used to install a circuit board, which is connected to the electrical connector 300; the inside of the metal housing 100 is filled with glue to fix the circuit support 400 and the circuit board, and the cover 500 covers the metal housing 100.
[0038] The insulating seal 200 fits into the mounting hole 101. In optional embodiments, the insulating seal 200 can also be interference-fitted into the mounting hole 101. Alternatively, a sealing gasket or sealing ring can be added between the insulating seal 200 and the wall of the mounting hole 101. Furthermore, the insulating seal 200 separates the metal housing 100 from the electrical connector 300, preventing electrical conductivity between them. The circuit support 400 can be made of insulating material. The circuit board can be connected to the circuit support 400 using bolts or clips. After the circuit board is installed, adhesive is poured into the metal housing 100. The adhesive, by immersing the circuit support 400 and the circuit board, cures and reinforces the circuit support 400 and the circuit board. This not only improves structural stability but also enhances the moisture-proof effect of the inner cavity of the metal housing 100, preventing the circuit board and related electrical modules from becoming damp and corroded.
[0039] See Figure 2 The electrical connector 300 can be configured as a hollow copper tube, and the wires connecting the circuit board can extend and be soldered inside the hollow copper tube. One end of the hollow copper tube connecting the wires can also be equipped with a bevel or notch so that the solder filler can fully penetrate into the hollow copper tube, thereby ensuring a firm connection between the hollow copper tube and the wires.
[0040] See Figure 3 In this embodiment of the utility model, the insulating seal 200 includes: a metal outer sleeve 210 and an insulating inner core 220; the metal outer sleeve 210 is fitted over the insulating inner core 220, and the electrical connector 300 is inserted into the insulating inner core 220; the metal outer sleeve 210 is threaded into the mounting hole 101.
[0041] The insulating inner core 220 is wrapped with a metal outer jacket 210. The insulating inner core 220 can be made of glass or plastic. The metal outer jacket 210 can protect the insulating inner core 220. In addition, the metal outer jacket 210 is easy to process with threads. The metal outer jacket 210 fits into the mounting hole 101 through threads, which can ensure a tight seal at the connection between the insulating seal 200 and the mounting hole 101.
[0042] See Figure 1 and Figure 4 In an optional embodiment, the metal outer casing 210 is provided with a limiting protrusion 211, which abuts against the metal cavity shell 100, making it easy to axially position the insulating seal 200 within the mounting hole 101.
[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the circuit bracket 400 is snapped together with the metal cavity shell 100, eliminating the need for bolt hole alignment and bolt tightening during assembly, making assembly more convenient.
[0044] See Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The metal cavity shell 100 is provided with a guide part 102 and a slot 103; the guide part 102 and the slot 103 are spaced apart from each other in the direction from the opening end of the metal cavity shell 100 to the bottom of the inner cavity; the circuit bracket 400 is provided with a side buckle 410; when the circuit bracket 400 is installed, the circuit bracket 400 slides along the guide part 102 and is engaged in the slot 103.
[0045] The guide part 102 can be configured as a slide rail or slide groove, etc. The circuit bracket 400 can slide along the guide part 102 to achieve alignment and installation, and can ensure that the circuit bracket 400 that is slidably installed can be aligned and snapped into the slot 103.
[0046] In an optional embodiment, the guide portion 102 includes a groove disposed on the inner wall of the metal cavity housing 100; the groove has an inclined surface 121 that slopes inward toward the bottom of the inner cavity from the open end of the metal cavity housing 100. The side latch 410 disposed on the circuit bracket 400 can slide along the groove, during which the side latch 410 slides along the inclined surface 121 to the inner wall surface of the metal cavity housing 100, and then the side latch 410 can spring back and engage in the latching groove 103.
[0047] Furthermore, both the guide section 102 and the slot 103 are configured as symmetrical structures symmetrical with respect to the same reference plane; from the opening end of the metal cavity shell 100 towards the bottom of the inner cavity, the groove gradually narrows as it approaches the reference plane, so that the width of the groove gradually decreases. During the installation of the circuit bracket 400, the side latch 410 slides along the gradually narrowing groove, and the side latch 410 gradually aligns with the slot 103, making assembly and alignment easier.
[0048] In an optional embodiment, guide parts 102 and slots 103 may be provided on both opposite side walls of the metal cavity shell 100. The two side buckles 410 provided on the circuit bracket 400 are tightened inside the metal cavity shell 100 and are correspondingly matched with the two opposite slots 103.
[0049] In an optional embodiment, the circuit support 400 is provided with multiple fixing clips 420, which are spaced apart and respectively connected to the circuit board. By using multiple fixing clips 420 to respectively hold the circuit board, two of the fixing clips 420 can clamp the circuit board in a first direction, while the other two fixing clips 420 clamp the circuit board in a second direction. The first and second directions extend along the surface of the circuit board and are perpendicular to each other, which can improve the stability of the circuit board installation.
[0050] In an optional embodiment, the circuit support 400 is provided with a plurality of support posts 430, which are spaced apart and abut against the circuit board respectively. Under the support of the plurality of support posts 430, a gap can be formed between the circuit support 400 and the circuit board. This gap allows adhesive to seep in during potting, and after the adhesive cures, the circuit support 400 and the circuit board are relatively stable.
[0051] The smart water meter provided in this embodiment is equipped with the waterproof mechanism described in the above embodiments, and has the technical effects of the waterproof mechanism, which helps to extend the service life of the water meter.
[0052] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.
Claims
1. A water meter water-proof mechanism, characterized by, The utility model relates to a waterproof mechanism of smart water meter, which comprises a metal cavity shell (100), an insulating sealing element (200), an electrical connector (300), a circuit support (400) and a cover (500). The metal cavity shell (100) has an inner cavity and a mounting hole (101) communicating with the inner cavity, the insulating sealing element (200) is mounted in the mounting hole (101), and the electrical connector (300) is inserted in the insulating sealing element (200). The circuit support (400) is mounted in the metal cavity shell (100), and the circuit support (400) is used for mounting a circuit board connected with the electrical connector (300). The metal cavity shell (100) is internally filled with glue to fix the circuit support (400) and the circuit board, and the cover (500) covers the metal cavity shell (100). The insulating sealing element (200) comprises a metal outer sleeve (210) and an insulating inner core (220).
2. The water meter water-proof mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The metal outer sleeve (210) is sleeved on the insulating inner core (220), and the electrical connector (300) is inserted in the insulating inner core (220). The metal outer sleeve (210) is threadedly connected with the mounting hole (101). The metal outer sleeve (210) is provided with a limiting convex ring (211) abutting against the metal cavity shell (100).
3. The water meter water-proof mechanism of claim 2, wherein, The circuit support (400) is snap-connected with the metal cavity shell (100).
4. The water meter water-proof mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The metal cavity shell (100) is provided with a guide part (102) and a clamping groove (103).
5. The water meter seal of claim 1, wherein, The guide part (102) and the clamping groove (103) are arranged in a direction from an opening end of the metal cavity shell (100) to a bottom of the inner cavity. The circuit support (400) is provided with side buckles (410). When the circuit support (400) is mounted, the circuit support (400) slides along the guide part (102) and is clamped in the clamping groove (103). The guide part (102) comprises a sliding groove arranged on an inner side wall of the metal cavity shell (100).
6. The water meter water-proof mechanism of claim 5, wherein, The sliding groove has an inclined surface (121) inclined to the inner side of the metal cavity shell (100) in a direction from the opening end of the metal cavity shell (100) to the bottom of the inner cavity. The guide part (102) and the clamping groove (103) are symmetrically arranged relative to the same reference surface.
7. The water meter water-proof mechanism according to claim 6, wherein, The sliding groove gradually narrows to the reference surface in a direction from the opening end of the metal cavity shell (100) to the bottom of the inner cavity. The circuit support (400) is provided with a plurality of fixed buckles (420) arranged at intervals and respectively connected with the circuit board.
8. The water meter seal of claim 1, wherein, The circuit support (400) is provided with a plurality of support columns (430) arranged at intervals and respectively abutting against the circuit board.
9. The water meter water-proof mechanism of claim 8, wherein, The smart water meter is equipped with the waterproof mechanism of the water meter according to any one of claims 1-9.
10. A smart water meter, characterized by