A latch opening and closing state detection device and an electric energy meter
By integrating a micro switch and signal processing circuit into the electricity meter to detect the opening and closing status of the latch, the problem of low efficiency in traditional latch status monitoring is solved, enabling real-time monitoring and immediate feedback, thereby improving safety and management efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QINGDAO ITECHENE TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
Traditional pin status monitoring relies on manual inspection, which is inefficient, error-prone, and cannot provide real-time feedback, increasing the risk of unauthorized operation.
Design a latch opening/closing status detection device that uses a micro switch and signal processing circuit to monitor the latch status in real time and provides immediate feedback to the management system via a communication module. The device is integrated into the control board of the electricity meter.
It enables real-time monitoring and immediate alerts of the pin status, improving security and management efficiency and preventing unauthorized operations.
Smart Images

Figure CN224553347U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model applies to the field of safety protection equipment technology, and in particular relates to a latch opening / closing status detection device and an electricity meter. Background Technology
[0002] Traditional latches are primarily used to physically lock and secure electricity meters to their designated bases. Once the meter is correctly positioned, the latch is inserted to prevent unnecessary movement or unauthorized removal. To ensure the latch cannot be easily opened, a lead seal is typically installed at the latch location. Checking the integrity of the seal indicates whether the latch has been subjected to unauthorized operation. This method relies on manual on-site inspection, which is not only inefficient but also prone to oversights.
[0003] Traditional methods rely on manual verification of the integrity of the lead seals one by one, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and difficult to cover all installation points. Furthermore, the lead seals are easily damaged or forged, increasing the risk of unauthorized tampering. The lack of an electrical signal feedback mechanism makes it impossible to obtain real-time information on changes in the pin status, leading to management delays.
[0004] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model designs a pin opening and closing state detection device. Utility Model Content
[0005] This utility model provides a latch opening / closing status detection device, which aims to solve the problems of low security and inconvenient management caused by the lack of real-time status monitoring and automatic feedback mechanism in traditional latches. The technical solution is as follows: A latch opening / closing state detection device includes a base assembly, a control board, and a latch. The control board is fixedly connected to the base assembly. Both the base assembly and the control board are provided with coaxially aligned mounting channels. The latch slides in the mounting channels. A trigger part is provided on the latch. A micro switch is provided on the control board. A movable contact is provided on the micro switch. A fixed contact is provided on the control board. When the latch is inserted into the mounting channel, the trigger part of the latch drives the micro switch, causing the movable contact and the fixed contact to make contact.
[0006] Based on the above technical solution, the triggering part is a swing arm vertically mounted on the pin. When the pin is inserted, the swing arm presses against the driving end of the micro switch, causing the movable contact to shift.
[0007] Preferably, the pin is provided with a first positioning element and a second positioning element; the mounting channel of the base assembly is provided with a guide groove and a limiting groove, the first positioning element is slidably connected to the guide groove, and the second positioning element is snap-fitted to the limiting groove.
[0008] Preferably, it also includes a power board, which is connected to the control board for power supply via wires, and the power board has a U-shaped groove that matches the position of the installation channel.
[0009] An electricity meter includes: a meter housing, a meter cover assembly, an electricity meter communication module, an electricity meter control system, and a latch opening / closing status detection device; the base assembly of the detection device is fixed to the meter housing; the electricity meter communication module and the electricity meter control system are integrated on a control board.
[0010] Based on the above technical solution, the base assembly and the cover assembly are connected by at least one of the following methods: snap fastener, ultrasonic welding, or screws.
[0011] Beneficial effects Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this utility model are: 1. By integrating microswitches and signal processing circuits, this device can monitor the status changes of the latch in real time and immediately feed this information back to the management system. Once the latch is illegally opened, the system will immediately issue an alarm and record the event, greatly improving the safety of the equipment. 2. The base assembly and control board are provided with coaxially aligned mounting channels, which, together with the positioning parts on the latch, allow the latch to be quickly and accurately inserted into place without complicated adjustment steps, thus improving assembly efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only one embodiment of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other embodiments can be derived from the provided drawings without creative effort.
[0013] Figure 1 : A schematic diagram of the electricity meter of this utility model with the meter casing removed; Figure 2 : Exploded view of the structure of the energy meter of this utility model without the meter casing; Figure 3 : A schematic diagram of the structure of the base assembly described in this utility model; Figure 4 : A schematic diagram of the structure of the control board described in this utility model; Figure 5 : A schematic diagram of the structure of the pin described in this utility model; Figure 6 : A schematic diagram of the structure of the watch cover assembly described in this utility model; Figure 7 The front view of the energy meter of this utility model without the meter casing; Figure 8 : Figure 7 Sectional view of AA; Figure 9 : Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of BB. Detailed Implementation
[0014] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples: The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0015] 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 direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0016] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0017] like Figure 2 As shown, a latch opening / closing state detection device includes a base assembly 1, a control board 3, and a latch 4. The control plate 3 is fixedly attached to the base assembly 1. Both the base assembly 1 and the control plate 3 are provided with coaxially aligned mounting channels, and the pin 4 slides in the mounting channels. The pin can slide directly in or out along a preset path.
[0018] like Figure 4 As shown, the pin 4 is provided with a trigger part, the control board 3 is provided with a micro switch 31, the micro switch 31 is provided with a movable contact 32, and the control board 3 is provided with a fixed contact. When the pin 4 is inserted into the installation channel, the trigger part of the pin 4 drives the micro switch 31, so that the movable contact 32 and the fixed contact come into contact.
[0019] Specifically, such as Figure 5As shown, the triggering part is a swing arm 43 vertically mounted on the pin 4. When the pin 4 is inserted, the swing arm 43 presses against the drive end of the micro switch 31, causing the movable contact 32 to displace. The swing arm 43 is directly integrated into the pin body, eliminating the need for an additional independent transmission or triggering mechanism. This fully utilizes the linear stroke during the pin's movement to complete the triggering action. It is suitable for applications where internal space is limited in energy meters, contributing to the miniaturization and weight reduction of the device.
[0020] When pin 4 is inserted into place, the swing arm presses down the micro switch, causing the contacts to close; once pin 4 is pulled out (such as by disassembly or illegal opening), the swing arm disengages from the micro switch, and the contacts open.
[0021] This one-to-one logical relationship between "plug status and electrical signal" can accurately reflect whether the electricity meter is in a sealed state, making it easy for the system to determine in real time whether the device has been opened.
[0022] like Figure 3 As shown, the pin 4 is provided with a first positioning element 41 and a second positioning element 42; the mounting channel of the base assembly 1 is provided with a guide groove 11 and a limiting groove 12. The first positioning element 41 is slidably connected to the guide groove 11, and the second positioning element 42 is snap-fitted to the limiting groove 12. The slidable connection between the first positioning element 41 and the guide groove 11 ensures that the pin moves accurately along a preset path during insertion or removal, avoiding deviation or jamming due to improper operation. This not only improves the convenience of operation but also extends the service life of mechanical parts. When the pin is fully inserted, the second positioning element snaps into the limiting groove, providing a reliable locking mechanism to prevent the pin from loosening or falling off due to external vibration or accidental collision, thus enhancing the safety and stability of the overall structure.
[0023] It also includes a power board 2, which is connected to the control board 3 via wires to provide power. The power board 2 is specifically responsible for providing power support to the control board 3.
[0024] The power board 2 has a U-shaped groove that matches the position of the installation channel.
[0025] The control board 3 is equipped with a signal processing circuit, which converts the on / off state of the contacts into electrical signals. The signal processing circuit can accurately capture the contact changes between the movable contact 32 and the fixed contact in the micro switch 31 and convert them into standard electrical signal outputs.
[0026] The fixed contact is connected to the communication module, and a trigger signal is generated when the movable contact 32 is switched on or off with the fixed contact. Once the pin 4 opens or closes, causing a change in the state of the microswitch contact, a corresponding trigger signal is immediately sent through the communication module. This means that any unauthorized operation can be detected and recorded promptly, greatly improving security.
[0027] Both the power board 2 and the control board 3 have positioning holes, and the base assembly 1 has positioning posts 14 that match the positions of the positioning holes. The design of the positioning holes and positioning posts 14 allows the power board 2 and control board 3 to be quickly and accurately installed onto the base assembly 1. Precise alignment can be achieved without additional adjustments, greatly simplifying the assembly process. This standardized interface design facilitates modular production and assembly; power boards and control boards from different batches can be interchanged as long as they meet the same specifications and dimensions, increasing production flexibility and product versatility.
[0028] The end of the pin 4 is provided with an operating part, which includes one of a Phillips head groove 44, a hexagonal recess 45, or a non-slip texture 46. The Phillips head groove 44 and the hexagonal recess allow operation using common screwdrivers or wrenches. This allows installers to easily insert or remove the pin using standard tools without the need for specialized custom tools. For the non-slip textured design, even without tools, sufficient friction can be applied with the fingers to operate the pin, providing additional operational flexibility, especially in situations with limited space or in emergency situations.
[0029] like Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, an electricity meter includes: a meter housing, a meter cover assembly 5, an electricity meter communication module, an electricity meter control system, and a latch opening / closing state detection device as described above; the base assembly 1 of the detection device is fixed to the meter housing; the electricity meter communication module and the electricity meter control system are integrated on a control board 3, forming an overall electricity meter capable of detecting the opening / closing state. The electricity meter and the circuitry for detecting the latch opening / closing state are both integrated on the control board 3.
[0030] The electricity meter's communication module is integrated on control board 3, supporting multiple communication protocols (such as RS485, LoRa, NB-IoT, etc.), enabling the electricity meter to exchange data with external systems. The electricity meter's control system is also integrated on control board 3, responsible for processing data from sensors and executing corresponding control logic. This includes functions such as electricity calculation, rate setting, and alarms for abnormal conditions.
[0031] The base assembly 1 and the cover assembly 5 are connected by at least one of the following methods: snap-fit, ultrasonic welding, or screws. The most suitable connection method is selected based on the specific application requirements and manufacturing process. For example, screws can be used in applications requiring high-strength fixation; snap-fit can be chosen for scenarios requiring rapid assembly.
[0032] The latch opening / closing status detection device is not only applicable to electricity meters, but can also be widely used in other electrical equipment with similar latch or screw structures.
[0033] In use, first fix the base assembly to the housing of the electricity meter or other electrical equipment. Install the power board 2, ensuring it is accurately aligned using the positioning holes and positioning posts 14. Then connect the control board 3, ensuring it is in the correct position and that the micro switch 31 is aligned with the path of the pin 4.
[0034] One end of the pin 4 has a cross groove 44 for easy operation with a screwdriver. The pin 4 is inserted into the mounting channel on the base assembly 1 from the outside. During insertion, the first positioning member 41 slides along the guide groove 11, acting as a guide to ensure that the pin moves along a predetermined trajectory. When the pin is fully inserted, the second positioning member 42 engages with the limiting groove 12, achieving a secure fixation.
[0035] When the pin 4 is inserted into place, the swing arm 43, vertically mounted on the pin, presses against the drive end of the micro switch 31, causing the movable contact 32 to contact the fixed contact, thereby closing the circuit. At this time, the signal processing circuit on the control board 3 converts this state change into an electrical signal. The communication module on the control board 3 sends out this electrical signal to indicate that the pin has been securely locked and records the current time and event.
[0036] Once the latch is pulled out, the swing arm 43 no longer presses against the micro switch 31, causing the contacts to open. Upon detecting this change, the system immediately sends an alarm message to the remote management center or user terminal via the communication module, indicating that the latch has been opened. The opening and closing states of the latch 4 are recorded in detail, including specific timestamps and counts, for subsequent querying and auditing.
[0037] In electricity meter applications, this device effectively prevents unauthorized personnel from tampering with or stealing electricity. Any attempt to illegally open the meter will be detected and recorded promptly. For electrical equipment requiring high security protection (such as industrial control boxes, smart locks, etc.), the detection device can ensure that the equipment has not been illegally opened by monitoring the status of the latch in real time, providing additional security.
[0038] It should be noted that the electricity meter communication module, electricity meter control system, control board 3, and power board 2 in this embodiment are all general standard parts or components known to those skilled in the art. Their structure and principles can be learned by those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods.
[0039] The present invention has been described above by way of example, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Any modifications or variations made based on the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.
Claims
1. A device for detecting the open / closed state of a latch, characterized in that: The device includes a base assembly (1), a control board (3), and a pin (4). The control board (3) is fixedly connected to the base assembly (1). Both the base assembly (1) and the control board (3) are provided with coaxially aligned mounting channels. The pin (4) slides in the mounting channel. The pin (4) is provided with a trigger part. The control board (3) is provided with a micro switch (31). The micro switch (31) is provided with a movable contact (32). The control board (3) is provided with a fixed contact. When the pin (4) is inserted into the mounting channel, the trigger part of the pin (4) drives the micro switch (31) to make the movable contact (32) and the fixed contact contact.
2. The latch opening / closing state detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The triggering part is a swing arm (43) vertically mounted on the pin (4). When the pin (4) is inserted, the swing arm (43) presses against the driving end of the micro switch (31) to displace the movable contact (32).
3. The latch opening / closing state detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pin (4) is provided with a first positioning element (41) and a second positioning element (42); the mounting channel of the base assembly (1) is provided with a guide groove (11) and a limiting groove (12), the first positioning element (41) is slidably connected to the guide groove (11), and the second positioning element (42) is snapped to the limiting groove (12).
4. The latch opening / closing state detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a power board (2), which is connected to the control board (3) for power supply via wires. The power board (2) has a U-shaped groove that matches the position of the installation channel.
5. The latch opening / closing state detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control board (3) is provided with a signal processing circuit, which converts the on / off state of the contacts into an electrical signal.
6. The latch opening / closing state detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed contact is connected to the communication module, and a signal is triggered when the movable contact (32) is switched on or off with the fixed contact.
7. The latch opening / closing state detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end of the pin (4) is provided with an operating part, which includes one of a cross groove (44), a hexagonal recess (45), or an anti-slip ridge (46).
8. The latch opening / closing state detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Positioning holes are provided on both the power board (2) and the control board (3), and positioning posts (14) matching the positions of the positioning holes are provided on the base assembly (1).
9. An electricity meter, characterized in that, include: Meter housing, meter cover assembly (5), electricity meter communication module, electricity meter control system and a pin opening / closing state detection device as claimed in any one of claims 1-8; the base assembly (1) of the detection device is fixed on the meter housing; the electricity meter communication module and the electricity meter control system are integrated on the control board (3).
10. An electricity meter according to claim 9, characterized in that: The base assembly (1) and the cover assembly (5) are connected by at least one of snap fasteners, ultrasonic welding or screws.