Connectors and metering boxes

Abstract

This utility model discloses a connector and a metering box, relating to the field of electronic instrumentation technology. The connector is applied to a metering box, which houses an energy meter. The energy meter includes an electrical connection part. The connector includes a mounting component and a connecting component. The mounting component includes a first connecting terminal and a mounting shell. The first connecting terminal is disposed on the mounting shell, which has a mounting surface configured to face away from the door of the metering box. The connecting component includes a connector and a second connecting terminal. The second connecting terminal is disposed on the connector for electrical connection between the first connecting terminal and the electrical connection part. The connector is rotatably connected to the mounting shell. The connecting component has an assembled state and a fixed state. In the assembled state, the second connecting terminal is inclined relative to the mounting surface. In the fixed state, the extension direction of the second connecting terminal is parallel to the mounting surface. The technical solution provided by this utility model aims to reduce the volume and cost of the metering box, achieving a miniaturized design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electronic instrument technology, and in particular to a connector and a metering box. Background Technology

[0002] Metering boxes, as devices for electricity metering, data acquisition, and remote monitoring, are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial electricity scenarios. Inside a metering box, there is typically an electricity meter and connectors; the meter connects to external power lines via these connectors. In related technologies, the meter and connectors are assembled along the side wall of the metering box where they are installed. Therefore, the metering box needs to have sufficient operating space for plugging, unplugging, and locking the meter and connectors. However, this assembly method inevitably increases the size of the metering box, wastes materials and costs, and may even affect the installation process. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of this utility model is to propose a connector and a metering box, which aims to reduce the size and cost of the metering box and achieve a miniaturized design.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the connector proposed in this utility model is applied to a metering box, which is equipped with an electricity meter. The electricity meter includes an electrical connection part, and the connector includes:

[0005] The mounting assembly includes a first connecting terminal and a mounting housing, the first connecting terminal being disposed on the mounting housing, the mounting housing having a mounting surface configured to face away from the door of the metering box; and

[0006] A connecting assembly includes a connector and a second connecting terminal, the second connecting terminal being disposed on the connector for electrically connecting the first connecting terminal and the electrical connection part, the connector being rotatably connected to the mounting housing, and the connecting assembly having an assembled state and a fixed state;

[0007] In the assembled state, the second connecting terminal is inclined relative to the mounting surface; in the fixed state, the extension direction of the second connecting terminal is parallel to the mounting surface.

[0008] In one embodiment, in the assembled state, the second connecting terminal has a preset angle relative to the mounting surface, the preset angle being greater than or equal to 20° and less than or equal to 60°.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second connection terminal is disposed adjacent to the rotation axis of the connector.

[0010] In one embodiment, the axis of rotation of the connector is disposed adjacent to the mounting surface.

[0011] In one embodiment, the connector is provided with a rotating shaft, the mounting housing includes a fixed plate disposed opposite to it, the fixed plate is provided with a rotating hole, and the rotating shaft is rotatably inserted into the rotating hole.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second connection terminal is connected to the connector by a fastener.

[0013] In one embodiment, in the fixed state, the second connecting terminal and the first connecting terminal are in contact, and in the assembled state, the second connecting terminal and the first connecting terminal are disengaged.

[0014] In one embodiment, the mounting housing is provided with a receiving cavity, the first connecting terminal is installed in the receiving cavity, and the mounting housing is provided with a clearance hole communicating with the receiving cavity, the clearance hole being used to avoid the second connecting terminal.

[0015] In one embodiment, the mounting housing includes a cover and a bottom cover. The bottom cover is snapped onto the cover and encloses the cavity to form the receiving cavity. The clearance hole includes a first hole and a second hole that are in contact with each other. The first hole is located on the side of the cover facing the connecting assembly, and the second hole is located on the bottom cover.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second connecting terminal includes a connecting portion and a snap-fit ​​portion connected to each other, and the first connecting terminal includes a reinforcing member and a clamping member. The clamping member includes two clamping ends that are bent relative to each other and elastically abut against each other. The snap-fit ​​inlet formed by the two clamping ends is at least partially opposite to the clearance hole. On the side away from the snap-fit ​​inlet, the reinforcing member is clamped on the opposite side of the two clamping ends.

[0017] In the fixed state, the snap-fit ​​portion is clamped between the two clamping ends, and the connecting portion is used to be electrically connected to the electrical connecting portion.

[0018] This utility model also proposes a metering box, which includes an electricity meter and a connector as described above, wherein the second connection terminal is electrically connected to the electrical connection part of the electricity meter.

[0019] In one embodiment, the metering box includes an opposing mounting wall and a door, the connector being connected to the mounting wall, and the mounting wall being spaced apart from the connector at least at a position relative to the second connection terminal.

[0020] The technical solution of this utility model involves rotatably connecting the connector of the connecting assembly to the mounting shell of the mounting assembly. As the connector rotates relative to the mounting shell, it also drives the second connecting terminal on the connector to rotate, thereby changing the angle between the extension direction of the second connecting terminal and the plane of the mounting surface. The mounting surface is located on the side of the mounting shell facing away from the metering box door, while the connector can rotate towards the metering box door, forming a fixed state where the angle between the second connecting terminal and the mounting surface is close to 0°, and an assembly state where the second connecting terminal is tilted towards the metering box door. It can be seen that when the operator adjusts the connecting assembly to a position where the second connecting terminal is tilted relative to the mounting surface, i.e., switching to the assembly state, the second connecting terminal faces the metering box door at an angle. Utilizing the space between the metering box door and the mounting surface, it is convenient to align and connect the second connecting terminal to the electrical connection part from the tilted direction relative to the mounting surface rather than along the mounting surface, reducing the size of the metering box along the plane of the mounting surface. Subsequently, the connector is rotated to a fixed state, so that the extension direction of the second connecting terminal remains parallel (i.e., parallel or substantially parallel) to the mounting surface, and then the installation of the connector and the energy meter inside the metering box is completed. In this way, by using rotating connecting components, the metering box does not need to reserve a large operating space on the plane where the mounting surface is located, reducing the materials and costs required for the metering box, and reducing its size, thus achieving a miniaturized design. In addition, the ease of disassembling and assembling connectors and the energy meter in the assembled state also reduces the probability of obstruction from other components in the metering box, improving the convenience of disassembly, assembly, and maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0021] 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 some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the connector provided by this utility model in a fixed state;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the components installed in the middle;

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the components installed in the middle;

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting component;

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the connecting components;

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the connector;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the connector provided by this utility model in the assembled state.

[0029] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0030] 100. Mounting assembly; 110. First connecting terminal; 111. Reinforcing member; 112. Clamping member; 113. Clamping end; 114. Socket; 120. Mounting housing; 121. Cover; 122. Bottom cover; 123. Clearance hole; 124. First hole; 125. Second hole; 126. Fixing plate; 127. Rotary hole; 128. Mounting surface; 130. Receiving cavity;

[0031] 200. Connecting component; 210. Connector; 211. Rotating shaft; 220. Second connecting terminal; 221. Connecting part; 222. Snap-fit ​​part.

[0032] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0034] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative state relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0035] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0036] This utility model proposes a connector.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 In one embodiment of this utility model, the connector is applied to a metering box, which is equipped with an electricity meter (not shown in the figure). The electricity meter includes an electrical connection part 221 (not shown in the figure), and the connector includes:

[0038] Mounting assembly 100 includes a first connection terminal 110 and a mounting housing 120. The first connection terminal 110 is disposed on the mounting housing 120, which has a mounting surface 128 configured to face away from the door (not shown) of the metering box.

[0039] The connecting assembly 200 includes a connector 210 and a second connecting terminal 220. The second connecting terminal 220 is disposed on the connector 210 for electrically connecting the first connecting terminal 110 and the electrical connection part 221. The connector 210 is rotatably connected to the mounting housing 120. The connecting assembly 200 has an assembled state and a fixed state.

[0040] In the assembled state, the second connecting terminal 220 is inclined relative to the mounting surface 128; in the fixed state, the extension direction of the second connecting terminal 220 is parallel to the mounting surface 128.

[0041] The technical solution of this utility model is to rotatably connect the connector 210 of the connecting assembly 200 to the mounting shell 120 of the mounting assembly 100. When the connector 210 rotates relative to the mounting shell 120, it will also drive the second connecting terminal 220 on the connector 210 to rotate, thereby changing the angle between the extension direction of the second connecting terminal 220 and the plane where the mounting surface 128 is located. The mounting surface 128 is located on the side of the mounting shell 120 away from the metering box door, and the connector 210 can rotate toward the metering box door, forming a fixed state in which the angle between the second connecting terminal 220 and the mounting surface 128 is close to 0°, and an assembly state in which the second connecting terminal 220 is tilted toward the metering box door. As can be seen, the operator adjusts the connecting component 200 to a position where the second connecting terminal 220 is tilted relative to the mounting surface 128, i.e., switches to the assembly state. At this time, the second connecting terminal 220 faces the door of the metering box at an angle. Utilizing the space between the metering box door and the mounting surface 128, it is convenient to align and connect the second connecting terminal 220 to the electrical connection part 221 from the angled direction relative to the mounting surface 128 rather than along the mounting surface 128, thus reducing the size of the metering box along the plane where the mounting surface 128 is located. Subsequently, the connector 210 is rotated to a fixed state, so that the extension direction of the second connecting terminal 220 is parallel (i.e., parallel or substantially parallel) to the mounting surface 128, and then the installation of the connector 210 and the energy meter is completed inside the metering box. In this way, by rotating the connecting component 200, the metering box does not need to reserve a large operating space on the plane where the mounting surface 128 is located, reducing the materials and costs required for the metering box, and reducing the size of the metering box, thus realizing the miniaturization design of the metering box. In addition, the ability to assemble and disassemble connectors and electricity meters while they are in the assembled state reduces the probability of obstruction from other components in the metering box and improves the ease of operation for disassembly, assembly and maintenance.

[0042] It should be noted that the mounting surface 128 can be abutted against the mounting wall opposite the metering box and the box door, or it can be provided with a gap between the mounting wall opposite the metering box and the box door. In the fixed state, the mounting assembly 100 and the energy meter are distributed along the plane of the mounting surface 128, and the second connecting terminal 220 also extends along the plane of the mounting surface 128, arranged in a parallel or nearly parallel state. In the fixed state, the second connecting terminal 220 extends between the first connecting terminal 110 and the electrical connection portion 221. Here, the first connecting terminal 110 is used to connect to an external wire. It can be understood that, whether in the assembled state or the fixed state, the first connecting terminal 110 and the second connecting terminal 220 maintain an electrically connected contact relationship, or, in the assembled state, the first connecting terminal 110 and the second connecting terminal 220 disconnect the electrical connection relationship, and in the fixed state, the first connecting terminal 110 and the second connecting terminal 220 restore the electrical connection relationship. Furthermore, the first connecting terminal 110 and the external wire, and the second connecting terminal 220 and the electrical connection part 221 can be connected by welding, plugging, or locking. For the connection method of the first connecting terminal 110 and the second connecting terminal 220, it can be sliding contact, snap-fit, plugging, or screw locking. Without loss of generality, the metering box is mounted on the wall. Taking the state of the metering box after installation as a reference, the plane containing the mounting surface 128 is a vertical plane. Therefore, this embodiment can reduce the vertical dimension of the metering box.

[0043] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The second connecting terminal 220 has a preset angle relative to the mounting surface 128, which is greater than or equal to 20° and less than or equal to 60°. It is understandable that when the preset angle is less than 20°, the tilt of the second connecting terminal 220 is insufficient, and the metering box still needs to be set with a larger dimension on the plane of the mounting surface 128; while when the angle is greater than 60°, the rotational stroke of the connector 210 is too large. On the one hand, after the energy meter and the second connecting terminal 220 are connected, the energy meter applies excessive lateral force to the connection between the connector 210 and the mounting housing 120, affecting the stability of the connecting assembly 200 during assembly. On the other hand, it also increases the distance between the second connecting terminal 220 and the mounting housing 120, thereby increasing the space occupied by the energy meter and connector after installation. Thus, by limiting the preset included angle to between 20° and 60°, it is ensured that the second connecting terminal 220 can connect to the electrical connection part 221 of the energy meter in a significantly tilted posture during assembly, reducing the size of the meter box along the plane of the mounting surface 128. This also facilitates the alignment and connection of the second connecting terminal 220 and the electrical connection part 221 when connecting the energy meter and the connector. The preset included angle can be 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, or 60°.

[0044] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The second connecting terminal 220 is positioned adjacent to the rotation axis of the connector 210. It can be understood that the mounting position of the second connecting terminal 220 on the connector 210 is close to the rotational connection point between the connector 210 and the mounting housing 120. This results in a smaller radius of motion for the second connecting terminal 220 during the rotation of the connector 210 from the assembled state to the fixed state, reducing the space required for the second connecting terminal 220 during rotation. This provides operational space for connecting the connector and the energy meter in the assembled state, and also reduces the distance between the mounting assembly 100 and the energy meter in the fixed state, thereby reducing the size of the metering box. Of course, in other embodiments, the position of the second connecting terminal 220 can also be positioned away from the rotation axis of the connector 210.

[0045] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 The axis of rotation of connector 210 is located close to the mounting surface 128. It should be noted that the axis of rotation of connector 210 is not only close to the mounting housing 120 on the plane containing the mounting surface 128, but also close to the mounting surface 128 in the distribution direction of the mounting surface 128 and the metering box door. Therefore, when connector 210 rotates around its axis, its rotational profile is closer to the mounting wall of the metering box relative to the mounting surface 128. During the rotation of the connecting assembly 200, the extension of connector 210 into the depth of the metering box is reduced, thus providing more space between the door and the mounting surface 128 for the connection of the energy meter and the connector. Simultaneously, because the axis of rotation is close to the mounting surface 128, the swing trajectory of the second connecting terminal 220 when transitioning from the assembled state to the fixed state is more compact, enhancing the structural stability of connector 210 during rotation. This makes the second connecting terminal 220 more stable under force when connecting to the electrical connection part 221 of the energy meter, which is beneficial for improving the reliability and vibration resistance of the electrical connection. Of course, in other embodiments, the rotation axis of the connector 210 may also be located in the middle of the mounting housing 120 along the mounting surface 128 and the distribution direction of the door.

[0046] Regarding the rotatable connection structure between connector 210 and mounting housing 120, in one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5The connector 210 is provided with a rotating shaft 211, and the mounting housing 120 includes opposing fixing plates 126. The fixing plates 126 have rotating holes 127 into which the rotating shaft 211 is rotatably inserted. It can be understood that the connector 210 is located between the two fixing plates 126, and the end of the rotating shaft 211 is exposed on the opposite side of the connector 210 in the distribution direction of the two fixing plates 126. This can be either the rotating shaft 211 passing through the connector 210, or the rotating shaft 211 protruding from the opposite sides of the connector 210. In this way, a rotatable connection is achieved between the connector 210 and the mounting housing 120. Since the connector 210 and the opposing fixing plates 126 are both rotatably connected, the axial displacement of the rotating shaft 211 can be effectively constrained, preventing the connector 210 from shifting or falling off during rotation, thus ensuring the stability of the connector 210 during rotation. Furthermore, the protrusion of the fixing plate 126 from the mounting shell 120 increases the rotation space of the connector 210 and reduces the probability of interference from the mounting shell 120 during the rotation of the connector 210. During assembly, the rotating shaft 211 can be aligned and inserted into the rotating hole 127 of one side of the fixing plate 126 first, and then the other side can be aligned and inserted. Alternatively, an open rotating hole 127 structure can be used for radial insertion, which helps reduce manufacturing costs and assembly difficulty. Of course, in other embodiments, the fixing plate 126 can also have a protruding rotating column, with the connector 210 having a shaft hole relative to the rotating column for rotation.

[0047] Regarding the connection configuration of the second connecting terminal 220 and the connector 210, in one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 4 and 5The second connecting terminal 220 is connected to the connector 210 via fasteners. Specifically, detachable or fixed fasteners such as screws, bolts, or rivets can be used to securely install the second connecting terminal 220 onto the connector 210. This not only facilitates the assembly and replacement of the second connecting terminal 220 but also effectively ensures the stability of the connection between the terminal and the connector 210 during rotation. The fastener is configured as a screw. The connector 210 has a through-hole with a threaded hole perpendicular to the through-hole. The second connecting terminal 220 passes through the through-hole and has a threaded hole at the same position as the threaded hole on the connector 210. The screw is screwed into the threaded hole of the connector 210 and the threaded hole of the second connecting terminal 220. Not universally, the second connecting terminal 220 and the through-hole can be configured in a square shape in their circumferential direction. For example, if the through-hole is square, the second connecting terminal 220 is adapted to pass through the through-hole to prevent rotation of the second connecting terminal 220, allowing the fasteners to lock the second connecting terminal 220 onto the connector 210. Thus, while ensuring a stable connection between the second connecting terminal 220 and the connector 210, when maintaining or replacing energy meters of different specifications, the second connecting terminal 220 can be adjusted for compatibility or replaced entirely by disassembling the fasteners, enhancing the connector's versatility and maintainability. Of course, in other embodiments, the second connecting terminal 220 can also be connected to the connector 210 by adhesive or snap-fit.

[0048] Regarding the electrical connection relationship between the first connecting terminal 110 and the second connecting terminal 220, in one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7In the fixed state, the second connecting terminal 220 and the first connecting terminal 110 are in contact; in the assembled state, the second connecting terminal 220 and the first connecting terminal 110 are disconnected. It can be understood that in the fixed state, the second connecting terminal 220 and the first connecting terminal 110 are in contact, thereby achieving electrical conduction between the mounting assembly 100 and the connecting assembly 200. That is, the external line establishes an electrical connection with the electrical connection part 221 of the energy meter via the first connecting terminal 110, the contacting second connecting terminal 220, and the connector 210. In the assembled state, the second connecting terminal 220 and the first connecting terminal 110 are disconnected, forming a physical break. Thus, the on / off control of the electrical connection is synchronously achieved through the rotation of the connecting component 200: During assembly, the connecting component 200 is in the assembly state, the second connecting terminal 220 is tilted and separated from the first connecting terminal 110, and the connection between the second connecting terminal 220 and the energy meter can be freely plugged and unplugged, making the operation flexible and unrestricted by the electrical connection. Furthermore, the circuit is only connected in the fully fixed state, providing a natural anti-accidental contact function and improving operational safety. When the connecting component 210 rotates to the fixed state, the second connecting terminal 220 moves with it and reliably abuts against the first connecting terminal 110, completing the establishment of the electrical path. Of course, in other embodiments, the first connecting terminal 110 and the second connecting terminal 220 may maintain a connected relationship in both the fixed and assembly states.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The mounting housing 120 is provided with a receiving cavity 130, and the first connecting terminal 110 is installed in the receiving cavity 130. The mounting housing 120 is provided with a clearance hole 123 communicating with the receiving cavity 130, which is used to avoid the second connecting terminal 220. It can be understood that the clearance hole 123 provides a space channel for the movement path of the second connecting terminal 220 during rotation, so that when the connecting assembly 200 rotates from the assembled state to the fixed state, the second connecting terminal 220 can extend into the receiving cavity 130 through the clearance hole 123 and abut against the first connecting terminal 110 located therein, thereby realizing electrical conduction; in the assembled or disassembled state, the second connecting terminal 220 can exit the receiving cavity 130 through the clearance hole 123, realizing the separation from the first connecting terminal 110, and ensuring the power-off operation during the assembly of the energy meter. At the same time, the first connecting terminal 110 is built into the receiving cavity 130 to prevent external foreign objects or accidental contact from causing short circuits, leakage and other safety hazards. The shape and position of the clearance hole 123 are optimized according to the movement trajectory of the second connecting terminal 220, which satisfies the requirements for freedom of movement and reduces the impact on the structural strength of the mounting shell 120. Of course, in other embodiments, the receiving cavity 130 may also be flared to correspond to the part of the connecting component 200.

[0050] Regarding the structural form of the clearance hole 123 and the mounting housing 120, please refer to the following in this embodiment: Figure 2 and Figure 3 The mounting housing 120 includes a cover 121 and a bottom cover 122. The bottom cover 122 is snapped onto the cover 121 and encloses it to form a receiving cavity 130. The clearance hole 123 includes a through hole portion 124 and a through hole portion 125. The first hole portion 124 is located on the side of the cover 121 facing the connecting assembly 200, and the second hole portion 125 is located on the bottom cover 122. It can be understood that the bottom cover 122 is snapped onto the opening on the mounting surface 128 side of the cover 121. The cover 121 has a sufficiently large opening for the first connecting terminal 110 to be installed in the receiving cavity 130, which facilitates the installation of the first connecting terminal 110 and also achieves a reliable connection between the cover 121 and the bottom cover 122, facilitating assembly and disassembly, and improving production efficiency and subsequent maintenance convenience. In this design, on the side adjacent to the mounting surface 128, the cover 121 has a recessed groove in the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 130, and the bottom cover 122 has a protruding buckle that engages in the groove. The clearance hole 123 is formed by a first hole 124 on the side of the cover 121 facing the connecting assembly 200 and a second hole 125 on the bottom cover 122. When the connecting assembly 200 rotates to a fixed state, different positions of the second connecting terminal 220 pass through the first hole 124 and the second hole 125 into the receiving cavity 130, abutting against the first connecting terminal 110 to achieve electrical conduction. This allows the clearance hole 123 to span both the cover 121 and the bottom cover 122, optimizing the structural strength distribution of the opening area, avoiding localized weakness caused by large holes on a single component, and improving the overall rigidity and durability of the mounting housing 120. Of course, in other embodiments, depending on the component distribution of the mounting housing 120, the clearance hole 123 can also be provided on a single component.

[0051] Regarding the mating structure of the first connecting terminal 110 and the second connecting terminal 220, in one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 5 The second connecting terminal 220 includes a connecting portion 221 and a snap-fit ​​portion 222 connected to each other. The first connecting terminal 110 includes a reinforcing member 111 and a clamping member 112. The clamping member 112 includes two clamping ends 113 that are bent relative to each other and elastically abut against each other. The snap-fit ​​inlet 114 formed by the two clamping ends 113 is at least partially opposite to the clearance hole 123. On the side away from the snap-fit ​​inlet 114, the reinforcing member 111 is clamped on the opposite side of the two clamping ends 113. In the fixed state, the snap-fit ​​portion 222 is clamped between the two clamping ends 113, and the connecting portion 221 is used to electrically connect to the electrical connecting portion 221.

[0052] In this embodiment, the two clamping ends 113 of the clamping member 112 are bent relative to each other and have an elastic abutting force, forming a clamping inlet 114 facing the opening of the avoidance hole 123 for receiving and clamping the clamping portion 222. On the side背离 the clamping inlet 114, the reinforcing member 111 is clamped on the outer opposite surfaces of the two clamping ends 113, thereby providing structural support for the clamping member 112, enhancing the elastic abutting force on the clamping portion 222, preventing the elastic attenuation or plastic deformation of the first connection terminal 110 due to long-term clamping stress, and ensuring the connection stability between the first connection terminal 110 and the second connection terminal 220 in the fixed state. Among them, when the connection assembly 200 rotates to the fixed state, the clamping portion 222 of the second connection terminal 220 enters the accommodation cavity 130 through the avoidance hole 123 and is elastically clamped between the two clamping ends 113, realizing stable electrical conduction with the first connection terminal 110, while the connection portion 221 remains reliably connected to the electrical connection portion 221 of the electricity meter. Thus, through the elastic clamping cooperation, the rapid plug-in conduction between the second connection terminal 220 and the first connection terminal 110 is achieved. Without additional fastening operations, a low-contact-resistance and high-stability electrical connection can be obtained, improving the assembly efficiency and facilitating later maintenance and disassembly. At the same time, the cooperation between the clamping portion 222 and the clamping end 113 has a certain self-aligning ability and error tolerance space, which helps to alleviate the connection failure problem caused by installation deviation. In addition, the reinforcing member 111 further improves the durability of the clamping member 112 in the frequent plugging and unplugging or vibration environment, preventing the clamping force from loosening. Among them, the reinforcing member 111 is configured as an elastically conductive metal strip with a bent setting. Corresponding to one of the opposite sides of the two clamping ends 113, this part of the structure of the reinforcing member 111 is configured as a "C" shape. The ends of the two "C" - shaped elastically conductive metal strips are connected, and at the position where it abuts against the clamping end 113, the reinforcing member 111 extends along the width direction of the clamping end 113 to ensure the uniform force between the clamping end 113 and the clamping portion 222.

[0053] The present utility model also proposes a metering box, which includes a connector. The specific structure of the connector refers to the above embodiment. Since this metering box adopts all the technical solutions of the above all embodiments, it at least has all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated here one by one.

[0054] The metering box includes a door and a mounting wall (not shown) opposite the door. The mounting surface 128 of the connector faces the mounting wall, which can be either flush or with a gap. Similarly, in the fixed state, the energy meter is also mounted on the mounting wall of the metering box. It can be seen that the second connecting terminal 220 rotates between the mounting wall and the door of the metering box with the connector 210. Therefore, after the connector is switched to the assembly state, the process of connecting the energy meter to the connector occupies less space, thereby reducing the volume and cost of the metering box. Without loss of generality, in the fixed state, the connector 210 and the energy meter can be independently connected to the mounting wall of the metering box, or the energy meter can be first installed on the connector 210, and then the connector 210 can be connected to the mounting wall below the metering box.

[0055] In one embodiment, the metering box includes a mounting wall and a door arranged opposite each other. A connector is connected to the mounting wall, and the mounting wall is spaced apart from the connector at least at a position relative to the second connecting terminal 220. It is understood that there is a gap between the mounting wall and the second connecting terminal 200. This gap provides necessary movement space for the rotation of the connecting assembly 200, preventing structural interference between the second connecting terminal 220 and the connector 210 during rotational switching between assembled and fixed states. This ensures that the second connecting terminal 220 can smoothly complete the rotation from inclined insertion to parallel fixation. Simultaneously, this gap also provides redundant space for wire routing, heat dissipation, and possible vibration buffering, improving the operability and operational safety of internal components. Specifically, the mounting wall of the metering box may have a protruding boss, and the mounting shell 120 is connected to the boss by fasteners such as screws and clips, ensuring that there is a gap between the mounting wall and the connector at the position corresponding to the second connecting terminal 220.

[0056] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A connector characterized by comprising: Applied to a metering box, the metering box is equipped with an electricity meter, the electricity meter includes an electrical connection part, and the connector includes: The mounting assembly includes a first connecting terminal and a mounting housing, the first connecting terminal being disposed on the mounting housing, the mounting housing having a mounting surface configured to face away from the door of the metering box; and A connecting assembly includes a connector and a second connecting terminal, the second connecting terminal being disposed on the connector for electrically connecting the first connecting terminal and the electrical connection part, the connector being rotatably connected to the mounting housing, and the connecting assembly having an assembled state and a fixed state; In the assembled state, the second connecting terminal is inclined relative to the mounting surface; in the fixed state, the extension direction of the second connecting terminal is parallel to the mounting surface.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein, In the assembled state, the second connecting terminal has a preset angle relative to the mounting surface, the preset angle being greater than or equal to 20° and less than or equal to 60°.

3. The connector of claim 1, wherein The second connecting terminal is disposed adjacent to the rotation axis of the connector; And / or, the axis of rotation of the connector is located adjacent to the mounting surface.

4. The connector of claim 1, wherein The connector is provided with a rotating shaft, and the mounting shell includes a fixed plate arranged opposite to it. The fixed plate is provided with a rotating hole, and the rotating shaft is rotatably inserted into the rotating hole. And / or, the second connection terminal is connected to the connector by a fastener.

5. The connector of claim 1, wherein, In the fixed state, the second connecting terminal and the first connecting terminal are in contact; in the assembled state, the second connecting terminal and the first connecting terminal are disengaged.

6. The connector of claim 5, wherein, The mounting housing is provided with a receiving cavity, the first connecting terminal is installed in the receiving cavity, and the mounting housing is provided with a clearance hole communicating with the receiving cavity, the clearance hole being used to avoid the second connecting terminal.

7. The connector of claim 6, wherein The mounting housing includes a cover and a bottom cover. The bottom cover is snapped onto the cover and encloses the cavity. The clearance hole includes a first hole and a second hole that are in contact with each other. The first hole is located on the side of the cover facing the connecting assembly, and the second hole is located on the bottom cover.

8. The connector of claim 6, wherein, The second connecting terminal includes a connecting part and a snap-fit ​​part connected to each other. The first connecting terminal includes a reinforcing member and a clamping member. The clamping member includes two clamping ends that are bent relative to each other and elastically abut against each other. The snap-fit ​​entrance formed by the two clamping ends is at least partially opposite to the clearance hole. On the side away from the snap-fit ​​entrance, the reinforcing member is clamped on the opposite side of the two clamping ends. In the fixed state, the snap-fit ​​portion is clamped between the two clamping ends, and the connecting portion is used to be electrically connected to the electrical connecting portion.

9. A metering box characterized in that, It includes an electricity meter and a connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second connection terminal is electrically connected to the electrical connection portion of the electricity meter.

10. The metering box of claim 9, wherein, The metering box includes an opposing mounting wall and a door, the connector is connected to the mounting wall, and the mounting wall is spaced apart from the connector at least at a position relative to the second connection terminal.

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