Key device and electric meter

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of smart electric energy meter device, in particular to a key device and an electric meter. The key device comprises a shell, a pressing member and an elastic protective sleeve. The shell is provided with a mounting groove, and a through hole is formed in the groove bottom wall of the mounting groove. The pressing member comprises a pressing part and a trigger part. The pressing part is embedded in the mounting groove, the first end of the trigger part is connected with the pressing part, the second end of the trigger part passes through the through hole to be located outside the mounting groove, the trigger part can move along the axial direction of the through hole, and the second end of the trigger part is configured to contact the switch. The elastic protective sleeve is located in the mounting groove and is sleeved outside the trigger part. One end of the elastic protective sleeve abuts against the pressing part, and the other end abuts against the groove bottom wall of the mounting groove. The elastic protective sleeve is configured to elastically deform when an external force is applied to the pressing part along the axial direction of the through hole. The present disclosure utilizes the elastic protective sleeve to control the contact and separation of the trigger part and the switch, and improves the waterproof and dustproof performance of the key device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure belongs to the technical field of smart energy meter equipment, specifically relating to a button device and an energy meter. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in practical applications of electricity meter systems, there are problems such as poor waterproofing of the button device, complex button device structure, and cumbersome assembly process. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a button device and an electricity meter that can improve the waterproof and dustproof performance of the button device, simplify the structure of the button device, and reduce costs.

[0004] This disclosure provides a button device, including: The housing is provided with a mounting groove, and the bottom wall of the mounting groove is provided with a through hole; The push button includes a push part and a trigger part. The push part is embedded in the mounting groove. A first end of the trigger part is connected to the push part. A second end of the trigger part passes through the through hole to be located outside the mounting groove. The trigger part is axially movable along the through hole, and the second end of the trigger part is configured to contact a switch. An elastic protective sleeve is located inside the mounting groove and fitted onto the outside of the trigger portion. One end of the elastic protective sleeve abuts against the push portion, and the other end abuts against the bottom wall of the mounting groove. The elastic protective sleeve is configured to undergo elastic deformation when an external force is applied to the push portion along the axial direction of the through hole.

[0005] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the opposite ends of the elastic protective sleeve are respectively interference-fitted with the push member and the bottom wall of the mounting groove.

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a first receiving groove is provided on the inner bottom wall of the mounting groove, and the first receiving groove is arranged around the through hole; the end of the elastic protective sleeve away from the pressing part is embedded in the first receiving groove; The housing includes a protrusion located between the first receiving groove and the through hole. The protrusion is mounted on the bottom wall of the mounting groove and extends toward the side close to the pressing part. A portion of the inner circumferential surface of the elastic protective sleeve is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the protrusion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, both of which are disposed around the through hole; the first protrusion is installed between the second protrusion and the bottom wall of the mounting groove. In a direction away from the first protrusion, the outer peripheral surface of the second protrusion bends toward the side wall of the mounting groove to form a snap-fit ​​groove with the side of the first protrusion near the push part; The inner circumferential surface of the elastic protective sleeve is provided with a protruding ring, which is configured to engage with the engaging groove.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner peripheral surface of the second protrusion increases in the direction away from the first protrusion.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, an elastic buckle is provided on the second end of the trigger portion, and the elastic buckle is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the trigger portion; when the pressing portion is not subjected to external force, the side of the elastic buckle near the mounting groove abuts against the outer bottom wall of the mounting groove; The trigger part is provided with a pressing groove, and the orthographic projection of the elastic buckle on the trigger part is located in the pressing groove; when subjected to radial pressure from the trigger part, the elastic buckle is configured to deform the trigger part toward the pressing groove, so that the orthographic projection of the elastic buckle on the bottom wall of the mounting groove is located in the through hole.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the push member includes a first reinforcing portion disposed in the mounting groove and surrounding the outer periphery of the elastic protective sleeve. One end of the first reinforcing portion is connected to the side of the push member near the elastic protective sleeve, and the other end is spaced apart from the bottom wall of the mounting groove.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the range of the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the pressing part and the inner sidewall of the mounting groove, and the range of the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the first reinforcing part and the inner sidewall of the mounting groove are 0.1mm-0.15mm.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a second reinforcing part is provided on one side of the housing where the mounting groove is provided. The second reinforcing part is arranged around the opening of the mounting groove, and the cross-sectional dimension of the end of the second reinforcing part near the housing is equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the opening of the mounting groove; the cross-sectional dimension of the second reinforcing part increases in the direction away from the housing.

[0013] This disclosure provides an electricity meter, including a switch and a push-button device as described above, wherein the switch is located on the side of the trigger portion opposite to the push-button portion; wherein... When the push part is not subjected to an external force along the axial direction of the through hole, the trigger part is spaced apart from the switch. When the pressing part is subjected to an external force along the axial direction of the through hole, the triggering part can contact the switch.

[0014] The technical solutions provided in this disclosure have at least the following advantages: This embodiment of the invention places an elastic protective sleeve inside the mounting groove and fits it over the outside of the trigger part, with one end of the elastic protective sleeve abutting against the push part and the other end abutting against the bottom wall of the mounting groove. This allows the elastic deformation of the elastic protective sleeve to control the contact and separation between the trigger part and the switch, while simultaneously isolating the first space between the elastic protective sleeve and the trigger part and the second space between the elastic protective sleeve and the side wall of the mounting groove. This improves the problem of rainwater, dust, etc., entering the mounting groove and flowing along the trigger part to the switch, thereby enhancing the waterproof and dustproof performance of the button device and reducing the problem of short circuits in the switch.

[0015] Compared with button devices in related technologies, the button device in this embodiment has a clever and simple structure, which significantly reduces the number of parts and simplifies the assembly process, making it easier to automate assembly, thereby improving production efficiency and yield, and reducing costs.

[0016] In addition, the button device in this disclosure has a high dust and water resistance rating, reaching IP56 protection level, which is higher than conventional requirements, thus improving the problem that the button device is a weak point in switch protection in related technologies.

[0017] Other features and advantages of this application will become apparent from the following detailed description, or may be learned in part from practice of this application.

[0018] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0020] Figure 1 A cross-sectional structural diagram of the meter in an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A front view of the structure of the meter in cross-section.

[0022] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1A cross-sectional structural diagram of the central actuator and the elastic protective sleeve.

[0023] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the middle shell.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100. Electricity meter; 200. Switch; 1. Housing; 11. Mounting groove; 12. Through hole; 13. Protrusion; 131. First protrusion; 132. Second protrusion; 14. First receiving groove; 15. Second reinforcing part; 2. Push-button; 21. Push-button; 22. Trigger; 23. First reinforcing part; 24. Elastic buckle; 25. Pressing groove; 3. Elastic protective sleeve; 31. Protruding ring. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make this application more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0026] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the technical solutions of this application can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, apparatuses, steps, etc., can be employed. In other instances, well-known methods, apparatuses, implementations, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of this application.

[0027] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the technical features involved in the various embodiments described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present application, and should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0028] Currently, the following pain points exist in the actual application of electric meter buttons in the industry: (1) Complex waterproof structure, cumbersome assembly process and high cost: The button structure that can achieve a waterproof rating of IP51 or above has a large number of parts, usually at least 4 parts (waterproof ring, button body, button anti-detachment O-ring, metal spring), high material cost, and the assembly process generally requires 4 or more steps of installation, as well as manual inspection, which results in long production time and high production cost. (2) Poor waterproofing of simple buttons: Although simple buttons are easy to produce and assemble, there is no effective seal between the button and the opening of the electric meter housing, resulting in weak dust and water resistance. They can usually only reach P40 or lower, which cannot meet the requirements of ≥IP54 protection level for outdoor installation environment (dust, rain) of smart meters.

[0029] To solve the above technical problems, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this disclosure provides a button device, which may include: a housing 1, an actuating element 2, and an elastic protective sleeve 3. The housing 1 has a mounting groove 11, and the bottom wall of the mounting groove 11 has a through hole 12. The mounting groove 11 is located on one side of the housing 1, and the extending direction of the mounting groove 11 (from the opening to the bottom) may be parallel to the axial direction of the through hole 12, so as to facilitate the movement of the actuating element 2 within the mounting groove 11 and the through hole 12. The actuating element 2 may include an actuating portion 21 and a trigger portion 22. The actuating portion 21 is embedded in the mounting groove 11, and the first end of the trigger portion 22 is connected to the actuating portion 21. The second end of the trigger portion 22 passes through the through hole 12 and is located outside the mounting groove 11. The trigger portion 22 is movable along the axial direction of the through hole 12, and the second end of the trigger portion 22 is configured to contact a switch 200. The elastic protective sleeve 3 is located inside the mounting groove 11 and is fitted onto the outside of the trigger part 22. One end of the elastic protective sleeve 3 abuts against the push part 21, and the other end abuts against the bottom wall of the mounting groove 11.

[0030] The elastic protective sleeve 3 in this disclosure is configured to undergo elastic deformation when an external force is applied to the push part 21 along the axial direction of the through hole 12, thereby controlling the contact and separation between the trigger part 22 and the switch 200.

[0031] Specifically, when the actuating part 21 is subjected to an external force (e.g., pressing pressure) along the axial direction of the through hole 12, the elastic protective sleeve 3 elastically contracts, and the actuating part 21 moves towards the side closer to the elastic protective sleeve 3, so that the trigger part 22 contacts the switch 200. When the force applied to the actuating part 21 is removed, the elastic protective sleeve 3 returns to its original shape, and the actuating part 21 moves away from the elastic protective sleeve 3, so that the trigger part 22 separates from the switch 200.

[0032] like Figure 2As shown, the space between the elastic protective sleeve 3 and the trigger part 22 is defined as the first space, and the space between the elastic protective sleeve 3 and the side wall of the mounting groove 11 is defined as the second space. This disclosure improves the problem of rainwater, dust, etc., entering the mounting groove 11 and flowing along the trigger part 22 to the switch 200 by providing the elastic protective sleeve 3 to isolate the first space from the second space. This enhances the waterproof and dustproof performance of the button device and reduces the problem of short circuits in the switch 200.

[0033] When installing the button device, the elastic protective sleeve 3 can be installed on the button 2 first (see reference for details). Figure 3 As shown), the pusher 2 with the elastic protective sleeve 3 is then pressed into the mounting groove 11 on the housing 1, so that the second end of the trigger part 22 passes through the through hole 12 to the outside of the mounting groove 11, so that the pusher 21 is embedded in the mounting groove 11, and the end of the elastic protective sleeve 3 away from the pusher 21 abuts against the bottom wall of the mounting groove 11, thereby completing the installation.

[0034] Compared with existing related technologies, the button device in this disclosure has a clever and simple structure. The waterproofing achieved by the latter requires at least four parts (waterproof ring, button body, button anti-detachment O-ring, and metal spring), while the former achieves waterproofing with only two parts (press 2 and elastic protective sleeve 3). This significantly reduces the number of parts, simplifies the structure, and simplifies assembly steps, facilitating automated assembly and improving production efficiency and yield. The button device in this disclosure can reduce material and manufacturing costs, resulting in a significant overall cost advantage.

[0035] Furthermore, the button device in this disclosure has a high dust and water resistance rating, reaching IP56 protection, which exceeds conventional requirements and improves the problem that the button device is a weak point in the protection of the switch 200 in related technologies. The actuating element 2 in the button device is a moving part, which not only meets the protection level in the static state, but also effectively prevents dust from entering the first space during operation (i.e., during the movement of the actuating part 21 under external force), and can withstand low-pressure water spray from any direction, protecting the switch 200 and its internal circuitry.

[0036] It should be noted that when the elastic protective sleeve 3 is not in the tooling state (not assembled in the mounting slot 11), it is in a pre-compressed state. The compression amount of the elastic protective sleeve 3 can be 2mm, so that the elastic protective sleeve 3 can provide support for the push part 21 when it is not subjected to external force. However, it is not limited to this. The compression amount of the elastic protective sleeve 3 can also be other values ​​besides 2mm, depending on the actual situation.

[0037] In some embodiments, the material used to make the actuating part 21 may include plastic to reduce friction between the actuating part 21 and the housing 1. However, this is not a limitation; the material used to make the actuating part 21 may also include other materials besides plastic that can reduce friction between the actuating part 21 and the housing 1, depending on the specific circumstances.

[0038] The pressing part 21 can be integrally formed with the trigger part 22 to simplify the manufacturing process.

[0039] In some embodiments, the elastic protective sleeve 3 may be a silicone spring ring with a corrugated shape to generate elasticity and deformation, thereby increasing the elastic compression of the elastic protective sleeve 3. However, it is not limited to this; other materials capable of elastic deformation and used for the isolation of the first and second spaces may also be used as the elastic protective sleeve 3 in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, a first receiving groove 14 can be formed on the inner bottom wall of the mounting groove 11. The first receiving groove 14 is arranged around the through hole 12. The end of the elastic protective sleeve 3 away from the push part 21 is embedded in the first receiving groove 14. This can improve the stability of the connection between the elastic protective sleeve 3 and the inner bottom wall of the mounting groove 11, and also reduce the possibility of rainwater, dust and other substances in the second space entering the first space.

[0041] In some embodiments, a second receiving groove can be formed on the trigger portion 22, the second receiving groove being arranged around the side periphery of the trigger portion 22, and the end of the elastic protective sleeve 3 near the push portion 21 is embedded in the second receiving groove. However, it is not limited to this. In addition to forming a second receiving groove on the side periphery of the trigger portion 22, embodiments of this disclosure can also form a second receiving groove on other sides of the push member 2 near the elastic protective sleeve 3. For example, a second receiving groove can be formed on the side of the push portion 21 near the elastic protective sleeve 3, so as to improve the stability of the connection between the elastic protective sleeve 3 and the mounting member, and at the same time reduce the possibility of rainwater, dust and other substances in the second space entering the first space.

[0042] It should be noted that, in this disclosure, a first receiving groove 14 may be provided on the inner bottom of the mounting groove 11, while a second receiving groove may be provided on the pusher 2.

[0043] In some embodiments, the opposite ends of the elastic protective sleeve 3 can be interference-fitted with the pusher 2 and the bottom wall of the mounting groove 11, respectively, to enhance the isolation effect between the first space and the second space and reduce the possibility of rainwater, dust and other substances in the second space entering the first space.

[0044] For example, the end of the elastic protective sleeve 3 away from the pusher 21 can be interference-fitted with the first receiving groove 14. Alternatively, the end of the elastic protective sleeve 3 near the pusher 2 can be interference-fitted with the second receiving groove.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the housing 1 may include a protrusion 13 located between the first receiving groove 14 and the through hole 12. The protrusion 13 is mounted on the inner bottom wall of the mounting groove 11 and extends towards the side near the push-button portion 21. A portion of the inner circumferential surface of the elastic protective sleeve 3 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 13.

[0046] This embodiment of the invention, by providing the protrusion 13, can guide the elastic protective sleeve 3, thereby improving the problem of accelerated damage to the elastic protective sleeve 3 caused by movement in directions other than the axial direction of the through hole 12 during elastic deformation. By making the inner peripheral surface of the elastic protective sleeve 3 fit against the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 13, the isolation between the first space and the second space can be strengthened.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the protrusion 13 may include a first protrusion 131 and a second protrusion 132, both of which are arranged around the through hole 12. The first protrusion 131 is installed between the second protrusion 132 and the bottom wall of the mounting groove 11. In a direction away from the first protrusion 131, the outer peripheral surface of the second protrusion 132 is bent towards the side wall of the mounting groove 11 to form a snap-fit ​​groove with the side of the first protrusion 131 near the push-button 21. A protruding ring 31 is installed on the inner peripheral surface of the elastic protective sleeve 3, and the protruding ring 31 is configured to snap into the snap-fit ​​groove.

[0048] For example, the angle between the outer peripheral surface of the second protrusion 132 and the side of the first protrusion 131 away from the bottom wall of the mounting groove 11 can be less than 90°. After the protruding ring 31 is engaged in the engaging groove, the outer surface of the protruding ring 31 fits against the inner wall of the engaging groove (i.e., the outer peripheral surface of the second protrusion 132 and the side of the first protrusion 131 away from the bottom wall of the mounting groove 11). When the elastic protective sleeve 3 elastically deforms along the axial direction of the through hole 12, the problem of the protruding ring 31 falling out of the engaging groove can be improved, thereby strengthening the stability of the connection between the elastic protective sleeve 3 and the bottom wall of the mounting groove 11 and reducing the risk of separation between the elastic protective sleeve 3 and the bottom wall of the mounting groove 11.

[0049] The first protrusion 131 may be a cylinder disposed between the through hole 12 and the first receiving groove 14. One end of the first protrusion 131 is connected to the inner bottom wall of the mounting groove 11, and the other end of the first protrusion 131 is connected to the second protrusion 132.

[0050] like Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner peripheral surface of the second protrusion 132 increases in the direction away from the first protrusion 131.

[0051] It should be noted that the cross-section of the inner peripheral surface of the second protrusion 132 refers to the cross-section obtained by cutting the inner peripheral surface of the second protrusion 132 along the axial direction of the through hole 12. In this embodiment, by increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner peripheral surface of the second protrusion 132 in a direction away from the first protrusion 131, the inner peripheral surface of the second protrusion 132 is actually inclined towards the side wall of the mounting groove 11 in a direction away from the first protrusion 131. This allows the second protrusion 132 to guide the trigger part 22, reducing the assembly difficulty between the trigger part 22 and the housing 1.

[0052] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, an elastic buckle 24 is provided on the second end of the trigger part 22, and the elastic buckle 24 is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the trigger part 22. When the pressing part 21 is not subjected to external force, the side of the elastic buckle 24 near the mounting groove 11 abuts against the outer bottom wall of the mounting groove 11.

[0053] Specifically, when the trigger part 22 is installed on the housing 1, the elastic buckle 24 is located outside the mounting groove 11, and its side near the mounting groove 11 abuts against the outer bottom wall of the mounting groove 11. This can improve the problem of the push button 2 falling out of the mounting groove 11 during the axial movement of the push button 2 along the through hole 12, and prevent the push button 2 from being disassembled from the outside of the housing 1, thereby achieving tamper-proof protection for the button device. When the switch 200 and the button device are the structure in the electricity meter 100, the problem of the button device becoming a weak point for electricity theft in the related technology can be improved.

[0054] It should be noted that the elastic buckle 24 in this embodiment can be integrally formed with the trigger part 22 to simplify the manufacturing process and avoid the need for additional parts to abut against the outer bottom wall of the mounting groove 11, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0055] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, a pressing groove 25 can be formed on the trigger portion 22, and the orthographic projection of the elastic buckle 24 on the trigger portion 22 is located within the pressing groove 25. When the elastic buckle 24 is subjected to radial pressure from the trigger portion 22, the elastic buckle 24 is configured to deform the trigger portion 22 toward the pressing groove 25, so that the orthographic projection of the elastic buckle 24 on the bottom wall of the mounting groove 11 is located within the through hole 12. Subsequently, when the actuating member 2 is mounted on the housing 1, the trigger portion 22 can easily pass through the through hole 12 and move outside the mounting groove 11.

[0056] Specifically, during the installation of the actuating element 2 onto the housing 1, the trigger part 22 moves from the opening of the mounting groove 11 toward the bottom wall of the mounting groove 11. When the second end of the trigger part 22 penetrates the through hole 12 on the bottom wall of the mounting groove 11, the elastic buckle 24 on the trigger part 22 deforms towards the pressing groove 25 under the force of the side wall of the through hole 12. This allows the elastic buckle 24 to pass through the through hole 12 and move outside the mounting groove 11. After passing through the through hole 12, the elastic buckle 24 returns to its original state due to its own elastic deformation, and the elastic buckle 24 abuts against the outer bottom wall of the mounting groove 11 to achieve the purpose of preventing disassembly.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the actuating member 2 may include a first reinforcing part 23, which is disposed in the mounting groove 11 and surrounds the outer periphery of the elastic protective sleeve 3. One end of the first reinforcing part 23 is connected to the side of the actuating member 21 near the elastic protective sleeve 3, and the other end is spaced apart from the bottom wall of the mounting groove 11.

[0058] For example, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the first reinforcing part 23 may be integrally formed with the pusher 2 to simplify the manufacturing process.

[0059] This embodiment of the invention, by providing a first reinforcing part 23, can enhance the blocking of rainwater and dust from the outside of the mounting groove 11, thereby improving the waterproof and dustproof performance of the button device. The first reinforcing part 23 can also be used to accommodate a portion of the elastic protective sleeve 3, thereby enhancing the guiding effect on the elastic protective sleeve 3 and reducing the problem of the elastic protective sleeve 3 shifting in directions other than the axial direction of the through hole 12, thus reducing the risk of damage to the elastic protective sleeve 3.

[0060] In some embodiments, the range of the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the pressing part 21 and the inner sidewall of the mounting groove 11, and the range of the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the first reinforcing part 23 and the inner sidewall of the mounting groove 11, can be 0.1mm-0.15mm.

[0061] For example, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the pressing part 21 and the inner wall of the mounting groove 11, and the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the first reinforcing part 23 and the inner wall of the mounting groove 11 can be 0.1mm, 0.11mm, 0.12mm, 0.13mm, 0.14mm, 0.15mm, etc., which can be determined according to the actual situation.

[0062] This embodiment of the present disclosure limits the range of the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the push part 21 and the inner sidewall of the mounting groove 11, as well as the range of the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the first reinforcing part 23 and the inner sidewall of the mounting groove 11. This ensures that the push part 21 and the first reinforcing part 23 can move relative to the sidewall of the mounting groove 11, while also increasing the difficulty for external rainwater and dust to enter the mounting groove 11.

[0063] Specifically, in this embodiment, the length of the actuating part 21 in the axial direction of the through hole 12 is much greater than the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the actuating part 21 and the inner wall of the mounting groove 11. Simultaneously, the length of the first reinforcing part 23 in the axial direction of the through hole 12 is much greater than the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the first reinforcing part 23 and the inner wall of the mounting groove 11. In this embodiment, a long, narrow gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the actuating part 21 and the inner wall of the mounting groove 11, and between the outer peripheral surface of the first reinforcing part 23 and the inner wall of the mounting groove 11. This increases the difficulty for external rainwater and dust to enter the mounting groove 11. Especially when rainwater enters the gap, the rainwater creates tension within the gap, making it difficult to penetrate deep into the mounting groove 11.

[0064] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the push part 21 and the first reinforcing part 23 in the radial direction of the through hole 12 may be equal, and the central axis of the push part 21 may coincide with the central axis of the first reinforcing part 23.

[0065] The sum of the lengths of the push part 21 and the first reinforcing part 23 in the axial direction of the through hole 12 can be 4 mm, but it is not limited to this. The sum of the lengths of the push part 21 and the first reinforcing part 23 in the axial direction of the through hole 12 can also be other values ​​other than 4 mm, depending on the actual situation.

[0066] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, a second reinforcing part 15 may be provided on the side of the housing 1 where the mounting groove 11 is provided. The second reinforcing part 15 is arranged around the opening of the mounting groove 11, and the cross-sectional dimension of the end of the second reinforcing part 15 near the housing 1 is equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the opening of the mounting groove 11. In the direction away from the housing 1, the cross-sectional dimension of the second reinforcing part 15 increases.

[0067] It should be noted that the cross-section of the second reinforcing part 15 near the end of the housing 1 refers to the cross-section obtained by cutting the second reinforcing part 15 along the axial direction of the through hole 12. The cross-sectional dimension of the second reinforcing part 15 near the end of the housing 1 is equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the groove opening of the mounting groove 11, which actually means that the inner surface of the second reinforcing part 15 near the end of the housing 1 is parallel to the inner surface of the groove opening of the mounting groove 11. The cross-sectional dimension of the second reinforcing part 15 increases in the direction away from the housing 1, which actually means that the inner circumferential surface of the second reinforcing part 15 is inclined away from the center of the groove opening of the mounting groove 11 in the direction away from the housing 1.

[0068] In this embodiment, by providing a second reinforcing part 15, a physical barrier can be formed on the outside of the housing 1, preventing most rainwater and dust from directly entering the mounting groove 11. By increasing the cross-sectional size of the second reinforcing part 15 in the direction away from the housing 1, the second reinforcing part 15 can be used to guide the actuator 2, reducing the assembly difficulty between the actuator 2 and the housing 1.

[0069] For example, when the mounting groove 11 is cylindrical, the second reinforcing part 15 can be annular.

[0070] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this disclosure also provides an electricity meter 100, which may include a switch 200 and any of the aforementioned button devices. The switch 200 is located on the side of the trigger portion 22 opposite to the push portion 21. Wherein: when the push portion 21 is not subjected to an external force along the axial direction of the through hole 12, the trigger portion 22 and the switch 200 are spaced apart; when the push portion 21 is subjected to an external force along the axial direction of the through hole 12, the trigger portion 22 can contact the switch 200, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the switch 200 through the button device.

[0071] In this embodiment, the housing 1 can be the housing of an electricity meter. By using the above-described button device to trigger the switch 200, the overall waterproof and dustproof performance of the electricity meter 100 can be improved, the protection of the switch 200 and the internal circuit of the electricity meter 100 can be strengthened, and the service life and safety of the electricity meter 100 can be increased.

[0072] In the description of this specification, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0073] Furthermore, it should be noted that terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only for distinction and convenience of description, and do not impose any positional limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. For example, "upper" in practice can refer to "lower," "left," or "right." In this disclosure, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "assembly" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0074] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some embodiments," "exemplarily," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. The illustrative expressions of the above terms in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0075] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application. Therefore, any changes or modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of this application should fall within the scope of this patent application.

Claims

1. A button device, characterized in that, include: The housing is provided with a mounting groove, and the bottom wall of the mounting groove is provided with a through hole; The push button includes a push part and a trigger part. The push part is embedded in the mounting groove. A first end of the trigger part is connected to the push part. A second end of the trigger part passes through the through hole to be located outside the mounting groove. The trigger part is axially movable along the through hole, and the second end of the trigger part is configured to contact a switch. An elastic protective sleeve is located inside the mounting groove and fitted onto the outside of the trigger portion. One end of the elastic protective sleeve abuts against the push portion, and the other end abuts against the bottom wall of the mounting groove. The elastic protective sleeve is configured to undergo elastic deformation when an external force is applied to the push portion along the axial direction of the through hole.

2. The button device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two opposite ends of the elastic protective sleeve are respectively interference-fitted with the push-button and the bottom wall of the mounting groove.

3. The button device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first receiving groove is provided on the inner bottom wall of the mounting groove, and the first receiving groove is arranged around the through hole; the end of the elastic protective sleeve away from the pressing part is embedded in the first receiving groove; The housing includes a protrusion located between the first receiving groove and the through hole. The protrusion is mounted on the bottom wall of the mounting groove and extends toward the side close to the pressing part. A portion of the inner circumferential surface of the elastic protective sleeve is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion.

4. The button device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protrusion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, both of which are arranged around the through hole; the first protrusion is installed between the second protrusion and the bottom wall of the mounting groove. In a direction away from the first protrusion, the outer peripheral surface of the second protrusion bends toward the side wall of the mounting groove to form a snap-fit ​​groove with the side of the first protrusion near the push part; The inner circumferential surface of the elastic protective sleeve is provided with a protruding ring, which is configured to engage with the engaging groove.

5. The button device according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the direction away from the first protrusion, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner circumferential surface of the second protrusion increases.

6. The button device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An elastic buckle is provided on the second end of the trigger part, and the elastic buckle is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the trigger part; when the pressing part is not subjected to external force, the side of the elastic buckle near the mounting groove abuts against the outer bottom wall of the mounting groove. The trigger part is provided with a pressing groove, and the orthographic projection of the elastic buckle on the trigger part is located in the pressing groove; when subjected to radial pressure from the trigger part, the elastic buckle is configured to deform the trigger part toward the pressing groove, so that the orthographic projection of the elastic buckle on the bottom wall of the mounting groove is located in the through hole.

7. The button device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push-button includes a first reinforcing part, which is disposed in the mounting groove and surrounds the outer periphery of the elastic protective sleeve. One end of the first reinforcing part is connected to the side of the push-button near the elastic protective sleeve, and the other end is spaced apart from the bottom wall of the mounting groove.

8. The button device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The range of the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the pressing part and the inner wall of the mounting groove, and the range of the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the first reinforcing part and the inner wall of the mounting groove are 0.1mm-0.15mm.

9. The button device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second reinforcing part is provided on one side of the housing where the mounting groove is provided. The second reinforcing part is arranged around the opening of the mounting groove, and the cross-sectional dimension of the end of the second reinforcing part near the housing is equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the opening of the mounting groove; the cross-sectional dimension of the second reinforcing part increases in the direction away from the housing.

10. An electricity meter, characterized in that, Includes a switch and a button device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the switch is located on the side of the trigger portion opposite to the pressing portion; wherein, When the push part is not subjected to an external force along the axial direction of the through hole, the trigger part is spaced apart from the switch. When the pressing part is subjected to an external force along the axial direction of the through hole, the triggering part can contact the switch.

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