A meter mounting structure

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of meter installation structure, it is related to measuring device technical field, comprising: meter body, the meter body is equipped with dial, the circumferential of dial is equipped with limit part, the side of limit part away from dial is formed with clamping groove between meter body;Adjustable support, including two C type clamping blocks of relative arrangement, the upper and lower sides of two C type clamping blocks are oppositely provided with horizontal screw hole, first screw passes through the horizontal screw hole and fixes two C type clamping blocks in the clamping groove;Image acquisition device, the left and right sides of image acquisition device and two C type clamping blocks are respectively correspondingly provided with several vertical screw holes, and second screw passes through the vertical screw hole and installs image acquisition device above dial.There is beneficial effect that compatibility is strong and fixed firm, adjustment is flexible and accurate to align, universality is wide and installation is convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of metering device technology, and in particular to a metering instrument installation structure. Background Technology

[0002] In the application scenarios of metering instruments (such as domestic water meters, gas meters, industrial flow meters, etc.), in order to achieve automated data collection and remote meter reading, it is usually necessary to install an image acquisition device on the top of the meter dial to complete the data reading by taking pictures of the values ​​displayed on the dial.

[0003] In existing technologies, the installation of image acquisition devices and measuring instruments often employs customized mounting brackets or simple clamping structures. Customized brackets require individual design based on the specific size and dial position of the instrument, resulting in poor versatility. Repeated development is necessary when adapting to different models and specifications of measuring instruments, increasing usage costs. Simple clamping structures are mostly one-piece designs, lacking effective adjustment functions. They cannot fine-tune the horizontal spacing and vertical height of the image acquisition device according to the actual position of the dial, easily leading to misalignment between the acquisition device and the dial, affecting image clarity and data recognition accuracy.

[0004] Meanwhile, in existing installation structures, the fixing methods between the bracket and the measuring instrument mostly rely on a single clamping force or adhesive method. During long-term use, they are prone to loosening or displacement due to factors such as vibration and environmental deformation, which may cause the data acquisition device to fall off or the acquisition angle to shift. Some installation structures are not designed to adapt to the circumferential structure of the measuring instrument's dial, which may cause squeezing damage to the dial during installation, or affect the normal operation of the instrument due to unreasonable fixing points.

[0005] Furthermore, the assembly process of traditional installation structures is cumbersome, requiring various auxiliary tools, and disassembly is inconvenient, hindering later maintenance and replacement of data acquisition devices or meters. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a meter installation structure that is highly versatile, easy to adjust, firmly fixed, and adaptable to solve the problems of narrow adaptability, poor adjustability, insufficient fixation stability, and cumbersome installation and maintenance in existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides a meter installation structure, comprising: The measuring instrument body has a dial on it, and a limiting member is provided around the dial. A groove is formed between the side of the limiting member opposite to the dial and the measuring instrument body. An adjustable bracket includes two C-shaped clamps arranged opposite each other. The upper and lower sides of the two C-shaped clamps are provided with horizontal screw holes. A first screw passes through the horizontal screw holes to fix the two C-shaped clamps in the slot. An image acquisition device is provided, and several vertical screw holes are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the image acquisition device and the two C-shaped clamps. The second screw passes through the vertical screw holes to install the image acquisition device above the dial.

[0007] Preferably, the limiting member has limiting posts on the side opposite to the meter body, corresponding to the two C-shaped clamps respectively.

[0008] Preferably, the C-shaped clamp has a clearance groove on the side facing the image acquisition device, the bottom of the clearance groove is in contact with the side of the limiting member facing the measuring instrument body, and the two sides of the clearance groove extend toward the image acquisition device.

[0009] Preferably, the dial protrudes toward the image acquisition device, and the height of the protrusion is less than the extension length of the groove.

[0010] Preferably, the two C-shaped clamps have U-shaped grooves facing each other on the side of the limiting member, and each side of the U-shaped groove has a protrusion facing the limiting member.

[0011] Preferably, the image acquisition device includes: The lower shell has an image acquisition window that accommodates the dial and is adapted to the shape of the dial; An upper shell is placed on the lower shell. A motherboard and a camera module electrically connected to the motherboard are fixed on the upper shell. The camera module is positioned facing the image acquisition window. The second screw passes through the vertical screw holes opened on the upper and lower shells in sequence to mount the image acquisition device above the dial.

[0012] Preferably, it also includes a camera base, including a mounting base and a mounting groove disposed above the mounting base; The motherboard is fixed to the inner wall of the upper shell facing the image acquisition window, and the camera module is fixed in the fixing slot and fixed to the motherboard through the fixing bracket.

[0013] Preferably, a wire hole is provided on the side of the upper shell, and a waterproof connector is installed on the wire hole.

[0014] Preferably, the side of the lower shell opposite to the upper shell is provided with a silicone pad, except for the image acquisition window area.

[0015] Preferably, it also includes a cover plate, which is disposed on the side of the upper shell opposite to the lower shell and is rotatably connected to the upper shell.

[0016] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: 1) Strong compatibility and stable fixation: The measuring instrument body forms a slot with itself through the limiting component, providing a precise installation benchmark for the adjustable bracket. The C-shaped clamp can be directly engaged in the slot, and with the horizontal locking of the first screw, it can not only avoid squeezing damage to the dial during installation, but also achieve reliable fixation between the bracket and the instrument, effectively resisting the risk of loosening and displacement caused by vibration and environmental deformation. 2) Flexible adjustment and precise alignment: The two C-shaped clamps are engaged with the first screw through horizontal screw holes, which can flexibly adjust the horizontal spacing to adapt to dials of different circumferential sizes; the image acquisition device is engaged with the second screw through vertical screw holes, which can finely adjust the installation height in the vertical direction, and can also adjust the front and rear installation positions according to the position of the dial, ensuring that the acquisition device is accurately aligned with the dial, improving the clarity of image acquisition and the accuracy of data recognition.

[0017] 3) Wide versatility and easy installation: No need to customize brackets for specific meter models. Through bidirectional adjustment in the horizontal and vertical directions, it can be adapted to various specifications of measuring instruments. The entire installation process only requires tightening with the first and second screws. No complicated auxiliary tools are required. When disassembling, simply loosen the screws to separate the parts, which greatly simplifies the assembly, maintenance and replacement process. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a meter installation structure, which is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 An exploded view of a meter installation structure in a preferred embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the C-shaped clamping block in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a front view of the image acquisition device in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 for Figure 4 A sectional view along AA, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the camera base in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Measuring instrument body; 2. Dial; 3. Limiting component; 31. Limiting post; 4. Slot; 5. C-shaped clamp; 51. Horizontal screw hole; 52. Clearance groove; 53. Groove; 54. U-shaped groove; 55. Protrusion; 6. First screw; 7. Image acquisition device; 70. Cover plate; 71. Lower shell; 72. Image acquisition window; 73. Upper shell; 74. Main board; 75. Camera module; 76. Camera base; 761. Fixing base; 762. Fixing groove; 77. Wiring hole; 78. Waterproof connector; 79. Silicone pad; 8. Vertical screw hole; 9. Second screw. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment; other embodiments that conform to the spirit of the present invention may also fall within its scope.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, based on the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, a meter installation structure is provided, comprising: Measuring instrument body 1, measuring instrument body 1 is provided with dial 2, dial 2 is provided with a limiting member 3 around the circumference, and the side of the limiting member 3 opposite to the dial 2 forms a groove 4 between it and the measuring instrument body 1. The adjustable bracket includes two C-shaped clamps 5 arranged opposite to each other. The upper and lower sides of the two C-shaped clamps 5 are provided with horizontal screw holes 51. The first screw 6 passes through the horizontal screw holes 51 to fix the two C-shaped clamps 5 in the slot 4. The image acquisition device 7 and the two C-shaped clamps 5 are respectively provided with several vertical screw holes 8 on the left and right sides. The second screw 9 passes through the vertical screw holes 8 to install the image acquisition device 7 on the top of the dial 2.

[0022] Specifically, the installation structure of this utility model is mainly applied to measuring instruments equipped with an image acquisition device 7. Its core objective is to solve the pain points of traditional installation methods, such as poor adaptability, inaccurate alignment, and unstable fixation, enabling flexible, accurate, and stable installation of the image acquisition device 7 on measuring instrument bodies 1 of different specifications, ensuring the clarity and reliability of the collected measurement data. The measuring instrument body 1 has a dial 2 for displaying measurement data. The image acquisition device 7 is used to acquire the measurement data displayed on the dial 2. Therefore, the image acquisition device 7 needs to be fixed above the dial 2 so that it can clearly acquire the measurement data displayed on the dial 2.

[0023] In actual installation and use, the two C-shaped clamps 5 are first inserted into the annular groove 4. No additional positioning tools are required. The annular structure of the groove 4 allows the C-shaped clamps 5 to flexibly adjust their circumferential installation angle according to the actual position of the dial 2, adapting to the dial layout design of different meters. Then, the first screw 6 is passed through the horizontal screw hole 51 of the two C-shaped clamps 5 and the screwing length of the first screw 6 is adjusted according to the actual specifications of the meter body 1 to fix the two C-shaped clamps 5 in the groove 4. The first screw 6 forms a bidirectional clamping force on the two C-shaped clamps 5, which ensures that the clamping force is sufficient to resist the deformation of the meter caused by daily vibration and changes in ambient temperature, while avoiding excessive clamping that may cause squeezing damage to the meter body 1 or the limiting component 3. This threaded adjustment method does not require a customized special bracket. Only one structure is needed to adapt to various specifications of meters such as domestic water meters, gas meters, and small industrial meters, significantly reducing the equipment cost and adaptation cycle for multi-scenario applications.

[0024] After installing the adjustable bracket, the image acquisition device 7 can be placed above the dial 2, aligning the vertical screw hole 8 on the image acquisition device 7 with the vertical screw hole 8 on the C-shaped clamp 5. Finally, tighten the second screw 9. Preferably, the vertical screw hole 8 on the image acquisition device 7 is elongated to accommodate the installation diameter of different sizes of measuring instrument bodies 1.

[0025] Furthermore, the screw-in length of the second screw 9 can be selectively adjusted according to the protrusion height of the dial 2 and the focal length requirements of the lens of the image acquisition device 7, enabling multi-level height fine-tuning of the image acquisition device 7 in the vertical direction. This ensures that the camera module 75 maintains the optimal acquisition distance from the surface of the dial 2. Simultaneously, in conjunction with the horizontal spacing adjustment of the C-shaped clamp 5, all-round adjustment can be achieved to adapt to the specifications of the meter in the horizontal direction and to adapt to the acquisition distance in the vertical direction. Regardless of changes in the size and protrusion height of the dial 2, the camera module 75 can be accurately aligned with the display area of ​​the dial 2, minimizing ambient light interference and acquisition angle deviation, significantly improving the clarity of image acquisition, providing high-quality original images for subsequent data recognition algorithms, and thus improving the accuracy and stability of measurement data recognition.

[0026] As can be seen, the entire installation process does not require complicated auxiliary tools. Only a screwdriver is needed to install and remove the first screw 6 and the second screw 9. The operation steps are simple and intuitive. Whether it is the initial installation, the later maintenance and replacement of the image acquisition device 7, or the replacement of different specifications of measuring instruments, disassembly and reassembly can be completed quickly, which greatly reduces the construction difficulty and maintenance cost.

[0027] More specifically, the dial 2 is integrally molded with a limiting component 3 in the circumference. The side of the limiting component 3 facing away from the dial 2 forms an annular groove 4 with the measuring instrument body 1. This groove 4 provides a standardized installation benchmark for the adjustable bracket, eliminating the need for additional drilling, welding, or pasting of fixing structures on the instrument. This ensures the structural strength of the installation point and avoids damage to the sealing and integrity of the instrument due to additional processing, thus improving the originality and reliability of the installation fit. At the same time, the annular contour of the groove 4 closely fits the clamping surface of the C-shaped clamp 5, increasing the contact area between the clamp and the instrument. Combined with the arc-shaped clamping structure of the C-shaped clamp 5, it can form a wrap-around clamping effect, further enhancing the connection stability between the bracket and the instrument, and effectively solving the problem of easy loosening and displacement of traditional simple brackets.

[0028] To flexibly adapt to different dial sizes, the image acquisition device 7 is installed using an adjustable bracket. This adjustable bracket includes two C-shaped clamps 5 arranged opposite each other. Horizontal screw holes 51 are provided through the upper and lower sides of the two C-shaped clamps 5. After the first screw 6 passes through the horizontal screw holes 51 on both sides, the distance between the two C-shaped clamps 5 can be adjusted in the horizontal direction, thereby firmly clamping them in the slot 4. Through the threaded engagement of the horizontal screw holes 51 and the first screw 6, it can not only flexibly adapt to dials 2 with different circumferential sizes without the need for customized brackets for specific instruments, greatly improving the structural versatility; but also form a bidirectional clamping fixation through the threaded locking force, effectively resisting loosening and displacement caused by vibration, environmental deformation and other factors, ensuring the connection stability between the bracket and the measuring instrument body 1.

[0029] Furthermore, the image acquisition device 7 achieves precise installation through a vertical threaded connection. It has several vertical screw holes 8 on its left and right sides, corresponding to the two C-shaped clamps 5. A second screw 9 passes through these vertical screw holes 8 on both the image acquisition device 7 and the C-shaped clamps 5, securely mounting the image acquisition device 7 above the dial 2. The presence of these vertical screw holes 8 allows for fine-tuning of the image acquisition device 7's height in the vertical direction. Combined with the horizontal spacing adjustment of the C-shaped clamps 5, this ensures omnidirectional alignment between the acquisition device and the dial 2, guaranteeing that the camera module 75 is precisely aligned with the display area of ​​the dial 2, significantly improving image acquisition clarity and data recognition accuracy.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the limiting member 3 is provided on the side of the measuring instrument body 1 away from the limiting member 3 with limiting posts 31 corresponding to the two C-shaped clamps 5 respectively.

[0031] Specifically, in this embodiment, by setting a limiting post 31, the screwing angle of the second screw 6 fixed in the vertical direction is limited to avoid damaging the dial 2.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a clearance groove 52 is provided on the side of the C-shaped clamp 5 facing the image acquisition device 7. The bottom of the clearance groove 52 is attached to the side of the limiting member 3 facing the measuring instrument body 1. The two side grooves 53 of the clearance groove 52 extend toward the image acquisition device 7.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dial 2 protrudes toward the image acquisition device 7, and the height of the protrusion is less than the extension length of the groove 53.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a U-shaped groove 54 is provided on the center of the two C-shaped clamps 5 facing the limiting member 3, and a protrusion 55 is provided on both sides of the U-shaped groove 54 facing the limiting member 3.

[0035] Specifically, in this embodiment, the bottom of the clearance groove 52 is tightly fitted to the side of the limiting member 3 facing the meter body 1, which increases the contact area to improve the fixation reliability, and avoids the edge protrusion of the limiting member 3 through the groove structure; the two sides of the clearance groove 52 extend towards the image acquisition device 7, and the dial 2 protrudes towards the image acquisition device 7, and its protrusion height is less than the extension length of the groove 53. This design can effectively avoid direct collision between the image acquisition device 7 and the dial 2 after installation, and at the same time provide sufficient space for the protrusion structure of the dial 2 to ensure that there is no interference in the structure after installation. In addition, the two C-shaped clamping blocks 5 have U-shaped grooves 54 facing each other on the side of the limiting member 3. On both sides of the U-shaped grooves 54, there are protrusions 55 that protrude towards the side of the limiting member 3. The U-shaped grooves 54 can fit the circumferential contour of the limiting member 3. The protrusions 55 and the surface of the limiting member 3 form point-to-surface contact, which not only enhances the clamping friction but also avoids deformation of the limiting member 3 caused by excessive local pressure, further improving the fixation stability.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the image acquisition device 7 includes: The lower shell 71 has an image acquisition window 72 that accommodates the dial 2 and is adapted to the shape of the dial 2. The upper shell 73 is covered on the lower shell 71. The upper shell 73 is fixed with a motherboard 74 and a camera module 75 electrically connected to the motherboard 74. The camera module 75 is positioned facing the image acquisition window 72. The second screw 9 passes through the vertical screw holes opened on the upper shell 73 and the lower shell 71 in sequence to install the image acquisition device 7 above the dial 2.

[0037] Specifically, in this embodiment, by designing the image acquisition window 72, the field of view can be limited, reducing ambient light interference and avoiding invalid image data caused by an excessively large acquisition range. The upper shell 73 covers the lower shell 71, forming a sealed cavity. The motherboard 74 and the camera module 75 electrically connected to the motherboard 74 are fixed inside the upper shell 73. The camera module 75 is positioned facing the image acquisition window 72. The sealed cavity can effectively protect the motherboard 74 and the camera module 75 from dust and moisture corrosion.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a camera base 76 is further included, comprising a fixing base 761 and a fixing groove 762 disposed above the fixing base 761. The motherboard 74 is fixed to the inner wall of the upper shell 73 on the side facing the image acquisition window 72, and the camera module 75 is fixed in the fixing groove 762 and fixed to the motherboard 74 through the fixing seat 761.

[0039] Specifically, in this embodiment, the camera base 76 consists of a fixing seat 761 and a fixing groove 762 disposed above the fixing seat 761. The camera module 75 is fixed in the fixing groove 762 and fixedly connected to the motherboard 74 through the fixing seat 761. This double fixing structure can prevent the camera module 75 from shifting due to vibration, ensure stable acquisition angle, and improve the consistency of data acquisition.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a wire hole 77 is provided on the side of the upper shell 73, and a waterproof connector 78 is installed on the wire hole 77.

[0041] Specifically, in this embodiment, the waterproof connector 78 can achieve sealed cable installation, preventing rainwater and humid air from entering the device through the cable hole 77, adapting to various usage scenarios such as outdoor and humid environments, and improving the environmental adaptability of the device.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a silicone pad 79 is provided on the side of the lower shell 71 opposite to the upper shell 73, except for the area of ​​the image acquisition window 72.

[0043] Specifically, in this embodiment, by setting a silicone pad 79, on the one hand, it can fill the gap between the lower shell 71 and the meter body 1, forming a buffer to avoid damage to the meter or acquisition device caused by hard contact during installation; on the other hand, it can enhance the sealing performance, prevent dust and moisture from entering the image acquisition window 72 and affecting the acquisition effect, and at the same time increase the friction between the lower shell 71 and the surface of the meter, further improving the installation stability.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cover plate 70 is further included, which is disposed on the side of the upper shell 73 opposite to the lower shell 71 and is rotatably connected to the upper shell 73.

[0045] Specifically, in this embodiment, by providing a cover plate 70, the device can be closed when idle or under maintenance, protecting the internal components of the upper shell 73 from external impacts or dust accumulation. The rotating connection design facilitates opening for later maintenance, repair or component replacement, improving ease of use.

[0046] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the implementation method and protection scope of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art should realize that all solutions obtained by equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made using the content of this specification and illustrations should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A meter mounting structure, characterized in that, include: The measuring instrument body has a dial on it, and a limiting member is provided around the dial. A groove is formed between the side of the limiting member opposite to the dial and the measuring instrument body. An adjustable bracket includes two C-shaped clamps arranged opposite each other. The upper and lower sides of the two C-shaped clamps are provided with horizontal screw holes. A first screw passes through the horizontal screw holes to fix the two C-shaped clamps in the slot. An image acquisition device is provided, and several vertical screw holes are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the image acquisition device and the two C-shaped clamps. The second screw passes through the vertical screw holes to install the image acquisition device above the dial.

2. The installation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting member has limiting posts on the side opposite to the meter body, corresponding to the two C-shaped clamps respectively.

3. The mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The C-shaped clamp has a clearance groove on the side facing the image acquisition device. The bottom of the clearance groove fits against the side of the limiting member facing the measuring instrument body. The two sides of the clearance groove extend toward the image acquisition device.

4. The mounting structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The dial protrudes toward the image acquisition device, and the height of the protrusion is less than the extension length of the groove.

5. The mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two C-shaped clamps have U-shaped grooves facing each other on the side of the limiting member, and protrusions protruding towards the limiting member are provided on both sides of the U-shaped grooves.

6. The mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image acquisition device includes: The lower shell has an image acquisition window that accommodates the dial and is adapted to the shape of the dial; An upper shell is placed on the lower shell. A motherboard and a camera module electrically connected to the motherboard are fixed on the upper shell. The camera module is positioned facing the image acquisition window. The second screw passes through the vertical screw holes opened on the upper and lower shells in sequence to mount the image acquisition device above the dial.

7. The mounting structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a camera base, including a mounting base and a mounting groove disposed above the mounting base; The motherboard is fixed to the inner wall of the upper shell facing the image acquisition window, and the camera module is fixed in the fixing slot and fixed to the motherboard through the fixing bracket.

8. The mounting structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The upper shell has a wire hole on its side, and a waterproof connector is installed in the wire hole.

9. The mounting structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The side of the lower shell opposite to the upper shell is provided with a silicone pad, except for the image acquisition window area.

10. The mounting structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a cover plate, which is placed on the side of the upper shell opposite to the lower shell and is rotatably connected to the upper shell.

Images