An automatic testing device for smart meters
By combining the electrical switching module and terminal adapter module of the smart meter automatic testing device with automated equipment, the problem of cumbersome wiring method switching in the existing technology is solved, realizing efficient and safe meter testing, and adapting to the diverse production needs of the smart grid.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522471350.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing smart meter testing devices require switching between three-phase three-wire or three-phase four-wire wiring methods, resulting in cumbersome testing procedures, excessive manual intervention, low efficiency, high equipment costs, and a tendency to make wiring errors. They are unable to meet the high-efficiency and multi-variety production needs of smart grids.
An automatic switching device for electricity meter testing is adopted, which integrates an electrical switching module and a terminal block adapter module. The control unit automatically switches the wiring method. Combined with infrared photoelectric sensors, automatic barcode scanning and identification, and a six-axis automatic handling robot, the fully automated testing process is realized, avoiding manual intervention and wiring errors.
It enables automated testing of both three-phase three-wire and three-phase four-wire wiring methods at the same testing station, reducing equipment costs, improving testing efficiency, ensuring testing accuracy and safety, and increasing production line capacity.
Smart Images

Figure CN224946170U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of smart meter testing technology, and specifically to an automatic testing device for smart meters. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of electricity metering, three-phase three-wire and three-phase four-wire are two common meter wiring modes. Therefore, traditional smart meter testing requires switching test equipment and processes depending on the wiring method (three-phase three-wire or three-phase four-wire), resulting in cumbersome testing procedures, excessive manual intervention, and low efficiency. Existing testing devices are typically independently designed, requiring dedicated test circuits for different wiring methods. They necessitate two independent power modules, signal acquisition modules, and control units, leading to high equipment purchase and site costs, making them particularly unsuitable for small and medium-sized meter manufacturers. Furthermore, manually plugging and unplugging terminals to switch wiring methods is time-consuming and prone to damage to the meter or testing equipment due to wiring errors, affecting test accuracy.
[0003] With the increasing demands of smart grids for intelligent and standardized electricity meters, existing testing technologies are no longer able to meet the needs of high-efficiency and multi-variety production. In particular, in production line automation scenarios, there is a lack of a device that can be compatible with three-phase three-wire and three-phase four-wire wiring methods and realize automatic testing on the same line. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides an automatic testing device for smart meters. The device includes an automatic meter testing switching device, which comprises an electrical switching module, a terminal block adapter module, and a control unit; wherein: The control unit is connected to the electrical switching module and the terminal block adapter module, and is used to control the electrical switching module to switch the wiring circuit and control the terminal block adapter module to adjust the segment position. The electrical switching module is used to switch the wiring method of the smart meter, so that the same test station can be connected to a three-phase three-wire or a three-phase four-wire power supply circuit respectively. The terminal adapter module is used to adapt to the terminal spacing of smart meters of different specifications.
[0005] Based on the above scheme, the device also includes an infrared photoelectric sensor detection device, an automatic barcode scanning and identification device, an automatic handling device, and a data interaction and control system; The infrared photoelectric sensor detection device is installed at the feeding end of the meter conveyor line. After the infrared photoelectric sensor detection device detects the smart meter, it generates a trigger signal and sends the trigger signal to the automatic barcode scanning and identification device and the automatic handling device. The automatic barcode scanning and identification device identifies the barcode information of the smart meter and sends it to the data interaction and control system; The automated handling device picks up the smart meter and places it at the testing station; The data interaction and control system switches the testing process according to the barcode information and sends a test signal to the meter testing automatic switching device.
[0006] Specifically, the automatic transport device is a six-axis automatic transport robot, which is equipped with a gripper buffer assembly. The six-axis automatic transport robot transports the smart meter from the conveyor line to the test station of the automatic meter testing switching device.
[0007] Preferably, the terminal adapter module switches the terminal spacing via a cylinder, and the terminal spacing includes Class C phenotypic spacing and Class D phenotypic spacing.
[0008] Based on the above scheme, the electrical switching module includes a meter position power-on relay, a wiring switching relay, and a test switching relay. The meter position power-on relay controls the on / off state of phase A, phase C, and the neutral wire, and the wiring switching relay controls the connection status of phase B with the neutral or live wire.
[0009] Specifically, when the wiring switching relay is closed, phase B is connected to the neutral wire, switching to a three-phase three-wire wiring circuit; when the wiring switching relay is open, phase B is connected to the live wire, switching to a three-phase four-wire wiring circuit.
[0010] Specifically, the meter-mounted power-on relay, the wiring switching relay, and the test switching relay are connected to the smart meter via a meter base. The meter base is provided with multiple wiring terminals, including phase A wiring terminals, phase B wiring terminals, phase C wiring terminals, and test wiring terminals. The phase A wiring terminals are connected to the phase C wiring terminals.
[0011] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. This application, by setting up an automatic switching device for electricity meter testing, integrates an electrical switching module and a terminal block adapter module, which can automatically switch between three-phase three-wire and three-phase four-wire wiring circuits at the testing station via relays, eliminating the need to set up two separate test circuits and reducing costs; 2. The control unit automatically drives the relay to switch the wiring method, and the cylinder adjusts the terminal spacing without manual intervention, avoiding wiring errors and ensuring a safe and reliable testing process; 3. This application utilizes an infrared photoelectric sensor to trigger automatic barcode scanning to identify the type of smart meter, an automatic handling device to transport the smart meter, and a fully automated process that automatically retrieves the process and executes the test, thereby improving the testing efficiency of smart meters, shortening the testing time, and increasing production line capacity. Attached Figure Description
[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is the wiring diagram for the power-on relay of the meter position of this utility model; Figure 3 This is the wiring diagram for the switching relay of this utility model; Figure 4 This is the wiring diagram for the base of this utility model; Figure 5 This is the wiring diagram for the test switching relay of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0013] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings: In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., 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 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 utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0014] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model provides an automatic testing device for smart meters. The device includes an infrared photoelectric sensor detection device, an automatic barcode scanning and identification device, an automatic handling device, an automatic meter testing switching device, and a data interaction and control system; wherein: An infrared photoelectric sensor detection device is installed at the feeding end of the meter conveyor line to detect the incoming signal of the smart meter in real time. When the meter reaches the designated position, the infrared photoelectric sensor detection device detects the smart meter, generates a trigger signal, and simultaneously sends the trigger signal to the automatic barcode scanning and identification device and the automatic handling device. An automated handling device picks up the smart meter and places it at the testing station; In this embodiment, the automated handling device employs a six-axis automated handling robot, installed on one side of the conveyor line. Its end effector is equipped with a gripper buffer assembly for smoothly grasping the smart meter. After receiving a trigger signal, the six-axis automated handling robot moves to the barcode scanning station. After scanning, it transfers the smart meter to the testing station of the automatic meter testing switching device.
[0015] An automatic barcode scanning and identification device, installed on an automated handling robot, is equipped with a high-definition barcode scanning module and a data preprocessing unit. The high-definition barcode scanning module scans the unique identification barcode on the surface of the smart meter, while the data preprocessing unit verifies and converts the data format. The automatic barcode scanning and identification device identifies and processes the barcode information of the smart meter and sends it to the data interaction and control system. The data interaction and control system switches the testing process based on the barcode information and sends test signals to the automatic switching device for meter testing. In this embodiment, the data interaction and control system includes a test module, an MES system, and a communication interface. The test module is used to receive the test plan issued by the MES system and control the automatic switching device for meter testing to perform the test operation of the smart meter. At the same time, the test module collects test data. The communication interface adopts the industrial Ethernet protocol to realize the interaction between the automatic barcode scanning and identification device, the test module, and the MES system.
[0016] The automatic switching device for meter testing is located at the testing station. This device includes an electrical switching module, a terminal block adapter module, and a control unit, wherein: The control unit receives the test process parameters sent by the data interaction and control system, controls the terminal adapter module to operate, and drives the electrical switching module to complete the switching of the wiring mode. The terminal block adapter module receives control signals from the control unit. This module has a built-in adjustable terminal structure and uses a cylinder to switch between two terminal spacings, making it compatible with the terminal spacing differences of Class C or Class D electricity meters. The electrical switching module receives control signals from the control unit and switches between three-phase three-wire or three-phase four-wire wiring circuits.
[0017] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the electrical switching module includes a meter position power-on relay, a wiring switching relay, and a test switching relay. Each of the meter position power-on relays, wiring switching relays, and test switching relays includes multiple relays, and each relay corresponds to one meter position.
[0018] The meter base power-on relay, wiring switching relay, and test switching relay are connected to the smart meter via the meter base. The meter base is equipped with multiple wiring terminals, including A-phase wiring terminals, B-phase wiring terminals, C-phase wiring terminals, and test wiring terminals. The A-phase wiring terminals are connected to the C-phase wiring terminals.
[0019] Taking meter position 1 as an example, it includes meter position energizing relay KA1 and wiring switching relay KA10. When testing a three-phase four-wire meter, meter position energizing relay KA1 is activated, thereby energizing phases A, C, and the neutral wire. At the same time, wiring switching relay KA10 is deactivated, allowing phase B to be connected to the live wire circuit, forming a wiring configuration of phases A, B, and C live wires and the neutral wire N. When testing a three-phase three-wire meter, meter position energizing relay KA1 is also activated, energizing phases A, C, and the neutral wire. At the same time, wiring switching relay KA10 is activated, short-circuiting phase B to the neutral wire N, making phase B used as a virtual neutral wire, forming a three-phase three-wire wiring configuration of phases A and C live wires and phase B neutral wire.
[0020] The workflow of the automatic testing device in this embodiment is as follows: (1) Incoming material detection and triggering: The meter enters the test area via the conveyor line. The infrared photoelectric sensor detects that the meter is in place and sends a trigger signal. The meter is then conveyed to the barcode scanning station via the conveyor line. (2) Scanning and transporting: After receiving the trigger signal, the automatic transport robot moves to the barcode scanning station. The automatic barcode scanning and identification device reads the barcode information on the meter and uploads it to the data interaction and control system. Then the automatic transport robot transports the meter to the test station. (3) Process retrieval and distribution: The data interaction and control system transmits barcode information to the MES system, and the MES system distributes the test plan and test process after matching. (4) Automatic switching: The control unit controls the cylinder to adjust the terminal spacing according to the test process and drives the wiring switching relay to switch to a three-phase three-wire or three-phase four-wire wiring circuit; (5) Automated testing and feedback: The automated handling robot places the electricity meter into the test station where the circuit has been switched. The test module executes the test items, collects data and sends it back to the MES system. After the test is completed, the automated handling robot picks up the electricity meter and moves it to the next process.
[0021] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles and main features of this utility model. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that this utility model is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-limiting. The scope of this utility model is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Therefore, it is intended to include all changes that fall within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims within this utility model.
[0022] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. An automatic testing device for smart meters, characterized in that, The device includes an automatic switching device for electricity meter testing, which comprises an electrical switching module, a terminal block adapter module, and a control unit; wherein: The control unit is connected to the electrical switching module and the terminal block adapter module, and is used to control the electrical switching module to switch the wiring circuit and control the terminal block adapter module to adjust the segment position. The electrical switching module is used to switch the wiring method of the smart meter, so that the same test station can be connected to a three-phase three-wire or a three-phase four-wire power supply circuit respectively. The terminal adapter module is used to adapt to the terminal spacing of smart meters of different specifications.
2. The automatic testing device for smart meters according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes an infrared photoelectric sensor detection device, an automatic barcode scanning and identification device, an automatic handling device, and a data interaction and control system; The infrared photoelectric sensor detection device is installed at the feeding end of the meter conveyor line. After the infrared photoelectric sensor detection device detects the smart meter, it generates a trigger signal and sends the trigger signal to the automatic barcode scanning and identification device and the automatic handling device. The automatic barcode scanning and identification device identifies the barcode information of the smart meter and sends it to the data interaction and control system; The automated handling device picks up the smart meter and places it at the testing station; The data interaction and control system switches the testing process according to the barcode information and sends a test signal to the meter testing automatic switching device.
3. The automatic testing device for smart meters according to claim 2, characterized in that, The automated transport device is a six-axis automated transport robot, which is equipped with a gripper buffer assembly. The six-axis automated transport robot transports the smart meter from the conveyor line to the test station of the automatic meter testing switching device.
4. The automatic testing device for smart meters according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal adapter module switches the terminal spacing via a cylinder control, and the terminal spacing includes Class C phenotypic spacing and Class D phenotypic spacing.
5. The automatic testing device for smart meters according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical switching module includes a meter position power-on relay, a wiring switching relay, and a test switching relay. The meter position power-on relay controls the on / off state of phase A, phase C, and the neutral wire, and the wiring switching relay controls the connection status of phase B with the neutral or live wire.
6. The automatic testing device for smart meters according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the wiring switching relay is closed, phase B is connected to the neutral wire, switching to a three-phase three-wire wiring circuit; when the wiring switching relay is open, phase B is connected to the live wire, switching to a three-phase four-wire wiring circuit.
7. The automatic testing device for smart meters according to claim 5, characterized in that, The meter-mounted power-on relay, wiring switching relay, and test switching relay are connected to the smart meter via a meter base. The meter base is equipped with multiple wiring terminals, including phase A wiring terminals, phase B wiring terminals, phase C wiring terminals, and test wiring terminals. The phase A wiring terminals are connected to the phase C wiring terminals.
