Modular meter configuration and methodology

• US 20050162149A1
• Filed: 03/15/2005
• Published: 07/28/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/01/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Itron, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Itron, Inc.
• Inventors: Makinson, David N., Philpot, Ludlow
• Granted Patent: US 7,701,199 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 324/142
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 22/066 Arrangements for avoiding or indicating fraudulent use

Abstract

A modular electricity meter configuration and corresponding methodology permits use of certain common components in combination with either a variety of mechanical displays or electronic displays. In electricity meter arrangements making use of printed circuit board or solid state technology, at least two separate electronics boards may be provided. One may constitute a standard board for basic metrology functions while the other may comprise selected implementation of various higher level functions for creating a custom design electricity meter to meet customer requirements. Different customers may be provided with differently outfitted meters by corresponding customization of the higher level function board. A unitary power supply may be provided for both boards through a fixed connector. A common baseplate includes a circuitry link through a nonremovable plug or clip for alternatively providing a tamper proof embodiment or one with exposed terminals for permitting customer testing. Physical stability and strength is provided by using tapered mounting posts and integrated snap fit arrangements without requiring any screws for assembly. A light pipe provides external output through an innercover to indicate correct meter operation. Meter data and other metered information may be output through different configurations optionally involving hardwired output, RF links, pulse outputs, and telephone connections via modem or wireless.

Claims

1. An electricity meter, having:

an enclosure comprising a cover and a baseplate;

spades extending out from said baseplate for being seated in a meter receiving junction box;

a metrology board electrically connected to said spades and capable of producing a signal indicating electricity consumption;

a circuit board mounted within said enclosure and electrically connected to said metrology board, said circuit board providing additional functionality beyond the functionality provided by said metrology board; and

resilient connectors within said enclosure for connecting said spades with said metrology board;

wherein said metrology board is electrically connected to said spades using said resilient connectors.

2. A meter as in claim 1, further including a fixed connector electrically connecting said circuit board with said metrology board.

3. A meter as in claim 2, further including a snap-fit mounting for said circuit board within said enclosure.

4. A meter as in claim 3, further including a common power supply to provide power to both said metrology board and said circuit board, and wherein said fixed connector includes multiple respective conductors for carrying power from said power supply and for carrying data signals between said metrology board and said circuit board.

5. A meter as in claim 1, further including:

mating posts and holes associated with said baseplate and said metrology board for mutual physical connection thereof.

6. A meter as in claim 5, further including:

a coil electrically connected with said spades and supported by said baseplate within said enclosure; and

a Hall Effect sensor carried on said metrology board such that said mating posts and holes selectively align said coil and Hall Effect sensor for metrology operations.

7. A meter as in claim 5, wherein said baseplate includes said mating posts, and said meter further includes

a chassis having formed connector holes and mounted on said baseplate mating posts;

and

a meter display mounted on said chassis.

8. A meter as in claim 7, wherein said cover is an at least partially opaque inner cover connectable with said baseplate, and wherein said meter further includes an at least partially transparent outer cover received about said inner cover and connectable with said baseplate such that said meter display is visible through said outer cover.

9. A meter as in claim 1, further including:

a main circuit supported on said baseplate and defining an opening therein for calibration access to said metrology board and said circuit board during assembly of said electricity meter; and

a non-removable bridge clip received in said main circuit opening for providing a tamper proof circuit bridge thereto.

10. An electricity meter, having:

an enclosure comprising a cover and a baseplate;

spades extending out from said baseplate for insertion into a meter box receptacle;

a basic metrology board, having first and second opposing surfaces, wherein said metrology board is electrically connected to said spades and capable of metering electricity consumption;

a circuit board, having third and fourth opposing surfaces, wherein said circuit board provides additional functionality beyond the functionality provided by said metrology board, wherein said circuit board is mounted within said enclosure and electrically connected to said metrology board; and

an antenna, affixed substantially adjacent to selected of the first, second, third and fourth opposing surfaces, for transmitting a radio signal through said cover.

11. A meter as in claim 10, further including a power supply connected to provide power to both said metrology board and said circuit board.

12. A meter as in claim 11, further including a fixed connector electrically connecting said metrology board to said circuit board and including plural conductors for carrying both data and power signals between said metrology board and said circuit board.

13. A meter as in claim 10, further including a chassis supported on said baseplate, a light source supported on said metrology board, and a light pipe positioned on said chassis so as to carry light from said light source to outside said cover.

14. An electricity meter, comprising:

an enclosure with a baseplate and a cover without any metal elements;

spades extending from said baseplate for electrical contact of said meter with main power by insertion of said spades into an electricity meter junction box receptacle;

a metrology board having first and second opposing surfaces, wherein said metrology board is electrically connected with said spades and capable of metering electricity consumption; and

an antenna affixed substantially adjacent to and directly on a selected of the first and second opposing surfaces of said metrology board for transmitting a radio signal directly therefrom through said cover.

15. An electricity meter as in claim 14, further including:

a circuit board for additional metrology features, mounted within said enclosure;

a common power supply within said enclosure for both said metrology board and said circuit board; and

a fixed connector at least partially physically supporting said circuit board and electrically connecting said circuit board with said metrology board using multiple conductors for carrying both data and power signals between said boards.

16. An electricity meter as in claim 14, further including a chassis snap-mounted on said baseplate, a light source supported on said metrology board, and a light pipe positioned on said chassis in relation to said light source so as to carry light therefrom to outside of said cover.

17. An electricity meter as in claim 14, further including:

a meter display supported within said enclosure in a snap-fit arrangement; and

an at least partially transparent outer cover received about said inner cover for protection of enclosed components while permitting viewing of said meter display.

18. Methodology for providing an electricity meter, comprising:

providing an enclosure with a baseplate and a cover without any metal elements;

extending spades from said baseplate for electrical contact of said meter with main power by insertion of said spades in an electricity meter junction box receptacle;

providing a metrology board having first and second opposing surfaces, wherein said metrology board is electrically connected with said spades and capable of metering electricity consumption; and

affixing an antenna disposed substantially adjacent to a selected of the first and second opposing surfaces of said metrology board for transmitting a radio signal directly therefrom through said cover.

19. A methodology as in claim 18, including further providing:

a circuit board providing additional functionality beyond the functionality provided by said metrology board, mounted within said enclosure;

a common power supply within said enclosure for both said metrology board and said circuit board; and

a fixed connector at least partially physically supporting said circuit board and electrically connecting said circuit board with said metrology board using multiple conductors for carrying both data and power signals between said boards.

20. A methodology as in claim 18, including further providing a chassis snap-mounted on said baseplate, a light source supported on said metrology board, and a light pipe positioned on said chassis in relation to said light source so as to carry light therefrom to outside of said cover.

21. A methodology as in claim 19, including further providing:

a meter display supported within said enclosure in a snap-fit arrangement; and

an at least partially transparent outer cover received about said inner cover for protection of enclosed components while permitting viewing of said meter display.