WO2005043084A2

WO2005043084A2 - A tap- resistant system with an optical device

Info

Publication number: WO2005043084A2
Application number: PCT/BR2004/000212
Authority: WO
Inventors: Severo Sampaio
Original assignee: Elucid Partners S.A.
Priority date: 2003-10-28
Filing date: 2004-10-28
Publication date: 2005-05-12
Also published as: MXPA06004732A; WO2005043084A3; ECSP066582A; BR0304762A; PE20050883A1

Abstract

A tap-resistant integral system provide wtih an optical device (5) placed on the front cover (7) of a housing box (2).

Description

"A TAP-RESISTANT INTEGRAL SYSTEM PROVIDED WITH AN OPTICAL DEVICE FOR THE PURPOSE OF MEASURING THE CONSUMPTION OF ELECTRIC POWER IN THE DISTRIBUTING NETWORK REMOTELY, AND A TAP-RESISTANT DEVICE FOR OPERATING THE SYSTEM" Disclosure of the Invention The present invention is directed to an integral system for the purpose of lodging devices for metering the electric power consumption duly coupled to the local distributing network. The system according to the present invention was conceived to make it possible to read the measured value of a consuming unit remotely, through an optical assembly that makes it possible to expand said reading by means of lenses, besides preventing the system from being tapped and keeping a substantial tightness thereof even when the connection and/or reconnection of the electric power supply to the user is required. Also, it is comprised of a substantially tight tap-resistant device designed to house the electric power metering unit, exhibiting constructive arrangements designed to operate optical subsystems and connect/switch-off the power supplied to the user, which is useful to provide both the substantial tightness and tap-resistance of the system according to the present invention. Cabinet-like housings in the shape of a box designed to house conventional electric power metering units called CPREDE or Standard Network Cabinets are known, which housings are generally standardized by the electric power supply company and are either provided with passage doors or locked with seals that should be broken to make it possible for the power supply company's personnel to perform the reading, maintenance and connection or disconnection of the power supplied to the user. The present solutions also use doors provided with locks or screwed covers that can be opened and closed without damaging the housing or the cover of said housing. In general, such solutions are common to housings that protect the metering units installed inside the consumer's premises. In view of the need to provide exact readings of the effective consumption of each unit thus avoiding the billing of the average estimate of consumption, the solutions that have been proposed have removed such metering-housing assemblies from inside the consuming units, placing them on poles of the power supply company next to such units. To date, the existing housings for lodging conventional electric power metering units or systems that make it possible to read the consumption remotely have been conceived so that one can access the interior thereof through doors by breaking seals, switched locks, or even by disassembling some of the faces thereof that might be screwed. Such housings can be opened and closed without the need to spoil the housing that lodges the electric power metering unit, or even without causing any damages to its external appearance in the event a non-authorized opening of this compartment takes place, so that is enough only to replace the violated seal or remake the screwed or riveted connections. Such systems make it easy for breakers to access same, who may then cheat by changing the figures of the measured consumption, thus causing damages to the power supply company whose control of the consumed electric power is tampered with. Another problem that has not been solved by the previous solutions of the state of the art resides in the fact that the connections (switch-off or reconnections and even by-passed connections) not authorized by the power supply company can be effected by a non-authorized person, and even with the connivance of any power supply company employees, without the relevant control sector of the power supply company being aware of or even having authorized same. To date, none of the proposed partial solutions has disclosed or suggested in an integral and wider way the several situations connected with the supply and distribution of electric power measured for the existing multiplicity of types of users and conditions of supply that should be complied with by the supplier. The removal of the metering unit from the consumer's premises so that the reading of the consumption measured by the metering unit can be carried out by the employee of the power supply company without requiring the presence of the user or any authorized person in his premises wherein the access of the employee to the metering unit could be assured thus avoiding the billing of the consumed power which is provided by estimate calculations has caused other situations and problems that should be solved through specific solutions as each inconvenience may come out. The regulations set out by the power supply company that establish the positioning of the metering units placed in suitable housings on poles have suggested that suitable heights that make it possible to read the figures indicated in the metering unit could be used. Therefore, it has been established that the height of such metering units placed on poles should be the one where the power supply company employee could identify correctly, with the naked eye, the figures shown in the metering unit. However, such heights generally not exceeding values close to 1.80 meters have made it possible for non-authorized people to access such metering units, besides exposing the fragility of said metering units in their compartments that also could be reached by vehicles of a certain height that might pass too close to such arrangements, thus causing damages to such metering units, and the consequent loss of data and non-justified disconnection of the power supply to the consumer. The models that have been manufactured as housings for electric power metering units were initially envisaged by the power supply companies for the purpose of better accommodating the metering equipment and it can be said that this is the means still used in most states in Brazil. Such assemblies are provided with viewfϊnders with transparent glass or a similar material that make it possible to read the figures directly by looking at the cyclometric recorder or hands of the electric power metering unit. Such housings are installed by being encased into walls or house partitions, or even on ancillary poles inside the consumers' premises, at an average 1.60 m high so that the reading can be performed. In order to minimize such risks that are generated by the fact that this housing is located at a height wherein it can be reached in a reasonably easy way, and simultaneously by being installed within the consumer's premises, what consequently brings about a number of restrictions related to the access by the network operator, specific optical devices for magnifying the reading shown in the metering units have been added, either by means of lenses or other apparatuses so that the housings can be installed outside the boundaries of the consuming unit and be placed at a height above the one it was usually installed. With the advent of this optical resource, it was evidenced that the use of the properties of convergent or divergent lenses provides an amplified and satisfactory image that could make it possible to read the figures shown by the metering unit located inside the housing that lodges same. What has been observed in the optical devices of the existing housings that have almost reached such a stage is that probable empirical simulations have generated housings that provided "precise" readings, that is, even if an installation height between 2.0 and 3.0 meters for such a housing could be reached, in view of the fact that it had not been configured correctly in accordance with a theoretical the physics formulation, as stated in geometric optics, the result would be shown in a very restricted visual field. Therefore, the operator of the network, when taking the measurement through the image supplied by such an optical device would be provided with a narrow range to accomplish the reading and could even need to use a ladder to reach said visual field or also run the risk to fall on the floor of the urban roads in the event the image would be projected toward this unfavorable direction. Another great problem presented by the current systems is the prevention of non-authorized distinct users whose electric power metering unit has been modified from using the electric power. Similarly, the possibility of switching-off the power supplied to users in debt and the later reconnection after the due bill is paid to the supplier, also evidences a vulnerability of such previous systems, mainly due to the absence of an integrated cut or reconnection module, whose access is exclusively allowed to network operators, and even so controlled by the relevant sector of the power supply company, and consequently it prevents any user from accessing this module, except if the metering unit housing has been damaged and spoiled, what would bring about a greater difficulty to the eventual breaker. Therefore, it can be seen that the purpose of the solutions for solving the problem of housing devices for metering the consumption of electric power was to solve separately the problems presented by the use of previous housings. In an illustrative way, a number of selected documents related to patents and utility models are given as examples that aim separately at dealing with the issues of protection and housing of electric power metering units, tap- resistance, substantial tightness, remote metering and protection related to the cut or reconnection of electric power, wherein it can be noticed that none of them presents the solutions to all the above mentioned issues, in a unique tap-resistant substantially tight integral system provided with an optical reading subsystem and a user connection/cut/reconnection subsystem, applicable to any condition of power supply. - PI 9200268-4, published on 04/06/1993, "Housing" owned by the General Electric Company (USA); it suggests a solution to the housing and substantial tightness issues, without, however, get closer to the solution proposed in the present invention. - PI 9301259-4, published on 09/28/1993, refers to a "Support to a electric power consumption metering unit; electromechanical induction meter; metal ring; electromechanical induction metering unit" of Schlumberger Canada Limited, that only proposes a solution for the issue of supplying the metering unit with a protective housing thereof. - On the other hand, PI 9605074-8, published on 06/30/1998, describes a "Modular Tap-Resistant System for Metering Electric Power" filed by Antonio Olavo Fonseca da Rocha, Brigida Ramati and aims at dealing with the issues related to the housing, substantial tightness and tap-resistance, wherein said housing is placed on poles outside the user's premises without however describing clearly how the system operates, and how the reading is accomplished 'in situ', mentioning only the "possibility" of remote reading. It is only an "idea" the preferred realization of which is not demonstrated in the application. - MU 7800381-4, published on 04/04/2000, "A binding post cover for electric power consumption metering units" owned by Inteldesign S.A., is an attempt to deal only with the housing of the electric power metering unit, not designed to solve the other problems disclosed herein. - MU 8000151-3, published on 09/11/2001, "An electric current switching device for electric power metering units and distributing boxes" owned by Victor Eduardo Fernandes de Azevedo Segundo, aiming at dealing with the protection issue in relation to the cut or reconnection of electric power, without however, getting closer to the solution to this issue as suggested in the present invention in a way associated with the other issues and respective solutions disclosed in the present invention. - PI 0002023-0, published on 01/02/2002, refers to a "Plastic box for an electric power metering unit having a substantially tight compartment for circuit breaker" owned by Victor Eduardo Fernandes de Azevedo Segundo, aiming at dealing with the tap-resistance issue, but it also deals with providing access to the circuit breaker, for the sole purpose of preventing the electric power metering unit from being accessed. With relation to the provision of solutions to the problem of remote reading covering distances longer than those that only allow for a reading with the naked eye the devices in use until then, in MU 7901448-8 that also is owned by the applicant of the present invention, published on 06/06/2000, an optical resource is proposed that is a constructive arrangement different from the others proposed until then for the optical device for reading the consumption of supplied electric power remotely, metered by the cyclometric recorder of the electric power metering unit. Also in MU 8103192-0, published on 05/14/2002, directed to a

"Remote metering standard" owned by Valdecir Vicentin, a proposal very similar to the priority above mentioned is suggested, aiming at dealing with the issues of housing, substantial tightness and remote metering, by virtue of the front face wherein a lens to be placed inclined is foreseen, without however referring to the conditions of said inclination, the type of the lens and the way it is integrated with said inclined face of plastic material. Such solutions, however, do not anticipate the use in related conditions of a fully air-tight housing, that does not allow the access to the metering unit or the module for switching-off/connecting/reconnecting the supply of electric power to the user, at heights above those usually used, and provided with optical resources that may provide the remote reading of the figures shown on the recorder of the device that meters the supply of electric power under parametrically calculated conditions. Considering the questions raised above, and as demonstrated, not yet addressed by the state of the art, the main object of the present invention is to provide a substantially air-tight tap-resistant system for lodging a user's device for metering the distributing network electric power comprised of an integral optical subsystem designed to make it possible to read the consumption of electric power remotely that incorporates a substantially air-tight tap-resistant device on poles of the electric power distributing network outside the consuming unit. Another main object of the present invention is to provide the above mentioned system with a multiple arrangement for switching-off and connecting/reconnecting the electric power supply to the user, thus making said subsystem operable by using a cut switch-like device which is comprised of one or more switches arranged so that the amount and type (single-phase or multiphase) of the electric power metering unit can be ascertained independently. A further object of the present invention is to provide devices such as housings for operating said system that incorporate a substantial tightness and tap resistance as well as optical devices for remote reading and switching-off devices integral with the system according to the present invention. Finally, a complementary object of the present invention is to provide the use of devices that lodge the electric power consumption metering units the constructive variants of which can be adapted to the multiplicity of electric power supply conditions - either as single-phase or multiphase - or housings for multiple metering units. The present invention can be better understood from the accompanying figures attached to the present application, wherein: Figure 1 is a flowchart that shows the integral parts of the present system, as well as the inter-relationship and functioning thereof. Figure 2 represents a projected diagram of the identification of the area covered by the optical device. Figures of 3 through 11 show the constructive details of some constructive variants of the present invention. Figures 3.1 through 3.8 show an expanded view of the constructive inner details of each constructive variant, pointing out the prisms with viewfinders for the reading system provided with magnifying lenses, tag-holder and bus-bar switching-off module, as well as the box attaching support. Figures

3.9 and 3.10 also show an expand front view. These constructive variants do not show bus-bar switching-off modules. Figures 4.1 through 4.10 show a perspective view of the constructive outer details of each constructive variant, pointing out the prisms with viewfinders for the reading system provided with magnifying lenses, tag holder and bus-bar switching-off module. Figures 5.1 through 5.8 show in front and cut side views of the front cover the constructive outer details of each constructive variant, pointing out the prisms with viewfinders for the reading system provided with magnifying lenses, tag holder and the bus-bar switching-off module. Figures 5.9 and 5.10 show front and top views of the front cover. Figures 6.1 through 6.8 show the front view of the back cover, the side view of the back cover and the side view of the box showing the constructive details of each constructive variant, pointing out the prisms with viewfinders for the reading system provided with magnifying lenses, male locks (22), a through-hole (24) for the passage of the front cover support (7), supports (15) for fixing the box (2) to the pole and grounding screws (23). Figures 6.9 and

6.10 show a side view of the front cover and a front view of the back cover. Figures 7.1 through 7.8 show perspective views of the back cover of the box showing the constructive details of each constructive variant, pointing out the back door locking system. Figures 7.9 and 7.10 show the inner view of the side of the box and the inner view of the bottom of the box. Figures 8.1 through 8.8 show the top and bottom views of the box showing the constructive details of each constructive variant, pointing out the holes for conduits and the holes for the cooling system. Figures 8.9 and 8.10 show lower outer view and lower inner view. Figures 3.1 through 8.1 show a constructive variant of the housing box to be used to lodge a multiphase metering unit, showing the details of the arrangements of the switching-off module for the multiphase supply, also showing alternatively the locking of said tap-resistant box that is accomplished by the back cover thereof. Figures 3.2 through 8.2 show a constructive variant of the housing box to be used to lodge a multiphase metering unit, also showing alternatively the locking of said tap-resistant box that is accomplished by the back cover thereof. Figures 3.3 through 8.3 show a constructive variant of the housing box to be used to lodge a single-phase metering unit, showing the details of the arrangements of the switching-off module for the single-phase supply and showing alternatively the locking of said tap-resistant box that is accomplished by the back cover thereof. Figures 3.4 through 8.4 show, respectively, the housing box for lodging the metering unit designed to lodge two single-phase metering units vertically disposed inside said box, and the details of the arrangements of the switching-off module for the single-phase supply, as well as the details of the metering unit support the locking of which is accomplished by the back cover thereof. Figures 3.5 through 8.5 show, respectively, the housing box for lodging metering units designed to lodge two metering units vertically disposed inside said box - either single-phase or multiphase - and the details of the arrangements of the switching-off modules when it is either a single-phase or multiphase supply, as well as the details of the metering unit support the locking of which is accomplished by the back cover thereof. Figures 3.6 through 8.6 show a housing box for lodging three metering units according to the present invention, for lodging single-phase metering units vertically disposed inside said box the locking of which is accomplished by the back cover thereof. On the other hand, Figures 3.7 through 8.7 show a constructive variant wherein said box is designed to lodge three single-phase / multiphase metering units vertically disposed therein. Figures 3.8 through 8.8 show a housing box for lodging up to four single-phase metering units horizontally disposed and overlapped on a 2 to 2 arrangement, the locking of which also is accomplished by the back cover of said box. Figures 8.9 through 3.9 show, respectively, a constructive embodiment of the device or housing box for a multiphase metering unit designed to operate the system according to the present invention wherein the locking of said tap-resistant box is accomplished by the front cover thereof. Figures 8.10 through 3.10 show, respectively, a constructive embodiment of the device or housing box for a single-phase metering unit designed to operate the system according to the present invention wherein the locking of said tap-resistant box is accomplished by the front cover thereof. Figures 9.1 through 9.8 show constructive details of the switching- off module of each constructive variant. Figures 9.1 and 9.2 show, respectively, the top perspective view of the switching-off modules shown in Figures 3.1, 3.3 and 3.4. Figures 9.3 and 9.5 are perspective views and Figures 9.4 and 9.6 are top views, all showing the perspective view of the switching-off module shown in Figure 3.5. Figures 9.7 and 9.8 show, respectively, the top and perspective views of the switching-off module shown in Figure 3.6. Figures 9.9 and 9.11 are perspective views and Figures 9.10 and 9.12 top views, all showing the perspective view of the switching-off module shown in Figure 3.7. Figures 9.13 and 9.14 show, respectively, the top and perspective views of the switching-off module shown in Figure 3.8. Figures 10.1 and 10.2 show the top and perspective views of the constructive details of the support for fixing single-phase or multiphase metering units attached to the back cover. Said support is not shown in Figures 7.1 through 7.10. Figures 11.1 and 11.2 show the front inner view of the back cover and the cut side view of the constructive details of the box wherein the support for fixing metering units and the attachment thereof are shown. Figure 12 shows a magnified view of the female slot located on the sides of the locking system box back cover that is part of the constructive variations of the tap-resistant housing box shown in Figures 3.9 through 8.9 and 3.10 through 8.10. Figure 12 is subdivided into Figures 12.1, a plan view of the locking system; 12.2, a front view of the locking system; 12.3, a side view of the locking system; 12.4, a perspective side view of the locking system; 12.5, a perspective front view of the locking system; Figures 13.1 through 13.5 show diagrams of the connections for assembling the housing boxes (2) of the present invention and the relevant illustration of its performance in connection with the switching- off/connection/reconnection modules (14). Referring now to the diagram in Figure 1, it can be seen that the system according to the present invention is comprised of devices that are subsystems per se having individualized objects, in such a way to fulfill individually and collectively each of the objects of the invention, wherein: - the tap resistance and substantial tightness of the system for protecting the electric power consumption metering unit (1) is provided by a housing box (2) that lodges the electric power metering unit made of a rigid material strong enough to resist considerably the eventual damages to be caused by shocks, permanent exposition to adverse weather and climate conditions and the inclemency of the weather as well as the action of UV radiation. In a preferred but not limiting embodiment of the present invention, said housing box (2) is made of B type galvanized steel, protected with a layer of polyester resin having a thickness ranging from 70 and 200 microns, by means of dry electrostatic painting. The box (2) thus constructed provides said system with substantial tightness and tap resistant, in addition to an integral reliable locking system (3), in view of the high strength of the steel, that prevents the housing box from being broken out and pasted or concealed later on. Also, the box (2) thus constructed provides a longer durability, even when it is installed in a saline atmosphere, equivalent to other constructions with not metallic materials, such as resinous material that on their turn can cause negative consequences, such as the resin deterioration, loss of translucency, amongst others. Similarly, galvanized steel also provides more safety against electric current leakage, because the assembly (1) can be grounded, and it also can protect the input on the coils of metering units (4) against the magnetic fields generated by electric transients, (rays, etc.), thus functioning as a Faraday cage. Additionally, said constructive embodiment of the housing box (2) according to the present invention also offers more safety in the event of fire, since it has a higher heat resistance than those made of resin, as well as a higher resistance against impacts and rocks cast against same, etc. Remote reading optical arrangement - a remote reading optical subsystem (5) that uses the teachings of linear optics and can make it possible to position the box at distances higher that the height of the normal vision of an average-height individual of approximately 3.00 meter high with the possibility to vary such dimensions up to 15%, thus providing the optimum and visually harmonic reading, wherein the reader is standing on the ground close to the pole where the metering unit (4) and the housing (2) thereof are located, thus leaving same protected against vandals and making it difficult for tappers to access same. Thus, said subsystem (5) also is characterized by adding the tap resistance condition to the system according to the present invention. Arrangement of switching-off bus-bars - an electric power switching-off subsystem (6) operated in view of the use of switching-off bus-bars devices, for example, of the type such as described in patent application PI 0006569-2 of 12/26/2000, published on 05/05/2001, owned by Benito Benatti, that make it possible to switch-off the power without the need to access the interior of the box or compartment that lodges the metering unit. Therefore, both the switching-off and the connection / re-connection of the power supply to the consumer are carried out by accessing the switching-off screws connected to a switching-off bus-bar (6) located inside the housing box. The access to such screws of the switching bus-bar (6) is accomplished by an outer window provided with a sliding cover, located on the front face of the housing box (2). Said screws are duly protected by a metallic fitting that will only provide access to the head of the switching-off screws. Said subsystem, however, also provides the system according to the present invention, integral with the other arrangements, with the substantial tightness and tap resistance conditions taught therein for preventing the non-authorized access of people who may cheat the electric power consumption metered or else by installing clandestine connections. Availability of using single-phase or multiphase systems by a single user or multiple users - wherein the constructive arrangement of said housing (2) becomes tap-resistant by using substantially air-tight locks (3) provided with a remote optical reading device (5) and a switching-off bus-bar device (6) foresees the use of said integral system (1) in at least two housing embodiments, so that in the first embodiment the locking system (3) is on the back covers (21) of the device and in the second one it is on the front cover (7) of the housing box (2). Referring now more specifically to the optical subsystem (5), we refer to the illustrations shown in the diagram of Figure 2. As described by geometric optics, in this case presented by

Halliday & Resnick (Physics 4, 4^th. Edition, LTC _ Livros Tecnicos e Cientificos Editora S.A. - Rio de Janeiro, 1996) below is demonstrated the way a magnified image can be attained by introducing a convergent lens into the integral system object of the present invention, and at the same time the required variables that consequently provide the optimum solution to this specific physical problem are defined. When the formation of an image on a plain mirror is studied, it is found that a mirror of that type forms an image that seems to be behind the mirror; that is, when we watch the image the light seems to come from a point behind the mirror. That image is called a "virtual" image and it is found that it is of the same size of the object and located at a distance (negative) rV behind the mirror, that is equal, in module, at a distance p_. of the object in front of the mirror. Let us assume that a slight curvature is used instead of using a plain mirror, that is, let us assume that it has a spherical form. For the sake of illustration, it can be easily noticed that the equations that describe said formation of images in spherical mirrors are conversely reduced to those that describe the formation of images by the plain mirror (p = p ') since the radius of the spherical mirror tends to become infinite. After such considerations, the equation that correlates the distance of the object p with the distance of the image p' with a spherical mirror is obtained. The equation of the mirror correlates the three distances p, p' and the curvature radius r of the mirror. This relationship is given by the equation of spherical mirrors, 1/p + 1/p ' = 2/r, where it is convenient to define the focal distance f of the mirror as half the curvature radius or f = r/2. In terms of focal distance, the equation of the mirror can be written as 1/p + 1/p ' = 1/f. Therefore, by adapting this study to lenses, and more specifically to thin lenses, it can be noticed that there are many examples of the refraction of the light through a lens. The lenses in the human eyes focus the light on the retina, while the corrective lenses of eyeglasses or contact lenses compensate for the deficiencies of the human vision. The multiple element lenses of a camera focus the light on the film. In many situations where the refraction takes place, there is more than one refracting surface. This is true even in the case of a contact lens, wherein the light passes first from the surrounding air to the material of the lens and then from said material to the interior of the eye. In the case of the present invention, only the special case of a thin lens is considered; that is, the thickness of the lens is small compared to the distance p of the object, the distance p' of the image or the curvature radiuses and r₂ of any one of the two refracting surfaces. For a lens under such conditions, these figures will be correlated by 1/p + 1/p ' = 1/f, wherein the focal distance f of the lens is given by 1/f = (n - l)(l/r₁ - l/r₂). These are equations that are valid for thin lenses, and it can be noticed that the first one comes to be the same equation described in the case of spherical mirrors. The latest equation is usually called the lens manufacturers equation; it correlates the focal distance of the lens with the refractive index n of the material of the lens and the curvature radiuses of both surfaces. Still on the latest equation, ri is the curvature radius of the surface of the lens, on which the light hits first, and r₂ is the radius of the second surface. The equation is used in cases where a lens of a refractive index n is immersed in the air. If the lens is immersed in a mean for which the refractive index is not unitary, the equation is valid when n in that formula is substituted with nι_ens/n_mean, that is, the formula should then be written as 1/f = (n_lens /n_mean - l)(l/rι - l/r₂). For a better understanding on the development of the present invention that will apply such basic concepts of geometric optics, it is only required to define the concept of measuring the convergence of a lens, that is usually is measured in diopters (Di) and is reverse of the focal distance, and consequently the formula can be rewritten as C = 1/f = (nι_ens / n_mean - l)(l/^rι - ^^i)- In view of a number of conventions of signals that are similar to those used when studying spherical mirrors, the convergent and divergent lenses are distinguished, wherein a convergent lens is a lens that is thicker in the center that on the edges, when immersed in a mean of a lower refractive index than that of the lens; and a divergent lens is a lens that is thinner in the center that on the edges, when immersed in a mean of a lower refractive index. Finally, for the sake of example particularly in the case of this scientific application, values that may be used in the optical subsystem (5) for the manufacture of the integral system (1) of the present invention as a function of the material to be used are provided, in advantageously more economic conditions. Also, it should be considered that, according to empirical optical analyses, a human being with 80% of his visual ability can visualize quite easily an object with a linear dimension of 1.83 cm, so the following information about this issue are noted down, whose parameters can be seen from Figure 2. - "O" is the average size of the character shown in the viewfinder of an electric metering unit (4) inside the integral system (1) of the present invention. In this case, a metering unit (4) that provides a reading on its viewfinder with 1.0 cm high characters is used; - "P" is the distance from the viewfinder of the electric metering unit (4) to the lens that is located according to Figure 2, on the outer lower face of the inclined compartment inlaid in box (2) that lodges the electric metering unit (4) and having a spherical cap shape. In the present example, the lens is located at a distance of 7.0 cm from the viewfinder of the electric metering unit

(4); - "I" is the size of the image (virtual) that it is formed "inside" the box (2) and will be seen by an observer who is standing on the ground. Since a satisfactory minimum value for visualization of the image by an observer standing on the ground that desires to carry out a reading without the aid of instruments, a virtual image formed "inside" the box (2) with a 1.83 cm linear height obtained by increasing "O" will be considered; By having such information and using the equations obtained based on the theoretical formularization, the following calculations can be envisaged to obtain: - Image magnification obtained thanks to the lens. A = i/o = 1.83/1.00 = 1.83 image magnification obtained by the lens; - Distance from the virtual image to the convergent lens, i/p' = o/p => 0,0183m/p' = 0,01 m/0,07 m = => p' = 0,1281 m = 12,81 cm - Calculation of the focal distance. 1/f = 1/p + 1/p ' => 1/f = l/0,07m + l/0,1281m => => f= 0,1543m = 15.43 cm Calculation of the convergence, and consequently the degree of the lens to be used. C = 1/f = 1/0.1543 m = 6.48 Di or 6.48° that defines, therefore, a type of preferential lens that could be used in the integral system according to the present invention, provided that some data required as input parameters to the calculations made are used. It should be pointed out that this calculation, by observing a minimum restraint for the human visual ability with a 1.83 cm magnified image, serves as a minimum limit for the manufacture of the optical subsystem (5), or even though as a loose variable for the economic analysis of the costs of manufacturing such a subsystem. Since it is required or desired to obtain an image of a higher magnification, thus favoring its reading by an observer standing on the ground, by using the equations above it is easy to obtain the new lens that will make out the optical subsystem in accordance with the new example that will be shown below. In the example in question, the type of lens to be used in order to obtain an image projected to the observer having a dimension of 2.5 cm will be analyzed. By remaking the calculations for such new variant, we have: - A = i/o = 2.50 cm/1.00 cm = 2.50 cm - i/p' = o/p = > 0.025 m/p' = 0.01 m/0.07 m = => p ' = 0,175 m = 17.50 cm - 1/f = 1/p + 1/p ' => 1/f- 1/0.07 m + 1/0.175 m => =^ f= 0.05 m = 5.0 cm - C = 1/f = 1/0.05 m = 20.0 Di or 20° therefore defining a new type of lens that should be used in the integral system (1) of the present invention, being now of interest to obtain an image projected to an observer standing on the ground having a 2.5 cm amplitude. Another geometric characteristic provided by the remote reading is the problem already fully described in the state of the art, as to the safety of the observer that must read the electric power consumption, depending on the position thereof with relation to the metering box (2) and its height in relation to the ground, whose problem finds its solution in the present invention, also due to the optical subsystem (5) that generates a wide visual field and at the same time allows to fix the box (2) at a height of approximately 3.0 meters that may vary up to 15%, so that the observer may not need to the use ladders or ancillary means, and it can be located at a certain range on the pavement so that the reading can be carried out at any point on said range. Based on geometry and according to Figure 2, the following considerations and calculations can be made easily: - To an average height observer (h_0t,_s), taking the height of 1.60 meters as an example, whose observation is initiated considering the height of his eyes (point x); - Installation of the integral system at a height of approximately 3.0 metes in relation to the ground level (N.S.), attached to the pole (P) of the distributing network of the electric power supply company; - It should be noticed that the observer is provided with two triangles (I and II) of possible visual fields so that he can read the magnified image of the metering unit, where the minimum and maximum distances of said global visual field in which the observer can stay in order to carry out the reading can be calculated. Since the distance y from the pole to the center of the lens, in relation to an imaginary axis at an angle α to the direction of the pole equal to 45° preferably in the model according to the present invention is of approximately 15 cm, also shown in Figure 2, what consequently delimits the highest point (point w) viable for the visual field, considering a direction parallel to the ground, we have: On triangle 1, tan 45° = h/x => 1 = 1.7/x = x = 1.7 m 0 0 By joining triangles 1 and 2, b = h + x = (1.7 m) + (1.7 m) = 5.78 m => b = 2.14 m On triangle 2, cos 45° = a/b = a/2.14 m = = a = 2,14 m x = cosine 45° => a = 1,51 m The linear relationships that will define the lowest point (point z) and highest point (point w) that make it possible to carry out the reading are attained, that is: x = x ' + a x ' = x a x ' = 1.70 m - 1.51 m x' = 18 cm D i = D_minimum = x' + y = 18 cm + 15 cm = 33 cm D ₂ = Dmaxi_mum = x + y = 1.7 m + 15 cm = 1.85 m Thus, for the present example of the height required for fixing the metering box, the observer will carry out readings standing at a minimum distance (Di) of 33 cm in relation to the electric power supply pole, or up to a maximum distance (D₂) of 1.85 m to the same pole, then defining his working visual field. When describing the specific configurations that the present invention encompasses, reference is initially made to two preferred models, one of which comprises the locking system formed by the back cover (21) of the box

(2), and the other one attained by the locking attained by the front cover (7) (male portion) and the sides of the back cover (female portion), both models incorporating the respective characteristic remote reading subsystems by using the optical device (5); the tap resistance due to the locking system that is inlaid in the faces of the body of the box that lodges the electric metering unit (4); the switching-off-connection/reconnection module (6) also inlaid in said box, and the manufacture characteristics that assure a substantial tightness against the actions of environment, so that any of said configurations adopted for said box can be able to lodge single-phase or multiphase metering units. Now referring more specifically to Figures 3.1 through 8.8, some constructive variants of the model provided with a lock on the back cover can be seen. In Figures 3.1 through 3.8 are shown the inner details of some constructive variants, pointing out the prismatic sections (8) for the remote optical reading subsystem provided with a magnifying lens (9), as well as the female slot of the locking system (10), respectively provided on the front cover (7) to accommodate the locking of the back cover. Two through-holes are disposed on the upper part of the front cover (7), a hole (11) for fitting the conduit to pass the wiring for the low electric power line and the other hole (12) for fitting the conduit to pass the wiring for the high electric power line. A support (13) for attaching the identification tags of the box of said system (1) is below the prismatic sections (8). The support to the switching- off/connection/reconnection module (14) is located in front of the cover (7) in order to allow its switches to be accessed by the outer side of the cover (7). The number of switching-off/connection/reconnection modules (14) is defined by the number of metering units (4) and the type thereof. Only one module (14) is shown in Figure 3.1, because this constructive variant lodges only one multiphase metering unit (4). No module (14) is shown in Figure 3.2, because this constructive variant lodges only one multiphase metering unit (4) without provision for switching-off and reconnection of electric power. Only one module (14) is shown in Figure 3.3, because this constructive variant lodges only one single-phase metering unit (4). Only one module (14) is shown in Figure 3.4, because this constructive variant lodges two single-phase metering units (4). Two modules (14) are shown in Figure 3.5, because this constructive variant lodges two metering units (4), and such metering units (4) can be either single- phase and/or multiphase. Only one module (14) is shown in Figure 3.6, because this constructive variant lodges three single-phase metering units (4). Two modules (14) are shown in Figure 3.7, because this constructive variant lodges two metering units (4), and such metering units (4) can be single-phase and/or multiphase. Only one module (14) is shown in Figure 3.8, because this constructive variant lodges four single-phase metering units (4). In the lower part of the front cover (7) facing the bottom of said cover is the support (15) for fixing the box (7) to the pole. Said support (15) is disposed in order to be seen at the time the front cover (7) is incased into the back cover (21), where a hole (24) is provided so that the support is exposed. This configuration is one of the components of the locking subsystem (3) of the integral system ( 1 ) obj ect of the present invention. In Figures 4.1 through 4.8 the constructive external details of some constructive variants are shown, pointing out the prismatic sections (8) for the optical remote reading subsystem provided with a glass panel (9) to allow for the passage of light, as well as the tag holder (17) to identify the consuming unit and the tag holder (18) to identify the box (7). At the front part of the cover (7), the switching-off/connection/reconnection (14) is inlaid and protected by a sliding cover (19) closed with a safety screw that only authorized employees of the electric power supply company can open by using the tool required for opening same. The arrangement of the module (14) and the amount of modules as well as of prismatic sections (8) and tag holders (17 and 18) depend on the number of metering units (4) foreseen for each configuration of the housing box (2) such as described for Figures 3.1 through 3.8. There are two through-holes on the upper part of the cover (7), one hole (11) for fitting the conduit to pass the wiring for the low electric power line and the other hole (12) for fitting the conduit to pass the wiring for the high electric power line. Figures 5.1 through 5.8 show the outer (front view) and inner (side cut) constructive details of some constructive variants, pointing out the prismatic sections (8) for the optical remote reading subsystem provided with a glass panel (9) to allow for the passage of light, as well as the tag holder (17) to identify the consuming unit and the tag holder (18) to identify the box (7). At the front part of the cover (7), the switching-off/connection/reconnection module (14) is inlaid and protected by a sliding cover (19) closed with a safety screw that only authorized employees of the electric power supply company can open by using the tool required for opening same. The arrangement of the module (14) and the amount of modules as well as of prismatic sections (8) and tag holders (17 and 18) depend on the number of metering units (4) foreseen for each configuration of the housing box (2) such as described for Figures 3.1 through 3.8. In the side cut view of the prism-shaped housing box (2), one or more remote reading optical devices (8), according to the constructive variable, are provided on the front frustoconical rectangular prismatic face having a glass (16) on its upper face for allowing the passage of light, and convergence and diopter obtained according to the calculations given above on its lower face of the lens (9), said reading device (8) being provided with faces that make an angle of about 94° with each other, and a 45° angle between an imaginary axis "y" that crosses the center of the lens (9), to the direction of the pole. Two locking latches (20) also are provided to receive the safety seals thus sealing the cover (19) of the switching-off/connection/reconnection module (14). The supports (15) for fixing the box (1) to poles by using metal strips are seen on the bottom of the box (7). The supports are in their final position after the final assembly of the box (2) according to Figures 5.1 through 5.8. Also, it is possible to visualize the tag holders (13). Figures 5.9 and 5.10 are, respectively, the front and top views of the cover (7) of the front locking of the box (2), wherein the coaxial arrangement between the glass (16) and the lens (9) of the remote reading optical device (5) can be seen, as well as the housings (17) and (18) provided to act as tag holders to identify the consuming unit and tag holders to identify the box (2), respectively. Figures 6.1 through 6.8 and 7.1 through 7.8 show the outer constructive details of some constructive variants. In the front and perspective frontal view of the back cover (21) is shown the arrangement of the support (15) for fixing the box (2) to the pole, the locks (22) of the locking system (3) of the box (2), the through-hole (24) to pass the support (15) of the front cover and the grounding screws (23). The assembly of the through-hole (24) of the back cover (21) and the support (15) of the front cover (7) under the condition of the two covers (7) and when fitted (21), plus the locking attained by the locks (22) of the back cover (21) and the female slot (10) of the front cover (7) provide the housing box (2) with substantial tightness and tap resistance since, after it is closed, locked and attached to the pole at a 3 meter height, the box can only be opened by being broken out, thus preventing tappers and vandals from getting too close thereto, what facilitates the evidence of such breaking, when it takes place, by the technical team responsible for the checking of the electric power metering units (4), in which case said box should be changed promptly, thus speeding up and lowering the maintenance cost of said housings with relation to the state of the art. The side view of the back cover illustrates some details of the grounding screws (23) the locks of the box (2) and the support (15) to attach the box (2) to the pole. The side view of the box (2) illustrates the attachment support (15), the prismatic section (8) and the magnifying lens (9). The amount of prismatic sections (8) depends on the number of metering units (4) foreseen for each configuration of the housing box (7) such as described for Figures 3.2 through 3.8. Figures 7.9 and 7.10 show, respectively, an inner view of the side and an inner view of the bottom of the box (2), the locking accomplished in said housing box device (2) on all the faces thereof, pointing out the shoulders (27) of the slots (10) of the locking system (3), that provide the definitive locking of said box (2), thus providing said device (2) of the system according to the present invention with substantial tightness and tap resistance. Figures 8.1 through 8.8 show circular holes for fitting the conduit to pass the wiring for the electric power low line (11) and high electric power line

(12). Two square holes (30) for cooling the box (2) in order to prevent the lens (9) of the optical device (5) from becoming hazy are shown in the bottom view of the box (2). In the lower face (first drawing) of Figures 8.9 and 8.10 of said housing (2), an orifice (26) is provided for passing the electric power cable provided with an O ring having a 16 mm diameter and with a knock-out having a 33 mm diameter. The inter view (bottom drawing) of said lower portion of the housing (2) shows a grounding screw (23) made of stainless steel having " x 1 " gauge, and the air-tight and tap-resistant fitting system wherein the parts (22) and

(10) respectively provided on the front cover (7) and back cover (21) of the housing (2) itself are locked. Figures 9.1 through 9.14 show details of several constructive variants of the switching-off/connection/reconnection modules (14) wherein the switching-off/connection/reconnection switches are kept inside same and fixed when said modules (14) are attached to the front covers (7) of the housing box

(2). The large holes are designed to connect the bus-bars to the switching- off/connection/reconnection switches. The small hole is designed to the safety screw. Figures 10.1, 10.2, 11.1 and 11.2 show details of the supports (25) for fixing single-phase and multiphase electric power metering units. Figure 11.2 shows how the metering units (4) are disposed inside the housing box (2) in such a way that part of the metering unit display is aligned with the lens (9) to accomplish the optimum functioning of the optical system for increasing the resolution of images. The small metering unit illustrates a single-phase meter and the large one multiphase metering units. The locking system provided with a lock on the back cover is characterized by the presence of two female slots (10) on the side faces of the front cover (7), one on each side, located on the lower side part of the front cover (7) (Figures 3.1 through 3.8) and the support (15) for fixing the box facing the bottom of the front cover (7) in its lower position. When the front cover (7) overlaps the back cover (21), the locks (22) couple with the female slots (10), thus preventing the back cover from being opened. Such connection is accomplished under the pressure of the male lock (22), in the shape of a latch provided with a lip on the tip thereof, to be substantially and rigidly locked in the female portion (10) of the lock, said locking being caused by the pressure exerted by the locking latch (22) on the female portion (10) at the time the front cover (7) overlaps the back cover (21) thus urging the latch (22) to retract and placing its lip on the female portion (10) thus running around same in such a way that the latch (22) "wraps" the female portion (10); and, since said latch (22) is made of the same rigid material of the box (2), said fitting cannot be undone after the male (22) and female (7) portions are coupled to each other. Additionally, after the two covers are perfectly coupled, the support (15) penetrates the hole (24) of the back cover (21) in such a way that when the housing box (2) is attached to the pole by means of the supports (15) it is impossible to open the front cover (7) without detaching the whole housing box (2) from the pole. Since the switching- off system (5) allows for the switching-off/connection/reconnection without the need to open the box (2) to carry out any of the services to be provided by the electric power supply company, checking of consumption, electric power switching-off and connection, said locking system (3) in conjunction with the switching-off device (6) assure the substantial tightness and tap resistance of the housing box (2). Conversely, the locking system provided with a lock on the front cover is characterized by the presence of four or six "T" locks (10) on the side faces of the front cover (7), one or two on each side and one on the upper and lower faces, located on the side portion of the front cover (7) (Figures 3,9 and 3,10) and four female slots 22 located respectively on the inner sides on the back cover. When the front cover (7) overlaps the back cover (21), the locks (22) couple with the female slots (10), thus preventing the back cover from being opened. Since the switching-off system (5) allows for the switching- off/connection/reconnection without the need to open the box (2) to carry out any of the services to be provided by the electric power supply company, checking of consumption, electric power switching-off and connection, said locking system (3) in conjunction with the switching-off device (6) assure the substantial tightness and tap resistance of the housing box (2). Details of the "T" locking system are shown in Figures 12.1 through 12.5 of the locking system (3) disposed on all the inner faces of the box (2), provided with locking shoulders (27), in conditions such as to receive the latches or locks (22) coincidently disposed with the locking devices having female slots (10), on the inner faces of the front locking cover (7), and to be able to lock the box (2) against tapping that will make the integral system (1) tap- resistant to be lodged and provide for the remote metering of the electric power consumption in the distributing network. Therefore, in the locking sub-system proposed in the system according to the present invention that can be operated by the action of the "T" lock placed in the housing (2) of the electric power consumption metering unit (4), there is no possibility of opening said box (1) without destroying a part (cover or bottom) thereof. After the parts are fitted together, they become locked together. Such fitting is accomplished as a sliding male lock (22) in the shape of a latch provided with a rectangular hole (29) on its outermost free portion, to couple substantially and rigidly with the female portion (10) of the lock, said locking being assured by the actuation of a semi-spherical shoulder (27) provided in the lower portion located between the triangular teeth (28) of the female portion of the lock (10), said female portion of the lock (10) being disposed on the laterally coincident wall of the cover back (21), said fitting being accomplished by inserting the triangular teeth (28) provided in the female portion of the lock (10) into the rectangular hole (29) located in the male portion of the lock (22), that is, after the metering unit is installed inside the box (2) and it is closed, what could be done outside the place the box is installed, and then the metering unit cannot be accessed any longer for the purpose, for example, of tapping the consumption shown in the metering unit or making clandestine installations due to locking sub-system between the front cover (7) that contains the remote reading sub-system (5) provided with a lens (9) and glass (16) to allow for the passage of light and the lower portion of the box (2) that contains the metering unit what, as already evidenced, will prevent the box from being opened without being first seriously damaged, for said locking system (22-10) prevents the metering unit from being broken out and concealed later on, what will assure the tap resistance feature of the system according to the present invention. A possibility in the constructive embodiment of housings provided with locks on the front cover, is that only the metering unit is housed in the tap- resistant compartment, a second compartment being also possible, whenever necessary, for containing the switching-off bus-bars or circuit breaker, that could be accessed through a door provided with traditional closure means, what would eliminate the possibility of replacing the box, in view of other damages, not in the metering unit. The switching-off/connection/reconnection bus-bar device (6), illustrated in Figures 13.1 through 13.5, is characterized by the use of switching- off bus-bar switches according to the number of metering units and the respective phases. The number of switches is determined by the total number of phases that will feed the housing box (2); in the case of housings (2) having only 1 (one) metering unit (4) it will be equal to the number of phases and will be the number of phases plus 1 (one) in the case of housings (2) with more than 1 (one) metering unit. That is: (box having only 1 metering unit) Number of Switches = Number of Phases (box having more than 1 metering unit) Number of Switches = Number of Phases + 1 As it can be seen in Figures 13.1 through 13.5, one switching-off bus-bar switch is designed for each phase, in such a way that the metering unit can be insulated in the event the electric power supply is disconnected. Even if metering units (4) of distinct consumers are disposed in the same housing box

(2), only one of the metering units (4) can. be inactivated, the other ones in operation. Therefore, it is enough to switch-off cut only the bus-bars related to the feeding phases of the metering unit (4) to the switched-off. The access to such switches is attained through sliding covers (19) of the switching-off module

(14). Once said cover is opened, the authorized personnel, by using of a specific tool, can access the switching-off/connection switches of the module (14) and disconnect or connect the desired metering device (4), without the need to open the housing box (2), what cannot be done because of the locking system (3).

Therefore, no-one can access the metering units (4), not even the specialized personnel, since the system (1) cannot be broken out from the point of view of tapping the metering units (4). In the event of defective metering units (4), the housing box (2) should be replaced by a similar one working accordingly and then tested, and the standard of the box (2) removed for maintenance should then be kept. Thus, the system for metering the electric power consumption becomes safer and reliable, also reducing considerably the operational cost of such a process. As a consequence of the proposed tap-resistant T locking subsystem (3) and switching-off bus-bars system (6), the box can leave the metering unit assemblage laboratory without any risks of tapping during the storage, transportation and assemblage in the consumer's premises, thus reducing considerably the vulnerability and the need of a large reliable team to manage and follow-up all the stages of the metering unit installation process. Considering that the electric power metering unit is protected against tapping, and also considering that the useful life of an electric power metering unit is of about 20 years, it can be seen that frequent inspection or replacement for metering and checking for the occurrence of tapping are not required, the result of which is a considerable economy in relation to the costs involving either maintenance of said metering units and the structure required for preventing any tapping. In the event it is necessary to check the metering unit installed in a substantially air-tight tap-resistant box, the application of a preset load that should be indicated precisely the metering unit would be enough. In the event it is necessary to replace the metering unit, the procedure comprises the replacement of the whole metering unit-box assembly, that would be opened in the laboratory under suitable conditions that will allow at least binding the back portion of box 1 to be reused, so that only a portion of cover (7) is lost in this embodiment that makes it possible to install the assembly at the facade of houses, wherein said housing may be located at a height of approximately 3.00 meters, in view of the provision of the remote reading optical device, different from the conventional housings that are generally located at a height of approximately 1.60 meters so that the figures shown on the display (not provided with magnifying lenses) of the electric power metering units or the housing box of the metering unit itself can be read. The conventional housings placed at such a height as required by the power supply company require the use of conduits to protect the energized inlet branch, even when only one cable having several conductors is used, as well as a thermoplastic protection, what may favor the tapping thereof, since the power conductor is "hidden" in the conduit, in addition to the vulnerability of the box that can be accessed by everyone. That would not occur by using the housings of the system according to the present invention, that in view of the raised height will make it possible to visualize the overhead input branch so that it can be checked whether there have been any tapping. The tap-resistant integral system provided with an optical device for the remote reading of the consumption of electric power measured in the distributing network and a tap-resistant device for operating the system object of the present invention can be implemented because a rigorous assembling procedure is followed, so that said system can leave the factory ready to be installed on the electric power supplier's electric poles in order to assure the tap resistance, durability and substantial tightness features thereof. Such assembling procedure is as follows: 1. Begin the process for assembling the system (1) on the back part

(21); 2. Attach the switching-off/connection/reconnection modules (14), centered so that they match the cut holes on the back cover (21); 3. Attach the inner and outer flanges to the holes (11, 12 and 26) to receive the conduits; 4. Attach the metering units (4). In the event of two-phase and three-phase equipment, use the supports (25) for fixing same; 5. Raise the box by using a fiddle drill at a 3 (three) meter height in order to check the correct angle for reading the optical device (5); 6. Fill in the Assembly Scheme form generated by the Assembly Service Order, fulfill the requirements of said Service Order and pass same on to generate the Installation Service Order; 7. Lay the "line" wiring by using a copper cable, record the phases they will be connected at the network (Fa, Fb, Fc) as well as the "load", and then by using an aluminum cable record the phases the load of the housing box (2) will be connected at (Fa, Fb, Fc) and the one the metering units (4) belong to (M1. M2. M3...); 8. Clean the front cover of the box (7) with alcohol so that outer labels showing the numbers of the metering units (4) and the box (2), logo and Danger warning can be stuck to predefined sites; 9. Carry out a new quality control, checking if the phasing figures and those on the metering units (4) are correct; 10. Send the back part of the box to the load benches to test the load of the metering units (4) located in the plant, to check whether the elements are working properly and then seal the covers of the binding posts of the metering equipment (4); 11. Go on sticking the inner labels showing the numbers of the metering units (4) and the addresses thereof; 12. Receive the Installation Service Order and then check the numbers of the metering units (4) and the readings thereon, the number of the housing box (2) and the phases; 13. Join the two parts of the box, by passing the cables from the back part (21) to the front part (7), lock the box (2), and then check whether it was fully closed; 14. Apply the inspection seal (20) and send the box to be installed; 15. Deliver the assembled housing boxes (2) to the installation teams, so that they can be shipped and sent away, but take care not to damage the housings so that their installation is not compromised.

Claims

Claims 1. A tap-resistant integral system provided with an optical device so that the measured consumption of electric power in the distributing network can be read remotely, and a tap-resistant device for operating the system, characterized in that said system is comprised of a prism shaped housing box (2) having two parts made of a rigid material and arranged in such a way that it is make possible to accommodate 1 (one) or more electric power consumption metering units (4) that can be single-phase or multiphase and operate independently by connecting bus-bars to the switching-off bus-bars device (6), both parts of said box, that is, the front cover (7) and back cover (21), being interconnected to prevent the non-authorized opening, access and connection and/or removal of the electric power consumption metering units (4) lodged therein; said housing box (2) being installed on electric power distributing network poles at heights conveniently inaccessible and protected against physical damages; said housing box being provided with: a) a locking system (3) comprised of male lock (22) and female lock (10) disposed either on the back cover (21) or the front cover (7), which locks are provided according to the place said housing boxes are installed and the arrangement of the metering units to be lodged; b) a system of electric power consumption metering units (4) that are placed individually or collectively inside the housing box (2), respectively for one or several consuming units, all arranged inside said housings in such a way that the average consumption metered at the consuming unit of said metering unit can be read; c) an optical system (5) placed on the front cover (7) of the housing box (2), projecting outward in relation to the vertical plan of said housing box (2), said device being having a frustoconical rectangular prismatic shape (8), provided on its upper face with a glass (16) to allow for the passage of light and on its lower face with a magnifying lens (9) having a 20° convergence so that the observer can carry out remote readings; d) a switching-off bus-bar system (6) comprised of a switching-off bus-bar device disposed inside the housing box (2) in such a way that a sliding cover (19) prevents same from being accessed, which cover is provided with a safety screw that can only be opened by using a specific tool, said device being provided with switching-off bus-bar switches that are quantified in accordance with the total number of phases that will feed the housing box (2).

2. The housing box (2) according to claim 1, characterized by having a prismatic shape of two parts, the front cover (7) and back cover (21) that are made of a rigid material having variable dimensions that can be adjusted so that said housing box can contain 1 (one) or more electric power consumption metering units (4) that can be either single-phase or multiphase and operate independently by connecting the bus-bars to the switching-off bus-bar device (6), said housing box (2) incorporating the following subsystems: a locking subsystem (3) to assure the tap resistance of the system, an optical subsystem (5) to assure the remote reading of the amount metered and shown on the metering unit of each consuming unit, a switching-off bus-bar subsystem (6) that only allows the electric power supply company to connect/reconnect the supply to the consuming unit, without breaking the integrity of the system, so that they can be placed at sites outside the consuming unit on top of the electric power supplier's distributing network poles, thus allowing said box to be subjected to adverse weather and climate conditions and the inclemency of the weather besides being prevented from being accessed by non-authorized access by third parties.

3. The locking sub-system (3) according to claim 1, characterized by being disposed in the housing box (2) by using locks (22) on the back cover (21) and female slots (10) on the front cover (7), being also provided with a set of holes (24) on the back cover (21) for the support (15) of the front cover (7).

4. The locking sub-system (3), according to claim 1 or 3, characterized by being alternatively provided with "T" locks (10) on the side, upper and lower faces of the front cover (7), located on the side of the front cover (7), and four or six female slots (22) respectively located on the inner sides of the back cover (21).

5. A sub-system of electric power consumption metering units (4) according to claim 1, characterized by being disposed in the suitable housing box provided in accordance with the total number of metering units to be lodged in said box, being able to accommodate one or more single-phase or multiphase metering units, said metering units being disposed in said housing box to match the respective optical device (5) provided on the front face of said housing box

(2).

6. The optical device sub-system (5) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by being disposed on the front cover (7) of the frustoconical rectangular prismatic housing box (2) that is provided on its upper face with a glass (16) to allow for the passage of light and on its lower face with a lens (9) having a 20° convergence arranged in such a way that the observer can carry out readings at a minimum distance of 33 cm and a maximum distance of 1.85 m from the pole and the housing box (2) at a height ranging from 2.55 m to 3.45 m in relation to the ground, said reading device (8) having a prismatic section the faces of which form an angle of approximately 94° with one another and a 45° angle between an imaginary axis "y" that crosses the center of the lens (9), to the direction of the pole.

7. The switching-off bus-bar sub-system (6) according to claim 1, characterized by being disposed inside the housing box (2) in such a way that the access thereto is restricted by a sliding cover (19) provided with a safety screw that only can be opened by a specific tool, and a seal of the cover of the switching-off/connection/reconnection module (20), and such device uses switching-off bus-bar switches that are calculated as a function of the total number of phases that will feed the housing box (2), in such a way that, in the event of housings (2) having only 1 (one) metering unit (4), said total number will be the same as the number of phases, while in the event of boxes (2) having more than 1 (one) metering unit said total number will be the same as the number of phases plus 1 (one), that is: (box having only 1 metering unit) Number of Switches = Number of Phases (box having more than 1 metering unit) Number of Switches = Number of Phases + 1.

8. The housing box device (2) according to claim 2, characterized by being comprised of a front cover (7) and a back cover (21), provided to allow locks (22) to be placed on the side, lower and upper faces of the inner part of said covers (7) and (21), through the male- female coupling that couples male lock type devices (22) and female slots (10), when the system is locked by the front cover (7).

9. The housing box device (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that, when the system is locked by the front cover, the coupling is accomplished as a sliding of the male lock (22), in the shape of a latch having a rectangular hole (29) on its outermost free portion, to allow for a substantially and rigidly fitting locked on the female portion (10) of the lock, said locking being assured by the actuation of a semi-spherical shoulder (27) disposed on the lowest part located between the triangular teeth (28) of the female portion of the lock (10), said female portion of the lock (10) being disposed on the wall that matches the back cover (21), thus accomplishing said fitting by inserting the triangular teeth (28) provided in the female portion of the lock (10) into the rectangular hole (29) located in the male portion of the lock (22), thus assuring the tap resistance of the housing box (2).

10. The housing box device (2) according to claim 2, characterized by being comprised of a front cover (7) and a back cover (21), provided so that the locks (22) of the box can be disposed on the side and back face of the inner part of said covers (7) e (21), through a male-female fitting by coupling male lock type devices (22) and female slots (10) when the system is locked by the back cover (21).

11. The housing box device (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that, when the system is locked by the back cover, the coupling is accomplished under the pressure of the male lock (22), in the shape of a latch provided with a lip on the tip thereof, to be substantially and rigidly locked in the female portion (10) of the lock, said locking being caused by the pressure exerted by the locking latch (22) on the female portion (10) at the time the front cover (7) overlaps the back cover (21) thus urging the latch (22) to retract and placing its lip on the female portion (10) thus running around same in such a way that the latch (22) "wraps" the female portion (10) and, since said latch (22) is made of the same rigid material of the box (2), said fitting cannot be undone after the male (22) and female (7) portions are coupled to each other, thus assuring the tap resistance of the housing box (2).

12. The housing box device (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that, when the locking of the system is accomplished by the back cover, in addition to the locks (10) e (22), when the front cover (7) is coupled to the back cover (21) the support (15) located on the lower part of the front cover (7) penetrates the hole (24) of the back cover (21) in such a way that when the housing box (2) is attached to the pole the support (15) - hole (24) assembly and the steel strip used for such fitting provide another locking element for the box (2), thus assuring the tap resistance of the housing box (2).

13. The housing box device (2) according to claim 2, characterized by being provided with a hole for fitting the conduit to pass the wiring for the low electric power line and the other hole (11) and a hole for fitting the conduit to pass the wiring for the high electric power line (12).

14. The housing box device (2) according to claim 2, characterized by being provided with a holder for labels to identify the box (13).

15. The housing box device (2) according to claim 2, characterized by being provided with a holder for labels to identify the consuming unit (17).

16. The housing box device (2) according to claim 2, characterized by being provided with holder for labels to identify the box (18).

17. The housing box device (2) according to claim 2, characterized by being provided with grounding screws (23).

18. The housing box device (2) according to claim 2, characterized by being provided with a support for fixing the electric power metering units (25), said supports being foreseen for single-phase or multiphase metering units (4).

19. The housing box device (2) according to claim 2, characterized by being provided a hole for fitting the conduit to pass the power cable in the lower part of the housing box (2) when said box is locked by the front cover (7).

20. The housing box device (2) according to claim 2, characterized by being provided with holes for cooling (30) located at the bottom of the housing box (2) to prevent the lenses (9) of the optical device (5) from getting hazy.