Intelligent anode connector

Abstract

The intelligent anode connector comprises a shell with an opening, a shell cover is installed on the opening of the shell in a sealed mode, a pipeline connecting terminal and an anode connecting terminal are arranged in the shell, and the pipeline connecting terminal and the anode connecting terminal are connected through a first connecting piece. A pipeline connecting terminal and an anode connecting terminal are arranged on the shell wall of the shell, the pipeline connecting terminal is connected with the pipeline connecting terminal through a first wire, the anode connecting terminal is connected with the anode connecting terminal through a second wire, and an electronic marker is further arranged in the shell. The invention aims to provide the intelligent anode connector which is connected between an anode and a pipeline, and can be used for positioning the anode buried underground and conveniently replacing the anode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cathodic protection, and in particular to an intelligent anode connector. Background Technology

[0002] Cathodic protection technology is a technique that uses electrochemical methods to inhibit the corrosion of metal structures. By providing a certain current to the protected metal structure, the metal structure is cathodically polarized, thereby inhibiting the metal dissolution reaction and reducing the corrosion rate of the metal structure.

[0003] Based on the different methods of applying current to the protected metal structure, cathodic protection technology can be divided into two categories: sacrificial anode cathodic protection and impressed current cathodic protection. The basic principles of these two cathodic protection technologies are as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown.

[0004] Figure 1 This is a sacrificial anode cathodic protection technique. This technique involves directly connecting the metal structure to be protected to a sacrificial anode material. Because the sacrificial anode material has a negative potential than the metal structure, a galvanic cell system is formed when the two materials are connected. The sacrificial anode material continuously dissolves, providing cathodic protection current to the protected metal structure and inhibiting the metal dissolution reaction, thereby controlling the corrosion of the metal structure. In the diagram, the pipe is the protected metal structure, and the pipe is directly welded to the sacrificial anode via a wire.

[0005] Figure 2 This is impressed current cathodic protection technology, also known as forced current cathodic protection technology. This technology uses the driving force of a power supply to force the cathodic protection current to flow from the auxiliary anode and into the protected metal structure, thereby inhibiting metal dissolution reactions and protecting the metal structure. In the diagram, the power supply is a DC power supply. The positive terminal of the DC power supply is directly welded to the auxiliary anode via a positive wire, and the negative terminal of the DC power supply is connected to the pipe via a negative wire.

[0006] Currently, sacrificial anodes or impressed current auxiliary anodes are connected by direct welding to the pipeline or direct connection to the negative terminal of a potentiostat. However, since sacrificial or auxiliary anodes are buried underground, their precise location on the surface is difficult to pinpoint. This is especially true for urban gas pipelines, where anodes are often located beneath paved surfaces, making it impossible to place visual markers on the surface, thus complicating anode location with this connection method. Furthermore, sacrificial anodes are consumable materials, and impressed current auxiliary anodes also deplete with environmental changes; once depleted, they may lead to the failure of the cathodic protection system. Therefore, not only is anode location necessary, but easy replacement is also crucial. However, traditional connection methods require re-welding wires to the pipeline, necessitating pipeline excavation, removal of the anti-corrosion layer, and welding of connecting wires—a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an intelligent anode connector, which connects the anode and the pipe, enabling the positioning of the anode buried underground and facilitating the replacement of the anode.

[0008] The present invention relates to an intelligent anode connector, comprising a housing with an opening, a housing cover being sealed and installed on the opening of the housing, a pipe connection terminal and an anode connection terminal being provided inside the housing, the pipe connection terminal and the anode connection terminal being connected by a first connecting piece, a pipe wiring terminal and an anode wiring terminal being provided on the housing wall, the pipe connection terminal being connected to the pipe wiring terminal by a first wire, and the anode connection terminal being connected to the anode wiring terminal by a second wire, and an electronic marker being provided inside the housing.

[0009] The present invention relates to an intelligent anode connector, wherein a magnetic switch is installed on the first connecting piece, and the magnetic switch is used to control the on / off connection between the pipe connection terminal and the anode connection terminal.

[0010] The present invention relates to an intelligent anode connector, wherein the first connecting piece includes two sub-connecting pieces, namely a first sub-connecting piece and a first second sub-connecting piece. One end of the first sub-connecting piece has a slot, and one end of the first sub-connecting piece is snapped onto the pipe connection terminal through the slot and fixed by fasteners. The other end of the first sub-connecting piece is connected to one end of a magnetic switch, one end of the first second sub-connecting piece is connected to the other end of the magnetic switch, and the other end of the first second sub-connecting piece is connected to the anode connection terminal.

[0011] The present invention relates to an intelligent anode connector, wherein there are two pipe connection terminals and two pipe wiring terminals, and the two pipe connection terminals and the two pipe wiring terminals are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The two pipe connection terminals are respectively connected to their respective pipe wiring terminals through a first wire. The two pipe connection terminals are connected to each other through a second connecting piece. One end of the first connecting piece is snapped onto one of the two pipe connection terminals through a slot and fixed by a fastener.

[0012] This invention relates to an intelligent anode connector, wherein the other end of the first two-part connecting piece is connected to an anode connection terminal via a third connecting piece. The third connecting piece includes a third one-part connecting piece, a third two-part connecting piece, and a third three-part connecting piece. The third one-part connecting piece and the third two-part connecting piece are both strip-shaped and arranged opposite to each other. A third three-part connecting piece connects the third one-part connecting piece and the third two-part connecting piece. The third one-part connecting piece, the third two-part connecting piece, and the third three-part connecting piece together form a U-shaped structure. The other end of the first two-part connecting piece is connected to the third three-part connecting piece. The anode connection terminal is provided in two groups, each group of anode connection terminals including at least one... The anode connection terminals are divided into two groups: a first group of anode connection terminals and a second group of anode connection terminals. The first group of anode connection terminals is connected to a third single-connector piece, and the second group of anode connection terminals is connected to a third double-connector piece. The anode terminals are configured in two groups, each group including at least one anode terminal. The first group of anode terminals has the same number as the first group of anode connection terminals and is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The second group of anode terminals has the same number as the second group of anode connection terminals and is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The anode connection terminals are connected to their corresponding anode terminals via a second wire.

[0013] The present invention provides an intelligent anode connector in which, when the first group of anode connection terminals includes two or more anode connection terminals, the first group of anode connection terminals are arranged sequentially at intervals along the length direction of the third sub-connecting piece.

[0014] The present invention provides an intelligent anode connector in which, when the second group of anode connection terminals includes two or more anode connection terminals, the second group of anode connection terminals are arranged sequentially at intervals along the length direction of the third bipartite connecting piece.

[0015] The present invention relates to an intelligent anode connector, wherein the housing includes a base plate, on which two opposing first side plates and two opposing second side plates are fixedly disposed. The first and second side plates are both arranged perpendicular to the base plate. A second side plate is fixedly connected between one end of the two first side plates and another second side plate is fixedly connected between the other ends of the two first side plates. The ends of the two first side plates away from the base plate and the ends of the two second side plates away from the base plate together form an opening in the housing. The housing cover is a plate-shaped structure adapted to the opening.

[0016] The present invention relates to an intelligent anode connector, wherein the pipe connection terminal, the anode connection terminal, and the electronic marker are all disposed on the bottom plate inside the housing.

[0017] The present invention relates to an intelligent anode connector, wherein two of the aforementioned pipe terminals are disposed on a second side plate of the housing, and two sets of anode terminals are disposed on two first side plates respectively.

[0018] The intelligent anode connector of this invention differs from existing technologies in that, when applied in the field of sacrificial anode cathodic protection technology, the intelligent anode connector of this invention connects one end of the pipe wire to the pipe terminal, and then the other end of the pipe wire is directly soldered to the pipe. Next, the anode terminal is connected to the sacrificial anode through the anode wire (one end of the anode wire is connected to the anode terminal, and the other end of the anode wire is connected to the sacrificial anode). In this way, the sacrificial anode is connected to the pipe in sequence through the anode wire, the connector (internal connection path of the connector: anode terminal → second wire → anode connection terminal → first connecting piece → pipe connection terminal → first wire → pipe terminal) and the pipe wire. When applied to the field of impressed current cathodic protection technology, this invention connects the pipe terminal to the positive terminal of a DC power supply via a pipe wire, and the negative terminal of the DC power supply to the pipe via a negative wire. The anode terminal is then connected to an auxiliary anode via an anode wire (one end of the anode wire connects to the anode terminal, and the other end connects to the auxiliary anode). The auxiliary anode is then connected to the pipe sequentially via an anode wire, a connector (internal connection path: anode terminal → second wire → anode connection terminal → first connecting piece → pipe connection terminal → first wire → pipe terminal), the pipe wire, the DC power supply, and the negative wire. Regardless of whether this invention is applied to sacrificial anode protection or impressed current cathodic protection technology, it is buried within 1.5 meters below the ground surface. Therefore, when determining the location of this invention, since the casing contains an electronic marker, its location can be accurately pinpointed using a non-contact detector with a positioning error of less than 10 cm. Because the anode is connected to the anode terminal of this invention via an anode wire, determining the location of this invention also determines the location of the anode. Furthermore, since the anode is not directly connected to the pipe but rather through a connector, replacing the anode simply requires disconnecting the anode wire from the anode terminal of the connector, removing the old anode, and then connecting the new anode to the anode terminal of the connector via its own anode wire. Therefore, this invention connects the anode to the pipe, enabling the location of buried anodes and facilitating anode replacement.

[0019] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the existing sacrificial anode cathodic protection technology.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of existing impressed current cathodic protection technology.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the application of the intelligent anode connector of the present invention in sacrificial anode cathodic protection technology;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the application of the intelligent anode connector of the present invention in impressed current cathodic protection technology;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the intelligent anode connector of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a top view of the first embodiment of the intelligent anode connector of the present invention after the cover has been hidden.

[0026] Figure 7 This is another top view of the intelligent anode connector embodiment 1 of the present invention after the cover is hidden;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a bottom view of the housing cover in Embodiment 1 of the intelligent anode connector of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a top view of the second embodiment of the intelligent anode connector of the present invention after the cover has been hidden.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a bottom view of the housing cover in Embodiment 2 of the intelligent anode connector of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a top view of the intelligent anode connector of the present invention after the cover has been concealed.

[0031] Figure 12 This is a bottom view of the housing cover in Embodiment 3 of the intelligent anode connector of the present invention.

[0032] In the picture:

[0033] 01. Anode conductor; 02. Pipe conductor; 03. Negative conductor; 04. Housing; 05. Housing cover; 06. Anode terminal; 07. Pipe terminal; 08. First conductor; 09. Pipe connection terminal; 10. Second connecting piece; 11. Insulating post; 12. First connecting piece; 13. Electronic marker; 14. Second side plate; 15. First side plate; 16. Third three-part connecting piece; 17. Ordinary connection terminal; 18. Third one-part connecting piece; 19. Second conductor; 20. Anode connection terminal; 21. Third connecting piece; 22. Base plate; 23. Third two-part connecting piece; 24. First one-part connecting piece; 25. First two-part connecting piece; 26. Magnetic switch; 27. Mounting base; 28. Mounting cap; 29. ​​Threaded post; 30. Top annular groove; 31. Rib. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Example 1

[0035] like Figure 5-8 As shown, and in combination Figure 3 , 4As shown, the intelligent anode connector of the present invention includes a housing 04 with an opening. A housing cover 05 is sealed and installed on the opening of the housing 04. The housing cover 05 is fixedly installed on the opening of the housing 04 by bolts or other fasteners, thereby forming a sealed space inside the housing 04. The housing 04 is provided with a pipe connection terminal 09 and an anode connection terminal 20. The pipe connection terminal 09 and the anode connection terminal 20 are connected by a first connecting piece 12. The housing wall of the housing 04 is provided with a pipe wiring terminal 07 and an anode wiring terminal 06. The pipe connection terminal 09 is connected to the pipe wiring terminal 07 by a first wire 08. The anode connection terminal 20 is connected to the anode wiring terminal 06 by a second wire 19. The housing 04 is also provided with an electronic marker 13.

[0036] When in use, this invention is buried underground, with the cover 05 sealed and fixedly installed on the opening of the housing 04, preventing soil, stones, water, and other debris from entering the sealed space inside the housing 04. To further enhance the sealing performance, i.e., the waterproof performance, between the cover 05 and the housing 04, a sealing ring is provided between the cover 05 and the housing 04.

[0037] like Figure 6 As shown, the first connecting piece 12 is a metal piece that is easy to conduct electricity, and it can conduct electricity between the pipe connection terminal 09 and the anode connection terminal 20.

[0038] The shell wall of the housing 04 is provided with a pipe connection terminal hole. The pipe connection terminal 07 is sealed and fixedly installed on the pipe connection terminal hole. One end of the pipe connection terminal 07 is connected to the first wire 08, and the other end of the pipe connection terminal 07 is used to connect to the pipe wire 02 described below.

[0039] The housing 04 has an anode terminal hole on its shell wall. The anode terminal 06 is sealed and fixedly installed on the anode terminal hole. One end of the anode terminal 06 is connected to the second wire 19, and the other end of the anode terminal 06 is used to connect to the anode wire 01 described below.

[0040] The electronic tag 13 is an existing technology. It adopts low-frequency RFID radio frequency identification technology and is a passive product. When it works, it relies on an external electromagnetic field to provide energy. It is buried near underground facilities as an identification mark for underground facilities, helping to accurately locate, find, identify and manage underground facilities, helping to establish information data of underground facilities, laying a solid foundation for information management of underground equipment, and realizing scientific management of underground facilities with the help of underground electronic tagging and management system.

[0041] like Figure 7As shown, the present invention relates to an intelligent anode connector, wherein a magnetic switch 26 is installed on the first connecting piece 12. The magnetic switch 26 is used to control the on / off connection between the pipe connection terminal 09 and the anode connection terminal 20. Since the present invention is buried underground during use, and the pipe terminal 07 is connected to the pipe via the pipe wire 02, and the anode terminal 06 is connected to the anode via the anode wire 01, without the magnetic switch 26 installed, it would be impossible to control the on / off connection between the pipe connection terminal 09 and the anode connection terminal 20 in a non-excavation state (i.e., it would be impossible to control the on / off connection between the pipe and the anode). Therefore, the magnetic switch 26 is installed on the first connecting piece 12. In a non-excavation state, the magnetic switch 26 can be controlled to close and open from the ground, thereby controlling the on / off connection between the pipe connection terminal 09 and the anode connection terminal 20 (i.e., controlling the on / off connection between the pipe and the anode). This allows for testing of the on / off electrical potential of the pipe to evaluate the cathodic protection effect. The magnetic switch 26 is prior art, and its specific structure and working principle will not be described in detail here. In this embodiment, the magnetic switch 26 is a normally closed magnetic switch, that is, when the present invention is buried underground, the magnetic switch 26 is in a normally closed state to realize the conduction of the pipe connection terminal 09 and the anode connection terminal 20.

[0042] like Figure 7 As shown, the magnetic switch 26 is specifically installed on the first connecting piece 12 as follows: The first connecting piece 12 includes two sub-connecting pieces, namely a first sub-connecting piece 24 and a first sub-connecting piece 25. One end of the first sub-connecting piece 24 has a slot, and one end of the first sub-connecting piece 24 is snapped onto the pipe connection terminal 09 through the slot and fixed by fasteners (such as nuts). The other end of the first sub-connecting piece 24 is connected to one end of the magnetic switch 26, and one end of the first sub-connecting piece 25 is connected to the other end of the magnetic switch 26. The other end of the first sub-connecting piece 25 is connected to the anode connection terminal 20.

[0043] like Figure 6 , 7 As shown, the intelligent anode connector of the present invention has two pipe connection terminals 09 and two pipe wiring terminals 07. The two pipe connection terminals 09 and the two pipe wiring terminals 07 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The two pipe connection terminals 09 are respectively connected to their respective pipe wiring terminals 07 through a first wire 08. The two pipe connection terminals 09 are connected to each other through a second connecting piece 10. One end of the first connecting piece 24 is snapped onto one of the two pipe connection terminals 09 through a slot and fixed by a fastener (such as a nut).

[0044] The second connecting piece 10 is a metal sheet that easily conducts electricity. The pipe connection terminal 09 is a columnar structure made of a metal material that easily conducts electricity, and it is fixed on an insulating post 11, which is in turn fixed inside the housing 04. When the two pipe connection terminals 09 are connected through the second connecting piece 10, one end of each of the two first wires 08 is first wrapped around the two pipe connection terminals 09, and the other end of each of the two first wires 08 is connected to the two pipe terminals 07. Then, both ends of the second connecting piece 10 are respectively fitted onto the two pipe connection terminals 09. Next, the slot at one end of the first connecting piece 24 is snapped onto one of the pipe connection terminals 09. Finally, the two pipe connection terminals 09 are respectively connected by threaded nuts and the nuts are tightened.

[0045] Since the magnetic switch 26 is a normally closed magnetic switch, when the present invention is used, the magnetic switch 26 is in a closed state to realize the conduction of the first single connecting piece 24 and the first double connecting piece 25, that is, to realize the conduction of the pipe connection terminal 09 and the anode connection terminal 20.

[0046] The purpose of providing a slot at one end of the first connecting piece 24 and engaging it with one of the pipe connection terminals 09 is to allow, during excavation, the nut on the pipe connection terminal 09 to be unscrewed, and then one end of the first connecting piece 24 to be rotated to separate it from the pipe connection terminal 09. Conversely, one end of the first connecting piece 24 can be rotated in the opposite direction to re-engage it with the pipe connection terminal 09. This allows for the switching of the pipe connection terminal 09 with the anode connection terminal 20, i.e., the switching of the pipe with the anode. This enables the testing of the pipe's on / off electrical potential to evaluate the cathodic protection effect. Of course, the cover 05 needs to be opened to perform the above operation, and the magnetic switch 26 remains closed throughout the operation.

[0047] The purpose of setting up two pipe terminals 07 and two pipe connection terminals 09 (the two pipe terminals 07 are respectively connected to the pipe through pipe wires 02) is for backup. In this way, two paths are formed between the pipe connection terminal 09, the first wire 08, the pipe terminal 07, the pipe wires 02 and the pipe. If one path is broken, it will not affect the normal use of the present invention.

[0048] Since both pipe connection terminals 09 are connected to the second connecting piece 10, the two passages form a parallel structure. If a fault occurs in the passage where the pipe connection terminal 09 not connected to the first connecting piece 24 is located, the first connecting piece 24 connects to the pipe through the passage where the pipe connection terminal 09 connected to it is located. Conversely, if a fault occurs in the passage where the pipe connection terminal 09 connected to the first connecting piece 24 is located, the first connecting piece 24 connects to the other passage (i.e., the passage where the pipe connection terminal 09 not connected to the first connecting piece 24 is located) through the second connecting piece 10, thereby achieving a connection to the pipe. Of course, if neither passage fails, the first connecting piece 24 can connect to the pipe both through the passage where the pipe connection terminal 09 connected to it is located and, under the action of the second connecting piece 10, through the other passage (i.e., the passage where the pipe connection terminal 09 not connected to the first connecting piece 24 is located).

[0049] like Figure 6 , 7 As shown, in the intelligent anode connector of the present invention, the other end of the first two-part connecting piece 25 is connected to the anode connection terminal 20 via a third connecting piece 21. The third connecting piece 21 is a metal sheet that is easily conductive. The third connecting piece 21 includes a third one-part connecting piece 18, a third two-part connecting piece 23, and a third three-part connecting piece 16. The third one-part connecting piece 18 and the third two-part connecting piece 23 are both strip-shaped and arranged opposite to each other. A third three-part connecting piece 16 connects the third one-part connecting piece 18 and the third two-part connecting piece 23. The third one-part connecting piece 18, the third two-part connecting piece 23, and the third three-part connecting piece 16 together form a U-shaped structure. The other end of the first two-part connecting piece 25 is connected to the third three-part connecting piece 16. The anode connection terminal 20 is provided in two groups, each group of anode connection terminals... Each of the sub-subs includes at least one anode connection terminal 20. The two sets of anode connection terminals 20 are the first set of anode connection terminals 20 and the second set of anode connection terminals 20, respectively. The first set of anode connection terminals 20 is connected to the third single-connection piece 18, and the second set of anode connection terminals 20 is connected to the third double-connection piece 23. The anode terminals 06 are set in two groups, each group of anode terminals 06 including at least one anode terminal 06. The two sets of anode terminals 06 are the first set of anode terminals 06 and the second set of anode terminals 06, respectively. The number of anode terminals 06 in the first group is the same as the number of anode connection terminals 20 in the first group, and they are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The anode connection terminals 20 and their corresponding anode terminals 06 are connected by a second wire 19.

[0050] In this invention, an intelligent anode connector is provided, wherein when the first group of anode connection terminals 20 includes two or more anode connection terminals 20, the first group of anode connection terminals 20 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the length direction of the third single-part connecting piece 18. When the second group of anode connection terminals 20 includes two or more anode connection terminals 20, the second group of anode connection terminals 20 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the length direction of the third double-part connecting piece 23.

[0051] The other end of the first two-part connecting piece 25 is connected to the third three-part connecting piece 16 via a common connecting terminal 17. The structure of the common connecting terminal 17 and the anode connecting terminal 20, as well as their installation method within the housing 04, are the same as those of the pipe connecting terminal 09, and will not be described again here. To achieve the connection of the other end of the first two-part connecting piece 25 to the third three-part connecting piece 16 via the common connecting terminal 17, and the connection of the third three-part connecting piece 16 to the anode connecting terminal 20, one end of the second wire 19 is first wrapped around the anode connecting terminal 20, and the other end of the second wire 19 is connected to the corresponding anode terminal 06. After all the second wires 19 are connected, the third one-part connecting piece 18 is fitted onto the first group of anode connecting terminals 20, the third two-part connecting piece 23 is fitted onto the second group of anode connecting terminals 20, and the third three-part connecting piece 16 is fitted onto the common connecting terminal 17. Then, the other end of the first two-part connecting piece 25 is fitted onto the common connecting terminal 17, and finally, nuts are threaded onto the common connecting terminal 17 and the anode connecting terminal 20 respectively, and the nuts are tightened. This achieves the connection of the other end of the first two-part connecting piece 25 to the anode connecting terminal 20 via the third connecting piece 21.

[0052] like Figure 6 , 7 As shown, since the other end of the first two-part connecting piece 25 is connected to the third three-part connecting piece 16, and the two sets of anode connecting terminals 20 are respectively connected to the third one-part connecting piece 18 and the third two-part connecting piece 23, the two sets of anode connecting terminals 20 are in parallel structure.

[0053] like Figure 5-8 As shown, the intelligent anode connector of the present invention includes a housing 04 comprising a base plate 22. Two opposing first side plates 15 and two opposing second side plates 14 are fixedly disposed on the base plate 22. The first side plates 15 and the second side plates 14 are both arranged perpendicular to the base plate 22. A second side plate 14 is fixedly connected between one end of the two first side plates 15 and another second side plate 14 is fixedly connected between the other ends of the two first side plates 15. The ends of the two first side plates 15 away from the base plate 22 and the ends of the two second side plates 14 away from the base plate 22 together form an opening of the housing 04. The cover 05 is a plate-shaped structure adapted to the opening.

[0054] The present invention relates to an intelligent anode connector, wherein the pipe connection terminal 09, the anode connection terminal 20, and the electronic marker 13 are all disposed on the base plate 22 inside the housing 04. The pipe connection terminal 09 and the anode connection terminal 20 are respectively fixed to the base plate 22 inside the housing 04 by insulating posts 11, and the electronic marker 13 is fixedly disposed on the base plate 22 inside the housing 04. Two pipe terminals 07 are each disposed on a second side plate 14 of the housing 04, and two sets of anode terminals 06 are respectively disposed on two first side plates 15.

[0055] The electronic tag 13 is a cylindrical electronic tag, which is fixed vertically inside the housing 04. Specifically, a bottom annular groove (not shown in the figure) matching the electronic tag 13 is provided on the bottom plate inside the housing 04. The bottom end of the electronic tag 13 is fixedly placed in the bottom annular groove. To further enhance the stability of the electronic tag 13, a top annular groove 30 matching the electronic tag 13 is provided on the inner surface of the cover 05. After the cover 05 is placed over the opening of the housing 04, the top end of the electronic tag 13 is inserted into the top annular groove 30. Under the limitation of the top annular groove 30, the electronic tag 13 can be stably installed inside the housing 04.

[0056] The housing 04 and the cover 05 are made of insulating material, that is, the bottom plate 22, the first side plate 15 and the second side plate 14 that make up the housing 04 are also made of insulating material. In order to enhance the strength of the cover 05, ribs 31 arranged in a crisscross pattern are provided on the inner surface of the cover 05.

[0057] The pipe terminal 07 and the anode terminal 06 have the same structure. They both include a mounting base 27 made of insulating material. The mounting base 27 is cylindrical. A threaded post 29 made of a conductive metal material is sealed and fixedly inserted into the cavity of the mounting base 27. That is, one end of the threaded post 29 is sealed and fixedly inserted into the cavity of the mounting base 27, and the other end of the threaded post 29 is located outside the mounting base 27. An installation cap 28 made of insulating material is threadedly connected to the other end of the threaded post 29.

[0058] When the pipe terminal 07 is installed on the second side plate 14, the mounting base 27 is sealed and fixed on the pipe terminal hole on the second side plate 14. The two ends of the mounting base 27 are located inside and outside the housing 04, respectively, while the other end of the threaded post 29 and the mounting cap 28 on it are located outside the housing 04. The first conductor 08 is fixedly connected to the threaded post 29 located in the inner cavity of the mounting base 27 inside the housing 04. The pipe conductor 02 is wound around the other end of the threaded post 29. Then, the mounting cap 28 is threaded onto the other end of the threaded post 29 and tightened. This achieves the connection between the pipe terminal 07 and the first conductor 08 and the pipe conductor 02. In other words, the first conductor 08 is connected to the pipe conductor 02 through the threaded post 29 of the pipe terminal 07.

[0059] As for the pipe terminal 07, since the mounting base 27 is sealed and fixed on the pipe terminal hole on the second side plate 14, and one end of the threaded post 29 is sealed and fixedly inserted into the cavity of the mounting base 27, after the pipe terminal 07 is installed on the second side plate 14 of the housing 04, the pipe terminal 07 can form a good seal with the housing 04, and the waterproof performance is good.

[0060] When the anode terminal 06 is installed on the first side plate 15, the mounting base 27 is sealed and fixed on the anode terminal hole on the first side plate 15. The two ends of the mounting base 27 are located inside and outside the housing 04, respectively, while the other end of the threaded post 29 and the mounting cap 28 on it are located outside the housing 04. The second wire 19 is fixedly connected to the threaded post 29 located inside the cavity of the housing 04. The anode wire 01 is wound around the other end of the threaded post 29. Then, the mounting cap 28 is threaded onto the other end of the threaded post 29 and tightened. This achieves the connection between the anode terminal 06 and the second wire 19 and the anode wire 01. In other words, the second wire 19 is connected to the anode wire 01 through the threaded post 29 of the anode terminal 06.

[0061] For the anode terminal 06, since the mounting base 27 is sealed and fixed on the anode terminal hole on the first side plate 15, and one end of the threaded post 29 is sealed and fixedly inserted into the cavity of the mounting base 27, after the anode terminal 06 is installed on the first side plate 15 of the housing 04, the anode terminal 06 can form a good seal with the housing 04, and the waterproof performance is good.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first group of anode connection terminals 20 and the first group of anode wiring terminals 06 are both set to 5, and the second group of anode connection terminals 20 and the second group of anode wiring terminals 06 are also both set to 5.

[0063] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown, and in combination Figure 5-8As shown, the intelligent anode connector of the present invention differs from the prior art in that, when applied in the field of sacrificial anode cathodic protection technology, the intelligent anode connector of the present invention connects one end of the pipe wire 02 to the pipe terminal 07, and then the other end of the pipe wire 02 is directly soldered to the pipe. Next, the anode terminal 06 is connected to the sacrificial anode through the anode wire 01. In this way, the sacrificial anode is connected to the pipe in sequence through the anode wire 01, the connector (internal connection path of the connector: anode terminal 06 → second wire 19 → anode connection terminal 20 → third connecting piece 21 → first connecting piece 12 → pipe connection terminal 09 → first wire 08 → pipe terminal 07) and the pipe wire 02. When applied to the field of impressed current cathodic protection technology, this invention connects the pipe terminal 07 to the positive terminal of the DC power supply via the pipe conductor 02, and the negative terminal of the DC power supply to the pipe via the negative conductor 03. The anode terminal 06 is then connected to the auxiliary anode via the anode conductor 01. The auxiliary anode is connected to the pipe sequentially via the anode conductor 01, the connector (internal connection path of the connector: anode terminal 06 → second conductor 19 → anode connection terminal 20 → third connecting piece 21 → first connecting piece 12 → pipe connection terminal 09 → first conductor 08 → pipe terminal 07), the pipe conductor 02, the DC power supply, and the negative conductor 03. Regardless of whether this invention is applied to the field of sacrificial anode protection technology or impressed current cathodic protection technology, it is buried within 1.5 meters below the ground surface. Therefore, when determining the location of this invention, since the housing 04 of this invention contains an electronic marker 13, the location of this invention can be accurately located using a non-contact detector with a positioning error of less than 10 cm. Since the anode is connected to the anode terminal 06 of this invention via the anode wire 01, the location of the anode is determined once the location of this invention is determined. Furthermore, since the anode is not directly connected to the pipe but is connected via a connector, when replacing the anode, simply disconnect the anode wire 01 of the old anode from the anode terminal 06 of the connector, remove the old anode, and then connect the new anode to the anode terminal 06 of the connector via its own anode wire 01. Therefore, this invention, connecting the anode and the pipe, can locate anodes buried underground and facilitate anode replacement.

[0064] This invention has the following functions:

[0065] 1) The connector has a non-contact positioning function. When the connector is located within 1.5m below the ground surface, its position can be accurately located using a non-contact detector, with a positioning error of less than 10cm.

[0066] 2) Electronic information identification function. A non-contact detector can be used to read relevant information about the connector, which is recorded on the electronic identifier 13. This information includes, but is not limited to: anode type, anode installation time, anode quantity, pipe name, pipe anti-corrosion layer, etc.

[0067] 3) Multiple anode branch connection. Each anode can be connected to the connector via a separate anode terminal 06 and then connected to the pipeline. If an anode fails and needs to be replaced, there is no need to dig up the pipeline or re-weld the pipeline wires 02. This allows for convenient anode replacement and individual anode performance testing.

[0068] 4) The slot design of the magnetic switch 26 and the first connecting piece 24. The magnetic switch 26 can be controlled to test the pipeline's on / off potential in the non-excavation state; or after excavation, the anode can be disconnected and closed from the pipeline through the first connecting piece 24 to test the pipeline's on / off potential.

[0069] 5) Passive latitude and longitude coordinate feedback. The connector can provide latitude and longitude coordinates, which are recorded on the electronic marker 13. This information can be used for surveying and confirmation in conjunction with the detector.

[0070] Example 2

[0071] like Figure 9 , 10 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the number of anode connection terminals 20 and anode wiring terminals 06 are different. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first group of anode connection terminals 20 and the first group of anode wiring terminals 06 are both set to 4, and the second group of anode connection terminals 20 and the second group of anode wiring terminals 06 are also both set to 4.

[0072] Example 3

[0073] like Figure 11 , 12 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the number of anode connection terminals 20 and anode wiring terminals 06 are different. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first group of anode connection terminals 20 and the first group of anode wiring terminals 06 are both set to 2, and the second group of anode connection terminals 20 and the second group of anode wiring terminals 06 are also both set to 2.

[0074] It should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "middle", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0075] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0076] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart anode connector, characterized in that: The device includes a housing with an opening, a housing cover sealed on the opening, a pipe connection terminal and an anode connection terminal inside the housing, the pipe connection terminal and the anode connection terminal being connected by a first connecting piece, a pipe wiring terminal and an anode wiring terminal on the housing wall, the pipe connection terminal being connected to the pipe wiring terminal via a first wire, and the anode connection terminal being connected to the anode wiring terminal via a second wire, and an electronic marker is also provided inside the housing.

2. The intelligent anode connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: A magnetic switch is installed on the first connecting piece, and the magnetic switch is used to control the on / off connection between the pipe connection terminal and the anode connection terminal.

3. The intelligent anode connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first connecting piece includes two sub-connecting pieces, namely a first sub-connecting piece and a first second sub-connecting piece. One end of the first sub-connecting piece has a slot, and one end of the first sub-connecting piece is snapped onto the pipe connection terminal through the slot and fixed by fasteners. The other end of the first sub-connecting piece is connected to one end of the magnetic switch, one end of the first second sub-connecting piece is connected to the other end of the magnetic switch, and the other end of the first second sub-connecting piece is connected to the anode connection terminal.

4. The intelligent anode connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pipe connection terminal and the pipe wiring terminal are provided in twos, and the two pipe connection terminals and the two pipe wiring terminals are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The two pipe connection terminals are respectively connected to their respective pipe wiring terminals through the first wire. The two pipe connection terminals are connected to each other through the second connecting piece. One end of the first connecting piece is snapped into one of the two pipe connection terminals through the slot and fixed by the fastener.

5. The intelligent anode connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The other end of the first two-part connecting piece is connected to the anode connection terminal via a third connecting piece. The third connecting piece includes a third first-part connecting piece, a third second-part connecting piece, and a third third-part connecting piece. The third first-part connecting piece and the third second-part connecting piece are both strip-shaped and arranged opposite to each other. A third third-part connecting piece connects the third first-part connecting piece and the third second-part connecting piece. The third first-part connecting piece, the third second-part connecting piece, and the third third-part connecting piece together form a U-shaped structure. The other end of the first two-part connecting piece is connected to the third third-part connecting piece. The anode connection terminal is provided in two groups, and each group of anode connection terminals includes at least one anode connection terminal. The two sets of anode connection terminals are designated as the first set of anode connection terminals and the second set of anode connection terminals. The first set of anode connection terminals is connected to the third single connecting piece, and the second set of anode connection terminals is connected to the third double connecting piece. The anode terminals are configured as two sets, each set of anode connection terminals including at least one anode terminal. The two sets of anode connection terminals are designated as the first set of anode connection terminals and the second set of anode connection terminals. The number of anode connection terminals in the first set of anode connection terminals is the same as the number of anode connection terminals in the second set of anode connection terminals, and the number of anode connection terminals in the second set of anode connection terminals is the same as the number of anode connection terminals in the second set of anode connection terminals, and the anode connection terminals are connected to the corresponding anode terminals through a second wire.

6. The intelligent anode connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the first group of anode connection terminals includes two or more anode connection terminals, the first group of anode connection terminals are arranged sequentially at intervals along the length direction of the third sub-connecting piece.

7. The intelligent anode connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the second group of anode connection terminals includes two or more anode connection terminals, the second group of anode connection terminals are arranged sequentially at intervals along the length direction of the third bipartite connection piece.

8. The intelligent anode connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The housing includes a base plate, on which two opposing first side plates and two opposing second side plates are fixedly mounted. Both the first and second side plates are perpendicular to the base plate. A second side plate is fixedly connected between one end of the two first side plates and another second side plate is fixedly connected between the other ends of the two first side plates. The ends of the two first side plates away from the base plate and the ends of the two second side plates away from the base plate together form an opening in the housing. The housing cover is a plate-shaped structure adapted to the opening.

9. The intelligent anode connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The pipe connection terminals, anode connection terminals, and electronic markers are all located on the bottom plate inside the housing.

10. The intelligent anode connector according to claim 9, characterized in that: Both of the aforementioned pipe terminals are located on a second side plate of the casing, and the two sets of anode terminals are located on the two first side plates respectively.

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