An electronic anode protection device and a water heater

Abstract

This application relates to the field of water heater technology, and discloses an electronic anode protection device and a water heater. The electronic anode protection device is installed in a water tank and includes: an electronic anode control module, a monitoring module, and a status indication module. The electronic anode control module includes an electronic anode interface for connecting to the electronic anode. The monitoring terminal of the monitoring module is connected to the electronic anode control module, and the control terminal of the monitoring module is connected to the status indication module. The electronic anode control module provides different operating voltages to the electronic anode through the electronic anode interface. The monitoring module monitors the operating status of the electronic anode control module and the operating voltage of the electronic anode, and outputs control commands to the status indication module. The status indication module outputs different indication states. This electronic anode protection device achieves low-cost, pollution-free corrosion protection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water heater technology, and in particular to an electronic anode protection device and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] Water heaters are devices used to heat and provide hot water, widely used in homes, businesses, and industries. However, when the metal parts in water heaters are in prolonged contact with water, they are prone to electrochemical corrosion, leading to a shortened lifespan. While the commonly used magnesium rod sacrificial anode protection method can alleviate corrosion to some extent, it requires regular replacement, resulting in high maintenance costs. Residues can also pollute the water, and the method has poor environmental adaptability. For example, when the water heater operates in low-temperature or high-humidity environments, condensate can exacerbate the corrosion of internal metal components, and traditional methods cannot adjust the corrosion protection intensity according to changes in water quality. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present application provides an electronic anode protection device and a water heater, which can effectively solve the problems of high maintenance costs and poor environmental adaptability of traditional anode protection devices.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an electronic anode protection device, which is installed in a water tank. The device includes: an electronic anode control module, a monitoring module, and a status indication module.

[0005] The electronic anode control module includes an electronic anode interface, which is used to connect to the electronic anode.

[0006] The monitoring terminal of the monitoring module is connected to the electronic anode control module, and the control terminal of the monitoring module is connected to the status indication module;

[0007] The electronic anode control module is used to provide the electronic anode with operating voltages of different intensities through the electronic anode interface;

[0008] The monitoring module is used to monitor the working status of the electronic anode control module and the working voltage of the electronic anode, and to output control commands to the status indication module;

[0009] The status indication module is used to output different indication statuses.

[0010] In a first possible embodiment of the first aspect, it further includes: an electronic anode, the electronic anode being detachably connected to the electronic anode control module;

[0011] The positive end of the electronic anode is connected to the anode rod in the water tank, and the negative end of the electronic anode is connected to the outer shell of the water tank.

[0012] In a second possible embodiment of the first aspect, it further includes: a constant voltage power supply module;

[0013] The first voltage output terminal of the constant voltage power supply module is connected to the monitoring module, and the second voltage output terminal of the constant voltage power supply module is connected to the electronic anode control module.

[0014] In a third possible embodiment of the first aspect, the electronic anode control module includes a voltage controller, a voltage output feedback circuit, and an operating status feedback circuit;

[0015] The voltage output terminal of the voltage controller is connected to the electronic anode interface and the first terminal of the voltage output feedback circuit, respectively, and the second terminal of the voltage output feedback circuit is connected to the first monitoring terminal of the monitoring module.

[0016] The first end of the working status feedback circuit is connected to the status output terminal of the voltage controller, and the second end of the working status feedback circuit is connected to the second monitoring terminal of the monitoring module.

[0017] The voltage output feedback circuit is used to feed back the operating voltage of the electronic anode to the monitoring module;

[0018] The operating status feedback circuit is used to feed back the output status signal of the electronic anode control module to the monitoring module.

[0019] In a fourth possible embodiment of the first aspect, the status indication module includes a first indicator circuit and a second indicator circuit;

[0020] The first indicator light circuit is connected to the first control terminal of the monitoring module, and the first indicator light circuit is connected to the second control terminal of the monitoring module;

[0021] The first indicator circuit and the second indicator circuit are used together to indicate the working status and output voltage of the electronic anode control module in different indication states.

[0022] In a fifth possible embodiment of the first aspect, the first indicator light circuit includes a first indicator light and a first voltage divider resistor, the second indicator light circuit includes a second indicator light and a second voltage divider resistor, and the first indicator light and the second indicator light are indicator lights of different colors;

[0023] The first end of the first indicator light is connected to the first control terminal of the monitoring module, the second end of the first indicator light is connected to the first end of the first voltage divider resistor, and the second end of the first voltage divider resistor is connected to the power supply.

[0024] The first end of the second indicator light is connected to the second control terminal of the monitoring module, the second end of the second indicator light is connected to the first end of the second voltage divider resistor, and the second end of the second voltage divider resistor is connected to the power supply.

[0025] In a sixth possible embodiment of the first aspect, the constant voltage power supply module includes a rectifier bridge, a first filter unit, a first three-terminal Zener diode, a second filter unit, a second three-terminal Zener diode, and a third filter unit connected in sequence.

[0026] The rectifier bridge is also used to connect to an AC power supply, the second filter unit is also used to connect to the electronic anode control module, and the third filter unit is also used to connect to the monitoring module.

[0027] In a seventh possible embodiment of the first aspect, the voltage output feedback circuit includes a diode, a second voltage divider resistor, a first filter capacitor, and a first current limiting resistor;

[0028] The anode of the diode is connected to the voltage output terminal of the voltage controller. The first end of the parallel node of the first filter capacitor and the first current limiting resistor is connected to the cathode of the diode and the first end of the second voltage divider resistor, respectively. The second end of the parallel node of the first filter capacitor and the first current limiting resistor is grounded. The second end of the second voltage divider resistor is connected to the first monitoring terminal of the monitoring module.

[0029] In an eighth possible embodiment of the first aspect, the operating state feedback circuit includes a third voltage divider resistor, a second filter capacitor, and a second current limiting resistor;

[0030] The first end of the parallel node of the second filter capacitor and the second current limiting resistor is connected to the status output terminal of the voltage controller and the first end of the third voltage divider resistor, respectively. The second end of the parallel node of the second filter capacitor and the second current limiting resistor is grounded. The second end of the third voltage divider resistor is connected to the second monitoring terminal of the monitoring module.

[0031] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a water heater, including: a water tank and an electronic anode protection device disposed within the water tank.

[0032] The embodiments of this application have the following beneficial effects:

[0033] This embodiment discloses an electronic anode protection device installed in a water tank. The device includes an electronic anode control module, a monitoring module, and a status indication module. The electronic anode control module includes an electronic anode interface for connecting to the electronic anode. The monitoring terminal of the monitoring module is connected to the electronic anode control module, and the control terminal of the monitoring module is connected to the status indication module. The electronic anode control module provides different operating voltages to the electronic anode through the electronic anode interface. The monitoring module monitors the operating status of the electronic anode control module and the operating voltage of the electronic anode, and outputs control commands to the status indication module. The status indication module outputs different indication states. This application dynamically adjusts the operating voltage of the electronic anode, enabling the electronic anode to provide effective corrosion protection for the water heater through an effective anti-corrosion current. This effectively addresses the corrosion risks under different water quality conditions, eliminates the need for periodic replacement of the sacrificial anode, reduces maintenance workload, and avoids water pollution from sacrificial anode residues, ensuring water safety. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first structure of the electronic anode protection device according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 A second structural schematic diagram of the electronic anode protection device according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0037] Figure 3 A circuit diagram of an electronic anode control module according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0038] Figure 4 A circuit diagram of a monitoring module according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0039] Figure 5 A circuit diagram of an electronic anode according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0040] Figure 6 A circuit diagram of a status indication module according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0041] Figure 7 A circuit diagram of a constant voltage power supply module according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0042] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0043] 100 - Electronic anode protection device; 110 - Electronic anode control module; 111 - Voltage output feedback circuit; 112 - Working status output circuit; 120 - Electronic anode; 130 - Monitoring module; 140 - Status indication module; 141 - First indicator light circuit; 142 - Second indicator light circuit; 150 - Constant voltage power supply module; 151 - First filter unit; 152 - Second filter unit; 153 - Third filter unit. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0045] The components of the embodiments of this application described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0046] In the following text, the terms "comprising," "having," and their cognates, which may be used in various embodiments of this application, are intended only to indicate a particular feature, number, step, operation, element, component, or combination thereof, and should not be construed as primarily excluding the presence of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, or adding the possibility of one or more combinations thereof. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only for distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0047] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the various embodiments of this application pertain. Terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as in their contextual meaning in the relevant technical field and shall not be construed as having an idealized or overly formal meaning, unless clearly defined in the various embodiments of this application.

[0048] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0049] Traditional water heaters' metal tanks, heat exchangers, and other components are constantly in contact with water, making them susceptible to electrochemical corrosion (such as oxygen corrosion, pitting corrosion, and crevice corrosion), which affects equipment lifespan and water safety. The traditional corrosion prevention method is the sacrificial anode method (magnesium rod), where the magnesium rod acts as the anode, preferentially corroding and releasing protective ions to neutralize corrosive substances and protect the tank. However, this method has drawbacks such as high maintenance costs and poor environmental adaptability. For example, excessively high chloride ion concentrations can exacerbate electrochemical corrosion in water heaters, and high-temperature, low-pH, or high-hardness water can also accelerate corrosion.

[0050] This application proposes an electronic anode protection device and a water heater to address the above-mentioned problems. It provides a protective current through an external power supply and an auxiliary anode, making the metal structure a cathode and preventing corrosion. It also controls the protective current output to the anode rod in the water tank to achieve dynamic anti-corrosion protection. At the same time, it monitors the working status of the electronic anode in real time and displays the working status of the electronic anode based on the monitoring results.

[0051] The electronic anode protection device will be described below with reference to some specific embodiments.

[0052] Figure 1 A flowchart of an electronic anode protection device 100 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Exemplarily, the electronic anode protection device 100 is disposed in a water tank and includes: an electronic anode control module 110, an electronic anode 120, a monitoring module 130, and a status indication module 140. The electronic anode control module 110 includes an electronic anode interface (i.e.,...) Figure 3 The CN10 interface (as indicated in the diagram) is used to connect the electronic anode 120. The monitoring end of the monitoring module 130 is connected to the electronic anode control module 110, and the control end of the monitoring module 130 is connected to the status indication module 140.

[0053] In this embodiment, the electronic anode control module 110 provides different protective voltages to the electronic anode 120 via the electronic anode interface CN10, enabling the electronic anode 120 to protect the water tank from corrosion with a corresponding protective current. The electronic anode control module 110 provides pre-set operating voltages of varying intensities to the electronic anode 120 under different conditions, such as water temperature, pH value, water hardness, and chloride ion concentration. Water hardness refers to the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions in the water. Higher water temperature, lower pH value, higher water hardness, and higher chloride ion concentration correspond to higher operating voltages. A higher operating voltage results in stronger corrosion protection for the water tank by the electronic anode 120. The monitoring module 130 monitors the operating status of the electronic anode control module 110 and the operating voltage of the electronic anode 120, and outputs control commands to the status indication module 140. The status indication module 140 outputs different indication states to indicate to the user whether the operating status of the electronic anode control module 110 and the operating voltage of the electronic anode 120 are abnormal.

[0054] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the electronic anode protection device 100 also includes a constant voltage power supply module 150. Exemplarily, the first constant voltage output terminal of the constant voltage power supply module 150 is connected to the monitoring module 130, and the second constant voltage output terminal of the constant voltage power supply module 150 is connected to the electronic anode control module 110. In this embodiment, the constant voltage power supply module 150 is used to provide a constant operating voltage to the monitoring module 130 and the electronic anode control module 110, ensuring stable operation of the monitoring module 130 and the electronic anode control module 110.

[0055] To better understand the electronic anode protection device 100, the various components of the electronic anode protection device 100 will be described in detail below.

[0056] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the electronic anode control module 110 includes a voltage controller U1 and a voltage output feedback circuit 111. Exemplarily, the voltage output terminal V+OUT of the voltage controller U1 is connected to the electronic anode interface CN10 and the first terminal of the voltage output feedback circuit 111, respectively. The second terminal of the voltage output feedback circuit 111 is connected to the first monitoring terminal P21 / ANI1 / AVREFM of the monitoring module 130. The voltage output feedback circuit 111 is used to feed back the operating voltage of the electronic anode 120 to the monitoring module 130. The ground terminal of the voltage controller U1 is grounded to GND, and the power supply terminal of the voltage controller U1 is connected to the second constant voltage output terminal of the constant voltage power supply module 150.

[0057] In this embodiment, as Figure 4As shown, the monitoring module 130 receives the operating voltage of the electronic anode 120, determines whether the operating voltage of the electronic anode 120 exceeds the normal value, and provides corresponding control commands to the status indication module 140 based on the determination result, causing the status indication module 140 to display the corresponding indication status. For example, the normal operating voltage of the electronic anode 120 is within the DC range of 2.0V-3.5V. If the operating voltage of the electronic anode 120 exceeds or falls below the normal range, it is determined that the electronic anode control module 110 has an output voltage fault.

[0058] In one embodiment, the electronic anode interface CN10 of the electronic anode control module 110 can be an electronic anode socket, providing a standardized electrical interface for the electronic anode 120 to ensure reliable transmission of the operating voltage of the electronic anode 120. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the electronic anode 120 is detachably connected to the electronic anode control module 110. The positive end of the electronic anode 120 is connected to the anode rod in the water tank, and the negative end of the electronic anode 120 is connected to the outer shell of the water tank. The electronic anode 120 includes an electronic anode plug CN2 for connecting to the electronic anode socket, which facilitates quick installation and removal.

[0059] The anode rod can be a titanium ion rod, which releases active titanium ion ions. These ions preferentially form a circuit with the electric heating rod, blocking corrosive substances from eroding the inner tank or water tank. Because the electronic anode consumes extremely low energy (lower than the power consumption of a typical TV indicator light) and the titanium ion rod experiences almost zero wear, it requires no replacement, achieving lifetime maintenance-free operation. This characteristic significantly reduces the cost of replacing traditional magnesium rods and the risks associated with disassembly. The anode rod can also be composed of both a titanium ion rod and a magnesium rod. When the electronic anode protection device 100 is powered on, the electronic anode continuously releases titanium ion ions, forming active protection. After power is cut off, the magnesium rod takes over, neutralizing any remaining corrosive substances in the water, ensuring continuous protection of the inner tank or water tank. This dual protection mechanism avoids the performance degradation problem caused by long-term use of traditional magnesium rods.

[0060] In another embodiment, the voltage output feedback circuit 111 includes a diode D9, a second voltage divider resistor R80, a first filter capacitor C44, and a first current-limiting resistor R78. The anode of diode D9 is connected to the voltage output terminal V+OUT of the voltage controller U1. The first end of the parallel connection between the first filter capacitor C44 and the first current-limiting resistor R78 is connected to the cathode of diode D9 and the first end of the second voltage divider resistor R80, respectively. The second end of the parallel connection between the first filter capacitor C44 and the first current-limiting resistor R78 is grounded. The second end of the second voltage divider resistor R80 is connected to the first monitoring terminal P21 / ANI1 / AVREFM of the monitoring module 130.

[0061] In another embodiment, the electronic anode control module 110 further includes a working status output circuit 112. Exemplarily, a first terminal of the working status output circuit 112 is connected to the status output terminal of the voltage controller U1, and a second terminal of the working status output circuit 112 is connected to the second monitoring terminal P41 of the monitoring module 130; the working status output circuit 112 is used to feed back the output status signal of the electronic anode control module 110 to the monitoring module 130.

[0062] In this embodiment, the status output terminal of the voltage controller U1 is the status indicator pin STAU. The voltage controller U1 uses the status indicator pin STAU to output different potential or signal forms (low level, high level, square wave) to indicate the controller's operating status. For example, the output level signal of the status indicator pin STAU can be divided into three modes: a low level signal (0V), indicating that the controller is in normal working state; a high level signal (4.7V), indicating that the controller has detected an output short circuit; and a square wave signal (frequency 0.5Hz-1.5Hz, pulse width 50ms-200ms, amplitude 3.6V±10% DC), indicating that the voltage controller U1 output is open. This square wave signal can also indicate that the output voltage of the voltage controller U1 exceeds the normal value.

[0063] In one implementation, such as Figure 6 As shown, the operating status output circuit 112 includes a third voltage divider resistor R77, a second filter capacitor C2, and a second current-limiting resistor R79. The first terminal of the parallel connection between the second filter capacitor C2 and the second current-limiting resistor R79 is connected to the status output terminal of the voltage controller U1 and the first terminal of the third voltage divider resistor R77, respectively. The second terminal of the parallel connection between the second filter capacitor C2 and the second current-limiting resistor R79 is grounded to GND. The second terminal of the third voltage divider resistor R77 is connected to the second monitoring terminal P41 of the monitoring module 130.

[0064] In one embodiment, the status indication module 140 includes a first indicator light circuit 141 and a second indicator light circuit 142. Exemplarily, the first indicator light circuit 141 is connected to the first control terminal RUN of the monitoring module 130, and the first indicator light circuit 141 is also connected to the second control terminal EER of the monitoring module 130. The monitoring module 130 is used to determine whether the operating status of the electronic anode control module 110 and the operating voltage of the electronic anode 120 are abnormal, and outputs corresponding first control commands and second control commands to the first indicator light circuit 141 and the second indicator light circuit 142, respectively.

[0065] In this embodiment, the monitoring module 130 can be a microcontroller unit (MCU) or a dedicated logic chip, used to drive the circuit to control the indicator light to turn on and off according to the working status of the electronic anode control module 110 and the working voltage of the electronic anode 120.

[0066] In one embodiment, the first indicator circuit 141 includes a first indicator LED1 and a first voltage divider resistor R1, and the second indicator circuit 142 includes a second indicator LED2 and a second voltage divider resistor R2. The first indicator LED1 and the second indicator LED2 are indicator lights of different colors. Exemplarily, the first terminal of the first indicator LED1 is connected to the first control terminal RUN of the monitoring module 130, and the second terminal of the first indicator LED1 is connected to the first terminal of the first voltage divider resistor R1, the second terminal of the first voltage divider resistor R1 is connected to the power supply; the first terminal of the second indicator LED2 is connected to the second control terminal EER of the monitoring module 130, and the second terminal of the second indicator LED2 is connected to the first terminal of the second voltage divider resistor R2, the second terminal of the second voltage divider resistor R2 is connected to the power supply VCC.

[0067] For example, in one embodiment, when the first indicator LED1 is green and the second indicator LED2 is red, the monitoring module 130 controls the green light to remain constantly on and the red light to remain off, indicating that the electronic anode 120 is in a normal protection state. The monitoring module 130 controls the green and red lights to flash 12 times and then turn off once, indicating that the voltage output terminal of the voltage controller U1 is in an open circuit state. The monitoring module 130 controls the green and red lights to flash 11 times and then turn off once, indicating that the operating voltage of the electronic anode 120 exceeds the normal value (too high or too low). The monitoring module 130 controls both the green and red lights to remain constantly on, indicating that the controller has detected an output short circuit. The monitoring module 130 controls both the green and red lights to remain off, indicating that the power supply is open, the voltage controller U1 or the monitoring module 130 has not received power input or the power supply is abnormal.

[0068] It is understood that the status indicator module 140 of this application uses different combinations of green and red lights and their on / off modes to indicate the working status of the electronic anode protection device 100. The status indicator lights can reflect the working status of the electronic anode protection device 100 in real time, and can promptly alarm in case of abnormality, allowing users to know at any time whether the equipment is in normal operating mode and avoid potential safety hazards. Among them, different light combinations correspond to different working states, making it easy for users to quickly determine the problem.

[0069] In one embodiment, the monitoring module 130 can be connected to the heat pump control system to make corresponding output controls on the heat pump control system. The heat pump control system is the core unit for managing and controlling the operation of the heat pump system, and is responsible for coordinating various key components in the heat pump (such as the compressor, electric heater, four-way valve, fan, electronic expansion valve, etc.) to achieve efficient and stable heating or cooling functions. The output pins OUT1~OUT5 of the monitoring module 130 can be connected to the compressor, electric heater, four-way valve, fan, and electronic expansion valve respectively, and send control commands to the compressor, electric heater, four-way valve, fan, and electronic expansion valve respectively to realize the control of the heat pump control system.

[0070] In another embodiment, when an abnormality is detected in the electronic anode protection device 100, the status indication module 140 issues an alarm prompting the user to handle the abnormality. The monitoring module immediately controls the water heater to stop heating, i.e., shuts down the heating components such as the electric heater. If the monitoring module 130 detects that the user has not addressed the issue for a certain period of time, it shuts down the water heater. The shutdown operation includes shutting down critical components such as the compressor, fan, four-way valve, and electronic expansion valve to ensure system safety.

[0071] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the constant voltage power supply module 150 includes a rectifier bridge D1, a first filter unit 151, a first three-terminal Zener diode U2, a second filter unit 152, a second three-terminal Zener diode U3, and a third filter unit 153 connected in sequence. The rectifier bridge D1 is also used to connect to an AC power supply, converting the AC power to DC power. One end of the second filter unit 152 is connected to the electronic anode control module 110, providing a stable operating voltage to the electronic anode control module 110. One end of the third filter unit 153 is connected to the monitoring module 130, providing a stable operating voltage to the monitoring module 130.

[0072] In this embodiment, the constant voltage power supply module 150 is provided with a power input socket CN1, which can be detachably connected to a power source. The AC voltage input from the power input socket CN1 is rectified into a DC signal by the rectifier bridge D1, rectified and filtered by the first filter unit 151, regulated by the first three-terminal Zener diode U2, and filtered by the second filter unit 152 to obtain a stable operating voltage for the electronic anode control module 110, providing operating power for the electronic anode control module 110. At the same time, after being regulated by the second three-terminal Zener diode U3 and filtered by the third filter unit 153, a stable operating voltage is obtained to supply the monitoring module 130, providing operating power for the monitoring module 130.

[0073] In one embodiment, the first filter unit 151 includes a third filter capacitor C1 and a fourth filter capacitor C5 connected in parallel; the second filter unit 152 includes a fifth filter capacitor C3 and a sixth filter capacitor C6 connected in parallel; and the third filter unit 153 includes a seventh filter capacitor C4 and an eighth filter capacitor C7 connected in parallel. The first three-terminal Zener diode U2 and the second three-terminal Zener diode U3 are grounded to GND.

[0074] This application also provides a water heater, which may include, but is not limited to, heat pump water heaters, storage water heaters, solar water heaters, etc. Exemplarily, this water heater includes a water tank and an electronic anode protection device 100 of the above embodiment disposed within the water tank. Since the water heater of this embodiment uses the above-described electronic anode protection device 100, it possesses all the advantages of the above-described electronic anode protection device 100. It is understood that the options in the above embodiments are also applicable to this embodiment, and therefore will not be described again here.

[0075] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can also be implemented in other ways. The apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings show the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of apparatus, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this application. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which contains one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that, as an alternative implementation, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than those marked in the drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the block diagram and / or flowchart, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0076] In addition, the functional modules or units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated together to form an independent part, or each module can exist independently, or two or more modules can be integrated to form an independent part.

[0077] If a function is implemented as a software module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a smartphone, personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application.

[0078] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An electronic anode protection device, characterized in that, The device, installed in a water tank, includes: an electronic anode control module, a monitoring module, and a status indication module; The electronic anode control module includes an electronic anode interface, which is used to connect to the electronic anode. The monitoring terminal of the monitoring module is connected to the electronic anode control module, and the control terminal of the monitoring module is connected to the status indication module; The electronic anode control module is used to provide the electronic anode with operating voltages of different intensities through the electronic anode interface; The monitoring module is used to monitor the working status of the electronic anode control module and the working voltage of the electronic anode, and to output control commands to the status indication module; The status indication module is used to output different indication statuses.

2. The electronic anode protection device of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: An electronic anode, wherein the electronic anode is detachably connected to the electronic anode control module; The positive end of the electronic anode is connected to the anode rod in the water tank, and the negative end of the electronic anode is connected to the outer shell of the water tank.

3. The electronic anode protection device of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: Constant voltage power supply module; The first voltage output terminal of the constant voltage power supply module is connected to the monitoring module, and the second voltage output terminal of the constant voltage power supply module is connected to the electronic anode control module.

4. The electronic anode protection device of claim 1, wherein, The electronic anode control module includes a voltage controller, a voltage output feedback circuit, and a working status feedback circuit. The voltage output terminal of the voltage controller is connected to the electronic anode interface and the first terminal of the voltage output feedback circuit, respectively, and the second terminal of the voltage output feedback circuit is connected to the first monitoring terminal of the monitoring module. The first end of the working status feedback circuit is connected to the status output terminal of the voltage controller, and the second end of the working status feedback circuit is connected to the second monitoring terminal of the monitoring module. The voltage output feedback circuit is used to feed back the operating voltage of the electronic anode to the monitoring module; The operating status feedback circuit is used to feed back the output status signal of the electronic anode control module to the monitoring module.

5. The electronic anode protection device of claim 1, wherein, The status indication module includes a first indicator circuit and a second indicator circuit; The first indicator light circuit is connected to the first control terminal of the monitoring module, and the first indicator light circuit is connected to the second control terminal of the monitoring module; The first indicator circuit and the second indicator circuit are used together to indicate the working status and output voltage of the electronic anode control module in different indication states.

6. The electronic anode protection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first indicator light circuit includes a first indicator light and a first voltage divider resistor, and the second indicator light circuit includes a second indicator light and a second voltage divider resistor. The first indicator light and the second indicator light are indicator lights of different colors. The first end of the first indicator light is connected to the first control terminal of the monitoring module, the second end of the first indicator light is connected to the first end of the first voltage divider resistor, and the second end of the first voltage divider resistor is connected to the power supply. The first end of the second indicator light is connected to the second control terminal of the monitoring module, the second end of the second indicator light is connected to the first end of the second voltage divider resistor, and the second end of the second voltage divider resistor is connected to the power supply.

7. The electronic anode protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The constant voltage power supply module includes a rectifier bridge, a first filter unit, a first three-terminal Zener diode, a second filter unit, a second three-terminal Zener diode, and a third filter unit connected in sequence. The rectifier bridge is also used to connect to an AC power supply, the second filter unit is also used to connect to the electronic anode control module, and the third filter unit is also used to connect to the monitoring module.

8. The electronic anode protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The voltage output feedback circuit includes a diode, a second voltage divider resistor, a first filter capacitor, and a first current limiting resistor; The anode of the diode is connected to the voltage output terminal of the voltage controller. The first end of the parallel node of the first filter capacitor and the first current limiting resistor is connected to the cathode of the diode and the first end of the second voltage divider resistor, respectively. The second end of the parallel node of the first filter capacitor and the first current limiting resistor is grounded. The second end of the second voltage divider resistor is connected to the first monitoring terminal of the monitoring module.

9. The electronic anode protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The working status feedback circuit includes a third voltage divider resistor, a second filter capacitor, and a second current limiting resistor. The first end of the parallel node of the second filter capacitor and the second current limiting resistor is connected to the status output terminal of the voltage controller and the first end of the third voltage divider resistor, respectively. The second end of the parallel node of the second filter capacitor and the second current limiting resistor is grounded. The second end of the third voltage divider resistor is connected to the second monitoring terminal of the monitoring module.

10. A water heater, characterized in that, include: The water tank and the electronic anode protection device as described in any one of claims 1-9 disposed within the water tank.

Images