Electronic anode and water heater

Abstract

An electronic anode, comprising an anode main body. The anode main body comprises a conductive carrier section (1) and a conductive carrier coating section (2) that are connected to each other, wherein the conductive carrier section (1) comprises an exposed conductive carrier, and there is one or more conductive carrier sections (1); and the conductive carrier coating section (2) comprises a conductive carrier and a conductive coating attached to the outer surface of the conductive carrier, and there is one or more conductive carrier coating sections. The anode main body is inserted in an inner tank (3) of a water heater, the area of the inner surface of the inner tank (3) is S1, the total surface area of the anode main body is S0, the units of S0 and S1 are the same, and S0 and S1 satisfy S0≥7.5×10-5×S1.

Description

Electronic anode and water heater

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application with application number 202311571466.2, filed on November 22, 2023, and with invention name “A kind of electronic anode and water heater”, and the Chinese patent application with application number 202323166968.5, filed on November 22, 2023, and with invention name “A kind of electronic anode and water heater”, the contents of which should be understood as incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This article relates to but is not limited to the technical field of water heaters, and in particular to an electronic anode and a water heater. Background Art

[0003] Water heaters are a common household appliance used to supply hot water. However, due to the long-term exposure of the inner tank of the water heater to high temperature and humidity, it is prone to corrosion, which affects the service life of the water heater. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following is a summary of the subject matter described in detail herein. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an electronic anode, comprising an anode body, the anode body comprising interconnected conductive carrier segments and conductive carrier coating segments; the conductive carrier segments comprising exposed conductive carriers, the number of which is one or more; the conductive carrier coating segments comprising a conductive carrier and a conductive coating attached to the outer surface of the conductive carrier, the number of which is one or more; the anode body being configured to be inserted into an inner tank of a water heater, the inner surface area of ​​the inner tank being S1, and the total surface area of ​​the anode body being S0, the units of S0 and S1 being the same, and the relationship between S0 and S1 satisfying the following conditions: S0 ≥ 7.5 × 10 -5 ×S1.

[0006] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a water heater, comprising: an inner tank; and the electronic anode as described in the above embodiment, inserted into the inner tank, and the anode body is located in the inner tank.

[0007] Still other aspects will become apparent upon reading and understanding the accompanying drawings and detailed description.

[0008] Summary of the Figures

[0009] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic anode provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic anode provided in other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a water heater provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG4 is an enlarged structural diagram of portion A in FIG3 ;

[0013] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a water heater provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a water heater provided by one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a water heater provided by one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a water heater provided by one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a water heater provided by one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a water heater provided by one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a water heater provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing five positions (1#, 2#, 3#, 4#, and 5#) for detecting the protection potential of the outer wall of the inner tank;

[0020] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a water heater provided by one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a water heater provided by one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] In the drawings, the components represented by the reference numerals are listed as follows: 1 conductive carrier segment, 2 conductive carrier coating segment, 3 inner liner, 4 supporting component, 5 sealing component, 6 wiring component.

[0023] Details

[0024] The principles and features of the embodiments of the present disclosure are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only used to explain the present disclosure and are not used to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] To prevent corrosion of the inner tank, water heaters typically use physical magnesium rods and / or electronic anode protection technology. Electronic anodes inhibit tank corrosion by applying an external current to the anode, maintaining it at an anodic protection potential. Electronic anodes typically use a titanium rod as a carrier, coated with a metal oxide as the anode material.

[0026] In some embodiments, to protect the entire inner liner surface, the electronic anode typically utilizes a titanium rod coated with a metal oxide on its entire surface or coated at the tip. Electronic anodes coated with a metal oxide on their entire surface are more expensive (especially when the inner liner is tall), and electronic anodes coated with a metal oxide on the tip may lack protection at low conductivity or low temperature.

[0027] Secondly, due to the different heights, diameters, and areas of the water heater inner tank, the placement requirements for the electronic anode are different, and the parameter requirements for the electronic anode are different (length, diameter, length of the metal oxide coating, etc.). In addition, if the length of the electronic anode is too long or too short, or the area of ​​the oxide coating is too large or too small, the inner tank may be partially under-protected or over-protected, thereby affecting the overall anti-corrosion protection effect of the inner tank.

[0028] Thirdly, for large-sized inner tanks, in order to achieve anti-corrosion protection, two electronic anodes are used, which places high demands on structural design and electronic control design and is costly.

[0029] To this end, as shown in Figures 1 to 2, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electronic anode, including an anode body, which is a part inserted into the inner tank 3 of the water heater. The electronic anode may also include: a support component 4, a sealing component 5, a wiring component 6 and other structures. One end of the anode body is supported by the support component 4. The sealing component 5 is connected to the support component 4 and is configured to be sealed and connected to the inner tank 3 of the water heater. The wiring component 6 is electrically connected to the anode body and is configured to be electrically connected to the electronic control device of the electronic anode. The sealing component 5 can be connected to the inner tank 3 by means of threaded connection and the like to achieve a sealing effect. The wiring component 6 can be, but is not limited to, a terminal.

[0030] The anode body comprises a conductive support segment 1 and a conductive support coating segment 2 connected to each other, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The anode body is arranged to extend in a straight direction, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0031] The conductive carrier segment 1 includes a bare conductive carrier, and the number of the conductive carrier segments 1 is one or more. The conductive carrier coating segment 2 includes a conductive carrier and a conductive coating attached to the outer surface of the conductive carrier. The number of the conductive carrier coating segments 2 is one or more. The conductive coating can be a metal oxide coating, which has high conductivity and corrosion resistance, such as a ruthenium-based coating, an iridium-based coating, a tantalum-based coating, etc., or can be a mixture of oxides of metals such as ruthenium, iridium, and titanium. The conductive coating can be an MMO (Mixed Metal Oxide, metal metal oxide) coating. The conductive carrier can be a corrosion-resistant metal carrier, such as titanium. The conductive coating can enhance the protective effect of the anode body on the inner liner 3 and play a protective role on the conductive carrier.

[0032] Therefore, the conductive carrier segment 1 in the inner tank 3 of the water heater is in direct contact with the liquid in the inner tank 3. The conductive carrier in the conductive carrier coating segment 2, however, is covered by the conductive coating and does not come into contact with the liquid in the inner tank 3. Instead, the conductive coating is in contact with the liquid in the inner tank 3. Furthermore, the conductive coating does not entirely cover the conductive carrier, but rather covers a portion of the conductive carrier. This can be a one-segment covering, as shown in Figures 5 to 8, 10, 12, and 13 (wherein there is one conductive carrier coating segment 2 and one or more conductive carrier segments 1), or a segmented covering, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 9 (wherein there are multiple conductive carrier coating segments 2 and one or more conductive carrier segments 1). One of the conductive carrier coating segments 2 is located at the end of the anode body away from the support member 4.

[0033] The multi-stage metal oxide coating has the following beneficial effects: when the electronic anode is energized, each section of the metal oxide coating applies an anodic current, which in turn applies a cathodic current to the inner wall of the inner liner 3, optimizing the electric field distribution and achieving enhanced corrosion protection for the inner liner 3. Compared to solutions where the entire surface of the conductive carrier is covered with a conductive coating, this solution helps reduce the production cost of the electronic anode. Compared to solutions where only the tip of the conductive carrier is coated with a conductive coating, this solution helps improve the protective effect of the electronic anode.

[0034] During electronic anode protection, the anode current (denoted as I 阳极 ) is greater than or equal to the cathode current required by the inner tank 3 (denoted as I 阴极 ) in order to fully protect the inner tank 3, that is, it is necessary to meet the following requirements: I 阳极 ≥I 阴极 .

[0035] Among them, I 阳极 =i 阳极 ×A 阳极 , I 阴极 =i 阴极 ×A 阴极 .i 阳极 is the current density at the anode, A 阳极 is the area of ​​the anode (i.e., the total surface area of ​​the anode body S0). 阴极 is the cathode current density, A 阴极 is the area of ​​the cathode (ie, the area S1 of the inner surface of the inner container 3).

[0036] Therefore, 阳极 ×S0≥i 阴极 ×S1, so S0≥i 阴极 / i 阳极 ×S1.

[0037] From the polarization curve of bare steel under typical working water quality and temperature conditions, it can be seen that its self-corrosion current density is ≤60mA / m 2 , which represents the corrosion rate of the enamel tank when the enamel layer is completely peeled off. Taking into account the effectiveness, protection efficiency and economy of impressed current cathodic protection, the standard QBT2590-2021 "Enamel Parts of Storage Water Heaters" stipulates that i 保护 ≤22.5mA / m 2 The experimental results show that the protection current values ​​of many models are lower. 保护 ≤15mA / m 2 Considering the protection effectiveness of the inner tank 3 during actual use, the inventors of this disclosure optimized the design of the electronic anode according to the standard, i.e. 阴 极 =22.5mA / m 2 .

[0038] According to the technical requirements of GB / T 7388-1999 "Technical Specifications for Marine Auxiliary Anodes", the rated working current density of metal oxide anodes is 600A / m 2 In order to extend the service life of the electronic anode, it is not recommended to work at the rated working current density for a long time. In order to achieve reliable operation of the inner tank 3, the inventor of this disclosure designed it at 300A / m 2 Working current density design, i 阳极 =300A / m 2 , then i 阴极 / i 阳极 =7.5×10 -5 The final design requirements for the electronic anode are:

[0039] S0≥7.5×10 -5 ×S1.

[0040] The electronic anode designed according to the above requirements is optimized based on the size of the inner tank 3. It can provide comprehensive protection for the inner tank 3 without requiring a conductive coating to fully cover the conductive carrier. This optimizes the protective effect of the electronic anode on the inner tank 3 while also taking into account the production cost of the electronic anode. Even for a large inner tank 3, a single electronic anode can provide the entire inner tank 3 with corrosion protection, eliminating the need for two or more electronic anodes. This reduces the number of electronic anode interfaces reserved for the inner tank 3 and the number of electronic anode electronic control structures reserved for the mainboard, simplifying both the electrical control design and the structural design of the water heater.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the total surface area of ​​the conductive carrier coating segment 2 is S2, and the units of S2 and S1 are the same (for example, both are m 2 ), S2 and S1 satisfy: S2 ≥ 7.5 × 10 -5×S1.

[0042] As mentioned above, the conductive coating can enhance the protection effect of the anode body on the inner shell 3 and play a protective role on the conductive carrier. Therefore, compared with the conductive carrier segment 1, the conductive carrier coating segment 2 has a stronger conductivity. When S2 and S1 meet i 阳极 ×S2≥i 阴极 When ×S1, it indicates that the protective performance of the conductive carrier coating segment 2 is sufficient to meet the protection requirements of the entire inner liner 3, which is conducive to further optimizing the protective effect of the electronic anode on the inner liner 3.

[0043] According to i 阳极 ×S2≥i 阴极 ×S1: S2≥i 阴极 / i 阳极 ×S1, while i 阴极 / i 阳极 =7.5×10 -5 , so S2≥7.5×10 -5 ×S1.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, the anode body is cylindrical. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the total length of the conductive carrier coating section 2 is ls, and the outer diameter is d; the inner surface diameter of the inner shell 3 is D, and the axial height of the inner surface is H; ls, d, D, and H are in the same unit (for example, all in meters). ls, d, D, and H satisfy:

[0045] ls≥7.5×10 -3 ×(2×D×H+D 2 ).

[0046] Because the anode body is typically an elongated structure, the area of ​​the outer sidewall is much larger than that of the end wall. Therefore, the total area of ​​the conductive carrier coating segment 2 can be approximately equal to the total area of ​​the outer sidewall of the conductive carrier coating segment 2, so S2 = π × d × ls. The shape of the inner liner 3 can be approximately cylindrical, so the total area of ​​the inner surface of the inner liner 3 is S1 = π × D × H + 2π × (D / 2) 2 Due to the high price of titanium rods and considerations for practical protection, the diameter of the anode body of the commonly used electronic anode is d ≤ 5 mm, for example, 0.5 mm ≤ d ≤ 5 mm, such as 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, etc. Since the conductive coating is very thin, the anode body can be considered to have a constant diameter structure, that is, the diameters of the conductive carrier segment 1 and the conductive carrier coating segment 2 are equal.

[0047] According to i 阳极 ×S2≥i 阴极 ×S1 we can get:

[0048] i 阳极 ×π×d×ls≥i阴极 ×[π×D×H+2π×(D / 2) 2 ],

[0049] That is, d×ls≥[i 阴极 ×(2×D×H+D 2 )] / (2×i 阳极 ),

[0050] That is, d×ls≥3.75×10 -5 ×(2×D×H+D 2 );

[0051] Calculating with d as 5mm, we can get:

[0052] ls≥7.5×10 -3 ×(2×D×H+D 2 ), where the units of ls, D, and H are all m.

[0053] The lengths of the plurality of conductive carrier coating segments 2 may be the same or different. The number of conductive carrier coating segments 2 is recorded as n segments, and the length of the i-th conductive coating segment is recorded as li.

[0054] Of course, the shape of the anode body is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a sheet-like structure or a rectangular rod-like structure.

[0055] The shape of the inner liner 3 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. For example, it may include a cylindrical main body, end caps with spherical or spherical ends, and other structures. The axial height H of the inner liner 3 includes the entire axial height of the inner liner 3 including the non-cylindrical end caps.

[0056] In some exemplary embodiments, the diameter d of the anode body is ≤ 5 mm. This helps reduce costs. Furthermore, based on the requirement for a minimum metal oxide coating area S2 for electronic anodes, when the diameter d of the anode body is smaller, the total length ls of the conductive carrier coating segment 2 can be larger. Since the total length ls of the conductive carrier coating segment 2 contributes significantly more to the protection range than the diameter d, a larger total length ls of the conductive carrier coating segment 2 is more conducive to achieving a wider protection range.

[0057] In some exemplary embodiments, ls / L≤85%, that is, the total length ls of the conductive support coating segment 2 is less than or equal to 85% of the total length L of the anode body, which can achieve the goal of cost optimization.

[0058] In some exemplary embodiments, the conductive carrier segment 1 and the conductive carrier coating segment 2 are separately assembled structures.

[0059] For example, the conductive carrier segment 1 and the conductive carrier coating segment 2 can be produced separately and then connected together by welding or other methods.

[0060] In some exemplary embodiments, there are multiple conductive carrier segments 1 and multiple conductive carrier coating segments 2, and the conductive carrier segments 1 and the conductive carrier coating segments 2 are alternately arranged. The lengths of the multiple conductive carrier segments 1 can be equal or unequal (not completely equal or completely unequal), and the lengths of the multiple conductive carrier coating segments 2 can be equal or unequal (not completely equal or completely unequal).

[0061] In some exemplary embodiments, the number or length of the conductive carrier coating segments 2 tends to increase as the anode body is mounted on the inner wall of the inner liner 3, extending toward the interior of the inner liner 3. In other words, the farther from the anode body's mounting location on the inner liner 3, the greater the number or length of the conductive carrier coating segments 2. This facilitates enhanced protection of the side of the inner liner 3 opposite the mounting location.

[0062] In other exemplary embodiments, the conductive carrier of the conductive carrier segment 1 and the conductive carrier coating segment 2 is an integrally formed structure, and the conductive coating is provided in one section or segments and attached to the integrally formed cover structure, so that the anode body forms the conductive carrier segment 1 and the conductive carrier coating segment 2.

[0063] For example: first produce a titanium rod, and then set a conductive coating on the titanium rod. It can be a one-stage coating or a segmented coating. The part covered with the conductive coating is the conductive carrier coating segment 2, and the part not covered with the conductive coating is the exposed conductive carrier segment 1.

[0064] The present disclosure also provides a water heater, as shown in Figures 3 to 13, comprising an inner tank 3 and an electronic anode as described in any of the above embodiments. The electronic anode is inserted into the inner tank 3, and the anode body is located inside the inner tank 3.

[0065] The water heater provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure includes the electronic anode of any one of the above embodiments, and thus has all the above beneficial effects, which will not be described in detail here.

[0066] In some exemplary embodiments, the electronic anode is inserted into the inner container 3 along the axial height direction of the inner container 3, as shown in Figures 5, 7, 9, and 10, that is, the length direction of the electronic anode is consistent with the axial height direction of the inner container 3. This insertion method can be called vertical insertion.

[0067] In other exemplary embodiments, the electronic anode is inserted into the inner container 3 along the radial direction of the inner container 3, as shown in Figures 6, 8, 12, and 13, that is, the length direction of the electronic anode is consistent with the radial direction of the inner container 3. This insertion method can be called horizontal insertion.

[0068] Among them, horizontal insertion and vertical insertion are based on the axial and radial directions of the inner liner 3 itself, and have nothing to do with the placement of the inner liner 3. When inserted horizontally, it is inserted along the radial direction of the inner liner 3, and when inserted vertically, it is inserted along the axial direction of the inner liner 3. Regardless of whether the inner liner 3 is placed horizontally or vertically, the axial height direction of the inner liner 3 is the extension direction of the central axis of the inner liner 3, and the radial direction of the inner liner 3 is the extension direction of the diameter of the inner liner 3. Therefore, when the inner liner 3 is placed vertically, the electron anode extends in the vertical direction when inserted vertically, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the inner liner 3 when inserted horizontally. When the inner liner 3 is placed horizontally, the electron anode extends in the horizontal direction when inserted vertically, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the inner liner 3 when inserted horizontally.

[0069] In some exemplary embodiments, the inner container 3 is a symmetrical structure, and has a first symmetry plane (as shown by the dotted line in FIG5 ) and a second symmetry plane (as shown by the dotted line in FIG6 ). The central axis of the inner container 3 is located in the first symmetry plane and is perpendicular to the second symmetry plane.

[0070] Based on the consideration of protecting the uniform distribution of the electric field, the electronic anode can be installed in a symmetrical position of the inner liner 3 during installation, that is, when inserted vertically, the inner liner 3 is inserted along the first symmetry plane (as shown in Figure 5), and when inserted horizontally, the inner liner 3 is inserted along the second symmetry plane (as shown in Figure 6).

[0071] However, when there are external structural limitations or internal structural interference, the installation position of the electronic anode may deviate from the symmetrical position. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the insertion position can be optimized according to the axial height H of the inner liner 3, the diameter D of the inner liner 3 and the structure of the inner liner 3, so that its protection potential value (i.e., the power-off potential value of the surface of the inner liner 3) is within the range of -850mV to -1150mV (vs. SCE, i.e., relative to the standard comparison electrode SCE) to ensure effective protection of the inner liner 3.

[0072] When the electronic anode is inserted in the height direction, hereinafter referred to as vertical insertion, as shown in Figure 7, the electronic anode is inserted into the inner container 3 along the axial height direction of the inner container 3: the distance between the anode body and the first symmetry plane is △d, the diameter of the inner surface of the inner container 3 is D, and the units of △d and D are the same (for example, both are m), then the eccentricity of the vertical insertion is α1 = △d / D.

[0073] When the electronic anode is inserted in the radial direction, referred to as transverse insertion, as shown in Figure 8 , the electronic anode is inserted radially into the inner liner 3: the distance between the anode body and the second symmetry plane is Δh, the axial height of the inner surface of the inner liner 3 is H, and Δh and H have the same unit (e.g., both are in meters). Therefore, the eccentricity of transverse insertion is α2 = Δh / H.

[0074] If the eccentricity is too high, the portion of the inner tank 3 away from the electron anode will be underprotected, making it susceptible to rust; while the portion of the inner tank 3 near the electron anode will be overprotected, causing hydrogen to be released and posing an explosion risk. Therefore, a reasonable limit can be set for the eccentricity α.

[0075] After research, it was determined that when the eccentricity ratios during vertical and horizontal insertion meet the following requirements, the inner liner 3 can be fully protected, which is beneficial for avoiding partial under-protection and over-protection:

[0076] When inserted vertically, △d and D satisfy: 0≤α1≤0.3, that is: 0≤△d / D≤0.3, such as 0, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, etc. When inserted horizontally, △h and H satisfy: 0≤α2≤0.2, that is: 0≤△h / H≤0.2, such as 0, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, etc.

[0077] Of course, α1 and α2 are not limited to the above ranges and can be adjusted according to needs.

[0078] In some exemplary embodiments, since the insertion position of the electronic anode will affect the electric field inside the inner liner 3, it has a great impact on the anti-corrosion effect of the inner liner 3. When designing the electronic anode according to the structure of the inner liner 3, the positional relationship between the two can be considered. The insertion ratio β of the electronic anode refers to the ratio of the total length L of the anode body to the size of the inner liner 3. When inserted vertically, the insertion ratio β1 of the electronic anode is: the ratio of the total length L of the anode body to the height H of the inner surface of the inner liner 3, that is, β1 = L / H. When inserted horizontally, the insertion ratio β2 of the electronic anode is: the ratio of the total length L of the anode body to the diameter D of the inner surface of the inner liner 3, that is, β2 = L / D.

[0079] When the insertion ratio β of the electronic anode is too large, the electronic anode titanium rod is too long and the cost is high; when β is too small, the part of the inner liner 3 away from the electronic anode is underprotected, affecting the anti-corrosion effect of the inner liner 3. Therefore, β can be reasonably designed.

[0080] After research, it was determined that the insertion ratio of the electronic anode during vertical and horizontal insertion meets the following requirements, which can take into account both the cost of the electronic anode and the anti-corrosion effect on the inner liner 3, avoiding local under-protection of the inner liner 3, and helping to avoid local under-protection and over-protection:

[0081] Based on the fact that the electronic anode is inserted into the inner liner 3 along the axial height direction of the inner liner 3 (vertical insertion): the length of the anode body is L, the axial height of the inner surface of the inner liner 3 is H, L and H have the same unit, and L and H satisfy: 0<L / H≤0.6, that is, 0<β1≤0.6, such as 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, etc.

[0082] Based on the fact that the electronic anode is inserted into the inner liner 3 along the radial direction of the inner liner 3 (horizontally inserted): the length of the anode body is L, the diameter of the inner liner 3 is D, L and D have the same unit, and L and D satisfy: 0<L / D≤0.75, that is, 0<β2≤0.75, such as 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.75, etc.

[0083] Of course, β1 and β2 are not limited to the above ranges and can be adjusted according to needs.

[0084] In some exemplary embodiments, based on the axial height H of the inner surface of the inner liner 3 being within a first set range, the electron anode is inserted into the inner liner 3 along the radial direction of the inner liner 3 .

[0085] Based on the axial height H of the inner container 3 being within the second set range, the electron anode is inserted into the inner container 3 along the axial height direction or radial direction of the inner container 3 .

[0086] Based on the axial height H of the inner container 3 being within the third setting range, the electron anode is inserted into the inner container 3 along the axial height direction of the inner container 3 .

[0087] The height value in the first setting range is greater than the height value in the second setting range and greater than the height value in the third setting range.

[0088] In other words, when the axial height of the inner liner 3 is too high, the electronic anode is inserted horizontally. Because the electric heating element usually inserts horizontally when the axial height of the inner liner 3 is too high, the electronic anode is also inserted horizontally, which can avoid interference with the electric heating element. When the axial height of the inner liner 3 is too low, the electronic anode is inserted vertically. Because the electric heating element usually inserts vertically when the axial height of the inner liner 3 is too low, the electronic anode is also inserted vertically, which can avoid interference with the electric heating element. The top of the inner liner 3 is usually provided with a flange for installing various parts. In this case, only one hole needs to be added to the flange to install the electronic anode, which is conducive to simplifying the installation structure of the electronic anode. When the axial height of the inner liner 3 is moderate, the electronic anode can be inserted horizontally or vertically.

[0089] The first setting range may be, but is not limited to, 1400 mm < H ≤ 1600 mm, such as 1450 mm, 1500 mm, 1550 mm, 1600 mm, etc. The second setting range may be, but is not limited to, 1000 mm ≤ H ≤ 1400 mm, such as 1000 mm, 1100 mm, 1200 mm, 1300 mm, 1400 mm, etc. The third setting range may be, but is not limited to, 700 mm ≤ H < 1000 mm, such as 700 mm, 800 mm, 900 mm, 1000 mm, etc.

[0090] Two groups of embodiments are described below. The first group is an embodiment in which the electronic anode is inserted vertically, and the second group is an embodiment in which the electronic anode is inserted horizontally.

[0091] 1) Single electronic anode vertical insertion to achieve large volume liner 3 protection solution

[0092] This group of embodiments includes four embodiments, of which two embodiments have two conductive carrier coating segments 2 (i.e., the number of coating segments), with the length of the segment at the tip being 180 mm and the length of the segment at the non-tip being 30 mm, for a total length of 210 mm, as shown in FIG9 . The difference lies in the different eccentricity α1 and insertion ratio β1. The other two embodiments have one conductive carrier coating segment 2, as shown in FIG10 . The difference lies in the different eccentricity α1 and insertion ratio β1. FIG9 is a schematic diagram of coating two segments of metal oxide coating on the surface of a single electron anode. FIG10 is a schematic diagram of coating a segment of metal oxide coating on the tip of the electron anode surface. FIG11 shows a schematic diagram of the protective potential of the outer wall of the inner liner 3 measured at five different positions (positions 1# to 5#) in this group of embodiments, and the results in Table 1 below are obtained. Among them, the units of ls, d, D, and H are all mm. The units of the protective potential measured at positions 1# to 5# are all mV.

[0093] Table 1 Protection potential of electronic anode for large volume inner tank 3 (vs. SCE)

[0094] 2) Single electronic anode is inserted horizontally to realize the protection scheme of large volume inner tank 3

[0095] This set of embodiments includes two examples. Both have a single conductive carrier coating segment 2 (i.e., the number of coating segments). The difference lies in the different eccentricity α2. Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the protection scheme for the inner liner 3 with a horizontally inserted electron anode. Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the protective potential measured at five different locations (positions 1# to 5#) on the outer wall of the inner liner 3 in this set of embodiments. The results are shown in Table 2 below. The units of ls, d, D, and H are all mm. The units of the protective potential measured at positions 1# to 5# are all mV.

[0096] Table 2 Protection potential of electronic anode for large volume inner tank 3 (vs. SCE)

[0097] It can be seen from the experimental results of the above embodiments that the protection potential of the inner tank 3 is all within the range of -850mV to -1150mV. Therefore, the electronic anode provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, a single electronic anode can play a comprehensive protective role for the inner tank 3. In addition, the electronic anode is coated with a metal oxide coating on the surface of the titanium rod, and a single-stage or multi-stage coating can be performed on the same titanium rod. The benefit of multi-stage coating of the metal oxide coating is that when the electronic anode is energized, the coated metal oxide coating can apply an anode current, and together apply a cathode current to the inner wall of the inner tank 3, and optimize the electric field distribution, thereby achieving a better anti-corrosion function for the inner tank 3. Therefore, the present technical solution has the advantages of optimized protection effect, low cost, simplified structural design and electrical control design. By adopting the electronic anode of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner tank 3 of the water heater can be more effectively protected, anti-corrosion can be achieved, the service life of the water heater can be extended, and the quality of the water heater can be improved.

[0098] In summary, the electronic anode and water heater provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure have the following beneficial effects:

[0099] 1) Optimizing the protection effect: By coating the titanium rod of the electronic anode with a metal oxide coating in one or more sections and optimizing the installation position and insertion ratio of the electronic anode, the position where the external protection current is applied can be optimized. It is recommended that the coated part be at least 5 cm away from the end of the anode body close to the support component. This can effectively protect the inner liner, especially the large-volume inner liner, avoid over-protection or under-protection, extend the corrosion resistance life of the inner liner, and thus optimize the protection effect.

[0100] 2) Reduce costs: Metal oxide coatings are expensive (accounting for 50% of the cost), and segmented coating can reduce the coating amount by about 25%, meet the needs of protecting the inner tank from corrosion, and reduce the manufacturing cost of the electronic anode.

[0101] 3) Simplified design: The large inner tank is protected by only a single electronic anode, which reduces the number of electronic anode interfaces reserved for the inner tank and the number of electronic anode electronic control structures reserved for the mainboard, simplifying both the electronic control design and the structural design.

[0102] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation to the present disclosure.

[0103] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. Throughout the present disclosure, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0104] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, terms such as "mounted," "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections, electrical connections; direct connections, or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this disclosure based on specific circumstances.

[0105] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0106] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples, unless they are mutually inconsistent.

[0107] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are illustrative and are not to be construed as limitations on the present disclosure. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and vary the above embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An electronic anode, comprising: an anode body, the anode body comprising a conductive carrier segment and a conductive carrier coating segment connected to each other; the conductive carrier segment comprises a bare conductive carrier, and the number of the conductive carrier segments is one or more; the conductive carrier coating segment comprises a conductive carrier and a conductive coating attached to the outer surface of the conductive carrier, and the number of the conductive carrier coating segment is one or more; The anode body is configured to be inserted into the inner tank of the water heater, the inner surface area of ​​the inner tank is S1, the total surface area of ​​the anode body is S0, the units of S0 and S1 are the same, and S0 and S1 satisfy: S0≥7.5×10 -5 ×S1。 2. The electronic anode according to claim 1, wherein: The total surface area of ​​the conductive carrier coating segment is S2, the units of S2 and S1 are the same, and S2 and S1 satisfy: S2≥7.5×10 -5 ×S1.

3. The electronic anode according to claim 2, wherein: The anode body is cylindrical, the total length of the conductive carrier coating section is ls, and the diameter is d; the diameter of the inner shell is D, and the axial height is H; the units of ls, d, D, and H are the same, and ls, d, D, and H satisfy: d×ls≥3.75×10 -5 ×(2×D×H+D 2 ).

4. The electronic anode according to claim 3, wherein: The unit of ls, d, D and H is m, and ls, d, D and H satisfy: ls ≥ 7.5 × 10 -3 ×(2×D×H+D 2 ), and d≤5mm.

5. The electronic anode according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The conductive carrier segment and the conductive carrier coating segment are a split assembly structure; or The conductive carrier of the conductive carrier segment and the conductive carrier coating segment is an integrally formed structure, and the conductive coating is arranged in one section or in sections and attached to the integrally formed structure, so that the anode body forms the conductive carrier segment and the conductive carrier coating segment.

6. The electronic anode according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: A supporting component, a sealing component and a wiring component; one end of the anode body is supported by the supporting component; the sealing component is connected to the supporting component and is configured to be sealed and connected to the inner tank of the water heater; the wiring component is electrically connected to the anode body and is configured to be electrically connected to the electronic control device of the electronic anode.

7. A water heater, comprising: Liner; and The electronic anode according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is inserted into the inner container, and the anode body is located in the inner container.

8. The water heater according to claim 7, wherein: The electronic anode is inserted into the inner container along the axial height direction of the inner container; or The electronic anode is inserted into the inner container along the radial direction of the inner container.

9. The water heater according to claim 8, wherein: The inner container is a symmetrical structure, and the inner container has a first symmetry plane and a second symmetry plane; the central axis of the inner container is located in the first symmetry plane and is perpendicular to the second symmetry plane; Based on the fact that the electronic anode is inserted into the inner container along the axial height direction of the inner container: the distance between the anode body and the first symmetry plane is △d, the diameter of the inner container is D, the units of △d and D are the same, and △d and D satisfy: 0≤△d / D≤0.3; Based on the fact that the electronic anode is inserted into the inner container along the radial direction of the inner container: the distance between the anode body and the second symmetry plane is △h, the axial height of the inner container is H, the units of △h and H are the same, and △h and H satisfy: 0≤△h / H≤0.

2.

10. The water heater according to claim 8, wherein: Based on the fact that the electronic anode is inserted into the inner container along the axial height direction of the inner container: the length of the anode body is L, the axial height of the inner container is H, the units of L and H are the same, and L and H satisfy: 0<L / H≤0.6; Based on the fact that the electronic anode is inserted into the inner container along the radial direction of the inner container: the length of the anode body is L, the diameter of the inner container is D, the units of L and D are the same, and L and D satisfy: 0<L / D≤0.

75.

11. The water heater according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: Based on the axial height H of the inner container being within a first set range, the electron anode is inserted into the inner container along the radial direction of the inner container; Based on the axial height H of the inner container being within a second set range, the electron anode is inserted into the inner container along the axial height direction or radial direction of the inner container; Based on the axial height H of the inner container being within a third setting range, the electron anode is inserted into the inner container along the axial height direction of the inner container; The height value of the first setting range>the height value of the second setting range>the height value of the third setting range.

12. The water heater according to claim 11, wherein: The first setting range is: 1400mm<H≤1600mm, the second setting range is 1000mm≤H≤1400mm, and the third setting range is 700mm≤H<1000mm.

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