Electric water heater and overflow device thereof

Abstract

The utility model relates to an electric water heater and an overflow device thereof. The overflow device comprises a driving mechanism, a transmission mechanism and a water outlet pipe. The driving mechanism is used for being arranged outside the inner container. The transmission mechanism penetrates through the inner container, and the driving mechanism is connected with the transmission mechanism. The water outlet pipe is arranged in the inner container in a penetrating mode and is a telescopic hose, the water outlet pipe is provided with a water inlet end and a water outlet end, the water outlet end is in sealing fit with the inner container, and the transmission mechanism is connected with the water inlet end of the water outlet pipe. The driving mechanism is used for driving the water inlet end to ascend and descend through the transmission mechanism so as to adjust the height position of the water inlet end. In this way, the automation degree is high, scalding caused by manual adjustment of a user during high-temperature hot water heating is effectively avoided, and safety is improved; besides, due to the fact that the telescopic hose is a whole pipe, the sealing performance of the telescopic hose in the telescopic process is not affected, the sealing performance is better, and the adjusting precision of the liquid level height of the inner container can be guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water heater technology, and in particular to an electric water heater and its overflow device. Background Technology

[0002] Electric water heaters on the market generally consist of an inner tank and a water outlet pipe connected to the inner tank. The water outlet pipe is inserted into the inner tank, allowing water inside the tank to drain out. By adjusting the length of the water outlet pipe inside the inner tank, that is, changing the height of the top of the water outlet pipe, the overflow water level in the inner tank can be controlled and adjusted accordingly, thereby adjusting the capacity of the inner tank.

[0003] In related technologies, the length of the water outlet pipe extending into the inner tank is usually adjusted manually. However, the temperature of the regulating valve body rises with the water temperature inside the tank, causing burns to the hands during manual adjustment. Furthermore, this method has low automation and safety. Another approach involves using two slidingly fitted pipe fittings, with a lifting mechanism moving one fitting to change the height of the outlet pipe's top. While this increases automation, the seal between the two fittings is poor, leading to leaks after a period of use. Utility Model Content

[0004] The first technical problem solved by this application is to provide an electric water heater that can automatically adjust the liquid level in the inner tank and has good sealing performance.

[0005] The second technical problem solved by this application is to provide an overflow device for an electric water heater that can automatically adjust the liquid level in the inner tank and has good sealing performance.

[0006] The first technical problem mentioned above is solved by the following technical solution:

[0007] An overflow device for an electric water heater is provided, for installation in the inner tank of the water heater, the overflow device comprising:

[0008] A drive mechanism is provided on the inner liner;

[0009] A transmission mechanism, wherein the transmission mechanism is disposed within the inner liner, and the drive mechanism is connected to the transmission mechanism; and

[0010] A water outlet pipe is provided in the inner tank. The water outlet pipe is configured as a telescopic flexible hose. The water outlet pipe has an inlet end and an outlet end. The outlet end is sealed to the inner tank. The transmission mechanism is connected to the inlet end of the water outlet pipe. The drive mechanism is used to drive the inlet end to move up and down through the transmission mechanism to adjust the height position of the inlet end.

[0011] The overflow device of the electric water heater described in this application has the following advantages compared to the prior art:

[0012] The overflow device of the aforementioned electric water heater, on the one hand, uses a drive mechanism to raise and lower the inlet end via a transmission mechanism. The telescopic hose can adaptably extend and retract, thereby adjusting the height of the inlet end. This eliminates the need for manual adjustment, allowing for precise automatic raising and lowering control based on user selection, resulting in a high degree of automation. Furthermore, it avoids scalding from manual adjustment when using hot water, thus improving safety. On the other hand, the outlet pipe is designed as a telescopic hose. Compared to the sliding sleeve structure of two fittings in related technologies, the telescopic hose is a single, continuous pipe, ensuring unaffected sealing during extension and retraction. Water from the inner tank overflows into the outlet pipe only through the inlet end, effectively preventing water from overflowing through the metal mechanical parts between fittings in related technologies, resulting in better sealing.

[0013] In one embodiment, the overflow device of the electric water heater further includes a guide pipe, which is fixedly disposed inside the inner tank, and the water outlet pipe is retractably inserted through the guide pipe, with the outer wall of the water outlet pipe sealingly fitted with the inner wall of the guide pipe.

[0014] In one embodiment, the overflow device of the electric water heater further includes a support pipe and an outer sleeve. The support pipe and the outer sleeve are rigid pipes. The support pipe is fixedly installed inside the inner tank. The water outlet pipe is telescopically inserted through the support pipe. The outer sleeve is located inside the inner tank and is slidably fitted onto the outside of the support pipe. The water inlet end is sealed to the top end of the outer sleeve. The drive mechanism is used to drive the outer sleeve to move up and down through the transmission mechanism.

[0015] In one embodiment, the overflow device of the electric water heater further includes an outer sleeve connected between the transmission mechanism and the water inlet, the outer sleeve being located inside the inner tank and slidably fitted onto the outside of the support pipe.

[0016] In one embodiment, a guide assembly is provided between the outer tube and the support tube. There are multiple guide assemblies, which are arranged at intervals around the outer periphery of the support tube. Each guide assembly includes a guide block and a guide rail that guide and cooperate with each other. One of the guide block and the guide rail is disposed on the inner wall of the outer tube, and the other of the guide block and the guide rail is disposed on the outer wall of the support tube.

[0017] In one embodiment, both the support tube and the outer tube are square tubes; at least one guide component is provided on each of the opposite sides of the support tube along the first direction, and the transmission mechanism is arranged on each of the opposite sides of the support tube along the second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0018] In one embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a waterproof cover and a motor; the waterproof cover is connected to the outer wall of the inner liner, the motor is disposed inside the waterproof cover, the waterproof cover has a mounting hole, the water outlet passes through the side wall of the inner liner and the waterproof cover and is installed in the mounting hole, and the outer wall of the water outlet is sealed to the mounting hole; the bottom end of the outer sleeve is slidably and sealed to the support tube, and the transmission mechanism extends through the inner liner and the waterproof cover into the interior of the waterproof cover.

[0019] In one embodiment, the transmission mechanism includes a first gear, a second gear, a third gear, a transmission belt, and a toothed belt; the first gear is connected to the shaft of the motor, the second gear and the third gear are coaxially arranged and synchronously rotatably connected to the support tube, the first gear and the second gear are connected through the transmission belt, the toothed belt is connected to the inner wall of the outer sleeve, and the third gear meshes with the toothed belt.

[0020] In one embodiment, there are two motors and two transmission mechanisms, with each motor and transmission mechanism connected in a one-to-one correspondence; the water outlet pipe extends outward through the inner liner and the waterproof cover; the two motors are respectively located on opposite sides of the water outlet pipe, and the two transmission mechanisms are respectively located on opposite sides of the water outlet pipe, with each transmission mechanism connected in a corresponding manner to opposite sides of the outer sleeve.

[0021] In one embodiment, the telescopic hose is a corrugated pipe.

[0022] The second technical problem mentioned above is solved by the following technical solution:

[0023] An electric water heater includes an inner tank and an overflow device installed in the inner tank.

[0024] The electric water heater described in this application has the following advantages compared to the prior art:

[0025] The overflow device of the aforementioned electric water heater, on the one hand, uses a drive mechanism to raise and lower the inlet end via a transmission mechanism. The telescopic hose can adaptably extend and retract, thereby adjusting the height of the inlet end. This eliminates the need for manual adjustment, allowing for precise automatic raising and lowering control based on user selection, resulting in a high degree of automation. Furthermore, it avoids scalding from manual adjustment when using hot water, thus improving safety. On the other hand, the outlet pipe is designed as a telescopic hose. Compared to the sliding sleeve structure of two fittings in related technologies, the telescopic hose is a single, continuous pipe, ensuring unaffected sealing during extension and retraction. Water from the inner tank overflows into the outlet pipe only through the inlet end, effectively preventing water from overflowing through the metal mechanical parts between fittings in related technologies, resulting in better sealing. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 The working state of an electric water heater according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 .

[0029] Figure 2 The working state of an electric water heater according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 .

[0030] Figure 3 The working state of the overflow device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 .

[0031] Figure 4 The working state of the overflow device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 .

[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Another view of the overflow device is shown.

[0033] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Sectional view of the structure at point AA.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram showing the connection of two motors of an overflow device according to an embodiment of this application to a controller.

[0035] Figure label:

[0036] 10. Overflow device; 11. Drive mechanism; 111. Waterproof cover; 112. Motor; 12. Transmission mechanism; 121. First gear; 122. Second gear; 123. Third gear; 124. Transmission belt; 125. Toothed belt; 13. Water outlet pipe; 131. Water inlet end; 132. Water outlet end; 14. Support pipe; 15. Outer sleeve; 16. Guide assembly; 161. Guide block; 162. Guide rail; 1621. Guide groove; 17. Controller; 20. Inner liner. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0038] See Figure 1 or Figure 2 , Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagrams show two different operating states of an electric water heater according to an embodiment of this application. One embodiment of this application provides an overflow device 10 for an electric water heater, which is installed in the inner tank 20 of the water heater.

[0039] Please see Figures 3 to 6 The overflow device 10 includes a drive mechanism 11, a transmission mechanism 12, and a water outlet pipe 13. The drive mechanism 11 is installed within the inner tank 20. The transmission mechanism 12 passes through the inner tank 20, and the drive mechanism 11 is connected to the transmission mechanism 12. The water outlet pipe 13 is installed within the inner tank 20 and is configured as a telescopic flexible hose. The water outlet pipe 13 has an inlet end 131 and an outlet end 132. The water outlet pipe 13 is sealed to the inner tank 20. The transmission mechanism 12 is connected to the inlet end 131 of the water outlet pipe 13. The drive mechanism 11 drives the inlet end 131 to move up and down via the transmission mechanism 12, thereby adjusting the height position of the inlet end 131.

[0040] When the drive mechanism 11 lowers the water inlet end 131 via the transmission mechanism 12, it reduces the liquid level in the inner tank 20. The liquid level is shown in the example below. Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, h1; conversely, when the drive mechanism 11 raises the water inlet end 131 via the transmission mechanism 12, the liquid level in the inner tank 20 can be increased, for example, see [reference needed]. Figure 2 h2 is shown in the diagram.

[0041] The overflow device 10 of the aforementioned electric water heater, on the one hand, uses a drive mechanism 11 to drive the inlet end 131 to rise and fall via a transmission mechanism 12. The telescopic hose can adaptably extend and retract, thereby adjusting the height of the inlet end 131. This eliminates the need for manual adjustment, allowing for precise automatic raising and lowering control based on user selection, resulting in a high degree of automation and preventing scalding from manual adjustment during hot water, thus improving safety. On the other hand, the outlet pipe 13 is designed as a telescopic hose. Compared to the sliding sleeve structure of two pipe fittings in related technologies, the telescopic hose is a single, continuous pipe, ensuring unaffected sealing during extension and retraction. Water in the inner tank 20 overflows into the outlet pipe 13 only through the inlet end 131, effectively preventing water from overflowing through the metal mechanical moving parts between pipe fittings in related technologies, resulting in better sealing. Furthermore, the height of the inlet end 131 determines the liquid level in the inner tank 20. Precise adjustment of the inlet end 131 ensures accurate adjustment of the liquid level in the inner tank 20.

[0042] Optionally, the flexible hose may include, but is not limited to, a corrugated pipe. Corrugated pipes have better telescopic performance, allowing them to extend and retract freely under the lifting action of the drive mechanism 11; at the same time, corrugated pipes have a longer service life and are less prone to damage.

[0043] For example, the overflow device 10 of the electric water heater also includes a guide tube. The guide tube is fixedly disposed inside the inner tank 20, and the water outlet pipe 13 is telescopically inserted through the guide tube, with the outer wall of the water outlet pipe 13 sealingly fitted with the inner wall of the guide tube.

[0044] For example, the overflow device 10 of the electric water heater also includes a support pipe 14 and an outer sleeve 15. The support pipe 14 and the outer sleeve 15 are rigid pipes. The support pipe 14 is fixedly installed inside the inner tank 20, and the outlet pipe 13 is telescopically inserted through the support pipe 14. The outer wall of the outlet pipe 13 is sealed to the inner wall of the support pipe 14. In this way, on the one hand, because the outer wall of the outlet pipe 13 is sealed to the inner wall of the support pipe 14, water inside the inner tank 20 can be prevented from flowing out through the outer wall of the outlet pipe 13 and the inner wall of the support pipe 14, thus ensuring a tight seal. On the other hand, the support pipe 14 supports the outlet pipe 13. When the outlet pipe 13 is driven to move up and down by the transmission mechanism 12, the outlet pipe 13 moves up and down along the outlet pipe 13, resulting in high stability of movement.

[0045] It should be noted that there are multiple sealing methods between the inner walls of the outlet pipe 13 and the support pipe 14, which can be flexibly adjusted and set according to actual needs. For example, the outer wall of the outlet pipe 13 is provided with a sealing skirt, which seals against the inner wall of the support pipe 14. There can be one or more sealing skirts. When there are multiple sealing skirts, the outlet pipe 13 and the support pipe 14 can form multiple seals.

[0046] To further improve the sealing performance and prevent water inside the inner liner 20 from flowing out through the gap between the outlet pipe 13 and the inner wall of the support pipe 14, for example, a first sealing element is provided on the outside of the inner liner 20. The first sealing element surrounds the outer periphery of the outlet pipe 13 and is connected to the outer wall of the inner liner 20 to seal the gap between the outer wall of the outlet pipe 13 and the inner wall of the support pipe 14. Optionally, the first sealing element may include, but is not limited to, a waterproof sealing ring or waterproof adhesive, etc.

[0047] For example, the outer sleeve 15 is located inside the inner liner 20, and the outer sleeve 15 is slidably fitted onto the outside of the support tube 14. Thus, when the drive mechanism 11 drives the outer sleeve 15 to move up and down via the transmission mechanism 12, the outer sleeve 15 correspondingly drives the water inlet end 131 to move up and down. Because the outer sleeve 15 is slidably fitted onto the outside of the support tube 14, the water inlet end 131 has high stability during the up and down movement.

[0048] Specifically, the water inlet 131 is sealed to the top of the outer sleeve 15, and the drive mechanism 11 is used to drive the outer sleeve 15 to move up and down through the transmission mechanism 12.

[0049] Please see Figure 6 In one embodiment, a guide assembly 16 is provided between the outer sleeve 15 and the support sleeve 14. The outer sleeve 15 slides with the support sleeve 14 through the guide assembly 16, and the lifting and lowering movement of the outer sleeve 15 is stable and reliable under the guidance of the guide assembly 16. The number of guide assemblies 16 is not limited, and may include, but is not limited to, one, two, three, or more. In this embodiment, multiple guide assemblies 16 are provided, and the multiple guide assemblies 16 are arranged at intervals around the outer periphery of the support sleeve 14. Thus, during the lifting and lowering process of the outer sleeve 15, each guide assembly 16 plays a guiding role, resulting in high stability of the lifting and lowering movement and preventing the outer sleeve 15 from tilting.

[0050] For example, the guide assembly 16 includes a guide block 161 and a guide rail 162 that guide and cooperate with each other. One of the guide block 161 and the guide rail 162 is disposed on the inner wall of the outer sleeve 15, and the other of the guide block 161 and the guide rail 162 is disposed on the outer wall of the support tube 14. Optionally, the guide rail 162 is provided with a guide groove 1621, and the guide block 161 is slidably disposed in the guide groove 1621.

[0051] For example, both the support tube 14 and the outer tube 15 are, but are not limited to, tubes that are square, round, or other shapes. In this embodiment, both the support tube 14 and the outer tube 15 are, for example, square tubes. Furthermore, at least one guide assembly 16 can be provided on each of the opposite sides of the support tube 14 along the first direction, and a transmission mechanism 12 can be arranged on each of the opposite sides of the support tube 14 along the second direction. In this way, the guide assembly 16 and the transmission mechanism 12 are arranged separately and do not interfere with each other.

[0052] It should be noted that the first direction is as follows: Figure 7 The direction indicated by x in the diagram, and the second direction as shown in the diagram. Figure 7 The direction indicated by y in the diagram is perpendicular to the second direction. When the first direction is set as the length direction, the second direction is set as the width direction accordingly; when the first direction is set as the width direction, the second direction is set as the length direction accordingly.

[0053] Optionally, two guide components 16 are provided on each of the opposite sides of the support tube 14 along the first direction. In this way, the four guide components 16 provide good guidance, high stability of the lifting action, and fixation to prevent the outer tube 15 from tilting.

[0054] For example, both the support pipe 14 and the outer sleeve 15 are configured as rigid pipes. Rigid pipes include, but are not limited to, metal pipes. In this way, the support pipe 14 and the outer sleeve 15 each have greater strength and are resistant to high temperatures, and can stably drive the extension and retraction of the outlet pipe 13.

[0055] For example, the drive mechanism 11 includes a waterproof housing 111 and a motor 112. The waterproof housing 111 is connected to the outer wall of the inner liner 20, and the motor 112 is disposed inside the waterproof housing 111. The waterproof housing 111 has a mounting hole, and the water outlet 132 passes through the side wall of the inner liner 20 and the waterproof housing 111 and is installed in the mounting hole, with the outer wall of the water outlet 132 sealingly fitted with the mounting hole. The bottom end of the outer sleeve 15 is slidably and sealingly connected to the support tube 14, and the transmission mechanism 12 extends through the inner liner 20 and the waterproof housing 111 into the interior of the waterproof housing 111. In this way, the waterproof housing 111 plays a sealing role, preventing water inside the inner liner 20 from flowing out through the waterproof housing 111. In addition, the motor 112, as a power source, can drive the outer sleeve 15 to move up and down through the transmission mechanism 12.

[0056] Optionally, to ensure a tight seal, the overflow device 10 further includes a second seal disposed between the inner liner 20 and the waterproof cover 111. The second seal surrounds the outer periphery of the transmission mechanism 12. In this way, the second seal prevents water inside the inner liner 20 from flowing out.

[0057] Please see Figures 3 to 6For example, the transmission mechanism 12 includes a first gear 121, a second gear 122, a third gear 123, a transmission belt 124, and a toothed belt 125. The first gear 121 is connected to the shaft of the motor 112. The second gear 122 and the third gear 123 are coaxially arranged and rotatably connected to the support tube 14. The first gear 121 and the second gear 122 are connected by the transmission belt 124. The toothed belt 125 is connected to the inner wall of the outer sleeve 15. The third gear 123 meshes with the toothed belt 125. Thus, when the motor 112 receives a control signal, the motor 112 operates, and the rotating shaft drives the first gear 121 to rotate. The first gear 121 drives the second gear 122 to rotate through the transmission belt 124. The second gear 122 drives the third gear 123 to rotate synchronously. When the third gear 123 moves, it drives the sawtooth belt 125 to move up and down. The sawtooth belt 125 drives the outer sleeve 15 to move up and down, thereby realizing the lifting and lowering of the water inlet 131 and achieving flexible adjustment of the liquid level height of the inner tank 20.

[0058] Optionally, the diameter of the first gear 121 is smaller than the diameter of the second gear 122. The diameter ratio of the first gear 121 to the second gear 122 is, for example, 1:2 to 20.

[0059] The second gear 122 and the third gear 123 are connected to the support tube 14, and the support tube 14 provides stable support for the second gear 122, the third gear 123 and the outer tube 15 as a whole.

[0060] For example, two motors 112 and two transmission mechanisms 12 are provided, with each motor 112 connected to one transmission mechanism 12 in a one-to-one correspondence. The water outlet pipe 13 extends outward through the inner liner 20 and the waterproof cover 111. The two motors 112 are respectively located on opposite sides of the water outlet pipe 13, and the two transmission mechanisms 12 are respectively located on opposite sides of the water outlet pipe 13, with each transmission mechanism 12 correspondingly connected to opposite sides of the outer sleeve 15. Thus, when a control signal is received, both motors 112 operate, driving each transmission mechanism 12 to move, which in turn drives the opposite sides of the outer sleeve 15 to rise and fall. The opposite sides of the outer sleeve 15 experience balanced force, preventing tilting and thus stably driving the water inlet end 131 to rise and fall.

[0061] Please see Figure 7 The overflow device 10 also includes a controller 17. The two motors 112, for example, use the same female terminal, which is electrically connected to the controller 17 to ensure synchronous drive of the control signals. Thus, under the control of the controller 17, the two motors 112 maintain synchronous start-stop operation, and the shaft speeds of the two motors 112 remain consistent, thereby ensuring that the lifting speed and amplitude of the outer sleeve 15 on its relative sides remain consistent during lifting.

[0062] For example, motor 112 is a stepper motor, and the two stepper motors share a common terminal design. Controller 17 is, for example, an MCU controller. The control signals of the MCU controller are driven by UN2003 to ensure the simultaneity and consistency of the drive waveforms, preventing inconsistent lifting rates caused by asynchronous speeds of the two stepper motors. The resistor serves as a current limiter to prevent the MCU controller 17 and UN2003 from burning out due to sudden overcurrent.

[0063] Please see Figure 1 or Figure 2 This application also provides an electric water heater, which includes an inner tank 20 and an overflow device 10 of any of the above embodiments, the overflow device 10 being installed at the inner tank 20.

[0064] In the aforementioned electric water heater, on the one hand, the drive mechanism 11 drives the inlet end 131 to rise and fall through the transmission mechanism 12. The telescopic hose can adaptably extend and retract, thereby adjusting the height position of the inlet end 131. This eliminates the need for manual adjustment, allowing for precise automatic raising and lowering control based on user selection, resulting in a high degree of automation and preventing scalding from manual adjustment during hot water, thus improving safety. On the other hand, the outlet pipe 13 is designed as a telescopic hose. Compared to the sliding sleeve structure of two fittings in related technologies, the telescopic hose is a single, continuous pipe with no gaps in the wall, ensuring unaffected sealing during expansion and contraction. Water in the inner tank 20 only overflows into the outlet pipe 13 through the inlet end 131, preventing water from overflowing through the metal mechanical moving parts between fittings in related technologies, resulting in better sealing. Furthermore, the height position of the inlet end 131 determines the liquid level in the inner tank 20. Precise adjustment of the inlet end 131 ensures the accuracy of the liquid level adjustment in the inner tank 20.

[0065] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0066] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0067] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0068] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0069] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0070] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0071] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An overflow device for an electric water heater, for installation in the inner tank (20) of the electric water heater, characterized in that, The overflow device (10) of the electric water heater includes: A drive mechanism (11) is provided on the inner liner (20). A transmission mechanism (12) is disposed in the inner liner (20), and a drive mechanism (11) is connected to the transmission mechanism (12); and Water outlet pipe (13), the water outlet pipe (13) is used to be installed in the inner tank (20), the water outlet pipe (13) is configured as a telescopic hose, the water outlet pipe (13) has a water inlet end (131) and a water outlet end (132), the water outlet end (132) is sealed to the inner tank (20), the transmission mechanism (12) is connected to the water inlet end (131) of the water outlet pipe (13); the drive mechanism (11) is used to drive the water inlet end (131) to move up and down through the transmission mechanism (12) to adjust the height position of the water inlet end (131).

2. The overflow device of the electric water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The overflow device (10) of the electric water heater also includes a guide tube, which is fixedly installed inside the inner tank (20). The water outlet pipe (13) is telescopically inserted into the guide tube, and the outer wall of the water outlet pipe (13) is sealed to the inner wall of the guide tube.

3. The overflow device of the electric water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The overflow device (10) of the electric water heater also includes a support pipe (14) and an outer sleeve (15). The support pipe (14) and the outer sleeve (15) are rigid pipes. The support pipe (14) is fixedly installed inside the inner tank (20). The water outlet pipe (13) is telescopically inserted through the support pipe (14). The outer sleeve (15) is located inside the inner tank (20) and is slidably sleeved on the outside of the support pipe (14). The water inlet end (131) is sealed to the top end of the outer sleeve (15). The drive mechanism (11) is used to drive the outer sleeve (15) to move up and down through the transmission mechanism (12).

4. The overflow device of the electric water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, A guide assembly (16) is provided between the outer tube (15) and the support tube (14). There are multiple guide assemblies (16), which are arranged at intervals around the outer periphery of the support tube (14). Each guide assembly (16) includes a guide block (161) and a guide rail (162) that guide each other. One of the guide block (161) and the guide rail (162) is disposed on the inner wall of the outer tube (15), and the other of the guide block (161) and the guide rail (162) is disposed on the outer wall of the support tube (14).

5. The overflow device of the electric water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both the support tube (14) and the outer tube (15) are square tubes; at least one guide component (16) is provided on each of the opposite sides of the support tube (14) along the first direction, and the transmission mechanism (12) is arranged on each of the opposite sides of the support tube (14) along the second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

6. The overflow device of the electric water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (11) includes a waterproof cover (111) and a motor (112); the waterproof cover (111) is connected to the outer wall of the inner liner (20), the motor (112) is disposed inside the waterproof cover (111), the waterproof cover (111) has an installation hole, the water outlet (132) passes through the side wall of the inner liner (20) and the waterproof cover (111) and is installed in the installation hole, and the outer wall of the water outlet (132) is sealed to the installation hole; the bottom end of the outer sleeve (15) is slidably sealed to the support tube (14), and the transmission mechanism (12) passes through the inner liner (20) and the waterproof cover (111) and extends into the interior of the waterproof cover (111).

7. The overflow device of the electric water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism (12) includes a first gear (121), a second gear (122), a third gear (123), a transmission belt (124), and a sawtooth belt (125). The first gear (121) is connected to the shaft of the motor (112). The second gear (122) and the third gear (123) are coaxially arranged and synchronously rotatably connected to the support tube (14). The first gear (121) and the second gear (122) are connected through the transmission belt (124). The sawtooth belt (125) is connected to the inner wall of the outer sleeve (15). The third gear (123) meshes with the sawtooth belt (125).

8. The overflow device of the electric water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that, Two motors (112) and two transmission mechanisms (12) are provided, and the two motors (112) and the two transmission mechanisms (12) are connected one-to-one; the water outlet pipe (13) extends outward through the inner liner (20) and the waterproof cover (111); the two motors (112) are respectively located on opposite sides of the water outlet pipe (13), and the two transmission mechanisms (12) are respectively located on opposite sides of the water outlet pipe (13), and the two transmission mechanisms (12) are respectively connected to opposite sides of the outer sleeve (15).

9. The overflow device of the electric water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The flexible hose is made of corrugated pipe.

10. An electric water heater, characterized in that, The electric water heater includes an inner tank (20) and an overflow device (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, the overflow device (10) being installed at the inner tank (20).

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