A drain valve assembly and a washing machine

Abstract

This invention discloses a drain valve assembly and a washing machine. The drain valve assembly includes a valve body with a first water inlet and a second water inlet. A drain chamber is formed within the valve body to guide water from the first water inlet to the second water inlet. A valve unit for connecting / disconnecting the water passage between the first and second water inlets is located within the drain chamber. The drain chamber includes a heating chamber and a valve chamber. The heating chamber communicates with the first water inlet, and the valve chamber communicates with the second water inlet. The valve unit is located within the valve chamber, and a heating unit is located within the heating chamber. The washing machine of this invention includes a tub assembly and a circulation device. The circulation device has an inlet and an outlet. The tub assembly has a drain outlet, and the first water inlet communicates with the drain outlet. The inlet of the circulation device is connected to the heating chamber, and the outlet is used to circulate water into the tub assembly. This invention integrates the heating unit within the valve body chamber of the drain valve into an independent modular structure, resulting in a simple structure and ease of manufacturing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of washing equipment, and more specifically, relates to a drain valve assembly and a washing machine having the drain valve assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Most laundry detergents on the market use active enzymes to clean dirt, and these enzymes are most active at around 40 degrees Celsius. When winter comes and temperatures drop, especially in northern regions, the solubility of laundry detergent in water decreases significantly. This results in a large amount of detergent remaining on clothes after a washing cycle, not only leaving clothes unclean but also wasting water, electricity, and time.

[0003] Some manufacturers have developed washing machines with heated water functions. Most of these machines use a heating element installed at the bottom of the water tank to heat the water for washing. This requires designing the water tank with a recess at the bottom to accommodate the heating element. One end of the heating element extends outside the bottom of the tank, while the other end extends into the recess, sealing the tank with a rubber seal. The heating element heats the water to a preset temperature within the tank. If existing top-loading washing machines without heating functions are to be modified to include this function, the water tank needs to be redesigned, and separate molds need to be created to produce the matching tanks. This means that top-loading washing machines without heating functions and those with heating functions cannot share the same production line for their water tanks, resulting in significant resource waste.

[0004] For example, international patent application No. WO2019167422A1 discloses a washing machine. In order to realize the heating function of the pulsator washing machine, a groove and mounting part for installing the heating tube are provided at the bottom of the water tank of the washing machine. This structure is different from the water tank of conventional pulsator washing machines.

[0005] Some manufacturers install heating modules at the bottom of the washing machine's water tank. For example, a heating module with a separate heating space is installed on the circulating water pipe, or the circulating pump is replaced with a heating pump. However, this improved structure also has drawbacks such as difficult installation and increased cost. More seriously, because the added heating module is heavy, installing it at the bottom of the water tank causes the center of gravity of the water tank to shift, affecting the balance of the water tank and causing more serious consequences.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a drain valve assembly with heating function to heat the washing water in the washing machine drum.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a low-cost drain valve assembly that integrates a heating unit into a valve body.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modularly designed drain valve assembly that is easy to install and highly versatile.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having the above-described drain valve assembly.

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0012] A drain valve assembly includes a valve body with a first water inlet and a second water inlet. A drain chamber is formed within the valve body to guide water from the first water inlet to the second water inlet. The drain chamber contains a valve unit for connecting / disconnecting the water passage between the first water inlet and the second water inlet. The drain chamber includes a heating chamber and a valve chamber. The heating chamber communicates with the first water inlet, and the valve chamber communicates with the second water inlet. The valve unit is located within the valve chamber, and the heating chamber contains a heating unit for heating water.

[0013] Furthermore, the heating chamber and the valve chamber are integrally formed within the valve body.

[0014] Furthermore, the valve body is also provided with a first opening, which communicates with the heating chamber. The heating unit includes a heater and a support portion for supporting the heater. The heater includes a heating portion and a terminal portion. The heating portion is located inside the heating chamber, and the terminal portion passes through the support portion and is located outside the heating chamber. The support portion is sealed to the first opening.

[0015] Furthermore, the support portion is detachably connected to the first opening;

[0016] Preferably, the support part is a cover structure that is rotatably snapped into or threadedly connected to the first opening.

[0017] This structure facilitates the replacement and maintenance of the heating unit, as well as the cleaning of the interior of the heating chamber.

[0018] Furthermore, the first opening is located at the end of the heating chamber away from the valve chamber, and the heating part extends from the first opening toward the valve chamber, preferably close to the inner wall of the heating chamber, or the heating part is located close to the support part;

[0019] Preferably, the heating part is an annular heating tube structure, a spirally extended heating tube structure, or a heating rod structure extending toward the valve chamber;

[0020] Preferably, the spirally extended heating tube structure is laid on the end face of the support located inside the heating chamber, and extends spirally outward from the center along the circumference; or, the spirally extended heating tube structure extends from the support towards the valve chamber.

[0021] This structure allows for an increase in the heating area of ​​the heating unit within the limited space of the heating chamber, thereby improving heating efficiency.

[0022] Furthermore, a filter section is provided in the heating chamber, and the filter section cooperates with the inner wall of the heating chamber to form a filter chamber, with the heating section located inside the filter chamber;

[0023] Preferably, the water path from the first water inlet to the valve chamber avoids the filter section;

[0024] Preferably, the filter chamber is located on the outer periphery of the water passage from the first water inlet to the valve chamber.

[0025] This structure reduces the entanglement of the heating unit and wire debris during drainage, making it easier for the wire debris to be discharged.

[0026] Furthermore, the heating chamber has a cylindrical structure, with one end communicating with the valve chamber and the other end forming the first opening. The peripheral wall of the heating chamber includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall. The first water inlet is located on the top wall. Preferably, the inner surface of the bottom wall of the heating chamber slopes downward from the distal end toward the direction close to the valve chamber.

[0027] This structure allows for easy maintenance of the heating unit. During drainage, the washing water in the heating chamber flows towards the valve chamber, thus draining the washing water from the heating chamber and preventing bacterial growth.

[0028] Furthermore, an annular sealing portion is formed between the valve chamber and the heating chamber, and a channel connecting the heating chamber and the valve chamber is formed in the hollow part of the annular sealing portion, and the valve unit opens and closes the channel.

[0029] Preferably, the valve body is further provided with a second opening, which communicates with the valve chamber and is disposed opposite to the sealing part. The valve unit includes a valve plug, a valve cover, and a driving element. The valve plug is located inside the valve chamber, the valve cover is sealed to the second opening, and the driving element is located outside the valve cover to drive the valve plug to move closer to / away from the sealing part.

[0030] Furthermore, the drain valve assembly also includes a water pump, and the valve body is provided with a third water inlet, through which the water pump communicates with the heating chamber;

[0031] Preferably, the first water inlet is located on the top wall of the heating chamber, away from the valve chamber, and the third water inlet is located on the side wall of the heating chamber, close to the valve chamber.

[0032] Preferably, the water inlet of the water pump is directly and sealed to the third water outlet, or the water inlet of the water pump is connected to the third water outlet through a water guide pipe.

[0033] The drain valve assembly of this invention integrates the valve body and the water pump into an integrated module, which simplifies the installation process and reduces installation time and cost. The first water inlet is the water inlet and the third water inlet is the water outlet. The two are set far from and close to the valve chamber, so that the distance between them is maximized, which can relatively extend the heating time of the water and improve the heating efficiency.

[0034] The washing machine of the present invention having the above-mentioned drain valve assembly includes a tub assembly and a circulation device. The circulation device has a water inlet end and a water outlet end. The tub assembly has a drain outlet. The first water inlet is connected to the drain outlet. The water inlet end of the circulation device is connected to the heating chamber. The water outlet end is used to circulate water into the tub assembly.

[0035] The bucket assembly includes a water tank and a washing tank, which may be the same bucket body or two different bucket bodies, and the drain outlet is located at the bottom of the water tank.

[0036] This invention installs a heated drain valve assembly at the bottom of a water tank, connected to the drain outlet. Water in the tank is heated in the heating chamber of the drain valve assembly and then circulated into the washing tub. This circulating heating method achieves the purpose of heating the water in the tank. Compared to existing technologies, this reduces the space occupied at the bottom of the tub, improves space utilization efficiency, and also reduces the impact of adding an extra heating device on the tub's balance.

[0037] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0038] This invention places the heating unit in the valve body cavity of the drain valve, integrating it with the drain valve into an independent modular structure, which is simple in structure and easy to process and produce; the drain valve assembly is placed at the bottom of the washing machine tub and connected to the drain outlet, which can be easily installed and disassembled, improving the assembly speed and the efficiency of disassembly, repair or replacement.

[0039] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water heating process in a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the washing machine drainage process in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water heating process in a washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the washing machine drainage process in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the water heating process in a washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the washing machine drainage process in the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the heating unit in the drain valve assembly of the present invention.

[0048] In the diagram: 1. Box body; 2. Water tank; 21. Drain outlet; 3. Washing tub; 4. Top cover; 5. Water tank cover; 51. Spray hole; 6. Hanging rod; 7. Circulation pipeline; 8. Connecting pipeline; 9. Drainage device; 10. Drain valve assembly; 11. Valve body; 111. First opening; 112. Second opening; 12. Heating chamber; 13. Valve chamber; 14. First water inlet; 15. Second water inlet; 16. Heating unit; 161. Heater; 1611. Heating part; 1612. Terminal part; 162. Support part; 17. Valve unit; 171. Valve plug; 172. Drive element; 18. Third water inlet; 19. Water pump; 20. Impeller.

[0049] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0051] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0052] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the present invention provides a drain valve assembly. The drain valve assembly 10 includes a valve body 11, on which a first water inlet 14 and a second water inlet 15 are provided. A drain chamber is formed inside the valve body 11 to guide water from the first water inlet 14 to the second water inlet 15. A valve unit 17 for connecting / disconnecting the water passage between the first water inlet 14 and the second water inlet 15 is provided inside the drain chamber. The drain chamber includes a heating chamber 12 and a valve chamber 13. The heating chamber 12 communicates with the first water inlet 14, and the valve chamber 13 communicates with the second water inlet 15. The valve unit 17 is disposed inside the valve chamber 13, and a heating unit 16 for heating water is provided inside the heating chamber 12.

[0054] Specifically, the drain valve assembly 10 with heating function of the present invention can be applied to existing washing machines without heating water function. The washing machine usually includes a tub assembly, which includes a water tank 2 and a washing tub 3. The water tank 2 and the washing tub 3 are the same tub body or two different tub bodies. Taking the example that the water tank 2 and the washing tub 3 are two different tub bodies, the following explanation is provided.

[0055] The drain valve assembly 10 is installed at the bottom of the water tank 2. The first water inlet 14 is connected to the drain outlet 21 of the water tank 2, and the second water inlet 15 is connected to the drain device 9 of the washing machine. During the washing process, if... Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, valve unit 17 is closed, disconnecting the water passage between the first water inlet 14 and the second water inlet 15. This means the water in the water tank 2 cannot be discharged through the second water inlet 15 from the drain device 9. However, the water in the water tank 2 can enter the heating chamber 12 in the valve body 11 through the first water inlet 14. In the heating chamber 12, it is heated by the heating unit 16 and then circulated back into the washing tub 3 to wash the clothes. This circulatory heating method achieves the purpose of heating the water in the washing tub 3, further enhancing the washing effect. During the drainage process, if... Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, valve unit 17 opens, connecting the water passage between the first water inlet 14 and the second water inlet 15. That is, the water in the water tank 2 is discharged by the drainage device 9 after passing through the water passage between the first water inlet 14 and the second water inlet 15, thereby achieving the purpose of controlling whether the water in the water tank 2 is discharged.

[0056] Compared with the prior art, the drain valve assembly 10 of the present invention integrates the drain valve function and the heating function into one, which relatively reduces the space occupied by the heating device at the bottom of the water tank 2, improves the space utilization efficiency of the bottom of the water tank 2, and also relatively reduces the impact of adding an extra heating device on the balance of the tank.

[0057] In detail, the heating chamber 12 and the valve chamber 13 are integrally formed within the valve body 11. The valve body 11 also has a first opening 111, which communicates with the heating chamber 12. The heating unit 16 includes a heater 161 for heating water and a support portion 162 for supporting the heater 161, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the heater 161 includes a heating part 1611 and a terminal part 1612. The heating part 1611 is located inside the heating chamber 12 and is used to heat the water placed in the heating chamber 12. The terminal part 1612 passes through the support part 162 and is located outside the heating chamber 12. It is connected to the control unit of the washing machine and the control unit controls the start and stop of the heating part 1611. The support part 162 is sealed to the first opening 111 to prevent water leakage in the heating chamber 12.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present invention, the support portion 162 is detachably connected to the first opening 111; preferably, the support portion 162 is a cover structure that can close the first opening 111, and is rotatably snapped or threadedly connected to the first opening 111. This structure facilitates the replacement and maintenance of the heating unit 16, and also makes it convenient for the user to clean the inside of the heating chamber 12.

[0059] Furthermore, the first opening 111 is located at the end of the heating chamber 12 away from the valve chamber 13, and the heating part 1611 extends from the first opening 111 toward the valve chamber 13, preferably located close to the inner wall of the heating chamber 12, or the heating part 1611 is located close to the support part 162.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating part 1611 is an annular heating tube structure, a spirally extended heating tube structure, or a heating rod structure extending toward the valve chamber 13.

[0061] Preferably, the spirally extended heating tube structure is laid on the end face of the support 162 located inside the heating chamber 12, and extends spirally outward from the center along the circumference; or, the spirally extended heating tube structure extends from the support 162 toward the valve chamber 13.

[0062] Using the above structure, the heating area of ​​the heating unit 16 can be increased within the limited space of the heating chamber 12, thereby improving the heating efficiency.

[0063] Furthermore, the heating chamber 12 is provided with a filter section for filtering lint. The filter section cooperates with the inner wall of the heating chamber 12 to form a filter chamber. The heating section 1611 is located in the filter chamber. This prevents lint from adhering to the surface of the heating section 1611 when the water in the water tank 2 is heated in the heating chamber 12, thus reducing heating efficiency and improving the service life of the heating section 1611.

[0064] Preferably, the water passage from the first water inlet 14 to the valve chamber 13 avoids the filter section; preferably, the filter chamber is located on the outer periphery of the water passage from the first water inlet 14 to the valve chamber 13. With this structure, the entanglement of the heating unit 16 with the wire debris in the water during drainage can be reduced, making it easier for the wire debris to be discharged.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating chamber 12 is a cylindrical structure, one end of which is connected to the valve chamber 13 for discharging water, and the other end is formed as a first opening 111 for installing the heating unit 16. The peripheral wall of the heating chamber 12 includes a top wall, a bottom wall and a side wall, and the first water inlet 14 is provided on the top wall.

[0066] Preferably, the inner surface of the bottom wall of the heating chamber 12 slopes downward from the distal end toward the valve chamber 13. This structure facilitates maintenance of the heating unit 16 and allows the washing water in the heating chamber 12 to flow toward the valve chamber 13 during drainage, thus ensuring the washing water in the heating chamber 12 is completely drained and preventing bacterial growth.

[0067] Furthermore, an annular sealing portion is formed between the valve chamber 13 and the heating chamber 12, and a channel connecting the heating chamber 12 and the valve chamber 13 is formed in the hollow part of the annular sealing portion, and the valve unit 17 opens and closes the channel.

[0068] Preferably, the valve body 11 is further provided with a second opening 112, which communicates with the valve chamber 13 and is disposed opposite to the sealing part. The valve unit 17 includes a valve plug 171, a valve cover, and a driving element 172. The valve plug 171 is located inside the valve chamber 13. The valve cover is sealed to the second opening 112. The driving element 172 is located outside the valve cover and drives the valve plug 171 to move closer to / away from the sealing part to close / open the channel formed in the hollow part of the sealing part that connects the heating chamber 12 and the valve chamber 13.

[0069] In some embodiments of the present invention, the drain valve assembly 10 further includes a water pump 19, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the valve body 11 is provided with a third water inlet 18. The water pump 19 is connected to the heating chamber 12 through the third water inlet 18. It is used to provide power to the heated water so that it circulates through the washing machine's circulation device into the washing tub 3, thereby further improving the circulation efficiency of the heated water and avoiding damage to the drain valve due to excessively high local water temperature, while the local water temperature is too low and fails to meet the washing requirements.

[0070] Preferably, the first water inlet 14 is located on the top wall of the heating chamber 12, away from the valve chamber 13, and the third water inlet 18 is located on the side wall of the heating chamber 12, close to the valve chamber 13.

[0071] Preferably, the water inlet of the water pump 19 is directly and sealed to the third water outlet 18, or the water inlet of the water pump 19 is connected to the third water outlet 18 through a water guide pipe.

[0072] The drain valve assembly 10 of the present invention integrates the valve body 11 and the water pump 19 into an integrated module, which simplifies the installation process and reduces installation time and cost. The first water inlet 14 is the water inlet of the heating chamber 12, and the third water inlet 18 is the water outlet of the heating chamber 12. The two are set far from and close to the valve chamber 13, so that the distance between them is maximized, which can relatively prolong the time that the heated water stays in the heating chamber 12 and improve the heating efficiency.

[0073] The washing machine's circulation device includes a circulation pipe 7, which is arranged from bottom to top on the outside of the water tank 2. The circulation pipe 7 has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connected to the outlet of the water pump 19, and the outlet is connected to the spray hole 51 on the water tank cover 5. After the water in the water tank 2 is heated in the heating chamber 12, it is pumped by the water pump 19 to the circulation pipe 7 and returns to the washing tub 3 through the spray hole 51.

[0074] As an alternative to the above-described embodiment, the washing machine may not have a circulation pipe 7, but instead has a connecting pipe 8 between the heating chamber 12 and the water tank 2, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the connecting pipe 8 is set at the bottom of the water tank 2. One end of the connecting pipe 8 is connected to the heating chamber 12 through the third water inlet 18, and the other end is connected to the bottom of the water tank 2. After the water in the water tank 2 is heated in the heating chamber 12, it is pumped by the water pump 19 to the connecting pipe 8 and returned to the water tank 2.

[0075] Of course, as an alternative to the above embodiments, in order to save costs, the drain valve assembly 10 may also omit the water pump 19, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the hot water in the heating chamber 12 and the cold water in the water tank 2 undergo natural convection under the driving force of the temperature difference, thereby achieving the purpose of heating the water in the water tank 2. Furthermore, in order to enhance the convection intensity, the operation of the washing tub 3 rotating and / or the impeller 20 rotating can be used during the heating process to help the hot water in the heating chamber 12 quickly exchange with the water inside the water tank 2.

[0076] The present invention also provides a washing machine having the above-mentioned drain valve assembly 10, including a housing 1 and a cover 4 for opening and closing the upper end of the housing 1. A tub assembly is provided inside the housing 1, and a suspension rod 6 for relieving vibration of the washing tub 3 is provided between the tub assembly and the housing 1. Furthermore, it also includes a circulation device, which has a water inlet end and a water outlet end. The tub assembly has a drain outlet 21, and the first water inlet 14 is connected to the drain outlet 21. The water inlet end of the circulation device is connected to the heating chamber 12, and the water outlet end is used to circulate water to the tub assembly.

[0077] Specifically, the bucket assembly includes a water tank 2 and a washing tank 3. The water tank 2 and the washing tank 3 are the same bucket body or two different bucket bodies. The drain outlet 21 is located at the bottom of the water tank 2.

[0078] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the valve assembly does not include the water pump 19. The valve assembly is installed at the bottom of the water tank 2. The first water inlet 14 is connected to the drain outlet 21 of the water tank 2, and the second water inlet 15 is connected to the drain device 9 of the washing machine. During the washing process, the valve unit 17 is closed, disconnecting the water path between the first water inlet 14 and the second water inlet 15. That is, the water in the water tank 2 cannot be discharged from the drain device 9 through the second water inlet 15, but the water in the water tank 2 can enter the heating valve 11 through the first water inlet 14. In the heating chamber 12, after being heated by the heating unit 16, natural convection occurs between the cold water in the water tank 2 due to the temperature difference, thereby heating the water in the water tank 2 and further enhancing the washing effect. During the drainage process, the valve unit 17 opens, connecting the water passage between the first water inlet 14 and the second water inlet 15. That is, the water in the water tank 2 is discharged through the drainage device 9 after passing through the water passage between the first water inlet 14 and the second water inlet 15, thereby controlling whether the water in the water tank 2 is discharged.

[0079] Furthermore, in order to enhance the convection intensity, the washing tub 3 and / or the impeller 20 can be rotated during the heating process to help the hot water in the heating chamber 12 quickly exchange with the water inside the water tank 2.

[0080] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in the second embodiment of the present invention, unlike the first embodiment described above, the valve assembly includes a water pump 19, and the washing machine's circulation device includes a circulation pipe 7. The circulation pipe 7 is arranged from bottom to top on the outside of the tub wall of the water tank 2. The circulation pipe 7 has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connected to the outlet of the water pump 19, and the outlet is connected to the spray hole 51 on the water tank cover 5. After the water in the water tank 2 is heated in the heating chamber 12, it is pumped by the water pump 19 to the circulation pipe 7 and returns to the washing tub 3 through the spray hole 51.

[0081] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a connecting pipe 8 disposed between the heating chamber 12 and the water tank 2. The connecting pipe 8 is disposed at the bottom of the water tank 2. One end of the connecting pipe 8 is connected to the heating chamber 12 through the third water inlet 18, and the other end is connected to the bottom of the water tank 2. After the water in the water tank 2 is heated in the heating chamber 12, it circulates with the water in the water tank 2 through the connecting pipe 8.

[0082] In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, unlike the third embodiment described above, the valve assembly includes a water pump 19. After the water in the water tank 2 is heated in the heating chamber 12, it is pumped by the water pump 19 to the connecting pipeline 8 and returned to the water tank 2.

[0083] This invention installs a drain valve assembly 10 with a heating function at the bottom of the water tank 2, communicating with the drain outlet 21. The water in the water tank 2 is heated in the heating chamber 12 of the drain valve assembly 10, and then sent into the washing tub 3 through a circulation device. This circulating heating method achieves the purpose of heating the water in the water tank 2. Compared with the prior art, this reduces the space occupied at the bottom of the tub, improves the space utilization efficiency of the bottom of the tub, and also reduces the impact of adding an additional heating device on the balance of the tub.

[0084] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drain valve assembly, comprising a valve body, wherein the valve body is provided with a first water inlet and a second water inlet, and a drain chamber is formed within the valve body for guiding water from the first water inlet to the second water inlet, wherein the drain chamber is provided with a valve unit for connecting / disconnecting the water passage between the first water inlet and the second water inlet, characterized in that: The drainage chamber includes a heating chamber and a valve chamber, which are integrally formed within the valve body. The heating chamber is connected to the first water inlet, and the valve chamber is connected to the second water inlet. The valve unit is located within the valve chamber, and the heating chamber is equipped with a heating unit for heating water. The valve body has a first opening at one end and a second opening at the opposite end. The first opening communicates with the heating chamber, and the second opening communicates with the valve chamber. The heating chamber and the valve chamber are located between the first opening and the second opening. An annular sealing part is formed between the valve chamber and the heating chamber. The hollow part of the annular sealing part forms a channel connecting the heating chamber and the valve chamber. The heating unit includes a heater and a support portion supporting the heater. The heater includes a heating portion and a terminal portion. The heating portion is located inside the heating chamber, and the terminal portion passes through the support portion and is located outside the heating chamber. The support portion is sealed to a first opening, and the heating portion extends from the first opening toward the valve chamber. The second opening is disposed opposite to the sealing part. The valve unit includes a valve plug, a valve cover and a driving element. The valve plug is located inside the valve chamber. The valve cover is sealed to the second opening. The driving element is located outside the valve cover and drives the valve plug to move closer to / away from the sealing part to close / open the channel formed in the hollow part of the sealing part.

2. A drain valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support portion is detachably connected to the first opening.

3. A drain valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support part is a cover structure, which is rotated and snapped or threadedly connected to the first opening.

4. A drain valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating element is disposed near the inner wall of the heating chamber, or the heating element is disposed near the support element.

5. A drain valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating element is a ring-shaped heating tube structure, a spirally extended heating tube structure, or a heating rod structure extending towards the valve chamber.

6. A drain valve assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The spirally extended heating tube structure is laid on the end face of the support located inside the heating chamber, extending spirally outward from the center along the circumference, or the spirally extended heating tube structure extends from the support towards the valve chamber.

7. A drain valve assembly according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The heating chamber is provided with a filter section, which cooperates with the inner wall of the heating chamber to form a filter chamber, and the heating section is located in the filter chamber.

8. A drain valve assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The water path from the first water inlet to the valve chamber avoids the filter section.

9. A drain valve assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The filter chamber is located on the outer periphery of the water passage from the first water inlet to the valve chamber.

10. A drain valve assembly according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The heating chamber has a cylindrical structure, with one end connected to the valve chamber and the other end forming the first opening. The peripheral wall of the heating chamber includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall, and the first water inlet is located on the top wall.

11. A drain valve assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that: The inner surface of the bottom wall of the heating chamber slopes downward from the distal end toward the direction closer to the valve chamber.

12. A drain valve assembly according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: It also includes a water pump, and the valve body is provided with a third water inlet, through which the water pump communicates with the heating chamber.

13. A drain valve assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first water inlet is located on the top wall of the heating chamber, away from the valve chamber, and the third water inlet is located on the side wall of the heating chamber, close to the valve chamber.

14. A drain valve assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that: The water pump inlet is directly and sealed to the third water inlet, or the water pump inlet is connected to the third water inlet through a water guide pipe.

15. A washing machine having a drain valve assembly as described in any one of claims 1-14, comprising a tub assembly and a circulation device, the circulation device having a water inlet and a water outlet, the tub assembly having a drain outlet, characterized in that: The first water inlet is connected to the drain outlet, the water inlet of the circulation device is connected to the heating chamber, and the water outlet is used to circulate water into the tank assembly.

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