Valve assembly with exhaust function and water heater

Abstract

The utility model discloses a valve assembly and water heater with exhaust function, valve assembly includes first joint structure, second joint structure and exhaust valve. First joint structure is equipped with the first water inlet channel, first water outlet channel and first connecting channel of intercommunication, and first water inlet channel is connected with hot water pipeline, and first water outlet channel is connected with hot water supply pipeline. Second joint structure is equipped with the second water inlet channel, second water outlet channel and second connecting channel of intercommunication, and second water inlet channel is connected with cold water pipeline, and second water outlet channel is connected with cold water supply pipeline, and second connecting channel is connected with first connecting channel. First joint structure or second joint structure is equipped with exhaust passage, and exhaust valve is connected with exhaust passage. When water flow passes through first joint structure, second joint structure, air can automatically exhaust from exhaust passage, avoid air to cause water heater's preheating function failure, guarantee zero cold water effect, improve the comfort and energy -conserving effect of using hot water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a valve assembly with exhaust function and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] Gas water heaters, as instant hot water supply devices, are widely used in households. To improve the user experience, some gas water heaters have a "zero cold water" function. This function mainly solves the problem of users having to drain the cold water stored in the pipes for a long time before using hot water, thus achieving instant hot water.

[0003] The zero-cold-water system of gas water heaters is mainly achieved through a circulation pipeline. For example, patent publication number CN222911980U discloses a zero-cold-water supply system. When the water heater starts to circulate and preheat, the water pump inside the water heater starts running. Water flows out from the first end of the hot water pipe, then to the second end of the hot water pipe, and returns to the second end of the cold water pipe through a check valve (H-type water valve). Then, it enters the water heater from the first end of the cold water pipe, realizing water circulation and ensuring that the water temperature in the entire hot water pipe reaches the required water temperature. The check valve includes a hot water three-way valve, a connecting pipe, a one-way valve, and a cold water three-way valve. The inlet of the hot water three-way valve is connected to the second end of the hot water pipe, the first end of the connecting pipe is connected to the first outlet of the hot water three-way valve, the second end of the connecting pipe is connected to the inlet of the one-way valve, the outlet of the one-way valve is connected to the inlet of the cold water three-way valve, and the first outlet of the cold water three-way valve is connected to the second end of the cold water pipe.

[0004] The existing H-type water valve has the following drawbacks: Air inevitably remains or gets trapped in the circulation pipes. Since the existing H-type water valve can only control water flow and lacks an air venting function, air must be vented manually in actual use, which is inconvenient and prone to incomplete venting or users forgetting to vent. If air is present in the circulation pipes, it creates an "air lock," hindering the normal flow of circulating water and preventing the preheating process from starting properly. This causes the zero-cold-water function to fail, impacting the user's water experience.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a valve assembly and water heater with venting function to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0006] Based on the above problems, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a valve assembly and water heater with venting function, which can solve the problem that the water heater cannot preheat properly due to residual air inside the circulation pipe, ensure the zero cold water effect of the water heater, and improve the user's comfort when using hot water.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] In a first aspect, a valve assembly with an exhaust function is provided, comprising:

[0009] The first connector structure is provided with a first water inlet channel, a first water outlet channel and a first connection channel that are interconnected. The first water inlet channel is used to connect to the hot water pipe and the first water outlet channel is used to connect to the hot water supply pipe.

[0010] The second connector structure is provided with a second water inlet channel, a second water outlet channel and a second connecting channel that are interconnected. The second water inlet channel is used to connect to the cold water pipeline, the second water outlet channel is used to connect to the cold water supply pipeline, and the second connecting channel is connected to the first connecting channel.

[0011] An exhaust valve is provided on the first or second connector structure, and the exhaust valve is connected to the exhaust channel to discharge the gas inside the first or second connector structure.

[0012] As an optional embodiment of the valve assembly with venting function of this utility model, the venting valve includes a first valve body, the first valve body having a valve cavity, the valve cavity communicating with the venting channel, and a venting nozzle provided on the first valve body, the venting nozzle being able to open under the action of gas in the valve cavity.

[0013] As an optional embodiment of the valve assembly with venting function of this utility model, the first connector structure is provided with the venting channel, which is connected to the first water inlet channel, the first water outlet channel, and the first connecting channel.

[0014] As an optional embodiment of the valve assembly with venting function of this utility model, the second connector structure is provided with the venting channel, which is connected to the second water inlet channel, the second water outlet channel, and the second connecting channel.

[0015] As an optional embodiment of the valve assembly with venting function of this utility model, a filter element is provided in the first water inlet channel and / or the second water inlet channel;

[0016] The filter element includes a mounting part and a filter screen disposed on the mounting part, the mounting part being used to connect to the first water inlet channel or the second water inlet channel.

[0017] As an optional embodiment of the valve assembly with exhaust function of this utility model, the second connection channel is unidirectionally connected to the first connection channel through a one-way valve. The one-way valve includes a second valve body and a valve core disposed in the second valve body. The second valve body is axially confined within the first connection channel or the second connection channel.

[0018] The second valve body is provided with a first guide hole and a second guide hole at intervals. The valve core is provided with a first guide rod and a second guide rod coaxially. The first guide rod slides through the first guide hole, and the second guide rod slides through the second guide hole.

[0019] Secondly, a water heater is provided, including a circulation pipe and a valve assembly with an exhaust function as described above, the valve assembly being disposed on the circulation pipe.

[0020] As an optional solution for the water heater of this utility model, the water heater also includes a shelf, the circulation pipeline includes a hot water pipeline, one end of the hot water pipeline is connected to the hot water output port of the water heater, the other end of the hot water pipeline is connected to the first connector structure of the valve assembly, the shelf has a water passage pipeline, and the water passage pipeline is connected to the hot water pipeline.

[0021] As an optional solution for the water heater of this utility model, the shelf includes a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe, and a drying pipe connected between the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe, and the water inlet pipe, the drying pipe and the water outlet pipe form the water passage;

[0022] The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are connected in series on the hot water pipeline; or, the inlet pipe is connected to the hot water pipeline and the outlet pipe is connected to the cold water inlet pipe of the water heater.

[0023] As an optional solution for the water heater of this utility model, a control valve is provided on the water supply pipe. The control valve is used to control the opening and closing of the water supply pipe and to control the water flow rate in the water supply pipe.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0025] The valve assembly with venting function provided by this utility model, after being connected to the circulation pipe of a water heater, allows water from the hot water pipe to flow into the cold water pipe via the first inlet channel, the first connecting channel, and the second connecting channel during the preheating circulation of the water heater. This causes the water that was originally stagnant in the hot water pipe to flow back into the water heater via the cold water pipe, allowing hot water of the required temperature to re-enter the hot water output pipe. This avoids the output of cold water due to insufficient temperature caused by the originally stagnant water, achieving the goal of zero cold water. Because the first or second connector structure is provided with venting channels, the air accumulated in the circulation pipe can be automatically discharged through the venting channels of the first or second connector structure the instant the water flows through them. This prevents the presence of air from affecting the normal flow of water between the first and second connector structures, allowing the water to form a stable and unobstructed continuous flow path between the first and second connector structures and the circulation pipe, thereby ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of the water heater's preheating function.

[0026] In other words, the valve assembly with venting function enables the water heater's zero-cold-water function to operate stably at all times, ensuring the zero-cold-water effect of the water heater. Users do not need to wait for hot water, which not only improves the comfort and convenience of using hot water, but also avoids the problems of preheating failure and energy waste caused by air resistance, thereby improving the energy-saving effect of the water heater.

[0027] The water heater provided by this utility model, by setting a valve assembly with an air venting function in the circulation pipeline, allows the water to automatically vent air in the circulation pipeline as the water flows through the valve assembly during the preheating cycle. This reduces or avoids the problem of the water heater failing to perform the preheating function due to air in the circulation pipeline, ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of the water heater's preheating function, improving the zero-cold-water effect of the water heater, enhancing the user's comfort when using hot water, and improving the energy-saving effect of the water heater. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of this utility model and these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a first schematic diagram of the first type of valve assembly (hidden exhaust valve) provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the first type of valve assembly provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first type of valve assembly provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model (with hidden exhaust valve);

[0032] Figure 4 This is a first schematic diagram of the second type of valve assembly (hidden exhaust valve) provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a second schematic diagram of the second type of valve assembly provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a first schematic diagram of a water heater provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a first schematic diagram of the storage rack provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a second schematic diagram of a water heater provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a second schematic diagram of the storage rack provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0038] In the picture:

[0039] 1. First connector structure; 2. Second connector structure; 3. Exhaust valve; 4. Exhaust passage; 5. Check valve;

[0040] 11. First water inlet channel; 12. First water outlet channel; 13. First connecting channel; 14. Filter element; 15. First connecting structure;

[0041] 141. Installation section; 142. Filter screen;

[0042] 21. Second water inlet channel; 22. Second water outlet channel; 23. Second connecting channel; 24. Second connecting structure;

[0043] 31. First valve body; 32. Exhaust nozzle;

[0044] 51. Second valve body; 52. Valve core;

[0045] 511, First guide hole; 512, Second guide hole; 521, First guide rod; 522, Second guide rod;

[0046] 10. Circulation piping; 20. Valve assembly; 30. Shelf; 40. Cold water inlet pipe; 50. Terminal water supply device; 60. Intermediate water supply device;

[0047] 101. Hot water pipes; 102. Cold water pipes;

[0048] 301. Inlet pipe; 302. Outlet pipe; 303. Drying pipe; 304. Control valve;

[0049] 501. Hot water supply pipeline; 502. Cold water supply pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To make the technical problems solved by this utility model, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0051] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Specifically, the terms "first position" and "second position" refer to two different positions.

[0052] In the description of this utility model, 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 fixed connections or detachable connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0053] This embodiment provides a valve assembly with an air venting function, which can solve the problem of water heaters failing to preheat properly due to residual air inside the circulation pipe, ensuring the zero-cold-water effect of the water heater and improving the user's comfort when using hot water.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the valve assembly 20 with venting function includes a first connector structure 1, a second connector structure 2, and an vent valve 3. The first connector structure 1 has a first inlet channel 11, a first outlet channel 12, and a first connecting channel 13 that are interconnected. The first inlet channel 11 is used to connect to the hot water pipe 101, and the first outlet channel 12 is used to connect to the hot water supply pipe 501. The second connector structure 2 has a second inlet channel 21, a second outlet channel 22, and a second connecting channel 23 that are interconnected. The second inlet channel 21 is used to connect to the cold water pipe 102, the second outlet channel 22 is used to connect to the cold water supply pipe 502, and the second connecting channel 23 is connected to the first connecting channel 13. Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, an exhaust channel 4 is provided on the first connector structure 1 or the second connector structure 2, and an exhaust valve 3 is connected to the exhaust channel 4 to discharge the gas inside the first connector structure 1 or the second connector structure 2.

[0055] The valve assembly 20 with venting function provided in this embodiment, after being connected to the circulation pipe 10 of the water heater, allows water from the hot water pipe 101 to flow into the cold water pipe 102 via the first inlet channel 11, the first connecting channel 13, and the second connecting channel 23 during the preheating circulation of the water heater. This causes the water that was originally stagnant in the hot water pipe 101 to flow back into the water heater via the cold water pipe 102, allowing hot water that meets the requirements to re-enter the hot water output pipe. This avoids the original stagnant water from outputting cold water due to insufficient temperature, thus achieving the goal of zero cold water.

[0056] Because the first connector structure 1 or the second connector structure 2 is equipped with an exhaust channel 4, the air accumulated in the circulation pipe can be automatically discharged through the exhaust channel 4 of the first connector structure 1 or the second connector structure 2 the instant the water flows through the first connector structure 1 and the second connector structure 2. This prevents the presence of air from affecting the normal flow of water between the first connector structure 1 and the second connector structure 2, so that the water can form a stable and unobstructed continuous flow path between the first connector structure 1, the second connector structure 2 and the circulation pipe, thereby ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of the water heater's preheating function.

[0057] In other words, the valve assembly with venting function enables the water heater's zero-cold-water function to operate stably at all times, ensuring the zero-cold-water effect of the water heater. Users do not need to wait for hot water, which not only improves the comfort and convenience of using hot water, but also avoids the problems of preheating failure and energy waste caused by air resistance, thereby improving the energy-saving effect of the water heater.

[0058] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first connector structure 1 is provided with an exhaust channel 4, which is connected to the first water inlet channel 11, the first water outlet channel 12, and the first connecting channel 13. The first water inlet channel 11, the first water outlet channel 12, the first connecting channel 13, and the exhaust channel 4 form a four-way connector. When air is present in the water flowing into this four-way connector, the air can be smoothly discharged through the exhaust channel 4, preventing the presence of air from affecting the normal flow of water.

[0059] Optionally, the exhaust channel 4 is located above the first water inlet channel 11, allowing air to be smoothly discharged upwards through the exhaust channel 4. Figure 6 As shown, the first water inlet channel 11 can be connected to the hot water output port of the water heater through the hot water pipe 101, and the first water outlet channel 12 can be connected to the hot water supply pipe 501 of the terminal water device 50.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the second connector structure 2 is provided with an exhaust channel 4, which is connected to the second water inlet channel 21, the second water outlet channel 22, and the second connecting channel 23. The second water inlet channel 21, the second water outlet channel 22, the second connecting channel 23, and the exhaust channel 4 form a four-way connector. When air is present in the water flowing into this four-way connector, the air can be automatically discharged from the exhaust channel 4, preventing the air from affecting the normal circulation of water in the water heater's circulation pipe 10.

[0061] Optionally, the exhaust channel 4 is located above the second water inlet channel 21 to ensure that air can automatically rise and be smoothly discharged through the exhaust channel 4.

[0062] Optionally, see Figure 3 The first connecting channel 13 is provided with a first connecting structure 15, and the second connecting channel 23 is provided with a second connecting structure 24. The first connecting structure 15 and the second connecting structure 24 are detachably connected. That is, the first connector structure 1 and the second connector structure 2 are detachably connected through the first connecting structure 15 and the second connecting structure 24, which facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the first connector structure 1 and the second connector structure 2.

[0063] For example, the first connecting structure 15 is a nut fixed at the end of the first connecting channel 13, and the second connecting structure 24 is an external thread structure provided at the end of the second connecting channel 23. The internal thread structure of the nut is threadedly engaged with the external thread structure of the second connecting channel 23, so that the first connecting channel 13 and the second connecting channel 23 are threadedly connected, which facilitates disassembly and assembly.

[0064] Optionally, see Figure 2 and Figure 5 The exhaust valve 3 includes a first valve body 31, which has a valve cavity communicating with an exhaust channel 4. An exhaust nozzle 32 is provided on the first valve body 31, and the exhaust nozzle 32 can open under the action of gas within the valve cavity. When air is present in the first connector structure 1 or the second connector structure 2, air enters the valve cavity through the exhaust channel 4. When the air in the valve cavity reaches a certain amount, the exhaust nozzle 32 automatically opens under the pressure of the gas, allowing the air to be discharged. For example, the exhaust valve 3 can be an automatic exhaust valve.

[0065] Optionally, a filter element 14 is provided in the first water inlet channel 11 and / or the second water inlet channel 21. The filter element 14 can filter out impurities carried in the water, protecting other components of the water heater (such as the circulation pump). Figure 3 As shown, the filter element 14 includes a mounting part 141 and a filter screen 142 disposed on the mounting part 141. The mounting part 141 is used to connect to the first water inlet channel 11 or the second water inlet channel 21.

[0066] In this embodiment, a filter element 14 is provided at the inlet end of the first water inlet channel 11. The filter element 14 can filter out impurities such as scale in the hot water. Optionally, a stepped groove is provided inside the first water inlet channel 11, and the mounting part 141 can abut against the stepped groove and be press-fitted with the inner wall of the first water inlet channel 11 to limit the filter element 14 within the first water inlet channel 11. Alternatively, the mounting part 141 can also be connected to the first water inlet channel 11 by a threaded connection, as long as the filter element 14 can be fixed. Figure 3 As shown, the filter screen 142 is curved, and the curved protrusion of the filter screen 142 faces the direction of water flow. This design guides the water flow in a predetermined direction, reducing water flow resistance. In addition, the curved shape of the filter screen 142 reduces dead corners, preventing impurities from accumulating at the edges or corners of the filter screen 142, thus improving filtration efficiency.

[0067] In other embodiments, a filter element 14 may also be provided in the second water inlet channel 21.

[0068] Optionally, see Figure 3 The second connecting channel 23 is unidirectionally connected to the first connecting channel 13 via a one-way valve 5. The one-way valve 5 includes a second valve body 51 and a valve core 52 disposed within the second valve body 51. The second valve body 51 is axially confined within either the first connecting channel 13 or the second connecting channel 23. The one-way valve 5 ensures that water in the first connecting channel 13 can only flow unidirectionally to the second connecting channel 23, while water in the second connecting channel 23 cannot flow in the reverse direction to the first connector structure 1. That is, it ensures that water in the hot water pipe 101 can flow back to the water heater via the first connector structure 1, the second connector structure 2, and the cold water pipe 102, so that the preheating function of the water heater can proceed normally.

[0069] In this embodiment, the one-way valve 5 is located in the second connecting channel 23, and a stepped groove is provided in the second connecting channel 23. One end of the second valve body 51 abuts against the stepped groove, and the other end of the second valve body 51 can abut against the end of the first connecting channel 13 to achieve axial positioning of the second valve body 51.

[0070] Optionally, see Figure 3 The second valve body 51 has a first guide hole 511 and a second guide hole 512 spaced apart. The valve core 52 has a first guide rod 521 and a second guide rod 522 coaxially arranged on it. The first guide rod 521 slides through the first guide hole 511, and the second guide rod 522 slides through the second guide hole 512. That is, one end of the valve core 52 is positioned by the sliding fit between the first guide rod 521 and the first guide hole 511, and the other end of the valve core 52 is positioned by the sliding fit between the second guide rod 522 and the second guide hole 512. This ensures that both ends of the valve core 52 are positioned, guaranteeing that the valve core 52 can only move axially, preventing misalignment and thus preventing leakage from the one-way valve 5.

[0071] Optionally, the one-way valve 5 further includes an elastic element, which is sleeved on the second guide rod 522, with one end abutting against the valve core 52 and the other end abutting against the inner wall of the second valve body 51. (Refer to...) Figure 3 In the orientation of the valve core 52, when it moves to the right under the action of water flow, the inlet of the second valve body 51 opens, and the one-way valve 5 is activated, at which time the elastic element is compressed; when the force of water flow disappears, the valve core 52 moves to the left under the elastic force of the elastic element, the valve core 52 blocks the inlet of the second valve body 51, and the one-way valve 5 closes. For example, the elastic element can be a spring.

[0072] like Figures 6 to 9 As shown, this embodiment also provides a water heater, including a circulation pipe 10 and a valve assembly 20 with an exhaust function as described above, the valve assembly 20 being disposed on the circulation pipe 10.

[0073] The water heater provided in this embodiment, by setting a valve assembly 20 with an air venting function on the circulation pipe 10, allows the water to automatically vent air from the circulation pipe 10 during the preheating cycle. This reduces or avoids the problem of the water heater failing to perform the preheating function due to air in the circulation pipe 10, ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of the water heater's preheating function, improving the zero-cold-water effect of the water heater, enhancing the user's comfort when using hot water, and improving the energy-saving effect of the water heater.

[0074] Optionally, see Figure 6 and Figure 8 The water heater also includes a shelf 30. The circulation pipe 10 includes a hot water pipe 101, one end of which is connected to the hot water output port of the water heater, and the other end is connected to the first connector structure 1 of the valve assembly 20. The shelf 30 has a water passage connected to the hot water pipe 101. When hot water flows in the hot water pipe 101, hot water also flows in the water passage, heating the shelf 30. Towels, bath towels, clothes, and other items can be placed on the shelf 30. The heated shelf 30 can be used to dry and sterilize clothes, making the shelf 30 more versatile and improving the user experience. Furthermore, integrating the shelf 30 directly into the hot water pipe 101 fully utilizes the energy of the water heater and eliminates the need for a separate heating module for the shelf 30. This enriches the functionality of the shelf 30, simplifies the structural design, and reduces overall energy consumption.

[0075] like Figure 6As shown, the circulation pipeline 10 also includes a cold water pipeline 102. One end of the cold water pipeline 102 is connected to the cold water inlet of the water heater, and the other end is connected to the second connector structure 2 of the valve assembly 20. When the water heater performs the preheating function, the water in the hot water pipeline 101 flows back to the cold water inlet of the water heater through the first connector structure 1, the second connector structure 2, and the cold water pipeline 102, so that the cold water remaining in the hot water pipeline 101 can be reheated, ensuring that the output water used by the user is always hot water.

[0076] Optionally, see Figure 6 and Figure 7 The storage rack 30 includes a water inlet pipe 301, a water outlet pipe 302, and a drying pipe 303 connected between the water inlet pipe 301 and the water outlet pipe 302, forming a water supply circuit. The water inlet pipe 301 and the water outlet pipe 302 are connected in series to the hot water pipe 101. Towels, clothing, and other items can be placed on the drying pipe 303. When hot water flows through the drying pipe 303, the drying pipe 303 is heated, thereby heating and drying the items placed on the drying pipe 303.

[0077] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the inlet pipe 301 and outlet pipe 302 of the shelf 30 are connected in series to the hot water pipe 101. A terminal water device 50 is installed at the end of the circulation pipe 10. A valve assembly 20 is installed upstream of the terminal water device 50. The first outlet channel 12 of the first connector structure 1 is connected to the hot water supply pipe 501 of the terminal water device 50. The first inlet channel 11 of the first connector structure 1 is connected to the hot water pipe 101. The second outlet channel 22 of the second connector structure 2 is connected to the cold water supply pipe 502 of the terminal water device 50. When the water heater performs its preheating function, the shelf 30 can be heated. When the terminal water device 50 is in use, water flows from the hot water pipe 101 to the hot water supply pipe 501, and from the cold water pipe 102 to the cold water supply pipe 502.

[0078] Optionally, see Figure 7 The storage rack 30 includes multiple drying tubes 303, one end of which is connected to a water inlet pipe 301, and the other end of which is connected to a water outlet pipe 302. By setting multiple drying tubes 303, multiple items, such as towels and small pieces of clothing, can be dried at the same time, improving the user experience.

[0079] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the water inlet pipe 301 of the shelf 30 can also be connected to the hot water pipe 101 of the water heater, and the water outlet pipe 302 of the shelf 30 can be connected to the cold water inlet pipe 40 of the water heater. For example, when the water heater is installed in the kitchen, the shelf 30 can be connected to the water heater in the above manner. At this time, kitchen cloths and other items can be placed on the shelf 30 for drying and sterilization.

[0080] Optionally, see Figure 9 A control valve 304 is installed on the water supply pipe. The control valve 304 is used to control the opening and closing of the water supply pipe and the water flow rate in the water supply pipe. By controlling the water flow through the control valve 304, the shelf 30 can be selectively heated to meet the user's needs for heating and drying items. When heating the shelf 30 is not required, closing the control valve 304 can reduce the energy consumption of the water heater.

[0081] Furthermore, the control valve 304 can integrate a temperature regulating switch. The temperature regulating switch adjusts the temperature that the shelf 30 needs to maintain. When the temperature reaches the set value, the control valve 304 reduces the water flow to keep the shelf 30 at a constant temperature. In this embodiment, the control valve 304 is communicatively connected to the water heater's controller, enabling automatic adjustment of the valve's opening.

[0082] Optionally, see Figure 6 The water heater's circulation pipe 10 is also connected to an intermediate water device 60, enabling the water heater to provide hot water to the intermediate water device 60. For example, the intermediate water device 60 can be a faucet.

[0083] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Many other equivalent embodiments may be included without departing from the concept of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A valve assembly with an exhaust function, characterized in that, include: The first connector structure (1) is provided with a first water inlet channel (11), a first water outlet channel (12) and a first connecting channel (13) that are interconnected. The first water inlet channel (11) is used to connect to the hot water pipe (101), and the first water outlet channel (12) is used to connect to the hot water supply pipe (501). The second connector structure (2) is provided with a second water inlet channel (21), a second water outlet channel (22) and a second connecting channel (23) that are interconnected. The second water inlet channel (21) is used to connect to the cold water pipeline (102), the second water outlet channel (22) is used to connect to the cold water supply pipeline (502), and the second connecting channel (23) is connected to the first connecting channel (13). An exhaust valve (3) is provided on the first connector structure (1) or the second connector structure (2), and the exhaust valve (3) is connected to the exhaust channel (4) to discharge the gas inside the first connector structure (1) or the second connector structure (2).

2. The valve assembly with venting function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust valve (3) includes a first valve body (31), the first valve body (31) has a valve cavity, the valve cavity is connected to the exhaust channel (4), and an exhaust nozzle (32) is provided on the first valve body (31), the exhaust nozzle (32) can be opened by the gas in the valve cavity.

3. The valve assembly with venting function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector structure (1) is provided with the exhaust channel (4), which is connected to the first water inlet channel (11), the first water outlet channel (12), and the first connecting channel (13).

4. The valve assembly with venting function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connector structure (2) is provided with the exhaust channel (4), which is connected to the second water inlet channel (21), the second water outlet channel (22), and the second connecting channel (23).

5. The valve assembly with venting function according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, A filter element (14) is provided in the first water inlet channel (11) and / or the second water inlet channel (21). The filter element (14) includes a mounting part (141) and a filter screen (142) disposed on the mounting part (141), the mounting part (141) being used to connect to the first water inlet channel (11) or the second water inlet channel (21).

6. The valve assembly with venting function according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The second connection channel (23) is unidirectionally connected to the first connection channel (13) through a one-way valve (5). The one-way valve (5) includes a second valve body (51) and a valve core (52) disposed in the second valve body (51). The second valve body (51) is axially confined within the first connection channel (13) or the second connection channel (23). The second valve body (51) is provided with a first guide hole (511) and a second guide hole (512) spaced apart. The valve core (52) is provided with a first guide rod (521) and a second guide rod (522) coaxially. The first guide rod (521) slides through the first guide hole (511), and the second guide rod (522) slides through the second guide hole (512).

7. A water heater, characterized in that, It includes a circulation pipeline (10) and a valve assembly with an exhaust function as described in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the valve assembly (20) is disposed on the circulation pipeline (10).

8. The water heater according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water heater also includes a shelf (30), the circulation pipeline (10) includes a hot water pipeline (101), one end of the hot water pipeline (101) is connected to the hot water output port of the water heater, and the other end of the hot water pipeline (101) is connected to the first connector structure (1) of the valve assembly (20). The shelf (30) has a water passage, which is connected to the hot water pipeline (101).

9. The water heater according to claim 8, characterized in that, The shelf (30) includes a water inlet pipe (301), a water outlet pipe (302), and a drying pipe (303) connected between the water inlet pipe (301) and the water outlet pipe (302), forming the water passage between the water inlet pipe (301), the drying pipe (303), and the water outlet pipe (302); The inlet pipe (301) and the outlet pipe (302) are connected in series on the hot water pipe (101); or, the inlet pipe (301) is connected to the hot water pipe (101), and the outlet pipe (302) is connected to the cold water inlet pipe (40) of the water heater.

10. The water heater according to claim 8, characterized in that, A control valve (304) is provided on the water supply pipeline. The control valve (304) is used to control the opening and closing of the water supply pipeline and to control the water flow rate in the water supply pipeline.

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