Anti-drip valve and anti-drip method thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses an anti-drip valve and its anti-drip method. The anti-drip valve includes a valve body and a liquid receiving device installed on the valve body. The valve body has a liquid inlet channel and a guide rib. The guide rib is located above the liquid receiving device. The liquid inlet channel has a liquid outlet. One end of the guide rib is located at the liquid outlet, and the other end extends in a direction away from the liquid inlet channel. The liquid receiving device has a waste outlet. This invention has a simple structure and low cost, and can prevent coffee from dripping out after brewing. It belongs to the technical field of household appliances.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of household appliances, specifically relating to an anti-drip valve and its anti-drip method. Background Technology

[0002] As living standards improve, coffee has gradually become an integral part of people's lives, and the demands for coffee are also increasing. There's a growing requirement for a shorter drip time after brewing; that is, after the coffee machine finishes brewing, there should be no more slow, dripping coffee coming out of the outlet. Current technology typically solves this problem by installing a solenoid valve on the coffee machine. After brewing a cup of coffee, the solenoid valve releases pressure, preventing further liquid from being squeezed out of the outlet and avoiding dripping coffee. However, using a solenoid valve is complex and costly. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an anti-drip valve and its anti-drip method. This invention has a simple structure and low cost, and can prevent coffee from dripping out after brewing.

[0004] This invention provides an anti-drip valve, comprising a valve body and a liquid receiving device; the valve body has a liquid inlet channel; the valve body is provided with guide ribs;

[0005] The guide rib is located above the liquid receiving device. The liquid inlet channel has a liquid delivery port. One end of the guide rib is located at the liquid delivery port, and the other end of the guide rib extends in a direction away from the liquid inlet channel. The liquid receiving device has a waste outlet.

[0006] Furthermore, the liquid receiving device is provided with a drainage channel, one end of which is connected to the liquid inlet channel, and the other end of which extends in a direction away from the liquid inlet channel. The guide rib is located above the drainage channel.

[0007] Furthermore, the guide rib has a guide surface disposed opposite to the bottom of the drainage channel; both the guide surface and the drainage channel extend upward at an angle away from the liquid inlet channel.

[0008] Furthermore, the projection of the guide surface in the direction of gravity is located within the drainage channel, and the guide surface is tangent to the inner wall of the liquid inlet channel or located within the area enclosed by the liquid delivery port.

[0009] Furthermore, the drainage channel includes a first liquid flow channel and a second liquid flow channel. The first liquid flow channel has a first end and a second end. The first end of the liquid inlet channel is connected to the liquid inlet channel, and the second end of the liquid inlet channel is connected to the second liquid flow channel. The inner wall of the first end of the first liquid flow channel is in contact with the inner wall of the liquid inlet channel, and the inner wall of the second end of the first liquid flow channel is in contact with the inner wall of the second liquid flow channel.

[0010] Along the direction away from the liquid inlet channel, the cross-section of the first liquid flow channel gradually increases.

[0011] Furthermore, the liquid receiving device is provided with a diversion plate; one end of the second liquid flow channel is connected to the first liquid flow channel, the other end of the second liquid flow channel has a liquid outlet, one end of the diversion plate is connected to the edge of the liquid outlet, and the other end of the diversion plate extends downward in a direction away from the liquid outlet.

[0012] Furthermore, the waste outlets are located on both sides of the first end of the first liquid flow channel.

[0013] Furthermore, both the guide rib and the waste outlet extend along the extension direction of the drainage channel, and the length of the guide rib is greater than or equal to half the length of the waste outlet.

[0014] Furthermore, the anti-drip valve also includes a base with a liquid outlet and a waste liquid outlet; the valve body is mounted on the base, the liquid outlet is connected to the liquid outlet, and the waste liquid outlet is connected to the waste discharge port.

[0015] The present invention also provides a method for preventing dripping of an anti-drip valve, the method comprising the following steps:

[0016] Liquid is delivered into the inlet channel and the liquid in the inlet channel flows toward the delivery port;

[0017] Liquid flows out continuously from the inlet. Under the action of the surface tension of the guide ribs, the liquid flows along the guide ribs, thus realizing continuous liquid delivery.

[0018] Stop supplying liquid into the inlet channel. No continuous liquid flows out of the inlet. The liquid on the guide ribs falls onto the receiver under the action of gravity, preventing the liquid from dripping out along the guide ribs. The liquid in the receiver is finally discharged from the waste outlet.

[0019] The technical solution provided by this invention has the following advantages and effects:

[0020] The anti-drip valve of this invention includes a valve body and a liquid receiving device; the valve body has an inlet channel with a liquid delivery port. The valve body also has guide ribs located above the liquid receiving device. During coffee brewing, coffee continuously flows from the liquid delivery port of the inlet channel and flows along the guide ribs, thus achieving coffee brewing. When brewing stops, the coffee in the inlet channel stops flowing towards the liquid delivery port, the coffee flow is interrupted, and the coffee in the guide ribs falls into the liquid receiving device and flows out from the waste port, preventing coffee from dripping out along the guide ribs. The anti-drip valve of this invention has a simple structure and low cost, and can prevent coffee from dripping out after brewing. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the anti-drip valve;

[0022] Figure 2 This is the front view of the valve body;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the valve body structure;

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A structural diagram from another perspective;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a top view of the valve body;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a sectional view of the valve body.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0028] 10. Valve body; 101. Liquid inlet channel; 102. Slot; 1011. Liquid delivery port;

[0029] 20. Liquid receiving device; 201. Waste outlet; 202. Drainage channel; 203. Drainage plate; 2021. First liquid flow tank; 2022. Second liquid flow tank; 2023. Liquid outlet;

[0030] 30. Guide ribs; 301. Guide surface;

[0031] 40. Base; 401. Liquid outlet tank; 402. Waste liquid tank; 403. Baffle plate. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," 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 limitations on this invention.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "communication" 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; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] Unless otherwise specified or defined, it should be understood in the description of the invention that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various types of information, but this information should not be limited to these terms, which are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of the invention, "first" information may also be referred to as "second" information, and similarly, "second" information may also be referred to as "first" information.

[0036] Unless otherwise stated or defined, the term "and / or" as used in this invention includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0037] For ease of description, unless otherwise stated, the terms "up" and "down" in the following text refer to the same direction as "top" and "bottom". Figure 1 Its vertical direction is consistent with the horizontal direction mentioned below. Figure 1 Its left and right directions are consistent.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, an anti-drip valve includes a valve body 10 and a liquid receiving device 20 installed on the valve body 10; the valve body 10 has a liquid inlet channel 101; the valve body 10 has a guide rib 30.

[0039] The guide rib 30 is located above the liquid receiver 20 and is used to collect droplets falling from the guide rib 30. The liquid inlet channel 101 has a liquid inlet 1011, one end of the guide rib 30 is located at the liquid inlet 1011, and the other end of the guide rib 30 extends in a direction away from the liquid inlet channel 101. The liquid receiver 20 has a waste outlet 201.

[0040] During coffee brewing, the coffee machine delivers coffee liquid to the inlet channel 101. The coffee liquid flows continuously from the outlet 1011. Under the surface tension of the guide ribs 30, the coffee liquid adheres to the guide ribs 30 as it flows continuously from the outlet 1011. Driven by the continuously flowing coffee liquid, the coffee liquid adhering to the guide ribs 30 flows along the extension direction of the guide ribs 30, eventually flowing into a designated container such as a cup, thus completing the coffee brewing process. After brewing is complete, the coffee machine stops delivering coffee liquid to the inlet channel 101. No coffee flows out of the outlet 1011, the coffee liquid flow stops, and the coffee liquid adhering to the guide ribs 30 loses its propulsion. Under the action of gravity, the coffee liquid adhering to the guide ribs 30 falls onto the receiving container 20 and flows out from the waste outlet 201, preventing the coffee liquid from continuing to flow along the guide ribs 30, thereby preventing the coffee liquid from dripping out along the guide ribs 30.

[0041] Specifically, in some embodiments, the guide rib 30 extends upward at an angle away from the liquid inlet channel 101. In this embodiment, the liquid receiver 20 is connected to the valve body 10 and located below the liquid inlet 1011. The liquid channel is located at the right end of the guide rib 30, which extends upward at an angle from right to left. The coffee liquid flows to the left from the liquid inlet channel 101, and the continuously flowing coffee liquid moves to the left along the guide rib 30. When the coffee liquid is stopped, the flow of coffee liquid on the guide rib 30 is interrupted. Under the action of gravity, the coffee liquid on the guide rib 30 flows to the right along the guide rib 30 towards the liquid inlet channel 101. When it reaches the liquid inlet 1011, since the liquid inlet channel 101 is filled with coffee liquid, the coffee liquid falls down into the liquid receiver 20 under the action of gravity and flows out from the waste outlet 201.

[0042] Specifically, in some embodiments, the liquid receiving device 20 is provided with a drainage channel 202 for receiving coffee liquid. One end of the drainage channel 202 is connected to the liquid inlet channel 101, and the other end of the drainage channel 202 extends upward at an angle away from the liquid inlet channel 101. The upper end of the guide rib 30 is integrally formed with the valve body 10, and the lower end of the guide rib 30 extends upward at an angle away from the liquid inlet channel 101. Along the direction away from the liquid inlet channel 101, the bottom of the drainage channel 202 and the lower end of the guide rib 30 both extend upward at an angle away from the liquid inlet channel 101. The lower end of the guide rib 30 is located inside the drainage channel 202 and is positioned opposite to the bottom of the drainage channel 202. There is a gap between the lower end of the guide rib 30 and the bottom of the drainage channel 202. The coffee liquid adheres to the lower end of the guide rib 30 and flows along the guide rib 30 within the gap.

[0043] Specifically, in some embodiments, the valve body 10, the liquid receiving device 20, and the guide rib 30 are integrally formed. The upper end of the guide rib 30 is connected to the valve body 10, and the lower end of the guide rib 30 extends along the direction close to the bottom of the drainage channel 202 and is located within the drainage channel 202. The cross-section of the lower end of the guide rib 30 is an isosceles trapezoid, and the width of the lower end of the guide rib 30 gradually decreases from top to bottom, which facilitates the coffee liquid to adhere to the lower end of the guide rib 30 and flow along the guide rib 30.

[0044] During the coffee brewing process, when the coffee flows from the inlet channel 101 to the outlet channel 202, the surface tension of the guide ribs 30 overcomes the height difference of the outlet channel 202, allowing the coffee to flow out from the guide ribs 30. After brewing, the remaining coffee liquid will slowly drip out. This portion of the coffee liquid cannot overcome the height difference between the guide ribs and the outlet channel 202, and flows out from the waste liquid outlet into other wastewater containers, reducing the dripping time after brewing and eliminating the need to wait for the coffee to slowly drip out.

[0045] Specifically, in some embodiments, the guide rib 30 has a guide surface 301 disposed opposite to the bottom of the flow channel 202; the guide surface 301 extends obliquely upward along the extension direction of the flow channel 202. The guide surface 301 is located at the lower end of the guide rib 30, and the guide surface 301 extends from right to left away from the liquid inlet channel 101 and is obliquely upward. The upward angle of the guide surface 301 is greater than or equal to the upward angle of the bottom of the flow channel 202. In the direction away from the liquid inlet channel 101, the distance between the guide surface 301 and the bottom of the flow channel 202 remains constant or gradually increases, preventing the flow of coffee liquid from being hindered due to the decrease in the distance between the guide surface 301 and the bottom of the flow channel 202. In this embodiment, the distance between the guide surface 301 and the bottom of the flow channel 202 remains constant to ensure the flow rate of coffee liquid.

[0046] Specifically, in some embodiments, the projection of the guide surface 301 in the direction of gravity is located within the drainage channel 202, and the guide surface is tangent to the inner wall of the liquid inlet channel 101 or located within the area enclosed by the liquid delivery port 1011. The height of the guide surface 301 is lower than or flush with the top of the liquid inlet channel 101, ensuring that the liquid coming out of the liquid delivery port 1011 of the liquid inlet channel 101 flows onto the guide surface 301, preventing the liquid coming out of the liquid delivery port 1011 from falling directly into the drainage channel due to the guide surface 301 being too high. Preferably, the guide surface is tangent to the inner wall of the liquid inlet channel 101 to prevent the guide ribs from obstructing the liquid from flowing out of the liquid delivery port 1011.

[0047] Specifically, in some embodiments, the liquid receiving device 20 is semi-circular, the cross-section of the drainage channel 202 is semi-circular, and the cross-section of the liquid inlet channel 101 is circular. Projected along the extending direction of the guide rib 30, the liquid inlet channel 101 is located within the area enclosed by the edge of the drainage channel 202. The drainage channel 202 includes a first liquid flow groove 2021 and a second liquid flow groove 2022. The first liquid flow groove 2021 has a first end and a second end. The first end of the liquid inlet channel 101 communicates with the liquid inlet channel 101, and the second end of the liquid inlet channel 101 communicates with the second liquid flow groove 2022. The inner wall of the first end of the first liquid flow groove 2021 is connected to the inner wall of the liquid inlet channel 101, and the inner wall of the second end of the first liquid flow groove 2021 is connected to the inner wall of the second liquid flow groove 2022. As the continuous flow of coffee liquid along the guide rib 30 reaches its end, the preceding coffee liquid, propelled by the following liquid and driven by inertia, exits from the left end of the guide rib 30 and flows through the outlet 2023 at the left end of the second flow channel 2022 into the designated container, completing the coffee brewing process. When the coffee liquid flow stops, under the influence of gravity, the coffee liquid flows to the left end of the guide rib 30 and falls onto the second flow channel 2022, flowing along the bottom wall of the second flow channel 2022 towards the first flow channel 2021, finally exiting from the waste outlet at the first flow channel 2021. When the flow stops, the coffee liquid falls directly into the guide channel 202 and does not flow along the guide rib 30, thus ensuring that the coffee flows out drop by drop after brewing.

[0048] Along the direction away from the liquid inlet channel 101, the cross-section of the first liquid flow channel 2021 gradually increases, making the coffee liquid flowing more smoothly along the guide rib 30.

[0049] Specifically, in some embodiments, the liquid receiving device 20 is provided with a flow guide plate 203; one end of the second liquid flow channel 2022 is connected to the first liquid flow channel 2021, and the other end of the second liquid flow channel 2022 has a liquid outlet 2023. One end of the flow guide plate 203 is connected to the lower edge of the liquid outlet 2023, and the other end of the flow guide plate 203 extends downward in a direction away from the liquid outlet 2023. The cross-section of the flow guide plate 203 gradually decreases from top to bottom. When continuous coffee drops flow along the guide rib 30, they rush out and fall from the liquid outlet 2023, and then flow along the flow guide plate 203 to the corresponding container.

[0050] Specifically, in some embodiments, waste outlets 201 are located on both sides of the first end of the first liquid flow channel 2021. The waste outlets 201 are located at the lower end of the flow channel 202, which facilitates the complete discharge of unwanted coffee liquid. The waste outlets extend in a direction away from the liquid inlet channel, and the length of the guide ribs is greater than or equal to half the length of the waste outlet.

[0051] The height of the liquid outlet 2023 is higher than that of the waste outlet 201. Coffee can easily flow along the guide rib 23 to the liquid outlet 2023 instead of being discharged directly from the waste outlet 201; when the coffee flow rate is very low, the coffee can pass through the waste outlet 201 but cannot pass through the liquid outlet 2023, and the coffee will flow out from the waste outlet 201.

[0052] Specifically, in some embodiments, the anti-drip valve further includes a base 40 having an outlet trough 401 and a waste liquid trough 402; the valve body 10 is mounted on the base 40, the outlet 2023 is connected to the outlet trough 401, and the waste liquid trough 402 is connected to the waste outlet 201. During coffee brewing, the coffee liquid flowing along the guide ribs 30 and exiting from the outlet 2023 falls into the outlet trough 401, and finally, the coffee liquid in the outlet trough 401 reaches a designated container to complete the brewing process. After brewing, any remaining coffee liquid flows from the waste outlet 201 to the waste liquid trough 402 for collection.

[0053] Specifically, in some embodiments, the valve body 10 is provided with a slot 102. The valve body 10 is engaged with the edge of the liquid outlet tank 401 through the slot 102, so that the valve body 10 is mounted on the base 40. The liquid outlet tank 401 and the waste liquid tank 402 are separated by a partition 403, which is provided with a locking hole. The liquid receiver 20 is locked in the locking hole to achieve the positioning of the liquid receiver 20.

[0054] Specifically, in some embodiments, the inner wall of the slot is provided with barbs, and the inner wall of the liquid outlet groove 401 is provided with a hook groove for the barbs to engage, preventing the valve body from detaching from the base. The outer surface of the liquid inlet channel is a stepped shaft, which facilitates the fixing of the valve body.

[0055] Specifically, in some embodiments, the bottom wall of the liquid outlet 401 is provided with an inclined flow-guiding surface, which is located below the flow-guiding plate. The lower end of the flow-guiding surface is provided with a liquid collection tank, and a liquid discharge hole is provided below the liquid collection tank. The coffee liquid falls into the user's cup through the liquid discharge hole.

[0056] Specifically, in some embodiments, the waste outlet 201 has a stepped drainage surface that extends from top to bottom to guide the remaining coffee liquid into the waste liquid tank 402 and prevent coffee liquid from splashing.

[0057] Specifically, in some embodiments, the cross-section of the inlet channel gradually decreases and then remains constant along the direction close to the liquid receiver, thereby increasing the hydraulic pressure of the inlet channel for conveying coffee liquid and ensuring that the coffee liquid flows continuously along the guide ribs.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, a method for preventing dripping of an anti-drip valve includes the following steps:

[0059] When the coffee machine is turned on, it delivers coffee liquid into the liquid inlet channel 101. As the coffee machine continuously delivers coffee liquid, the coffee liquid in the liquid inlet channel 101 flows towards the liquid outlet 1011.

[0060] The coffee machine continuously supplies coffee liquid, which flows out continuously from the liquid inlet 1011. Under the action of the surface tension of the guide rib 30, the continuously flowing coffee liquid flows along the guide rib 30, realizing the continuous delivery of coffee liquid. The continuous coffee liquid flies out at the end of the guide rib 30, and finally flows from the liquid outlet 2023 of the flow channel 202 along the flow plate 203 into the liquid outlet tank 401 and then into the user's coffee cup, completing the brewing of coffee.

[0061] After the coffee brewing is complete, the coffee machine is turned off, and the coffee machine stops supplying liquid into the liquid inlet channel 101. No coffee continues to flow out of the liquid outlet 1011, and the coffee flow on the guide rib 30 is interrupted. Under the action of gravity, the coffee on the guide rib 30 falls into the drainage channel 202 of the liquid receiver 20, thereby preventing the liquid from dripping out along the guide rib 30. Finally, the coffee in the drainage channel 202 of the liquid receiver 20 is discharged from the waste outlet 201 into the waste liquid tank 402.

[0062] The above embodiments are not an exhaustive list based on the present invention, and there may be many other embodiments not listed. Any substitutions and improvements made without departing from the concept of the present invention are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An anti-drip valve, characterized in that, It includes a valve body and a liquid receiving device; the valve body has a liquid inlet channel; the valve body is provided with guide ribs; The guide rib is located above the liquid receiving device, the liquid inlet channel has a liquid delivery port, one end of the guide rib is located at the liquid delivery port, and the other end of the guide rib extends in a direction away from the liquid inlet channel. The liquid receiving device has a waste outlet. The liquid receiving device is provided with a drainage channel, one end of which is connected to the liquid inlet channel, and the other end of which extends in a direction away from the liquid inlet channel. The guide rib is located above the drainage channel. There is a gap between the lower end of the guide rib and the bottom of the drainage channel; The drainage channel includes a first liquid flow channel and a second liquid flow channel. The first liquid flow channel has a first end and a second end. The first end of the liquid inlet channel is connected to the liquid inlet channel, and the second end of the liquid inlet channel is connected to the second liquid flow channel. The inner wall of the first end of the first liquid flow channel is in contact with the inner wall of the liquid inlet channel, and the inner wall of the second end of the first liquid flow channel is in contact with the inner wall of the second liquid flow channel. Along the direction away from the liquid inlet channel, the cross-section of the first liquid flow channel gradually increases.

2. The anti-drip valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide rib has a guide surface that is disposed opposite to the bottom of the drainage channel; both the guide surface and the drainage channel extend upward at an angle away from the liquid inlet channel.

3. The anti-drip valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The projection of the guide surface in the direction of gravity is located within the drainage channel, and the guide surface is tangent to the inner wall of the liquid inlet channel or located within the area enclosed by the liquid delivery port.

4. The anti-drip valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid receiving device is provided with a diversion plate; one end of the second liquid flow channel is connected to the first liquid flow channel, the other end of the second liquid flow channel has a liquid outlet, one end of the diversion plate is connected to the edge of the liquid outlet, and the other end of the diversion plate extends downward in a direction away from the liquid outlet.

5. The anti-drip valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, Waste outlets are located on both sides of the first end of the first liquid flow channel.

6. The anti-drip valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, Both the guide rib and the waste outlet extend along the extension direction of the drainage channel, and the length of the guide rib is greater than or equal to half the length of the waste outlet.

7. The anti-drip valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a base with a liquid outlet tank and a waste liquid tank; the valve body is mounted on the base, the liquid outlet is connected to the liquid outlet tank, and the waste liquid tank is connected to the waste material outlet.

8. A drip-proof method using an anti-drip valve, wherein the anti-drip valve as described in claim 1 is applied to the drip-proof method, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Liquid is delivered into the inlet channel and the liquid in the inlet channel flows toward the delivery port; Liquid flows out continuously from the inlet. Under the action of the surface tension of the guide ribs, the liquid flows along the guide ribs, thus realizing continuous liquid delivery. Stop supplying liquid into the inlet channel. No continuous liquid flows out of the inlet. The liquid on the guide ribs falls onto the receiver under the action of gravity, preventing the liquid from dripping out along the guide ribs. The liquid in the receiver is finally discharged from the waste outlet.

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