A switching valve and a coffee machine comprising the same

Abstract

This invention provides a switching valve and a coffee machine incorporating the switching valve, belonging to the field of coffee machine technology. The switching valve includes: a valve body having a first valve chamber, a first ejector pin chamber, and a second ejector pin chamber; the valve body has a vapor-liquid inlet communicating with the first valve chamber, a vapor outlet communicating with the first ejector pin chamber, and a liquid outlet communicating with the second ejector pin chamber; an ejector pin assembly including a first ejector pin disposed in the first ejector pin chamber and a second ejector pin disposed in the second ejector pin chamber, the first and second ejector pins being movable axially within their respective ejector pin chambers, and connecting or disconnecting the connection between the ejector pin chamber and the first valve chamber; and a rotating shaft mounted on a valve seat, the rotating shaft being rotatable and selectively interacting with the ejector pins of the ejector pin assembly via a transmission mechanism during rotation, thereby driving the ejector pins to move within their respective ejector pin chambers. This switching valve has the function of integrated switching between water and gas circuits.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of coffee machine technology, and more particularly to a switching valve and a coffee machine incorporating the switching valve. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, some fully automatic coffee machines on the market use switching valves instead of two-way or three-way solenoid valves to reduce the overall cost of the machine. For example, Chinese patent CN209346696U discloses a water circuit structure for a steam coffee machine. This structure includes a water tank and a heating element, connected to the water tank via a switching valve. The switching valve has four channels, with steam and hot water from the heating element entering different channels respectively. When the coffee machine needs hot water to brew coffee, the hot water channel is opened; when it needs steam to heat milk, the steam channel is opened. This switching valve requires multiple independent channels, increasing the number of pipes connected to it, making the structure complex, and thus increasing the cost of the coffee machine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems in the prior art, the present invention provides a switching valve that integrates water and gas circuit switching, and a coffee machine incorporating the switching valve.

[0004] This invention provides a switching valve for use in a coffee machine, the switching valve comprising:

[0005] The valve body has a first valve chamber, a first ejector chamber and a second ejector chamber inside. The valve body is provided with a vapor-liquid inlet communicating with the first valve chamber, a vapor outlet communicating with the first ejector chamber and a liquid outlet communicating with the second ejector chamber.

[0006] The ejector assembly includes a first ejector pin disposed in the first ejector pin cavity and a second ejector pin disposed in the second ejector pin cavity. The first ejector pin and the second ejector pin are respectively movable along the axial direction of the ejector pin in their respective ejector pin cavities, and connect the ejector pin cavity and the first valve cavity or cut off the connection between the ejector pin cavity and the first valve cavity.

[0007] A rotating shaft is mounted on the valve seat. The rotating shaft is rotatable and, during rotation, selectively interacts with the ejector pins of the ejector pin assembly through a transmission mechanism to drive the ejector pins to move within the corresponding ejector pin cavities.

[0008] Furthermore, the valve body also has a third ejector chamber inside, and the valve body is provided with a pressure relief outlet communicating with the third ejector chamber; the ejector assembly also includes a third ejector located in the third ejector chamber, the third ejector being able to move along the ejector axis within the third ejector chamber, and connecting or disconnecting the communication between the third ejector chamber and the first valve chamber, through which excess water flowing into the first valve chamber can be discharged.

[0009] Furthermore, the valve body also has a second valve chamber and a fourth ejector chamber inside, and the valve body is also provided with an air inlet and an air outlet communicating with the fourth ejector chamber; the ejector assembly also includes a fourth ejector located in the fourth ejector chamber, the fourth ejector being able to move along the ejector axis within the fourth valve chamber, and connecting the fourth ejector chamber and the second valve chamber or cutting off the connection between the fourth ejector chamber and the second valve chamber. By providing a second valve chamber and a fourth ejector chamber on the valve body, the switching valve can simultaneously output air and steam to realize the milk frothing process.

[0010] Furthermore, each ejector pin of the ejector pin assembly has a protrusion on its outer peripheral wall, and a sealing ring is fitted on the protrusion to form a sealing part. When the ejector pin moves along its axial direction, the sealing part can open or close the cavity connecting the ejector pin cavity and the valve cavity. This structure is simple and can quickly open or close the cavity connecting the ejector pin cavity and the valve cavity.

[0011] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism includes:

[0012] The ejector cam assembly includes a first ejector cam, a second ejector cam, a third ejector cam, and a fourth ejector cam, which are disposed on the rotating shaft and correspond one-to-one with each ejector pin of the ejector assembly. When the rotating shaft rotates, the corresponding ejector pin can be moved by each ejector cam. This transmission structure is simple and compact.

[0013] Furthermore, the first end of each ejector pin passes through the ejector pin cavity and extends out of the valve body. The rotating shaft is configured corresponding to the first end of each ejector pin, and the axis of the rotating shaft is perpendicular to the axis of each ejector pin. During rotation, the rotating shaft has a first position, a second position, a third position, and a fourth position. In the first position, the second ejector pin cam pushes against the first end of the second ejector pin to connect the first valve cavity with the second ejector pin cavity. In the second position, the second ejector pin cam and the third ejector pin cam push against the first end of the second ejector pin and the first end of the third ejector pin, respectively, to connect the first valve cavity with the second ejector pin cavity and the third ejector pin cavity, respectively. In the third position, the first ejector pin cam pushes against the first end of the first ejector pin to connect the first valve cavity with the first ejector pin cavity. In the fourth position, the first ejector pin cam and the fourth ejector pin cam push against the first end of the first ejector pin and the first end of the fourth ejector pin, respectively, to connect the first valve cavity with the first ejector pin cavity and the second valve cavity with the fourth ejector pin cavity. This switching valve can assist the coffee machine in realizing the functions of coffee brewing, coffee machine depressurization, milk heating, and milk frothing.

[0014] Furthermore, the switching valve also includes:

[0015] A switching cam, comprising a first switching cam and a second switching cam disposed on the rotating shaft;

[0016] A micro switch assembly includes a first micro switch and a second micro switch corresponding to the first switch cam, and a third micro switch and a fourth micro switch corresponding to the second switch cam; each micro switch is electrically connected to the electronic control board inside the coffee machine.

[0017] When the rotating shaft is in the first position, the first switch cam triggers the first micro switch; when the rotating shaft is in the second position, the second switch cam triggers the third micro switch; when the rotating shaft is in the third position, the second switch cam simultaneously triggers the third and fourth micro switches; when the rotating shaft is in the fourth position, the first switch cam triggers the second micro switch, and the second switch cam triggers the fourth micro switch. The interaction of the two switch cams and four micro switches allows the user to easily determine the current state of the valve's internal pin.

[0018] Furthermore, the valve body includes:

[0019] The valve seat has a first groove and a second groove on its top;

[0020] A valve cover is detachably fastened to the top of the valve seat to cover the first groove and the second groove, so that the first groove and the second groove respectively form the first valve cavity and the second valve cavity. The valve cover is provided with a receiving cavity corresponding to each pin of the pin assembly. The second end of each pin is respectively disposed in the receiving cavity. Each pin is fitted with a spring. The first end of the spring abuts against the bottom of the receiving cavity, and the second end of the spring abuts against the protrusion on the corresponding pin, so as to apply a force to each pin to cut off the communication between the pin cavity and the first valve cavity. In this way, when the cam on the rotating shaft corresponding to each pin disengages from the bottom end of the pin, the pin will remain cut off from the communication between the pin cavity and the first valve cavity under the action of the spring.

[0021] Furthermore, the switching valve also includes:

[0022] The motor bracket is fixed to the valve seat;

[0023] A drive motor is mounted on the motor frame and connected to one end of the rotating shaft to drive the rotating shaft to rotate. Integrating the drive motor into the motor frame facilitates the control of the rotating shaft.

[0024] A coffee machine includes a boiler, a steam rod, a wastewater tank, and a coffee brewing chamber. The coffee machine also includes a switching valve as described in any of the above embodiments. The gas-liquid inlet is connected to the boiler, the liquid outlet is connected to the coffee brewing chamber, the steam outlet and the air outlet are respectively connected to the steam rod, and the pressure relief outlet is connected to the wastewater tank.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention are as follows:

[0026] The switching valve provided in this embodiment of the invention has a simple structure and does not require a separate channel inside. It can deliver hot water or steam into the first valve chamber separately, and then move the corresponding pin separately to ensure that the steam or hot water in the first valve chamber flows out, thus realizing the function of integrated switching of water and gas circuits.

[0027] The coffee machine provided in this embodiment of the invention can simplify the connection pipeline between the boiler, coffee brewing chamber and steam rod through an internal switching valve, thereby simplifying the internal structure of the coffee machine and reducing the cost of the coffee machine. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the switching valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the switching valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3This is a cross-sectional view of the switching valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve body from a first perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a two-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the valve body from a second perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating shaft from a first perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating shaft from a second perspective in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the ejector pin according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a front sectional view of the switching valve when the rotating shaft is rotated to the first position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a front sectional view of the switching valve when the rotating shaft is rotated to the second position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a front sectional view of the switching valve when the rotating shaft is rotated to the third position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 12 This is a front sectional view of the switching valve when the rotating shaft is rotated to the fourth position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] The components indicated by the reference numerals in the figure:

[0041] 1-Valve body; 100-Valve seat; 101-Vacuum-liquid inlet; 102-Steam outlet; 103-Liquid outlet; 104-Pressure relief outlet; 105-Air inlet; 106-Air outlet; 107-First valve chamber; 108-Second valve chamber; 109-First ejector pin chamber; 110-Second ejector pin chamber; 111-Third ejector pin chamber; 112-Fourth ejector pin chamber; 120-Valve cover; 2-Ejector pin assembly; 21-First ejector pin; 22-Second ejector pin; 23-Third ejector pin; 24-Fourth ejector pin; 25-Protrusion; 26-Sealing groove; 3-Rotator Shaft; 31-First ejector cam; 32-Second ejector cam; 33-Third ejector cam; 34-Fourth ejector cam; 35-First switch cam; 36-Second switch cam; 4-Micro switch assembly; 41-First micro switch; 42-Second micro switch; 43-Third micro switch; 44-Fourth micro switch; 5-Switch base; 6-Motor frame; 7-Motor; 8-Support plate; 9-Groove sealing ring; 10-Spring; 11-Ejector sealing ring; 12-Valve seat sealing ring; 13-Air hole sealing ring; 14-Air hole plate; 15-Air cover. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0043] This invention provides a switching valve for use in coffee machines, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the switching valve includes at least a valve body 1, a pin assembly 2, and a rotating shaft 3.

[0044] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the valve body 1 is provided with at least a first valve chamber 107, a first ejector chamber 109, and a second ejector chamber 110. The valve body 1 is provided with at least a vapor-liquid inlet 101 communicating with the first valve chamber 107, a steam outlet 102 communicating with the first ejector chamber 109, and a liquid outlet 103 communicating with the second ejector chamber 110.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the ejector assembly 2 includes at least a first ejector 21 and a second ejector 22. The first ejector 21 is disposed in the first ejector cavity 109, and the second ejector 22 is disposed in the second ejector cavity 110. The first ejector 21 and the second ejector 22 can move along the axis of the ejector in their respective ejector cavities and connect or disconnect the ejector cavity and the first valve cavity 107 or disconnect the connection between the ejector cavity and the first valve cavity 107.

[0046] It should be noted that cutting off the connection between the ejector chamber and the first valve chamber 107 means that the ejector chamber and the first valve chamber 107 are not connected, and the fluid in the first valve chamber 107 cannot enter the ejector chamber.

[0047] The rotating shaft 3 is mounted on the valve body 1. The rotating shaft 3 can rotate and, during the rotation, selectively interacts with the ejector pins of the ejector pin assembly 2 through the transmission mechanism to drive the ejector pins to move within the corresponding ejector pin cavities.

[0048] When steam is supplied to the first valve chamber 107 in the valve body 1 through the vapor-liquid inlet 101, the first ejector pin 21 can be moved by rotating the shaft 3, so that the first ejector pin chamber 109 is connected to the first valve chamber 107. In this way, the steam in the first valve chamber 107 will enter the first ejector pin chamber 109 and then flow out through the steam outlet 102.

[0049] When hot water is supplied to the first valve chamber 107 inside the valve body 1 through the gas-liquid inlet 101, the second ejector pin 22 can be moved by rotating the shaft 3, so that the second ejector pin chamber 110 is connected to the first valve chamber 107. In this way, the hot water in the first valve chamber 107 will enter the second ejector pin chamber 110 and then flow out through the liquid outlet 103.

[0050] The switching valve in this embodiment has a simple structure and does not require a separate channel inside. It can deliver hot water or steam into the first valve chamber 107 respectively, and then move the corresponding pin to realize the steam or hot water flowing out of the first valve chamber 107. It has the function of switching between water and gas circuits in one go.

[0051] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the valve body 1 also has a third ejector chamber 111 inside, and the valve body 1 is provided with a pressure relief outlet 104 communicating with the third ejector chamber 111. Meanwhile, the ejector assembly 2 also includes a third ejector pin 23, which is disposed within the third ejector chamber 111 and can also move within the third ejector chamber 111 to connect or disconnect the third ejector chamber 111 and the first valve chamber 107. Thus, when the coffee machine no longer needs steam or hot water, excess steam or hot water entering the first valve chamber 107 can enter the third ejector chamber 111 and be discharged through the pressure relief outlet 104.

[0052] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the valve body 1 also has a second valve chamber 108 and a fourth ejector chamber 112 inside. The valve body 1 is provided with an air inlet 105 and an air outlet 106 that communicate with the fourth ejector chamber 112. Air can be delivered into the second valve chamber 108 through the air inlet 105 on the valve body 1 and output through the air inlet 105.

[0053] like Figure 1As shown, the ejector assembly 2 also includes a fourth ejector 24, which is disposed within the fourth ejector cavity 112 and is capable of moving along the axial direction of the ejector within the fourth ejector cavity 112, connecting or disconnecting the fourth ejector cavity 112 and the second valve cavity 108. Thus, when the coffee machine needs to froth milk, the first ejector 21 and the fourth ejector 24 can be moved simultaneously via the rotating shaft 3, and the switching valve can simultaneously output steam and air to form a mixture for frothing the milk.

[0054] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the first valve chamber 107 and the second valve chamber 108 are two independent chambers that are not connected to each other, thereby ensuring that they do not interfere with each other.

[0055] The first ejector cavity 109, the second ejector cavity 110 and the third ejector cavity 111 are respectively located at the bottom of the first valve cavity 107, and the fourth ejector cavity 112 is located at the bottom of the second valve cavity 108. Each ejector cavity has an opening at its top that communicates with the valve cavity.

[0056] The first ejector pin 21, the second ejector pin 22, the third ejector pin 23, and the fourth ejector pin 24 are vertically arranged in their respective cavities. It should be noted that in this embodiment, each ejector pin can be entirely located within the ejector pin cavity, or a portion can be located within the ejector pin cavity while the other portion extends through the cavity opening into the valve cavity. Regardless of the situation, it is sufficient that the ejector pin, when moving along its axial direction, can open or close the cavity opening of the corresponding ejector pin cavity to connect to or disconnect from the valve cavity. This article will use the example of a ejector pin with a portion located within the ejector pin cavity and the other portion within the valve cavity for illustration.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, each ejector pin in the ejector pin assembly 2 has a protrusion 25 on its outer peripheral wall, and a sealing groove 26 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the protrusion 25. An ejector pin sealing ring 11 is embedded in the sealing groove 26 to form a sealing part.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, each ejector pin is placed in its corresponding ejector pin cavity, and the sealing part on the ejector pin is in contact with the cavity wall of the ejector pin cavity. When the ejector pin moves upward along its axial direction until the ejector pin sealing ring 11 of the sealing part disengages from the cavity wall of the ejector pin cavity, a gap is formed between the outer wall surface of the sealing part and the circumferential surface of the cavity opening of the ejector pin cavity, thereby facilitating the flow of hot water or steam in the first valve cavity 107 into the ejector pin cavity, thus opening the cavity opening that connects the ejector pin cavity and the valve cavity; when the ejector pin moves downward along its axial direction until the sealing ring of the sealing part is in contact with the cavity wall of the ejector pin cavity, the ejector pin cavity is no longer in contact with the first valve cavity 107.

[0059] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the transmission mechanism for connecting the rotating shaft 3 and the ejector pin assembly 2 includes an ejector pin cam group mounted on the rotating shaft 3. This ejector pin cam group includes a first ejector pin cam 31, a second ejector pin cam 32, a third ejector pin cam 33, and a fourth ejector pin cam 34, each corresponding to a ejector pin in the ejector pin assembly 2. When the rotating shaft 3 rotates, it can push the corresponding ejector pin to move via each ejector pin cam.

[0060] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first ejector cam 31 corresponds to the first ejector 21, the second ejector cam 32 corresponds to the second ejector 22, the third ejector cam 33 corresponds to the third ejector 23, and the fourth ejector cam 34 corresponds to the fourth ejector 24. The first ejector cam 31, the second ejector cam 32, the third ejector cam 33, and the fourth ejector cam 34 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 3. When it is necessary to move a certain ejector pin, it is only necessary to rotate the rotating shaft 3 to make the corresponding ejector cam push the ejector pin.

[0061] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the bottom end of each ejector pin passes through the corresponding ejector pin cavity and extends out of the outer side of the valve body 1. A valve seat sealing ring 12 is provided between each ejector pin and the bottom of the ejector pin cavity. A rotating shaft 3 is provided corresponding to the bottom end of each ejector pin. The axis of the rotating shaft 3 is perpendicular to the axis of each ejector pin. When the rotating shaft 3 is rotated, the bottom of the corresponding ejector pin can be pushed by the ejector pin cam.

[0062] Furthermore, the rotating shaft 3 has a first position, a second position, a third position, and a fourth position in its rotational direction.

[0063] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, when the rotating shaft 3 rotates to the first position, the second ejector cam 32 will push upward against the bottom end of the second ejector 22 so that the first valve chamber 107 and the second ejector chamber 110 are connected. At this time, hot water can be delivered into the first valve chamber 107 through the gas-liquid inlet 101. The hot water will enter the second ejector chamber 110 and then flow out through the liquid outlet 103 to brew coffee in the coffee machine.

[0064] like Figure 10 As shown, when the rotating shaft 3 rotates to the second position, the second ejector cam 32 and the third ejector cam 33 partially overlap in the circumferential direction along the rotating shaft 3. Therefore, the second ejector cam 32 continues to push upward against the bottom end of the second ejector 22, and the third ejector cam 33 also pushes upward against the bottom end of the third ejector 23. The first valve chamber 107 is connected to the second ejector chamber 110 and the third ejector chamber 111, respectively. At this time, after stopping the pumping of hot water into the valve body 1, the residual water in the pipes connecting the vapor-liquid inlet 101 and the liquid outlet 103 can be discharged through the pressure relief outlet 104.

[0065] like Figure 11 As shown, when the rotating shaft 3 rotates to the third position, the first ejector cam 31 pushes upward against the bottom end of the first ejector 21, and the first valve chamber 107 and the first ejector chamber 109 are connected. At this time, steam can be supplied to the first valve chamber 107 through the vapor-liquid inlet 101, and the steam will enter the first ejector chamber 109 and then be discharged through the steam outlet 102 to heat the milk with steam.

[0066] like Figure 12 As shown, when the rotating shaft 3 rotates to the fourth position, because the fourth ejector cam 34 and the first ejector cam 31 partially overlap in the circumferential direction along the rotating shaft 3, the first ejector cam 31 continues to push upward against the bottom end of the first ejector 21, and the fourth ejector cam 34 also pushes upward against the bottom end of the fourth ejector 24. The first ejector cavity 109 is connected to the first valve cavity 107, and the fourth ejector cavity 112 is connected to the second valve cavity 108. At this time, steam can be supplied to the first valve cavity 107 through the vapor-liquid inlet 101, and air can be supplied to the second valve cavity 108 through the air inlet 105. In this way, the air can be discharged through the air outlet 106, and the steam can be discharged through the steam outlet 102. After the steam and air are mixed, the milk can be heated and foamed.

[0067] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the switching valve also includes a switching cam assembly, which includes a first switching cam 35 and a second switching cam 36 disposed on the rotating shaft 3.

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, the switching valve also includes a micro switch assembly 4, which includes a first micro switch 41 and a second micro switch 42 corresponding to the first switch cam 35, and a third micro switch 43 and a fourth micro switch 44 corresponding to the second switch cam 36. Each micro switch is electrically connected to the electronic control board inside the coffee machine.

[0069] In this embodiment, four microswitches are fixed on the switch base 5. The first microswitch 41 and the second microswitch 42 are located on one side of the switch base 5 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 3, while the third microswitch 43 and the fourth microswitch 44 are located on the other side of the switch base 5 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 3. When the rotating shaft 3 rotates to its first position, the first switch cam 35 triggers the first microswitch 41. At this time, the electronic control board receives the signal that the first microswitch 41 has been triggered, and the corresponding brewing indicator light on the coffee machine will illuminate. The electronic control board will then control the boiler inside the coffee machine to start pumping hot water into the valve body 1.

[0070] When the shaft 3 rotates to the second position, the second switch cam 36 triggers the third micro switch 43. At this time, the control board will receive the signal that the third micro switch 43 has been triggered, and the pressure relief indicator light on the coffee machine will light up. The control board will control the boiler in the coffee machine to shut down and stop pumping hot water into the valve body 1.

[0071] When the shaft 3 rotates to the third position, the second switch cam 36 simultaneously triggers the third micro switch 43 and the fourth micro switch 44. At this time, the control board will receive the signals that the third micro switch 43 and the fourth micro switch 44 have been triggered. The corresponding hot milk indicator light on the coffee machine will light up. The control board will then control the boiler inside the coffee machine to shut off its pumping of hot water into the valve body 1 and start its pumping of steam into the valve body 1.

[0072] When the rotating shaft 3 is in the fourth position, the first switch cam 35 triggers the second micro switch 42, and the second switch cam 36 triggers the fourth micro switch 44. At this time, the control board will simultaneously receive the signals of the second micro switch 42 being triggered and the fourth micro switch 44 being triggered, and the corresponding milk frothing indicator light on the coffee machine will light up. The control board will then control the boiler inside the coffee machine to pump steam into the valve body 1.

[0073] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the valve body 1 includes two parts: a valve seat 100 and a valve cover 120. The top of the valve seat 100 is provided with a first groove and a second groove, and the valve cover 120 is detachably fastened to the valve seat 100 so that the first groove and the second groove respectively form a first valve cavity 107 and a second valve cavity 108.

[0074] A valve cavity sealing ring 9 is also provided between the valve cover 120 and the valve seat 100 for surrounding the groove of the first groove and the groove of the second groove. When the valve cover 120 is fastened on the valve seat 100, the valve cavity sealing ring 9 can ensure the sealing of the first valve cavity 107 and the second valve cavity 108 respectively, so as to ensure that the hot water or steam in the first valve cavity 107 or the air in the second valve cavity 108 will not flow out.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the bottom surface of the valve cover 120 is also provided with a receiving cavity corresponding to each ejector pin in the ejector pin assembly 2. The top of each ejector pin is located in the corresponding receiving cavity to ensure that each ejector pin can move up and down along its axial direction.

[0076] Furthermore, each ejector pin in the ejector pin assembly 2 is fitted with a spring 10. The top end of the spring 10 is aligned with the bottom of the cavity corresponding to the ejector pin, and the bottom end of the spring 10 abuts against the protrusion 25 on the ejector pin. This applies a force to the ejector pin to move downward and cut off the connection between the ejector pin cavity and the first valve cavity 107. Thus, when the cam on the rotating shaft 3 corresponding to each ejector pin disengages from the bottom end of the ejector pin, the ejector pin will remain connected to the first valve cavity 107 under the force of the spring 10.

[0077] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the switching valve also includes a motor frame 6 and a drive motor 7. The motor frame 6 is fixed on the valve seat 100 by a support plate 8, and the drive motor 7 is fixed on the motor frame 6 and connected to one end of the rotating shaft 3 to drive the rotating shaft 3 to rotate.

[0078] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the switching valve also includes a vent sealing ring 13 and a vent plate 14 disposed on the steam outlet 102, and the vent sealing ring 13 and the vent plate 14 are fixed to the valve body 100 by a gas cover 15.

[0079] This invention also provides a coffee machine, which includes at least a boiler for generating steam and hot water, a coffee brewing chamber for making coffee, a steam rod for heating milk, a wastewater box for storing wastewater, and a switching valve as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0080] The boiler on the coffee machine is connected to the steam-liquid inlet 101 on the valve body 1, and is used to deliver steam or hot water to the first valve chamber 107 in the valve body 1, respectively.

[0081] The liquid outlet 103 on the valve body 1 is connected to the coffee brewing chamber and is used to transport hot water generated by the boiler to the coffee brewing chamber to realize the coffee brewing function.

[0082] The steam outlet 102 and air outlet 106 on the valve body 1 are connected to the steam rod, and the air inlet 105 on the valve body 1 is connected to the outside. When steam is supplied to the first valve chamber 107 in the valve body 1, if only the milk is heated, the first ejector pin 21 needs to be pushed by the rotating shaft 3; if not only the milk needs to be heated, but also the milk needs to be frothed, the first ejector pin 21 and the fourth ejector pin 24 can be pushed by the rotating shaft 3 at the same time, so that steam and air can enter the steam rod at the same time.

[0083] It should be noted that the coffee machine in this embodiment only needs to control the steam flow. As the steam flows inside the steam wand, due to the pressure difference, external air will automatically enter the steam wand through the switching valve, thereby mixing with the steam.

[0084] The pressure relief outlet 104 on the valve body 1 is connected to the wastewater box. After the coffee machine has finished brewing coffee, it can be turned off. Due to the time difference, some water will still enter the first valve chamber 107 when the coffee machine is turned off. At this time, the third ejector pin 23 can be pushed so that the extra water that has entered the first valve chamber 107 can be discharged into the wastewater box through the pressure relief outlet 104, thereby realizing the pressure relief of the coffee machine.

[0085] The coffee machine provided in this embodiment simplifies the connection pipeline between the boiler, coffee brewing chamber, and steam rod through an internal switching valve, thereby simplifying the internal structure of the coffee machine and reducing its cost.

[0086] The above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention within its scope and spirit, and such modifications or equivalent substitutions should also be considered to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A switching valve used in a coffee machine, characterized in that, The switching valve includes: The valve body (1) has a first valve chamber (107), a first ejector chamber (109) and a second ejector chamber (110) inside. The valve body (1) is provided with a vapor-liquid inlet (101) communicating with the first valve chamber (107), a steam outlet (102) communicating with the first ejector chamber (109) and a liquid outlet (103) communicating with the second ejector chamber (110). The ejector assembly (2) includes a first ejector (21) disposed in the first ejector cavity (109) and a second ejector (22) disposed in the second ejector cavity (110). The first ejector (21) and the second ejector (22) are respectively able to move along the axial direction of the ejector in their respective ejector cavities and connect the ejector cavity with the first valve cavity (107) or cut off the connection between the ejector cavity and the first valve cavity (107). A rotating shaft (3) is mounted on the valve body (1). The rotating shaft (3) is rotatable and, during rotation, selectively interacts with the ejector pins of the ejector pin assembly (2) via a transmission mechanism to drive the ejector pins to move within the corresponding ejector pin cavities. The transmission mechanism includes an ejector pin cam group, which includes a first ejector pin cam (31), a second ejector pin cam (32), and a fourth ejector pin cam (34) mounted on the rotating shaft (3) and corresponding to each ejector pin of the ejector pin assembly (2). When the rotating shaft (3) rotates, it can drive the corresponding ejector pins to move via each ejector pin cam. The valve body (1) also has a second valve chamber (108) and a fourth ejector chamber (112) inside. The valve body (1) is also provided with an air inlet (105) and an air outlet (106) communicating with the fourth ejector chamber (112). The ejector assembly (2) also includes a fourth ejector (24) disposed in the fourth ejector chamber (112). The fourth ejector (24) can move along the ejector axis in the fourth ejector chamber (112) and connect or disconnect the communication between the fourth ejector chamber (112) and the second valve chamber (108). The first valve chamber (107) and the second valve chamber (108) are two independent chambers. The two are not connected to each other; the first end of each ejector pin passes through the ejector pin cavity and extends out of the valve body (1); the rotating shaft (3) is set corresponding to the first end of each ejector pin; the axis of the rotating shaft (3) is perpendicular to the axis of each ejector pin; the rotating shaft (3) has a fourth position during rotation; in the fourth position, the first ejector pin cam (31) and the fourth ejector pin cam (34) push against the first end of the first ejector pin (21) and the first end of the fourth ejector pin (24) respectively, so that the first valve cavity (107) is connected to the first ejector pin cavity (109) and the second valve cavity (108) is connected to the fourth ejector pin cavity (112).

2. A switching valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body (1) also has a third ejector cavity (111) inside, and the valve body (1) is provided with a pressure relief outlet (104) communicating with the third ejector cavity (111); the ejector assembly (2) also includes a third ejector (23) disposed in the third ejector cavity (111), the third ejector (23) being able to move along the axial direction of the ejector in the third ejector cavity (111) and connect the third ejector cavity (111) and the first valve cavity (107) or cut off the communication between the third ejector cavity (111) and the first valve cavity (107).

3. A switching valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each ejector pin of the ejector pin assembly (2) has a protrusion (25) on its outer peripheral wall. An ejector pin sealing ring (11) is fitted on the protrusion (25) to form a sealing part. When the ejector pin moves along its axial direction, the cavity that connects the ejector pin cavity and the valve cavity can be opened or closed through the sealing part.

4. A switching valve as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The ejector cam assembly also includes a third ejector cam (33) disposed on the rotating shaft (3).

5. A switching valve as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The rotating shaft (3) has a first position, a second position and a third position during rotation; In the first position, the second ejector cam (32) pushes against the first end of the second ejector (22) to make the first valve chamber (107) communicate with the second ejector chamber (110); in the second position, the second ejector cam (32) and the third ejector cam (33) push against the first end of the second ejector (22) and the first end of the third ejector (23) respectively to make the first valve chamber (107) communicate with the second ejector chamber (110) and the third ejector chamber (111) respectively; in the third position, the first ejector cam (31) pushes against the first end of the first ejector (21) to make the first valve chamber (107) communicate with the first ejector chamber (109).

6. A switching valve as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The switching valve also includes: A switching cam assembly, comprising a first switching cam (35) and a second switching cam (36) disposed on the rotating shaft (3); The micro switch assembly includes a first micro switch (41) and a second micro switch (42) corresponding to the first switch cam (35), and a third micro switch (43) and a fourth micro switch (44) corresponding to the second switch cam (36); each micro switch is electrically connected to the electronic control board inside the coffee machine. When the rotating shaft (3) is in the first position, the first switch cam (35) triggers the first micro switch (41); when the rotating shaft (3) is in the second position, the second switch cam (36) triggers the third micro switch (43); when the rotating shaft (3) is in the third position, the second switch cam (36) simultaneously triggers the third micro switch (43) and the fourth micro switch (44); when the rotating shaft (3) is in the fourth position, the first switch cam (35) triggers the second micro switch (42), and the second switch cam (36) triggers the fourth micro switch (44).

7. A switching valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body (1) includes: Valve seat (100) has a first groove and a second groove on its top; A valve cover (120) is detachably fastened to the top of the valve seat (100) to cover the first groove and the second groove, so that the first groove and the second groove form the first valve cavity (107) and the second valve cavity (108) respectively. The valve cover (120) is provided with a receiving cavity corresponding to each pin of the pin assembly (2). The second end of each pin is respectively located in the receiving cavity. A spring (10) is sleeved on each pin. The first end of the spring (10) abuts against the bottom of the receiving cavity, and the second end of the spring (10) abuts against the protrusion (25) on the corresponding pin, so as to apply a force to each pin to cut off the communication between the pin cavity and the first valve cavity (107).

8. A switching valve as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The switching valve also includes: The motor bracket (6) is fixed on the valve seat (100); A drive motor (7) is mounted on the motor frame (6) and connected to one end of the rotating shaft (3) to drive the rotating shaft (3) to rotate.

9. A coffee machine, comprising a boiler, a steam wand, a wastewater tank, and a coffee brewing chamber, characterized in that, The coffee machine further includes a switching valve according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the gas-liquid inlet (101) is connected to the boiler, the liquid outlet (103) is connected to the coffee brewing chamber, the steam outlet (102) and the air outlet (106) are respectively connected to the steam rod, and the pressure relief outlet (104) is connected to the wastewater box.

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